BOOKS AND BLOGGING PHILOSOPHY

Philosophy is defined as a theory underlying or regarding a sphere of activity or thought. Well, my theory is if I can add at least 10 new books to my Wishlist and move at least 5 older Wishlist selections to my TBR list every month, then life is a ice cream sundae. And if I can find those 10 books from at least 5 new blogs each month then that's the cherry on top.

NEW VISITORS AND OLD- WELCOME!

NEW VISITORS AND OLD- WELCOME!
Well, I've made it almost 5 years now, so for better or worse, I continue on. I tend to blog in spurts as the urge to be creative erupts. As I don't have an artistic bone in my body, you will see very few changes in the layouts. Hey, I'm a reader not an artist like so many of the awesome bloggers I follow. I know you don't always have the time but if you stopped and looked, take a half a minute and say your piece. Recommend a book that you have enjoyed or hated for that matter. Thank you to all who visit.
Oh, and I moved my Google Friend Connect info and share this buttons to the top, as without our friends, who are we?


Tuesday, January 31, 2012

YA GIVEAWAY HOP!


Welcome to the official Young Adult Giveaway Hop! This awesome young adult hop is  hosted by Kathy of I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and Amber of Down the Rabbit Hole.
There are almost 250 blogs signed up to participate. That means more young adult giveaways, more teen worlds, and more chances to win than you can shake a stick at!
For this hop, I am giving away…

Storm Born Graphic Novel Vol 1: or Storm Born (print)

1
2
Both worthy of a 5* review!

Eugenie Markham never asked for any of this. Until now, she’s been content with her job as a freelance shaman, battling and banishing Otherworldly creatures.
When a prophecy suddenly makes her the Otherworld’s most popular bachelorette, Eugenie finds herself fighting off unwanted supernatural suitors, as well as the evils that begin emerging from her past…
Eugenie Markham has spent the majority of her young life sending supernatural creatures back to their natural, magical habitat. Eugenie’s work day consists of the usual banishments and exorcisms, carried out with her trusty wand and with the help of protective, magic-infused tattoos. But something strange is happening to Eugenie and the creatures she banishes . . . her name is being bandied about and dangerous fae spirits are making untoward sexual advances. Something is going on with the Sidhe, and Eugenie is somehow in the middle of it all. . .


Published by: Sea Lion Books
Written by: Richelle Mead & Grant Alter
Art by: Dave Hamann
Coloured by: Nelson Cosention De Oliveira
Lettered by: Dave Lanphear
Cover Art: A- Jennyson Rosero; B- Dave Hamann

Dark Swan’ is the new graphic novel serial
 from Sea Lion Books, based on the series 
by urban fantasy author Richelle Mead.
I was lucky enough to get the chance to review Richelle Mead's DARK SWAN only days after reading the print  book.  I’ll admit, I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did. I’ve always considered graphic novels to be only a step above a comic book ( sorry, hanging my head shamefully). I never realized that they could add so much to a story.
Really, though, I want the whole story, every single paragraph, word,  letter and punctuation mark. What reader doesn’t? Seriously, I never would have picked this up on my own. Well, slap me stupid! Boy was I in for a surprise. While I already had a mental picture of most of the characters (what reader doesn’t) in my head. I didn’t find a character at all in the GN that felt out of sync. The colors are bright and distinct while the characters were amazingly active for pictures. I’ve always enjoyed Mead’s vivid action scenes and thought this series would make an excellent movie.  Artist Dave Hamann brought these scenes alive with brilliant colors.
I’ve got to admit that I’m not real sure how much I would have enjoyed the GN if I hadn’t just read the book but the storyline was pretty much intact or will be with the addition of the next volume. While I think these graphic novels are a wonderful addition to the series, I just can’t imagine them replacing the books.  It would be a bit like seeing all the Harry Potter movies without cracking a book, and yeah, I know that are some people that do just that (shaking my head in disbelief).
While I’m more of a paranormal romance reader than an urban fantasy reader, this series manages to combine the romance with the kick-ass, take no prisoners makeup of the main character. I love the snarky mouth on Eugenie and the way she interacts with Kiyo, a very sexy shapeshifter, and Dorian, the Fairy King. Her three sidekicks also added greatly to the snarky humor in the book. I also greatly enjoyed the fact that I did not pick up on who the bad guy was till it was right in front of me. That alone adds an extra star to my review.
Luckily, I have the rest of the series in my TBR pile so bring it on guys!

THE CATASTROPHIC HISTORY OF YOU AND ME



Dying of a broken heart is just the beginning... Welcome to forever.
BRIE'S LIFE ENDS AT SIXTEEN: Her boyfriend tells her he doesn't love her, and the news breaks her heart—literally.
But now that she's D&G (dead and gone), Brie is about to discover that love is way more complicated than she ever imagined. Back in Half Moon Bay, her family has begun to unravel. Her best friend has been keeping a secret about Jacob, the boy she loved and lost—and the truth behind his shattering betrayal. And then there's Patrick, Brie's mysterious new guide and resident Lost Soul . . . who just might hold the key to her forever after.
With Patrick's help, Brie will have to pass through the five stages of grief before she's ready to move on. But how do you begin again, when your heart is still in pieces?
Coming soon from Dial/Penguin. February 21, 2012.
Hi, I'm Jess!
I'm the author of THE CATASTROPHIC HISTORY OF YOU AND ME, out from Dial/Penguin in February 2012! I grew up in Charleston, South Carolina, graduated from Vassar College, and spent most of my twenties editing books for teens and middle grade readers. I live in Brooklyn, New York, where I write full-time, dance interpretively, and dream of one day owning a sheepdog named Leo.
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------
I was lucky enough to get to read an ARC of TCHoY&M and unfortunately it only last a day. Wow! Never have 400 pages gone by so fast! When I first started it I knew I was in for a treat, when Brie ends up in a Pizza parlor while waiting to move on.  I had a few Beatlejuice moments when she was was handed the D&G (Dead and Gone) handbook  but this book is so totally unique that they were only flashes.  I was constantly grabbing a tissue to blow my nose and wipe my eyes when only moments before I was laughing out loud. It was amazing at the range of emotions that Rothenberg took me through, much like the 5 stages of grief that Brie had to go through.
The main characters, Brie and Patrick, were so very real and so likeable and one of my favorite things about the book was the music titles for each chapter. They really set the mood for each chapter and kind of gave you a hint of what was upcoming. And even though I don’t listen to music while reading or writing, if I was to reread this book, I’d likely set up the playlist in the background.
It's a sad romantic story that will make you think about your life,  family, friends, and loves. It’s a story that as a 14 year old I’d have stayed up all night reading and swore I was too sick to go to school the next day- “see mom, my eyes are so red and swollen”- just so I could finish it.  As an adult, I simply stayed up all night and napped the next day. I look forward to reading more by this awesome author. Good job!

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

THE VICIOUS DEEP Cover Gets Revamped!


  • Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  • Hardcover: 384 pages
  • Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire (May 1, 2012)
  • ISBN-10: 1402265107

ORIGINAL
NEW


 Set against the backdrop of a Coney Island summer comes The Vicious Deep, the story of sixteen year old Tristan Hart whose life is turned upside down when the mermaids make an unscheduled return to land in search of their new king.

When a sudden storm pulls Tristan from lifeguard duty into a deadly riptide, he discovers what he really is—a prince of the Sea Court. Turns out, his girlfriend hopping and talents as a swimmer aren’t caused by his teenage prime hormones after all.

In this modern Arthurian tale with a twist, when all a guy wants to do is get The Girl and enjoy the freak show that is a Coney Island summer, Tristan has to fight for his life, the lives of his friends, and his humanity, if he still wants it, as he’s caught in a race for a throne that is as ancient as the gods.
I actually liked the original cover much more than the revamped one. It's has more of a YA romance feel to it while the new one says fantasy. What about you? Which one do you like?

Friday, January 20, 2012

WOOHOO! 25 Copies of TEMPEST by Julie Cross Being Given Away!

The wonderful people at St Martin's Press 
are giving away 25 copies of Julie Cross's TEMPEST!
If you live in the US or Canada, you've got 
25 chances of winning this awesome book.



Tempest
by Julie Cross
St. Martin's Griffin/Thomas Dunne Books
1/17/2012
Age Range: 14
ISBN: 9780312568894 
Young Adult Fiction 
352 pages




The year is 2009.  Nineteen-year-old Jackson Meyer is a normal guy… he’s in college, has a girlfriend… and he can travel back through time. But it’s not like the movies – nothing changes in the present after his jumps– it’s just harmless fun.


That is… until the day strangers burst in on Jackson and his girlfriend, Holly, and during a struggle with Jackson, Holly is fatally shot. In his panic, Jackson jumps back two years to 2007, but this is not like his previous time jumps. Now he’s stuck in 2007 and can’t get back to the future. Desperate to somehow return to 2009 to save Holly but unable to return to his rightful year, Jackson settles into 2007 and learns what he can about his abilities.


But it’s not long before the people who shot Holly in 2009 come looking for Jackson in the past, and these “Enemies of Time” will stop at nothing to recruit this powerful young time-traveler.  Recruit… or kill him.

A success in the making: Pre-empted by Summit Entertainment (producers of Twilight) for feature film, with foreign rights sold in more than a dozen countries, Tempest, on sale January 17, is the first book in the buzzed about Tempest series by Julie Cross.

“Julie Cross's thrilling debut is brimming with excitement, romance, and intrigue. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough!” —Beth Revis, New York Times bestselling author of ACROSS THE UNIVERSE.





Can't wait to see if you won a copy. 
You can read the first 4 chapters here
and Amazon has a bonus 
TEMPEST short story
available here free.

So just in case I get chosen to host one of these 25 giveaways, we're going to go ahead with a Rafflecopter entry. Heck who knows, I might give away a copy too. So you know the drill.


Simply fill out the Rafflecopter form
 below and answer this question in the comments--
If you could be a time traveler where and when would you want to go to?

FRIDAY FUNNY # 20

Sunday, January 15, 2012

BOOKS I’VE BOUGHT, SWAPPED OR WON FOR THE WEEK 1/08 # 65

Love BitesSingle White VampireTall Dark Hungry
BOOKMOOCH
BOUGHT- RebelBOUGHT- Twilight FulfilledBOUGHT- Warrior
BOUGHT
A Circle of SoulsPBS-Heist SocietyPBS- The Heir
                                               PAPERBACKSWAP
WON-    Classic Tales of Vampires and ShapeshiftersWON-    MayhemWON-    Infinite Days
WON

Thursday, January 12, 2012

WINNERS! WINNERS



Amanda Hocking Contest

My Winner for the Amanda Hocking book "SWITCHED" is latishajean whose email begins with  tishajean@...


When asked--"If you found out you were a changeling and had a special power, what would your special  power be?"
Her answer-"I would have to say flying that would be the best! I would love it because you get somewhere super fast!
Thanks for the great giveaway! I would love to read this book sounds so good!"



Winner is Cathy Mac...whose email begins with caity_mack@...
 who picked Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison as her favorite book of 2011.
I'll be contacting you by email for the gift card info.




WELLLLL - WE'RE WAITING WEDNESDAY GIVEAWAY

Winner is Cean from Singapore who wants "Jessica Rules The Dark Side".
Cean has a blog called Oh! Dear Life 
http://ohdearlife.com/ where she she blogs about books and life. Be sure and check it out and congratulate her.


Wednesday, January 11, 2012

REMINDER ENDING SOON! From Amanda Hocking comes the Trylle series… it all begins with Switched, available everywhere 1.3.12. St Martin's Press is giving away 25 copies! And I'm giving away a copy too!

From Amanda Hocking, million-copy bestselling author and internet sensation comes the Trylle series… it all begins with Switched, available everywhere 1.3.12. As a special gift to readers, Switched contains a new, never-before-published bonus story, “The Vittra Attacks,” set in the magical world of the Trylle. The Trylle series continues with Torn, on-sale 2.28.12, and concludes on 4.24.12 with Ascend.
I don't know about you but this the way I like my series. Bam, bam, bam! In 4 months I've got them all in my hands!
Play your cards right and you might win one of the 25 copies of "SWITCHED" that St Martin's Press is going to be giving away. Plus if I get at least 100 comments, I'll throw in another copy of "SWITCHED" so tell all your friends even though you really want to win yourself. Who knows, I might throw in more!


1.3.12
SWITCHED… at birth:
When Wendy Everly was six years old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. Eleven years later, Wendy discovers her mother might have been right.  She’s not the person she’s always believed herself to be, and her whole life begins to unravel—all because of Finn Holmes.
Finn is a mysterious guy who always seems to be watching her.  Every encounter leaves her deeply shaken…though it has more to do with her fierce attraction to him than she’d ever admit.  But it isn’t long before he reveals the truth:  Wendy is a changeling who was switched at birth—and he’s come to take her home.   
Now Wendy’s about to journey to a magical world she never knew existed, one that’s both beautiful and frightening.  And where she must leave her old life behind to discover who she’s meant to become…

2.28.12

Torn - the second book in the Trylle Trilogy...

Wendy thought she finally understood who she was and what she wanted, but everything changes when the rival Vittra come after her.

She's caught between two worlds, torn between love and duty, and she must decide what life she is going to lead.




4.24.12
Having assumed her rightful place as the Trylle Queen, Wendy Everly must save everyone she loves—and the kingdom she’s fought so hard for—from her cruel Vittra rivals.  Oren’s immortality renders him nearly impossible to defeat, and if he can’t have Wendy’s power for his own, he’s determined to destroy her and her friends…including Finn and Loki.  As Wendy faces her toughest enemy yet, she’s also forced to make the ultimate choice—who to love for the rest of her life.  Everything has been leading up to this moment, and now it’s all coming to a finish.  Don’t miss the final chapter in the Trylle trilogy, an epic finale that will leave you breathless!


As a special gift to readers, this book contains a new, never-before-published bonus story, “Ever After,” set in the magical world of the Trylle.

WELLLLL - WE'RE WAITING WEDNESDAY # 22






What's your WELLLL- WE'RE WAITING book for this week?



Tuesday, January 10, 2012

The Hunger Games! Tickets Going on Sale Early!




Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games. Part twisted entertainment, part government intimidation tactic, the Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which "Tributes" must fight with one another until one survivor remains. Pitted against highly-trained Tributes who have prepared for these Games their entire lives, Katniss is forced to rely upon her sharp instincts as well as the mentorship of drunken former victor Haymitch Abernathy. If she's ever to return home to District 12, Katniss must make impossible choices in the arena that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.  

Lionsgate  announced yesterday, January 9th, that the tickets would go on sale  74 days before the film's release, on February 22nd. You can buy your tickets via movietickets.com or fandango.com.




I only recently read this series and oh my gosh, it was awesome. I was either gripping the book so hard that the pages were about to tear or bawling my eyes out. I read the trilogy books back to back in probably 4 days and I really tried to make  the last book take longer as I did not want it to end. I can't imagine if I'd read these books when they came out and had to wait a year between them. I'd have been crazy. Sometimes being the last one to the party has it's up side. While I seriously doubt the movie could possibly be as good as the books (they never are) and how could they put all the horrific things in the movies that the books covered (no way), I'm still going to see this one as soon as possible. If I was told I couldn't  see but one movie this year, this is the one that I'd see.