My Book Rating System

My book rating system is based on 5 stars. The book must be rated at least 3 stars for a review.

3 Stars: Good story, good plot, good writing.

4 Stars: I was wowed, but something about the story fell short of perfection.

5 Stars: I was either drooling, on the edge of my seat, or falling in love.

If you would like me to review your book, please contact me at 00ibitz@charter.net.
Showing posts with label Giveaways. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Giveaways. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Book Review and Giveaway: Seeking the Storyteller, by Jessica Walsh and Briana Lawrence

Seeking the Storyteller
By Jessica Walsh and Briana Lawrence
Initial Thoughts: Neat world-building
My Rating: 3 1/2 stars

Summary:
I know of the Storyteller, it whispers into the man’s ear, I’ve met him. If you promise not to kill me, I’ll take you to him.

Alix Andre DeBenit and Randall Fagan are Hunters, part of a hidden network of humans who track and kill the monsters lurking in our world so everyone else can pretend they don’t exist. But when a living shadow mentions someone called the Storyteller, Alix hesitantly decides to learn more.


They say the Storyteller lives in a massive library full of books that tell every being’s life story. He can read
these books, rewrite them and change anything he wants, even if
it’s already happened. That’s the power Alix wants, the power to bring his murdered family back and he’s determined to make the Storyteller do it.

He just has to decide if working with the very creatures he’s supposed to kill is worth it.

My Thoughts:
This book has great premise, with some very nice world-building. I have to admit, I did struggle with the omniscient point of view in the beginning. Once I got used to it, I was fine. Alix's motivation is clear and he doesn't stray from that. He's a very consistent character, and one that you're not sure if you like or hate, or maybe just want to slap up side the head and yell, "get over it, man!".

Even though Fagan was hard-ass and gruff, you got to know him enough to know there's a heart in there. Of the major sub-characters, Dox is the most memorable. I constantly kept trying to picture him, and wasn't sure whether I'd be jeebed or not if I met him. I probably would! I really liked Haven. Probably one of my favorite characters.

And speaking of characters. Yes, there's one doozy of a surprise. And I like my surprises. :)

The demons were different, and I liked reading about the various...what do you call them? Breeds? I dunno. I liked the dragon-folks quite a bit. They seemed the most mature and steady. The fox people made me feel kinda awkward with all that touchy-feely stuff going on, but they were nicely drawn. Anything that gets a reaction from me is good, in my opinion. 

The plot, at least when it came to Mira, a fox-girl, and Alix, moved forward. There were a lot of characters introduced that I'm not quite sure what they brought to the story. Some seemed to have a story to tell, but we didn't hear the end. I also got lost a bit with the names of certain demons, and I think those are the ones that we weren't dealing with but had a lot of history. I had trouble connecting some dots there, though I eventually figured it all out. I think. :)

At times, the dialogue strayed, and didn't hit the mark. For example, there was a lot of stuttering when people were nervous...especially at the end. For me that detracts. I'd rather see that nervousness portrayed through actions or description. Most times it was good, but it strayed enough for me to take note of it.

All in all, I found myself gripped in the story as it progressed, and looked forward to those moments where I could pick it up and read. When that happens, you know you have a gem in the making.

Giveaway Time!

Now for the Giveaway deets!
2 lucky winners will receive an ebook copy of Seeking the Storyteller. Easy entries for your chance to win. 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, June 2, 2013

Give Away! The Kindrily Series, by Karen Amanda Hooper

Here's a chance at a give away of the The Kindrily Series, by Karen Amanda Hooper.

Win an eBook copy of Grasping at Eternity (Kindrily #1) and an eBook copy of Taking Back Forever (Kindrily #2) written by Karen Amanda Hooper.

*This is an international Giveaway*

Just go here to enter:

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Book Giveaway of What Kills Me

Author Wynne Channing is giving away 3 e-copies of her book, What Kills Me.

Check out her interview, and enter to win! The book looks awesome...and love the cover.

http://reading24x7.blogspot.com/2012/07/interview-with-wynne-channing-and.html?showComment=1343253004969#c5687940480354306396

About the book: An ancient prophecy warns of a girl destined to cause the extinction of the vampire race. So when 17-year-old Axelia falls into a sacred well filled with blood and emerges a vampire, the immortal empire believes she is this legendary destroyer. Hunted by soldiers and mercenaries, Axelia and her reluctant ally, the vampire bladesmith Lucas, must battle to survive. How will she convince the empire that she is just an innocent teenager-turned bloodsucker and not a creature of destruction? And if she cannot, can a vampire who is afraid of bugs summon the courage to fight a nation of immortals?

Saturday, July 7, 2012

Give-away!

Hop on over to Mesa's blog...she is hosting a 500 follower give-away, and she has some terrific books up for grabs. Ends July 30th, so there's still time...but don't be late!

http://thesagacityquest.blogspot.com/2012/07/500-followers-giveaway.html

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Giveaway! Angel Evolution, by David Estes

Angel Evolution (The Evolution Trilogy, #1)

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

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!

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Giveaway!!!!

Wait better way to start a day. Random, surprise, totally cool giveaway for FREE stuff. Yup, I said it. Free, as in no beanos, no cabbage, no greenies, no nothing. Can't win if you don't play...so hop on over to Carol's blog and check it out.

Reading Under the Moonlight: Surprise giveaway with a surprise prize!: H ey every one so as the title says I'm having a surprise giveaway with a surprise prize. The reason for the giveaway is mostly because, 1....

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Book Giveaway - YA

Hey Babies! More giveaways of some very awesome books. I know I entered! So hop on over to Laine's blog and enter!

http://ficbookreviews.blogspot.com/

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Giveaway YA Paranormal

Check out Amanda's blog, Stuck in YA Books: 400 follower giveaway! 3 books are up for grabs, so hop on over to Amanda's blog and enter!

http://lovesbooksreviews.blogspot.com/2011/09/400-follower-giveaway.html

Friday, September 9, 2011

Fire in the Blood Giveaway

This is the last day to enter the giveaway for Fire in the Blood, on Goodreads.com.

Hurry!

Monday, July 11, 2011

Author Giveaway: Shawn Kristen Maravel

Some terrific news today, my pretties! If you're a fan of Shawn Kristen Maravel, it could be your lucky day. Through Haley's blog, YA-Aholic, you can enter to win one of Shawn's novels: Violition or Severance.

This is a totally cool deal but, of course, as with all giveaways there are a few rules.

So do a little blog hopping today and check out Shawn's blog:
http://shawn-kirsten-maravel.blogspot.com/

Then head on over to YA-Aholic for the deets.
http://shawn-kirsten-maravel.blogspot.com/

Good luck!

Monday, July 4, 2011

The Great Indie Give Away

Yikes. I've been naughty about not keeping my blog up to date with this great give away! And here we are already on day #20. Shame on me. However, if you check out the link, you will be able to check out the authors and their books included in the giveaway every day so far. Check it out and enter to win! It's easy, and it's free, and who can say no to free stuff?

http://coffeemugged.net/2011/07/04/great-indie-summer-read-giveaway-%e2%80%93-day-20/

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Book Giveaway!

Check out the Indie Book Giveaway! Over a hundred books will be given away...including one of mine (wink wink)

http://coffeemugged.net/the-great-indie-summer-read-giveaway/