A random grab and I was thinking this was Fallen Angel book 1 in the series when I initially grabbed it, oh well I will still read it, now I just need to get bk 1.
Every week I plan on taking a picture featuring books in a creative manor. I want to get better at photography and using my camera, so what better way to combine the beauty of photography and books. The post will be called Bookography please go and check it out and participate if you would like.
I also added a few more events that are going on in my area to my Signing Events page that I plan on attending.
Is a fun new creative way to share the beauty of books with photography. Take a picture with the book being the focus and share the picture(s) you have created for the week
I took two pictured with feathers and I couldn't decide which one I liked more
Hush
Fallen
I like to take pictures, but my skill is very limited. My camera is a decent camera call a bridge camera a Canon PowerShot S5 IS, I can use the Manual setting, but it isn't huge and fancy with all the different lenses. I also don't have any sort of Photoshop to play around with to digitally enhance the photos even more. Nor do I have any training, everything I can do with my camera (which isn't much) has been by trial and playing around with the different buttons and reading the manual (which is now missing)
The only things that were used with these photos were the Manual setting, the super macro button and the black and white setting
If you would like to participate please do, I will try to post my Bookography post each week on Wednesdays. I would love it if you were to link back to my blog and share your own link in the comments.
An adoptee raised in a foreign land, sixteen-year-old Lianne was content with her life as handmaiden to the queen, until a spell cast on her at birth activated. Now she's filled with uncontrollable rage and access to magic she thought had been bled from her people years ago. Even her years of secret training in elite hand-to-hand combat and meditation can’t calm the fires raging inside her.
Her heart is torn between two boys, the one she’s always loved and the one who always ignored her. But when the kingdom threatens to tear itself apart due to rumors surrounding the queen’s alleged affair, who will Lianne protect and who will she destroy?
What I Loved
Fast Paced
The ball kept on rolling throughout this entire book, there was never a dull moment nor a desire to skim through anything. I had to read each and every word and I fell so easy into a book trance and I didn't even realize that an hour or two had passed by so quickly. I got very annoyed when I had to leave for work and put down the book, throughout the entire day my mind kept on wandering back to my book and the desire to finish the book asap.
Characters
Lianne: I quite like her. She is physically strong and a very capable hand to hand fighter, which I do love my female characters able to kick some ass. But she is also a sweet and loving person (pre-awakening). This makes for a good internal tug-a-war when she awakenings and has a bunch of violent angry foreign feeling to deal and cope with.
The Boys
I do really want to talk about each boy in detail, but I don't want to ruin your discovery about the storyline. So I will just choose to say a little about each boy and not go into any detail about them, the two boys are Kellan and Bryden. Kellan is Lianne's boyfriend, she has trained with him (she kicks his ass every time) and has had a crush on him for a long time. Bryden is her childhood best friend and after he had an accident that made him a cripple he ignored her and distance himself from their friendship. That is all I can give about these two without giving anything away, so that means you just have to read for yourself to find out more about these boys.
Just Choose Already
Lianne has a few hard choices to make and she does some flip flopping between the 2 sides, it does get a little tiresome when she can't make a solid decision. I was very glad when she finally does hold all things at bay and make the decision based on what she wants to do and not what anyone else wants her to do.
Recommendation
If you love YA fantasy, magical historic time periods with coming of age tough choices this is just the book for you.
Information
The Swarm Trilogy
1) Sleepers: currently only available as an ebook, paperback in a month or so 2) out possibly late Fall November- December 3) Spring 2012, she will be finishing Severed first
The Cloud Prophet Trilogy
1) Anathema
2) Oubliette
3) Severed out in Fall 2011
How would you react to a dormant anger and power suddenly arising within you?
I have Anathema on my kindle and when Severed comes out I am going to read all of them together. I love Megg's work in this book Sleepers and I can't wait to read the rest of her books.
*Closed* Giveaway
Megg has donated an ebook of Sleepers for 1 lucky reader.
Rules
International
You don't have to be a follower to enter
Don't forget to put down a contact email
To Enter
1) Answer the question above +1
2) Spread the word through any venue (Facebook, twitter, blog, etc) about the giveaway +1
IMM is a meme hosted by The Story Siren, anyone can participate telling about what they bought, received or borrowed.
For Review
From netGalley
I had some issues with netGalley and putting in my blog address and I would get denied from a few of these popular books. I finally figured out what I was doing wrong, they already had the http:// and all I needed was add the rest of the web address, well I didn't realize that for the longest time. Oops, well at least now it is all fixed and I went back through and got approved on a few that at first I was denied. Time for some reading.
This is an illustrated fantasy novel, I am really hoping that the epub version has the pictures on it, there are some amazing pictures on her website. Another amazing artist publishing books. I plan on getting to this book asap. Thanks Marilena
This week all I got are books for reveiw, I really need to start reading again. Hopefully if the sun will stay out and not too hot I can sit outside in the shade and read, now that would be perfect.
When modern-day Mikki ends up in the strange Realm of the Rose, Hecate has been waiting for her. So too has her gorgeous guardian beast, who soon has Mikki swooning. But to save the realm, Mikki will have to sacrifice her life-giving blood.
What I Loved
Series But An Independent Novel
This is a re-read for me, I love these books so much. What I love the most about these books is they have the same theme, modern woman is needed to help a Greek mythological character god, goddess, event etc. The books are all connected in that aspect but they are their own individual story in one novel, no having to wait years to find out if the pair of lovers ends up together. I love the individual novels at times, it is a nice break from all the long series that you are waiting for to be finished.
Story
A modern version of Beauty and the Beast, but with the Greek goddess Hecate, a modern woman and the fearsome minotaur all rolled into one amazing romantic tale. Oh and you can't forget all the lovely roses and beautiful dreams that pay a major part in the story.
Characters
Mikado Empousai aka Mikki (Beauty): All the Goddess Summoning series have the same theme for the female characters 30ish age females that have had experience and knowledge to help them with their trials that they have to face through the story. Mikki is a great character, she isn't physically strong, but mentally she is very capable, loving and caring.
The Guardian aka the Minotaur aka Asterius (Beast): What to say about him, he is the beast. A fearsome creature to behold, but with a need and desire to be loved by someone. Throughout the book you feel so much sorry for this poor beast, you learn about his ever neglected sad life and you just want to be the one to love him. But he also presents this raw animal strength that Mikki is completely drawn to.
Romance
The book does get a bit hot and steamy with the pair.
What I Didn't Like
There is nothing I dodn't like in this book. I completely adore this story, this version of Beauty and the Beast.
Recommendation
Every romantic reader, fantasy addict and retold fairy tale lover has got to read this tale. Even though it is part of the Goddess Summoning series, it is a complete stand alone book. The rest of the series doesn't need to be read before this book. This is the way with all of the books, some of the books will connect a little more but not much. The only connection this book made to any other the other books is that it makes a reference to the pastry shop owned by the the character in The Goddess of Spring.
Information
Goddess Summoning Series (Adult)
Goddess of the Sea (mermaid Undine)
Goddess of the Spring (Persephone and Hades)
Goddess of the Light (Apollo and Artemis)
Goddess of the Rose (Beauty and the Beast, Hecate)
Goddess of Love (Venus and Vulcan)
Warrior Rising/Goddess of Troy (Trojan War and Achilles)
Goddess of Legend (King Arthur)
DivineSeries (Adult)
Diving by Mistake/Goddess by Mistake
Divine by Choice
Diving by Blood Partholon Series (YA)
Elphame's Choice
Brighid's Quest House of Night Series (YA written with her daughter Kristin Cast)
Marked
Betrayed
Chosen
Untamed
Hunted
Tempted
Burned
Awakened
Destined out October 25, 2011 House of Night Novellas
Dragon's Oath
Lenobia's Vow out January 2012
Selina also is having an awesome contest going to to help launch her debut book.
Also for the next 2 weeks her book will be on sale, 50% off eBooks and $5 off her paperback through all different venues. Check Launch Sales to find out where to get your copy today
My Top Reading List
1) Dime Store Magic (finish)
2) Betrayal (finish)
I have been a little busy and not been reading too much these past 2 weeks. I hope soon to be out of this no reading funk soon. But I have been noticing a few other bloggers as well going through the same thing.
a culture of cravats and corsets, a troubled sixteen-year-old stands out in her t-shirt and torn jeans. She takes the name “Memory” because hers are stolen, and she’ll do anything to get them back. Lost in a world not her own, where magic and monstrous fairies are real, Memory has enough to handle just trying to stay alive.
Chased by wizard hunters, hunted by a dragon, stalked by a strange, handsome savage, despised by the fae and wanted by the king himself – everyone is after Memory, and she suspects it’s not just for her eye-catching outfit. Her forgotten past holds dangerous secrets that will change everything.
Memory will fight to get back to a family and home she can’t remember but desperately desires, even at the cost of new friendships and romances. On the run with no name and no memories, she thinks she has nothing left to lose. She couldn’t be more mistaken.
Memory's Wake is a dark fantasy suitable for older teens and adults who enjoy young adult fiction.
What I Loved
The World
Selina created her own world filled with magic, wizards, dragons, faeries, princesses and thieves fraught with danger, peril and adventure. This world is every fantasy lovers dream world, it has a bit of every fantasy type that you love. I was instantly hooked from the first chapter when Memory appears in an unknown world with an unknown companion, no memories and being chased by men with swords controlling a dragon into troll caverns. Magic, fantasy and adventure...what more could you ask for in a book?
Characters
The world along with the characters Selina has created are fantastic. I loved each and every character presented in the book. The main character Memory (named because her lack of memories), Eloryn the pretty blond Memory first meets, the savage man that saves Memory a few times throughout the book and Roen the heroic thief.
Memory: She is a very fun character, even though she doesn't have any memories about herself she retains a smart, witty, tough-shit personality that is very admirable while being thrown in to a completely alien world.
Eloryn: A princess she maybe, but she isn't your typical spoiled rotten brat princess. Eloryn has grown up in a world where you can only practice the most basic of magic, but she is by far more advanced and would be put to death for knowing what she does. Being in hiding has made her very leery of trusting people, even those who would help her. Even though she does swoon a few times and blush very easy she still puts up a great fight and keeps on trekking.
The Savage: I can't tell you much about him without spoiling any of the story. I really do love the illustrations Selina has done of him.
Roen: Our handsome thief turned guide/protector. I love the character that is charming and outwardly confident, but inside feels very little self-worth of himself and he is consistently berating his importance. Poor guy is so torn about what he feels and what he knows is impossible.
The Bad Guy
Thayl: Of course I can't forget to talk about him. He is out to capture and/or kill the heir to the thrown, our beloved Eloryn. He is the murder of Eloryn's mother and other innocent people. A tyrant and manipulative, but to be fair he was once wronged and he messed things up horribly.
One Issue
The only issue I had with the book, is a few times I did get a little confused about which person the story was following. Since the story flipped through the different characters POV, I did get a little lost in transition, but I just reread the passage and I was fine and back on track and devouring the rest of the book.
Recommendation
To all fantasy lovers, you must read this book. Also the physical book has over 40 illustrations done by Selina, she is my most favorite artist.
Information
This is Selina Fenech debut self-publish book
Memory's Wake is book 1 in the trilogy.
The best copy you can get is directly from Selina signed and personalized (this is the copy that I plan on getting)
Ashline Wilde is having a rough sophomore year. She's struggling to find her place as the only Polynesian girl in school, her boyfriend just cheated on her, and now her runaway sister, Eve, has decided to barge back into her life. When Eve's violent behavior escalates and she does the unthinkable, Ash transfers to a remote private school nestled in California's redwoods, hoping to put the tragedy behind her. But her fresh start at Blackwood Academy doesn't go as planned. Just as Ash is beginning to enjoy the perks of her new school - being captain of the tennis team, a steamy romance with a hot, local park ranger - Ash discovers that a group of gods and goddesses have mysteriously enrolled at Blackwood.and she's one of them. To make matters worse, Eve has resurfaced to haunt Ash, and she's got some strange abilities of her own. With a war between the gods looming over campus, Ash must master the new fire smoldering within before she clashes with her sister one more time. And when warm and cold fronts collide, there's guaranteed to be a storm.
What I Liked
NEVER A DULL MOMENT!!
The introduction starts off with a fist fight, teeth are flying and blood is flowing. The book continues with event after event, never slowing down till the final period and there is nothing else left on the page. The last paragraph leaves you reeling and demanding more! What did I do the moment I finished the book? I hopped on the computer and searched for more information. I also messaged Karsten to ask some questions.
Characters
Ashlin Wilde aka Ash: I like how human Ash remains throughout the book, she maybe this all powerful goddess but she is consistently thinking about the well being of her family, friends and wanting her sister to be what they use to be, friends. I also love her short fuse of a temper, her back talking attitude and her quick wit. It is very easy to sympathize and relate with Eve and understanding that she just wants to fit it and move on from her mistakes.
Evelyn Wilde aka Eve: The very bad, not a role model older sister. Boy am I glad I don't have a sister like her. Eve does make for a great antagonist character for the story, you come to fear, hate and pity her. Families are suppose to stick together through thick and thin and do what is best for the family, but Eve has completely lost sight of this and twisted right and wrong.
Mythology
I love mythology and I especially love books containing mythology. All different gods and goddesses from different cultures are brought into this book forming a new and creative way to use the deities. Mortally immortal deities, so awesome!
What I Didn't Like
Another dang cliffhanger ended. Why oh why must you taunt me again!
Recommendation
Fantastic new debut author to keep your eye on. If you love mythology and feisty lead female character this is just the book for you.
Wildefire gets released to the wild July 26th, 2011 pre-order your copy today
I'm so excited this came in the mail this week. I have already read an eARC (my review) and I will be attending the signing this coming week. This is an annual event with my cousin, this will be the 4th year in a row that we have been too.
Bought
My box of books
Half Price Books had their warehouse sale, everything is less than $3
I have not read this series, but she will be in Seattle for the Smart Chicks Kick It 2.0 Tour. They were cheap and I figured the best time to try them out.
Yes I got a lot of books this week and I need to catch up on my reading. I got in a I'm too busy, no reading funk this past week. I really didn't get anything read. The weather was perfect and I just had to be out in it. If you didn't see my one and only post for last week you should go check it out Here. I went para-gliding and it was freaking awesome. Also I have been getting distracted with watching Charmed on Netflix, starting with season one. I love Charmed
This Weeks Outlook
My Top To-Read Book List
1) Dime Store Magic (finish)
2) Betrayal (finish)
3) Memory's Wake
4) The Iron Thorn
I will be going to Jacqueline Carey's book signing on Wednesday at the University of Washington Bookstore and I can't wait. It will be awesome and I will be posting about about the event.
I wanted to tell about my day yesterday, it was so amazing. My sister and I decided to take a hike up to Poo-Poo Point (why is it called poo poo I have no idea, I always thought it was Poo-Cou). The day was perfect Washington weather, it was a high of 85, but in the thick cool forest with a nice breeze it was the greatest. The hike itself was hard (I'm very out of shape) it was around 1.5 mile of fairly steep incline, I had to take a few water/rest breaks on the way up. This part took us around 45-50 minutes.
Our first major rest/food stop was at the lower level open area. From at spot you have a wonderful view of Mt. Rainer. The view was gorgeous. If you have ever read Kimberly Derting's The Body Finder and the character mentions being able to see the mountain on the clear day, it is true. Even though the mountain in there many days you can't even see it because of the cloud coverage and rain. When you can see the mountain it is a beautiful day.
After our little 10 minute break, we than headed up to the top point, where para-gliders take off from. That part wasn't too bad, it only took around 15 minutes.
See the sign says Poo-Poo Point (it is kinda hard to see, if you can see it)
Below you can see Issaquah and Lake Sammamish
A little flag was left on the top of the mountain. Showing some US spirit
Once we got to the top we were relaxing for a little bit and enjoying the sun and the breeze, it was actually a little chilly up on the top. I was hoping that I would get to see some of the para-gliders take off, I have seen them in the sky driving past this take off point. We were just hanging out and the para-gliders started coming up. We heard them asking another group that if they wanted to go para-gliding they could and for a discounted rate $75 vs $175. The four of them decided to and my sister and I started to discuss about trying it as well. We figured this was a once in a life time opportunity and as that rate, how could we pass it up! So we decided to go, but since the other group got asked first they all went first. We waited around 3.5 hours, each person took about 25-30 minutes in the air plus take off and land time. The wind had to be just right to take off and land, the landing sometimes took around 10 minutes. He "top landed" meaning he landed back up on the top of the mountain.
My sister went first and than I did. We both did some spins, which were a lot of fun. My sister got a little sick near the end, but she didn't drink enough water during our hike and we didn't plan on staying up there that long so our food just consisted of snacks (granola bars and fruit leather). I absolutely loved it, I could have stayed up there all day, seeing the beautiful scenery, I love Washington greenery, it is amazing. I wish I could have had my camera while up there and take some pictures.
My sister getting ready
The instructor Todd and I, he wanted to take a picture of me because he said I looked like Demi Moore (which I have gotten that a few time, a shortened version)
Showing me what to do when taking off
Taking off
I couldn't touch anymore, too short
My sister up in the air
Look how high we got
Doing some spins, freaking awesome
Since I was the last person and he had to be done by 4:45 he dropped me off at the bottom and my sister had to hike down by herself. I'm so glad I don't get motion sickness or have any issues with heights. This was such an amazing experience and the instructor was awesome. All the other para-gliders kept saying that he is one of the best instructors, and I completely agree (even though I don't have any other experience).
A perfect day and an amazing random unexpected adventure.
Yay I finally have the book, but I won't be probably reading it till book 4 gets released so I can read both of the book together, but it looks so pretty on my book shelves.
I had received a signed ARC from the author and of course I had to support her new release and buy a finished copy of the book. Loved it and everyone needs to read it My Review
Aimee had one day asked on Twitter if anyone wanted to host a giveaway for GT and I responded within the timeline. Needless to say I am already very jealous of who ever wins this book. I don't have my own copy yet especially not a signed copy.
I'm not sure when I will be hosting this giveaway yet, but it will be happening soon. Stay tuned
'A taut, sensual thriller that grips from the first page. Elena Michaels is at once sublime and sympathetic, a modern heroine who shows that real women bite back' Karin Slaughter, author of BLINDSIGHTED and KISSCUT It's time to bite back. Elena Michaels is a wanted woman. She hasn't done anything wrong. Well, not recently, anyway. But ten years ago her lover turned her into a werewolf: the only female werewolf in the world, in fact. And now, just as she's finally coming to terms with this rather startling situation, a group of scientists learns of her existence. They're hunting her down, and Elena is about to run straight into their trap. But they haven't reckoned on Elena's adoptive family, her Pack, who will stop at nothing to get her back. They haven't reckoned on Elena herself, either, and that's a big mistake... Breathtakingly thrilling, hip and funny, STOLEN is another page- turning triumph from an author who is going from strength to strength.
What I Liked
Villain
The egotistical, superior, self-righteous rich guy or religious nut, I really really HATE these types of bad guys the most. In the case of Stolen we are dealing with the rich guy type, I just mentioned the religious nuts because they scar me. The rich guy is so frustrating for me, I would really love to punch him and kick his ass, he brings out the violent nature in me. But who wouldn't want to punch the guy standing over you with a gun pointed to your head telling you to strip, laughing and being all smug while nudging his buddies about what he can make you do. So yes I really hate this character in the book, but a good book will pull at all your emotions the good and the bad, making you feel elated and frustrated.
Violence
There is a lot of violence in this book, bullets flying and necks snapping. I personally do enjoy a good kick ass violent book amidst all my wonderful happy go lucky HEA (Happily Ever After) books.
Elena
I like her even more in this book, just as smart mouth and quick witted as ever. She has come to terms with some issues in Bitten and I am happy with where her relationship is at with her lover Clay. I like how she thinks during her captive time, she is trying to play nice but is continually thinking of her escape route.
What I Didn't Like
It did get a little slow during her captive time, I kinda just wanted it to move along and something to finally happen. "Escape or attempt to escape already", was a thought process at one point. Not long after though the pace picked back up and the excitement started.
Reading Order
Do read this book after Bitten, don't read it before. Bitten and Stolen are both from Elena's POV.
Recommendation
These books are NOT really for the passive faint of heart, you have to be ready for the character to snap a neck and move on, that is just the way the book is.
I think I will be writing reviews for all of these books, I have been seeing that people have read these out of order. I will be creating a new Reading Order section in my review to suggest if the book is ok to read out of order or if you should read it in order. I have been noticing the character POV do change for each book.
