Wednesday, May 30, 2012
New Book Cover Revealed
The votes are in, and it was close between two covers, but this is the cover that received the majority. Thanks to everyone for helping me choose my cover!
Giveaway! Angel Evolution, by David Estes
Hop on over to my friend Martha's blog for a chance to win Angel Evolution, by David Estes. I know I did! The book looks very good, and I can't wait for a chance to read it.
http://caedmoneries.wordpress.com/2012/05/20/sunday-fun-day/#comment-126
Monday, May 28, 2012
Book Review: The Vigilantes, by Lena Hillbrand
The Vigilantes
Lena Hillbrand
The Vigilantes is a riveting sequel to The Superiors. Draven is on a quest to obtain his human girl, Cali, who was bought by his old friend and mentor. On the way, he gets distracted by a group of humans--vigilantes--who want nothing to do with the ruling race of blood suckers. They claim to want to live in peace, but what transpires is a grisly look at human nature.
I loved the new characters and new plot lines that evolved from this book. The story follows several characters in what appears to be separate story lines. The author does a marvelous job of twisting the braid and bringing these stories together into a climatic end.
The beginning of the book was a little flat for me, mostly due in part to following Draven on his travels. Draven himself is not a riveting, charismatic type of character, so following him on his trip was a tad ho hum. HOWEVER, there's something appealing about his character, something there that grows on you and draws you in and gets you turning pages to see what happens to him next.
You'd expect to be rooting for the humans, but this story shows that just because you are human, doesn't mean that you have humanity. It begs the age-old question: Do you need brutality to obtain freedom?
The book ends much as it started: dire circumstances for the characters that we've grown to love and admire along the way. I give this one two thumbs up.
Lena Hillbrand
The Vigilantes is a riveting sequel to The Superiors. Draven is on a quest to obtain his human girl, Cali, who was bought by his old friend and mentor. On the way, he gets distracted by a group of humans--vigilantes--who want nothing to do with the ruling race of blood suckers. They claim to want to live in peace, but what transpires is a grisly look at human nature.
I loved the new characters and new plot lines that evolved from this book. The story follows several characters in what appears to be separate story lines. The author does a marvelous job of twisting the braid and bringing these stories together into a climatic end.
The beginning of the book was a little flat for me, mostly due in part to following Draven on his travels. Draven himself is not a riveting, charismatic type of character, so following him on his trip was a tad ho hum. HOWEVER, there's something appealing about his character, something there that grows on you and draws you in and gets you turning pages to see what happens to him next.
You'd expect to be rooting for the humans, but this story shows that just because you are human, doesn't mean that you have humanity. It begs the age-old question: Do you need brutality to obtain freedom?
The book ends much as it started: dire circumstances for the characters that we've grown to love and admire along the way. I give this one two thumbs up.
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Help Me Choose a Cover!
Hey peeps.
I am putting a new edition of Fire in the Blood, and this includes a new cover. I'd love to hear from people on which covers they like best. Just pick a number, any number, and let me know!
Thanks!
I am putting a new edition of Fire in the Blood, and this includes a new cover. I'd love to hear from people on which covers they like best. Just pick a number, any number, and let me know!
Number One:
Number Two:
Number Three:
Number Four:
Number Five:
Number Six:
Thanks!
Monday, May 21, 2012
Book Review: I Am Number Four, by Pittacus Lore
I Am Number Four
Pittacus Lore
The planet Lorien has been utterly and completely destroyed by the Mogadorians. 9 children who are part of the Garde, the beings with supernatural powers to help protect their planet, escape to Earth with their protectors. The Mogadorians track them, and start killing them, one by one, in order of their number. The first three are dead...and 15 year-old John Smith is number four.
I will say that I saw the movie before I read the book. I wasn't impressed by the movie. I was totally impressed with the book. I am so glad I read the book, because the movie did it no justice at all. At all. None. The movie is so far removed from the essence of the book I wonder why they even share the same title.
The characters are charismatic, life-like, and completely like-able. The relationship between John and his protector, Henri, is beautiful to watch. The relationship between John and his new friends is so believable, you can feel how John is torn when decisions that are hard to make must be made. The relationship between John and his dog, Bernie Kosar, is heart-breaking. I can't find fault in any character development here.
The plot is tightly controlled. It's a thrilling ride from an almost serene first days of school in a new town, building up to a little bullying and jealousy and male rivalry over a girl, and then zooms through the suspense of finding the enemy before they find you, and then climaxing to a full-on alien battle.
I enjoyed this book thoroughly. One of the best books I've read all year.
Pittacus Lore
The planet Lorien has been utterly and completely destroyed by the Mogadorians. 9 children who are part of the Garde, the beings with supernatural powers to help protect their planet, escape to Earth with their protectors. The Mogadorians track them, and start killing them, one by one, in order of their number. The first three are dead...and 15 year-old John Smith is number four.
I will say that I saw the movie before I read the book. I wasn't impressed by the movie. I was totally impressed with the book. I am so glad I read the book, because the movie did it no justice at all. At all. None. The movie is so far removed from the essence of the book I wonder why they even share the same title.
The characters are charismatic, life-like, and completely like-able. The relationship between John and his protector, Henri, is beautiful to watch. The relationship between John and his new friends is so believable, you can feel how John is torn when decisions that are hard to make must be made. The relationship between John and his dog, Bernie Kosar, is heart-breaking. I can't find fault in any character development here.
The plot is tightly controlled. It's a thrilling ride from an almost serene first days of school in a new town, building up to a little bullying and jealousy and male rivalry over a girl, and then zooms through the suspense of finding the enemy before they find you, and then climaxing to a full-on alien battle.
I enjoyed this book thoroughly. One of the best books I've read all year.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Friday Funnies: A day late
How many science fiction writers does it
take to change a light bulb?
Two, but it's actually the same person doing it. He went back in time and met himself in the doorway and then the first one sat on the other one's shoulder so that they were able to reach it. Then a major time paradox occurred and the entire room, light bulb, changer and all was blown out of existence. They co-existed in a parallel universe, though.
How many publishers does it take to screw in a light bulb?
Three. One to screw it in. Two to hold down the author.
How many mystery writers does it take to screw in a light bulb?
Two. One to screw it almost all the way in, and the other to give it a surprising twist at the end.
How many screenwriters does it take to screw in a light bulb?
Why does it *have* to be changed?
How many cover blurb writers does it take to screw in a light bulb?
A VAST AND TEEMING HORDE STRETCHING FROM SEA TO SHINING SEA!!!!
Two, but it's actually the same person doing it. He went back in time and met himself in the doorway and then the first one sat on the other one's shoulder so that they were able to reach it. Then a major time paradox occurred and the entire room, light bulb, changer and all was blown out of existence. They co-existed in a parallel universe, though.
How many publishers does it take to screw in a light bulb?
Three. One to screw it in. Two to hold down the author.
How many mystery writers does it take to screw in a light bulb?
Two. One to screw it almost all the way in, and the other to give it a surprising twist at the end.
How many screenwriters does it take to screw in a light bulb?
Why does it *have* to be changed?
How many cover blurb writers does it take to screw in a light bulb?
A VAST AND TEEMING HORDE STRETCHING FROM SEA TO SHINING SEA!!!!
Monday, May 14, 2012
Book Review: The Darkest Night (Lords of the Underworld #1), by Gena Showalter
The Darkest Night
(Lords of the Underworld #1)
Gena Showalter
Maddox is one of the Lords of the Underworld. The Lords, at one time, were the guards of the gods, until the Lords betrayed the gods. The gods punished the lords by forcing each one to host a demon. Maddox's demon is Violence. Ashlyn is a woman who is besieged by voices; past and present, any language. She hears them all, and she wants the voices to stop. Thinking they are angels, she goes to the Lords, hoping they will be able to help her stop the voices.
This book is ultra steamy, so not for the YA audience.
This book is so well written, it grabs you like a pit bull and doesn't let go. Dinner? I'd rather starve. Dirty house? Deal with it. Work? Take a day off. Once I started this book, I couldn't put it down.
Besides Maddox and Ashlyn, there is a whole ensemble cast. Each character has purpose, has a distinct voice, and is absolutely endearing in their own messed-up way. They are portrayed with such exquisite torture, that you can't help but root for them to find a way to ease their suffering despite the things they're *forced* to do. The friendship of the Lords, regardless of their varying demons that often times puts them at odds with one another, is enduring and everlasting. When they're not wanting to kill each other, they would die for each other.
The writing is strong, suspenseful, and wickedly sexy. The occasional varying points of view only makes the connection with the characters deeper.
If I had one niggly complaint, it's the characters talking during sex. Some of the lines ended up sounding a tad corny to me. But that's a small price to pay for a top-notch read.
A resounding, "Yes, yes, yes!" from me.
(Lords of the Underworld #1)
Gena Showalter
Maddox is one of the Lords of the Underworld. The Lords, at one time, were the guards of the gods, until the Lords betrayed the gods. The gods punished the lords by forcing each one to host a demon. Maddox's demon is Violence. Ashlyn is a woman who is besieged by voices; past and present, any language. She hears them all, and she wants the voices to stop. Thinking they are angels, she goes to the Lords, hoping they will be able to help her stop the voices.
This book is ultra steamy, so not for the YA audience.
This book is so well written, it grabs you like a pit bull and doesn't let go. Dinner? I'd rather starve. Dirty house? Deal with it. Work? Take a day off. Once I started this book, I couldn't put it down.
Besides Maddox and Ashlyn, there is a whole ensemble cast. Each character has purpose, has a distinct voice, and is absolutely endearing in their own messed-up way. They are portrayed with such exquisite torture, that you can't help but root for them to find a way to ease their suffering despite the things they're *forced* to do. The friendship of the Lords, regardless of their varying demons that often times puts them at odds with one another, is enduring and everlasting. When they're not wanting to kill each other, they would die for each other.
The writing is strong, suspenseful, and wickedly sexy. The occasional varying points of view only makes the connection with the characters deeper.
If I had one niggly complaint, it's the characters talking during sex. Some of the lines ended up sounding a tad corny to me. But that's a small price to pay for a top-notch read.
A resounding, "Yes, yes, yes!" from me.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Book Review: Pimp ur Blog; Episode One, Boost Search Results with Social Bookmarking, by Paul Rice and Messie Jessie
Pimp ur Blog
Episode One; Boost Search Results with Social Bookmarking
Paul Rice and Messie Jessie
This is a neat little book on boosting search results for your blog; it's a quick (though I'm not going to say easy) book that can be read in an hour.
If you're a blogger, and you want to boost your search results, this book might prove pretty helpful. Look, next to your 85 year-old grandpa, I'm probably the most tech un-savvy person you'll ever meet. I read the book and *mostly* understood it, so that's saying something. I'm more of a visual learner. I can't hear, or in this case read, something and instantly get it.
So my gut instinct is to test the theory.
I haven't tried all of the tips in the book yet, so I can't attest as to whether they work. But the logic seems to be there, and the authors have tried and tested the tips with favorable results.
So, go forth, my pretties, and buy the book and boost your blog!
Episode One; Boost Search Results with Social Bookmarking
Paul Rice and Messie Jessie
This is a neat little book on boosting search results for your blog; it's a quick (though I'm not going to say easy) book that can be read in an hour.
If you're a blogger, and you want to boost your search results, this book might prove pretty helpful. Look, next to your 85 year-old grandpa, I'm probably the most tech un-savvy person you'll ever meet. I read the book and *mostly* understood it, so that's saying something. I'm more of a visual learner. I can't hear, or in this case read, something and instantly get it.
So my gut instinct is to test the theory.
I haven't tried all of the tips in the book yet, so I can't attest as to whether they work. But the logic seems to be there, and the authors have tried and tested the tips with favorable results.
So, go forth, my pretties, and buy the book and boost your blog!
Monday, May 7, 2012
Book Review: hush, hush, by Becca Fitzpatrick
hush, hush
Becca Fitzpatrick
Nora and Vee have been best friends since birth, but that friendship is stretched when Patch comes to town. Patch is tall, dark and dangerous, and Nora feels inexplicably drawn to him, even when he's stalking her, even when Vee insists that it's Patch trying to kill Nora...even when Nora starts to believe it.
I approached this book with a little trepidation, since I'd read some scathing reviews about the relationship between Nora and Patch. I'm glad to say that I didn't find that I agreed with those accusations...at least in book one.
The characters are alive, especially Vee. You have to love Vee's hyper, on-the-edge personality. Patch is sexy, dangerous, and all bad boy. If you like the bad boys, you will not be disappointed and please, try not to lick the pages of your book. Nora is a go-with-the flow type of character; she doesn't do anything spectacular in this story, or go through any kind of growth. But on a 10 point scale, her loyalty to her friends is a 10. You can't fault that in a character. I can live with that kind of flat main character when you have characters like Patch and Vee who, in my opinion, carry the story.
There is some darn good writing here; the plot is active, suspenseful, and doesn't waste a moment or a word. I was hooked, and will move on with the rest of the series.
Becca Fitzpatrick
Nora and Vee have been best friends since birth, but that friendship is stretched when Patch comes to town. Patch is tall, dark and dangerous, and Nora feels inexplicably drawn to him, even when he's stalking her, even when Vee insists that it's Patch trying to kill Nora...even when Nora starts to believe it.
I approached this book with a little trepidation, since I'd read some scathing reviews about the relationship between Nora and Patch. I'm glad to say that I didn't find that I agreed with those accusations...at least in book one.
The characters are alive, especially Vee. You have to love Vee's hyper, on-the-edge personality. Patch is sexy, dangerous, and all bad boy. If you like the bad boys, you will not be disappointed and please, try not to lick the pages of your book. Nora is a go-with-the flow type of character; she doesn't do anything spectacular in this story, or go through any kind of growth. But on a 10 point scale, her loyalty to her friends is a 10. You can't fault that in a character. I can live with that kind of flat main character when you have characters like Patch and Vee who, in my opinion, carry the story.
There is some darn good writing here; the plot is active, suspenseful, and doesn't waste a moment or a word. I was hooked, and will move on with the rest of the series.
Saturday, May 5, 2012
The Glimpse Giveaway
A cool new dystopian novel is coming out in June, The Glimpse, by Claire Marie.
Read more about the book here:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12367267-the-glimpse
So, to see the giveaway, hop on over to Soumi's blog, ThoughtsandRoses, and enter to win a signed ARC copy of The Glimpse.
Go here: http://thoughtsandroses.blogspot.in/2012/05/international-giveaway-glimpse-by.html
Good luck!
Read more about the book here:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12367267-the-glimpse
So, to see the giveaway, hop on over to Soumi's blog, ThoughtsandRoses, and enter to win a signed ARC copy of The Glimpse.
Go here: http://thoughtsandroses.blogspot.in/2012/05/international-giveaway-glimpse-by.html
Good luck!
Friday, May 4, 2012
Lookin' Good!
Okay, so the funny thing happened to me on the way home from work the other day....
Actually, nothing happened. Literally. What happened is that I am reading this totally rockin' book (I Am Number Four), and as soon as I finished work on Wednesday, I went straight to the book. I forgot to pass Outlook, and I did not pass Dale's Place; I did not collect $200. I did not BLOG! I completely forgot.
Oh well. That was Wednesday. And today is FRIDAY. Yay.
So, I thought I'd tell a funny little story, because I like to do that on Fridays.
The other day, it was a nice sunny day, and I had a little bit of shopping to do. Mostly grocery shopping. No big, can't stand doing it but it's got to be done. When I grocery shop I go to like 3 or 4 stores (depending on my mood) so I can hit all the sales cuz, ya know, I like to save a buck.
Anyhoo....
I put on my prescription sunglasses, because it *is* an awesome day, and these are some pretty sweet shades; dark brown lenses and leopard print, brown frames. Right away I realize something is wrong. I'm having trouble focusing. I've had these sunglasses for years, so it's obvious that my eyes have changed and I need a new prescription. I make a mental note to make an appointment with the eye doctor and go on my merry way. After a while I kind of get used to the blurred scenery and am able to get along just fine.
I bop along, hitting my stores, and I begin to notice that people are looking at me. Now, typically I'm one of those gals that don't garner a second look. I'm kind of old and kind of frumpy, and I kind of blend into the scenery. Seriously, no one's looking at me!
But not today. Today, people are looking. And looking. And I notice a couple of longer, lingering looks. Why? Why are people looking at me? I figure, well, I must be having one hell of an awesome hair day!
I finish my shopping and go home. My husband is outside and I say, "Wow, there's something wrong with this prescription, because I'm really having a hard time focusing."
My husband takes one look at me and bursts out laughing.
He says, "That's because one of your lenses is missing, you dork."
Actually, nothing happened. Literally. What happened is that I am reading this totally rockin' book (I Am Number Four), and as soon as I finished work on Wednesday, I went straight to the book. I forgot to pass Outlook, and I did not pass Dale's Place; I did not collect $200. I did not BLOG! I completely forgot.
Oh well. That was Wednesday. And today is FRIDAY. Yay.
So, I thought I'd tell a funny little story, because I like to do that on Fridays.
The other day, it was a nice sunny day, and I had a little bit of shopping to do. Mostly grocery shopping. No big, can't stand doing it but it's got to be done. When I grocery shop I go to like 3 or 4 stores (depending on my mood) so I can hit all the sales cuz, ya know, I like to save a buck.
Anyhoo....
I put on my prescription sunglasses, because it *is* an awesome day, and these are some pretty sweet shades; dark brown lenses and leopard print, brown frames. Right away I realize something is wrong. I'm having trouble focusing. I've had these sunglasses for years, so it's obvious that my eyes have changed and I need a new prescription. I make a mental note to make an appointment with the eye doctor and go on my merry way. After a while I kind of get used to the blurred scenery and am able to get along just fine.
I bop along, hitting my stores, and I begin to notice that people are looking at me. Now, typically I'm one of those gals that don't garner a second look. I'm kind of old and kind of frumpy, and I kind of blend into the scenery. Seriously, no one's looking at me!
But not today. Today, people are looking. And looking. And I notice a couple of longer, lingering looks. Why? Why are people looking at me? I figure, well, I must be having one hell of an awesome hair day!
I finish my shopping and go home. My husband is outside and I say, "Wow, there's something wrong with this prescription, because I'm really having a hard time focusing."
My husband takes one look at me and bursts out laughing.
He says, "That's because one of your lenses is missing, you dork."
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