Friday, December 31, 2010

New Years Eve....

New Years is almost here and I'm sure some, if not most are making their New Years Resolution.  Every year mine seem to be the same, so I can't be blamed for consistency LOL.  But it would be nice to achieve some of the goals I set.. well at least for one year.

So here are my goals for the year:

Give Up Smoking: It's a bad habit and one resolution I have every year.  Although this year I'm not going to try and start New Years Day, since I'm not exactly prepared lol.

Finish Editing Hallows Edge:  Since Christmas time has been hectic I haven't had a chance to put much time in editing this.  It's still in the very raw stages but I hope to have it done.

Be More Organized:  This is probably my biggest one.  Especially with blogging!  So that's why I've decided to jumble things around for the New Year.  This will start on Monday so check it out.  I'm looking at Spellbound Bookshelves a newish feature where readers can share their pictures of bookshelves! Thanks Amy at Stuffed Bookshelf for that idea :)  I will also have Spellbound Noticeboard up and running this week also, so if you have a book or book blog feature you would love to promote, send me the details and I will help get the word out there.

Do something daring:  I don't know whether I'd go all the way to sky diving.  That may be a little too daring, but something like that. 

Write another novel: This is a must.  Whether it be for NaNoWriMo or something in between.  I really need to get some more writing done.  I tend to get a bit whacky if I haven't written in a while and really, I'm sure my family and friends could use the break occasionally :)  Imagination tends to get carried away a bit.

Keep up to date with review copies coming in:  I've received many e-books lately and have had to put a temporary stop to this.  I find reading paperbacks easier to read than I do reading from my Kobo eReader.  It's easier on my eyes.

So this is just a couple of my New Years Resolutions.  I figure if I have a few I can at least cross a couple off my list.

So how about you?  What are your New Years Resolutions for this year?  If you'd like to send a pic in of your bookshelves please do. You can send these to melissa@spellboundbybooks.com

If you'd like to be featured on Spellbound Noticeboard you can contact me on the same email.  Please make sure to use Spellbound Noticeboard in the subject line.

Hope everyone is having a fun New Years and look forward to bringing you some more fun on my blog for the New Year.  Be Safe!

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Scourge by David H. Burton

Title: Scourge
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction/ Fantasy
Publisher:  David H. Burton
Publication Date: 29th November 2010
Stand alone or series: Series
Pages:  172 pages
Book Received from:  Author
First Lines:  There were three things that were a little different about Grimwald Doyle

Synopsis:
Grim Doyle has always known his life was not exactly "normal", and things gets even more curious when he discovers a set of stones that sweep him and his family to the fantasy, steampunk world of Verne - a place they had escaped from years ago. Now that they've returned, Grim and his siblings hide from the evil Lord Victor and his minions. And while learning about Jinns, Mystics, and the power of absinth they try to discover who is trying to kill them with the deadly Scourge.

My Thoughts:
I found this one really hard to get into in the beginning.  I was sucked in a little at the start but slightly put off when he was brought into the world of Verne.  From the top of my head I don't think I've read anything steampunk before so I'm not sure whether it was the unfamiliarity of the genre that kind of put me off or what.

In saying that, once I did get into it, the book was great.  Grim and his siblings made an interesting cast of characters, especially his 'two' Dads!  I also loved that Grim slips up like a kid of his age would do, when put in the situation they all were in.  Aunt Patrice was quite a surprise too.

I don't know whether I have a soft spot for animals though, but Scarlet was a definite favourite and when she turned up, that's when I really started to get hooked on what was happening to Grim and his family.  Least favourite character would have to be Festral.  I think I spelled his name right.

While I've never read any Steampunk books that I know of, and after a rocky start I really did enjoy the story and characters.  I'm quite curious to see what will happen next for Grim.

Spellbound Suggestion Box

Hi all.

I plan on doing up a new schedule for 2011 and would love your suggestions as to what new stuff you would like to see on Spellbound By Books.  At the moment I'm sort of winging it in the posting department and I'd love to be a bit more organized than what I am.  What would you like to see on here.. any ideas to help Spellbound By Books to stand out?

All suggestions are welcome so don't be shy!


Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Waiting on Wednesday (43)

Waiting on Wednesday was brought to you by Jill over at Breaking The Spine. It's a weekly post for you to share what upcoming books you can't wait for!


I come across this book while reading through my Google Reader.  XVI by Julia Karr.  This one is out January 6th 2011!


Synopsis
Nina Oberon's life is pretty normal: she hangs out with her best friend, Sandy, and their crew, goes to school, plays with her little sister, Dee. But Nina is 15. And like all girls she'll receive a Governing Council-ordered tattoo on her 16th birthday. XVI. Those three letters will be branded on her wrist, announcing to all the world—even the most predatory of men—that she is ready for sex. Considered easy prey by some, portrayed by the Media as sluts who ask for attacks, becoming a "sex-teen" is Nina's worst fear. That is, until right before her birthday, when Nina's mom is brutally attacked. With her dying breaths, she reveals to Nina a shocking truth about her past—one that destroys everything Nina thought she knew. Now, alone but for her sister, Nina must try to discover who she really is, all the while staying one step ahead of her mother's killer.




What are your picks for WOW??

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Monday, December 27, 2010

Sticky Beak (39)


Sticky Beak is all about sharing. Sometimes we can't all get around to every single blog and website available so that's where Sticky Beak comes in. By word of mouth (well you get what I mean) we are more likely to get to those blogs that we wouldn't have normally seen without someone pointing them out to us.

The links could be to your own post, a favourite blog post you would love to share, an authors blog/website, book/writing contests, reviews you really enjoyed, tour info or anything you would love to share with others. Just use the comments below to add your link!

Here's Mine for this week:

Cool Stuff to Check Out:
Mindful Musings: Best Blog and Best New Blog of 2010.  Go have a look and vote.  You may also come across a blog you haven't seen yet :)
NPR: Weird and Wonderful Books: 2010's Hidden Gems.
Writings of a Pensive Observer: There will be an Empty Seat Poem.  This is an absolutely beautiful but sad poem.  Pls spend the time to read this.
Examiner: News on the Hunger Games Movie
Pure Imagination: Interview with Vera Dietz character from the book Please Ignore Vera Dietz

Book Blogs I've Come Across:
Only Sexy Books Allowed:  Great Book Blog to check out.

What are some Blogs etc that you'd like to share.  Leave them in the comment section!

Sunday, December 26, 2010

In My Mailbox (42)

In My Mailbox is a weekly post created by The Story Siren and inspired by Alea of Pop Culture.

For Review:


Bought:

Homework for Grown-ups by E. Foley and B. Coates - Yes I did go and buy this.  I figured I might actually learn something more than what I did in school!
Enigma 2 by Fabrice Mazza - I admit, I did buy this book because of the cover and nothing more.  But check out the inside.  It's all really beautifully illustrated.


 
I'd like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!!!  It's Boxing Day here for us but for those of you overseas that are either just coming into Christmas Day or in the middle of it.  I hope your having an awesome day.
 
For everyone who's recovering from a hangover from yesterday (Christmas),  I hope you enjoyed a great day and aren't suffering too much.  And just remember, we have New Years coming up ;)
 
So what did you all get in your mailbox this week??

Friday, December 24, 2010

Christmas Eve Disaster...

If you've been following my blog for the last couple of weeks, I haven't had the best of luck.  Well, Christmas Eve is no different.  I had planned on working out the kinks in Spellbound Noticeboard when the little one went to bed.. but it never worked out that way.  Instead, we spent an hour up the hospital..

Why you're wondering?  Well.  Set the scene for you.. I'm washing dishes (which I hate doing!) and my other half and Cruzito had jumped in the shower.  I'd almost finished when I hear a thump... then "Oh Shit!  Mummy.. Mummy Quick!"  So of course I drop everything and run up the hall just about breaking my toe in the process and slam the door open to find Cruzito with his eyebrow split open.  After the episode with him putting his tooth through his lip a few weeks ago I learnt a few things quick a) Don't panic for their sake.. it only makes things worse.  b) make sure there are no mirrors in the vicinity that they can accidentally see damage!

So shaking but calm I grabbed the towel and stopped the bleeding.  "Looks like it's a trip to the hospital.." I say  Grabbed him out, got him dressed and by that time my other half is dressed and ready to go.  It's raining and all too.

We get him in the car.. and because I hadn't made a big deal he was fine.  The ride was fun, since I sat in the back and he'd obviously forgotten about his eyebrow.  Although .. since we had to skip the whole eczema cream in a rush, he was busy making a mess of his ankles by scratching.

All in all, we are fine.  He was even really chatty in the hospital towards the nurses, so yeah.  I have pictures which I intend to post so beware.. it's not too bad.  Funny though,  everytime I took picture he was saying "Cheese." lol.  Its a new thing.

Just after it happened..

Waiting at the Hospital.  He was playing with bubbles and was all happy.
An hour after the accident.  His eyebrows all glued shut and the bruise has started to appear.  He was so tired too.. poor thing. 

This is just the start though.  I know there will be plenty more to come.. It must be an unlucky day today for our family since my Dad broke his front tooth and had to go to the Dentist to have it pulled. 

What will Christmas Day bring.  (Knocking on wood as I say this.. the last thing I need is to have more dramas)

Hold Me Closer, Necromancer by Lish McBride

Author: Lish McBride
Genre: Young Adult/Fantasy
Publisher: Penguin
Publication Date: 22 November 2010
ISBN: 9780143204961
Stand alone or series: ? Not sure but I hope theres more!
Pages: 348 pages
Book Received from: Penguin Group (Aus)
First Lines: I stood in front of today's schedule still holding my skateboard, still drenched from the ride over, and still desperately wishing I hadn't dropped out of college.

Synopsis:
Sam leads a pretty normal life. He may not have the most exciting job in the world, but he's doing all right - until a fast food prank brings him to the attention of Douglas, a creepy guy with an intense violent streak. Turns out Douglas is a necromancer who raises the dead for cash and sees potential in Sam. Then Sam discovers he's a necromancer too, but with strangely latent powers. And his worst nightmare wants to join forces . . . or else. With only a week to figure things out, Sam needs all the help he can get. Luckily he lives in Seattle, which has nearly as many paranormal types as it does coffee places. But can a bratty harbinger named Ashley save his skin?

My Thoughts:
When I picked up this book I wasn't sure what I was in for.  The blurb on the front from Sherman Alexie has "This is a SCARY funny book OR a FUNNY scary book.  In either case, it is a GREAT book.  I LOVE IT".  I didn't know what to make of it at the time but it was pretty close to hitting the nail on the head.  Although I wouldn't say it was scary scary.

I really enjoyed each of these characters.  Sam especially, since the story was about him.  His illtimed humour provided a funny side to a potentially bad situation and the fact he couldn't help himself but make things worse made this story even better.  And with friends like Ramon, Frank and Brooke, they make a great team.

I had trouble getting into this in the beginning though and it was more of a personal thing for me than the writing.  I don't think I was in the right mood when I picked it up but it didn't take long to really be cheering for the characters.

Best thing I loved about this was the names on each of the chapters were titles/lyrics from actual songs!  It was maybe the third chapter in before I realised that.  Great touch.

Hold Me Closer, Necromancer is a witty yet slightly dark read but definitely worth giving it a go.  Before you know it you'll be cheering for a good ending without realising you were sucked in to begin with!

Fave Line:  There were a couple of lines that struck me as funny but I've picked this one.  It's not a spoilery one so yeah. 'Working here just proved that the only things separating me from a monkey was pants.'

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Waiting on Wednesday (42)

Waiting on Wednesday was brought to you by Jill over at Breaking The Spine. It's a weekly post for you to share what upcoming books you can't wait for!


Please Note: Due to crashing out last night and not waking up until 5 this morning (Thursday) this post is a little late.  Sorry bout that.

This week I've picked Wereworld: Rise of the Wolf by Curtis Jobling.  I have received this one from the Publishers to read but I would like to share it on my WOW for all of you that may or may not have heard of this.  This will be released on the 4th January 2011

Synopsis
'You're the last of the werewolves son. Don't fight it...Conquer it'.

When the air is clear, sixteen year-old Drew Ferran can pick up the scent of a predator.

When the moon breaks through the clouds, a terrifying fever grips him.

And when a vicious beast invades his home, his gums begin to tear, his fingers become claws, and Drew transforms ...

Forced to flee the family he loves, Drew seeks refuge in the most godforsaken parts of Lyssia. But when he is captured by Lord Bergan's men, Drew must prove he is not the enemy. Can Drew battle the werecreatures determined to destroy him - and master the animal within?

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Spellbound Hot Finds: For Christmas

If you are still wondering what to get those who love books etc for Christmas here are some things I've come across that look really cool!  You may not get them in time for Christmas but it might give you an idea of what you can get in the future.

Book Ends:

City Slickers Bookends

Classic Wooden Book Bookends Library W/ Hidden Drawers


Book Lights:
 
Phillips LED Reading Light
 
LED Flexible Neck Clip-On Booklight (double bulb) - Reading Light - Levenge
LED Flexible Clip on light
 
ReLight
 
Book Holders/Stands:
 
Dovetale Bookstand - Book Stand, Book Holder, Book Rest, Bookstand
Dovetale Bookstand
 
Hog Wild Peeramid Bookrest
Peeramid Book Cushion

Monday, December 20, 2010

Sticky Beak (38)



Sticky Beak is all about sharing. Sometimes we can't all get around to every single blog and website available so that's where Sticky Beak comes in. By word of mouth (well you get what I mean) we are more likely to get to those blogs that we wouldn't have normally seen without someone pointing them out to us.


The links could be to your own post, a favourite blog post you would love to share, an authors blog/website, book/writing contests, reviews you really enjoyed, tour info or anything you would love to share with others. Just use the comments below to add your link!

Here's Mine for this week:

Authors I've come across:
Curtis Jobling: Author of a number of children's books as well as Wereworld: Rise of the Wolf which will be out in January 2011.
Ruta Sepetys: Author of upcoming novel Between Shades of Gray.  Awesome website as well.
Carol Oates: Author of Shades of Atlantis, her first book.
Allie Condie: Author of Matched her latest release.
C.J West: Author of The End of Marking Time.

Other Cool Stuff to Check out:
La Femme Readers: Winner of Random Magic Re-create Cover Winner!
Mary Ryan Books, Music & Coffee:  We have one of these stores at Orion Shopping Centre in Springfield.  Very Cool
You Tube: Wereworld - Rise of the Wolf Book Trailer

What are yours?

Sunday, December 19, 2010

In My Mailbox (41) and Photos..

In My Mailbox is a weekly post created by The Story Siren and inspired by Alea of Pop Culture.

Bought:


In Cruzito's Mailbox
This is technically one of his presents for either Christmas or his birthday.  I haven't worked out which.  I hope he likes it!

So that's all I got for this week!!

News..
I have had an pretty eventful week this week.  If you live in Queensland Australia, you'll know we've had loads of rain so far.  Which is not good for the guys I work with since it's in the Earthworks industry.  Lots of rain means no work for them.  It sucks.

So Thursday we lost power at work and then I got a message from my neighbour telling me there is a tree branch resting on our roof.  There was only gutter damage until my other half took the tree down and broke the gazebo when it fell on it. lol  Talk about bad luck.
Then we were without power up until 11pm that night (not because of the branch though).  Next door had their generators going and were the only ones on the street with their Christmas lights working lol.

My other half got our generator working for a little while, so we were able to watch twenty minutes of tv and play on the internet while the place was still dark but then the generator conked out and the string snapped.  LOL


Testing out my new iphone 4.  The flash kind of went off at the wrong time though.  It's a good picture apart form that.

This dog is definitely living up to her name "Chet" from the books by Spencer Quinn.  She's got the wonky ears (although in the books he's got one black and one white) and she is getting into loads of trouble at my Mum and Dad's place.  Last night she decides to dig a hole around two feet deep for no reason whatsoever then rubbed up the side of Mum and Dad's house and put mud everywhere upstairs.  You can see part of the wall to the right in the picture.
Above is what Chet and Mischief look like clean. 

This picture is from last weekend.  The boys went out fishing and caught this crab which they cooked up and ate. 

And lastly.  Today I was at the bookstore, and while I didn't buy this book I had to have a laugh.  I was told this was a really good too.  The Dragon With The Girl Tattoo


Friday, December 17, 2010

Minder by Kate Kaynak

Title: Minder (A Ganzfield Novel)
Author: Kate Kaynak
Genre: Young Adult / Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Publication Date: 18th June 2010
ISBN: 9780984531103
Stand alone or series: Series
Pages: 264 pages
Book Received from: Author
First Lines:  I felt the eyes on the back of my head, like a too-warm itch within my skull.  Someone was watching me.

Synopsis
Sixteen-year-old Maddie Dunn is special, but she needs to figure out how to use her new abilities before somebody else gets hurt. Ganzfield is a secret training facility full of people like her, but it's not exactly a nurturing place.

Every social interaction carries the threat of mind-control.

A stray thought can burn a building to the ground.

And people's nightmares don't always stay in their own heads. But it's still better than New Jersey. Especially once she meets the man of her dreams...
 
My Thoughts
The cover really doesn't give much away on this book.  I feel stupid admitting this, but at first glance I actually thought it was a chess piece. 

I read this book in one sitting, and I absolutely loved it.  I was pretty much sold from the synopsis and once I started reading I was like "Wow!".  This story gets right into the nitty gritty from the beginning, where Maddy is grabbed off the street by older boys who attempt to rape her.  Suffice to say, it doesn't end well for the boys.  Maddy is whisked off to a "Training" facility the very next day. 

Minder grips from the very beginning, and while I had two little issues with the story line it was a fantastic read.  My first issue was how easily Maddie found the whole mind reading thing.  If it were me, other people's voices in my head would probably send me to the nut house.  The second issue was how quickly Maddie and her boyfriend connect.  I guess doing the mind reading thing doesn't leave many secrets lol.

All in all, an enjoyable read.  I'm looking forward to when Adversary comes out!!

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Waiting on Wednesday (41)

Waiting on Wednesday was brought to you by Jill over at Breaking The Spine. It's a weekly post for you to share what upcoming books you can't wait for!


This week I'm featuring The Screaming Season which is book 3 in Nancy Holder's Possessions series.  This one won't be out until March 2011 but if you enjoyed the first two this one is bound to be good :)

The Screaming Season (Possessions #3)
Synopsis
The third novel in the bone-chilling Possessions series by New York Times bestselling author Nancy Holder
The gutsy heroine of Possessions and The Evil Within returns for another year of boarding school at the haunted Marlwood Academy. Lindsay wakes to find herself strapped down in the infirmary. She had a breakdown and might have tried to kill her nemesis Mandy or Mandy's boyfriend, Troy—or both. The details are hazy, but one thing is certain: she is possessed by a spirit she cannot trust.

Lindsay soon realizes that nowhere on campus is safe. Then, she finds a surprising ally in her former rival. Together, Lindsay and Mandy must figure out who can be trusted—and who wants them dead. But when Lindsay's ex-boyfriend shows up at Marlwood, she is given a chance to get away and be free of the curse. Will she take Riley's hand and run, or team up with a new love to save Marlwood from the evil spirits forever?

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Raw Blue by Kirsty Eagar

Title: Raw Blue
Author: Kirsty Eagar
Genre: Young Adult
Publisher: Penguin
Publication Date: 29 June 2009
ISBN: 9780143011453
Stand alone or series: Stand Alone
Pages: 288 pages
Book Received from: Author
First Lines: Friday Morning.  I'm heading down to the break, feeling antsy because I slept in.

Synopsis
The ocean is a vivid emerald colour and the wind ruffles the wave faces so that they shatter the sunlight like glass. Seeing that glittering skin always tightens my throat with joy … I forget about the underbelly of things, my secrets, and I feel easy and free.Carly has dropped out of uni to spend her days surfing and her nights working as a cook in a Manly café. Surfing is the one thing she loves doing ... and the only thing that helps her stop thinking about what happened two years ago.

Then she meets Ryan and Carly has to decide ... Will she let the past bury her? Or can she let go of her anger and shame, and find the courage to be happy?

My Thoughts
I'm completely blown away.  Kirsty just has that secret knack for capturing Australia's natural beauty and really drawing the reader in.   

Raw Blue is such an intense read.  I'm talking about the type that slowly sucks you in and twists your insides as you get to know the characters.  Carly's an avid surfer who is suffering from a traumatic experience.  It's slowly eating her up and the only thing that can take her mind off it is to surf.

There are a number of vividly painted characters throughout the book, especially some that I personally wouldn't want handling my food in a cafe, ever.  Hannah and Danny are definite faves of mine though.  There were parts in the book where I just cracked up laughing at the dialogue of these pair.  It helps to ease up the darker quality the book slips into.

It amazes me how much I actually looked forward to when Carly gets down to the beach.  The description of the water and Carly's reaction to it, really had me wanting to pick up a board and give it a go myself.  The only minor things that would stop me would be a) I can't surf and b) I can't swim.  See.. minor right lol.  It was like her love for the surf really jumped out of the page.

Raw Blue is a brilliantly written story about surfing, the aftermath of a traumatic experience, and Carly's way of dealing with it.  Add a splash of raw Aussie swearing at it's best.  Loved it!

One last thing before I go.  "Go Vaginas"  LOL (P.S You will get this line if you've read the book)

Monday, December 13, 2010

Sticky Beak (37)


Sticky Beak is all about sharing. Sometimes we can't all get around to every single blog and website available so that's where Sticky Beak comes in. By word of mouth (well you get what I mean) we are more likely to get to those blogs that we wouldn't have normally seen without someone pointing them out to us.
The links could be to your own post, a favourite blog post you would love to share, an authors blog/website, book/writing contests, reviews you really enjoyed, tour info or anything you would love to share with others. Just use the comments below to add your link!

Here's Mine for this week:

For Writers:
Oasis for YA: Writer's Wendesday - Beta Benefits.  I really enjoyed this post.
A Book in the Woods: Courses - A Subtitute for Writing?  Possibly Guilty of this one lol
Figment: Write Yourself In.  I haven't much time to check this out but it looks interesting!
 
Giveaways:
Susan K Mann: Miss Bohemia Guest Post and Giveaway
 
New Blogs to Check Out:
Wickedly Sweet Books: A Very new blog mostly about YA.  Check it out and make her feel welcome :)
 
Other Cool Stuff To Check Out:
The Staff Recommends: 2010 Holiday Book Gift Guide
 
So, What are Yours?

Sunday, December 12, 2010

In My Mailbox (40)

In My Mailbox is a weekly post created by The Story Siren and inspired by Alea of Pop Culture.

For Review



I'd like to say thnaks to the Penguin Group Australia for sending me Last Sacrifice, Matched, Between Shades of Gray, and Wereworld!!

Thank you to C.J West for sending me The Ends of Marking Time.
So that's what was in my mailbox for this week.  Whatd did you get?


Friday, December 10, 2010

Random Magic: Winterlong Tour Musical Blog Hop

Music is a strong theme in Random Magic  -- so strong, in fact, that one of the celestial characters Winnie
and Henry meet is Efterpe, the Muse of music.

In celebration of the winter season, here’s a fun blog hop to check out. You’ll find lovely songs with wintry themes that also match some of the
important themes in the book.

Come sit by the fire and enjoy a musical feast for friends with us...

You are here: #1 of 10 (Spellbound by Books)


Winter Winds - Mumford & Sons
Live performance: Winter Winds
Song and book themes: Buoyancy - Good Cheer
[LT_RandomMagic_SashaSoren_C.gif]

Random Magic quote:

A young girl, her silver hair in pigtails, burst through the door. Her hot-orange t-shirt and lime green mini-skirt were startling in the gloom. She
bounced along on purple sneakers that lit up with every step she took.
Henry stared.
“Our daughter,” the Count said wearily. “Hypatia.” (More)

Watch Random Magic trailer  - More Random Magic: Browse

Bonus: Free MP3 (as avail.): Cinnamon and Chocolate - Butterfly Boucher

Check out music stop #2 of 10: Take me there 

(If you enjoy a particular music pick, please consider buying the track to help support the person or group that created it for everyone’s enjoyment. River of Light  is the unofficial soundtrack for the 2010 Random Magic winter season tour, Random Magic: Winterlong. Happy listening!)

For the impatient, here are all the blogs on the hop:

#1 of 10: Spellbound by Books 
Themes: Buoyancy - Good Cheer

#2 of 10: Geeky Blogger Themes: Reflection - Spirituality

Themes: Fortitude - Quirkiness

Themes: Tenderness - Devotion

Themes: Mystery - Magic

Themes: Celebration - Humor

Themes: Love - Geniality

Themes: Comedy - Creativity

Themes: Hope - Light

#10 of 10: The Fluidity of Time (Twitter n/a)
Themes: Art - Beauty - Inspiration

(Optional)
Reader note: You're invited! Do you have a favorite tune for the winter season? Feel free to share some of your top tunes in the comments,
maybe everyone will find a great new song to check out.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Waiting on Wednesday (40)

Waiting on Wednesday was brought to you by Jill over at Breaking The Spine. It's a weekly post for you to share what upcoming books you can't wait for!


I've picked Beween Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys.  This won't be out until 28th March 2011.  I've just received an Uncorrected Proof of this from Penguin Australia.  I don't go for these books usually but to step outside my zone I'm going to give it a go.
 
Between Shades of Gray
Synopsis
Lina is a fifteen-year-old Lithuanian girl. She paints, she draws, she gets crushes on boys. She's just like any other girl. Until one night in 1941 when Soviet officers barge into her home, tearing her family from the comfortable life they've known. Separated from her father, forced onto a crowded train car, Lina, her mother, and her young brother are taken slowly north to a Siberian work camp, where they are forced to dig for beets and fight for their lives under the harshest of conditions. Stalin has deported them and is claiming their home as his own. Suffering abuse both physical and emotional, Lina finds solace in her art, meticulously - and at a great personal risk - documenting events by drawing. She imbeds clues in her art of their location and secretly passes them along, attempting to contact her father, hoping these drawings will eventually make their way to his prison camp.
It is a long and harrowing journey, spanning years, covering 6,500 miles. Many lives were lost, but it was their incredible strength, love, and hope that allowed Lina and her brother to endure and ultimately survive.

Born at Midnight by C.C Hunter.  I just love this cover.  We won't be expecting this out until the end of March 2011!
Born at Midnight (Shadow Falls, #1)
Synopsis
Kylie Galen has had a lot of crap tossed in her lap. Her parents are getting a divorce. Her boyfriend broke up with her because she wouldn’t put out. Her grandmother died and now Kylie’s acquired a stalker. Unfortunately, she’s the only one who seems to be able to see the stalker. And that gets her sent to a psychologist’s sofa.
The kooky psychologist gets Kylie sent to Shadow Falls Camp. Kylie and her parents think it’s a camp for troubled teens.
They thought wrong.
It’s a camp of supernaturals: vampires, werewolves, fairies, witches and shape shifters. And if she believes the camp leader, Kylie is one of them, too.
Just because she’s seeing ghosts, just because she was born at midnight, does that really mean she’s not human? And if so, what is she? Not even the other supernaturals can tell her.

As Kylie attempts to cope with the realization that these creatures actually exist, and that she might even be one of them, the ever present stalker/ghost appears to have secrets that could unravel the mystery of Kylie’s identity and her destiny.

But getting a ghost to open up is as hard as getting a guy to talk about his feelings.
As Kylie struggles to find answers, two hot guys, a werewolf and a half-fairy vie for her attention. However, Kylie’s determined that before she lets her heart discover a new love, she needs to solve her indentify crisis and unearth the truth of her destiny.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Random Magic Tour: Winterlong Dec. 10



Random Magic Tour: Winterlong
Dec. 10-23, 2010

Tour organization: Lyrika Publicis
Tour prize coordinator: @LaFemmeReaders
Contact the tour: @RandomMagicTour

Win something wonderful: Tour prizes

Magical Covers art event: Prize pack

Dec. 10
Winterlong: Musical Blog Hop
Come sit by the fire and enjoy
some lovely winter tunes…

Themes (song and book): Buoyancy - Good Cheer

#2 of 10: Geeky Blogger
Themes (song and book): Reflection - Spirituality

Themes (song and book): Fortitude - Quirkiness

#4 of 10: Elbit Blog
Themes (song and book): Tenderness - Devotion

Themes (song and book): Magic - Mystery

Theme (song and book): Celebration - Humor

#7 of 10: vvb32 Reads
Themes (song and book): Love - Geniality

Themes (song and book): Comedy - Creativity

Themes (song and book): Hope - Light

Twitter: n/a
Themes (song and book): Art - Beauty - Inspiration


Notes: Songs on the blog hop are nice songs for winter,
and they also reflect themes found in Random Magic.
Bonus: Free winter song for every stop
on the hop, feel free to visit all blogs to find them all.

Dec. 11
Magical Covers: Reimagining the cover of Random Magic
Welcome and prizes info
Voting: Dec. 18 - Winner revealed: Dec. 20

Dec. 12
Twitter: @Misha_1989
Review
Feat.: ‘Winter Dancers’

and – just for fun!

Feat.: Elf Yourself (winter widget)

Dec. 13
Review

and

Twitter: @lindsiking
Feat.: ‘Winter Drinks’

Dec. 14
Review
Feat.: ‘Sweets for the Sweet’

Dec. 15
Twitter: @vvb32reads
Feat.: ‘Dandy Fellows’
Related event: Dandies and Delectables (Dec. 10-23)

Dec. 16
Twitter: @blodeuedd83
Review

and

Twitter: @shanynlee
Review
Feat.: ‘The Secrets of Random Magic


Dec. 17
Twitter: @MissIrenne
Review
Feat. ‘Fairy Tale Top 10: Random Magic


Dec. 18
Twitter: @LexieVmp666
Review
Feat.: Video review of Random Magic
More: The Booklover - Book Chicks video channel

and

Magical Covers: Reimagining the cover of Random Magic;
Voting on cover entries
Winning cover revealed on Dec. 20
Dec. 19The Fluidity of Time
Twitter: n/a
Review
Feat.: ‘Subtle Magic: A discussion of Random Magic themes’

and
Mundie Moms
Twitter: @MundieMoms
Review (book chat format)

Dec. 20Makeshift Bookmark
Twitter: @makeshiftjen
Review
Feat.: ‘Casting Random Magic’ (gallery)

and

La Femme Readers
Magical Covers: Reimagining Random Magic
Finale: Cover winner revealed

Dec. 21The Bushwick Book Club (Seattle chapter)
 Twitter: n/a
Feat.: Songs inspired by Random Magic (audio/video)
Details: Video performances, two different singer-songwriters.
More: The Bushwick Book Club (Seattle) video channel

Dec. 22Girls in the Stacks
Twitter:http://twitter.com/girlsinthestack
Feat.: Bookshelf Theater: Random Magic (video)
Details: Video performance, cute scene from the book.
More: The Girls in the Stacks video channel

Dec. 23Winter Reading Circle: Tales for a Winter Night
Find some nice and cozy – or dark and spooky –
reads perfect for wintertime, on this fun blog hop.

#1 of 6: What Book Is That?
Twitter: @heynocupcake
Twitter: @BooksatTinas

Twitter: n/a

#4 of 6: A Reader’s Adventure

#5 of 6: vvb32 Reads
Twitter: @vvb32reads
Completing the reading circle -- and the Winterlong tour.
Thank you for coming along with us, and happy reading!

Monday, December 6, 2010

Sticky Beak (36)



Sticky Beak is all about sharing. Sometimes we can't all get around to every single blog and website available so that's where Sticky Beak comes in. By word of mouth (well you get what I mean) we are more likely to get to those blogs that we wouldn't have normally seen without someone pointing them out to us.

The links could be to your own post, a favourite blog post you would love to share, an authors blog/website, book/writing contests, reviews you really enjoyed, tour info or anything you would love to share with others. Just use the comments below to add your link!
Here's Mine for this week:
Cool Stuff To Check Out:
Rachel Vincent: What if you didn't know Vamps eat People. Interesting Post.
Hatchette Book Group: 2010 Holiday Gift Guide.
Penguin Books Aus: Newest Last Sacrifice Teaser Trailer. Oh I can't wait for this!!
For Book Bloggers:
Parajunkee's View: Book Blogging 101 - Informing an Author of a bad review. I love having this knowledge readily handy from more experienced bloggers. Being a fairly new blogger I'm still learning the ropes. Thanks for putting up really useful stuff :)
For Writers etc:
Divine Caroline: Peruse at This- The Commonly Misused Words and Phrases. Haha guilty of a few sayings on the second page.
Word Play: Why are you writing this story? Very Interesting Post!
Well here are my links for the week. Feel free to add your own in the comments section!

Sunday, December 5, 2010

In My Mailbox (39)

In My Mailbox is a weekly post created by The Story Siren and inspired by Alea of Pop Culture.
For Review:

Shades of Atlantis by Carol Oates

(Thanks to Misha from Omnific Publishing)

Bought:


House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski


The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff

That's all from me this week. What did you get?

I don't know whether anyone else is having this problem too but I have had to resort back to the Old editor to be able to load any images including my own. It keeps coming up with server rejected. WTF??

Does anyone know how to fix this problem? I don't like the old editor because it throws everything out when I'm trying to add images in. Pls leave a comment if you happen to have the answer.

Thanks!

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Her Dark Angel by Felicity Heaton

Title:  Her Dark Angel
Genre:  Paranormal Romance
Publisher:  Alinar Publishing
Publication Date:  28th August 2010
Stand alone or series:
Pages:  124 pages
Book Received from:  Author
First Lines:  The images in the bright pool flickered past Appollyon's eyes at lightning speed but he could see them all, could bring each into focuse and pause there a moment to understand what was happening in the scene. 
*NOTE* Definitely an Adult book. Be wary of My Thoughts  :)

Synopsis
An angel without a mission, Apollyon lives trapped in Hell guarding the bottomless pit. Surrounded by endless darkness, he longs to fly free on Earth once more but his master hasn’t called him in centuries. When the call finally comes, it’s to serve a new master, a beautiful woman he has often watched over, a woman who has always captivated him.
Serenity is shocked when a gorgeous black-winged angel shows up in her city of Paris claiming that she called him when she was only casting a simple vengeance spell. He’s no other than the angel of death! When Apollyon offers to obey her and help her have revenge on her cheating ex-boyfriend, she can’t resist the temptation, but can she resist him? Can an angel as dark as Apollyon ever fall for a mortal woman like her?
Their charade as lovers quickly becomes reality when one dance leads to another and Apollyon proves that he’s as sinful as he looks. His sensual and hungry touch brings Serenity back to life, freeing her from the hurt of being betrayed and reigniting her passion, but she can’t ignore her growing fear. Lost in their moment together, Apollyon realises that there is a reason he heard her call—he’s in love with her.
But will Serenity see past the wings and believe that Apollyon returns her feelings and won’t hurt her? When her ex-boyfriend asks her to forgive him and be with him again, will she take the easy route or will she find the courage to fly away with her dark angel?
Dark, passionate and erotic, Her Dark Angel is a tale of intense desire and deepest forbidden love guaranteed to get your heart racing.

My Thoughts
What can I say?  That cover is Hot! I've read one other book from Felicity so far and I really enjoyed it so I was really looking forward to getting a hold of this.

Her Dark Angel had me captivated from the very beginning.  It starts off in Apollyon's POV and from there I'm sucked into the story.  Serenity is my definite favourite.  She has her little quirks and I love what she can do.  It really puts an interesting spin on the things.

I can't pinpoint what it is about Serenity, but I could definitely relate to her on some level.  She's been burned and bent on revenge but she is not sure that what Apollyon has in mind is the right type of 'revenge' for her.

This one is a great hot and steamy read.  The first part of the book had me going WOW even before there was any action.  The story was well written and had my attention the whole way through.   

I recommend this to those who are looking for a quick hot paranormal read.  It's a good balance without the er.. hotness overiding the main story line which I've found that some paranormals tend to do :)  I definitely enjoyed it.

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