Saturday Situation- Link up Your Reviews & Giveaways! 10/1

 Saturday Situation is hosted by both Lori at Pure Imagination and myself.  It's a linky for you to link your  Giveaways and Reviews (and whatever neglected posts you may have).  You'll find the same linky's at Pure Imagination, so don't enter them twice!

Keep in mind that you can add your links through the entire week.  

You can find this post again by clicking the button on the top right of my blog.  I'll try to keep it up to date to go to the newest Saturday Situation post.

Guest Post with Kate Pierce and Giveaway *ENDED* of Mark of the Rose (Open INT)

Today I have the pleasure of having Kate Pierce on for another awesome guest post and giveaway!  If you're not already familiar with her she writes the Tudor Vampire Chronicles.  I loved the first two, Kiss of the Rose (REVIEW) and Blood of the Rose (REVIEW) and am anxious to read the third one, Mark of the Rose.  

Today Kate is talking about her recent trip to London.  She's also doing a fabulous giveaway so read to the end!  Also, Kate sent along some fabulous photos she took but for some reason blogger isn't allowing me to post all of them.  But here are a couple!

I was lucky enough to grow up in the suburbs of London in 
the U.K. with a mother who was history-mad and dragged her somewhat reluctant offspring around to every historical site in London she could find. As some of you probably know, when you live in a beautiful place, you quite often don’t appreciate it until you leave it behind.

This summer I got the chance to go back and visit my family in the U.K. by myself and one of the things I was determined to do, was do some tourist stuff. Most of my family thought I was mad, but I did persuade my mother to walk around St. Paul’s cathedral with me and share her knowledge of the place. I was also surprised how HUGE and empty it was!

By contrast, I went by myself to Westminster Abbey, which you might be familiar with as the setting of the recent wedding between Prince William and Catherine Middleton. On T.V. the abbey looked bright, light and big. On the day I turned up, it was already raining, which meant the sky was a gloomy gray, and the interior was dark, despite all the lights.

I haven’t visited the abbey for more than twenty years. The thing that really surprised me, was how packed that place was. And I don’t mean by tourists, although that was an issue. I mean that it was packed with dead royalty. There were so many tombs of great and well-known English and British monarchs that they were literally stacked side by side or in tiny chapels where you could barely walk around them. As I was writing a series about King Henry VIII, I was particularly interested in his tomb and chapel and those of his father and children.

Despite the sense that I was walking through a rather badly organized closet, there is still a tremendous sense of time and history in the abbey and it is astounding to realize that it’s been there for a thousand years… Where I live now on the west coast, the oldest building is just over one hundred years old.

It certainly helps when you are able to picture the places you write about. I try and utilize places I have visited in my Tudor Vampire series. For me, the writing makes more sense if you can imagine yourself there. In the series I used Westminster Abbey, Hampton Court and Avebury, all of which I have visited. Unfortunately, Richmond Palace was torn down and there are only fragments of it remaining, 

Here’s my question to you all. Are there any great historical sites you would like to visit? 

(I still have a hankering to visit South America and see all those ancient civilization sites.)

Mark of the Rose (Tudor Vampire Chronicles #3)

After hearing that Vampires have returned to the court of Henry VIII, Rhys Williams must form an unwanted alliance with Verity Llewellyn, a lady-in-waiting to the new queen. His childhood companion has grown into a clever and beautiful woman, but she is completely untried as a Vampire hunter. 
The revelation that the queen is pregnant only makes the situation all the more dangerous. Who is systematically draining her blood and how, without being noticed? As Rhys and Verity work together to untangle the mystery, the battle to save the queen and the heir to the throne heats up—as does the uncontrollable passion between them.

The Giveaway:ENDED

Kate is generously giving away two copies of Mark of the Rose and some perfume.

Open Worldwide.

Must be 17 or older to enter.

Ends 10/10

To Enter:ENDED

Answer Kates question "Are there any great historical sites you would like to visit?" Remember to include contact info.

Extra Entry:

Tweet the following phrase and link directly to your tweet in a separate comment.

Enter the #giveaway to win one of two copies of Mark of the Rose by Kate Pierce & perfume. Open INT. Go to http://tinyurl.com/6bf8t5t to enter.  

Childrens Book Review & Giveaway *ENDED*: The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett & Gary Rubinstein

The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett & Gary Rubinstein

Illustrated by Mark Pett

Hardcover, 32 pgs.

Published October 1st, 2011 by Sourcebooks Jabberwocky

Reading Level: 4-8

Source: Publisher *for review*

 Meet Beatrice Bottomwell: a nine-year-old girl who has never (not once!) made a mistake. She never forgets her math homework, she never wears mismatched socks, and she ALWAYS wins the yearly talent show at school. In fact, Beatrice holds the record of perfection in her hometown, where she is known as The Girl Who Never Makes Mistakes. Life for Beatrice is sailing along pretty smoothly until she does the unthinkable—she makes her first mistake. And in a very public way!

 I have a six your daughter and a two year old son.  Now my two year old didn't have a lot of interest in the book at first but once I started reading he actually settled down and listened.  Of course he was more interested in the illustrations where a girl was riding her bike and where she caught an egg in her mouth (that one was really silly and they laughed a lot!) but he actually listened.  And my six year old, well, she really liked it.  

The story was fun enough to read, as an adult.  It's important to me that it flows well, so that it's easy for me to change my voice as needed and this did flow well.  It didn't rhyme or anything, but it was still easy to read and include the fun voices.  

The illustrations were fun and while they weren't super vibrant or crazy and all over the page, they were fun and were done in a way that there could be a few different ones per page.  Hard to explain, guess you'll have to buy it!  Like I said, my two year old loved pointing out everything on the pages, which shows they apparently entertained him quite well.  

The best part of this book was the message sent.  That you don't have to be perfect, that making mistakes is okay and you sure can have a lot more fun if you allow yourself not to worry so much about messing up.  

Overall this is a great book that I'm sure my children will enjoy for the next several years.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  I received no monetary compensation and all opinions expressed are my own.


The Giveaway:ENDED
One copy of The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes to one lucky person! *Provided by publisher*
Must be 13 or older to enter.
Open to US/Canada
Ends 10/9/11

To Enter: ENDED
Leave a comment telling me one mistake you made that was either really fun and turned out well, or an embarrassing moment.  Remember to include contact info!

Extra Entry:
Tweet the following and include the link to your tweet in a separate comment.

Go to http://tinyurl.com/6zxsw9a to enter the #giveaway to #win The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes, a cute childrens book your kids will love!

Book Review: The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong

The Gathering (Darkness Rising #1) by Kelly Armstrong

Hardcover, 359 pgs.

Published: April 12, 2011 by Harper

Reading Level: Young Adult

Source: Borrowed

 Sixteen-year-old Maya is just an ordinary teen in an ordinary town. Sure, she doesn't know much about her background - the only thing she really has to cling to is an odd paw-print birthmark on her hip - but she never really put much thought into who her parents were or how she ended up with her adopted parents in this tiny medical-research community on Vancouver Island. 
Until now. 
Strange things have been happening in this claustrophobic town - from the mountain lions that have been approaching Maya to her best friend's hidden talent for "feeling" out people and situations, to the sexy new bad boy who makes Maya feel . . . . different. Combine that with a few unexplained deaths and a mystery involving Maya's biological parents and it's easy to suspect that this town might have more than its share of skeletons in its closet. 

 I've felt myself avoiding more paranormal type books in YA, they tend to not feel so original anymore and common themes are getting old.  There are still a lot of good ones though, it's just more hit and miss.  This one was a hit!  I loved it!  

I loved Maya.  I found her personality refreshing.  She was pretty blunt and outspoken but she wasn't rude or obnoxious in any way.  She was thoughtful and kind and had an awesome relationship with her parents.  She almost seemed too perfect in the beginning, but later we saw more of her flaws.  But those few flaws are what made her more real for me.  

All the other characters were great as well, from her friend Daniel who could 'sense' things, to the cute Rafe who Maya might just like as more than a friend, to the other kids in the town (very teeny town) that had their own little roles, they were all terrific.  Oh, and I loved that Maya had parents that worried about her and were there.  Maya had some great banter with them and I really liked their part in the book.

The setting of the book definitely brought it up another notch for me.  Vancouver Island is GORGEOUS and it actually played a large part in the book.   Just the forest and wildlife around.  While some might not think it's a big deal, the setting really plays a big part for me and this setting was idea, and fit the story perfect.

While I had somewhat of an idea of the paranormal aspect of the book I didn't really know much and found myself guessing through the whole book about what might be going on.  It was kind of an awesome mystery.  By the end we've got some answers, but plenty more left to be answered in the next books.  

This is an awesome start to a series and I highly recommend you to pick it up!

Find the author:

Website

Event Recap for Cinda Williams Chima signing

Last Saturday I went to book signing at Powells for Cinda Williams Chima.  Cinda is the author of the Seven Realms series as well as The Heir Chronicles.

I haven't read The Heir Chronicles yet, but I have read the first two in the Seven Realms series and LOVE them!  They are absolutely awesome!  So when I had the chance to meet her I couldn't pass it up.

It was on a Saturday so I got to go without kids and that's a real treat for me.  I got there early and looked through books for an hour before they put chairs out.  Then I sat down right in the front row.

Vy from Vy's Blog sat with me.  It was nice to have someone to chat with while we waited.  It was a lot of fun to talk books with her.  

When Cinda got there she chatted with us all without a podium.  She got down nice and close and got more personal and that was nice.  She showed us the trailer, which I had seen before and love, and she talked about how the books came about.  I love high fantasy and I think I like it even more in young adult because it's not as heavy reading.   It was great hearing about her process and getting to know her better.  I'm so glad that there's going to be another book in the Seven Realms!  Originally it was only suppose to be three, but I know I don't want it to ever end! 

Once she read a scene from The Gray Wolf Throne she answered questions and then she signed books!  It was a lot of fun and it was a nice day away for me.  

Here's a couple pictures of Cinda.

Book Trailer and Giveaway *ENDED*: The Crown on Your Head by Nancy Tillman

Today I have another giveaway for you guys.  This one is a childrens book and although I haven't yet read it, I will have a review in the future.  It sure looks cute though!  Thanks to Macmillan and Zeitghost Media for yet another great giveaway!

We know our children are special, and now the incomparable Nancy Tillman expresses this universal feeling in the most touching of ways: Every child is born with a crown. The crown is everything that gives us unique value. Our crown will always be with us wherever we go, whatever we do.

Website:

http://nancytillmancorner.com 

The Giveaway: ENDED

One copy of The Crown on Your Head to one lucky person courtesy of the publisher and Zeitghost Media.

Open to US/Canada

Must be 13 or older to enter.

Ends 10/6/11

To Enter: ENDED

Leave a comment with contact info.

Extra entry:

Tweet the following phrase and link me directly to it in a separate comment from your original entry.

Check out the #giveaway for The Crown on Your Head, an adorable childrens story at @candacemom2two 's blog. Go to http://tinyurl.com/5u6jwjo

Disclaimer: This giveaway is being provided by the publisher and I will be receiving a copy of the book for review in the future but received no monetary compensation. 

I am not responsible for getting the giveaway item to the winner and can only pass along the information for the third party to ship.

Giveaway: UPrinting Flyers ENDED

Today I have a giveaway for you guys from UPrinting.  I know many of you, myself included, love to have business cards and other goodies to pass out to other bloggers, authors, etc.  

There are a lot of Printing companies available online.  Some are more expensive then others.  Some only have a few products.  UPrinting has lots of different options and printing services such as flyer printing and club flyers.

These flyers can be used for many things.  As advertisement for your blog, using as announcements or even as a Christmas card.  Lots of different things!

The Giveaway: ENDED

250 pcs. Flyers for one winner

4.25"x5.5", 4"x6"

14pt Cardstock Gloss, Front Only Printing,

nightclub flyer templates and business flyer templates also available for download

3 Business Days Turnaround, *Free Shipping

Open to US residents 18 years old and above only.

*Please note you are only qualified to win if you have not won another giveaway from UPrinting in the last 6 months*

Ends 10/6/11

To Enter: ENDED

Leave a comment with contact information

extra entries:

Like/follow UPrinting on Facebook and Twitter (an extra entry for each).  Include your Facebook or Twitter name so it can be confirmed.

Leave a comment for EACH entry.  

Disclaimer

Required as per FTC Ruling

This giveaway is sponsored by UPrinting, no monetary compensation was given and I will receive flyers for hosting. For more information about flyers, please visit UPrinting.com.

Book Review: Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel

Dearly Departed by Lia Habel

ARC, 480 pgs (published in Hardcover)

Published Oct 18th, 2011 by Del Rey

Reading Level: Young Adult

Source: Amazon Vine

Love can never die.

Love conquers all, so they say. But can Cupid’s arrow pierce the hearts of the living and the dead—or rather, the undead? Can a proper young Victorian lady find true love in the arms of a dashing zombie? 

The year is 2195. The place is New Victoria—a high-tech nation modeled on the manners, mores, and fashions of an antique era. A teenager in high society, Nora Dearly is far more interested in military history and her country’s political unrest than in tea parties and debutante balls. But after her beloved parents die, Nora is left at the mercy of her domineering aunt, a social-climbing spendthrift who has squandered the family fortune, and now plans to marry her niece off for money. For Nora, no fate could be more horrible—until she’s nearly kidnapped by an army of walking corpses. 

But fate is just getting started with Nora. Catapulted from her world of drawing-room civility, she’s suddenly gunning down ravenous zombies alongside mysterious black-clad commandos and confronting “The Laz,” a fatal virus that raises the dead—and hell along with them. Hardly ideal circumstances. Then Nora meets Bram Griswold, a young soldier who is brave, handsome, noble . . . and dead. But as is the case with the rest of his special undead unit, luck and modern science have enabled Bram to hold on to his mind, his manners, and his body parts. And when his bond of trust with Nora turns to tenderness, there’s no turning back. Eventually, they know, the disease will win, separating the star-crossed lovers forever. But until then, beating or not, their hearts will have what they desire.

In Dearly, Departed, steampunk meets romance meets walking-dead thriller, spawning a madly imaginative novel of rip-roaring adventure, spine-tingling suspense, and macabre comedy that forever redefines the concept of undying love.

Holy bonkers!  This book is INSANE!  I totally, completely, utterly loved it.  It's different from anything I've ever read.  It was full of awesome characters that were witty, fun and kick ass.  It was a story line from someones dream (not really, but like that).  You know those dreams where you wake up and you think "WHOA!  That was crazy!" cause it's just a crazy mix of things.  You'd think most of those dreams couldn't really be pulled off in a novel.  I mean really, dystopia, steampunk, history (well, Victorian age style and mannerisms), technology (not just of the steam kind), zombies (good and bad) and romance mixed together is kind of crazy.  And when I started the book it was almost hard to comprehend.  It took a little bit for me to grow use to it and be able to imagine it all.  But even when it was over my head and difficult for me to comprehend I was loving it.

While reading this book I kept taking breaks to tweet, to post pictures of the gorgeous cover, to rave on facebook and just share my LOVE for this absolutely stunning book.  I actually went to some book signings after reading this book and I kept recommending it to everyone even though it wasn't out yet.  I just couldn't stop talking about it!  Seriously, it's a crazy and wild ride but one of the funnest I've had in awhile!

I mentioned that the characters were witty, fun and kick ass.  Well, I have to say that there wasn't really anything I didn't like about the characters.  The author did an absolutely fantastic job with character development.  They really jumped off the page in all their awesomeness.  The good guys were so much fun, the scary guys were very scary (and some of the scary guys WERE good guys) and the bad guys, oh yes, they were good and FREAKIE!  Seriously, a bit of freakiness, I mean, scariness.  Or spooky'ness?  I don't know.  But some things were completely creepy and I think I might have squeaked once or twice when people were surprised by or chased by bad zombies.  Yeah, not a downright horror book, but creepy enough I did NOT read at bed time.  Sorry, bad zombies scare me *whimper*.

The romance, oh the romance.  So zombies aren't really sexy, are they?  Well, think again.  No, they might not be so sexy in appearance, but if they have their wits about them and their personalities intact, oh yes- they can certainly be sexy!  It's just in their wittiness, in their bravery, in their kickass'ness that they are this way.  Because trust me, I fell head over heels for one particular zombie and I don't care how dead and dried up he may be, I'll cuddle with him any ol' day....  Anyway, the sexual tension was really great because honestly, a dead guy with a living girl, well- not really the best match, ya know?  So we feel the attraction and all that goodness that builds up to well, a rather warm heat!

Okay, so I could rave all day about the awesome that is this book but there are actually a few things I didn't love.  One thing is that we get first person from multiple people.  I like seeing the different perspectives, and seeing some sides that we wouldn't really get to see otherwise was pretty awesome but, and yes, there's  a but here, I found it confusing at times.  When we would get Brams perspective and then get Nora's perspective in the next chapter but they were together in both, well, that was a bit confusing.  Yes, it would say the name of who narrating at the beginning of the chapter, but I was involved in the story!  I couldn't always remember.  A few times I had to stop reading and breathe for a moment and just remind myself of the narrator.  It was a little bit annoying, but it wasn't really a huge deal at all.  And maybe it wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't first person.  This might be a book that would have been better in third person.  I don't know, but it would clear up that confusion that I felt.

Now I thought there was more that had bothered me but now that I'm writing my review I just can't remember!  I guess they weren't that big of issues then ;)

I loved this book and I'll recommend it to everyone just because it's so crazy and different.  I think we all crave different these days and this fits the bill!  Also the characters were just so fantastic.  Some of the best characters I've ever read, that's for sure!  So make sure you pick this book up!  You'll be sure to have a wild ride!

Find the author:

Website

Disclosure: I received an advance copy of this book free of charge for review purposes.  All opinions expressed are my own and I was not paid or influenced in any way.

Winners! 9/16- 9/26

Lots of winner to announce announce again!

Winner of All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin is...

Ivy

Winner of Dreamland (Riley Bloom) by Alyson Noel is...

Allizabeth

Winner of Ruling Passion (Drake Chronicles bindup) by Alyxandra Harvey is...

inmyshelf

Winners for Blogorama Bonanza are...

Prize Pack #1-

Liza

Prize Pack #2-

Heather

Prize Pack #3-

Jennifer

All winners have been selected using random.org.  They have all been contacted and have all responded.  

Thank you everyone who visited and entered!  Be sure to check out the giveaways still listed at the top of my blog!

Book Review: The Exiled Queen (Seven Realms #2) by Cinda Williams Chima

The Exiled Queen (Seven Realms #2) by Cinda Williams Chima

Paperback, 586 pgs.

Published September 28th, 2010 by Hyperion

Reading Level: Young Adult

Source: Gift

 You can't always run from danger... 
Haunted by the loss of his mother and sister, Han Alister journeys south to begin his schooling at Mystwerk House in Oden’s Ford. But leaving the Fells doesn’t mean danger isn’t far behind. Han is hunted every step of the way by the Bayars, a powerful wizarding family set on reclaiming the amulet Han stole from them. And Mystwerk House has dangers of its own. There, Han meets Crow, a mysterious wizard who agrees to tutor Han in the darker parts of sorcery—but the bargain they make is one Han may regret. 
Meanwhile, Princess Raisa ana’Marianna runs from a forced marriage in the Fells, accompanied by her friend Amon and his triple of cadets. Now, the safest place for Raisa is Wein House, the military academy at Oden's Ford. If Raisa can pass as a regular student, Wein House will offer both sanctuary and the education Raisa needs to succeed as the next Gray Wolf queen. 
The Exiled Queen is an epic tale of uncertain friendships, cut-throat politics, and the irresistible power of attraction.

Wow.  This series has turned out to be unbelievable.  So. freaking. GOOD!  I seriously urge everyone to read them, if you enjoy fantasy at all you'll love this series!  The characters are amazing, the story line is unbelievable, the writing is gorgeous.  Read it!

The following may be spoiler'y for the previous book, The Demon King. 

I've heard people say that they thought this was better than the first book and I don't think I really agree with that,  but it was amazing.  And the romance that finally occurs is definitely better then the first one and I was happy to finally get some real romance action!  

This book mostly takes place at Oden's Ford where everyone is going to school.  And while it wasn't as action'y as the first it still kept me enthralled from page one.  I was watching as Han learned magic finally and  although at times I was afraid for some of his actions I was proud of most of the decisions he made.

Rebecca, Raisa, whatever her name may be or which person she's currently 'being' is such a great character.  She's a truly good person and is concerned about the people of her realm.  I enjoyed watching her grow as a character and find some inner strength.  Actually, I think she found it more in the last book but she had to keep it.  She had to stay strong with some very tough decisions and situations.  

I love when authors create villains who you end up feeling mixed feelings for.  Yeah, they are bad but when they end up doing something not so bad then it messes with your head.  Especially when another evil is thrown in and they are the lesser of the two evils.  It just makes for an interesting story and keeps you on your toes.  

Okay, so I briefly mentioned romance.  I'm not going to get into it, or say much at all about it, other then it is awesome.  I was craving one of those kisses that makes your toes curl and I got it!  It was the perfect kiss.  Thank you Cinda for finally giving it to me!  

I highly, highly recommend this book and I cannot wait to read The Gray Wolf Throne!

Find the author:

Website

In My Mailbox (78)

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren and is where we share the books we got through the week.  

I kind of lied of in the video (not on purpose!) cause in the beginning I say I didn't buy any books and then later I point out one I did.  So I bought it, but they sent an ARC so I'm getting my money back so in the end I did not buy any books.  I'm still putting it under the bought category though...

Review:

Frail by Joan Frances Turner

In Blood We Trust (Bloodlands #3) by Christine Cody

Wherever You Go by Heather Davis

Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel (when I did the video I was halfway, but now I'm almost done and holy WOW!  This book is freaking CRAZY, and totally AWESOME!)

Borrowed:

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Thanks Lori from Pure Imagination!

RAK:

(Random Act of Kindness)

Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake

Thank Angela from Reading Angel!

Paperbackswap:

Wild Rain by Christine Feehan

Sword of Darkness (Lords of Avalon #1) by Kinley MacGregor

Bought:

The Spirit Thief (The Legend of Eli Monpress #1) by Rachel Aaron

Thanks to Penguin, Amazon Vine, Harcourt & Del Rey for the review books. 

I'm heading out to a book signing for Cinda Williams Chima this afternoon (Saturday) so I will check out your IMM's this evening, tomorrow and Monday!

What was in your mailbox?

Saturday Situation- Link up your Reviews & Giveaways! 9/24

 Saturday Situation is hosted by both Lori at Pure Imagination and myself.  It's a linky for you to link your  Giveaways and Reviews (and whatever neglected posts you may have).  You'll find the same linky's at Pure Imagination, so don't enter them twice!

Keep in mind that you can add your links through the entire week.  

You can find this post again by clicking the button on the top right of my blog.  I'll try to keep it up to date to go to the newest Saturday Situation post.

Book Giveaway *ENDED*: Five Flavors of Dumb by Antony John (Open INT!)

 

Five Flavors of Dumb by Antony John was one of those books that I had the urge to inform the entire world they must read this book because it was so good!  So when he let me know of this contest he was holding to celebrate the release of it in paperback I decided this was the time to hold a giveaway of my own.  I'll post the giveaway at the end so make sure you read through.  You can find my review HERE as well.  And in November you'll find Antony here for an awesome interview and giveaway of his book that comes out next year, Thou Shalt Not Road Trip.

Antony John, in celebration of the paperback release, is giving away bookplates to anyone who preorders it (it's in paperback 9/29).  He also has a mega giveaway with loads of awesome books and ARC's, including his newest book which comes out next year.   This is a great giveaway so make sure you head over to his blog for all the details on how to enter.

The Giveaway right here, right now: ENDED

One paperback copy of Five Flavors of Dumb.  

Open Internationally to where The Book Depository ships.

Must be 13 or older to enter.

Ends 9/27/11

To Enter: ENDED

Leave a comment telling me one band, singer or musical group that has really inspired you.  Remember to include contact info!

Extra entry:

Tweet the following message and then link me directly to your tweet in a separate comment.

Head over to @candacemom2two 's blog to enter to #win a paperback of Five Flavors of Dumb by Antony John. Open INT! http://tinyurl.com/3t5s6z2

Book Review: The Apothecary by Maile Meloy

The Apothecary by Maile Meloy

Published by Putnam Juvenile Oct 4, 2011

Middle Grade/Young Adult

Source: Publisher

 It's 1952 and the Scott family has just moved from Los Angeles to London. Here, fourteen-year-old Janie meets a mysterious apothecary and his son, Benjamin Burrows - a fascinating boy who's not afraid to stand up to authority and dreams of becoming a spy. When Benjamin's father is kidnapped, Janie and Benjamin must uncover the secrets of the apothecary's sacred book, the Pharmacopoeia, in order to find him, all while keeping it out of the hands of their enemies - Russian spies in possession of nuclear weapons. Discovering and testing potions they never believed could exist, Janie and Benjamin embark on a dangerous race to save the apothecary and prevent impending disaster.Together with Ian Schoenherr's breathtaking illustrations, this is a truly stunning package from cover to cover.

I went into this book thinking it sounded good but I wasn't sure what to expect.  I have to say that it was quite good, I really enjoyed the story and never had a hard time reading and never wanted to set it down because I was bored.  But I do feel that it lacked something.   And it's hard to say what it is that was lacking,  just oomph, I guess.

Some things I really liked were the magical aspects of it.  The magic comes from potions and I thought it was fascinating.  I mean, imagine taking a potion and becoming a bird.  Imagine what you could do!   I also liked learning more about the era.  It's not about the cold war, but it certainly seeps into the book a lot.  I thought it was all interesting.  However, some younger readers may have a harder time with it and may lose interest in that aspect of the story.  

I liked the characters okay, but once again I sort of felt like they lacked oomph.  But I certainly didn't dislike them.  One character I actually did love and he was just a side character.  His name is Pip and if he had been present more he could have taken over.  He did not lack oomph!  He had the perfect amount and really, he was the character with the strongest personality.  I just loved him!

I think this book had potential to be amazing, but it ended up just being good.  It wasn't a waste of my time and I'll never regret using my precious time reading it, and I'll even recommend it to those who think it sounds interesting.  I just kind of wish there was just a bit more.

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Disclosure: I received an advance edition of this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review.  I was not paid and all opinions expressed are my own.

Diversify Your Reading- How What I Read Affected Me

The Diversify Your Reading Challenge was put together by Cindy Pon and Malinda Lo, both fantastic diverse authors.  Find out more HERE (this ends October 1st, 2011).

I read quite a few books that fit this challenge and I have to say that some unexpected ones took me by surprise.
As a teenager in the 90's finding young adult books in my small town library was hard enough, but finding books that were at all diverse was nearly impossible.  By middle school I was mostly reading adult but to be honest, I don't think I ever read a book where the characters were Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual or transgender while in middle or high school.  It's possible I'm just not remembering though.  As an adult thinking, and looking back, I can see how books that are more diverse can impact young people.  They can connect with characters and stories that are like them.  It can show them that others go through what they go through and that they aren't alone.  It also helps normalize it so people are just more accepting.
I grew up in a small town in the midwest and if anyone even hinted at being LGBT it was a BIG deal.  I know now of many of my classmates that didn't come out until they were adults and had moved to larger cities.  I also know of a few who claimed they were as teenagers (and took hell because of it) but as adults they decided they weren't.  Teenagers don't always know and not knowing is fine.  It's part of growing up.  Experimenting with what you like, who you love, etc, is normal.  Teens need to know that.  As an adult I'm incredibly thankful to see that YA has taken off and become huge a genre and people of all ages are loving it.  I know I can't seem to get enough of it and I'm enjoying the fresh take on things and seeing more diverse books becoming much more popular.

While when talking about Diversity in YA we usually think of people of color or books with an LGBT theme.  I actually found some that aren't either of those.  The one I'm going to talk about though is 

 about a teenage girl who is deaf.  This book was Five Flavors of Dumb by Antony John (Review).   I have never read a book where the main character is deaf and I found it very fascinating.  What I really liked was that the deafness and her issues with it was not the focus of the book.  Just part of it.  I actually liked that with all of the books I read that I consider diverse.  I like when the diverse part of it is just a part of the story and not a major focus.  It's like these things are being expressed more as being normal, not an issue.  And sending out the message that being different is normal.  

The next book I'm going to talk about is Huntress by Malinda Lo (Review).   This book is a fantasy with Asian and LGBT themes.  I love that she wove those things together and once again, it was just how it was, it wasn't an 'issue'.  There are lots of teens (and adults) that love fantasy and including things they connect with on a more personal level is something that I love seeing.

Another fantasy series I started reading this summer is the Seven Realms series by Cinda Williams Chima.  Hers is more a Native American (though it's a fantasy so it's not American...) type theme thrown in.  I actually hadn't thought of it as being qualified for the challenge, but when I thought about it I realize that it really does.  And the second book has LGBT themes, just with some side characters though.

One book that I LOVED was Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins.  Lola has two dads.  Two gay fathers.  I'm not sure if I've read a book about a child that has gay parents.  I'm probably just not remembering.  But in this one we see it from the childs perspective.  Lola never has a problem with it or anything, it's just part of her life.  I liked that.  I liked seeing how it might be growing up with two fathers instead of a mother and a father.  It's not really much different, but others may see it differently and make life difficult.  Another thing in this book, that doesn't technically bring it under diverse, but I think with the whole theme of the book it kind of still fits, is that Lola is very different herself.  She may not be a lesbian, bisexual or be of color, but she is certainly her own person.  She designs her own outrageous outfits and it's her.  But others don't always see it that way and she sometimes gets a hard time from people.  This book was just amazing on so many levels, I couldn't recommend it any more highly.

I read many other books that fit the theme, some with stronger LGBT themes that were issue books.  And I liked them, I enjoy reading those kinds of books.  But the ones that affect me more, that I connect with better, are those that weave these things into the story and it's not an issue.  It just is.  

This has probably been my most favorite challenge I've done and I wish it was an ongoing thing.  I'll definitely continue to seek out books that are diverse.

HUGE thank you to Cindy Pon (read her books, they are freaking AWESOME) and Malinda Lo (also awesome!) for putting this together.  I know it put many, many new books on my radar and I have an entire bookcase now dedicated to 'diverse' books.  Most I still need to read but plan to very soon!

Book Review: Eve by Anna Carey

Eve by Anna Carey

ARC, 318 pgs.

Published October 4th, 2011 by HarperTeen

Reading Level: Young Adult

Source: Amazon Vine

 The year is 2032, sixteen years after a deadly virus—and the vaccine intended to protect against it—wiped out most of the earth’s population. The night before eighteen-year-old Eve’s graduation from her all-girls school she discovers what really happens to new graduates, and the horrifying fate that awaits her. 
Fleeing the only home she’s ever known, Eve sets off on a long, treacherous journey, searching for a place she can survive. Along the way she encounters Caleb, a rough, rebellious boy living in the wild. Separated from men her whole life, Eve has been taught to fear them, but Caleb slowly wins her trust...and her heart. He promises to protect her, but when soldiers begin hunting them, Eve must choose between true love and her life.

 I'd read some negative reviews for this book after I'd gotten it and went into it a little worried about whether I would like it or not.  I really shouldn't have worried because I ended up liking this book a lot!  And while I really enjoyed it, I can see why (and what) the others didn't like.  It's just a matter of whether you let it bother you.  Fortunately it just didn't bother me much at all.  

I really liked that this book is in the near future.  It's easy to imagine and clear for me to picture.  I also like that we got to see quite a bit of the world and how things are and they weren't just stuck in one place the whole time and we're left wondering how the outside world is.  

I liked Eve okay, though in the beginning she was very naive.  That was to be expected because of what she was taught all her years growing up so it wasn't a negative, it just made her a bit unlike-able.  But she grows up quickly and before I knew it I really liked her.  She made mistakes still but she remembered to keep an open mind and to remember that all that they were taught at school wasn't always true, as she learned from her experience in the outside world since she escaped.  

The romance was sweet and I really liked Caleb.  While complications arose that had me irritated it did add to the story.  I would maybe prefer just a bit less conflict between them and a more smooth going.  But I was okay with how things went.  Except one thing at the end which is what probably knocked it down to 4 stars for me.

This is an extremely fast paced book.  I read it in two hours time and never once wanted to put it down.  They were never in once place long and there were never long drawn out descriptions of anything.  I thought it worked perfectly and led to me enjoying the book even more.  

I definitely recommend this book to fans of YA dystopian novels, especially if you're looking for something fast paced and full of adventure (though it's some stressful adventure).   

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Disclosure: I received an advance copy of this book for review purposes.  All opinions expressed are my own and I was not paid or influenced in any way.  

Horror Writer Sued By Church? Guest Post & Giveaway *Ended* of $10 Gift Card!

Horror Writer Sued By Church?

By Scott Nicholson

www.hauntedcomputer.com

My first novel The Red Church was inspired by a local legend of an actual haunted church here in the Blue Ridge Mountains, with ghost stories dating back 150 years.

I’d put together a short video on the church as a college student, and when it was time for an idea for a novel, that story stuck with me. I loosely incorporated elements of the legend, modernizing it and populating it with my own characters. Only a few details came from the actual legend, such as the church bell ringing even though its rope was long gone because a preacher supposedly hanged himself from it.

The publisher asked me for cover ideas and I sent a photo of the actual church, and the original paperback cover looks a lot like the real church. When the book was released, I probably used the local legend in some of my publicity for the book.

The church elders sent me a threatening letter after my novel was published, accusing me of “slandering” the long-dead preacher and the church:

“We…are most distressed at your recent novel supposedly based on legend and “research.” Brother [name redacted] was a holy man…With the help of his flock he built the church you slander erroneously. What kind of “research” did you do for your damaging book?”

The letter went on to mention the beloved saint died of natural causes and was buried near the church entrance out of respect. They also sent a copy to the editor of the local paper, but I don’t think it was ever published.

I know slander and libel law pretty well, and a building can’t be slandered, and neither can a dead person (except maybe in California, where laws don’t make sense and Mickey Mouse has more rights than a living person). But secretly I was thinking, “Boy, I hope they take some kind of legal action. Fox News couldn’t resist the headline ‘Church Sues Horror Writer.’ And I’d sell a million copies.”

Alas, it never came to pass. Neither did my threat to hold a book-burning to protest the publication of my own book. Life went on, and so did death, and the church is still there.

I don’t know if anyone at the church actually read the book, but the truth has never stood in the way of moral indignation. I don’t go around divulging the church’s real identity and address, because the church has been vandalized in the past because of the legends.

But I also don’t think anyone owns folk legends, or can suppress them, and a you can’t keep a good ghost down.

(The Red Church is 99 cents at Amazon and signed copies are available directly from the author for $8.95 plus shipping at http://www.hauntedcomputer.com/redchurch.htm)

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Scott Nicholson is giving away 15 percent of his ebook revenues in September! Details are at http://hauntedcomputer.blogspot.com. His other books include The Skull Ring, Speed Dating with the Dead, Drummer Boy, and nine other novels, seven story collections, and six screenplays. Look for Liquid Fear and Chronic Fear from Amazon on Dec. 20. More at Haunted Computer

I hope you'll go buy your own copy of The Red Church which is the book I'm promoting for the month of September!  

The Giveaway: *ENDED*

In addition to all the awesome stuff Scott is doing this month he's giving away a $10 Gift Card to one lucky person who comments on this post!

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