P.S. I Love Books: January 2009

Friday, January 30, 2009

Day 55 - Wintergirls Giveaway :: Laurie Halse Anderson

I stumbled upon For the Love of Books today for the first time and saw that there was a giveaway for an ARC of Wintergirls.

You can enter the contest here and find out what the book is about if you aren't already wanting it for its cover like me. (I'm a cover ~~whore~~ lover what can I say)

Wintergirls will be released March 19th and the contest will run until February 15th.

Day 55 - Betrayed

Betrayed

P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

Series or Stand Alone: House of Night series, Book Two

Synopsis: [amazon.com]

Fledgling vampyre Zoey Redbird has managed to settle in at the House of Night. She’s come to terms with the vast powers the vampyre goddess, Nyx, has given her, and is getting a handle on being the new Leader of the Dark Daughters. Best of all, Zoey finally feels like she belongs--like she really fits in. She actually has a boyfriend…or two. Then the unthinkable happens: Human teenagers are being killed, and all the evidence points to the House of Night. While danger stalks the humans from Zoey’s old life, she begins to realize that the very powers that make her so unique might also threaten those she loves. Then, when she needs her new friends the most, death strikes the House of Night, and Zoey must find the courage to face a betrayal that could break her heart, her soul, and jeopardize the very fabric of her world.

Review:

This book was both good and bad for me. Let's start off with the good points, shall we: The writing style continues to flow easily and simply allowing me to breeze through it. I really like that. The fact that the plot is still engrossing me into the book helps as well. Zoey is accepting the wonderful and unique gifts bestowed on her by Nyx. But tragedy strikes on the night of the first Full Moon Ritual of the Dark Daughters. The death of Stevie Rae was extremely sad. The scene was really heartbreaking. What makes matters worse is that there are human teenagers being abducted and killed and everyone seems to want to point there fingers at the vampyres.

The concept of betrayal comes in a couple of forms. First off, Zoey is boy crazy. She's got Erik, the hot older vampyre fledgling, Heath, her ex-boyfriend that she's got a major bloodlusting problem with, and Loren, the Vampyre Poet Laureate that temporarily teaches at the school. Now I do feel for Zoey and understand personally what it feels like to care about more than one person. But no matter how hard it is to choose between people she seriously needs to get a grip. Most of her boy problems come from the fact that she wants too much. I myself, would be in a pickle too. She obviously has history with Heath and even though he can be immature (all boys usually are, no offense), he can still be sweet. Erik is not only hot but he knows what Zoey is going through with the Change. Being with him wouldn't cause others to be uncomfortable since both are vampyre fledglings. Loren is well...sighs dreamily.... He's older (not by much) and a teacher for that matter, forbidden love indeed. I understand her confusion because of his constant flirting and the fact that he writes poems for her, so sweet! I love the scenes with Loren, they give me chills. (=

But the point is, Zoey needs to choose. It's not fair to any of the guys (even though I have a feeling Loren won't be an issue forever )= ) There is an Imprinting issue with Heath and the fact that she's pretty much cheating on Erik. I know Heath cares about Zoey, not just because they are connected by the Imprint but she shouldn't be drinking his blood no matter how tempting it is. And Erik has had an attraction to Zoey since he first saw her during the *bj* scene from book one.

Another betrayal issue: Neferet (gasp). How similar is Neferet to Zoey's real mother? The mother that betrayed her daughter for her husband? Seems Neferet isn't who she portrays herself to be. There are some major twists with her character that completely turns her relationship with Zoey upside down.

And on a sidenote - I want to mention Aphrodite... she was basically a stuck up hag-slut (as the Twins would say). After the scene with her parents in Marked I, like Zoey, started feeling bad for her. But never fear, she still has her bitchy moments. However, she really acted different in this book. She didn't become an angel mind you, but she surprised me by helping Zoey out quite a few times. Could these two possibly become friends? I especially liked the scene where Aphrodite was helping Zoey, almost reluctantly, and they were reminding each other how they weren't friends. It made me smile.

So, what were the bad points? There weren't many for me. I've read a lot of reviews saying that Zoey was complaining a lot. I didn't really feel that she was. I did however feel like she was prolonging her drama - especially about her boy problems. But the big problem I had with the book was her boy problems. Most of the book was about that. And while I sympathized for her (I really did), it was just a little too repetitive for me. I just wanted to grab her and say "Stop playing around and making things worse for yourself". While the story was good and I still really like Zoey as a character, the book just wasn't as captivating as Marked. But I'll definitely be sticking with the series.

Next In Series: Chosen

Monday, January 26, 2009

Day 51 - Marked

Marked

P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

Synopsis: [from back cover]

Enter the dark, magical world of the house of night, a world very much like our own, except here vampyres have always existed. Sixteen-year-old Zoey Redbird has just been Marked as a fledgling vampyre and joins the House of Night, a school where she will train to become and adult vampyre. That is, if she makes it through the Change - and not all of those who are Marked do. It sucks to begin a new life, especially away from her friends, and on top of that, Zoey is no average fledgling. She has been chosen as special by the vampyre Goddess Nyx. Zoey discovers she has amazing powers, but along with her powers come blood lust and an unfortunate ability to Imprint her human ex-boyfriend. To add to her stress, she is not the only fledgling at the House of Night with special powers: When she discovers that the leader of the Dark Daughters, the school's most elite group, is misusing her Goddess-given gifts, Zoey must look deep within herself for the courage to embrace her destiny - with a little help from her new vampyre friends.

Review:

I have to say I enjoyed the pace and writing style of this book. It was a nice change from other books I've been reading in it's simplified format. It definitely seemed that both Cast ladies weren't really all that worked up about writing a perfect-sounding book. It was simple in its delivery and it made it easy for me to get through so quickly.

I found myself easily liking and relating to Zoey. Even though I'm not a sixteen-year old Marked vampyre fledgling, she just seemed like a very real character to me; someone I would love to have around everyday. I thought she did very well for herself after being thrown into a whole new life where she knew no one. But that doesn't last for long. She quickly comes across new people/vampyres that make the book interesting. A myriad of characters that I quickly came to love, to hate, and to giggle about with Zoey and her repetitive mental sidecracks (which I adored). Zoey tends to explain herself every other page and it's too cute.

I absolutely love the idea of the tattoo markings and the emblems of the students and professors at the House of Night. Without going into too many details, I just really loved how creative the authors got when they came up with this world. **Sidenote: If you go to the here, you can take a look at all the fun goodies at the House of Night. If you haven't heard of these books, it's a nice place to start to see if you'd enjoy them. And if you have read them or thought about reading them, it's fun to see some of the ideas in the book illustrated.

I have yet to read anything by P.C. Cast and I'm not sure if Kristin has written any novels herself, so I don't know who to credit for the constant touches of modern pop culture into the book. It may be both of them. Either way, it was cute and a nice touch to this vampyre world. I also liked the fact that the characters in this book weren't too "young" for me. I don't normally like to read YA. In fact, I'm trying to get more into it. However, they sounded and acted like people I would like to be around. With their sometimes colorful language and hilarious cracks, it made me comfortable with the fact that I liked this book. The characters were defined well and made me want to keep getting to know them.

I'm not going to summarize the book, even though I want to (= I feel as if I started doing that I would just write out everything that happens and it would be pointless to read the story. But I will say that this was a fun and exciting start for a promising series.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Day 49 - Dark Curse

Dark Curse

Christine Feehan

Synopsis [from christinefeehan.com]

Born into a world of ice, and slave to her evil father, Lara Calladine knew only paralyzing fear as a child—and escaping with her mysterious gifts unbroken would be the only way to survive her great Carpathian heritage as a Dragonseeker. Human, yet mage, she was of the blood of three species yet belonged to none. She walked her chosen path alone, guided by the wisdom of her aunts—to blend in and let no one know of her ancestry and powers. And never trust anyone. For beyond the frozen hell of her youth was a world of even greater mysteries and dangers.

Today Lara is the leading expert in the field of ice cave study around the world and the healing microorganisms that thrive in them. She’s also in search of something else: the source of her nightmares—the cold dark corners of her childhood. Only one man has the will and the powers to help her: Nicolas De La Cruz, for whom centuries of hunting and killing have long since taken their toll. Dangerous and arrogant, he still longs to feel sensual love without the hunger for blood. Now, between Lara and Nicolas, a tenuous trust has emerged, and a passion neither has ever known before as a melody of dark promise begins.

But as each scales the treacherous land of the Carpathian in search of their past, they also harbor a secret that could save or destroy them. And as each may be desirous of a new beginning as lifemates, they are also haunted by the unknown dangers of a dark curse.

Review

I have a lot of respect and admiration for Ms. Feehan. I owe my entire love for paranormal/fantasy/romance in general to her. I remember browsing through Barnes & Noble years ago and stumbling into the romance section. I never read romance before because I was just never into sex in books and I suppose the old school covers with the hero and heroine completely turned me off. I must have been mighty bored on that trip because I found myself walking down the romance aisle. I came across a number of books by her and decided to pull at least one out and see what they were about. Dark Guardian was the one I grabbed. There was a really hot guy on the front and a wolf on the back. What more could I ask for? Curiosity made me read the back cover and I said "What the hey, just give it a try." And the rest, my friends, is history.

So with that said, I'm particularly loyal to Ms. Feehan and her Dark Series especially. Even though they aren't my favorite. And sadly they have been a bit disappointing and repetitive over the years. Number 19 (including anthologies) in the Dark Series, Dark Curse, wasn't exactly holding high hopes for me in light of its predecessor, Dark Possession, being a complete let down. But of course I was going to read it.

Lara is first introduced in the ice caves of the Carpathian mountains. She is a very small child at the mercy of her great-grandfather, Xavier. Evil dark mage filled with jealousy and hatred toward the Carpathians, Xavier tortures Lara daily as he feeds off of her. Razvan, Lara's father, is also seen hurting his daughter and siding with Xavier. However, with the help of her two great-aunts, Branislava and Tatijana, Lara manages to escape the ice caves to an outside world that scares her just as much as her imprisonment.

I absolutely love the concept of lifemates. And I'm sure it's hard to come up with fresh new ideas on how to portray the same thing over and over again with different couples. So I won't fault the author for that. Nicolas De La Cruz is a lot like any Carpathian male; dominant, arrogant, possessive, etc. Extremely close to turning into a vampire when we first meet him and after seeing Lara he undoubtedly claims her. Like most of the males he does so without her consent and really without any care of the consequences.

Ms. Feehan is known for her long-winded sex scenes. And I must admit, they can get pretty heavy and pretty irresistible. However, I found myself skimming a lot of the sex scenes in this book because I really wanted to read the story that was building behind the two of them. But I'd be lieing if I said I didn't like some of the scenes.

Lara is part Dragonseeker, part mage, and part human. She has never really fit in anywhere and has never had any family. After meeting Nicolas, her childhood memories that have been locked away for her protection come back to her in small but violent pieces. And her memories and knowledge may be the key to solving the birthing problems that have been plaguing the Carpathian people. I was very excited to see Lara use her amazing mage skills throughout the book. She isn't a warrior like some of the other women in the series (Jaxon, Natalya, Destiny), but she has a serious arsenal of mage magic that she uses. A lot of it seems a little "coincidental" at times. The fact that she just happens to know a spell that can help out at exactly the right time...*raises eyebrow* But that fact that she contributes so much is really nice to see.

One thing that bothered me a little was the excessive use of the Carpathian language. And even the appendices in the back of the book. I admire Ms. Feehan for doing the research and incorporating the beautiful language in the book. I totally skipped over it though. You can go to her website and hear samples of the language but I just didn't really feel the need to have so much of the language spoken in the book. But thank God, for translations (= She graciously included them almost every time. After a while, I did start to recognize words, so maybe I should thank her for the language lesson.

The book was good. It continues the story of the Carpathians and we may finally have a solution that could save the entire race. There were a lot of unexpected twists with the characters and the story itself which made it great to read. I especially liked the ending, and I honestly didn't want it to end. So even though I struggled through the middle of the book, I'm very glad I read it. Anyone who likes the Dark Series should read this just for the continuation of the story. Lara and Nicolas are very like able characters and they weren't really a disappointment.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Day 48

So I just finished Dark Curse. It took much longer than I anticipated but I have school work to thank for that, and family life. I've been a bit distracted. So I'll be posting a review as soon as I can. I'd like to do my reviews a little bit better, maybe go more in depth and detail. I hope no one expects a great change in this review, but I want to grow in my writing.

I'm excited to start Marked by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast. I did read the first chapter a little while ago and it looked promising. I wasn't smart enough to bring the book to work though and I'm stuck here until 9. Instead I'll be reading up on my Economics - yay =( What a waste of good reading time though. I'll also try to work on the review as well.

Maybe I'll see if my love will bring the book up to me later. He's so nice like that. *crosses fingers*

Day 48 - Marked Giveaway :: S. J. Day

What can you win?

Advance Reading Copy of EVE OF DARKNESS (1 Grand Prize winner)
Marked series coffee mug(2 second place winners)
Marked series poster with the entire first chapter on the back(5 third place winners)
Tor Books key chain that lights up when squeezed(2 runner up winners)

Click here for the details! Contest ends February 28th.

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Day 42 - Dime Store Magic

Dime Store Magic
Kelley Armstrong

Synopsis [from back cover]

Paige Winterbourne was always either too young or too rebellious to succeed her mother as leader of one of the world's most powerful elite organizations- the American Coven of Witches. Now that she is twenty-three and her mother is dead, the Elders can no longer deny her. But even Paige's wildest antics can't hold a candle to those of her new charge- an orphan who is all too willing to use her budding powers for evil...and evil is all to willing to claim her. For this girl is being pursuedby a dark faction of the supernatural underworld. They are a vicious group who will do anything to woo the young, malleable, and extremely powerful neophyte, including commit murder-and frame Paige for the crime. It's an initiation into adulthood, womanhood, and the brutal side of magic that Paige will have to do everything within her power to make sure they both survive.

Review

Twenty-three year old Paige Winterbourne has taken leadership over the American Coven of Witches - or so she should. With the Elders refusing to actually relinquish the title to her Paige is continually told she isn't ready. And being in charge of Savannah, the young witch who looks to be more powerful than Paige herself, is becoming too much for Paige to handle. The last thing she needs is for the half-demon Leah to show up again.

Leah somehow tracks down Savannah's father and files for custody of Savannah. Making Paige's life a living hell, the story takes the reader on a roller-coaster style journey as Paige struggles to keep a hold of Savannah without becoming an outcast to the coven and her town. She reluctantly accepts the help of lawyer/sorcerer Lucas Cortez. But can Paige really trust him?

You know, at first I wasn't all that fond of Paige. I suppose its because I liked Elena a lot more in Stolen. However, as I read through Paige's story I sort of became enthralled by her. It might be because so much happened to her in such a short amount of time. I quickly sympathized for her. But she is extremely likeable once you get to know her. Savannah on the other hand is like any thirteen year old...rebellious, smart-ass, know-it-all but she has major potential (= I'm sure Paige was just like her when she was younger.

So as the story goes it was much more jam-packed in my opinion. I mean so many obstacles were thrown at Paige I'm amazed she didn't just give up. She's one tough cookie. The story also delves more into the supernatural world with 'Demonology 101' and with some light being shed on the long time battle between sorcerers and witches. Also the concept of the Cabals (a sort of magical Mafia) is introduced which to me was a bit difficult to grasp but that might just be because I'm a little on the slow side. Old and new characters are thrown into the mix as Kelley Armstrong continues to weave us a nicely written and believable world that anyone can enjoy. A definite read for anyone that loves this series.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Day 38

Spring Semester officially started yesterday...yay. Okay, so not really. Classes were okay I'm just not really looking forward to learning about anything. I just want to read, hah. Oh well.

Dime Store Magic is going a wee bit slower than I was hoping. It's good, just not as good as Stolen and besides I've been too distracted to really give it a good amount of attention. But I'm working on it.

So I was watching the arrivals for the 2009 Globe Awards and I was totally upset that E! wasn't showing the actual show afterwards. I couldn't find the channel that was showing it so I missed it =( Not that I really watch award shows, but I was interested in it yesterday. sigh

However, I did finally see the entire movie of Hellboy. Which was sooo exciting. My mom isn't into movies that I like so I've never really been able to watch it. But I did last night on FX and even though the commericals drove me crazy, the behind-the-scene footage made up for it. Excellent movie! just like I thought it would be. I'm going to go buy the DVD along with the sequel which I'm excited to see (=

I'm off to do some homework reading and hopefully continue reading Dime Store Magic afterwards. I'll be at work until 5 and it looks to be a slow day at the Aquarium.

Day 38 - Stolen

Stolen

Kelley Armstrong

Synopsis [from kelleyarmstrong.com]

When a young witch tells Elena that a group of humans are kidnapping supernaturals, Elena ignores the warning. After all, everyone knows there's no such thing as witches. As for the thought of other 'supernaturals', well, she'd just rather not dwell on the possibility. Soon, however, she's confronted with the truth about her world, when she's kidnapped and thrown into a cell-block with witches, sorcerers,
half-demons and other werewolves. As Elena soon discovers, dealing with her fellow captives is the least of her worries. In this prison, the real monsters carry the keys.

Review

The second installment of The Otherworld, Stolen takes readers further into Elena Michael's world, which encompasses more than she could ever imagine. Witches, shamans, half-demons, and vampires are things Elena never knew existed even if she is otherworldly herself. She has finally come to terms with being the only female werewolf and she has found her place as a journalist scouting the internet looking for misbehaving mutts that could put her race in jeopardy.

When she comes across a post on believe.com where someone is selling information for a possible werewolf killing she immediately contacts the one who posted it. And her life drastically changes after meeting Paige and Ruth Winterbourne. Witches that tell her there is a group of humans that are kidnapping supernaturals for unknown reasons. A group that is possibly run by Tyrone Winsloe, self-centered computer-geek extroidanaire and billionaire. The witches convince Elena to come to a meeting where she meets "leaders" of the the races she never knew were out there.

The Pack, containing Elena, the enigmatic and lovable Jeremy, and her strong-willed mate Clay, [along with two others that are "on vacation"] come to terms that they will help this band of supernaturals if they can, but the ultimate goal is to eliminate the threat to themselves. But when Elena herself gets captured, her world is turned upside down as she finds out Winsloe wants to have a hunt- a reality "videogame" hunt where the supernaturals will be the hunted. Elena is thrown into a roller coaster ride of a time as she fights to understand who exactly is an ally and who is a foe.

I just love the writing style and how easy it is to move through the book. And Elena continues to be a great character to read about. Funny, fast-paced, and full of supernatural goodness this is a definite read for Kelley Armstrong fans.

Thursday, January 08, 2009

Day 33 - Mercy

Mercy

Jodi Picoult

Synopsis [back cover]

What would you do for someone you love?

Would you leave? Would you kill?

The police chief of a small Massachusetts town, Cameron MacDonald, makes the toughest arrest of his life when his own cousin Jamie comes to him and confesses outright that he has killed his terminally ill wife out of mercy.

Now, a heated murder trail plunges the town into upheavel and drives a wedge into a contented marriage: Cameron, aiding the prosecution in its case against Jamie, is suddenly at odds with his devoted wife, Allie, seduced by the idea of a man so in love with his wife that he'd grant all her wishes, even her wish to end her life. And when and inexplicable attraction leads to a shocking betrayal, Allie faces the hardest questions of the heart: When does love cross the line of moral obligation? And waht does it mean to truly love another.

Review

I'm a big Jodi Picoult fan. I have been since I recieved Salem Falls by my sister for a birthday present a few years back. After reading that book I went and started to read her books in order of publication. While a lot of people like her newer releases a lot more than her older ones, but I am absolutely loving her first released books. I have yet to come to the newer ones.

Mercy had a very strong and personal impact on me. I found myself truly involved with the characters and the story. Mercy killing is a touchy subject and Picoult really did a wonderful job making readers think of what they themselves would do in the same situation. Underlying the trial of Jamie MacDonald is another heated struggle between Cameron MacDonald and his wife Allie.

Cam and Allie had more of an impact on me. Allie is a devoted and loving wife. But she's a major pushover. She is quick to do anything in her power to please Cam because she truly idolizes him. Cam on the other hand relies on Allie to be the constant in his life. But even from the beginning, he repeatedly thinks of having a different life. No doubt he cares about Allie, but its obvious her strong feelings aren't matched by his. Returning to Wheelock, Massachusetts to become the police chief after his father died didn't exactly have Cam jumping up and down with excitement.

Mia Townsend shows up in Wheelock the same day Jamie MacDonald does. Mia's constant traveling and noncommital lifestyle appeals to Cam almost explosively. Without even reading the back cover I could tell something was going to happen between Mia and Cam.

And you know, I found it really hard to dislike Mia or Cam at the end of the story. Of course I favored Allie because she wasn't the one having the affair. But with the background information on Mia I couldn't help but feel sorry for her. And I knew Cam wasn't happy with his life although he had Allie. Mia and Cam fell in love, should they be at fault for that? No, but is it fair to Allie and everyone else it involves? Certaintly not.

As far as the trial goes: Jamie is an excellent character. Definitely the kind of guy most girls dream about. He is completely in love with his wife Maggie, who tragically had cancer thrust upon her. Jamie was easily likeable. And his struggle to find a life without Maggie is heartbreaking.

I remember one part of the story that really got to me. It was one of the first conversations between Allie and Jamie.

A smile stole across Jamie's face, so
completely transforming him that Allie would not have recognized him is
she'd seen him on the street. "Then you're the one."

Allie blinked at him. "The one what?"

"The one who loves more." He movd clsoer to the desk, and the handcuffs tapped against the
metal edge as he inadvertently made gestures. "You know it's never
fifty-fifty in a marriage. It's always seventy-thirty, or sixty-forty. Someone falls in love first. Someone puts someone else up on a pedestal. Someone works very hard to keep things rolling smoothly; someone else sails along for the ride."...

My mouth literally dropped while I read this passage. I specifically remember telling an ex something very similar. How I loved him more than he would ever love me. That it was just how things worked. He just laughed and waved me off calling me silly. And even though he was a big waste of my time, "Jamie" was right. I wasn't married to him, but I had put my ex on a pedestal and I think our relationship was seventy-thirty if not eighty-twenty =(

But enough about that. I enjoyed this book so much. Getting to know these characters was like getting to know good friends. I have to mention Ellen MacDonald, Cam's mother, and Graham MacPhee, Jamie's attorney. How I loved Ellen. She no doubt is a strong mother and friend. She cares a great deal about her son and is obviously hurt by Cam's affair just as Allie is. There were parts were she did things or said certain things that had me cheering for her.

And Graham, who really grew as a person while defending Jamie. I remember when he first came into the story, a little niave and not very personal. And yet the dramatic toll the trial takes on him is interesting. All of the characters were developed well. I found myself wanting to hug some of them one minute and strangle them the next. With each chapter I found myself jumping back and forth whether I disagreed or agreed with their actions. And I constantly asked myself "What would I do if I was her/him?"

I highly recommend this book to any Jodi Picoult fan or just anyone who'd like to become totally mixed up with some unforgettable characters.

Day 33 - Guilty Pleasures: Vol. 1 & 2

Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: Guilty Pleasures, Vol. 1

Synopsis [bn.com]
New York Times Best-Selling author Laurell K. Hamilton offers readers a brand new experience in the world of Anita Blake! Fusing mythology, werewolves and vampires with a story loaded with mystery, action and romance, the Anita Blake novels take place in a world where vampires, werewolves, and other creatures of nightmare have been declared legal citizens of the United States. Anita Blake is an "animator" - a profession that involves raising the dead for a living. Anita Blake is also known as a fearsome hunter of criminal vampires, and she moonlights by investigating cases that are far too much for "conventional" police. But as Anita gains the attention of the vampire masters in her hometown of St. Louis, she also risks revealing an intriguing secret about herself - the source of her unusual strength and power. As a special treat, Anita Blake fans will also discover an original side story featuring Anita and Dolph, written specially for the hardcover edition by Laurell K. Hamilton. Collects Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: Guilty Pleasures #1-6

Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: Guilty Pleasures, Vol. 2

Synopsis [bn.com]
The hit adaptation of Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake series continues! What price will Anita pay in order to save her friend's life and solve the Vampire Murders? Will she actually kiss Phillip? How far will Edward go in order to find out where the daytime resting place of the Master Vampires truly is? Where is Jean-Claude? And most important, who is behind the Vampire Murders? What's next for Anita Blake, you ask? The answers to all of those questions are here! Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: Guilty Pleasures #7-12

Review

Guilty Pleasures illustrated in these two graphic novels was fun and exciting. Seeing the characters I came to know and love (or hate) was so great that I was giddy with excitement while reading both. I quickly devoured the illustrations and pages since I already knew what had happened in the story.

For those who have never read Guilty Pleasures Anita Blake is an animator for a living. She's hired to raise the dead back to life for Animators Inc. She's also a vampire hunter, better known as the Executioner. Vol. 1 starts off with the Anita meeting with Willie, a now-vampire who she knew before his change. Willie is trying to hire Anita to find out who is killing off the master vampires in the city.

While Anita refuses to help she is quickly dragged into the vampire night life as she is forced to accept the job by the oldest vampire she has ever met, Nikolaos.

The two graphic novels follow Anita as she goes about tracking the murderer down while trying to basically stay alive and sane at the same time. The reader will meet some crazy characters that will definitely make you want more.

I really enjoyed seeing the book adapted into graphic novels. I loved the way Anita was depicted. She was just as I imagined. I recommend any Anita Blake fan to read these and anyone who hasn't to take a peek as well. Be sure to read the novel though, it goes into so much more depth.

Tuesday, January 06, 2009

Day 31 - Chunkster Challenge 2009

The Rules:

A chunkster is 450 pages or more of adult literature (fiction or nonfiction).
If you read large type books your book will need to be 525 pages or more.
No audio books in the chunkster.
You can start any time after signing up but the deadline to finish is November 15th.
Short stories and Essay collections do not count.
Books can crossover with other challenges.

I thought the options on this challenge had the cutest names (= And I just love making lists so I joined this challenge. I know I'll do the first two I'm just not so sure about the others. Hopefully I will though.

My List: Do These Books Make My Butt Look Big?
1. ~~The Host :: Stephenie Meyer~~ (624 pages)
2. ~~Stolen :: Kelley Armstrong~~ (468 pages)
3. ~~The Black Dagger Brotherhood: An Insider's Guide :: J.R. Ward~~ (496 pages)
4. ~~Eragon/Eldest :: Christopher Paolini~~ (1216 pages)

Info for this challenge

Day 31 - Book Arrivals

I don't know about you, but I absolutely love receiving books in the mail. Everytime I see the box waiting for me at the front door, or see the UPS guy drive up, I jump up and down...seriously lol. So yesterday when I came home from dinner I saw my beloved brown box anxiously waiting on my porch. I clapped my hands together and giggled like a little school girl. My love laughed at me the entire time (=

Wanna see what was inside?

But sadly these will have to wait, except for the two graphic novels (which I'm oh so excited to dive into), because I have some sitting in my room waiting patiently to be read...Maybe next time I'll take real photos. That would have been an excellent idea.

And as a wonderful P.S. :

One of my favorite authors, Ms. Marjorie M. Liu (author of the Dirk & Steele Series and her new Hunter Kiss series), has generously chosen me as the winner of her two audio books - The Iron Hunt and A Taste of Crimson. I am so excited!! Thank you so much Marjorie (=

Sunday, January 04, 2009

Day 29 - Movie Find

Have you ever accidentally came across a movie while channel surfing that you ended up loving? I just did (= And I felt the need to share.

What movie you ask?

What's all the hubub?

Well it was just so adorably great. I mean I laughed too many times to count. and I smiled a whole bunch. I'm not a huge fan of Keri Russell. But her loveable southern accent, her funny comments on life and her genius invention of pies made her just irresistible. The movie is about Jenna, a waitress at Joe's Pie Diner, who has a crazy jealous, controlling, real jerk of a husband. Now I came into the movie maybe 10 mins into it so I missed the very beginning. But basically she gets pregnant and has to figure out a way to get away from Earl (Jeremy Sisto), her crappy husband. She hides money away in hopes she can save enough money to run away. She even plans on entering and winning a pie baking contest with her amazing pies. I'm not a big pie fan, I know, I know, I'm weird (= But this movie made me wish I liked pie. Her inventive skills are crazy good. She comes up with such creative names like, "I Don't Want Earl's Baby Pie", "I Hate My Husband Pie", "Earl Murders Me Because I'm Having An Affair Pie", and many more.

With her two only friends Dawn (Adrienne Shelly) and Becky(Cheryl Hines), fellow waitresses, and Old Joe (Andy Griffith), the owner of the diner, Jenna ends up finding a new confindence about her life after writing a number of letters to her unborn baby. The lives of Dawn and Becky are just as unsatisfying as Jenna's and you get a taste of what they are going through in the movie as well. The two of them were wonderful sidekicks and extremely funny. And Old Joe with his rude, cranky, and cynical comments kept Jenna on her toes.

I don't want to give the whole movie away but she ends up having a very passionate affair with her quirky and oh-so-charming OB/GYN, Dr. Pomatter (Nathan Fillion). And I just gotta say he was just as loveable as Jenna. He made me laugh so hard. You really have to go watch it to see what happens to poor Jenna.

I just loved the movie and I have never heard of it before watching it. If anyone has seen it let me know what you thought of it. If you haven't, I hope you go rent it at least. (=

Watch the trailer and a clip!

Day 29 - New Author Challenge 2009

Rules: (Edited version)

Runs from January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2009.
No restriction on choosing novels. However, the authors must be new to you.
State how many new authors you would like to try.

Info for this challenge

Since I have so many books I plan to read this year I'll set the bar at 20 new authors. It may be more but I hope not to be less.

My List:

~~Frederic Guarino :: French Bred~~
~~Doug Kane and Christy Wood :: Ariel's Journey~~
~~Julia Quinn :: The Duke and I~~
~~P.C. Cast :: Marked~~
~~Christopher Paolini :: Eragon~~
~~Heather Lewis :: House Rules~~
~~Tess Callahan :: April & Oliver~~
~~Richard Aaron :: Gauntlet~~
~~Carolyn Turgeon :: Godmother : The Secret Cinderella Story~~
~~James Patterson :: 1st to Die~~
~~Ellen Greene :: Remember the Sweet Things~~
~~L.J. Smith :: The Awakening~~
~~Mitch Albom :: The Five People You Meet in Heaven~~
~~DCS :: Synarchy Book One: The Awakening~~
~~Donna VanLiere :: Finding Grace~~
~~Ellen Hopkins :: Burned~~
~~Ha Jin :: Waiting~~
~~Close Encounters :: Katherine Allred~~
~~Naomi Bellis :: Step Into Darkness~~
~~Sarah Ockler :: Twenty Boy Summer~~

Day 29 - Romance Club Reading Challenge 2009

Rules:

1. Read a romance by an author whoe last name starts with "G".

2. Read a romance from a sub-genre you don't usually read from : contemporary, historical, romantic suspense, paranormal, etc.

3. Read a romance containing a titled name in its title such as viscount, duke, duchess, princess, prince, etc.

4. Read a romance published in 2009.

My List:

1. Witchling :: Yasmine Galenorn

2. Secrets of a Summer Night :: Lisa Kleypas

3. ~~The Duke and I :: Julia Quinn~~

4. Hidden Currents :: Christine Feehan

Info for this challenge

Friday, January 02, 2009

Day 27 - Serial Readers Challenge

The Rules:

Read books in series/trilogies/related by author.
The Challenge will begin January 1st and last until December 31st 2009.
Post your list on your blog and link it back to this post.
Rate and review each title on your blog.
There will be prizes!
To wrap up the challenge next winter, comment to this post linking your wrap-up post by December 31!

So I think I can squeeze at least one series in this year. I'll list a couple I plan on doing, which might change as the year progresses.

House of Night by P.C. Cast & Kristen Cast