26 April, 2010

Win A Signed Book By 1 of 4 Fantasy Authors!

In early May, Charlaine Harris, Cassandra Clare w/ Holly Black, and Melissa Marr will all be touring in the Philadelphia, PA area. I will be attending each of their events. I am offering the fans of these authors (who might not have an event in their area) the chance for me to get a book signed for them.

Following my blog or Twitter is not required, but it will get you extra entries. Ends: May 3rd, 6PM EST.  You must fill out an entry here. Comments are appreciated, but will not enter you in the contest.

These are the books that I have available for signing. White Cat by Holly Black will be included in the list, when it comes out on May 4th. The winners will be randomly chosen, but once I contact them, it will be first come, first served in terms of who claims a specific title.


Book Review: Serpent Moon by C.T. Adams and Cathy Clamp

Book: SERPENT MOON
Author: C.T. ADAMS AND CATHY CLAMP
Genre: PARANORMAL ROMANCE/FANTASY

I purchased this book
Picture courtesy of Good Reads

Review
SERPENT MOON takes place in the world of the Sazi, a world that C.T. Adams and Cathy Clamp have created, where shapeshifters have magic, and good and evil exist within them. This book is the eighth in the series, and introduces Eric Thompson and Holly Sanchez.

Eric is a wolf, with a powerful Sazi howl; one that is too dangerous in the human world. Holly lived most of her life as a human family member of the Sazi, being mistreated and ignored. Then, she is attacked and turned. But, being 'one of them', alienates her from the humans that were her friends.

When the two meet, Holly has found herself (and her extraordinary healing powers) the target of the evil Nasil. He is the Sazi that has helped to bring forth the destructive Marduc. Eric and Holly must figure out his plan, help in a Sazi vs. Sazi war, and hopefully find themselves on the winning side.

Oh, yes. And also fall in love. Because Eric wants Holly as his mate. However Holly only wished to be human again. She will have to choose one or the other. Amidst the war in the human world, and the war within Holly, SERPENT MOON brings together and ties off many of the story lines that had been created in previous Sazi novels.

C.T. Adams and Cathy Clamp have written an excellent addition to the TALES OF THE SAZI series. Holly Sanchez had been previously introduced, and I admit that I was one of the readers that wanted more. More of her story, and more about her situation. I was not disappointed.

While there were multiple plots involved, I was able to follow along, and the different strands were brought together and seamlessly fused to make one great ending to the ascension of Marduc. The only drawback is that SERPENT MOON is not a stand-alone novel. Readers will not be able to pick up this book, if the others in the series haven't been read first.

Read my review on Good Reads for more about my rating. There will be slight spoilers.

My Rating: 12/15 Highly Recommend
Bonus Cover Points: 3/5

24 April, 2010

A Spark of an Idea

Recently, I have noticed that there are many YA authors going on tour in late spring and early summer. Obviously related to the veritable bonanza of YA titles that have, or are, coming out in the first half of the year. And what always happens to me, is that the authors that I would love to meet (and yes, get to sign a book or two) are not coming anywhere near me. Not to my town. Not to my city. Not even to my state. Can you guess the letdown that I have after that realization?

But, 2010 is my vindication. Cassandra Clare and Holly Black are coming to the Philadelphia area. For Two Events. Melissa Marr is making an appearance nearby. Even Charlaine Harris is going to be signing books (though, she isn't technically a YA author, she still writes good books for the paranormal genre). However, in my own elation, I have not forgotten those that aren't so lucky. Since I have been in the same position, I feel like I could try to give back.

And now that I have my blog, I also have a medium for giving back.

So, I had this idea running around in my head. For a contest, but not really a contest. Or a giveaway, but not really a giveaway. It would really be more of an opportunity. I thought that I could offer the opportunity for people who are total fangirls (or guys, I'm not prejudiced) for any of the authors that I named above to get a signed book.

Maybe you don't live where these authors are going to tour. Or maybe you do, but you can't attend the event. Whatever the reason, I would provide the book, go to the signing, and then mail the newly signed book. Voila!

Again, this is just a spark of an idea right now. I will have to figure out the books (one for each author) and the method of advertising the contest, as well as the entry form.

Watch this space...

Until next read,
AliseOnLife

Book Review: Fallen by Lauren Kate

Book: FALLEN
Author: LAUREN KATE
Genre: YA FANTASY/SUSPENSE

I borrowed this book
Picture courtesy of Good Reads

Review
FALLEN starts off mysteriously. The In The Beginning  prologue makes it clear that, whatever else goes on, there will be a love story involved. And what a love story it turns out to be. 

Luce Price has been sent to the Sword and Cross boarding school for her sins. A boy has died, her parents think that she is culpable, and Luce knows that she is to blame, but not why. And her punishment is this school, where the motto is: 'Meds, beds and reds.'
 
Then, Luce meets Daniel Grigori. He's the ultimate bad boy; unapproachable, derisive, and worst, seems to not want to even be near Luce. His attitude later reveals quite the opposite, but their love is doomed from the start. With betrayal and danger along the way, Luce must choose the path she wants to take, and at the end a marvelous discovery lies in wait.

FALLEN is a good, solid suspense novel. Lauren Kate knows how to build the anticipation to a peak, but perhaps takes just a bit too long to get there. I did like the book, but I felt that the story could have had a faster pace. As an avid reader, I didn't get lost, but I could see how it would be possible to be just a bit frustrated.

The mystery surrounding Daniel Grigori, and Luce's relationship with him isn't revealed until the very end, which I liked. I enjoy a book that will keep me reading to the last page. I just wish that the tiny, tiny scraps that were provided had added up to more, in the body of the book. While I don't want a book to be predictable, I do like to be able to feel that there is a point to all of the events.

My Good Reads review includes spoilers and an explanation of my rating.

My Rating: 10/15 Recommend
Bonus Cover Points: 3.5/5



 

22 April, 2010

Book Review: Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Book: HEX HALL
Author: RACHEL HAWKINS
Genre: YA FANTASY

I borrowed this book
Picture courtesy of Good Reads

Review
Because of the synopsis, I expected the prologue of HEX HALL to explain the circumstances behind Sophie finding out that she was a witch. However, I was pleasantly surprised to realize that this was no 'awakening to her inner power' beginning.

The start drew me in and kept me on my toes. There was a great blend of humor, suspense, and paranormal creatures in this book. Where most fantasy involves two opposing elements (ex. werewolves v. vampires, witches v. humans), Rachel Hawkins has identified different types of paranormal teens, and then sent them to boarding school together.

Not only does Sophie have to deal with the friction of being both the 'new kid', and the roommate of the least liked girl in school, she soon discovers that murder and mystery haunt the halls of her school. Even worse, Sophie finds out that the boy she likes is most definitely not what he seems.

In between dodging the 'mean witches' clique, trying to improve her own skills, and possibly clearing her roommate's name, Sophie and HEX HALL take the reader into the world of the Prodigium. I admit, the ending left me a little unsatisfied, but that's because it is clear that Sophie Mercer's story is just beginning. Rachel Hawkins is clearly ramping up to expose more secrets, and maybe even include a clash with L'Occhio di Dio, the deadly witch hunters. 

I had a good time reading this book. It doesn't overwhelm with difficult prose. I found myself reading it in a short period of time, because the story kept me involved.

I did feel that Asher's abrupt exit, so close to the end, and the subsequent focus on Alice, was slightly disconcerting. However, Rachel Hawkins wrote a fun book that sets itself apart in the world of YA fantasy.

Go deeper with my review on Good Reads, which will contain spoilers.

My Rating: 10.5/15 Recommend
Bonus Cover Points: 5/5

19 April, 2010

Book Review: the Vampire and the Virgin by Kerrelyn Sparks

Book: THE VAMPIRE AND THE VIRGIN
Author: KERRELYN SPARKS
Genre: PARANORMAL ROMANCE

I purchased this book
Picture courtesy of Good Reads


Review
THE VAMPIRE AND THE VIRGIN is the eighth book in the LOVE AT STAKE series written by Kerrelyn Sparks. I have read all of the previous books. It is not necessary to be familiar with them, in order to read this one. Yes, the character Robby MacKay has shown up in previous novels. Yes, most of the other vampire characters mentioned have had their story told. Yes, the reader will appreciate the personalities and situations of the secondary characters, as well as the secondary plotline, if the series is read from beginning to end.

BUT, Kerrelyn Sparks tells the story of Robby and Olivia for new readers, while incorporating the ongoing battle with the Malcontents for devoted readers, without creating a sense of 'what's the heck's going on?' or 'I'll just skip this rehash of the other books'.

Olivia is intrigued by Robby when she see him jogging on the beach. Likewise, for Robby, when he spots Olivia. But, she is ever cautious when it comes to men. He is consumed with thoughts of revenge on his captors. And then there is the little matter of her special talent, empathy. Robby is the first man that the Human Lie Detector (her nickname from her FBI associates) can't read.

While Olivia confesses her secret to Robby fairly early in the book, (thus revealing to the reader her virgin status; she can't be with a man who she can't trust) Robby has to continue to hide his undead status from her. However endearing he may be, blind trust is not something she can afford to give away, not when a dangerous killer is stalking her, despite being in prison.

I honestly enjoyed this book, as I have the others in the LOVE AT STAKE series. I recommend as a good read for anyone looking for a mildly humorous, mildly edgy paranormal romance. If you have read the series before, you'll want to pick up THE VAMPIRE AND THE VIRGIN.

Check out my Good Reads review for a deeper explanation of my rating, and the bonus cover points. Be warned that there will be spoilers.

My Rating: 12/15 Highly Recommend
Bonus Cover Points: 2.5/5

17 April, 2010

My New Love Affair: The Nook

So, it's been a while since I had a post about myself. I do intend to continue the book review postings. In fact, next week I have up to bat: Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins, Fallen by Lauren Kate, and Serpent Moon by C.T. Adams and Cathy Clamp. But, in between my reviews, I'd also like to have general posts on my reading and writing habits. And here is a big one about reading.

I LOVE MY NEW NOOK.

Look at that. It's an update so important in my mind, it deserves it's own paragraph and all capital letters. In all seriousness though, I have been downloading ebooks to my computer for the last year, but I never really considered buying an ereader.

Why? Several reasons.
One: The cost. Seriously, if I had an extra $300 bucks to throw around, an ereader is not at the top of my wishlist. A one-way ticket to Europe, maybe. A large payment to my student loan debt, sure. Taking two weeks off from work to just write and catch up on sleep, bingo.

Two: I didn't really think of it as a necessity. I don't travel as much as I would like. I don't take extended vacations. The best that I manage is a long weekend, and in that case, I don't need more than 3 books. Plus, I like the sensory feeling of reading a book; I like flipping the pages and studying the cover. I like having an overflowing bookcase.

Three: I was burned by the IPod, and the scars have never gone away. I bought one as soon as it came out, and a year later, it was only useful as a coaster. If anyone asked, my advice was a straight-up: Never buy first generation electronics. This usually goes for Mac products, but it tends to bleed over onto other things as well. I just KNEW that I would have a huge issue with the Kindle, if I anted up for one.

But, then 2010 came along. I have two trips lined up that will mean longer travel times, airport waits and hotel room stays. Those are pretty much the times that I need extra reading materials. And, for once, I wanted to have a HOT NEW THING. So, I did some research. I ended up buying the Nook over the Kindle, though the race was close.

And it was the fact that I have access to the whole B&N library for sample reading, while I am inside the store, that gave the Nook the edge. I spend much time, and I mean MUCH time, inside several of the closest Barnes and Noble locations to where I live. I usually go there to write; it's funny how my productivity increases by 50%, just by being outside of my house. But, this was exciting news for me! Now, I have another way to procrastinate, and put off writing! In a place, where I specifically go to write! Hooray!

Anyway, I have downloaded several new books to my library, and a few old favorites. I've even downloaded several books that I already have in print. But see now, having the ebook version frees up the print version to be signed. Because, I don't actually read the books that have had a lucky run-in with their author. Those go on the Shelf That Is Really A Shrine.

Until Next Read,
AliseOnLife

13 April, 2010

Book Review: The Devil's Playground by Jenna Black

Book: THE DEVIL'S PLAYGROUND
Author: JENNA BLACK
Genre: URBAN FANTASY/SUSPENSE

I purchased this book
Picture courtesy of Good Reads

Review
THE DEVIL'S PLAYGROUND continues the story of Morgan Kingsley that was first started in THE DEVIL INSIDE. Morgan has made an uneasy peace with the demon ruler, Lugh, who shares her body. Morgan, Lugh, and Lugh's council on the Mortal Plane believe that they have finally gotten the upper hand on Dougal (Lugh's brother, who wants to take the throne). But, Dougal is even craftier than they imagine. He is ready to take the demon fight to the Mortal Plane, and unwilling human hosts are just the beginning.

THE DEVIL'S PLAYGROUND is the fifth book starring Morgan Kingsley. It is not a stand-alone title. Jenna Black does explain some of the circumstances that have led Morgan and her motley crew, that make up Lugh's Mortal Plane council, to this point. However, the action is ongoing, and without having read the series from the beginning, you will be lost.

That said, the series is definitely worth picking up. I was recommended THE DEVIL INSIDE several years ago. Morgan Kingsley and Lugh hooked me from the first few pages. THE DEVIL'S PLAYGROUND is a satisfying addition and I would call this book a must read.

Here is my Good Reads review that contains spoilers, and a breakdown of my rating.

My Rating: 13.5/15 Must Read
Bonus Cover Points: 3.5/5

11 April, 2010

Book Review: Come Hell or High Water by Michele Bardsley

Book: COME HELL OR HIGH WATER
Author: MICHELE BARDSLEY
Genre: PARANORMAL ROMANCE

I purchased this book
Picture courtesy of Good Reads



Review
COME HELL OR HIGH WATER by Michele Bardsley, is a new addition to a humorous paranormal romance series. The BROKEN HEART series involves a whole community of humans that were turned by a 'feral' vampire attack. Each book tells the tale of one of these people. What else sets Broken Heart, Oklahoma apart from the typical small town? Almost all of the inhabitants are single parents.

Looking for love, adjusting to fangs and battling an uber-demon, is the order of the day for Phoebe Allen in COME HELL OR HIGH WATER. It all starts when she has an impulsive rendezvous with sexy Scot, Conner Ballard. Conner turns out to be more than she bargained for. After one night, she finds herself mated to a half-fae. Even worse, the other half is demon!

Throw in a hellhound that looks like a chihuahua and an appearance-changing sister-in-law, and mayhem is sure to occur. Luckily for Phoebe, her son is safely at Disney World with his father. But, that doesn't stop her from worrying about him, especially when she ends up in Hell, courtesy of her new 'husband'.

Her ex thinks she's dead. A very scary demon named Lilith wants her dead. And a prophesy that she would rather have no part in might just be about to come to pass. Phoebe and Conner will be kept on their toes, as they try to defeat Lilith and figure out where their relationship stands.

Michele Bardsley has created a great series in BROKEN HEART, and COME HELL OR HIGH WATER, continues the tradition well. Each novel could be read alone for an enjoyable read, but having read the previous books, I feel that I appreciated this one all the more. What makes the books so easy to jump into is the handy directory in the back, that details the characters and The Ancients (first vampires). There is even a glossary of terms that she uses in the book.

This book will be taking its place on my bookshelf, next to the all others in the series. I recommend it to readers who enjoy a humorous paranormal romance, a spunky and strong heroine, and a sexy half-demon.

For more, and a spoiler or two, go check out my Good Reads review.

My Rating: 11/15 Recommend
Bonus Cover Points: 4.5/5

07 April, 2010

Absent, But Not Gone: Part Two

Last week, I did manage to accomplish more than just overhauling my blog. Granted, Blogger In Draft is very addictive; just as Twitter has become my obsession, and haunting other people's blogs has taken up much of the time I might have otherwise devoted to putting words on the page.

I am still writing, though. I have put aside my WIP (sheesh, I almost put a hashmark in front of that!) for the moment to participate in Script Frenzy. This is my first year doing this. I participated in NaNoWriMo back in November, which was the spur I needed to start my current WIP. We'll see how I like script writing. It's going good so far, but conveying a story almost entirely in dialog is sorta hard. Understatement! Understatement!

And then, there is the reading. I've been pounding my way through a backlog of books that I have wanted to read, and more keep appearing as soon as I think I might have caught up. (Due in large part to BooksFree, a Netflix-type service for books.) You can check out my Good Reads profile to see what I've got on my bookshelf. I love seeing what other people are reading, so if you are a member, don't hesitate to make me a friend.

Keep an eye out for my reviews. I've decided that I will post two parts for each one. The first part, I will post here on my blog. It will be an overall review with a rating out of 15 (1-5 for plot/story and its development, 1-5 for characters and their development, 1-5 for language/structure/dialog). The second part, I will post on my Good Reads profile with a link, which will be the part of the review that could contain spoilers.

I am going to start off with Come Hell or High Water by Michele Bardsley (paranormal romance), The Devil's Playground by Jenna Black (urban fantasy/suspense), and Hex Hall (YA paranormal).

So come back for more!

Until next read,
AliseOnLife

05 April, 2010

Absent, But Not Gone: Part One

This has been the longest interval that I have gone between posts, since I started my blog. Granted, I have only been live for about three weeks, but I do want to grow my readership. To do that, I must stay consistent. So, even though this post is a divergence from the purpose of my blog, (to share my experience as a reader and writer; to review books, and to hone my writing craft) I thought I might share.

Here's what I've been up to:

1. Total Blog Overhaul. After visiting many, many blogs, I thought to myself: I need a better look. It's like I just moved into a brand-new apartment. The only thing there are the basic furnishing needs and white wallpaper. I have to go ahead and make this blog my own.

Problem #1: I actually know a bit of html, which weirdly, put me at a disadvantage when I wanted to change the layout of my blog. I found the templates to be a little restrictive, but I didn't want to start from scratch. Basically, I wanted the picture drawn for me, but then I wanted to color outside of the lines.

Solution #1: Blogger Template Designer. I discovered this after many differently worded help questions in Blogger. But, oddly enough, the answer was in Google, not Blogger. Here's to my persistence, and to my belief in reading thoroughly the 'instruction manual'.
Of course, later I realized that there was a tab for it on my dashboard. But, we'll let that slide for the moment.

On the night that I went to the Blogger Template Designer, I spent hours there. Literally. I was up until 6am trying out different backgrounds, layouts, fonts, and colors... In fact, I never went to sleep that day. I took a two hour power nap, but was pretty much doing the overhaul for the better part of 14 hours. Here was more choice than I knew what to do with. I had fallen afoul of the 'be careful what you as for' adage.

I'm not complaining, mind you. I loved it. I think I sampled as much as I could before I went with something that represents the purpose of the blog, but also my personality, and (I hope) catches the eye, and stands out. Readability was important to me, so I tweaked the colors and fonts so that everything is clear and easier to read.

I hope you enjoy the new look, and stay tuned for Part Two.

Until next read,
AliseOnLife

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