Layers of Thought

Incoming Books: Dark Shadows: Angelique’s Descent and The Salem Branch ~ by Lara Parker

2012-05-30T10:19:00.001-07:00

Two re-releases up for review!

Dark Shadows: Angelique’s Descent and The Salem Branch.

With the recent release of the movie Dark Shadows staring Johnny Depp as a very different sort of Barnabas Collins, there is a renewed interest in the cult series and anything related it. Tor too has joined in and has republished several books in honor of the movie’s release.

They are written by one of the original show’s characters Lara Parker, who played Angelique and contain a historical and gothic flavor which I am liking a lot.

The third in the series will be re-released later this year by Tor. It’s called Dark Shadows: Wolf Moon Rising.

Dark Shadows: Angelique’s Descent ~ by Lara Parker; Tor Books; April 2012.

Blurb: The dashing heir of a New England shipping magnate, Barnabas Collins captures the heart of the exquisite, young Angelique amidst the sensual beauty of Martinique, her island home. But Angelique’s brief happiness is doomed when Barnabas deserts her and becomes engaged to another. With this one betrayal, Barnabas unleashes an evil that will torment him for all time.

For Angelique is no ordinary woman. Raised in the mysterious black art of voodoo witchcraft, she long ago pledged her soul to darkness and became immortal. Vowing to destroy Barnabas, a vengeful Angelique damns him to eternal life as a vampire—a companion to accompany her forever. Little does Angelique understand the depth of Barnabas’s fury....

Dark Shadows’s two most popular characters, Barnabas Collins and Angelique, were eternally bound by love and hate. Now actress Lara Parker, Angelique herself, tells the story of how it all began.

Dark Shadows: The Salem Branch ~ by Lara Parker; Tor Books; April 2012.

Blurb: Freed from his vampire curse, Barnabas Collins is ready to embark on a new life and marriage with his savior, the virtuous Dr. Julia Hoffman. But when Antoinette, a beautiful flower child with a shocking resemblance to the immortal witch Angelique, rebuilds the Old House, his past returns to haunt him. Discovering a grisly corpse in the basement--where his old casket once lay--Barnabas realizes another vampire has invaded his domain. His fight to protect his family from this new threat will take Barnabas back through time to an evil moment in America's history: the corrupt witch trials of old Salem.

Author Bio: Lara Parker grew up in Memphis, TN, attended graduate school at the University of Iowa, where she worked on a MA in Speech and Drama. She was cast as Angelique on Dark Shadows, and moved to Los Angeles in 1972. In 2004 she earned a Master's Degree in Creative Writing, and now teaches in Los Angeles.

Lara has written three novels. Her first book was published in 1998 - Dark Shadows: Angelique's Descent. It was a bestseller and has been reprinted three times. In 2006 Tor Books released the sequel, The Salem Branch. Both have been re-released this April and a third Dark Shadows novel, Full Moon Rising is due out in fall.

Today Lara and her husband live in the Santa Monica mountains. For more information see the author’s blog: http://laraparkersite.blogspot.com/

What are your experiences with the TV serial Dark Shadows and/or the new movie?

Summer Header: for Multi-Dimensional Space Trips!

2012-05-29T10:38:00.001-07:00

It’s a new summer header!

Our new multi-dimensional layered space-tripping header is live to spruce things up on the blog a bit. Since we may not be doing much actual travel this summer, we will be doing some other world travels via our reading experiences.

Like our floating astronauts here in this new header we hope you’ll join us in some of the new dimensions and places that we will be visiting this summer.

Header’s attribution: The end result was created by me, but the real credit goes to the picture’s artist:

Autumnsonata
The picture is titled “Psychonauts”.

Here’s to wishing everyone a great summer ahead!

Giveaway Hop: Splash into Summer ~ 5/25 to 5/31

2012-05-24T12:33:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the Splash Into Summer Giveaway Hop ~ May 25th till the 31st! Hosted by I am a Reader, Not a Writer and Page Turner’s Blog. (To access our host’s original post for the hop, please link to her site via the badge above).

There’s nothing better than reading a special book on a warm day. What’s even better is winning a great summer read. We have such a book for you that will be released in a few days. It even has summer in its title. How fun is that?

The Book of Summers ~ by Emylia Hall; May 29th 2012; Mira.

Blurb: Beth Lowe has been sent a parcel. Inside is a letter informing her that her long-estranged mother has died, and a scrapbook Beth has never seen before. Entitled The Book of Summers, it’s stuffed with photographs and mementos compiled by her mother to record the seven glorious childhood summers Beth spent in rural Hungary.

It was a time when she trod the tightrope between separated parents and two very different countries; her bewitching but imperfect Hungarian mother and her gentle, reticent English father; the dazzling house of a Hungarian artist and an empty-feeling cottage in deepest Devon. And it was a time that came to the most brutal of ends the year Beth turned sixteen.

Since then, Beth hasn’t allowed herself to think about those years of her childhood. But the arrival of The Book of Summers brings the past tumbling back into the present; as vivid, painful and vital as ever.

This book is available for US addresses only.
Please be a reader/follower to enter this contest and fill out the Google form.

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Now the best part is linking to the 250 other blogs offering giveaways too. Have fun, and good luck!

Guest Post: S.G. Browne ~ author of Lucky Bastard

2012-05-23T08:28:00.001-07:00

Guest post and invite to join an interactive Q&A with S.G. Browne today at 6 pm Eastern time.

We have S.G. Browne here to share with us to his thoughts on his choice of setting for his recently published novel - Lucky Bastard.

We are especially curious since we live so very close to (and adore) San Francisco. And we think it’s a wonderful setting for a funny and exciting book! (See John’s recent review for Lucky Bastard.)

We also have an invite for you. It’s an interactive Q&A with the author (all information is listed below.) It’s for anyone who would like to ask S.G. Browne questions about his book, process, writing in general, or to lurk and listen. It’s happening at 6 pm Eastern time today (3 pm West Coast time for us here near the Pacific Ocean.) Everyone is welcome!

Welcome S.G.! With such a wonderful city and giving that you live there, tell us about your setting choice for your latest novel – Lucky Bastard?

The setting of a story can play an important role or it can just be a place to hold the action. Personally, I like it to matter, to be a silent character lurking in the background that doesn’t get much of a speaking role but nonetheless plays a part.

My first novel, Breathers, was set in Santa Cruz, where I lived for a dozen years, while my second novel, Fated, took place not quite exclusively in New York City.

When I moved to San Francisco six years ago, I knew at some point I would want to set one of my novels here. Turns out it ended up being the perfect place to host my third novel, Lucky Bastard.

Centered around a private detective by the name of Nick Monday who has the ability to steal luck, Lucky Bastard starts out on the roof of the Sir Francis Drake Hotel and then promptly jumps back in time about twelve hours to trace the path our hero takes that eventually leads him back to the hotel roof.

Doing the research was the easy part. I just had to step out my front door and start walking or get on a bus and take notes and pictures or sit down and write out a scene.

Because I discover the story as I write it, I didn’t plot out how Nick Monday would spend his day or where his actions would take him, but he ends up hitting famous and obscure locales alike, including Nob Hill, Chinatown, Lombard Street, Union Square, Starbucks, Bob’s Donuts, the Green Street Market, the Nite Cap Bar, O’Reilly’s Irish Pub, the Tenderloin, the Marina, Pacific Heights, and Harry Denton’s Starlight Room.

It’s a lot of ground to cover in a single day, but Nick Monday gets around.

So for an exciting trip to this fun city - explore it vicariously through this latest action packed novel. Thank you for sharing with us S.G.!

(Picture credits are for the author and are of the Green Street Market and Harry Denton’s Starlight Room.)

Now for a special invite for all our readers and writers out there in blog land!

Please join in the conversation today Wednesday, May 23 at 6:00pm EST (or 3:00pm for those of us on the west coast), S.G. Browne, author of critically acclaimed novels Breathers and Fated will be doing a virtual video chat through a new platform called Shindig.

He'll be reading and discussing his latest novel, Lucky Bastard, and hosting an interactive Q&A. You’ll be connected globally online via webcam where you can socialize with other participants. Or if you'd prefer, you can just sit back and watch and listen. Here’s how it works. About 15 minutes before it starts, go to the following link and register: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/3553934915

At this point, you might want to test your microphone and camera to make sure everything's working. Then when the event starts we'll have an interactive reading and discussion, complete with a Q&A session that will last about an hour. The more the merrier!

Date: Wednesday, May 23
Time: 6:00pm EST (3:00pm PST)

What questions do you have for S.G. Browne?

Review: The Cove ~ by Ron Rash

2012-05-22T08:21:00.001-07:00

Review by Shellie for: The Cove ~ by Ron Rash

A dark and tragic World War I historical fable that examines the role of superstition and patriotism gone awry within the rural Appalachian mountains.

About: Pretty and smart Laurel lives in a gloomy cove that her parents purchased many years before within the iconic Appalachian mountains. The superstitious locals believe the area is haunted, think Laurel is a witch, and believe that she and the cove are the cause of any bad luck or misfortune falling upon the town. So she is avoided and shunned. Left alone in the cove - her parents dead, her brother just returning injured from the war efforts in Europe - she feels like it’s a gift when she hears lovely and mysterious music. Following its sound she finds a man playing a flute. He has a secret that Laurel will soon discover.

Although the war is believed to be ending, in the town there remains the remnants of patriotic fever. In particular there is one local, a recruiter, who is obsessed. Sadly his beliefs and actions will have consequences for the characters as their lives inevitably become horrifically and intimately intertwined – leading to an ending that will blow most readers away.

Thoughts: Several years ago I fell in love with Ron Rash’s writing while reading his fabulous book Serena. I would say that this recent book, The Cove, is a bit simpler in style than this previous book, which I think may make it more accessible to a larger variety of readers. Nevertheless, it is just as thought provoking.

With a style that is reminiscent of some of my favorite classic American authors such as Willa Cather and John Steinbeck, the author gives the reader a feel for a rural setting within the US where one can experience the daily life of the people detailed within the story. He uses the language of the natives in these mountains, with their special dialect and its slow simplicity; very effective for helping the reader to feel like they are there. The best part is that imbedded in the story is a moral around the foibles of human behavior that is akin to a dark fable. I like books which exemplify my country’s heritage, are surprising, and provide a reason to think. This book does all three.

I would recommend this book to readers who like historical horror as there are some very dark aspects to this story. Ron Rash has included some shocking scenes with one section where I was out of breath, expecting a huge calamity. Although not something all readers enjoy, I did since I love horror.

This was a romantic, tragic page-turning novel for me. It was easy to read, lyrical, and heartrending. With Serena and now The Cove, I have Ron Rash on my list as a favorite contemporary author. I give The Cove 4.5 stars and highly recommend it to readers who like a “take your breath away” twist in their reads.

Hardcover: 272 pages; Ecco (April 10, 2012.)

This book review is part of a tour from TLC Book Tours. For more information link to their website via the badge, where you can find other reviews for this book and more.

For your convenience, and to help support our host and the author, below are links to the last several reviews for The Cove:

Thursday, May 3rd: Bookfoolery and Babble
Monday, May 7th: Tina’s Book Reviews
Tuesday, May 15th: Life Fire

This book will also be included in the War through the Generations - WWI challenge

Thanks for reading.

Review: Cinder ~ by Marissa Meyer

2012-05-21T07:57:00.001-07:00

Review by Shellie for: Cinder ~ by Marissa Meyer

A science fiction/fairytale with a strong female protagonist and a handsome prince. It’s a fun start to what looks to be very popular and exciting young adult series.

About: In a future world, plague is ravaging the population and everyone lives in fear of being it’s next victim. The main character, Cinder, is a teenage cyborg - a human with artificial and computerized body parts, including a too small artificial foot that she is self conscious about and has had since she was ten. Sadly, as a cyborg, Cinder is not considered entirely human in this society and has very few rights. So the story starts with a special and discriminated against main character.

She lives in what is now considered New Beijing with her unkind stepmother, two step sisters (one is evil and one nice), and a sweet robot helper. She works as a mechanic - the best in the overpopulated city. She is the forced provider for her family, though her stepmother allots her only a closet sized room and dirty oil stained clothes. Cinder however, while berated in her home and society, is reasonably comfortable in her less-than-human place in this future world’s hierarchy. Life is looking up since she has found a replacement for her too small foot and there is to be a coronation for the local prince with a ball to celebrate. When Cinder meets the prince unexpectedly (he needs help with a broken android) it appears as if the Prince likes her.

As things become complicated and drama ensues, it becomes clear that Cinder may be a factor in saving their world.

Thoughts: This is a sweet and fun story and I just loved Cinder. She is imperfect and smart and stands up for herself. She works hard and gets beyond the grease and grime and does something of value other than fix her hair and make-up. She also has the gumption to tell off some evil and unkind people in the story, creating some excellent dialog that teens will love. Me too – it kept me rooting for this character.

I listened to this book in audio as well as read bits here and there. It was done very well with the reader having a strong and pleasant voice, which helps make an audio book listenable for me. It’s an interesting and surprising take on the original fairytale, with some unusual twists, a strong and smart heroine, some interesting science, and paranormal aspects, all of which kept me happily reading/listening. The only negative aspect for this story is that it’s a cliff hanger – so if you read this book you will most likely be sucked into the rest of the series. Sad thing is that you will have to wait for the next several books in the series as this was just released. Nevertheless, it’s a great book for young adults and adults that love teen reads; a fun one too! In my opinion this sci-fi-ish fairytale re-working gets a 4.5 star rating.

400 pages | Feiwel & Friends | Age 12 and up | January 2012

This book has been amazingly popular, has been given many wonderful reviews, and is well deserving too. Take a a look at this interesting review at io9 for Cinder.

For more information link to our - Incoming Books feature which includes Cinder.

Thanks for reading.

Incoming Books ~ May 18, 2012

2012-05-18T09:12:00.001-07:00

It’s our Incoming Books feature – May 18th, 2012.

It’s our listing of the books that we have coming up for review. In this selection we have a variety of books to share, many of them indie or from small publishers; a few have speculative elements contained in their pages.

The best part about sharing these books is finding out which interest you – our friends and blog readers - the most.

So please tell us: Which of these books do you want to pick up and read first?

You Came Back ~ by Christopher Coake; June 12th 2012; Grand Central Publishing.

Thirty-something Midwesterner Mark Fife believes he has successfully moved past the accidental death of his young son Brendan, as well as his subsequent divorce from his college sweetheart Chloe. He's successful, he's in love again, and he believes he's mastered his own memories.

But then he is contacted by a strange woman who tells him not only that she owns his old house, but that she believes it to be haunted by Brendan's ghost. Will Mark--who does not believe in ghosts--come to accept the mounting evidence that Brendan's is real? Will his engagement to his new love Allison be threatened by the reappearance in Mark's life of Chloe--who does believe? If the ghost is real, what can these two wounded parents do to help their son?

The Woman with the Bouquet ~ by Eric- Emmanuel Schmitt; Europa Editions; September 2010.

In his new collection of stories, Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt, author of The Most Beautiful Book in the World, probes the paradox that the events that shape our lives are often the stuff of dreams, yet nonetheless true. Humor, tenderness, irony and exquisite writing have always been the hallmarks of Schmitt’s work. Here, he adds a pinch of philosophy.

A translated from French collection by one of Europe’s most beloved authors.

The Age of Miracles ~ Karen Thompson Walker; June 26th 2012; Random House.

On a seemingly ordinary Saturday in a California suburb, Julia and her family awake to discover, along with the rest of the world, that the rotation of the earth has suddenly begun to slow. The days and nights grow longer and longer, gravity is affected, the environment is thrown into disarray. Yet as she struggles to navigate an ever-shifting landscape, Julia is also coping with the normal disasters of everyday life—the fissures in her parents’ marriage, the loss of old friends, the hopeful anguish of first love, the bizarre behavior of her grandfather who, convinced of a government conspiracy, spends his days obsessively cataloging his possessions. As Julia adjusts to the new normal, the slowing inexorably continues.

Spartacus ~ by Ben Kane; June 5th 2012; St. Martin's Press.

Long the stuff of legends, Spartacus is known to most modern readers through the classic Kubrick film version of Howard Fast’s novel. Now bestselling historical novelist Ben Kane returns to the source material and presents a lively and compelling new vision of the man who was Spartacus—Roman army auxillary, slave, gladiator and ultimately the leader of an army of slaves who nearly brought Rome to its knees.

Ben Kane’s brilliant novel begins in the Thracian village to which Spartacus has returned after escaping from life as an auxiliary in the Roman army. Jealous of his attachment to Ariadne, a Dionysian priestess, the Thracian king betrays Spartacus to the Romans who take him, along with Ariadne, into captivity and to the school of gladiators at Capua. Against the background of the unbelievable brutality of gladiatorial life, Spartacus and Crixus the Gaul plan the audacious overthrow of their Roman masters. They escape and flee to Vesuvius, where they recruit and train an army of escaped slaves that will have to face the conquerors of the known world, the most successful deadly army in all of history in a battle that will set in motion the legend that is Spartacus.

Girl Below ~ by Bianca Zander; June 19th 2012; William Morrow Paperbacks.

Suki Piper is a stranger in her hometown. . . .

After ten years in New Zealand, Suki returns to London, to a city that won't let her in. However, a chance visit with Peggy—an old family friend who still lives in the building where she grew up—convinces Suki that there is a way to reconnect with the life she left behind a decade earlier. But the more involved she becomes with Peggy's dysfunctional family, including Peggy's wayward sixteen-year-old grandson, the more Suki finds herself mysteriously slipping back in time—to the night of a party her parents threw in their garden more than twenty years ago, when something happened in an old, long-unused air-raid shelter. . . .

Permanence ~ by Vincent Zandri; Bear Media; May 4, 2012.

Based upon Vincent Zandri's most anthologized Pushcart Prize-nominated short story of the same title, Permanence, is the story of Mary Kismet, a travel agent and grieving mother of a toddler who suffered an apparent accidental drowning. Now, all alone in the world, she attempts to ease the pain of her suffering by immersing herself, body and soul, into a love affair with her psychiatrist, a man haunted by his own demons. A tragic novel of obsession, dark compulsions, and madness, Permanence transports the ill-fated lovers from New York to Venice, Italy, and back again.

Come Back ~ by Sky Gilbert; May 1st 2012; ECW Press.

The year is 2050 and contrary to popular belief, Judy Garland did not die in 1969, but rather, after several liver transplants, she has lived to the grand old age of 138. Re-embracing her real name, Frances Gumm, she becomes a feminist scholar working on her PhD and writing her thesis on a little-known gay Canadian playwright Dash King, whose career ended in drugs and promiscuous sex. Frances is obsessed with King’s antiquated notion of gay politics, and his tragic story triggers her own meditations on what it means to be an addict. This is the intense communication between Frances and her PhD advisor in a dystopian future that holds more than a few surprises. Included in these digital missives are musings on everything from the merits of post-structuralism, the future of queer theory, and a passionate monologue about the past and the future by one of the premiere divas of our time.

The Complete Lockpick Pornography ~ by Joey Comeau; May 1st 2012; ECW Press..

Combining two stories into one volume, this collection explores the effects of prejudice and the ramifications of violence with a slightly unhinged sense of humor and unexpected tenderness. Lockpick Pornography, originally published in 2005, is a gender-queer adventure story that was not widely available until now. We All Got It Coming presents the experiences of a young couple dealing with the aftermath of an act of violence. From kidnapping the son of a "family values" politician to violent confrontation, these are characters who fight back.

So, tell us, which of these books would you read first?

Have a great weekend!

Review: Mindscan ~ Robert J. Sawyer

2012-05-16T09:19:00.001-07:00

Review by John for: Mindscan ~ by Robert J. Sawyer

Excellent award-winning storytelling from one of the brightest stars in science fiction – exploring the ethics of biotechnology and the nature of human consciousness.

About: Jake Sullivan has spent his life expecting to die at any moment. He has a rare hereditary syndrome that could cause blood vessels in his brain to burst at any time; and he has seen what the impact of that would be – his dad was reduced to a vegetative state and yet lived on for a further thirty years.

It’s the year 2045 and the company Immortex offers to copy ailing peoples’ minds and consciousness into android forms. The androids are made to look almost exactly like the biological bodies of Immortex’s clients – or much younger versions if they so desire; the minds are totally perfect copies. After the “mindscan” and android activation has taken place, the fully conscious but sick person is shipped to a resort on the far side of the moon. There they will live out their last days in luxury but isolation, while the android takes over the life of their biological partner. These androids are fully upgradeable and are expected to live for many centuries.

So far Immortex’s clients have all been very wealthy old people who are near the end of their lives, but younger Jake comes from a rich family and decides to undergo the “mindscan” in his mid-forties, desperate to escape the illness which has always hung over his head. At first all seems to go well and this new android “Jake” is healthy and full of energy.

As the new Jake tries to reconnect with his old friends and contacts, the troubles begin. Although he is essentially the same person, the android Jake is met by puzzlement and suspicion from some people and is shunned by others. Jake now becomes increasingly close to Karen, an android version of an extremely successful author.

While their relationship develops, things start to go awry. Karen’s son sues her, claiming that by undergoing the mindscan the android Karen has cheated him out of his inheritance. How can an android claim personhood and have human rights? A complex and high-stakes courtroom battle ensues. Meanwhile a treatment has been found for biological Jake’s illness, and the original Jake on the moon is cured. But now the human Jake is faced with several decades isolated in the moon resort, and decides he wants to return to earth and take over from his android double. However, he has signed a contract and Immortex cannot allow it, otherwise their business model would be destroyed. As attorneys fight to define consciousness and what it means to be a person, the biological Jake becomes ever more desperate and decides to take hostages.

John’s thoughts: Mindscan is a great combination of science fiction, courtroom drama, philosophical conundrums, twisty plot and a good dollop of humor. It was very thought-provoking. It has such clever ideas and is extremely well written. I have come to rely on Sawyer for being highly imaginative, innovative, creative and entertaining. His books (or those that I have read) have all been set in the not-too-distant future and are full of wonderful ideas that are “out there” but just about believable - based on extrapolations from the realties of today. I’ve also found that his novels have interesting characters and are very easy to relate too, a key draw and interest for me.

You may think that this is sounding like a totally rave review. It almost was, but the ending bugs me. I can’t say too much for fear of spoiling the story for others; suffice to say it feels like this excellent storyline has some loose ends and that a whole new plot develops in the last few pages. In retrospect I have had similar views after reading some of his other books.

Nonetheless this was a most enjoyable read that I blew through in no time. It has a great storyline and the appeal of the book should go far beyond science fictions buffs. If you want to delve into some philosophical head-scratching over what it means to be human when technology is racing ahead, give this book a read. I’d rate it 4 stars.

Mindscan ~ by Robert J. Sawyer; 304 pages | Tor Books | December 2011 (originally published April 2005) | John W. Campbell Memorial Award – Winner.

Do you have trouble with certain types of novel endings, when reading? Does an unsatisfying ending change your feelings for a book?

Let John know in the comments!

Review: Fever Series ~ by Karen Marie Moning

2012-05-15T08:59:00.001-07:00

A five book review by Shellie for: Fever Series (in audio) ~ by Karen Marie Moning

Set in the rainy city of Dublin, Ireland, this paranormal romance/urban fantasy series has a complex mythology, intense sexual tension, two alien fairy factions, and loads of interesting drama and action. It’s a completely addictive series and highly recommended in its audio version for a five book escapist read.

About: This series (with a promise of more books, using a different character set in the same urban world) portrays a powerful, alien, and dark Faery population which are divided into two factions - the dark and ugly “Unseelie” faction and the not so dark and beautiful “Seelie” faction.

It may be the end of the world as humans know it if the boundaries between the dark fairy realm is not sealed quickly since someone or some thing is allowing the darkest Fae faction – the “Unseelie”, to infiltrate the earth. Lucky for humans there may be a person who has the skills to save the world. She’s a special sidheseers (pronounced “she-seer”) who can, unlike normal humans, see and detect the Fae. The problem is she has no clue what, who, and how important she really is.

This person is Mackayla Lane (Mac for short), a twenty something southern bell, with soft curves, feistiness, and old fashioned mores. She has traveled to Dublin Ireland to find the murderer of her beloved sister, Alina. Arriving soon after her sister’s death, Mac finds that the police have dropped her sister's case and immediately senses something is amiss. She is frustratingly faced with a variety of locals who refuse to help, tell her to get on a plane and go back to Georgia, and to leave well enough alone. As she tries to make sense of what has occurred, she discovers that seeing monsters is a newly found ability and that most humans can not see these other world beings like she can - so she is horrified, confused, and even more determined to avenge her sister’s death.

In her efforts to escape one of these horrific “Unseelie” monsters she stumbles into a local bookstore where she is confronted by its owner, the exquisitely masculine, and mysterious Jericho Barrons. He is cold, yet treats her with intrigue, contempt, and disdain. However, being strong and stubborn Mac will not take any of his bad attitude without a comeback. It may be because he actually needs her for her special abilities. So their conflicted relationship begins.

Enter the high court “Seelie” Faery prince named V’lane. He apparently needs Mac for the same reason as Jericho. With him she has to deal with yet another attitude - as he is superior, mind numbingly handsome and possessing a sexual glamor that is completely addictive and which may cause death for unsuspecting humans.

As the two “males” compete for Mac’s skills, and perhaps attention, an amazing tension is created causing drama and heart pounding intrigue. As they hunt for magical relics and try and figure out what is wrong with their monster-infested world, they attempt to stop the death and mayhem. And Mac begins to realize that perhaps faction lines are not a distinct black and white or good and bad, but are actually every shade in between.

Thoughts: I devoured and thoroughly enjoyed this series in its audio version. One big reason is that the author starts the reader out slowly, with its real-life setting, likeable and strong female lead character, and specifically – there is no swearing or kick-butt action in the first part of the first book (I have a problem with this when reading). The author waits until you know and like the characters before harsher language, violent action, and sex is used. But be aware - after the first book in the series there is quite a lot of all three.

I liked the characters – especially Mac. She is a strong and feisty character and I was also interested in the two potential romantic leads for her. Both are complex and mysterious “men” which helps to create this sexy adult paranormal romance series. It will pull readers in and keep them up reading into the early hours of the morning. I could not stop thinking about and finding time to listen until I had completed the entire series. Very rare for me.

Recommended for anyone who enjoys or would like to explore paranormal romance/urban fantasy. Since this series is complete it’s nice that the reader does not to have to wait months for the next book. A definite plus. I recommend that it’s read in order - to feel completely immersed in the story and understand the characters. This entire series is a 4 star in my opinion and is a terrific escape into a familiar, sexy, and exciting paranormal world.

Reading order:

Darkfever
Bloodfever
Faefever
Dreamfever
Shadowfever

Below are the covers and data for the audio books in the series:

Darkfever (book 1) ~ by Karen Marie Moning; Brilliance Audio; 8 hours, 57 minutes; Oct 31, 2006; read by Joyce Bean.
Bloodfever (book 2) ~ by Karen Marie Moning; Brilliance Audio; 9 hours, 3 minutes; Oct 16, 2007; read by Joyce Bean.
Faefever (book 3) ~ Karen Marie Moning; Brilliance Audio; 9 hours, 46 minutes; Sep 30, 2008; read by Joyce Bean.

Dreamfever (book 4) ~ Karen Marie Moning; Brilliance Audio; 12 hours, 12 minutes; Aug 18, 2009; read by Natalie Ross.
Shadowfever (book 5) ~ by Karen Marie Moning; Brilliance Audio; 19 hours, 52 minutes; Jan 18, 2011; read by Natalie Ross.

There are several new books from the series – Iced: A Dani O'Malley Novel, to be released October 30, 2012 (and mentioned above,) a graphic novel based around Mac and Jericho called Fever Moon; The Fear Dorcha, to be released July 10, 2012, as well as re-release of novella which combines elements from Karen Moning’s two popular series - the Highlander Series (8 books) and the Fever Series (5 books). It’s called Into the Dreaming. It was re-released in April of this year.

Karen Marie Moning is a prolific writer. She graduated from Purdue University with a bachelor's degree in Society & Law. Her novels have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists and have won numerous awards, including the prestigious RITA Award. For more information link to her website: http://www.karenmoning.com/kmm/

So guess what I was doing while packing up our house for our move from Arizona to California? Yep this was it, listening to a five book series. It certainly saved me from a boring packing job.

Thanks for reading!

Review: Heft ~ by Liz Moore

2012-05-11T08:06:00.001-07:00

Review by Shellie for: Heft ~ by Liz Moore

A fable-like novel with a variety of relatable characters, addictions as a subject matter, and a kind, intelligent, yet very overweight protagonist that one cannot help but adore. His opening line draws you completely in with: “The first thing you should know about me is that I am colossally fat.”

About: Two characters tell this story - Arthur Opp and Kell Keller - and as more characters immerge heartfelt entanglements develop.

We have Arthur Opp, who describes himself as immense. He continues on in resignation as he cannot leave his home in fear of the reactions to his appearance from others. He is depressed and damaged, but it’s clear from his voice that he has a contemplative and considerate nature.

The story begins as he writes a letter to the unrequited love of his life, Charlene, to tell her his predicament and to re-establish contact for a glimmer of hope for a change in his life. He soon finds that she has a teenage son, Kell Keller, who is in his last year of high school. Kell is to become the other of the narrators.

As these two characters tell their stories the reader glimpses, in small pieces delved out slowly, how their lives interconnect with each other in significant ways.

Thoughts: Written with a variety of interesting techniques via letters and by narration from the two main characters, the text flows well, sucking in the reader. Liz Moore expresses Arthur Opp’s character skillfully and surprisingly; it’s admirable that she could have so much insight into the psyche of such a man and create such a likeable and lovely character. I want to be friends with Arthur Opp.

I listened to it in audio, with some occasional reading of the text too. (The hardcover edition is a small and an easy-to-handle size and the audio version is well done). It’s literary fiction since it is exceptionally thoughtful with loads of in-depth character development. Yet it has some of the narrative elements of genre fiction so there is some of the natural ups and downs – which caught me into the drama so I had to keep reading it.

It’s a wonderful book for group discussion, since it may dispel many negative notions about individuals with weight problems, health issues, and addictions - giving readers so much to talk about. And it’s a hopeful tale too, with a subtle moral. I just loved it. A definite cure for the dark story doldrums. Recommended for anyone who loves sweet endings that one will probably not guess. I give this lovely book a 4.5 stars.

W. W. Norton & Company; (January 23, 2012.)

Liz Moore is a writer, musician, and teacher. Her first novel, The Words of Every Song was published in 2007. Soon after Liz released an album, Backyards, and obtained a MFA in Fiction. She is currently an Assistant Professor of Writing at Holy Family University in Philadelphia, where she lives. Her second novel, Heft, was published in January 2012. http://www.lizmoore.net/

Thanks for reading.

Giveaway: Shadow Blizzard ~ by Alexey Pehov

2012-05-08T09:24:00.001-07:00

Giveaway ~ We have five copies for US addresses on offer from the publisher of Shadow Blizzard ~ by Alexey Pehov; Tor Books; April 24, 2012.

It’s the latest adventure from “Russian Master of Fantasy”, Alexey Pehov, and is book three of the bestselling and translated - Chronicles of Siala. Link to check out the book trailer!

About the book:

Shadow Harold’s quest is almost at an end: he and his companions have fought long and hard to make their way to the tomb Hrad Spein, in search of the magic horn that is their only hope to defeating The Nameless One. The journey was perilous, and many in their company did not survive. Together, however, they have come further than anyone else ever has—but their struggle isn’t over just yet…

Pehov has already proven himself as the fastest growing young fantasy writer in Russia. Shadow Prowler, the first of the Chronicles of Siala, became one of Russia’s most successful and unexpected debuts when released in 2002, and overall, the series has sold over a million copies in total and received the Russian fantasy community’s highest professional honor, the Silver Kaduzei. Video games based on the series are now in development. Tor is proud to offer the series in English for the first time and translated by Andrew Bromfield.

You do not need to be a follower to enter this giveaway but please fill out the Google form completely.

Winners will be chosen randomly via random.org. Your address will only be used for the purpose of this giveaway and will be deleted once the winners have been chosen. Promise.

If you liked this giveaway become a reader of Layers of Thought since we have more books that you can win coming up soon. Here are your options to keep up to date:

Google: via the blog’s side bar (I will follow back if I can find your blog.) or
Facebook: for updates in your feed there - add me as a friend. or
Your Email Box. or
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Good luck!

Reading Challenges Completed ~ 2011

2012-05-07T07:56:00.001-07:00

Competed Challenge List ~ 2011

Lists, lists, lists. I love lists and yes I know this post is really really late, but my excuse is that we are still catching up from our “fun and fiasco” filled 2011. And let me tell you the first half of 2012 has been just as crazy. With all things considered I think we did fairly well even though we did not finish every challenge.

Read A Myth Challenge (host’s review page link) ~ 8 books to cover more than 3 different countries, and at least 1 non-fiction book.

Shellie: 6 different countries, 0 nonfiction; short by 2 books; almost completed.

Delirium ~ by Lauren Oliver (US)
Possession ~ A. S. Byatt (England)
The Penelopiad: The Myth of Penelope and Odysseus (in audio) ~ by Margaret Atwood (Greece)
“A Memory of Wind” ~ by Rachel Swirsky (Greece)
The Conference of the Birds ~ by Peter Sis (Middle East)
Galore ~ by Michael Crummey (Newfoundland)

I am so sad that they are not doing this challenge for 2012.

LGBT Book Challenge 2011 ~ any number

Shellie: Completed!

Possession ~ A. S. Byatt
Willy ~ Robert Dunbar
The Picture of Dorian Gray (in audio) ~ by Oscar Wilde; read by Simon Vance
Galore ~ by Michael Crummey
Trouble and Her Friends ~ by Melissa Scott

John: Completed!

The Windup Girl ~ by Paolo Bacigalupi

Haruki Murakami Reading Challenge 2011 ~ Hajime - Read one book.

Shellie: Completed!

Kafka on the Shore ~ Haruki Murakami

2011 Eastern-Europe Reading Challenge: 4 books by an author from any of the following regions:

Croatia, Ukraine, Bosnia, Serbia, Montenegro, Hungary, Belarus, Estonia, Albania, Bulgaria, Georgia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Poland, Czech Rep., Latvia, Lithuania, Russia, Romania, Moldova, and Kosovo.

Shellie: Short by 2 books; half completed.

The Oracle of Stamboul ~ Michael David Lukas
The Hottest Dishes of the Tartar Cuisine ~ by Alina Bronsky (translator Tim Mohr)

Graphics Novel Challenge 2011 ~ 3 books each.

Shellie: Completed!

Electric Ant ~ by Philip K. Dick (adapted by David Mack; illustrated by Pascal Aline)
The Sandman - The Dream Hunters ~ by Neil Gaiman; illustrated by Yoshitak Amano
The Hobbit ~ by J.R.R. Tolkien; adapted by David Wenzel

John: Completed!

Banksy: Locations & Tours vol. 1 ~ by Martin Bull
Banksy: Locations & Tours vol. 2 ~ by Martin Bull
On the Odd Hours ~ by Eric Liberge (not reviewed)

2011 Book Bucket Reading Challenge ~ books from on your shelf. Goal ~ 10 books.

Shellie: Short by 3 books; almost completed.

The Afflicted Girls – Suzy Witten
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell (audio) ~ by Susanna Clarke
The Picture of Dorian Gray (audio) ~ by Oscar Wilde; read by Simon Vance
Wuthering Heights ~ by Emily Brontë
Bury Your Dead (Armand Gamache #6) ~ by Louise Penny
Shadow Bound ~ by Erin Kellison
Wuthering Heights ~ by Emily Brontë

War Through The Generations ~ US Civil War 2011 Read 3-5 books. Read 5 books and watched 3 movies. Completed!

John:

The Killer Angels ~ by Michael Shaara
The March ~ EL Doctorow

Shellie:

Those Across the River (audio) ~ by Christopher Buehlman
Short Stories “Lament for Lost Atlanta” ~ by Arlan Andrews
“Journal of a Civil War Nurse” ~ by Georgiann Baldino

Shellie and John: Movies:

Seraphim Falls (links three movies reviewed)
Gettysburg
Amistad

Chivalrous Deeds: Historical Fiction Challenge 2011 (Review post link)

Visit any court from any point in history as long as the book you are reading is Historical Fiction.

Shellie: Completed!

The Oracle of Stamboul ~ Michael David Lukas
The Hermetica of Elysium ~ by Annmarie Banks
The Penelopiad: The Myth of Penelope and Odysseus (in audio) ~ by Margaret Atwood
The Conference of the Birds ~ by Peter Sis
The Hermetica of Elysium ~ by Annmarie Banks
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell (in audio) ~ by Susanna Clarke

Historical Tour de Genre Reading Challenge ~ Read 6 books.

John: Completed!

The Killer Angels ~ by Michael Shaara
The March ~ EL Doctorow
The Hum and The Shiver ~ by Alex Bledsoe (historical fantasy)
The Devil All the Time ~ by Donald Ray Pollock (historical horror)
The Curse-Maker ~ by Kelli Stanley (thriller/mystery)
The Time Machine ~ by H. G. Wells (Gas-lit Century)

Shellie: Completed!

Those Across the River (audio) ~ by Christopher Buehlman (plantation/horror)
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell (in audio) ~ by Susanna Clarke (fantasy)
Eddie - The Lost Youth of Edgar Allan Poe ~ written and illustrated by Scott Gustafson (young adult)
The Penelopiad: The Myth of Penelope and Odysseus (in audio) ~ by Margaret Atwood (fantasy horror)
Galore ~ by Michael Crummey (light fantasy)
The Picture of Dorian Gray (in audio) ~ by Oscar Wilde; read by Simon Vance (horror/Victorian)
The Hermetica of Elysium ~ by Annmarie Banks (fantasy)
The Oracle of Stamboul ~ Michael David Lukas (fantasy)
The Afflicted Girls ~ Susy Witten (horror)
Wuthering Heights ~ Emily Bronte (Historical Romance/Horror/Victorian)
Possession ~ A. S. Byatt (romance/England/mystery/Victorian/glbt)

2011 Global Reading Challenge: The Easy Challenge (8 books.)

Africa
Asia
Australasia
Europe
North America
South America
The Seventh Continent ~ Antarctica or a ´seventh´ setting, eg the sea, the space, a supernatural/paranormal world, history, the future.
From your own continent

John: Missing Africa and South America; almost completed.

Missing Africa (#1)
Seven Years in Tibet ~ by Heinrich Harrer (Asia #2)
The Windup Girl ~ by Paolo Bacigalupi (Asia #2)
The Healers ~ by Thomas Heric (Australasia #3)
Lost in Shangri-La ~ by Mitchell Zuckoff (#3)
Beware of the Dog ~ by Brian Moore (Europe #4; #8)
The Killer Angels ~ by Michael Shaara (North America #5)
The March ~ EL Doctorow (North America #5)
Missing South America (#6)
Fleet of Worlds ~ by Larry Niven and Edward M. Lerner (Space #7)
The Devil All the Time ~ by Donald Ray Pollock (#5; #8)
Mr. Toppit ~ by Charles Elton (Europe #4; #8)
Life ~ by Keith Richards (Europe #4; #8)

Shellie: Missing Australasia, South America and Africa; almost completed.

The Time Between ~ (#1 North Africa) (currently reading)
The Oracle of Stamboul ~ Michael David Lukas ( Asia #2)
Missing Australasia #3
Enough About Love ~ by Hervé Le Tellier (Europe #4)
Wuthering Heights ~ Emily Bronte (#4)
Possession ~ A. S. Byatt (#4)
Bury Your Dead ~ Louise Penny (#5; #8)
South American (#6)
The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making ~ by Catherynne M. Valente (#7)
Willy ~ Robert Dunbar (#5; #8)

Get Steampunked! ~ 5 books; review page; completion page.

John: Not completed!

The Map of Time ~ by Felix J. Palma
The Time Machine ~ by H. G. Wells

Dystopia Challenge ~ 2011: 5 books to read. review page, completion page.

Shellie: Completed!

Feed (audio) ~ by M. T. Anderson
Trouble and Her Friends ~ by Melissa Scott (SF)
Wither ~ Lauren DeStefano (Shellie)
Delirium ~ by Lauren Oliver (Shellie)
Several shorts from the anthology: Nebula Awards Showcase 2011 ~ edited by Kevin J. Anderson
“Lament for Lost Atlanta” ~ by Arlan Andrews

John: Almost completed!

The Immortality Virus ~ by Christine Amsden
The Windup Girl ~ by Paolo Bacigalupi
The Healers ~ by Thomas Heric (JD)

42 Challenge 2011 ~ read, watch, listen, and (possibly) review 42 sci-fi related items. We read and watched 41 so almost complete!

See our dedicated post for this fun challenge! Between the two of us we almost completed 42 sci-fi related things.

Mind Voyages 2011: Nebula and Hugo Award winners and nominees ~ any number of books.

John: Completed!

WWW: Wake ~ by Robert J. Sawyer
The Windup Girl ~ by Paolo Bacigalupi

Shellie: Completed!

Nebula Awards Showcase 2011 ~ edited by Kevin J. Anderson
The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making ~ by Catherynne M. Valente
The Women of Nell Gwynne’s ~ by Kage Baker

For additional challenge information see our:

Review: This Perfect Day ~ by Ira Levin

2012-05-04T08:24:00.001-07:00

This Perfect Day ~ by Ira Levin; Pegasus Books (2010).

Originally published in 1970, this is a classic adult dystopian novel that portrays a frightening future in which a pseudo-government medicates its citizens and regulates all behavior, creating a hive like community. Everyone is equal and its adherents chant: "Christ, Marx, Wood and Wei led us to this perfect day".

About: “Chip” (Li is his real name and one of four names for every man given by the society) is a member of a “perfect” society where the members are semi-sexless, have no discernable race and exist through genetic modification. They live a day-to-day drone like existence where men do not have to shave, women have no breasts, they all wear identical coveralls, eat cakes and drink coke for every meal, and everyone gets along.

When Chip decides what he really wishes to do with his life and expresses it out loud as a youngster, his desires are superficially quelled as unacceptable and is told he is to have the career chosen for him by the government for the good of the whole. Then one day his internally conflicted self meets up with a group of members who have figured out how to avoid taking their weekly scheduled meds. When Chip joins them temporarily, he finds he has never felt more alive and decides he wants to live this way everyday.

This is just a glimpse of what happens to Chip, because things become decidedly more involved as the story continues.

Thoughts: I enjoyed this classic novel – even though it did not completely absorb my interest for the entire novel since I did a fair amount of skimming; a key sign that the novel was not going to be a big favorite. It felt like the first part of story, detailing Chip’s life in this medically created “utopian” society, went on a bit longer than needed for me. It did pick up in the second part of the novel and I do think that the story line is an intriguing one, and supports the fact that the book is often considered a corner-stone classic for the genre and included with the likes of 1984 and Clockwork Orange.

It also stimulated several questions – because as in all dystopian, this society is not as idyllic as it appears. I found I started asking myself: Who or what is leading and monitoring this society? What is their reason behind creating this pseudo-utopia? And are these leaders as altruistic as it first appears?

Recommended to anyone who enjoys social science fiction where a society has gone askew or indeed to anyone who plans to write one. So if you’re interested in a read that may be a bit chewy, or you would like the answer to the above questions, this will be a great story for you. For those not interested in reading the book, but who have a curiosity about the plot there is a complete summary (with spoilers) at its Wikipedia page. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/This_Perfect_Day.

So I give This Perfect Day a 3 stars. I would have considered it torture as a teenager forced to read it in a high school literature class, like when I read 1984, but as an adult it was quite a decent read with a complex and surprising plot.

This Perfect Day was written in 1970 and won the Prometheus Award soon after it was published. Ira Levin, its author, passed away in 2007 and also wrote other books now considered classics - The Boys from Brazil, Rosemary’s Baby, and The Stepford Wives. The novel has been consistently re-published over the years with a variety of interesting covers. This latest publication makes the book available in e-book format.

I will be including this book in The Basics Challenge where I explore speculative fiction and Fill in the Gaps.

Thanks for reading.

Review: Lucky Bastard ~ by S. G. Browne

2012-05-02T09:12:00.001-07:00

Review by John for: Lucky Bastard (ARC edition) ~ by S.G. Browne (April 2012)

A fantasy noir comedy thriller about a private investigator who is also a poacher and seller of luck.

About: Nick Monday has inherited a rare ability to poach luck from people. So he sets himself up as a secret trader in this precious commodity, selling luck to anyone who can afford it, and also seeking out particular types of luck for anyone who can afford his customized service. With no cares about either the people he has stolen it from or the motives of the people who buy it from him, he steals and sells other’s good luck. And, despite the dangers, occasionally he deals in bad luck.

Nick is not entirely alone in this odd profession. To hide their abilities and to protect themselves, Nick and other luck poachers live somewhat itinerant lives, constantly changing their identities and moving on from one town to another whenever they feel things are starting to get too hot. Currently Nick is working as a private investigator in San Francisco.

The book covers a crazy 24-hour period in Nick’s life which starts when the mayor’s daughter hires Nick to recover the mayor’s stolen luck. In quick succession a local Chinese crime lord coerces Nick into searching for the purest form of good luck, a secret government agent forces him to try and slip some bad luck to the Chinese gangster, an attractive scooter-riding girl appears to start poaching luck on Nick’s territory, and a second woman turns up also claiming to be the mayor’s daughter. When everything starts falling apart and Nick’s life is in danger, it seems that a huge dose of bad karma is now blighting his life.

John’s thoughts: This is a rather unique premise for a story and Browne has a lot of fun with the idea - describing how luck is transferred and what impact losing and gaining luck has on people. The author develops the notion that luck is a highly addictive drug, creating a hierarchy of different types of luck, imagining what types of people might get involved in the luck market, and creating a twisty plot that is all packed into a single day. It is a fast-paced story that is easy and quick to read, and it has plenty of chuckles on the way.

The plot is filled with an oddball bunch of characters, but it all revolves around Nick Monday who is a cynical, sarcastic, couldn’t-give-a-hoot type of man. You’ll probably either love him or hate him as he moves through his strange life and odd escapades, and ultimately tries to make some sort of amends for the things that he’s done. Struggling through the day he has to deal with the femme fatale Tuesday Knight, the evil gangster Tommy Wong, a federal agent who looks like Barry Manilow, a scathing (but dead) father, a totally obnoxious boy who might just be loaded with the most pure good luck available, an irritating vegan chauffeur, and a sidekick who wants to be a cool gangsta rapper. As you can probably tell, it’s a fun read.

For me a couple of things dragged a bit with this book. Nick Monday’s deep thoughts about the nature of luck were a smidgeon over the top; and the “hero” is basically a jerk – I often have trouble really resonating with a book when I can’t relate with the lead character. Beyond that it was an enjoyable read and I smiled a lot. I’d rate this humorous noire 3 stars and recommend it to anyone who likes a bit of tongue-in-cheek reading.

Scott G. Browne is the author of Breathers (Broadway 2009), a dark comedy about life after undeath, Fated (NAL 2010), is a comedy about fate, destiny, and the consequences of getting involved in the lives of humans. Scott was born in Arizona and grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. He currently lives and writes in San Francisco.

You can find out more about him via his Website: http://sgbrowne.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/s_g_browne; and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SGBrowneAuthor

We have a giveaway for the book, one copy for a Canadian or US address. This text links to the post to enter using the Google form.

Thanks again for reading.

Giveaway: Spring Fling Hop ~ Lucky Bastard by S. G. Browne

2012-04-30T13:43:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the Spring Fling Giveaway Hop ~ May 1st till the 7th! Hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer (badge above links the site and giveaway post) and Eve's Fan Garden.

We have one book for one Canadian or US address offered kindly by the publicist. Please be a reader or follower of Layers of Thought to enter this giveaway, then fill out our Google form completely for your entry to count.

Have fun with the hop and good luck!

Now for a bit about the Book on offer to Win!

Lucky Bastard ~ by S. G. Browne

There’s an old saying about making your own luck, but what if you can steal and then sell it?

In his anticipated third novel, critically-acclaimed author of Breathers and Fated, S. G. Brown introduces San Francisco Private Investigator Nick Monday who possesses more than just the luck of the Irish in LUCKY BASTARD (Gallery Books; April 2012).

As a private detective Nick shares more in common with television detective blundering Columbo and handsome Magnum PI rather than his classical literary and noir counterparts Sam Spade or Philip Marlowe. But there’s a twist to Nick’s talents that no other private investigator has: Nick has the ability to poach other people’s luck with a mere handshake.

Fans of crime fiction, mystery, fantasy and even paranormal will be intrigued and laugh of how Nick manages this unique talent, how the rich and famous yearn for his abundant stash and will pay the price for the most powerful, addictive and dangerous drug of all. But it’s not always hobnobbing with the elite or with Lady Luck. Nick’s procurement can either be a blessing or a curse as he takes from those with a charmed life and sells it to the addicted and desperate.

However, when a lucrative $100,000 offer is made by the mayor’s daughter, Tuesday Knight, to retrieve her father’s stolen luck will the caffeine-addicted luck purveyor’s own good fortune run out when he tangles with a Chinese mafia warlord, gets blackmailed by the government, and has his head turned by an attractive competitor?

LUCKY BASTARD is S.G. Browne’s sharp, gritty and noir tale that will keep readers chuckling at this happy-go-lucky hero’s fast-paced exploits.

Requirements are:

Be a reader/follower to enter this contest.
Fill out the Google form completely.

You have several options:

Google: via the blog’s side bar (I will follow back if I can find your blog.) or
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Your Email Box.

Other optional ways of “following/friending” or keeping up to date:

Twitter (I will follow back, if your account is not protected.)
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Please enter via the Google document:

This blog hop and giveaway is now closed. Please stop by soon for our next giveaway on offer.

Review: White Horse ~ by Alex Adams

2012-04-28T07:56:00.001-07:00

Review by Shellie for: White Horse ~ by Alex Adams

The first in a planned trilogy, it’s a stream of consciousness styled apocalyptic tale with alternating timeframes. The novel features an illness that horrifically decimates and changes the human population, and an intriguing mythic thread with a heroine’s journey - where a young survivor travels on a heartfelt mission to find the father of her unborn child.

About: Zoe is strong, intelligent and reflective. In transition, she is working at a local research facility where she does janitorial work while trying to figure out what she will do with her life. In the process she visits a male therapist in an attempt to find herself and to figure out what appears to be a slight problem she is having around a jar that has “magically” appeared in her apartment - which the therapist thinks is in her imagination. She is at once scared, curious and concerned, about this metaphoric Pandora's box.

When everyone starts becoming ill and dying from similar symptoms, with the survivors changing bizarrely, Zoe remains unaffected physically. Yet emotionally she struggles to contain some part of a greater humanity while many that are left are loosing theirs. She is left with one option, which is to head out on a heroic journey to Greece to find her unborn child’s father. During her journey she finds the most animalistic, insane, dark yet conversely self-sacrificing aspects of human nature.

Thoughts: Although I really do not like to compare new novels to older very popular ones, this was very reminiscent of The Road by Cormac McCarthy. You can’t have the world fall apart without loosing your mind, however strong the character, which both books exemplify. However, White Horse has a strong female heroine (which I really liked and could relate to), rather than a male, a fabulous mythic thread that McCarthy’s book did not, and some interesting insight into human nature - which is a key aspect to any good apocalyptic fiction and an element of both books.

Thinking about the author’s writing, it’s insightful and has unusual language. However, its “stream of consciousness” style and alternating timeframes sometimes made it feel choppy and confusing. I had to struggle to keep track of events and puzzled over whether what was happening was Zoe’s “stream of consciousness” delusional dream experiences and imaginings or if it was actually happening. Though I should mention that my version was an ARC so this “choppiness” may have been edited out; or perhaps it’s a trope used to create a surreal feel. I am thinking the later, since at the end of the world even the strong are going to loose their minds, even if it’s only partially.

Beyond my quibble, the best part of the novel and one which I really really liked was a spectacular thread that contained myth. I would have loved to see more of a discernable link in the first three quarters of the novel to the disease and its name, but then perhaps the book would have become trite? However, this is a terrific story with some exceptional elements. If you enjoy good apocalyptic stories and/or have an interest in mythology, this will be great read for you. In fact I think it may be one of those books which will be a perfect book club selection and that is probably worth a second read. I am curious what Alex Adams will do with the mythic element in the next two planned books for the series – Red Horse and Pale Horse. Despite my small concerns I enjoyed the novel and think it deserves a 4 star rating – definitely recommended.

White Horse by Alex Adams; (ARC); Atria/Emily Bestler Books; April 17th, 2012. It’s the first book in a planned trilogy.

Alex Adams is from New Zealand but now resides in Oregon, US. This is her first book.

Thanks for reading!

Questions and Answer with: Alyx Dellamonica author of ~ Blue Magic

2012-04-24T08:03:00.001-07:00

Question and answer with ~ Alyx Dellamonica.

I am pleased to welcome the author of Blue Magic (just released by Tor) and it’s predecessor Indigo Springs, to answer a few things I think about when reading a book:

Why she chose urban fantasy as a genre when writing; where her creative sources for this intriguing two book series came from; and what was her publishing process like, particularly in relationship with Tor. I am sure many of the writer/readers who read our blog are just bubbling to know.

We also have more info about Alyx, including social media links, a blurb for the novels, and links for excerpts too. I just started Indigo Springs and think that what’s inside its pages feels as promising and fun as the irresistible covers that are so notorious at Tor books.

Let’s welcome Alyx!

First, my favorite question: why write urban fantasy?

I write in a number of genres: science fiction, alternate history, horror, and even mystery and literary fiction, but most of my work has been fantasy of one stripe or another. It suits my imagination, I think: I like to start stories with images like girls eating grocery carts or guys seeing their dead lovers' ghosts in an array of festive balloons.

I haven't got the science chops to sell those sorts of visions as scientifically plausible, and I rarely want to in any case. What's cool about magic is that it *is* magic, as far as I'm concerned: I like to write stories where the impossible falls within some ordinary individual's grasp.

Always thinking about the reasons for the creative ideas when creating a novel: where did your idea for this two book series come from?

I found many sources of inspiration for differing parts of the Indigo Springs story--everything from seeing my partner edit a book on river repatriation to an up-close look into the soul of someone much like the character who is arguably the story's villainess, Sahara Knax--but I can recall a fair stretch of time where I was trying to start a piece about a source of raw magic oozing out of a crack in the earth. It was an image that wouldn't let go. To this day I don't know why.

Those early story attempts didn't work out all that well, though, until I figured out what could be done with the magic. That element came from a series of short stories I'd written about magical items called 'chantments,' little oddities that could each contain a limited mystical power, contained powers a person could safely wield.

As I wrote more about vitagua and began to understand its more dangerous effects--it's magical, but also acts as something of an environmental toxin, akin to radioactive waste--I came upon a house in Vancouver whose chimney had been painted up to the roof. The owners had slapped a layer of green paint on the house and just hadn't bothered to avoid the bricks. That gave me another little piece of the puzzle, and the house in Indigo Springs has the same slapdash paint job... but this time, it's for a reason.

And: what was your publishing experience like? (We have a number or writers, who read the blog and dream of working with Tor, who would love to know.)

I've only ever sold novels to Jim Frenkel at Tor, so to start I have to say I have no basis for comparison with other publishers, big or small. And like those readers of yours, Tor was my dream too, my first choice of market for Indigo Springs. They have such a fantastic reputation and so many writers I love are Tor authors, and back when I finished the book they were also running a thing called the Tor Women in Fantasy program that I quite admired. So getting picked up by them was an out and out thrill.

What's especially fantastic about Tor now is that they have made their web site a real showcase for writers and speculative fiction. Tor.com is like a goodie bag crammed full of neat fannish things, and they let writers play along. I'm currently rewatching Buffy the Vampire Slayer (http://www.tor.com/features/series/buffy-the-vampire-slayer-on-torcom) and writing an article every week about that; last summer, I read some of my favorite Eighties horror novels, everything from Stephen King's It to V.C. Andrews's Flowers in the Attic. They've published some of my fiction, including a story set on Stormwrack, the world where my *next* three books will take place--it's called "Among the Silvering Herd" (http://www.tor.com/stories/2012/02/among-the-silvering-herd) –and this summer they're going to print a different story, "Wild Things," that ties into Indigo Springs and Blue Magic.

What I want, as a writer, is quite simply to reach people: readers, of course, and other writers, too. The Tor site creates this glorious synergy that lets me engage in conversations with the awesome, creative, fiction-loving people at Tor, with Buffy fans, with people who are into my books, with other Tor writers... it's the equivalent of a big noisy club. It's a veritable scene.

But that doesn't answer the 'what's it like' question, does it?

The part of publishing these two books that didn't involve my sitting at a desk writing them, happened at punctuated intervals. A lot of the time, I was busily writing other things in Vancouver while the books moved through the publication process in New York. Other people do so much for a novel--you can't imagine how much work it is to create a gorgeous platform for your story until you try it yourself.

So from Vancouver the process felt like this: most days, I'd get up each morning and write other things. Which is a big win as far as I'm concerned, because writing's what I love to do with my time. Every so often, I'd check in with Jim Frenkel or he'd check in with me about some aspect of where we were. He sent me editorial suggestions, for example, and I set the other stories aside and made changes to the book. Later he sent me copy edits, which for both books were handled by the meticulous and fantastic Eliani Torres. More time passed, and then there were page proofs. Since these were my first books and I hadn't worked with a four hundred page copy-edited manuscript before, there was some extremely patient teaching--hey, Alyx, this is how you copy edit, and this is how you correct a page proof. This happened twice, because enough time lapsed between the two novels that I'd forgotten a lot... and it's not an area where I learn fast anyway.

As for the gorgeous covers on both books, with which I'm entirely delighted, here's a link to an article I wrote for Tor about those. (http://www.tor.com/blogs/2012/02/covering-blue-magic)

What I'm trying to convey here is that I didn't have to do any of the things that I would have been terrible at: visual design, copy-editing, and proofreading are not my strong suits. But I did always feel included and consulted.

Gosh, I'm really happy with my publishing lot right now, aren't I?

Something that can get to people is that you wait for things, in publishing. You sell a piece and you wait for a contract. You get the contract done and wait for a cheque. You send the book in, and wait for editorial notes. Lather, rinse, repeat.

(And people who live outside the writing bubble don't always get this. I do a fair amount of fiction writing in a cafe, and three weeks ago one of the other regulars said to me: "Putting on the final touches?" He thought I was polishing up Blue Magic, even though he knew it was due to hit bookstores a week later.) So there's waiting. Then one day--at least if you're me--your shiny Tor novel's been out for three days and it's gorgeous, and people are Tweeting about it and reviewing it and OMG, you've got a launch to plan and wonderful publicists to work with (publicists plural, yes, because I have one on either side of the Canada-U.S. border) and total strangers are sending you lovely notes about appreciating story elements you worked really hard on... and it's amazing.

So that's what it's like, at least today as I write this. Which is a longwinded way of saying: seriously, it's great.

Alyx Dellamonica lives in Vancouver, Canada, where she sings in a community choir and takes thousands of digital photographs. In 2003, soon after finishing her first novel, Indigo Springs, the Supreme Court of B.C. ruled in favor of legalized same-sex marriage. A month later, she achieved a lifelong dream by marrying her long-term partner, writer and wine critic Kelly Robson, at one of their favorite places, the UBC Botanical Gardens. She also has a fabulous “Buffy Rewatch” series on Tor.com.

To find out more about Alyx link to her Official Site: http://alyxdellamonica.com; Blog: http://planetalyx.livejournal.com; Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AlyxDellamonica
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/AlyxDellamonica; and G+: https://plus.google.com/106086459950640246872/posts

Here are links for excerpts for these two latest novels located via the titles: Blue Magic (April 10, 2012), the sequel to the critically-acclaimed, Sunburst Award–winning contemporary fantasy debut, Indigo Springs (November 2, 2012.)

Here is a bit about – Blue Magic: This powerful sequel starts in the small town in Oregon where Astrid Lethewood discovered an underground river of blue liquid—Vitagua—that is pure magic. Everything it touches is changed. The secret is out—and the world will never be the same. Astrid’s best friend, Sahara, has been corrupted by the blue magic, and now leads a cult that seeks to rule the world. Astrid, on the other hand, tries to heal the world.

Conflicting ambitions, star-crossed lovers, and those who fear and hate magic combine in a terrible conflagration, pitting friend against friend, magic against magic, and the power of nations against a small band of zealots, with the fate of the world at stake. Blue Magic is a powerful story of private lives changed by earthshaking events that will ensnare readers in its poignant tale of a world touched by magic and plagued by its consequences.

Thanks once again for reading!

Wisteria and Jasmine Courtesy of Mother Nature ~ Napa, CA

2012-04-22T10:00:00.001-07:00

Let’s Celebrate Earth Day ~ with some pictures from our new garden!

All courtesy of Mother Nature, some great gardeners, and the fertile soil near the Napa river - there is a reason why such wonderful wines are grown and produced here. However, these pictures do not do these Wisteria, Jasmine, and Apple Blossom justice, since the aroma is part of this package, and let me tell you the scent is mind blowing!

Taken from the second story window looking over our small yard, it’s a glorious house warming gift, since they were at the height of their bloom last week when we moved into our new home. It just does not get better than this!

More Napa pictures coming, since we are hiking this weekend and the weather is just in the 80’s. You should see the profusion of California poppies everywhere. Hopefully we can capture their beauty in a picture to share with you.

Thanks for reading!

Incoming Books ~ April 21st, 2012

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Incoming Books ~ April 21st, 2012.

Books, books, and more books! Boxes and boxes, packed and unpacked. Can anyone ever have enough books? We say a resounding “NO WAY”! Ask us how many boxes of books we packed and unpacked in our recent move. (approximately 25 boxes – okay small boxes but still.)

What’s even better is we have some more here to share, in our - Incoming Books feature. And the most fun part is hearing which ones you, our friends and readers want the most. So please tell us:

Which of these not so new, new, or soon to be published books you would pick up and read first?

Macmillan | Tor

Blue Magic (Blue Magic Series, #2) ~ by A.M. Dellamonica; Tor Books; 4/10/2012

This powerful sequel to A.M. Dellamonica's Sunburst Award–winning contemporary fantasy Indigo Springs starts in the small town in Oregon where Astrid Lethewood discovered an underground river of blue liquid—Vitagua—that is pure magic. Everything it touches is changed. The secret is out—and the world will never be the same. Astrid’s best friend, Sahara, has been corrupted by the blue magic, and now leads a cult that seeks to rule the world. Astrid, on the other hand, tries to heal the world.

Indigo Springs (Blue Magic Series, #1) ~ A.M. Dellamonica; Tor Books; 10/27/2009

Indigo Springs is a sleepy town where things seem pretty normal . . . until Astrid’s father dies and she moves into his house. She discovers that for many years her father had been accessing the magic that flowed, literally, in a blue stream beneath the earth, leaking into his house. When she starts to use the liquid "vitagua" to enchant everyday items, the results seem innocent enough: a “’chanted” watch becomes a charm that means you're always in the right place at the right time; a “’chanted” pendant enables the wearer to convince anyone of anything . . .

Also, we have Alyx Dellamonica for guest post/question and answer coming up in a few days and it’s a terrific post. She has one heck of an imagination. So check it out!

Seige (As the World Dies, #3) ~ by Rhiannon Frater; Tor Books; 4/24/2012

Siege is the conclusion to Rhiannon Frater’s As the World Dies trilogy, which should appeal to fans of The Walking Dead. Both The First Days and Fighting to Survive won the Dead Letter Award from Mail Order Zombie. The First Days was named one of the Best Zombie Books of the Decade by the Harrisburg Book Examiner.

The zombie illness has shattered civilization. The survivors who have found tenuous safety in Texas defend their fort against the walking dead and living bandits.

Katie has made peace with the death of her wife and is pregnant and married to Travis, who has been elected Mayor. Jenni, her stepson, Jason; and Juan—Travis’s righthand man—are a happy family, though Jenni suffers from PTSD. Both women are deadly zombie killers.

In Siege, the people of Ashley Oaks are stunned to discover that the vice president of the United States is alive and commanding the remnants of the US military. What’s left of the US government has plans for this group of determined survivors.

The First Days (#1) – July 2011; (Link to Shellie’s review for the book.)

Fighting to Survive (# 2) - November 2011; (Link to our Incoming Books post with this book.)

Royal Street ~ by Suzanne Johnson; Tor Books; 4/10/2012

Book one of a planned series: As the junior wizard sentinel for New Orleans, Drusilla Jaco’s job involves a lot more potion-mixing and pixie-retrieval than sniffing out supernatural bad guys like rogue vampires and lethal were-creatures. DJ's boss and mentor, Gerald St. Simon, is the wizard tasked with protecting the city from anyone or anything that might slip over from the preternatural beyond.

Then Hurricane Katrina hammers New Orleans’ fragile levees, unleashing more than just dangerous flood waters.

While winds howled and Lake Pontchartrain surged, the borders between the modern city and the Otherworld crumbled. Now, the undead and the restless are roaming the Big Easy, and a serial killer with ties to voodoo is murdering the soldiers sent to help the city recover.
To make it worse, Gerry has gone missing, the wizards’ Elders have assigned a grenade-toting assassin as DJ’s new partner, and undead pirate Jean Lafitte wants to make her walk his plank. The search for Gerry and for the serial killer turns personal when DJ learns the hard way that loyalty requires sacrifice, allies come from the unlikeliest places, and duty mixed with love creates one bitter gumbo.

Shadow Blizzard (book 3) ~ by Alexey Perhov; Tor Books; 4/24/2012

Shadow Blizzard is the third book by the international bestselling fantasy author Alexey Pehov. Like Shadow Prowler and Shadow Chaser, Shadow Blizzard is epic fantasy at its best; this is the third book in a trilogy that follows Shadow Harold, Siala's master thief, on his quest for the magic Horn that will restore peace to his world. After the loss of friends and comrades, after betrayal and battle, after capture by fearsome orcs, Harold finally reaches the dreaded Hrad Spein. But before he can complete his quest by stealing the magic horn, he will have to brave the most fearsome obstacles yet—obstacles that have destroyed everyone before him...and Harold must do so alone.

Shadow Prowler (#1) February 2011

After centuries of calm, the Nameless One is stirring. By next spring, or perhaps sooner, the Nameless One and his forces will be at the walls of the great city of Avendoom. Unless Shadow Harold, master thief, can find some way to stop them.

But Harold isn’t alone. An Elfin princess, Miralissa, her entourage, ten Wild Hearts, the most experienced and dangerous fighters in their world, and the king’s court jester all join him in his quest. These companions will form a bond of friendship and honor that must carry them over a series of frightful obstacles before they can reach their goal: Hrad Spein, the mysterious Palaces of the Bones. Only there will they find the key to undoing the ancient curse that hangs over their world and ridding the land of the Nameless One forever.
Reminiscent of Moorcock's Elric series, Shadow Prowler is the first work to be translated into English from Russian by the bestselling, new generation fantasy author Alexey Pehov.

Shadow Chaser (#2) February 2012; (See the incoming books including this second in the series.)

Misc. Indie Authors:

Broken Time ~ by Emily Devenport; July 22, 2011

This now self published book was originally published traditionally under one of the author’s pen names. It was nominated for the Philip K. Dick Award and can be purchased in ebook format at Smashwords for 99 cents. It’s a science fiction novel with romantic elements. Here is what it’s all about:

They say Time can't stand still. They're wrong.

Siggy Lindquist was looking for something better than the life she left behind. What she found is a job at the Institute for the Criminally Insane, home to the galaxy's deadliest criminals -- human monsters caged for the rest of their unnatural lives.

Now all Siggy wants to do is get through each day with her safety and sanity intact. But when two of the Institute's most dangerous inmates take an interest in her, for their own twisted reasons, she is caught up in a potential war between two races -- a war that only a forgotten secret from her past can prevent. Desperate to avert disaster, Siggy finds herself in a galaxy-spanning race against time -- and time stands still for no one. Or does it?

Wood ~ by Robert Dunbar; Uninvited Books: 2/23/2012

Blessed is the Creature that knows its purpose.

Woods surround a blighted section of a nameless city, and at night something creeps forth into the streets, something that preys upon humans ... and may ultimately replace them.

This is literary horror at its best. Highly recommended for those wanting an intelligent scare which is tasteful and thought provoking but will also scare your socks off too. It’s a novella by the author of Willy – link to Shellie’s recent review of Robert Dunbar’s previous novel. Great stuff!

General Fiction:

The Cove ~ by Ron Rash; Harper Collins; 4/10/2012

Deep in the rugged Appalachians of North Carolina lies the cove, a dark, forbidding place where spirits and fetches wander, and even the light fears to travel. Or so the townsfolk of Mars Hill believe–just as they know that Laurel Shelton, the lonely young woman who lives within its shadows, is a witch. Alone except for her brother, Hank, newly returned from the trenches of France, she aches for her life to begin.

Then it happens–a stranger appears, carrying nothing but a beautiful silver flute and a note explaining that his name is Walter, he is mute, and is bound for New York. Laurel finds him in the woods, nearly stung to death by yellow jackets, and nurses him back to health. As the days pass, Walter slips easily into life in the cove and into Laurel's heart, bringing her the only real happiness she has ever known.

But Walter harbors a secret that could destroy everything–and danger is closer than they know. Though the war in Europe is near its end, patriotic fervor flourishes thanks to the likes of Chauncey Feith, an ambitious young army recruiter who stokes fear and outrage throughout the county. In a time of uncertainty, when fear and ignorance reign, Laurel and Walter will discover that love may not be enough to protect them.

That’s it folks. So please do tell: which of these incredible books would you read first?

Children’s Choice Book Awards 2012 ~ Vote for your Favorites!

2012-04-20T11:10:00.001-07:00

Share the joy of reading during Children’s Book Week ~ May 7th to the 13th.

You can support this fun and important week NOW with a vote for your favorites in the Children’s Choice Book Awards!

For more information here is a clip taken from the Book Week Online web site:

One hallmark of Children's Book Week is the Children's Choice Book Awards, the only national child-chosen book awards program! The awards celebrate books, authors, and illustrators that capture the interest and imaginations of kids and teens.

Awards are given in six categories:

Kindergarten to Second Grade Book of the Year

Third to Fourth Grade Book of the Year

Fifth to Sixth Grade Book of the Year

Teen Choice Book of the Year

Author of the Year

Illustrator of the Year

Finalists for the younger readers are determined through the Children's Choices program, a joint project of the CBC and the International Reading Association since the 1970s. Teen Choice finalists are voted on by teen readers at TeenReads.com, an online home for teens to learn about new books and share their thoughts about what they read. Author of the Year and Illustrator of the Year finalists are compiled by the CBC from Bookscan, New York Times bestseller lists, and USA Today bestseller lists.

Vote for your favorites at www.BookWeekOnline.com by May 3!

Here are the choices:

Kindergarten to Second Grade Book of the Year

Bailey by Harry Bliss (Scholastic)
Dot by Patricia Intriago (Farrar, Straus and Giroux/Macmillan)
Pirates Don’t Take Baths by John Segal (Philomel/Penguin)
Three Hens and a Peacock by Lester L. Laminack, illustrated by Henry Cole (Peachtree)
Zombie in Love by Kelly DiPucchio, illustrated by Scott Campbell (Atheneum/Simon & Schuster)

Third Grade to Fourth Grade Book of the Year

Bad Kitty Meets the Baby by Nick Bruel (Roaring Brook/Macmillan)
A Funeral in the Bathroom: And Other School Bathroom Poems by KalliDakos, illustrated by Mark Beech (Albert Whitman)
The Monstrous Book of Monsters by Libby Hamilton, illustrated by Jonny Duddle and AlekseiBitskoff (Templar/Candlewick)
Sidekicks by Dan Santat (Arthur A. Levine/Scholastic)
Squish #1: Super Amoeba by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm (Random House)

Fifth Grade to Sixth Grade Book of the Year

Bad Island by Doug TenNapel (GRAPHIX/Scholastic)
How to Survive Anything by Rachel Buchholz,illustrated by Chris Philpot (National Geographic)
Lost & Found by Shaun Tan (Arthur A. Levine/Scholastic)
Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt (Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)
Racing in the Rain: My Life as a Dog by Garth Stein (HarperCollins)

Teen Book of the Year

Clockwork Prince: The Infernal Devices, Book Two by Cassandra Clare (Margaret K. McElderry Books/Simon & Schuster)
Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor (Little, Brown)
Divergent by Veronica Roth (Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins)
Passion: A Fallen Novel by Lauren Kate (Delacorte/Random House)
Perfect by Ellen Hopkins (Margaret K. McElderry Books/Simon & Schuster)

Author of the Year

Jeff Kinney for Diary of a Wimpy Kid 6: Cabin Fever (Amulet Books/Abrams)
Christopher Paolini for Inheritance (Alfred A. Knopf/Random House)
James Patterson for Middle School, The Worst Years of My Life (Little, Brown)
Rick Riordan for The Son of Neptune (The Heroes of Olympus, Book 2) (Disney Hyperion)
Rachel Renée Russell for Dork Diaries 3: Tales from a Not-So-Talented Pop Starz (Aladdin/Simon & Schuster)

Illustrator of the Year

Felicia Bond for If You Give a Dog a Donut (Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins)
Eric Carle for The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse (Philomel/Penguin)
Anna Dewdney for Llama Llama Home With Mama (Viking/Penguin)
Victoria Kann for Silverlicious (HarperCollins)
Brian Selznick for Wonderstruck (Scholastic)

There are some great books here, go on and vote for your favorites!

Giveaway Hop: Showers of Books ~ April 20th to 25th

2012-04-19T14:23:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the Showers of Books Giveaway Hop! Hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer & One A Day Y.A.

We have one book on offer for giveaway for a US address. This is short story collection for literary fiction lovers. You do not need to be a reader or follow to enter this giveaway, just fill our the Google form completely and you’re set to go!

The Tiger’s Eye: New & Selected Stories ~ by Gladys Swan.

Stories have been selected from the six previous collections of short fiction I have published written over the past four decades. The collection deals with characters who stand at the edge of or outside the social order, wrestling with their various predicaments, trying to find a place for themselves, a way to live.

About the Author: Swan is the author of three novels and six short story collections. The stories in this collection represent the work of over thirty years of writing and include the very best of this writer and visual artist’s stories.

She has published two novels, two which were nominated for the PEN Faulkner. The Tiger’s Eye: New & Selected Stories is the most recent of her seven collections of short fiction. Her paintings have been used for the covers of three of her books and for those of other writers as well as for several literary magazines.

Praise for Gladys Swan

“Gladys Swan’s stories feel as though they were written in a different time, when words mattered more than they do now, and stories were made to last and made to live. I have been an ardent fan of her work for many years now, and this collection proves yet again what an incredible gift she is to the land of letters.”—Brett Lott, author of Ancient Highway

“I’ve long been an admirer of her work, and now, in The Tiger’s Eye, we have her best and richest stories. There’s gentle humor in her writing, bittersweet honesty, and the hard-won wisdom that only the finest fiction achieves. The American short story has no finer practitioner.”—W. D. Wetherell, author of A Century of November

“A wide variety of settings adds brilliance to important themes: the irresistible powers of memory, the confusions of exile, genuineness and falsity in art, the integrity of loneliness. Every situation is seen in an ironic light, yet every character is fully respected. Each paragraph is rewarding and the whole of the collection is a rich trove. Such precision of observation, such fineness of intonation! Uncannily good.—Fred Chappell, author of Ancestors and Others: New and Selected Stories

You do not need to be a follower/reader to enter this giveaway but just in case you would like to keep up to date on future offers here are some optional ways of following Layers of Thought.

Your several options:

Google: via the blog’s side bar (I will follow back if I can find your blog)
Facebook: for updates in your feed - add me as a friend
Your Email Box.
Twitter (I will follow back, if your account is not protected)
Feed Reader.

Please enter via the Google document:

This hop is now closed. Come back soon for our next offer and blog hop coming at the beginning of May!

Guest Post from Kristen Wolf author of ~ The Way

2012-04-18T10:07:00.001-07:00

Guest post from Kristen Wolf author of ~ The Way.

Kristen Wolf is here to share with us why she decided to write this historical novel. With its unusual and controversial premise I was curious how she came up with the idea.

Take a look at a shortened summary for The Way which will illustrate its intrigue:

Anna is a tomboy living in ancient Palestine whose androgynous appearance provokes the people around her and doubt within her heart. When tragedy strikes her family, and Anna's father sells her to a band of shepherds, she is captured by a mystical and secret society of women. At first Anna is tempted to escape, but she soon finds that the sisterhood's teachings and healing abilities, wrapped in an ancient philosophy they call "The Way," have unleashed power within her.

The “back-story” for this book is an interesting one. Let’s welcome Kristen.

How THE WAY Came to Be

I wrote The Way because I had no choice. Its roots are deep and stretch all the way back to my childhood. In some ways I feel like I've been entertaining the story of Anna in my imagination since I was a very little girl.

As a child, I was raised in the Christian tradition. An eager and ready participant, I loved learning about the great and powerful mysteries I could feel all around and above me. And I loved the drama and sensuality of church and our celebrations. Yet as time went on, I began to feel a definite sense of being somehow excluded from the whole enterprise. After all, church leaders could only be male, our God was male, and the main player was the Father's only son.

Was there no place for me in all this? I remember wondering.

So one day, at age six, I did something to fix the situation: I carried my desk into the driveway, covered it with a white sheet, adorned the front with a red felt cross and, upon this makeshift altar, held "church" for a gathering of neighborhood children.

My impersonation of a priest caused quite a stir, as you can imagine. Yet, however amusing, this story encapsulates a child's powerful longing to carve a place for herself in the world of spirituality.

But guess what? It didn't work.

Life went back to the status quo. And for the next decade or so, I lived a kind of double life. In the first, I was a young person thrilled by the miraculous power of the world around me, inspired to seek the deeper meaning and purpose of things. Yet in the second, I was an apathetic practitioner of my religion. Just going through the motions.

Over time, I grew more and more bothered by what felt like a "boys club" to which I could not be admitted. And I vividly remember thinking it wrong that the people who seemed to most innately embody the ideals that Jesus upheld -- forgiveness, compassion, cooperation, nonviolence, respect for life -- were not being included, nor honored, in our endeavors.

(The same disparity holds true today. Survey any of our major religions and you'll find half of the world's population excluded from its imagery and leadership.)

For years, I didn't question the way things were. But when I entered college my youthful discontent would mix with a variety of influences: personal experiences, college studies with Jesuits, independent study of prehistoric cultures, mythology, ancient and modern spiritual traditions,and the leading-edge scholarship that had uncovered efforts throughout history to remove the feminine from the spiritual domain.

Having felt first-hand the negative effects of living under a religion that sets the male higher than the female, I decided to try and instigate change.

The Way, then, is my adult version of holding church in the driveway. It's my second attempt at offering up a tangible vision of spirituality that is more balanced and inclusive. One that includes and honors the true value of women and girls, in its imagery, leadership, and practice. And one where we might dare to imagine the possibility that a great spiritual leader could be a woman.

I'm hopeful that someday the possibility of this new spiritual world will arise. And while it's too late for the little girl in the driveway, it's not too late for my child. Or for the children yet to come.

Kristen Wolf is a mother, writer, and filmmaker living in the Rocky Mountains. She is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Georgetown University and holds an M.A. in creative writing from Hollins University. This is her first novel. For more information please visit http://www.kristenwolf.com, and follow the author on Facebook and Twitter.

The Way was recommended by Oprah in her fall reading list for 2011. Also if you have a moment, link here to check out the book’s trailer.

Thanks for reading!

Review: Jamrach’s Menagerie ~ by Carol Birch

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Review by Shellie for: Jamrach’s Menagerie ~ by Carol Birch (Audio)

A literary coming of age tale that catalogs a historical journey of a sailing ship’s trip to the South Seas. Set in Victorian times, and told in first person by its main protagonist, a boy called Jaffy, the ship voyages to exotic isles to capture wild animals. When the ship becomes lost at sea, the story addresses some of the darkest aspects of human need and survival.

About: Jaffy Brown, is a street urchin who lives in London with his working class mother. His adventures start when he accidently attains star-like status due to being taken up by a lion in its jowls, and surviving. So he is offered a job working for the man named Jamrach (an exotic animal dealer) because it is now believed he possess powers with wild animals. When later he is given the opportunity to travel on a whaling ship to the South Seas in order to capture more animals for Jamrach’s Menagerie, one of which is a “dragon”, Jaffy jumps at the chance.

A mistake aboard the ship creates a catastrophe and what’s left of the crew are forced upon two much smaller boats. Fending for themselves on the open sea for an extended period of time, it’s here where the nightmarish adventures begin and the reader gets a glimpse into the darkest and most sacrificing aspects of human nature and what men may and must do to survive.

Thoughts: Listened to in audio, this book has meandering and lovely language. The smooth voice from the reader also lends to the story telling. Although it’s often long winded, it’s done in a calm and English accented voice. Where the reader varies his accents well for each of the diverse characters. I would say that the audio for the book is well done.

Definitely a literary tale with some horrific aspects, where men are left to survive with little sustenance on the open sea, leaving some room for delusional experiences due to lack of water and food and with nothing but sea and sun for months. Because of this, and the characters’ natural descent into madness, the book has been designated fantasy. For me I am not sure I would classify it as fantastical.

I enjoyed this story, and at times felt like I was actually traveling to the ports, Islands and countries of the South Seas. However, the entire novel did not capture me completely, since I kept waiting for the author to get on with the story line. Also the horrific scenes went on more than I felt was needed. In the end, beyond my personal preferences, I think that many readers will enjoy this book. I recommend it for literary fiction lovers, those who are interested in settings within the Victorian era, readers who want to travel vicariously to foreign areas on a sailing ship, and those who enjoy descriptive language. I give this book a 3 star.

Reader: Steve West; Books on Tape; 11 hours, 43 minutes; Jun 2011. Awards: Man Booker Prize for Fiction (nominee).

I received this book in its ARC format from the publisher and used it in tandem with the audio book which I borrowed from our local library. Sort of a combo read and listen thing. This in no way has influenced my opinions stated in this review.

Thanks for reading our first post from the Napa Valley.

We’re Moving House ~ California Here We Come!

2012-04-07T09:52:00.001-07:00

California Here We Come!

So it’s finally happened – John and I are moving house. Out of the beautiful (but often very hot) Arizona desert back to my native home - the temperate Napa Valley, California.

We are excited, nervous and sad all at the same time, since we love our desert home and are very comfortable here. Believe it or not we have become acclimated to the incredible 115 plus degree summer-time temperatures; and of course the cacti – we are going to miss them. I won’t go into detail about how both of us are drying up like spotted prunes as the dry air and sun are taking their inevitable toll, so we are looking forward to a moister and cooler climate, and certainly are not going to complain about the area.

Except that moving out of state is a BIG job. So we will be on intermittent blog hiatus during the packing, moving, and unpacking. Things should settle down within a few weeks. We hope. As usual when crazy stuff happens: posts will be at a minimum, comment moderation and email will be slower than its usual snail-ish pace, and all social media like Twitter, Google+, and Facebook will all be at a standstill.

I am thinking the worst part of our move will be driving our screaming terrified cat (Ziggy) over 800 miles to our new home. Anyone want a furry grey kitty – he’s very sweet?

By the way we are not actually going to use - Meathead Movers, but we liked the picture.

Our next post will be from California – until then!

Giveaway: Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Hop ~ April 6th - 12th

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Welcome to the: Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Giveaway Hop ~ April 6th to 12th. Hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and Once Upon A Twilight. Badge above links to our host’s site.

What better way to celebrate Easter time but to enter a few contests! There are 250+ blogs linked for this giveaway listed below. Good luck and have fun!

Now for our Giveaway:

We have one copy for one US address.

The Way ~ by Kristen Wolf; Crown Publishers; July 12, 2011.

It’s a book that is quite appropriate for this hop. It’s also special because The Way was recommended by Oprah in her Fall reading list for 2011. Here is what it’s about:

What if one of the world's greatest spiritual healers was not who we thought he was?

Anna is a fiery tomboy living in ancient Palestine whose androgynous appearance provokes ridicule from the people around her and doubt within her own heart. When tragedy strikes her family, and Anna's father -- disguising her as a boy -- sells her to a band of shepherds, she is captured by a mystical and secret society of women hiding in the desert. At first Anna is tempted to escape, but she soon finds that the sisterhood's teachings and healing abilities, wrapped in an ancient philosophy they call "The Way," have unleashed an unexpected power within her.

When danger befalls the caves in which the sisters have made their home, Anna embarks on a hazardous mission to preserve the wisdom of her mentors by proclaiming it among ordinary people. Her daring quest and newfound destiny reveal, at last, the full truth of her identity -- a shocking revelation that will spark as much controversy as it does celebration.

Anna's story is one of transformation, betrayal, love, loss, deception, and above all, redemption. Readers will cheer for this unforgettable protagonist -- and for debut novelist Kristen Wolf, whose beautifully written book both provokes and inspires. A compelling mix of history, myth, and fantasy, The Way is a fascinating exploration of the foundations and possibilities of human spirituality.

Kristen Wolf, author of The Way, is a mother, writer, and filmmaker living in the Rocky Mountains. She is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Georgetown University and holds an M.A. in creative writing from Hollins University. This is her first novel. For more information please visit http://www.kristenwolf.com, and follow the author on Facebook and Twitter

"Sure to be a book club darling." ~ Booklist

"The Way is a unique and ambitious debut novel, certain to provoke passionate discussions." ~ John Shors, bestselling author of Beneath a Marble Sky

"Wolf's voice, vision, and verve combine to make The Way an emotional and action-packed debut." ~ Alice Peck, author of Bread, Body, Spirit: Finding the Sacred in Food and Next to Godliness: Finding the Sacred in Housekeeping

Also coming up, is an interesting guest post from the author which will tell us why she wrote The Way.

How to Enter:

Requirements:

Be a reader/follower to enter this contest.
Fill out the Google form completely.

You have several options:

Google: via the blog’s side bar (I will follow back if I can find your blog.) or
Facebook: for updates in your feed - add me as a friend. or
Your Email Box.

Other optional ways of “following/friending” or keeping up to date:

Twitter (I will follow back, if your account is not protected.)
Feed Reader.

Please enter via the Google document: Loading...

This hop is now closed. Come back soon for the newest giveaway – coming very soon!