Divergent by Veronica Roth - Book Review

Title: Divergent

Author: Veronica Roth

Publisher: Harper Collins

Publication Date: 3rd May 2011

Pages: 496

Format: Paperback

Genre: YA / Fantasy / Dystopia

Source: Won in a Giveaway

Beatrice "Tris" Prior has reached the fateful age of sixteen, the stage at which teenagers in Veronica Roth's dystopian Chicago must select which of five factions to join for life. Each faction represents a virtue: Candor, Abnegation, Dauntless, Amity, and Erudite. To the surprise of herself and her selfless Abnegation family, she chooses Dauntless, the path of courage. Her choice exposes her to the demanding, violent initiation rites of this group, but it also threatens to expose a personal secret that could place in mortal danger. (Goodreads Synopsis)


I'm not a huge YA reader, but I have picked up several in that genre so far this year. Most have been OK; some I liked more than others, but none have blown me away. Until now.

I was hooked on this book right from the start and found it a real page turner. The story and characters were interesting and engaging and it was always hard to put it down. I loved the premise and the way the names of the factions were not 'dumbed down' for the younger readers.

Tris and Four are both great characters: well formed and believable and you do see them grow during the story - something that a few YA books fail on. When reading some YA books, I find myself conscious of the genre, aware that the book is not for 'adults'. But with Divergent, I forgot that entirely and just lost myself in the story. This is the one I would recommend to people wanting to giving YA a try for the first time.

I had only one minor gripe and that was the fact that the ending felt a little rushed. This is a decent length book and yet it seemed like there was a long, long build up and then the ending was over in a few pages. However, the ending did leave room for a sequel, so perhaps we will see things continued in a second book in the future.

This is one of my favourite reads of the year so far.

Where Demons Fear to Tread by Stephanie Chong - Book Review

Title: Where Demons Fear to Tread

Author: Stephanie Chong

Publisher: MIRA

Publication Date: 1st September 2011

Pages: 400

Format: E-Book - PDF

Genre: Paranormal

Source: ARC from NetGalley

Fledging guardian angel and yoga teacher Serena St. Clair dares enter Devil's Paradise nightclub on a mission—to retrieve the wayward Hollywood "It Boy" she's assigned to protect. But she's ambushed by the club's owner, arch demon Julian Ascher. The most powerful demonic entity in Los Angeles, Julian is handsome as sin, a master of temptation who loves nothing more than corrupting pleasure–seeking humans. He won't release the lost soul Serena is supposed to guard. Unless she accepts his dangerous wager…

After the disastrous way his human life ended, Julian vowed that no woman would get the better of him again. Yet this sexy–sweet angel, smelling of fresh ocean air and happiness, triggers centuries–old feelings. Now, their high–stakes game of seduction, where angels fall from grace and where demons fear to tread, will lead them either to an eternity in hell.or a deliciously hot heaven. (Goodreads Synopsis)


I chose to request this book from NetGalley because I realised I was yet to read much from the new 'angel' paranormal romance explosion. I expected to enjoy the book as an average piece of paranormal romance and nothing more, yet in the end I was pleasantly surprised.

I actually found myself really drawn in by the story and the characters. The overall premise was simple, but the plot was nicely paced and contained plenty of excitment and nervous tension to keep me on the edge of my seat. I really grew to love the characters and became invested in their story, even shedding a tear in a couple of places!

With a lot of fairly average paranormal romance out there, it is a real pleasure to find a novel that gripped me and kept me wanting more. The prose was good, the characters fully realised and fleshed out, and I loved the finale, which resolved the major elements but left a few tantalising loose ends that promise an interesting second book in the future.

I can definitely recommend this to paranormal romance fans looking for something fresh and new.

Follow Friday #19 / Book Blogger Hop #19

Let's step away from books for a second and get personal. What T-Shirt slogan best describes you?

Well, I'm not sure about one that best describes me, but I am actually wearing a slogan top today that reads:

Rock is dead. Long live paper and scissors





Hop time at Crazy-for-Books again too! Here's this week's question:

Highlight one book you have received this week (for review, from the library, purchased at the store, etc.) that you can’t wait to dig into!

Well, I received a paperback copy of Hush, Hush by Becca Fitpatrick that I won in a blog giveaway. I am looking forward to getting into that one once I finish the two books I currently have on the go!

Cover Love - Day-Walker

I am so excited today as I have received the cover art for Day-Walker, my paranormal romance that will be released as a e-book by Silver Publishing on 24th September.

The artist is the amazing Reese Dante and I think she has done a wonderful job on this cover, don't you?

Day-Walker

Short Novel (approx 26,500 words)

Coming 24th September 2011 - Silver Publishing

"Darci Madison seems to have found her ideal man. But mysterious stranger, Will, has a dark secret. A secret that could put her life in danger as the sun sets."

I will have a longer blurb and more information on this release for you in the coming weeks, so watch this space!

The Artificial Silk Girl by Irmgard Keun - Book Review

Title: The Artificial Silk Girl

Author: Irmgard Keun

Publisher: Other Press

Publication Date: 14th June 2011

Pages: 216

Format: E-Book - PDF

Genre: Literary Fiction

Source: ARC from NetGalley

In 1931, a young woman writer living in Germany was inspired by Anita Loos's Gentlemen Prefer Blondes to describe pre-war Berlin and the age of cinematic glamour through the eyes of a woman. The resulting novel, The Artificial Silk Girl, became an acclaimed bestseller and a masterwork of German literature, in the tradition of Christopher Isherwood's Berlin Stories and Bertolt Brecht's Three Penny Opera. Like Isherwood and Brecht, Keun revealed the dark underside of Berlin's "golden twenties" with empathy and honesty. Unfortunately, a Nazi censorship board banned Keun's work in 1933 and destroyed all existing copies of The Artificial Silk Girl. Only one English translation was published, in Great Britain, before the book disappeared in the chaos of the ensuing war. Today, more than seven decades later, the story of this quintessential "material girl" remains as relevant as ever, as an accessible new translation brings this lost classic to light once more. Other Press is pleased to announce the republication of The Artificial Silk Girl, elegantly translated by noted Germanist Kathie von Ankum, and with a new introduction by Harvard professor Maria Tatar. (Goodreads Synopsis)




The first few pages of this book, I really struggled, trying to follow as Doris shifted from one thought to another, segueing from topic to topic with no real pause. That is why I have always had a general dislike for stream of consciousness novels.

Anyhow, I persevered and gradually found myself getting into the flow of the prose.

The story is simple enough, following Doris as she moves through a string of men and troubles in Berlin in the early 1930's. You get a great sense of time and place from her descriptions and the characters come across well too.

Anyone who is into the Bridget Jones style 'dear diary' reads will probably find this enjoyable as it is really a sort of precursor to that idea, but written more as a single stream than as dated entries in a diary.

I found it an enjoyable read, but I had wished for a slightly different ending and felt a little flat when I turned the final page. Also, the language seemed stiff at times, but I am not sure if that was the style of the piece or just a translation matter; I may read it in German later to compare. Still, an interesting glimpse at 1930's Berlin, told from an eccentric, upbeat point of view. Worth checking out.

An Embarrassment of Riches by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro - Book Review

Title: An Embarrassment of Riches

Author: Chelsea Quinn Yarbro

Publisher: Tor Books

Publication Date: 1st March 2011

Pages: 383

Format: Hardback

Genre: Historical/Paranormal

Source: Bought copy

The 24th release in the Saint Germain series is set in Bohemia in the middle of the thirteenth century. Rakoczy is sent to the court of Otakar II in Praha to make jewels for the Queen, Kunigunde. His fief is in the balance if he betrays the orders of King Bela of Hungary and leaves Otakar's city. Constantly under scrutiny, the Comes' life is put in danger when Rozsa of Borsod, a lady-in-waiting, takes an interest in him, threatening to denounce him if he does not acquiesce to her requests. (My Synopsis)

It is no secret that I am a huge fan of Chelsea Quinn Yarbro's historical vampire series. In fact, if I could pick an author I'd most like to be, she would be high up the list if not the first choice.

This latest offering in the Saint Germain series more than lives up to my high expectations. Once more the Comte must carefully weave his way through court intrigues and plots, avoiding exposure of his true nature. There was no 'big romance' with one particular woman in this story unlike some of the others, but I liked how the different personalities of the ladies-in-waiting were shown and how the grip of the church affected their behaviour.

As always, the attention to historical detail is sublime and really draws you into the world of the story. One of the things I most admire about Yarbro's writing is the amount of research she must put in to recreate the various times and places in the series.

Saint Germain himself is as dashing and alluring as ever and he is a character I doubt I will ever grow tired of following.

This series of books will be treasured by readers who like their vampire romances to have more depth and less teenage angst. If you enjoy paranormal, literary fiction and historical fiction, or are looking for vampire books that do not follow the usual clichés, then I can highly recommend the writings of Chelsea Quinn Yarbro.

Follow Friday #18 / Book Blogger Hop #18 / Literary Blog Hop #2

It's that time of week again. Here is the question from the Book Blogger Hop, hosted by Crazy-for-Books.

What’s the ONE GENRE that you wish you could get into, but just can’t?

Hmm. There are plenty I can't get into but wouldn't want to i.e. chick lit, but I read at least a little in most other catagories. I guess travel writing (e.g. Bill Bryson) is something I'd like to try more in the future...and some YA. I hear great things about some YA books and a few I read and do enjoy, but some I find a bit juvenile and it puts me off trying others for a while.

Q. Name 3 authors that you would love to sit down and spend an hour or a meal with just talking about either their books or get advice on writing from?

Does it have to be living authors? I would say definitely Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, to discuss how she goes about researching the historic settings for her books as they are always so full of great detail. Then dead authors I'd love to meet if I had a time machine, or could summon up their ghosts, would be Tolkien and Victor Hugo.
If I can only pick living authors, I select Yann Martel and Charlaine Harris as my other too. How's that?

Discuss Bibliotherapy. Do you believe literature can be a viable form of therapy? Is literary writing more or less therapeutic than pop lit or nonficition?

I think literature can definitely be therapeutic. I can't count the number of times I've picked up a book feeling miserable then found my mood much improved once I've been lost in a good story for an hour or so. I think literary fiction probably is more therapeutic than popular fiction and nonfiction, for me at least, as literary fiction tends to address the deeper issues, raising more thought-provoking points. I tend to become much more emotionally involved in good literary fiction and that is what I would find therapeutic - discovering a deep emotion within a text that either mirrors my own feelings, confirming and vindicating them, or allowing the opposing emotion in a book to counteract what I am feeling, giving me something else to focus on.

The Fury by Elizabeth Miles - Book Review

Title: The Fury

Author: Elizabeth Miles

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Publication Date: 30th August 2011

Pages: 384

Format: E-Book - PDF

Genre: Paranormal YA

Source: ARC from GalleyGrab

 

Sometimes sorry isn't enough....

It's winter break in Ascension, Maine. The snow is falling and everything looks pristine and peaceful. But not all is as it seems...

Between cozy traditions and parties with her friends, Emily loves the holidays. And this year's even better--the guy she's been into for months is finally noticing her. But Em knows if she starts things with him, there's no turning back. Because his girlfriend is Em's best friend.

On the other side of town, Chase is having problems of his own. The stress of his home life is starting to take its toll, and his social life is unraveling. But that's nothing compared to what's really haunting him. Chase has done something cruel...something the perfect guy he pretends to be would never do. And it's only a matter of time before he's exposed.

In Ascension, mistakes can be deadly. And three girls—three beautiful, mysterious girls—are here to choose who will pay.

Em and Chase have been chosen. (Goodreads Synopsis)


I finished this book less than an hour ago, but I am still trying to decide what I thought of it.

I think the main thing I struggled with in this story is the fact that very little happens in the first half. Sure there is teenage angst, people cheating on each other etc, but the story, for me at least, didn't really get going until the last third of the book.

Once the mythology behind the story became clearer, I did find it interesting and yet I felt a bit deflated by the ending. I am assuming a sequel is in store given the way it ended, but I found it lacking in any real sense of fulfilment when you turned the last page.

I didn't hate the characters, but I also didn't really connect with them at all and I think that contributed to my general apathy.

This is an OK read if the story idea appeals to you, but for me it fell a little short of expectations.

The Mephisto Convenant (Book 1) by Trinity Faegen - Book Review

Title: The Mephisto Covenant (Book 1)

Author: Trinity Faegen

Publisher: Egmont USA

Publication Date: 27th September 2011

Pages: 448

Format: E-Book - PDF

Genre: Paranormal YA

Source: ARC from NetGalley

Sasha is desperate to find out who murdered her father. When getting the answer means pledging her soul to Eryx, she unlocks a secret that puts her in grave danger—Sasha is Anabo, a daughter of Eve, and Eryx’s biggest threat.

A son of Hell, immortal, and bound to Earth forever, Jax looks for redemption in the Mephisto Covenant—God’s promise he will find peace in the love of an Anabo. After a thousand years, he’s finally found the girl he’s been searching for: Sasha.

With the threat of Eryx looming, Jax has to keep Sasha safe and win her over. But can he? Will Sasha love him and give up her mortal life? (Goodreads Synopsis)

To be honest, the cover art was the first thing that grabbed me about this book and it was on that basis (followed by a read of the blurb) that I requested it from NetGalley.

At the start of the book, I thought I was going to be disappointed as I found the story somewhat clichéd and felt I was anticipating everything that was happening. It was at about the halfway point that things changed and I suddenly found myself drawn into the story and starting to care about the characters. There was still a lot of predictability, but being more invested in the characters, I was able to overlook that and I confess I shed a little tear at the end.

I would say that on the whole I enjoyed the book, but I was surprised to see it listed as book one in a series as it seemed to me that the story could have ended with the finale of this first book. Yes, there are some loose ends, and maybe I will read on, but there was not a great hook in the cliff-hanger to make me hungry for more.

If I could pick one thing I wish had been different, I would say that I would have liked more regarding Eryx. We learn he is ‘evil’, and certainly we see him manipulating people, but I don’t find myself completely sold on the need to defeat him at all costs. Not at this stage at least – and maybe that’s where the second book will take us.

It seems that this review is very negative, but I am actually giving the book four stars as by the time I turned the final page, I would say that I enjoyed the story. I just wasn’t as deeply involved in the world as I would have liked to have been.

Will I read on in the series? Maybe, but the hook in the blurb would need to be good to get my attention. So in conclusion: a little predictable at times, but a pleasant read all the same.

Darkness Dawns (Immortal Guardians #1) by Dianne Duvall - Book Review

Title: Darkness Dawns (Immortal Guardians #1)

Author: Dianne Duvall

Publisher: Zebra/Kensington Books

Publication Date: 1st February 2011

Pages: 345

Format: Paperback

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Source: Won in a Giveaway

Once, Sarah Bingham's biggest challenge was making her students pay attention in class. Now, after rescuing a wounded stranger, she's handed in the middle of a battle between corrupt vampires and powerful immortals who also need blood to survive. Roland Warbrook is the most compelling man Sarah has ever laid hands on. But his desire for her is mingled with a hunger he can barely control...In his nine centuries of immortal existence, no woman has tempted Roland as much as Sarah. But asking her to love him is impossible - when it means forfeiting the world she's always known, and the life he would do anything to protect. (Goodreads Synopsis)


This was a well written and engaging paranormal romance with strong characters and an exciting plot.

Naturally there were a few of the general cliches you usually find in this genre (hey, they appear in my own writing too!), but when you get a book like this that sucks the reader in, it doesn't really matter.

Sarah and Roland are a great couple. There is plenty of spark and their relationship and its progression comes across as very believable and well-written.

The pacing is spot on and there is plenty of action, while the story idea is interesting and works well. I felt I wanted to know more about the Guardians and I was pleased to see that there were a few loose ends still by the time I finished that might lead to a sequel. I would certainly read more in this series.

Sexual content means that this is one for the adults. A great read for paranormal romance fans.

Follow Friday #17 / Book Blogger Hop #17

Q. What do I do when I am not reading?

Lately I just seem to be working all the time. I have a day job, do freelance editing, am studying for two diplomas, and planning my wedding for October.
Then there are letters from penpals to reply to, household chores etc.

Things I love to do, and squeeze in when I can, are: writing fiction, cross stitch, photography, theatre, music practice (singing/flute/piano) and sketching....




How/Where do you get your books? Do you buy them or go to the library? Is there a certain website you use like paperbackswap?

I rarely go to the library as the one near me is pretty useless, so I either buy my books, or read those I win in giveaways/receive as ARCs. The ARCs I get from authors/publishers or from NetGalley and GalleyGrab. When I buy books I tend to favour Book Depository as it ships free to Australia.

Reading Away....

Well, it's been a quiet few days for me. The reason? I have somehow managed to end up reading three books at once, so I have yet to finish any of them!

I was starting The Mephisto Covenant, but the format of the PDF proved to be impossible for my Kobo, so I have been forced to read it on the computer instead. I'm about halfway through now, but I can only read a bit at a time on days I have time to sit there.

In the meantime, I opened The Fury on my Kobo and began to read. I got about a third through but then the battery died. I don't like the fact that you can only charge the Kobo via USB as it means I can't just plug it in somewhere; I have to have the computer on etc.

Tuesday night I was busy and didn't go online, so it wasn't charged when I wanted to read later in evening. I therefore grabbed my print copy of Darkness Dawns and started that.

So I am now halfway through one book, a third through another and two thirds through Darkness Dawns. That means I've had no reviews to share this week, but stay tuned and soon you'll get three in quick succession! ;)

David M Brown - Guest Blog

Today I am joined by author David M Brown via Bewitching Book Tours. Over to you, David!

I love to read about writers’ environments, whether they write at a desk or pop out to the local cafe away from the distractions of home. Though I have written on the train or at a cafe, I prefer to do all my writing at home and tend to have two favoured locations.

For Love of Max (To The Max #2) by Julie Lynn Hayes - Book Review

Title: For Love of Max (To The Max #2)

Author: Julie Lynn Hayes

Publisher: Silver Publishing

Publication Date: 4th June 2011

Pages: 388

Format: E-book - PDF

Genre: Paranormal M/M

Source: Bought Copy

Life is truly beautiful! Richard actually asked me to marry him, do you believe it? Of course there's a small hurdle we have to cross--namely that gay marriage isn't legal here in Missouri. But it's a start, right?

Things are looking up for us, now that I know the truth about Richard. Our careers are doing well, we're blissfully happy together, and Mother has given us her blessing! My sister Diana is going through boyfriends like some people change clothes. I wonder if she'll ever find Mr. Right? Cat's cousin has turned out to be a real interesting character, and the most interesting thing is--he’s a werewolf! And more disturbing than that, I think that maybe my father (that shadowy figure who's never figured in my life) might just be someone named Jason. It's a long story.

Just when I thought I had things figured out, they change, and I find out that what I thought I knew was just so much nonsense. In other words--lies. Who can I trust? Other than Richard, of course. And what should I believe? And why does it seem like the world is trying to shake me out of my lycanthropic closet?

What's a gay werewolf to do? (Goodreads Synopsis)


Yay, Max is back!

I was a big fan of To The Max, the first book in the series, and so was thrilled to see Max and Richard return for a sequel.

This book picks up where the first left off and the action gets going straight away. For fans of the first book, all the old characters are back, but there are also some new figures who rock up and manage to complicate Max's life even further.

Like the first book, this is one for the over 18 audience due to the sexual content, but, with Julie Lynn Hayes at the helm, you can be assured of a well-developed plot and fully formed characters too.

The ending leaves us open for another sequel, and I for one will be waiting impatiently for more tales from Max.

After Midnight by Irmgard Keun - Book Review

Title: After Midnight

Author: Irmgard Keun

Publisher: Melville House

Publication Date: 24th May 2011 (1987)

Pages: 135

Format: E-book - PDF

Genre: Literary Fiction

Source: ARC from NetGalley

Sanna and her ravishing friend Gerti would rather speak of love than politics, but in 1930s Frankfurt, politics cannot be escaped—even in the lady's bathroom. Crossing town one evening to meet up with Gerti's Jewish lover, a blockade cuts off the girls' path—it is the Fürher in a motorcade procession, and the crowd goes mad striving to catch a glimpse of Hitler's raised "empty hand." Then the parade is over, and in the long hours after midnight Sanna and Gerti will face betrayal, death, and the heartbreaking reality of being young in an era devoid of innocence or romance. (Goodreads Synopsis)


This is a very intense piece of writing, offering a glimpse of the life led by everyday people in Hitler's Germany.

The tension runs high from start to finish as the characters deal with the difficulties of life, under constant threat of being reported for the slightest hint of offense against the regime.

There was a sense of urgency about every scene in this book, which was a little tiring at times, but which I also think was necessary to convey the fear of the characters as they each battled their personal demons. I certainly put the book down at the end with a sense of relief that I could now take a moment to breathe.

I never really felt I fully engaged with the characters, but I wonder if that was intentional on the part of the author, given the detachment of the characters themselves as they look for ways to escape their various lives and situations.

This is a quick read at only 135 pages, but I would not necessarily say it was a light one, despite the moments of great satirical humour that save the piece from becoming too depressive; more one for a dark, long night than a simple rainy afternoon, but worth the effort for those of you who like a deeper type of literary fiction.

The Train by Georges Simenon - Book Review

Title: The Train
Author: Georges Simenon

Publisher: Melville House

Publication Date: 12th July 2011 (1964)

Pages: 144

Format: E-book - PDF

Genre: Literary Fiction

Source: ARC from NetGalley




Against all expectations Marcel Féron has made a “normal” life in a bucolic French suburb in the Ardennes. But on May 10, 1940, as Nazi tanks approach, this timid, happy man must abandon his home and confront the “Fate” that he has secretly awaited. Separated from his pregnant wife and young daughter in the chaos of flight, he joins a freight car of refugees hurtling southward ahead of the pursuing invaders. There, he meets Anna, a sad-looking, dark- haired girl, whose accent is “neither Belgian nor German,” and who “seemed foreign to everything around her.” As the mystery of Anna’s identity is gradually revealed, Marcel leaps from the heights of an exhilarating freedom to the depths of a terrifying responsibility— one that will lead him to a blood-chilling choice. (Goodreads Synopsis)


This is an intriguing piece that at times feels claustrophobic as we follow the journey of Marcel, a man trying to escape from the approaching Germans.

The style of the writing is rather internalised, drawing the reader into the world of the people in the train carriage. We see right into Marcel's thoughts from the very first sentence and we never leave his side for the rest of the novel.

The pacing was steady, but never plodding, and, while a number of major events do take place in the story, it is more a character study than an action-driven piece.

The prose in this piece is at times poetic and yet retains a realism that makes the end of the novella all the more stark and shocking.

This book would suit lovers of literary fiction who are looking for a quick and easy read to while away an evening, but who also want something to think about as they turn the final page.

Winner - Cold in California by Deborah Riley-Magnus

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

Jamie @ Bookerella

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

Penguin Lost by Andrey Kurkov - Book Review

Title: Penguin Lost
Author: Andrey Kurkov

Publisher: Melville House

Publication Date: 27th September 2011 (2004)

Pages: 256

Format: E-book - PDF

Genre:Literary Fiction/Satire/Crime

Source: ARC from NetGalley

The long-awaited sequel to the acclaimed Death and the Penguin, Penguin Lost sees Viktor grab at the opportunity to return to Kiev incognito and launch an intensive, guilt-wracked search for Misha.
It’s a search that will take Viktor across the Ukraine to Moscow and back, vividly depicting a troubled landscape. It once again lands Viktor in league with a series of criminals and corrupt officials, each of whom know something of what happened to Misha, and each of whom are willing to pass that information along if Viktor will just help them with one more job. . . And it’s a tale told once again in a style that’s part Bulgakov and part Hitchcock, simultaneously funny and ominous, nearly absurd and all-too-real.
Readers may find themselves rooting even harder for Viktor this time, as he presses forward on his odyssey under even more dangerous circumstances, in another brilliantly rich and topical book from a contemporary Russian master. (Goodreads Synopsis)

I must say that I enjoyed this second book even more than the first.

Twists and turns abound as Viktor races to locate the penguin he left behind; the penguin whose place on the boat to Antarctica he stole. Along the way he finds himself embroiled in a political campaign and even cremating corpses, in a story that retains the wonderful satire of the first book, but is definitely more action-packed.

This second offering by Kurkov moves at a faster pace than the first and introduces a few new characters as well as old friends. I loved some of the new characters, especially the aspiring Deputy who gave the opportunity for some wonderful political satire.

This novel is a must for anyone who read and enjoyed the first book and who longs to know if Misha will ever make it to Antarctica! 

Winner - Freedom Giveaway Hop

Well, it's been an exciting week. I now have 555 followers, so thank you all. I received a total of 272 entries for the competition and the winner, selected randomly, is:

Suz @ A Soul Unsung

Congratulations Suz, an email will be coming to you in a moment!

Follow Friday #16 / Book Blogger Hop #16

Q. Let's step away from besties...What is the worst book that you've ever read and actually finished?

Hmm, without a doubt The Forest People by Colin Turnbull. I agreed to read it for a book club and was bored nearly to death. I did finish as I didn't want to let the group down, but I really skim-read and breathed a sigh of relief when I turned the last page.






This week the task is to link to a blog giveaway hosted by another blogger.

I found one for you all:

SpadesHighReads is hosting a giveaway for a ARC of YA book Wolf Storm by Dee Garretson, so get over there now and get your name in the running!

Death and the Penguin by Andrey Kurkov - Book Review

Title: Death and the Penguin
Author: Andrey Kurkov

Publisher: Melville House

Publication Date: 7th June 2011 (1996)

Pages: 240

Format: E-book - EPUB

Genre:Literary Fiction/Satire/Crime

Source: ARC from NetGalley




In the widely hailed prequel to Penguin Lost, aspiring writer Viktor Zolotaryov leads a down-and-out life in poverty-and-violence-wracked Kiev—he’s out of work and his only friend is a penguin, Misha, that he rescued when the local zoo started getting rid of animals. Even more nerve-wracking: a local mobster has taken a shine to Misha and wants to keep borrowing him for events.
   But Viktor thinks he’s finally caught a break when he lands a well- paying job at the Kiev newspaper writing “living obituaries” of local dignitaries—articles to be filed for use when the time comes.
   The only thing is, it seems the time always comes as soon as Viktor writes the article. Slowly understanding that his own life may be in jeopardy, Viktor also realizes that the only thing that might be keeping him alive is his penguin. (Goodreads Synopsis)



I absolutely whizzed through this wonderful satire of one man and his penguin. This was a really easy read with some great black humour and enough pace and action to keep you interested.

Viktor is an engaging character and I was hooked straightaway, keen to find out what would happen to him and Misha. Although he doesn’t do much, Misha the Penguin plays a pivotal role in the plot, which had plenty of fun twists and turns along the way.

This is a great piece that will appeal to fans of lighter Russian literary fiction in particular – or to anyone who likes a fun tale, well told.

I am just starting to read the sequel now and will be offering my review of that one soon.

Wildefire by Karsten Knight - Book Review

Title: Wildefire
Author: Karsten Knight

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Publication Date: 26th July 2011

Pages: 400

Format: E-book - PDF

Genre: YA/Fantasy

Source: ARC from Galley Grab
 



Every flame begins with a spark.

Ashline Wilde is having a rough sophomore year. She’s struggling to find her place as the only Polynesian girl in school, her boyfriend just cheated on her, and now her runaway sister, Eve, has decided to barge back into her life. When Eve’s violent behavior escalates and she does the unthinkable, Ash transfers to a remote private school nestled in California’s redwoods, hoping to put the tragedy behind her. But her fresh start at Blackwood Academy doesn’t go as planned. Just as Ash is beginning to enjoy the perks of her new school—being captain of the tennis team, a steamy romance with a hot, local park ranger—Ash discovers that a group of gods and goddesses have mysteriously enrolled at Blackwood…and she’s one of them. To make matters worse, Eve has resurfaced to haunt Ash, and she’s got some strange abilities of her own. With a war between the gods looming over campus, Ash must master the new fire smoldering within before she clashes with her sister one more time… And when warm and cold fronts collide, there’s guaranteed to be a storm. (Goodreads Synopsis)


I received this book as an ARC from GalleyGrab and was looking forward to it as the storyline sounded so interesting and original. Sadly, I found it a let down.

I really had to drag myself through every page, to the extent that I began skim reading. Had I not received it as an ARC, I might have given up completely (a rare thing for me to say!), but since I had been given the copy in exchange for a review, I really felt I should turn that last page and find something to say about it.

The story felt clunky and very little happened until halfway through the book anyway. The pace picked up a bit in the second half, but by then I had failed to become the least bit interested in the characters and wasn't at all concerned about what would happen to them.

To me, this book felt like a lot of teenage angst with the story on the back burner. More emphasis was placed on Ash's situation with boys than her discovery of what/who she was. And, when the truth was discovered, the kids didn't seem all that perturbed and were more concerned still with relationships and Spring Week activities at school.

It may be that this is an example of a YA book that doesn't suit adult readership as well. It may well appeal more to a younger audience, but for me it was a book that had so much potential, but failed to deliver.

Follow Friday #15 / Book Blogger Hop #15

Well, I've missed Follow Friday the last few weeks as I've been really snowed under with other stuff. But now I'm back, and it's question time!

Q. ACK! Your favorite book/movie character just walked into the room! Who is it and what would be your first reaction?

OMG, it's Comte Saint Germain from Chelsea Quinn Yarbro's historical vampire book series! Aside from the rapid beating of my poor heart (sure to attract his attention, right?), I would creep up to his manservant, Rogerian, and check which version of his name his master was currently using, so that I could address him correctly as I swoon into his arms.

Q. What keeps you reading beyond the first few pages of a book, and what makes you want to stop reading a book and put it back on the shelf?

I like to be drawn in by the characters, story and setting. I want to feel that excitement from the first pages, though I will only rarely give up on a book if I don't find that initial spark. I'm reading one at present that I am about a quarter through and not finding very gripping. But I will press on and finish. I have only given up on two books ever: The Forest People and Tristram Shandy.

Deborah Riley-Magnus - Guest Blog and Giveaway

Today I welcome author Deborah Riley-Magnus to tell us a bit about her fantastic new vampire story, Cold in California,  and to offer a great giveaway. So, read on!

Cold in California … a DIFFERENT kind of Vampire Story

Deborah Riley-Magnus

What happens to a vampire after he finally dies? Heaven? Hell? Nope, purgatory in a West Hollywood warehouse. Go figure.

Loving vampires and respecting vampire lure are two different things, something I discovered when I decided to write an urban fantasy. To me, standard mythology is a thing to be questioned, and if I wanted to write something totally unique, I had to find that one little hook that would perk a vampire lover’s ears.

I’ve always been torn about vampire stories, especially now as contemporary authors make their vampiric creatures more and more humane and gentle. I don’t mind the blood and gore, and certainly don’t hate the sexy nature of these creatures. What has always bothered me was the hopelessness about them. Where was the incentive to fight their murderous nature?