It's a Wrap- Up...Bakingmania, Fallout, the Tourist
17 hours ago
Currently Reading
Monday, February 28, 2011
ASHLEY!
Congrats! I have sent you an email, you have until March 3rd to reply or a new winner will be chosen.
Wendigo
(Windigo, Weendigo, Windago, Windiga, Witiko, Wihtikow)
Algonquian Mythology
Facts
- Malevolent cannibalistic creature that humans could transform into or it could possess them
- Wendigo Psychosis - a culture bound disorder that involves an intense craving for human flesh, and also the fear that one may become a cannibal.
- Stongly associated with Winter, the North, famine, starvation, and coldness.
- Also embodiments of gluttony and greed. They never stopped with just one person and were constantly searching for more.
- All cultures with Wendigo myths share the belief that humans can turn into one.
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| "Howl of the Wendigo" art by Moonshadow01 |
Wendigo In Books
The Curse of the Wendigo by Rick Vancey - The wendigo is described as a vampirish creature
Wendigo Wars by Dulcnea Norton-Smith - Wendigo overrun the world following the second ice-age.
The Wendigo by Algernon Blackwood - a very short story (50) pages about Wendigo
Sunday, February 27, 2011
With us today is Karen Metcalf, author of In The Storm (Review here)
About The author
There’s a phrase in the South: “telling stories”, which means telling lies. Growing up, Karen Metcalf told a lot of stories, which wasn’t always a good thing.She was raised on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, where she spent most of her time reading science fiction and horror. She continues to explore those worlds through her writing, today.
Interview
1. When/Why did you decide to get into writing?
I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. I wrote poetry for a long time, and was published twice as a kid. I hadn’t ever considered publishing In The Storm until someone told me it was worth it. I always knew I was passionate about it, but never thought I would get this lucky.
2. Why the young adult genre?
I have always been a huge fan of sci-fi and horror. It wasn’t until I started to read YA that I realized how much of those elements were in it. It was a combination of my favorite things, and a perfect fit.
3. Which charactor would you say is most like yourself? (Out of Morgan, Mitchell and Carly, we can leave Richard alone for obvious reasons)
Definitely Carly. Her reactions were based on what I think I might do in a similar situation. I relate to her the most.
4. In the Storm is very emotional and makes you think, did you find it difficult to come up with the themes and wording for the book?
I am not a brainstormer, so not much of it was planned until it showed up on the paper. I got into a flow and just let it rip. I can’t really plan things ahead, because they always change once I start writing anyway. My characters dictated the themes, and the rest was just how it was supposed to be *wink*. I did tend to go back and change words here and there, and of course it was edited. However, the majority of what is out now is still the original. It was difficult to write the more emotional scenes and I had to put myself there and consider how it would affect me, personally. That was not easy to do.
5. In the Storm is rather short, are you planning on continueing where it left off in a larger novel?
I don’t yet know if there will be a sequel, but I have learned to never say never. It’s always in the back of my mind.
For Fun
1. what is your ideal vacation?
Definitely the beach! When I moved from North Carolina to Arizona, I had no idea how much I would miss that. The coast has the best storms.
2. Cake, pie or cookies?
I’m actually not much of a sweets person, or sweet person for that matter, lol. But I would definitely have to go with cake, especially my Aunt Vicky’s Hershey Bar Cake!
3. what are some of your favorite books?
I love Stephen King’s The Long Walk and Richard Matheson’s I Am Legend. These have been my favorites for years.
4. Dog or cat?
Cat, for sure! I have a 20lb one named Hank.
5. What tv show can you NOT miss, even if the house were on fire?
Absolutely Fringe! Best show on television! The Office is a very close second.
You can check out more about Karen, her book, buy the book or get a sample at her Website
Saturday, February 26, 2011
This week I had to switch my IMM to Saturday since tommorow I am doing a blog tour post.
For Review
Sasha by Joel Shepherd
Petrodor by Joel Shepherd
Tracato by Joel Shepherd
ARC Haven by Joel Shepherd
Won
None
Swap/Gift
Wolf: The Journey Home by Asta Bowen
(Thank you to whomever got me this from R.A.K)
Bought
Geist by Philippa Ballantine
The Dark Griffin by K. J. Taylor
Friday, February 25, 2011
Information
Title - Henrietta, The Dragon Slayer
Author - Beth Barany
Genre - YA/Fantasy
Pages - Unknown
Description (from goodreads)
Henrietta, the legendary Dragon Slayer of the Kingdom of Bleuve, can't stomach the thought of one more kill. Yet, in order to save her dying mentor, she must go on one last quest. But will the quest for the healing stone be derailed by misfit companions, seasickness, and an egomaniacal king? And will she be able cut past her conscience and kill the dragon?
Thoughts
Henrietta the dragon slayer is a charming book set in a fantasy world. Henrietta has slayed many dragons in her short life and has resigned not to take any more jobs, but when a pushy knight named Franc implores her to follow him to his lands and slay Mimoto the dragon she hesitates, until she learns her mentor, Master Chen is sick and only the Dragonitas from Mimoto can save him does she embark on her quest.
The cast of Henrietta, The dragon slayer consists of Henrietta, the firey warrior woman with a sharp tongue and stubborn attitude. The stoic and harsh knight Framc, Jaxter the jester and a witch-girl Paulette. Unlikely traveling companions, they mesh well and no personalities comflict with anothers. Each person has a distinct personality and I found myself really likeing them all.
As far as writing goes, Henrietta The Dragon Slayer is fluid, easy to read and reads well. There is no swearing and no sexual content, there is a little action but no bloodfests. Though it says 'dragon slayer' in the title, you wont see Henrietta fighting any, we hear of her exploits in Jaxters tales only. The world in which they reside is not explained in great detail but I did not mind this so much, Barany did not hamper the writing with telling about every single rock and tree the companions come across.
As far as young adult fantasies go, Henrietta, The Dragon Slayer is a good read that I think any age, teen to adult, would enjoy. I only hope a sequel is in the works!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Information
Title - In the Storm
Author - Karen Metcalf
Genre - YA/Fantasy
Pages - 88
Description (from goodreads)
Abandoned by the world around her, Carly believes she is fated to a life of torment at the hands of her stepfather and is desperate for an escape. When she can bear the abuse no longer and gives in to a thunderous rage, she suddenly finds herself in an unfamiliar, yet beautiful, storm world. This limbo between dimensions appears to be her private sanctuary, but it may just be her purgatory.
No one escapes fate without sacrifice, but is the price more than Carly is willing to pay?
Thoughts
In the Storm is short, you can read it in one sitting if you have the time. however, just because it is not a lengthy book does not mean it lacks in the emotional department or lacks a solid story with twists and suprises.
Carly is a 16 year old girl living a very crappy life, no parents and living with her abusive stepfather and innocent little brother she has to put up with a lot of horrible things. Then one day, and i can only put it this way: she snaps. Shes goes from her world and thrown into another, her own sanctuary. It is here she meets Morgan her 'angel' of sorts and the story becomes very involved.
Carly is a very likeable character, she can be any one of us and she does not complain or whine or has a one-track mind. She is strong and vulnerable at the same time which is a very endearing quality. Mitchell, her brother does not talk or appear too much but he is a central part of the story and i found myself falling for the kid.
Since it is a short book, there is not much i can say that wont spoil the story so i will say this: Read this book! I highly recomend it as a quick read and one that makes you think as well. If you want an emotional story thats not full of teen angst or love-triangles then this is for you.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Every once in a while I will come across a cover that just takes my breath away.
I have not read this book yet, but the cover is just so pretty and well done, I had to share it!
From the Hawk(?) to her clothes its just lovely, the monotone brown/tan colors are complimentory and the way her hair looks like feathers is stunning. I can't wait to read the book.
Check it out at Goodreads
Information
Title - Sunrise to Sunset
Author - Laurie Bowler
Genre - paranormal romance
Pages - 319
Description (from goodreads)
Nessy awakes from her unconscious state, with no memory of who she is or her purpose in life. Charles struggles as he tries to provide her with as much information as he can about herself. Saddened and concerned, he eventually tells her about her former life, and true immortal state. Dismayed, a still unconvinced Hera takes Nessy back to the past in the form of the Gulon. There she meets other Gulons who had come to their aid, along with the covens that were gathered, hoping to glimpse their new queen and ruler of the underworld, little does Nessy realize that person is her!
Thoughts
Sunrise to Sunset starts off where Moon Rising left off, Hervidor is dead and now Nessy is the the Queen of the Underworld. However, she cannot remember anything! She wakes up with Charles and Hera but she can only remember Hera at first. It takes a chunk of the story for Nessy to remember everything but im glad she did, I would have been devastated if she completely forgot Charles!
Nessy is now full vampire, but also Gulon as well. This is an intrigueing development and it was interesting to learn that her DNA kept evolving about itself. The tension of the Gulon and vampire group was realistic, and made even more so with the background knowledge that Hera has fallen in love with a vampire from Nessys coven. I kept wondering, are they going to find out? What will happen? That bit of suspence was what kept me glued to the book.
The introduction of new charactors as well as old favorites was a good choice, and I really liked the introduction of the witches. Adding more elements into the mix. The danger is also still in the book as a rival group (The Cassis) vie for Nessys title. The action really dosnt hit until later in the book, but it is worth getting to, to see the vampires fighting between each other brings excitement to the novel.
The only thing i would say that brought the book a bit low was the tone and wording. The sentances are simplistic and the characters all speak in one tone. It makes it a bit boring and Nessys thoughts can be monotone, but they are easily looked over if you are wiling to. If you have not read Moon Rising, I urge you too, and the next next book after Sunrise to Sunset (Golden Horizans) is soon to follow!
Monday, February 21, 2011
Goblin
Facts
- Originated in France
- Legendary, Evil little creature
- In some cases associated with the brownie or gnome
- They are depicted as very small and with magical powers
- They have no perminant home, they live in old trees or under moss-covered rocks
- They are tricky and like to amuse themselves by hiding things, spilling food and occasionaly changing signposts thus confusing travelers.
Goblins In Books
Goblin Quest + the others in the trilogy by Jim. C. Hines - The main character is an uncommanly nice goblin named Jig.
The Goblin Wood by Hilari Bell - The main character allies with the goblins against the humans and cruelness.
Tyger Tyger by Kersten Hamilton - The goblins are the bad guys in this young adult fantasy.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Won
Tommorow's Guardian by Richard Denning
For Review
Wings of Evil by J.R Tomlin and C. R Daems
Swap
None
Bought
Mermaids Don't Wear Toe Rings by Helene Bourdreau
Brush of Darkness by Allison Pang
The Zero Dog War by Keith Melton
Camile by Tess Oliver
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Information
Title - The Chosen One
Author - Carol Lynch Williams
Genre - Teen/Fiction
Pages - 213
Description (from goodreads)
Thirteen-year-old Kyra has grown up in an isolated polygamous community without questioning her father’s three wives and her twenty brothers and sisters. Or at least without questioning them much—if you don’t count her secret visits to the Mobile Library on Wheels to read forbidden books, or her meetings with the boy she hopes to choose for herself instead of having a man chosen for her. But when the Prophet decrees that Kyra must marry her 60-year-old uncle—who already has six wives—Kyra must make a desperate choice in the face of violence and her own fears of losing her family.
Thoughts
The Chosen One is a good look into polygamy and the lifestyle that these type of people live. It follows the story of Kyra, a 13 year old girl who soon learns she must marry her 60 year old uncle, as fortold by the prophet.
Those who do not know anything about polygamy may be a bit confused but the book gives enough detail to figure out what its all about. Many may be turned off by how women are treated in such a society, but it is important to learn about it as it helps you appreciate the life you live outside of the polygamists society of rules, harsh punishments, and (I will say it) brainwashing.
Kyra is not entirely commited though, she questions some things and even goes so far as to read books otherwise banned from the complex and even kiss (love) a boy that was not chosen for her. These acts she believes are the reason she is to wed her uncle, and there is NO way she is going to do that! Kyra is a strong charactor and I liked her immediantly. The other characters were good supporting roles but you really dont learn too much about her brothers and sisters or her parents or even joshua, the boy she likes.
The chosen one has no terrible swearing and no overt sexual themes. There is some disturbing imagry so keep that in mind. The book is one I would recommend, its short and even though it does get a bit preachy and it is not as informative as it could have been on polygamy it is still worth a read.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
CSN contacted me as asked if I wanted to give my readers a chance to win a gift certificate from them.. well of course I would!
Up for grabs is a $20.00 CSN store gift certificate, you can use it to buy your book ends, laptop cases, pet stuff or even swing sets!
Giveaway ends Feburary 28th and the winner will be announced March 1st.
You do not have to be a follower, but it would be very much appreciated (plus extra entries!)
Rules
1. US and Canada residents only
2. Fill out This Form
3. Does not cover the shipping costs, but you can use it in ANY of thier stores.
4. Good Luck
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Rules
1. Pick up your current read
2. flip to a random page
3. post (2) sentances to share.
No Spoilers!
Title - Sabriel
Author - Garth Nix
Lines
Sabriel, sprawled defenseless on the floor, could only stare in terror as the thing's four-taloned hand slowly opened and reached out for her.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Leanan Sidhe
(Celtic Foklore - Fairy Mistress or Fairy Sweetheart)
Facts
- Generaly depcited as a beautiful Muse who offers inspiration in exchange for love and devotion. However, this generally results in the artists life becoming short and often he is exposed to madness of the mind.
- Leanan Sidhe seeks the love of mortals, if they refuse however, she becomes thier slave. If they accept, they are hers.
- Sometimes Leanan Sidhe would give warriors strength and valor in battle with her songs.
- Like most Fairy, iron is dangerous to her.
- She has a particular interest in poets and musicians.
Leanan Sidhe in Books
The Iron Daughter and The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa - Both books show Leanan Sidhe as a muse and leader.
The Dresden files by Jim Butcher - Leanan Sidhe appears throughout the series as Harrys grandmother
Ballad by Maggie Stiefvater - The musician James Morgan meets a Leanan Sidhe
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Basicly you sign up every month at the link above with your wishlist and then other people can choose to buy you a book off of your wishlist, you can then choose to buy someone a book from thier wishlist. its a great way to help someone and get help yourself.
Information
Title - The Replacement
Author - Brenna Yovanoff
Genre - YA/Fantasy
Pages - 343
Format Read - Ebook
Description (from goodreads)
Mackie Doyle is not one of us. Though he lives in the small town of Gentry, he comes from a world of tunnels and black murky water, a world of living dead girls ruled by a little tattooed princess. He is a Replacement, left in the crib of a human baby sixteen years ago. Now, because of fatal allergies to iron, blood, and consecrated ground, Mackie is fighting to survive in the human world.
Mackie would give anything to live among us, to practice on his bass or spend time with his crush, Tate. But when Tate's baby sister goes missing, Mackie is drawn irrevocably into the underworld of Gentry, known as Mayhem. He must face the dark creatures of the Slag Heaps and find his rightful place, in our world, or theirs.
Thoughts
The Replacement was an interesing and nice book. /there was not a whole lot of action but it was VERY refreshing to have a male protaganist in a young adult book for once. Mackie is not the most popular boy, in fact hes a bit of a loner, hes constantly sick and can't go near anything iron without getting dizzy. One day a little girl dissapears, and Mackies world is turned upside-down
Mackie is a very likeable character, his unpopularity and modesty was charming and i liked how the author did not make hiim out to ve the jock/pupular/handsome guy. In fact, this was probably my favorite aspect of the book, far too many times the protaganist is far too well off. Mackie has some great friends, Roswell who is the popular one and the twins Danny and Drew. He also has a loving sister Emma. However, Mackie still feels a bit off..
The concept of the 'monsters' under the slag heap is very creepy, they are close and always watching and the town just goes about like the dont know, they ignore the fact that every seven years a child is taken and killed.. well, not this time. Natalie is taken, and Tate, her sister does not believe that the real Natalie the other switched Natalie that was buried is really her sister. Mackie knows where the real Natalie is and its up to him to get her back.
The story flowed very easily and it was enjoyable, not too simple but not over-complicated. There was a bit of swearing (some Fbombs too) but not a ton. I even caught an obscure poem title that I love "The Ballad of Tam Lin" and i was pleasantly pleased at this. If you want a new twist on monsters and YA with a male protagonist, then look nor further, it does not seem there will be a sequel the ending was a bit final but who knows? Hopefully if there is not then Yovanoff will still come out with more books and soon.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Big news! March brings my super book giveaway! Keep a look out for the post offering up lots of books and even an Amazon gift card!
The Question of the Week is: What is your favorite romance hero-type? Stereotype wise. Do you like the strong silent type or the brute macho man?
I like the strong, silent type because I myself can identify with them.
An old Native American proverb ends in "And abouve all, may silence make you strong"
I fully belive that, why be vocal an give people a chance to contridict you when you can sit in silence, listen and learn?
The Question of the Week is: Tell us about one of your posts from this week and give us a link so we can read it (review or otherwise)!
Nothing spectacular, Finally put up an ARC review of "Born at Midnight" after putting it off for a month or so haha. Here is the review link.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
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Third Sentence Thursday is a weekly meme HOSTED BY SNIFFLY KITTY'S MOSTLY BOOKS for charging into the promote a third sentence fray!
So, in light of the fact that people seem to participate more when the third sentence is from your current read. I've decided that just posting the third sentence of your current read and reviewing it is the best way to go!
1) Take the book you are reading now and post the third sentence
2) Review this sentence anyway you want (funny and silly reviews encouraged)
3) Post a link to your sentence at Sniffly Kitty's.
My book is: The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff
I wanted to apologize, I wanted to tell her that I was sorry for not being brave enough to listen to her, for letting her be the one to stand alone in front of the class when it should have been me.
Bravery and courage are hard to find in yourself and in others, and when you need it most it seems it does not come and we regret it later on. However, life is funny in that it always gives us a chance for redemption.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Information
Title - Born at Midnight
Author - C.C Hunter
Genre - YA/Paranormal
Pages - 416
Release Date - March 29th (expected)
Description (from Goodreads)
One night Kylie Galen finds herself at the wrong party, with the wrong people, and it changes her life forever. Her mother ships her off to Shadow Falls—a camp for troubled teens, and within hours of arriving, it becomes painfully clear that her fellow campers aren’t just “troubled.” Here at Shadow Falls, vampires, werewolves, shapshifters, witches and fairies train side by side—learning to harness their powers, control their magic and live in the normal world.
Kylie’s never felt normal, but surely she doesn’t belong here with a bunch of paranormal freaks either. Or does she? They insist Kylie is one of them, and that she was brought here for a reason. As if life wasn’t complicated enough, enter Derek and Lucas. Derek’s a half-fae who’s determined to be her boyfriend, and Lucas is a smokin’ hot werewolf with whom Kylie shares a secret past. Both Derek and Lucas couldn’t be more different, but they both have a powerful hold on her heart.
Even though Kylie feels deeply uncertain about everything, one thing is becoming painfully clear—Shadow Falls is exactly where she belongs…
Thoughts
I did not think I would like this as much as I did. Kylie was a bit of a whiney brat in the begining, but she slowly grew out of it. The premise is interesting enough and we do get a bit of the paranormal in the book, though not as much as one would think.
There are your usuall paranormal suspects: Vampires (Della), Werewolves (Lucas), Fae (Derek) even a Witch (Miranda) and Shapeshifter (Perry). They all have thier own personalities and they all add charm to the book. Kylie however I felt was just a bit too dramatic. She says the word 'freak' about 20+ times in the first half of the book, it tapers off during the second but it got kind of annoying having to be reminded about how much she thought the inhabitants of Shadow Falls Camp were freaks and how much she did not belong there.
The romance in the book is good, its the typical love-triangle type of thing, but the twist is one of the guys initially wants nothing to do with Kylie. However, this changes and it becomes the usual 'girl loves both guys, guys are jelous of the other' type of deal. It does not get too bad though.
Action in this book kicks up at the ending chapters, not alot of action but a little snippet that peaks your attention and keeps you reading, there will definatly be a sequel and I for one, can not wait for it to come out, the ending just left off at a point where your eagerly wanting to continue.
A bit of a warning though: the sexual content and swearing is a bit high, so use caution, if you do not like such things then this may not be the book for you, if you can overlook it then im sure you will be pleased.
A bit of a warning though: the sexual content and swearing is a bit high, so use caution, if you do not like such things then this may not be the book for you, if you can overlook it then im sure you will be pleased.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Rules
1. Pick up your current read.
2. Flip to a random page
3. Choose (2) or more (not too many) sentances to share.
NO SPOILERS!!
Title - Lord of the Clans
Author - Christie Golden
Lines
Squeeze, instinct cried. Squeeze tight. Kill Blackmoore for what he did to you.
No! he thought, This was not Blackmoore. This was one of his people, whom he had risked everything to find. He rose and extended a hand to the defeated orc to help him up.
Thoughts
Finally getting around to reading the World of Warcraft novels! I quite like this one so far, its very sad and I feel so bad for Thrall, its interesting to know the Lore behind the game.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Information
Title - The Haunted E-book
Author - J.L Bryan
Genre - horror/fiction
Pages - 246
Format Read - Ebook
Description (from goodreads)
Dee escapes her dreary librarian job and unfaithful boyfriend by reading romance and fantasy on her Kindle.
She tries The Haunted E-book, the story of a 19th century tramp printer whose ghost awakens whenever someone reads a book he created. The ghost stalks his readers and threatens them with death if they stop reading the book. Though she doesn’t usually like ghost stories, Dee can’t stop herself from reading it.
Then Dee learns the stories in the books are true, the malevolent ghost is real, and Dee might be the next character to die
Thoughts.
The Haunted Ebook will grab you and not let go! I do not read horror books for the sole reason that they scare me. Yes, i am a big baby and i get spooked easily. The Haunted Ebook had me looking over my shoulder and i had to keep reading, lest Jonah come and kill me.
The book takes place in modern times, With our main character being a librarian named Dee. One day Dee gets bored or her horrible romance story and decides to pick up a horror book instead. She then samples The Haunted Ebook, and her life changes forever.
The book is kind of odd, your basicly reading about Dees life, who is reading about Madisions life, who is also reading about Elaines life. A story, within a story within a story of sorts. This makes it interesting because you get to see the three womans lives and how they tie into each other. Dee as i said is a librarian, hers is the main story and I found her very likeable. Her life is not going so well, her boyfriend is cheating on her and she has been passed up for a good position at her work. Thus that is why she starts reading the Haunted Ebbok.
Madision is a college student with a horrible roomate, she also does not have a great life, she is scarred from a fire when she was a kid and she has no friends. Madison was another likeable charactor because she feels like me, a bookworm who likes to stay inside and read. The other woman Elaine was not so interesting for me, in fact i really forgot most of her story as i was zoning out during hers, I know she was brave and stood up to Jonah and i liked her for that, but then she slowly goes downhill.
Our bad guy, Jonah was truely a great villian, he was a poetic killer (literally.) I found it interesting that Jonah actually means 'peace' because the Jonah in the book is so full of chaos and death.It was interesting learning about how he became how he is and what led up to his bloody character.
The Haunted ebook is rife with swearing, there is even a quite detailed sex scene, so little eyes beware. There is also alot of blood and gore but this part adds to the horror and dark ambience. The ending was an extra bit of icing on the cake, and left you with chills. I recomend this book to horror fans and those looking for something to take ahold of them and get lost in the pages of.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Rules
1. Pick up your current read
2. choose a page at random
3. select (2) sentances to share
No Spoilers!!
Title - Spells
Author - Aprilynne Pike
Lines
It was strange to miss someone who was standing right in front of her, but that was how Laurel felt. She missed her mom.
;;
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