On Sunday at the MTV VMAs, we were shown the first teaser of THE HUNGER GAMES. This was introduced by Jennifer Lawerence (aka Katniss), we were shown this...
Reactions? Well, on Twitter from what I've seen, it's been mostly positive. There has been one or two "is that it?" and I feel like that. But this is a teaser to the trailer so I will wait before I past judgement, but from the looks of it, it feels right. But am going to wait for the real trailer and then the movie to past judgement.
But what do you guys think???
Wednesday, 31 August 2011
Tuesday, 30 August 2011
GoodRead - Flash And Bones
I feel I should explain how I managed to get my hands on an ARC of Kathy Reichs' new novel, Flash and Bones, as I'm a little surprised about this myself (though this seems to be the way I get ARCs now, by the sounds of it). I listened to the audiobook No Rest For The Dead, and commented on Twitter how the two chapters Kathy Reichs wrote were my favourites and reminded me why she's my fave crime writer. After that, I tweeted (half jokingly, not expecting a reply) something along the lines of "Would it be very cheeky of me to ask the publisher if I could have an Arc of Kathy's new novel?". Now, I expected nothing from this. I swear. But, within the hour, the UK publisher of the paperbacks (and sister to the publisher of the hardbacks) tweeted me back, saying "Sure! Give us your address and we'll send it to you." And they sent it to me. I did a happy dance in my kitchen when I received it.
So, what does Temperance Brennan investigate on this, her fourteen outing? Charlotte is getting ready for the biggest NASCAR week of the year. And it looks like Tempe isn't going to enjoy the hype or buzz as she is called to a landfill site near the speedway. A body has been discovered in a barrel of asphalt, a hand poking through the top…
With the country's media on Charlotte, Tempe has her work cut out to identify the body. Could it be the sister of a young man who went missing with her boyfriend ten years ago? As Tempe slowly begins to investigate, she slowly finds herself involved in the FBI and touching on one of America's largest fascist organisations. But before she can truly identify the body, the FBI confiscate the body and destroy it… By accident? Or are the FBI hiding something?
Now, I am sure that some of you lot who are Kathy Reichs readers are shouting at this blog, going "She's doing the same outline again! She gets a body, tries to identify it, the media goes into a frenzy, she tries to solve it and, when she does, her life is in danger". But, it works for Kathy and, if it aren't broke, don't fix it. And it was interesting to see how we got to the point where her life is in danger. And when you start a book which has the line "In the end, Summer saved my life", how could you not. It's almost like 206 Bones, where she awoke in a underground catacombs, and you have to read through the mystery to get to this point though you get some "flashforwards" of how Tempe got out of the catacombs, so you read two stories that, at the end, began one.
But this is very Kathy Reichs. She holds you with the mystery and then she gives you the science. I know that there are a few people who will say that all the science and NASCAR talk is a tad confusing and I suffered that a bit at the end but I was reading quite fast so it might have been me. But yes, I can understand that point.
I have also read one or two reviews, saying Kathy's later books don't have the same impact as her earlier novels. Now, seeing as it has been afew years since I read her debut novel and its sequel, Deja Dead and Death Du Jour, I can't possible say. But I am have got a copy of a 2-in-1 volume of Deadly Decisions and Fatale Voyage and I have been thinking of reading one of them in the future. Not sure when but seeing as this is fresh in my mind, I can compare and come back to you guys on that one.
But, Kathy is still my fave crime writer and she knows how to tell a good, twisty tale that holds my attention and kept me guessing, and I can only speak for myself. And, because of this, her YA novel, Virals (which I've had for quite a while but never seem to find the time to read) has gone up in my To Be Read pile and, seeing as I might read an early Tempe mystery, it looks like I might got on a reading binge in the near future…
PS - for those of you who are hoping that Tempe and Andrew Ryan to get their act together and get back together again, I think that ship has sailed. We don't see Ryan at all in this story! We hear him on the phone once or twice and have an email from him once or two…
Monday, 29 August 2011
Sunday, 28 August 2011
Bubbly's In The Fridge
Yes, I know this is a Sunday and I shouldn't do a "Smile" blog but as I can't stop myself from watching this and bursting to laughter, I thought I would share this with you.
I've stopped watching Eastenders as it's gone too dark for my tastes, but I do think Zoe Lucker is a really good actress. And, without meaning to, this scene is possible one of the funniest Eastenders has done recently! And it's all because of the words "Bubbly's In The Fridge"...
And now, for a remixed version...
Happy Sunday Everyone!!!
I've stopped watching Eastenders as it's gone too dark for my tastes, but I do think Zoe Lucker is a really good actress. And, without meaning to, this scene is possible one of the funniest Eastenders has done recently! And it's all because of the words "Bubbly's In The Fridge"...
And now, for a remixed version...
Happy Sunday Everyone!!!
Thursday, 25 August 2011
Meet The Blogger - Fluttering Butterflies
The last Meet The Blogger for the month of August, this is. This week, we are chatting to Clover from Fluttering Butterflies. Her blog is http://www.flutteringbutterflies.com/, so check it out. Now, onto the Q&A!
*
When did you start blogging?
I started my blog, Fluttering Butterflies in January of 2006! Back then, though, despite reading quite a lot and mentioning books every now and again, mine was not a book blog! I wrote about movies and music and TV programmes. I wrote about my childhood memories and my relationship with my mother. I'd write about daily occurrences and random thoughts that came to me out of nowhere.
What made you start blogging?
During November of the previous year, I'd both given up my job as a manager in (the now sadly closed down) Books Etc and gave birth to my first child. I was without a job and my son slept for quite a lot of the day. I wanted something to do during the days in order to keep me busy as well as to maintain some aspect of my identity so that motherhood didn't swallow me whole. I wanted to be able to talk about other 'normal' things besides babies and nappies and so despite how much of my life surrounded my child (and later my children) I found that I didn't write very much to begin with about my journey as a new mother.
What was the first book you reviewed for your blog and what was your reaction to it?
I actually don't remember the first review I wrote. I'm afraid now to go and look it up for fear (or confirmation, really!) that it was terribly written. I have an inkling that it was possibly a dystopian book for a reading challenge that I'd signed up for. So, possibly Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury or Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep by Philip K. Dick. Reading challenges are really how I got my foot into the door of book blogging. First with this Dystopic Reading Challenge a friend of mine set up and then through the 1% Well-Read Challenge. It sounds silly now, but I never really considered writing a book blog of my own until I saw others doing it both well and successfully.
When was the first time you realised you were a Book Blogger?
If you can believe it, this realisation of being a book blogger only happened in the last couple of years. Though I have been blogging for over 5 years now, it's been a slow and steady progression from a personal blog, briefly into a mommy blog and finally finding my feet as a book blogger. As I said in the question above, it was really in the growing awareness of other book bloggers that I began to see my own blog as heading in that direction. It really did start of slowly though. Sharing a list of books I'd picked up from the library, the occasional review of a book for a reading challenge into a more regular book blogging schedule. I do still try to maintain a high level of personal blogging though. I find it very difficult to connect with other book bloggers who only talk books and of whom I know nothing about them as people.
How much of your time a week do you spend blogging?
This is a hard question to answer. If really pushed, I would probably say in the area of 15-20 hours a week. If that sounds like a high number (and I can't really say if it is or not? It could be a low number?) then I will say that I include a lot of time that I spend jotting ideas down in my idea notebook as blogging, as well as the time I spend reading, answering emails, reading other blogs and updating my pages. I think blogging and perhaps especially book blogging takes up so much time, energy and effort. It's a constant battle to keep producing interesting and thought-provoking content that at times it seems to take over my entire brain. Which is difficult, as I am also a full-time mother and part-time university student as well as a book blogger!
Has your taste in book genres changed since starting the blog?
Yes it has! I'd be surprised if anyone says 'no' to this question. Before I started properly book blogging, I used to read a fair bit and I'd read more widely in other genres than I do now. Mostly literary fiction, classic fiction and other adult books. But all of that changed as I began to review more YA books and be sent more YA books for review. Now I find that my brain isn't able to adapt to reading across the YA/adult genre line and it's just easier and (in a lot of cases) more enjoyable to stick with YA. Especially as there's just a wonderful mix of YA types of books. I also think that book blogging has made me more open to different genres within YA - reading horror or middle grade books that I might not have picked up without the blogging community.
What book are you reading at the moment?
I am very lucky to be reading Far From Home, a new book out this summer from Na'ima B. Robert. I'd reviewed two of her previous books last year and really enjoyed them, so Na'ima contacted me recently and asked if I'd be willing to *the first* to read her new book and to give her my thoughts on it. It is very different to her other books, following the lives of two very different girls growing up in Zimbabwe, but I'm really enjoying and I am absolutely thrilled and honoured to be the first.
What book has got you very excited or made you cry?
Ah! Looking at just the books I've read recently and I can say that Hunting Lila by Sarah Alderson really has me excited. It isn't out until August, but it is such a thrilling and wonderful book full of mystery and romance, very cool abilities (telekinesis!) and actiony sequences. I was on the edge of my seat throughout and really rushed my way through it. Fab book.
As for making me cry, I'm kind of a big baby and will cry at almost anything. The book that made me cry the most recently? Without a doubt, that would be A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness. Beautifully written together with gorgeous illustrations, the story of a young boy dealing with his mother's cancer made me weep.
Have you read any book that you disliked so much you threw it across the room?
I .. probably have FELT like throwing books but I don't think I've ever done it. There are a lot of aspects of certain books that I didn't particularly like, such as the 'romance' element of Hush, Hush for example. But if something is really bothering me about a book, I would probably just stop and pick up another book to read instead. I don't think that I'm very agressive in my book-disliking!
What advice would you give to anyone who wants to take part or what to set up a book blog?
Oh I could write pages and pages of advice. I'm always toying with the idea of writing a book blog advice post, but I'm not sure that I'm established enough to be a reliable source. I've also always wanted to start up a mentoring system, so that experienced book bloggers are teamed up with new book bloggers in order to give advice and encouragement. I think that would be fantastic. I'm always on the look out to help newly started book bloggers: sending them my read books, leaving lots of comments and emails or asking them to take part in some of my features in order to be a little bit more noticed. I think it's quite easy to be lost amongst the thousands of book bloggers out there and that's a shame really. My advice?
-Know how much time and effort that it does take to write a book blog before you start and plan accordingly
-Provide lots of quality content and try not to go down the route of too many memes that have very little substance. Spends lots of time thinking about what you want to achieve with your blog and writing down ideas of how to go about that.
-Connect with your readers as well as with other bloggers who write similarly to you. Respond to your commenters in some way and leave lots of comments for other bloggers.
-Read books that you're passionate about so that you can write passionately about them as well as any other topics you write about! That enthusiasm will come across in your writing.
-So much more. Email me or leave me a comment and I will do my best to be your book blogging mentor, if you'd like!
Now, to ask five fun quick-fire questions. What song are you listening to right now?
Geek Love by Nerina Pallot
MySpace, Facebook or Twitter?
Twitter, without a doubt.
Hardback, paperbacks or eBooks?
Paperbacks
Letters, phone, texting or emailing?
Emailing!
Zombies or unicorns?
Unicorns
*
When did you start blogging?
I started my blog, Fluttering Butterflies in January of 2006! Back then, though, despite reading quite a lot and mentioning books every now and again, mine was not a book blog! I wrote about movies and music and TV programmes. I wrote about my childhood memories and my relationship with my mother. I'd write about daily occurrences and random thoughts that came to me out of nowhere.
What made you start blogging?
During November of the previous year, I'd both given up my job as a manager in (the now sadly closed down) Books Etc and gave birth to my first child. I was without a job and my son slept for quite a lot of the day. I wanted something to do during the days in order to keep me busy as well as to maintain some aspect of my identity so that motherhood didn't swallow me whole. I wanted to be able to talk about other 'normal' things besides babies and nappies and so despite how much of my life surrounded my child (and later my children) I found that I didn't write very much to begin with about my journey as a new mother.
What was the first book you reviewed for your blog and what was your reaction to it?I actually don't remember the first review I wrote. I'm afraid now to go and look it up for fear (or confirmation, really!) that it was terribly written. I have an inkling that it was possibly a dystopian book for a reading challenge that I'd signed up for. So, possibly Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury or Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep by Philip K. Dick. Reading challenges are really how I got my foot into the door of book blogging. First with this Dystopic Reading Challenge a friend of mine set up and then through the 1% Well-Read Challenge. It sounds silly now, but I never really considered writing a book blog of my own until I saw others doing it both well and successfully.
When was the first time you realised you were a Book Blogger?
If you can believe it, this realisation of being a book blogger only happened in the last couple of years. Though I have been blogging for over 5 years now, it's been a slow and steady progression from a personal blog, briefly into a mommy blog and finally finding my feet as a book blogger. As I said in the question above, it was really in the growing awareness of other book bloggers that I began to see my own blog as heading in that direction. It really did start of slowly though. Sharing a list of books I'd picked up from the library, the occasional review of a book for a reading challenge into a more regular book blogging schedule. I do still try to maintain a high level of personal blogging though. I find it very difficult to connect with other book bloggers who only talk books and of whom I know nothing about them as people.
How much of your time a week do you spend blogging?
This is a hard question to answer. If really pushed, I would probably say in the area of 15-20 hours a week. If that sounds like a high number (and I can't really say if it is or not? It could be a low number?) then I will say that I include a lot of time that I spend jotting ideas down in my idea notebook as blogging, as well as the time I spend reading, answering emails, reading other blogs and updating my pages. I think blogging and perhaps especially book blogging takes up so much time, energy and effort. It's a constant battle to keep producing interesting and thought-provoking content that at times it seems to take over my entire brain. Which is difficult, as I am also a full-time mother and part-time university student as well as a book blogger!
Has your taste in book genres changed since starting the blog?
Yes it has! I'd be surprised if anyone says 'no' to this question. Before I started properly book blogging, I used to read a fair bit and I'd read more widely in other genres than I do now. Mostly literary fiction, classic fiction and other adult books. But all of that changed as I began to review more YA books and be sent more YA books for review. Now I find that my brain isn't able to adapt to reading across the YA/adult genre line and it's just easier and (in a lot of cases) more enjoyable to stick with YA. Especially as there's just a wonderful mix of YA types of books. I also think that book blogging has made me more open to different genres within YA - reading horror or middle grade books that I might not have picked up without the blogging community.
What book are you reading at the moment?I am very lucky to be reading Far From Home, a new book out this summer from Na'ima B. Robert. I'd reviewed two of her previous books last year and really enjoyed them, so Na'ima contacted me recently and asked if I'd be willing to *the first* to read her new book and to give her my thoughts on it. It is very different to her other books, following the lives of two very different girls growing up in Zimbabwe, but I'm really enjoying and I am absolutely thrilled and honoured to be the first.
What book has got you very excited or made you cry?
Ah! Looking at just the books I've read recently and I can say that Hunting Lila by Sarah Alderson really has me excited. It isn't out until August, but it is such a thrilling and wonderful book full of mystery and romance, very cool abilities (telekinesis!) and actiony sequences. I was on the edge of my seat throughout and really rushed my way through it. Fab book.
As for making me cry, I'm kind of a big baby and will cry at almost anything. The book that made me cry the most recently? Without a doubt, that would be A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness. Beautifully written together with gorgeous illustrations, the story of a young boy dealing with his mother's cancer made me weep.
Have you read any book that you disliked so much you threw it across the room?
I .. probably have FELT like throwing books but I don't think I've ever done it. There are a lot of aspects of certain books that I didn't particularly like, such as the 'romance' element of Hush, Hush for example. But if something is really bothering me about a book, I would probably just stop and pick up another book to read instead. I don't think that I'm very agressive in my book-disliking!
What advice would you give to anyone who wants to take part or what to set up a book blog?
Oh I could write pages and pages of advice. I'm always toying with the idea of writing a book blog advice post, but I'm not sure that I'm established enough to be a reliable source. I've also always wanted to start up a mentoring system, so that experienced book bloggers are teamed up with new book bloggers in order to give advice and encouragement. I think that would be fantastic. I'm always on the look out to help newly started book bloggers: sending them my read books, leaving lots of comments and emails or asking them to take part in some of my features in order to be a little bit more noticed. I think it's quite easy to be lost amongst the thousands of book bloggers out there and that's a shame really. My advice?
-Know how much time and effort that it does take to write a book blog before you start and plan accordingly
-Provide lots of quality content and try not to go down the route of too many memes that have very little substance. Spends lots of time thinking about what you want to achieve with your blog and writing down ideas of how to go about that.
-Connect with your readers as well as with other bloggers who write similarly to you. Respond to your commenters in some way and leave lots of comments for other bloggers.
-Read books that you're passionate about so that you can write passionately about them as well as any other topics you write about! That enthusiasm will come across in your writing.
-So much more. Email me or leave me a comment and I will do my best to be your book blogging mentor, if you'd like!
Now, to ask five fun quick-fire questions. What song are you listening to right now?
Geek Love by Nerina Pallot
MySpace, Facebook or Twitter?
Twitter, without a doubt.
Hardback, paperbacks or eBooks?
Paperbacks
Letters, phone, texting or emailing?
Emailing!
Zombies or unicorns?
Unicorns
Tuesday, 23 August 2011
GoodRead - No Rest For The Dead (Unabridged Audiobook)
As you guys know, I am a bit of crime nut. I do love reading or audiobook a good murder mystery so No Rest For The Dead is probably a biggie for all you other crime fans out there. Why, I hear you ask? Because 26 crime and thriller authors - including Kathy Reichs, Tess Gerritsen, Jeffery Deaver, Alexander McCall Smith & R L Stine to name a few, with an introduction from David Baldacci - all helped writing this, each writing a chapter or two each. And with the audiobook version, you had six readers, in which made the story feel more it was told from several people, which I like.
The story starts when Rosemary Thomas was executed in the state of California for the murder of her husband, Christopher Thomas. Chistopher was discovered inside an Iron Maiden, a torture device that was on loan from Germary to the San Francisco's Museum of Fine Art, where both Thomas and Rosemary worked at. All the evidence pointed to Rosemary, even though she claimed she was innocent. Ten years later, a memorial is being held on the ten year anniversay of Rosemary's execuation. But what happens if Rosemary was innocent? What happened if an innocent woman was executed? But if she was, then who killed Christopher Thomas?
Now, should I talk about the story, the authors or the readers? Where should I begin?
The story. The story in itself is fast and will have the reader on the edge of their seats guessing and double-guessing. I never saw the end coming but I suspect that some of you crime die-hards out there might. I think most, if not all of you, will get it at the same time I did (dare I say which author wrote the chapter? No. I better not. I don’t want to ruin the fun!).
But what makes this story so different from the others out there is the fact that you get 26 authors involved in this, each bring their own style to the story. Some chapters are more emotional, others more action, others more technically than the rest of the book, but you can hear the voices of each crime writer. There are a few chapters where the chapter doesn't gel with the story, but you forgive that as each chapter has been written by a different author. And with the audiobook version, you have six readers so with this, you still get the feel that this is the same story, but being told from several people's point of views, which makes the story feel more textured.
Now, I can imagine all you crime die-hards out there rushing out to grab this book/audiobook as it has the crème de la crème (or the crime de la crime) of writers out there - I mean, I got very excited when listening to Tess Gerristen and Kathy Reichs chapters (as they are my fave crime authors). But there will be a few of you going "Huh? What is he/she doing in?". Yeah, I had that, with Alexander McCall Smith and R L Stine. Now, Alexander McCall Smith, I can understand as he does crime (though some of you would call his work "gentle crime") but R L Stine? Bestselling author of the teen series, Goosebumps? What is he doing there? His chapters (only two, actually) are short and very different from the rest of the story - but, when you read/listen to his chapters, it makes perfect sense. But saying that, most of the chapters are told in third person but there are a few chapters told from the characters.
All in all, crime fans will love this. Not entirely certain I like the final two/three chapters (this includes the diary entry - which shouldn't count as a chapter, but I do), but with the list of well-loved and well-respected crime writers help writing this story, this is a must for crime fans!
Monday, 22 August 2011
Friday, 19 August 2011
GoodRead - The Perfect Murder (Unabridged Audiobook)
I saw this on iTunes and it was cheap. No other reason for why I got it. It was only afterwards I realised that this was a Quick Read - part of a range of short stories to promote reading in adults. I have read one or two of them and they are good introducions to authors who you haven't read, or a nice short story to waste two hours over…
I have never read a Peter James story. So, was intrigued over what he's like...
Victor and Joan have been married for almost twenty years. They can't stand the sight of each other. And now, Victor has had enough. To escape his wife and be with the call-girl that he is being to have strong feelings for, Victor is planning to kill her. But, by the looks of it, Joan has her own plans…
Who will get away with the perfect murder?
Right, first thing, this is not a novel. So, if you guys wants details on stuff or a lot of dialogue, you're not going to get it here. So much for that for the first three or four chapters, you get no dialogue whatsoever. And I am huge on dialogue in short stories (reading & writing them) so this was a tad jarring for me.
Another thing is characters. Both Victor and Joan were vile characters. Horrible characters, and this is a very brave thing for any writer to do. To have your main characters horrible. You don't relate to them. I can imagine some of you can related to their situation on some level. The level of being married and, on some days, wishing your partner ill. But this marriage was toxic and a good example on why, if it gets that bad, to LEAVE!
But I wonder if the author did this on purpose so the reader isn't on either Victor or Joan's side. We want them to fail in their schemes of murder or, if they did, to not get away with it. We want justice.
I'm not sure if was because of the story, the characters or the audiobook's reader - Paul Panting - but I didn't exactly click with the story. I didn't gel with it. It was fast read/audiobook but I didn't exactly feel like this story was anything special. Maybe this was the wrong story to introduce myself to this author...
Thursday, 18 August 2011
Meet The Blogger - Narratively Speaking
Welcome again to another Meet The Blogger! This week, we are chatting to Lynsey from Narratively Speaking. Check out her lovely blog at http://www.narrativelyspeaking.com/. I hope you like and will see you next week!
*
When did you start blogging?
I started blogging back in January 2010
What made you start blogging?
I didn’t have anyone to share my love of books with basically. I was reading YA books and none of my friends were readers at the time and I wanted to share my thoughts about books that I’d read. Little did I know, there was a huge community out there and I’ve made some amazing friends through book blogging and also read some amazing books of course.
What was the first book you reviewed for your blog and what was your reaction to it?
The first book I ever reviewed on the blog was Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick. I loved the book and couldn’t wait to gush over it.
When was the first time you realised you were a Book Blogger?
I guess from the beginning, I knew I was blogging about books but I can’t remember the first time I actually sat down and thought about it. It was probably when I got my first reaction from someone saying that because of my review, they were going to buy the book. That always makes me really happy :)
How much of your time a week do you spend blogging?
Not as much as I would like is the easy answer to that! I work full time which always causes havoc but I’ve recently changed my job so I’m hoping to have more time to read and review. I’m actually quite a fast reader but I’m definitely not a fast reviewer. I really take my time with the writing as I want to make it as good as I can.
Has your taste in book genres changed since starting the blog?
They haven’t changed that much actually. I’ve always enjoyed reading YA although I tended to just read Paranormal YA. I’ve now branched out to include contemporary YA and Dystopian now. I remember thinking that Dystopian was too depressing so I never read any and BAM, when I finally DID read it, I was blown away. I’m absolutely loving Dystopian fiction at the moment and contemporary books always have something to offer.
What book are you reading at the moment?
I’ve just finished reading Original Sin by Lisa Desrochers whom I just LOVE. I was lucky to get an early copy and I can’t tell you how much I love the series! I would highly recommend the books and I can’t wait to find out what happens in book three I’m about to start Passion by Lauren Kate.
What book has got you very excited or made you cry?
Both Crossed by Ally Condie and Forever by Maggie Stiefvater are two of my most highly anticipated books. I’m also DESPERATE to read Under A Million Suns which is the sequel to Across the Universe by Beth Revis. I keep trying to bribe her to let me read it but she’s currently still working on it.
Have you read any book that you disliked so much you threw it across the room?
Not enough to throw it across the room, no. There have been books that I wasn’t so keen on but there is only one book that I have never finished and I tried, oh how I tried. I was actually really disappointed because I wanted to like it.
What advice would you give to anyone who wants to take part or what to set up a book blog?
Firstly, I’d say do it for the right reasons. Then I’d advise you to have a look at other blogs, take notes on what works, what looks good etc. The Story Siren has some good articles about book blogging advice too. Find out about how to set up a website and it’s always worth learning a little HTML if you can (I picked this up as I went along). Having said all that, I think the most important thing is to have a clear review policy and to write good reviews! Remember to have intregity and write from the heart.
Now, to ask five fun quick-fire questions. What song are you listening to right now?
I’m watching TV! I do really like the Burlesque soundtrack at the moment though.
MySpace, Facebook or Twitter?
Twitter!
Hardback, paperbacks or eBooks?
Hardback for sure.
Letters, phone, texting or emailing?
I love getting post but I’d have to say e mail for speed and convenience
Zombies or unicorns?
Unicorns. Less messy.
*
When did you start blogging?
I started blogging back in January 2010
What made you start blogging?
I didn’t have anyone to share my love of books with basically. I was reading YA books and none of my friends were readers at the time and I wanted to share my thoughts about books that I’d read. Little did I know, there was a huge community out there and I’ve made some amazing friends through book blogging and also read some amazing books of course.
What was the first book you reviewed for your blog and what was your reaction to it?The first book I ever reviewed on the blog was Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick. I loved the book and couldn’t wait to gush over it.
When was the first time you realised you were a Book Blogger?
I guess from the beginning, I knew I was blogging about books but I can’t remember the first time I actually sat down and thought about it. It was probably when I got my first reaction from someone saying that because of my review, they were going to buy the book. That always makes me really happy :)
How much of your time a week do you spend blogging?
Not as much as I would like is the easy answer to that! I work full time which always causes havoc but I’ve recently changed my job so I’m hoping to have more time to read and review. I’m actually quite a fast reader but I’m definitely not a fast reviewer. I really take my time with the writing as I want to make it as good as I can.
Has your taste in book genres changed since starting the blog?
They haven’t changed that much actually. I’ve always enjoyed reading YA although I tended to just read Paranormal YA. I’ve now branched out to include contemporary YA and Dystopian now. I remember thinking that Dystopian was too depressing so I never read any and BAM, when I finally DID read it, I was blown away. I’m absolutely loving Dystopian fiction at the moment and contemporary books always have something to offer.
What book are you reading at the moment?I’ve just finished reading Original Sin by Lisa Desrochers whom I just LOVE. I was lucky to get an early copy and I can’t tell you how much I love the series! I would highly recommend the books and I can’t wait to find out what happens in book three I’m about to start Passion by Lauren Kate.
What book has got you very excited or made you cry?
Both Crossed by Ally Condie and Forever by Maggie Stiefvater are two of my most highly anticipated books. I’m also DESPERATE to read Under A Million Suns which is the sequel to Across the Universe by Beth Revis. I keep trying to bribe her to let me read it but she’s currently still working on it.
Have you read any book that you disliked so much you threw it across the room?
Not enough to throw it across the room, no. There have been books that I wasn’t so keen on but there is only one book that I have never finished and I tried, oh how I tried. I was actually really disappointed because I wanted to like it.
What advice would you give to anyone who wants to take part or what to set up a book blog?
Firstly, I’d say do it for the right reasons. Then I’d advise you to have a look at other blogs, take notes on what works, what looks good etc. The Story Siren has some good articles about book blogging advice too. Find out about how to set up a website and it’s always worth learning a little HTML if you can (I picked this up as I went along). Having said all that, I think the most important thing is to have a clear review policy and to write good reviews! Remember to have intregity and write from the heart.
Now, to ask five fun quick-fire questions. What song are you listening to right now?
I’m watching TV! I do really like the Burlesque soundtrack at the moment though.
MySpace, Facebook or Twitter?
Twitter!
Hardback, paperbacks or eBooks?
Hardback for sure.
Letters, phone, texting or emailing?
I love getting post but I’d have to say e mail for speed and convenience
Zombies or unicorns?
Unicorns. Less messy.
Tuesday, 16 August 2011
GoodRead - White Cat (Unabridged Audiobook)
I've been meaning to read White Cat for AGES! I have a US copy long before I knew if it was coming to the UK (the joys of online shopping!) and I actually started reading it. I got up to about chapter 10, before I stopped. At the time, I found myself in a real reading-rut. I couldn't seem to read anything that I could stick to. I started reading this, Clockwork Angel, Infinite Days and others. All started, none finished (something I will have to change sooner or later!)
So, when Holly Black's US publishers were giving away the audiobook version of White Cat for free, I downloaded it and slapped it onto my iPod. I wasn't sure if it was available to UK listeners but it was allowed. So... yeah!
White Cat is the first book in the Curse Workers series where we meet Cassel Sharpe, a young man bought up in a family of con artists. You can say he's one too. He is not, however, a Curse Worker unlike his family. He's not a Death Worker like his grandfather, a Emotion Worker like his mother (who is in jail due to using her skills to get money out of a rich old geezer), or a Luck Worker or a Pain Worker like his brothers, Barron and Philip. He's not a magic worker, and no one is going to let him forget it. So when he sleepwalks onto the roof of his school dorm, Cassel has no idea of the events that will unfold before him. And soon, he begins to wonder if his own family have been conning him. If so, how can he outcon conmen?
Now, before you go feeling all sorry for Cassel, don't. He killed a girl when he was fourteen. A girl that he was suppose to be in love with...
Now, a while ago, I said that with an audiobook that there are several types of reader. The first is someone who is passionate about the story and, because of that, the listener clicks with it (aka David Tennant and My Sister Lives On The Mantelpiece). The second is a reader that you don't like at the start but you warm to them as the story takes its toll (Eliza Dushku and Prophecy of the Sisters). The last two can be muddled -up so be on your guard - The third is that the reader is just reading the audiobook because of the money and the listener knows it, while the fourth type is that the listener just can't connect to the reader and, because of that, can't connect with the story.
I suffered from the fourth type. I'm sorry, reader of White Cat - Jesse Eisenberg - but I just couldn't warm to you. I think it's because I read the first few chapters so I had a vague idea of what Cassel sounded like. But even if I hadn't, I couldn't warm to you. You didn't sound right in my head.
This book is very much a starter book. Yes, it is the first book in a series so there are going to be some level of world-building and lying down the ground-work. And while there is a plot to this, which introduced you to the different type of magic each worker can do, it was very much showing you this dark world where you are basically on the wrong side of the law. The best way I have heard someone describle this book is "It's like the Sopranos. But with magic. And gloves." and that's probably the best way to describe it. You are on the edges of criminal underworld so you see hints of it, but I sense that in the next book in the series, Red Glove, we're going to get deeper into the dark world of cons, the underworld and curses.
But there were times I was thinking "Really?". So, this book does have good and bad points, but I am wondering If I have these good and bad points due to the audiobook reader...
I will be intrigued to see what happens next to Cassel with Red Glove, espically after how it was ended with Cassel and his mother (oops! SPOILER!) as that was a relationship I will be interested in reading. I just might not listen to the audiobook version, however, if Jesse Eisenberg is the reader...
Monday, 15 August 2011
Friday, 12 August 2011
GoodRead - Money Run (Guest Review)
When I was offered to read Money Run, I was interested but I knew I couldn't find the time to read it due the HUGE amount of books I have at the moment. BUT, the Person I'm With (aka Dan) read the brief and said he would read it on my behalf. So, THANK YOU! And now, here is a quick Q&A review. Hope you like!
What made you decide to read Money Run when I was giving the brief?
It sounded interesting and kinda like what I would normally read, which are adult thrillers! I didn’t realise quite how big the step down from adult to young adult is, meaning there isn’t nearly as much graphic detail, bloody scenes or swearing. I also don’t think many authors would torture a child, especially in YA.
So, what is the story of Money Run?
It’s about two teenagers who meet at a younger age, when both trying to steal the same cake! YES CAKE! Several years and lots of thefts later, they get an anonymous tip about a £200m item owned by a billionaire businessman. And from there it all hits the fan with, flames, cars, guns, hitmen, government assassins, anthrax, policemen and gold. SHINY GOLD!
How did you feel about the main characters of Ash and Benjamin?
I have to say I’m not a fan, they are children and thieves! Bad parenting? I think so!!! These are children, and they are breaking into a billionaire’s office! When I got over that rant, I feel they were good and bounced off each other well, couple in the making? Yes.
Did the story hit the ground running or did it take its time for you to find your footing?
It didn’t grab me like an adult thriller would, but to be fair it took me a while to get over the above rant. BUT, once I did, it was addictive and kept me interested. I wouldn’t say I thought about the book all the time but it did get me thinking a lot. I have to admit I guessed the ending (the main twists) pretty early on, but it didn’t affect the amount I enjoyed the book.
I know you read a lot of adult thriller-type novels, like James Barrington and Vince Flynn. How did this compare to the novels you read?
I don’t think I can really compare the to for a few reasons. Firstly, reading this was like watching the story from the ‘bad guys’ point of view, the thieves, unlike from the government agents point of view ‘good guys’. Secondly, there is a bigger difference from ‘young adult’ to’ adult’ books than I realised. Finally, this was written like the thieves are being the good guys which still doesn’t make sense in my head.
From an action point of view, it was toned down compared to an adult thriller, but not to the point it was boring, which I feel is good. This could easily have been an adult book with a few tweaks, but I think young adult was the right target audience for this storyline.
What did you like about this book?
I liked it for a start, it was good, and I think I gave it 4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads. My three favourite bits were - Firstly the twists, very good ideas and I like the way the story came together in the end. Secondly, the romance, even though it wasn’t there it kinda was at the same time, and kept it open for future books, sneaky love if you like. Thirdly, the actions scenes were good, especially the car scenes.
Was there anything that you didn’t like?
Two things I wasn’t keen on - firstly the children thieves I have mentioned already, and secondly also mentioned, the guessable twists.
To summarise in a sentence - I enjoyed the book, the action, the lead characters and the way it came together nicely. Will I read another one? Maybe, depends if the brief grabs my attention.
What made you decide to read Money Run when I was giving the brief?It sounded interesting and kinda like what I would normally read, which are adult thrillers! I didn’t realise quite how big the step down from adult to young adult is, meaning there isn’t nearly as much graphic detail, bloody scenes or swearing. I also don’t think many authors would torture a child, especially in YA.
So, what is the story of Money Run?
It’s about two teenagers who meet at a younger age, when both trying to steal the same cake! YES CAKE! Several years and lots of thefts later, they get an anonymous tip about a £200m item owned by a billionaire businessman. And from there it all hits the fan with, flames, cars, guns, hitmen, government assassins, anthrax, policemen and gold. SHINY GOLD!
How did you feel about the main characters of Ash and Benjamin?
I have to say I’m not a fan, they are children and thieves! Bad parenting? I think so!!! These are children, and they are breaking into a billionaire’s office! When I got over that rant, I feel they were good and bounced off each other well, couple in the making? Yes.
Did the story hit the ground running or did it take its time for you to find your footing?
It didn’t grab me like an adult thriller would, but to be fair it took me a while to get over the above rant. BUT, once I did, it was addictive and kept me interested. I wouldn’t say I thought about the book all the time but it did get me thinking a lot. I have to admit I guessed the ending (the main twists) pretty early on, but it didn’t affect the amount I enjoyed the book.
I know you read a lot of adult thriller-type novels, like James Barrington and Vince Flynn. How did this compare to the novels you read?
I don’t think I can really compare the to for a few reasons. Firstly, reading this was like watching the story from the ‘bad guys’ point of view, the thieves, unlike from the government agents point of view ‘good guys’. Secondly, there is a bigger difference from ‘young adult’ to’ adult’ books than I realised. Finally, this was written like the thieves are being the good guys which still doesn’t make sense in my head.
From an action point of view, it was toned down compared to an adult thriller, but not to the point it was boring, which I feel is good. This could easily have been an adult book with a few tweaks, but I think young adult was the right target audience for this storyline.
What did you like about this book?I liked it for a start, it was good, and I think I gave it 4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads. My three favourite bits were - Firstly the twists, very good ideas and I like the way the story came together in the end. Secondly, the romance, even though it wasn’t there it kinda was at the same time, and kept it open for future books, sneaky love if you like. Thirdly, the actions scenes were good, especially the car scenes.
Was there anything that you didn’t like?
Two things I wasn’t keen on - firstly the children thieves I have mentioned already, and secondly also mentioned, the guessable twists.
To summarise in a sentence - I enjoyed the book, the action, the lead characters and the way it came together nicely. Will I read another one? Maybe, depends if the brief grabs my attention.
Thursday, 11 August 2011
Meet The Blogger - Leanne Luce
Why, hello! Welcome back to another Meet The Blogger post. This week's blogger is Leanne from Leanne-Luce - YA FOREVER. Please check out her blog at http://leanne-luce.blogspot.com/. I hope you enjoy this week's questions and answers.
*
When did you start blogging?
Started last October, but have been blogging most frequently since January
What made you start blogging?
My huge love of books. Always had a book on the go for a good few years now & love nothing more than geeking out about what I loved and what didn’t work for me. Thought the best place to do that would be on a blog.
What was the first book you reviewed for your blog and what was your reaction to it?
Crescendo By Becca Fitzpatrick - Really enjoyed the book, but did prefer its prequel Hush, Hush
When was the first time you realised you were a Book Blogger?
I don’t know if I would consider myself a book blogger just yet. I feel I have a long way to go till I’m worthy of that title
How much of your time a week do you spend blogging?
At the moment about hour and half. I was blogging more frequently, but life got in the way. Trying to get my mojo back!
Has your taste in book genres changed since starting the blog?
Definitely, I’m more eager to try to read a more diverse range of books. Have especially found a love of Dysotopian style books
What book are you reading at the moment?
I’m reading ‘The Dark Divine’ By Bree Despain
What book has got you very excited or made you cry?
So many books have made me excited - Harry Potter, Twilight, Mortal Instruments, Vampire Academy, DIVERGENT (<3 It). I’ve never full on sobbed at a book, but New Moon & The Host by Stephenie Meyer made me very tearful. Found them both so powerful
Have you read any book that you disliked so much you threw it across the room?
I think if I really disliked a book, I just wouldn’t bother reading it. Much rather spend my time reading stuff that I enjoy. I have had books that have made frustrated though and so making me want to throw my book!
What advice would you give to anyone who wants to take part or what to set up a book blog?
Well as someone that is still rather new to it, its to talk to other bloggers and get advice. Also try and find something different to do. Maybe just the way you write a review or your content, just do something that makes you memorable in some way.
Now, to ask five fun quick-fire questions. What song are you listening to right now?
Grey Room By Damien Rice
MySpace, Facebook or Twitter?
Facebook, closely followed by Twitter
Hardback, paperbacks or eBooks?
Hardback
Letters, phone, texting or emailing?
Letters
Zombies or unicorns?
Zombie Unicorn ;)
*
When did you start blogging?
Started last October, but have been blogging most frequently since January
What made you start blogging?
My huge love of books. Always had a book on the go for a good few years now & love nothing more than geeking out about what I loved and what didn’t work for me. Thought the best place to do that would be on a blog.
What was the first book you reviewed for your blog and what was your reaction to it?
Crescendo By Becca Fitzpatrick - Really enjoyed the book, but did prefer its prequel Hush, Hush
When was the first time you realised you were a Book Blogger?
I don’t know if I would consider myself a book blogger just yet. I feel I have a long way to go till I’m worthy of that title
How much of your time a week do you spend blogging?
At the moment about hour and half. I was blogging more frequently, but life got in the way. Trying to get my mojo back!
Has your taste in book genres changed since starting the blog?
Definitely, I’m more eager to try to read a more diverse range of books. Have especially found a love of Dysotopian style books
What book are you reading at the moment?
I’m reading ‘The Dark Divine’ By Bree Despain
What book has got you very excited or made you cry?
So many books have made me excited - Harry Potter, Twilight, Mortal Instruments, Vampire Academy, DIVERGENT (<3 It). I’ve never full on sobbed at a book, but New Moon & The Host by Stephenie Meyer made me very tearful. Found them both so powerful
Have you read any book that you disliked so much you threw it across the room?
I think if I really disliked a book, I just wouldn’t bother reading it. Much rather spend my time reading stuff that I enjoy. I have had books that have made frustrated though and so making me want to throw my book!
What advice would you give to anyone who wants to take part or what to set up a book blog?
Well as someone that is still rather new to it, its to talk to other bloggers and get advice. Also try and find something different to do. Maybe just the way you write a review or your content, just do something that makes you memorable in some way.
Now, to ask five fun quick-fire questions. What song are you listening to right now?
Grey Room By Damien Rice
MySpace, Facebook or Twitter?
Facebook, closely followed by Twitter
Hardback, paperbacks or eBooks?
Hardback
Letters, phone, texting or emailing?
Letters
Zombies or unicorns?
Zombie Unicorn ;)
Wednesday, 10 August 2011
GoodRead - Wolfsbane
As some of you guys know, I LOVE Nightshade by Andrea Cremer. So, when the lovely peeps at Atom Books sent me the sequel, Wolfsbane, I was beyond giddy! I sat down and read it in a space of a week - that is rare for me. But I'm going off-track...After the terrible events of Nightshade, Calla and Shay find themselves behind enemy lines - the Searchers - and she thinks their days are numbered. But when they make an offer to destroy her former masters - the Keepers - while saving her pack and another alpha - the boy who saved her life - Calla realises that she's in control of her destiny.
But is saving Ren and her pack worth the price of freedom? And what about Shay? Can true love survive?
I don't know what to say about Wolfsbane. I adore Nightshade and Shadow Days (the novella prequel that you can get via http://www.nightshadebook.com/) so of course I will fall in love with Wolfsbane. This might be seen by some people as slow-going, but if you think about it... the whole book takes over a space of two or three days and there is let-up from when we left Calla in Nightshade...
With Wolfsbane, we see more of Calla's world outside of Veil and we begin to see the sides of war and, also, the horror of being a casualty of war. Not just the physical effect but the mental. There was one character who, when I discovered what they went through, was shocked. And then, as events unfolded, I was shocked by this character's actions... And with this, we have the light relief of new characters, who happen to be Searchers. And, yes, this is needed as we are about to go into war. Not only a war between Keepers and Searchers, but also for Calla's heart. But, as the author has said, what makes you think Calla will choose between Shay or Ren? She could easily choose neither...
Scared, Team Shay & Team Ren? Oooh, you should be...
Am trying really hard not to gush but, I can't. I love this series and I love Wolfsbane. And I can not WAIT for Bloodrose! I NEED Bloodrose to come out soon! If not, I will have to beg Atom for an ARC! I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!!!
Now, here are some videos about Andrea Cremer chatting about Wolfsbane & Bloodrose and my song choices. I hope you like!
Tuesday, 9 August 2011
GoodRead - My Soul To Lose
There's something very wrong with Kaylee Cavanaugh. All she wanted to do was going shopping with her best friend, Em, and plot revenge of how to get even with the guy who ditched her for Em for the prom. Instead, she finds herself screaming. For no reason. And she can't stop. So much so, she has to be sedated and wakes up inside a mental hospital…I have a copy of the first Soul Screamers books - My Soul to Take - and have been meaning to read it for quite some time (lack of time & amount of books. Plus, have you seen the UK cover? Scary or what?!). But, after winning a special (very glittery) hardback copy of The Iron King from the UK publisher, Mira Ink, I thought I would investigate this series further. So, when I was told there was a free ebook prequel from the author's - Rachel Vincent - site, I went on there and downloaded it.
This is a fast-read of a prequel. Just over 70 pages or thereabouts. And this prequel, to me, seems to be answering questions that happen later in the series that fans of the series will get and understand. For someone like myself, who is entering the series through this then My Soul to Take, it asks questions that are never truly answered.
I liked Kaylee - she's easily likeable and you are shocked and horrified to the events that happen to her. But, like I said, the story asks questions that are never answered in this short story, teasing you to read the series completely.
I like My Soul to Lose, but if you are starting this series, don't read this first! Read this after the second or third novels in the series, My Soul to Save or My Soul to Keep. There is, also, another free ebook novella from Rachel Vincent website - Reaper - that takes place after My Soul To Keep so I would say if you wanted to read them, read both of these free eBooks AFTER My Soul to Keep. Hopefully, these will explain and answer questions that fans have asked and wanted answers…
(FYI: I am going to try and read My Soul to Take in the near future [hopefully] so that will be the real start to this series.)
Monday, 8 August 2011
Saturday, 6 August 2011
Assassins Are Where?
The Person I'm With has just discovered where spies go to hide from assassins from the book Overkill by James Barrington...
That's right. DISNEYLAND!!! Will never look at everyone at theme parks in the same way again!
That's right. DISNEYLAND!!! Will never look at everyone at theme parks in the same way again!
Thursday, 4 August 2011
Meet The Blogger - Readaraptor
Welcome to the first Meet The Blogger of August! This week's blogger is Raimy from Readaraptor! Please check her blog out at http://www.readaraptor.co.uk/! Hope you like this week's Q&A.
When did you start blogging?
Originally I started a tumblr in September last year. I Kinda hated it though as it seemed like tumblr was full of high school kids ripping each other to shreds so I thought I’d move over to blogger. I moved on January 29th and fell in love with blogging!
What made you start blogging?
None of my friends who I hang out with regularly used to read. Since they have finished uni last month (they were in the year below me) some have them have gotten into it more and a few of them have since taken my recomendations but when I first started not one of them read. I had finished uni and I love writing and talking about the books I read so I thought what better way to vent my frustration at certain characters, my love of some plots and my emotions linked to storys than to blog!
What was the first book you reviewed for your blog and what was your reaction to it?
It was Juliet, Naked on my tumblr blog. I started off reviewing adult books becuase I had this stupid idea that YA was too young now I’m in my twenties! I loved it but since ive gone back to YA I dont think I’ll return to adult books very often!
When was the first time you realised you were a Book Blogger?
Probably around mind to late Feb this year when I was chatting away on Twitter with other book bloggers and they treated me like one of them! The community is so lovely and when I felt right speaking with everyone was when I felt like a Book Blogger!
How much of your time a week do you spend blogging?
Too much! I get told off because I tweet at work, (I just cant help not responding to the book chat!!) and twitter is something I consider to be a huge part of my blogging! I also spend at least an hour or two a night checking out other blogs and working on my own! not to mention the reading time!!
Has your taste in book genres changed since starting the blog?
As I mentioned, it has a lot. When I started I was adult contemp all the way. If it wasnt real life adulthood I wouldn’t read it, now I love YA Fantasy and Dystopian more than anything!
What book are you reading at the moment?
I actually have three books on the go which is unusual for me! I have Ash by Malinda Lo, Uncle Montague’s Tales of Terror by Chris Priestly and the Truth & Dare anthology, edited by Liz Miles, all on the go at once! I’m normally strictly a one book kinda girl but this week I decided to flirt a bit! lol
What book has got you very excited or made you cry?
The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson made me cry so much, I don’t think I stopped crying once!! As for made me excited? The Wonderful Keris Stainton sent me her copy of Die For Me by Amy Plum because she knew I wanted to read it so bad but when I opened the envelope there was an ARC of Keris’ own Jessie <3’s NYC... I swear you have never seen a person bounce as much as I did that day! (which was kinda embarrassing as I was outside the Royal Mail sorting office!!)
Have you read any book that you disliked so much you threw it across the room?
No, I dont think so... though there is a point in Harry Potter... (I’ll let you try and guess) which did make me throw it down in disgust!
What advice would you give to anyone who wants to take part or what to set up a book blog?
Be yourself, don’t be scared, browse other blogs a lot and DO NOT, whatever you do, steal features or reviews from other bloggers...
Now, to ask five fun quick-fire questions. What song are you listening to right now?
1979 by Good Charlotte
MySpace, Facebook or Twitter?
Twitter
Hardback, paperbacks or eBooks?
Paperbacks
Letters, phone, texting or emailing?
Texting
Zombies or unicorns?
Zonicorns?! :P
When did you start blogging?
Originally I started a tumblr in September last year. I Kinda hated it though as it seemed like tumblr was full of high school kids ripping each other to shreds so I thought I’d move over to blogger. I moved on January 29th and fell in love with blogging!
What made you start blogging?
None of my friends who I hang out with regularly used to read. Since they have finished uni last month (they were in the year below me) some have them have gotten into it more and a few of them have since taken my recomendations but when I first started not one of them read. I had finished uni and I love writing and talking about the books I read so I thought what better way to vent my frustration at certain characters, my love of some plots and my emotions linked to storys than to blog!
What was the first book you reviewed for your blog and what was your reaction to it?
It was Juliet, Naked on my tumblr blog. I started off reviewing adult books becuase I had this stupid idea that YA was too young now I’m in my twenties! I loved it but since ive gone back to YA I dont think I’ll return to adult books very often!
When was the first time you realised you were a Book Blogger?
Probably around mind to late Feb this year when I was chatting away on Twitter with other book bloggers and they treated me like one of them! The community is so lovely and when I felt right speaking with everyone was when I felt like a Book Blogger!
How much of your time a week do you spend blogging?
Too much! I get told off because I tweet at work, (I just cant help not responding to the book chat!!) and twitter is something I consider to be a huge part of my blogging! I also spend at least an hour or two a night checking out other blogs and working on my own! not to mention the reading time!!
Has your taste in book genres changed since starting the blog?
As I mentioned, it has a lot. When I started I was adult contemp all the way. If it wasnt real life adulthood I wouldn’t read it, now I love YA Fantasy and Dystopian more than anything!
What book are you reading at the moment?
I actually have three books on the go which is unusual for me! I have Ash by Malinda Lo, Uncle Montague’s Tales of Terror by Chris Priestly and the Truth & Dare anthology, edited by Liz Miles, all on the go at once! I’m normally strictly a one book kinda girl but this week I decided to flirt a bit! lol
What book has got you very excited or made you cry?
The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson made me cry so much, I don’t think I stopped crying once!! As for made me excited? The Wonderful Keris Stainton sent me her copy of Die For Me by Amy Plum because she knew I wanted to read it so bad but when I opened the envelope there was an ARC of Keris’ own Jessie <3’s NYC... I swear you have never seen a person bounce as much as I did that day! (which was kinda embarrassing as I was outside the Royal Mail sorting office!!)
Have you read any book that you disliked so much you threw it across the room?
No, I dont think so... though there is a point in Harry Potter... (I’ll let you try and guess) which did make me throw it down in disgust!
What advice would you give to anyone who wants to take part or what to set up a book blog?
Be yourself, don’t be scared, browse other blogs a lot and DO NOT, whatever you do, steal features or reviews from other bloggers...
Now, to ask five fun quick-fire questions. What song are you listening to right now?
1979 by Good Charlotte
MySpace, Facebook or Twitter?
Hardback, paperbacks or eBooks?
Paperbacks
Letters, phone, texting or emailing?
Texting
Zombies or unicorns?
Zonicorns?! :P
Tuesday, 2 August 2011
GoodRead - Forever
As you guys know, I kinda love this series. I Loved Shiver, really liked Linger and now, am here, about to write the third and final book in the trilogy, Forever, and I have no idea where to start! We start very quickly after Linger (if you watch the video below where Maggie Stiefvater reads the prologue of Forever, she kinda sums it up), where Grace is missing (seeing as she's, now, a wolf) and Sam (the love of her life), Cole is trying to find a cure and Isabel's dad is trying to set up a hunt to kill all the wolves of Mercy Falls. But can Grace and Sam's love survive this? Not only that, but will they all survive to see tomorrow?
Now, I love the series. I admit that from the start so trying to write this up is kinda hard. Not because I want to gush about it, but Forever went in a direction that no one saw coming! It's also the darkest out of the trilogy, finally answering questions that readers have been wondering since Shiver.
It also seems to be that, not only did Maggie want to take us down a path that no one expected, that she always pulls the rug from right under us and make us question everything we have thought were solid.
Expect the love stories. These two love stories are still wonderful! Grace and Sam's relationship is still sweet, endearing and respectful whereas Cole and Isabel (still my fave character and I still heard KaDee Strickland [Dr Charlotte King from Private Practice] speaking Isabel's words) is still violate and filled with sparks and sexual tension. And both these very different love stories (and having each chapter being told by one of these four) makes Forever an interesting read. Yes, there are some places in the book that are a bit slow but Maggie's writing is, as always, wonderful and one of the main reasons why I read this series. Shiver is a wonderful start of the trilogy (and a perfect standalone, if you're too lazy to read the trilogy) and Forever makes a bittersweet yet somehow-perfect end to our visits to Mercy Falls.
