Q: WHAT NEW YEARS BLOGGING OR WRITING RESOLUTION HAVE YOU PLACED ON YOURSELf?
I haven't made any New Years resolutions to do with blogging or writing at all.
I did make one to read more books though.
Thursday, 3 January 2013
Tuesday, 1 January 2013
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.
Four Summoner's Tales (Joe Ledger)
Four terror-inducing novellas from acclaimed bestselling authors Kelley Armstrong, David Liss, Christopher Golden, and Jonathan Maberry beginning with the premise: “A stranger comes to town, offering to raise the townsfolk’s dearly departed from the dead—for a price.”In Kelley Armstrong’s “Suffer the Children,” an acute diphtheria outbreak kills most of the children in an isolated village in nineteen-century Ontario. Then a stranger arrives and offers to bring the children back to life. He wants money, of course, an extravagant sum, but more importantly, but for each child resurrected, one villager must voluntarily offer his life...
In David Liss’s “The Good-Natured Man,” a con man on the margins of eighteenth-century British society discovers a book that reveals the method for bringing the dead back to life. After considering just how far he would go to avoid bringing his violent father back, he realizes the real value of this book. Instead of getting people to pay him to revive their departed, he will get people to pay him not to...
In “Pipers” by Christopher Golden, the Texas Border Volunteers wage a private war against drug smuggling by Mexican cartels in a modern-day South Texas town, complete with an indestructible army of the risen dead...
In “Alive Day” by Jonathan Maberry, a US Army sergeant must dive into the underworld of modern-day Afghanistan to try and barter for the release of his team, never dreaming of the horrors that await him..
Expected publication: September 17th 2013 by Gallery Books
All Our Pretty Songs
The first book in an exciting YA trilogy, this is the story of two best friends on the verge of a terrifying divide when they begin to encounter a cast of strange and mythical characters.Set against the lush, magical backdrop of the Pacific Northwest, two inseparable best friends who have grown up like sisters—the charismatic, mercurial, and beautiful Aurora and the devoted, soulful, watchful narrator—find their bond challenged for the first time ever when a mysterious and gifted musician named Jack comes between them. Suddenly, each girl must decide what matters most: friendship, or love. What both girls don’t know is that the stakes are even higher than either of them could have imagined. They’re not the only ones who have noticed Jack’s gift; his music has awakened an ancient evil—and a world both above and below which may not be mythical at all. The real and the mystical; the romantic and the heartbreaking all begin to swirl together, carrying the two on journey that is both enthralling and terrifying.
And it’s up to the narrator to protect the people she loves—if she can.
Expected publication: July 30th 2013 by St. Martin's Griffin
Earthbound
Tavia, the "Earthbound" heroine, is the sole survivor of a plane crash that killed her parents and left her in the keeping of an aunt and uncle. She's safe, she's happy, she should be able to move on with her life. But... she can't shake the feeling that something's not right- not when she keeps having visions of a beautiful, alluring stranger who wants her to leave her family and flee to Maine, and not when it starts to look like the accident that orphaned her was part of a plot to end her life.
Soon, she's on the run with no one to trust...except the childhood friend she's sworn to love forever, and whose heart she'd have to break to learn the truth about who she is.
Expected publication: July 30th 2013 by Razorbill
After Eden (After Eden #1)
Eden Anfield loves puzzles, so when mysterious new boy Ryan Westland shows up at her school she's hooked. On the face of it, he's a typical American teenager. So why doesn't he recognise pizza? And how come he hasn't heard of Hitler? What puzzles Eden the most, however, is the interest he's taking in her.
As Eden starts to fall in love with Ryan, she begins to unravel his secret. Her breakthrough comes one rainy afternoon when she stumbles across a book in Ryan's bedroom - a biography of her best friend - written over fifty years in the future. Confronting Ryan, she discovers that he is there with one unbelievably important purpose ... and she might just have destroyed his only chance of success.
As Eden starts to fall in love with Ryan, she begins to unravel his secret. Her breakthrough comes one rainy afternoon when she stumbles across a book in Ryan's bedroom - a biography of her best friend - written over fifty years in the future. Confronting Ryan, she discovers that he is there with one unbelievably important purpose ... and she might just have destroyed his only chance of success.
Expected publication: July 4th 2013 by Bloomsbury Childrens Books
Some Quiet Place
I can’t weep. I can’t fear. I’ve grown talented at pretending.
Elizabeth Caldwell doesn’t feel emotions . . . she sees them. Longing, Shame, and Courage materialize around her classmates. Fury and Resentment appear in her dysfunctional home. They’ve all given up on Elizabeth because she doesn’t succumb to their touch. All, that is, save one—Fear. He’s intrigued by her, as desperate to understand the accident that changed Elizabeth’s life as she is herself.
Elizabeth and Fear both sense that the key to her past is hidden in the dream paintings she hides in the family barn. But a shadowy menace has begun to stalk her, and try as she might, Elizabeth can barely avoid the brutality of her life long enough to uncover the truth about herself. When it matters most, will she be able to rely on Fear to save her?
Elizabeth Caldwell doesn’t feel emotions . . . she sees them. Longing, Shame, and Courage materialize around her classmates. Fury and Resentment appear in her dysfunctional home. They’ve all given up on Elizabeth because she doesn’t succumb to their touch. All, that is, save one—Fear. He’s intrigued by her, as desperate to understand the accident that changed Elizabeth’s life as she is herself.
Elizabeth and Fear both sense that the key to her past is hidden in the dream paintings she hides in the family barn. But a shadowy menace has begun to stalk her, and try as she might, Elizabeth can barely avoid the brutality of her life long enough to uncover the truth about herself. When it matters most, will she be able to rely on Fear to save her?
Expected publication: July 8th 2013 by Flux
Paradox
Fans of James Dashner's Maze Runner series will love this postapocalyptic adventure about a girl who must survive an alien planet in order to save the Earth.Ana only knows her name because of the tag she finds pinned to her jumpsuit. Waking in the featureless compartment of a rocket ship, she opens the hatch to discover that she has landed on a barren alien world. Instructions in her pocket tell her to observe and to survive, no doubt with help from the wicked-looking knives she carries on her belt. But to what purpose?
Meeting up with three other teens--one boy seems strangely familiar--Ana treks across the inhospitable landscape, occasionally encountering odd twists of light that carry glimpses of people back on Earth. They're working on some sort of problem, and the situation is critical. What is the connection between Ana's mission on this planet and the crisis back on Earth, and how is she supposed to figure out the answer when she can't remember anything?
Expected publication: June 25th 2013 by Random House Books for Young Readers
Monday, 31 December 2012
The Arcadia Falls Chronicles Book 1 Is Now Available
The Arcadia Falls Chronicles
Book 1
Love & War
A war is brewing between the hunters and the vampires and Chloe is determined to strike against the vampires before they have a chance to attack the hunter community.
While Chloe tries to convince the hunter community, and most especially tries to convince Drew, that they should move against the vampires first instead of waiting for an attack, the group of new friends—Oscar, Alice, Drew, Chloe and Christina—are distracted by news reports of a vigilante who is saving innocent humans against what can only be vampire attacks. Fearing this vigilante will cause unwanted attention that will expose the vampire-hunter community with each person he rescues, the group attempts to discover who this mysterious potential vampire hunter is.
When they catch up with him, the group learns a sho
cking revelation that might just change everything for everyone in Arcadia Falls, but will have the most profound impact on Chloe herself.
The Arcadia Falls Chronicles is the continuation of The Vampire Hunter’s Daughter. Following the format of The Vampire Hunter’s Daughter, The Arcadia Falls Chronicles is serialized into several novella-length stories.
It’s Here! The day we have all been waiting for, the release of Book 1 in The Arcadia Falls Chronicles!
Here are the links where you can get it, for now. As you know it can take some time for it to show up in other places. Please spread the word so everyone knows that once again, It’s Vampire Hunting Season!
Amazon / Smashwords / B&N
Sunday, 30 December 2012
(ARC) Book Review (197): The Mad Scientist's Daughter - Cassandra Rose Clarke
The Mad Scientist’s Daughter
Publication: 7th February 2013
Publisher: Angry Robot
Pages: 400
Genre: Science-Fiction
Age Appropriate: Young Adult
The Mad Scientist’s Daughter is the heartbreaking story of the journey from childhood to adulthood, with an intriguing science fictional twist.
There’s never been anyone - or anything - quite like Finn.
He looks, and acts human, though he has no desire to be. He was programmed to assist his owners, and performs his duties to perfection. A billion-dollar construct, his primary task is to tutor Cat.
When the government grants rights to the ever-increasing robot population, however, Finn struggles to find his place in the world.
There’s never been anyone - or anything - quite like Finn.
He looks, and acts human, though he has no desire to be. He was programmed to assist his owners, and performs his duties to perfection. A billion-dollar construct, his primary task is to tutor Cat.
When the government grants rights to the ever-increasing robot population, however, Finn struggles to find his place in the world.
My Thoughts...
As much as I enjoyed this book, I also found it to be a little bit disturbing, as in the relationship between Kat and Finn.
Don't get me wrong, it is an interesting concept but when it came to the physical side of their relationship I was turned off a bit, although in saying that I did end up in tears quite a few times throughout their time together.
I did really like Finn's character in the book, he was humanised so much that sometimes I did forget that he was an android.
Kat however I had a love/hate relationship with, her indecisiveness and her dependency on Finn, so much so that when he wasn't around it was like she just shut down.
And I wonder how much of that had to do with what I interpreted as the indiference her parents (her Mum especially) showed her, so that she had no one but Finn to associate with and to become emotionally attached to.
At the age of five Kat's Father (who is a scientist, hence the title) bring's home an android named Finn to become Kat's tutor, after initially being wary around him at first, Kat and Finn become very close much to the concern of her parents.
This story told in three parts begins when Kat is a child and works it's way through her teenage and adult years, taking us on a journey of their relationship, through marriage and death, this book does leave a lasting impression that will have you thinking about it long after you turn the final page.
For those of you who like a bit of romance with their Science-Fiction then definitely pick this book up.
I give this 4/5.
Saturday, 29 December 2012
Blog Tour: Pulse (Pulse #1) - Kailin Gow, Book Review (196).
Pulse (Pulse #1)
by Kailin Gow
Publication: 7th June 2011
Publisher: Edge Books
Pages: 220
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Age Appropriate: Young Adult
PULSE, was the Award-Winning Finalist in two categories - "Fiction: Romance" and "Fiction: Multicultural" of the
2011 International Book Awards, where Pulse's author Kailin Gow won first place overall in Fiction Horror, joining winners from St. Martin's Press, Simon & Shuster, Zondervan, and Random House.
She joins other winners such as Bishop Desmond Tutu and Rick Warren in the 2011 International Book Awards.
17 year-old Kalina didn t know her boyfriend was a vampire until the night he died of a freak accident. She didn t know he came from a long line of vampires until the night she was visited by his half-brothers Jaegar and Stuart Greystone. There were a lot of secrets her boyfriend didn t tell her. Now she must discover them in order to keep alive. But having two half-brothers vampires around had just gotten interesting.
2011 International Book Awards, where Pulse's author Kailin Gow won first place overall in Fiction Horror, joining winners from St. Martin's Press, Simon & Shuster, Zondervan, and Random House.
She joins other winners such as Bishop Desmond Tutu and Rick Warren in the 2011 International Book Awards.
17 year-old Kalina didn t know her boyfriend was a vampire until the night he died of a freak accident. She didn t know he came from a long line of vampires until the night she was visited by his half-brothers Jaegar and Stuart Greystone. There were a lot of secrets her boyfriend didn t tell her. Now she must discover them in order to keep alive. But having two half-brothers vampires around had just gotten interesting.
My Thoughts...
I know that I seem to say the same thing everytime that I review a Kailin book but man can she write, no matter whatever she writes I can never seem to put the book down whenever I pick one up.
So this time we have a book about vampires (I love the title), and Kalina a 17 year old girl who's ex-boyfriend Aaron was recently killed, his two brothers Stuart and Jaegar come to town and it's not to long before Kalina ends up in a relationship with Stuart, while also being attracted to Jaegar who is the bad boy of the two.
Being vampires and also being centuries old they're bound to end up with an enemy or two and he comes in the form of Octavius , he is here to capture Kalina who is found to have special blood that will break a vampire's curse, and so it's up to the two brothers to make sure that she's safe and doesn't fall into Octavius' hands.
And as with all of Kailin's books this one has a killer ending, which as per usual means I need to get my hands on the next book pronto
This has become another one of my favourite Kailin series and I highly recommend it.
I give this 5/5.
LINKS TO BUY
Kailin Gow
Kailin Gow has appeared on top national syndicated talk shows such as ABC Radio, Barbara Dooley show, Chat with Women on KKNW Seattle, Broadminded on Sirius Radio XM, and more as a leading authority on YA and women's issues including self-esteem, body image, dating and sexual relationships, abuse, and bullying. Kailin has been a published author for over 10 years with over 100 titles published under her name and under pen names.
She is the founder of the community social site, The Saving You Saving Me Project,http://www.savingyousavingme.com which helps teens, young adults, and women deal with social issues like sexual abuse, self-esteem, body image, bullying, cutting, relationships, and more in a positive community environment. The Saving You Saving Me Project is an extention of her YA-mature fiction Saving You Saving Me.
Kailin Gow began writing books for tween girls to help them with self-confidence and self-esteem. Her book, Gifted Girls Activities Guide to 365 Days of the Week, became a reference book used in girls organizations across the U.S. As her tween fans grew to become teens and young adults, Kailin began writing engaging and entertaining young adult book series for them. The results are book series like the Frost Series, PULSE Series, Wicked Woods Series, Stoker Sisters, Phantom Diaries, The Fire Wars, FADE, DESIRE, and more.
All her books are inspired by personal experiences. Saving You Saving Me was inspired by her experience as a peer counselor for young women during college and from her psychology major college roommate's experience being in a relationship similar to the one portrayed by Sam and Collins in the book. Loving Summer was inspired by Kailin's experience growing up with a family consisting of a mother, two sons, and a daughter who went through a similar experience of tragedy in the book. Aunt Sookie is based on herself and some actor friends she knows. The Frost Series, Circus of Curiosities Series, and FADE Series came about through vivid dreams. Never Say Never was inspired by Kailin's experience as a radio host and working with and interviewing bands, as well as having college friends who were in bands. Kailin also played the drums and keyboard for a band she once started. A classically-trained musician, she was once led her school orchestra, playing first chair violin. Her experience in the music world and her love of Phantom of the Opera, inspired the Phantom Diaries. PULSE was inspired when Kailin was in the hospital suffering from heavy blood loss post surgery and needed several bags of blood to survive (like a vampire). Beautiful Beings was inspired by her college encounter with a young demon exorcist. A pastor once told her she had the gift of sight and that she was destined to become a prolific author, many times over.
She began taking her writing seriously when her daughter was diagnosed as being on the spectrum and her mother was fighting three types of cancer. Four years later, her daughter was no longer on the spectrum, and her mother became cancer free. Kailin believes in hope and miracles, after having been through several struggles and experiences herself. This is why she writes.
When not busy inhaling chocolate and drinking coffee by the gallon, Kailin makes time for writing fantasy books, blogging as an expert blogger for Fast Company, volunteering as an Emergency Responder and volunteering for battered women's shelters. For fun, she plays the electric violin, and puts together a music playlist for her radio and web shows.
Her Frost Series consisting of the Bitter Frost Series, The Wolf Fey Series, and the Fairy Rose Chronicles along with her other book series are being developed into worldwide MMORPG Games by SEE GLOBAL ENTERTAINMENT, which is the world's leading game developer known for developing the top blockbuster films into games.
Contact Links
Book Review (195): The Bridegroom Wore Plaid (MacGregor Trilogy #1) - Grace Burrowes
The Bridegroom Wore Plaid (MacGregor Trilogy #1)
Publication: 1st December 2012
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Pages: 375
Genre: Historical Romance
Age Appropriate: Adult
His Family or His Heart -- One of Them Will Be Betrayed...
Ian MacGregor is wooing a woman who's wrong for him in every way. As the new Earl of Balfour, though, he must marry an English heiress to repair the family fortunes.
But in his intended's penniless chaperone, Augusta, Ian is finding everything he's ever wanted in a wife.
Ian MacGregor is wooing a woman who's wrong for him in every way. As the new Earl of Balfour, though, he must marry an English heiress to repair the family fortunes.
But in his intended's penniless chaperone, Augusta, Ian is finding everything he's ever wanted in a wife.
My Thoughts...
I am a huge fan of historical romance books add in a family of sexy, virile scottish guys and you have the makings of a fantastic novel which is what this book turned out to be.
The new Earl of Balfour Ian MacGregor has arranged to get married, in need of money to help upkeep his home and support his family he has agreed to marry Genie, who's father is only interested in his daughter gaining a title, not her happiness.
Genie's cousin and chaperone Augusta, whom at her age is considered a spinster catches Ian's eye, and he hers but they both know that for different reasons they cannot be together.
We also see romances developing between Ian's two brother's Gil and Con and a couple of the guests, I kind of guessed who the final couples were going to be at the start of the book but it was a funny and entertaining ride getting there.
We also have the Baron (Genie's father) commiting some dastardly deeds to make sure that Augusta is out of the picture for good, as well as the offences he commited after the death of her parents wich may or may not see the light of day.
I really liked the way that this book was written so that every character had their own pov's throughout, it added a bit extra to the story being able to understand where everybody was coming from.
I look forward to continuing on with series with the next book featuring Hector (Genie's younger sister), a fantastic addition to the historical romance genre.
I give this 5/5.
Friday, 28 December 2012
Top 10 Books I'm Looking Forward To In 2013.
This event is hosted by Jessica from Confessions of a Bookaholic, Rachel from Fiktshun, Jaime from Two Chicks on Books and Mindy from Magical Urban Fantasy Reads.
Today's List Is...
The Top 10 Books I'm Looking Forward To In 2013.
(In No Particular Order).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)