To Be Read Pile Vlog

I haven't done a Stacking the Shelves video for about 3 months now and I've recieved a lot of books, to add on top of some of the other ones I already had.
So I thought I would run through them on a video. All of the ones I have on my To Be Read pile.  Enjoy!

Sorry for poor quality video.

But say hello to my cat sitting besides me! :D

Book Review - Awakenings

Title: Dream Magic: Awakenings
Author: Dawn Harshaw
Release Date: 2012
ASIN: B0075DZFUU

 Synopsis
Eric, a young boy, has enough of nightmares ruining his dreams. Determined to grow stronger, he tackles magical disciplines one at a time - be it flying, blade magic, or telepathy - and stares down his fears. But, will he survive the battles and the trial of nightmare mastery? And at what cost?



My Review
I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 
This is another one I've had for a while, so apologies to the author for keeping you waiting. I had a spare hour and a bit tonight and as this book is only 155 pages long I decided I could read it in one. 
Eric suffers from nightmares and is fed up of them, he then finds himself in 'dream camp' a place where you can go to learn how to fight your demons and learn dream skills. I think the concept behind this is excellent, it would be really fun.
Once there he makes friends with two girls Rose and Lucy and together they spend their time learning skills from flying, teleportation, conjuring fire, water, air etc. Basically magic! They have different 'teachers' to guide them in their skills. 
 I liked the basic innocence of the characters and their willingness to learn, the skills themself sounded cool too. I liked their lesson in flying, not sure I would have the courage to jump!
The only downside to this is that there is a lot of explaining with each new skill, a bit of backstory of how that skill works and has been learnt, I found myself skimming over parts of this just wanting to find out how they do and what use it has to them. I wanted there to be more relevance to them learning the skills, as it got a bit repetitive with each chapter just having them learn something else but never really use it. Towards the end there is a battle with Goblin like creatures where they then use their new found skills so it becomes worth it, but it's a heck of a lot of build up to get there. I don't know maybe I was missing the point a bit. 
I'm not saying I didn't like the book, because I actually did, it was a fun little read and a great idea, it just took me longer to read than I thought it would and was a little slow in places. But the characters charm and chemistry pulled me through - I wanted to know what happened to them in the end which is what kept me going. That's always a good thing if you can get invested in the characters. 
If you're looking for a quick magic read with a sense of charm and a look into a whole new dream world then this book will be perfect for you.
In the end I'm glad I read it. :D

My Rating

          

Book Review - Adapting Eden

Title: Adapting Eden
Author: Victoria Foyt
Series: Save the Pearls (Book 2)
Published: Sand Dollar Press Inc
Release Date:  25th January 2013
ISBN-13: 978-0983650348

Synopsis
Eden Newman must adapt into a hybrid human beast if she hopes to become Ronson Bramford’s mate. She has no choice but to undergo her father’s adaptation experiment at his makeshift laboratory in the last patch of rainforest. But when the past rears its ugly head, Eden and Bramford must abandon camp along with their family and friends. Luckily, an Aztec tribe that has survived with the aid of a healing plant provides them with sanctuary—or is it? Too late, Eden realizes she is at the center of an epic spiritual battle between love and war. To survive, she must face her deepest fears or lose everything, including the beastly man she loves.

My Review
I read book one at the start of 2012 and actually enjoyed it, In fact, looking back I gave it a high review rating. I didn't have a problem with it and found myself getting into the world. 
I then didn't hear anything about the series for ages so kind of forgot about it, then a couple of weeks ago I got an email asking if I would like to read book 2, I said yes. I recieved the book in the post and  put it on my to be read list. I wasn't as fond of the synopsis for this one, I wasn't sure what to expect but I started reading anyway. 
For some reason everywhere online says this is 110 pages - it's not, it's actually 300. Although the font is fairly big. 
I started to read and found myself back in the 'Jungle' with Eden and Bramford. Now I have to confess I could never really picture what Bramford is supposed to look like in his 'transformed' state. The 'Jaguar Man' who can run on all fours, and has 'muscles' but yet walks and talks like a human too, I can't picture how it is combined, so I kind of ignored that in the first book and just pictured him as a muscle bound guy. 
This book is mostly about Eden wanting to 'Adapt' so she can become a 'she-cat' with the sole purpose of being Bramford's mate. And after another book I still couldn't picture how they were supposed to look *confused*. As for Eden, I actually found her quite irritating, she spent her time moaning about Bramfords lack of trust in her then she would do something that would jeopardize them, then the next minute she would be fawning all over him, it was like her very existance depended on him being with her. Stop whining girl, you shouldn't have to change who and what you are to be accepted by a guy - what a message to send! Even if it is in a 'prophecy' made years ago by Aztecs. That's no excuse.
I also didn't really get what was going on a lot of the time, there seemed to be a lot of fighting, arguing and Eden talking about her 'wedding night'. I'm quite innocent when it comes to that sort of thing and I definitely don't read anything with graphic scenes in. I was surprised this book was aimed at teens, it seemed like something following the current trend of 50 shades in places and I would skim/jump over the pages, it still didn't make sense, at one point she made friends with a young girl and ended up naked in a steam bath hut, where they would 'hold each other' *blush* (I skimmed over these pages as it just made me uncomfortable.) That's not how normal 'friends' act! One minute she was pining for her man then spending time with a girl. Just weird, and he didn't have a problem with it. Just odd. 
What was there was written well, it was just that it didn't work for me as a plot. I didn't get it. You could have the best penned and constructed writing in the world but if the content is off it won't come across.
Then her father spent 90% of the book high on some 'healing' plant, completely crazed and then there was some pretty violent battles, I think she ripped the throat out of a leopard at one point, including blood splatters. And they cut the heart out of a girl, which was written in lots of detail. *gross*
I just did not get it. I only looked the book up yesterday to mark it on Goodreads as 'Currently Reading' ( I was already over halfway through) when I saw all the negativity around it, I was surprised by just how many negative comments there were, but I can sort of see why. (This review is my opinion only, and I was not influenced by any online comments) As I said I didn't really have a problem with book 1. For me it set the world up OK and made a promising start, but this one seemed to go way off the tracks.
I hate doing negative reviews as I know how hard authors work on their books, but I just couldn't understand where she was going with this one. Just one big bundle of sex, drugs and violence. I nearly gave up a few times but as it was short I pushed on. I found myself losing focus on the characters and didn't really like any of them, they all had their own agenda and didn't care about anyone else, so I found I didn't really care either. 
Missed the mark for me! 

My Rating

 

Book Promo - Deadly To Love

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Title: Deadly to Love (Elemental Killers #1)

Author: Mia Hoddell

ASIN: B00BDQ3QGA

ISBN: 9781291319170

Genre: YA/Paranormal/Urban Fantasy/Romance

Description

There is a love that is so dangerous, so powerful, so intoxicating that it embraces your heart and smothers your mind until it leaves you defenceless.

Serena knew that but still, it didn't stop her. His name was Kai. He was the most beautiful, irresistible man she had ever encountered. Their attraction was too compelling to fight and she knew she would go to the end of the world beside him. That is love.

However behind the allure was hidden a deadly secret – a secret that threatened her fragile life... But secrets best left unsaid never remain hidden forever. When Kai reveals his true identity, she is exposed to a frightening world she had no idea existed. Controlled by powerful Elemental forces her life is placed in mortal danger.

Unbeknown to them, their lives have been entwined from the beginning and it leads her to discover an even greater secret about who she really is. As the pieces begin to unravel and death becomes a reality, Serena is forced to decide what is more important...her love or life.

Buy Links:  

Amazon.com

Amazon.co.uk

Paperback (Lulu) and will be available on Amazon soon

About the Author

Mia Hoddell lives in the UK with her family and two cats. She spends most of her time writing or reading and her preferred genre is Young Adult, Paranormal Romance. Before 2009, Mia wouldn't even pick up a book and was more interested in sports. However she finally found some novels that captured her interest and developed a love of both reading and writing. Mia began with poems and after getting two published in separate anthologies she moved on to short stories. Although she enjoyed this, Mia found she had too much to tell with too little space, so later on she created her first series The Wanderer Trilogy and from there other ideas have emerged which she hopes to turn into novels as well. Elemental Killers is her second series and book two will be out soon.

Author Links

Blog: http://miahoddell.blogspot.com

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mia-Hoddell-Author/421368247889610?ref=hl

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MiaHoddell

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/miahoddell

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Teasers

“Reeeaa! How could you do this to me again, it was bad enough the last time and since then this guy’s obsession has only got worse, I swear I’m not over exaggerating.” Laughing I made an excuse about having to leave. ~Page 47

“Let me go,” I squealed only half struggling.

“Nah I like you here.”

I gave up struggling with a huff and sank back against him. ~ Page 224

“I looked at him like he was stupid, my eyebrows raised in question.

“Did you really have to ask that?” ~ 294

His sudden apology shocked me, although I wasn’t sure what he was apologising for. ~ Page 97

He brushed a loose strand of hair out of my face, tucking it behind my ear.

“I’m really sorry you have to listen to stuff like that but I can’t change that fact that it happened.” ~ Page 310

Book Playlist

 

Tour Wide Giveaways

•               1 ebook copy of Deadly to Love  through amazon kindle (INT)

•               Deadly to Love Swag (UK ONLY)

Ebook giveaway code

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Swag giveaway code

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Labels/Tags

author on tour, deadly to love, mia hoddell, virtual book tour, blog tour, giveaway, feature, spotlight, elemental killers, YA, Paranormal, urban fantasy, romance, elements, book blog tour

FF (110)

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 Jelly of Jelly’s Insider

We always talk about books that WE want. Let’s turn it on its head. What books have you given other people lately?

 My Answer: I am completely broke at the moment so I haven't really given anything away, well not for keeps. I did however request a book at the library that I wanted to read (Ellen Degeneres - Seriously...I'm Kidding) but knew one of my customers would also like so I put it aside for her and passed it on. I do that quite a bit. I've also lent my copy of 'Reached' by Ally Condie to one of my colleagues at work. 

 

 

Happy Hopping & Blogging. :D

 

 

Pondering with a Purpose (2)

 

Welcome to Pondering with a Purpose -

hosted by Brenda Youngerman

The rules are really easy:

1. Grab the Pondering with a Purpose Badge

2. Look at the week's prompt

3. Post something on your blog that relates to the prompt - it can be a story, a poem, a picture -- anything you want it to be.

4.  Add the URL from your post to the linky list on her post.

5. Go check out the other bloggers who have added their links to the list.

6. AND most of all.... Have fun!

 

 

I have decided to join in with this hop. Some of you may know that I am an aspiring writer and I like to do little writing exercises to keep my brain fresh and see what I can come up with. So most of the time I will be responding to the prompts with a short story or paragraph.

Constructive feedback only please. These will all be written on the spot with little or no editing so please don't expect them to be perfect. 

This Week's prompt: Stress

The weight of the world on my shoulders, too much, all the time. Pressure building, stress levels always rising. Too much to do and never enough time to do it. Lists, responsibilities, jobs, friends, hobbies, always something to do. Take some time to relax? When? More things to do. Think you are catching up when another pile falls on you. Run, keep up, don't get buried, keep your head above the water, match people's expectations. Too Much!

Stop, slow down. Breath. Does it really matter? Is it worth it. Relax, it can wait. Feel the weight lift, the stress disappear. Organise, be logical, or just ignore it all. Feel lighter, happier, finally free!

I know which I would rather do, but all too often we get caught up, there is always something in our lives telling us to move faster, work harder, be better. Try not to let the stress get to you though.






 Happy Pondering.

Book Promo - Cake

Twelve-year-old Wilma Sue discovers the ultimate comfort food in Joyce Magnin’s CAKE: Love, Chickens and a Taste of the Peculiar (Zonderkidz; January 2013; $14.99), a sweet tale complete with icing, surprises, love, and just the right amount of nuts.

Mary Poppins meets Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle in this new story by the celebrated author of Carrying Mason. Wilma Sue seems destined to hop from one foster home to the next—until she is sent to live with sisters and retired missionaries, Ruth and Naomi. But do they really care about Wilma Sue, or are they just looking for a Cinderella-style farmhand to help raise their chickens and bake cakes?

As Wilma Sue adjusts to her new surroundings and helping Naomi deliver “special” cakes to the neighbors, she discovers something strange that happens to people who eat the cakes. Did Mrs. Snipplesmith’s chair really rise off the floor? Was that a gold fish in the lemonade?

Wilma Sue starts looking for answers and secret ingredients in these mysterious cakes. While doing so, she makes a new friend, Penny, and discovers what it feels like to be truly loved.

But when Penny and her mother hit a rough patch, Wilma Sue decides to try her own hand at baking a special cake—with disastrous results. Then tragedy strikes the chickens, and all fingers point to Wilma Sue—just when she was starting to believe she had finally found a permanent home with Ruth and Naomi.

Magnin takes Wilma Sue and readers on a journey to find faith in themselves and those around them. Fans will learn, along with Wilma Sue, that it’s not yummy desserts and magic that cures, but two very special ingredients: love and hope.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Joyce Magnin is the author of five novels; including the popular Bright’s Pond series and the 2011 middle grade novel Carrying Mason. She is also a frequent speaker and writing instructor. Magnin lives with her son in Havertown, Pennsylvania.

To schedule an interview with Joyce Magnin, or receive a review copy of CAKE, please contact Candice Frederick at DJC Communications: 212-971-9707, Candice@djccommunications.com.

 Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/Cake-chickens-taste-peculiar-ebook/dp/B00A69BRIY/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1361286411&sr=8-15&keywords=joyce+magnin

 

“Magnin’s riotous imagination is fun to run with; she’s cooked up a sweet story.”
—Publishers Weekly

“Magnin maintains a delicate balance between a fablelike fantasy and reality fiction.”
—Kirkus Reviews

Zonderkidz™, a division of Zondervan, inspires young lives through imagination and innovation. As the leader in Christian children's communications, it produces bestselling and award-winning Bibles, books, board books, graphic novels, audio, video and digital products that awaken the hearts and touch the souls of kids under 16 and the people who love them, from family members to educators. Zonderkidz is the publisher of the NIrV (New International Reader’s Version) Bible translation, the third-grade reading level edition of the NIV that is ideal for children and those who speak English as a second language. Visit Zonderkidz on the Internet at www.zonderkidz.com.

Zondervan, a HarperCollins company, is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and is a world leader in Christian communications and the leading Christian publishing brand. For more than 75 years, Zondervan has delivered transformational Christian experiences through general and academic resources authored by influential leaders and emerging voices and has been honored with more Christian Book Awards than any other publisher.