Interview: Anastasia Hopcus

I am so excited to welcome the talented and beautiful Anastasia Hopcus to the blog today.  In case you are not familiar, her book, Shadow Hills was released in July of 2010.  It was an exciting story, you can read a book summary and my review here.  On with the interview...

1. What was the most challenging part of writing Shadow Hills?
AH: It was probably the structure of the book. There were a lot of events that led to other things happening or that related back to an earlier scene, and I had to make sure that I got everything in the right order and that the timeline worked, especially when I started the major rewrite of Shadow Hills. I'm not the most organized person to begin with, and there I was, drawing out timelines and re-arranging index cards and trying to keep it all straight.

2. Your love of Horror films is evident in Shadow Hills. I had to double check under the bed and in the closet after reading. Do you have any favorite horror flicks?
AH: I have so many! I love bad cheesy horror movies. My friends and I use to rent them and watch three or four in a row at sleep-overs. But I also love classics like The Omen. The Evil Dead series is another staple. And since I mentioned the Bruce Campbell flicks, I feel compelled to add Bubba Ho-tep, which is this oddball film in which Bruce Campbell plays Elvis, who didn't really die but just dropped out of sight and is now living in a nursing home in east Texas. Another of my favorites is Severance. It's British, and I'm not sure how well known it is in the US. It has a lot of humor, and the characters are likeable, which makes it more upsetting when they die. But it makes the story more involving, too. Considering more recent movies, I also really enjoyed The Uninvited and Paranormal Activity.

3. In your book, Phe goes to the prepatory school after reading a mysterious diary entry. What mysterious place would you like to visit some day?
AH: Ooh. I love mysterious places. I think the one I'd most like to see would be Newgrange in Ireland. It's the site that's talked about in Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready, an ancient tomb-like structure that's ringed by megaliths. It sounded very cool and powerful and otherworldly.

4. What 5 items would you put in a time capsule for future generations?
AH: I tried to think of things that would be indicative of the culture we're living in now. So I picked:

1. A DVD of the movie Juno. It really resonated with people, and it seemed to me to bring a different outlook on teen-age unwed mothers.

2. A DVD of the movie The Hangover. Bromances have been very popular in movies in recent years, and I thought this was one of the best examples.

3. A copy of Beautiful Creatures. This is a good example of the paranormal romantic YA novels, and I thought its depiction of teen-agers very realistic.

4. A DVD of the TV series House. This show is popular and in my opinion the best of the recent series that feature an eccentric person who has difficulty relating to other people, but who solves mysteries (in this case, medical mysteries) through his or her superior intelligence or talent. It also features, as I think the two movies do, humor that is more sarcastic as opposed to much of the humor popular in the 1990's, which seemed to focus on gross-out humor.

5. A copy of The Walking Dead comic book. Comic books just seem to get more and more popular, not only as things to read, but also as movies.

Anastasia, thank you for taking the time to visit us today and congrats on your book!

Want more Anastasia? You can find her at her website, blog, or the tour bus will stop at The True Book Addict  tomorrow.  Shadow Hills can be purchased by following this link to Amazon.

CSN stores

CSN stores should be called the online super-center because they sell everything!  Seriously, there is not too much you can't find there. 

For example...

Dining Tables

Massage Chairs

or 

Firepits 

There is something for everyone.  With the holidays rapidly approaching, CSN stores is a great place to do all of your shopping.  Is there anything there on your wishlist?

Visit CSN stores.

Melting Pot Monday

Adventures of Rusty & Ginger Fox

by, Tim Ostermeyer
Children's book (ages 3-12)
September 14, 2010

When two young foxes set out to explore the forest, they encounter all kinds of creatures. Some of them are friendly, while others would like nothing more than to eat the two young explorers! Rusty and Ginger may be able to outfox bears, bobcats, cougars, and wolves, but can they unlock the mysterious box that awaits them on Treasure Island? And will the little girls they meet there turn out to be friends or foes

Join Rusty and Ginger as they travel through the woods. Author Tim Ostermeyer's beautiful wildlife photography provides a fox's-eye view of the forest. With a charming story to guide the way, and a fact page of wildlife information for every animal introduced in the book, readers can explore nature alongside Rusty and Ginger.

This book will be available September 14, 2010.  Follow this link to order your copy from Amazon.  For more information and a peek at some of the beautiful pictures, visit the official book site.

*******************************************************************

Ordeal
by, T.K. Varenko
February 7, 2010
Paranormal Romance in Verse

It is a verse-ornated story
About love, betrayal, wrath,
Royal vampires' bliss and glory
Bringing them straight to their death.

Luella, fierce, strong vampire,
Falls for a pretty human catch
Sent on her fiancé's desire
To celebrate they are engaged.

This unexpected turnabout
Is doomed to come to a dead end:
Her human sweetheart's dead to shroud;
Her fiancé's avenged for that;

And she is punished for blood treason,
Banished into a mortal child,
Whose human body is a prison
For all her powers to bind.

Her memories obliterated,
She is to find her love at last
Who proves to be too much related
To the misfortunes from her past.

For more information, visit TK Varenko at her website.  Follow this link order your copy from amazon.  I have not read this book yet, but I noticed it is receiving very high ratings on Amazon.

Got INK? (28)

Elle Jasper released the preliminary cover of Everdark, the sequel to Afterdark (Nov 2, 2010).  The covers in the Dark Ink Chronicles have some beautiful ink. 

There is not a blurb yet, but this is what Elle said about the cover on her blog...

WHOA! EVERDARK'S preliminary cover!!! Saa-WEET!!!! I totally love it!!!! I've requested a few changes (her eyes are green, and tattoo head o' dragon needs to be on opposite shoulder) but otherwise PERFECT!! Damn fine artists at NAL!!!

Here is the cover for book one, Afterlight.

November 2, 2010

Savannah's most unconventional tattoo artist, Riley Poe, lives on the edge. Now she's put over the edge when her younger brother is taken by a sinister cult led by vampires. Her only ally is the hot-tempered vampire Eli Dupre, attracted to Riley's beauty and rare blood type. To save her brother from certain un-death, Riley faces dangers she's never dreamed of, ruthless bloodthirsty enemies, and an evil of endless hunger that wants to devour it all...

For more information on the Dark Ink Chronicles and to read an excerpt of Afterlight, visit Elle Jasper at her website.  Afterlight is available for preorder, just follow this link. 

ARC giveaway

I have been very fortunate lately and have received a few exciting arcs.  Since arcs are for spreading the word and reviewers, I want to share them with you.  Here is what is up for grabs...

Sleepless by Cyn Balog (July 13, 2010)

Firelight by Sohie Jordan (September 7, 2010)

Torment by Lauren Kate (September 28, 2010)

Interested?  There will be 2 winners selected.  First place choose 2, Second place gets the remaining arc.  To enter, complete the form.  An extra entry can be gained by spreading the word.  If I hit 1000 followers, I'll add another arc and another winner.  Ends September 5th.  *US only for this one (sorry) International giveaway coming soon! Good luck!

YA review: Halo

Halo by Alexandra Adornetto
August 31, 2010

Nothing much happens in the sleepy town of Venus Cove. But everything changes when three angels are sent from heaven to protect the town against the gathering forces of darkness: Gabriel, the warrior; Ivy, the healer; and Bethany, a teenage girl who is the least experienced of the trio. They work hard to conceal their true identity and, most of all, their wings. But the mission is threatened when the youngest angel, Bethany, is sent to high school and falls in love with the handsome school captain, Xavier Woods. Will she defy the laws of Heaven by loving him? Things come to a head when the angels realize they are not the only supernatural power in Venus Cove. There′s a new kid in town and he′s charming, seductive and deadly. Worst of all, he′s after Beth. (summary from goodreads)

My thoughts...Adornetto shares a fresh face with fans of Angel stories.  Halo is romantic and captivating, I can't wait for more. 

Three Angels are sent to Earth to diffuse some of the evil prospering in the quiet town of Venus Cove.  Bethany, the youngest of the three is the closest to being human and therefore is more susceptible to the temptations of Earth, including the handsome school captain.  Readers experience her emotions and discoveries as she fumbles through her new home, trying to fit in with her schoolmates.  While she makes some questionable decisions that may leave readers shaking their heads, her character shows considerable growth by the end of the book.

Halo is almost 600 pages long.  While it looks daunting, it reads very quickly.  I was quickly entranced by Adornetto's writing style and pulled into the story.  The story is not filled with violence and war, it is more of a love story.  I found the story's plot to be very original and it held plenty of potential for future books.  Book two, Hades (early 2011) is on my wish list.  I would recommend this book for fans of Angel stories. 

Be sure to visit Alexandra Adornetto on her facebook page.  Visit Amazon to order your copy of Halo.  In the meantime, check out the book trailer. 

Inside the treasure chest...

Inside the treasure chest features my sponsors for the upcoming blogmania event.  This week we pay another visit to the etsy shop

(shown- Men's Skull and Crossbones TShirt)

Jackie helps you make an impression for back to school with her skull and crossbones T's.  They can be purchased for the whole family, even the wee ones. 

(Marie Antionette necklace)

In case you are stuck to the same uniform day after day, why not spice it up with one of her handmade necklaces. 

(Blue Flower Cameo Necklace)

I absolutely adore this blue one, it is subtle, yet edgy. 

Be sure to visit Jackie for all your Back To School needs!

YA review: Torment

How many lives do you need to live before you find someone worth dying for? In the aftermath of what happened at Sword & Cross, Luce has been hidden away by her cursed angelic boyfriend, Daniel, in a new school filled with Nephilim, the offspring of fallen angels and humans. Daniel promises she will be safe here, protected from those who would kill her. At the school Luce discovers what the Shadows that have followed her all her life mean - and how to manipulate them to see into her other lives. Yet the more Luce learns about herself, the more she realizes that the past is her only key to unlocking her future...and that Daniel hasn't told her everything. What if his version of the past isn't actually the way things happened...what if Luce was really meant to be with someone else? (summary from goodreads)

My thoughts...Another captivating tale from Lauren Kate.  Torment leaves readers questioning their judgement and yearning for more.

Book one, Fallen, gave readers a glimpse into this magical world of good and evil.  Lines were drawn in the sand and the Angels fell in line, declaring their sides.  In Torment, the lines were blurred and the challenge to the reader was deciding who was good and who was siding with evil.  This second installment explained more of the history of Luce's life, including the parts with Daniel and without.  While he was not a primary character, he still played an integral part of the story.  Readers lean more about the shadows that haunt Luce and how she can manipulate them. 

Luce is moved from her prison at Sword and Cross to an exquisite private school for Nephilim.  This change in atmosphere brings about some important changes in Luce, including her attitude.  Her character showed incredible growth in this story.  She starts standing taller and questioning her fate.  While some of the favorites from Fallen are still around, we meet several new characters that keep the story interesting.  Several, I am sure will be sticking around for future books. 

As a fan of Fallen, I was easily wrapped up in Torment.  Kate did not disappoint with her world or character development.  The plot was interesting and developed, adding more pieces to the puzzle.  The ending...ahhh the ending left the reader hanging off the edge of a cliff.  I can hardly wait for the third installment to be released in Summer 2011. 

Torment will be available for purchase in September 2010.  For more information, including purchase links, visit Lauren Kate at her website or her Fiercebook page.

If you enjoyed this book, you may also like...
1. Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
2. Halo by Alexandra Adornetto
3. Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Cover LOVE?

I spotted this cover at The Persnickety Snark.  This is the sequel to Gayle Forman's novel, If I Stay.  I think this second cover is as haunting as the first.  The colors really do a great job of setting the mood. 

I was not able to find a blurb yet, but it can be preordered from Amazon.  This book is set to release on April 4, 2011.  Stay tuned to Gayle Forman's website for more details. 

Here is the first cover in the series...

 If I Stay

April 2009

On a day that started like any other…

Mia had everything: a loving family, a gorgeous, adoring boyfriend, and a bright future full of music and full of choices. Then, in an instant, almost all of that is taken from her. Caught between life and death, between a happy past and an unknowable future, Mia spends one critical day contemplating the one decision she has left—the most important decision she’ll ever make.

Simultaneously tragic and hopeful, this is a romantic, riveting and ultimately uplifting story about memory, music, living, dying, loving.

(summary from author's site)

Which cover do you like better?

WoW: Alpha

Ok, nearly everyone is swooning about Mockingjay, the exciting end to an exciting series (which honestly I have not started yet).  Alpha is my Mockingjay.  I love the Shifters series and while I will be sad to see it come to an end, I absolutely can not wait to see how it concludes.  Who will be heartbroken, who will stroll off into the sunset, or who will perish.  (though I really hope it is no one important). 

October 1, 2010

YOU’VE GOT TO HAVE FAYTHE…

The unscrupulous new Council chair has charged Jace, Marc, and me with trespassing, kidnapping, murder, and treason. Yeah, we’ve been busy. But now it’s time to take justice into our own hands. We must avenge my brother’s death and carve out the rot at the heart of the Council.

It’s not going to be easy, and loss seems unavoidable, but I have promised to protect my Pride, no matter what. With a target on my back and Marc at my side, I’m heading for a final showdown that can—that will—change everything forever.

For more information, including preorder links, visit Rachel Vincent at her website. 

WoW is hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine.

Cover LOVE?

I recently got a tweet from author Kevin Breaux.  His first novel, Soul Born, comes out in November.  It is an epic fantasy.  Check out this cover...

SOUL BORN

November 2010

All Opal wanted was to be respected as a wielder of magic, but her teachers passed her over time and time again. When a mysterious warlord embarks on a conquest to destroy the lands of Illyia Opal seizes an opportunity to step out from the shadows of her instructors and take her rightful spot among them.

Tala, an alluring young elf, was banished from her tribe, hunted and nearly killed by the beasts that dwell in the deep forests, but more than anything else she is a survivor. Joining forces with an ancient elemental power Tala finds herself in the center of an unrelenting human war.

Flesh like leather and bone as strong as steel Karn, a veteran from the first kingdom to fall, is fueled by vengeance. While pushing ever headlong into battle Karn begins to recall memories of another life; ghosts that haunt his dreams.

Through death of soul, their world is born.

(summary and image from author's press kit)

**A note of interest to all you cover art fans.  This cover was done by Dan Dos Santos, who also did the cover for Patricia Briggs' Rivermarked.  This one was featured on my Saturday Got INK? post.  He would be an interesting person to interview.  Hmmmm. 

For more information, visit Kevin at the Soul Born website. 

So what do you think?  Are you in cover LOVE?

A Great Cause

I have two incredible kids which make every day worth living.  I know how precious these gifts are and I want to help someone else have this gift also. 

Author CJ Redwine is adopting an orphan girl from China.  This process, while long, is also expensive.  She is hosting a charity fundraiser to raise enough money to bring this little girl home to her new family.  After making a small donation, your name will be entered into a drawing for some incredible prizes donated by various people. 

From her website, CJ wrote...

The thought behind Skip A Starbucks Day is that if every person who reads this and feels a tug on their heart to be part of Johanna's journey home would give up a personal indulgence (like a cup of coffee) and donate that money toward our adoption instead, we could raise the money needed to bring her home to her forever family.

For more information, visit CJ at her website The Last Word.

YA review: Claire De Lune

Claire is having the perfect sixteenth birthday. Her pool party is a big success, and gorgeous Matthew keeps chatting and flirting with her as if she's the only girl there. But that night, she discovers something that takes away all sense of normalcy: she's a werewolf.


As Claire is initiated into the pack of female werewolves, she must deal not only with her changing identity, but also with a rogue werewolf who is putting everyone she knows in danger. Claire's new life threatens her blossoming romance with Matthew, whose father is leading the werewolf hunt. Now burdened with a dark secret and pushing the boundaries of forbidden love, Claire is struggling to feel comfortable in either skin. With her lupine loyalty at odds with her human heart, she will make a choice that will change her forever? (summary from goodreads).

My thoughts...As with the tales of vampires, there seems to be an influx of tales about werewolves.  Various worlds seem to reflect each other in a way that makes readers look for something fresh.  Claire de Lune does a good job of offering readers some variety. 

The wolf in this story was female, the heroine Claire.  She was a smart girl who was eager to learn about her new life.  Her mother, who acted like the Wicked Witch of the West, tried to shelter her daughter and caused her to rebel.  I had serious issues with the mother in this story.  She was very cold, cruel, and lacking compassion.  The nanny did a better job of dealing with a confused teenager than the parent did.  However the nanny was a bit unpredictable and left me guessing on more than one occasion.  The most stable character in the book was Matthew, who had plenty of reason to be a wreck. 

The plot of the story moved at good pace.  This was a love story, not of two wolves, but of an impossible love.  The dynamic of the pack was unique, not ruled by strength as I would expect, but by wisdom.  The ending left the reader with a satisfying ending to the current plot, but with plenty of unanswered questions.  I am looking forward to more books in this series. 

For more information, including purchase links, visit Christine Johnson at her website.

Melting Pot Monday

For more information, visit the book's website.  Follow this link to purchase your copy. 

Thumbing Through Thoreau
A Book of Quotations by Henry David Thoreau

compiled by Kenny Luck
April 19, 2010
Coffee Table Book

On July 4, 1845, when Henry David Thoreau moved into his cabin on the shores of Walden Pond, he was probably unaware that his abode in the woods, and the impact and influence of that endeavor, would forever echo through time. Thoreau was an uncompromising idealist; an ardent maverick who criticized his fellow man. He urged that men and women ought to live more simply, and more deliberately. "The mass of men," he famously wrote, "lead lives of quite desperation." Yet the scope of Thoreau's message is much wider than social criticism. He speaks of spiritual transcendence in Nature and the unbounded potential of the individual. Thoreau is a dreamer and he speaks to dreamers. In a word, shun dogmatism and demagoguery; see beyond the immediate conventional religious explanations to reap a higher understanding. In our commodified contemporary American society, with the rise of religious intolerance and fundamentalism, materialism and mass consumerism, Thoreau's message is needed now more than ever. Author Kenny Luck has thumbed through Thoreau's voluminous journals, correspondences and other publications to make this the most comprehensive collection of Thoreau aphorisms available.

***********************************************************************

The Girl Made Of Cool
by, Alan Sean Fox
Love Stories
July 14, 2009

THE GIRL MADE OF COOL (First Edition) -- Featuring a new novel and two other stories by Alan Fox. ---- Author ALAN FOX writes love stories, filled with a sense of awe and wonder, and set against a brutal world. "THE GIRL MADE OF COOL" is his vibrant new novel and the centerpiece of this collection. Here, Fox tells the story of a young man and woman who are falling in love with each other, but the young woman doesn't know it. She believes that she's falling in love with the man's far more handsome, more perfect friend. ... As the story unfolds and deepens, we see how these two highly talented young men must suffer, struggle, and wage battle to woo this young woman. This, as all the while, she grows into an ever greater beauty, a more charismatic personality, and an all-the-more alluring woman. ... This, as all the while, this young lady grows to become an elegant woman made of shining love and elusive cool. -- Also featured here in this collection, you will find: The Novel "HELL HAS BLUE SKIES" -- A love story about intense relationships in an office, whose unusual line of business is to train people to become 'world-class experts.' And the short story "THE LOVELY LADY AT THE LOVE MUSEUM" -- A colorful tale of romance and high-level maneuvering in the big city. ---- ABOUT THE AUTHOR. Alan Fox writes love stories about people looking for a sense of wonder in a brutal world, people pursuing beauty in the face of insanity. His previous novel, "The Seeker in Forever," is now available in a second revised edition.

For more information, visit Storyfocus Communications.  Follow this link to order your copy.

IMM (34) vlog

This is my first IMM post in over a month, so I have a TON of great books to add to my shelves.  When I came home from my trip it was like Christmas morning including lots of screaming, jumping, and hyperventilating. (sighs)  I love mail.  

(I need to stop doing these at night-too dark)

For review:

Adversary by, Kate Kaynak

Radiance by, Alyson Noel

The Kneebone Boy by, Ellen Potter

Passing Strange by, Daniel Waters

7 Souls by, B. Miller & J. Orlando

Extraordinary by, Nancy Werlin

Matched by, Ally Condie

Crescendo by, Becca Fitzpatrick

Torment by, Lauren Kate

Sleepless by, Cyn Balog

From PBS:

Dead Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan

Bought:

Tsunami Blues by, Gayle Ann Williams  (for $3.50)

Deeply Desperately by, Heather Webber

Karma Girl by, Jennifer Estep (for $1.25)

Gifts/Won:

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by, Stephanie Meyer

The Forest of Hands and Teeth by,  Carrie Ryan

Angel Star by, Jennifer Murgia

Linger by, Maggie Stiefvater

The Snowball Effect (signed) by, Holly Nicole Hoxter

Whisper (signed) by, Phoebe Kitanidis

Infinite Days + bag of lavender by, Rebecca Maizel

swaggish goodies

Cafe Press shiver bag

So that was a whole month worth of books.  I am going to be giving some of those ARCS away so stay tuned.  They were great and I am going to have to buy the finished copies. 

*IMM is hosted by The Story Siren.  Links lead to goodreads. 

What was in your mailbox this week?

Giveaway event

Last year I hosted an event called The 12 Blogs of Christmas.  This year, in an attempt to include more bloggers, I am changing things up a bit.  Due to the success of events such as Blogmania and Got Books?, the Christmas event will be similar. 

Any blogger who wants to participate is welcome.  This is a great opportunity to generate some extra traffic to your blog and increase your readership. 

For more information and the interest form, please visit the event site. 

http://12blogsofxmas.blogspot.com/

My goal is to keep this event as simple as possible.  There are NO requirements other than posting your giveaway and the winner.  I will NOT plague you with emails, requests, and other tasks.  Your time (and mine) is precious and I will treat it that way. 

**OK, I know it is only August.  School starts in a week and I am not sure how much free time I will have so I am doing some of the legwork now.

Happy Reading.

Got INK? (27)

There is a trend with books, particularly Urban Fantasy, to display inked models on the covers.  Got INK? features some of these titles.

River Marked

by, Patricia Briggs

January 25,  2011

Car mechanic Mercy Thompson has always known there was something different about her, and not just the way she can make a VW engine sit up and beg. Mercy is a shapeshifter, a talent she inherited from her long-gone father. She’s never known any others of her kind. Until now.

An evil is stirring in the depths of the Columbia River—one that her father’s people may know something about. And to have any hope of surviving, Mercy and her mate, the Alpha werewolf Adam, will need their help… (summary from goodreads)

Other inked covers in the series...

        

Reading Order...

Moon Called

Blood Bound

Iron Kissed

Bone Crossed

Silver Borne

For more information about this series,

visit Patricia Briggs at her website.

Have you seen any inked covers lately?

                                  

YA review: Crescendo

Nora should have know her life was far from perfect. Despite starting a relationship with her guardian angel, Patch (who, title aside, can be described anything but angelic), and surviving an attempt on her life, things are not looking up. Patch is starting to pull away and Nora can't figure out if it's for her best interest or if his interest has shifted to her arch-enemy Marcie Millar. Not to mention that Nora is haunted by images of her father and she becomes obsessed with finding out what really happened to him that night he left for Portland and never came home.


The farther Nora delves into the mystery of her father's death, the more she comes to question if her Nephilim blood line has something to do with it as well as why she seems to be in danger more than the average girl. Since Patch isn't answering her questions and seems to be standing in her way, she has to start finding the answers on her own. Relying too heavily on the fact that she has a guardian angel puts Nora at risk again and again. But can she really count on Patch or is he hiding secrets darker than she can even imagine? (summary from goodreads)

My thoughts...Crescendo starts with the mysterious murder of Nora's Dad, then quickly picks up where Hush, Hush leaves off.  If you have not read Hush, Hush, I recommend you read it before Crescendo.

Some things did not change between the two books.  First, Patch is still shady.  I still have a hard time trusting him and I lost my connection with his character.  While I want to believe he has Nora's best interests at heart, his actions at times are very hard to swallow.  I want to cry into my pillow for the pain he causes her.  Secondly, the evil character of Marcie is still around causing havoc.  Actually she is ten times worse in Crescendo, if that is even possible.  Book two does offer some insight into why she is so cruel. 

Fitzpatrick does a great job of writing Nora's character in this book.  She acts her age, making reckless decisions, and speaking without thinking.  Her jealousy is written in a way I could relate to, many of us could.  Her character also shows quite a bit of growth.  She is a lot more confident and street smart. 

Crescendo fills in a lot of blanks from Hush, Hush.  These details provide a larger picture of Fitzpatrick's world.  Nora is still a magnet for trouble, which takes readers on an adventure.  Parts of the story were are scary in a way that makes you want to leave the lights on and check under the bed.  The ending of the story surprised me a bit and left me hanging.  I am eager to continue reading as Nora is already in a heap of trouble. 


For more information, visit Becca Fitzpatrick at her website or The Fallen Archangel site.  Crescendo hits shelves in October 2010, follow this link to preorder your copy. 

If you enjoyed this book, you may also like...
1. The Fallen by Thomas E. Sniegoski
2. City of Bones by Cassandra Claire
3. Fallen by Lauren Kate

Happy Launch Day Adversary (PARTY)

I had the honor of reviewing Minder, book 1 in Kate Kaynak's Ganzfield series. And guess what...this is so exciting....I was quoted! In the second book, on the Praise page it says:

"Suspenseful, enchanting, and romantic, Minder is a great start to an exciting new series"- Ellz Readz

Ha, that's me!  I am tickled that I was mentioned.  In case you missed it, you can read my review here. 

OK, so enough about me, Adversary is celebrating it's lauch day.  Author Kate Kaynak is having a virtual release party on her blog Disgruntled Bear.  Oh yeah, there's prizes.  I am off to read Adversary. 

Congrats Kate!

MG review: Radiance

Riley Bloom left her sister, Ever, in the world of the living and crossed the bridge into the afterlife—a place called Here, where time is always Now. Riley and her dog, Buttercup, have been reunited with her parents and are just settling into a nice, relaxing death when she's summoned before The Council. They let her in on a secret—the afterlife isn't just an eternity of leisure; Riley has to work. She's been assigned a job, Soul Catcher, and a teacher, Bodhi, a curious boy she can't quite figure out.

Riley, Bodhi, and Buttercup return to earth for her first assignment, a Radiant Boy who's been haunting a castle in England for centuries. Many Soul Catchers have tried to get him to cross the bridge and failed. But he's never met Riley... (summary from goodreads)

My thoughts...This new series by Alyson Noel is a spinoff of the Evermore series geared toward middle grade readers. The heroine is Ever's deceased sister, Riley. Ever finds herself in a place called Here & Now and has to find her way and herself.

Riley is mature for her age. While she is only 12 years old, her character is very smart, brave, and full of intuition. She thinks fast on her feet and is not afraid to prove herself. That being said, Noel keeps the character very believable with several childish behaviors and flaws. For example, she is quick to form opinions of others, she is a bit vain, and self-centered, but she is likable. Her character evolves nicely as the story progresses.

Another interesting character is Bodhi, her guide. He looks like your typical geek: big glasses, slicked-back hair, but is he? I instantly liked this character and I hope to learn more about his past as the series progresses.

Radiance is geared toward ages 9-12, however, I think it will appeal to older readers and fans of the Immortals Series. The writing is very vivid. Noel did a great job of capturing the emotion and beauty of the surroundings. There were not a large number of major events, but it is a solid start to the series. The ending did not leave you hanging, but left you wondering what other sort of adventures Riley is in for. I look forward to book two in the series, coming in Spring 2011.

For more information about Alyson Noel and her books, visit her website. Radiance will be available in September (2010), follow this link to purchase your copy. In the meantime, enjoy the trailer.

Contest Discoveries...

Here are some exciting giveaways around the blogosphere...

*Jennifer Laurens does an extraordinary giveaway each week.  Check out this week's must have prizes.  Winners are announced on Saturdays.

*YA Book Queen is giving away a $60 GC to CSN stores.  Ends August 28th.

*  Lauren at Lauren's Crammed Bookshelf is hosting a Wickedly Awesome Birthday Contest.  The prizes are in fact, wickedly awesome.  Go check it out~ends August 24th. 

*Lisa Desrochers of Personal Demons (blog and book) is having an incredible contest.  I have been dying to get my hands on this, how about you?  Ends August 30th. 

*Adventures of Celia Bedelia is having a fun giveaway.  You could win some arc and a shopping spree.  Congrats on 400 followers!

*Brimful Curiosities is giving away a Dinosaur Kids Pack.  This would be perfect for some little ones!  Ends August 30th. 

Good luck!

CSN review: Laptop Sleeve

As part of my review for CSN stores, I decided to look for a case for my shiny, new laptop computer.  In case you didn't know CSN has over 200 stores which sell anything from popcorn makers to platform beds .  So it was a tough decision, but I found this...

Ogio Messenger Neoprene Laptop Sleeve in Twigsnberries

This laptop sleeve comes in two sizes, 15 and 17 inch.  My screen is the latter and I was worried my selection would be limited.  However, CSN had quite a few covers to choose from.  I love the colors and the pattern on this one.  I was excited it was the right size!

The sleeve arrived quickly and the first thing I noticed was the plush inside.  

I also noticed that is very well constructed.  Its zipper and seams seem to be very sturdy.  I am very pleased with the sleeve.  There is only one thing I would change about it.  I would add a small inside pocket for a thumb drive or a wireless mouse adaptor.  However, I carry this sleeve inside my messenger bag, so it has not been an issue.  This is a great product for anyone with a laptop.  

Oh, and it makes a great hat too! :)

(My daughter loved "petting" the inside) 

*A big thanks to CSN stores for allowing me to review this product. 

Inside the Treasure Chest...

It is time to take another peek in the Blogmania treasure chest.  Just a reminder, this exciting event will be happening September 15-16th.  I have a very special guest coming that week, she is helping me fill my treasure chest with more goodies for you.  More details to come.  

Today let's pay another visit to My Closet Shelf.  With all the Clockwork Angel excitement, I wanted to feature some of their Steampunk Jewerly!

Steampunk Time Passage Necklace

Cyberpunk Up Cycled Bracelet

 Steampunk Romantic Victorian Lover's Up Cycled Antique Key

My Closet Shelf sells a very large variety of items, this is only a small sample.  Be sure to stop by their Etsy shop and check out all their goodies.

CSN review: Let's Eat

In addition to donating a $60 giftcard to my blogoversary giveaway, the wonderful people at CSN stores allowed me to review some products.  After many hours shopping through their over 200 stores with everything from bookshelves to platform beds, I found this...

Rachel Ray Lasagna Pan

I like making lasagna, but my pans are never big enough.  I barely get two layers and it is oozing over the sides.  This pan solves that problem.  It is so deep, you could easily make four or more layers of lasagna.  We tried and well, see for yourself...

Coming out of the oven...smells yummy!

The big reveal.  Now mind you my Mom made the lasagna, I can take no credit.  (honestly, I had homework).  The cheese was perfectly melted, the edges perfectly cooked.  This went right in the oven, no messy tray to clean up underneath. 

Dinner is served.  We had company for dinner and my Mom's pal said "I want one of these.  This is what I want for Christmas.".  It is very nice attractive on the table, a great conversation piece.  Plus it cleaned up quickly and easily. 

This is a great product!  CSN stores shipped it quickly and safely.  The price was right.   It is a quality piece that is a must have for your kitchen.  You could cook anything in this pan, not just lasagna. 

By the way, need a good lasagna recipe, check out this post.  Special thanks to CSN for allowing me to review this pan.  Happy Eating!

WoW: Rosebush

Rosebush

by, Michele Jaffe

December 14, 2010

Instead of celebrating Memorial Day weekend on the Jersey shore, Jane is in the hospital surrounded by teddy bears, trying to piece together what happened last night. One minute she was at a party, wearing fairy wings and cuddling with her boyfriend. The next, she was lying near-dead in a rosebush after a hit and run.

Everyone thinks it was an accident, despite the phone threats Jane swears were real. But the truth is a thorny thing. As Jane's boyfriend, friends, and admirers come to visit, more memories surface--not just from the party, but from deeper in her past...including the night her best friend Bonnie died.

With nearly everyone in her life a suspect now, Jane must unravel the mystery before her killer attacks again. Along the way, she is forced to examine the consequences of her life choices in this compulsively readable thriller. (summary from goodreads)

For more information, visit Michele at her very purrfect website.

*IMM is hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine

Cover LOVE?

I love Angie Fox's Demon Slayer series.  The heroine Lizzy is a preschool teacher who discovers she has demon slaying powers.  This series is fun and wildly entertaining.  I just spotted the cover to the December release, Last Of The Demon Slayers. 

Last of the Demon Slayers (book #4)

December 28, 2010

no blurb yet, but Angie said this on her website...

I'm really excited about this December book. For one thing, Flappy and Pirate have pivotal roles. Those two are a hoot and a half to write, so any scene that they're in is always kind of crazy. Then the love story between Lizzie and Dimitri heats up. And we get to meet her dad and find out exactly what happened to make her the accidental demon slayer. I'm really excited to get it out there and see what people think.

Here are the other covers in the series

(accidental #1, dangerous #2, tale #3)...

For more information, visit Angie at Something Wicked or wordpress.