Smart Chicks Tour 2.0 Book Prep

Smart Chicks Tour 2.0 

 Book Preparation

Choosing my books to bring with me is a lot harder than I anticipated.

I pulled out ALL  the books I had for each an every author

Kelley Armstrong, Melissa Marr, Jennifer Lynn Barnes, Rachel Caine, Melissa de la Cruz, Nina Kirki Hoffman, Sophie Jordan, Richelle Mead, Jeri Smith-Ready, Margaret Stohl, Rachel Vincent and Sara Zarr

 These 3 stacks are all the authors that I own books too. The only ones I don't have are Zarr and Hoffman.

I still am waiting on my copies of Vanish, Witches of East End and Enthralled HB edition, but I don't think I will be getting those due to Amazon and their lies, possible rant to come on Saturday or Monday evening if I don't get those books.

The total stacks of books consists of 43 books, I am thinking I might just trim it down a little. I don't know how I am even going to carry this many book nor how long it would take me to get them all signed if there are limits placed. I might just have to already go through the line a few times. What can I say I love to get my whole library signed.

This stack is my for sure stack, I can't eliminate a book even if I tried. Well I might actually be able to eliminate Iron Crowned and Iron Queen if the need arises. 

These books are:

Kelley Armstrong: Summoning Trilogy, The Gathering and Counterfeit Magic=4

Melissa Marr: Radiant Shadows, Darkest Mercy and Graveminder=3

Jennifer Lynn Barnes: Raised by Wolves and Trial by Fire=2

Sophie Jordan: Firelight (I'm hoping for Vanish)=1, 2?

Margaret Stohl: Beautiful Creatures and Beautiful Darkness=2

Rachelle Mead: Grapic Novel, Bloodbound, Succubus Dreams, Iron Queen and Iron Crowned=5

I will also be bringing my ARC of Enthralled, I am hoping for my hardback to arrive tomorrow (but I won't hold my breath). I have gotten this prepared, I'm not sure where they will sign this one. If they want to sign on their story's page I have them all marked of and already set and easy to find. 

I will also be preparing the rest of my books with sticky notes with my name to the title page, for efficiency and speed. I have been to many many signings so I know the drill for the most part, but I have no idea how this one is going to work due to the number of authors and the potential high numbers of attendants.

Now I am brought to my questionable books and which ones to choose. 

Melissa de la Cruz: I have all the books in her Blue Blood series (except the recent one). From what I have seen of her tour dates she has never been to Seattle to do an event. I want to bring my whole collection, but that totals it to 10 books, weight and space. I want to bring Witches, but that is my ARC copy I would love to have my HB copy. Well I just don't know how to choose those or just to bring them all.

Rachel Vincent: I haven't read any of her books, but I have heard many great things about the series. I was only able to collect 3 of the Soul series and I think I will probably bring those. The adult series I debating between just the 1st 3 or all of them (I am missing 1 book in the series).

Rachel Caine: I also haven't read any of her books yet. It would have been easier if I had gotten the volume books for the series, but I had gotten these 6 at Half Price Books Warehouse sale for 50 cents each. I was thinking the same thing with Vincent either bring them all or the 1st 3. She has been to Seattle, she was actually just here around 2 months ago. So I think her possibilities of coming back are fairly good. Plus the University Bookstore has all her books signed in stock.

 

Help!!

I have 43 books pictured, not including the 3 books that I am praying to the shipping gods will delivered to me tomorrow. Or the 2 posters I want to print out, one for me and 1 for a giveaway. I don't know what to eliminate or how to even carry these books. My husband was mockingly suggesting using our rolling suitcase.

What do you think? Should I eliminate any books? Should I go in arms loaded with all of my books and with a plan of last minute elimination if I need to?

Books, books, books and more books

Got to love them all

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Hellbent Review

Hellbent

By Cherie Priest

Summary

Vampire thief Raylene Pendle doesn’t need more complications in her life. Her Seattle home is already overrun by a band of misfits, including Ian Stott, a blind vampire, and Adrian deJesus, an ex-Navy SEAL/drag queen. But Raylene still can’t resist an old pal’s request: seek out and steal a bizarre set of artifacts. Also on the hunt is a brilliant but certifiably crazy sorceress determined to stomp anyone who gets in her way. But Raylene’s biggest problem is that the death of Ian’s vaunted patriarch appears to have made him the next target of some blood-sucking sociopaths.  Now Raylene must snatch up the potent relics, solve a murder, and keep Ian safe—all while fending off a psychotic sorceress. But at least she won’t be alone. A girl could do a lot worse for a partner than an ass-kicking drag queen—right?

*WARNING SOME ADULT CONTENT*
KIDDOS DON'T PRECEDE WITHOUT PARENT CONSENT

What I Liked

Characters

Raylene: She is a very fun character, witty, sarcastic and thoroughly entertaining throughout the entire book. Her OCD just adds to the amusement and enhanced the book. Some of the things she makes jokes about are the funniest ever like the running joke about the dick sticks (sorry can't explain more without spoiling the book) and my favorite "oh my did she really just say that" sentence. Context of the sentence, she is saving person from being shot at while person is creating a lot of magical power. "Holding her felt like holding a really high-powered sex toy cranked up to eleven." See what I mean this book is so entertaining because of Raylene's character, I love her.

Sister Rose aka Adrian: What is not to love about him! We first met him in book 1 Bloodshot while he was a she and putting on an amazing performance with a fantastically curious tuck job. Raylene thinks he is straight, but he really hasn't shown interest in any male or female. He can go from talking about clothes and make up to being ready to fight and being stealthy and manly. He is a very fun and crazy combo of a personality. I want more of both Adrian and Sister Rose.

No Romance

I always think of Urban Fantasy as having little romantic scenes and this series does  hold very well to that though process. Raylene has some interest in Ian, but nothing is ever expanded about what they do except kiss/make out. The book is more centered around the characters, the trials they are facing, how well she can squeeze out of the current mess and accumulating more "pets" to get the "full set". All the entertainment more than makes up for the lack of romance.

I Want More

There isn't anything I didn't enjoy about this book. I like having a break from romantic interludes so I don't mind the non existent romantic tension. I am hoping for more potential books in the series. I know Cherie said that there was only going to be 2 books in the series, but the ending is left open enough to continue on with another book or even 2. Hopefully demand for the series will be enough to ensure more books.

Recommendation
Great urban fantasy series with great action and lots of fun ADULT humor. Vampire fans need to read this series as well.

Information

Cheshire Red Reports
Bloodshot
Hellbent

Other Works
Clockwork Century (Steampunk)
Boneshaker
Clementine
Dreadnought
Granymede
Eden Moore
Four and Twenty Blackbirds
Wings to the Kingdom
Not Flesh Nor Feathers

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I went to the book signing event on Tuesday at the University Bookstore in Seattle with my friend Candie (pictured on the right of Cherie).

Question from Event

Questions and answers are paraphrased to the best of my memory

Will there be anymore Cheshire books?
There was only 2 in the contract, unless there is a demand for it. She would like to write another one. They were hoping for a lot of crossover from the Steampunk series to the UF series.

Would you ever think about writing in the YA genre?
Absolutely! YA is so popular right now. I do have a book series in the pipework set for the YA genre, it is now about getting a publisher to pick it up. It is about aliens, other planets and kung fu.

Any movie deals is the making?
The Boneshaker book has a very great (award winning) company very serious about obtaining the rights, but I can't release the company's name (should be announced any minute).

On another note Boneshaker has been used in classrooms which has just blown her mind. Since she use to teach she doesn't feel Boneshaker is classroom material.

Will there be more books in the Boneshaker world?
The contract was for 4 books, but I have 1 more book in the makes and hopefully it will also get picked up. Making a total of 5 books for the series. She did give a few hints about book 5, going back to Seattle with a Bigfoot zombie (crazy).

Will Clementine ever be re-released for print?
It had a very limited run for print and you can't find it unless you want to play $900 which I wouldn't. It can be bought as an eBook, it is the best eBook sales I have had for any of my books. I don't control if and when it will ever be reprinted, that is the publishers option, he has been trying to reprint it but things have been continually pushed back.

That is all I can remember from memory. There was a lot more questions answers with a lot for in depth detail. Cherie is a very fun, lively and entertaining person. This is the second time I have been to her signings. I do want to read the Boneshaker series, I just haven't had the chance or time to read them yet.

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Bookography (9)

Bookography

s a fun new way to share the beauty of books with photography. Take a picture with the book being the focus or inspiration and share the picture(s) you have created for the week.

Book

Tales of the Brothers Grimm by Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Ph.D

The Frog Prince

I love the pictures in this books, so I had to show you why I even bought the book. Mostly for the pictures, but one can never have to many versions of the classic fairytales.

I adjusted the graduated filter of the photo, I rotated it. I don't really understand even what I was doing besides that it looks fun. I like how the written pages almost have a glowing effect.

Original

More Pictures

When I went to Lisa Mantchev's book signing I took some pictures and adjusted the color and I really liked how they all turned out. I especially like the very last photo on the page of the bracelet with the book. Please check it out here.

I still want to figure out how to add a white frame to the photo. Do you know how do it that? What program do I need for that feature?

If you would like to participate please do. I will try to post my Bookography post each week on Wednesdays. I would love if you would link back to my blog and share your own link in the comments.

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The Name of the Star

The Name of the Star

By Maureen Johnson

Summary

The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London marks a memorable occasion. For Rory, it's the start of a new life at a London boarding school. But for many, this will be remembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper events of more than a century ago.

Soon "Rippermania" takes hold of modern-day London, and the police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man police believe to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him. Even her roommate, who was walking with her at the time, didn't notice the mysterious man. So why can only Rory see him? And more urgently, why has Rory become his next target? In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, full of suspense, humor, and romance, Rory will learn the truth about the secret ghost police of London and discover her own shocking abilities.

What I Liked

Jack the Ripper Has Returned

The Ripper is a scary figure to choose as the main villain within a book. The murderer that got away, an unknown person and unknown reasons WHY the murders were committed. A perfect villain to choose to scare people. The book brought up an interesting point if there were to be a copy cat Ripper killer is that how people would act? Buying slogan shirts, top hats and trying to see the murders scenes? I probably would have been more afraid if the book didn't have a paranormal explanation. Which thankfully it did so I am able to sleep at night without fear of the psychotic Ripper.

Character

Aurora aka Rory: I do like Rory as a female character. I admire how willing she is to change schools her senior year, to a foreign country's school none the less. There is nothing extraordinary about Rory to begin with, she is friendly and an overall fun person with an interesting family. As the book progresses through the Ripper like murders and something strange is going on with her I continue to admire and appreciate her inner strength.

Ending

The ending got very intense and gripping. I liked how things progressed and unfolded for the conclusion. I also like it in a series when the book is summed up, the villain is dealt with and a new villain will arise for the next book. I was left feeling I got a good conclusion, but a final twist was added to keep me coming back for the next book.

Would Have Liked

One of the characters has a cockney accent and I wish Maureen would have written the accent within speaking lines, for example '"Do you think..." Again, she said fink instead of think.' Our character Rory just states how she says things instead of just actually writing the accent within the book. I personally enjoy reading the accent, sometimes it maybe a little bit of puzzling out the sentence but it makes the book feel more authentic.

I Don't Agree

In the summary it states "romance" is in the book and I disagree. I don't really think I would consider this book romantic at all. There was a little bit of the developing crush, some snogging and that was about it. I like having a break from romance, so I was glad there wasn't really much in the book and I won't ever describe this book as romantic or having romance.

Recommendation

YA thriller, slight horror and fantasy. Ripper fans have got to read the book. 

Releases September 29th 2011

Amazon / B&N / Book Depository 

Information

Shades of London series

The Name of the Star

Unknown how long series will be

Other Works

Little Blue Envelopes

13 Blue Envelopes

The Last Little Blue Envelope

Scarlet

Suite Scarlett

Scarlett Fever

Novels

The Key to the Golden Firebird

The Burmudez Triangle

Devilish

Girl At Sea

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In My Mailbox #28

 Lots of Book Goodness

IMM #28

IMM is a meme hosted by The Story Siren, anyone can participate telling about what they bought, received and borrowed.

Received

 Since I participated in one of Josephine's photo contest I received a little swag pack consisting of a signed bookmark, chap stick, bracelet, pen and a purple bag to hold it all. I love it all, thanks Josephine.

Won

Season of Eden by Jennifer Laurens

I won this from Jennifer Laurens contest she was having a giveaway of bad printed stuff or oops name spelling. I won a copy of A Season of Eden, I guess the print color it off, I don't notice anything. I'm super happy. Thanks Jennifer

Bought

From Half Price Books

 Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

I will be seeing her next Sunday for the Smart Chicks Tour, I haven't read it yet.

The Brothers Grimm by Dr. Clarissa Pinkolas Estes Ph. D

This is the whole reason I went to HPBs in the 1st place. My brother in-law gave me his 50% off coupon and the book was listed at full price $20. With the coupon I only payed $10 and I love the pictures in it. I will probably be taking pictures of the pictures to put on my Bookography post.

Bought

From Half Price Books

 I'm not pregnant yet, but we are trying. So of course what does a book person have to have! Books about pregnancy.

Your Best Birth by Ricki Lake, Abby Esptein and Jacques Moritz

Pregnancy Book: Month by Month by William Sears M.D. and Martha Sears R.N

Bought

Library Sale

My libraby was having a sale this weekend and this is what I got. All children's books except one.

Walt Disney's Treasures of Children's Classics

Basically is has many of the movie, shortened with pictures.

Bambi and The Little Mermaid to add to my Disney book collection.

Poems of Early Childhood

Containing all those childhood rhymes like Little Miss Muffit, The Old Lady in The Shoe...

The Secret Laboratory Journals of Dr. Victor Frankenstein by Jeremy Kay

Cool fun looking book

This Weeks Reviews

Silver Shark

Beauty and the Beast

My Bookography Post

Hellbent

Author Event

Lisa Mantchev

I will be going to Cherie Priest's author event on Tuesday and I will be posting my review of Hellbent as well next week.

Reading List

1) Darkest Mercy

2) Enthralled

3) Any Smart Chicks Authors

What did you get in your mailbox this week?

Please feel free to leave your link

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Lisa Mantchev Book Signing

Lisa Mantchev

Book Signing

September 23, 2011

University of Washington Bookstore in Seattle

For

So Silver Bright

The concluding book in the trilogy 

Theatre Illuminata Trilogy

Eyes Like Stars (my review)

Perchance to Dreams (my review)

So Silver Bright (my review)

Reading

The reading consisted of Lisa reading a short story of the fairies that she created for ___(can't remember). Lisa was asked to create her own version of a classic fairytale using her characters. She made her own version of Hansel and Gretel, which mainly features the gingerbread house and fairies eating, of course.

(One day I need to just record the event. I'm not much for the video recorders, I prefer taking pictures and I guess I would feel like an idiot holding one. Hopefully one day I will get over my person issues and I can have a true accurate recounting of the event.)

Q&A

These are the questions that I can remember. The answers are paraphrased and written how I remember. 

My Question: When did you know which guy Bertie was going to choose? 

I hate love triangle and I initially had no idea who Bertie was going to end up with. The very end had me crying and balling my eyes out, but he was the right choice. I don't want to ever do another love triangle again, I hate writing love triangles but the YA genre loves them.

Question: How did you choose Bertie's mom?

I wrote the whole book not knowing who Bertie's mom was going to be. I knew a drowning was going to a part in the next book and she just revealed herself by the end.

Question: Why a lot of Shakespeare characters, what about others?

Write what you know and I know Shakespeare very well. The fairies were the first characters that made themselves known to me, since their part is very small I felt comfortable taking them and molding them as I saw them as characters. I had to be careful about which characters I could use due to ownership writes. This book is basically fan-fiction, but the publishers liked it. I didn't think Shakespeare would come to tell me I had gotten the characters all wrong. Since I already knew so much about these characters I didn't have to do any of the dreaded research.

Question: If an author were to die which of their characters would you like to use?

Well technically he is already dead but the guy who wrote Peter Pan, the right are very confusing and I need to research it a little more. In England people can't use Peter Pan, but in the US I think the characters can be used, I wasn't quit clear on it. 

Question: How involved was the theater in your life?

I have always done theater. I did school and community theater, but once I had to start getting serious about it and start training to do theater I had to rethink my goals. My senior year I went back to playwright.

Question: How did the story first start?

My friend dared me to write a story. What I thought was only going to be a short story ended up being a book and the book ended up being a trilogy. I hate trilogies, no matter how great book 2 is everyone always wants book 3 for the conclusion.

We all started joking about daring her for a new book.

Question: What's next?

I have 4 works in progress. A steam-punk series that might never see the light of day. I have left the series open for possible spin off series, but nothing is contracted. A Labyrinth inspired story with 4 princesses put into an oubliette. 

Question: Any movie deals yet?

Nothing yet. We still have rights to everything, foreign rights and even the audio rights for book 2 and 3. Book 1 was made into an audio and they did very well with it, I just don't think they realized the under taking in casting 40 people. Back to the movie part. I like the company that did Coraline, I think they did really well. I don't think the book would do really well as a live action, it would be better as an animation. I would also like to see it as a play and be taken to the stage.

Random Information

Book 1 was originally titled Scrimshander 

Inspiration of the faeries craziness comes from inside her head and her kids. Sugar Bean is a pirate princess and Tiny Doom's latest mischief was pulling out the baking sheets, stomping on them and holding a fist full off goldfish making lots of noise.

2 more free wallpapers are coming soon

She wants the illustrator to make the books into a graphic novel

If you would like to get your own signed copy of the book go to University of Washington Bookstore, I believe all the stock is signed. I not sure how to make sure if the book is signed, I have never ordered through there. I'm guessing you could also call the bookstore as well and order through them personally. Book only orders over $20 have free shipping. Those have her signature and the 4 stars around the title.
 

 Eyes Like Stars
For Kristina
Follow your stars!
Lisa Mantchev

So Silver Bright
For Kristina
Thank you for being a patron of the Theatre Illuminata.
Lisa Mantchev

I now regret not bringing my copy of Perchance to Dreams. I bought it from the University Bookstore (the golden sticker on the book in above photo) after she had the last signing there. Next time she has a signing I will bring it so I can have the tagline, I love those.

We also got these cute bracelets

Backstage Pass, the rest of it has the web address theatre-illuminata.com
I really like this picture, it looks like the bracelet and Bertie are in the spotlight.

The event was lots of fun and there was also yummy chocolate cupcakes. Lisa is an amazing person and I look forward to more of her books and more events in the future.

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Bookography (8)

Bookography

Is a fun new way to share the beauty of books with photography. Take a picture with the book being the focus or inspiration and share the picture(s) you have created for the week.

Book

Hellbent by Cherie Priest

Hellbent

This is my first time using my Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3. I have been going through the tutorials created by SLR Lounge which have been very helpful, I wouldn't have been able to even open anything up with out these. I still have a lot more tutorials to go through, but this is what I was able to accomplish so far. 

Original 

I was able to add a watermark, which Rachel of Fiktshun suggested would be a good idea to do. Thanks it is a must have. All of the other color, saturation, and everything else I just played around with till I got a pleasant and fun looking picture.

The book title does actually fit the mood I was feeling by the end of the night and the next morning. I was watching my mom's dogs, 3 Shiba Inus, which are very cute but they were driving me up the wall by the time I left for home. Tila (the subject) is the mellowest of the 3, she was just chilling laying in bed while I was reading. The other 2 Luna and Zoe were in my face, licking my face and hands while I was trying to read. Not very much fun. At 5:30am Zoe starting crying to be let out to go potty. They than proceed to chase a rabbit and attempt to kill it. This has been making my mom very nervous because Luna is pregnant and she doesn't want  a dog fight to ensue. Also I should mention it is pouring down rain, I was getting wet and I just want to crawl back into bed for another 2 hours, that didn't happen. So yes these little monsters are so cute, but they were bent on driving me to hell.

I still want to figure out how to add a white frame to the photo. Do you know how do it that? What program do I need for that feature?

If you would like to participate please do. I will try to post my Bookography post each week on Wednesdays. I would love if you would link back to my blog and share your own link in the comments.

<3Bookography

Silver Shark Review

Silver Shark

By Ilona Andrews

Summary

Claire Shannon is a killer. She uses no weapons, only her mind.

Born on a planet locked in a long war, Claire is a psycher, a woman with the ability to attack minds and infiltrate a biological computer network where psychers battle to the death. But when the war abruptly ends, Claire must hide her psycher's ability to survive. She is deported to a new planet, a vivid beautiful place, where she meets Venturo Escana, a powerful psycher, whose presence overwhelms both her mind and her body.

She thought she had left war and death behind, but now she must fight for her new life and this battle might just cost her everything...

What I Loved

Characters

Claire: I love Claire's character type, kick-ass, strong both physically and mentally. Claire is a survivor, she can and will do whatever it takes to live (she doesn't sacrifice anyone for her survival though). Ilona and Gordan create some of my favorite character, actually all of their characters both the good and the bad guys I absolutely love. 

Venturo: Another sexy male character to love. He is the golden boy, but he is also a kind person as well with good moral ethics that he stands by. And I can't forget he has very strong abilities as well. The bad boys are fun, but he is the type to bring home.

Romance

Since this book is sci-fi the romance isn't the main focus of the book, it is a side accenting and enhancing part. I do enjoy books with a side of romance.

Sci-fi World

Another fantastic world created by Ilona and Gordan. The world did take a little bit of time for me to comprehend, especially the whole Bionet thing. My comparison is that it is kinda like the Matrix, but with different rules and a completely different look (no sexy black sunglasses, trench coats, leather and boots).

I Want More

Short Story

This book is less than 100 pages (not sure how they count pages on an eBook) and I could have easily read another 200 more pages, but I will be satisfied with what there is. I know that this is book 2 in the short story collection, my guess is that they are contained within the same world but different character's stories. I need to get book 1 for sure, I want more of the Kinsmen world.

Recommendation

If you have read Ilona Andrews you must read this as well. If you like paranormal romance or urban fantasy you should definitely try this sci-fi short story eBook.

Information

Kinsmen World

Silent Blade (eBook only)

Silver Shark (eBook only)

Kate Daniels series

Magic Bites

Magic Burns

Magic Strikes

Magic Mourns (in Must Love Hellhounds anthology)

Magic Bleeds

Magic Dreams (in Hexed anthology)

Magic Slays (my review)

The Edge series

On the Edge

Bayou Moon

Fate's Edge (releases November 29th 2011)

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Beauty and the Beast

Beauty and the Beast

By Marie Le Prince de Beaumont 

I have been wanting to read this version of Beauty and the Beast, it has been the influence to the very popular and common versions of the story. I decided to read a little about it on Wiki, (you should too) and I found out that Beaumont rewrote the story from the earliest version of Beauty and the Beast by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve originally called La Belle et la Bete. Villeneuve version has more back story on the Beast and Belle and stays with the more darker fairytale type of stories. I wish I could get my hands on this version as well. There is a translated versions of Villeneuve's story, I found a Kindle version of the story for $2.99 along with some other original stories. Ten Children's Original Fable Favorites

Beaumont's version is very simplistic, but still enjoyable. It is a quick and fairly easy read. Somethings were a little hard to follow, the flow and transitions aren't what I'm use to.

You can find Beaumont's version on the kindle for free or in fairytale books in new and used bookstores. 

The story Beauty and the Beast has inspired many different retold tales. Some are sweet and beautiful just like the Disney version. Others are a little dark, but still capture the essence of Belle and the Beast.

Other Books
Retold Beauty and the Beast books I have also read are:

Beast by Donna Jo Napoli

Beauty: The Retelling of Beauty and the Beast by Robin McKinley

Rose Daughter by Robin McKinley

Beastly by Alex Flinn

The Rose and the Beast by Francesca Lia Block

Belle by Cameron Dokey

Goddess of the Rose by PC Cast (my review)

There are many more, but these are the ones that I have personally read and are on my shelves

What version of Beauty and the Beast have you read? Do you have a favorite among them?

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In My Mailbox #27

IMM #27

IMM is a meme hosted by The Story Siren, anyone can participate telling about what they bought, received or borrowed for the week.

For Review

Silver Shark by Ilona Andrews

I was so excited I was able to get this eARC for review, I wasn't sure if my blog would have a high enough traffic to approve me, but I guess it does.

Free eBook

The Emerald Talisman by Brenda Pandos 

Free on Kindle

Bought

(Technically I bought these a last week but I just got them this week)

Darkest Mercy by Melissa Marr

This is the 2nd copy of this book I bought for me, but my only copy I have. Long story short it was stolen off my front porch when it was delivered, since I have never dealt with a lost/stolen package before I put if off and I kept on forgetting to call the post office. When I finally called we played phone tag with no success I finally just gave up to the stress and annoyance it was causing me. So some a**hole has my 1st copy and I finally have a copy for myself.

Graveminder by Melissa Marr

I will be going to her signing for the Smart Chick Tour, so I have to have all her books. I have been wanting this book forever, I can't wait to read her 1st adult book.

Hellbent by Cherie Priest

Book 2 in the duology, I will also be going to her signing at the end of this month

This Weeks Reviews

Fragile Eternity

Radiant Shadows

My Bookography Post

Rose Goddess

My Reading List

1) The Silver Shark

2) Hellbent

3) Darkest Mercy

4) Graveminder

What did you get in your mailbox this week?

Please feel free to leave a link

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Radiant Shadows Review

Radiant Shadows

By Melissa Marr

Summary

Hunger for nourishment.
Hunger for touch.
Hunger to belong.

Half-human and half-faery, Ani is driven by her hungers.

Those same appetites also attract powerful enemies and uncertain allies, including Devlin. He was created as an assassin and is brother to the faeries' coolly logical High Queen and to her chaotic twin, the embodiment of War. Devlin wants to keep Ani safe from his sisters, knowing that if he fails, he will be the instrument of Ani's death.

Ani isn't one to be guarded while others fight battles for her, though. She has the courage to protect herself and the ability to alter Devlin's plans - and his life. The two are drawn together, each with reason to fear the other and to fear for one another. But as they grow closer, a larger threat imperils the whole of Faerie. Will saving the faery realm mean losing each other?

What I Loved

This is my favorite book of the series so far. What makes this my favorite is the two main characters Devlin and Ani.

Characters

Devlin: I love this character type, the brooding, dark, fearsome and very lone male character. This is my weakness for fictional characters, I will always loves these type of boys the very most. But to match this bad boy you need the right female for him as well.

Ani: She made a few minor appearances in Ink Exchange, but you didn't really learn anything about her at all. This is her book, her story and her time to shine and boy does she shine well. I love her personality, she is getting stronger during the book, she knows what she wants and won't give up till she has it. She doesn't whine or cry and become an incapable weakling at any point, she wants to stand up and fight to protect those she loves. She is very fierce and gets to tango with a very formidable opponent.

The Dark Court

I can't say I would completely want to be a part of the dark court, I don't find pleasure in causing others pain, but I do very much enjoy the characters this court has produced. There is more of a protecting the family vibe that is lacking from the other courts even the frivolous summer court.

Bananach: She is scary and freaking crazy, but at the same time I am so intrigued by her devious, blood lusting, war craving chaotic ways and her feather hair (which sounds so cool). She provides the story with a great villain, one who can't be stopped only deterred, a conundrum to say the least.

Didn't Like

Honestly, nothing. I loved every page of this book and I think I have come to terms with Seth as well. 

Recommendation

If you haven't read the series yet, what are you waiting for go out and get them. Great for young adults and adults as well who lost fantasy and the devious faeries. 

Information

Wicked Lovely Series

Wicked Lovely

Ink Exhange

Fragile Eternity (My Review)

Radiant Shadows

Darkest Mercy

Graveminder (adult book)

Touring

She also will be on tour soon for the Smart Chicks Kick It 2.0 Tour. I will be in attendance and I am so looking forward to this event.

To see her events and find out if she is coming to a city near you go to her Schedule page

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The Smart Chicks Tour Schedule (I will be at the Seattle date)

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Bookography (7)

Bookography

Is a fun new way to share the beauty of books with photography. Take a picture with the book being the focus or inspiration and share the picture(s) you have created for the week.

Book

The Goddess of the Rose by P.C. Cast

Rose Goddess

I took this photo in the manual mode and using black and white. I did slightly darken the photo just a little more. The rose is a feather rose and I think it is very fitting for the adult book, beauty and sensuality. 

I did finally get my Lightroom 3 today, but I have to wait till my husband gets home so he can install it. I can't wait to play around with it.

Also have you seen these book sculptures yet? They are amazing and the photography is amazing as well.

Mysterious Paper Sculptures

You have got to check them out if you haven't already seen them.

I need some help

I am thinking about changing the name of this feature, I'm not sure I am completely still loving it

I was thinking Book-tography, Booktography or something like that. Or maybe as the header Book + Photography = Bookography/(new name)

What do you think? Or do you have any other suggests on the world play and spelling. I want people to get a clear easy grasp on what I am doing for this feature.

Thanks for your thoughts or suggests.

If you would like to participate please do. I will try to post my Bookography post each week on Wednesdays. I would love if you would link back to my blog and share your own link in the comments.

<3Bookography