Reading is like breathing...it must be done

If I stay

2010-06-19T09:03:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since my last review. Now that I have began reading again I hope to reestablish my book review blog.

I recently read the novel If I stay by Gayle Forman.

I was pleasatly surprised by the storytelling in this novel. Many novels for young readers lately have been superficial and full of predictable dialouge however this book projects a sense beauty and in depth thought into life and it's hard choices.

Seventeen year old Mia is a talented celist. The last thing she remembers is being in the car with her family. The next thing she knows she is watching her own body being carried away on a stretcher. She is not sure if she is a ghost or in some in between world. The novel continues with Mia remembering various parts of her life and watching her family members and friends wait, contemplating whether or not she will wake up or not. Mia is very intelligent and wise for her age. The reader senses her struggle and empathizes with it as well. It is an intensely moving novel. It will leave you accessing your own life and wondering what choices will you make if you were to ever be in such a situation. Mia does not know if she has control over waking up and if she does gave control does she truly even want to sustain the pain and emptiness that could become her life once she is awake. Will she be miserable? Will she pull through? Is it worth it to stay???

What Chu Readin'

2009-10-03T08:02:00.000-07:00

I have been in a reading funk. I cannot seem to engage myself in any of the books from the library so I am going to take them back Monday. I have had them for 3 weeks. Next I hope to read two books I purchased this week.

Queene of Light (Lightworld/Darkworld Series #1) by Jennifer Armintrout

I am on chapter 3 and it seems promising lol

and

Bram Stroker's Dracula

I don't think you can call yourself a vampire novel fan until you have read this.

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

2009-09-27T15:50:00.000-07:00

I hugely enjoyed this novel and read it in a short time. I cannot say that I loved it as others have. The writing was poetic and flowed in a natural manner that allowed for easy reading. Each chapter switches between the perspective of the two main characters Sam and Grace. Typically I loath this style of writing, however I believe it was necessary for the flow of the story. I enjoyed Sam's perspective much much more than Grace. He was a wonderful boy full of intelligent and sometimes deeply beautiful thoughts. The werewolf mythology is different than what readers are used to. These wolves change when it is cold. The older they get the harder it becomes to shift back to humanity. Soon they never shift into human form again. I found this aspect of the novel profoundly sad and imaginative. My only issue is the ending. It seemed so awkwardly undone. I have learned that a sequel is due out next year. I guess I am fed up with such deep cliffhangers. I truly do not understand why the author did not just end the book with closure. This could have been a standalone novel. A series seems far fetched. I do not see where the story can go from here besides explaining what the hell happened. I do recommend this novel for romance fans. It was a light easy read and much better than a lot of the young adult books being released.

At The Movies

2009-09-26T09:11:00.000-07:00

Apparently,Hollywood loves Stephenie Meyer. There are reports that the screen rights to the non-Twilight book, The Host, have been bought. Gattaca writer/director Andrew Niccol has been hired to write and direct. I was skeptical about a film at first however I loved Gattaca. It was an awesome film all around so I am pleased with the writer/director choice.

http://www.mania.com/meyers-host-invasion-planned_article_117779.html

Fans of The Host novel should be excited to know that there will be a series. There are two more books to be released. The Seeker should be released sometime next year and The Soul will be released in 2012.

Library Loot

2009-09-23T14:52:00.000-07:00

Library Loot is a weekly event hosted by Marg and Eva. Bloggers share the books they’ve checked out from the library.

This week I finally got my hands on Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater. I hope I can get into this one. I only read two of the 15 books I checked out last week. Nothing is sucking me in right now. I love the cover and I love that the writing is blue.

The U.K. cover is interesting however I find it boring and predictable. Every supernatural teen book these days has a color scheme with red, black, and white.

Wish me luck.

New Moon Soundtrack

2009-09-22T11:13:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you but I love movie soundtracks. It is a great way to discover new music. The New moon soundtrack will be released October 20th . I like this line up more so than Twilight. The album has more indie artists than the previous soundtrack, which featured Paramore, Collective Soul, and Linkin Park.

Here is the official tracklist for the "New Moon" soundtrack:

Death Cab for Cutie, "Meet Me on the Equinox"

Band of Skulls, "Friends"

Thom Yorke, "Hearing Damage"

Lykke Li, "Possibility"

The Killers, "A White Demon Love Song"

Anya Marina, "Satellite Heart"

Muse, "I Belong to You (New Moon)"

Bon Iver & St. Vincent, "Roslyn"

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, "Done All Wrong"

Hurricane Bells, "Monsters"

Sea Wolf, "The Violet Hour"

OK Go, "Shooting the Moon"

Grizzly Bear, "Slow Life"

Editors, "No Sound but the Wind"

Alexandre Desplat, "New Moon (The Meadow)"

I will most definitely be reading New Moon again before I see the film. I think I will read the movie tie in version released on September 15th.

Hush Hush Winner!!!!

2009-09-22T10:20:00.000-07:00

First I will tell you how I came to a conclusion. I took all of the emails and entered them into a list randomizer at random.org

Using the release date of the book the 13th as a guide I randomized the list 13 times and chose the 13th name on the list. Very simple.

And so the winner is APRIL!!! from Good Books and Good Wine

Thank you all so very much for participating. I appreciate all of the new followers. Come back and see us!!!!

LAST DAY FOR ENTRY!!!!!!

2009-09-21T06:51:00.000-07:00

TODAY is the last day to enter the HUSH HUSH Giveaway . I will except entries until midnight tonight!!!!!!! The winner will be announced tomorrow morning at 11 am. Get those extra entries in for your chance to win.

GOOD LUCK!!!

Other blog: Clothes

2009-09-20T14:44:00.000-07:00

Shamless self promotion of my other recently started blog

blackcigarettestyles.blogspot.com/
blackcigarettestyles.blogspot.com/
blackcigarettestyles.blogspot.com/

I chose to start this blog to sell items that I no longer want. Sometimes your personal style changes and hopefully what is no longer suited for me will be suited for you. I used to sell my items on Ebay,however the fees became a hassle. :)

Side Note: I cannot get into any of the books I checked out from the library!!!

A Book Lovers Questionaire

2009-09-17T13:55:00.000-07:00

I found this while surfing the internet bored at work and thought it was interesting.

Source: Fesh Ink Books

Questions

1. Hardback, trade paperback or mass market paperback?

Paperback period. I am not a fan of hardback books because I cannot bend them as I please and they are super expensive. I would much rather pay 8.99 or 12.99 than 25.99

2. Barnes & Noble or Borders?I mostly shop at Books a million simply because it is closer to where I live than both of those stores. I do enjoy Borders though.

3. Bookmark or dog-ear?

Bookmark in novels however I have been known to dog-ear my favorite poems in poetry books.

4. Amazon or brick and mortar?

Both. I love the atmosphere of being inside a bookstore and being able to touch and feel the books I am purchasing. However online sites like amazon have a wider variety where I can find used cheap books.

5. Alphabetize by author or alphabetize by title or random?

I like sections by genre. All vamps together. all my Sylvia Plath together

6. Keep, throw away, or sell?

Keep- I keep most of my books. I sell,swap, or trade those that I feel I will never read again.

7. Keep dust jacket or toss it?

Keep it. At the library where I work we use them for display cases

8. Read with dust jacket or remove it?

I remove it. I find it completely annoying.

9. Short story or novel?

Novels. I have a few books of short stories and they have yet to be read. I am always up for a great Edgar Allen Poe tale though :)

10. Harry Potter or Lemony Snicket?

Harry. I haven't read Lemony

11. Stop reading when tired or at chapter breaks?

I stop whenever I see fit. If a book is getting to a part that I know I need to pay particular attention to I stop reading if I feel drowsy.

12. "It was a dark and stormy night" or "Once upon a time"?

Once upon a time it was a dark and stormy night

13. Buy or borrow?

both..libraries and friends are awesome sources for borrowing. Saves me tons of money

14. New or used?

Both.

15. Buying choice: book reviews, recommendations, or browse?

It varies. Sometimes I browse a book store and note authors and books that I am interested in. Then I research them on the internet using websites such as amazon, shelfari, and goodreads. I read reviews for reference however they do not determine whether I will purchase a book or not.

16. Tidy ending or cliffhanger?

As long as it ends well. A horrible ending can ruin a novel.

17. Morning reading, afternoon reading, or nighttime reading?

All time reading. I read every chance I get.

18. Stand-alone or series?

Both however I am more into series at the moment.

19. Favourite series
Harry Potter, Twilight, Hunger Games, Vampire Academy,

20. Favourite children's book?

The complete brothers Grimm fairy tales

21. Favourite YA book?

I have been reading a lot of YA lately. I believe its the new trend lol I love Hunger Games, Twilight, anything by Ellen Hopkins, and Catching Fire.

22. Favourite book of which nobody else has heard? This Body: A Novel of Reincarnation by Laurel Droud. It is a wonderful novel.

Katharine Ashley, dutiful wife and mother of two troublesome teenagers, dies in her sleep one night and wakes up a year later on the floor of a strange bathroom in a strange city--in a stranger's body. This body she now inhabits is young, single, and skinny. But Katharine has inherited not only Thisby Bennet's lovely body but also her drug addiction, her abusive boyfriend, and the family she has disappointed and alienated for years. Katharine decides that before she can return to her own family, she must make reparations for Thisby's past behavior. She kicks Thisby's habit and reconciles with the Bennets--but does so with deceptive ease, obscuring the fact that she has more in common with Thisby than her body, that it wasn't just Thisby's life that was awry and needed to be set straight.

There are references to Shakespeare since all of the Bennet kids are named after characters in A Mid Summer Nights Dream. Its lovely.

23. Favourite books read last year?

Twilight by Stephenie Meyers
The Secret Life of Bee's by Sue Monk Kidd
Memoirs of a Geisha by Authur Golden
River of Stars: Selected Poems of Yosano Akiko
Interview With The Vampire by Anne Rice
Fight Club by Chuck Palahnuik
The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera

24. Favourite books of all time?

Too many but I will name a few

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
White Oleander by Janet Fitch
In the Cut by Susanna Moore
The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah
Addicted by Zane
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly by Jean-Dominique Bauby
Twenty Love Poems and a song of Despair by Pablo Neruda
Crossing the Water by Sylvia Plath
Ariel by Sylvia Plath
Bleach by Trite Kubo (manga series)
The Complete Brother's Grimm Fairytales
Hamlet by William Shakespeare
Girl Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen

25. What are you reading right now?
Tantalize by Cynthia Leitich Smith

26. What are you reading next?
My library books..I literally have at least 20 books checked out. However some are manga and graphic novels. I may read a few of those next.

27. Favourite book to recommend to an eleven-year-old?

Harry Potter or the Bleach manga series. I have come to truly love manga. Bleach is full of adventure, courage, wisdom, and entertaining characters that I have grown to love. On top of this the novel is humorous and fun loving. The artwork speaks for itself.

The dialogue can be both beautiful and humorous.

I leave you with a quote from Bleach:

"We are drawn to each other
Like drops of water, like the planets
We repulse each other
Like magnets, like the colors of our skin"

28. Favourite book to reread?

I rarely reread books because I have so many new ones to crack open. However I always go back to my poetry books. I reread Sylvia Plath all the time.

29. Do you ever smell books?

Not not really

30. Do you ever read Primary source documents? Like, diaries or letters?

Yes, I love diaries and letters. I have Sylvia Plath's journals. I hope to read others as well. I find them intriguing.

There is a book I would love to read called other people's love letters

I am a huge fan of Post secret books as well.

Waiting on Wednesday

2009-09-16T11:36:00.000-07:00

Poisoned Honey: A Story of Mary Magdalene
Release date: March 9th 2010
Binding: Hardcover, 272 pages

Synopsis

This story begins with Mariamne, a vulnerable girl who knows little of the ways of the world. Much as she wants to be in control of her own destiny, she soon learns she has no such power. She must do as her father and brother see fit, and when tragedy strikes, Mari must marry a man she does not love and enter a household where she is not welcome, for the good of her family.

But she finds a small way to comfort herself when she meets an Egyptian wisewoman who instructs her in the ways of the occult arts. In the spirit world, Mari finds she has power. Here, she really is in control of her fate. But is she? Or is the magic controlling her?

This gripping portrait of one of the most misunderstood and controversial Biblical figures is the story of a young girl’s path through manipulation and possession, madness and healing, to a man who will change the world forever.

Sounds Interesting!!!! This caught my eye because I have always been intrigued with Mary Magdalene.

The Summoning by Kelly Armstrong

2009-09-15T07:32:00.000-07:00

4 stars :)

Chloe is your average art student. Loves films wants to write, direct ,and has an imagination vast and wide. Her mother died when she was a child which left her with her father. They continuously moved around. Luckily she attended an art high school so she never had to start over when she moved. One day while in the bathroom at school Chloe sees something. A man begins to chase her down the halls, face charred as if he'd been in a fire. She was hysterical and teachers attempted to subdue her but there was no use. Chloe was sent to Lyle house where mentally ill teens reside. She is diagnosed as a schizophrenic who's delusional and suffers hallucinations. But what if she wasn't mental. What if she could really see ghost and what if the other kids at Lyle house had supernatural powers as well? What was really going on here?

This is an extremely enjoyable book. Kelly Armstrong weaves together a tale of pure adventure and mystery. It is suspenseful, well written, and engaging. Armstrong successfully mixes the elements of teen angst, supernatural drama, and conspiracy. Even though the characters fit into stereotypes such as freak/bully, good looking guy, and spoiled rich brat they seemed to fuel the pace of the story instead of hinder it. The sections with Chloe and the ghost were eerie, creepy, and hauntingly descriptive. I loved that Chloe sometimes described things as she were directing a scene in a film. The movie nerd in me felt a bonding with Chloe. My only issue is the story dragged a bit towards the middle however it still held my attention. The book ended as soon as it was getting interesting. This was an entertaining beginning to a new series

When enough is enough!!!

2009-09-14T15:10:00.000-07:00

Ever begin reading novel and part of the way through you realize this is the most horrible thing ever written and you can no longer waste your brain power reading these words and converting them into images inside your mind.

Sometimes a reader can push themselves through a book, however I have stumbled upon a few books that fit into the category of could not would not refuse to finish.

1. Dirty Blonde: The Diaries of Courtney Love

Okay so Courtney Love is the most loved/hated whatever it girl of the nineties grunge era. I find her intriguing so I was looking forward to this so-called diary. It is more of a coffee table look book. Half of the writing within it is copies of her diary which is illegible. I cannot read her atrocious hand writing. I do not want to spend an hour trying to decipher words as if they are ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics. The pictures are great the layout reminds me of post secret books and that is awesome. However, this is more of a scrapbook than a diary and not being able to read the writing fluidly leaves me disinterested.

2. A Freewheelin' Time: A Memoir of Greenwich Village in the Sixties

I began reading this book 2 months ago. I pick it up and put it down to read something else. Over and over this has been the cycle of me and this book. A hundred pages in and I wonder if I should finish it at all. I was so excited about reading this book because

1. I love the sixties and seventies..the music, the films, the culture, the hippies. 2. I love Bob Dylan.
3. I love memoirs of people talking about life during the sixties and seventies.

This novel, however is boring and covers unwanted information. This is not a memoir of life in Greenwich Village it is a biography of her life including her grandparents and parents history. I understand there is a certain amount of background information that will be needed, but this was pages and pages about her grandparents. I am sorry but I don't need or want to know those things can we get to the music, Bob Dylan, and your life while being his girlfriend. Even when she talks about those things there is no life to it. The flow is choppy skipping from one thing to the next. The title of this book is misleading.

3. The Luxe

What year is it? 1899? Yeah..... right..sure it is

I read 100 pages and had to stop. It was an idiotic teen soap opera set amid high society teens in 1899 New York. There was too much "fluff" and not enough solid story. It is like the Gossip Girl series only set in the Victorian era. The characters are so flat and dull. They do exactly what you expect them to do. I am sure there are plenty of naughty girls of the upper class high society group, but these characters seemed to be lacking in proper etiquette and vernacular of the time. They just didn't seem to embody the spirit of the age. Boring,mind-numbing,and duplicitous little brats.

4. Accidentally Dead

I was looking forward to reading the humorous side of vampirism. However, this was full of corny sarcasm.I believe the author meant for the dialogue to be witty nevertheless, it is just plain stupid. The words "yummy", "hookay", and "yanno", among numerous others are used too much. After one hundred pages wasted on one argument: protagonist needs blood but refuses she needs it, then admits she needs it, then refuses she needs it. This is just about the cheesiest writing I ever encountered.

One hundred pages seems to be my stopping point. When do you stop reading a book? Or do you even stop? Do you complete a book that in your opinion sucks?

Vampire Diaries: Premiere

2009-09-12T07:14:00.000-07:00

I don't think the first episode was especially different from the book. I think they made logical adjustments for the times because the books are over 15 years old. The main story is still there. I get the feeling I will like this show much more than the books.

So far I love the choice of actors for each character. I think that Elena on the show has more depth than Elena in the novel. Nina Debrev seems like a promising actress with the ability to bring realness to this tale. Paul Wesley does not look how I pictured Stephan however I am satisfied with his portrayl of a vampire. I was completey skeptial about Vampire Diaries as a television show. Now I am excited for the next episode.

TUNE IN TONIGHT!!! Vampire Diaries!!!

2009-09-10T05:48:00.000-07:00

If you have been living under a rock or didn't already know Vampire Diaries premieres tonight at 8 PM. I must be honest I am not too fond of the novels. I liked the first book and part of the second. Overall I thought these books were nothing special. The show however will hopefully take on a new light. These promos are eye catching and I will definitely be tuning in tonight.

Come back tomorrow and lets discuss the first episode!!!!!!!!

Waiting on Wednesday

2009-09-08T12:33:00.000-07:00

This book is currently out of print but will return early 2010 and there will be a sequel as well. I assume with the new found popularity of paranormal, sort of vampires, and science fiction this novel has finally found publishing for its sequel. Cimmerian City was first released in October 2007. I love the fact that the female protagonist is not your typical white girl with blonde hair. We are missing characters of color in the paranormal fantasy genre.

Synopsis from Amazon:

Today, corporations are the new aristocracy. A laundry list of side effects accompanies almost every new drug introduced on the market. What if these side effects changed us? Imagine waking up in a futuristic world were corporations are the new aristocracy. The world has been divided into 2 hemispheres and 2 races: Humans and quick tough skinned vampire-like creatures that are children of the side effects of 20th century pharmaceutical experiments...Dracins. Imagine dying as a human...and waking up as something else. This is the life of Raven Blackheart, a formerly bored college student turned agent for the Tech Corporation, the largest corporate entity in the Western Hemisphere. Vice President Tyler Deamond, directs Raven as a go between and the last hope for the unification of Humans and Dracins. As deaths start occurring within the corporation headquarters, Raven notices someone is working their way up the food chain. Alliances are questioned as Deamond's intentions aren't quite as noble as they seem. A figure emerges from Raven's past who may have all the answers to the disappearance of her father... Cimmerian City is a futuristic sci-fi thriller where government has become big business, pharmaceuticals carry a veil of ghastly side effects and a third world war is brewing between the two races. Relax...It's just the 21st century.

Catching Fire: Hunger Games Trilogy

2009-09-07T09:11:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading Catching Fire and I do not know how to begin a review. I love this book, this series, this author. I love that she has created well defined characters and a plot like no other. The comparison to Battle Royale ends at the fact that kids are sent to a death match on live television. Catching Fire is completely original and imaginative. There were several plot twists that I did not see coming. The imagination of Susanne Collins is vast and undeniably awe-inspiring. It is refreshing to have a young adult book that has a female protagonist that is strong, intelligent, and brave. I relish the fact that although Katniss does love she struggles with it and does not fall head over heels in one chapter like most YA novels.
This novel is full of action, adventure, love, violence, and suspense. I highly recommend the Hunger Games series. Catching fire does not disappoint.

Does anyone know when the next novel will be released?

Awards!!!!!!!!

2009-09-06T12:31:00.000-07:00

Another AWARD!!! Thank you so much!!!

I received this award from Melissa at Books and Things

The award states:"The blogger who receives this award believes in the Tao of the zombie chicken-- excellence, grace, and persistence in all situations, even in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. These amazing bloggers regularly produce content so remarkable that their readers would brave a raving pack of zombie chickens just to be able to read their inspiring words. As a recipient of this world-renowned award, you now have the task of passing it on to at least 5 other worthy bloggers. Do not risk the wrath of the zombie chickens by choosing unwisely or not choosing at all."And to avoid the wrath of the infamous Zombie Chickens, I'm happy to pass this award along to the following blogs:

The Book Fiend
J. Kaye's Book Blog
The Book Wars
Katie's Bookshelf
B.A.M. Book Reviews

Awards!!!!!

2009-09-05T07:33:00.000-07:00

I received two awards yesterday.
From me to you award from Lindsay at Just another book addict

The person who receives this blog must do a shout out and nominate 7 other bloggers.
I nominate these great blogs:

Froggaritaville's Bookcase
Books and Things

Pure Imagination

Shut Up! I'm Reading

Mindful Musings

Bloody Bookaholic

A BookLover's Diary

I also received the Spread the Love award from Jessica at A BookLover's Diary

I pass this to:

The O.W.L.
The Book Scout
RayRay's Reads
My Tea Time is Book Time

2009-09-04T07:14:00.000-07:00

Library Loot is a weekly event hosted by Marg and Eva. Bloggers share the books they’ve checked out from the library. The library can be a great source for books. With so many books being released in hardcover I am using the library to save tons of money. I don't know if you all have noticed but all of the new YA novels are hardback books. It is irritating because a large majority of these novels are only between 250-300 pages. I don't want to pay 16 or 19 bucks for a book that is a mere 230 pages or less. The library has become my friend :)

I checked out

After fifteen-year-old Chloe starts seeing ghosts and is sent to Lyle House, a mysterious group home for mentally disturbed teenagers, she soon discovers that neither Lyle House nor its inhabitants are exactly what they seem, and that she and her new friends are in danger.

It’s 1895, and after the suicide of her mother, 16-year-old Gemma Doyle is shipped off from the life she knows in India to Spence, a proper boarding school in England. Lonely, guilt-ridden, and prone to visions of the future that have an uncomfortable habit of coming true, Gemma’s reception there is a chilly one. To make things worse, she’s been followed by a mysterious young Indian man, a man sent to watch her. But why? What is her destiny? And what will her entanglement with Spence’s most powerful girls—and their foray into the spiritual world—lead to?

Quincie Morris has never felt more alone. Her parents are dead, and her hybrid-werewolf first love is threatening to embark on a rite of passage that will separate them forever. Then, as she and her uncle are about to unveil their hot vampire-themed restaurant, a brutal murder leaves them scrambling for a chef. Can Quincie transform their new hire into a culinary Dark Lord before opening night? Can he wow the crowd in his fake fangs, cheap cape, and red contact lenses — or is there more to this earnest face than meets the eye? As human and preternatural forces clash, a deadly love triangle forms, and the line between predator and prey begins to blur.

Bianca wants to escape.

She's been uprooted from her small hometown and enrolled at Evernight Academy, an eerie Gothic boarding school where the students are somehow too perfect: smart, sleek, and almost predatory. Bianca knows she doesn't fit in.

Then she meets Lucas. He's not the "Evernight type" either, and he likes it that way. Lucas ignores the rules, stands up to the snobs, and warns Bianca to be careful—even when it comes to caring about him.

Madison Avery was a normal teenage girl until a dark reaper scythed her, killing her by severing her soul from her body. Stealing his amulet, she is given a half life and becomes swept into the war between light reapers, who believe in choice, and dark reapers, who believe in fate. Ruled by the Seraphs, these two sides have been fighting since the dawn of time. Guided by the light reaper Barnabas, Madison must learn how to use the stolen amulet as she aids him in preventing scything when the danger mounts around them. When her amulet is recognized during a scything, the peril deepens as it is revealed that she stole the dark timekeeper's amulet instead of a reaper's amulet, putting even those around her in danger.

At Mt. Douglas (a.k.a. Mt. Drug) High, all the girls have feathered hair, and the sweet scent of Love's Baby Soft can't hide the musk of raw teenage anger, apathy, and desire. Sara Shaw is a girl full of fever and longing, a girl looking for something risky, something real. Her only possible salvation comes in the willowy form of the mysterious Justine, the outlaw girl in the torn skirt. The search for Justine will lead Sara on a daring odyssey into an underworld of hookers and johns, junkies and thieves, runaway girls and skater boys, and, ultimately, into a violent tragedy.

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.

The first book in a new trilogy from L. J. Smith!

Elena Gilbert is alive—again.

When Elena sacrificed herself to save the two vampire brothers who love her—the handsome, brooding Stefan and the sleek and dangerous Damon—she was consigned to a fate beyond death. Until a powerful supernatural force pulled her back.

Now Elena is not just human. She has powers and gifts that were bestowed on her in the afterlife. What's more, her blood pulses with an overwhelming and unique force that makes her irresistible to any vampire.
************************************************
I was surprised by all the new books available at the library. Our library use to suck. I am next on the list for Eyes Like Stars and Shiver. I don't think I have ever used the library as much as I do now. I am a broke Grad student :)
I have 2 weeks before my next class starts. I will be using this time to read as many books as I can. Good thing all these books aren't due until October 2nd.

Waiting on Wednesday

2009-09-02T12:14:00.000-07:00

Waiting on Wednsday is held by Jill at Breaking The Spine

This is for bookworms like you and I to discuss upcoming releases.

Title: Gone

Author: Lisa McMann

Release Date: February 9th 2010

Binding Hardcover, 224 page

Summary(from Good Reads):

OPEN YOUR EYES.

Janie thought she knew what her future held. And she thought she'd made her peace with it. But she can't handle dragging Cabel down with her.

She knows he will stay with her, despite what she sees in his dreams. He's amazing. And she's a train wreck. Janie sees only one way to give him the life he deserves--she has to disappear. And it's going to kill them both.

Then a stranger enters her life--and everything unravels. The future Janie once faced now has an ominous twist, and her choices are more dire than she'd ever thought possible. She alone must decide between the lesser of two evils. And time is running out...

This is the final book in a series. Book one is titled Wake and book two is titled Fade.

I really enjoyed both of the previous novels. McMann's writing style is original, almost like a dream diary or written documentation of events. It was strange at first however,after a while I was accustomed to the flow, and I could not put these books down. I read them both in two days. I cannot wait to see how the story unfolds in book three.

Hush Hush Contest!!!!!!!!!

2009-08-31T14:51:00.000-07:00

This is my first contest and the prize will be

HUSH HUSH (ARC Copy)

This is a much adored novel. I was not too fond of it however that does not mean you will not love it. Here is what other bloggers had to say.

"Hush, Hush was not predictable like so many young adult novels tend to be. It kept me guessing until the very last chapter. It was even a little creepy at times. That made me love it even more.When this book is released in October I suggest you guys run right out and get it because Becca Fitzpatrick has created a beautiful tale full of characters to love. After October we will all be waiting in anticipation for a sequel. 4 1/2 Stars." Lori from Pure Imagination

"Wow, this book was amazing. I enjoyed reading it so much. The characters were great and the plot was ingenious. Becca Fitzpatrick kept me at the edge of my seat until the last page, and even then I couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next. Hush Hush definitely left room for a sequel." The Book Scout

"I enjoyed this book. The characters were well developed, and I definitely came to care about them and what happened. I expected a love story and there was one - a good one. But within the love story there was a mystery that I didn't expect!"Outrageously Wonderful Literature for the middle grades

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For extra entries

+6 For Promoting this Contest on your Official Blog, MUST be a Post.
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Good Luck!!!!

The last day for entry is September 21st

I for got to mention that this is NOT an international contest. I didn't even think about that. Silly me. I am sorry if it is an inconvenience to anyone.

Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

2009-08-30T18:27:00.000-07:00

I have read so many great things and been engulfed in the excitement surrounding this book. I have witnessed the numerous contests with people desperately attempting to gain a sneak peak. I finally get my hands on a copy of this coveted novel. I read it. I am disappointed beyond belief.

This book is boring, plebian, trite, and every other synonym one can find in a thesaurus.

The protagonist Nora is a high school student. She is extremely studious and conscientious. After getting paired with Patch a bad boy with a hidden past, in biology (sound familiar) she feels both attracted to him and repulsed by him. She suffers a world wind of emotions, thoughts, and actions that read like a Nancy Drew novel. What a coincidence that’s what the author grew up reading.
Vee is Nora’s best friend and she is completely aggravating. She is the typical best friend you find in any teen book, movie, or television show. She is overconfident, talkative, boy crazy, and makes wrong decisions. She is the polar opposite of Nora.

Patch is a mystery. He is likeable yet you spend most of the novel questioning his actions. There is something there and the reader is begging to have a better understanding however it never comes. It is just pages of juvenile games, sly smiles, and manipulation.

The characters are not flushed out well enough for me to care about them.

I love the concept of a fallen angel walking the earth. The opening scene had me excited to learn more and see how the story would unfold. Unfortunately I was awarded with pages of tedious teen dialogue. It would have been a huge benefit to the flow of the plot if we learned more about Patch and the mythology of the fallen angels sooner or through out the course of reading. All of the information is meshed between a hundred or so pages. The book did not become interesting until page 250. Many events within the novel were completely not believable and ridiculous. The way the police simply appeared at her house and begin questioning Nora is all wrong. She is a minor and they had no right to ask her those questions. Mrs. Greene the school psychologist asks the most peculiar questions and is always warning Nora to stay way from Patch. She knows things she shouldn’t know like that Patch gave Nora a ride home and she invited him in her house. Nora doesn’t question any of it the way a normal person would. Nora simply asked how did you know that and Mrs. Greene states part of my job is to give you guidance. What the hell!!!

Vee calls in a bomb threat like its nothing just so they can sneak in the office. She also makes excuses for another characters abusive behavior. This is the author’s first novel and it shows. What mattered to me as a reader was not revealed until the book was damn near over. The chemistry between Patch and Nora is evident. Nevertheless the back and forth cat and mouse game became very irritating after 200 pages of it. I yearned for him talk to her like a normal person have a real conversation and stop all the foolishness. His story about why he has fallen is completely underplayed. He saw a beautiful human and just flew down to earth. Did they interact, did they fall in love or did he just see a pretty face. It seemed completely shallow and appalling that the story of an Angel falling would be so trivial and not better explained.

Pages and pages of sexual tension and vague portentous references, harassment, manipulation, and then a small chunk of action not to mention complicated not thoroughly detailed mythology is all this book is. Attach a horribly cheesy romantic ending and there you have it. I think even Twilight fans will be disappointed. I could go on but I have given this novel enough of my time. I would read a sequel only because I would hope to learn more about Patch’s history as an Angel. I am glad this was a free ARC and I did not spend my hard earned cash.

Why the hell is this novel even called Hush Hush? smh

I will set up a contest to win it tomorrow.

My first ARC

2009-08-28T13:01:00.000-07:00

I got my ARC of Hush Hush in the mail yesterday.

I will have a review and a contest to win it as soon as I finish :)

Dani

The Devouring by Simon Holt

2009-08-28T12:18:00.000-07:00

3 and 1/2 stars

Reggie is a teen with numerous responsibilities since her mother walked out the family. She spends her time taking care of her brother Henry, going to school, and working at a local bookstore whose specialty is the scariest of scary novels. One day while unloading shipment she discovers a journal-like book. When she searches for the author and publisher she cannot find any traces of who wrote this and where it is from. Weird events occur that takes her on a journey through her fears.

I found this book intriguing and original. I was hooked by the premise of the book, the description of the Vours, and the opening story. The creepy eerie tale completely sucks you into the suspense. Some characters are well developed and very likable. Reggie is brave, intelligent, and strong unlike many female protagonist in the latest young adult novels. I found myself craving more knowledge about Eben and Aaron. However, I believe this craving will be satisfied in the next installment of the series. The Devouring was much better than expected. I surprisingly found myself scared and jumping at mysterious sounds in my bedroom. There are quite a few fairly hair-raising and gory visuals to enthrall horror lovers. However, the ending seemed rushed and trite. I understand the author was setting the stage for a sequel, but I would have liked something more complex and gripping. I detest sequences where everything works out smoothly. Reggie seems to know what to do ,but I would have been better satisfied if there was vivid description of how she focused mentally to drive the vours away. Another annoyance was the constant referring to their mothers abandonment. It is understandable, but at the same time somewhat distracting to the plot. The second book is a must-read because this book ends abruptly without an ounce of closure or an explanation for the vours war to come. I recommend this novel for good creepy entertainment.

Thirst by Christopher Pike

2009-08-23T17:57:00.000-07:00

This novel is a compilation re-release of the first 3 books in Christopher Pike's Last Vampire series. I was pleasantly surprised at how well this was written. Thirst is an intriguing and engrossing tale about a female vampire named Alisa aka Sita. She was turned five thousand years ago. Someone has hired a private detective to find out information about her. Is it her maker or someone trying to figure out what she really is? Someone out there knows what she is and could threaten exposing her as a vampire. The story unfolds turbulently as Sita's life and the lives of countless others are placed in jeopardy.

This book is violent, bloody, suspenseful, and very interesting. It was not what I expected at all. There is a small glimpse of romance but mostly this is just an amazing tale. There is a maturity in this novel that other YA vampire novels lack. I love religious subplot that is woven throughout the series. Sita is a great vampire that possesses a chilling wisdom that speaks truth to her age. She is cold-hearted, yet compassionate and completely dangerous. She encompasses many adjectives because of the many lives she has lived and things she has seen and experienced. Although these stories are more than 10 years old they bring something refreshing and new to the sudden rise in vampire popularity. This is not fluff I warn you there is gore. My only issues are two things that happened that I found confusing and that I thought were unnecessary. Other than that I highly recommend this novel. I am really looking forward to the last three stories in this series that will be included in Thirst No. 2 due out next year.

Lover Awakened

2009-08-22T11:52:00.000-07:00

4 stars ****

My first experiences with the Brotherhood were not great at all. The first two books in the series were boring with cliche dialogue. It may be because I did not care for Wrath or Rhage. This book however was wonderfully sexy, violent, and packed with suspense. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I believe it is because Zsadist story is such an intriguing and sad tale. Vampire warrior Zsadist believes that he is unworthy of either compassion or true love. He is scarred both physically and emotionally. When lessers kidnap Bella, Zsadist can't rest until he finds her.Ward weaves together a tale much like a violent and erotic version of beauty and the beast. Bella sometimes annoyed me with her cries and begging, however if you just imagine her tone of voice stern and straightforward and not like an erratic whining baby it is much easier to read. She proves herself to be a worthy heroine. I recommend reading this deliciously erotic novel. It had me squirming in my seat and eager to see my boyfriend as soon as possible. Maybe the Brotherhood isn't so bad after all. However, I do not see myself reading the other novels anytime soon because none of those men interest me the way Zsadist did.

2009-08-18T06:08:00.000-07:00

I never expected to read this book. Chick lit has never been a genre that I pictured myself venturing into. I had heard many great things about Jennifer Weiner, however I did not think that these books would interest me. I was completely wrong. I chose this book randomly from my boyfriend's mothers book shelf. I read the first few pages and instantly knew this could be a book that I could like. Little did I know 3 says later the 421 page novel would be finished and I would have a new favorite author whose other books I cannot wait to devour. Chick lit does not have to be superficial and overly feminine. This was a book about people. It was funny, engaging, witty, and smart. It cannot be lumped into the same pile as other chick novels. It is simply good fiction. Weiner creates characters with depth and realness. Her characters experience things that change them in the most simple yet important ways.

Maggie and Rose are sisters only two years apart in age, however different in all the obvious ways. Maggie is gorgeous, a party animal, dyslexic, and always gets what she wants and needs. Teachers pushed her through school and she began to use her assets. Rose is smart , a Princeton graduate, and lawyer. She is at a loss for taste in clothes, but she makes up for it with an extensive shoe collection. Maggie, once again evicted resides in Rose's apartment. Maggie betrays her sister by seducing Rose's most rare commodity, her boyfriend. What follows is a chain of events sometimes hilarious and sometimes heartbreaking. Maggie and Rose sort through childhood hurt,loss, and family mysteries.

Destined For an Early Grave

2009-08-13T11:25:00.000-07:00

4 stars ****
Cat awakes one night in terror. She's having visions of an ash blonde vampire named Gregor who's more powerful than Bones and has ties to her past that even Cat herself has no clue about.Gregor believes Cat is his wife and he won't stop until he has her.

I was not sure if I was going to like this novel as well as the others when I first began reading. I wasn't sucked in until about 50 or 60 pages into the novel. However, from that point on I knew Jeaniene Frost had not lost her touch. The world Mrs. Frost has created has an enormous sense of balance between romance, violence, mystery, and pure entertainment. She has created much loved characters that I hope to continue to enjoy in more books to come.

This is Cat as we have never seen her. Feeling helpless and a burden but still wanting to claim that independence from needing anyone. The shield keeps around her may cost her everything. Bones is as delectable as ever.

I look forward to the Night Huntress spin off featuring Spade

Upcoming Releases

2009-08-10T06:28:00.000-07:00

There are many upcoming book releases that I am excited about. I was in a reading funk and now I believe I have gotten back into my niche.

Catching Fire By Suzanne Collins- September 1, 2009.

This is the sequel to Hunger Games. Great book about a future North America where the nation of Panem lies, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

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Blood Promise by Richelle Mead will be released August 25, 2009. It is the 4th novel in the Vampire Academy series. See my reviews for Books 1 and 3 Book 3: Shadow Kiss Book 1: Vampire Academy I didn't write a review for book 2. However it was one of the best in the series.
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Pretty Dead by Francesca Lia Block- September 22 2009

I have only read one book by this author and to my knowledge this is her first vampire novel. Her writing is often poetic so I am intrigued by by her venture into vampirism. It seems as if every author is hoping on this bandwagon. Hopefully this novel will prove to be better than some of its mediocre predictable peers.
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A Touch of Dead: The Complete Sookie Stories by Charlaine Harris- October 6, 2009-

While waiting for the next book in the Southern Vampire Series Sookie fans will enjoy this book of every Sookie Stackhouse short story ever written -- together in one volume.

Stories include “Fairy Dust,” “One Word Answer,” “Dracula Night,” “Lucky,” and “Giftwrap.”

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New Moon- Movie Tie In Edition- September 15, 2009 As I mentioned before from the New Moon movie trailer it is obvious that there are some changes from the original book to the film script. I am very interested in reading the changes made before seeing the film.

Twilight Saga Official Guide- The release date for this book is a mystery. Amazon has no release date, Barnes and Noble claims DECEMBER 21 2010!!!, and Tower.com claims September 1. Hopefully tower records is correct. A 2010 release date would be ridiculous. Fans have been waiting for this release, it seems longer than Edward has been a vampire.
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Jennifer Armintrout who wrote one of my favorite vampire series returns with a new series. The veil between fantasy and reality has diminished, creatures of myth and fairy tale creep into the mortal world. Humans both enchanted and horrified force the magical beings underground.

Lightworld is home to faeries, dwarfs, and dragons. Darkworld is home to vampires, werewolves, and demons.

Ayla is a half human half fairy assassin being stalked by the Angel of Death, Malachi whose tasks is harvesting mortal souls. They clash. Immortality evaporates forging a bond neither may survive.

The great thing about this series is you do not have to wait years in between release dates. There are 3 books and they are each released within 1 month of each other.

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I am not only excited about vampire books lol

Tricks by Ellen Hopkins will be released August 25th, 2009
Tricks is about five teens who fall into prostitution, for five very different reasons. Three girls. Two guys. Four straight. One gay. Some rich. Some poor. Some from great families. Some with no one at all. All living their lives as best they can, but all searching...for freedom, safety, community, family, love. What they don't expect, though, is all that can happen when those powerful little words "I love you" are said for all the wrong reasons.

I am a huge fan of Hopkins' poetic free verse stories.

The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown- September 15, 2009 Dan Brown’s new novel, the eagerly awaited follow-up to his #1 international phenomenon, The Da Vinci Code

Crank by Ellen Hopkins

2009-08-07T07:17:00.000-07:00

Poetic, out of control, creative, fresh and new. I had heard many great things about Ellen Hopkin's novels. Initially I was turned off by the style in which they were written causing me to be skeptical about reading them. I caved in, gave it a whirl, and I am glad I did. The format is what makes this novel read so fluidly. I wouldn't have it any other way. Crank tells the tale of a girl whose life spins out of control due to the use to crystal meth. The descriptive vivid portrayal is both enticing and repulsive. Hopkins writes in free-verse poems that draw painfully sharp images of Kristina's addiction. I became completely engrossed in this novel and could not stop reading. What is also very interesting about this story is it's loosely based on the Ellen Hopkins' daughter's story of addiction to crystal meth.

I look forward to reading the sequel titled Glass A third installment titled Fallout will be released some time in 2010.

New Moon Movie Excitement!!!

2009-08-06T11:02:00.000-07:00

New Moon is 2 months away and I can't wait. I am excited about how everyone looks. Especially the Volturi :)

Dakota Fanning looks awesome!!!! She is becoming a gorgeous young woman.

The wolf pack is cool. However, from the teaser trailer I can see a lot has been changed from the book which is fine because films and books are completely different. I do not have problem when things from books are changed within a film because its an adaptation and interpretation. If I made the Twilight books into a film they would be very different from the book, much darker and edgy. That's my view of it.

http://ontheflix.com/2009/07/24/exclusive-new-moon-clips-were-released-at-comic-con/

Comic con new Moon exclusives!!!!!! lol such a teen eye candy movie

What sucks is that there will be a new Victoria for Eclipse because of scheduling difficulties with the current actress. Actress Rachelle Lefevre Will Be Replaced By Bryce Howard In The Role Of Victoria. There is a lot of drama with that. I like the original she is badass.

Reviews

2009-08-05T08:28:00.000-07:00

I have been busy and stressed. I have not read as many books as I would like to over the summer. Usually I would sit outside under a tree and spend my afternoons reading. I have not had that luxury this summer.

However I have read:

I'm with the Band: Confessions of a Groupie- Pamela Des Barres was the ultimate groupie of rock legends. This memoir chronicles her life and the style of the sixties. Sex, love, drugs, and music fill these pages. I wish I was around during that time to be her best friend in the whole world. Awesome lady. Awesome life.

A Life Time of Secrets- Post secret has become extremely popular over the years. The honesty, vulnerability, and bravery of unleashing a secret is beautiful. However, in this edition I was greatly disappointed. The choices of secrets were sometimes boring and repetitive. This is in no way as moving as other editions. I am not sure how they go about choosing what secrets to publish in these books but someone chose poorly.

Twenty love poems and a song of despair- Pablo Neruda is one of my favorite poets. He weaves together words so beautifully you read them twice and swoon each time. There is profound beauty within the confounds of this small but intensely passionate book of poems.

The Diving Bell and The Butterfly

2009-05-26T11:28:00.000-07:00

On December 8, 1995, Jean-Dominique Bauby, the editor-in-chief of French Elle magazine, suffered a stroke and lapsed into a coma. He awoke many days later, mentally aware of his surroundings but physically paralyzed with the exception of some movement in his head and eyes. This triumphant novel was written by Bauby blinking his left eyelid using an alphabet system devised by his speech therapist. It took ten months and four hours a day to transcribe this witty, imaginative, and pleasurable read. The book chronicles everyday events for a person with locked-in syndrome, such as playing at the beach with his family, getting a bath, and meeting visitors. Confined to a bed and wheelchair Bauby used his vivid imagination to relive childhood memories and take trips to China. I love this book and will always relish in the courage and immense amount of spirit it took to make the best out of an awful situation. I wish he could have written more. Unfortunately he died two days after the book was published March 1997.

Vampire Academy Book 3 Shadow Kiss

2009-05-21T12:55:00.000-07:00

In this novel Rose has not been feeling quite like herself. She's having dark thoughts, behaving erratically, and seeing ghosts. As Rose questions her sanity, new complications arise.This book was the best in the series. Rose is an amazing woman with strong character. Richelle Mead's character development is admirable. She takes these figments of her imagination and breathes life, wit, wisdom, and danger into them. I know that the next book will be great. I love that although there is romance there are deeper issues, and action to go along with it. It seems as Mead's writing ability grew with each book. I'm hooked.

One Foot In The Grave by Jeaniene Fost

2009-04-18T08:36:00.000-07:00

Half-vampire Cat Crawfield is now Special Agent Cat Crawfield, working for the F.B.I to rid the world of the rogue undead. She uses everything her ex Bones taught her to train her human subordinates to the best of their ability. Cat is attacked in an assignation attempt of “The Red Reaper” as the undead call her. The only person that can help her is Bones and being around him awakens all the emotions she has spent four years trying to suppress.
One Foot in the Grave is just as action packed, sexy, and dangerous as its predecessor. This is just one of those series that grabs you. The vampire genre is hugely popular right now, and many plots are completely unoriginal. Frost has given us characters that are likeable even lovable with depth and continuing development. It's very exciting without too much of a predictable element. The sex scenes were not for the faint of heart ,however very juicy, sweaty, sexy, rough, and screamy. There weren’t too many sex scenes which I loved, if I wanted to read erotica then I would purchase an erotic novel. This series really just improves. The complexity of the relationships and the additional characters make for a wildly entertaining read. Frost has a true talent for storytelling and interweaving numerous characters which can sometimes be dangerous when writing.
Great series a must read for vampire lovers!!

2009-04-15T15:08:00.000-07:00

After Ever Bloom and her family endure a horrific accident leaving Ever as the only survivor she begins to see people’s auras. She can hear people’s thoughts and know someone’s entire life my simply touching them. Avoiding all human contact she becomes a freak and a misfit. This all changes when a new student Damen, appears.
This book was boring. The characters aren’t even remotely interesting. The plot moves slowly in a very dry and arid manner. It didn’t begin to get exciting until page 196 then it goes right back to the tiresome wordy paragraphs of torture. I forced myself to read this book. It literally gave me a headache. The concept is wonderful and it aggravates me that the ending product is this book. The main character is annoyingly stubborn. She is an unintelligent coward that takes swigs of alcohol to cope with the side affects of her abilities. This book really disappointed me. How people compare this to Twilight is beyond me.

Wake and Fade by Lisa McMann

2009-04-09T10:57:00.000-07:00

Disclaimer: There may be tiny spoilers, but nothing big.

Wake is the first novel in this fascinating trilogy.

Janie is 17 years old and since she was eight she has been sucked into other people's dreams. She experiences their triumph, embarrassment, and inner most desires. She tells no one about her capabilities fearing she will be cast away into a mental facility. One day she falls into a nightmare, one that remains imprinted in her mind. I really enjoyed this book. The writing style was strange at first, almost like a dream diary or written documentation of events. However, after a while I was accustomed to the flow, and I could not put this book down.The plot is like none other that I've read. I commend the author for developing a distinctive approach to the supernatural.

Fade is the second novel and is much better in comparison to Wake. It is bit more mature.

The story of Janie and Cabel continues. Weird things are happening at Fieldridge High, but no one wants to come forth with the truth. When Janie taps into a classmate's violent nightmares, she uncovers some valid clues, but nothing goes as planned. Her fellow dream catcher Mrs. Stubin has left her a vital message that may change Janie’s life and how she views her unique abilities.

I truly love this series. It is an easy entertaining read with suspense and romance rolled in a sweet bundle. Janie is courageous yet scared, as anyone with such abilities would be. Cabel is a fascinating character, but he has much room for development. I would recommend that a reader not to go into this book hoping to be blindsided by unusual plot twists and turns, to be intrigued by a unique twist on the supernatural.

It saddens me that this will end with a 3rd book titled Gone. I feel like there is much more that could be learned about dreams and dream catchers. I hope the author delves deeper into Janie’s relationship with her mother. Janie and Cabel could use a lot more character development; hopefully the next book will be longer than the first two.

April is National Poetry Month

2009-04-05T14:16:00.000-07:00

National Poetry Month was established by the Academy of American Poets in 1996. It is now celebrated every April. This is a wonderful time when publishers, booksellers, literary organizations, libraries, schools, and poets around the country get together to celebrate poetry and its crucial place in American literary culture. Thousands of businesses and non-profit organizations participate through readings, festivals, book displays, workshops, and other events.

Poetry is an intense passion of mine. I love both reading and writing poetry. Poetry speaks such vast emotions in a few words. It creates images and ideals in just a few sentences.

This years events and programs include

1.)Poem In Your Pocket Day: Join thousands of individuals across the U.S. by carrying a poem in your pocket on April 30, 2009.

2.) Poem A Day Great poems from new books emailed each day of National Poetry Month. Sign up for your daily dose of new poems from new spring poetry titles.

3.) Spring Booklist Check out the new books of poetry available each spring.

4.) National Poetry MapFind out what is happening in your state by visiting the map. Click on your state and find out about events near you.

Subscribe Now
Because poetry should be celebrated all year, Poets.org offers several ways to keep you informed and connected to the poetry world. Learn how you can subscribe to Poets.org Newsletters, RSS Feeds, and much more—Free!

I have waited all my life for this moment !!!! : )

2009-04-05T13:08:00.000-07:00

Oh my Lord!!! I am ecstatic!!! I just received my first blog award from Lily at Reading Extravaganza

I have been awarded the Zombie Chicken Award.

"The blogger who receives this award believes in the Tao of the zombie chicken - excellence, grace and persistence in all situations, even in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. These amazing bloggers regularly produce content so remarkable that their readers would brave a raving pack of zombie chickens just to be able to read their inspiring words. As a recipient of this world-renowned award, you now have the task of passing it on to at least 5 other worthy bloggers. Do not risk the wrath of the zombie chickens by choosing unwisely or not choosing at all..."

Now I must give this award to five other blogs that I intensely enjoy

The Book Fiend Always updated and full of wonderful reviews and tidbits on upcoming novels.

Pure Imagination Reviews on all the latest paranormal novels. Great recommendations, I have bought many books based on the posts in this blog.

Library Girl Reads Reviews on a wide variety of books.

My Reading Addiction All the paranormal romance, paranormal fantasy, and paranormal young adult reviews you need.

Katie's Bookshelf Everything Young Adult. Great reviews and information so you really know whether or not you would like to read a suggested book.

Check out all of these blogs. These people are dedicated.

Thank you so much Lily for this awesome award.

Happy Reading Everyone!!!!!!

An Upcoming Release: Jennifer Armintrout

2009-04-03T07:51:00.000-07:00

Jennifer Armintrout, author of one of my favorite vampire series is emerging with a new book. A wonderful series entitled Lightworld/Darkworld is due for release sometime in October.

The veil between fantasy and reality has diminished, creatures of myth and fairy tale creep into the mortal world. Humans both enchanted and horrified force the magical beings underground.

Lightworld is home to faeries, dwarfs, and dragons. Darkworld is home to vampires, werewolves, and demons.

Ayla is a half human half fairy assassin being stalked by the Angel of Death, Malachi whose tasks is harvesting mortal souls. They clash. Immortality evaporates forging a bond neither may survive.

Queene of Light will be out in October.
Followed by Child of Darkness in November.
And the whole thing concludes in Goddess of Light in December.

I love a series that does not go on and on forever. I cannot wait. If you have not read her Blood Ties series then you most definitely should. It is an awesome vampire series.

The first book is titled The Turning. Dr. Carrie Ames tells the story of how she is turned after being attacked in the morgue. A vampire Nathan Grant helps Carrie understand whats happening; that vampires are real and she is one. It is a great series of 4 books full of mystery, action, magic, violence and erotic encounters. Jennifer is a gifted storyteller. Her characters handle themselves in completely realistic ways.

Crimson Kiss by Trisha Baker

2009-03-29T16:21:00.000-07:00

Meghann O’Neill is a psychologist that specializes in treating victims of abusive relationships. She is also a vampire and suffered years of brutality, and abuse from the vampire that turned her Simon Baldevar. She became his slave and was subjected to an endless cycle of pleasure, pain, passion, ecstasy, and vile and cruel punishment. She could not think without him constantly invading her mind. She thought she had killed him, but he is back and stronger than before.

Baldevar is one of the most sadistic vampire villains. His twisted obsessive love for Meghann is alarming in its intensity. This book was released in 2001. It’s violent and bloody a far cry from stereotypical vampire romance you read today. My only issue is the method in which the author chose to develop the plot of the story. Instead of being immersed in the moments with the characters things are sometimes told in synopsis styled flashbacks. Time passes and then things are explained later. I would much rather read the action as its happening not have someone wake up somewhere then be told what happened in a few paragraphs. I enjoyed the book overall. It was entertaining. It was both sexy and grotesque.
As much as I liked this book it is very hard to find. It is out of print and extremely expensive. Reading all 3 novels will be a challenge unless you can find it at your local library or you don’t mind paying almost 25 dollars for each book.

Echo by Francesca Lia Block

2009-03-08T12:23:00.000-07:00

4 and 1/2 stars

Mythical, enchanting, and dreamlike Block weaves together a sort of fairytale. A novel told in the form of linked stories Echo’s voice leaks through each poetic testimony. Echo is a young girl, born of an artist father and an effervescent mother whose unfeasible beauty equates her to an angel. Echo is seeking someone to love her the way her parents love each other. She is seeking herself.The novel is set in L.A. with poetic descriptions of club scenes, art, restaurants,flowers, and life. She eventually learns to look for love within instead of searching for validation through drugs, food and lack of, sex, or hopeless relationships. With angels and fairy-like daughters Block tells a real yet mystical tale. Words strung together so beautifully and symbolically. I love the descriptions of painting and music. My only criticism is that the writing content is too adult. Drugs, sex, and the myriad of emotions are far more suited for someone maybe 16 and older.

This book is not for everyone. It is capricious, confusing, and flighty at times, but I think that is what makes it interesting. Readers that prefer straight plot lines will not like this book. I loved it . The text flows from one word to another like rivers into the ocean. I will definitely be reading more of Francesca Lia Block's novels.

This is the Italian cover. Its gorgeous but it doesn't suit the novel. The original is mysterious hopeful yet sad. A blur of various emotions.

Guilty Pleasures by Laurell K. Hamilton

2009-03-07T07:36:00.000-08:00

is the first novel in Laurell K. Hamiltion’s Anita Blake series. I was skeptical about reading this book. The first time a picked it up in a book store and read a few passages I detested the series. I also had heard about the downward spiral the series had taken and thought why bother. Months later I decided to give it another go and I am so glad that I did. Vampires call her the Executioner. Anita is a necromancer and vampire hunter. Now someone's killing master vampires and Anita agrees, of course not without threat, to help figure out who and why. Anita is a strong, intelligent, wisely funny, and extremely likable character. There is death, gore, and action in this world where raising zombies is a “normal” career, and vampires are protected by the government.
I love the way Hamilton writes with such wit, and develops a character with such fervor for helping others. As the novel proceeds you learn more and more about Anita; the author doesn’t just tell you what kind of person she is. Hamilton's way with characters is one of her greatest writing strengths. We meet several of Anita's regular companions and associates each with vivid personalities. This gives the novel a realistic feel that comes as a surprise in a vampire novel. I recommend this book to all fans of the vampire genre.

MANGA

2009-03-03T09:35:00.000-08:00

Over the past few months I have ventured into manga. Which are japanese print and comic cartoons.

Naruto

The main character, Naruto Uzumaki, is a loud, hyperactive, unpredictable teenage ninja who constantly searches for recognition and aspires to become a Hokage, the ninja in the village acknowledged as the leader and the strongest of all.

I have only read 7 of the many manga books that exist in this series. I love them. These novels are fun and adventurous with great artwork.

The other manga that I have been reading is Hellsing. This is a dynamic tale about vampire hunters in a top-secret organization based in England who's services are expended for only the toughest jobs. Hellsing's top vampire hunter is Alucard, a vampire himself,blows bad guys to smithereens with his arsenal of enormous firearms. It's is an interesting, a fun, violent story. I am huge fan of action packed manga with intriguing plot lines and beautiful artwork. The artwork in Hellsing is nothing short of amazing.

Bleach
This is my favorite manga. This is my addiction.

Kurosaki Ichigo looks just like any average 15 year old teenager with only one big difference; he can see ghosts/spirits. Rukia Kuchiki, a Shinigami (Death God ) is out on a mission to find an evil spirit called a Hollow. The Hollow’s target is none other than Ichigo. Rukia and Ichigo confront each other for the first time. Ichigo’s family gets endangered by the Hollow and Rukia is badly injured. The only way to save his family is to transfer Rukia's Shinigami powers to Ichigo.

This novel is full of adventure, courage, wisdom, and entertaining characters that I have grown to love. On top of this the novel is humorous and fun loving. The artwork speaks for itself.

Manga was something that I was skeptical about reading. I had the preconceived notion that it was childish. There are vast genres within manga ranging from action to drama and even romance. The dialogue can be both humorous and beautiful.

Quotes from Bleach
"We fear that which we cannot see... we respect that which we cannot see... thus the blade will be wielded." - opening words of the first episode/chapter (Bleach)

"What a letdown, Kurosaki-san. A real letdown. After all, there's nothing but fear reflected in your sword. When you dodge, 'I'm afraid of getting cut.' When you attack, 'I'm afraid of cutting someone.' Even when you try to protect someone, 'I'm afraid of letting them die.' Yes, your sword speaks to me only of absurd fear. That's not it. What's necessary in a fight isn't fear. Nothing can be born from that. If you dodge, 'I won't let them cut me.' If you protect someone, 'I won't let them die.' If you attack, 'I'll cut them.' Well, can't you see the resolve to cut you reflected in my sword?" - Urahara Kisuke

"People have hope
because they cannot see Death standing behind them"

"If I were the rain
That joins sky and earth that otherwise never touch
Could I join two hearts as well?" -Inoue

"We are drawn to each other
Like drops of water, like the planets
We repulse each other
Like magnets, like the colors of our skin"

"I can't protect you without holding a sword.
I can't embrace you while holding a sword."

Vampire Kisses by Ellen Schrieber

2009-02-23T17:58:00.000-08:00

I really liked this book. Usually teenage antics annoy me, but this was funny, witty, and entertaining. There are clichés but it’s still a very enjoyable book. Raven is feisty and smart. I enjoyed the fact that Ellen Schreiber didn't describe the characters in great detail. She allows their actions and the events that take place to give you an understanding of each character. This book is harmless fun.

I give it 3 and 1/2/ stars.

I think I will wait until April to get the re-release with the new covers. Especially the compilation of 3 books from the series in one.

I may even look into the graphic novel/manga.

Night World No.1 by L.J. Smith

2009-02-21T12:48:00.000-08:00

2 stars **
Night World No.1 is actually 3 books originally published in the late nineties. It was rebound in this compilation and reissued last summer.

The first book is called The Secret Vampire. Poppy is diagnosed with a terminal disease. James, her best friend and secret crush is a vampire in the Night World. Of course he wants to save her, but this is against the rules of Night World. This is an average story with predictable outcomes. There is nothing special about it. It’s not even that entertaining.

The second book is called Daughters of Darkness. Three vampire fugitives flee from the constrictions of Night World. The sisters leave their isolated home to live with their aunt. Their brother Ash attempts to bring them back, but falls for their human friend. This book wasn’t any better. The character Mary-Lynnette annoyed me beyond belief. The story was extremely predictable. It is a “who done it” kind of story where all the answers are given to you near the end of the story.

The third and finale book is Spellbinder. It consists of two cousins that are witches feuding over a human. I found this book the hardest to read because the premise was absolutely stupid. The characters are irritating. I was annoyed with the fact that these witches kept referring to them selves as not human. “Oh no I can’t love him he is human” “Humans aren’t that smart” Witches as far as I am concerned are humans with powers. They bleed die and eat human food. They are not another species. “I’ve never danced to human music” is there special witch music. Lol The story was so horribly boring that the littlest things were noticeable and easy to annoy me. I take into account that these book were written 20 years ago but L.J Smith has written better. Not much better though I’m sad to say. I don’t think I will read anything else in the Night World series.

I haven't finished it yet I have 112 pages left. I'm considering not reading them. Why bother? 617 pages out of 729 is more than enough. It would be a chore to read the rest.

2009-02-19T18:59:00.000-08:00

Vampire Kisses gets new covers. I love these. They are extremely sexy.

Vampire Kisses--The Beginning is a special edition including Vampire Kisses, Kissing Coffins, and Vampireville.

Vampire Kisses:The Beginning-April 21, 2009

Vampire Kisses 6: Royal Blood -May 19, 2009

Vampire Kisses 4: Dance with a Vampire- April 21, 2009

No dates for this one as of yet

2009-02-19T15:25:00.000-08:00

Upcoming Releases

May. 5 Dead and Gone - Charlaine Harris

I like the book covers for this series. It always eludes to something that will happen in the book. It looks like Sookie must finally make a decision between Bill and Eric.

Jul. 28 An Early Grave - Jeaniene Frost

This is book 4 in her Night Huntress series. I loved book 1 so much. Its hard to find a good vampire series these days.

Twilight Saga Guide was supposed to be releases December 2008, but the book was postponed at the last minute. The best word on a new release date is September 2009.

Jennifer Armintrout, Lightworld/Darkworld--August

This may not be the true release month. However the good news is the series will have back-to-back releases, so you won't have to wait as long between books.
Check out her blog she is wicked funny.

Jennifer Armintrout's Blog

2009-02-17T11:14:00.000-08:00

I've been reading Night World volume one by L.J. Smith. It is very long book being that it is actually 3 books in one. However, I thought that I would finish it much quicker. I really cannot get into the characters. These were written in the nineties and re-released last year in these compilations. The covers sell the books really. It makes me wonder how much her writing has possibly grown and changed since then.

She recently wrote a new edition to the vampire diaries series called Return to Nightfall.

I noticed that many don't like it because of the differences in the writing and more adult themes. It makes me think I may like this book being that I found the other books in the series sort of mediocre entertainment.

Vampire Diaries The Fury and Dark reunion

2009-02-11T09:43:00.001-08:00

3 and 1/2 stars

Vampire Diaries The Fury and Dark reunion is the second volume of a compilation of 2 books written by L.J. Smith in the nineties. It is the story of two vampire brothers, Stephan and Damon, in a love triangle with the beautiful Elena.

The first book was a fun, quick entertaining read. In the final book the author left much unanswered. If an author is going to have everything magically fixed in the last few pages it would be better if there was an explanation. I speculate that it had something to do with Summer Solstice, but I cannot be sure. The happy ending was unnecessary, but I am noticing this happens a lot in young adult novels. Also I would have liked more character development with Damon. He really should have his own book. There are many things left a mystery about him, and he seems more interesting than Stephan.

Vampire Academy

2009-02-09T14:57:00.001-08:00

3 and 1/2 stars

In this dark and compelling world Lisa Dragomir is a Moroi princess a mortal vampire with a bond to the earth’s magic. She must be protected from Strigoi the dangerous vampires that are immortal. Her best friend Rose is a Dhampir, meaning she has a powerful blend of human and vampire blood coursing through her veins. Rose is dedicated to protecting her friend at all costs.
Judging the cover I thought for sure that it would be a disappointing read. The book wasn’t amazing, however the plot kept me interested. It had a slow start and some of the catty teenage behavior annoyed me, but it wasn’t so much as to overwhelm the story. The world that the author created is uniquely different from any vampire book I have read. It was an easy read. Rose is a bold character with depth to her personality. I love that she is not a damsel in distress, is very independent and opinionated, but still possesses her femininity. I will read the next book in the series, but it’s not a must read. This was a good book for a young adult.

Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

2009-02-07T08:07:00.000-08:00

5 STARS *****

Catherine Crawfield is a half vampire on a quest of vengeance because of the vampire that ruined her mother’s life. Cat has had it drilled into her since birth that vampires are evil, and therefore she is part evil. To make peace for the evil that resides in her she must kill every vampire in existence. She is then capture by Bones a vampire bounty hunter and forced to partner with him. Could Bones convince Cat that there are actually good vampires?
This novel is found in the romance section of most books stores, however love and romance is not the key element in the plot. I really loved this book way more than I thought I would. There were no predictable instances, no recurring events that would cause me to think "I read something like this already". It’s a mysterious, suspenseful, violent, and thrilling book. It is refreshing to find a vampire novel that isn’t full of cliché starry-eyed dialogue. Catherine is bold, beautiful, and talented with throwing knives. Jeaniene Frost has developed lovable and witty characters. I actually laughed out loud while reading. Halfway to the grave has the perfect balance of erotic sensuality and brute ass kicking, fast-paced bloodshed. Cat will stake you in no time, and then go study for her college exams.

2009-01-28T19:28:00.000-08:00

January is almost over, and even though I didn't read everything on my list I am well on my way towards my year goal of 75 books. I have read 15 books so far. I found that my list for last month was not well planned and I had thrown things together. I decided that from now one my lists will have a theme. February's theme is Vampires. I have been on a vampire kick ever since I read the Twilight Saga.

2009-01-25T17:32:00.000-08:00

I can't get into I Am Legend because I am aching to read other books that I just bought. I know I am supposed to stick to my reading list for the month but I may cheat :) I also just downloaded some ebooks and the microsoft ebook reader. I am excited about this new way to read books. I am thinking of downloading some audiobooks as well.

The Host

2009-01-25T17:15:00.000-08:00

The earth has been invaded by a species that takes over the minds of their human hosts while leaving their bodies intact. Most of humanity is lost. Everyone is perfect. There is no violence. Wanderer, the invading "soul" has been given the body of Melanie Stryder.Wanderer understood the challenges of living inside a human. However, she did not expect the strength of Melanie's refusal to "leave" her body. Bombarded with the overwhelming emotions and too vivid memories Wanderer begins on a journey to becoming exactly what he has invaded.

The Host was a moving story. It began a little slow and I thought I was not going to like it at all. The first 100 pages didn't catch me. Suddenly I couldn't put the book down. I read it in 2 1/2 days. This book is inventive and fascinatingly clever. Stephanie Meyer has the ability to weave together a story that feels so real. It is a gripping and unforgettable tale of love. A love that transcends all species. A love that garners hope.

Minion by L.A. Banks

2009-01-21T15:30:00.000-08:00

3 1/2 stars

Minion is an interesting tale. Damali Richards is a Spoken Word artist and the top act for Warriors of Light Records. However, when darkness falls, she hunts vampires and demons-predators. A group of rogue vampires has been killing the artists of Warriors of Light and their rival, Blood Music. Damali and her Guardian team grow weary of these strange killings that are nothing like any vampire kill they have ever seen.

I enjoyed this novel overall, but when I first began reading I was quite skeptical. The dialogue uses heavy hip-hop slang. There is nothing wrong with this, but I feel that it was over used. It appeared that the author was trying entirely too hard to sound young and hip, but ended up sometimes sounding ignorant and silly. However, when you get past the vernacular the story line is quite unique. Damali is not you average slayer, she is a Vampire Huntress by birth rite. She is ripening; her body is going through extraordinary changes. When she turns age 21 she will be fully transformed into a superhuman that emits an aphrodisiac like scent that drives male vampires insane. She will see in the dark and have all the heightened senses of a vampire. She has a sword named Madame Isis. How cool is that? This first book merely sets the foundation for a great series. It’s a lot information giving and as the plot thickens near the end of the novel you are drawn in like moths to a flame or like necks to a fang :) It wasn’t the greatest read, but it was fun and interesting enough for me to want to read the rest of the series.

2009-01-16T12:01:00.000-08:00

Pissed because I was fiddling around with my layout and now I can't get it back the way it was.

Sunshine

2009-01-15T10:55:00.000-08:00

2 and 1/2 stars**/
Sunshine could gave been an amazing book, but it moved too slowly. The action was severely limited which is extremely disappointing for a book that so many claim to be “perfect”. However, it is one of the most flawed vampire novels that I have ever encountered. The author expected the reader to know things with out an explanation. What is a “Supergreen”? What the hell exactly is a “Bad Spot”? Terminology was used that was exclusive to this post -apocalyptic type world, but not a single understandable definition was given. I would have appreciated either a small glossary of terms or valid information concerning these beings within the novel. In addition, a preface of about 2 or 3 pages with info on the Voodoo Wars would have sufficed as well.
On a good note the main characters were extremely likeable. Rae aka Sunshine was a delightful and witty character, however she babbled about things constantly sidetracking the reader with sometimes unusable information. I learned more about cinnamon rolls and baked goods than I did about the world of the Others. This character is the readers’ source of information. The reader should know as much as the main character knows, but I felt was if I was cast in the shadows to gather information through weak context clues. Rae knows what a “Supergreen” is, she understands what a “Bad Spot” is.
Another criticism I have is the huge lack of otherness. How dare a book call itself a vampire novel and hardly have the main vampire characters presence within its pages. Rae encounters Constantine maybe 7 times during the novel. I would have loved more interaction with the vampire. Especially since well this is a vampire novel…right? Terms like demon, angel, werewolves, werechicken, goblins and ghouls are thrown around, but you only encounter a few. The platform was set for greatness and the author chose to rave about cinnamon rolls. If I read the word cinnamon roll one more time I will scream.
Sunshine has the power to do a certain thing and her grandmother had worked with her to hone in on her power for a short time when she was a child. Once again she only uses this power a few times. There is so much that could have been done with this it utterly pisses me off. She could have practiced with it more and fought vampires more so that the ending battle would be more believable. What about her power gives her the strength to hurt a vampire?

I would have also loved more information on the vampire Constantine and interaction with her landlady sooner. Constantine was a severely underdeveloped character and her landlady seemed awesome and full of information. I could go on and on. When I thought the book was going to pick up and get better it didn’t. It was just the constant continuum of things that don’t pertain to the flow of the story. I give the book 2 and half stars.

Books and Blogging :)

2009-01-13T13:38:00.001-08:00

From Dead To Worse by Charlaine Harris

2009-01-13T12:57:00.000-08:00

4 stars****

From Dead To Worse is the 8th book in the Sookie Stackhouse novels. After barely surviving the attack at the vampire convention Sookie returns to Bon Temps. Quinn her new lover and weretiger is missing. Bill wants her back and she has a great grandfather. Not just any great-grandfather, but a fairy and a prince. Oh and not to mention someone attempts to kill her.
From Dead to Worse engages us in great stories, it ties up some of the loose ends from the earlier books, and also introduces a couple of new characters. Charlaine Harris knows her way around the characters of this world so well the novels never get boring. From Dead to Worse sets the stage for what I hope will be many more books to come. The action in this novel is on a smaller scale than others, but after book 7 Sookie needs a rest. We cannot keep throwing this character into absurdly complicated situations. I thoroughly enjoy the mystery unfolding page after page, and learning new things about Sookie each step of the way. Sookie is a heroine with thoughts, flaws, and strength that makes her so real.

4 Stars****

Anyone who has seen and enjoyed the Robert Rodriguez film Sin City should certainly explore the graphic novels upon which the film is based. The Hard Good-bye was the first of Miller's series of novels, and the one upon which the Marv sequence in the film is based. It consists of a violent brutal story where a hooker by the name of Goldie is murdered while Marv is sleeping beside her. Marv goes on a murderous information seeking rampage. Why? “Because she was nice to me”….

The approach of writing is similar to the detective in a trench coat who done it. However this writing has much more depth and even minor beauty. One criticism is that the books are completely written from a male point of view. All of the women are outrageously gorgeous, sexed up, and half naked. But hey it is SIN City. Marv is such an original character with a personality that makes you sort of smile at his honesty and realness.

The Hard Good-bye sets the tone for the rest of the Sin City catalog. The action and characters are as black and white as the art. The characters are often archetypes and it is thanks to Frank Miller's writing that they do not become stereotypical.

Random Reviews from 2008

2009-01-05T13:22:00.001-08:00

Reviews from 2008

4 Stars****

Although this is my second favorite out of the series I couldn't bring myself to give it 5 stars. I give this book 4 stars is because the ending was bland. There was a suspenseful build up to what I thought would be a battle that would highlight Bella's strength, bravery, and determination. At the end everything turns out okay, and that just didn't sit well with me.

I enjoyed the book, but it would have been better if the Cullen's, there allies, and the Volturi engaged in battle a were people died and fought intensely for what they believed was right.Everything always ended up just right for Bella through out the series. I wanted her to really engage in a hard fight, take on Jane, and learn more than she did about the power she possessed.

Alice happened to find someone just like Renesmee just in the nick of time. It was useless suspense to lead up to a simple negotiation. I wanted action.

3 Stars ***

Set in Caldwell, New York a group of vampire warriors defend their dwindling race against there slayers. Wrath is the only purebred vampire left. One of his brothers is murdered leaving behind his half-breed daughter, Beth. Wrath must guide her through her change and battle some inner changes of his own.

I liked this book much better towards the middle and end. The story seemed to lack steam in the beginning. However, I find the brothers annoyingly misogynistic. I hate the way they talk to women. "What do you want female?" and other non sense just gets under my skin. Other dialogue simply makes me laugh out loud, "Oh Wrath, my love." I like romance, but this was a bit cliche. Overall it wasn't a completely horrible read. There were some aspects that I really enjoyed, such as dynamics between the lessers and the brothers. The entire mythical world is intriguing with the King, the last of the pure vampires, and the scribe virgin. The terminology and setting created by the author is wonderful. The book itself is still your typical formulaic romance novel. I will finishing reading book 2, but not the others. I love the idea of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, but not the stories that become of it.

1 Star *

This book is written in a style similar to fan-fiction. The immature train of thought makes the novel seem as if was written by pre-teen girl suffering from ADHD. The novel was full of stereotypical, cliche, and one-dimensional characters. It was Saved by the Bell, but everyone is a vampire. You have the blonde and the bitch vamps. Oh yes and let’s not forget the black girl who of course is sassy, loud, and outspoken. There are well written passages within the novel, but they are overshadowed by idiotic superficial dialogue. Shall I paraphrase.... Like oh my god you are like Marked and you have to go to vampire school now Zoey. I know this is a novel for teens, but my lord.

2009-01-05T10:35:00.000-08:00

I am excited about challenging myself to read 8 books by Feb. 14. That may seem like a lot of time, but its not when you work and you are job hunting for a new job and shopping for a house.

Right now I am reading From Dead to Worse by Charlaine Harris. I love Sookie Stackhouse. Her life gets absurdly complicated sometimes, and that's what makes these novels fun. I thoroughly enjoy the mystery unfolding page after page, and learning new things about Sookie each step of the way. In this novel Sookie meets her great grandfather and gets insight into her Fae ancestry. Bill wants her back and of course someone attempts to kill her. I am only 100 pages into it but so far so good.