Review: Firespell by Chloe Neill

(WARNING-This summary may contain spoilers)
As the new girl at the elite St. Sophia’s boarding school, Lily Parker thinks her classmates are the most monstrous things she’ll have to face...

When Lily’s guardians decided to send her away to a fancy boarding school in Chicago, she was shocked. So was St. Sophia’s. Lily’s ultra-rich brat pack classmates think Lily should be the punchline to every joke, and on top of that, she’s hearing strange noises and seeing bizarre things in the shadows of the creepy building.

The only thing keeping her sane is her roommate, Scout, but even Scout’s a little weird—she keeps disappearing late at night and won’t tell Lily where she’s been. But when a prank leaves Lily trapped in the catacombs beneath the school, Lily finds Scout running from a real monster.
 
Scout’s a member of a splinter group of rebel teens with unique magical talents, who’ve sworn to protect the city against demons, vampires, and Reapers, magic users who’ve been corrupted by their power. And when Lily finds herself in the line of firespell, Scout tells her the truth about her secret life, even though Lily has no powers of her own—at least none that she’s discovered yet…
(Summary from the website of Chloe Neill)

Click here to read Chapter 1 of Firespell, A Novel Of The Dark Elite.

My thoughts...This YA debut novel turned out to be an adventurous dive into the paranormal mind of Chloe Neill.  The main character,  Lily finds herself thrust into a life of private school girls, prep school boys and unusual extracurricular activities.  My favorite character was Scout, the snarky, devoted and kick-butt roommate who immediately befriended Lily.   There is a budding romance, plenty of magic and tons of enemies to keep Lily and her new friend looking over their shoulders.  I enjoyed the setting which took place in Chicago.  Although I have never been there, much less in tunnels below the city, I got a good sense of what the characters were seeing and experiencing.  There were a bunch of unanswered questions that leave the door wide open for more books in the series.  I am very curious where the plot will go next. 

The cons...Between the blurb on the back of the book and the title, the story became predictable.  While I enjoyed the story, I would have enjoyed a bit more mystery in regards to the plot.  Also, while I do understand that these girls are from rich, exclusive families, I became bored with the materialism.  There were several chapters that seemed to be fillers, the action really kicked off towards the end of the story.  I do think it was a good start to the series, which I will continue to read. 

Overall, I enjoyed this book and I would recommend it to readers who enjoy a good paranormal YA title. 

For more information on Chloe Neill and her books, visit her website.

If you liked Firespell, you might also enjoy...
1. Some Girls Bite by, Chloe Neill
2. Glass Houses by, Rachel Caine
3. Marked by, PC and Kristen Cast

WINNER of IMMORTAL

Sorry for the delay, the winner of

the Immortal Anthology is...

Marion G.

Congrats.  Drop me an email at zenfoxflowerATyahooDOTcom, and I will get this in the mail when I get home. 
By the way, there were 91 entrants with a total of 121 entries.  Random.org picked the number, thanks for the great participation!

Happy New Years!

WoW-The Iron King

I don't usually do a Waiting On Wednesday post, but with so many great books coming out in 2010, I thought I'd start. This week the book is the first in the Iron Fey Series. Waiting on Wednesday was started by Jill from Breaking the Spine.

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

February 1, 2010

My name is Meghan Chase.

In less than twenty-four hours I'll be sixteen. Countless stories, songs, and poems have been written about this wonderful age, when a girl finds true love and the stars shine for her and the handsome prince carries her off into the sunset.

I don't think it will be that way for me.

Click here to preorder The Iron King.

For more information about Julie and her debut, visit her website.

Contests Galore!

*I am reading Firespell by Chloe Neill and so far it is great!  It officially comes out January 5th, but my preorder shipped early.  I should have my review ready tomorrow, but in the meantime, go enter her contest to win a Tiffany's Key (read the book to find out what the key is for!)  Go to Chloe's site to find out to enter but hurry, the contest ends December 31st!

*Win a new blog design at Parajunkee's View.  Hurry over to her blog to enter.  If she gets more followers, she may even add a runner-up prize!  The contest ends January 9th.

*Monica at The Bibliophillic Book Blog is giving away your choice of e-reader or (hold on to your hats) a $150 GC to the bookstore of your choice!! YA- WOW.  Don't forget to send her a donation for her friends that are keeping us safe!  Please tell her Ellz Readz sent you we will both get extra entries! The contest ends March 1.

*Frankie Writes is having a major ARC giveaway.  You could win :
1) Wintergirls, Laurie Halse Anderson + The Anatomy of Wings, Karen Foxlee
2) The Summoning, Kelley Armstrong + Prophecy of the Sisters, Michelle Zink
3) Fire, Kristin Cashore + The Stolen One, Suzanne Crowley

This contest ends January 15.  Please tell her Ellz Readz sent you and we each get extra entries!

*MEGA BOX contest at the Bookologist.  She is giving away some AMAZING books.  Visit her blog to enter, the contest ends January 31st!  good luck.

Contest ending...

Greetings from the snow belt.  I asked for it and we received about 4 inches overnight and there is more to come!  I have limited computer time, but I wanted to remind you that time is always up to enter the 12 Blogs of Christmas Giveaways.  Be sure to enter all of them, there are some great prizes up for grabs!

Check the right sidebar for all of the links!

Melting Pot Monday (8)

The Marvelous World by Troy Cle

The Marvelous Effect (Book 1)
Age recommendation: 9-12 (and up)
He loves listening to hip-hop, racing radio-controlled cars, and hanging out with his best friend, Brandon. Then a mysterious letter invites him to visit the local junkyard. There he finds a secret, underground amusement park like no other in existence. This is the best day of Louis's life. The park even has the most amazing race course for radio-controlled cars. Louis starts racing right away. It's a close contest; he's about to activate his nitro boost to take the lead, when...

This is the worst day of Louis's life. Without warning or reason, thirteen-year-old Louis Proof falls into a coma due to a virus of a mysterious, celestial origin. When he awakens three months later, the world that he once knew and loved is totally out of control. He will learn that his illness is connected to everything that is wrong, and that it's not only his responsibility but his destiny to set things right.

This story is a megadramatic, remarkably true, super action fantasy. Get ready!

Olivion's Favorites (Book Two)
Age recommendation: 9-12 (and up)
When Louis Proof collapsed in pain in front of his uncle's store, he thought he was going to die. Instead he awoke in Midlandia, a place of the impossible.

Almost as soon as he arrives, three eNoli -- people who look human but are otherworldly -- try to kill him. In fact, it seems as if everyone in Midlandia is trying to kill Louis and the other two human teens, Cyndi Victoria Chase and Devon Alexander. The three are Favorites. If they survive Midlandia, they will have great powers. That's a big "if," though.

Louis must find Cyndi and Devon, who've been flung to different parts of Midlandia. Only when the three are together will Olivion's Gate appear. Then they will be able to cross the Gate, meet the Olivion, and return home. The three teens must also pay attention to everything on their journey. It is not enough to be a Favorite; they need to learn how to use their newfound abilities. Tremendous challenges await them at home. But as they're about to learn, those challenges are only the beginning. A threat is coming that is greater than anyone -- human or eNoli or iLone -- can imagine....   (Summaries from Amazon.com)

**Check out this trailer for the series.  This book is geared toward young readers and the author aims to send a strong message to the youth.  The trailer reminds me of a video game trailer.  Looks good. 

For more information on Troy Cle and his Marvelous World, visit the official website.

Interview: Molly Harper

Please help me welcome Molly Harper.  Molly is the author of the funny Jane Jameson series. 

1. For any new readers, could you start by telling us about the Jane Jameson series?
MH: The Jane Jameson series starts off with Jane having a really bad day. She's fired and given a restaurant gift certificae instead of a severance. She uses that certificate to drown her sorrows, sobers enough to drive home only to have her car break down. She falls in a ditch, is mistaken for a deer and shot by a drunk hunter. A vampire happens by and turns her to save her life.

The books focus on Jane's transition into vampirism, her weird relationship with her boyfriend/sire, Gabriel, finding a new job, and the ever-more-strange group of friends she makes along the way.

2. Book three hits shelves December 29th. What sort of adventures is Jane in store for in Nice Girls Don't Live Forever?
NH: Well, Jane and Gabriel have taken the vacation they planned in NICE GIRLS DON'T DATE DEAD MEN. But Gabriel's behavior gets more erratic and secretive with every passing day. Jane ends up leaving him in a hotel in Brussels, unsure if he's dumped her without actually telling her. She returns home, determined to forget about him and focus on her new bookstore and her friends Zeb and Jolene's expected bundle of wolfy joy. Of course, it's hard to forget Gabriel when she gets repeated, threatening notes telling Jane to stay away from Gabriel. For this nice girl, resolving her relationship issues is becoming a matter of life and undeath.

3. If you could describe your heroine Jane in 5 words, which would you choose?
MH: Little shy, a lot neurotic.

4. How many Nice Girl books are you planning?
MH: I'm contracted for three. But there's always room for more Jane!

5. You have started the Chapter Graveyard on your website where you bid farewell to those excess chapters. Do you find editing and trimming to be the most challenging part of being an author?
MH: Yes, I am bizarrely attached to my secondary characters. For some reason, I give them all the good lines and these neat little sidestories that ultimately do nothing for the main plot. So yes, it's almost painful for me to edit them out of existence. You can count of many characters being interred at the character graveyard. I cut at least one per manuscript.

6. Are you currently working on any other projects you would like to share with us?
MH: I have a non-paranormal romantic comedy, AND ONE LAST THING, coming out in August 2010. It's about a woman who finds out her husband is cheating on her. She responds by sending out a graphic, funny, detailed mass e-mail to their friends, family, and clients, announcing their impending divorce. She retreats to her family's little vacation cabin to lick her wounds and she ends up entangled with her cranky, crime novelist neighbor.

7. What is your favorite way to unwind after a hard day of writing? Any guilty pleasures?
MH: Bad movies. I love bad sci-fi movies. As in, "starring Casper Van Dien" bad. I have terrible taste in movies. I went to see "Carrie 2: The Rage" IN THE THEATER. When I was in college, my friends would use "Does Molly think this movie looks good?" as a litmus test to see if they should spend money on tickets. If I thought a movie sounded interesting, they ran in the opposite direction.

Thank you Molly for visiting and sharing with us.  Congratulations on your3rd Jane book. 

Nice Girls Don't Live Forever comes out December 29th..  Follow the links to order it from Amazon, Barnes & Noble or The Book Depository. 

To learn more about Molly and her books, visit her website or follower her on Twitter.

Got Ink? (6)

I am fascinated with the number of books lately that feature INKED covers. In this weekly post, I am going to feature some of the ones I like best. Can you think of any, seen any inked covers?

Velvet Haven by Sophie Renwick

March 2, 2010

The first in a brand new series about a world of shapeshifters, from the author of Hot in Here.

Hidden from mortals for eternity, Annwyn, the Otherworld, is home to shapeshifters, wraiths and dragons. On the border with the mortal realm stands a nightclub called Velvet Haven. The shapeshifter king of Sidhe, Bran, comes there searching for his brother, Carden, who's ensnared in a centuries-old curse. He looks to Mairi, a mortal woman with an unusual aura, for help. He usually just uses humans for sexual pleasure in order to restore his magic energy, but Mairi's lush curves and teasing caresses inflame him like no Sidhe ever has. He has no idea that the woman he's falling for holds the key to his destruction-or his salvation.

(Summary from Barnes & Noble)

For more information about Sophie Renwick and her books, visit her website.

The Fallen Army

Here is one publicity stunt I am sorry I missed.

Recently,  the Fallen Army took to the streets of London with their very own Fallen Angel to spread the word that

Angels are the new Vampires!

The army targeted shoppers outside Topshop, Oxford Circus then walked down Regent Street to Piccadilly Circus handing out copies of the books – in total the army gave out 150 copies! Each book contained a specially designed Fallen postcard directing people to the fiercebook site. The Fallen Angel braved the freezing temperatures and attracted quite a crowd!

The army then popped into the Heat offices on Shaftesbury Avenue and gave a copy to one of the girls from Heat plus one to the lovely receptionist who let the photographer take lots of snaps in the office. More magazine are also based there so the army personally delivered them a copy too. After leaving a few copies lying about on tables in reception the army left to a chorus of ‘There’s a naked man in reception!!’ from a group of ladies peering round the office doors.

Finally the army walked through the Christmas Market on Piccadilly to the small courtyard behind and took a few final photos of their brooding Fallen Angel.

So what's your take?  Are Angels the new Vampires?

Be sure to check out Lauren Kate's Fiercebook page on Facebook for more teasers.

Review: The Better Part of Darkness by Kelly Gay

Divorced mother of one, Charlie Madigan, lives in a world where the beings of heaven and hell exist among us, and they aren't the things of Sunday school lessons and Hallmark figurines. In the years since the Revelation, they've become our co-workers, neighbors, and fellow citizens.

Charlie works for ITF (Integration Task Force). It's her job to see that the continued integration of our new "friends" goes smoothly and everyone obeys the law, but when a new off-world drug is released in Underground Atlanta, her daughter is targeted, and her ex-husband makes a fateful bargain to win her back, there's nothing in heaven or earth (or hell for that matter) that Charlie won't do to set things right. (Summary from the official website of Kelly Gay)

My thoughts...This debut novel by Kelly Gay takes the reader into to an incredibly complex, fascinating, and scary world where humans are not the only creatures that walk the streets.  But these are not your average beings, I'm not talking about Vampires and Werewolves, I am speaking of beings from other worlds that have come to our world to live.  The incredibly strong heroine Charlie deals with being a single mom, a paranormal police officer and a set of personal problems that would make anyone think they were crazy.  She has a supernatural partner, a Siren, who is sure to steal your heart.  The two try to prevent a foreign drug from harming the population of the city of Atlanta. 


The storyline of The Better Part of Darkness moved along at a steady pace.  Although the pages are filled with elaborate details of their world, I was not overwhelmed but fully immersed.  I could imagine the city and the emotions experienced by the characters.  Like any good mystery, there were clues to help the reader piece together the crime and determine the culprit.  There were some grey areas when trying to determine who was good and who was evil.  While the current plot wrapped up nicely, Charlie is left with quite a few loose ends for the next book, The Darkest Edge of Dawn. 

For more infomation about Kelly Gay and her book, please visit her website or her blog.

If you enjoyed this book, you may also like...
1. Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison
2. Three Days To Dead by Kelly Medling
3. Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews

Wishing You...

Happy Holidays from Ellz Readz!

Kidz Korner (6)

This is a special post to help you share a special book with the little ones in your life. Some of these books would make great holiday gifts! They will be reviewed by myself and my two sweeties (5 and 2). Children's books can be expensive, so we will give you some ideas of books that are worth your money.

One Snowy Night by M. Christina Butler
Age Range: 8-12

Jewel-like colors, animals with unmistakable character, and a flocked woolly hat on every page enhance this tender story about a little hedgehog who is caught unprepared by a chilly winter wind.

My thoughts...First this book is ranged 8-12.  While the words may be a bit difficult for emerging readers, several of the pictures are textured so it would appeal to younger readers as well.  This fuzzy red hat is passed on from furry friend to furry friend until the delightful end.  There is a great theme conveyed in the adorable pictures and colorful text.  This would be a great holiday read for a variety of ages. 

Justin's Two Cents (my son always has his say)...I like feeling the fuzzy hat. 

The story summary is from Barnes and Noble. 
For more information about M. Christina Butler visit her biography page.

If at first you don't succeed...

Ok, we entered, and we didn't win. 

Who ever said there were no such things as

second chances?

Monica at the Bibliophillic Book Blog and a Secret Santa are giving us another chance to win a digital reader.  This time, we get to choose which one!

Visit her blog to enter. 

But wait...if you tell her Ellz Readz sent you, you will get 5 extra entries! Good luck!

WoW -The Stillburrow Crush

I don't usually do a Waiting On Wednesday post, but with so many great books coming out in 2010, I thought I'd start.  So to kick it off, here is a new release coming from The Wild Rose Press.  Waiting on Wednesday was started by Jill from Breaking the Spine.

The Stillburrow Crush by Linda Kage
February 26, 2010

Sixteen year old, Carrie Paxton, isn't the most popular girl in her small town of Stillburrow. But that's never concerned her before. Her life revolves around her writing, and she loves her job as the student editor of the school paper.

But when she gets assigned to interview the football team's beloved quarterback, she takes one look into Luke Carter's blue eyes and is a goner. Suddenly, she doesn't like her lowly rank so much. Then her dreamy, popular crush surprises her when he starts to act as if he likes her in return. But there's no way Luke Carter could possibly ever like a nobody like Carrie Paxton. Is there?

For more information about this book visit author Linda Kage's website and blog.

Is this one on anyones list yet?  If not, looks like a good one to add!

12 Blogs of Christmas-Day 11

We are in the home stretch of the 12 Blogs of Christmas...

Day 11 is at The Shady Glade and she is giving away 11 prizes to 11 winners.  There are some great choices.  Visit The Shady Glade to find out how to enter!

Tomorrow, visit The Page Flipper for the day 12 contest.

Have you  missed any?

Day 1 Neverending Shelf

Day 2 Literary Escapism

Day 3 Library Lounge Lizard

Day 4 Bites

Day 5 Ellz Readz

Day 6 Book Rat

Day 7 Luxury Reading

Day 8 Princess Bookie

Day 9 Shooting Stars Mag

Day 10 vv32Reads

Good luck!

MEAN PEOPLE SUCK!

Since I arrived at the post on Friday at 4:29 and 30 seconds, the grumpy man at the door wouln't let me in to mail my packages (contest prizes for my blog).  The post office closes at 4:30-Come ON!

So, the prizes were left in my car on the passenger seat.  When I got in my car to go to the post today-THE PRIZES WERE GONE along with my GPS, HALF OF MY CD'S and other things.  Thankfully my purse was in the house.  Some stupid, mean person broke into my car. 

MEAN PEOPLE SUCK!!!

So, I discarded the addresses of the winners when I packaged them and I need for the winners to send them again.  It may take a while for me to get to a bookstore and repurchase the books.  I am looking for:

1. The winner of Evermore

2. Monica a Bibliophillic

3. Mari Mancusi swag winner. 

If you could please resend your addies to my email.  zenfoxflowerATyahooDOTcom

My brain is super stressed right now so if I am forgetting one, please email me.  The winners of Seven, Gate House and Fallen are coming from the publisher (thankfully)

Oh, Mitz, the arc is gone and I can't replace it, sorry. 

Thus ends my rant.  I am going to try to paste on a happy face, even though me and my horrible sense of direction miss my GPS already.  (sniffle)

Interview and Giveaway: Bree Despain

I am pleased today to welcome Bree Despain who's debut novel The Dark Divine hits bookstores tomorrow. 

1. Could you please start by telling us about your debut novel, The Dark Divine?

BD: The Dark Divine is a modern retelling of the parable of the prodigal son with a paranormal romance twist. It’s about a brother, a sister, their mysterious former best friend who returns to town after a three year disappearance—and the secrets he brings back with him.

2. A strong heroine makes a story worth reading. Could you describe your heroine, Grace Divine, in 5 words?
BD: Grace is: compassionate, strong-willed, loving, determined, and artistic.
3. Will The Dark Divine be a stand alone novel or will there be another book? Are you working on any other projects you would like to share with us?
BD: There will be at least one sequel. I am currently working on that now. The story may potentially lead to a third book.

4. You once wrote and directed plays for inner city children. Did this experience help you as a novelist?
BD: Absolutely. This experience is what made me realize that writing was what I wanted to do with my life. It also helped renew my passion for the young adult audience.

5. There has been so much buzz of the cover of The Dark Divine and the purple nail polish. Did you have any creative input regarding the cover?
BD: When my editor asked me if I had any “thoughts” for the cover, I sent him a two and a half page letter about what I wanted (and did not want). I was hoping for a cover that conveyed the tone and mood of the story more so than a literal depiction of the characters or an event from the book. I know the publisher worked very hard at coming up with this cover and I couldn’t be more pleased. Again, it is not a literal depiction of anything from the book. It is more an abstract interpretation of the mood of the book. However, the final version of the book has more to do with the cover than the ARC (i.e. the purple wrap and toenails have significance). Making custom Dark Divine nail polish was an idea that I came up with after seeing the cover—and I was ecstatic when my publisher jumped on it and helped make it happen.

6. Lastly, what is your favorite way to unwind after a hard day of writing? Any guilty pleasures?
Long, hot, bubble baths and lots ofd ark chocolate.

Bree, thank you for visiting with us today!  Congratulations on your debut novel. 

Click here to order The Dark Divine from Amazon.

To learn more about Bree and The Dark Divine, visit her website, follower her on twitter, or become a fan on facebook.

Contest Time:
Bree has donated a bunch of swag for me to share with you.  To enter, simply leave a comment below about the interview or The Dark Divine.  I will select 4 lucky winners to receive some SWAG BABY!  The giveaway will go until December 30th.  Good luck!

12 Blogs of Christmas-Day 10

Head over to vvb32reads to enter the day 10 contest of the 12 Blogs of Christmas.  She is giving away 2 boxes of books and goodies to 2 winners!

The fun will continue tomorrow with The Shady Glade and will wrap up on Wednesday with The Page Flipper.  Have you missed any days?  Check my right sidebar for all the links so far.

Happy Reading!

Melting Pot Monday (7)

Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters expands the original text of the beloved Jane Austen novel with all-new scenes of giant lobsters, rampaging octopi, two-headed sea serpents, and other biological monstrosities. As our story opens, the Dashwood sisters are evicted from their childhood home and sent to live on a mysterious island full of savage creatures and dark secrets. While sensible Elinor falls in love with Edward Ferrars, her romantic sister Marianne is courted by both the handsome Willoughby and the hideous man-monster Colonel Brandon. Can the Dashwood sisters triumph over meddlesome matriarchs and unscrupulous rogues to find true love? Or will they fall prey to the tentacles that are forever snapping at their heels? This masterful portrait of Regency England blends Jane Austen’s biting social commentary with ultraviolent depictions of sea monsters biting. It’s survival of the fittest—and only the swiftest swimmers will find true love!   (summary from Amazon.com)

You can check out the book trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jZVE5uF24Q

For more information this book and it's authors, visit this site or the Quirk Classics site. 

I am not one for parodies, in literature or film., but I know some of you are. Has anyone read this yet?

Reminder...

Interview and Giveaway with Bree Despain

tomorrow (Monday)

See you then!

Tick, Tock, Tick, Tock

As we get closer to the big day, I am finding myself short on time.  I have company coming in and I am heading North a few days after Christmas in search of snow!  I do have several posts prepared so be sure to visit.  Here a few things to watch for...

* The rest of the 12 Blogs of Christmas + the winner post (after New Years)

* Some great interviews and maybe a giveaway or two

12/21 Bree Despain

12/27 Molly Harper

1/5 Michelle Bardsley

*More inked covers

*A few book reviews

I hope everyone has a wonderful Holiday and Happy New Year!

Got Ink? (5)

I am fascinated with the number of books lately that feature INKED covers. In this weekly post, I am going to feature some of the ones I like best. Can you think of any, seen any inked covers?

Ectasy Unveiled A Demonica Novel

 by Larissa Ione

January 23, 2010

A DEMON ENSLAVED

Lore is a Seminus half-breed demon who has been forced to act as his dark master's assassin. Now to earn his freedom and save his sister's life, he must complete one last kill. Powerful and ruthless, he'll stop at nothing to carry out this deadly mission.

AN ANGEL TEMPTED

Idess is an earthbound angel with a wild side, sworn to protect the human Lore is targeting. She's determined to thwart her wickedly handsome adversary by any means necessary-even if that means risking her vow of eternal chastity. But what begins as a simple seduction soon turns into a passion that leaves both angel and demon craving complete surrender.

Torn between duty and desire, Lore and Idess must join forces as they battle their attraction for each other. Because an enemy from the past is rising again-one hellbent on vengeance and unthinkable destruction.

(Summary From Amazon.com)

 

Click here to read an exerpt.

 

For more information on Larissa, visit her blog.

*Special thanks to INCiDeNT for recommending this one.

12 Blogs of Christmas-Day 8

On the eighth day of the Holiday Princess Bookie

gave to you...

First Winner -Firespell, Pefect Chemistry, Leaving paradise, Beautiful Creatures, Hush Hush and

Along For Ride

Second Winner -Anxious Hearts, Jekel Loves Hyde, Hex Hall, Something Like Fate and Little Miss Red.

Third Winner-A Mystery ARC

Visit her blog to find out how to enter!

Don't forget to check the sidebar for days 1-7!

Coming next...

Tomorrow- Shooting Stars Mag

Day 10-vvb32reads

Day 11-The Shady Glade

Day 12-The Page Flipper

Good luck!

Cover LOVE

I'm in cover LOVE again. 

NEVERMORE by Kelly Creagh

Release Date: August 31, 2010

In NEVERMORE, cheerleader Isobel falls for Poe-fan Varen–but will she be able to save him from the madness taking hold of his mind?

To learn more about Kelly Creadh, visit her on the Tenners site. 

12 Blogs of Christmas-Day 7

On the Seventh Day of the Holiday Luxury Reading gave to you...

An Invisible Bookshelf by Umbra

and to fill your brand new invisible bookshelf....

A hardcover copy of Secret Society by Tom Dolby

A hardcover copy of Telex from Cuba

by Rachel Kushner

A paperback copy of Dear John by Nicholas Sparks

(movie tie-in edition)

A hardcover copy of A Change in Altitude by Anita Shreve

An audio book of The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

Go visit Vera at Luxury Reading to find out how to enter!

Check my right sidebar for all the 12 Blogs links so far!

The fun is not over yet!!

Tomorrow-Princess Bookie

Day 9- Shooting Stars Mag

Day 10-vvb32reads

Day 11-The Shady Glade

Day 12-The Page Flipper

12 Blogs of Christmas-DAY 6

On the sixth day of the Holiday, Book Rat gave to you...

50 DIFFERENT BOOKS

TO CHOOSE FROM!

For 5 DIFFERENT WINNERS!

Go visit her site and see how you can win.

*You may have noticed a change in our order, please update your schedules if you have them posted. Thank you!

Be sure to check the right sidebar for the links to the first 5 days!

Here is what's yet to come...

Tomorrow- Luxury Reading

Day 8-Princess Bookie

Day 9- Shooting Stars Mag

Day 10-The Page Flipper

Day 11-The Shady Glade

Day 12-vvb32reads

Watch the 12 Blogs of Christmas Blog for all the updates!

The winner is...

The ramdomizer has spoken...

After 76 entries by 57 different people the winner of Tall, Dark and Fangsome by Michelle Rowen is...

Monica of The Bibliophillic Book Blog!

Congrats Monica and thanks to everyone who entered.  Don't forget to check out my giveaway for the Immortal Anthology and The 12 Blogs of Christmas. 

Kidz Korner (5)

This is a special post to help you share a special book with the little ones in your life. Some of these books would make great holiday gifts! They will be reviewed by myself and my two sweeties (5 and 2). Children's books can be expensive, so we will give you some ideas of books that are worth your money.

The Hat by, Jan Brett
Age Range 4-8

The Publishers Weekly #1 bestseller, Jan Brett's heartwarming story of Hedgie the hedgehog's misadventures has become a family favorite. Like its companion The Mitten, The Hat is now available as a wonderful board book to share with young children.

The Mitten A Ukranian Folktale by, Jan Brett
Age Range 4-8
 
Brett creates a dramatic picture book with the story of Nicki, a young boy who has lost a mitten in the snow and the animals who try to make a home of it. "The illustrations and the book design . . . are exquisite . . . a charming lap book to be poured over again and again."--School Library Journal. Full-color illustrations.
 
 

The Gingerbread Baby by Jan Brett
Age Range 4-8
 
A young boy and his mother bake a gingerbread baby that escapes from their oven and leads a crowd on a chase similar to the one in the familiar tale about a not-so-clever gingerbread man. Color illustrations throughout.
 
My thoughts...Jan Brett, in case you are not familiar is a brilliant children's author and illustrator.  The age ranges on all three of these books is 4-8, but younger childen will be engaged in this story as well because the illustrations are colorful and exciting.  My children enjoy these books and I used them quite frequently when I was teaching elementary school.  There are some strong themes woven into each delightful story.  A little bit of creativity could also lead you to some great enrichment activities to enhance each theme.  Jan Brett offers some supplemental activities on her website.  These would all make wonderful gifts and perfect additions to any child's library. 
 
Justin's Two Cents (my son always has his say)...I liked the Gingerbread Story the best, it is funny when everyone tries to catch him.
 
The story summaries are all from Barnes and Noble. 
For more information about Jan Brett and her books, please visit her website. 
 

12 Blogs of Christmas-Day 5

On the 5th day of the Holiday, Ellz Readz gave to you...



5 Chances to win.  There will be 5 prizes awarded to 5 lucky winners!

Prize 1
Your choice of 2 books sent directly to you.
 Barnes & Noble for US (The Book Depository for international friends)
Open to everyone

Prize 2
YA Mystery Box-this box will contain 2 books and some swag.  The only hint I will give you is that at least 1 of the books will be a December release.  You can't peek at your gifts before you open them!
Open to US/Canada

Prize 3
Adult Mystery Box-this box will contain 2 adult books and some swag.  You want a hint for this one too?  Ok, at least 1 of the books will be a new release. 
Open to US/Canada

Prize 4
YA Mystery Box-this box will contain 1 YA book and some goodies.
Open to US/Canada

Prize 5
Adult Mystery Box-this box will contain 1 adult book and some goodies. 
Open to US/Canada

The first place winner chosen will choose their prize, second place will choose from what's left and so on.  Due to the cost of shipping, International friends will only be eligible for the 1st place drawing. 

To enter, please complete the form. You MUST be a FOLLOWER of Ellz Readz to be eligible for this contest.  Extra entries can be gained by tweeting and blog posts. 

Did you enter at these other blogs?
Day 1- The Neverending Shelf
Day 2- Literary Escapism
Day 3- Library Lounge Lizard
Day 4- Bites

Here are the rest of the days...
Tomorrow- The Page Flipper
Day 7- Luxury Reading
Day 8-Princess Bookie
Day 9- Shooting Stars Mag
Day 10-Book Rat
Day 11-The Shady Glade
Day 12-vvb32reads
Watch the 12 Blogs of Christmas blog for all the updates. 

Hi NEW FRIENDS, don't forget to look around, my other contests are listed on the right sidebar!

The 12 Blogs of Christmas-Day 4

On the 4th Day of the Holiday, Bites gave to you...

Two words for you...Mari Mancusi. I am so jealous. 

Go find out how to enter

Did you miss anything?

Day 1- The Neverending Shelf

Day 2- Literary Escapism

Day 3- Library Lounge Lizard

Coming up...

Day 5-ME

Day 6 The Page Flipper

Day 7 Luxury Reading

Day 8 Princess Bookie

Day 9 Shooting Stars Mag

Day 10 Book Rat

Day 11 The Shady Glade

Day 12 vv32Reads

Visit the 12 Blogs of Christmas site for all the updates!

12 Days of Pixy Christmas by Kim Harrison

The 12 Days of Christmas (Kim Harrison style)

On the 12 days of Christmas, my true love gave to me . . .

12 Humans Hiding,

11 Tinks a Tinkling

10 Porno flicks

9 Pole Dancers

8 Pixies Partying

7 Karma Sutras

6 Fairies Farting

5 Trolls in Drag

4 Purple Condoms
3 French Ticklers

2 Horny Vamps

And a Sucubus in the Snow

–Kim Harrison Dec 15, 2009

I found this on Kim's blog and though it was cute so I had to share it.  Besides that, Kim Harrison ROCKS!  Black Magic Sanction comes out February 23, 2010!

Review: Small-Minded Giants by Oisin McGann

'If you mess with the Machine, the Clockworkers will come for you."

The Clockworkers are a rumour, a myth; but after he and his class witness a major crane accident, and his life takes a dramatic turn for the worse, Solomon Wheat begins to see a new side to the city of Ash Harbour. His father, Gregor, has gone missing, and is accused of murder. As Sol begins to search for his father, he finds himself pursued by mobsters trying to collect on Gregor's gambling debts. The police are watching him, and so are the Clockworkers; a shadowy organisation founded to protect the operation of the Machine. For some reason, they have decided that his father is a threat... and that makes him one too. Sol enlists the help of Cleo, a girl from his class, and his teacher, Ana, in deciphering the mystery of his father's disappearance.
(summary from the webiste of Oisin McGann)

Small-Minded Giants is published by Harper Collins in the United States as Daylight Runner.

Click here to read an exerpt from the book. 

My thoughts...This was a thought provoking novel that had me thinking "what if" the whole time I read it.  With all the environmental issues we are faced with on a daily basis, "what if" the worst case scenario happened and we were forced to live in a domed city beneath a frozen world?  Those are the living conditions that make up the setting of this story.  The author, Oisin McGann does a brilliant job of setting the scene.  I found myself shuddering on several occasions imagining the living conditions, the recycled air and the constraints these people experienced daily. 

The story is told from several characters point of view.  First, Sol is a young boy who lost his mother and sister in an accident and is now dealing with the mysterious disappearance of his father.  He is a quiet, observant teen who likes to take out his frustrations in the boxing ring.  I liked his character and could see significant growth by the end of the book.  The other two characters were his friend Chloe and his teacher Anna.  Their POV's keep the story flowing and made it more interesting. 

Overall I enjoyed the story line.  I think this would be a good book for any age, but I think it would especially appeal to an adolescent boy.  There is a fair amount of violence with some minor gore, there is very little romance-not too girly and it is full of action scenes.  There are several mysteries to figure out as you try to decide who  can be trusted and who not.

As for cons, it took me a while to get into the book.  The last 100 pages were great and I read the end quickly.  The beginning did a great job of setting up the story, but the middle just didn't grab me like I thought it would.  For me, it picked up when the main character Sol had more interactions with the other characters.  However I am glad I read it and I would recommend it to young readers who enjoy Science Fiction novels. 

For more information on Oisin McGann and his books, please visit his website. 

If you enjoyed this book, you may also like...
1. The House of the Scorpoin by Nancy Farmer
2. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
3. The Wisdom of Dead Men by Oisin McGann

Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher for my review. 

Interview and Giveaway-Rachel Vincent

Today, I am SO excited to welcome one of my favorite authors, Rachel Vincent.  Rachel is the author of the fantastic Shifters series and an exciting YA Soul Screamers series as well as a short story or two. 

1. For any new readers, could you start by telling us a bit about your Soul Screamers series?
RV: My Soul Screamers series is about a teenage bean sidhe (banshee) trying to balance a normal high school experience with the terrifying, hidden world she’s just discovered. It has reapers and all kinds of other monsters, as well as the Netherworld, a warped mirror image of our own world, where everything wants to eat you! Seriously. ;-)

2. My Soul To Save comes out Jan 1, 2010. What sort of adventures is Kaylee in for in the second book?
RV: In My Soul to Save, an old friend of Tod’s has sold her soul for fame and fortune. When Tod finds out that she’s going to die in a few days, he asks Kaylee and Nash to help him get her soul back, to save her from eternal torment in the Netherworld.

This was my first chance to show Kaylee in the Netherworld, and I had so much fun writing those scenes!

3. How many books do you anticipate for the Soul Screamers series?
RV: Right now I’m contracted for five books in the series. MY SOUL TO SAVE comes out Dec. 29, and MY SOUL TO KEEP comes out June 1, 2010. I don’t have dates or titles for the next two yet.

4. You write incredibly smart, brave heroines. Faythe is one of my all time favorites. Which comes first, the heroine or the plot?
RV: For me, the characters come first. Once I’ve gotten to know my shiny new character (someone with a special gift or problem), then I start building a world and a plot around her. At least for the first book in the series. Future plots grow from there.

5. Is it hard to transition between writing YA and writing adult books?
RV: It wasn’t at first, but this time, it’s been really hard. I just spent several months in the Shifters world, doing revisions, copy edits, and page proofs for SHIFT, then finishing up the first three drafts of ALPHA. Then I had to jump immediately into revisions for MY SOUL TO KEEP without a single day off. This was especially difficult because I turned in the manuscript for MSTKeep almost a year ago and hadn’t really looked at it since, so the story wasn’t fresh on my mind. And I wrote it before I did revisions on the previous two Soul Screamers novels, which taught me a lot about writing YA, so when I opened up the manuscript, I was kind of horrified surprised by how much work it needed. But digging into it has been a lot of fun, and it’s reminded me how much I love the concepts in this book.

6. The Shifters series is coming to a close. Are you finding it difficult to end Faythe's story?
RV: I just finished ALPHA (the 6th and final Shifters book) a couple of weeks ago, and yeah, it was hard. Faythe’s been a part of my life since mid-2005, so it’s like saying goodbye to a friend. A friend you want to smack around sometimes, but a good friend nonetheless. ;-)

7. Rachel, I read your blog and I know how busy you are. When you have time, what do you like to read? Any genre jumping?
RV: I read urban fantasy and horror, for the most part, in both adult and YA. Though I have enjoyed some non-paranormal YAs recently too, and have several more of those on my when-I-finally-get-a-break list.

8. Are you currently working on any other projects you would like to share with us?
RV: Actually no, not at the moment. I’m buried in revisions for MY SOUL TO KEEP at the moment. Buried up to my hairline, in fact. After that, I’m taking a two week holiday/reading/television break for the first time in more than a year. (I did spend a week in D.C. after RWA this past summer, but didn’t get to read or watch anything while I was there!) Then I’m jumping into a couple of short stories due in January. After that, I’ll be writing the fourth and fifth Soul Screamers novels. Later in the year, I’m scheduled to start a new series, but I can’t say anything else about that yet. ;-)

9. Lastly, what is your favorite way to unwind after a hard day of writing? Any guilty pleasures?
RV: If I haven’t stayed up past midnight working (which I have, every day this week), I like to watch an episode of something on DVD in bed, before I go to sleep. This year I’ve gone through all seven seasons of Buffy, the first four seasons of Angel, two seasons of Carnivale, the second season of Big Love, and the first eight episodes of 30 Rock. Not all at night, though. If I get a day off between projects, I’ll spend it reading and binge DVD watching. ;-)

Rachel, Thank you for taking time out of your hectic schedule to visit with us.  Congratulations on My Soul To Save, I know it will be a huge success!
 
For more information on Rachel and books, please visit her website, follow her on twitter or check out her facebook site. 
My Soul To Save does not come out until December 29th, but you can preorder it here from Amazon or Barnes & Noble. 
 

CONTEST TIME:
I am giving away one brand new copy of Immortal to one lucky winner.  This book contains Rachel's short story Binge. 
 
To enter, please complete the form.  You must follow my blog to participate and you can gain an extra entry by spreading the word.  Please leave me a link for verification. 
 
The contest begins today and will end on December 23rd.  Due to the high cost of shipping this one is only open to the US/Canada.  (Don't worry my international friends, I have something coming for you!)
 
Please leave some LOVE in the comments section for Rachel!
 
Good luck and Happy Reading! 

Tenner Talk

Here is the cover for the Spring debut of

Change of Heart by Shari Maurer!

In a world where the most stressful thing seems to be winning a soccer game or what to wear in the morning, you take some really basic things for granted. 

Like the love of your parents.

Or hanging with your friends.

Or the beating of your heart.

When you’re 16 years old, it never occurs to you that you might die. Emmi Miller’s got a fabulous life. She has tons of friends, does great in school and is an all-star soccer player who played in Europe last summer. It even looks like Sam Hunter, a totally cute baseball player, might be interested in her. And then she gets a virus. No biggy, right? Until the virus goes to her heart and weakens it so much that, without a transplant, Emmi will die.

Will Emmi get a heart in time? Is Sam too good to be true? What about her new friend Abe, who has also had a transplant and guides her through these scary times — is he just being supportive or is there more going on between them? And will Emmi realize it before it’s too late?

For more infomation about this book, visit Shari's website. 

Dear Santa...

Dear Santa, I have been a good girl this year so PLEASE, please deliver me this box of books from Ramblings of A Teenaged Bookworm!

The inside box:

* The Morganville Vampires(bk 1&2)(PB)

* The Naughty List(ARC)

* Boys, Girls and Other Hazardous Materials(ARC)

* The Seven Rays(HB)

*The Mark(ARC)

*Give Up Ghost(HB)

* Immortal(PB)

* Incarceron(PB- Uk version)

*Fallen(ARC)

*Demon Princess bk1(PB)

*Bleeding Violet(ARC)

That covers a HUGE chunk of my wish list.  How about yours?

In My Mailbox (13)

In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren, who was inspired by Pop Culture Junkie. I am adding a few more to the stack this week.  I have a feeling this is only the beginning.


For Review:
Come Hell or High Water by Michelle Bardsley (digital copy-I am going to attemp to read this on my netbook-we'll see how it goes)

Bought:
Nothing for myself

PBS:
Mark of The Demon by Diana Rowland

Won: (hugs)
NIght World Volume One and Ultimate Fan Guide by LJ Smith from Lost in Ink
Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins from Misty at Book Rat

Is your TBR stack about to topple over?  Please check out my Bottoms Up Challenge. 

What book is on the bottom of your TBR stack?

The 12 Blogs of Christmas-Day 2

On the second day of the Holiday, Literary Escapism gave to you...

three of Judi Fennell’s Mer trilogy – In Over Her Head, Wild Blue Under and an ARC of Catch of a Lifetime as well as the anthology Four Dukes and a Devil, Stray by Rachel Vincent and an ARC of Annette McCleave’s Drawn Into Darkness  to two lucky readers.
Go to her site to find out how to enter!

In case you are just tuning in, the 12 Blogs of Christmas is a chance for you to win some great prizes, discover some new blogs and feel some Holiday cheer. 

Yesterday The Neverending Shelf started us off by offering a great list of prizes.  Follow the link to enter. 

Today, Literary Escapism is giving away two great prize packs.  Go visit her site to find out how to enter. 

The fun will continue for the next 10 days.  Here is the rest of the participating blogs...

Day 3 Library Lounge Lizard

Day 4 Bites

Day 5 Ellz Readz

Day 6 The Page Flipper

Day 7 Luxury Reading

Day 8 Princess Bookie

Day 9 Shooting Stars Mag

Day 10 Book Rat

Day 11 The Shady Glade

Day 12 vv32Reads

Visit the 12 Blogs of Christmas site for all the updates!

Good luck and happy reading!