Back to the Books Giveaway Hop!

It is time for the Back to the Books Giveaway Hop, hosted by I am a Reader, Not a Writer and Buried in Books!

Many other blogs are also involved in the hop. To find them and enter their giveaways, please follow this link to I am a Reader, Not a Writer.


What's up for grabs? 
Well, since this is a Back to the Books hop, I thought I would pick a few of my favourite classics - both old and new.

One lucky winner can pick ONE book of their choice from the following selection.

• Ulysses by Joyce

• The Master and Margarita by Bulgakov
  

• The Divine Comedy by Dante
  

• The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Kundera
  

• The Trial by Kafka

Please note that the editions I have linked to are not necessarily the ones I will send out - they are just the ones that offered the best synopsis on Goodreads.

Entries are open until midnight 7th September 2011 and the following conditions apply:

• Entrants must be 13 years old or over
• Open Internationally so long as Book Depository ships free to your country
• Be a GFC follower of my blog
• Fill out the quick form below

Entries are now closed

Lord of the Vampires (Royal House of Shadows #1) by Gena Showalter - Book Review

Title: Lord of the Vampire (Royal House of Shadows #1)

Author: Gena Showalter

Publisher: Harlequin

Publication Date: 1st September 2011

Pages: 288

Format: E-Book PDF

Genre: Paranormal

Source: ARC from NetGalley

Once upon a time…the Blood Sorcerer vanquished the kingdom of Elden. To save their children, the queen scattered them to safety and the king filled them with a need for vengeance. Only a magical timepiece connects the four royal heirs…and time is running out.

Nicolai the Vampire is renowned for his virility, but in a cruel twist of fate “The Dark Seducer” has become a sex slave in the kingdom of Delfina—stripped of his precious timepiece and his memory. All that remains is a primal need for freedom, revenge—and the only woman who can help him.

When the wanton vampire summons Jane Parker, she is helpless to obey. She's drawn to his dark sexuality and into his magical realm. But for this human, all is not a fairy tale. For saving Nicolai could mean losing the only man she's ever craved...(Goodreads Synopsis)


This was my first time reading anything by Gena Showalter and overall I found it an enjoyable read.

I really liked the concept behind this series of recreating other fairytales in a new setting and I think Showalter did a good job of capturing her story and reinventing it. Nicolai was an interesting character and there was certainly good chemistry between him and Jane. Some of the ideas about the rules of this world and how it relates to our own were original and clever and they really helped the story along.

On the downside, the story did feel a little repetitive at times, as if the author felt the reader needed to be constantly reminded of what was happening, and Nicolai's frequent one word utterances were cute at first, but soon became a tad annoying.

One thing I would have loved is more background to the world and the story of the fall of Elden, however this is part of an ongoing series and it may well be we get more information as the books progress. Certainly, I am inspired enough by this book to be keen to read the rest of the series.

There is a lot of sex and a near-rape scene in this book, so it is one for the adults and not geared to a YA audience.

Escape from Verona by David Gray - Book Review

Title: Escape from Verona

Author: David Gray

Publisher: FnArts

Publication Date: 1st July 2011

Pages: 496

Format: E-Book PDF

Genre: Historical Fiction

Source: ARC from NetGalley

 

 

 

 

 

Escape From Verona, Juliet's long-lost diary, begins where Shakespeare leaves off, explaining how she and Romeo fake their deaths and escape from the Capulet family tomb. Their escape does not bring peace to Verona. They are accused of murder and witchcraft and are hunted by powerful forces, including the Papacy and the Venetian government.
Their adventures require not only eluding capture, but they must also learn what it means to love one another without the backdrop of their family feud. What sacrifices are required for a well-bred young woman and a proud young swordsman to survive together? Is heedless passion enough to make their marriage last?
As the lovers flee across northeast Italy they encounter many other characters made famous in Shakespeare's plays, Petruchio, Shylock, Desdemona and Othello among them. Their efforts are further aided by many of the artists of the late Renaissance, including Palladio, Tintoretto, Veronese and Titian. (Goodreads Synopsis)



This is a book that had great potential, but that didn't quite live up to my expectations.

The idea behind the story (Romeo and Juliet surviving and attempting to escape together) was what enticed me to request this book from NetGalley. The hints at the inclusion of other Shakespearean characters and historical figures was also a big draw.

Sadly, I found myself reading the book with very little enthusiasm. Juliet came across as too experienced for me, and I found some of her actions completely unbelievable. Meanwhile, Romeo spent most of the book sulking and telling Juliet her ideas were worthless. Many of the events and actions seemed far-fetched and the dialogue was stilted and dull.

The reason this book got three stars and not two, was that the inclusion of the characters from other plays into the plot worked well and I consider that element of the book to be fairly enjoyable. But even so, I found myself constantly glancing at the screen to see how many pages I still had left before I could start something else.

I'm sure this book will appeal to plenty of people; but it just didn't suit my tastes. I would recommend this book to those who like the play and are not looking for anything more than an amusing adventure story in this sequel.

Just My Type: A Book About Fonts by Simon Garfield - Book Review

Title: Just My Type: A Book About Fonts

Author: Simon Garfield

Publisher: Gotham Books

Publication Date: 1st September 2011

Pages: 288

Format: E-Book PDF

Genre: Non-Fiction

Source: ARC from NetGalley

Fonts surround us every day, on street signs and buildings, on movie posters and books, and on just about every product we buy. But where do fonts come from, and why do we need so many? Who is responsible for the staid practicality of Times New Roman, the cool anonymity of Arial, or the irritating levity of Comic Sans (and the movement to ban it)?

Typefaces are now 560 years old, but we barely knew their names until about twenty years ago when the pull-down font menus on our first computers made us all the gods of type. Beginning in the early days of Gutenberg and ending with the most adventurous digital fonts, Simon Garfield explores the rich history and subtle powers of type. He goes on to investigate a range of modern mysteries, including how Helvetica took over the world, what inspires the seeming ubiquitous use of Trajan on bad movie posters, and exactly why the all-type cover of Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus was so effective. It also examines why the "T" in the Beatles logo is longer than the other letters and how Gotham helped Barack Obama into the White House. A must-have book for the design conscious, Just My Type's cheeky irreverence will also charm everyone who loved Eats, Shoots & Leaves and Schott's Original Miscellany. (Goodreads Synopsis)


This is a fun and interesting read that is perfect for all the font nerds out there and anyone who is interested in areas such as design, marketing and IT history.

I thought I had a pretty good idea about different fonts until this book opened my eyes. There were so many fonts I'd never heard of and others that I knew without realising they had once been designed for a specific purpose before becoming mainstream.

This book combined chapters on the general history of type and fonts with sections dedicated to the story behind specific fonts. The prose is clear and precise and does not require a knowledge of any technical language, which makes this book accessible to everyone and not just those in the industry. It also included a few little jokes and anecdotes and these helped to lighten what might otherwise have become a stodgy essay.

This book could be equally enjoyed by the enthusiast and by an interested outsider, since it is easy to dip into.

I read this as an ebook and had only one difficulty: The book is very image heavy and it is great to have illustrations to demonstrate the point being made, but at times I had to wait up to a couple of minutes for the page to scroll up or turn. This may just be my ereader as I only have a very basic model, but it is worth bearing in mind if you plan to buy this book as a digital copy. Obviously this poses no problem in paperback/hardback editions.

The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman - Book Review

Title: The Dovekeepers

Author: Alice Hoffman

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Publication Date: 4th October 2011

Pages: 512

Format: E-Book PDF

Genre: Literary Fiction

Source: ARC from GalleyGrab

 

 

 

 

In 70 CE, nine hundred Jews held out for months against armies of Romans on a mountain in the Judean desert, Masada. According to the ancient historian Josephus, two women and five children survived. Based on this tragic historical event, Hoffman weaves a spellbinding tale of four extraordinary, bold, resourceful, and sensuous women, each of whom has come to Masada by a different path. Yael’s mother died in childbirth, and her father never forgave her for that death. Revka, a village baker’s wife, watched the horrifically brutal murder of her daughter by Roman soldiers; she brings to Masada her twin grandsons, rendered mute by their own witness. Aziza is a warrior’s daughter, raised as a boy, a fearless rider and expert marksman, who finds passion with another soldier. Shirah is wise in the ways of ancient magic and medicine, a woman with uncanny insight and power. The lives of these four complex and fiercely independent women intersect in the desperate days of the siege, as the Romans draw near. All are dovekeepers, and all are also keeping secrets—about who they are, where they come from, who fathered them, and whom they love. (Goodreads Synopsis)


This is a really captivating read with strong and memorable female characters.

I enjoyed the way the story was told from the perspective of the different woman. Because their accounts appeared in clearly separated parts, there was never any confusion about who was speaking. Each woman continued the linear storyline while also revealing aspects of their past that led them to that point in time. These flashbacks were well presented and didn't interfere with the main flow of the story at all; rather they added to it as they were an insight into the reasons behind the actions of the women as their part in the tale came to the fore.

Hoffman's prose is fairly wordy, but I enjoyed the richness that brought to the text, particularly in the descriptive passages and the inner monologues.

Reading a few other reviews, I see that some people found it overly long, but I wouldn't say that was an issue for me at all. Yes, it is a reasonably long book, but I've read others that were longer and I never felt that it dragged as I was engaged with the story and the characters from start to finish.

This is a wonderful tale that will captivate readers of both historic and literary fiction.

Ghost on Black Mountain by Ann Hite - Book Review

Title: Ghost on Black Mountain

Author: Ann Hite

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Publication Date: 13th September 2011

Pages: 352

Format: E-Book PDF

Genre: Literary Fiction

Source: ARC from GalleyGrab

Part ghost story, part powerful sweeping epic, Ghost on Black Mountain is a powerful debut which launches a bright new voice in Southern fiction.
Meet the women of Black Mountain and the one man that ties them all together…

Nellie Pritchard:
I married Hobbs Pritchard without noticing he was a spell conjured into a man—a walking, talking, ghost story. He took me up Black Mountain and it was there I learned sometimes good and bad get mixed together so well a person can’t tell the difference until it’s too late.

Rose Gardner:
I fell deeply in love with Hobbs as if some hoodoo was put on me. Then Miss Nellie came into our lives and changed everything.

Josie Clay:
Hobbs Pritchard was like a spoiled potato at the bottom of the barrel. But my daughter Nellie didn’t believe me. Something stunk to high heavens, something rotten. Eventually I’d find out what it was…
 
Shelly Parker:
I got me this gift—restless souls line up to get my notice no matter what I’m doing. Daddy warned me not to have nothing to do with the Pritchards. Some things in life just can’t be avoided and getting mixed up with Nellie was one of them.
 
Mama told me the same bedtime story each night. She told it with such detail I was sure Hobbs and Nellie were real. But they were just characters in a tale spun to keep me in line. They were my moral compass. Or so I believed…(Goodreads Synopsis)


This book is a wonderful blend of literary fiction and gothic suspense that will appeal to readers of Faulkner and of Poe.

This novel grabbed my attention from the opening pages and I found myself drawn into the story of Nellie, Hobbs and the other inhabitants of Black Mountain.

I loved the format of this piece as we hear the story from the perspective of five different women, who are all involved with Hobbs' story at one point or another. This format means that the timeline is not always linear, but that creates no problem as it is always very clear what point in the story we have reached.

There was a wonderful depth to the piece and it contained interesting looks at the dynamic of several mother-daughter relationships as well as the various romantic entanglements. Add to that a suspenseful ghost story and you have an amazing piece of writing.

This is one of those stories that definitely lingers in the mind long after you have put the book down and I will certainly be keen to read more from Ann Hite in the future.

Crossroads by Mary Ting - Book Review

Title: Crossroads

Author: Mary Ting

Publisher: World Castle Publishing

Publication Date: April 2011

Pages: 256

Format: Paperback

Genre: YA / Paranormal

Source: Won in a Giveaway

Claudia Emerson has a good friend who shares the same first name and last name. That friend unfortunately dies in a tragic accident during homecoming dance. Claudia is distraught at the loss of her friend, but is even more disturbed by her dreams, which seem to take her to another place called Crossroads. Unknown to her, Crossroads is like a second heaven, a place between heaven and earth. It is where the souls of humans in comas or near death experiences may wander. 

There, Claudia meets Michael, a nephilim, a half angel, half human, whom she often meets in her dreams. It turns out that this isn’t her first visit to Crossroads, which is an enigma for no human can ever travel there until Claudia. Now the fallen and demons are after her, suspecting she must be special and it is up to Michael and the other nephilims to protect her. Her dream becomes a nightmare as more secrets are revealed, about who she really is, and the true identities of the people she loves most. 

Can Michael fight his growing feelings for Claudia and protect her as a guardian angel should? The answer awaits you! Follow the exciting path to Crossroads! (Goodreads Synopsis)



I won this book in a giveaway and was keen to give it a try. I've read a couple of 'angel' YA books lately and so I was interested to see what this one would bring to the mix.

Overall my impressions were good. The characters were appealing and the plot moved along nicely, holding my interest throughout. By the mid-way point I was really keen to see how it would all end. I also enjoyed the fact that the book managed to be romantic without becoming soppy and too clichéd - that's not always easy to do.

There were a handful of minor flaws:
1) I found the opening a bit confusing and it took a few pages to really establish whose head we were in and what was happening. But once that was ironed out, the rest of the story fell into place without any hitches.
2) Considering the book centres on teens, I thought the language was a little off the mark at times. I could understand the angels speaking in a more adult manner, but some things the girls said to each other didn't quite ring true for me.
3) I was surprised that the growing relationship between Claudia and Michael didn't bring about more repercussions, considering how often Michael tells Claudia their love is forbidden. Michael's friends promise to keep it secret and that seems to be it. Are the angels higher up not paying attention to what it going on? However, I believe a second book is intended and perhaps the problems with their relationship will come more to the fore in that one.

These are minor gripes though as the idea behind the story and the mythology came across well and I did find it an enjoyable read. I would certainly be happy to continue reading of Claudia and Michael in a second instalment.

Drink, Slay, Love by Sarah Beth Durst - Book Review

Title: Drink, Slay, Love

Author: Sarah Beth Durst

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Publication Date: 13th September 2011

Pages: 398

Format: EBook - PDF

Genre: YA / Paranormal

Source: ARC from GalleyGrab

Pearl is a sixteen-year-old vampire... fond of blood, allergic to sunlight, and mostly evil... until the night a sparkly unicorn stabs her through the heart with his horn. Oops.

Her family thinks she was attacked by a vampire hunter (because, obviously, unicorns don't exist), and they're shocked she survived. They're even more shocked when Pearl discovers she can now withstand the sun. But they quickly find a way to make use of her new talent. The Vampire King of New England has chosen Pearl's family to host his feast. If Pearl enrolls in high school, she can make lots of human friends and lure them to the King's feast -- as the entrees.

The only problem? Pearl's starting to feel the twinges of a conscience. How can she serve up her new friends—especially the cute guy who makes her fangs ache—to be slaughtered? Then again, she's definitely dead if she lets down her family. What's a sunlight-loving vamp to do? (Goodreads Synopsis)


I was first attracted to this book by the quirky blurb as it seemed to promise a fun read.

It didn't disappoint in that regard.

It was the fun aspect that made me give this book four stars rather than three. The writing is fine, but not amazing and the characters are good, but rarely fleshed out completely. Even Pearl appears somewhat two-dimensional at times; although we see more development from her than any of the others.

However, the book is more than saved by a funny and clever plot idea. I loved the storyline and wanted to know how it would progress. The story alone sucked me in completely (no pun intended) and was enough to make up for other minor defects and keep me not only reading till the end, but also keen to read on. In addition, I enjoyed the little 'digs' at YA fiction and 'sparkly' vampires as they added to the book's sense of fun and self-mockery.

This is an amusing, easy read that will appeal to fans of lighter YA fiction and vampire lovers who are looking for something a bit quirky and different.

The moral of the book: Don't mock the Unicorn!

The Printmaker's Daughter by Katherine Govier - Book Review

Title: The Printmaker's Daughter

Author: Katherine Govier

Publisher: Harper Collins

Publication Date: 1st December 2011

Pages: 500

Format: EBook - PDF

Genre: Literary Fiction

Source: ARC from NetGalley

The legendary printmaker Hokusai created Japan’s best-known image, The Great Wave—but the story of his daughter Oei comes to life for the first time in this vivid historical novel, combining scholarly detective work and a daring narrative that shines fresh light on issues of authorship, duty, and the tender and inscrutable bond between a father and daughter.

Recounting the story of her life, Oei plunges us into the colorful world of 19th-century Edo, in which courtesans rub shoulders with poets, artists consort with warriors, and the arts flourish in an unprecedented moment of creative foment—all despite a repressive political regime. Oei and Hokusai live amongst actors, novelists, tattoo artists, and prostitutes, evading the Shogunate's spies. Her father journeys to gather visual references for his evolving masterpiece, Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji. Wielding her brush, Oei rejects the typical pursuit of domesticity in favor of dedication to the arts. She defies all expectations of womanhood. All but one—a dutiful daughter to the last, she will obey the will of her eccentric father, the man who created her and who, ultimately, will rob her of her future. (Goodreads Synopsis)


This is a beautiful piece of writing that really captured my attention right from the opening pages.

Oei is a larger than life character, full of spirit and vitality and I was drawn into her story as soon as she appeared. The world we see through her eyes is vividly described with a wonderful attention to detail that helps bring the characters, time and places to life.

It is clear that this story and the period have been well-researched and yet the history never overtakes the story; rather it adds depth to it and supports it. I did enjoy reading the afterword, which put the story into perspective and gave the reader insight into how much of the story was based in fact and how much was fiction.

The pacing of this book is superb and there is never a dull moment, the prose is simple and beautiful and very atmospheric at times and the characters are engaging and memorable.

In fact, I don't have one bad word to say about this piece. I am sure it will be a big hit with fans of both literary fiction and historical fiction. It may also be of interest to those who are keen on Japanese art.

This is a book that I could definitely reread and still take something new from it each time.

Day-Walker - Long Blurb Reveal

Well, Day-Walker is now up on the Silver Publishing website, ready for its 24th September release, so I thought it was time to share the long blurb with you all!

When Darci spots a mysterious stranger at her latest concert, she is instantly smitten. Will is the perfect gentleman and seems to be everything she has been waiting for. But Will has a terrifying secret and soon Darci finds herself in grave peril. Will her love for him give her the strength she’ll need to prevail against overwhelming odds?

Will is drawn to Darci Madison from the moment she steps out onto the stage. He knows he shouldn’t approach her, knows his secret could put her in danger if he gets too close. But he also realizes that he cannot live without her. When his enemies learn of Darci’s existence and emerge from the shadows, Will must fight to save the woman he loves ... even though it may require the ultimate sacrifice.

For deep in the night, creatures are stirring in the darkness; creatures that long to infiltrate the light.


You can check it out now at Silver Publishing!

I actually had done a video trailer, but I took it off YouTube yesterday. Someone had marked it as third-party copyrighted even though the music I'd used was from a site that only lists public domain, copyright free mp3s.

I looked into putting in a dispute, but there wasn't an option that exactly matched my situation and it mentioned 'penalties' if your dispute was not upheld, so I thought 'why bother?' and just removed my videos. I only got a small number of hits on my previous ones anyway and they were only quick, simple ones I put together myself - I don't think they really had a lot of marketing value.

Still, it's annoying I get targeted when I tried so very hard to use only copyright free images and music and yet there are loads of videos on there using music and images that would clearly be under copyright and they get to just keep them! Not happy with YouTube right now.

The Dante Club by Matthew Pearl - Book Review

Title: The Dante Club

Author: Matthew Pearl

Publisher: Ballantine Books

Publication Date: 2006 (2003)

Pages: 430

Format: Paperback

Genre: Thriller

Source: Won in a Giveaway

Words can bleed.

In 1865 Boston, the literary geniuses of the Dante Club—poets and Harvard professors Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes, and James Russell Lowell, along with publisher J. T. Fields—are finishing America’s first translation of The Divine Comedy and preparing to unveil Dante’s remarkable visions to the New World. The powerful Boston Brahmins at Harvard College are fighting to keep Dante in obscurity, believing that the infiltration of foreign superstitions into American minds will prove as corrupting as the immigrants arriving at Boston Harbor.

The members of the Dante Club fight to keep a sacred literary cause alive, but their plans fall apart when a series of murders erupts through Boston and Cambridge. Only this small group of scholars realizes that the gruesome killings are modeled on the descriptions of Hell’s punishments from Dante’s Inferno. With the lives of the Boston elite and Dante’s literary future in America at stake, the Dante Club members must find the killer before the authorities discover their secret.

Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes and an outcast police officer named Nicholas Rey, the first black member of the Boston police department, must place their careers on the line to end the terror. Together, they discover that the source of the murders lies closer to home than they ever could have imagined. (Goodreads Synopsis)


I am not usually a big thriller reader, but the title of this one sparked my interest because I love Dante's writings.

The opening was a little slow, but by the time I was a quarter through, I was hooked. The idea of murders based on Dante's Inferno works well and offers many opportunities for both grisly scenes and secret codes that will eventually lead to the killer.

I loved how many of the characters were real-life figures, lending an air of believability to a story that might otherwise have seemed a little far-fetched. The men of the Dante Club are all uniquely presented and well-rounded characters and the plot flows seamlessly.

For me, the best aspect of this novel was that I never anticipated who the killer was ahead of the reveal. Several times I thought I had the answer only to be proven wrong a few chapters later. The red herrings worked really well in hiding the truth and the killer's identity came as a complete surprise to me. Once that big moment was over, I did find the tail end of the book a bit more predictable; but by then I was fully invested in the story and characters and so it didn't matter.

One for fans of well-plotted thrillers or those who like a literary mystery.

Winner - Brightwing by Sullivan Lee

Thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway. A random selection has been made and the winner is:

Christy @ Love of Books

Congratulations. The author will be in touch with you shortly!

Tatiana and Alexander by Paullina Simons - Book Review

Title: Tatiana and Alexander

Author: Paullina Simons

Publisher: Harper

Publication Date: 2008 (2003)

Pages: 559

Format: Paperback

Genre: Literary Fiction

Source: Christmas Gift

Tatiana is 18 years old, pregnant and widowed when she escapes war-torn Leningrad to find a new life in America. But the ghosts of her past do not rest easily. She becomes obsessed with the belief that her husband, Red Army Major Alexander Belov, is still alive and needs her desperately....
Meanwhile, oceans and continents away in the Soviet Union, Alexander, having barely escaped execution, is leading a battalion of soldiers considered expendable by Soviet high command. New recruits survive only days. Yet Alexander is determined to take them across the ruins of Europe in one last, desperate bid to escape Stalin's death machine, and see Tatiana once again.... (Goodreads Synopsis)


Having left the characters in such dire straits at the end of the last book, I was keen to read on and see what would happen to Tatiana and Alexander. Would they find each other again? Would their love last?

On the whole, this book is a very satisfying continuation of the story as we follow the two (now on other sides of the world) in their attempts to return to each other. Even though they are separated, their relationship is the point around which this tale revolves and it still feels as strong as in the first book.

If I could change one thing, I would cut out a few of the flashbacks. I can see why Simons included them, but I should think most people would come to this book having already read The Bronze Horseman and would therefore not need constant reminders of what happened in that tale. For me, they slowed things down and I ended up skimming them a little in order to return to the action in the current storyline.

Also, while most of the story feels grounded in reality, some elements of the ending seemed a little far-fetched and would not have been out of place in an action film. It also felt marginally rushed after the long 400-page build up to get there.

But, as I said, overall this is a pleasing second book that ties up all the loose ends from the first book and certainly offers a more heart-warming conclusion.

Sonya Clark - Guest Blog and Giveaway

Today I welcome author Sonya Clark, via Bewitching Book Tours, to tell us a little bit about her new release, Mojo Queen, and to offer an exciting giveaway! Over to you, Sonya.

A big part of my writing process, especially in the early stages of a manuscript, is figuring out what a story sounds like. I’m a serious music lover and I’ve always created soundtracks and playlists for everything I wrote, and I’ve drawn inspiration from music too. The first thing I do is figure out what genre would be appropriate for a story. The main character of Mojo Queen is Roxie Mathis, a paranormal investigator who sees auras and spectral entities. She also uses hoodoo folk magic to help people with their supernatural problems. Naturally that led to a writing playlist heavy on the blues, a genre I love. Soul, country, and a gospel number filled out the rest of a playlist heavy on Southern music, with a couple of outliers.

Follow Friday #21 / Book Blogger Hop #21

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

Well, not much I don't think. Although I would say I read more YA now than I did then as I concentrated on the classics a lot in my mid-late teens. I have always read a lot since I was a child, but I think I had more time for it back then than I do now. I wish I had more reading time again - but then I wish I had more time for a lot of things! Such is life. Still, I've read 92 books so far this year, which isn't bad going.

“Let’s talk crazy book titles! Highlight one or two titles in your personal collection that have the most interesting titles!

Hmm, let me see. Well, there's A Case of Exploding Mangoes by Hanif and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by  Haddon. How's that?

Just to let you all know, I have a giveaway running for an e-book copy of Brightwing by Lee Sullivan. Check it out HERE.

Ragnarok: The End of the Gods by A. S. Byatt - Book Review

Title: Ragnarok: The End of the Gods

Author: A. S. Byatt

Publisher: Grove Press

Publication Date: 1st September 2011

Pages: 192

Format: E-Book - PDF

Genre: Literary Fiction

Source: ARC from NetGalley

During the second world war Antonia Byatt was given a book of Norse myths by her father. She read it and reread it but there was one myth she was drawn to in particular and which has continued to hold her under its spell - the Myth of Ragnarok. The Ragnarok myth, otherwise known as the Twilight of the Gods, plays out the endgame of Norse mythology. It is the myth in which the gods Odin, Freya and Thor die, the sun and moon are swallowed by the wolf Fenrir, the serpent Midgard eats his own tale as he crushes the world and the seas boil with poison. It is only after such monstrous death and destruction that the world can begin anew. This epic struggle provided the fitting climax to Wagner's Ring Cycle and just as Wagner was inspired by Norse myth (it was also Hitler's favourite myth!) so Byatt has taken this remarkable finale and used it as the underpinning of this highly personal and politically charged retelling. (Goodreads Synopsis)


When I first saw this title was available on NetGalley, I was so excited and requested it at once. I've loved everything I've read by Byatt and this story was of particular interest to me as I adore mythology.

I devoured this book in one sitting and loved every minute of it. The story of Ragnarok is told here as seen through the eyes of a young girl, reading the mythology from a book while she lives in the country during the war. I loved the way the child related the story to her own experiences of war and religion.

This book shifts between the child's thoughts and the Ragnarok story, but it never feels fragmented as Byatt manages to balance the two elements perfectly. The prose is beautiful and descriptive yet not overly 'flowery' and it is a real pleasure to read it and lose yourself in the words.

I enjoyed the note from Byatt at the end, discussing the approach she'd used, as that really helped bind the piece together.

It's been a while since I last did any reading on Northern myth, but I now feel inspired to grab up my copies of the Edda and the Kalevala again. This is definitely a book that I will be buying myself a print copy of so that I can keep it in my library and reread it in the future. Highly recommended to both lovers of literary fiction and those interested in mythology.

Dead World by J. N. Duncan - Book Review

Title: Deadworld

Author: J. N. Duncan

Publisher: Kensington Publishing

Publication Date: 1st April 2011

Pages: 352

Format: E-Book - EPUB

Genre: Paranormal/UF

Source: Free from Kobo

She's as tough as anything haunting Chicago's streets. But to deal with an inhuman power that won't stay buried, this FBI agent needs help that comes at an immortal price...
Jackie Rutledge has seen her share of supernatural killers. But her latest murder case is what recurring nightmares are made of. Brutally exsanguinated human victims, vanishing-into-the-ether evidence, and a city on the edge of panic mean that she and her psychic partner, Laurel, are going to need more than just backup ...
So Jackie is fine with any help rugged P.I. Nick Anderson can give--even if that includes the impish ghost and sexy vampire who make up his team. But Nick is hiding secrets of his own. And Jackie's investigation has plunged them both into a vengeful game reaching back centuries--and up against a malevolent force hungry for more than just victory... (Goodreads Synopsis)



This was another of the books I got for free from Kobo some time ago. The blurb sounded really interesting and I thought it would be an entertaining tale. Sadly I was somewhat disappointed.

The story idea is great: I liked the suggestion of Deadworld and the concept of a vampire feud going back over a hundred years. This could have been a great read, but it just never came together for me. The characters were so cliched at times that I couldn't take them seriously and, more importantly, I never believed in it. Now, I know this is fantasy, but if it's done well, it should feel like it could be real.

My main problem was the ease with which the FBI accepted the ghosts and vampires. Sure Laurel can sense ghosts, and we are told the FBI team are used to this from her. But the sudden appearance of vampires makes them do no more than shrug and carry on regardless. It just didn't sit right with me.

Up until the last 50 pages or so, I was bordering on the thought of having to give this just one star, but I upped my estimation to two because I did find the ending enjoyable. The way the 'fight' at the end plays out is imaginative and actually fairly poignant. And, although I hadn't cared much for the characters up till that point, I did shed a little tear.

The clever ending was this book's saving grace, but I doubt it is enough for me to want to read more from the series or to pick this one up for a second read through.

How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire by Kerrelyn Sparks - Book Review

Title: How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire

Author: Kerrelyn Sparks

Publisher: Harper Collins

Publication Date: 3rd March 2009 (2005)

Pages: 384

Format: E-Book - EPUB

Genre: Paranormal

Source: Free from Kobo

 


So what if he's a bit older and usually regards a human female as dinner, not a dinner date? Yes, Roman Draganesti is a vampire, but a vampire who lost one of his fangs sinking his teeth into something he shouldn't have. Now he has one night to find a dentist before his natural healing abilities close the wound, leaving him a lop–sided eater for all eternity.

Things aren't going well for Shanna Whelan either...After witnessing a gruesome murder by the Russian mafia, she's next on their hit list. And her career as a dentist appears to be on a downward spiral because she's afraid of blood. When Roman rescues her from an assassination attempt, she wonders if she's found the one man who can keep her alive. Though the attraction between them is immediate and hot, can Shanna conquer her fear of blood to fix Roman's fang? And if she does, what will prevent Roman from using his fangs on her... (Goodreads Synopsis)


I grabbed this e-book when it was free on the Kobo site as the title caught my attention and it looked like a lot of fun.

I'm so glad I didn't pass it by as this book really made me smile and even laugh out loud. Some of the scenes are just so funny. Sparks has created a really great plot that is at times serious and at times likes to make fun of itself. It's a refreshing change from some of the really 'serious' paranormal romance out there as it acknowledges the clichés and just runs with them.

The characters are vibrant and interesting and the book overall is an easy, relaxing read. If, like me, you love your vampires but don't mind laughing at them occasionally, then this is the book for you.

Zombies Don't Cry by Rusty Fischer - Book Review

Title: Zombies Don't Cry

Author: Rusty Fischer

Publisher: Medallion Press

Publication Date: 24th March 2011

Pages: 300

Format: E-Book - PDF

Genre: Paranormal YA

Source: Won in a Giveaway

In the sleepy small town of Barracuda Bay, Maddy Swift leads the life of a fairly typical teenager, but while attending a party one night, Maddy is struck by lightning and awakens to realize she has been reanimated and turned into a zombie. While becoming acquainted with her new "lifestyle," Maddy stumbles upon two unexpected undead chaperones, fellow students Dane and Chloe, who begin to teach her the ways of zombie life, including defending the populace from Zerkers—the bad zombies. Together, on prom night, the three teens must ultimately defend Barracuda Bay High from an all-out zombie Armageddon. (Goodreads Synopsis)


Ok, let me start by saying one thing: I hate zombies. I can't watch zombie movies at all as they completely freak me out, and then I can't sleep all night. So, why am I reading a zombie book, I hear you cry.

Actually, I was told that this was a fun piece of writing, and I have to say that I agree. This book even had me laughing out loud a few times and certainly I felt no need to cower behind the sofa.

It's not all laughs of course, but Fischer manages to perfectly balance the humour with moments of action, peril and romance, crafting a fun-filled YA tale in which zombies are not always the bad guys.

The story moved along at a nice pace and the characters came across well, although I found Stamp a little annoying at times and probably would have chosen a different end for him myself.

But, overall this is a fun and enjoyable read that would probably please those who like Buffy-style monster humour.

Follow Friday #20 / Book Blogger Hop #20

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

I think for me Pushkin's Eugene Onegin was a timely find. I read it during a period when I totally worshipped this guy who didn't feel the same and it seemed like Tatyana and I were in the same boat. I even wrote a letter to the guy I liked, the way she does. It didn't work out, but eventually I went on to find love with someone the complete opposite of the guy I had once adored. I still like to go back to the book now and again as it is such a wonderful piece of writing.



This week's question from Crazy-for-Books is:

What is the one ARC you would love to get your hands on right now?

I am quite keen to read the new A. S. Byatt book, Ragnarok that will be released early September. I requested the ARC from NetGalley, but haven't heard if I was lucky enough to be approved for it yet.

Laura Sullivan - Interview and Giveaway

Today I welcome Laura Sullivan to the blog to tell us a bit about her writing and to offer an exciting giveaway.

1) Tell us a bit about yourself and your writing.

I'm a former social worker, newspaper editor and deputy sheriff, who now writes full time. (Well, as full time as a person can write when they're also a stay-at-home divorced mom!) I'm kind of a dilettante, and writing has been the only real constant in my life, the only thing I ever really wanted to do for a living. Writing is also the only job that allows me to do everything in the world, vicariously through my characters and research.

I write in a lot of different genres – hence the pen names! And a lot of my work doesn't fit neatly on the shelves – hence the venture into self-publishing! In the traditionally published world, I write books for Middle Grade and Young Adult audiences.  Under the Green Hill (out now) and Guardian of the Green Hill (out in October), both from Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, are middle grade fantasies about a group of children who are caught in the middle of a fairy war. Then in 2012 I have two YA historicals.

I love to write about characters with a complex moral core, characters with unique backgrounds and influences whose actions make the reader think more deeply about their own morality. I also love the challenge of making characters who should be wholly unlikable come across as a little sympathetic.

The 30 year-old Fangirl

Okay, so I'm not 30 yet, but I'll turn 29 before the end of the year and will be one step closer to the dreaded 3-0.

I've always been a fangirl. When I got caught up over something or someone, I'd dedicate myself completely, collect memorabilia - the works! Back four years ago in England, I lived with my parents still and for the most part my money was my own. I had the time and means to fangirl to my heart's content.

Then I moved here to Australia, got engaged, had to spend all my earnings on bills and all my free time of the past seemed to get eaten up in chores and work. I have had fangirl moments since then, most notably over True Blood. I've bought a few items for that fandom, but nothing like I would have done four or five years ago.

Living at home, my bedroom wall would be devoted to all the people and things I was mad about. A little shrine to actors, shows, films etc. With a fiance and a shared bedroom though, it is not so easy. My very understanding fiance did say the other day that I can put some pictures up and maybe I will stick one on my bookcase, but somehow it's not the same when someone else inhabits that space with me.

Perhaps you are wondering what has prompted this sudden outpouring? Well, I recently got the box set of seasons 1-5 of Supernatural. I had only seen odd episodes before and wanted to watch it all. Now I am 'in love'... not with Sam or Dean... with Castiel. Sometimes my fangirling starts with a character then spreads to the actor himself. In this case though, while I like Misha Collins, the obsession is solely about the character.

So, I decided to share a little pic with you today to satisfy my fangirl cravings. I give you... Castiel.

Resurrection (Bringer and the Bane #1) by Boone Brux - Book Review

Title: Resurrection (Bringer and the Bane #1)

Author: Boone Brux

Publisher: Entangled Publishing

Publication Date: December 2011

Pages: 320

Format: E-Book - PDF

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Source: ARC from NetGalley

Protecting humans is the Bringers’ duty. Sending demons to the Shadow World is their pleasure.

In one night, Ravyn’s life plunges from barely tolerable to deadly. Forced to flee the only home she’s ever known, Ravyn stumbles headlong into the clutches of a powerful demon intent on stealing her powers. Unfortunately for him, she has no intention of cooperating.

When Rhys realizes the woman he rescued from the Demon Bane is no mere human, his obligation as a Bringer dictates he protect and train her in the ways of his people. But he’s unprepared for the intense desire he feels for the fiery Ravyn. To surrender to his need may mean her death.

As the Demon Bane threat escalates, igniting terror and chaos across the realm, Rhys and Ravyn must embark on a perilous journey to unite the last of the Bringers–and explore a passion too powerful to ignore. (Goodreads Synopsis)


I have come to understand that this book has been held back for further edits, so my review is based on the unedited ARC I received from NetGalley.

This is another book about which my feelings are somewhat ambivalent.

In terms of the concept of the book, I really enjoyed it. I like the mythology that Brux created for the world and I felt the idea had a lot of potential. The premise of a group fighting a 'demon' threat is fairly common just now, but Brux gives her own take on it with some great, fresh ideas.

Somehow this story just fell a little flat for me though. I didn't hate it, and I found the pacing and action good, but I just didn't gel with the characters. I thought I would as I like Ravyn in the opening chapters and I enjoyed her initial interaction with Rhys. But somewhere along the line it just fizzled out for me and I began to lose interest in them. I wonder if it was perhaps the fact they consummated their relationship so early on in the story and then all the sexual tension dissipated and they both just seemed to brood in their own ways until they were suddenly reunited and in love again.

So, in conclusion: this is an OK read if this is your preferred genre, but I'm not sure I was gripped enough to rush to read any following books in the series.

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick - Book Review

Title: Hush, Hush

Author: Becca Fitzpatrick

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication Date: 13th October 2009

Pages: 391

Format: Paperback

Genre: YA / Paranormal

Source: Won in a Giveaway

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her...until Patch comes along.
With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment, but after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is far more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.
For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life. (Goodreads Synopsis)


I'd heard many good things about this book and was looking forward to reading it.

There were lots of things about it that I liked. I enjoyed the mythology behind the fallen angels and the new twist on the familiar theme. The pacing was pretty good and the storyline held my interest throughout, making it a hard book to put down. I liked Nora's character too and she came across well.

You're waiting for the 'but', I'm sure, and yes, there is one. Patch. I really wanted to like Patch as I do tend to prefer the 'bad boy' heroes on the whole, but I just felt something was lacking. Maybe I've been hearing so much about how fantastic he is from other readers that I was expecting too much, but I did find him a letdown. Sure he brooded, acted badly and was mysterious, and from that point of view I could understand Nora's attraction to him. But he just never seemed fully formed to me. In my mind he was more of a two dimensional shadow than a fully-fledged character. I just couldn't 'see' him. That is why this book gets four stars instead of five.

That hasn't put me off reading on though, and I am keen to get hold of the second book to see if his character improves, given the change of circumstances he finds himself in at the end of this first book. As I said, I enjoyed the mythology and am keen to see where Fitzpatrick takes that in the sequel. Oh, and I love the cover art!