Tuesday 14 August 2012

(ARC) Book Review (124): Deity - Jennifer L. Armentrout


Deity (Covenant #3)


Pre-Order This Book

Blog Tour: Witch Weigh - Caroline Mickelson, Book Review (123).


Witch Weigh

Age Appropriate: 15+

Saturday 11 August 2012

Book Review (122): Children Of The In-Between - Jodee Taylah


Children Of The In-Between

Publication: 1st April 2011
Publisher: Toxic Apple Studios
Pages: 74
Genre: Gothic
Age Appropriate: Young Adult
Children of the In-between is essentially about a world between life and death. The story is based around 14-year-old Elizabeth Maddison and her visit to this world when she died for eleven minutes. I’ve set the book out in a very specific format, using diary entries and letters from different characters to really create suspense around Elizabeth’s life.
My Thoughts...
I loved this dark, gothic and creepy book.
What Taylah has written an is an extremely eerie, spine-tingling book
I loved the concept, the story and the illustrations also drawn by the author are fabulous.
Elizabeth is fourteen in 1896 when she 'dies' for eleven minutes which works out to be hundreds of years in the in-between, and in that time she met quite a few people that were trapped there, whom haven't yet moved on, the in-between is a place you go to where you wait to see what they decide to do with you, in Elizabeth's case she was sent back to continue on living, of course once she's brought back no one believes her story, least of all her parents who send her to an asylum.
It's there we learn her story from her illustrations and descriptions in her sketchbook of the friends she made in the in-between while also hearing the story through the Doctor's diaries.
This book is such an original idea, I would have loved an even longer book, the story was so intriguing that it was such a pity when it finally came to an end.
But what you do get from the 74 pages is a well thought out, entertaining read.
I'm eager to see what Taylah will come up with next, this debut is nothing short of brilliant.
I give this a huge 5/5.

Jodee Taylah is a Melbourne based illustrator and creator.
She has been drawing since she could hold a pencil, and writing stories since she knew how to spell. Her love of art has developed consistently throughout her life and Jodee continues to grow as a creative. ​
Studying at NMIT in Melbourne gave Jodee the skills and guidance she needed, and moulded her style into a direction she never knew she could go.
Over the years Jodee has developed a certain gothic flavour to her work, drawing her inspiration from creatives such as Tim Burton, Neil Gaiman and Gris Grimly.
Her illustration style and techniques have attracted recognition by the industry gaining Jodee several award nominations and many opportunities. Jodee has gained awards in 'illustration excellence' and nominations for 'emerging talent' awards. In 2010, her work was personally recognised by Tim Burton as part of his exhibition in Melbourne  an award that Jodee regards highly.
Jodee's work is a blend of the fantastical and creepy lovliness, exploring themes of dark beauty and intrigue. She is inspired by stormy days, unusual landscapes, antiques and pocket-watches.
Jodee's work has been described by industry professionals as 'quirky' and 'beautifully twisted'.

Links...

A Big Thanks To Angie @ Love Of Books

In My Mailbox (40).


In My Mailbox Is A Weekly Meme Hosted By Kristi The Story Siren.


Review...
The Rise Of Nine (Lorien Legacies #3) - Pittacus Lore (Penguin Australia)
(ARC) Under The Desert Moon - Emma Meade (Soul Fire Press)
Bridger (Bridger #1) - Megan Curd (Soul Fire Press)

Brought...
The Lady Is A Vamp (Argeneau #17) - Lynsay Sands
Chasing Magic (Downside Ghosts #5) - Stacia Kane
Hunting Lila (Lila #1) - Sarah Alderson
The Iron Wyrm Affair (Bannon & Clare #1) - Lilith Saintcrow




Blog Tour: Superheroes Wear Faded Denim - Law Reigns, Guest Post and Book Review (121).


 

Superheroes Wear Faded Denim

by 
Guest Post...


Given 24 hours all by yourself and money is no object, what would you do:
Train. Run. You don’t need money to run. Have you heard of barefoot running? Don’t cringe. That’s why women have pedicures. When running, a forefoot or midfoot strike is better than a heel strike. It causes less stress on your joints, enabling you to run easier on hard surfaces. You’re more likely to run with a forefoot strike if you run barefoot.
I know we don’t have time for this, but read up on the Tarahumara’s and other tribes who run barefoot.  
What are 3 qualities you look for in a friend:
1.       Trust
2.     Goals
3.      Kindness
What is one lesson a past relationship taught you:                  
Cassandra taught me nothing. I taught her everything. I’m joking. Although I did teach her how to cook, and now she thinks I’m her personal chef. Never give a key to your ex. Don’t ever give them your phone number. The day you break up with them, change it.  
Your mother is Vietnamese and your father Japanese. What is that like:
Both my mother and father have huge pride in their cultures. Thing is Vietnamese and Japanese cultures are very different. Some of it goes deeper than just the languages and the types of food we bring to the dinner table. You have to accept culture shapes how we view the world. Our different viewpoints provide opportunities for disagreement.
There we go. That’s the one thing dating Cassandra taught me. You have to be open. The person you’re dating is not always going to see the world as you do. That’s something you both have to overcome.
What is the best compliment you have ever received:
I receive so many on a daily basis, where do I start? This might sound cheesy, but I do volunteer a lot. People tell me all the time I have such a kind heart. What does that mean? I don’t know, but I like the sound of it.

Buy Superheroes Wear Faded Denim for $0.99 For A Limited Time At Amazon And Barnes & Noble 

Review...

This was a very exciting and action-filled story.
The action pretty much starts a couple of pages in and doesn't let up.
What Reigns has written is an intriguing and original take on the Angel myth, mixed in with the reality of life, and the adventures of college.

Blissany unbeknown to her is The Key, she and Don another college student who is the Paladin are to be the saviours of mankind from a war amongst the Angels, and the High and Low courts.
Blissany's friend Wankiya is the Redeemer the King of the Low courts, he has been in love with Blissany for quite a while now, but she is interested in Don and so is her best-friend Demi.
We also have the Angels, Gabriel, Michael, Uriel and Raphael involved.
I liked the POVs of the different characters you could understand  why they are the way they are and also their state of mind.
This at times was such a dark read but it had it's light moments as well which balanced it out.

If you like to read stories about the battles between good and evil, and like Angel themed books then this is the one for you.
This is a great addition to the New Adult genre.
I give this 3.5/5.


Law Reigns has an odd obsession with romance. At the advice of her friends, she gave up the plight of playing cupid in their lives. Developing her own characters to manipulate proved to be more rewarding. After having studied creative writing at the University of Florida, she decided to write Superheroes Wear Faded Denim. A proud Gator alumni, she based  her novel where blood runs orange and blue. She personally invites all adventure druggies and love fanatics to dive into the pages of Faded Denim, a story that transforms a swampy, southern town into a battlefield for life and love. 
Links




Friday 10 August 2012

Feature And Follow Friday (38).


Q: What would you do over if you were to start your blog again from scratch?

I don't know if there would be anything I would change really, the fact that I've gotten this far and have managed to get my blog up and running especially when I've had to teach myself how to do a lot of things on the computer in setting it up has made me pretty happy.


Wednesday 8 August 2012

Cover Reveal: Oath Bound - Rachel Vincent


Oath Bound (Unbound #3)

The Tower Syndicate will fall... 

The secret daughter of the head of an infamous Skilled crime family, Sera Brandt has hidden her past, her potential and especially her powers. But when a tragedy strikes her other family, Sera needs justice. And the only way to get it is to reveal her heritage– including a rare Skill– and take the reins of the Tower Syndicate from her cunning and malicious aunt. 

if he can figure out how... 

Kristopher Daniels might have the answer. He's fought the syndicate to protect his sisters, but he'd never realized just how close to the new heir he needed to get.... 

And if they can survive. 

Neither is used to trusting. But there's something between them that can't be ignored. And so Sera is on the run with a man she can't figure out, a target on her back and the new knowledge of just how powerful she really is....
Expected publication: February 19th 2013 by Mira 

Waiting On Wednesday.

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking The Spine where you can spotlight an upcoming release that you're eagerly anticipating.

This week I'm waiting on....

Furious



Book Review (120). Pure - Jennifer L. Armentrout


Pure (Covenant #2)

"Maybe if you're good-and I mean, really good-we can come play in the labyrinth." I rolled my eyes. "Gee really?" He nodded. "You have to eat your dinner, too."
The book continues on from the first book Half-Blood, Alex is training with both Aiden and Seth, the council hearing is coming up where Alex is to appear to testify to the upcoming plans the Daimons have to take over all the Covenants, the plans of which were relayed to her via her Mother before Alex killed her.
With her eighteenth birthday fast approaching and the reality that she will turn into the second Apollyn, Alex has a lot on her plate, add to the fact that Aiden is staying away from her, stops their training together  and tells her that he doesn't have any feelings for her leaves her heartbroken.
But someone doesn't want her reaching her next birthday, and they will stop at nothing to make sure she's not alive to receive her Apollyn powers.
I love love, love this series, everybody needs to read it, it is sooo good!
I give this 5/5.