Although there are tonnes of books I love it's very rare that we get authors visiting Australia. Lately though, we've had quite a few stop Down Under, but I often can't find the time to go see them in the city. So you can imagine my surprise when my little brother (yes, my brother) tells me yesterday that, "that author" is going to be in my little town signing books. First I'm wondering which author and when, so of course I'm excited as all hell when I see it's Lauren Kate, author of the Fallen series and she's going to be there THE NEXT DAY!
It's my mum's birthday (Happy Birthday mum!) and the fabulous woman that she is agrees to go and spend a couple of hours with me in line to get my books signed. I got there 2 hours before and was actually the first one there, but by the time I went and looked a round a bit and bought Torment and Passions, because I've only read Fallen so far, there are a few people and I'm about the 6th one to see her.
It's my mum's birthday (Happy Birthday mum!) and the fabulous woman that she is agrees to go and spend a couple of hours with me in line to get my books signed. I got there 2 hours before and was actually the first one there, but by the time I went and looked a round a bit and bought Torment and Passions, because I've only read Fallen so far, there are a few people and I'm about the 6th one to see her.
The Signing:
They held it in our local Big W and you can't see it from the pictures, but the line was massive. It stretched on and on. I was so glad I got there early. Oh, and that's my mummy dearest with the coffee cup in her hand, lol.
Someone jumped in front of my phone when I was about to take this pick. At the very last moment.
Lauren was just sooooo lovely. She spoke with everyone for a while and happily posed for pictures. Apparently she'd love to live in Australia and if now nice she was was anything to go by, we'd love to have her here.
Today I have the pleasure of interviewing Tim O'Rourke on the blog. He' the author of various YA books (some of which he's going to tell us a bit about), including the vampire tale Vampire Shift, that I had the pleasure of reading and reviewing last month.
It was so great to interview Tim. His answers were so insightful and beautifully honest. I hope you all enjoy the interview!
Tim has also has very generously offered up a SIGNED paperback copy of Vampire Shift to one of my followers!
More about the giveaway later on in the post, but for now lets see what Tim has to say.....
Hi Tim, I’m so excited to interview you. Thanks for agreeing to answer my questions! Let’s begin shall we....
In your novel, Vampire Shift, your take on vampires is so unique, where did this idea come from?
I was reluctant to write a vampire story for quite a while, and my reason for this was because I felt that everything had already been done. I only wanted to write a vampire tale if it could be different from anything else that was already out there. Although I started writing ‘Vampire Shift’ without my mind really made-up, I knew that I wanted them to fly at incredible speeds and have huge black wings that looked kind of prehistoric. It was then that I thought about vampire bats. I did a bit of research about these amazing creatures and their habitat and it was then that I really came up with the idea for my vampires and where they came from and where they lived.
Your main character is a tough female cop who lets her instincts and what she “sees” guide her, do you find it difficult sometimes writing from a female’s perspective or do you find it easy to slip straight into the character?
That’s a tough question to answer. I’d like to say that I slip into character while writing but there is always a risk that I could make Kiera too masculine. That wasn’t my aim and I don’t think you have to be masculine to be a strong determined female. Again like my vampires, I wanted Kiera to be different from other female leads in similar books in that genre. I wanted her to be her own woman, who wasn’t solely reliant on the guys in the book. I wanted her to be headstrong, tough, resourceful and smarter than the guys in a lot of ways. I think that’s why Potter has a problem with Kiera sometimes - perhaps he secretly feels threatened by her. But that’s good.
Personally, I felt a soft side for Potter emerging as I read the book, do any of your characters have an extra special place in your heart?
I do enjoy writing about Potter - he’s a wise guy with a smart mouth (or so he thinks) but he gives me a chance to be the complete opposite to who I am. Murphy I really like because he is kind of fatherly, someone the others can look-up too. Luke was difficult to write sometimes because there is stuff about Luke that doesn’t come out until the second book (I don’t want to give too much away here!) but he is more of a complex character than he first appears. I will definitely have more fun with Luke in the second book. But over all, Kiera is my favourite. I love her resilience, but most of all her tenacity. She never gives up. She has a mind that doesn’t stop asking questions. She’s like the kid at the birthday, who hounds the magician. Whereas most kids would enjoy a good magic trick - that isn’t enough for Kiera. She’s knows she’s being fooled and she wants to find out how.
What do you think it is about vampires that appeals to people so much nowadays?
Immortality - that’s what I think but I could be wrong. When I was sixteen I thought I was going to live forever and maybe reading about vampires takes me back to that. Vampires are godlike creatures who seem indestructible, they are beautiful and sexy and perhaps we would all like to be like that. Who wouldn’t want to be swept off their feet by Luke or Potter and soar through the sky like angels?
How about you? Do you have a favourite supernatural creature?
I have loads. As a kid I was hooked on all the superheroes. I know they are not supernatural like vampires and werewolves, but it goes back to that wonder of imagining yourself flying, jumping incredible heights, running at amazing speeds - they are all things that we wish we could do. But if I were pushed, I would have to say my favourite supernatural character was Dracula and my favourite superhero was the Hulk and to me they are not so many miles apart. Both are able to change shape and form and they are both tragic characters.
Tell us a bit about your other books.
Apart from ‘Vampire Shift’ I have written three other books. ‘Black Hill Farm (Book One)’ and ‘Black Hill Farm: Andy’s Diary (Book Two) are a dark paranormal romance. I think out of everything I’ve ever written these are two of my favourites. Although very dark, I love the characters and felt really sad when I had to leave them behind at the end of the second book. There was a temptation to write a third, but I didn’t because I’ve told the story and I need to know when to walk away. There are some great twists in
the books and nothing is at it really appears. In fact, the picture isn’t complete right until the end of book two. Of all the characters that I’ve ever created Andrea (Andy) Black is my favourite. Like Kiera she is strong and bold but she has this real sensitive side. I think she is misjudged in the first book, but the second book (Andy’s diary) shows another side of her. She was the character that I found most difficult to let go of. I think the character most
like me, in any of my books is John Walker from both the ‘Black Hill Farm’ books. There is a lot of me in him.
My other book, ‘Zachary Black & The Doorways To Endra’ is written for a slightly younger readership - perhaps 14 years and up. It is a real rollercoaster of a ride. There are some dark parts too and also a few vampires (although they are called the Slath in the book) and a few Werewolves (known as the Noxas). Again, just like in ‘Vampire Shift’ I’ve tried to put a unique spin on these supernatural creatures.
If you were stuck in an elevator with any 4 people you could choose-- living, dead, real, fictional—who would they be and why?
~Christopher Reeve more than anyone. He is my hero. I remember watching the superman films as a kid - apart from the flying and his red cape, I loved the way that he was a good guy. What I mean is that he was honest, loyal, and dependable - those were things that I always looked for in adults as a kid. Although he could be tough he also had this really sensitive side, and I loved the way he always used his powers to protect humans - he was like a guardian angel.
~Dirty Harry. I know he is at the other end of the spectrum compared to Superman, but he is also one of the good guys. I remember watching the movies as a teenager and loved his cocky attitude and how he was relentless in his pursuit of the bad guys. In his own way, he fought for justice.
~Jim Henson. I would’ve have loved to have met him. His imagination must have been huge. To think up of all those different characters, and to bring them all to life with a flick of the wrist. I love Kermit, he is so honest but naive with it. He always see’s the best in people and is always happy to give people a chance. He is loyal and dependable, but most of all I love that Kermit is always telling his friends to follow their dreams - that nothing is impossible.
~Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. She was headstrong and determined. Not afraid of adventure and loved her friends. She oozed tenacity and wouldn’t give-up her quest whatever the odds. She is a real inspiration.
Who has been the biggest inspiration to you throughout your life?
A friend of my called Patrick. He was like a father to me. I had real problems with reading and writing as a kid -but the problem was, I was always thinking up stories but had no way of expressing them. But Patrick would sit for hours (and I mean hours) and help me read and write. I would take my stories to him and he would go through them with me, marking all the spellings and grammar. He bought me my first books when other people thought that I wouldn’t be able to read them and perhaps they would be a waste of money. And when I’d finished one book, he get me another and then another. He really encouraged me and that meant more than anything.
Are there any news about upcoming projects that you’d like to share with use today?
I’m currently writing ‘Vampire Wake’ the second book in the Kiera Hudson Trilogy and I hope to have this out in September this year. The third and final Kiera Hudson book will be out before Christmas and that will be it for 2011. The second Zachary Black book is in note form, and I hope to have that out early next year along with another series of books based around a character called Jack Darker. There will be five books in that series and I’ve written the first three. I will be releasing them during 2012.
6 Quick questions:
1. Favourite colour? Blue
2. Winter or Summer? Winter
3. Cats or Dogs? Cats
4. Favourite food? McDonalds (Lol!)
5. Favourite holiday destination? Florida
Thanks again for taking the time to answering my questions and I wish you all the best with your writing!
Thanks Rachel for the opportunity of being interviewed on your great blog. I loved your questions and some of them really had me thinking about my answers. Good Job!
Find out more about Tim and his books on his website: http://www.ravenwoodgreys.com/ and his goodreads profile: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4193568.Tim_O_Rourke
Get all the goss about Tim's books on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ravenwoodgreys and on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/wwwRavenwoodgreyscom/109170242508
When twenty-year-old police recruit Kiera Hudson is posted to the remote town of The Ragged Cove, her life is changed forever. Investigating a series of horrific murders, grave desecrations and missing persons, with her unique ability of 'seeing', Kiera soon realises her life is in danger. But when Kiera falls in love with Police officer Luke Bishop, not only is her mind and her heart opened to a terrifying new world, she comes to suspect that Luke might be involved in the killings. In a race against time to unearth the truth, Kiera must discover the identity of who or what is behind the gruesome deaths on the 'Vampire Shift'.
~Simply leave a comment on the interview and a way to reach you.
~Tim is willing to ship internationally, so this is open to EVERYONE!
~The giveaway will run from July 30th (today) until August 30th, after which a winner will be chosen using random.org
~Once I've emailed the winner, they will then have 48 hours to reply or a new winner will be chosen.
Extra entries:
You can earn extra entries by:
+1 Following Tim on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ravenwoodgreys
+1 Following Vampire Shift on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/wwwRavenwoodgreyscom/109170242508
That's it. A big thanks again to Tim O'Rouke for participating in such an insightful interview and good-luck to everyone who enters the giveaway!
It's IMM time!
In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren where bloggers can share the books they bought, borrowed or received throughout the week. For more info on just what it is and how to participate, head to: http://www.thestorysiren.com/p/in-my-mailbox.html
Here's what I got this week:
I bought:
Born of Shadows by Sherrilyn Kenyon: This is the first book in Kenyon's The League series, which I really enjoy. I've actually already read this book, so look out for my review on the blog. For more information head here: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8172315-born-of-shadows
Invincible by Sherrilyn Kenyon: This is the 2nd book in the Chronicles of Nick, a spin of YA series of Kenyon's Dark Hunter series. I love Nick, simply love him and it's sooooo great seeing him in this series. Discover it: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6767316-invincible
I received for review:
Birthmarked by Caragh M. O'Brien: This is the first in the Birthmarked series. It's a dystopian novel that I've heard some good things about. It was sent to me by Simon & Schuster---thanks guys! Find out more: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6909544-birthmarked
The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff: This book sounds really interesting and I've been meaning to read it for a while, so I was happy to receive a copy for review. Thanks again to the guys at Simon & Schuster! More info: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7507908-the-replacement
Graveminder by Melissa Marr: This looks like a thrilling book by Melissa Marr that was sent to me by the fabulous people at Harper Collins. It sounds really good and I can't wait to dive into it. Lean more: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11169103-graveminder
I was sent:
Author of The Disillusionists Trilogy, Carolyn Crane sent me some fabulous character trading cards. They're really cute and have a saying from each of her characters on them. I'm yet to read this series, although the books seem really, really good and I have to thank Carolyn for sending them to me!
And that's me this week.
Tell me...what did you get in your mailbox?
Top 5 Sunday is a weekly meme hosted by Larissa at Welcome to Larissa's Bookish Life.
Find out more and how to participate here: http://www.larissaslife.com/p/top-5-sundays-about.html
Each week Larissa features a top 5 of something and this weeks topic is:
Favorite UF Covers!
Honestly, I don't read a lot of books from this genre; I'm only just started too. However these books are all on my to read list and the covers are to just die for!
Here's my top 5:
1. I love everything about this cover.....from the stunning woman on it to the amazing colours used to the intricate golden markings she has on her arms. It's just so incredible beautiful!
2. Man this cover is just awesome! The blue of the background really pops and the cover models pose is eye-catching. Not to mention that ultra cool snake wrapped around her that ties in with the books title perfectly and makes it all the more cooler.
3. The vibrant colours on this cover just draw my attention straight away. Plus the woman and that look in her eyes. It's like she's seeing into my soul---just awesome!
4. There's something about this cover that I really love--have from the moment I saw it. The way the light hits the girl, and that pink/purple colour in the front of her hair really stand out. Not too sure about her facial expression though......
5. The background of this book really stands out for me. It's very simply, but it almost looks like a piece of parchment (not sure if it's just me that see this, but.....) and again, it's the woman on the front. That, ready-to-take-on-the-world, fight-till-the-death pose that models often have on UF covers look for brilliant!
Hmmmm, I've noticed a patten with my picks as I type this. All my covers have pictures of strong women on the cover. You gotta love strong, independent women! Oh, and most of these gals here are red-heads, although i have no idea what's up with that. Guess it's the vibrancy of them!
~Rachel
This is a new segment that I have decided to start sharing with you. From now on every Friday, I'll be sharing 2 of my fave book quotes with you, one from a YA book and another from an Adult book. There are soooo many incredible quotes out there that either make me laugh, smile or give me that warm squishy feeling inside that it's going to be a while before I share all my faves with you.
Hope you enjoy the segment and if you wanna participate too, leave your answers/links in the comments =)
Here are some of my fave quotes.....
Tune in next week for more great quotes!
~Rachel
At this point I thinks she was telling me how this was only the second signing she'd been to since she'd begun her tour Down Under. Again, she was so friendly and softly spoke--just a great person to meet.
Lauren and me posing. We actually had to take this photo a couple of times because my mum couldn't work the camera on my phone. Ha! But Lauren was so patient about it, which I appreciated.
My signed books:
Top 5 Sunday is a weekly meme hosted by Larissa at Welcome to Larissa's Bookish Life.
Find out more and how to participate here: http://www.larissaslife.com/p/top-5-sundays-about.html
Each week Larissa features a top 5 of something and this weeks topic is:
Most Swoon-Worthy Covers!
1. Yum =)
2. Hello, shower scene. So, so sexy!
3. *sigh*
4. Something about this cover---hot!
5. Oh, yeah =)
Some awesome covers. Yummers ;)
~Rachel
My signed books:
Fallen
Top 5 Sunday with Larissa's Bookish Life #8
Top 5 Sunday is a weekly meme hosted by Larissa at Welcome to Larissa's Bookish Life.
Find out more and how to participate here: http://www.larissaslife.com/p/top-5-sundays-about.html
Each week Larissa features a top 5 of something and this weeks topic is:
Most Swoon-Worthy Covers!
1. Yum =)
2. Hello, shower scene. So, so sexy!
3. *sigh*
4. Something about this cover---hot!
5. Oh, yeah =)
Some awesome covers. Yummers ;)
~Rachel
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Interview and Giveaway with Tim O'Rourke ***Contest Closed
Today I have the pleasure of interviewing Tim O'Rourke on the blog. He' the author of various YA books (some of which he's going to tell us a bit about), including the vampire tale Vampire Shift, that I had the pleasure of reading and reviewing last month.
It was so great to interview Tim. His answers were so insightful and beautifully honest. I hope you all enjoy the interview!
Tim has also has very generously offered up a SIGNED paperback copy of Vampire Shift to one of my followers!
More about the giveaway later on in the post, but for now lets see what Tim has to say.....
Hi Tim, I’m so excited to interview you. Thanks for agreeing to answer my questions! Let’s begin shall we....
In your novel, Vampire Shift, your take on vampires is so unique, where did this idea come from?
I was reluctant to write a vampire story for quite a while, and my reason for this was because I felt that everything had already been done. I only wanted to write a vampire tale if it could be different from anything else that was already out there. Although I started writing ‘Vampire Shift’ without my mind really made-up, I knew that I wanted them to fly at incredible speeds and have huge black wings that looked kind of prehistoric. It was then that I thought about vampire bats. I did a bit of research about these amazing creatures and their habitat and it was then that I really came up with the idea for my vampires and where they came from and where they lived.
Your main character is a tough female cop who lets her instincts and what she “sees” guide her, do you find it difficult sometimes writing from a female’s perspective or do you find it easy to slip straight into the character?
That’s a tough question to answer. I’d like to say that I slip into character while writing but there is always a risk that I could make Kiera too masculine. That wasn’t my aim and I don’t think you have to be masculine to be a strong determined female. Again like my vampires, I wanted Kiera to be different from other female leads in similar books in that genre. I wanted her to be her own woman, who wasn’t solely reliant on the guys in the book. I wanted her to be headstrong, tough, resourceful and smarter than the guys in a lot of ways. I think that’s why Potter has a problem with Kiera sometimes - perhaps he secretly feels threatened by her. But that’s good.
Personally, I felt a soft side for Potter emerging as I read the book, do any of your characters have an extra special place in your heart?
I do enjoy writing about Potter - he’s a wise guy with a smart mouth (or so he thinks) but he gives me a chance to be the complete opposite to who I am. Murphy I really like because he is kind of fatherly, someone the others can look-up too. Luke was difficult to write sometimes because there is stuff about Luke that doesn’t come out until the second book (I don’t want to give too much away here!) but he is more of a complex character than he first appears. I will definitely have more fun with Luke in the second book. But over all, Kiera is my favourite. I love her resilience, but most of all her tenacity. She never gives up. She has a mind that doesn’t stop asking questions. She’s like the kid at the birthday, who hounds the magician. Whereas most kids would enjoy a good magic trick - that isn’t enough for Kiera. She’s knows she’s being fooled and she wants to find out how.
What do you think it is about vampires that appeals to people so much nowadays?
Immortality - that’s what I think but I could be wrong. When I was sixteen I thought I was going to live forever and maybe reading about vampires takes me back to that. Vampires are godlike creatures who seem indestructible, they are beautiful and sexy and perhaps we would all like to be like that. Who wouldn’t want to be swept off their feet by Luke or Potter and soar through the sky like angels?
How about you? Do you have a favourite supernatural creature?
I have loads. As a kid I was hooked on all the superheroes. I know they are not supernatural like vampires and werewolves, but it goes back to that wonder of imagining yourself flying, jumping incredible heights, running at amazing speeds - they are all things that we wish we could do. But if I were pushed, I would have to say my favourite supernatural character was Dracula and my favourite superhero was the Hulk and to me they are not so many miles apart. Both are able to change shape and form and they are both tragic characters.
Tell us a bit about your other books.
Apart from ‘Vampire Shift’ I have written three other books. ‘Black Hill Farm (Book One)’ and ‘Black Hill Farm: Andy’s Diary (Book Two) are a dark paranormal romance. I think out of everything I’ve ever written these are two of my favourites. Although very dark, I love the characters and felt really sad when I had to leave them behind at the end of the second book. There was a temptation to write a third, but I didn’t because I’ve told the story and I need to know when to walk away. There are some great twists in
the books and nothing is at it really appears. In fact, the picture isn’t complete right until the end of book two. Of all the characters that I’ve ever created Andrea (Andy) Black is my favourite. Like Kiera she is strong and bold but she has this real sensitive side. I think she is misjudged in the first book, but the second book (Andy’s diary) shows another side of her. She was the character that I found most difficult to let go of. I think the character most
like me, in any of my books is John Walker from both the ‘Black Hill Farm’ books. There is a lot of me in him.
My other book, ‘Zachary Black & The Doorways To Endra’ is written for a slightly younger readership - perhaps 14 years and up. It is a real rollercoaster of a ride. There are some dark parts too and also a few vampires (although they are called the Slath in the book) and a few Werewolves (known as the Noxas). Again, just like in ‘Vampire Shift’ I’ve tried to put a unique spin on these supernatural creatures.
If you were stuck in an elevator with any 4 people you could choose-- living, dead, real, fictional—who would they be and why?
~Christopher Reeve more than anyone. He is my hero. I remember watching the superman films as a kid - apart from the flying and his red cape, I loved the way that he was a good guy. What I mean is that he was honest, loyal, and dependable - those were things that I always looked for in adults as a kid. Although he could be tough he also had this really sensitive side, and I loved the way he always used his powers to protect humans - he was like a guardian angel.
~Dirty Harry. I know he is at the other end of the spectrum compared to Superman, but he is also one of the good guys. I remember watching the movies as a teenager and loved his cocky attitude and how he was relentless in his pursuit of the bad guys. In his own way, he fought for justice.
~Jim Henson. I would’ve have loved to have met him. His imagination must have been huge. To think up of all those different characters, and to bring them all to life with a flick of the wrist. I love Kermit, he is so honest but naive with it. He always see’s the best in people and is always happy to give people a chance. He is loyal and dependable, but most of all I love that Kermit is always telling his friends to follow their dreams - that nothing is impossible.
~Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. She was headstrong and determined. Not afraid of adventure and loved her friends. She oozed tenacity and wouldn’t give-up her quest whatever the odds. She is a real inspiration.
Who has been the biggest inspiration to you throughout your life?
A friend of my called Patrick. He was like a father to me. I had real problems with reading and writing as a kid -but the problem was, I was always thinking up stories but had no way of expressing them. But Patrick would sit for hours (and I mean hours) and help me read and write. I would take my stories to him and he would go through them with me, marking all the spellings and grammar. He bought me my first books when other people thought that I wouldn’t be able to read them and perhaps they would be a waste of money. And when I’d finished one book, he get me another and then another. He really encouraged me and that meant more than anything.
Are there any news about upcoming projects that you’d like to share with use today?
I’m currently writing ‘Vampire Wake’ the second book in the Kiera Hudson Trilogy and I hope to have this out in September this year. The third and final Kiera Hudson book will be out before Christmas and that will be it for 2011. The second Zachary Black book is in note form, and I hope to have that out early next year along with another series of books based around a character called Jack Darker. There will be five books in that series and I’ve written the first three. I will be releasing them during 2012.
6 Quick questions:
1. Favourite colour? Blue
2. Winter or Summer? Winter
3. Cats or Dogs? Cats
4. Favourite food? McDonalds (Lol!)
5. Favourite holiday destination? Florida
Thanks again for taking the time to answering my questions and I wish you all the best with your writing!
Thanks Rachel for the opportunity of being interviewed on your great blog. I loved your questions and some of them really had me thinking about my answers. Good Job!
Find out more about Tim and his books on his website: http://www.ravenwoodgreys.com/ and his goodreads profile: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4193568.Tim_O_Rourke
Get all the goss about Tim's books on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ravenwoodgreys and on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/wwwRavenwoodgreyscom/109170242508
Discover Vampire Shift:
When twenty-year-old police recruit Kiera Hudson is posted to the remote town of The Ragged Cove, her life is changed forever. Investigating a series of horrific murders, grave desecrations and missing persons, with her unique ability of 'seeing', Kiera soon realises her life is in danger. But when Kiera falls in love with Police officer Luke Bishop, not only is her mind and her heart opened to a terrifying new world, she comes to suspect that Luke might be involved in the killings. In a race against time to unearth the truth, Kiera must discover the identity of who or what is behind the gruesome deaths on the 'Vampire Shift'.
Giveaway:
As I mentioned in the beginning of the post Tim has offered up a SIGNED paperback copy of Vampire Shift to one reader. Having read the book, and loved it, not to mention all the other rave reviews it has been getting, I know whoever wins is going to love this book.
Details:
~You MUST be a follower to enter.
~Simply leave a comment on the interview and a way to reach you.
~Tim is willing to ship internationally, so this is open to EVERYONE!
~The giveaway will run from July 30th (today) until August 30th, after which a winner will be chosen using random.org
~Once I've emailed the winner, they will then have 48 hours to reply or a new winner will be chosen.
Extra entries:
You can earn extra entries by:
+1 Following Tim on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ravenwoodgreys
+1 Following Vampire Shift on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/wwwRavenwoodgreyscom/109170242508
That's it. A big thanks again to Tim O'Rouke for participating in such an insightful interview and good-luck to everyone who enters the giveaway!
Friday, July 29, 2011
Bloodlines by Richelle Mead & Retribution by Sherrilyn Kenyon Excerpts
Alright, I'm a little late, but here are the links to both the excerpts for Bloodlines and Retribution.
Bloodlines will be released on 23rd of August:
When alchemist Sydney is ordered into hiding to protect the life of Moroi princess Jill Dragomir, the last place she expects to be sent is a human private school in Palm Springs, California. But at their new school, the drama is only just beginning.
Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Bloodlines explores all the friendship, romance, battles and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive - this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone's out for blood.
Chapter one: http://hollywoodcrush.mtv.com/2011/07/15/bloodlines-chapter-one-richelle-mead/
Retribution will be released on the 3rd of August:
Harm no human...
A hired gunslinger, William Jessup Brady lived his life with one foot in the grave. He believed that every life had a price. Until the day when he finally found a reason to live. In one single act of brutal betrayal, he lost everything, including his life. Brought back by a Greek goddess to be one of her Dark-Hunters, he gave his immortal soul for vengeance and swore he’d spend eternity protecting the humans he’d once considered prey.
Orphaned as a toddler, Abigail Yager was taken in by a family of vampires and raised on one belief- Dark-Hunters are the evil who prey on both their people and mankind, and they must all be destroyed. While protecting her adoptive race, she has spent her life eliminating the Dark-Hunters and training for the day when she meets the man who killed her family: Jess Brady.
A gun in the hand is worth two in the holster...
Jess has been charged with finding and terminating the creature who’s assassinating Dark-Hunters. The last thing he expects to find is a human face behind the killings, but when that face bears a striking resemblance to the one who murdered him centuries ago, he knows something evil is going on. He also knows he’s not the one who killed her parents. But Abigail refuses to believe the truth and is determined to see him dead once and for all.
Brought together by an angry god and chased by ancient enemies out to kill them both, they must find a way to overcome their mutual hatred or watch as one of the darkest of powers rises and kills both the races they’ve sworn to protect.
Prologue: http://www.heroesandheartbreakers.com/stories/2011/07/retribution-excerpt-prologue?WT.mc_id=10216
I don't know about you, but I'm dying to read both of these books and both of the chapters have ignited my interest. Can't wait until they're both released!
Bloodlines will be released on 23rd of August:
When alchemist Sydney is ordered into hiding to protect the life of Moroi princess Jill Dragomir, the last place she expects to be sent is a human private school in Palm Springs, California. But at their new school, the drama is only just beginning.
Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Bloodlines explores all the friendship, romance, battles and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive - this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone's out for blood.
Chapter one: http://hollywoodcrush.mtv.com/2011/07/15/bloodlines-chapter-one-richelle-mead/
Retribution will be released on the 3rd of August:
Harm no human...
A hired gunslinger, William Jessup Brady lived his life with one foot in the grave. He believed that every life had a price. Until the day when he finally found a reason to live. In one single act of brutal betrayal, he lost everything, including his life. Brought back by a Greek goddess to be one of her Dark-Hunters, he gave his immortal soul for vengeance and swore he’d spend eternity protecting the humans he’d once considered prey.
Orphaned as a toddler, Abigail Yager was taken in by a family of vampires and raised on one belief- Dark-Hunters are the evil who prey on both their people and mankind, and they must all be destroyed. While protecting her adoptive race, she has spent her life eliminating the Dark-Hunters and training for the day when she meets the man who killed her family: Jess Brady.
A gun in the hand is worth two in the holster...
Jess has been charged with finding and terminating the creature who’s assassinating Dark-Hunters. The last thing he expects to find is a human face behind the killings, but when that face bears a striking resemblance to the one who murdered him centuries ago, he knows something evil is going on. He also knows he’s not the one who killed her parents. But Abigail refuses to believe the truth and is determined to see him dead once and for all.
Brought together by an angry god and chased by ancient enemies out to kill them both, they must find a way to overcome their mutual hatred or watch as one of the darkest of powers rises and kills both the races they’ve sworn to protect.
Prologue: http://www.heroesandheartbreakers.com/stories/2011/07/retribution-excerpt-prologue?WT.mc_id=10216
I don't know about you, but I'm dying to read both of these books and both of the chapters have ignited my interest. Can't wait until they're both released!
My Review Stats Are Changing
As of today, the way in which I give stats/info about the books that I read and review will be changing.
On the bottom of all my reviews the set out used to be like this:
Rating:
Recommend:
Did I Buy, Borrow or is it an ARC:
Recommend Buy or Borrow:
Ebook or Actual Book:
Cover:
Read sequel/continue with series:
From now on it will be like this:
Rating:
Source:
Format:
Recommend:
Recommend borrow or buy:
Cover:
Read sequel/continue with series:
Not that different, but I just think this looks and works better.
Also on occasion I may include info about the price of certain books in Australia. This is in respect of the publishers who have kindly provided me with the books to review.
Chao guys!
On the bottom of all my reviews the set out used to be like this:
Rating:
Recommend:
Did I Buy, Borrow or is it an ARC:
Recommend Buy or Borrow:
Ebook or Actual Book:
Cover:
Read sequel/continue with series:
From now on it will be like this:
Rating:
Source:
Format:
Recommend:
Recommend borrow or buy:
Cover:
Read sequel/continue with series:
Not that different, but I just think this looks and works better.
Also on occasion I may include info about the price of certain books in Australia. This is in respect of the publishers who have kindly provided me with the books to review.
Chao guys!
Book Shelf: Invincible (Chronicles of Nick #2) by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Just when he thought things couldn’t get any worse...
Nick Gautier’s day just keeps getting better and better. Yeah, he survived the zombie attacks, only to wake up and find himself enslaved to a world of shapeshifters and demons out to claim his soul.
His new principal thinks he’s even more of a hoodlum than the last one, his coach is trying to recruit him to things he can’t even mention and the girl he’s not seeing, but is, has secrets that terrify him.
But more than that, he’s being groomed by the darkest of powers and if he doesn’t learn how to raise the dead by the end of the week, he will become one of them...
Blurb from Goodreads.......
Review:
I enjoyed this book. I admit it wasn’t as good as the first, but it was still an interesting read. It was slower than the first book, Infinity and did seem to drag on on occasion, but other than that I think it was a good book in what promises to be a fantastic series. Honestly, I love Sherrilyn Kenyon that much that she could write about paint drying and I’d still love it.
I like the way this series builds on the Dark Hunter world. It still holds the basics that make Dark Hunter great, but with its own bits and pieces to take it in a whole different direction. I think its interesting seeing history change in this series. So much of what I’ve come to know in DH is changing in this series. It’s interesting but I do wonder what will happen.
So far Nick has battled zombies and demons, dealt with dead classmates and evil teachers and it’s only the 2nd book! Plus he’s learning to harness and control his powers at a much younger age. Just when it seems like Nick can’t face anything more, something unexpected happens.
Personally, I’m really loving Nick in this book. Being such a prominent DH character too, one that changes oh, so much over the course of that series, it’s so fabulous in this one to see Nick back at his roots. Despite everything he’s been through, he’s always been a good, honourable guy, who wants to do the right thing and has a great soul....and this series is Nick at his sarcastic, witty best. There’s nothing not to love about Nick. Even though he’s had a touch childhood so far, he has morals and integrity and his mum’s his whole world, which I think is the sweetest thing ever.
One of the things that make Kenyon’s books great is the rich cast of supporting characters that litter the pages. Everywhere you turn in this tale is a fabulous character full of life and who just adds so much to the story. Even if they don’t have that big a part, their place within the book just adds to the overall feel.
Two of the most interesting to me are that of Caleb and Nekoda; Nick’s protectors. There’s so much mystery surrounding both of them that it’s impossible not to wonder what’s going to happen involving them in future books.
Obviously we know that Caleb has to protect Nick for whatever reason (one that we don’t yet know) but I really think that what they have is becoming more of a friendship than just a job to Caleb. I think he’s beginning to really like Nick and is clearly starting to act more like a friend than just a body guard. I don’t think he thinks of Nick as just a job anymore.
As for Kody, I really like the way her feelings are changing towards Nick. Again we don’t exactly know who or what she is, nor do we know her reasons for being in Nick’s life, but we do know that whatever that reason may be, Nick isn’t what she was expecting. Whatever her plans are, Nick is not the person she was expecting him to be with his morals and his goodness and he’s beginning to break down her walls and get to her little by little. She doesn’t want him to turn out evil and hopes that he can be saved.
Slow moments aside, this book was another great one by Sherrilyn Kenyon. Most of the time the book just flew by and this ends with a little bit of a cliff-hanger that has we wanting the next book really, really badly.
Rating: **** stars
Source: I bought it
Format: Paperback
Recommend: Yes
Recommend borrow or buy: Buy
Cover: I really don't like this cover. In reality the head of "Nick" fades into the black too much and you literally can't see where one ends and the other begins. Not nice.
Read sequel/continue with series: Yes.....
Nick Gautier’s day just keeps getting better and better. Yeah, he survived the zombie attacks, only to wake up and find himself enslaved to a world of shapeshifters and demons out to claim his soul.
His new principal thinks he’s even more of a hoodlum than the last one, his coach is trying to recruit him to things he can’t even mention and the girl he’s not seeing, but is, has secrets that terrify him.
But more than that, he’s being groomed by the darkest of powers and if he doesn’t learn how to raise the dead by the end of the week, he will become one of them...
Blurb from Goodreads.......
Review:
I enjoyed this book. I admit it wasn’t as good as the first, but it was still an interesting read. It was slower than the first book, Infinity and did seem to drag on on occasion, but other than that I think it was a good book in what promises to be a fantastic series. Honestly, I love Sherrilyn Kenyon that much that she could write about paint drying and I’d still love it.
I like the way this series builds on the Dark Hunter world. It still holds the basics that make Dark Hunter great, but with its own bits and pieces to take it in a whole different direction. I think its interesting seeing history change in this series. So much of what I’ve come to know in DH is changing in this series. It’s interesting but I do wonder what will happen.
So far Nick has battled zombies and demons, dealt with dead classmates and evil teachers and it’s only the 2nd book! Plus he’s learning to harness and control his powers at a much younger age. Just when it seems like Nick can’t face anything more, something unexpected happens.
Personally, I’m really loving Nick in this book. Being such a prominent DH character too, one that changes oh, so much over the course of that series, it’s so fabulous in this one to see Nick back at his roots. Despite everything he’s been through, he’s always been a good, honourable guy, who wants to do the right thing and has a great soul....and this series is Nick at his sarcastic, witty best. There’s nothing not to love about Nick. Even though he’s had a touch childhood so far, he has morals and integrity and his mum’s his whole world, which I think is the sweetest thing ever.
One of the things that make Kenyon’s books great is the rich cast of supporting characters that litter the pages. Everywhere you turn in this tale is a fabulous character full of life and who just adds so much to the story. Even if they don’t have that big a part, their place within the book just adds to the overall feel.
Two of the most interesting to me are that of Caleb and Nekoda; Nick’s protectors. There’s so much mystery surrounding both of them that it’s impossible not to wonder what’s going to happen involving them in future books.
Obviously we know that Caleb has to protect Nick for whatever reason (one that we don’t yet know) but I really think that what they have is becoming more of a friendship than just a job to Caleb. I think he’s beginning to really like Nick and is clearly starting to act more like a friend than just a body guard. I don’t think he thinks of Nick as just a job anymore.
As for Kody, I really like the way her feelings are changing towards Nick. Again we don’t exactly know who or what she is, nor do we know her reasons for being in Nick’s life, but we do know that whatever that reason may be, Nick isn’t what she was expecting. Whatever her plans are, Nick is not the person she was expecting him to be with his morals and his goodness and he’s beginning to break down her walls and get to her little by little. She doesn’t want him to turn out evil and hopes that he can be saved.
Slow moments aside, this book was another great one by Sherrilyn Kenyon. Most of the time the book just flew by and this ends with a little bit of a cliff-hanger that has we wanting the next book really, really badly.
Rating: **** stars
Source: I bought it
Format: Paperback
Recommend: Yes
Recommend borrow or buy: Buy
Cover: I really don't like this cover. In reality the head of "Nick" fades into the black too much and you literally can't see where one ends and the other begins. Not nice.
Read sequel/continue with series: Yes.....
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
News
Hi everyone!
I've got a very important test this week and a 21st party on the weekend, so due to this I'm not going to be online or update the blog for the rest of the week. Cover Lust and Favourite Quote Friday won't be on, but they'll both be back next week, along with my reviews, etc....
Plus, I'm going to be interviewing author Tim O'Rourke on the blog, who has also very generously offered a SIGNED PAPERBACK copy of his vampire tale, Vampire Shift to one lucky follower!
Tune in next week for everything to go back to how it was and for the contest =)
Hope you all have a great week and enjoy your weekend!
~Rachel
I've got a very important test this week and a 21st party on the weekend, so due to this I'm not going to be online or update the blog for the rest of the week. Cover Lust and Favourite Quote Friday won't be on, but they'll both be back next week, along with my reviews, etc....
Plus, I'm going to be interviewing author Tim O'Rourke on the blog, who has also very generously offered a SIGNED PAPERBACK copy of his vampire tale, Vampire Shift to one lucky follower!
Tune in next week for everything to go back to how it was and for the contest =)
Hope you all have a great week and enjoy your weekend!
~Rachel
Monday, July 25, 2011
In My Mailbox #14
It's IMM time!
In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren where bloggers can share the books they bought, borrowed or received throughout the week. For more info on just what it is and how to participate, head to: http://www.thestorysiren.com/p/in-my-mailbox.html
Here's what I got this week:
I bought:
Born of Shadows by Sherrilyn Kenyon: This is the first book in Kenyon's The League series, which I really enjoy. I've actually already read this book, so look out for my review on the blog. For more information head here: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8172315-born-of-shadows
Invincible by Sherrilyn Kenyon: This is the 2nd book in the Chronicles of Nick, a spin of YA series of Kenyon's Dark Hunter series. I love Nick, simply love him and it's sooooo great seeing him in this series. Discover it: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6767316-invincible
I received for review:
Birthmarked by Caragh M. O'Brien: This is the first in the Birthmarked series. It's a dystopian novel that I've heard some good things about. It was sent to me by Simon & Schuster---thanks guys! Find out more: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6909544-birthmarked
The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff: This book sounds really interesting and I've been meaning to read it for a while, so I was happy to receive a copy for review. Thanks again to the guys at Simon & Schuster! More info: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7507908-the-replacement
Graveminder by Melissa Marr: This looks like a thrilling book by Melissa Marr that was sent to me by the fabulous people at Harper Collins. It sounds really good and I can't wait to dive into it. Lean more: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11169103-graveminder
I was sent:
Author of The Disillusionists Trilogy, Carolyn Crane sent me some fabulous character trading cards. They're really cute and have a saying from each of her characters on them. I'm yet to read this series, although the books seem really, really good and I have to thank Carolyn for sending them to me!
And that's me this week.
Tell me...what did you get in your mailbox?
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Top 5 Sunday with Larissa's Bookish Life #7
Top 5 Sunday is a weekly meme hosted by Larissa at Welcome to Larissa's Bookish Life.
Find out more and how to participate here: http://www.larissaslife.com/p/top-5-sundays-about.html
Each week Larissa features a top 5 of something and this weeks topic is:
Favorite UF Covers!
Honestly, I don't read a lot of books from this genre; I'm only just started too. However these books are all on my to read list and the covers are to just die for!
Here's my top 5:
1. I love everything about this cover.....from the stunning woman on it to the amazing colours used to the intricate golden markings she has on her arms. It's just so incredible beautiful!
2. Man this cover is just awesome! The blue of the background really pops and the cover models pose is eye-catching. Not to mention that ultra cool snake wrapped around her that ties in with the books title perfectly and makes it all the more cooler.
3. The vibrant colours on this cover just draw my attention straight away. Plus the woman and that look in her eyes. It's like she's seeing into my soul---just awesome!
4. There's something about this cover that I really love--have from the moment I saw it. The way the light hits the girl, and that pink/purple colour in the front of her hair really stand out. Not too sure about her facial expression though......
5. The background of this book really stands out for me. It's very simply, but it almost looks like a piece of parchment (not sure if it's just me that see this, but.....) and again, it's the woman on the front. That, ready-to-take-on-the-world, fight-till-the-death pose that models often have on UF covers look for brilliant!
Hmmmm, I've noticed a patten with my picks as I type this. All my covers have pictures of strong women on the cover. You gotta love strong, independent women! Oh, and most of these gals here are red-heads, although i have no idea what's up with that. Guess it's the vibrancy of them!
~Rachel
Book Shelf: Born of Shadows (The League #4) by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Just when you think you have it all figured out, life belts you to the ground. And when Caillen discovers a truth he'd never suspected about himself, everything in his life is turned on its head.
Desideria has a secret of her own- one that could end her life if anyone ever learns it. The last thing she expects is to meet a criminal in her sheltered world never mind find herself marooned on a hostile colony with him while his enemies try to kill them both.
And as they struggle to survive, her father's favorite curse resonates. "May you get exactly what you want and live long enough to regret it."
Blurb from Goodreads....
Review:
I literally devoured this book. I simply adore this series and the moment I started reading this book, I pretty much didn’t stop until I was finished. In fact, I read it in less than one day!
I continue to love this world and the characters within. There’s a reason Sherrilyn Kenyon is one of my favourite authors; she constantly manages to create characters that are larger than life and that jump off the page and this book was no exception.
In this book we’re back to the time period where the first two books are set and we continue on a few years after Born of Fire. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed Born of Ice, but I’m glad to be back in this time and not in the future.
It’s impossible not to adore the characters in this series and really feel for them. While I obviously think Caillen and Desideria are brilliant, I love all the supporting characters too. Darling continues to be a fave, and I found I really enjoyed Dancer (Hauk) and Fain in this book. They’re both real pieces of work, but they constantly made me laugh and smile. I liked the new characters of Maris and Chayden, and I’d love to see more of both of them and of course I was ecstatic to see Syn, Shahara and Caillen’s other sisters back. Sherrilyn Kenyon has a brilliant way of bringing back all the characters you love and having them still play roles in the rest of the books. It’s so great falling in love with a couple and then still being able to see them in books down the track.
There’s such a fantastic repour between all the characters in this series. They seem to get along so well, bickering and teasing one another constantly, and yet they stand by each other’s sides constantly. There’s a real sense of friendship that shines through, as it does with all Kenyon’s books, and it’s something that....to me....makes her books so great.
Gah, I loved Caillen. Love, love, loved him! He’s such a brilliant character and a guy a girl can easily love. He’s got a bit of an ego, but he’s decent and honourable, with a quirky sense of humour and a snarky attitude. He’s a real cutie and oh, so adorable at times. He’s the type of guy that you know will go down fighting and who’ll fight to the end. I loved that he never gave up and continuingly managed to get ahead of his enemies. He was a real survivor. One of the things that really endeared him to me was the love and respect he had for his sisters. They literally mean the world to him and there’s nothing he wouldn’t do for them, even at his own expense. That’s real love there and it was so fabulous to find a male character that has a strong, ingrained respect for the women in his life. Sometimes it can be hard to find in novels.
I really liked Desideria too. She was a very likeable heroine and perfectly balanced with a great amount of strength and vulnerability. I think she was a perfect match for Cai and it was nice to see her become more confident as the novel progressed. Not that she started out as weak, not by a long shot. She’s always been a tough gal, but I think she grew and was able to be more of herself throughout the time she knew Caillen, which was soooo nice to see.
I know some people may be upset with the lack of sex in this book and while personally I would have liked to see a little bit more of it, I also don’t feel it detracted from the book. Unlike some couples of the past, Caillen and Desideria didn’t jump straight into bed with one another, nor did they act upon their desires and impulses straight away, instead getting to know each other and to me this made the romance seem more realistic and believable. Theirs was such a nice romance. It was endearing and oh, so sweet. They brought out the best in one another and helped each other learn to trust and love without being afraid of getting hurt.
This book was filled with action and fight sequences galore. There’s enough excitement and humour to keep you on your toes.
The next book in the series, Born Of Silence features Darling Cruel and I'm really looking forward to it. I know there is a lot of talk surrounding Darling and his.....ahhhh....sexual preferences.....at the moment, but I think in the end Sherrilyn Kenyon will deliver in typical Kenyon fashion.....exceptionally, that is.
Cannot wait to get my hands on the next year, but the wait until next April is gonna kill me!
Rating: **** stars
Recommend: Yes!
Did I Buy, Borrow or is it an ARC: Bought
Recommend Buy or Borrow: Buy!
Ebook or Actual Book: Actual Book
Cover: This is actually my fave cover so far in the series. It's simply, but really awesome.
Read sequel/continue with series: Yes, yes, yes....
Buy it here:
Desideria has a secret of her own- one that could end her life if anyone ever learns it. The last thing she expects is to meet a criminal in her sheltered world never mind find herself marooned on a hostile colony with him while his enemies try to kill them both.
And as they struggle to survive, her father's favorite curse resonates. "May you get exactly what you want and live long enough to regret it."
Blurb from Goodreads....
Review:
I literally devoured this book. I simply adore this series and the moment I started reading this book, I pretty much didn’t stop until I was finished. In fact, I read it in less than one day!
I continue to love this world and the characters within. There’s a reason Sherrilyn Kenyon is one of my favourite authors; she constantly manages to create characters that are larger than life and that jump off the page and this book was no exception.
In this book we’re back to the time period where the first two books are set and we continue on a few years after Born of Fire. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed Born of Ice, but I’m glad to be back in this time and not in the future.
It’s impossible not to adore the characters in this series and really feel for them. While I obviously think Caillen and Desideria are brilliant, I love all the supporting characters too. Darling continues to be a fave, and I found I really enjoyed Dancer (Hauk) and Fain in this book. They’re both real pieces of work, but they constantly made me laugh and smile. I liked the new characters of Maris and Chayden, and I’d love to see more of both of them and of course I was ecstatic to see Syn, Shahara and Caillen’s other sisters back. Sherrilyn Kenyon has a brilliant way of bringing back all the characters you love and having them still play roles in the rest of the books. It’s so great falling in love with a couple and then still being able to see them in books down the track.
There’s such a fantastic repour between all the characters in this series. They seem to get along so well, bickering and teasing one another constantly, and yet they stand by each other’s sides constantly. There’s a real sense of friendship that shines through, as it does with all Kenyon’s books, and it’s something that....to me....makes her books so great.
Gah, I loved Caillen. Love, love, loved him! He’s such a brilliant character and a guy a girl can easily love. He’s got a bit of an ego, but he’s decent and honourable, with a quirky sense of humour and a snarky attitude. He’s a real cutie and oh, so adorable at times. He’s the type of guy that you know will go down fighting and who’ll fight to the end. I loved that he never gave up and continuingly managed to get ahead of his enemies. He was a real survivor. One of the things that really endeared him to me was the love and respect he had for his sisters. They literally mean the world to him and there’s nothing he wouldn’t do for them, even at his own expense. That’s real love there and it was so fabulous to find a male character that has a strong, ingrained respect for the women in his life. Sometimes it can be hard to find in novels.
I really liked Desideria too. She was a very likeable heroine and perfectly balanced with a great amount of strength and vulnerability. I think she was a perfect match for Cai and it was nice to see her become more confident as the novel progressed. Not that she started out as weak, not by a long shot. She’s always been a tough gal, but I think she grew and was able to be more of herself throughout the time she knew Caillen, which was soooo nice to see.
I know some people may be upset with the lack of sex in this book and while personally I would have liked to see a little bit more of it, I also don’t feel it detracted from the book. Unlike some couples of the past, Caillen and Desideria didn’t jump straight into bed with one another, nor did they act upon their desires and impulses straight away, instead getting to know each other and to me this made the romance seem more realistic and believable. Theirs was such a nice romance. It was endearing and oh, so sweet. They brought out the best in one another and helped each other learn to trust and love without being afraid of getting hurt.
This book was filled with action and fight sequences galore. There’s enough excitement and humour to keep you on your toes.
The next book in the series, Born Of Silence features Darling Cruel and I'm really looking forward to it. I know there is a lot of talk surrounding Darling and his.....ahhhh....sexual preferences.....at the moment, but I think in the end Sherrilyn Kenyon will deliver in typical Kenyon fashion.....exceptionally, that is.
Cannot wait to get my hands on the next year, but the wait until next April is gonna kill me!
Rating: **** stars
Recommend: Yes!
Did I Buy, Borrow or is it an ARC: Bought
Recommend Buy or Borrow: Buy!
Ebook or Actual Book: Actual Book
Cover: This is actually my fave cover so far in the series. It's simply, but really awesome.
Read sequel/continue with series: Yes, yes, yes....
Buy it here:
Friday, July 22, 2011
Book Shelf: Angelfire (Angelfire #1) by Courtney Allison Moulton
When seventeen-year-old Ellie starts seeing reapers - monstrous creatures who devour humans and send their souls to Hell - she finds herself on the front lines of a supernatural war between archangels and the Fallen and faced with the possible destruction of her soul.
A mysterious boy named Will reveals she is the reincarnation of an ancient warrior, the only one capable of wielding swords of angelfire to fight the reapers, and he is an immortal sworn to protect her in battle. Now that Ellie's powers have been awakened, a powerful reaper called Bastian has come forward to challenge her. He has employed a fierce assassin to eliminate her - an assassin who has already killed her once.
While balancing her dwindling social life and reaper-hunting duties, she and Will discover Bastian is searching for a dormant creature believed to be a true soul reaper. Bastian plans to use this weapon to ignite the End of Days and to destroy Ellie's soul, ending her rebirth cycle forever. Now, she must face an army of Bastian's most frightening reapers, prevent the soul reaper from consuming her soul, and uncover the secrets of her past lives - including truths that may be too frightening to remember.
Blurb from Goodreads.....
Review:
Courtney Allison Moulton creates a very unique and fascinating tale with her debut novel. With so many similar books out there saturating the YA market, Moulton has created something different with her world. Her creatures, reapers, are nothing like I’ve ever seen before and are a far cry from the types of Grim reapers and angels I’ve read about before. It’s always great to find a book where the enemy is unique and not something you’ve seen a dozen times. It helps keep you interested.
The book was fun and action packed, with plenty of fight sequences and bits of humour to keep you entertained.
Ellie is a really easy heroine to follow. She’s smart and brave considering everything she’s facing and she tackles things head on despite her fear and uncertainty. She’s normal enough, but she has a fire inside her and a sharp tongue, even with her enemies and particularly with Will. The two of them get along well and she’s quick to say things to him. Once of the things I found I liked most about Ellie is that she does grow considerably throughout this novel. Obviously she’s a teenage girl, but she’s so much more and she changes a great deal from the moment she firsts meets Will and learns about who she is, to the end of the novel where she faces Bastian for the first time.
I really liked the idea of Ellie’s reincarnations and I was really fascinated when we learnt what Ellie really this. Personally, I think she’s awesome and I think it’s great that despite the power she holds and her true identity she hasn’t let it go to her head or change her.
Apart from Ellie, there’s no way I couldn’t like Will. He’s not that different from a lot of the male leads out there in YA novels nowadays, but there’s still something oh, so likable about him. He’s such an honourable guy who stood by Ellie’s side for centuries and countless lifetimes and continues to drive her crazy. I love the guy. He’s so sexy, not to mention strong and fierce, ready to defend Ellie to the death, but he’s also vulnerable too. Will wants to do the best by Ellie, but is fighting what he feels with what he knows he should, or more importantly shouldn’t feel.
His relationship with Ellie is really sweet and the moments between them really make the book for me. Their interactions seem so natural; all those unknown lifetimes together shine through and I am vying for them 100 percent! What can I say....I’m a sucker for a forbidden romance.
There are a tonne of side characters, which I must admit I didn’t feel too much about. I liked them all, don’t get me wrong, and they had their purpose within the story, but no one jumped out at me. I liked Ellie’s mum. She was more understanding than I expected and you can see how much her daughter means to her. Ellie’s dad is another story, but I have a sneaky suspicion there may be a reason behind that.
There’s still an air of mystery that surrounds this book. For everything that happened in it we never really learned what plans Bastian has for the Enshi and what’s next now that the creature is at the bottom of the ocean.
This book is a great read. It has a few slow moments, but at others it really picks up and breezes through. This is an exciting start to what promises to be a great new trilogy and I can’t wait to get my hands on the sequel, Wings of the Wicked, next year!
Rating: **** stars
Recommend: Yes
Did I Buy, Borrow or is it an ARC: Bought
Recommend Buy or Borrow: Buy
Ebook or Actual Book: Actual Book
Cover: Brilliant! This cover is stunning.
Read sequel/continue with series: Oh, yes.
Buy it here:
A mysterious boy named Will reveals she is the reincarnation of an ancient warrior, the only one capable of wielding swords of angelfire to fight the reapers, and he is an immortal sworn to protect her in battle. Now that Ellie's powers have been awakened, a powerful reaper called Bastian has come forward to challenge her. He has employed a fierce assassin to eliminate her - an assassin who has already killed her once.
While balancing her dwindling social life and reaper-hunting duties, she and Will discover Bastian is searching for a dormant creature believed to be a true soul reaper. Bastian plans to use this weapon to ignite the End of Days and to destroy Ellie's soul, ending her rebirth cycle forever. Now, she must face an army of Bastian's most frightening reapers, prevent the soul reaper from consuming her soul, and uncover the secrets of her past lives - including truths that may be too frightening to remember.
Blurb from Goodreads.....
Review:
Courtney Allison Moulton creates a very unique and fascinating tale with her debut novel. With so many similar books out there saturating the YA market, Moulton has created something different with her world. Her creatures, reapers, are nothing like I’ve ever seen before and are a far cry from the types of Grim reapers and angels I’ve read about before. It’s always great to find a book where the enemy is unique and not something you’ve seen a dozen times. It helps keep you interested.
The book was fun and action packed, with plenty of fight sequences and bits of humour to keep you entertained.
Ellie is a really easy heroine to follow. She’s smart and brave considering everything she’s facing and she tackles things head on despite her fear and uncertainty. She’s normal enough, but she has a fire inside her and a sharp tongue, even with her enemies and particularly with Will. The two of them get along well and she’s quick to say things to him. Once of the things I found I liked most about Ellie is that she does grow considerably throughout this novel. Obviously she’s a teenage girl, but she’s so much more and she changes a great deal from the moment she firsts meets Will and learns about who she is, to the end of the novel where she faces Bastian for the first time.
I really liked the idea of Ellie’s reincarnations and I was really fascinated when we learnt what Ellie really this. Personally, I think she’s awesome and I think it’s great that despite the power she holds and her true identity she hasn’t let it go to her head or change her.
Apart from Ellie, there’s no way I couldn’t like Will. He’s not that different from a lot of the male leads out there in YA novels nowadays, but there’s still something oh, so likable about him. He’s such an honourable guy who stood by Ellie’s side for centuries and countless lifetimes and continues to drive her crazy. I love the guy. He’s so sexy, not to mention strong and fierce, ready to defend Ellie to the death, but he’s also vulnerable too. Will wants to do the best by Ellie, but is fighting what he feels with what he knows he should, or more importantly shouldn’t feel.
His relationship with Ellie is really sweet and the moments between them really make the book for me. Their interactions seem so natural; all those unknown lifetimes together shine through and I am vying for them 100 percent! What can I say....I’m a sucker for a forbidden romance.
There are a tonne of side characters, which I must admit I didn’t feel too much about. I liked them all, don’t get me wrong, and they had their purpose within the story, but no one jumped out at me. I liked Ellie’s mum. She was more understanding than I expected and you can see how much her daughter means to her. Ellie’s dad is another story, but I have a sneaky suspicion there may be a reason behind that.
There’s still an air of mystery that surrounds this book. For everything that happened in it we never really learned what plans Bastian has for the Enshi and what’s next now that the creature is at the bottom of the ocean.
This book is a great read. It has a few slow moments, but at others it really picks up and breezes through. This is an exciting start to what promises to be a great new trilogy and I can’t wait to get my hands on the sequel, Wings of the Wicked, next year!
Rating: **** stars
Recommend: Yes
Did I Buy, Borrow or is it an ARC: Bought
Recommend Buy or Borrow: Buy
Ebook or Actual Book: Actual Book
Cover: Brilliant! This cover is stunning.
Read sequel/continue with series: Oh, yes.
Buy it here:
Favourite Quote Friday #1
This is a new segment that I have decided to start sharing with you. From now on every Friday, I'll be sharing 2 of my fave book quotes with you, one from a YA book and another from an Adult book. There are soooo many incredible quotes out there that either make me laugh, smile or give me that warm squishy feeling inside that it's going to be a while before I share all my faves with you.
Hope you enjoy the segment and if you wanna participate too, leave your answers/links in the comments =)
Here are some of my fave quotes.....
YA:
"There is no pretending," Jace said with absolute clarity. "I love you, and I will love you until I die, and if there is life after that, I'll love you then."
~Jace, City of Glass by Cassandra Clare.
Adult:
"I was dead until you found me, though I breathed. I was sightless, though I could see. And then you came...and I was awakened."
~Zsadist, Lover Awakened by J.R. Ward.
"There is no pretending," Jace said with absolute clarity. "I love you, and I will love you until I die, and if there is life after that, I'll love you then."
~Jace, City of Glass by Cassandra Clare.
Adult:
"I was dead until you found me, though I breathed. I was sightless, though I could see. And then you came...and I was awakened."
~Zsadist, Lover Awakened by J.R. Ward.
Tune in next week for more great quotes!
~Rachel
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Cover Lust Thursday
It's Cover Lust Thursday time and this week's cover lust is:
Deadman's Blood by T. Lynne Tolles......
As the dust settles from the destruction of the Bloodstone Heart, a small scroll that had been hidden in the hearth of the altar room for hundreds of years, reveals a prophecy that seems to be about the Larsen family. While the group tries to unravel the riddles of the prophecy they also start to notice they've acquired some interesting new powers from the Bloodstone itself, some of which are going to take some getting use to.
Darby and Devon head to Ireland to set up house and get ready for their impending nuptials when Darby is asked to help cure the Summer Queen of the Everworld or the delicate balance of power between the Seelie and Unseelie courts will topple throwing the planet into a deadly ice age.
While at home, things take a turn for the worse when there's a tragic airplane crash, the Larsen vampires start dropping like flies, Bernard goes missing, and all the bad deeds dealt seem to point towards one person - the Dark Angel. What's so important about the altar room? Why are people dying in the name of this prophecy? Will the Larsen's survive these new tragedies? These questions and other deep seated secrets will be revealed in this final installment of the Blood Series.
Thoughts:
I haven't read the series, and I'm not sure I will, but boy do I love this cover. The girl in it, the moon in the background and the way she looks.....reminds me of a horror pic. It's totally awesome!
Deadman's Blood by T. Lynne Tolles......
As the dust settles from the destruction of the Bloodstone Heart, a small scroll that had been hidden in the hearth of the altar room for hundreds of years, reveals a prophecy that seems to be about the Larsen family. While the group tries to unravel the riddles of the prophecy they also start to notice they've acquired some interesting new powers from the Bloodstone itself, some of which are going to take some getting use to.
Darby and Devon head to Ireland to set up house and get ready for their impending nuptials when Darby is asked to help cure the Summer Queen of the Everworld or the delicate balance of power between the Seelie and Unseelie courts will topple throwing the planet into a deadly ice age.
While at home, things take a turn for the worse when there's a tragic airplane crash, the Larsen vampires start dropping like flies, Bernard goes missing, and all the bad deeds dealt seem to point towards one person - the Dark Angel. What's so important about the altar room? Why are people dying in the name of this prophecy? Will the Larsen's survive these new tragedies? These questions and other deep seated secrets will be revealed in this final installment of the Blood Series.
Thoughts:
I haven't read the series, and I'm not sure I will, but boy do I love this cover. The girl in it, the moon in the background and the way she looks.....reminds me of a horror pic. It's totally awesome!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Win a SIGNED copy of Anna and the French Kiss or ARC of Lola and the Boy Next Doy with The Nerd's Wife!
The oh, so generous Arena over at The Nerd's Wife is giving away a SIGNED copy of Anna and the French Kiss or ARC of Lola and the Boy Next Doy by Stephanie Perkins!
Is that nifty?!?
Personally, Anna and the French Kiss intregues me, even though it's outside my usual genre and I think it's soooooo cute that I lept at the chance to enter.
There are sooo many people out there who have great things to say about this book and from Arena's fabulous post, I think Stephanie Perkins seems like a read treat.
Head on over yourself and enter....ends today!
http://thenerdswife.com/2011/07/stephanie-perkins-signing-and-giveaway.html
Goodluck everyone!
~Rachel
Is that nifty?!?
Personally, Anna and the French Kiss intregues me, even though it's outside my usual genre and I think it's soooooo cute that I lept at the chance to enter.
There are sooo many people out there who have great things to say about this book and from Arena's fabulous post, I think Stephanie Perkins seems like a read treat.
Head on over yourself and enter....ends today!
http://thenerdswife.com/2011/07/stephanie-perkins-signing-and-giveaway.html
Goodluck everyone!
~Rachel
Giveaway: Ecopy of A Fantasy Flight to Adventure by Ciye Cho
Author Ciye Cho has kindly offered up an ecopy of his YA Fantasy Shiewo: A Fantasy Flight to Adventure to one lucky winner.
The universe of Orberana is a place of great wonder and peril, a dizzying landscape filled with clouds that can talk, clockwork beings that mark their own time, and painted animals that awake in the night.
Shiewo Morose is the captain of a flying ship powered by music. She is also a determined young woman on a mission: a quest to find the Wishing Fish that created Orberana.
Sailing above the clouds, Shiewo and her crew (Erduu the bamboo, Theo the cloud, Livingston the goldfish, and Felix the painter) are headed for worlds of crazed clockwork bureaucrats, tyrannic kings, and tornado children--worlds that will test not only the crew's bravery... but their very understanding of adventure.
Theirs is the odyssey of a lifetime...
To Enter:
The winner will have their choice of EPUB, MOBI, and PDF format and is open internatioally
You DO NOT need to be a follower to enter, simply comment below with a way to contact you =D
This contest will run from the 20th of July until the 20th of August, after which I'll pick a winner!
Goodluck to everyone and be sure to check Ciye Cho out here: http://www.shiewo.com/
~Rachel
xoxo
Top 10 Leading Ladies
There are so many incredible herione's out there nowadays and today I've decided to share with you my top 10....
1. Clary from The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare
2. Yelena from Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder
3. Rose from Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
4. Chloe from The Darkest Powers by Kelley Armstrong
5. Anya from The Darkest Kiss by Gena Showalter
6. Dru from Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow
7. Fire from Fire by Kristin Cashore
8. Megan from The Iron Fey by Julie Kagawa
9. Kate from Goddess Test by Aimee Carter
10. Meena from A Witch's Beauty by Joey W. Hill
Next time: Top 10 Male Leads.....
1. Clary from The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare
2. Yelena from Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder
3. Rose from Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
4. Chloe from The Darkest Powers by Kelley Armstrong
5. Anya from The Darkest Kiss by Gena Showalter
6. Dru from Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow
7. Fire from Fire by Kristin Cashore
8. Megan from The Iron Fey by Julie Kagawa
9. Kate from Goddess Test by Aimee Carter
10. Meena from A Witch's Beauty by Joey W. Hill
Next time: Top 10 Male Leads.....
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Free Ebooks!
There are a few FREE ebooks making the round over at Amazon.com right now and here are some of the better ones I've found:
Shimmerspell by Kimberly Spencer
When sixteen-year-old Jensen Meadows finds herself caught in the middle of an ancient faerie war, she soon learns that faeries aren't made of sparkly goodness. They're vicious. And worse, they're after her. With the help of Liam Casey, she delves into their world to find her missing sister and begins to suspect that her whole life has been nothing more than a faerie tale.
But maybe some truths should never be revealed...
Get it here: http://www.amazon.com/Shimmerspell-Novella-Paranormal-Fantasy-ebook/dp/B004VWX5DC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1311069119&sr=8-1
Foreplay by Jill Myles
How did Jackie Brighton get turned into a succubus? She can’t remember – all she knows is that she woke up in a Dumpster. This short story tells the tale of that night, and sheds a little light on her masters’ motivations.
Get it here: http://www.amazon.com/Foreplay-Succubus-Diaries-Prequel-ebook/dp/B0047GNDXE/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1311069270&sr=1-3
Thirst by Claire Farrell
Ava Delaney calls herself a hybrid - a living, breathing human who happens to have vampire poison running through her veins. The only thing greater than her thirst for human blood is her capacity for guilt. She does her best to avoid the human world, for everyone's sake.
When Ava accidentally enslaves a human while saving him from a vampire, she realises she has to look for help setting him free. Despite her misgivings, she expands her world but finds herself dragged into a possible vampire civil war. With the help of some new friends with ambiguous loyalties, she tries to find a way to keep her human, and herself, alive.
Get it here: http://www.amazon.com/Thirst-Ava-Delaney-1-ebook/dp/B004E9U9AY/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1311069433&sr=1-3
Hunter's Choice by Shiloh Walker
One year ago, Sara’s twin brother and his wife were brutally murdered. By vampires, creatures that can’t exist. But Sara knows better and she’s on a mission to kill as many as she can…until she comes across a man from her past.
Get it here: http://www.amazon.com/Hunters-Choice-The-ebook/dp/B003AKY45Y/ref=pd_sim_kinc_1?ie=UTF8&m=A24IB90LPZJ0BS
There a few, fun, free downloads to keep you all happy and entertained.
Enjoy!
~Rachel
Shimmerspell by Kimberly Spencer
When sixteen-year-old Jensen Meadows finds herself caught in the middle of an ancient faerie war, she soon learns that faeries aren't made of sparkly goodness. They're vicious. And worse, they're after her. With the help of Liam Casey, she delves into their world to find her missing sister and begins to suspect that her whole life has been nothing more than a faerie tale.
But maybe some truths should never be revealed...
Get it here: http://www.amazon.com/Shimmerspell-Novella-Paranormal-Fantasy-ebook/dp/B004VWX5DC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1311069119&sr=8-1
Foreplay by Jill Myles
How did Jackie Brighton get turned into a succubus? She can’t remember – all she knows is that she woke up in a Dumpster. This short story tells the tale of that night, and sheds a little light on her masters’ motivations.
Get it here: http://www.amazon.com/Foreplay-Succubus-Diaries-Prequel-ebook/dp/B0047GNDXE/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1311069270&sr=1-3
Thirst by Claire Farrell
Ava Delaney calls herself a hybrid - a living, breathing human who happens to have vampire poison running through her veins. The only thing greater than her thirst for human blood is her capacity for guilt. She does her best to avoid the human world, for everyone's sake.
When Ava accidentally enslaves a human while saving him from a vampire, she realises she has to look for help setting him free. Despite her misgivings, she expands her world but finds herself dragged into a possible vampire civil war. With the help of some new friends with ambiguous loyalties, she tries to find a way to keep her human, and herself, alive.
Get it here: http://www.amazon.com/Thirst-Ava-Delaney-1-ebook/dp/B004E9U9AY/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1311069433&sr=1-3
Hunter's Choice by Shiloh Walker
One year ago, Sara’s twin brother and his wife were brutally murdered. By vampires, creatures that can’t exist. But Sara knows better and she’s on a mission to kill as many as she can…until she comes across a man from her past.
Get it here: http://www.amazon.com/Hunters-Choice-The-ebook/dp/B003AKY45Y/ref=pd_sim_kinc_1?ie=UTF8&m=A24IB90LPZJ0BS
There a few, fun, free downloads to keep you all happy and entertained.
Enjoy!
~Rachel
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