In My Mailbox is a weekly meme started and hosted by The Story Siren.
This week I got:
Library:
Fade
Gone
If I Stay
Time of the Eagle
The Adoration of Jenna Fox
Reign or Shine
Reign Check
Night Star
The Light
The Dark
Shift
The Vampire's Promise
The Giver
Magic Study
Flashpoint
NetGalley:
Death in the City of Light
The Night Strangers
Light From a Distant Star
Angel and Faith #1
Suite Nighteen
Playback: Light and Shadow
Sunday, July 31, 2011
I Have an Update! #6, July 31th
New Plots:
A Nick In Time: When 2 operatives on a mission are accidentally sent back in time, they try and get back in time for their upcoming marriage. But when the first attempt fails and lands them in an insane asylum, they have to use al their wits to get out, and get back. But what sent them back, and what are their superiors planning?
Key to the Heart: The robots have been acting strangely ever since the comet went by. But when the eclipse comes, they revolt. Apparently, their programming had been rewritten, and they wanted freedom. The only way to turn them off was to find the key that would open up their hearts-they didn’t have what we had brains, but were controlled by hearts-and we’d be able to restart them. But where is the key?
Hell on the Heart: It’s been 10 years since the robot revolt. We’ve gotten most of the robots, but a few of them still live in secret, hiding, waiting for a chance to do…I don’t know. No one but them. We’re prepared for another revolt, but not for what actually happened. They went to the factory where they were created, and went to the very heart-and blew it up. This world has pretty much been destroyed, and if we’re not careful, we’ll be destroyed. There’s only a few safe zones, and it’s burning out there. Is there a way to save our planet? Or will we be wiped out?
Monthly Word Count: 321 425 words. So this was a pretty good month. I liked it!
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Week 30 Review: Beg For Mercy
He lurks in the shadows, waiting and watching . . . And once he has you, all you can do is. . .
BEG FOR MERCY
Megan Flynn thought she was falling in love. Cole Williams wasn't just handsome and passionate, he was one of the good guys. Or so she thought, until he arrested her brother - the only family she has left - for a murder she knows he couldn't have possibly committed. Now, with her heart broken and her brother's life hanging in the balance, Megan will risk everything to prove his innocence. Even if that means throwing herself into the path of a sadistic killer with a hauntingly familiar MO.
Seattle Detective Cole Williams had given up on making Megan see reason where her brother is concerned. But when she insinuates herself into the most shockingly brutal case Cole has ever worked, he can't stand idly by. Plunged into a secret world where the city's elite indulge their darkest desires, Cole will do whatever it takes to bring down a madman who has made Megan his most coveted prey.
My Review:
I enjoyed the mystery in this book. It was nice how everything connected, and how everything meant something somewhere. And how each character had a role to play, by helping find a new clue, or being a victim, they all had their parts to play, and they played them perfectly!
I really enjoyed the way that this book, it was built up so that there's plenty of room for a sequel, and to have this being a trilogy. There's a lot of unanswered questions, at least for the characters, and a good deal for the readers.
This was a pretty great book, one that I enjoyed reading, Megan was strong, and I loved her relationship with her brother, and with Cole. They were both great characters, who had to deal with some things before they could get together.
This was a great, so you guys should really check it out!
Author: Jami Alden
Series: Dead Wrong #1
Read: July 29th-30th, 2011
Source: NetGalley
Reason Why: Sounded like a really great book!
Publisher: Forever
Published: June 1st 2011
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| 5/5 Hearts |
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| 4/5 Books |
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| 4/5 Stars |
Week 30 Reivew: Magic Study
So far, I've managed to survive. You would think after being kidnapped as a child, imprisoned in my teens and released to become a poison taster, I would have endured enough. But no. The discovery of my magical abilities—powers forbidden in Ixia—has resulted in an execution order. My only chance is to flee to Sitia, my long-lost birthplace.
But Sitia is unfamiliar. I'm treated like an enemy—even by my own brother. Plus I can't control my powers. I want to learn about my magic, but there isn't time. A rogue magician has emerged and I'm targeted as his next victim.
Will my magical abilities save me…or be my downfall?
My Review:
I loved this book! It was just amazing! I loved Yelena, she was just great, and with Valek, and it was just really great! And yeah, there was just so much going on, it was just fantastic to watch their adventures play out!
Yelena learned more about herself, her family, and about her magic, and it was great! I just really loved this book! It was awesome! Because she thought she was an orphan, and a citizen of Ixia her whole life, these are pretty big changes!
I loved the new characters, and learning more about previous ones, and her family, and the intrigue that was there, and the bad guys, I'm glad that they all got what they deserved, at least, for a little while. Or permanently There were quite a few people that wanted to do harm, and I know of at least 1 unexpected one. It was just was a really good book! I really loved reading it! I know I'm obsessed now. It was just really great!
I loved meeting Opal, I'm going to read the "Glass" series next (after Fire Study) and so it was nice to meet her! She was just awesome, and I can't wait to see what roles she's going to be playing in the series!
The best parts, were the magic parts, the family parts, and the Valek parts. So basically the whole book. I just really loved it, and so you guys really, really, really, really need to read this series!
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Series: Study #2, The Chronicles of Ixia #2
Read: July 29th, 2011
Source: Library
Reason Why: I loved Poison Study, I had to read more of this series!
Publisher: Mira
Published: December 1st 2008
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| 5/5 Hearts |
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| 5/5 Books |
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| 5/5 Stars |
Week 30 Review: The Adoration of Jenna Fox
Who is Jenna Fox? Seventeen-year-old Jenna has been told that is her name. She has just awoken from a coma, they tell her, and she is still recovering from a terrible accident in which she was involved a year ago. But what happened before that? Jenna doesn't remember her life. Or does she? And are the memories really hers?
My Review:
I enjoyed reading this novel, it was a discovery of who a person is, and what makes a person up, and just a self-exploration. I loved it, and it was just really good!
I enjoyed Jenna as a character, going between learning who Jenna used to be, and the Jenna that she was now. It was just an amazing look at how a person can discover who they are, when they had just a starting place of everything that they should know, but might not be the best thing.
I loved the technology that was in this book, it was just amazing, but it was a bit frightening, that something had killed millions of people. But the "blue" was really interesting.
This was a great book, and you guys should really check it out, and the next book, I think it's called The Fox Inheritance or something, comes out soon!
Author: Mary E. Pearson
Series: Jenna Fox Chronicles #1
Read: July 28th-29th, 2011
Source: Library
Reason Why: Sounded good!
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Published: April 29th 2008
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| 5/5 Hearts |
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| 4/5 Books |
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| 4/5 Stars |
Week 30 Review: 12.21.12
Archaeologist Sheppard Smyth has staked his career and the honorable memory of his deceased wife and partner on proving his widely-panned theory: Cleopatra VII, last ruler of Ancient Egypt, was murdered. When a statue of the doomed Queen is discovered in an Olmec excavation site in Mexico, Shep rushes to investigate and, hopefully, find the proof that has evaded him for so long. Soon, he finds himself in the middle of the rivalry between the sexy, enigmatic international thief, Victoria Kent, and infamous rumored Russian mobster, Dmitri Kronastia. Both hold pieces to the puzzle that will finally shed light on Cleopatras death, as they vie for Shep's trust and assistance.
As he is drawn further into their world of ancient gods, supernatural powers, and alternative history, little does Shep know that the fate of all humanity may hinge on his ability to discover the truth in between Victoria and Dmitris' fragmented claims and hidden identities. Working to decode the ancient past while attempting to save the future, Shep becomes a common pawn played by forces working to see out a quest older than the pyramids themselves and cloaked by the Mayan prophecy of 12.21.12.
My Review:
12.21.12 was an interesting book. It has the Mayan myth of the world ending, and it had a whole ton load of history, and it was very interesting, and I really enjoyed reading it.
I loved the premise, I thought it was unique, and I loved how things kept being turned on us, our previous conceptions being turned on tail, and we learned something totally new that usually put something out of wack. I loved it, and it was fun to read.
I loved the history, it was well researched, and the myths and the legends, and Cleopatra, queen of Egypt, and other things that I won't mention so I don't spoil too badly or at all if I can help it.
The ending was amazing, and I was glad that everyone still alive, found happiness, or got to keep their happiness. It was just a really good ending!
This was a great book, so you guys should really read it!
Author: Killian McRae
Series: The Altunai Annals #1
Read: July 27th-28th, 2011
Source: I received a copy to read
Reason Why: Sounded like a really great book!
Published: December 19th 2010
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| 4/5 Hearts |
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| 4/5 Books |
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| 4/5 Stars |
Week 30 Review: Night Star
After fighting for centuries to be together, Ever and Damen's future hinges on one final showdown that will leave readers gasping for breath. Don't miss this explosive new installment of the #1 bestselling series that’s enchanted millions across the world!
Haven still blames Ever for the death of her boyfriend Roman, no matter how hard Ever's tried to convince her it was an accident. Now she's determined to take Ever down…and destroy Damen and Jude along the way. Her first step is to tear Ever and Damen apart—and she has just the ammunition to do it.
Hidden in one of Ever's past lives is a terrible secret about Damen—a secret that illuminates new facts about her relationship with Jude, but that's so dark and brutal it might be enough to drive her and Damen apart once and for all. As Ever faces her greatest fears about the guy she wants to spend eternity with, she's thrust into a deadly clash with Haven that could destroy them all.
Now it'll take everything she’s got—and bring out powers she never knew she had—to face down her most formidable enemy. But in order to win, she must first ask herself: is her own survival worth dooming Haven to an eternity of darkness in the Shadowland? And will learning the truth about Damen's past hold the key to their future?
My Review:
This book was a bit bittersweet. I remember when Haven was Ever's friend, and when there was a whole lot less issues. But it was good too, that they took one step closer to being together.
I enjoyed this book, it was a quick read, and I loved the developments to the series. Like we learned of a not-so-great past life, and some things were over-come, and some things became just a little bit harder.
I almost feel like it didn't have enough, but I liked that things changed, and then they had the potential to change back, but a bit better.
This was a good book, and I can't wait to read the last one!
Author: Alyson Noel
Series: The Immortal #5
Read: July 28th, 2011
Source: Library
Reason Why: I'm really enjoying this series!
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Published: November 16th 2010
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| 5/5 Hearts |
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| 5/5 Books |
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| 5/5 Stars |
Week 30 Reviews: Fade, Gone
SOME NIGHTMARES NEVER END.
For Janie and Cabel, real life is getting tougher than the dreams. They're just trying to carve out a little (secret) time together, but no such luck.
Disturbing things are happening at Fieldridge High, yet nobody's talking. When Janie taps into a classmate's violent nightmares, the case finally breaks open -- but nothing goes as planned. Not even close. Janie's in way over her head, and Cabe's shocking behavior has grave consequences for them both.
Worse yet, Janie learns the truth about herself and her ability -- and it's bleak. Seriously, brutally bleak. Not only is her fate as a dream catcher sealed, but what's to come is way darker than she'd feared....
From Goodreads:
Janie thought she knew what her future held. And she thought she'd made her peace with it. But she can't handle dragging Cabel down with her.
She knows he will stay with her, despite what she sees in his dreams. He's amazing. And she's a train wreck. Janie sees only one way to give him the life he deserves: She has to disappear. And it's going to kill them both.
Then a stranger enters her life — and everything unravels. The future Janie once faced now has an ominous twist, and her choices are more dire than she'd ever thought possible. She alone must decide between the lesser of two evils. And time is running out. . . .
My Reviews:
These books were really good, and different. The first being the second in the series was outside forces affecting the characters, the second being the third and last in the series was more inward, reflective.
I loved the purpose-fullness of Fade, how they had an assignment, and they were going to take down a criminal, and at the same time, I loved the emotional choices that had to be made, and how it all boiled down to 1.
These were both excellent books, and I loved the characters, and how they reacted to what life threw at them.
I really enjoyed the coach getting what he deserved, and the same of the other teachers. They were scum-bags who deserved to be thrown in jail!
The last book, I thought, Janie made the right choice for her. She was going to go with the one that maybe wouldn't have been best for her, but in the end, I think that she picked the one that would be best for her.
Great books, and ones that I should've read a long time ago, I read Wake a few years ago. And I hope you guys read these ones, too!
Author: Lisa McMann
Series: Dream Catcher #2, 3
Read: July 27th-28th, 28th, 2011
Source: Library
Reason Why: Sounded really fantastic!
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Published: February 10th 2009, February 9th 2010
Fade:
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| 5/5 Hearts |
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| 5/5 Books |
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| 5/5 Stars |
Gone:
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| 5/5 Hearts |
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| 5/5 Books |
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| 5/5 Stars |
Week 30 Review: If I Stay
In the blink of an eye everything changes. Seventeen-year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall what happened afterwards, watching her own damaged body being taken from the wreck. Little by little she struggles to put together the pieces - to figure out what she has lost, what she has left, and the very difficult choice she must make. Heart-wrenchingly beautiful, Mia's story will stay with you for a long, long time.
My Review:
This book was honestly amazing. I can really see why I've seen such positive reviews of it in the blog-o-sphere.
The thought that we might just be able to choose if we stay, or if we go, if given the "right" circumstances, is intriguing, to say the least. It was emotional, too, because of the accident, and it was thoughtful, and it was just really good!
I liked the inner struggles, the flashbacks that weren't/didn't feel like real flashbacks, just what we needed to know, and how they added depth to the story, explaining what we needed to know, and it was just really good!
I also liked the characters relationships, they were good, and real, and I could easily believe that they were real flesh and blood people not ink on a page and imagination.
This was a really good book, and you guys should really check it out!
Author: Gayle Forman
Series: If I Stay #1
Read: July 27th, 2011
Source: Library
Reason Why: Sounded like a really fantastic book!
Publisher: Speak
Published: April 6th 2010
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| 5/5 Hearts |
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| 5/5 Books |
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| 5/5 Stars |
Week 30 Review: Always a Scoundrel
Never a gentleman . . . until now.
Lord Bramwell Johns, the second son of a duke, is an unrepentant scoundrel. Now that his two closest friends are disgustingly ensconced in domestic bliss, Bram is feeling strangely restless. And not even relieving London's least deserving artistocrats of their ill-gotten jewels is enough—until the night he overhears an argument. It seems that Lady Rosamund Davies is about to be forced into marriage with a rogue even worse than himself.
Rose is well aware of Bram's scandalous reputation, so any reason for his sudden interest in her is suspect; more so since he's close friends with the man about to ruin her family! She has her own plan though, and Bram may be just what she requires—as long as she remembers that he is only looking out for himself. As long as she remembers that his kisses and caresses don't mean anything. As long as she can keep from wondering whether she can trust a scoundrel . . . with her heart.
My Review:
I loved this book! It had amazing wit, and I loved the characters and the diologue and the plot, and it was just awesome! I loved the relationships, and how they characters worked out the problems, and the plot, it was just so freaking good! And it just was emotional, how one woman tries to avoid a horrible fate that would protect her family, she'd be the only one to pay the cost, she was loyal, even if it was unfair.
I just really loved this book! I finished it in about 3 hours or so, staying up to 4 am to read it. And I had a test that day, a final, so I did get some sleep, but not as much as I should've, and it was because of how much I wanted to read this book!
A few parts were a bit awkward for me to read, because I knew that they had the potential to be embarrassing, but I liked them, too, because thye added something more to the book, something that I liked.
My favourite part was a scene right near where some of the actions of the character comes back to haunt him, but his friends help him out. It's quite funny. I'll have it down below if you want to read it, after this review is done.
This was a great book, and I'll have to look for the first 2 in the series, since this one was just awesome! You guys should definitely read this book!
Ok, for the little scene, if you want to read it now instead of in your own copy of the book, page 350-352.
The largest of the six men stepped forward, a pair of wrist irons in his hands. "Lord Bramwell Lowry Johns," he enunciated, in the too-loud voice of someone who wasn't certain of his welcome and wanted everyone to know he had a legitimate reason to be where he was, "you are under arrest. Please come peaceably and we can be out of here without too much fuss."
Frowning with the effort of keeping himself still when all he wanted to do was begin throwing punches, Bram nodded. At the Runner's gesture he held out his hands. "Go back to your parents, Rosamund," he murmured as the shackles clicked shut. She seemed inclined to stand in the middle of the floor, far too close to him, whatever anyone said.
"What are the charges?" someone from the crowd called. Someone who sounded suspiciously like Phineas Bromley. Damn it all, he'd told them to stay away.
"Lord Bramwell Lowry Johns is accused of being the Black Cat burglar. Now everyone please move aside and let us do our job."
"That's impossible," Sullivan Waring's voice came from another part of the room, unlikely as it was that he would ever attend a Society event. "I'm the Black Cat burglar." And then Lord Dunston's illegitimate son stepped forward.
Bram grimaced. For God's sake, Sully had a pregnant wife. "Leave off, Sullivan," he ordered.
"Excuse me, but you're not the Black Cat. I am." Phin moved to the front of the crowd.
"I don't know what you lads are talking about." August emerged onto the cleared dance floor. "I am certainly the Black Cat."
Good God.
"Say whatever you like," Cosgrove broke in with his silky voice, "but I have proof. A signed declaration from Father John of St. Michael's Church stating that Bramwell Johns regularly delivered stolen goods there for distribution to the poor."
A deep, cynical laugh sounded from Bran's left. "Bran Johns couldn't sep through the doors of a church without being struck by lightning." The Duke of Levonzy came forward, "I'm as likely to be the Black Cat as he is."
Murmured agreement and a scattering of laughter sounded around the room, Bram, though, couldn't take his eyes off the duke. The man hadn't precisely lied for him, but he had definitely dissembled. Levonzy. For him.
"I'm the Black Cat!" James Davies appeared, taking Rosamund's hand, but not attempting to lead her away.
Abernanthy walked onto the dance floor, as well. "We're both the Black Cat. We work together."
A heartbeat later, amid a chorus of male voices proclaiming themselves the Black Cat, he heard another round of declarations from the direction of the refreshment table, led by Lord Darshear and his older son, Phillip-Sullivan's in-laws.
Viscount Bromley rolled forward in his welled chair. "You seem to have a problem, sir," he stated to the lead Runner, "because I am the Black Cat."
"But m'lord, you're crippled."
"Nevertheless, I am the Black Cat. And given these confessions, I suggest you either arrest half the House of Lords or release Lord Bramwell." He turned his attention to Cosgrove. "And you, my lord, had best find a better way to vent your jealousies."
Clearly realizing he was outnumbered and outranked, the Runny unlocked the shackles and stepped back. "I beg your pardon, my lord. We didn't realize this was a matter of personal animosity."
Bram rubbed his wrists, more to be certain he was actually free than because the shackles had hurt. "You can't be faulted for doing your duty, sir," he replied. "After all, I supposed I'm as likely as anyone else to be the Black Cat. And perhaps knowing how many men claim his identity will discourage him from continuing his thefts. I would say you've done an admirable job tonight."
Author: Suzanne Enoch
Series: Notorious Gentlemen #3
Read: July 27th 2011
Source: Own
Reason Why: Sounded really fantastic!
Publisher: Avon
Published: April 28th 2009
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| 5/5 Hearts |
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| 5/5 Books |
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| 4.5/5 Stars |
Week 30 Review: Seduced by a Rogue
A fair-haired beauty at 19, Lady Mairi is heiress apparent to her father Lord Dunwythie's rich barony. He has carefully taught her how to manage their estates, but a feud between his clan and the Maxwell clan is brewing as the two families edge toward a clan war - their dispute over money owed. Mairi's father believes he owes nothing, and of course Mairi sides with him.
When the impulsive and blue-eyed Rob Maxwell chances to meet Mairi in a barley field, they feel instant attraction, despite their families' antagonisms. Knowing he must put his clan first, Rob enacts a plan to force Dunwythie to pay his debt: Rob kidnaps Mairi, making the abduction appear the work of a stranger; then he and his sheriff-brother offer to help Dunwythis rescue his daughter IF, and only if, he will pay them the monies due. Yet after Rob captures Mairi's body, she captures his heart. When Dunwythie summons the aid of the most powerful clan in all Scotland (the Douglases), clan-tensions rise to a fever pitch. Love takes its own feverish course, as Mairi and Rob join forces to prevent a clash between hot-headed clans, and to protect their budding love.
My Review:
I loved that there were strong women in this book. I didn't like the men demeaning the strong women, though. Guess I have to be more careful about choosing historical novels, though I didn't pick this one up myself (it's a book that my granny gave me for my birthday)
My favourite characters were Herself (Rob's grandmother) and Mairi. They were the strong women I was talking about, but only Mairi was kidnapped, and actually apologized for trying to escape said kidnapper.
But he let her go, so that's a plus. And I liked the book besides that part. It was good, even if I read it a bit slowly, at least I'm all caught up now!
It was a good book, and one that you should read if you can get past the unfairness of the position of women at the time.
Author: Amanda Scott
Series: Galloway Trilogy #2
Read: July 20th-26th, 2011
Source: Own
Reason Why: Sounded really great!
Publisher: Forever
Published: January 1st 2010
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| 5/5 Hearts |
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| 5/5 Books |
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| 4.5/5 Stars |
Week 30 Review: Ruby and the Mix Games
Twelve-year-old Ruby Majis is learning how to secrete magical ink from her skin's pores. It's painful work, but necessary if she wants to practice Hue: a dangerous, magical sport that transformed her caring older brother Chance into a cold-hearted scoundrel.
Guided by a trainer with a shady past and partnered with a supernatural boy, Ruby embarks on a journey to find her brother at the Mix Games, the annual Hue tournament held on the other side of the world.
My Review:
Ruby was fun and quirky, and I loved when she growled! Especially since that bugged the "supernatural boy," a lot of the time, he got on my nerves. But he was smart, and an awesome character, if he did treat others not quite as well as he could have.
One thing I had trouble understanding, was this 1 character during the mix games, his/her speech (Not going to explain, but the character was thought to be a guy during that time, and was really a girl but I'll use a male pronoun for the sake of being consistent) was just a bit confusing. I think some of the words were similar to what would've made more sense, like if the person said a body part, he'd meant a different body part.
Other then that, I enjoyed reading this book, and was done in about 4 hours over the course of just barely 2 days, I almost finished on the first day.
Ruby was unique, and so were all of the other characters, and I thought that the premise was quite unique, having an ink that could be pushed out of us to do various things like become light or such.
All in all, a really good book, and I enjoyed it!
*I received this book from the author, just the book, and that did not influence my review*
Author: Joseph Seegitz
Series: Hue Series #1
Read: July 25th-26th, 2011
Source: Author for Review
Reason Why: Sounded really good!
Publisher: Joseph Seegitz
Published: May 7th 2011
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| 4/5 Hearts |
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| 4/5 Books |
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| 4/5 Stars |
Week 30 Review: Kiss of Death
A young woman's body is found with puncture marks on her neck, and soon the delicious word vampire is on everyone's lips. All of FBI profiler Sophie Anderson's skills—psychic and psychological—will be needed for her to determine whether this was a thrill kill or something even more sinister.
Exploring the blood bars and Goth clubs of L.A., Sophie immerses herself in the seductive culture of self-styled vampires. Posing as the alluring Lady Veronica and infiltrating a notorious clan, Sophie will learn just how deep the fantasy goes for some believers.
When life requires death, nothing is sacred.
My Review:
Sophie is a wonderful character. I loved her strength, and her willingness to put aside virtual anything in her life to try and solve the violent crimes that she's called in to profile. I loved the way she interacted with other characters, and the plot, and how her relationship with Darren developed.
This book was a bit different from the others, because we learned a bit more about the physic abilities that Sophie possesses, and not from the regular source of Darren, but that of the suspects, the "vampires" who saw her power.
The plot was excellent, if the beginning was a bit slow, I was tired, and I finished the ending pretty quickly, considering.
This was an awesome book, one that you guys should really check out (plus the first 4 books, and the next part, an e-book novella)
Author: P.D. Martin
Series: Sophie Anderson #5
Read: July 20th-23rd, 2011
Source: Bought
Reason Why: Love this series, and the author!
Publisher: Mira
Published: July 20th 2010
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| 5/5 Hearts |
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| 5/5 Books |
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| 5/5 Stars |
Friday, July 29, 2011
Forgotten April: Guest Post and Review
Today I'd like to welcome over Robyn Bradley, author of Forgotten April, over for a guest post!
Riding the Hot Genre Wave: 3 Things to Keep in Mind
Back in the "old" days (we're talking five years ago), agents were quick to point out that trying to cash in on the hot genre of the day wasn't a good strategy for writers. Why? Because what's hot now might not be a year from now, and since a book typically takes anywhere from 12 to 18 to even 24 months from contract to publication, you could easily miss the hot genre target. Instead, they'd insist, write the book you believe in and the rest will work itself out.
I think this is still sound advice. However, what's changed is the time it takes to bring a book to market. Thanks to electronic publishing and to publishers, like Amazon, with imprints that are pushing books to markets sooner, it’s more possible now than ever before to ride a hot genre wave. But an important question remains: should you?
Here are three things to consider before you dive into the hot genre waters:
1. Are you passionate about the genre of the day? I've often joked that if I added a little paranormal romance to my novel, I'd be all set. As much as I appreciate and can enjoy reading this genre, it's not my passion when it comes to writing. I know if I attempted to write a paranormal romance it would be torture to me, and, no doubt, to my readers.
2. Do you plan on seeking traditional publication? If the answer is yes, then the advice from five years ago still holds true today. While many of us expect that publishers will eventually have no choice but to bring books to market sooner, this won't happen overnight. As Rachelle Gardner notes in her blog post "The Changing Publishing Landscape," many publishers already have their book releases planned through 2013 and even 2014. Paranormal romance -- which is hot right now in 2011 -- might not be the hot genre in 2015.
3. If you decide to self-publish, are you prepared to invest time and money? A hot genre novel does not a writing career make. You still need to write a good book, first and foremost. If you decide to self-publish in the hopes of riding the hot genre wave, you need to be prepared to spend some money (on things like cover art, e-file conversion, advertising) and a lot of time marketing yourself to the people (reviewers, bloggers, readers) who care about your genre.
Remember, hot genres come and go. While successfully riding a hot genre wave could give a boost to your career, it's more important, in my mind, to write a book you truly care about. A story told with passion and conviction, even if it's from a "passé" genre, trumps a hot genre any day of the week.
What do you think? Agree or disagree? The comments are open.
And thanks, Louisa, for having me stop by Words I Write Crazy. I appreciate your support.
From Goodreads:
For April Sullivan-LaMonica, the last ten years have been hell: her husband and young son were killed in a car accident, and soon after, her mom descended into the darkness of Alzheimer's. So when broadcast journalist Maggie Prescott shows up claiming to be April's half sister and tries to capture their reunion on film, April outwardly regards Maggie with much suspicion. In reality, she's simply afraid to grow close to someone again, only to have that person leave--or worse.
Maggie, meanwhile, is battling her own demons: figuring out why her biological mother gave her up, facing a secret she's kept from the one man she's loved all her life, and giving herself permission to follow the dream she's had since she was a child.
Separated by nearly two decades and radically different life paths, April and Maggie must decide if pursuing their sisterhood is worth it...or even possible.
A story of loss, love, survival, and redemption, Forgotten April will speak to anyone who's experienced the pains--and riches--of an unexpected friendship that emerges from family ties.
My Review:
I really liked reading Forgotten April. I think that it had a great ending, and that everything just ended up where it was supposed to, and that everybody was happy. I like those types of endings.
I loved all the different POV's, and how they all changed each chapter, and how all these connections just kept poping up-this person loved this one, and that "this one" was the husband of the roommate of "this person"'s favouite person. It was just really connected, and I really liked it!
I really enjoyed reading this book, and I hope you guys will, too!
Author: Robyn Bradley
Read: July 12th, 2011
Source: Virtual Book Cafe Review Copy
Reason Why: Sounded really good!
Publisher: Robyn Bradley
Published: April 12th 2011
Bio:
Robyn Bradley is a Short Story Seductress and Novelist Ninja with an MFA in Creative Writing from Lesley University. Her work has appeared in FictionWeekly.com, Metal Scratches, The Breakwater Review, Writer's Digest, and The MetroWest Daily News, among other places. In 2007, she won a short story award for “A Touch of Charlotte.” Forgotten April is her first novel and is available on Kindle, Nook, iPad, and in paperback. When she's not writing or sleeping, Robyn enjoys watching Law & Order marathons, drinking margaritas, and determining how many degrees really separate her from George Clooney. Learn more at Robyn Bradley's website.
Riding the Hot Genre Wave: 3 Things to Keep in Mind
Back in the "old" days (we're talking five years ago), agents were quick to point out that trying to cash in on the hot genre of the day wasn't a good strategy for writers. Why? Because what's hot now might not be a year from now, and since a book typically takes anywhere from 12 to 18 to even 24 months from contract to publication, you could easily miss the hot genre target. Instead, they'd insist, write the book you believe in and the rest will work itself out.
I think this is still sound advice. However, what's changed is the time it takes to bring a book to market. Thanks to electronic publishing and to publishers, like Amazon, with imprints that are pushing books to markets sooner, it’s more possible now than ever before to ride a hot genre wave. But an important question remains: should you?
Here are three things to consider before you dive into the hot genre waters:
1. Are you passionate about the genre of the day? I've often joked that if I added a little paranormal romance to my novel, I'd be all set. As much as I appreciate and can enjoy reading this genre, it's not my passion when it comes to writing. I know if I attempted to write a paranormal romance it would be torture to me, and, no doubt, to my readers.
2. Do you plan on seeking traditional publication? If the answer is yes, then the advice from five years ago still holds true today. While many of us expect that publishers will eventually have no choice but to bring books to market sooner, this won't happen overnight. As Rachelle Gardner notes in her blog post "The Changing Publishing Landscape," many publishers already have their book releases planned through 2013 and even 2014. Paranormal romance -- which is hot right now in 2011 -- might not be the hot genre in 2015.
3. If you decide to self-publish, are you prepared to invest time and money? A hot genre novel does not a writing career make. You still need to write a good book, first and foremost. If you decide to self-publish in the hopes of riding the hot genre wave, you need to be prepared to spend some money (on things like cover art, e-file conversion, advertising) and a lot of time marketing yourself to the people (reviewers, bloggers, readers) who care about your genre.
Remember, hot genres come and go. While successfully riding a hot genre wave could give a boost to your career, it's more important, in my mind, to write a book you truly care about. A story told with passion and conviction, even if it's from a "passé" genre, trumps a hot genre any day of the week.
What do you think? Agree or disagree? The comments are open.
And thanks, Louisa, for having me stop by Words I Write Crazy. I appreciate your support.
For April Sullivan-LaMonica, the last ten years have been hell: her husband and young son were killed in a car accident, and soon after, her mom descended into the darkness of Alzheimer's. So when broadcast journalist Maggie Prescott shows up claiming to be April's half sister and tries to capture their reunion on film, April outwardly regards Maggie with much suspicion. In reality, she's simply afraid to grow close to someone again, only to have that person leave--or worse.
Maggie, meanwhile, is battling her own demons: figuring out why her biological mother gave her up, facing a secret she's kept from the one man she's loved all her life, and giving herself permission to follow the dream she's had since she was a child.
Separated by nearly two decades and radically different life paths, April and Maggie must decide if pursuing their sisterhood is worth it...or even possible.
A story of loss, love, survival, and redemption, Forgotten April will speak to anyone who's experienced the pains--and riches--of an unexpected friendship that emerges from family ties.
My Review:
I really liked reading Forgotten April. I think that it had a great ending, and that everything just ended up where it was supposed to, and that everybody was happy. I like those types of endings.
I loved all the different POV's, and how they all changed each chapter, and how all these connections just kept poping up-this person loved this one, and that "this one" was the husband of the roommate of "this person"'s favouite person. It was just really connected, and I really liked it!
I really enjoyed reading this book, and I hope you guys will, too!
Author: Robyn Bradley
Read: July 12th, 2011
Source: Virtual Book Cafe Review Copy
Reason Why: Sounded really good!
Publisher: Robyn Bradley
Published: April 12th 2011
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| 4/5 Hearts |
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| 3.5/5 Books |
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| 4/5 Stars |
Robyn Bradley is a Short Story Seductress and Novelist Ninja with an MFA in Creative Writing from Lesley University. Her work has appeared in FictionWeekly.com, Metal Scratches, The Breakwater Review, Writer's Digest, and The MetroWest Daily News, among other places. In 2007, she won a short story award for “A Touch of Charlotte.” Forgotten April is her first novel and is available on Kindle, Nook, iPad, and in paperback. When she's not writing or sleeping, Robyn enjoys watching Law & Order marathons, drinking margaritas, and determining how many degrees really separate her from George Clooney. Learn more at Robyn Bradley's website.
Contact and Buy AKA Links:
Stops on the Tour:
June 30 - Meet & Greet at Virtual Book Tour Cafe
July 6 - Guest Blogging at Me Want Food
July 8 - Guest Blogging at A Mother's Touch Book Shelf
July 12 - Guest Blogging at Meta Modo
July 15 - Guest Blogging at Whispers by Rhiannon Ellis
July 18 - Guest Blogging at C J Archer
July 20 - Author Interviewed at Lisa Haselton's Reviews and Interviews
July 22 - Guest Blogging at Bibrary Bookslut
July 26 - Author Interviewed at Deanna's Tidbits
July 28 - Author Interviewed at BK Walker Books
July 30 - Guest Blogging at Words I Write Crazy
August 3 - Guest Blogging at Hywela Lyn; Romance that's "Out of This World"
August 9 - Author Interviewed on Blog Talk Radio BK Media & Entertainment Radio
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