Cherry Mischievous

Guest Post: ABBY LUBY

noreply@blogger.com (Cherry) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

It took me about four years to write my first novel, Nuclear Romance. For a long time the story, which is about people living in the shadow of an aging nuclear power plant, was in my head. At the same time, I was regularly reporting on the local nuclear power plant for a major newspaper and the story line of each news report would collide with book’s story line, rendering it to swing like an energized pendulum, boomeranging off the latest nuclear event, changing the book at each turn. Finally the characters began to take hold, forming and re-forming until they had distinct voices, individual body language; they fell in love when they weren’t supposed to, got angry, sad, cried and laughed.

As news stories broke about the nuclear disaster in Fukushima last year, I had to weave the unpredictable and fanciful story lines of my book with the raw, realism of the news. Sometimes it was like mixing oil and water. Could I write a credible story that poses a dire future of a nuclear accidents and catastrophes as a backdrop so it wouldn’t distract from my characters? Was the story’s action being dictated by the deteriorating nuclear industry and the growing chance for dangerous mishaps or were the characters driving the story? Or both?

If you believe that art imitates life, then you’ll understand how I ultimately balanced out the story. At the same time as Fukushima , print newspapers were firing and laying off writers by the hundreds because the newspaper companies couldn’t compete with the Internet, the sinking economy and the rising costs of print. This was also true of the paper I worked five years for, the New York Daily News, on whose pages I reported exclusively about Indian Point, my neighboring, aging nuclear power plant some 24 miles outside of New York City . The fact that news print was losing readers to the Internet became part of my story: it allows the protagonist, a news writer, to survive with a substantial Internet following for his investigative reporting on nuclear power, and, most importantly, he happily ends up with the woman, his clandestine partner, who he could now openly show his feelings.

About Abby Luby:

Abby Luby is a freelance journalist who, for over ten years, has covered nuclear power, particularly issues surrounding the Indian Point nuclear power plant in New York. Her articles have appeared in The New York Daily News, The Villager, The Westchester Guardian, The Real Deal, SolveClimateNews, The North County News and the Record Review. She also writes for the Poughkeepsie Journal, The Stamford Advocate/Greenwich Time, Valley Table Magazine, Roll Magazine, Hearst publications HealthyLivingCT, Living@HomeCT covering news, art, food and health. She teaches writing and literature at Marist College.

Link(s):
www.abbylu.com
http://nuclearromance.wordpress.com

Nuclear Romance by Abby Luby

About Nuclear Romance:

In Nuclear Romance, a debut novel by New York journalist and writer Abby Luby, the tragic death of a 7-year old girl – after swimming at a beach across from a nuclear power plant – sets off a chain of events that involve a sports journalist, an anti-nuclear activist, a grieving mother and her son.A young woman reporter falls prey to a callous plant executive whose job depends on keeping the multi-billion dollar nuclear corporation viable. Set in the US Northeast, the terrifying story that unravels the cause of the girl’s death coincides with growing local anti-nuclear sentiment. The tension escalates after highly radioactive steam escapes from the plant, forcing a mass evacuation.

This novel grips readers’ imaginations with the tension and fear that surround many of today’s nuclear power plants, especially powerful in the aftermath ofJapan’s recent and still unfolding nuclear disaster.

Source: Info in the About Nuclear Romance was taken from the press release for the virtual book tour.

Review: ANCIENT RISING

noreply@blogger.com (Cherry) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 21:11:00 +0000

Ancient Rising by JC De La Torre
Narrated by Joe Bevilacqua
Format: audiobook
Genre: urban fantasy

About Ancient Rising:

The JC De La Torre classic is back and better than ever. In 2005, Ancient Rising introduced the world to Dan Ryan, the hunt for Atlantis and the Greek Gods.

Called by reviewers as "breathless, moving at a breakneck speed" and "fast moving adventure that fits into the Clive Cussler/Dan Brown mode," the novel has become a cult phenomenon that endures.

The author is re-releasing this novel as a companion to the 3D audiobook experience that features award winning radio theater personality Joe Bevilacqua and has been listened to around the world on Sirius/XM.

This new version of Ancient Rising offers a tighter, better paced story and a new foreword by the author giving intimate background on the genesis of the Rise of the Ancients saga.

Source: Info in the About Ancient Rising was taken from GoodReads at http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10753426-ancient-rising-book-1-of-the-rise-of-the-ancients-saga on 10/01/2012.

Review:

I really, really like the additional sound effects in the background. It's the first time I've encountered an audiobook which utilized this kind of creative license. If I am to make an analogy of this technique to cinematography, I would say that this is 3D technique in audiobook as 3D is to movies. And it brought a richness to the audiobook listening experience which I never had in other plain or "2D" audiobooks I'd listened to thus far. It really is wonderful listening to this audiobook. I have to give the narration a 5 out of 5. The pace per usual is not rated for the simple reason that a listener can only listen so fast as the narrator reads. However, having said that, it took me some time to finish listening to this audiobook because I have to listen to it online. That means I am stuck within hearing distance to my computer to listen to it. It's not portable. I can't download it into my iphone or samsung galaxy note to listen to while not at home. I can't listen to it while driving or going to the groceries. Another thing I didn't really like about the book is that the openning gambit throws the reader right in the middle of the story and it was confusing. I could barely make heads or tails on what the heck is going on with the story. If it wasn't a review copy and I felt an obligation to finish the book, I would have abandoned it right there. But after that confusing intro the book goes back to the beginning and starts explaining what that openning gambit was all about. So you just have to get through that confusing first chapter and things will start to make sense. Also the book ended in a cliffhanger, so I want the second book... but it seems that nobody is producing it

In the end though I enjoyed the 3D audiobook experience and wish the author and narrator would produce the rest of the books in the series.

Empirical Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 4
Character development = 4
Story itself = 3
Ending = 1
World building = 4
Cover art = 4
Pace = N/A
Narration = 5

Overall Rating: 3 out of 5 cherries

Buy Link:

Thank you to Waterlogg Productions for the review copy received.

Guest Post: JULIE KAGAWA

noreply@blogger.com (Lucy) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 22:46:00 +0000

Originally, The Iron Fey series was going to be a trilogy, ending with The Iron Queen. Meghan's story had come to a close the way I envisioned it; she had to grow up and learned to take responsibility, even at great cost and sacrifice. She had made the journey from an ordinary, somewhat timid girl into a powerful faery queen who put the needs of her kingdom above her own desires. Her tale was done.

Ash's story, however, was just beginning.

I never intended to write a book about Ash, in his own point of view, no less. But I realized he has so many secrets and old demons in his past--and his feud with Puck really needed to be resolved, one way or another. I realized I couldn't tell this story in Meghan's point of view. Meghan had already made her sacrifice and her character arc was complete. Now it was Ash's turn to see how far he would go, how much he would sacrifice, to be with her. It was actually kind of scary, giving him his own book. How would readers react now that the walls and the masks were down, seeing the 'real' Ash? But I can say with complete sincerity that the Winter Prince has always been my favourite character, and I tried to write him as honestly as I could.I hope readers will love him as much as I do. So, as it says in the front of the book: "Team Ash, this one is for you."

Author Link(s):
Julie Kagawa

Book Link(s):
www.theironfey.com/
GoodReads

Publisher Link(s):
Mira Ink
Mira at Facebook

The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa
Book 4 of the Iron Fey series

Genre: urban fantasy

About The Iron Knight:

Ash, former prince of the Winter Court, gave up everything. His title, his home, even his vow of loyalty. All for a girl… and all for nothing.

Unless he can earn a soul.

To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought.

Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive.

With the (unwelcome) company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end— a quest to find a way to honor his solemn vow to stand by Meghan’s side.

To survive in the Iron realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. At least, no one has ever passed to tell the tale.

And then Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that turns reality upside down, challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Source: Info in the About The Iron Knight was taken from GoodReads at http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9659607-the-iron-knight on 27/01/2012.

Review: HEXED

noreply@blogger.com (Cherry) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Hexed by Kevin Hearne
Book 2 of The Iron Druid series

Genre: urban fantasy

About Hexed:

Atticus O’Sullivan, last of the Druids, doesn’t care much for witches. Still, he’s about to make nice with the local coven by signing a mutually beneficial nonaggression treaty—when suddenly the witch population in modern-day Tempe, Arizona, quadruples overnight. And the new girls are not just bad, they’re badasses with a dark history on the German side of World War II.

With a fallen angel feasting on local high school students, a horde of Bacchants blowing in from Vegas with their special brand of deadly decadence, and a dangerously sexy Celtic goddess of fire vying for his attention, Atticus is having trouble scheduling the witch hunt. But aided by his magical sword, his neighbor’s rocket-propelled grenade launcher, and his vampire attorney, Atticus is ready to sweep the town and show the witchy women they picked the wrong Druid to hex.

Source: Info in the About Hexed was taken from GoodReads at http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9595650-hexed on 15/04/2011.

Review:

This book displayed the same compelling story telling quality which hooked me to this series in Book 1. However, the fight scenes I think seriously needs a lot more editting and work...

"Of course your enemy is just going to stand around and watch you watch another fight going on between a witch and a demon two floors down because you are the hero... no, they are not going to try to whack you upside the head at all until you are prepared and ready"
...yeah right! This tugs the suspension of disbelief a couple of notches down. Why? Let me quote Brent Weeks of what he said about fight scenes:

You want to write something that’s cool, and exciting, and fun that’s anchored in reality enough that the reader doesn’t get jolted out of the narrative world. That is, even if it’s surprising, you don’t want your surprises to be such that the reader scoffs or becomes aware that they’re reading a book again. At that moment, you’ve broken your own narrative.

[Source: http://www.brentweeks.com/extras/writing-advice/new-writing-advice/]
And with that scene there, the author just yanked me, the reader, from the story... However, because of the very compelling story telling quality that this author displays, I am willing to overlook that and hope like hell that he would get help from a "fight scene expert" (or some such) like the ones they employ in movies to make their fight scenes authentic. Because really, this author has a very good voice!

Empirical Evaluation:
Character Development = 5
World Building = 5
Plot = 2
Story = 3.5
Pace = 4
Ending = 3.5
Story Telling Quality = 5

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 cherries

Books In The Iron Druid Series:

Book 1: Hounded publication date: 3 May 2011
Book 2: Hexed publication date: 5 June 2011
Book 3: Hammered publication date: 5 July 2011
Book 4: Tricked publication date: April 2012
Book 5: Trapped publication date: December 2012
Book 6: Hunted publication date: 2013

Review: ALL TOGETHER DEAD

noreply@blogger.com (Cherry) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

All Together Dead by Charlaine Harris
Read by Johanna Parker
Book 7 of the Sookie Stackhouse series
Format: audiobook

Genre: adult urban fantasy

About All Together Dead:

Louisiana cocktail waitress Sookie Stackhouse has her hands full dealing with every sort of undead and paranormal creature imaginable. And after being betrayed by her longtime vampire love, Sookie must not only deal with a new man in her life-the shapeshifter Quinn-but also contend with the long-planned vampire summit.

The summit is a tense situation. The vampire queen of Louisiana is in a precarious position, her power base weakened by hurricane damage to New Orleans. And there are some vamps who would like to finish what nature started. Soon, Sookie must decide what side she'll stand with. And her choice may mean the difference between survival and all-out catastrophe.

Source: Info in the About All Together Dead was taken from GoodReads at http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/140075.All_Together_Dead on 14/09/2011.

My Thoughts:

Seeing that this is book 7 in the series, I've said most of what I can say about this book in my reviews of previous books plus the TV show adaptation of this series, True Blood. So what is different with this book then? Not much really, other than satisfying more Sookie Stackhouse craving. Feed the urban fantasy addiction. And fill in the gaps to better understand subsequent books in this series. However, one thing remains the same, if not more prominent... it is really annoying when Sookie plunges headlong so purposefully, intently and willfully into trouble and then wonder and wail why she is in such dire predicaments. WTF!! However, I still find that this series is addictive. I just wish that Sookie is not so stupid... This particular installment in the Sookie Stackhouse series is so irritating that I'd give it an overall rating of 2 out of 5. If the world building wasn't so good, I'd give it a one.

Empirical Evaluation:
Story Telling Quality = 1.5
World Building = 5
Character Development = 1
Plot = 1.5
Pace = N/A
Story Itself = 1.5
Ending = 2

Overall Rating: 2 out of 5 cherries

Books In The Sookie Stackhouse series:

Wishlist: PURE

noreply@blogger.com (Cherry) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

WISHLIST:
Pure by Julianna Baggott
Pure series #1

Genre: YA Dystopian
Publication Date: 8 Feb 2012

Description:

A dystopian novel about a society of haves, who escaped an apocalypse in a futuristic dome-covered city, and have-nots, who survived the nearly destroyed outside world. The have-nots are almost entirely marked or mutated in some manner.

PURE centers around the story of Pressia, a 16-year-old survivor with a doll’s head fused into her left hand, and Partridge, an unmarked Pure who has escaped the Dome to find his mother, certain that she has survived the cataclysm.

Source: Info in the Description was taken from Goodreads on 08/07/2011.

Review: THE VAMPIRE DIARIES

noreply@blogger.com (Cherry) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

The Vampire Diaries
Season 1
DVD box set
From the book series of the same name written by L. J. Smith

About The Vampire Diaries:

The Vampire Diaries is an American teen supernatural drama television series developed by Kevin Williamson and Julie Plec, based on the book series of the same name written by L. J. Smith. The series premiered on The CW Television Network on September 10, 2009, and is currently in its third season that premiered on September 15, 2011.[1] The series takes place in Mystic Falls, Virginia, a fictional small town haunted by supernatural beings. The main focus of the series is the love triangle between the female protagonist Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev) and Stefan (Paul Wesley) and Damon (Ian Somerhalder), all of whom have dark pasts. Later light is thrown on the mysterious past of the town involving Elena's malevolent doppelgänger Katherine who seeks revenge against the town, Stefan, Damon, and Elena.

Source: Info in the About The Vampire Diaries was taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Vampire_Diaries on 27/10/2011.

My Thoughts:

Why are our kick-ass heroines too stupid to live (TSTL)?!! First there is Sookie Stackhouse. Now there's Elena Gilbert. Of course you would slap a vampire because.... he could snap your neck like a twig... second, you are bleeding and the vampire in question is having control problems.... third, because you know for a fact that this vampire is the bad one who likes to kill... and, oh yes,... because you have a major case of TSTL??! At least Sookie was blonde, but Elena wasn't! Okey, okey, I bought this box set because I need something to watch while waiting for True Blood Season 4 to become available in the UK... but let me tell you, I had to be really desperate to continue watching this show. I know, I know, there are a lot of Vampire Diaries fans out there and I would probably get stoned with ripe tomatoes here, but... I don't think I'll ever finish watching this dvd box set...

There are good plot lines but Elena's TSTL is annoying!! It took me a month and a half of constant trying to get through the first disc. It took me two days to get through Seasons 1 to 3 dvd box sets of True Blood. You can imagine my frustration with The Vampire Diaries dvd box set! :(

And Nina might be beautiful but she can barely act...

Empirical Evaluation:
Character development = 2.5
Story itself = 2.5
World building = 4
Cinematography = 4
Pace = 1

Overall Rating: 2.5 out of 5 cherries

Review: BONDS OF JUSTICE

noreply@blogger.com (Cherry) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Bonds Of Justice by Nalini Singh

Book 8 of the PsyChangeling series

Genre: adult urban fantasy

About Bonds Of Justice:

Return to the powerful, turbulent Psy/Changeling world created by the “amazingly talented”* Nalini Singh, as a human detective finds himself working the most unlikely of cases—in the dark heart of a Councilor’s domain…

Max Shannon is a good cop, one of the best in New York Enforcement. Born with a natural shield that protects him against Psy mental invasions, he knows he has little chance of advancement within the Psy-dominated power structure. The last case he expects to be assigned is that of a murderer targeting a Psy Councilor’s closest advisors. And the last woman he expects to compel him in the most sensual of ways is a Psy on the verge of a catastrophic mental fracture…

Sophia Russo is a Justice-Psy, cursed with the ability to retrieve memories from men and women so twisted even veteran cops keep their distance. Appointed as Max’s liaison with the Psy, she finds herself fascinated by this human, her frozen heart threatening to thaw with forbidden emotion. But, her mind filled with other people’s nightmares, other people’s evil, she’s standing on the border between sanity and a silken darkness that urges her to take justice into her own hands, to become judge, jury…and executioner…

Source: Info in the About Bonds Of Justice was taken from the author's website at http://www.nalinisingh.com/bonds.php on 02/06/2011.

My Thoughts:

This book started really slow that I thought Ms. Singh has lost her magic with this one. Consequently, it took me forever just to get through the first half of the book. But once I got halfway through, it got quicker and quicker, specially near the end. I wouldn't say that this is the best book in the series, but it is not too bad either. This being book 8 in the series, the world building has been done a long time ago. And I love this urban fantasy world that Singh has created! So I would say, the best recommendation this book has to offer is that it is part of a very good series! Characters and events in this book is mentioned in subsequent books so if you are a long time fan of PsyChangeling series, you would read this book just to have a better appreciation of the books that follow. Keeping in mind that book 10, Kiss Of Snow, is Hawke's story and I've heard is the best book in the series yet!

Empirical Evaluation:
Story Telling Quality = 4
World Building = 5
Character Development = 4
Writing Style = 4
Plot = 4.5
Pace = 2.5
Story Itself = 3
Ending = 4

Overall Rating: 3.5 out of 5 cherries

Books In The Psy-Changeling Series:
Click on the cover image for more info.

Samsung Galaxy Note In Lieu Of Kindle Reader

noreply@blogger.com (Cherry) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 08:57:00 +0000

So I was planning to get me an ereader finally this year as a christmas gift to myself. Kindle seems to be the best bet since Kobo is not available here in the UK. Sony ereader?... Those seems to be the top contenders in the market at the moment (in the UK anyway). Kindle seems to be getting cheaper now. But if I buy Kindle I can only read Kindle books on it. And that kind of monopoly applies to every other "brand". Granted Kindle choices of books is vast but still limited to Kindle. So how about the smashwords ebooks that I got which I still need to read? I like them in my reader too. iPad therefore seems like a good choice since I could load all of these reader applications and read Kindle, Kobo and whatnots in it. But the iPad is very big. I want to be able to put it in my pocket. The pocket-size version of iPad is an iphone but I find my iphone's screen too small. Some pdf files gets too tiny for my old eyes to read that it renders reading pdf files on an iphone impossible. So I looked further afield. Tablets seems like a viable option. There is a Samsung tablet and a Blackberry one. They both look good. The Blackberry one became a null and void choice because for some reason Kindle for Blackberry won't work in the UK. It only allows you to use it if you are in the US. Unfair! I do not like the loss of the Kindle books choices. Anyway, I like my choices so Blackberry is out. The Samsung tablet seems fairly up in the market with reading apps. It uses the Android platform. Then I found a sweet solution, SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE!! Screen is half the size of tablets. Approximately 1.5 bigger than an iphone. Can be loaded with reading apps. It is a smartphone. Runs at 1.4GH and packed with two processors (dual-core)! Oh my!! Looks to be the best in the market. *gleeful smile*

Here is the downer, it is expensive. But I bought one for about 30% off the retail price from an amazon seller. You could probably get it even cheaper at ebay with a lot of cunning and patience I didn't have. A lot of people do not like the big screen and big size of the phone. But it is just the right size to read my books with and still be able to put it in my pocket at the same time. I would call it a pocket-sized ereader. It got good internet browsing capabilities and is supposed to be the fastest in the market. My unit is only limited by the quality of signal I get on my phone network. If I get WiFi, it's faster. I read/send emails on it. I am not much of a games person, but you could probably load it with games for when you get bored, don't feel like reading, waiting in line in a queue, etc. I also encountered a few "bugs" and kinks in the software, like some apps don't work properly. One time it wouldn't obey the "grid view" button and I had to turn it on and off. The transition from page to page does not "feel" as smooth as it does with the iphone. Or maybe I am used to the iphone and not with this one yet. It also got an "S Pen" to help you navigate the touch screen but I don't use it much. Anyway, I'm not yet done playing with it, but I think this is the best in the market in terms of ereaders. So for bookish people out there, I say the Samsung Galaxy Note is the best tech you could lay your hands on if ever you are looking for an ereader.

Guest Post: MARIA V. SNYDER & Get A Chance To Win An iPad

noreply@blogger.com (Lucy) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Touch of Power is my ninth novel. Ninth! I’m still a bit surprised. I know what you’re thinking – you wrote them all, surely it isn’t a real surprise – is it? No, but... You see back when I was sending my first book around to publishers, I despaired at ever getting one book published, let alone nine. I did my research and knew the odds weren't good, and read the horror stories of authors being orphaned (where their editors quit and no other editor at the publisher wants them).So when I got “the call” for Poison Study I was thrilled, but wary until I signed the contract. But even then I couldn't really celebrate. I worried someone at my publisher would decide the book was horrible and refuse to print it. It was similar to a very long pregnancy (two years in this case). You know there is a book/baby coming, you can see/feel the stirrings of life (cover art, edits, promotional plans, etc...) yet you worry – will the book be well-received (will the baby be healthy?). It wasn't until the baby was born (or rather printed) that I could truly celebrate. But new worries start – reviews, sales, and will my publisher want another book? I had made sure to thank everyone and I mean everyone in my first book's acknowledgements just in case I didn't get another chance :)So you would think after going through nine pregnancies that I'd be calm, cool, and relaxed. Then you'd be wrong. ;> Now I have loyal readers who I don't want to disappoint. And Touch of Power has all new characters, magic, and a new world – would it be liked as well as my others? See?But it's not all worry and angst :) Each book is also thrilling and it's gratifying to see it on the shelf – yes, even the ninth one! Reader emails are still precious to me and I'm enjoying book signings just as much today as seven years ago. And I'm sure I'll be amazed when book number ten is published. Ten? Gulp!

Author Link(s):
Maria V. Snyder

Book Link(s):
www.touchofpower.com
GoodReads

Publisher Link(s):
Mira Ink
Mira at Facebook

Touch Of Power by Maria V. Snyder
Book 1 of the Healer trilogy

Genre: fantasy

About Touch Of Power:

The Fifteen Realms is in a state of turmoil, reeling from a ruthless plague that has ripped through the lands killing thousands. Now the realms are on the brink of war as potential leaders vie for power, using whatever horrific means possible.At one time revered for her healing abilities, Avry of Kazan is in hiding from those who wish to manipulate her powers to further their own cause. But when Avry heals a sick child, she is captured, facing the guillotine for using her forbidden magic. That is until she is rescued by the mysterious Kerrick and his band of men, who need Avry to save their dying friend, Prince Ryne. Having heard of Ryne’s various atrocities, Avry is more than reluctant, but with a bounty on her head, she needs their protection. In a quest across the Nine Mountains, encountering man-eating ufas, armies of the undead and gangs of mercenaries, the group battles to reach Ryne before the armies of the power-hungry Tohon and the evil Estrid can capture any more land.With Kerrick promising that Ryne is the answer to peace for the Fifteen Realms, Avry must make the ultimate decision. Either way she faces a certain death – but should she trust Kerrick and heal Ryne, or die a martyr to a lost cause

Source: Info in the About Touch Of Power was taken from the blog tour press release.

My review of Touch Of Power is HERE.

Win An iPad!
Create a video review of A Touch of Power and be in with a chance of winning an iPad!

Maria V. Snyder has teamed up with top teen mag Mizz to give you the chance to win an iPad and be the official book review for MizzMag TV to boot! All you need to do to enter is make a video review of A Touch of Power. MIRA Ink is giving away free review copies to the first 50 people who get in touch, so visit facebook/MIRAInk for more details on how to get involved! Also, check out Mizz Mag TV at www.youtube.com/user/MizzMagTV for an exclusive video of Maria talking about her new Healer series!

Wishlist: LOTHAIRE

noreply@blogger.com (Cherry) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

WISHLIST:
Lothaire by Kresley Cole
Immortals After Dark series #12

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publications Date: 10 Jan 2012

Summary:

From the humblest of beginnings a millennia ago, Lothaire the Enemy of Old rose to power, becoming the most feared and evil vampire in the immortal world. Driven by his past, he will not rest until he captures the vampire Horde’s crown for himself. The discovery of his Bride, the female meant only for him, threatens to derail his plot.

Elizabeth Peirce is a mere mortal, a glaring vulnerability for a male with so many blood foes bent on annihilating anything he desires. Yet soon he discovers his Bride’s secret. A magnificent power dwells inside the fragile human, one that will aid his quest. But to possess that power, he will have to destroy her. Will Lothaire succumb to the torments of his past, or seize a future with her?

I was so hoping the Lothaire's mate would be Nix! Now I'm emo over this. Anyone else? What do you think about a mortal woman giving Lothaire a run for his money? (or rather his blood). And the question remains, who will Nix hook up with?

Source: Info in the Summary was taken from GoodReads on 08/07/2011.

Trailer:

Review: TAKEN

noreply@blogger.com (Cherry) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Taken by Lilith Saintcrow
A stand-alone Harlequin paperback.

Genre: adult urban fantasy romance

About Taken:

Sophie Wilson never believed she was special. Avoiding a violent ex, she can’t remember the last time she felt truly safe. Then vampires murder her best friend and Sophie is kidnapped by a dangerously sexy shapeshifter.

Zach insists Sophie is a shaman–someone with a rare gift for taming a shifter’s savage side–and he needs her to help him save his pack. Now, with a malevolent enemy closing in, Sophie and Zach must risk everything on a bond that may be their only salvation…

Source: Info in the About Taken was taken from the author's website at http://www.lilithsaintcrow.com/journal/the-books/taken/ on 21/06/2011.

My Thoughts:

I've read this author's previous work before but I did not like Strange Angels. However this author has such a compelling author's voice that I decided to give her work another go. Besides another book blogger said that her Lilith Saintcrow persona writes differently from her Lili St. Crow one. So I reasoned to myself that in this work, the things I did not like in Strange Angels might not be there anymore. However, Lilith Saintcrow still has a penchant for stupid heroines. Although this time around it's not so bad. Besides, it was in line with the character's personality make-up. Which made the character just this side of annoying. I would give the character development a 3 out of 5.

The "author's voice" is still good in this book but for some reason it did not feel as good as it was with Strange Angels. Don't get me wrong, it is still compelling, just not as compelling as I remember it to be with Strange Angels. I would give it a 4.5 out of 5.

The cover could use a little bit of lightening up. I know the fantasy noir is high up in the market at the moment but it didn't quite work with this cover art.

The world building is not only very good, it's masterful! Lilith Saintcrow brought the world of the Carcajou wolves come to life very vividly! I'll have to give it a 5 out of 5.

Overall, I did enjoy this book although not as much as I expected, given that Lilith Saintcrow has such a compelling "author's voice". Overall, I'd say that this book is a 4 out of 5.

Empirical Evaluation:
Story Telling Quality = 4.5
World Building = 5
Character Development = 3
Plot = 3
Pace = 4
Story Itself = 4
Ending = 4

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 cherries

Review: TOUCH OF POWER

noreply@blogger.com (Cherry) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Touch Of Power by Maria V. Snyder
Book 1 of the Healer trilogy

Genre: fantasy
Publication Date: 6th January 2012

About Touch Of Power:

The Fifteen Realms is in a state of turmoil, reeling from a ruthless plague that has ripped through the lands killing thousands. Now the realms are on the brink of war as potential leaders vie for power, using whatever horrific means possible.

At one time revered for her healing abilities, Avry of Kazan is in hiding from those who wish to manipulate her powers to further their own cause. But when Avry heals a sick child, she is captured, facing the guillotine for using her forbidden magic. That is until she is rescued by the mysterious Kerrick and his band of men, who need Avry to save their dying friend, Prince Ryne. Having heard of Ryne’s various atrocities, Avry is more than reluctant, but with a bounty on her head, she needs their protection. In a quest across the Nine Mountains, encountering man-eating ufas, armies of the undead and gangs of mercenaries, the group battles to reach Ryne before the armies of the power-hungry Tohon and the evil Estrid can capture any more land.

With Kerrick promising that Ryne is the answer to peace for the Fifteen Realms, Avry must make the ultimate decision. Either way she faces a certain death – but should she trust Kerrick and heal Ryne, or die a martyr to a lost cause

Source: Info in the About Touch Of Power was taken from the blog tour press release.

Review:

I thought that this would be another series in the Yelena Zaltana world just like the Opal Cowan trilogy was. But no, the Healer trilogy is a totally different world from the Yelena Zaltana one. Still of the fantasy genre though, but totally different worlds. Although I find the magic system is somewhat similar.

Having read the previous work of this author, I knew that she has a real weakness in the plot building, i.e., Opal Cowan trilogy (I blame it on the weak plot anyway). So even before I started reading this book, I was kinda dreading what kind of plot this book might have. But I worried for no reason! The plot is good and the story ended with a satisfying resolution. Although the ending also made room for more in the story, but we know already that this is gonna be a trilogy. However despite that, the ending did a good job of resolving the main dilemma in the story.

Maybe it's just me, but I seem to be developing a fixation for bad guys. Tohon is sounding like an anti-hero I could like... I think Alexander Skarsgard would make a good Tohon... for those of you who've read this book, don't you think so?

Another thing I can say about this book is that it retained the wonderful story telling quality that I've come to know with Maria V. Snyder. It made the reading time whiz pass and before I knew it, I was at the ending and I wanted to read more! Unfortunately I have to wait until next year for the next book. Next year!!

Empirical Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 5
Character development = 4
Story itself = 4
Ending = 4
World building = 5
Plot = 4
Cover art = 4
Pace = 4

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 cherries

Author Link(s):
Maria V. Snyder

Book Link(s):
www.touchofpower.com
GoodReads

Publisher Link(s):
Mira Ink
Mira at Facebook

Thank you to the publisher/PR team for the review copy of Touch Of Power by Maria V. Snyder received.

Review: MAGIC GIFTS

noreply@blogger.com (Cherry) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 07:51:00 +0000

Magic Gifts by Ilona Andrews
Book 5.4 of the Kate Daniels series

Genre: urban fantasy
Format: ebook

Synopsis:

A dinner date after a hard day at work sounds heavenly. Of course, when that date is between the Beast Lord and Kate Daniels, things don’t go as planned. Before you know it, undead are running amok, heads are being chopped off, lawyers are deployed and used with extereme prejudice, and drunk vikings are calling people out.

Source: Info in the Synopsis was taken from the author's website at http://www.ilona-andrews.com/magic-gifts/ on 25/12/2011.

Thank you to Ilona Andrews for the Christmas gift of this wonderful Kate Daniels novella!!

My Thoughts:

In this story we meet a new character, Ivar... Could this be a new ally? Looks like its shaping up to be another fascinating personality... The image I have here is not really accurate, but close.

The story telling quality is 5 out of 5, as per usual! And I love the humour and banter between the characters! I think the humour between the pages is one of the most endearing feature in all the books of this husband and wife author. It sure makes any work by these authors very easy to read. The same with the world building. But then again I always found the world of Kate Daniels fabulous! I am a rabid fan after all!! So I understand the world and the nuances of it's culture, but I am not sure that a non-follower of this series can, just by reading this book. So to anyone new to this series or if you have not yet started reading this series, I don't recommend that you start with this book. It probably is not a good idea for you to read this book. I would suggest that a reader go into this series or start with Magic Bites, book 1. Keep in mind that this is a short story. Not much room for world building. However I am not objective enough to tell you for certain that the world building in this book alone is enough or not to be taken as a stand alone book.

Like I said this book is a short story, that means I got done reading this book in no time at all. That it actually felt like it was just a few minutes of reading pleasure! Pace? Quick. And the problem with that is, I wanted more and I have to wait for spring for the next one!!

Short quick read for Kate Daniels series fans.

Empirical Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 5
Character development = 5
Story itself = 4
Ending = 4
World building = 5
Cover art = 4.5
Pace = 5

Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 cherries

Freebie Link:

Books In The Kate Daniels Series:

FTC Disclosure:
This short novella ebook was downloaded for free from the author's website at http://www.ilona-andrews.com/magic-gifts/ on 25/12/2011. No money received for this review.

Review: DRAGON BONES

noreply@blogger.com (Cherry) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Dragon Bones by Patricia Briggs
Book 1 of the Hurog doulogy
Read by Joe Manganiello
Format: audiobook
Genre: high fantasy

About Dragon Bones:

Riding into a war that's heating up on the border, Ward, the new lord of Herzog, is sure he's on the fast track to glory. But soon his mission takes a deadly turn. For he has seen a pile of magical dragon bones hidden deep beneath Hurog Keep. The bones could prove to be dangerous in the wrong hands, and Ward is certain his enemies will stop at nothing to possess them.

Source: Info in the About Dragon Bones was taken from GoodReads at http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123408.Dragon_Bones on 17/11/2011.

My Thoughts:

Okey, so I bought this audiobook because I wanna listen to Joe Manganiello's deep timbre. Can you blame me? Anyway, I like his voice so that makes the narrator a 5 out of 5, right? Well, the thing is I had to buy the paperback as well because there were parts I couldn't quite understand and had to replay them a few times before I get it. Having the book to read as well makes it easier for me. But I am pretty sure this is a fault on my part rather than Joe Manganiello's narration. And besides he is not really a professional audiobook reader like Johanna Parker and Jenna Lamia, now is he? He is a model, for Christ's sake!! Look at him! -->

However, Patricia Briggs' story telling quality is masterful! As per usual. And since I am a long time Patricia Briggs fan, that is biased as well. I am just disappointed that there isn't much dragons in this book. When I first encountered this book, I was expecting a dragon or two, by it's title. But more like just dragon remains, i.e., dragon bones. And if you are like me, a dragon freak, then that is a downer, because I like to see dragons flying. Anyway, Patricia Briggs' world building makes up for it because it is simply fabulous!! As you might have surmised by now that I really loved listening to this book... so I'd give it a 4.5 out of 5.

Empirical Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 5
Character development = 4.5
Story itself = 4
Ending = 4.5
World building = 5
Cover art = 3
Pace = N/A
Narration = 4.5

Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 cherries

Book(s) In This Series:
Click image to go to GoodReads.

Review: DEFINITELY DEAD

noreply@blogger.com (Cherry) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Definitely Dead by Charlaine Harris
Read by Johanna Parker
Book 6 of the Sookie Stackhouse series
Format: audiobook
Genre: adult urban fantasy

About Definitely Dead:

Since Louisiana cocktail waitress Sookie Stackhouse has so few living relatives, she hates to lose one - even her cousin Hadley, undead consort of the vampire Queen of New Orleans. Hadley's left everything she has to Sookie, but claiming that inheritance has a high risk factor. Some people don't want her looking too deeply into Hadley's past, or Hadley's possessions. And they're prepared to do anything in their power to stop her. Whoever it is, they're definitely dangerous - and Sookie's life is defintiely on the line...

Source: Info in the About Definitely Dead was taken from the back cover of the paperback edition (ISBN 978-0-441-01491-0).

My Thoughts:

Okey, book 6... said most of what I can say in previous reviews already. So what is different this time around? In this book we see a lot of John Quinn. Ultra alpha. Mysterious to the hilt. And angsty hero. Meet Mr. WereTiger! By the end of this book, I want to read more of this series just to read more about Quinn! ... Sookie... is still the same stupid protagonist. Having said that, I have to say that she wasn't as stupid in this book as she used to be thus far in this series. In fact, she seems to have developed a little bit more brains! Well, well, well, there seems to be hope yet for this series!

Empirical Evaluation:
Story Telling Quality = 4
World Building = 5
Character Development = 3
Plot = 3.5
Pace = N/A
Story Itself = 4
Ending = 4
Narration = 4.5

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 cherries

Books In The Sookie Stackhouse series:

Review: BREAKING DAWN

noreply@blogger.com (Cherry) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Twilight: Breaking Dawn (Part 1)
From the Twilight series books written by Stephanie Meyer

About Twilight: Breaking Dawn (Part 1):

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, commonly referred to as Breaking Dawn, is a 2011/2012 two-part romantic fantasy film directed by Bill Condon and based on the novel Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer. The two parts form the fourth and final installment in the The Twilight Saga series. Wyck Godfrey and Karen Rosenfelt serve as executive producers for the film, along with the author of the series, Stephenie Meyer; the screenplay was written by Melissa Rosenberg, the screenwriter of the first three entries. All three main cast members, Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, and Taylor Lautner, reprise their roles.

Part 1, rated PG-13, was released on November 18, 2011,and Part 2 will be released on November 16, 2012. In totals as of November 21st, the movie has grossed $291,022,261 worldwide.

Source: Info in the About Twilight: Breaking Dawn (Part 1) was taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Twilight_Saga:_Breaking_Dawn on 22/11/2011.

My Thoughts:

I like the cinematography. The combination of 3D animated effects with live actors was professionally done and looks really good on the screen. I also like the way the love triangle between Edward, Jacob and Bella has seems to have matured. Being an urban fantasy geek, I love the world building in the story! What I found disappointing was Kristin's acting. Her "happy scenes", "sad scenes" and "shocked" moments all looked the same. She might be beautiful but she blatantly can't act. She is saved from total disaster by the apparently talented make-up astist and creative props team who made her look thin and sickly when she is suppose to. But I couldn't see much acting going on there. That brought the entertainment value of this movie for me down a couple of notches. I like Bella but Kristin ruined her character. I sincerely hope it gets better in the second installment.

Overall Rating: 3 out of 5 cherries

Twilight: Breaking Dawn (Part 1) Tralier:

Review: FATE'S EDGE

noreply@blogger.com (Cherry) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Fate's Edge by Ilona Andrews
Book 3 of The Edge Novels

About Fate's Edge:

Audrey Callahan left behind her life in the Edge, and she's determined to stay on the straight and narrow. But when her brother gets into hot water, the former thief takes on one last heist and finds herself matching wits with a jack of all trades...

Kaldar Mar - a gambler, lawyer, thief, and spy - expects his latest assignment tracking down a stolen item to be a piece of cake, until Audrey shows up. But when the item falls into the hands of a lethal criminal, Kaldar realizes that in order to finish the job, he's going to need Audrey's help...

Source: Info in the About Fate's Edge was taken from GoodReads at http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10561549-fate-s-edge on 07/12/2011.

Review:

This book for some reason did not "feel" as good as the last two books in this series. I think it might have been because I am not Kaldar's biggest fan. Secondly, I got spoilt with the wonderful quality of previous books, therefore I could have been unrealistically expecting too much and got disappointed. However, despite my high expectations and all, I still enjoyed this book very much! I finished it within a day and I'm not a quick reader so that is saying something. I think that shows us just how compelling the story telling quality is of this husband and wife dou author!

My favouritest part of this book however is that I got to revisit much-loved characters which I have missed in Book 2 because they didn't get to be mentioned a lot like they were in this book! But now I got to read about Jack, George and Gaston again! Yey!! Can't wait for the next book so that I could read more of them!!

Overall, I would rate this book as a 4 out of 5.

Empirical Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 5
Character development = 5
Story itself = 4
Ending = 4
World building = 5
Cover art = 3.5
Pace = 4

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 cherries

Other Book(s) In This Series:

Thank you to Penguin for the review copy of Fate's Edge by Ilona Andrews received.

Review: SPIRIT GATE

noreply@blogger.com (Cherry) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Spirit Gate by Kate Elliott
Book 1 of the Crossroads Trilogy

Genre: epic fantasy

About Spirit Gate:

In a world torn apart by warfare and betrayal, a new darkness has arisen.

Outlanders Anji and Mai are on the run with a company of dedicated Qin warriors, when they meet an unusual reeve in the mysterious country known as the Hundred.

Together, they must decide whether to take on a fanatical army against impossible odds. Because if they don’t, the land will certainly be lost.

Source: Info in the About Spirit Gate was taken from the author's website at http://www.kateelliott.com/default.asp?cmsnumber=1&page_id=105 on 28/03/2011.

Review:

The world of the Crossroads Trilogy is rich with exotic people, cultures, sights and sounds. It conjures to mind of the exotic diversity of cultures in Jabba The Hutt’s world in Star Wars. A jumble of people who looks different and whose ways are different and exotic-looking that they fascinate the senses. The different cultures are so rich and diverse in this fantasy world that it sometimes gets confusing to get it straight in my head which culture worship which gods as one team of our protagonists travel and as the narration switches from one protagonist’s point of view (POV) to another. This book does not have one or two protagonist, or even one or two teams of good guys but multiple protagonists which weaved the story into wonderful and colourful, if riotous, tapestry.

The book is medium-paced which lags at times but gets quicker as the end draws near. The slowness, I think, is compounded by the presence of a “sub-language” in the world of the Crossroads Trilogy which takes a lot of getting used to. Like, in one of the cultures in this fantasy world, they say “ver” instead of “Mister” as a proper address to an adult male, and things like that. A reader catches on after a few encounters with the use of “ver” though. And “ver” is not the only word in this “sub-language”. So, until one is about three-quarters into the book, a reader hasn’t encountered all of these “sub-language” words yet. And until the reader “gets” the meaning of these “sub-language”, it is a slightly confusing reading. I think this contributes to the slower pace of the book, which otherwise would have been a faster-paced epic fantasy.

The cover is very attractive to my fantasy reader's eyes. The art department deserves a raise! It is what made me buy this book even before I've read the synopsis at the cover sleeve! I honestly think that this is the only reason that this book sold copies at all. Once people start realising that this is not such a brilliant read after all, I think people will stop buying.

Character development? I’d give it a 2 out of 5. Character A is an ex-slave who struggled and worked his way to freedom, is an experienced trader up and down hazardous and dangerous trade routes across different countries, and survive. Only to stand stupidly on a road he perfectly knows is dangerous until he gets captured by the bad guys… What!?! What about that well-honed survival instinct which kept him alive all these years? Suddenly gone sabbatical? I hate it when people in a book act so out of character from the way they were described that they become unrecognizable. It’s irritating to read. It also drops the “suspension of disbelief” down to the boots.

The author forces the protagonists to behave out of character to create a dilemma in the story so that other protagonists could show off by carrying out heroic deeds and save the world. I find that plot pretty weak indeed! Not to mention annoying...

Despite the wonderful world building, I find the inconsistent character behaviour too irritating to read such that I don’t think I would be buying any more offerings by this author.

Final Say: This book has so much promise but fell short.

Emperical Evaluation:
Story Telling Quality = 3.5
World Building = 4.5
Character Development = 2
Plot = 1
Story Itself = 2
Ending = 2.5
Cover Art = 5

Overall Rating: 2.5 out of 5 cherries

Other Books In The Crossroads Trilogy:

Guest Post: Lory Kaufman

noreply@blogger.com (Cherry) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0000

I’ve been continually flattered of late by people telling me they believe my History Camp concept is quite original and asking me where the idea came from. The first History Camp novel, entitled The Lens and the Looker is about an almost Utopian 24th century world where kids are taught not to repeat the mistakes of the past by being forced to live in recreations of cities from Earth’s distant past. There they must experience the hard lives of our ancestors, so they will appreciate their modern civilization. Some unappreciative “hardcases” then find themselves sent back in time to experience the real thing.

Where did this come from? What I brought to the table was my experience in the Green political movement. But there’s also all the visionary books which molded my thinking since I was young. I’ve written a list below and include, not just my SF/Fantasy faves, but some of my general fiction heroes. I believe it’s really important to be expansive in what you read to keep growing and healthy. Here’s a very incomplete list of 20 old and new titles and authors whose work has influenced me greatly. Their order does not reflect rank. I’ve added a little blurb about each.

Young Adult Dystopian

1. Brave New World, Aldous Huxley (If it was written now, it would include gene manipulation, but this was written away before that. It set the pattern for so much that came after it.)

2. Unwind, Scott Westerfield (Not for a young, young adult. Mr. Westerfield creeped me out several times in this book. Well done, sir.)

3. The Giver, Lois Lowry (A good example of a well-written “G” rated book. Not an easy feat.)

4. The Road, Cormac McCarthy (Again, not for a young, young adult. The movie was good, the book was friggin’ fantastic. A great example of story arc and keeping the tension tight.)

5. The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins (the biggest, current phenom, and well deserved)

6. Lord of the Flies, William Golding (The book that made me know I wanted to be a writer.)

7. The Percy Jackson Series, Rick Riordan (Middle grade but I love it and you can tell.)

8. Spin, Robert Charles Wilson (Listed as adult but with young adult characters, this shows a dystopia by nature’s hand)
Science Fiction

9. Kindred, Octavia Butler (I love time-travel with no explanation. The best use of throwing people from different times together that I’ve read)

10. Hominoid Series by Robert J. Sawyer (A great alternative universe trilogy where the humans are the bad guys for a while.)

11. Ender’s Game (and the series) by Orson Scott Card (It’s got little kids as heroes, and it works.)

12. Handmaiden’s Tale, Margret Atwood (A great mix of dystopia, but written with a general fiction tone.)

13. Stranger in a Strange Land, Robert Heinlein (The guy’s crazy and he really pushed the bounds of morality, but I couldn’t get enough of him when I was a “hard case” teen.)

14. Ringworld, Larry Niven (Mr. Niven thinks big and out of the box. In a circle, really. I loved his kooky characters.)

15. The House on the Strand, Daphne du Maurier (Time travel with drugs and written by a matronly lady. What were you doing behind closed doors, Daphne?)
General Fiction

16. 1000 Splendid Suns, Khaled Hosseini (I love this guy’s written voice.)

17. The Old Man and the Sea, Ernest Hemingway (One of my top five.)

18. For Whom the Bell Tolls, Ernest Hemingway (My favorite book of all time. He’s the only writer I’m putting in twice. This book informs all my high adventure sequences.)

19. City of Thieves, David Benioff (One of my top five in the last 3 years. I hate this guy. He’s young, talented, written books and movies and . . . Is married to Amanda Peet. Life is good to young Mr. Benioff.)

20. The Anansi Boys, Neil Gaiman (One of my top five in the last 3 years. I love the way he writes his characters in this book. You really know what they’re thinking. This is one of the most perfectly written books of a living writer that I’ve read.)

I could have made a list of well over one hundred titles, but this will give you an idea of what I like and inform you of what you can hopefully expect if you read the first book in my new series, The Lens and the Looker. You can find out more by going to: www.history-camp.com . You can also “like” the History Camp Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/historycamptrilogy?v=info.

Lory Kaufman

The Lens and the Looker by Lory Kaufman
Book 1 of The Verona Trilogy

About The Lens and the Looker:

It's the 24th century and humans, with the help of artificial intelligences, (A.I.s) have finally created the perfect society. To make equally perfect citizens for this world, the elders have created History Camps, full-sized recreations of cities from Earth’s distant pasts. Here teens live the way their ancestors did, doing the same dirty jobs and experiences the same degradations. History Camps teach youths not to repeat the mistakes that almost caused the planet to die. But not everything goes to plan.Like in all groups of youth, there are those who rebel, “hard cases” who just don’t get it. In this first installment of a trilogy, three spoiled teens from the year 2347 are kidnapped back in time to 1347 Verona, Italy. There they are abandoned and left with only two choices: adapt to the harsh medieval ways, or die. Hansum, almost 17, is good looking, athletic and, as his A.I. Teacher says, he can charm the fuzz off a peach. Shamira is 15. She has green eyes, auburn hair, and a Caucasian complexion. That's something people don't see that much of in the 24th century. She's sassy, independent and has an artistic genius for drawing. Lincoln, 14, is the smart-Aleck. But you don't have to scratch too far beneath the surface to find his insecurities.There are two types of artificial intelligences (A.I.s) in the 24th-century. The first are authorized by society and very conservative. Then there are ‘genies’. Made by black-market hackers, or blackers, these rascals are the bi-polar opposite of their unadventurous cousins. A genie’s aim in life is to help rebellious youth make mischief. Pan, is a very mischievous genie. A curious mix of past and future, he’s an eccentric, all-knowing, holographic artificial intelligence in the cartoon shape of the vaunted Greek god. Pan's antics and insights get the kids both into and out of trouble.Our three teen protagonists meet at a History Camp where everything and everybody must act like it is 14th-century Verona, Italy. Society’s plan is to put trouble-making kids into situations where they are “scared straight”. But Hansum knows better. He’s aware that behind the scenes there are armies of humans and A.I.’s making sure they are safe. Using Pan, the teens devise a plan to drive the History Camp enactors crazy, and they succeed. But what they’re not prepared for is that a History Camp elder from the 31st century, (where time-travel is possible) kidnaps them back to the real medieval Verona. Here they are indentured to an alcoholic lens maker. Now, unquestionably, the dangers are real.All of this is hardly the ideal environment to fall in love – but, for Hansum, that’s exactly what happens. Guilietta is the beautiful daughter of the master the teens are working for. She becomes the star-crossed and time-crossed lover of our story’s Romeo - Hansum. In fact, the novel is peppered with lots of fun allusions to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. In an attempt to survive the teenage trio, with Pan’s help, risks introducing technology from the future. It could save them – or it could change history.

Source: Info in the About The Lens and the Looker was taken from the press release for the virtual book tour.

The Bronze and the Brimstone by Lory Kaufman
Book 2 of The Verona Trilogy

About The Bronze and the Brimstone:

What could go wrong in the 14th-century for three time-traveling teens? How about – EVERYTHING!

Hansum, Shamira and Lincoln, three teens from the 24th century, are trapped in 14th-century Verona, Italy. They’ve survived many deadly experiences by keeping their wits about them and by introducing futuristic technology into the past. Principal among these inventions is the telescope, which brought them to the attention of the rich and powerful.

But standing out can get you into unexpected and dangerous situations. The nobles of Verona now believe Hansum is a savant, a genius inventor, especially after he brings them plans for advanced cannons and black powder. Being the center of attention is great, but the potential for trouble is now exponentially greater because people are watching Hansum’s every move.

Meanwhile, artistic genius Shamira has fallen for a Florentine artist with bloody and disastrous consequences. Lincoln, considered an incompetent back home in the 24th-century, has blossomed – at least until he’s shot in the head with an arrow. And Hansum, after secretly marrying his new master’s beautiful daughter, Guilietta, is offered the hand in marriage of lady Beatrice, daughter of the ruler of Verona. To refuse could mean calamity for all the teens.

Amazingly, none of this is their biggest challenge. Because a rash illness is spreading across Verona – and it is threatening to consume everyone.
Do they have a future in this past?

Source: Info in the About The Bronze and the Brimstone was taken from the press release for the virtual book tour.

Review: SUPERNATURAL Seasons 1-6

noreply@blogger.com (Cherry) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Supernatural
TV series starring Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles
dvd box sets Seasons 1 to 6

Genre: urban fantasy

About Supernatural:

Supernatural is an American supernatural and horror television series created by Eric Kripke, which debuted on September 13, 2005 on The WB, and is now part of The CW's lineup. Starring Jared Padalecki as Sam Winchester and Jensen Ackles as Dean Winchester, the series follows the brothers as they hunt demons and other figures of the supernatural. The series is produced by Warner Bros. Television, in association with Wonderland Sound and Vision. The current executive producers are Eric Kripke, McG, and Robert Singer; former executive producer Kim Manners died of lung cancer during production of the fourth season.[1]

The series, which is filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia, was in development for nearly ten years, as creator Kripke spent several years unsuccessfully pitching it. The pilot was viewed by an estimated 5.69 million viewers,[2] and the ratings of the first four episodes prompted The WB to pick up the series for a full season. Originally, Kripke planned the series for three seasons, but later expanded it to five. The fifth season began airing on September 10, 2009, and concluded the series' main storyline;[3] however, The CW officially renewed the show for a sixth season on 16 February 2010.[4] On 26 April 2011, the show was renewed for a seventh season for the 2011–2012 season, which began on the 23rd September 2011.

Source: Info in the About Supernatural was taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supernatural_%28TV_series%29 on 31/10/2011.

Review:

The thing I don't like about this series is that the season finale is almost always a cliffhanger! Except Season 5. I always thought that the season finale is the "climax episode" of the season, but no, not with Supernatural!! At least, or should I say... the best yet was Season 5. That one ended with a bang! My favouritest season of the Supernatural series ever!

I have a few nitpicking issues with the show that kinda drags the "suspension of disbelief" down a notch... Like, angels are suppose to be unable to feel... so why is Uriel so emotional?! Castiel on the other hand, I can understand... cool as a cucumber!

I can't help but notice that Sam & Dean is like the Leandros brothers. So much so that it makes me wonder if the scriptwriters had read the Leandros books. Take this image of Cal Leandros for example... don't you think some features are quiet similar to Sammy? Like, both have longish hair, both are younger brother, both adore big bro, both not quiet human, both angsty... If you are wondering what the Leandros series is, it is very similar to the Winchester brothers written by Rob Thurman. Or maybe I've been reading too many urban fantasy... I'm getting it all mixed up in my head.

And like I said that I am an urban fantasy geek and I really like this show! (By the way, this show can get addcitive. Be warned!) It got all the elements I love... angels, pagan gods mythology, fairies, vampires. What can I say? I am such a geek... I also like the way they incorporated the different mythological elements, angels, etc. logically into the plot which brings the suspension of disbelief up a couple of notches. Plus the cinematographic effects, specially of the supernatural creatures and the like, are so professionally done that it looks fab on the screen! So that by the time I finished watching Season 6, I wanted Season 7 straight away! Unfortunatedly this is another American show so I gotta wait until it gets available in the UK... like, so next year!!!

Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 cherries

Supernatural Trailer:

Books in the Cal Leandros series:

Review: THE GAUNTLET

noreply@blogger.com (Cherry) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0000

The Gauntlet by Karen Chance
A Kit Marlowe short story.

Format: ebook

About The Gauntlet:

The Gauntlet is a Kit Marlowe short from The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance 2 and a companion piece to The Queen's Witch.

Source: Info in the About The Gauntlet was taken from GoodReads at http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9459086-the-gauntlet on 20/06/2011.

Review:

This short story displayed the same compelling story telling quality that I've come to know with this author from reading her previous works. And that is always important to me as a reader. If the author's voice "feels" flat to me then I abandon that book because I got more books in my TBR pile which needed my attention so I won't waste it on a "flat" book. The world building felt like a little short changed, but maybe because this is a short story therefore there really is not a lot of room to play with. Although the story does have a good structure with a central dilemma and a resolution in the ending it reads like a one-scene strip. There is no build-up thrill. No unexpected twists in the plot. Heck, there isn't much room for a plot! So very straightforward. Therefore not as satisfying as reading a full novel. However, I can't give this book a less than 3 because the author's voice is good.

Empirical Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 4.5
Character development = 4
Story itself = 3
Ending = 3
World building = 4
Pace = 4

Overall Rating: 3.5 out of 5 cherries

Freebie Link:

FTC Disclosure:
I downloaded this free ebook from Smashwords at http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/26142 on 20/06/2011. No compensation received for this review.

Review: FOREPLAY

noreply@blogger.com (Cherry) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 07:26:00 +0000

Foreplay by Jill Myles
Book 0.5 of the Succubus Diaries series

Genre: urban fantasy
Format: ebook

About Foreplay:

How did Jackie Brighton get turned into a succubus? She can’t remember – all she knows is that she woke up in a Dumpster. This short story tells the tale of that night, and sheds a little light on her masters’ motivations...

Source: Info in the About Foreplay was taken from http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9543083-foreplay on 28/11/2011.

My Thoughts:

The whole ebook is just a chapter of a bigger book. Story has no structure. No ending, no central dilemma and no coherent plot. The title does not even fit anywhere in the story. The "story telling quality" is not bad but not that all engrossing either. Maybe to someone who is already a follower of this series, this book would make sense, but it doesn't to me. Perhaps they ought to have written a warning for readers that this book shouldn't be read on it's own but in conjunction with the series only...

If this is a sample of this author's work, I don't think I will be buying anything from this author. Wouldn't wanna waste my money on a silly little paragraph like this.

Overall Rating: 0.5 out of 5 cherries

Review: DEAD AS A DOORNAIL

noreply@blogger.com (Cherry) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Dead As A Doornail by Charlaine Harris
Read by Johanna Parker
Book 5 of the Sookie Stackhouse series
Format: audiobook

Genre: adult urban fantasy

About Dead As A Doornail:

Sookie Stackhouse enjoys her life, mostly. She's great cocktail waitress in a fun bar; she has a love life, albeit as complicated as ever, and most people have come to terms with her telepathy.

Problem is, Sookie wants a quiet life, but things just seem to happen to her and her friends.

Now her brother Jason's about to turn into a were-panther for the first time. She could deal with that, but her normal sisterly concern turns to cold fear when a sniper sets his deadly sights on the local were population... not just because Jason's at risk, but because his new were-brethren suspect he may be the shooter.

Sookie has until the next full moon to find out who's behind the attacks - unless the killer decides to find her first.

Source: Info in the About Dead As A Doornail was taken from the back cover of the paperback.

My Thoughts:

Dead As A Doornail is just another installment in the Sookie Stackhouse series with not much of a distinctive feature to make it stand out in the series. Most of the things I could say for this book I have already said in previous books. This book pretty much reads like its just another chapter of the Sookie Stackhouse story. But this series gets addictive as you read along. Or in this case, listen along. But it seems that Sookie is getting dumber by the minute. It's irritating! However, this book (I think), has the best ending of all the books in this series thus far. I like surprises! Plus the plot is not as weak as the previous books were, i.e., Book 1. I like the over-arc-ing of the two main plot lines. This is also the book which brought to us Charles Twining. In my head Johnny Depp makes a good Charles.

Empirical Evaluation:
Story Telling Quality = 3
World Building = 5
Character Development = 3
Plot = 3.5
Pace = N/A
Story Itself = 4
Ending = 4
Narration = 4.5

Overall Rating: 3 out of 5 cherries

Books In The Sookie Stackhouse series:

Wishlist: Lightbringer

noreply@blogger.com (Cherry) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0000

WISHLIST:
Lightbringer by K.D. McEntire

Genre: YA Urban Fantasy Romance
Series: NA

Summary:

Wendy has the ability to see souls that have not moved on—but she does not seek them out. They seek her. They yearn for her . . . or what she can do for them. Without Wendy's powers, the Lost, the souls that have died unnaturally young, are doomed to wander in the never forever, and Wendy knows she is the only one who can set them free by sending them into the light.
Each soul costs Wendy, delivering too many souls would be deadly, and yet she is driven to patrol, dropping everyone in her life but her best friend, Eddie—who wants to be more than friends—until she meets Piotr.

Piotr, the first Rider and guardian of the Lost, whose memory of his decades in the never, a world that the living never see, has faded away. With his old-fashioned charms, and haunted kindness, he understands Wendy in ways no one living ever could, yet Wendy is hiding that she can do more than exist in the never. Wendy is falling for a boy who she may have to send into the light.

But there are darker forces looking for the Lost. Trying to regain the youth and power that the Lost possess, the dark ones feed on the Lost and only Wendy and Piotr can save them—but at what cost?

Lightbringer is a YA urban fantasy/romance set in a world a breath away from our own. Similar in tone to Tithe and Unleashed, Lightbringer tiptoes down the line between love and horror as Wendy discovers herself and the darkest parts of the afterlife.

Source: Info in the Summary was taken from Goodreads on 08/07/2011.