Wednesday, August 31

Waiting on Wednesday: Carrier of the Mark


Carrier of the Mark
by Leigh Fallon

Publication Date: October 4th


From Goodreads


Their love was meant to be.
When Megan Rosenberg moves to Ireland, everything in her life seems to fall into place. After growing up in America, she's surprised to find herself feeling at home in her new school. She connects with a group of friends, and she is instantly drawn to darkly handsome Adam DeRĂ­s.
But Megan is about to discover that her feelings for Adam are tied to a fate that was sealed long ago—and that the passion and power that brought them together could be their ultimate destruction.
I spotted this book some time back and just had to read it based upon the reviews and the beauty of the title.  Hopefully, I get my hands on this one.

Tuesday, August 30

Tris and Izzie: Book Review

by Mette Ivie Harrison


Talk about a real let down.  I have enjoyed several books by this author.  This book however was so disjointed.  It seemed that you would be following one thought and then suddenly without a proper transition you find yourself somewhere else.  The characters were always alluding to something that had happened in a way that made it seem as if you just skipped two pages of reading.  I was constantly flipping back to see if I had turned more than one page.  Another problem I had with this book was the completely lame male lead.  Can Tristan be any more lame?  I mean by the end of the book I am thinking why did she go for this loser instead of the other guy.  It was like he had no will of his own.  Yes, my lady master I will go and do anything you tell me too.  It was supposed to be some super show of his trust in her but it just screamed weak.  The whole facing off with the big bad snake was just odd.  For one why didn't they try and prepare a bit before they got there.  It just seemed wrong for him to be explaining things as they happen.  Oh wait, don't do that.  Oops, too late!  For the most part the book was just plain cheesy and hard to stay focused on.  Some of the things in the story just sounded dumb, like them flying by sword.  I am sure I have read it in other books where it actually seemed cool.  But somehow the appropriate time wasn't taken to fill in some necessary transitions.  So much of the book just feels dumb.

Friday, August 26

Bout of Books Read-a-Thon!: Challenge


Pick It Up, then Pile It Up Challenge and Giveaway
 
 
Part of the:
 
Bout of Books Read-a-Thon
 
 

It seems most people feel guilty that their piles are obscenely huge.  I feel just a tad guilty that my pile is so small.  But I don't feel this pile accurately reflects my TBR pile.  Nor, do I have anything that does.  The closest I come to my TBR pile is my list on my Goodreads profile.  I like to be realistic about my ability to get the books read.  I couldn't deal with piles of books that hadn't been read.  It would be far too depressing for me.  They deserve to be read and so they would cry out to me to give them to others so at least they could serve their purpose in life.  But I do love seeing other peoples piles of books.  It often makes me wish that I was their neighbor.  I would be over at their house all the time to see how they are doing, yeah right more like borrow their books.

Thursday, August 25

Follow Friday: 8/26






In books like the Sookie Stackhouse (True Blood) series the paranormal creature in question "comes out of the closet" and makes itself known to the world. Which mythical creature do you wish would come out of the closet, for real?

My favorite mythical creature to read about is the werewolf.  I think it is due to the fact that I am ruled more by my brain than instincts.  So I love to read about those who struggle to overcome instincts in favor of logic.  But I am too logical to ever want to see them out in reality.  It is all great on paper, but in real life I think no matter what it would be terrifying.  Aren't there enough sick twisted bad people out there to fear?  Do we want to release another "hunter" out upon the public?  So I will vote for keeping them safely tucked away in books where I can enjoy their awesomeness anytime I want.  Yep, I am selfish like that.

Top Spot: August

Hosted by Skype Sisters


It's a tie!
Yep, in the last month I have read two books that received a five star rating.

I am more loyal to The Iron Knight since it is a series.  If you are going to absolutely twist my arm I would have to go with The Iron Knight.  But Dark Mirror was a great book. (My review of The Iron Knight is still in queue.)

They both score high based on the male leads.  Duh!
Dark mirror was far more unexpected.
The Iron Knight left me pondering my own life.

Bout of Books Read-a-Thon!: Update Day 3

Hosted by On a Book Bender

Finally, I managed to finish a book.

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare (My review will be upcoming.  But let me tell you this, I am not a happy camper.  I wish I hadn't read it.)


The Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss (I did a recent post on the longest book I ever read.  Let me tell you I took one look at the tiny print, huge pages, seemingly never ending pages and wanted to cry.  The sheer amount of reading is intimidating me.  I don't know if I can do it.  But I must persist, this may be the last book I read this week.)

Dark Mirror: Book Review

by M.J. Putney


Alright, so up until half way through the book I am thinking,"What is the title referring to?"  Yea, it was half way through the book before half the title makes sense.  After having finished the book I don't really get why it is dark but I guess it doesn't really matter.  
The book was great!  I was fighting against tears.  The visuals the descriptions created in my mind were so very stirring.  The fact that those visuals are based in reality just made them all the more haunting.  I wanted to be there with the characters fighting to save the soldiers as well.  It gets even better than that.  Now I have read a lot of male leads and they usually follow the exact same lines.  Well this one was truly the gentleman and the last couple of lines made me want to name my first born son after him.  I was so very impressed.  Before this book I didn't even like his name.  

Spoiler Section:
Alright so there was in my mind this really great misdirection in the book.  It could have been just me but when Nick stepped through that mirror I instantly saw Tory's whole future before my eyes.  I really wanted something impossible to happen.  Mainly some sort of future between her and Allarde.  I suddenly thought there was no way for him to step through unless he inherited this power from an ancestor.  And then I thought it meant that Jack and her would end up tied.  I was disappointed.  Further when the two Rainford women exclaimed about her being Lady Victoria I thought for sure she was an ancestor they had heard about.  Yep, I wanted to throw the book on the floor and move on with life.  Well, except for the fact that the hooks were settled too deep into my consciousness at that point.  I just had to read it through to its horrible conclusion.

Wednesday, August 24

Waiting on Wednesday: Silence


Silence
by Becca Fitzpatrick

Publication Date: October 4th


From Goodreads


The noise between Patch and Nora is gone. They've overcome the secrets riddled in Patch's dark past...bridged two irreconcilable worlds...faced heart-wrenching tests of betrayal, loyalty and trust...and all for a love that will transcend the boundary between heaven and earth. Armed with nothing but their absolute faith in one another, Patch and Nora enter a desperate fight to stop a villain who holds the power to shatter everything they've worked for—and their love—forever.
This series is a bit of a mystery to me.  By that I mean I am not sure why I am still reading it.  I was so psyched for the first book and got it for a Christmas present.  It was a hard wait knowing it was sitting right under that tree for a few weeks.  When I finally finished it I was disappointed.  Maybe it was too high of an anticipation.  Or that I really didn't like Patch.  I mean what is with the name?  I don't know.  But whatever I still found myself reading the second.  Now here I am waiting to read the third.  Maybe they have gotten better.  Or the covers are irresistible, just look at that one.  It speaks volumes.  Or finally it is my inner need to finish what I started.  I guess the last book will help me figure it all out.

Bout of Books Read-a-Thon!: Update Day 2

Hosted by On a Book Bender

For all of my good intentions day two was even worse than the first day.  I didn't even manage to finish my first book.  So I suppose the plan for today is the same as yesterday.

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare (I am not sure how to pick my favorite quotes.  There as so many funny moments.  Right now though the book is scaring me.  Maybe, I should stop reading and just invent a happy ending.)


The Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss (Don't worry poor book I will get to you.)

Tuesday, August 23

Bout of Books Read-a-Thon!: Update Day 1

Hosted by On a Book Bender

My first day of reading wasn't all that spectacular.  I had thing after thing to get done around the house and before I knew it the day was coming to a close and I hadn't picked up a book.  Good thing I am not a slow reader.  When the day got quiet enough I pulled out my first book.

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare (I love the humor in these books. Although I reached a point just before I went to bed that has me rather worried.  I hope things work out for the characters.)

There wasn't pizza or anything else I have come to associate with read-a-thons, but there is still time right.  I didn't manage to finish the book but took a massive chunk out of it.  I think I will manage to get it done today and move onto my next book.

The Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss

Blood: Book Review

by K.J. Wignall 

Publication Date: September 27th


This was not quite the run of the mill vampire love story so common in the presses these days.  Romance took a backseat in this book.  My only problem with the romantic element in this book is that it isn't there and then suddenly full blown.  I guess the girl doesn't have commitment issues.  The author has added several layers and keeps you wondering what is going on and where this will end up.  There is prophecy and some very sly characters.  Although you won't know just how sly until the end.  Then you will be a bit amazed at how well they pulled off the charade.  I found it interesting that the main Character William is so firm in his conviction that he is the Earl of Mercia.  What is the big deal about that.  I am sure it will come to play later in the series but at this point you have to wonder why.  Maybe, he just has nothing else and wants to hold onto one thing that can help to define him.  His whole existence and reason for what he does to survive is something else.  I found his reasoning for eating heartless but at the same time rather grounded.  He doesn't have any qualms but in a non-threatening way.  I like the addition of the second bad guy, like I said layers.  It seems the series is setting up for a rather promising next book.

Spoiler Section:
Does anyone get the feeling that this so called bad guy/good guy Wyndham has a vendetta to settle?  I think perhaps that is the only logical explanation, at least at this point.  Everyone else seems to think the Labraid guy the ultimate evil.  So why wouldn't Wyndham be set on getting rid of him.  Why is he after the last guy in the chain?  Talk about small goals.  Perhaps, Will did something to someone and incurred the wrath of this guy.  I mean why else be so determined?

Monday, August 22

RAK

 Hosted by Book Soulmates

So I have seen this around but never actually looked into it.  This is a bit late in the month to be joining but you have to start sometime.  

Here is the important news to relate for this month:

RULES RE-CAP -
NEW request added:


Sign up each month that you'd like to participate.


  • Show off your participation by grabbing our RAK button :)
  • Create a wish list (on Amazon, Goodreads, or your blog etc) and post it in the Google Doc located in each R.A.K post for the month.
  • If you choose to do a R.A.K for someone, check out their wish list and contact that blogger for their address.
  • *NEW* Please, once you receive a RAK, email or tweet me {Vanessa} so that I can update the Google doc. There are a lot of requests for this! 
  • *NEW* E-book participation is limited to files being gifted directly to a person from the e-book store. Amazon's Kindle Store is set up to allow this, as well as the Kobo store and we believe Barnes & Noble as well.
  • At the end of the month, SHOW US YOUR R.A.K! Make a post saying 'Thank You' to whoever granted one of your wishes and share it with us :)
OPEN TO EVERYONE!
Let's keep our International bloggers in mind and in our hearts.
Remember, there's always the Book Depository and they offer FREE shipping!

Easy peezy!!

LINKS YOU WILL NEED:

Sign up for August {HERE}
See who else is participating in August {HERE}


Simple Giveaway Rules:
The giveaway is open to participants ONLY.

Please post about RAK and the giveaway info on your blog and paste link in the same google doc that you use to sign up for RAK
OR
If you don't have a blog, you can still be entered by tweeting about it or Facebooking it and TAG US.
{If you don't have the link by the time you sign up for the RAK itself, then please email me and I'll add it}
That's it :)


Well, lets see how this whole thing works out.
Later.

Bout of Books Read-a-Thon!

Hosted by On a Book Bender

Read-a-thons are great.  Or at least they bring back memories, pizza, pillows, blankets, and friends.  These virtual read-a-thons just aren't the same.  I suppose I can still order pizza, snuggle up in bed, and well talk to myself.  Yeah, okay maybe not such a great idea, that last one.

So my plans:
I plan to conquer the ninth dimension.
Too big?
Yeah.
I plan to conquer the fourth dimension.
Alright, alright, fine.
Sheesh.
I plan to read. . .
City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare
The Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss
Airhead by Meg Cabot
Star Crossed by Elizabeth C. Bunce

That should probably do for the duration of the read-a-thon.  Two of them are rather large and somewhat involved.  I do have some other addictions that aren't book related that demand some time as well.

Eye Candy: III

Here we are again.  Another week passed and more books to have crossed my visual path than my reading one.  So here are this last weeks eye candy.  Will any of them make the cut?

Oh the power of a good cover:
by Sharde Richardson
Reason: Cover and the promise of laughter
Where: Goodreads
by Megan Miranda
Reason: So pretty is the cover

Where: Blog



by Amanda Hocking
Reason: They obviously know my weakness for black and red combinations.  Very dramatic cover.
Where: Blog
by Amanda Hocking
Reason: Well this artist knows what they are doing.

Where: Blog
by Amanda Hocking
Reason: I think I might have to read these regardless of what is inside.  The covers are just so compelling.  Maybe, they have snuck in a bit of brainwashing.
Where: Blog

Saturday, August 20

Giveaway: The Overtaking


Having had the pleasure of reading and reviewing, The Overtaking, I find myself in a position to host a giveaway as well.  US only.  Up for grabs is either a paperback or ebook copy of the book.  To enter the giveaway answer this question?

How would you feel if your current love interest could read all of your thoughts but you couldn't read theirs?

Would you be relieved?  Perhaps, it would spoil the whole deal and you would rather cut and run?  Or do you think that even with that power you could have a little fun back and mess with their head?

Plus, don't forget to include an email address so if you are the winner you can be contacted.

The giveaway closes August 30th.

The Overtaking: Book Review

by Victorine E. Lieske


I have read so much fantasy lately that I really had to work to get my mind to switch gears for this book.  Once I grasped the storyline it was hard to put this book down.
I like how the book delves into a bit of how our perception of the truth may not in fact be the truth.  Even as the book progresses it seems that the truth the characters perceive is still not the whole deal.  It was also interesting to see how the characters approached dealing with many layers of deception and confusion.  
The romantic section of this book was a bit interesting.  What would it be like to have the guy you like being able to know just about everything you think?  Would that hinder the relationship?  Keep in mind that it isn't a two way street.  You are left with your own interpretations.  I guess luckily in this case the guy doesn't seem to be too full of himself over it.  On top of that in many ways it really seemed to ease the relationship through the awkward moments.  They sure became rather committed fast especially considering the number of times they had to start from scratch.  
All in all it was a well paced book that was hard to put down.  Even in my dreams I think my mind was trying to figure out what was going to happen next.  By the end of the book they are in a pretty tight spot.  I really do wonder what will become of all of them.  In my opinion is sure doesn't look good.  I guess we will just have to wait and see.

Friday, August 19

Book Blogger Hop: 8/19

Book Blogger HopHosted by Crazy for Books

“What’s the LONGEST book you’ve ever read?”
(Note: I’m putting one caveat on this question. You aren’t allowed to say the Bible, Torah, Qur’an, or other religious/spiritual text.)

What a great question.  This is definitely a two part question.  Technically, the longest page wise book I have ever read was. . . Middlemarch by George Elliot.  It is not a book I particularly care for either.


On a mental basis the longest book I ever read was. . . East of Eden by John Steinbeck.  I started that in high school when I was on my classics kick.  Luckily, I purchased the book, books were so much cheaper then, so I didn't have a time frame on it or I would never have finished it.  It took me three years to finish the book.  I just couldn't get into the book and would try and force my way through only to put it down in boredom.  The last time I finally picked it up I had managed previously to force my way through half of the book with no success.  Something finally caught my interest in the last half of the book and I couldn't put it down.  It is one of my favorite classics to this day.  Go figure. 

Now head on over and join the blogger party as well.

Victorine E. Lieske: Lunch and an Interview

What inspired The Overtaking?

It was an idea for a book I had come up with years ago. I had wondered what it would be like to find out we weren’t really living on Earth, that our memories had been altered, and that we’re living our lives not knowing who we really were. This idea grew, and it came to life in the Maslonian and Dyken races, one taking over the other and putting them in a fake environment. And then I thought it would be great to have members of the opposite races fall in love. That’s when Shayne and Danielle were formed.

Do you have a favorite scene in The Overtaking?

Yes, I think my favorite scene is where Shayne first figures out he can move objects with his mind after his memory has been altered. Danielle sees him use his power and gets frightened because she knows she has to turn him into the authorities who will wipe his memory again. He’s already had two memory wipes, and she doesn’t want him to forget her again. It’s a tense scene where he reveals to her that he can read her mind and he knows she’s one of them, and also that she has feelings for him.

What are you working on now?

I’m writing the sequel to The Overtaking, which has proven to be very fun for me. Trenton takes Danielle into the Holodome and puts her into a mental institution where she learns that all of the mental patients were resequencing mess-ups. Many of them can remember bits and pieces of their past, and a few still have their powers. Shayne is locked out of the Holodome and is devising a plan to get back in. Of course he doesn’t know where Danielle is or how to get back out after he’s found her. I’m not sure how he’s going to do it either!

What inspired you to start writing?

I was an avid reader growing up. Loving books as I did, I always thought it would be cool to write a novel. But I didn’t have the time, and I didn’t make the time, until I injured my back and had nothing else to do. Then I thought I would write that novel I had always wanted to write. I wrote the first draft of that book, Not What She Seems, in one week. I didn’t know anything about writing, so it took four years of revising to make that into something good. I was shocked when that book took off and sold over 100,000 copies and made the New York Times best seller list. I didn’t really think of myself as a writer, it was just something I did for fun.

What do you love most about your writing?

I love hearing from fans. It’s fantastic when people tell me they’ve enjoyed reading my book. It makes it all worth it, to know someone stayed up late at night to finish my story.

What are your goals as a writer?

I would love to be able to write full time. That’s a hard goal to accomplish because writing income is very unreliable, but for now I’m happy with juggling my business and my writing.

What keeps you motivated?

My readers definitely keep me motivated. Sometimes readers will ask me when my next book is coming out. I’ve been in their shoes, anxious to read someone’s next book, so I know how it feels. I try to write each day so they don’t have to wait for a long time.

Upcoming: my review of The Overtaking.

Feel free to post any questions you have for the author.  She will be checking in to answer.

Thursday, August 18

Passion: Book Review

by Lauren Kate


This book followed what I would expect of a time travel book.  There were times of yawns and boredom.  Other times of absolute confusion and a feeling of pointlessness.  Luce got on my nerves with the whole I don't want Daniel now I really want him.  I kept waiting for the book to start going somewhere and it just wasn't happening.  There were a few points that I rather liked.  For one, there was a point that she realized that even if she was a completely different personality in a life Daniel would still love her as if he had no will of her own.  At this point I was thinking what a sick relationship they have.  Why would she be so many different personalities?  Wouldn't you think a soul is more that just flashing lights but a personality as well?  Well, I think so.  The other thing that actually intrigued me was right at the end when she is talking to the big bad guy.  I just thought his perspective of things was an interesting view.  It made me think.  Free will, power, greed, purpose what do all these things mean and get around to.  Other than that I found this book rather weak and a let down.

Wednesday, August 17

Waiting on Wednesday: If I Die


If I Die
by Rachel Vincent

Publication Date: September 20th


From Goodreads



No one wants to be this teacher’s pet . . .

Everyone else is talking about Eastlake High’s gorgeous new math teacher, Mr. Beck, but Kaylee Cavanaugh has bigger things on her mind. Kaylee’s a banshee—her scream is a portent of death.

But the next scream might hit too close to home. Kaylee’s borrowed lifeline has almost run out.

Yeah—it’s a shock to her, too. So to distract herself from her own problems, Kaylee is determined to defend her school against the latest supernatural threat. That hot new teacher is really an incubus, who feeds from the desire of unsuspecting students. The only girls immune to his lure are Kaylee and Sabine, her boyfriend’s delinquent ex-girlfriend. Now the unlikely allies have to get rid of Mr. Beck…before he discovers they aren’t quite human either.

But Kaylee’s running out of time, and those who love her will do anything to save her life.

Anything.

Soul Screamers: The last thing you hear before you die.
Wow, I love the blurb.  It sounds like this book won't disappoint.  I was wondering when the author would play this card.

Tuesday, August 16

Bloody Valentine: Book Review

by Melissa De La Cruz


When I read a review that stated this was just a handful of short stories I was thinking about returning the book.  It turns out that they are really explanations for things that have happened.  More like extra information about something that was alluded to.  It was nice to have those moments fleshed out.  I wouldn't say this is necessary reading to stay up with the story line.  Plus, it seems the stories all have a very similar ending so it is a bit much.  Very sex oriented. But then I have been less and less interested in this series for some time now.

Monday, August 15

Eye Candy: II

Here we are again.  Another week passed and more books to have crossed my visual path than my reading one.  So here are this last weeks eye candy.  Will any of them make the cut?

Slow week I guess:
Dragon's Oath
by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast
Reason: Cover and Title
I have tried a book by this author and didn't like it.  So I know I won't be picking this one up.  But it sure looks tempting.


Anna Dressed in Blood
by Kendare Blake
Reason: Cover
I have this intense weakness for this color combination.  So much so I would love to do my bedroom up in black, white, and red.  Wouldn't it be fabulous?

Friday, August 12

Upcoming giveaways

I want to put together some sort of contest and wouldn't mind some ideas.

What are some of your favorites contests?

I once participated in a cover contest that I loved, but it was a lot of work to figure out which cover was what.

Heads up:

Giveaway of The Overtaking starting August 20th.

Giveaway starting September 8th in conjunction with the Squeaky Books Giveaway Birthday Bash.

Contest for A Need So Beautiful, when I figure out the contest.

In October I really want to do a giveaway or contest for The Iron Knight.  I am so psyched for that book I just have to spread the love.

Endings

When it comes to a series I really like I sometimes use my waiting time to toy with what I think the author will use for an ending.  Or just what the last book will contain.  In most cases I am horribly wrong but once I actually got a large part of an ending right.  It was such a great feeling.  So I thought I would post about these imaginary endings when they cross my mind.  I also think it would be fun to see what ideas you have out there as well.  If you are privy to the actual ending please refrain from providing any information that would be considered a leak.
The Tiger Saga is what is currently on my mind, especially since I just finished Tiger's Quest.  There are still two books coming so this could apply to either.  Oh, the waiting is hard to do.

So here are my ideas:
Ren's memory loss is temporary and he snaps out of it and such a mess ensues.  If this does happen I really think the fifth sacrifice should be her giving up her life.  That way no one is happy but they all get the equal chance to make something of what is left of the wreckage.  Besides at this point I am so unhappy with her I don't think I want her to have a happy ending.  Although, another thought was that maybe with her offering up herself as a sacrifice the one who truly loves her will give her up.  Just like in that King Solomon situation with the two mothers and one baby.  Then we will know just which one is her true love and can move on.  I of course, expect Ren to the be the one to give her up to save her life since he went through an unimaginably large amount of torture for her.  I mean it can't be much more obvious to me that he really loves her.

So anyway, those are my current thoughts.  I don't mind being wrong in the least, but just like to pass the time enjoyably.  Here is to hoping the next books is a spectacular journey with plenty of surprises.

Thursday, August 11

Booking Through Thursday

I just had to share this.

I found this over at Reading Nook.


This week is National Book Week and today's Rules are Grab the closest book to you. Go to page 56. Copy the 5th sentence as your status.

Ha, ha, ha! I picked up the closest book to me and turned to the sentence and my status is:
"Very quiet."
I find that hilarious.
Oh, and by the way that is from Dark Mirror by M.J. Putney.

It is okay if you don't find it hilarious.  You really have to be in my shoes to understand anything I find funny.

Tiger's Quest: Book Review

by Colleen Houck


This was some book.  But no matter what happened I could not put it down.  Probably with a bit of hindsight I would raise my ratings but I don't yet see the end.

Moment Divine: "You must learn to take a step back and visualize the whole piece. If you focus only on the thread given to you, you will lose sight of what it can become. Durga has the ability to see the piece from beginning to end. You must trust her."
"Don't allow yourself to become disheartened when the thread doesn't suit or seems unsightly to you. Wait and watch. Be patient and devoted. As the threads twist and turn, you will begin to understand, and you will see the pattern finally materialize in all its splendor."

When I came across this passage I first thought you could very easily substitute the authors name in place of Durga.  This can apply with all books.  The author knows the whole piece and we should trust them and continue to follow it to the end even when things are not going the way we could wish.  My second thought was that there was most definitely something coming up in the book that I would in now way like.  Sure enough before I knew it I was in outrage.  Of course, I suspected just what would happen based upon pieces of her dreams and what just plain made sense.  But of course, as a reader I have the luxury of that sort of vision.  I can only imagine what it would be like to be Kelsey under these circumstances.  I am rather afraid of what is to come in the next book.  I honestly can't figure out how everyone gets a happy endings.  Perhaps, a happy ending is not in the cards for each of the players.
Man I really feel bad for Kishan.  He seems to be a great guy for the most part but this whole book is just creating a catastrophe for the near future.   I will admit that I liked hanging out with Kishan much more than Ren.  Ren just rubs me the wrong way.  To smooth and full of himself by half.  I like the honestly and frankness of Kishan's demeanor more.  Don't take this to mean I am on Kishan's team.  I don't agree that you should even allow the thought of a possibility of a relationship sprout up with another while you are committed to someone else.  I really think Kelsey is dumb in this respect and doesn't deserve the love and attention of either guy.  They are much too nice to her.

Spoiler Section:
What?!?  Okay, I get why Durga had to protect him in just this way but ouch.  I am also a bit sad that it hasn't crossed Kelsey's mind that it is in fact Durga's doing that has blanked Ren's mind.  But then she is usually quick to jump to conclusions so I guess it isn't that surprising.  As far as Kishan goes, sure I want him to be happy but my loyalty is to Ren even if I don't like him much of the time.  For me I put a lot of weight on the connection thing.  Sure Kishan could replace Ren and make Kelsey happy but the difference in strength of the love connection must mean something. 
Alright, so the rant I had as I realized what was going to happen to Ren was something.  I was thinking that the gods have taken a very traditional route.  We are all wise you are just a human, what does it matter the happiness of two when compared to the bigger picture.  Then as I watched her develop a stronger relationship with Kishan I wanted to scream and slap her stupid face.  Didn't we just go through this whole choosing thing.  Why are you allowing your thoughts to wander.  Is it really that hard to be faithful?  I am under the impression that we are talking about a forever sort of love and you should not even be tempted to think about betraying that sort of thing.  And I was not buying the whole "the very purpose of life is to be happy" thing.  Sure it is but in this case I am really voting she stays in mourning romantically yet doesn't let if affect her purpose.  Show some solidity of character.  You are such a roaming skank.  Okay, can you tell I don't like her, at least when it comes to all the men in her life.
I do have one question.  So the weaver said that both tigers are need her but with the mind blank Ren doesn't have that anymore.  Do you think it will last, and will it cause a problem?  Or is the mind blank temporary, and other problems will arise from the temporary blackout?  If it is temporary how far is Kelsey going to go?  And how forgiving is Ren going to be?

Wednesday, August 10

Monster Review-a-thon: Mini Challenge 4

Updating Review Lists

Well, I had never considering having a page where are of my reviews were listed.  I am not so sure that it would be used very often, but you never know.

I went ahead and set the whole thing up.  Talk about a lot of tedious work to get it done.  But so long as I keep up on it there shouldn't be a problem.

Waiting on Wednesday: Darkness Falls


Darkness Falls
by Cate Tiernan

Publication Date: September 5th


From Goodreads


Nastasya has lived for hundreds of years, but for some reason, life never seems to get any better. She left her spoiled, rich girl life to find peace at River's Edge, a safe haven for wayward immortals. There, she learned to embrace River's Edge, despite some drama involving the sexy Reyn, who she wants but won't allow herself to have. But just as she's getting comfortable, her family's ties to dark magick force her to leave.

She falls back into her old, hard partying ways, but will her decision lead her into the hands of a dark immortal? Or will it be her first step to embracing the darkness within her?
What made me pick up the first book?  Well, sheer determination to find one book involving immortals that I could stand.  What a delight that I found just what I was looking for.  I just can't wait for this sequel.  Although, I am not loving this cover.  Hopefully, something else is in the works.

Tuesday, August 9

Monster Review-a-thon: Mini Challenge 3

Setting Up Future Review Posts

As a matter of fact this has become my new fad as of late.  I find if I do this I can more easily keep up on things.  Plus, it helps me keep things organized and spread out better.  

For instance, I just finished setting up an interview, review, and giveaway post that will post later this month.  I also put together a bunch of drafts of book information for the upcoming books I will review.  That way just as you pointed out all I have to do is add my review. 

Plain Kate: Book Review

by Erin Bow


I was drawn to this book by the trailer.  It reminded me of several books that I have liked.  This was a very good read.  I hardly put the book down.  The characters were interesting and my desire for something good to happen kept me turning pages.  Plain Kate faces some really hard moments and even harsher treatment by others.  This book really deals with false judgement and our attempt to judge those most who can't fight back.  Even though in the end things don't turn out so well as I would hope they do turn out much better than it seems possible.  Somehow from the shreds of her life she manages to get back up and keep going.  There is still possibility and life to live.  The talking cat was a very interesting addition to this book.  I liked that the cat though intelligent brings trouble to the pair of them.  Nothing is perfect not even the wish of her heart.  The villain was a good mix of someone who still had a shred of good hidden somewhere deep inside.  It really added more dimension to the relationship between himself and Plain Kate.  This is definitely one of those books I have no desire to live.  What a sad and cruel world Plain Kate inhabits.

Monday, August 8

Monster Review-a-thon: Mini Challenge 2

Cross Posting Your Reviews

I don't have too much problem with this challenge.  So far I only noticed once when I forgot to post in one of my spots.  At this point I have my blog, goodreads, and occasionally netgalley depending on the book.  I think since my blog is relatively new I can't afford to skip any of these steps.  If I want to get ARCs for review I have to get stuff everywhere I can.

For instance, I just finished a review of Blood and posted on netgalley and goodreads.  The blog post is scheduled to come out soon.  So I have all of that covered. 

Monster Review-a-thon: Mini Challenge 1


Are you happy with your review format currently?

Format?  What format?  I think there are a few reviews where I can manage my thoughts a bit more coherently than in other reviews.  These seem to go over better.  Most of the time I think the reviews are a random spew of my thoughts about the book.  It would be nice to have a bit of structure.

Scrutinize it a little more, maybe compare it to other blogs you like, anything you think you might change?

I tried to implement some changes to my review over time and very few have stuck.  I believe most of the reason is that I haven't had paper nearby when reading the book.  It is important to have that so you can write down sudden things that won't stick later.  I tried a first impression and thought it was fun but didn't seem to create much buzz.  I only put quotes in when I feel I have stumbled across something worthy of being mentioned.  So not very many books contain such quotes.  While others are just full of them.  The biggest problem I found with the quotes is some of the publishers do not want quotes out if the book hasn't been published yet.  So some of the reviews are missing some fun stuff.  I wish there was an easy way to know what information about a book is most wanted by reviewers.  I try to include what would interest me but I am sure there are glaring holes in my reviews.

Implement some basic changes and tell us what you think. Or, you can tell us one or two aspects of your reviews that you like.

I want to keep my personality and true responses to the book in the review.  I don't want it to sound like a book report from middle school.  After all this is my blog of my opinions on the books I read.  But I really want to give those who bother to read the reviews the information they seek.   I really should get my handy note pad out and take notes as I read again.

Summer Giveaway Hop: Winner!


The winner of the paperback copy of Shadowspell (Faeriewalker #2) by Jenna Black is. . .

Lisa (# 7): I have always loved the books with fairies as the characters. Maybe it's the magical element that surrounds them.

Congratulations, Lisa!

The winner has been emailed.  If by chance I don't hear back I will pick a new winner.

For those of you who didn't win or missed out based on your missing comment.  Sorry, about the confusion.  Perhaps next time will be your lucky day. 

Keep in mind:
I do have a giveaway coming up through Squeaky Books next month.  I am also putting together a contest for A Need so Beautiful, sometime in the near future.