Wednesday, August 31, 2011

I am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

In the beginning they were a group of nine. Nine aliens who left their home planet of Lorien when it fell under attack by the evil Mogadorian. Nine aliens who scattered on Earth. Nine aliens who look like ordinary teenagers living ordinary lives, but who have extraordinary, paranormal skills. Nine aliens who might be sitting next to you now.
The Nine had to separate and go into hiding. The Mogadorian caught Number One in Malaysia, Number Two in England, and Number Three in Kenya. All of them were killed. John Smith, of Paradise, Ohio, is Number Four. He knows that he is next.

I Am Number Four is the thrilling launch of a series about an exceptional group of teens as they struggle to outrun their past, discover their future—and live a normal life on Earth.

I AM NUMBER FOUR.
I AM NEXT.



Some of you may remember that I started reading this awhile ago, like Feb (I think). Well, I was in a bit of a YA reading slump and I tried it again.

I love the concept of this book. ALIENS. It's an untouched YA trend, which is why (I'm sure) it had some popularity. My favorite aspect of this book is the relationship with John and Henri. I know that Henri was meant to be a protector and a guide to John, but he is so much more than that. I could feel the love Henri had for John throughout.

I hadn't picked up the book until after the movie came out and really thought Six and Four were going to be an item, so when I met Sarah, I thought she would get the brush off. (Side note - the brush off of the first anticipated love interest is not done enough in books). I was surprised that she was the leading love for John. Their relationship was sweet, but it was a let down for me because I thought he was going to be with bad ass Six. Maybe still a chance, I felt Henri threw out some foreshadowing in there when he said John would love selfishly with another alien.

The action in the book was slow for me in the beginning. Again, I had a preconceived idea that it would be a constant battle for John and Six would be a bigger part of it. So maybe that hurt me. (Yes, all of this came from the previews....not the actual movie). It showed John having to deal with bullies, and there was the magazine thing, but really the last few chapters were packed full with action! But I was kinda over the book by then so I was over it.

Some quick thoughts
What is this that sequel has nothing to do with Six and Four, but Seven? Really? Come on. It better tie all together.
I love how the author made himself (eh, her?) part of the book.
SUPER DOG!


Monday, August 29, 2011

Ship breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi






Set initially in a future shanty town in America's Gulf Coast region, where grounded oil tankers are being dissembled for parts by a rag tag group of workers, wemeet Nailer, a teenage boy working the light crew, searching for copper wiring to make quota and live another day. The harsh realities of this life, from his abusive father, to his hand to mouth existence, echo the worst poverty in the present day third world. When an accident leads Nailer to discover an exquisite clipper ship beached during a recent hurricane, and the lone survivor, a beautiful and wealthy girl, Nailer finds himself at a crossroads. Should he strip the ship and live a life of relative wealth, or rescue the girl, Nita, at great risk to himself and hope she'll lead him to a better life. This is a novel that illuminates a world where oil has been replaced by necessity, and where the gap between the haves and have-nots is now an abyss. Yet amidst the shadows of degradation, hope lies ahead


I have seen this title for awhile but hadn't heard of anyone talking about. I ordered it for my classroom but before school started, I was determined to read it. I have followed the book trend of dystopias and figured I would enjoy it... I liked it, but it didn't keep me reading. I easily put it down and mademyself pick it up again.

Some good stuff - The world Nailer lives in is tough and demanding. He doesn't want any of it and you can appreciate why he wants to get out. He also has an abusive relationship with his father, and the book does show how Nailer copes with it, how he depends on Pima's mother, and that you can get out of situations like that.

I think my problem with the book is that I did not feel a connection to the book. I developed an attachment to Nailer, but Lucky Girl and Pima, just didn't pull me in and as a results, I didn't care if the main external conflict was solved.

I do think this would be good for my middle grade students.

So, some ofyou may have noticed that this is my first review in like a week - I have been pretty consisant and I flopped this past week. I did a lot of reading, but with going into school and painting the house, I was just tired. I did however,go on a historical romance kick. It's common for me. I love the time period, and the super sauve handsome guys. So here is what I tackled.

They were a wonderful adult escape for me. I love YA but sometimes I need to be in an adult world.

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Survey - What's your favorite part?

When we read, we go on a journey. Well, for me its the moment I see the cover that my brain first starts to wander and wonder about the story. And to have a good story you need multiple, great components, but there are certain things in a story that mean something more to us, lure us in more. So I am asking you what really draws you in. Is it:


The moment the breath-taking
female/male character that walks
in and everyone (including yourself) swoons?


The set-up of the story -
the dark, deserted, musty smelling, old
attic that creeps you out and draws you in?


The about the main character that just
doesn't know when to be quiet or to
walk away? or cannot see what is right
in front of him/her?


(One of my lures) the holy sh@t moment that you
didn't see coming
and changes the whole story for you?


The ending that makes you cry, gasp,
or yearn for more?


Or is it intense emotions felt throughout
the moment?


Maybe it's the writing style:
humor, snarky, cryptic, eloquent, fluid?


What makes it a hit for you? Please let me know and feel free to add moments, components, or items that I didn't include. I know there are about a thousand of them!


Just a reminder, I am hosting a book hop Sept 26th if you are interested in participating, please email me at mf060784 at gmail.

Friday, August 26, 2011

Hop



Book Blogger Hop

“Non-book-related this week!! Do you have
pets?”

I do!!! I have a Collie named Lady Fergilious and an Italian Mastiff named Mia.

Fergie is 3 years old, has OCD tendencies, loves to be outside, greets you by walking though your legs (it can be awkward when someone new comes over) and is by far the most well behaved dog I have ever met! And while Mia is the bigger dog, Fergie is my alpha and fiercely protective of my boyfriend and me.

When I say Fergie is the most well behaved, I have to say that Mia is the most loving dog I have ever met - it's common for this breed. Mia is going to be 3 in October, has separation anxieties, to the point where she busts through doors to get to us, at 9 o'clock every night, she goes upstairs to bed, with or without me, and if you sit on the floor, she will sit on you.

Both of my dogs appear in my writing. I started a story over two years ago where Mia is involved and my latest idea, Fergie is one of the main characters.


What do you have for pets?

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

I need a poem or two.

The start of the school year is approaching! I have two weeks left of my reading and writing summer vacation! It was great, but I am ready to go back. I went into my classroom today (disaster zone) and found some of my requisitions. I got 23 new books and 30 more of their way for students! WOOOOOOWHOOOO!

Anyway, now that my pre-story is done, I have a question for you readers and writers. I am teaching 8th grade ELA for the first time this year and the Special Education teacher I am working with and myself have decided to make the whole year about "Survival". We have the novels, research projects, and short stories in place. But I am missing one really big element. POETRY!!! It's just not my strong suit. I am having a hard time find poems about survival. So my question to all of you: Do you know any poems about survival? Any type of survival? It could be one you have written. It could be one from when you were in 8th grade.

HELP!


Monday, August 22, 2011

Campaigner - no I am not one for politics.


Some of you may remember that I did a A Round of Words in 80 days. It was great. I didn't meet my goal but I did a lot of writing and it got me father. I was super happy. I have decided this time I am going to be a campaigner! over at Rachel Writes.

Interested in networking? Want to find some more writers in your specific genre? Head over there and do this with me! It will be fun!



Sunday, August 21, 2011

A Disovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness


Sometimes scholars should be more careful: Youthful researcher Diana Bishop briefly consults an medieval alchemical manuscript; then, after jotting down a few notes, sends it back to its prison in the stacks. Unfortunately for Diana, her quick dabbling has unleashed a long suppressed curse—and now only she can break the spell. Carefully researched, this debut novel will appeal to fans of historical novel infused with strong paranormal elements.

The synopsis doesn't give you much. Diana is a young woman that is studying alchemy and comes across a book Ashmore 782 and she sends the supernatural world in to chaos. Daemons (genius/insane) vampires, and witches start to come after Diana and in comes the man (yes, folks I have a crush on an adult male character) Matthew Clairmont, a vampire and a pretty smokin hot one at that. He's after the book, just like everyone else, except, something in him changes and he starts to fall for Diana and as hard as she tries, Diana starts to fall for him too. They believe that the supernatural world is after Diana, then it changes to Diana and Matt, and then it goes to evolution and a much bigger picture.

Diana - really hates the thought of magic in her life and she really tries to stay away from it, but it is innately part of her. She blames magic for her parents death when she was 7. Can you blame her? Diana is a very strong, independent - can't realize that other people are looking out for her character.

Matthew - He is extremely protective of Diana - like he would rip off his own son's head if he mad a threatening move toward Diana. He's extremely smart and extremely old. - but really he is about 37 looks wise.

Nadine suggested this book to me and she told me I would not be sorry and she was right. I started reading the book and I wasn't enthralled. I went camping and this story kept creeping into my head. I wanted to know what was happening to Diana and Matthew. It's a great read, especially if you are on team vampire.

Some quick thoughts:
The sequel doesn't come out until next summer ahhhhhhhhhh
I wonder if other supernatural creatures will appear
Diana is like an un-tapped uber witch
Matthew is holding out on the whole touchy feely stuff - killing me.
You need to pick it up folks!

Friday, August 19, 2011

Follow Firday


Q. If you could write yourself a part in a book, what book would it be and what role would you play in that book?


It's funny because I always imagine myself in a book, well the ones I really get into. I can either be a leading character or I can imagine me, with a side role that wasn't written. And always, I am that pain in the @ss, snarky character that states the obvious. The character that other characters are never quite sure they like or not. That's the character I am! (I'm not really that person in real life, OK maybe I can be snarky).

I don't think I could pick just one book to be in, so I am going to pick genres: Paranormal and Dystopia. I'm not one for everyday life stories - give me something that I won't see happening outside my window. You know, like a vampire making out with a siren, or people wearing only three colors representing the side they were on during the second civil war, or maybe both.

What character would you be?

Hey, if anyone is interested in joining a book hop and be a host let me know. It's going to be at the end of September.

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Light the Night walk raising money for Lymphoma and Leukemia



Two big things are happening in my world! One, I have signed my Student Council and myself up to to do the Light the Night walk supporting the Lymphoma and Leukemia foundations. It is going to take place on September 20 and I have set a goal to raise $250 dollars. I am hoping that my kids can raise $1,500. So why am I putting this all on a blog post? I am seeking out your donations. Remember no donation is too small because every penny counts in this battle!



Clearly, the walk takes place at night, hence the name. Something they do in memory for those who have lost the battle or survived the battle with cancer is fill out a luminary. This luminary has the person's name on it. The luminaries line the walkway and it is a very beautiful sight. If you donate 10 dollars or more you can have one. If you would like to have a luminary for a loved one of yours, you can leave a comment with the person's name or if you wish to keep it private, email me at mf060784 at gmail dot com. My fundraising page is here.


Money isn't everything though, your well wishes and thoughts also mean a lot and go a long way! Or find a walk near you and create your own team!


So my second big thing isn't as big as the first - It's the blog hop. I need about ten more people to reach my goal. I have it in my head that if I have 20 people that it will be successful. It's a book giveaway hop. You can have a contest, give away an e-book, a gift certificate, a critique of a Q letter, whatever suits your fancy. If you are interested in this - it's going to be the last week in Sept - email me at mf060784 at gmail dot com.







The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

In Mary's world there are simple truths. The Sisterhood always knows best. The Guardians will protect and serve. The Unconsecrated will never relent. And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village; the fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth. But, slowly, Mary’s truths are failing her. She’s learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power, and about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness. When the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, she must choose between her village and her future—between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded in so much death?


I have had the sequel to this on my shelf for awhile and I finally bought this at the beginning of summer and read it today. This book started off strong with action. Mary, our lead, suffers from the loss of a family member, the rejection of a family member, feels the loss of a loved and feels she has to settle for someone, all within the first two chapters. INTENSE.

Mary's characterization might be seen as a dreamer, someone who longs to be out of her village and away from zombies (that's what they are right?). This was my opinion at the beginning, but really, I think she is selfish. Unbelievably selfish. She puts her dreams, her thoughts, first 92.5% of the time. Once did I really see her protect someone in this story. I don't really like selfish people so there is a huge part of me that doesn't like Mary but as far as characterization and depth, Mary is a great one.

Travis and Harry - boys fighting for Mary's love - love she didn't deserve.

The end really slowed down for me. If you don't know me, I love romance. GO TEAM ROMANCE. However, I thought at the end, that the romance aspect between Cass, Harry, Travis, and Mary was overwhelming. I didn't care who she was going to pick - I wanted to know how the Unconsecrated came to exist, what happened to the village, where was the ocean, what happened to earth to make it be in this state of living. One of those questions got unanswered. I fear that the sequel will not staisfy any more of these question.

Some Quick Thoughts
Sister Tabitha was one badd @ss nun.
This book had a lot to do with faith, which with all the angel books out there you would think I would feel they had to do with faith, but they don't. This did.
Travis
Jed
Yeah I am just going to say their names.
Argos the wonder dog!

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

What's the craziest dream you've had?


I got some great feedback last week when I sought some help from my fellow readers and writers! I am hoping that it will work again! :) My latest WIP is about dream walking and I want some normal-ish and some outlandish settings in which my heroine finds herself. Some of them need to be "fluffy" and some need to be downright terrifying. You can use some of your own dreams if you are willing to or imagine one right now.

What dream setting do you think my heroine Kate should find herself in?

Also, if you want to join a Fall - "Falling into Books" book giveaway hop, email me at mf060784 at gmail. My goal is to have 20 people in the hop. I am just shy of ten! Sign up. You know you want to!

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Follow and Hop




Q. How has your reading habits changed since you were a teen?

I was a teen 8 years ago. How have my reading habits changed? They haven't. I teach high school English so I read YA (and have to for my job) and still really enjoy it. I was a nerd, well, still am, and read on a regular basis. I still get consumed by novels and series and lock myself away until it's over and lament over the fact that it is over...

I do wish there were some more stories that fall into the college age years... anyone else?


Book Blogger Hop

“Let’s talk crazy book titles! Highlight one or two (or as many as you like!) titles in your personal collection that have the most interesting titles! If you can’t find any, feel free to find one on the internet!”

I couldn't think of one that was really crazy so I looked on the net and found "If You Want Closure in Your Relationship, Start with Your Legs" by Big Boom --

BAHAHAHAHA Omg I haven't gotten passed the title or the author... Hold I need to laugh some more.... HAHAHAHAHA!

Maybe I should go google the synopsis.





Side note - If you want to be in a fall hop, email me at mf060784 at gmail. I would love to have you involved!

Interview with Rhiannon Paille


So yesterday I posted my review for Flame of Surrender by the awesome Rhiannon Paille. She and I met through hopping around on the book blogs. She was kind enough to give me a copy of her book and do an interview with me. Mind you this is my first interview ever!! (another milestone in the blog world and it's an author!)

MF: Tell me about your book Flame of Surrender?

RP: It's a song I've sung thousands of times in the shower, but never in public. It's a song I know like the back of my hand, one that I've slaved over, tuning the notes and melodies until they were just right. It's the song that taught me how to sing and the song that I'm deathly afraid of singing in public.

That being said it's about a boy that's destined to become a Ferryman, falling in love with a girl that could cause the apocalypse because of what she is, a flame. Their have to come to terms with who they are, what they're meant for and learn how to preserve their doomed romance. At its core it's about that beautiful love we all crave, and about those gut wrenching moments when we realize that despite how much we want that love to last, it wasn't meant to be.

The first time I had to sum this book up, I said "This is a nice book that reads like a nice book, that isn't a nice book." and when readers get it in their hands, they'll find out why that's the best non spoilery description.

MF: It is difficult trying to pitch a book and not spoil it! Transformers, GI Joes, My Little Pony, Jem or Smirfs?

RP: JEM! LOL OMG that was my favorite kids show EVER. Although I'm all into teletoon retro now because they show all the old shows, just not JEM for some reason, boo.

MF: I love Jem, but I was a My Little Pony girl. How often do you sit down to write in a week?

RP: Right now I'm not writing anything. Gasp, this will likely change, because for me, I write and then I take a break, then edit, revise, whatever, and then when I DO sit down to write, I don't do anything else, and can literally get 133,000 words written in 5 weeks. (Last time I did this was in May/June, I wrote the third book in The Ferryman and The Flame series)

MF: What are you thoughts on ePublishing?

RP: You know I wasn't with it, but then, I got Kindle on my iphone and found the "buy with one click" function and well it just auto delivers and it really IS one click. And the books are half price. So I used to go and buy the hardcovers and then I'm like ooohhhh it's 9.99 on Kindle . . . ONE CLICK AWAY. It's like crack I think, and so much lighter .. . I actually had this idea, for conventions and stuff, we need cheap flash drives and then just sell books on flash drives, so you like walk away with something physical, but it's not a book book. Also, saves trees, haha, my MC talks to trees she'll likely appreciate that side of it.

MF: I love how she talks to trees (but not in the crazy way). Name a person who has influenced you as a person. This doesn't have to relate to writing.

RP: I know it doesn't, but Cassandra Clare. I guess I was wallowing in the pit of author despair and then I read her books and realized that I don't need to try so hard to do what I've been trying to do. It's really weird, but Cassandra has a writing style that's REALLY close to my writing style, and reading her books basically taught me how to write my books. Case in point, I recently wrote the third book and I've been reading it, and for the FIRST time ever, I think this one only needs a copy edit . . . that's right, it's THAT DAMNED GOOD. (all thanks to Cassie just for being herself)

MF: Um, let me just say, that is awesome! If you could be any supernatural creature, what would you be and why?

RP: I AM a supernatural creature, there's really no IF about it, just that's about the most I can tell you about it, you know, top secret news and all.

MF: If you could have any super power, what would it be and why?

RP: *cough* *cough* *splutter * splutter* I READ MINDS FOR A LIVING.

No I'm serious, on top of being a writer I'm a metaphysical therapist, which is a nice way to say I have a PhD in Metaphysical Science, and I'm too psychic for my own damned good. I literally, word for word read people's minds. Scared yet? (I am my own superhero)

MF:*sighs because she is jealous!* Tell me about your recent "break through" in the writing world.

RP: I'm gonna look back on this and shake my head aren't I? It wasn't a breakthrough so much as an epiphany. I'm also secretary / head coordinator for a comic book convention in canada (www.c4con.com) and so I've had a lot of experience with celebrities, and marketing and other shtuff.

While making phone calls to potential participants I ended up talking with one of the guys that runs a small publishing company. He's set up at the event three years in a row, and while I haven't talked to him extensively, I do know him. So I casually asked while talking about tables and what not, what his submissions are like, and he says he's closed, but for friends or people he knows he's open. So that got me into writing a short story for an anthology he's publishing (Superheroes v.s. Zombies) and he might be taking on my series. I say might because while he's sold on it, he's never done YA before, and he sticks mostly to the zombies, monsters and superhero stuff. At the same time, he has been expanding his company and recently sold one of his other titles to Simon and Schuster. He's also sold seven other titles to publishers in Germany and Russia, officially opening up his foreign markets.

So excuse me for being on pins and needles about his final decision about this deal, but he's kicking ass and taking names on the small press level and it sounds like a great starting point for me. I really hope it all works out.

MF: I think that is a huge break through and I think the more people get a hold of your first book the more doors are going to open for you! Yeah, folks, that good! What was high school like for you?

RP: A nightmare I don't want to relive. I was literally the crazy girl because of my psychic abilities awakening and misfiring and what not, so it was just a very awkward time in my life I don't want to go back to. The only thing that was good about it was vocal jazz. I can sing, and I'm not shy about it. I had to audition for the elite group and managed to make it.

MF: Are you willing to share one of your most embarrassing moments with me?

RP: Okay . . . we were invited to a BBQ back in June this year, and all us adults are sitting around the kitchen table while the kids play inside, and outside and where ever. So my six year old comes up to us crying because she got hit in the head by a ball. So I say something to effect of, "Honestly honey, you're gonna get hit in the face by many balls from many boys." and then my friend Ted looks at me and starts laughing, "You did not just say that." and I turn red, cover my face, "I did NOT just say that!" and yeah we all had a good laugh at my mom fail.

MF: That is a great story. It's what makes the world go round! Right? Why did you become a writer?

RP: I became a writer because I had a story to tell. I didn't really set out to follow the rules of writing or to simply write something just to be a writer. I literally began The Ferryman and The Flame because I would dream about it, think about it incessantly, watch all the scenes in my head and I couldn't get away from it. Writing it was both therapeutic and terrifying for me because I think in a lot of ways these are my worst fears on the pages, this is the kind of love I longed for in my life, this is a place I wanted to live in, a place that I missed if that makes sense. And bringing it all to life in fiction immortalized the land (Avristar) the characters (Kaliel and Krishani) and helped me conquer my fears.

MF: What is your favorite smell?

RP: Campfire smoke.

MF: Me too! What is your best summer read so far?

RP: The Tower of Parlen Min by Matt Xell, he's a new Indie Author and his story was amazing.

MF: Alright, I'll go get it. If you were stranded on a deserted island and could have only three foods, what would they be?

RP: I'd need a cow, my husband and an unlimited supply of seeds. He can plant, harvest and cook for me like he already does because without him, it wouldn't matter what three foods I could have, I'd burn them all.

I want to thank Rhiannon for stopping by! It was great interviewing her and highly rec that you go get her book Flame of Surrender!

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Flame of Surrender by Rhiannon Paille


The boy who follows death meets the girl who could cause the apocalypse.

Krishani thinks he’s doomed until he meets Kaliel, the one girl on the island of Avristar who isn’t afraid of him. She’s unlike the other girls, she swims with merfolk, talks to trees and blooms flowers with her touch. What he doesn’t know is that she’s a flame, one of nine individually hand crafted weapons, hidden in the body of a seemingly harmless girl.

Nobody has fallen in love with a flame until now. She becomes
Krishani’s refuge from the dreams of death and the weather abilities he can’t control. Striking down thousand year old trees with lightning isn’t something he tries to do, it just happens. When the Ferryman dies, Krishani knows that he’s the next and that a lifetime of following death is his destiny.

And
Kaliel can’t come with him. The Valtanyana are hunting the flames, the safest place for her is Avristar. Krishani can’t bear to leave her, and one innocent mistake grants the Valtanyana access to their mystical island. They’re coming for Kaliel, and they won’t stop until every last living creature on Avristar is dead. She has to choose, hide, face them, or awaken the flame and potentially destroy herself.

I met this awesome author through our blogs and just find her so captivating! And then I found out she wrote a book. She had an awesome contest seeking feedback and getting her book out there. It was ballsy and paid off for her. You can check out her website here. Wait, don't go yet. Read my review of her book first, then go.


I am not going to do a plot review because I feel the author has summed it perfectly without giving too much away. I hate spoiling things.

It was different in a YA world where everything seems to follow the trend, you know vampires that sparkle, wolves that are just cuddly, Angels that are not very nice, and crazy dystopias. This is nothing like that. Paille creates a world for you. You have to pay attention or you will miss the details that are important. The relationship between Kal and Kri (as I so lovingly nicknamed them) is bred more from curiosity compared to repressed teenagers. There is no doubt they are drawn to each other but it's done subtly... it was refreshing! And who doesn't love some forbidden love.

Another like for me was that it was paranormal but with a different approach. She used powerful magic and incorporated nature with ease.
Kal talks to trees and the respect she has for nature is (I think) a secret meaning reminding us how important nature is.

I do feel for Kal and Kri because of all that they have to shoulder - hi can we say lethal weapon? And how the bad guys want her dead. Isn't that a bit much for a 14 year old? And Kri for being so helpless (not entirely) but it came across loud and clear that he felt that way and I felt it for him to.

Paille is up and coming and you really need to get your hands on this. Tomorrow I am going to post an interview she did with me. I think you will find she is as refreshing as her novel!

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Who wants to do a hop?

Hey everyone,

There are a few of us who are getting together to do a Back to School Hop! It is going to take place Sept 5th to the 9th. We are putting out some feelers to see if anyone wants to be link up and have a giveaway with us. If you do contact me at mf060784 at gmail dot com.

You can also tell us what are some features of the hops that you like or something you are dying to get your hands on to read! It is a giveaway one and we aim to please!

Michelle :)

Blood Magic by Tessa Gratton

It starts off simply.

Draw a circle ... place a dead leaf in the center ... sprinkle some salt ... recite a little Latin ... add a drop of blood ...

Maybe that last part isn't exactly simple. Yet somehow it feels right to Silla Kennicott. And nothing in her life has felt remotely right since her parents' horrific deaths. She's willing to do anything to uncover the truth about her family—even try a few spells from the mysterious book that arrived on her doorstep ... and spill some blood.

The book isn't the only recent arrival in Silla's life. There's Nick Pardee, the new guy next door who may have seen Silla casting a spell. She's not sure what he saw and is afraid to find out. But as they spend more time together, Silla realizes this may not be Nick's first encounter with Blood Magic. Brought together by a combination of fate and chemistry, Silla and Nick can't deny their attraction. And they can't ignore the dark presence lurking nearby—waiting to reclaim the book and all its power.

Tessa Gratton's intoxicating first novel will keep pulses racing, minds reeling, and pages turning right up to the very last drop of blood


I liked the beginning of this book much better than I liked the end of this book. It was a great plot, great concept, but it just kept going. Had it stopped when Reese was killed, and that been the cliffhanger, my opinion of this book would have been better of this book, but it just kept going, and I just kept skimming the pages to get it over with... God that sound harsh. There were some really great points.

One - Ms. Silla - This poor girl. Her world is just shredded. She's not the I'm-so-defenseless girl but more a 16 year old girl who has dealt with too much and is unstable. It was real. Nick, or Nicholas, is very stereotypical, but the stereotypical that I like: I'm-a-tough-guy-with-a-sweet-side-for-a-girl. They have some great romantic scene, which clearly I enjoy, creepy part? They all take place in the cemetery. They make it hot. Trust.

The gist - some crazy woman who refuses to die comes after Silla and her brother. Nick is wrapped up in it more than he realized, going as far back as his super unstable mother's teenage years. It's a tightly woven story where EVERY detail has a purpose. I think the author did a great job there. I had this reaction several times: Why did she put that in there? *three chapters later* Oh, that's why she put that in there.

Some quick thoughts:
There's a sequel - eh.
I would like to see the origin of the Deacon come out more
I would also like to see the origin of Blood Magic and the beginning of that be told.
Crows are creepy ass birds. "Lenore"

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Fade Out by Rachel Caine


Without the evil vampire Bishop ruling over the town of Morganville, the resident vampires have made major concessions to the human population. With their newfound freedoms, Claire Danvers and her friends are almost starting to feel comfortable again...

Now Claire can actually concentrate on her studies, and her friend Eve joins the local theatre company. But when one of Eve's castmates goes missing after starting work on a short documentary, Eve suspects the worst. Claire and Eve soon realize that this film project, whose subject is the vampires themselves, is a whole lot bigger-and way more dangerous-than anyone suspected.

Well... Remember when I first started reading the Morganville Series? I was kind of "eh" about it but then I was burning through them like crazy? Well I'm back in the "eh" phase again. I thought this was a filler setting me up for book 8. Though I can't be so sure about this until I read book 8.

So let me get this off my chest, there wasn't enough Shane and Claire time. Hello - I like them as a couple and want to see more of their budding romance! We did get to see a jealous side of Claire in this one. Kim, the obnoxious, crushin on Shane, problem causing meanie flirst with our sweet Shane. Claire isn't so happy about it especially since Shane admits he once slept with the girl. GUYS YOU DO NOT HAVE TO TELL YOUR GF'S ABOUT YOUR SEX LIFE BEFORE THEM. IT IS UNNCESSARY!

Anyway, Kim is doing some nasty work in Morganville that could cause a lot of problems like Morganville becoming non-exsistant, vampires moving on, and humans being erased. Not so good for quad of teens.


Some Quick Thoughts:
It was eh for me.
Michael and Eve are having some trouble - poor Michael - he's a vamp - get over it Eve


Friday, August 5, 2011

Writer's Block - Need help!

OK Fellow readers and writers.
I have put aside, no, I have put it on the back burner that I write on pretty steadily, but I'm off topic. I have been working on my latest WIP. And I wanted to ask for some feed back. So before I get to the questions, here is the general idea. (Remember it is still in the beginning stages.)

Kate and Jess are sisters and are also dream walkers. The Kate meets a boy who is in a coma but has somehow gotten sucked into the dream world that Kate is in. My big problem is there is an evil man - I haven't come up with his name yet, but he is killing girls in their dreams and Kate and Nick's goal is to stop him., but they can't because Kate can't identify him in real life because in the dream world he has altered his appearance.

So some questions:
1. What should the evil man's name be - I like names to have a specific meaning - i use those baby names websites. te he. I am getting tired of calling him evil man - it sounds stupid.
2. Any ideas for clue to help Kate out in the story. I am looking for a particular phrase, a physical feature, and a smell currently - but if you have an idea, please share.
3. Any legends or myths about dream walking you want to point me at?
4. Want to tell me a dream scene you have had or a dream scene that I should put in the book - remember - dreams are crazy so those elements I think will add to the setting of the story.

Thanks for your help!

Follow Firday


Talk about the book that most changed or influenced your life (was it a book that turned you from an average to avid reader, did it help you deal with a particularly difficult situation, does it bring you comfort every time you read it?).


I thought about this one and it is a tough call because I have always loved reading and continue to read avidly because my job (English teacher) "requires" me to do so. I decided to make a list of books that I have loved and can re-read over and over again.
1. Go Dog Go by Dr. Suess.
2. Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shell Silversteen
3. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
4. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
5. The Watson's go To Birmingham by Christopher Paul Curtis

There is also a list of books that have created magnificent worlds for me where I always feel apart of.
1. The Vampire Academies by Richelle Mead
2. Unwind by Neal Shusterman
3. Both of Cassandra Clare's series -
4. Tiger's Curse series by Colleen Houck

I love them all and find myself loving the characters as if I knew them. Do you do that? What's your favorite? Who is your favorite character?