Emily's Reading Room

Of Poseidon by Anna Banks: Review

noreply@blogger.com (Kylie) — Fri, 25 May 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Of Poseidon
By: Anna Banks
Review by: Kylie Comfoltey

From Goodreads: Galen is the prince of the Syrena, sent to land to find a girl he’s heard can communicate with fish. Emma is on vacation at the beach. When she runs into Galen—literally, ouch!—both teens sense a connection. But it will take several encounters, including a deadly one with a shark, for Galen to be convinced of Emma’s gifts. Now, if he can only convince Emma that she holds the key to his kingdom . . .

Told from both Emma and Galen’s points of view, here is a fish-out-of-water story that sparkles with intrigue, humor, and waves of romance.

Loved this one! I got wrapped up in this story early on and flew through the last half.

I like a feisty female protagonist, and Emma is great. She is both a smart girl and a smart-aleck without being annoyingly so. I'm not really a stubborn person, but Emma is. Her stubbornness made me laugh. Of course, there's always a point when enough is enough, let's just get over it and move on, and luckily Emma does. I really liked her. She is a loyal friend and an independent girl and quick to blush, but Emma is not a pushover. As she would say, she's not "that girl." Except she thinks she kind of is.

She's also super pale, so I can relate. We bonded over the paleness. And over the clumsiness and disdain for all seafood. Unfortunately, I have maybe a 32-second breath-holding capacity and fish ignore me, so I don't think we'd be besties. Let's not even get into my irrational fear of the ocean.

Galen is great. He is kind, smart, noble and hott (yes, with a double T; there was a lot of talk describing how hott he is. The double T seems like a requirement at this point). Also, broad-shouldered and sometimes finned. Awesome. Tall, dark and handsome, too, in case you were wondering. It was funny to follow his attempt at acting like a normal human (learning teenage slang, how to text, etc). He is a great brother and a jealous boyfriend. He has rage issues, but apparently that's normal among Syrena.

I wish Anna Banks had spent more pages building the undersea world of the Syrena because I want to know more. I have a feeling that is to come.

Of Poseidon is a fun, light read with a good mix of humor, mystery, drama, and romance. Now I can feel you wondering: yes, there is a cliffhanger. A big one, if you're invested in the story. Don't shoot the messenger!

I have a soft spot for Greek Mythology and wanted to read this from the name alone. And honestly, I just like mermaids. Ever since I first saw Arial's trove, all those treasures untold. There. I said it! I love mermaids. And I loved this book.

Sexuality: Mild. Mostly kissing, and even that doesn't come up until later in the book.
Drugs/Alcohol: Mild. I'm trying to think of any actual references to either and I'm coming up blank.
Profanity: Mild.
Violence: Mild to moderate. There is more reference to considered violence ("I want to punch his face") than actual violence, but there are at least two fights where someone does in fact get punched in the face.

amazon | goodreads | author twitter | author website

Blogger Confidential: Negative Author Interactions

noreply@blogger.com (Emily) — Thu, 24 May 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Have you ever been faced with an issue while reading or blogging and thought: I wonder what other bloggers think about this? No matter what genre or audience you blog for, we all face the same problems. Are you a publisher or author wondering what goes on in a blogger's (and by extension a reader's) head?

Blogger confidential is a series of 9 questions asked to 10 bloggers about the nitty gritty details of blogging. Everything from what prompts a blogger to pick up a book, to what happens when a book doesn't live up to its hype. This series was inspired by Wastepaper Prose's Author Insight series.

Have you ever had a bad experience with an author (i.e. in response to a critical review)? How did you handle it?

"Honestly, we haven't! It seems like most authors understand the role of book reviewers, and while we always strive to be honest, we try to avoid being mean or cruel." Sarah from Forever Young Adult

"Thankfully, we have not had a bad experience with any authors. We've managed to stay under that radar! We always strive to be honest and respectful and even in extreme case where we've actually hated a book, we kept the author anonymous." Vanessa and Isalys from Book Soulmates

"I did. Very early in the game, in fact. I just moped a bit and tried not to be public about my anger. I was very new so I think I handled it a lot more calmly than I would handle it now." Sabrina at YA Bliss

"Thankfully, I haven’t had a bad experience with any authors...and I hope I never do! I’m not one to be bullied, though, and I’m not afraid to defend my opinions. So if I were to have a bad experience, I’m prepared to put up a fight." Penelope from The Reading Fever

"Nope and I'd like to keep it that way. I don't know how I'd potentially react but I'm sure rampant screen-capping and reposting would be involved. The internet's been around for about 20 years now. If people don't know how to act on it by now then may their own feet taste sour." Donna from Bites

"We haven't! We try to keep most of our reviews upbeat and even if we didn't like a specific book, we try to highlight things that we did enjoy!" Sash and Em from Sash and Em a Tale of Two Bookies

"I had a terrible experience with an author in the very beginning, along with her rabid fans. I tried to respond to her logically and explain that I didn't mean for her to feel like I attacked her (she stated that it was as if I raped her), that I only reviewed her book and never mentioned her as a person. The review might have been harsh, but it was only my personal opinion. The logic didn't work, she continued to call me everything under the sun (in a public forum of course) and her fans had their fun also. I decided to try to ignore it and the comments that I could delete I did." Rachel from Parajunkee

"I've been lucky so far. I've gotten a few rude responses to declined review requests, but other than that, the large majority of the authors, publicists, and publishing companies that I've worked with have been fantastic." Natalie from Mindful Musings

"No, I’ve never had a bad experience with an author but I’m always afraid that it will happen. I do my best to be honest in my reviews but I also emphasize the fact that what I say reflects how I felt about the book. So even if I didn’t like a book, I still encourage other readers to pick it up because they might have a different reaction. Most of the time, I end up not liking a book because I can’t connect to the characters and I feel like that kind of thing varies from one reader to another." Chachic from Chachic's Book Nook

"Luckily I haven't. I know a few authors who were hoping I would have liked their books more, but I think they understand that not every books is for everyone. I totally felt bad I didn't like their book more than I wanted to. The only time I've had problems has been with a few self published authors who didn't like that I said no to reviewing their books. At first it bothered me that they got mad, as I explained that either it was a book that didn't fit the needs of my blog or they asked at a time when my review schedule was full. Now that I've been blogging for a few years I don't feel bad any more/nor let it bug me when someone replies with a rude response, and that might sound mean, but they're choosing to get mad over something like that, vs trying to understand why I can't or won't read their book. Don't get wrong, I do feel bad I have to turn requests down, but it's impossible for me to take every request that I receive." Katie from Mundie Moms

Waiting on Wednesday: The Peculiar

noreply@blogger.com (Emily) — Wed, 23 May 2012 04:45:00 +0000

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

The Peculiar

by: Stefan Bachmann

THE GRAVEYARD BOOK meets JONATHAN STRANGE & MR. NORRELL in this gothic steampunk page-turner for readers of all ages.

Bartholomew Kettle won't live long. Changelings never do. The child of a human mother and a faery father, Bartholomew is a secret, despised by both his races. If the English don't hang him for witchcraft, the faerys will do something worse. So his mother keeps him locked away, hidden from the world in the faery slums of Bath.

But one day Bartholomew witnesses a mysterious lady kidnap another changeling through a shadowy portal, and he realizes the danger is closer than ever before. Changelings are surfacing in the rivers, their bodies empty of blood and bone and their skin covered in red markings. A powerful figure sits in the shadows, pushing the pieces in place for some terrible victory. When a sinister faery in a top-hat begins to stalk Bartholomew's steps, he knows it's his turn. Something is coming for him. Something needs him. But when you're a changeling there's no where to run...

I'm not sure if it's the whimsical and creative cover that grabs me, or if it's the idea of a middle-grade steampunk. But, either way, this looks like a fun new addition to the genre!

Shadows on the Moon by Zoe Marriott: Audio Review

noreply@blogger.com (Emily) — Mon, 21 May 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Shadows on the Moon
By: Zoe Marriott
Read by: Amy Rubinate

Suzume is 14 years old when the soldiers come and murder her father and cousin. She and her mother flee their home and are taken in by her father's best friend, Terayama. Suzume, suffering greatly from witnessing the murder of those she loves, is forced to keep silent about her haunting memory and forget that it ever happened. Suzume takes on a new name, and uses the memory of her cousin to make a mask of tranquility on her face. As she battles with her anger, fear, and deep loss, Suzume soon realizes that she has tucked her real self so far away that she no longer remembers who she is.

Audio Review: This audio was magnificent. It is apparent that Amy Rubinate spent a great deal of time learning the different words and intonations for all the vocabulary that was in this book. She also channeled Suzume's (and Otieno's) spirit very well. I love an audio book that makes me want to sit in my car a little longer. This book is definitely going on my list of favorites and most recommended for audio. This is one that I would recommend the audio because of the experience. There were several times that I was moved to tears. It was because of the glorious writing as much as the beautiful narration.

Review: This book will definitely be the most under-rated in 2012. Perhaps because it was originally published in the UK, it hasn't received as much buzz in the US. And that is just a crying shame. And you can bet that I'll be telling every one within shouting distance about this one.

Where to begin? The setting is vivid, rich, and I can smell the cherry blossoms right off the page. The world borrows heavily from Japanese culture, and I just couldn't get enough. There were beautiful descriptions of the clothing, jewelry, and even the furniture and architecture. It's not often I read a book that the setting is also an important character!

The impact of watching her father and beloved cousin's murders sits deep within Suzume. Her pain and anguish are so real that even though she makes some very bad decisions, I couldn't help but love Suzume. Her need for love and tenderness is so real, that I could not abandon her. I triumphed with her when she was saved by Youta, and as things went from bad to worse, I was sad for her. Another amazing thing that Marriott was able to do with this book was make self-harming (cutting) something that I could understand. Those are actions that I have zero experience with and find it hard to connect with characters that engage in them. Not the case with Suzume.

And, possibly my favorite part is the romance with Otieno. It's part love at first sight, and part slow-burn. They hit it off pretty well at first, but Marriott does a great job at separating them early on in their relationship so that it can develop a little without a need for constant contact. Otieno has everything that Suzume does not. Confidence, a family that cares for him, and safety. Suzume pushes very hard against Otieno, for her own reasons. Otieno, the persistent fellow that he is, realizes that she is in a lot of pain and that she really does need the reassurance that he's going to stick around. I think this is why sometimes he acts a little possessive or harsh with her. And truthfully? She can take it. She's a tough cookie.

I mentioned the self-harming aspect. There is also some sexual content. I thought it was pretty tastefully handled, but this is a novel that is probably suitable for older teens. It has an overall darker tone that fits the subject matter. I enjoyed it, but understand that it's very different from most fairy tale retellings.

I can't say enough about Shadows on the Moon. It's earned a spot on my most beloved shelf and will probably be one that I read over and over again. It appears to be a stand-alone novel, and has one of the best endings I've read in a long time. Read this one, I promise you won't be sorry.

amazon | goodreads | author twitter | author blog

Retro Friday Review: Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls

noreply@blogger.com (Emily) — Fri, 18 May 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Where the Red Fern Grows
By: Wilson Rawls

I was recently going through my Goodreads shelves, looking at what I had shelved as "Books From My Childhood." And, one that often comes to mind is Where the Red Fern Grows.

Have you all read this book? I think that this book is just so much a part of me that I believe every child read this book on their summer break and wished for a pair of coon dogs. This is also one of my mother's favorite books. I'm also a little partial to it since the main characters last name (Colman) is similar to my maiden name (Coleman).

So, the story goes that Billy sees an advertisement in a magazine for two Redbone Coonhounds for $25. He saves his money and works for 2 years to buy them. After seeing a carving in a tree, he names the puppies Old Dan and Little Ann. Billy trains the puppies and the book details their adventures, including: chopping down "The Big Tree," hunting down the "ghost raccoon," and entering a champion raccoon hunt.

Billy's relationship with his dogs is so sweet, and their adventures are exciting and often funny. This book is timeless and resonated as well with me I think as any other child would.

The ending is incredibly sad. Every time I read it, I weep.

Does Where the Red Fern Grows hold a special place in your heart too? What's your favorite part?

I'm participating in Angieville's Retro Friday meme.

Blogger Confidential: What's in a Name?

noreply@blogger.com (Emily) — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:00:00 +0000

"When I first signed up for Wordpress, I chose “chachic” as my username so I knew I had to include that in my blog’s name. A friend came up with “Chachic’s Book Nook” because it has a nice ring to it. Looking back, I kind of feel like I should have been more creative in naming my blog. If I could, I’d probably change it to Throwing Inkpots (name of my Tumblr and a reference to the Queen’s Thief series)." Chachic from Chachic's Book Nook

"I've always been fond of alliteration, and when the title Mindful Musings came to mind, it just felt right. I also like that it's a title that allows me to branch out and cover my thoughts on other subjects besides books, though books are by far the most prevalent topic I blog about. For now, I think my name suits my blog and I plan on keeping it!" Natalie from Mindful Musings

"I thought long and hard about the name of the site before I launched it. I wanted it to represent myself and the other writers, and what better way to do that than to call ourselves Forever Young Adult? Because even though we are technically adults, we'll always be teenagers at heart." Sarah from Forever Young Adult

"Yes, it holds a lot of meaning. When we first met we instantly bonded over our love of books and deemed ourselves book soulmates. When we decided to start a book blog, it was just the logical choice for our name :)" Vanessa and Isalys from Book Soulmates

"Ha, it's what I feel about good YA books. They are bliss indeed." Sabrina at YA Bliss

"It does. Being that I'm both a YA review blog and a fan site of Cassandra Clare, I wanted to have something that reflected Cassie's books. I took Mundie from City of Bones, and since I'm a mom I put the two together. Though it wasn't with out talking to some friends about different names, but nothing stuck other than Mundie Moms. There was a few times in the beginning I wondered if I should just got with Mundies, but I liked how Mundie Moms sounded." Katie from Mundie Moms

"I love my blog name, and would never change it. The Reading Fever is my made up medical term for all the symptoms one gets from reading a great book: loss of sleep, increased heart rate, inability to function, delirious fantasizing, talking to fictional characters, loosened grip of reality, sudden urge to cry in frustration, crying of any sort, etc..." Penelope from The Reading Fever

"Absolutely and never in a million years. The name "Bites" is the evolutionary brain child of my own review style that I started developing on a different blog at least a couple years before starting Bites. My tagline, "Chomping on books and spitting out reviews," is pretty self-explanatory. I'm pretty sure there was an analogy to a rabid Doberman Pinscher in there at some point and I'm almost positive it's still nominally accurate." Donna from Bites

"Well, it's our names so it does have some special meaning. We wouldn't change it for the world! :)" Sash and Em from Sash and Em a Tale of Two Bookies

"It was such a random choice, I guess I lucked out on it. I was always fascinated with paranormal type fiction, hence the para - and the junkee. Double ee to make it different, even though there really isn't a parajunkie. I wouldn't change it for the world." Rachel from Parajunkee

Waiting on Wednesday: Safekeeping by Karen Hesse

noreply@blogger.com (Emily) — Wed, 16 May 2012 04:30:00 +0000

Safekeeping

By: Karen Hesse

Radley just wants to get home to her parents in Vermont. While she was volunteering abroad, the American People's Party took power; the new president was assassinated; and the government cracked down on citizens. Travel restrictions are worse than ever, and when her plane finally lands in New Hampshire, Radley’s parents aren’t there.

Exhausted; her phone dead; her credit cards worthless: Radley starts walking.

Besides the very awesome premise, this book will contain original photography to illustrate the book. (Similar to Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children). So, consider me hooked; line and sinker.

Giveaway: The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead

noreply@blogger.com (Emily) — Tue, 15 May 2012 16:14:00 +0000

I got a copy of The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead over the weekend. I know that a lot of you are huge fans of the series, and since I haven't read it, I thought I'd pass it along to you!

In order to enter, use the rafflecopter! Comments are nice and always appreciated, but won't be counted as an entry. If you're reading this in a feed reader or in your email, click on over to see the rafflecopter widget.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga: Review

noreply@blogger.com (Emily) — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:00:00 +0000

I Hunt Killers
By: Barry Lyga
Joint Review: Emily and Kylie

Adolescence is tough, but it’s nothing compared to being the son of one of the most infamous serial killers in the world. Jazz witnessed murder from the point of view of the killer, and struggles with nasty glances from the outside, and a battle with himself on the inside. When murders start popping up in his hometown, Jazz immediately recognizes the pattern. So, finding the culprit is personal.

Emily: So, I Hunt Killers seriously had my heart pounding from beginning to end. There isn’t anything like knowing that a murder is going to happen to keep you from turning the pages.

Kylie: I almost peed my pants reading some of the scenes. I couldn’t put the book down. Honestly, I was freaked out reading Jazz’s ever-conflicting instincts and desires. Have you ever even considered the possibility of a serial killer grooming his child to join the family business?

Emily: It was definitely an original concept, and a very freaky one. But even though Jazz’s internal conflict was compelling, I really did think the entire time that he was a good person. I loved that he had a friend who was so incredibly helpless and weak (at least in body, definitely not in spirit!), and that he was so careful with him. It showed a very soft side to Jazz that I loved.

Kylie: I LOVED Howie! His helplessness definitely showed a soft, protective side to Jazz; maybe exactly what Jazz needed to stay in control of who he is. Howie also brought a humor and lightness to the book that broke up the darkness of the murders and creepy thoughts. One moment I was biting my nails, the next moment I was laughing at Howie. What’s your take on Jazz’s mantra: People matter. People are real? Can you imagine feeling like you need to recite that regularly so you don’t suddenly forget and start offing people?

Emily: It was really sad, and slightly disturbing. But, the inner conflict definitely made Jazz a dynamic character. I also thought that the book was written much like a suspenseful TV show. Maybe they have made TV shows like this (I wouldn’t know, since my TV is pretty much just a wall ornament). But another thing that I thought that was done really well was the way that people in Jazz’s life treated him. Each person had a different perspective on his past. And his interactions with his dad? Totally yucky!

Kylie: So horrible. I want to go back in time and save little Jazz from having to be raised by Billy. I want to hug him forever and take all the brainwashing away! Billy has him so convinced that there is no escaping the serial killer in his blood, Jazz doesn’t even trust himself. But I think the doubt and faith the people in Jazz’s life have in him are what drive him to fight those disturbing serial instincts. Jazz is amazing. One of my all-time most memorable book characters.

Emily: Agreed. I never thought I liked horror, but my recent streak of horror/thriller books might just convince me otherwise. That being said, I Hunt Killers does have some pretty intense and disturbing content. Definitely a book for a little older teen. I think that overall I’d give the book a strong 4.5 star rating. It’s one that will keep you turning the pages all night. But seriously, don’t read this book at night.

Kylie: I lost sleep over this book. Both because I was reading when I should be sleeping and because I couldn’t sleep after what I’d just read! A solid 4.5 stars from me as well. This was an excellent read. I’d recommend it to older teens and above. Not for the overly paranoid or easily spooked reader--hey, if you ran for cover when Harry confronted the basilisk, this is not your cup of tea. Consider me freaked out, and waiting for the next installment!

amazon | goodreads | author twitter

Tell Me What to Read: May Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Emily) — Fri, 11 May 2012 13:00:00 +0000

It's that time again! The time where I put one book selection for this month in the hands of my very tasteful readers. Who knows what this month will bring. Last month I read Shatter Me, which I reviewed on Wednesday.

This feature is done at Everyday Reading.

You can recommend a book from any genre; however, I will not read erotica, or books with excessive language or sexuality. I will somehow get a hold of the book via the library, paperback swap, or the bookstore. Then, I will read the book and post a review. Please check out my Goodreads page to see the books that I have already read. If I pick a book that I've already read, I will select a new one. Oh, and only one suggestion per person please. Otherwise my brain might melt. You can pick books that haven't been released yet, but be aware that I may not have a copy.

Leave your suggestion in the comments. I will select the book on May 16. (That's not very many days)

And, if I might offer a suggestion? Give me something that's an older title. I read a lot of new releases, but I really want to try something from 5 years ago or more. :)

Blogger Confidential: Keeping Content Fresh

noreply@blogger.com (Emily) — Thu, 10 May 2012 13:00:00 +0000

New ideas can be hard to come by in blogging, so how do you ensure your content is fresh?

"I can't ensure anything is fresh, LOL. But, I do try to maintain strict guidelines on what I post. I won't post regurgitated material that is sent by publishers, or go heavy on the memes. I try to get ideas from readers, that sort of thing." Rachel from Parajunkee

"With reviews it's a bit easier for me because obviously, no review of two different books is going to be the same. When I change books, my thoughts tend to change as well as they get accustomed to the new world and characters. It gets harder when you participate in weekly activities like features and memes, which is why I only participate in the ones I really, really enjoy. Concerning both, I don't necessarily participate every week. I try to only participate when I think I have something interesting to contribute!" Natalie from Mindful Musings

"This is something I’m still struggling with. I think a little experimentation always helps; posting different things until you find something that’s original, and that your readers respond to. But I also think even old concepts can be ‘fresh’ if they are given a new point of view, and meet a new audience." Penelope from The Reading Fever

"We get together regularly and brainstorm. Some ideas that we come with up end up in the 'trash bin' and others that we loved have (fortunately) been incredibly successful, like RAK. Ideas are either hit or miss!" Vanessa and Isalys from Book Soulmates

"I GOOGLE my seemingly new and awesome ideas first to make sure I didn't subconsciously (or otherwise) pick up something that's already alive somewhere else. Then I initiate. I'm not really the person to ask for something like this because I basically function in a bubble. On the off chance that I do initiate something new, it's so far off the beaten path that it's barely relevant. And that's how I like it." Donna from Bites

"There's a reason why some of the greatest writers in literature were alcoholics. We often get our best ideas after a night of hanging out at a bar and just talking our heads off. It also helps that there are five of us, so we've got lots of minds in the mix." Sarah from Forever Young Adult

"I honestly don't think a lot about content. I post my reviews and memes and every time I feel like saying something or sharing something I found, I post. I'm not one of those bloggers who thinks about what people would like to read but instead I post what I feel like saying." Sabrina at YA Bliss

"Sometimes we skype together and have general brainstorming sessions. It is hard to keep content fresh and fun but we try our best!" Sash and Em from Sash and Em a Tale of Two Bookies

"It’s hard to come up with new ideas for the blog but I try to think of things that make me excited and I write about those. Discussion posts are always a good thing, in my opinion, because it encourages everyone to chime in and share their own thoughts. It’s funny how some of my other interests have slowly been influencing my blog posts – like my Shoot That Book feature (where I take pictures of books because I enjoy that kind of thing) or my Postcard Love posts (where I talk about book-related postcards or show snail mail that I’ve received from fellow bloggers)." Chachic from Chachic's Book Nook

Shatter Me by Taherah Mafi: Audio Review

noreply@blogger.com (Emily) — Wed, 09 May 2012 17:00:00 +0000

Shatter Me
By: Tahereh Mafi
Narrated by: Kate Simses

Shatter Me begins with Juliette Ferrars trapped in a cell undergoing solitary confinement. She hasn't spoken to anyone, or touched anyone since coming to the cell 264 days ago. Her touch inflicts excruciating agony upon whomever she touches. Sometimes even causing death. But, things begin to change when she is given a cell mate. A boy cell mate.

Audio Review: Andye is going to throw things at me, but this was not my favorite narrator. I know many people have adored Kate Simses' narration of this title, but it was tough for me to get through. I think that I prefer my female narrators to have a deeper, more husky voice. The higher pitched ones give the impression (to me) of girlishness and weakness. There were times when I really enjoyed her narration, and others (particularly the romantic bits) where I just didn't.

Book Review: Oh, this book, this book, this book. The hype surrounding Shatter Me was at a fever pitch last fall. And probably still is, seeing as how this book was nominated twice for Tell Me What to Read. I follow Taherah Mafi on twitter, and find her absolutely delightful. Andye recommends the audio, Angie and Holly both enjoyed the book, so it seemed to be a sure-winner.

I don't really know how this book went wrong for me, but it did. I found the constant metaphors to be tiring. Perhaps even more in audio, since in print I can easily skip it. But, about the time that Juliette was going to be released from her jail cell, I was really exhausted. Each emotion or piece of inner dialogue (of which there was a lot), was repeated in multiples of three. I really struggled with this, because I felt like Daughter of Smoke and Bone had a lot of metaphors as well. And I really enjoyed that book. I think it was the repetition that just put it over the edge. Coupled with the fact that there were some really strange metaphors (jaw bones dangling from shoelaces to show surprise, blushing to bones, etc) that made me laugh out loud in a few places.

And, the heart of the matter is that I really just didn't like Juliette all that much. Remember how I always say that I don't mind a slow plot as long as I love the character? I felt so disconnected to Juliette that the slow plot made it difficult for me to care about her story. Also, she found her love interest, Adam, so quickly that I never felt like we were able to make a connection just about her. Which was sad, because Adam, being the childhood sweetheart, seems like it totally would have fit the bill for me.

The plot is pretty slow. There are 2, maybe 3 major events, and the rest of the novel is spent pretty much in Juliette's head thinking.

So, what did I like? I really did think the writing was beautiful. It was just sensory overload. With a little bit of a lighter touch, I really would have enjoyed the book. The concept is exciting, and I actually really enjoyed the last 25% of the book when things started to pick up.

There is some pretty heavy romance in this book. It's definitely more appropriate for older teens. There is also some swearing.

*As a very very tiny sidenote: I don't like the name Adam.

goodreads | amazon | author twitter | author blog

Waiting on Wednesday: Shadowfell by Juliet Marillier

noreply@blogger.com (Emily) — Wed, 09 May 2012 04:47:00 +0000

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Shadowfell

By: Juliet Marillier

Its name is spoken only in whispers, if the people of Alban dare to speak it at all: Shadowfell. The training ground for rebels seeking to free their land from the grip of the tyrannical king is so shrouded in mystery that most believe it to be a myth.

But for Neryn, Shadowfell's existence is her only hope. She is penniless, orphaned, and utterly alone - and concealing a treacherous magical power that will warrant her immediate enslavement should it be revealed. She finds hope of allies in the Good Folk, fey beings whom she must pretend she cannot see and who taunt her with chatter of prophecies and tests, and in a striking, mysterious stranger, who saves her from certain death but whose motives remain unclear. She knows she should not trust anyone with her plans, but something within her longs to confide in him.

Will Neryn be forced to make the dangerous journey alone? She must reach Shadowfell, not only to avenge her family and salvage her own life, but to rescue Alban itself.

This first novel in a new trilogy from enchanting fantasy author Juliet Marillier is a captivating tale of peril, courage, romance, and survival.

It's Juliet Marillier. Need I say more? Okay, I will say more. Daughter of the Forest holds the top spot on my list of favorite romances. So, a new series by her will be welcomed with open arms.

Utah Book Month Sign-ups

noreply@blogger.com (Emily) — Tue, 08 May 2012 11:00:00 +0000

I'm pleased to announce that we are bringing back Utah Book Month (formerly Utah Author Month), to celebrate the books, authors, and bloggers that we love here in Utah. This year, the event is being coordinated by Suey from It's All About Books, Penelope from The Reading Fever, Enna Isilee from Squeaky Books, Jessica from The Bluestocking Society, Emily from Emily's Reading Room.

We've got a lot of great things planned, including author interviews, guest posts, giveaways, and mini-challenges.

This event will take place during the entire month of August. Several of our Utah authors have releases that month, so it's sure to be exciting!

In order to get the whole thing moving, we are opening sign-ups for bloggers, authors, and aspiring authors from now until May 22. Even though the sign-ups will be open for two weeks, you'll want to start signing up sooner rather than later. We will begin making assignments next week.

If you're not a Utah blogger, there are ways for you to participate as well. You can fill out the form, or wait until August to participate in the mini-challenges and other festivities. Preference for author interviews and guest posts will be given to Utah bloggers, but if we have room, we'll be happy to fit you in!

Once you've filled out the form, one of the members of the team will be contacting you to make assignments! And, if you sign up to do an author interview, don't worry about contacting anyone. We'll take care of all of that for you!

Leave any questions in the comments, or on the form. Thanks!

Spring Blog Carnival: Petting Zoo

noreply@blogger.com (Emily) — Mon, 07 May 2012 04:01:00 +0000

Hello everyone! And welcome to the Petting Zoo Booth, part of the Spring Blog Carnival hosted by Reading Angel and Candace's Book Blog.

We are featuring paranormal creatures today, and your challenge is a simple one. Combine two seemingly normal animals, and create a paranormal creature. Leave the name of your creature in the comments.

Then go ahead and enter the rafflecopter for a chance to win an ARC of The Daughter of the Centaur, and an audiobook copy of Raised by Wolves.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Do you want to pay a visit to the other blogs participating? Check the linky below, or check out the Carnival Map:

Children's Book Festival at the Provo Library

noreply@blogger.com (Emily) — Sat, 05 May 2012 16:00:00 +0000

It's that time of year again for one of my favorite events, the Provo Children's Book Festival. Every year the Provo Library puts on this fantastic festival, and it's definitely worth coming down to if you're in the area.

The entire event spans from May 7 to May 13 with author signings and fun activities for the kids.

The authors in attendance will be:

Judy Schachner, author of the Skippy Jon Jones series
Kristyn Crow
Jessica Day George
Sharlee Glenn
Tess Hilmo
Brandon Mull
Jennifer Nielsen
Sheila Nelson
E.J. Patten
Jeff Scott
Rick Walton

There will be characters around the library like Clifford, Olivia, Skippy Jon Jones. Not to mention the signings, giveaways, storytimes, and other amazing events throughout the day. You can bet that I'll be bringing Abigail!

So, don't miss out, and mark it on your calendar! If you want more information, check out the Provo City Library's website.

5 Must-Listen Audiobooks

noreply@blogger.com (Emily) — Fri, 04 May 2012 13:00:00 +0000

I have started listening to audiobooks on my commute into work. And frankly, they've transformed my commute into something that I no longer dread, but something that I enjoy! But, even if you don't have a long commute into work, there are plenty of ways to enjoy audiobooks. While cleaning, doing dishes, or waiting in the doctor's office. Audiobooks are a particularly good choice for road trips.

The following are a list of audiobooks that are great choices if you've never listened to audiobooks and want to give them a try:

The Demon King
By: Cinda Williams Chima
Narrated by: Carol Monda
my review

This is one of my very favorite series. And it's particularly good on audio. It's a little bit long at about 15 hours, but definitely worth going through the entire thing. The narrator does a wonderful job, and you'll find excuses to keep on listening!

Ashes
By: Ilsa J. Bick
Narrated by: Katherine Kellgren
my review

This has been one of my favorite reads this year. If you like zombies or scary books at all, you've got to give this one a try. The narrator does a superb job of keeping the tension going through the entire book. A little content warning; however, this book does contain a little heavy language.

Leviathan
By: Scott Westerfeld
Narrated by: Alan Cumming
my review

This is my number one recommended audiobook series. Alan Cumming does a brilliant job narrating this entire series. He is a master of voices, and each character has a very unique accent and sound. This is a series that if worth listening to on audio and reading the actual books, since the print version has amazing illustrations. However you get to reading it, just get to it!

The Help
By: Kathryn Stockett
Narrated by: Jenna Lamia, Bahni Turpin, Octavia Spencer, Cassandra Campbell

If you haven't read this book yet, then let me tell you that audio really is the only way to listen to this book. Because the book is written from multiple perspectives, each character has a different narrator. Every single one of them is outstanding, and together they create an absolute masterpiece to listen to. This audio had me bawling my eyes out in several parts and was beautifully done.

Life As We Knew It
By: Susan Beth Pfeffer
Narrated by: Emily Bauer
my review

It's no secret that I absolutely adored this book. I can't remember why I picked it up, but I'd heard it was good on audio. I started listening to it on my commute. I had to leave it on a particularly tense part on a weekend. I ended up bringing the CD's in from my car and finished it while sitting on my bed while I should have been sleeping. Emily Bauer does a great job with this title. If you're looking for a great post-apocolyptic novel, then you should definitely pick this one up.

Divergent Nation Promotion Winner

noreply@blogger.com (Emily) — Thu, 03 May 2012 19:00:00 +0000

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Divergent Nation promotion. Whether or not you were a part of the "official team," it was fun to see all your posts, tweets, and excitement about this great series! The winners have been announced for the Team Amity group giveaway, so another major congratulations to the winners.

As a thank you for participating in the promotion, Veronica Roth recorded a video for the Team Amity members.

Thanks again to everyone who participated! I really loved getting to know the members of my team, and the other bloggers who participated in different factions. I have a promise of getting a Dauntless button, which I'm really excited about.

In addition to this, all 50 bloggers who participated get their names in the paperback edition of Insurgent when it comes out next year. You can bet I'll be picking up a copy.

Blogger Confidential: Quitting Blogging

noreply@blogger.com (Emily) — Thu, 03 May 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Have you ever thought about quitting blogging? What's kept you doing it?

"We've never really considered quitting blogging. We don't stress ourselves out about anything, whether it's posting every day or getting a certain number of books read. We're very low-key people and just do things at our own pace that way we still enjoy it." Sash and Em from Sash and Em a Tale of Two Bookies

"Not actually quitting, but we did take a 6 month hiatus last year. As much as we love blogging, it is a lot of work and it's easy to get burned out so we both needed a break to focus on some personal stuff. In the end, it's our love of books, reading, and the friendships we've made that keep us going!" Vanessa and Isalys from Book Soulmates

"It's been a fleeting thought before but never anything more than that. When it has been there it wasn't for any other reason that "I don't wanna do it anymore!" followed by a pouty face, a foot stomp and fisty-punches. But I get over it and keep blogging because I love it. It keeps me on top of the publishing world and keeps me reading some damn good books." Donna from Bites

"I actually just considered this about three months ago. I was having a hard time keeping up with my posts, and felt like I was really letting my readers down, so I considered quitting. I stayed because I realized that no one appreciates books (and my opinions about them) like all of my readers and book blogging friends, and I didn’t want to lose those great relationships. I’m out of the slump now, and am so glad I didn’t give in!" Penelope from The Reading Fever

"Yes, quite often actually. When there's a book I'm dying to read and can't because I have a pile of review ones, or when there's a blogging drama involving me, or simply when I'm so busy that blogging becomes one more thing to do. But then I remember how many great books and friends and opportunities I've encountered because of blogging, or that I love to read the comments on my reviews, or how awesome it is that people actually care what I think and it makes it ALL worth it." Sabrina at YA Bliss

"Yes. I began getting a lot of negative responses from my nine-to-five. My director was very into the "monitor employees social media" style of management. I had to question if my blogging/freelance was more important than my "job". It was." Rachel from Parajunkee

"Sure, there are nights when I'd rather re-watch an episode of Friday Night Lights for the fifth time while drinking a glass of wine. But we created FYA to build a community, and it has been so exciting to see that community grow over the past few years. So even when a book doesn't inspire us to write, our readers always do." Sarah from Forever Young Adult

"There are times when I get tired of blogging but I’ve never considered quitting. I enjoy chatting about books way too much for me to quit. And I don’t have real life friends who are willing to listen to me go on and on about the books that I read. I keep reminding myself not to be pressured by the blog and to just find a pace that I’m comfortable with – I don’t have to review all of the books that I read and I think it’s okay for the blog to be quiet from time to time." Chachic from Chachic's Book Nook

"I haven't, though I've always said that the moment I stop having fun with it is the moment I walk away from it. For me this is fun. I enjoy reading and I love spreading the word about books. If I don't enjoy doing that, than there's no sense in me continuing what I do. Blogging is my little break from everything else that I have going on around me. Though I have enjoyed taking a day or two off every now and then." Katie from Mundie Moms

"I've considered giving up blogging several times, mainly because of real life conflicts that prevent me from being as active as I want to. However, I find that whenever I spend more than a week or two away from the book blogosphere, I really miss it. I go on the brief hiatus every once in awhile, but I don't see myself giving it up permanently any time in the near future!" Natalie from Mindful Musings

The Obsidian Blade by Pete Hautman: Audio Review

noreply@blogger.com (Emily) — Wed, 02 May 2012 17:00:00 +0000

The Obsidian Blade
By: Pete Hautman
Narrated by: Joshua Swanson

Tucker's life in rural Minnesota is uneventful. His father is the pastor of the local church. His parents are happily married, and Tucker is content to spend his days fishing and hanging out with his friends. Everything changes when his father disappears into a mysterious disk on the roof of their house. When he returns hours later with a strange girl, Tucker's simple life begins to unravel. His father claims to have lost his faith, and his mother withdraws, claiming to see ghosts. In an effort to reunite his family, Tucker is determined to unravel the truth behind the disks.

Audio Review: Joshua Swanson did a fantastic job narrating. I was pretty excited after I read the back of the audiobook and saw the numerous awards that Swanson has won for his work narrating audiobooks. He does a great job with Tucker's voice, adding a slight Minnesota accent. I really appreciate a diversity of voices in a narrator, and even Swanson's female voices were very good. All of that made for a very enjoyable listen.

Review: The Obisidian Blade is a remarkably solid time-travel story. I'm not sure that I appreciated the intricate details that Hautman added to the beginning of the story at first, but by about the second half of the novel I was astounded by the way it was put together. Time travel can be so very tricky since every piece of the plot has to hold together in order to make it believable.

However, I'm going to be up front that this book is probably not for every reader. It's a little heavier science fiction fare. But, honestly, I gobbled it up. Hautman introduces new civilizations with different languages and value systems. Some of them, like the Klaatu (for which the series is named), are a little abstract. But, I'm sure as the series continues, they will come into play in a more significant way. And, even though some of the concepts and civilizations are a little strange, they definitely add to the world, and are very believable.

Because Tucker's father is a pastor, there are references to religion. This is something that I'm very sensitive about. I think that there is a fine line to walk when it comes to religion in young adult literature. I think it can be very important to the story, but I appreciate it more when it's presented in a way that shows both the good and bad sides of religion. And this book is one of the best ways that I've seen religion portrayed in young adult fiction in some time. Tucker's father loses his religion. But, at the same time, other characters in the story find theirs. And it's just fascinating.

The Obsidian Blade is one of those books that really does get better upon reflection. If you are into science fiction, I highly recommend it. But, if you're looking for a steamy romance, it's probably best to move on, since there isn't any of that here. There are a few references to alcohol use (not underage), but no language issues or anything like that.

amazon | goodreads | author website | author twitter

Waiting on Wednesday: Throne of Glass

noreply@blogger.com (Emily) — Wed, 02 May 2012 04:45:00 +0000

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Throne of Glass

By: Sarah J. Maas

After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin.

Her opponents are men—thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the kings council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she’ll serve the kingdom for three years and then be granted her freedom.

Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilarating. But she’s bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her... but it’s the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best.

Then one of the other contestants turns up dead... quickly followed by another. Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.

Is it just me, or is there a lot of great fantasy coming out this fall? Add this one to my list of books that I'll be racing to the bookstore to get!

Emily's Reading Room Review: April

noreply@blogger.com (Emily) — Tue, 01 May 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Man, what a month. Does it seem like this year is slipping like sand through your fingers? Anyway, here's what happened on Emily's Reading Room this month. I would hate for you to miss any of the exciting action.

I picked Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi for Tell Me What to Read in April. I snagged a copy of this on audio, and I've got to admit that it's been difficult for me to get through. I'm hoping to have it done very soon though, and a review will be coming.

I was lucky enough to get an ARC of Insurgent by Veronica Roth, and was chosen to join Team Amity along with 9 other bloggers. We hosted a sign-up for team members, did a giveaway or two. As an incentive to pre-order Insurgent, we were teased with a scene from Four's point of view if we reached 35,000 pre-orders. Which we did! If you haven't read the exclusive scene yet, you are missing out. Because it is AWESOME! We also celebrated Team Amity day!

I did a few Waiting on Wednesdays, and announced my crazed desire for Falling Kingdoms, Crewel, Shadows, and the Brides of Rollrock Island.

I asked for your opinions in my 2012 Reader Survey. This is still open, by the way, and I'm loving all your feedback so far. So, if you haven't already filled it out, please do so.

I brought back another round of Blogger Confidential with all new bloggers. Go say hi! The questions and answers will begin again on Thursday.

I attended Ruta Sepetys's (Between Shades of Gray) signing at The King's English. Learned some fascinating things about history after WWII, and that Ruta is an amazing woman.

Abigail (my daughter), shared some of her favorite picture book picks. And, I'm happy to report that she is still loving these books.

And here are the books that I reviewed this month. Clicking on the picture will take you to the review!

The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom by Christopher Healy: Review

noreply@blogger.com (Emily) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:00:00 +0000

The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom
By: Christopher Healy

It seems like only the princesses get the recognition these days, and the Princes Charming are fed up. Liam, Frederic, Duncan and Gustav all had a part in saving Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Snow White and Rapunzel. But, the songs the minstrels sing are all about the girls! So, when circumstances bring the princes together, they work to uncover a plot that could be the end of their kingdoms. And, hopefully set the record straight.

The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom is an incredibly silly middle grade novel. Each prince has a very distinct and quirky personality. I loved the introductions to each one of them and their version of the "real story." And this book isn't your ordinary princess/prince book. There is a lot of goofy humor and slapstick-type comedy.

The story does drag a bit in places, as there are many characters to keep track of, and each needs an equal share of page time. I also felt like there were moments where the humor was just a little too goofy. But then again, I'm a 20-something girl; I am hardly the target audience. I also felt like the book could have benefited from a lot more pictures. ~~And why does the cover only show two of the princes?!~~

This book is a great fit for elementary school boys. It's charming, funny, and a welcomed addition to the fractured fairytale genre.

Update: Turns out the entire cover does show all of the princes. You can click to enlarge and see what the finished cover looks like.

amazon | goodreads | author twitter | author website

The Drowned Cities by Paolo Bacigalupi: Review

noreply@blogger.com (Emily) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 19:28:00 +0000

The Drowned Cities
By: Paolo Bacigalupi

In this companion novel to Ship Breaker, Mahlia and Mouse have escaped the most dire of circumstances in The Drowned Cities and are living in the jungle outskirts. America has been torn apart by war and natural disasters. The borders are guarded by enormous war beasts, not allowing anyone to leave the devastated nation.

When Mahlia and Mouse meet up with one of these bioengineered monsters and are separated, Mahlia must decide if she is willing to risk everything to save a friend, or if she will escape to the north and possibly the only safety she's ever known.

A couple years ago, Ship Breaker piqued my interest. But, I never did get my hands on a copy. But, that didn't stop me from diving into The Drowned Cities when it arrived. And, I'm happy to report that it is a true companion novel, and I didn't feel confused or lost by having not read Ship Breaker.

The Drowned Cities has a very distinct flavor to it. And, it's not going to appeal to everyone. But, if you're suffering from a dystopian fatigue, this novel just might be the thing to give you a boost. The atmosphere is creepy, gritty, and downright dangerous. Everyone is desperate, and there are no rules. Mahlia is an orphan. Her father was a member of the Chinese army, and part of a failed attempt to stop the destruction and civil war in America. Mahlia is a cast-off, and was left behind by the feeling Chinese. Her hand has been cut off, but she still deftly assists the town's doctor in stitching up wounds, since the physician is almost completely blind.

I loved so many things about The Drowned Cities. I loved Mahlia and her stubbornness. She is loyal to her friend Mouse, who really is more of a brother by circumstance than anything else. Tool was terrifying and yet, I found myself rooting for him. He's really just a product of the society that made him.

The Drowned Cities will appeal to readers who enjoyed Blood Red Road by Moira Young (my review). The atmosphere is just as vibrant as Young's series, and I really think you'll love Mahlia like I did.

amazon | goodreads | author twitter

Divergent Nation: Team Amity Day

noreply@blogger.com (Emily) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 15:34:00 +0000

psst! confused about what all this Team Amity stuff is? check out my intro post

have you entered the Team Amity group giveaway?

and don't forget to enter to win a dystopian prize pack!

Today is the day that we've all been waiting for! It's Team Amity day! On the Divergent Facebook page and Veronica Roth's blog today, it's all about Amity.

So, today, let's make our clicks count for Amity and celebrate all things peaceful, joyous, and awesome! (Because heaven knows we all need a little bit more of that in our lives).

Here is a round-up of all the great things happening related to Team Amity on our team's blogs!

Team Amity- HUGE Group Giveaway
Better Read Than Dead- Insurgent Giveaway
Better Read Than Dead- Divergent Casting Giveaway
Hippies, Beauty, and Books- Insurgent ARC Giveaway
Hippies, Beauty, and Books- Blogoversary Giveaway
I Swim For Oceans- Insurgent ARC Giveaway
A Life Bound By Books- UK Insurgent & Divergent Giveaway
Emily’s Reading Room- Dystopian Grab Bag Giveaway
All Things Urban Fantasy- Insurgent Cover Recreate Contest
Squeaky Books- Insurgent Pre-Order Giveaway

So, go ahead, click for peace and choose Team Amity!