Life of Pi, Les Miserables & The Hobbit - Film Reviews

I don't usually bother with film reviews on here, but I have seen three films in the last couple of weeks and since all were based on books, I thought I'd make a little post this time.

Having enjoyed the book, I was unsure when I heard this would be made into a film. Happily, they have done an amazing job. I'm not a 3D fan, but in this film it works well and the whole thing looks beautiful. This is a sensitive and clever adaptation and I can highly recommend it.

Now, I am a big fan of this musical and have seen it around 25 times on stage, as well as owning about 8 CD recordings and both concert versions on DVD. I was so excited about this release, but found myself disappointed. The look is great and the casting reasonably good, but I thought the new song was rubbish and I missed all the bits they cut and hated the way they swapped the order of songs. Perhaps it will grow on me, but the first watch only made me wish I were back in the UK and could go and enjoy the show on stage once more.

I adored the Lord of the Rings films and was eagerly awaiting this new series. I had my reservations about the story being split into three films at first (even after learning a lot had been taken once again from the LOTR appendices to bulk things up) but, having now seen Part 1, I think it will work. This film was a joy to watch and never dragged. The casting was great and I was pleased they kept the look and musical themes from LOTR. It will be hard to wait till next year for Part 2, but one day I look forward to being able to do a marathon of all six films together!

What Matters in Jane Austen by John Mullan - Book Review

Title: What Matters in Jane Austen?

Author: John Mullan

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Publication Date: 29th January 2013

Pages: 353

Format: E-Book - PDF
Genre: Non-Fiction

Source: ARC via NetGalley

A Short History of Myth by Karen Armstrong - Book Review

Title: A Short History of Myth
Author: Karen Armstrong
Publisher: Canongate
Publication Date: 2006 (2005)  
Pages: 155 
Format: Paperback
Genre: Non-Fiction 
Source: Xmas Gift

The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes - Book Review

Title: The Sense of an Ending  
Author: Julian Barnes  
Publisher: Vintage  
Publication Date: 2012 (2011)  
Pages: 150  
Format: Paperback
Genre: Literary Fiction  
Source: Xmas Gift

Canary by Rachele Alpine - Book Review (Advance Review)

Title: Canary
Author: Rachele Alpine
Publisher: Medallion Press
Publication Date: 28th August 2013
Pages: 400
Format: E-Book - PDF
Genre: YA Contemporary
Source: Review Copy from Publisher/Author

Christmas Haul 2012

Well, it was another great Xmas for book-shaped gifts. Below is a little image of a swag and a list of the lovely things I received. In addition to the items in the picture, I got: money, gift cards, chocolates, cookies, toiletries and a jumper. :)

End of Year Book Survey 2012

This is my first year joining in the survey, so here goes....

Best In Books 2012

1. Best Book You Read In 2012?

Hard to pick just one, so here's a small selection of my faves in no particular order:

The Mad Scientist's Daughter by Cassandra Rose Clarke
Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor
1Q84 by Haruki Murakami
Shadow of the Night by Deborah Harkness
Bring Up the Bodies by Hilary Mantel
White Horse by Alex Adams
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern      

Merry Xmas & Happy New Year 2013

Indigo Awakening (The Hunted # 1) by Jordan Dane - Book Review

Title: Indigo Awakening

Author: Jordan Dane

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Publication Date: 2013

Pages: 286

Format: Paperback
Genre: YA Fantasy

Source: Review Copy from Publisher

Guest Post & E-Book Discounts - Astor & Blue Editions

Today I am joined by Mr Viardo, CEO of Astor & Blue Editions, with a guest post about digital publishing. Read on to the end for information about Astor & Blue's current e-book sale!

Digital Publishing: The Grinch Who Stole Christmas?

So how many articles have we read about E-books and Digital Publishing this year? For anyone who generally follows the book world (rabid booklover, book-blogger, industry pro or casual reader), we’re literally inundated with the amazing numbers—“E-book sales up 125% (again) over the 175% they were up from last year’s 225% increase!”—and equally amazing technological announcements—“Next Fall, the new ZimWittyZoomDitty tablet not only updates your Facebook and Goodreads friends whenever you snort in disgust … it cooks dinner for you at the same time!”

Garden of Stones by Sophie Littlefield - Book Review

Title: Garden of Stones

Author: Sophie Littlefield

Publisher: Harlequin

Publication Date: January 2013

Pages: 287

Format: Paperback
Genre: Literary Fiction

Source: Review Copy from Publisher

Jenny by Sigrid Undset - Book Review

Title: Jenny
Author: Sigrid Undset

Publisher: Zoland Books  
Publication Date: 1998 (1911)  
Pages: 330  
Format: Paperback   
Genre: Literary Fiction

Source: Birthday Gift

The Rebels by Sandor Marai - Book Review

Title: The Rebels
Author: Sandor Marai

Publisher: Picador 
Publication Date: 2008 
Pages: 278 
Format: Paperback 
Genre: Literary Fiction

Source: Birthday Gift

Astor & Blue Holiday Promotion

I just wanted to share with you all some news I received this week from e-book publisher Astor & Blue Editions.

I celebration of their first year in business, and in recognition of the holiday season, they are currently offering all their titles for $1.99 and under.

This offer is valid until 7th January 2013, so why not head over and check out their catalogue? Just click the image below.

The Farm by Emily McKay - Book Review

Title: The Farm (Farm # 1)
Author: Emily McKay

Publisher: Penguin

Publication Date: 4th December 2012

Pages: 420

Format: Paperback
Genre: YA Paranormal

Source: Bought Copy

The Uninvited by Liz Jensen - Book Review

Title: The Uninvited

Author: Liz Jensen

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Publication Date: 8th January 2013

Pages: 320

Format: E-Book - PDF
Genre: Literary Fiction / Dystopia

Source: ARC via NetGalley

Backfire (FBI Thriller # 16) by Catherine Coulter - Book Review

Title: Backfire (FBI Thriller # 16)  
Author: Catherine Coulter

Publisher: Penguin Australia

Publication Date: 2 January 2013

Pages: 416

Format: E-Book - PDF
Genre: Thriller

Source: ARC via NetGalley

The Beauty & Inspiration of Travel Volume 1 - Ebook Out Now!

Recently, I posted about the forthcoming release, The Beauty & Inspiration of Travel, which features a short piece by yours truly. Well, the Kindle version is now available and, at present, you can pick it up for the bargain price of $0.99. So, what are you waiting for? :)

Travel is the most amazing school of life: It uplifts you, enchants you, captivates you, thrills you, and changes you forever. It guides you toward unimaginable adventures. It brings you new friends and lovers. And it teaches you the most important skill of life: the art of being you.

Twelve passionate travelers have opened their heart and shared their intimate, inspiring, amusing and even quirky views on travel, encouraging you to open your mind and soul to the magic of faraway journeys.

The Beauty and Inspiration of Travel is a heartwarming book filled with wanderlust, gusto and joy of life. A perfect book for those who seek to spice up their life, find their next adventure, or just dream of their perfect place over a hot cup of tea. 

Scent of Magic (Healer # 2) by Maria V. Snyder - Book Review

Title: Scent of Magic (Healer # 2)

Author: Maria V. Snyder

Publisher: Harlequin

Publication Date: 1st January 2013

Pages: 414

Format: Paperback
Genre: Fantasy/YA

Source: Review Copy from Publisher

Keeper of the Night (The Keepers: LA # 1) by Heather Graham - Book Review

Title: Keeper of the Night (The Keepers: L.A. # 1)

Author: Heather Graham

Publisher: Harlequin

Publication Date: 18th December 2012

Pages: 304

Format: E-Book - EPUB
Genre: Paranormal

Source: ARC via NetGalley

The Gatekeeper (The Keepers: L.A. # 0.5) by Heather Graham - Book Review

Title: The Gatekeeper (The Keepers: L.A. # 0.5)

Author: Heather Graham

Publisher: Harlequin

Publication Date: November 2012

Pages: 81

Format: E-Book - EPUB
Genre: Paranormal

Source: Free Copy

Escape (Vampire King # 1) by Kenya Wright - Book Review

Title: Escape (Vampire King # 1)

Author: Kenya Wright

Publisher: Secret Cravings Publishing

Publication Date: November 2012

Pages: 127

Format: E-Book - EPUB
Genre: Paranormal

Source: Review Copy from Author

Excerpt Post/Promo - Adudan by Dario Giardi

Today I welcome author Dario Grardi to the blog, to tell us a bit about his novel, Adudan. Read on more more info and a sneak peek extract.

Adudan is Dario Giardi’s debut novel.
A love story that will take you on a journey filled with action, poetry and passion. An innovative novel that mixes fantasy, urban fantasy and paranormal romance in a single unforgettable adventure in which the heroes become masters, victims and pawns in the events that mark their destiny.