The Awesome Beth Revis - author of 'Across the Universe' and highly awaited 'A Million Suns' is hosting a contest that is International and offers 19 books as prizes.
Here is how to enter the contest. Click for full information.
So what Book am I most Thankful for:
I am most grateful for my 'The Chronicles of Narnia' series book. It has all 7 Narnia books in one binding. I absolutely love it. I read this book so many times growing up, they offered me a whole different world to escape to and I always saw a beautiful honesty in the writing, as well as being filled with magic and wonder. If I ever felt down I would grab my Narnia book and disappear between it's pages.
There are so many books I could be grateful for and would be here all day if I was to list them all. Each book offers something different and wonderful.
So what book are you grateful for? Sign up to the competition for your chance to win this INCREDIBLE prize pack.
Monday 31 October 2011
Sunday 30 October 2011
Book Review - Mystic Embrace
Title: Mystic Embrace
Author: Charlotte Blackwell
Series: Embrace (book 3)
Publisher: World Castle Publishing
Release Date: 1st November 2011
Synopsis
Ebony Triggs and her sister have accepted their birthright to be the magnificent ones, protectors of the innocent. They have been working on improving their magickal powers with the help of close friends the Pierce family. Ebony and Eliza have been working hard, with one common goal in mind, destroying the demon that killed their parents sixteen years ago. Will they ever find him and succeed at destroying him or will fighting evil become a daily occurrence for the sisters?
Entering her senior year of high school, Ebony already has more than most teens on her plate, but when things continue to change in her life she must rely on her immortal friends, the Pierce’s to help get her through. Ebony and her boyfriend Matt like most teens are looking at the future and what will happen after life in high school. But when plans change will they be faced with even bigger issues?
Ebony soon realizes that the Pierce’s and her close friends will need her as much as she needs them. She thought learning of her mystical powers was the greatest test of her life, but it was only just the beginning.
My Review
Charlotte Blackwell is a legend. Enough said!
No, I will write a proper review, but it's true, she is a legend.
This book carries on after the events in book 2, but is very different as it is told from Ebony's point of view, not Sophia's. It was fresh to have a different point of view in the story and I really enjoyed it.
Ebony is vastly becomming a powerful witch along with her sister Eliza, they spend there time between fighting off evil vampires or other monsters/demons, getting through high school, training their powers and spending time with their boyfriends and the Pierce family, life is full, sometimes complicated but going well, until everything starts to change. I don't want to give anything away, but this book is sooo good. It will give you an emotional roller coaster, make you laugh, make you cry and have you on the edge of your seat. I read it in about 3 hours, I couldn't put it down.
All the favourite characters are still in it, you still see and hear from Sophia and the rest of the family and Caspian makes an appearance - YAY.
I was surprised by some of the twists in this book but it made it so good. These books just have something about them that make you fall in love with them. The characters are like old friends and I love being swept into their world.
If you haven't read book 1 yet, i suggest you find it and read it, then grab book 2 and so on. *taps foot* well go on - go get the books! No wait, finish reading this first, I'm almost done - promise.
My Rating
I would give this book 10/10. Fantastic, gripping, epic
Author: Charlotte Blackwell
Series: Embrace (book 3)
Publisher: World Castle Publishing
Release Date: 1st November 2011
Synopsis
Ebony Triggs and her sister have accepted their birthright to be the magnificent ones, protectors of the innocent. They have been working on improving their magickal powers with the help of close friends the Pierce family. Ebony and Eliza have been working hard, with one common goal in mind, destroying the demon that killed their parents sixteen years ago. Will they ever find him and succeed at destroying him or will fighting evil become a daily occurrence for the sisters?
Entering her senior year of high school, Ebony already has more than most teens on her plate, but when things continue to change in her life she must rely on her immortal friends, the Pierce’s to help get her through. Ebony and her boyfriend Matt like most teens are looking at the future and what will happen after life in high school. But when plans change will they be faced with even bigger issues?
Ebony soon realizes that the Pierce’s and her close friends will need her as much as she needs them. She thought learning of her mystical powers was the greatest test of her life, but it was only just the beginning.
My Review
Charlotte Blackwell is a legend. Enough said!
No, I will write a proper review, but it's true, she is a legend.
This book carries on after the events in book 2, but is very different as it is told from Ebony's point of view, not Sophia's. It was fresh to have a different point of view in the story and I really enjoyed it.
Ebony is vastly becomming a powerful witch along with her sister Eliza, they spend there time between fighting off evil vampires or other monsters/demons, getting through high school, training their powers and spending time with their boyfriends and the Pierce family, life is full, sometimes complicated but going well, until everything starts to change. I don't want to give anything away, but this book is sooo good. It will give you an emotional roller coaster, make you laugh, make you cry and have you on the edge of your seat. I read it in about 3 hours, I couldn't put it down.
All the favourite characters are still in it, you still see and hear from Sophia and the rest of the family and Caspian makes an appearance - YAY.
I was surprised by some of the twists in this book but it made it so good. These books just have something about them that make you fall in love with them. The characters are like old friends and I love being swept into their world.
If you haven't read book 1 yet, i suggest you find it and read it, then grab book 2 and so on. *taps foot* well go on - go get the books! No wait, finish reading this first, I'm almost done - promise.
My Rating
I would give this book 10/10. Fantastic, gripping, epic
Saturday 29 October 2011
Book Review - Dragon's Oath
Title: Dragon's Oath
Author: P.C & Kristin Cast
Series: House of Night (Novella)
Publisher: Atom
Release Date: 12 July 2011
ISBN-13: 978-1907411182
Synopsis
Before Zoey is Marked and arrives at the House of Night… before she rises in power to confront utter darkness, and the House of Night is divided… there’s Dragon’s Oath, the thrilling story behind the House of Night's formidable fencing instructor and warrior – the love that will transform him, and the mercy that will come back to haunt him…
My Review
I love the House of Night series and am looking forward to 'Destined' which has just come out. To keep me going until I get hold of a copy I found this book. I actually saw it a while ago but couldn't afford to buy it, then Amazon had a sale so I got it for £2.99!
It's quite short at only 145 pages but gives you a great look at 'Dragon's' Life. If you have read the series you know that Bryan 'Dragon' Langford is one of the professors at the school and a Sword Master. This book goes back and shows you where he came from and how he got to be what we all know. It shows his growing relationship with Anastasia, and really just shows us another side to him.
I really enjoyed reading about Dragon and feel I know him a lot better and can see why he does some of the things he does in the books.
If you are a fan of the series I would highly recommend reading this Novella. It also helped to refresh my memory on what had been happening in the series.
My Rating
I would give this Novella 8/10. Very interesting.
Author: P.C & Kristin Cast
Series: House of Night (Novella)
Publisher: Atom
Release Date: 12 July 2011
ISBN-13: 978-1907411182
Synopsis
Before Zoey is Marked and arrives at the House of Night… before she rises in power to confront utter darkness, and the House of Night is divided… there’s Dragon’s Oath, the thrilling story behind the House of Night's formidable fencing instructor and warrior – the love that will transform him, and the mercy that will come back to haunt him…
My Review
I love the House of Night series and am looking forward to 'Destined' which has just come out. To keep me going until I get hold of a copy I found this book. I actually saw it a while ago but couldn't afford to buy it, then Amazon had a sale so I got it for £2.99!
It's quite short at only 145 pages but gives you a great look at 'Dragon's' Life. If you have read the series you know that Bryan 'Dragon' Langford is one of the professors at the school and a Sword Master. This book goes back and shows you where he came from and how he got to be what we all know. It shows his growing relationship with Anastasia, and really just shows us another side to him.
I really enjoyed reading about Dragon and feel I know him a lot better and can see why he does some of the things he does in the books.
If you are a fan of the series I would highly recommend reading this Novella. It also helped to refresh my memory on what had been happening in the series.
My Rating
I would give this Novella 8/10. Very interesting.
Friday 28 October 2011
Bk Blgr Hop: Oct 28th-31st & FF (41) & TGIF (24)
Blogger Hop is hosted by Crazy-for-Books and is an awesome way to for book bloggers to interact and find each other. Such a wonderful idea! There's a new question every week that all the participating blogs have to answer.
This week's question is:
“What is your favorite Halloween costume?
Even if you don’t celebrate, what kinds of costumes do you like?”
My Answer: I LOVE to dress up - any opportunity will do. So far I have dressed up as Tinkerbell, a Purple Fairy, Roxy from Chicago, Pirate, Witch, Mrs Santa Claus, Elf, Winnie the Witch, The Gruffallo, Skeleton, Bear, Circus Performer, and I'm sure there are more. These weren't all for Halloween of course, a lot of them were for library events- but I always volunteer to wear the costume. I usually go as a witch most Halloweens.
Follow Friday
Follow Friday is an opportunity to discover and follow other book related blogs! Want to join? Check it out at Parajunkee.
This week's question feature is from In which Ems reviews books…
Q: If you could have dinner with your favorite book character, who would you eat with and what would you serve?
My Answer: I have so many characters I love, but I think I would have Valkyrie Cain & Skulduggery Pleasant over for dinner and we would have all sorts of delicious treats, it's not often they get to kick back and stop fighting evil - so it would have to be yummy.
TGIF!
This meme is hosted by GReads!
This Friday's Question:
Spooktacular Reads: Which books do you consider festive Halloween reads? Which stories have chilled you to the bone?
Happy Hopping, have a great weekend everyone!!! Don't forget to enter my 'Spooktacular Giveaway' International ends 31st October
Please read my post - 'Design Request Help' - I still need suggestions. Thanks
Thursday 27 October 2011
Design Request Help - Please Read.
I want some icons designing and I'm not sure who to ask to make them for me, so I figured I would do a shout out here. If any of you are designers or know reliable ones please leave me a comment.
Here is what I want:
I want 5 images making - as my new 'Rating' system. All featuring a cartoon image of me (Something similar to this Sim I created would be good.) Doesn't have to be exact likeness, just a blonde girl really.
I want to focus on emotion - what the book made me feel, so the expressions will be important - here is a rough outline of my ideas.
- 'Loved It - On my Shelves Forever!' So I would like me hugging a book tight (like bear hug) in front of some shelves, with a huge smile on my face.
- 'Really Enjoyed It' So I would like me holding a book in one hand and doing a 'thumbs up' with the other
- 'Was OK, Not Sure I Would Read It Again' So I would like me walking into a library with the 'returns' section sign up. but still smiling - looking satisfied (glad I read it, but wouldn't read it again)
- 'Just Managed to Finish It, But Didn't Enjoy It' so I would like me lying back on a big comfy chair (like an arm chair) dropping the book out of my hand with a look of exhaustion on my face.
- 'Couldn't Finish It' so i would like me sitting at a desk, but with ruffled hair and looking worn out and miserable- like i've worked hard, tried my best but just couldn't do anymore. Pushing the book away from me.
I hope they make sense, I sort of have an idea what I want but it's hard to get across the emotion. - But this is what I'm going for - an emotion i felt for the book rather than a number grade.
Some books make me smile like crazy and i love them, but technically they weren't that good, which is why number ratings are so harsh.
any constructive feedback welcome - do you like the sound of these or do you prefer the number ratings?
If you can help, or know someone that can help - please let me know.
Book Review - Elemental Reality
Title: Elemental Reality
Author: Cesya Marae Cuono
Series: Elemental (book 1)
Publisher: Revolution Publishing
Release Date: 9 Aug 2011
Synopsis
When Callie Pierce was ten, her mother disappeared without a trace. On the eve of her disappearance twelve years later, the earth seemingly comes alive. The elements speak to Callie, and that's only the beginning. Everything she has ever known was a twisted fabrication to protect her. Now the truth is set free. Callie and her sister are more powerful than any Faerie ever born. Now they have to use their powers to save their mother and family from the evil hands of fate that threaten to tear them apart. Welcome to her elemental reality.
My Review
I received a signed copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book but the blurb sounded good and the cover is beautiful! So pretty, one of my favourites in a long time.
Callie is 22 and has a good life, she lives at home with her dad and sometimes her sister, she has two amazing best friends and a job she is good at. But something is missing, ever since her mother disappeared without trace or reason 12 years prior Callie hasn't felt the same and wonders what happened. As she turns 22 she starts to experience strange dreams and she feels things more closely, a lit candle on teh other side of the room heats her skin, she can smell rain before it arrives etc. When the truth about her and her sister comes out, her world is turned upside down and she must learn to control her powers to help get her mum back.
I liked Callie as a character, although she acts more like a seventeen year old in places, but then again, I'm only 23 and a lot of her behaviour reminded me of things I would still do now so I guess I'm just as immature. :D
The book is narrated from Callie's point of view and she is a great narrator, funny, sensitive, emotional, crazy, just everything you could want from a character.
Lola is a bit of a mystery to me, some scenes I would really like her and she'd come across quite sweet and sensitive but with a fiery attitude, then others she would turn and I wouldn't like her very much. The cliffhanger ending had me stumped though.
Of course there is a love triangle involved - Cayden the bad boy. I did not like him and wasn't surprised by what happens in the story.
Oli however had me melting straight away. So handsome, sensitive, strong, caring and devastatingly handsome. Can you tell which boy I'm voting for?
The story pace is good and I got through this one quite quickly, my attention has been wandering a bit lately as I have a lot going on, so this book was perfect, it wasn't too long but it captured my imagination again. So thanks for that. :D
I actually enjoyed it more than I thought I would and want the next one in the series. The ending annoyed me a little bit as it's so open and a sort of 'gasp!' ending.
My Rating
I would give this book 9/10. Great twist on the fairy element and exciting read.
Author: Cesya Marae Cuono
Series: Elemental (book 1)
Publisher: Revolution Publishing
Release Date: 9 Aug 2011
Synopsis
When Callie Pierce was ten, her mother disappeared without a trace. On the eve of her disappearance twelve years later, the earth seemingly comes alive. The elements speak to Callie, and that's only the beginning. Everything she has ever known was a twisted fabrication to protect her. Now the truth is set free. Callie and her sister are more powerful than any Faerie ever born. Now they have to use their powers to save their mother and family from the evil hands of fate that threaten to tear them apart. Welcome to her elemental reality.
My Review
I received a signed copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book but the blurb sounded good and the cover is beautiful! So pretty, one of my favourites in a long time.
Callie is 22 and has a good life, she lives at home with her dad and sometimes her sister, she has two amazing best friends and a job she is good at. But something is missing, ever since her mother disappeared without trace or reason 12 years prior Callie hasn't felt the same and wonders what happened. As she turns 22 she starts to experience strange dreams and she feels things more closely, a lit candle on teh other side of the room heats her skin, she can smell rain before it arrives etc. When the truth about her and her sister comes out, her world is turned upside down and she must learn to control her powers to help get her mum back.
I liked Callie as a character, although she acts more like a seventeen year old in places, but then again, I'm only 23 and a lot of her behaviour reminded me of things I would still do now so I guess I'm just as immature. :D
The book is narrated from Callie's point of view and she is a great narrator, funny, sensitive, emotional, crazy, just everything you could want from a character.
Lola is a bit of a mystery to me, some scenes I would really like her and she'd come across quite sweet and sensitive but with a fiery attitude, then others she would turn and I wouldn't like her very much. The cliffhanger ending had me stumped though.
Of course there is a love triangle involved - Cayden the bad boy. I did not like him and wasn't surprised by what happens in the story.
Oli however had me melting straight away. So handsome, sensitive, strong, caring and devastatingly handsome. Can you tell which boy I'm voting for?
The story pace is good and I got through this one quite quickly, my attention has been wandering a bit lately as I have a lot going on, so this book was perfect, it wasn't too long but it captured my imagination again. So thanks for that. :D
I actually enjoyed it more than I thought I would and want the next one in the series. The ending annoyed me a little bit as it's so open and a sort of 'gasp!' ending.
My Rating
I would give this book 9/10. Great twist on the fairy element and exciting read.
Know Me Better 27th Oct
"Know Me Better" is a new weekly meme hosted by I Am A Reader Not A Writer.
Each week five questions are asked as a way for your readers to get to
know you better. Want to play along? It's easy! Just click the link
above to take you over to the host's page. From there, copy and paste
the meme image into your blog along with the meme code. Link back to the
host and you're done.
Here's this weeks questions:
If you could meet one person who has died who would you choose?
This is a hard one, maybe my grandma - she died when I was 2 or 3 so I never really knew her.
Chocolate or Vanilla?
Chocolate. mmmm
What do you do in your free time?
Free time? What's that? hehe, I read and blog of course, but I also do Zumba, Trampolining, JuJitsu, High Board Diving, I like to write and watch DVD's and the odd TV show.
What movie are you looking forward to this year?
erm, not sure really, whats coming out? The only one I'm obsessively counting down to is 'Hunger Games' out March 2012.
Spontaneity or Planning Ahead?
Can you have spontaneous planning? coz that's more my thing. I will decide to go somewhere on short notice, but then once I've decided to go I have to plan the event as much as I can. But I do prefer a plan.
That's it for this week. Head over to "I Am A Reader, Not A Writer" to sign up. :D
Here's this weeks questions:
If you could meet one person who has died who would you choose?
This is a hard one, maybe my grandma - she died when I was 2 or 3 so I never really knew her.
Chocolate or Vanilla?
Chocolate. mmmm
What do you do in your free time?
Free time? What's that? hehe, I read and blog of course, but I also do Zumba, Trampolining, JuJitsu, High Board Diving, I like to write and watch DVD's and the odd TV show.
What movie are you looking forward to this year?
erm, not sure really, whats coming out? The only one I'm obsessively counting down to is 'Hunger Games' out March 2012.
Spontaneity or Planning Ahead?
Can you have spontaneous planning? coz that's more my thing. I will decide to go somewhere on short notice, but then once I've decided to go I have to plan the event as much as I can. But I do prefer a plan.
That's it for this week. Head over to "I Am A Reader, Not A Writer" to sign up. :D
Tuesday 25 October 2011
Teaser Tuesday: Elemental Reality
TEAser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along, just do as following:
- Grab your current read
- Open to a random page
- Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
- Be careful not to include any spoilers so as not to ruin the book for others!
Make sure to share the title and the author so other TT participants can add the book to their TBR piles!
My Teasers: Elemental Reality by Cesya Marae Cuono
"Pulling my knees to my chest, I wrapped my arms around my legs and rested my chin on top. My body shook, the memory of my glowing hands reverberating through my soul."
Page 62
"Deafening cracks exploded in my ears as not one, but four bolts of lightning struck along my arm. The jolt was awful."
Page 147
What are your teasers?
Monday 24 October 2011
Spooktacular Giveaway Hop
This Giveaway hop is being hosted by 'I Am A Reader, Not A Writer' and Co-Hosted by Rhianna @ TheDiaryofaBookworm. These are awesome blogs, stop by and check them out.
Now, to the hop:
This Giveaway hop runs from October 24th - 31st
What is a giveaway hop?
Simple - Each participating blog hosts a giveaway and then we link up together allowing our followers to hop easily from one giveaway to another.
For followers this means lots of chances to win free books.
For blogs hosting a giveaway it means lots of new visitors.
It's a win-win!
There are currently over 400 blogs signed up so that's a lot of prizes to win. :D
So here's my Giveaway -
As this is a spooktacular hop I will be offering the choice of some spooky reads. The winner will be able to choose 1 (one) of the books below from the 'Book Depository'.
The Choices are:
- The Spook's Apprentice by Joseph Delaney (one of my favourite scary reads)
- Dark Visions by L.J. Smith
- Haunting Violet by Alyxandra Harvey
- Firespell by Chloe Neill
- Coraline by Neil Gaiman
- Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy (EPIC book)
I am a wimp so these are as scary as it gets, but there are some really good reads here. :D
So how to enter?
To enter put your details in the Linky List below, that's it, simple as that.
Here are the rules:
1) Competition opens Monday 24th October
2) Competition closes on Monday 31st October Midnight GMT
3) Enter your Name, E-mail and Blog Link in the Linky List Below (email will be hidden, if you don't have a blog just enter your Facebook or Twitter page)
4) You Must be a Follower to enter!
5) One Name will be selected at random from the list.
6) Contest open INTERNATIONALLY!!! :D
7) Winners will be contacted by e-mail
8) Winners will have 3 days to reply or another winner will be selected.
2) Competition closes on Monday 31st October Midnight GMT
3) Enter your Name, E-mail and Blog Link in the Linky List Below (email will be hidden, if you don't have a blog just enter your Facebook or Twitter page)
4) You Must be a Follower to enter!
5) One Name will be selected at random from the list.
6) Contest open INTERNATIONALLY!!! :D
7) Winners will be contacted by e-mail
8) Winners will have 3 days to reply or another winner will be selected.
Spread the word and have fun.
The Hop list of all the other blogs taking part is below my entry link list. :D
Good luck to everyone.
Sunday 23 October 2011
Book Review - The Academy
Title: The Academy
Author: T.P. Boje
Series: Afterlife (book 1)
Release Date: 10 Oct 2011
ISBN-13: 978-1466341074
Synopsis
Have you ever wondered where you go when you die?
Meghan is 16 when it happens to her.
She wakes up on a flying steamboat on her way to a school run by Angels in a white marble castle.
It is a school everybody has to go to before they are let into Heaven.
On the boat she meets Mick who has been dead for more than a hundred years but still looks like a teenager. He helps her past the difficult beginning at the new school in a new world.
One day some of Meghan's roommates find a mirror in the cellar of the school and they persuade her to go through it with them - well knowing it is strictly against the rules of the school. Meghan ends up back on earth where she meets Jason. But Jason is in danger and Meghan know something important. Something that is a matter of life and death. Soon she is forced to choose between the two worlds. The one she belongs to now and the one she left.
My Review
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Meghan wakes up on a boat with no idea how she got there. She meets a guy called Mick who informs her that she has died and is on her way to the Afterlife Academy where she will learn all about being a spirit and what her 'future' involves. When Meghan and some of her classmates sneak out into the mortal realm she meets Jason, a young teenager. But Meghan has seen him somewhere before, she must work out what to do before it's too late.
I sat down this morning to start this book and had finished it within a couple of hours. The storyline is well set out and the pace is good. I liked the love stories and the different 'death stories'. The Academy sounded incredible, so beautiful.
Meghan is a great main character, instantly likeable and friendly. She cares about other people and wants to do well, but at the same time wants to do what she believes is right even if it means breaking the rules. I wanted to know more about her though, she is one of the few characters that you don't know how she died, it's a big mystery and I kept hoping it would come up so I hope we get to find out in book 2.
Mick sounds like a great love interest and I hope we see more of him, he looks out for Meghan and knows a lot about the world.
As soon as I met Jason, I figured out who he was, it seemed obvious to me, but it didn't take away from the story as I still enjoyed experiencing everything with Meghan.
Certain parts of the story were predictable and some made me think of Harry Potter - ladders that take you to different locations (moving staircases) meals that appear on plates as if my magic (the great hall meals appear). But it doesn't detract from the story and is different enough to be unique.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and it ends on an exciting development and I really want book 2.
My Rating
I would give this book 8/10. Death & Life meet with a twist. Definitely worth a read.
Author: T.P. Boje
Series: Afterlife (book 1)
Release Date: 10 Oct 2011
ISBN-13: 978-1466341074
Synopsis
Have you ever wondered where you go when you die?
Meghan is 16 when it happens to her.
She wakes up on a flying steamboat on her way to a school run by Angels in a white marble castle.
It is a school everybody has to go to before they are let into Heaven.
On the boat she meets Mick who has been dead for more than a hundred years but still looks like a teenager. He helps her past the difficult beginning at the new school in a new world.
One day some of Meghan's roommates find a mirror in the cellar of the school and they persuade her to go through it with them - well knowing it is strictly against the rules of the school. Meghan ends up back on earth where she meets Jason. But Jason is in danger and Meghan know something important. Something that is a matter of life and death. Soon she is forced to choose between the two worlds. The one she belongs to now and the one she left.
My Review
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Meghan wakes up on a boat with no idea how she got there. She meets a guy called Mick who informs her that she has died and is on her way to the Afterlife Academy where she will learn all about being a spirit and what her 'future' involves. When Meghan and some of her classmates sneak out into the mortal realm she meets Jason, a young teenager. But Meghan has seen him somewhere before, she must work out what to do before it's too late.
I sat down this morning to start this book and had finished it within a couple of hours. The storyline is well set out and the pace is good. I liked the love stories and the different 'death stories'. The Academy sounded incredible, so beautiful.
Meghan is a great main character, instantly likeable and friendly. She cares about other people and wants to do well, but at the same time wants to do what she believes is right even if it means breaking the rules. I wanted to know more about her though, she is one of the few characters that you don't know how she died, it's a big mystery and I kept hoping it would come up so I hope we get to find out in book 2.
Mick sounds like a great love interest and I hope we see more of him, he looks out for Meghan and knows a lot about the world.
As soon as I met Jason, I figured out who he was, it seemed obvious to me, but it didn't take away from the story as I still enjoyed experiencing everything with Meghan.
Certain parts of the story were predictable and some made me think of Harry Potter - ladders that take you to different locations (moving staircases) meals that appear on plates as if my magic (the great hall meals appear). But it doesn't detract from the story and is different enough to be unique.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and it ends on an exciting development and I really want book 2.
My Rating
I would give this book 8/10. Death & Life meet with a twist. Definitely worth a read.
Author Interview - Michelle Madow
Following my review of 'Remembrance' yesterday, I have a treat for you all.
I have an interview with Author Michelle Madow! *squeals excitedly*
1) What did you want to be
when you were younger?
When I was in middle school and high school I wanted to be a
psychiatrist, because I enjoy helping my friends through problems they’re going
through. However, I discovered in college that there’s a big difference between
liking to help out your friends and studying psychology, so I majored in
English instead.
2) Who was your favourite
author as a child? Who is it now?
I had so many favorite authors as a kid—reading has always been my
favorite thing to do! My top four would be the Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis, the Goosebumps series by R.L. Stine, the Animorphs series by K.A. Applegate, and the Sweet Valley series by Francine Pascal. Currently I have so many
favorites! The top of those would have to be the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, Twilight by Stephenie Meyer, the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan, the Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead, and the Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa.
So many good books there, Narnia was always one of my favourites too. I remember the Animorphs, haven't heard about them in years!
3) Where do you do most of
your writing? Do you have a special spot? Routine to get writing?
Since I started writing in college and am now in grad school I’ve
lived in a different place every year, so I’ve never had a long-term writing
spot. I just moved to start another year of school, and right now I’m working
at my dinette set in my living room. Today I bought a desk and it’s arriving
tomorrow, so I’m excited to be able to start working there. Before I write I
give myself “procrastinating time,” where I’ll play around on the Internet or
read before starting writing. It gives me time to get into the writing mode
Ooh hope your new desk makes you feel at home, I love the idea of procrastinating time, I seem to do a lot of that! lol
4) Can you tell us a bit
more about Remembrance and how it came about?
Remembrance is about a high school junior named Lizzie who has been reincarnated
from Regency Era, England, but she doesn’t realize it until her soulmate
transfers into her school and triggers her past life to gradually return to
her. The idea came to me after I saw Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” music video. In
the video, Taylor sees a guy while walking through campus, and the moment their
eyes connect, the scene flashes to the two of them dancing at a beautiful ball
dressed in clothes that appear to be from around the year 1815. After watching
the video, the characters and story in Remembrance
pieced together in my mind. I started to write it down, and ended up with a
finished novel!
I adore Taylor Swift! her Love Story video is beautiful, and you did a fantastic job with it.
5) If you could choose
between living in the present day or going back to live in the Regency era,
which would you choose and why?
While living in the Regency Era at first seems like it would be
romantic, I would choose to live in the present day. There are lots of reasons
for this. The first is modern conveniences! (I don’t want to go into detail
here, but we definitely have different standards of “feeling clean” than they
did back then.) Another is—I LOVE the Internet! Having a world of information
at my fingertips whenever I want it is something I would never want to give up.
Also, traveling would be such a hassle back then, having to get around by horse
and buggy instead of hopping into a car or plane. And lastly, while the dresses
back then were pretty, I don’t imagine they would be comfortable, and I would
miss my favorite article of clothing—jeans!
I can see you thought about that and you make a good argument, I think I would stay here too, but I would love to have a dress like that. Maybe I should organize a grand ball just so I can dress up!
6) Do you truly believe in
true love - soul mates? Have you found yours?
While I don’t believe in true love in a “destiny and soul mates”
sort of way, I do believe there are people in the world who each person would
be best paired with. I haven’t met my perfect match yet, but I hope I will
someday
I wish you the best of luck in your search. I'm sure you'll find someone wonderful.
7) Do you know what you
were in a previous life? Or is this your first?
Past lives aren’t something I personally believe in, although it is
fun to write about in fiction. If past lives did exist, and if I had one, I
imagine I would be from the Golden Age of Rome because I love the art and
architecture from that time period.
Cool, Rome was beautiful back then, still is actually. I think I was a servant in Camelot under the rule of King Arthur, I have a weird fascination with this time period and seem to know a lot about it without ever having studied it.
8) Are any of the characters
based on people you know? Which one are you most like?
My characters are all from my imagination. And while I’m not like
any of them, I think I could best be described as a combination of Keelie,
Lizzie, and Chelsea. The things I have in common with them are Keelie’s
confidence, Lizzie’s wistfulness and hoping that true love and fairy tales exist,
and Chelsea’s enjoyment of life and having fun with her friends.
9) If your book was made
into a film, who would play the main roles.
I LOVE casting celebrities as characters in my book! In fact, I have
a whole blog entry devoted to this subject. You can check it out by clicking
here.
I LOVE your choices, I can totally see them in it, especially Drew & Jeremy.
10) Have you ever met or
communicated with Taylor Swift? Is so, does she know about your book and what
did she say? If not, what would you say to her if she did talk to you?
The closest I’ve come to communicating with Taylor is giving her a
hug while she walked down the aisle at one of her concerts. She doesn’t know
about my book, but I daydream all the time about telling her! In my recent
scenario in my imagination, I get floor seat tickets to her concert. Before I
go, I pack a book, sign it to her, and insert this
letter into the book so she knows about how she inspires it. Then I tell
one of the people working at the concert about my book and how much I want to
meet Taylor. They say that they might be able to work something out, and then bring
me backstage to hang out with her before the show! (If you can’t tell, I’ve
given this a decent amount of thought ;)
I know I would start crying when I first met her, because Taylor has
been such an inspiration to me. Not only through her songs, but as a person as
well. One thing Taylor says is that it’s okay to be different, and to make your
differences work for you. While I was in college it was definitely different to
dedicate so much time to writing a novel, but I made it work for me to make my
dream come true.
That would be so awesome, that could so totally happen!
I have seen her live twice. I've always dreamed of meeting her too. I hope she reads your book and gets in touch. :D
11) What was your
favourite scene to write in the book?
I loved writing the scene where Lizzie is with Drew in the car after
the soccer game. It was an intense scene to write, and one of the first times
they were alone together. Another of my favorites was the music box scene,
because it was so sweet and romantic. I recently wrote a blog post featuring a
picture of the music box and a clip of the song, which you can check out by clicking here.
Good scenes, I saw the music box and thought it was beautiful.
12) When you write, do you
plan the storyline or just go with the flow and see where it takes you?
I outline the story before I begin writing. This way I know where
the story is heading, so I have direction when I write. I’m not such a stickler
to my outline that I refuse to tangent from it if I come up with a better idea,
but for the most part the book is already planned out before I start to write
it.
I wish I had that preparation, I tend to just leap in and see where it takes me.
13) If you could hang out
with any of your characters, who would you choose and why?
Drew! Because he’s hot, and … need I say more? ;)
14) How many books will
there be in the series?
Remembrance is the first part of the Transcend Time Saga, which will be told in
three parts. The second part is a short story called Vengeance, and it will be released on December 8, 2011. You can
check it out here
on Goodreads. The third part is a novel that will conclude the Saga, currently
untitled at set to be released in the end of 2012.
I can't wait for book 2, I know it's going to be good, but so long to wait for the third one. It will be worth it though.
15) Can you give us any
hints about book 2?
Yes, I can! Here are four fun facts about Vengeance:
·
It is told from Chelsea's point
of view.
·
The story starts at the last
place the reader sees Chelsea in Remembrance—when Lizzie leaves her room after
they talk about Drew.
·
Shannon plays a bigger part in
the story—it turns out she has secrets of her own.
·
Chelsea will open her mind and
start believing in things she would have never before thought possible.
Thank you for interviewing me on your blog!
Thank you for answering my questions, It was great to have you on my blog.
Saturday 22 October 2011
Quote Love (30)
Quote Love is a new meme hosted by 'Midnight Twilight'. It's kind of like Teaser Tuesday from Should Be Reading,
but with this one you can choose any quote from any book, not just the
one you're currently reading. The quote can be thought provoking, or
funny, or just really powerful, it's all up to you which kind of quote
you choose.
Here is what you have to do to participate:
1) Choose one of your favorite quotes.
2) Post the quote, and write what you like about it.
3) Make sure to put the title and author so if someone else likes the quote they can check out the book.
4) Post your link on Midnight Twilight's Post.
So here is my quote for the week:
“You don't love someone because they're perfect, you love them in spite of the fact that they're not.”
― Jodi Picoult, My Sister's Keeper
No one is perfect, but we all want to be loved. :D
Have a great weekend everyone. :D
Here is what you have to do to participate:
1) Choose one of your favorite quotes.
2) Post the quote, and write what you like about it.
3) Make sure to put the title and author so if someone else likes the quote they can check out the book.
4) Post your link on Midnight Twilight's Post.
So here is my quote for the week:
“You don't love someone because they're perfect, you love them in spite of the fact that they're not.”
― Jodi Picoult, My Sister's Keeper
No one is perfect, but we all want to be loved. :D
Have a great weekend everyone. :D
Book Review - Remembrance
Title: Remembrance
Author: Michelle Madow
Series: Transcend Time (book 1)
Publisher: Dreamscape Publishing
Release Date: Aug 2011
ISBN-13: 978-0615512440
Synopsis
New Hampshire high school junior Lizzie Davenport has been reincarnated from Regency Era, England ... but she doesn't know it yet.
Then Drew Carmichael transfers into Lizzie's school at the beginning of the year, and she feels a connection to him, almost like she knows him. She can't stop thinking about him, but whenever she tries talking with him about the mysteries behind her feelings, he makes it clear that he wants nothing to do with her. Reaching him is even more difficult because she has a boyfriend, Jeremy, who has started to become full of himself after being elected co-captain of the varsity soccer team, and her flirtatious best friend Chelsea starts dating Drew soon after his arrival. So why can't she seem to get him out of her mind?
Even though Lizzie knows she should let go of her fascination with Drew, the pair of them soon find that fighting fate isn't going to be easy.
My Review
I was sent a copy of this as an ebook by the author in exchange for an honest review. Although I have purchased a copy since as I loved it so much.
As soon as I heard about this book, I knew I had to read it. The author was inspired by Taylor Swifts "Love Story" song, now anyone that knows me, knows I love Taylor Swift. She is the only person I've ever seen in concert, so of course the book was sold to me on that only. I had high hopes for this book and I was not disappointed.
When Lizzie sees Drew for the first time her breath catches and her stomach flutters, but she's in a relationship and her best friend Chelsea falls head over heels for Drew. maybe it's not meant to be. But with a strange connection between them and flashbacks from the Regency era of her and Drew together she knows something is pulling them together.
I loved Lizzie as a character, she was thoughtful, creative, impulsive, and just came across as really real, she's not perfect but she tries hard.
Lizzie's boyfriend Jeremy is a bit of a g*t. It all starts off fine, but there were so many times I wanted to slap him and telling him to stop being such a pig. I did feel a bit sorry for him later in the book, but not for long. I was praying Lizzie would see sense and leave him - I was practically shouting at the book in places.
Chelsea seems very absorbed as a best friend. Lizzie goes through such an internal struggle and more withdrawn but Chelsea doesn't seem to notice, and nearly every conversation is about her and what she wants. I will admit, I have had friends like that and have struggled to break the friendship, but here I would have told Lizzie to leave and spend her time with her other friends like Hannah or Keelie.
Drew - the mystery man, mmm, so nice. He is a real puzzle, one minute he is soft and gentle with Lizzie, the next he is shutting her out and I hated the way he treated her, I yelled at him a few times lol.
This is the ultimate star crossed lover, love triangle (or square?) scenario and I love how it all unfolded.
The imagery in the book is beautiful and I really want one of Lizzie's mask, even the dress she gets as well. I was swept into a world of whirlwind romance.
The plot is well written and flows well, I connected with the characters and events and places and didn't want it to end.
This book made me feel for the characters and the world really did come alive.
My Rating
I would give this book 10/10. So beautiful, I cannot wait until the next book. Incredible. x
Author: Michelle Madow
Series: Transcend Time (book 1)
Publisher: Dreamscape Publishing
Release Date: Aug 2011
ISBN-13: 978-0615512440
Synopsis
New Hampshire high school junior Lizzie Davenport has been reincarnated from Regency Era, England ... but she doesn't know it yet.
Then Drew Carmichael transfers into Lizzie's school at the beginning of the year, and she feels a connection to him, almost like she knows him. She can't stop thinking about him, but whenever she tries talking with him about the mysteries behind her feelings, he makes it clear that he wants nothing to do with her. Reaching him is even more difficult because she has a boyfriend, Jeremy, who has started to become full of himself after being elected co-captain of the varsity soccer team, and her flirtatious best friend Chelsea starts dating Drew soon after his arrival. So why can't she seem to get him out of her mind?
Even though Lizzie knows she should let go of her fascination with Drew, the pair of them soon find that fighting fate isn't going to be easy.
My Review
I was sent a copy of this as an ebook by the author in exchange for an honest review. Although I have purchased a copy since as I loved it so much.
As soon as I heard about this book, I knew I had to read it. The author was inspired by Taylor Swifts "Love Story" song, now anyone that knows me, knows I love Taylor Swift. She is the only person I've ever seen in concert, so of course the book was sold to me on that only. I had high hopes for this book and I was not disappointed.
When Lizzie sees Drew for the first time her breath catches and her stomach flutters, but she's in a relationship and her best friend Chelsea falls head over heels for Drew. maybe it's not meant to be. But with a strange connection between them and flashbacks from the Regency era of her and Drew together she knows something is pulling them together.
I loved Lizzie as a character, she was thoughtful, creative, impulsive, and just came across as really real, she's not perfect but she tries hard.
Lizzie's boyfriend Jeremy is a bit of a g*t. It all starts off fine, but there were so many times I wanted to slap him and telling him to stop being such a pig. I did feel a bit sorry for him later in the book, but not for long. I was praying Lizzie would see sense and leave him - I was practically shouting at the book in places.
Chelsea seems very absorbed as a best friend. Lizzie goes through such an internal struggle and more withdrawn but Chelsea doesn't seem to notice, and nearly every conversation is about her and what she wants. I will admit, I have had friends like that and have struggled to break the friendship, but here I would have told Lizzie to leave and spend her time with her other friends like Hannah or Keelie.
Drew - the mystery man, mmm, so nice. He is a real puzzle, one minute he is soft and gentle with Lizzie, the next he is shutting her out and I hated the way he treated her, I yelled at him a few times lol.
This is the ultimate star crossed lover, love triangle (or square?) scenario and I love how it all unfolded.
The imagery in the book is beautiful and I really want one of Lizzie's mask, even the dress she gets as well. I was swept into a world of whirlwind romance.
The plot is well written and flows well, I connected with the characters and events and places and didn't want it to end.
This book made me feel for the characters and the world really did come alive.
My Rating
I would give this book 10/10. So beautiful, I cannot wait until the next book. Incredible. x
Friday 21 October 2011
Bk Blgr Hop: Oct 21st - 24th & FF (40) & TGIF (23)
Blogger Hop is hosted by Crazy-for-Books and is an awesome way to for book bloggers to interact and find each other. Such a wonderful idea! There's a new question every week that all the participating blogs have to answer.
This week's question is:
“What is your favorite type of candy?”
My Answer: I have a sweet tooth so candy is always good - I love 'Starburst', 'Skittles', "Fruit Pastels' but my ultimate favourite snack is 'Maltesers' I could eat them all day, mmmm
Follow Friday
Follow Friday is an opportunity to discover and follow other book related blogs! Want to join? Check it out at Parajunkee.
This week's question feature is from Book Savvy Babe
Q: What superhero is your alter-ego?
My Answer: I'm not really sure to be honest, maybe a bit of Cat Woman as I love cats and can even purr a little bit, maybe a bit of Lara Croft, I like a bit of action adventure - and I would good in those shorts (lol)
TGIF!
This meme is hosted by GReads!
This Friday's Question:
Book Blogs That Make You Smile:
Pick 5 book blogs you visit often & think others should, too.
My Answer: I've done this a few times, so I'm going to try to picj a few different ones, all my previous recommendations stand. :D
1) 'I Am A Readder, Not A Writer' - I love her blog, so well organised, runs amazing blog hops and is really fun and friendly
2) 'Pages Of Forbidden Love'- Alexa's blog is stylish and fun to read, she also does great vlogs.
3) 'Down The Rabbit Hole' - great discussions and one of my favourite backgrounds and themes.
4) 'Girls Heart Books' - Author discussions, fun updates and debates.
5) 'Bibliognome' - gorgeous little blog, with great reviews and features.
Happy Hopping, have a great weekend everyone!!!
Pick 5 book blogs you visit often & think others should, too.
My Answer: I've done this a few times, so I'm going to try to picj a few different ones, all my previous recommendations stand. :D
1) 'I Am A Readder, Not A Writer' - I love her blog, so well organised, runs amazing blog hops and is really fun and friendly
2) 'Pages Of Forbidden Love'- Alexa's blog is stylish and fun to read, she also does great vlogs.
3) 'Down The Rabbit Hole' - great discussions and one of my favourite backgrounds and themes.
4) 'Girls Heart Books' - Author discussions, fun updates and debates.
5) 'Bibliognome' - gorgeous little blog, with great reviews and features.
Happy Hopping, have a great weekend everyone!!!
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