Day 85 - Speak 10th Anniversary Giveaway

If you're like me and have yet to read Speak, here's a fantastic way to receive a copy. Lenore and Steph have 20 copies they are generously giving away as part of celebrating the books 10th anniversary.

Visit either Lenore's or Steph's blog for all the details and ways to be entered.

Contest ends March 12th.

Good luck to all!


About Speak: (from writerlady.com)
Melinda Sordino busted an end-of-summer party by calling the cops. Now her old friends won't talk to her, and people she doesn't even know hate her from a distance. The safest place to be is alone, inside her own head. But even that's not safe. Because there's something she's trying not to think about, something about the night of the party that, if she let it in, would blow her carefully constructed disguise to smithereens. And then she would have to speak the truth. This extraordinary first novel has captured the imaginations of teenagers and adults across the country.

Day 84 - Bad Blood

Bad Blood

L.A. Banks

Stand Alone or Series: Crimson Moon Series, book one

Synopsis: [from back cover]

Sasha Trudeau knows all about working beneath the shadows, back-alley deals, and things that go bump in the night. She also knows that the world is unaware of the existence of the paranormal - and that the government would like to keep it that way.

As a highly trained Special Ops soldier, Sasha and her team are an elite group of individuals who are survivors of werewolf attacks, now trained to be loyal to only each other and their government. But when she returns from a solo mission, she finds that her team was mysteriously gone missing. Shocking government conspiracies, double-dealing vampires, and a host of stunning revelations about who - and what - she really is are only just the beginning...

Review:

I'm such a fan of L.A. Banks and her Vampire Huntress books! With the final book, The Thirteenth having been released earlier this month. So I was super excited to hear that she was starting a new series - about werewolves, yay! Bad Blood was published last year so just bear with me since I'm a little on the slow side of getting my hands on books I want to read.

Sasha Trudeau (I'm so curious as to how correctly pronounce her last name) and her teammates have a unique bond that holds them together and keeps them loyal to each other and the government they work for; they are all survivors of werewolf attacks. As long as they take the medicine provided by Dr. Xavier Holland they will be safe from turning, or so they thought. When Sasha is sent on a solo mission in Korea she briefly worries about being separated from her team but follows through with the orders without question. The rest of her team is sent on a separate mission that results in a terrible tragedy and few survivors. Government secrets and betrayals weigh heavily on Sasha and the dwindling number of her team as they find out who they really are and how they came to be.

I love the characters. It was great getting to know Sasha and getting introduced to Max Hunter was fun. Silver Hawk, Max's grandfather was also a strong character that provides a lot of background information on the Shadow wolves. And the mysterious Shogun was an interesting character. Something I really loved about the book and continue to love about L.A. Banks' writing is the earth-shattering attraction and passion of her couples. Max and Sasha have such a strong connection that I instantly became jealous. But I must add that the two don't get along all the time. But no matter how often they bicker and argue they are continually pulled to each other with such a great force.

I had a really hard time visualizing the "shadow-jumping" that the couple does along with all other Shadow wolves. Basically they can disappear in whatever casts shadows both in daylight and at night. And in one scene Max and Sasha are shadow jumping very quickly through the forest and onto the highway. I just didn't really grasp the concept well.

I have to admit I was terribly confused while reading the book. While the concepts were original and exciting, I felt that most of the storytelling and information was rushed through too quickly. Pretty much every paranormal anomaly exists in this book and they were tossed into it very haphazardly; from dragons and psychics to vampires and fae entities, with a number of different councils that governed all that is paranormal. It didn't sit well with me. And it wasn't until the very end of the book (and with a visit to the book's website) that I sort of understood the differences between a Shadow wolf, a werewolf, and a demon-infected werewolf. I still don't have a firm grip on it yet. But the second book is helping.

The characters really made me enjoy the book enough to overlook the (way too) fast paced action scenes and the back story that was sort of jammed together. I'd say give this book a try, maybe by borrowing at the library. Visit the book's website here for some reference while reading and it will really help. I know that's a lot of trouble to go through for a paranormal romance but I think this series has potential to become a fan favorite.

Day 82 - Wondrous Words Wednesday [1]

I actually saw this on bermudaonion's blog and I thought it was an excellent idea. I find myself frequently coming across words in books that make me head over to dictionary.com. I thought it would be fun to share them with you.

These words are in order on how I found them. I just started Bad Blood and I'm surprised at all the words I've come across. I hope this doesn't become a trend - which would mean my vocabulary skills are lacking or I'll be learning a whole lot (most likely both) =D



1. altruism- the principle or practice of unselfish concern for or devotion to the welfare of others.
This word was found in The Host, on several occasions, describing Wanderer. I suspected the adjective was a positive one, even though the characters seemed to consider it a weakness. I suppose in the context of the story I can now understand their reasoning.

2. ebullient- overflowing with fervor, enthusiasm, or excitement; high-spirted.
Found in Bad Blood, and after reading the definition it seems a bit misplaced in the sentence. I would think a word that was "crooned" wouldn't be excitedly spoken *shrugs*: " 'So we finally meet again,' a warm, ebullient voice crooned close to her ear."

3. axiom - a self-evident truth that requires no proof.
Found in Bad Blood as well: "Never stare into their eyes, another training axiom, but she felt no compulsion from them."

4. aegis - protection; support.
Found in Bad Blood : "In fact, he probably wasn't from here, if he was a werewolf (which she still couldn't wrap her mind around), and could have aegis over a wider Asian territory that had indigenous wolf populations."

5. galvanic - startling; shocking; stimulating; energizing.
This was actually found in my philosophy textbook titled Archetypes of Wisdom. Again I was suspecting the adjective was a positive one and I was curious to know the meaning. The chapter this word was found in talks about Socrates.: "In any encounter with an archetypal individual, the power or force of the whole person is galvanic."

6. calumnies - a false and malicious statement designed to injure the reputation of someone or something.
Also found in my philosophy textbook. This was from Socrates' Apology during his trial.: "This inquisition has led to my having many enemies of the worst and most dangerous kind, and has given occasion to many calumnies."

7. apoplexy- a sudden, usually marked loss of bodily function due to rupture or occlusion of a blood vessel.
Another 'a' word from Bad Blood. Sheesh. This one stumped me, it really could have been any type of health problem or something to the same effect (= : "The intel she'd gotten from Shogun would definitely cause apoplexy."

Now let's see if I can use some of these in daily conversation lol

Day 82 - Waiting on Wednesday [1]

I know I'm not the only one waiting for this book. (=

Hunted :: P.C. and Kristin Cast

from amazon.com:

What if the hottest guy in the world was hiding a nameless evil, and all he wanted was you?

At the start of this heart-pounding new installment of the bestselling House of Night series, Zoey’s friends have her back again and Stevie Rae and the red fledglings aren’t Neferet’s secrets any longer. But an unexpected danger has emerged. Neferet guards her powerful new consort, Kalona, and no one at the House of Night seems to understand the threat he poses. Kalona looks gorgeous, and he has the House of Night under his spell. A past life holds the key to breaking his rapidly spreading influence, but what if this past life shows Zoey secrets she doesn’t want to hear and truths she can’t face?

On the run and holed up in Tulsa’s Prohibition-era tunnels, Zoey and her gang must discover a way to deal with something that might bring them all down. Meanwhile, Zoey has a few other little problems. The red fledglings have cleaned up well – they’ve even managed to make the dark, creepy tunnels feel more like home – but are they really as friendly as they seem? On the boyfriend front, Zoey has a chance to make things right with super-hot ex-, Eric, but she can’t stop thinking about Stark, the archer who died in her arms after one unforgettable night, and she is driven to try to save him from Neferet’s sinister influence at all costs. Will anyone believe the power evil has to hide among us?

Dare to enter the House of Night: http://www.houseofnightseries.com/

I will be reading the 3rd and 4th novel in the series very shortly, for they are waiting patiently for me in my room.

Hunted will be released March 10th.

What are you waiting on this week?
To see more books that are being waited for click here.

Day 80 - Book Arrivals 3.0

I'm so glad I become apart of Book Mooch. I'm now receiving books that I would have otherwise kept waiting on my TBR list. I can even continue to purchase and pursue the ones that I just can't wait another moment to have. *sigh* Life is good (=

As you can see I received:

Girl, Interrupted :: Susanna Kaysen
House Rules :: Heather Lewis
1st To Die :: James Patterson

Day 76- The Host

The Host

Stephenie Meyer

Series or Stand Alone: Stand Alone Novel

Synopsis: [from book jacket]

Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away.

Our world has been invaded by an unseen enemy. Humans become hosts for these invaders, their minds taken over while their bodies remain intact and continue their lives apparently unchanged. Most of humanity has succumbed.

When Melanie, one of the few remaining "wild" humans, is captured, she is certain it is her end. Wanderer, the invading "soul" warned about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the glut of senses, the too-vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.

Wanderer probes Melanie's thoughts, hoping to discover the whereabouts of the remaining human resistance. Instead, Melanie fills Wanderer's mind with visions of the man Melanie loves - Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body's desires, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she has been tasked with exposing. When outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off on a dangerous and uncertain search for the man they both love.

One of the most compelling writers of our time, Stephenie Meyer brings us a riveting and unforgettable novel about the persistence of love and the very essence of what it means to be human.

Review:

This is definitely one of the times were I wish my creativity and writing skills were still with me. I fear this review will not give the book the type of praising I really want to give it. So bear with my simple reviewing skills *sigh*

I must admit I am a geeky Twilight fan. However, The Host is far from the teen-vampire love that was Twilight. It reminded me a lot of The Invasion with Nicole Kidman, but only certain parts. The whole concept of alien beings taking over the human race was similar. But there was a lot of differences as well.

The souls are a race of beings that need a host body to survive. They have successfully claimed many planets and are now setting their sights on Earth. After a human is captured by a Seeker they are prepared for implantation. The Seekers are the "hunters" for the souls. They are the ones who track humans down so the souls can then be inserted. After a small cut is made on the back of the neck, a soul (a small, silver-ish, centipede like creature) is placed inside where it attaches itself and assumes control of the body. Upon waking the soul goes through a stage where it receives all of the host's memories. The host then leaves while the soul lives on in it's new body.

For Wanderer, that didn't happen. Melanie refuses to go away. Before starting the book and even at the beginning of the book I sided with Melanie. She was unfairly taken over by the Seekers, just like all other humans. And I felt terrible for her even though she did put up a fight before Wanderer was inserted. I put myself in her shoes and knew that I would probably never be as strong as she.

However, as the story goes on I learned a lot about the Wanderer and her struggles with living with Melanie. I found myself still sympathizing with Melanie but wanting to defend and protect Wanderer. Melanie convinces Wanderer that they have to go to the desert and find Jared (Melanie's lover) and Jamie (her brother). And since Wanderer has access to Melanie's memories, she ends up falling in love with Jared and loving Jamie just as fiercely as Mel does.

The story is very complex. Especially after Wanderer finds Mel's family. A multitude of characters are introduced as she finds around thirty other rebel humans living with them. Most of them are wary and hateful of Wanderer. As a soul she is the enemy. But Mel's uncle Jeb, is a true character. I didn't know his intentions at first but he is someone that really surprised me. After some violent encounters with the humans, Wanderer is soon sent on a roller coaster of a journey as she questions who she is and who she wants to be.

I really enjoyed this book. There is a lot of things I am leaving out that I hope you get the chance to read. Yes, I thought it was longer than it should have been but I think Stephenie Meyer did a superb job of detailing the story so I could actually "see" what was going on. I felt for a lot of the characters as they developed through the story. I highly recommend anyone who hasn't read this book yet to get to it. Even if you aren't a Twilight fan, even if you aren't a sci-fi fan...the questions of love and human emotions will pull you in.

Day 74 - Wordless Wednesday [1]

"A Spectacle"

Want more Wordless Wednesday photos? Click here.

Day 70 - Happy Valentine's Day

I just wanted to wish everyone a...

I hope you get to spend the day with someone you really care about (=

Day 69 - Book Arrivals 2.0

It's about that time again...

Book Arrivals...

Another wonderful shipment from B&N.

Bite the Bullet :: L.A. Banks
Chosen :: P.C. & Kristin Cast
Untamed :: P.C. & Kristin Cast
Eragon/Eldest :: Christopher Paolini
Circus of the Damned :: Laurell K. Hamilton

I received my very first books from Book Mooch.

One for the Money :: Janet Evanovich
The Duke and I :: Julia Quinn

&& I won a book from a raffle not too long ago from one of my favorite bloggers, J. Kaye.

Ariel's Journey :: Doug Kane & Christy Wood

Fun stuff (=

Day 68 - Dark Nights, Dark Dreams

Dark Nights, Dark Dreams

Savannah Russe

Series or Stand Alone: Sisterhood of the Sight, Book One

Synopsis: [from back cover]

U.S. foreign agent Sam Chase has always kept her psychic abilities a secret - until now. Recruited to solve a case so macabre and chilling that it can't be rationally explained, she joins an elite unit with three other young women who rank among the top mediums in the world. But these amazing psychics are definitely no angels. One is a voodoo priestess, another is a witch, and the third has a secret, dangerous past.

Like it or not, Same is part of a new sisterhood - and she's been teamed with Lance "Bear" Rutledge, a sexy forensic investigator who thinks this supernatural stuff is all bunk. Unfortunately he's not only getting under Sam's skin, but he has also started invading her dreams - and her heart. As Sam and Bear combat their forbidden passion, they find themselves fighting for their country and their lives in a battle against the darkest evil of all...

Review:

Susan Ann Marie (Sam) Chase has the 'sight'. A gift that has helped save her life and the lives of others numerous times. More like a warning system inside her head, a voice speaks to her and gives her visions of things that are happening at the moment or things that will happen in the future. As the novel opens up, a fast-paced action scene, set in Iraq, takes place where the reader can see first-hand how Sam's gift comes into play.

But everything changes when she is chosen to be apart of a new program created by the CIA. AngelWay will be headed by the enigmatic Ms. Z and will include Sam along with three other women with some sort of psychic ability. Rina is a voodoo priestess who can communicate with the dead, Frankie is a witch, and Aurora can talk to animals and use psychometry. Their first case? Arlington cemetery: Find out where the body of a recently deceased military hero has gone to.

Sam has another partner that will be "assisting" on the case. Bear Rutledge, sent in for the Department of Defense, is a skeptic from the beginning of the investigation. As the team starts to uncover the mystery, more bodies go missing and murders start to take place. The idea of zombies and a world of voodoo leaves Bear in a sour mood. Sam must find a way to convince him that the only thing that can explain the mystery is something supernatural. Throw in some strong sexual tension into the equation and you get a big ole' mess for Sam.

I like the "who-dun-it" feel and the twists that the author tried to incorporate into the book. It did seem a pit predictable but it was still exciting enough to keep me interested. However, I just feel the book was lacking in creativity. The characters were interesting and the whole paranormal situation was good. I just wasn't sucked into the book like I was hoping to be. I might have just been expecting more since I enjoy her other series so much (Darkwing Chronicles).

I will keep a look out for the second installment and give it a chance. Hopefully I'll have a better reaction to whoever's book will be next.

Day 66 - Picture Tag

J. Kaye (J. Kaye's Blook Blog) tagged me today with an interesting meme. The rules say to Find your 5th photo file folder,then the 5th photo in that file folder. Post that picture on your blog. Tag 5 others to do the same.

I save pictures like crazy. That's why I have an external hard drive. I went through a stage where I got pictures of every band I was into for a collage I was going to make. This band pictured is A Thorn For Every Heart. I think they are still around but I wouldn't really know. Funny thing is I wrote a short blurb about their first album for a magazine. It ended up getting published and the band contacted me with their thanks. It was pretty great!!

I tag: *closes eyes and points*

Taylor at For the Love of Books

Karen Mahoney over at her Livejournal

Tez at Tez Says

Zeek at The Way I See It

Drey at Drey's Library

Day 65- Contests Galore

This month seems to be filled with generous people with some awesome giveaways...

Over at the Book Binge there's a chance to snag Kill For Me by Karen Chance. Contest ends February 13th so hurry on over there and enter!
Book Blurb: New York Times bestselling author Karen Rose delivers another pulse-pounding suspense novel that ties into SCREAM FOR ME.
Five teenage girls have been murdered. One survived, and only she can reveal the secrets of a disturbing ring of people who kidnap and sell teenage girls on the black market. But those responsible for the crimes will do whatever it takes to maintain her silence.
Susannah Vartanian and Luke Papadopoulos have both sworn to stop the murderers for their own reasons. Susannah, the sister of the hero in SCREAM FOR ME, suffers from a mysterious past that is connected to the sinister black market. Luke is an investigative agent and a computer expert who refuses to let another child predator get away.
Susannah and Luke are instantly attracted to each other, but their troubled pasts prevent them from immediately acting upon their feelings. The case will lead them to the shady realm of Internet chat rooms, where anyone can mask their identity. As Susannah and Luke draw closer to the criminals, they discover a chain of deception so intricate they don't know who to trust. Susannah and Luke find comfort in one another's arms, but the killers are ruthless and determined, and will take extreme measures to insure their anonymity and keep their business intact.

Taylor at For the Love of Books is giving away Flygirl by Sherry L. Smith to one lucky winner. Click here for all the details

Book Blurb:
Ida Mae Jones dreams of flight. Her daddy was a pilot and being black didn't stop him from fulfilling his dreams. But her daddy's gone now, and being a woman, and being black, are two strikes against her.
When America enters the war with Germany and Japan, the Army creates the WASP, the Women's Airforce Service Pilots-and Ida suddenly sees a way to fl y as well as do something signifi cant to help her brother stationed in the Pacific. But even the WASP won't accept her as a black woman, forcing Ida Mae to make a difficult choice of "passing," of pretending to be white to be accepted into the program. Hiding one's racial heritage, denying one's family, denying one's self is a heavy burden. And while Ida Mae chases her dream, she must also decide who it is she really wants to be.

&& Finally, five lucky winners will receive a book package filled with the following books.
1. Love in 90 Days By Diana Kirschner ISBN: 1599951223
2. Sundays at Tiffany's By James Patterson , Gabrielle Charbonnet ISBN: 0446199443
3. Free Yourself to Love By Jackie Kendall ISBN: 0446580899
4. The Italian Lover By Robert Hellenga ISBN: 031611765X
5. Looking for Mrs. Friedman and Other Really Bad Ideas Steve Friedman ISBN: 1559708883
6. Getting Naked Again By Judith Sills ISBN: 0446582492
7. We Take This Man By Candice Dow , Daaimah Poole ISBN: 0446501832
8. Things I've Learned From Women Who've Dumped Me By Ben Karlin ISBN: 0446699462
9. Sexcapades By HoneyB ISBN: 0446582298
10. Love and Other Natural Disasters By Holly Shumas ISBN: 0446504777
11. Send Yourself Roses By Kathleen Turner ISBN: 0446699950

Head over to Cheryl's Book Nook to enter and find more ways to gain more entries. Contest ends March 13th.

You can also try to win this bunch at Drey's Library. Drey's will run until Feb 16th and her details are a little different.

Good luck to all (including myself =D )

Day 65 - One Silent Night

One Silent Night

Sherrilyn Kenyon

Series or Stand Alone: Dark-Hunter Series, Book Twenty-Six

Synopsis: [from back cover]

In the world of the Dark-Hunters, all hell's breaking loose...

Stryker has sent word and is gathering his forces.

While the world carries on unawares, Stryker, who leads an army of demons and vampires, is plotting an all-out onslaught against his enemies - which, unfortunately for us, includes the entire human race.

To avenge his sister, Stryker prepares to annihilate the Dark-Hunters. But things go awry when his oldest enemy returns. Enter his ex-wife, Zephyra. Just when he thought nothing could stop him, he's now embroiled in a centuries-old war with a shrew who gives new meaning to pain.

New battle lines are being drawn as the Dark-Hunters rally for a final showdown on One Silent Night.

Review:

I've come to not like Stryker very much over the years. He's relentless in his mission to cause the human world grief. And he's easily one of the biggest enemies of the Dark-Hunters. But this book really puts Stryker in some different light.

Of course, I knew terrible things have happened to Stryker throughout his life. He was cursed (like all Apollites) by his father, Apollo, to painfully die at the age of twenty-seven. He lost his son Urian (by his own hand) and he's had to deal with the recent death of his sister, Satara (even though she was a cruel wench). Stryker has also lost many other children and fellow-Apollites to Apollo's curse. Many of them didn't want to become Daimons - where they would have to steal the souls of others frequently to continue living. And now it seems that eleven thousand years ago he had to leave the love of his life in order to save her from Apollo's wrath.

Seeing Stryker like this, I had to cut him some slack. No wonder he hates the world. But still that's no excuse on waking one of the most powerful creatures in the world - War, in order to seek revenge on both Acheron and Nick Gautier. He really opens up a can a worms with that one.

War seems unstoppable as he pummels Acheron and Nick. Other characters come together to give both men some reprieve to gather their thoughts and find out what's going on. And of course, Artemis isn't pleased with her beloved Acheron in danger (even if he's no longer hers). Here enters Zephyra, Stryker's ex wife and the one he left eleven thousand years ago. She sends her to kill Stryker after learning he was the one who sent War after Acheron.

Zephyra is strong in her bitterness and hatred towards Stryker at first. She fully intends to kill him. But Stryker being slick as ever ends up delaying his death wish and gets Zephyra to agree to give him two weeks to win her back. In her mind, he's only putting off the inevitable - Stryker will die by her hand.

The story goes on with Zephyra's heart slowly melting all over again for the one she gave it to years ago. It's really a hot, steamy, and tension filled ride that I absolutely loved. I think her character development was just right. I fully understood the pain she felt over Stryker's actions. And I sympathized with her as her feelings became confused as she remembered why she once loved him. But could she really trust him again? Especially after leaving her pregnant after promising to love her forever?

Other than Zephyra and Stryker, there are a multitude of characters that pull together to win this battle, ally and foe alike. Jared is a new character introduced that I'm very excited about learning about. His character has a lot to do with Nick and what he has now become. I don't want to go into detail because: (1) If you haven't read the series, it wouldn't make much sense, and (2) I don't want to spoil it for the ones who haven't read the book but are familiar with the series. This book won't really do as a stand alone.

A couple things I wasn't too thrilled about:

My copy has large print for some reason. And no, it's not a large print edition. At first it bothered me because I'm used to small print. It just wasn't something I was used to. You might be thinking why that matters? Well, it really doesn't. It's just something that irked me lol.

Another thing that just kept nagging at my brain was the fact that eleven thousand years ago both Zephyra and Stryker was 14 years-old. It just seemed so hard for me to grasp that. Especially when there was references to them sleeping together and what not at that age. (I mean Zephyra got pregnant right before Stryker left her). Just gave me the heebie-jeebies.

But all in all, the book was good. I really enjoyed it and I can say I kinda like Stryker now. He may still be an enemy, but I understand him better. I definitely like Zephyra (except for the Jared issue). Read the book and you'll see what I mean.

Day 62 - Anti-Valentines Day Contest

The three lovely ladies over at Breezing Through are having a unique and totally generous giveaway. You really must go check it out!! (here)

**Contest ends February 13th

Day 62 - The Black Dagger Brotherhood: An Insider's Guide

The Black Dagger Brotherhood: An Insider's Guide

J.R. Ward

Series or Stand Alone: A guide/companion to the BDB series

Synopsis: [from back cover]

Prepare to enter the dark, passionate world of the Black Dagger Brotherhood and get up close and personal with each of the Brothers...

You'll find insider information on the Brotherhood, including their dossiers, stats, and special gifts. You'll read interviews with your favorite characters, including a heartbreaking conversation with Tohrment and Wellsie, conducted three weeks before she was killed by lessers. You'll discover deleted scenes - accompanied by the whys behind the cuts - in addition to exciting material from the J.R Ward message boards and the answers to the questions about the series posted by readers. You'll learn what it's like for J.R. Ward to write each installment of the series, and in a fascinating twist, you'll read an interview with the author - conducted by the Brothers. For the first time ever, you'll see an original novella about Zsadist and Bella, and witness the miracle of their daughter Nalla's birth and experience the depth of their love for each other. Also, you'll receive a sneak peek at the much-anticipated next book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, Lover Avenged, Rehvenge's story.

This is a compendium no Black Dagger Brotherhood fan should miss...an an insider's guide that will seduce you as powerfully as the sexy band of Brothers and the "ferociously popular" world in which they live.

Review:

First thing: this book is a must read for all BDB fans!! It will seriously make you fall in love with the Brothers all over again. If you have yet to delve into the BDB world, I don't recommend this because it goes into depth about each Brother and their accompanying books.

I was totally blown away by J.R. Ward and this guide to the BDB world. I had such a great time following the Brothers along through their bickering and daily lives, that I became completely engrossed in the book. These guys are more than characters. And as J.R. retells her experiences with each book, I got a chance to see how close she is to them and how writing their stories is more than just a job. It's like she was given a gift to see into a world that truly does exist and she must retell it. I must admit, a lot of the times I forgot this was fiction. The Brothers are family to her, and she is more the messenger rather than the creator.

The novella, Father Mine, about Zsadist, Bella, and Nalla's birth is first up. Zsadist is a real favorite among fans and even J.R. herself. It was difficult to watch Zsadist's past coming back to haunt him still. And the fact that it gets in between his relationship with his daughter is awful. This novella provides a nice glimpse into their lives after Lover Awakened and how their love for each other is still going strong.

The dossiers were a real treat. Each brother was required to answer a questionnaire (that reminded me too much of Myspace surveys) that really showed off their personalities. The stats were given for each book and an interview was conducted. The interviews were fun to read. J.R. also went into detail on the writing process of the books. Each dossier was a totally different experience and it was easily my favorite part of the guide.

Another favorite part were the Slices of Life and the collection of exerpts from the BDB message board. They had me seriously laughing out loud. There was also a nice section for writers. J.R. gives advice and answers FAQs about getting published and how to get started. I'm not a writer, and yet reading it was truly interesting. She includes her original proposal for Dark Lover and her 8 rules on writing.

A lot more goodies are thrown into the book that made it very enjoyable. This is really a great companion to anyone that enjoys the BDB series. And of course the excerpt for Lover Avenged had me wanting more. But fortunately it didn't go into that much detail or leave me totally hanging. That's why I don't like to read excerpts for books that haven't been released. It just makes me want to read it more and I get mad because it's not out yet. This excerpt was nice and short and thankfully not too painful.

Day 58 - Kitty Norville Giveaway

I'm sad to say I have yet to start this series, I know shame on me!!, so I when I came across Drey's Library I was super excited to see she was giving away TWO full sets of these books.

You can enter here. Contest ends 11:59pm on February 22nd. Make sure to read all of the rules.

Day 57 - The Year of Disappearances

The Year of Disappearances

Susan Hubbard

Series or Stand Alone: Sequel to Society of S

Synopsis: [from susanhubbard.com]

THE YEAR OF DISAPPEARANCES continues the most surprising vampire story you'll ever read. Ariella Montero is no stranger to the dark side of life. Half-human, half-vampire, she spent her first thirteen years in exile from both societies. When her best friend was murdered, Ari ran away to begin a new life in Florida. But, one by one, the people and things she cares most about keep disappearing. And Ari may be next.She can hypnotize, read minds, and make herself invisible, but can she escape her stalkers? Ari's special talents are severely tested as she moves on—from a vampire community in the Sunshine State to college in Georgia to the primeval maze of the Okefenokee Swamp. In contending with the politics of vampire and human cultures, Ari comes face to face with the zombies that are infiltrating America, as well as the demons and shadows that haunt us all.

Review:

First off let me say that this isn't your average vampire story. Come to think of it, I actually forgot that I was reading a story containing vampires most of the time. But don't that discourage you. This was an entertaining and thrilling read. Vampires are intermingled in human society, hidden in plain sight both in daylight (with gobs of sunblock) and by night. And most can live entirely off human blood by drinking and taking supplements.

Ariella 'Ari' Montero is a fourteen-year-old half-breed vampire that is wonderfully complex and interesting to read about. Growing up with her scientist father and absorbing so much knowledge from his teachings has truly made Ari a well-spoken and critical thinker. It was hard for me to keep in mind her age when she just seems so much older. Living in Homossassa Springs, Florida with her mother, Ari is still trying to find her place in both the human and vampire world.

She can hypnotize people, become invisible, and read minds but still struggles to establish long lasting relationships with people because everywhere she goes, people seem to end up dead. After the murder of her best friend not too long ago, Ari is looking to start over. After befriending two girls in town, Autumn and Mysty, things seem to be looking up for Ari, until one goes missing. In order to take some of the scrutiny off of Ari, she decides attend a small liberal arts college in Georgia. (Yes she's a little young, but she's very advanced for her age) Thus, starts the beginning of a very interesting ride through a unique world.

Sorry to end the summary so abruptly but after Ari goes off to college the story gets, well... complex. Political campaigns, environmentalism issues, drug-use, Ari's coming-of-age story and inner-demons are all thrown into a mix that was a little too much for me. There is just so much information going on in this book that I was overwhelmed at times. Not to say that I don't find Ari completely charming as a character. She's actually a lot different than most vampires that are written about and it is refreshing to see. And while the issues brought up in this book were thought-provoking and interesting I just felt it was too jam-packed.

One thing that I found personally like able was the astronomy tidbits thrown into the book. I just came out of my second semester of astronomy and was just giddy with excitement because I knew exactly what it was about. Susan Hubbard obviously did a lot of research on all of the topics she wrote about. I admire her for that. I just hope there will be a third installment because I had some unanswered questions towards the end.

I do recommend you give this book a try if you've read The Society of S because it's so nice to see how Ari ended up. If you haven't, I still say maybe borrow a copy and see if it tickles your fancy. I'm definitely not sorry I read this because the story is really unique.