Thursday, May 26, 2011

Again im without a laptop for i dont know how long, a week or two i suppose. I hope to be back soon, please bare with me and my technological failure!

The Red Pyramid
Author - Rick Riordan
Genre - YA/Fantasy
Pages - 516
ISBN - 1423113381

Since their mother's death, Carter and Sadie have become near strangers. While Sadie has lived with her grandparents in London, her brother has traveled the world with their father, the brilliant Egyptologist, Dr. Julius Kane.

One night, Dr. Kane brings the siblings together for a "research experiment" at the British Museum, where he hopes to set things right for his family. Instead, he unleashes the Egyptian god Set, who banishes him to oblivion and forces the children to flee for their lives.

Soon, Sadie and Carter discover that the gods of Egypt are waking, and the worst of them —Set— has his sights on the Kanes. To stop him, the siblings embark on a dangerous journey across the globe - a quest that brings them ever closer to the truth about their family and their links to a secret order that has existed since the time of the pharaohs


The Red Pyramid is told through the eyes of brother and sister duo Carter/Sadie, and uses Egyptian mythology instead of Riordans more known Greek pantheon.

After witnessing thier father being entombed in a sarcophagus and dissapearing into the floor, Sadie and Carter are now on a journey to rescue him and stop Set, the evil god who wants to destroy everything. They are accompanied by Bast, the cat goddess, Zia a member of a secret society and meet a host of gods/goddesses such as: Anubis, Sehkmet, Sobak, and others. The magic system in the book was quite good, it was diffrent then others i have read and though it was simple it was interesting and added fun to the story. The book is broken up by chapters of either Sadie or Carter talking telling thier story,

I vastly enjoyed when Carter was talking more. Sadie although 12 is mature for her age, however rather annoying. Her inane comments about things got old and tired by the end and i would have rather liked the whole thing to be told by Carter, who was much more serious and not so slap humorish. I did like how Sadie grew and by the end it seemed like Sadie and Carter really liked each other and it was nice to see them as a family.

The action as always is fast and fierce. I think that is why i like Riordans writing so much, there are no lenghty fillers where all the party is doing is talking, his books are full of fighting, running and magic. Although there are some parts where it seemed a bit unrealistic, in the fact that a major character will come in, leave then come back later in the game, it didnt leave with the sence of loss when a person did this because you knew they would come back. The ending however, was sad and i liked that it did not end super happy like others, it was more bitter-sweet than anything and i enjoy that type of ending.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

The Nine Lives of Cloe King is ABCFamilys newest show
                  So to my suprise I was asked to help get the word out about it...


This morning the lovely FedEx truck dropped off a box to me, what could be inside I wonder? And whats with those odd markings?



What strange items! They will help me on my journey into the world of the Mai, and you can play too at:

just click the Start Playing Now button.
You can win a great grand prize, either way your going to get to have fun learning more about the Mai and the show.
Don't forget the show also premiers on June 14th! 

Want a Sneak Peak? Check this out:


BUT WAIT!!!!!

If you go to abcfamily.com/ninepaths you will also notice on the left they are giving away super cute circle charms. Want one? Of course you do!
But.. oh no! you need a code word!
I have it! and im giving it to you! enter the word Circle.

Enjoy and make sure you play and watch the show, I just know its going to be great!






Teaser Tuesday

Rules
1. Open your current read to a random page
2. Select (2) sentances to share, you can share more but not too much.
3. No Spoilers!

Lines

He hesitated again, then spoke in a rush, as though afraid someone would stop him before he'd had his say. "she could even be the mixer who poisoned your father."

Illusions by Aprilynne Pike

Sunday, May 22, 2011

In My Mailbox


FOR REVIEW

Shrouded Path by Aron White


SWAP/GIFT

The Griffins Flight by K. J. Taylor







 BOUGHT

Warprize by Elizabeth Vaughan
Warsworn by Elizabeth Vaughan
Warlord by Elizabeth Vaughan
Warcry by Elizabeth Vaughan
Afterlife by Merrie DeStefano
The Heretic Queen by Michelle Moran


Saturday, May 21, 2011

Review - Enclave

Enclave
Author - Ann Aguirre
Genre - Dystopian
Pages - 259
ISBN - 0312650086










In Deuce’s world, people earn the right to a name only if they survive their first fifteen years. By that point, each unnamed ‘brat’ has trained into one of three groups–Breeders, Builders, or Hunters, identifiable by the number of scars they bear on their arms. Deuce has wanted to be a Huntress for as long as she can remember.

Enclave is a apocolyptic/dystopia novel taking place in two diffrent areas. The enclave which is belowground. Its dark, dank, dangerous and the people do not live past a certain age (the oldest i believe was 25) They are also infest by 'freaks' mindless creatures that feed on flesh. It also takes place Topside, the world above enclave, its our world but its in ruins, overrun with gangs in the cities and freaks roam as well.

We start off in Enclave with Deuce who has just had her naming ceremony and is now a full huntress, someone who goes into the tunnels to gather food and fend off freaks. Deuce is paired with Fade, an antisocial guy who came from topside after surviving alone in the tunnels for years. Their relationship was rocky to begin with but it steadily grew into a sweet kind of romance. However, life in enclave is hard and if your not a hunter, your either a builder or a breeder and you sometimes dont get a chance to choose what you want.

Deuce certainly didnt want what befalls her after teaming up with Fade and finding a blind brat in the tunnels, then finding a human deserted enclave close by and finding out the freaks are getting smarter. All that leads up to the halfway part of the book, where she is exiled with Fade to Topside.

Her journey with Fade through unfamilar terriory was my favorite part, while enclave was interesting in its social structure, i found Deuces ignorance and fears a charming aspect, she is no longer the tough huntress but a little fish in a big strange pond. As they advance through the city heading north as thier only destination lies somewhere in that direction, they meet a few other foes and friends along the way and soon an odd band of four is trekking across the ruined city and wilds.

Enclave was one of those books that i just could not put down! i love dystopians and i love learning new social structers and the danger that comes with the unknown. You should not miss this acton packed gem!

Friday, May 20, 2011


Question: Can you tell us FIVE quirky habits or things about you??
  1. I am a japanese drama geek, Jun Matsumoto and Tomohisa Yamashita are my fav actors =)
  2. I am a bit OCD. i HAVE to hit the side of my teacup 2 times with my spoon before i take the first sip, it has to sound and feel just right.
  3. I have 3 bottles of hand dissinfectant and a large one to refil those bottles, i use them alot
  4. I put all the names of the books i own in a envelope and i pick what i read next by randomly selecting one, i find its fun and i like surprises.
  5. I am extremely bad in crowds (unless its a concert) I get panicky and i will start to cry.

Question: If you were given the chance to spend one day in a fictional world (from a book), which book would it be from and what would that place be?

Oh wow, lets see, I have read so many! but most likely either Faerun from the Legend of Drizzt books (the place is crawling with elves, dwarves, goblins and such!) It just seems like it would be an adventure. Now on the safer side I would definatly have to say Harry Potters world, who wouldnt want to fly on brooms and perform magic spells? even going to school sounds more fun!






Thursday, May 19, 2011

Silver Phoenix
Author - Cindy Pon
Genre - Fiction/Fantasy
Pages - 338
ISBN - 0061730211

No one wanted Ai Ling. And deep down she is relieved—despite the dishonor she has brought upon her family—to be unbetrothed and free, not some stranger's subservient bride banished to the inner quarters.

But now, something is after her. Something terrifying—a force she cannot comprehend. And as pieces of the puzzle start to fit together, Ai Ling begins to understand that her journey to the Palace of Fragrant Dreams isn't only a quest to find her beloved father but a venture with stakes larger than she could have imagined.

Bravery, intelligence, the will to fight and fight hard . . . she will need all of these things. Just as she will need the new and mysterious power growing within her. She will also need help.

It is Chen Yong who finds her partly submerged and barely breathing at the edge of a deep lake. There is something of unspeakable evil trying to drag her under. On a quest of his own, Chen Yong offers that help . . . and perhaps more

Silver Phoenix was an interesting read, i always love reading about ancient china and its culture. The story centers around Ai Ling, a 17 year old girl who runs from home in search of her father and along the way faces many dangers, befriends an outsider and his brother and faces the biggest challenge of her life.

The writing and storytelling was very fluid, at times imaginative (the curses that Ai Ling would say.) The demon in the book were also imaginative and scary, and very intent on making sure Ai Ling did not get to the palace to rescue her father. Ai ling herself was a strong character, though at times vulnerable as well. Her special abilities were useful and interesting, she did not abuse them and respected others. Chen Yong, one of the men she travels with was a stoic, sometimes boyish guardian to her that i enjoyed. His brother Li Rong was a flirt and added humor to the story.

There are quite a few twists and turns and while some are predictable, some where not. Beware if you are younger, there are some mentionings of rape, some sexual behaviour and innuendo but nothing you would not see in say, an urban paranormal.

The next book in the series Fury of the Phoenix is due out soon and I can't wait to see if the loose ends tie up or lead us on another wild adventure, i sincerly hope both! The ending gave some nice suprises and keeps a good, clear path for the next book.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Shadow's Lure
Author - Jon Sprunk
Genre - Fantasy
Pages - 340
Release Date - June 21 2011










There are some things a son of the Shadow cannot ignore, and some fights from which he can't run. In this battle, all of Caim's strength and skill won't be enough. For none can resist the Shadow's Lure . . .

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Teaser Tuesday

Rules:
1. Pick up your current book and flip to a random page
2. Select (2) sentances to share, you may share more but not too much
3. Share the books title and author
4. No Spoilers!

Lines:

I tip my cup into the open valve at the top of the cistern. Then i see the new Overseer making a slow path around the clearing. He looks up at me and stops walking.
My hand falters and water esccapes onto the side of the cistern. But I correct myself quickly and son the pouring is done. I hope that an Overseer didn't see my sloppiness. There would be punishment, and mother would bear it on her shoulders.

Drought by Pam Bachorz

Monday, May 16, 2011

SELKIE
(Irish, Scotish & Icelandic folklore)



FACTS
1. Imagined as seals that can transform into human, usually beautiful women.
2. Thought to transform from thier seal form by shedding thier skin and then transform back by putting it back on.
3. A Selkie can not return to the sea without her skin.
4. Legend says that if a lonely fishermans wife drops seven tears into the sea a male Selkie will come ashore to make love to her.
5. The song of the Selkies is called Dan nan Ron (Song of the Seals)
6. Said to have a faint glimmer around them, making them more enchanting.
7. Selkies of the unseelie court are those that sink ships and create storms. Those of the seelie court (roanes) are harder to anger and are shy and soft hearted, if a good dead is done to them they will repay by saving the humans life if he or she is ever drowning.
8. A Selkie may only make contact with one human for a short time and can not see them for seven years unless the human steals the Selkies skin or burns it.
9. A Selkie skin is enchanted, it will always find its way back to its owner even if it takes 100 years.


Art by Yaamas

SELKIE IN BOOKS

A Kiss of Shadows by Laurell K. Hamilton - Merediths lover is a male Selkie
Beside the Ocean of Time  by George MacKay Brown - A novel about a man who falls in love with a Selkie and hides her seal skin so she cant go back to the sea.
Selkie Girl by Laurie Brooks - A YA novel about a girl who is a Selkie and how she deals with it.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

In My Mailbox


FOR REVIEW

Cameo the Assassin by Dawn McCullough White








BOUGHT

Weather Warden Series by Rachel Caine (no pics, that would have been too much!)
Thorn Queen by Richelle Mead
Iron Crossed by Richelle Mead
Divergent by Veronica Roth
Raven: Blood Eye by Giles Kristian
Raven: Sons of Thunder by  Giles Kristian
Hounded by Kevin Hearne
Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly Keaton

Saturday, May 14, 2011

A Need So Beautiful
Author - Suzanne Young
Genre - YA/Fiction
Pages - 252
ISBN - 0062008242

We all want to be remembered. Charlotte's destiny is to be Forgotten...

Charlotte’s best friend thinks Charlotte might be psychic. Her boyfriend thinks she’s cheating on him. But Charlotte knows what’s really wrong: She is one of the Forgotten, a kind of angel on earth, who feels the Need—a powerful, uncontrollable draw to help someone, usually a stranger.

But Charlotte never wanted this responsibility. What she wants is to help her best friend, whose life is spiraling out of control. She wants to lie in her boyfriend's arms forever. But as the Need grows stronger, it begins to take a dangerous toll on Charlotte. And who she was, is, and will become--her mark on this earth, her very existence--is in jeopardy of disappearing completely.

Charlotte will be forced to choose: Should she embrace her fate as a Forgotten, a fate that promises to rip her from the lives of those she loves forever? Or is she willing to fight against her destiny--no matter how dark the consequences

A Need so Beautiful follows the story of Charlott, who is plagued by Needs, compulsions to help people and nothing can stop them, if she tries to ignore it then Charlott gets sick or feels like shes burning. So she must complete them.


That is, until one day when Charlotte finds that her skin is dissovling, leaving in its place a golden glow and her life forever changes. People are forgetting about her, even her closest friends and only the seer will remember her, her childhood doctor Monroe, but this is not enough for Charlotte so when a mysterious woman named Onika offers to show her how to go against the Need and ignore her destiny, it offers a hope to Charlott, but is she willing to give into the darkness?

Charlotte was a real character to me, she was bold, vulnerable and ultimatly brave beyond anything. She freaks out when she learns what she is, and that is understandable she also plays with the thought of turning to the dark so that she can stay and have noone forget her, especially Harlin her boyfriend and her adoptive family. This makes her human more than anything, for we all face choices and we are all conflicted at one point or another.

Onto the other characters. Harlin was a good boyfriend type, he was more of a 'wild' person, not the typical jock type we see and he is actually very sweet and deeply cares about Charlott and puts up with her Needs, even though he does not know that is why she ditches him often. The only other one who knows about her Needs is her friend Sarah, and even she dosn't know all that much about it. Can we also say total snob? she is completely selfish and cares more about her own self than Charlott or anything else, honestly I dont know why Charlott actually continues to be friends with the brat, but oh well.

There was no real action to the book, but i felt it did not need it. Though, there is a bit of sexual innuendo and the like that i felt the book was a bit too focused on at times. The ending was pure magic, it was bitter-sweet and i did cry. It sets up a sequel quite niely and I hope that it is just as good as A Need so Beautiful.

Thursday, May 12, 2011

The Misfit of Supernatural High
Author - Shawn C. Sproatt
Genre - YA/paranormal
Pages - Unknown

15-year-old Wanda Windsor is not the most popular student at Hecate High. In fact, amongst her fellow witches, the fairies, the shifters, the vampires, and the werewolves, she's one of the least popular students. However, she never thought anyone hated her enough to try attack her. During her sophomore year someone uses mind control on other students to force them to hurt Wanda, and she manages to just barely escape each attack. Wanda isn't sure who would want to hurt her, but she's fairly certain it has to do with the introverted new student who has visions of the future.

When she isn't dodging death, Wanda spends her time trying to pass Geometry, avoiding (unsuccessfully) the subject of boys, and getting into mischief with her friends

Ever felt like an outcast in your own family, like everything you did embarrased or disgraced your parents even if you weren't trying to?

Thats kind of how Wanda feels. Wanda is a witch, and even though shes quite good at spells she ends up having little mistakes that make her life with family a bit rough. (her sister Laurie does not help any either!) Good thing she has Supernatural High! A place for Witches, werewolves, vampires and shifters to be themselves and learn.

But something is wrong, after a scary incident at the grocery store involving an Ogre and a near death expiernce, plus the strange happenings at school Wanda cant shake the feeling that someone is out to get her...

The story is the usual paranormal fare, girl goes to high school and deals with school stuff and danger. However, the book is very, very charming. It has wit, wholesome fun and a touch of action and mystery (If i had to guess the bad person, the person was the last on my list, not even on it really!) Wanda and her friends, Alec the werewolf, Dean the vampire Ari the faerie and one very special vampire, are all thier own person and i really cared for all of them, none of them i found annoying or lacking in charisma or personality. They were really true friends, and they each had thier own problems as well, quite well-rounded.

The misfit of supernatural high is a bit of a long book, the author probably could have told the story with a shorter page count, but honestly it was so indulgent that i did not ever really notice the page count, i zoomed through the book because i could not stop reading!

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Author - Philippa Ballantine
Release date - June 28th 2011

Though one of the most powerful Deacons, Sorcha Faris has a tarnished reputation to overcome, which is why she jumps at the chance to investigate a string of murders in the exotic city of Orithal. But it is there that her lover, the shapeshifting rival to the throne, is targeted by a cruel and vengeful goddess, unwittingly unleashed by the Emperor's sister.


Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Teaser Tuesday

RULES
  1. Open your current read to a random page
  2. pick (2) sentances to share, you may choose more but not too much
  3. List the name of the book and author for others
  4. No Spoilers!
LINES

She was hurrying across the courtyard as if she were being chased, but what really caught my attention was the shimmering black cloud around her, as if someone had wrapped her in a glittery shadow. She came to a section of blank wall and waved her hand. Suddenly a stairway appeared. Zia glanced nervously behind her and ducked inside.

Of course I followed.

The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordin

Monday, May 9, 2011

GOLEM
Jewish Folklore

Art by Fish Griwkowsky
FACTS

Meanings: Fool, silly, stupid, clue-less and dumb. Literaly means 'cocoon'
May be dervied from the word gelem which means 'raw material'
     Early Judaism recounts the earliest stories of Golems
Golems cannot speak
Writing the hebrew word Emet (truth) on its forhead would keep it animated, erasing the first letter and making the word Meit (dead) would deactivate it.
They are incapable of hurting the person who created them according to all Jewish kabbalistic descriptions.



 
GOLEM IN BOOKS


The Golem's Eye by Jonathan Stroud - A Golem is loose in London.
Kiln People by David Brin - featured duplicates of people made out of mud.
Going Postal by Terry Pratchett - Golems are used as mailmen.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

In My Mailbox

This week is a culmination of the 3+ weeks i was on vacation from April 12th untill today.



 FOR REVIEW

ARC So Silver Bright by Lisa Mantchev (From Publisher)
Roencia by Eldon Harris
Rise of the Raven by Scott Dennisen




GIFTS/SWAP

Human Blend by Lori Pescatore  (R.A.K)
The Coming of Dragons by A.J. Lake (Paperbackswap)
The Dark City by Cornelia Funke (R.A.K)












BOUGHT

The Soulkeepers by G. P Ching
Peony in Love by Lisa See
Everlost by Neal Shusterman
Illusions by Aprilynn Pike
Drought by Pam Bachorz
The Goblin Wood by Hilari Bell
Matched by Ally Condie
Entwined by Heather Dixon
Dark Descendant by Jenna Black
Bite Club by Rachel Caine
The Throne of Fire by Rick Riordan
Huntress by Malinda Lo

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