Snowdrop Dreams of Books

Love In Bloom Giveaway Hop

2013-05-16T00:00:00.000-04:00

Love in Bloom Giveaway Hop

Featuring Lighthearted/Contemporary Young Adult Romance

& Sweet, Clean Adult Romance

Hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer & Portrait of a Book

May 16th to 22nd

I will be giving away ONE book to ONE lucky winner.

You can choose from the following Stephanie Perkins books:

Anna and the French Kiss or Lola and the boy Next Door

To enter please use the rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check out the other stops on the hop below.

Mini Reviews: Anna and the French Kiss & Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

2013-05-15T19:45:00.000-04:00

I am absolutely in love with this series! I cannot wait for third book to come out - Isla and the Happily Ever After. For those who loved the books or those who want to read either of the first two in this series - stop by my blog tomorrow for a giveaway during the Love In Bloom Giveaway Hop!

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Published: December 2, 2010

Publisher: Dutton

Pages: 372

Received: audiobook from library

Buy Now: Amazon | Book Depository

Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris--until she meets Étienne St. Clair. Smart, charming, beautiful, Étienne has it all...including a serious girlfriend.

But in the City of Light, wishes have a way of coming true. Will a year of romantic near-misses end with their long-awaited French kiss?

My Thoughts:

Paris setting? Check.

Hunky British boy with sexy French name? Check.

Film references? Check

I adored the story of Anna and Étienne - how they meet, her crush, the friendship, the romantic setting. What's not to like? This was one of those stories that you get sucked into right away, it's light and fun, the audiobook was amazing to listen to and I honestly enjoyed the book in one weekend during a long car trip that didn't seem so long after listening to this book. The story actually brought back memories of Paris for me - when Anna and her friends were wandering the streets of Paris and mentioning the sights. I couldn't get enough of this book and I was rooting for Anna the whole time. And I thought it was fitting that Anna was a film nut - all of those amazing old movie theaters in Paris must have been heaven for her.

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Published: September 29, 2011

Publisher: Dutton

Pages: 338

Received: audiobook from library

Buy Now: Amazon | Book Depository

Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion...she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit--more sparkly, more fun, more wild--the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood.

When Cricket--a gifted inventor--steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.

My Thoughts:

Creative and artsy girl? Check.

Geeky science nerd turned hottie? Check.

Lola was one of the most interesting characters I've read about in a while. She was quirky, yet down to earth. Pushing her boundaries at every chance, but still trying to play by the rules as much as possible. Dating a rocker, but unknowingly in love with the boy next door. Lola and Cricket's story is adorable and I found myself not wanting to go anywhere until I finished listening the audiobook, yet again. The narrator was amazing by the way - completely pulled you into the story. Oh and the little cameo by Anna and Étienne rocked my socks too.

Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins

Published: September 2013

Publisher: Dutton

Pages: 352
Pre-order: Amazon | Book Depository

From the glittering streets of Manhattan to the moonlit rooftops of Paris, falling in love is easy for hopeless dreamer Isla and introspective artist Josh. But as they begin their senior year in France, Isla and Josh are quickly forced to confront the heartbreaking reality that happily-ever-afters aren’t always forever.

Their romantic journey is skillfully intertwined with those of beloved couples Anna and Étienne and Lola and Cricket, whose paths are destined to collide in a sweeping finale certain to please fans old and new.

My Thoughts:
I cannot wait for this one. It's about JOSH (from Anna and the French Kiss #1). And appearances by Anna and Étienne and Lola and Cricket? EEK! I'm dying already

One last comment: What do you think of the new covers? They made a new style starting with Isla and have redone Anna and Lola covers too. Like them better?

Review and Author Interview: Faerie After by Jannie Lee Simner

2013-05-14T00:00:00.000-04:00

Faerie After by Jannie Lee Simner
Published: May 28, 2013
Publisher: Random House
Pages: 272
Recevied: ARC for honest review
Order Now: Amazon | Book Depository

Once, magic destroyed the world—
now it's all that's left to save us

After a devastating war between humanity and Faerie, Liza's world was forever changed. Plants and trees became aggressive, seeking to root in living flesh and bone, and newborn children were discovered to have magical powers. Liza was one of these children, and with her abilities she brought her mother back from the ruined Faerie realm and restored the seasons to her own.

Now there are signs of a new sickness in the forest. Piles of ash are found where living creatures once stood. Liza investigates and discovers that the Faerie realm has continued to deteriorate, slowly turning to dust, and that its fate is inexorably linked to that of the human realm. To find a solution, Liza must risk crossing over, putting herself and all she cares about at risk. Will Liza be forced to sacrifice her life and the lives of her friends in order to save both worlds?

I absolutely loved returning to Liza’s world. I’ve been dying to see what happens to both the human and fae worlds in this trilogy. Liza is still as strong of a character as ever, fighting for what is right, pushing the limits and always looking out for those around her. I find that Liza learns quite a lot in this book. She begins to truly understand her friends, what the destruction around her really means and that perhaps that sometimes fate shouldn’t be messed with.

There is still that sense of love all around, whether it be romantic love or familial love. It surrounds them all and sometimes I think that is what keeps them all going through these tough times.

I would have to say the character who I grew to love even more in this book was Alllie. She came into her own in this story and I loved watching her character evolve. She truly knows what she wants and accepts things for what they are. In some ways I think she might even be more mature than Liza. Her story had my heart breaking at one point and smiling with happiness at others.

The entire world building in this last book is amazing. You can actually feel the destruction like it’s happening around you. You are always wondering if things will be okay, if Liza and her crew will figure out how to make things right and if they do – will anything be like was once before? Can they go back to the way things were or has everything changed too much? Is it for the better?

I was sad to see this series come to an end, but the way in which Janni wrote it is almost bittersweet. Loss and pain, happiness and new beginnings – this story has it all.

One last comment – TOBY/TOLVEN! I loved his character too.

What was it like writing the third book in the trilogy, knowing that this was the end of the series?

Liza, the protagonist of the Bones of Faerie trilogy, has been with me for decades, ever the long-ago day I heard her voice in her head, whispering, "I had a sister once." I listened to that voice, and wrote what would become the opening of the first book of the trilogy, though it was years before I finished that book and started the sequels.

So I was pretty sad about letting her go!

It might not be coincidence that in the final book of the trilogy, Faerie After, Liza also struggles--from a magical perspective--with when to hold on and when to let go.

Did you have the entire series mapped out in your mind, knowing what was going to happen and how it would all end eventually?

I didn't even know what was going to happen at the end of the first book! I had an opening scene that haunted me, and I had the idea of a war with the Faerie realm, but that was it. I'm very much a "discovering" rather than "planning" sort of writer: it was by writing the Bones of Faerie books that I found out what happened. For me, that's part of the fun! (I then revise, of course, to make what I find as strong as I possibly can. It's not all about the discovery--but that is where much of my stories' energy comes from.)

Out of all the characters that came to life in the Bones of Faerie trilogy, do you have a favourite? And why?

I feel incredibly close to Liza, because we've spent so much time together (and struggled through so much together) as I told her story. Liza's incredibly strong, stronger than I am, and I admire her character so much.

Yet deep down I have a soft spot for Allie, the young healer Liza meets in the first book and who follows her through much the trilogy. I love Allie's voice, and how she's funny yet serious, and how she's filled with a sort of lightness--but also a fierce determination--in the face of all the darkness around her.

In Faerie After, the final Bones of Faerie book, Allie stops following Liza and really comes into her own.

If you could have one magical ability and still be human like Liza, Matthew or Allie, which one would you want to have?

Every time I ask myself this question, I come up with a different answer! This week I think maybe I'd like to be an animal speaker, like Kyle, or able to call up the wind like Hope. But ask me tomorrow and I'll probably say something else.

Maybe it's because I can't make up my mind that my magic's never found me? :-)

If you could pick five books and five things to have with you while stranded on a deserted island, what would you pick?

Books:
The Blue Sword (Robin McKinley)
The Arm of the Starfish (Madeleine L'Engle)
The Complete Works of Shakespeare
The Sagas of the Icelanders
Shipbuilding for Beginners

Things:
Ebook reader (for the couple thousand books that wouldn't fit above)
Solar charger
Waterproof notebook and pens
Sunhat and sunscreen
Short-wave radio with a really excellent range

Tell us a little about your current work in progress, any more visits to the realm of faerie?

I'm actually taking a break from the fey to write something closer to home: a book about endangered raven shapeshifters on a wilderness reserve in the desert Southwest. (Okay, so there are no raven shapeshifters where I live. But there are ravens and it is the desert.) Once again, I've been following the story and seeing where it leads. It's fascinating and compelling to write in a world so different from Liza's, yet with so many dangers of its own.

THANK YOU JANNI! I always love having you stop by the blog.

One lucky winner will win a pre-order of Faerie After by Janni Lee Simner.
Book will be shipped via The Book Depository, so it’s open INT as long as BD can ship to your country.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author:

Janni Lee Simner lives in the Arizona desert, where the plants know how to bite and the dandelions really do have thorns; in spite of these things--or maybe because of them--she's convinced she lives in one of the most stunning places on earth.

Janni has published three novels for young adults, Bones of Faerie, sequel Faerie Winter, and Thief Eyes. A third Bones of Faerie book, Faerie After, is due out in May 2013.

She's also published four books for younger readers, as well as more than 30 short stories, including appearances in Cricket magazine and the Welcome to Bordertown anthology.

Website | Blog | Twitter

Bout of Books 7.0

2013-05-13T19:43:00.005-04:00

If you've never participated in Bout of Books - here is a little about it:

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, May 13th and runs through Sunday, May 19th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 7.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog.

- From the Bout of Books team

Books to read:

~~Forgotten Bookmarks by Michael Popek (as long as my request comes in from the library in time)~~
Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
Wild: From Lost To Found on The Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
The Wishing Year by Noel Oxenhandler

Updates:
Monday 5/13
Number of books I've read today: 1
Total number of books I've read: 1
Books: Forgotten Bookmarks by Michael Popek
Thoughts: It was a quick and interesting read, filled with fun little papers, photos and more that were found inside old books. Next up, I'm re-reading Lord of the Flies by William Golding.

Tuesday 5/14
Number of books I've read today: 0
Total number of books I've read: 1
Books:
Thoughts:

Wednesday 5/15
Number of books I've read today: Started reading Lord of the Flies
Total number of books I've read: 1
Books:
Thoughts:

Thursday 5/16
Number of books I've read today: 0
Total number of books I've read: 1
Books:
Thoughts:

Friday 5/17
Number of books I've read today: 0
Total number of books I've read: 1
Books:
Thoughts:

Saturday 5/18
Number of books I've read today: 0
Total number of books I've read: 1
Books:
Thoughts:

Sunday 5/19
Number of books I've read today: Still working on Lord of the Flies
Total number of books I've read: 1
Books:
Thoughts:

Book Blitz: The Heiresses by Allison Rushby (& GIVEAWAY)

2013-05-12T06:00:00.000-04:00

The Heiresses by Allison Rushby

Publication date: May 7th, 2013

Publisher: St Martin's Press

Pages: 352

Genre: New Adult Historical

Buy Now: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

In Allison Rushby's Heiresses, three triplets--estranged since birth--are thrust together in glittering 1926 London to fight for their inheritance, only to learn they can’t trust anyone--least of all each other.

When three teenage girls, Thalia, Erato and Clio, are summoned to the excitement of fast-paced London--a frivolous, heady city full of bright young things--by Hestia, an aunt they never knew they had, they are shocked to learn they are triplets and the rightful heiresses to their deceased mother's fortune. All they need to do is find a way to claim the fortune from their greedy half-brother, Charles. But with the odds stacked against them, coming together as sisters may be harder than they think.

Goodreads

The Heiresses Q&A

Q. Where did you get the inspiration for The Heiresses?

A. This is extremely embarrassing, but I think it was actually from watching a Dr Phil show, years ago. I can't say too much as it will spoil the plot completely, but I saw a segment that involved a family and their genetic makeup and asked my husband (a medical specialist) about it all that evening. This led me to wondering how this family's scenario might have played out if genetic testing was not available to them, which is the case in The Heiresses, set in 1920s London.

Q. What other novels in the New Adult genre would you compare The Heiresses to?

A. I think the obvious comparison is Anna Godbersen's The Luxe series, because of the historical setting and the saga-like plot. I love all her books!

Q. What's The Heiresses about?

A. The Heiresses revolves around triplets Thalia, Erato and Clio. Estranged since birth, they are thrust together in glittering 1926 London to fight for their inheritance. They quickly learn they can't trust anyone in their new lives – least of all each other.

I had an absolute ball writing The Heiresses with all its dramatic highs and lows. I was even lucky enough to be living in Cambridge at the time, so had the advantage of being able to research in London whenever I needed to.

Q. Who are your favourite authors?

A. My very favourite author is P.G. Wodehouse. So much so that for Christmas I received the five book The Jeeves Omnibus set because I'd worn my old five book set out! Some other favourites are Stella Gibbons and anything at all Mitford.

Q. How long did it take to you to complete The Heiresses?

A. The Heiresses was a little different for me because it was contracted from only a short writing sample and a series guide. I wrote it very quickly, in under nine months (altogether, it's roughly 120,000 words). Usually I wouldn't be anywhere near this fast!

Q. What was the hardest part about writing The Heiresses?

A. The most difficult part was the historical research. Although I love to read historical books and watch documentaries and historical dramas on TV, I hadn't actually written anything historical before. When I started writing, I found myself stopping after every second sentence or so to research this point and that point. After a while, I realised I had to write on and put little 'x' signs where I needed to research and go back later to do all my research in one session, or I'd never get anywhere!

Luckily, I wrote The Heiresses while living in Cambridgeshire in the UK (I usually live in Australia), so could pop on a fast train and be in London in under an hour to research anything I liked. Being so close to London was an enormous bonus – from the London Transport Museum, to simply walking around Belgrave Square, it really brought the story to life for me. I even managed to crash the village set of Downton Abbey, which was a hugely exciting day, despite the fact that it snowed (Australians don't do snow well…)!

Q. Why New Adult?

A. I think it's just a fascinating time in life -- a time that's difficult to bridge and often scarier than any other change you've been through. You don't necessarily feel like an adult, but you have sudden adult responsibilities (working, studying in the kind of way where no-one cares if you go to classes or not, maybe being a parent if you have children early…). Everyone has a different experience and everyone deals with that experience differently. There are endless story-telling opportunities!

Q. What do you feel the major differences are between New Adult and Young Adult?

A. For me, it's all about bridging that gap between childhood and adulthood and the more I see people discuss New Adult, the more this is firmed up in my mind. I do think people focus too much on the sexual content of books when talking about the New Adult genre. For me, The Heiresses is New Adult because of how the girls deal with the sex they are having in the book (and, to be honest, there isn't a whole lot of sex) and how it changes them from girls into women, along with all the other happenings in their new lives.

Q. So much New Adult work is self-published. Is there a reason you chose the traditional publishing route?

A. The Heiresses was a bit of a different publishing experience for me as my agent approached me and mentioned St Martin's Press was actively looking for New Adult ideas that could work in serial form. I had the basis of an historical idea that I'd been thinking about for years and the timing was great as Downton Abbey (set in a similar time period) was really taking off. Thus, The Heiresses began to take shape very, very quickly. I'd love to say all my ideas pull off so easily, but unfortunately that's not quite true (I sold my first chick-lit novel out of the slush pile and agent-less in 2000 and have many a manuscript in my bottom drawer)!

Q. Most New Adult books seem to be set in college. Can you tell us more about writing historical New Adult?

A. As it happens, when I first had the idea for what would become The Heiresses (years ago), there was no such term as New Adult. The idea itself meant that the story required three 18-ish year-old heroines (they needed to be able to inherit money, be of marriageable age, live away from home and be generally young and fabulous in 1920s London etc.), so it simply happened to fall into the New Adult genre naturally. As for the world, I've always adored reading about London in the 1920s and it's a perfect fit for the New Adult genre -- the years between WWI and WWII were a very heady, unstable time to be young in England, with death looming and a 'live for the moment' motto.

Q. What are you reading at the moment?

A. I'm actually on a short New Adult/Young Adult reading break (might have gorged myself a little there) and am reading Rebecca Skloot's The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, which is absolutely fascinating and horrifying all at the same time.

Q. What are you writing now?

A. I've just finished a contemporary New Adult novel. While it's set in the present day, it's not college-based, but is about a charismatic modern artist and a young woman who becomes his muse. It's set in Paris, London and New York. My next New Adult novel will most likely be historical, though.

Q. Do you have any advice for aspiring New Adult writers?

A. Read widely and write what you'd love to read. I think it always shows if you're writing something you're excited about, rather than trying to write to a trend.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author:

Having failed at becoming a ballerina with pierced ears (her childhood dream), Allison Rushby instead began a writing career as a journalism student at The University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia. Within a few months she had slunk sideways into studying Russian. By the end of her degree she had learned two very important things: that she wasn't going to be a journalist; and that there are hundreds of types of vodka and they're all pretty good. After several years spent whining about how hard it would be to write a novel, she finally tried writing one and found it was quite an enjoyable experience. Since then, she has had nine novels published. She keeps up her education by sampling new kinds of vodka on a regular basis.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

Review & Playlist: The Forgotten Ones by Laura Howard

2013-05-06T06:00:00.000-04:00

The Forgotten Ones by Laura Howard
Publisher: self published
Published: May 15, 2013
Pages: 177
Received: ebook for honest review/blog tour
Buy Now: Amazon

Allison O'Malley's plan is to go to grad school so she can get a good job and take care of her schizophrenic mother. She has carefully closed herself off from everything else, including a relationship with Ethan, who she's been in love with for as long as she can remember.

What is definitely not part of the plan is the return of her long-lost father, who claims he can bring Allison's mother back from the dark place her mind has gone. Allison doesn't trust her father, so why would she believe his stories about a long forgotten Irish people, the Tuatha de Danaan? But truths have a way of revealing themselves. Secrets will eventually surface. And Allison must learn to set aside her plan and work with her father if there is even a small chance it could restore her mother's sanity.

Okay what drew me into this book was the fact that it dealt with both schizophrenia and faeries. I was curious how these two topics could be blended together in one book and work. Such an amazing job was done to show how Allie deals with her mother's illness, how and why she wants to take on the role of primary caregiver for her mother and then adding in the storyline involving the fae.

Allie keeps everyone outside of her bubble, not letting anyone get close to her. She spends a lot of time alone and helping to take care of her mother. She is afraid to let anyone get close, because she feels she needs to be responsible for her mom and that she won't have time for another type of relationship. She also wonders one day if she will fall to the same illness that has taken her mother from her. I think I related to Allison a lot because I saw myself in her, her quiet nature, that she prefers time with books instead of people, the she just wants to take care of those closest to her.

Now, the relationships that Allie has are all different. The one with her mom is one of frustration, devotion and love. She wants her mom back, the one she had when she was six years old and she sometimes blames herself for her mothers condition, because it started after she was born. The other aspect is love, because there is nothing that Allie wouldn't do for her mother. It's a massive pile of mixed emotions when it comes to her mom.

Then there is Ethan, the guy she has crushed on for years, but she keeps pushing him away. Afraid to get too close to him, yet wanting him to be there for her. Ethan is relentless in asking her out, trying to spend time with her and I have to give it to him for having the patience and love for Allie that he possesses. Now if only Allie can see it for herself, or perhaps I should say, if only she would let him in. “But Ethan….he was so hard to resist sometimes.”

So not only does Allie have issues in the real world, but she finds out that faeries exist and they might just have something to do with her mother's mental illness. Can you imagine first finding out faeries are real? And then to find out that her mom might be normal again if only she will let them help? I would be freaked right out. I do love how Laura Howard was able to make all of this believable for Allie, realizing that her father, Liam, might be telling the truth about helping her mom and the need to visit Tir Na Nog. So many questions are answered and make sense, even if it sounds insane to believe in the fae.

”I swallowed the truth, wondering if the fact my life had just turned into a Disney movie would be considered all right.”

”Things like schizophrenic mothers, reappearing fathers and boys with dimples didn’t exist when I ran.”

The land of Tir Na Nog was beautifully descried by Howard, everything was so vivid in my mind while reading. I always love reading about the land of fae, but this was absolutely wonderful. Also, I guess it helps that a few twists happen during Allie's time in Tir Na Nog, ones that I did not see coming and they only add to my wanting to read the next book in the trilogy that much sooner.

”The sky in Tir na n’Og was bluer than I’d ever seen it at home. It was like stepping into Oz and I was Dorothy. Everything here was richer, more vibrant than I could have imagined.”

I was blown away by this book. The ending was abrupt, but has me wanting more.... now! I cannot wait to make the trip back to Tir Na Nog. ”Does this mean you are taking me to fairy land?”

MY PLAYLIST for THE FORGOTTEN ONES!

1. Somebody That I Used To Know - Gotye (ft. Kimbra) - this is how I imagine what it would feel like to be pulled in by the faes thrall and then being let go again - like Aodhan.

2. 22 by Taylor Swift - This is what I hope will happen for Allison in the next part of the trilogy. Like her life can somehow become what it was meant to be and that she will give love a try.

3. See You Again by Carrie Underwood - this is what I imagine Allie`s mom Beth feels about Liam

4. Change Your Mind by Boyce Avenue - this is what I think Ethan would sing to Allie about giving him a chance.

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About the author:

Laura Howard lives in New Hampshire with her husband and four children. Her obsession with books began at the age of 6 when she got her first library card. Nancy Drew, Sweet Valley High and other girly novels were routinely devoured in single sittings. Books took a backseat to diapers when she had her first child. It wasn’t until the release of a little novel called Twilight, 8 years later, that she rediscovered her love of fiction. Soon after, her own characters began to make themselves known. The Forgotten Ones is her first published novel.

Blog | Twitter | Goodreads

Come visit the Popcorn Booth @ the Spring Blog Carnival!

2013-05-06T00:01:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the third annual Spring Blog Carnival, hosted by Pure Imagination, Reading Angel and Candace's Book Blog. I hope you will enjoy my booth, check out all of the other games & booths this year and have fun!

I am running the Popcorn Booth, where I'll be giving away one book of your choice from the Book Depository. It MUST be for a book turned into a movie/TV show. To enter, all you have to do is figure out the following titles - each correct answer gets you an entry into the giveaway. I've changed the words, but they mean the same. Each title will be a reworded version of a book turned movie. So good luck!

1. The Starving Contests

2. Tepid Corpses

3. Essence of 3.14159

4. Female, Disrupted

5. The Final Horned-Horse

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check out the other boohs and games at this years Spring Blog Carnival....

I'm participating in Bout of Books 7.0!

2013-05-05T20:47:00.001-04:00

Chrystal's Participation Post

I'm signing up for the Bout of Books 7.0 read-a-thon. I am really hoping to get a handful of books read during this time. I'm aiming for 5 books (maybe more if time permits).

If you've never participated in Bout of Books - here is a little about it:

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, May 13th and runs through Sunday, May 19th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 7.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog.

- From the Bout of Books team

Books to read:

Forgotten Bookmarks by Michael Popek (as long as my request comes in from the library in time)
Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
Wild: From Lost To Found on The Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
The Wishing Year by Noel Oxenhandler

Cover & Title Reveal: Book 3 of the Seraphina Parrish Trilogy by Michelle Warren

2013-05-03T01:00:00.000-04:00

Today we have VERY exciting news! We are revealing the title & cover of the third and final book in the Seraphina Parrish Trilogy by Michelle Warren. Who else is super excited??

Also, let's remember to spread the word EVERYWHERE that Wander Dust is FREE right now!!

FREE Wander Dust - Amazon.com

FREE Wander Dust - B&N.com

You can enter the Giveaway here!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter

Personal Reading Challenge: May 2013

2013-05-01T08:00:00.000-04:00

This is my Personal Reading Challenge where I have vowed to read for my own pleasure. I plan to read one YA title, one Classic, one Fiction, one Non-Fiction, one book from the 1001 Book To Read Before You Die list, and listen one audiobook each month. At the start of each month I will post my choices for each category and link up to the reviews for each as I go. This will help me get through my large TBR pile, allow me to be accountable somewhere and keep me on target. Even though I am behind on this goal... I will still be reading all of the books I've listed each month. I had hoped to read them within the month I picked them, but life got in the way. My new goal is to read them all by year end, but to still make a monthly goal with new books added.

So here are May's picks!

YA - ~~Faerie After by Janni Lee Simner~~ (REVIEW)

Classic - Lord of the Flies by William Golding

Fiction - Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

Non-Fiction - ~~Forgotten Bookmarks by Michael Popek~~

1001 - Moby Dick by Herman Melville

Audiobook - Catch-22 by Joseph Heller

Previous Months:
April
March
February
January

Cover Reveal: Follow the White Rabbit by Kellie Sheridan

2013-04-29T00:01:00.000-04:00

Follow the White Rabbit by Kellie Sheridan
Series: Beautiful Madness, #1
Publication date: May 21, 2013
Genre: YA Fantasy

For centuries, Wonderland thrived as the domain of beautiful bedlam and unapologetic madness. It was a place like no other. All it took was one girl slipping in through the cracks of the universe to start chaos spiraling toward order. In the 150 years since Alice’s visit, the realm has become tainted—almost normal. Rabbits in waistcoats and playing card minions are little more than creatures of myth, and Wonderland is literally falling to pieces.

For Gwen, Rose, and Lucky, Wonderland is home, and yet they know little of its former glory. When the Alice prophecy resurfaces, they’ll have one chance to use Wonderland’s own legends to bring a little mayhem back into their reality. For she who controls Alice controls the fate of Wonderland.
Goodreads

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About the Author:
Kellie Sheridan is a Canadian author and book blogger. When not reading books or writing, she also works with books. She is currently working with two small publishers on the marketing/publicity side of things, and is also Joan of ARCs at Spencer Hill Press. In her spare time Kellie watches way too much television and travels whenever she has the opportunity.

Kellie’s first YA novel, Mortality was released in March, and she is currently hard at work on future writing projects.

Website / Goodreads / Twitter

SPOTLIGHT & GIVEAWAYS: Surrender (The Ferryman + the Flame #1) by Rhiannon Paille

2013-04-24T19:54:00.001-04:00

SURRENDER (The Ferryman + The Flame #1)

Author: Rhiannon Paille

Cover Design: Regina Wamba of Mae I Design

Exclusively on Amazon / Kindle (don't forget to get your copy!)

How far would you go to save everything you ever loved?

Kaliel was warned about her love for the Ferryman. One day he will marry the land and leave Avristar forever. She doesn't listen, and because of what she is-- a Flame-- one of nine apocalyptic weapons, she sparks a war. In a desperate attempt to save her home and her love, Kaliel tries to awaken Avred, not knowing she may have to make the ultimate sacrifice.

My review here!

FREE: SURRENDER + JUSTICE will be FREE on April 24th and April 25th

EXCERPT

Krishani tried to turn away, escape into the courtyards, but as the dance floor cleared, Kaliel came into view. She was a vision. She wore a deep purple linen gown that clung to her body and a purple mask edged with silver tear drops. She twirled with the last of the kinfolk and her white hair danced around her. She smiled and laughed, but when she saw him, she stopped, letting her hands drop from those of the kinfolk. She nodded for them to go to the tables and ran her hands down her dress, trying to smooth out imaginary wrinkles. As the song hit a sorrowful lull she stepped towards him.

“Krishani.” She sounded surprised and confused.

Krishani searched the crowds beyond her for Benir. The scent of her was like freshly-cut herbs and grass and apples. Beautiful, he thought. Knots formed in his stomach as he longed to pull her into his embrace. He knew she would protest. “I apologize. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“It’s fine,” she said. Her eyes had a pleading look to them, like she wanted something else but couldn’t say it. Krishani thought she must have seen the Brotherhood arrive. They were intimidating with their full robes and ignorant attitudes.

Krishani let out a sigh. He knew how much it might hurt, but he couldn’t take the tension any longer. He wanted to hold her closer, to smell her hair, and to feel her body pressed up against his. “Would you . . .” he began.

She stared at him, curious, her green eyes meeting his. They were cloudy and full of despair.

Krishani let out a nervous sigh as he took her eyes in. He cleared his throat and tried again. “Would you like to dance?”

She glanced over at the kinfolk at the tables. Krishani followed her gaze. One of the elvens had her hands full with them and none of them seemed to be paying attention to her. She took a deep breath. “Aye.”

He caught her hand and pulled her into his embrace, rocking back and forth to the song. At first she was inches away from him, but as the song swelled he found himself against her tight, her head buried in his chest. It seemed so natural that everything but her faded away. Whatever the Brotherhood would say didn’t matter to him. He only hoped it was the same for her, that her kinfolk wouldn’t notice her dancing.

Krishani carefully moved his feet in a small circle as the song reached its climax. The only question he wanted to ask pounded at the front of his mind.

Why?

“I’m afraid,” she whispered as though he had spoken his thoughts aloud. Krishani wound his fingers through her hair, caressing her neck and sliding them down her back. He wanted the moment to last forever. The song neared its end, the notes dwindling down. He opened his eyes and pulled. As the last notes were struck, he twirled her under his arm once and dropped her hand.

She pulled back and took a wide step away from him. “Thank you,” she said with a wan smile.

Krishani went to speak, but she turned and fled towards the lower west wing. He looked to his right to see the elven girl staring at him with a fiery blaze. He passed it off and looked towards the exit. Benir had taken off in that direction, the Brotherhood’s table was on the other side of the fountain. He took a deep breath and walked towards the west wing, determined to face Kaliel in private.

First giveaway is tour wide and is INTERNATIONAL.

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Second giveaway is hosted on this blog and is open INTERNATIONAL.

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About the Author:

Rhi is the weird one in the red lipstick. She writes Young Adult Fantasy, Dystopian, Urban Fantasy and sometimes Contemporary. When she's not writing she's reading minds, singing karaoke, and burning www.yafantasyauthor.com
cookies. You can find her sipping iced cappucino at

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Review: Nefertiti's Heart by Anita Exley

2013-04-22T06:00:00.000-04:00

Nefertiti's Heart by Anita Exley

Published: February 14, 2013

Publisher: Curiousity Quills Press
Pages: 280
Received: for review for blog tour
Buy Now: Amazon

Cara Devon has always suffered curiosity and impetuousness, but tangling with a serial killer might cure that. Permanently.

London, 1861. Impoverished noble Cara has a simple mission after the strange death of her father - sell off his damned collection of priceless artifacts. Her plan goes awry when aristocratic beauties start dying of broken hearts, an eight inch long brass key hammered through their chests. A killer hunts amongst the nobility, searching for a regal beauty and an ancient Egyptian relic rumored to hold the key to immortality.

Her Majesty’s Enforcers are in pursuit of the murderer and they see a connection between the gruesome deaths and Cara. So does she, somewhere in London her father hid Nefertiti’s Heart, a fist sized diamond with strange mechanical workings. Adding further complication to her life, notorious crime lord, Viscount Nathaniel Lyons is relentless in his desire to lay his hands on Cara and the priceless artifact. If only she could figure out his motive.

Self-preservation fuels Cara's search for the gem. In a society where everyone wears a mask to hide their true intent, she needs to figure out who to trust, before she makes a fatal mistake.

(Goodreads)

This is a great introduction to the steampunk genre if you haven't read any yet. The one thing I will say is that it is geared towards adults due to the content.

I loved that it had steampunk technology, Egyptian mythology, romance and action all mixed into one. The main character is strong and resilient. Cara Devon has faced quite a lot of trauma and abuse in her past, but she is a survivor. During a time when she should have been debuting with her fellow debutantes, she was being given over as payment for gambling debts her father owed. The abuse and horrifying experiences of her past still haunt her, but have made her a stronger woman who doesn't take crap from anyone. It also makes her shield her emotions and not let her heart be open to love.

Viscount Lyons happens to be a sexy, cunning and persistent admirer, though Cara is determined he is after her fathers antiquities and not her assets. Their relationship is beautifully written, with just the right amount of give and take. Nate pushes her beyond her own boundaries and Cara is as stubborn as ever, but somehow it all works.

"She didn't have butterflies in her stomach, she had unicorns. They ran in circles and charged her insides with their horns, gouging her as they rampaged." (On her reaction to Lord Lyons).

Cara has one heck of a time figuring out who to trust, how to find the hidden treasures her father left behind, how to control her new found emotions and trying to keep herself safe.

Between the budding romance, the mystery of finding the serial killer at large and learning the history of these artifacts, you will be on quite a journey with Cara.

About the Author:

Books and writing have always been an enormous part of my life. I survived school by hiding out in the library, with several thousand fictional characters for company. At university, I overcame the boredom of studying accountancy by squeezing in Egyptology papers and learning to read hieroglyphics.

Today, I write steampunk novels with a sexy edge and an Egyptian twist. I live in rural New Zealand surrounded by an assortment of weird and wonderful equines, felines, canine and homicidal chickens.

Blog | Twitter | Facebook

COVER REVEAL: Pretty When She Destroys by Rhiannon Frater

2013-04-17T00:01:00.000-04:00

Pretty When She Destroys by Rhiannon Frater
Series: Pretty When She Dies #3
Publication date: July 23, 2013
Genre: NA Horror/Urban Fantasy

Synopsis:

Amaliya Vezorak always believed she was destined to live a failed life in obscurity until she was brutally murdered by an ancient vampire named The Summoner and reborn as a powerful vampire necromancer. Now it is up to her to save the world…
(Goodreads)

Pretty When She Dies Series

About the author:

Rhiannon Frater is the award-winning author of the As the World Dies trilogy (The First Days, Fighting to Survive, Siege,) and the author of three other books: the vampire novels Pretty When She Dies and The Tale of the Vampire Bride and the young-adult zombie novel The Living Dead Boy and the Zombie Hunters. Inspired to independently produce her work from the urging of her fans, she published The First Days in late 2008 and quickly gathered a cult following. She won the Dead Letter Award back-to-back for both The First Days and Fighting to Survive, the former of which the Harrisburg Book Examiner called ‘one of the best zombie books of the decade.’ Rhiannon is currently represented by Hannah Gordon of the Foundry + Literary Media agency. You may contact her by sending an email to rhiannonfrater@gmail.com.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

Spotlight: A Privilege: The Angel Chronicles Book 3 by Amy Lignor & GIVEAWAY!

2013-04-16T07:30:00.000-04:00

A Privilege: The Angel Chronicles, Book 3 by Amy Lignor

The beloved Angel/Warrior team face pure evil in their final climactic story!

The first time they were sent down, Irish lives were led. Emily, the angel, ended up embedded in murder and lost in the realm of true love. While Matthew, the warrior, took over a life that left blood on his hands and anger in his soul.

With their second coming, Emily found herself facing an oncoming war that brought her to the shores of America. While Matthew tried desperately to unveil the evil character of a young man who was intent on locking his partner in a ‘gilded’ cage.

Now...Emily and Matthew find that their lives are all their own. Yet, all the memories, hatred, longing and regret have come hand-in-hand with this newfound freedom.

In small town U.S.A., Matthew finds himself loving his new life. From his military school existence to a new, ‘odd’ friend who’s arrived in town, Matthew’s looking forward to graduation and heading off into a brilliant future with Emily by his side.

Emily wants nothing more than to hide. Although doing her best to fit in, she lives a life on the edge, wondering when her past love with reappear to either forgive or seek revenge on the angel who let him down. Battling the shadows that seem to be breaking her soul in two, Emily soon discovers that her small, quiet town has a secret that’s beyond dangerous...

As she and Matthew join forces to help a ‘haunted’ victim, they open the door on a mystery neither of them can believe. A true villain has returned from the past, and not even their heavenly family will be able to save them. This time they’re on their own, as they face a fight that could lead them straight to Hell…and end the angel/warrior team forever.

Excerpt

Without a word, Matthew reached out, took Emily by the hand and pulled her down beside him. He looked into her eyes and smiled. “I knew my Emily was still in there.”

Out of the blue, the room became incredibly hot, as if Gabriel had entered in order to give a lesson to his favorite students. “What?”

“That spark.” He pulled Emily’s face closer before she could push herself away. “You’ve been acting all this time like you’re just here to sit and wait it out until you’re lucky enough to go Home. But you’re still in there, Emily. You still have all that energy and belief in there and you want to do something. That’s the partner I know.”

Shaking her head, Emily listened to her own breathing intensify as she stared at his full lips and wondered why she felt so completely and utterly strange...vulnerable even. “I want to help this girl. This is a job, maybe my only job down here. She saw a ghost and she wants me to help her out, that’s all.”

“And you will.” Matthew captured Emily’s lips, and she could no longer feel the breath in her lungs. Completely different than the one kiss they’d shared up above so long ago, this one was far more demanding, as if Matthew was a young man determined to kiss his human love for the very first time.

Sitting back, Emily practically jumped off the bed.

“I’m sorry,” she heard him whisper behind her. “I guess I was just excited to see you again.”

Not trusting her voice, she remained silent.

“We have jobs, but we also have a life to live. Our own lives this time around. Maybe you should think about adding that into your angelic plans.” Matthew continued softly, “Jason isn’t here, Emily.”

The name being said out loud sent a chill down Emily’s spine. It reminded her of the vow she’d made a long time ago—a vow that an angel couldn’t break.

She cleared her throat. “It doesn’t matter if he’s here. We were sent to do a job, and maybe helping this little girl prove her story is what I need to begin.”

Standing up, Matthew looked as if he was a man who wanted nothing more than to turn back the clock and erase the name he’d spoken aloud. He walked to the open window. “Well, I hope the job goes well. Good luck with it.”

“Matthew,” Emily took a step toward him. “Don’t leave like this.”

He nodded at the book on the bed. “You have your mission, Emily...your job. Ghosts, goblins, lost souls—knock yourself out.” He took a deep breath. “I wonder when you’re going to figure out that the living souls around you would like some of your attention as well.”

Closing her eyes, Emily shed silent tears as she heard his feet hit the ground beneath her window. A friend, a partner, the one who actually listened, was now just an angry young man racing back to The Armory—a place where warriors reigned.

Emily sighed. She’d done it again. No matter how hard she tried to be good, her mouth always got her into trouble. She needed Matthew to understand. She’d made a promise to a young man a long time ago; a promise that was supposed to last for eternity. How was she to know at the time that their eternity would include death by her hand?

Had the second time around broken their vow? Emily had no idea. But whatever happened she could not and would not offer Matthew her heart if payment was still due for her past sins. Above all, Matthew was the last person who deserved to be punished for her mistakes.

About the Author:

Amy Lignor began her career at Grey House Publishing in northwest Connecticut where she was the Editor-in-Chief of numerous educational and business directories.

Now she is a published author of several works of fiction. The Billy the Kid historical The Heart of a Legend; the thriller, Mind Made; and the adventure novel, Tallent & Lowery 13.

She is also the owner of The Write Companion, a company that offers help and support to writers through a full range of editorial services from proofreading and copyediting to ghostwriting and research. As the daughter of a research librarian, she is also an active book reviewer.

Currently, she lives with her daughter, mother and a rambunctious German Shepherd named Reuben, in the beautiful state of New Mexico.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Books 1 and 2 are now 99 cents on Kindle!

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Top Ten Tuesday REWIND

2013-04-16T06:00:00.000-04:00

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish.
Each week they will post a new fun Top Ten list topic so we can all get to know one another.

Top Ten Tuesday REWIND
Top Ten Favourite Book Blogs

1. Giraffe Days - I love this blog because it is an eclectic mix of genres. I always find something interesting to add to my wishlist.

2. Book'd Out - Another eclectic mix of genres. I'm doing the Eclectic Reader Challenge on this site.

3. Fiktshun - A mostly YA blog. Well written reviews and discussions.

4. Smash Attack Reads - I always love the way the reviews are written.

5. Book Chick City - This is a go to for urban fantasy, paranormal romance and horror.

6. The Perpetual Page-Turner - mostly Ya, fun and engaging discussions and reviews.

7. The Bookish Brunette - One of my fave bloggers to chat with on Twitter, always having great Zombie book suggestion ready, and someone I know will say exactly what she thinks.

8. A Novel Idea! - beautiful layout (can't stop checking this one out) and another eclectic mix.

9. Pure Imagination - another YA blogger that I've just discovered and love.

10. Book Wookie - Like the tagline says -brutally honest book reviews.

I have a few others that are faves - Stitch Read Cook (for historical romances and romances of most genres), Rabid Reads (mostly UF, PNR, and YA) and Just A Lil' Lost (mostly YA mixed with adult fiction).

How do you organize your books?

2013-04-14T11:00:00.000-04:00

Since my move in January, I've been thinking about all of the ways to organize my books.
So many choices. So I thought I'd do a walk down memory lane and a post about some fun options to organize!

How my bookcases looked in our old apartment - feature Bookcase of the Week at All About {n}.


I miss this bookcase - it's now in my living room with treasures on it.

I found an interesting article here with 9 Ways to Organize Books and I realized I do most of them, not just one.

Also this fun post, if you are into styling your house (like a decorator) - 7 Ways To Stack 7 Books.

And then this fun post by Epic Reads called Shades of YA!

So how do you organize your books?

I have a feeling I will be reorganizing my books this weekend.

Stacking The Shelves (31)

2013-04-13T08:00:00.000-04:00

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews!

FOR REVIEW

Thank you Simon & Schuster Canada!

FOR BLOG TOUR/REVIEW

What did you get?

Review: We Bought A Zoo - Benjamin Mee

2013-04-12T09:00:00.000-04:00

We Bought A Zoo – Benjamin Mee

Publisher: Weintsein Books

Published: September 9, 2008

Pages: 261

Received: borrowed audiobook from library

Buy Book: Amazon | Book Depository

Buy Movie: Amazon

In the tradition of "Marley & Me" comes an unforgettable memoir about the mysteries of the animal kingdom, the power of family, and the triumph of hope over tragedy in this chronicle of the Mee family's purchase of the Dartmoor Wildlife Park, a dilapidated zoo in the English countryside. (Goodreads)

I listened to the audiobook version and found that I did not pay as much attention as I would have liked to due to the narrator and perhaps the way the story was written. However, I do know that the book is much different than the movie portrays, especially when it comes to dealing with his wife's illness, their finances, etc. I really wanted to love this book, I mean they bought a zoo, dealt with emotional issues and had to deal with all of the animals. I thought it would have a lot more emotion to it.

I found the parts of the books that I was most interested in were the anecdotes with the animals and a little about the change in his wife's health. I think that I was expecting the story to be a lot more about the zoo and animals than about bills and such. It was touching for him to share the story of his wife's illness, the changes in their family dynamic, and the challenges along the way - but I think I was expecting it to be written differently, perhaps it was too journalistic/factual? I think I was just expecting something different than what I got.

Honestly, I wonder if I had read the book instead of listening the audio version, I might have enjoyed it more. I did really enjoy the movie, which is unusual for me... normally I love the book more.

“You know, sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it.”

If you've read the book, seen the movie or both, I would love to read your comments.

Find other bloggers reviews here:

-Jennifer

-Booking In Heels

-Library Girl Reads & Reviews

Enter the "Who Was Dracula?" Fanfiction Competiton by Tarcher/Penguin

2013-04-10T21:52:00.001-04:00

Tarcher/Penguin announces the

WHO WAS DRACULA?

Fanfiction Competition

Tarcher/Penguin announced today the launch of the WHO WAS DRACULA? Fanfiction Competition to celebrate the much-anticipated new book from LA Times bestselling author, Jim Steinmeyer (THE LAST GREATEST MAGICIAN IN THE WORLD, CHARLES FORT). The winner of the competition will be rewarded with a 16GB iPad Mini and a signed copy of the book!

Steinmeyer’s work has been praised by the likes of author Neil Gaiman, who called Steinmeyer’s “combination of enthusiasm and erudition a joy,” to Teller (of Penn and Teller) who said he “writes about events a century ago as vividly as if he had been there.”

In the spirit of bringing new life to classic characters, Tarcher’s WHO WAS DRACULA? fanfiction competition will reward the best adaptation (fitting into the provided guidelines) of Dracula’s creation story with an iPad Mini and a signed hardcover copy of WHO WAS DRACULA? Bram Stoker’s Trail of Blood by Jim Steinmeyer.

There is no fee for entry, though reading the book is encouraged.

Guidelines for the WHO WAS DRACULA? Fanfiction Competition

Email a vignette of 800-1000 words to tarcherpublicity@us.penguingroup.com by no later than April 11^th.
Title of the vignette must be “WHO WAS DRACULA?”
Story must include at least two (or more) of these five people who appear in WHO WAS DRACULA?: Oscar Wilde, Walt Whitman, Henry Irving, Bram Stoker, or Count Dracula
Story must also incorporate at least two (or more) facts from the WHO WAS DRACULA? fact sheet found here.

ABOUT THE BOOK

In more than a century of vampires in pop culture, only one lord of the night truly stands out: Dracula. the infamous character—first introduced to the general public in Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel of the same name—has grown to such a level of popularity over the years that it has spawned limitless reinventions in books and film.

But where did literature’s undead icon come from? What sources inspired Stoker to craft a monster who would continue to haunt our dreams (and desires) for generations? Historian Jim Steinmeyer explores a question that has long fascinated literary scholars and the general public alike: Was there a real-life inspiration for Stoker’s Count?

Hunting through archives and letters, literary and theatrical history, and the relationships and events that gave shape to Stoker’s life, Steinmeyer reveals the people and stories behind the Transylvanian legend. In doing so, he shows how Stoker drew on material from the careers of literary contemporaries Walt Whitman and Oscar Wilde; reviled personas such as Jack the Ripper and the infamous fifteenth-century prince Vlad Tepes, as well as little-known but significant figures, including Stoker’s onetime boss, British stage star Henry Irving.

Along the way, Steinmeyer depicts Stoker’s life in Dublin and London, his development as a writer, involvement with London’s vibrant theater scene, and creation of one of horror’s greatest masterpieces. Combining historical detective work with literary research, Steinmeyer’s eagle eye provides an enthralling tour through Victorian culture and the extraordinary literary monster it produced.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JIM STEINMEYER is one of today’s most renowned historians of stage magic. He is the author of The Glorious Deception and Hiding the Elephant, a Los Angeles Times bestseller. He is also a leading designer of magic illusion who ahs done work for television, Broadway, and many of the best-known names in modern magic. He lives in Los Angeles and can be found online at www.jimsteinmeyer.com.

If you are looking for more info on the book WHO WAS DRACULA? feel free to check out my review here.

RULES

Enter for the opportunity to win:

Grand Prize: an iPad Mini (Approximate Retail Value (“ARV”): $329.00) and an autographed copy of Who Was Dracula? Bram Stoker’s Trail of Blood by Jim Steinmeyer. (ARV: $26.95) Total ARV of Grand Prize: $355.95.

Second Prize: A copy of Who Was Dracula? Bram Stoker’s Trail of Blood (ARV: $26.95)

To enter, email tarcherpublicity@us.penguingroup.com a short fanfiction story of 800-1000 words, incorporating two characters from Who Was Dracula? Bram Stoker’s Trail of Blood by Jim Steinmeyer. The title of the fanfiction must be “Who Was Dracula?”

No purchase necessary.

Open to residents of the fifty United States, and the District of Columbia, age 18 or older.

Contest begins April 4, 2013. Entries must be received no later than April 24, 2013 11.59:59 PM Eastern Time (ET).

On or about May 1, 2013, two (2) winners will be selected by a qualified panel of judges chosen by Sponsor. Entries will be judged on writing skill and incorporation of two characters from Who Was Dracula? Bram Stoker’s Trail of Blood, with equal weight being given to each criterion. The decisions of the Sponsor with respect to the selection of the winners, and in regard to all matters relating to this Contest, shall be final and binding. Winners will be notified via email and/or telephone.

Void where prohibited by law.

For full Official Rules, go to http://bit.ly/Dracu1a

Library Books Reading Challenge 2013

2013-04-07T09:48:00.002-04:00

The Library Books Reading Challenge 2013 is hosted by Book Dragon's Lair

I have signed up for the Adult level of 36 books! EEK!

Breakfast At Tiffnay's by Truman Capote
Witches: The Absolutely True Tale of Disaster is Salem by Rosalyn Schnzer
We Bought A Zoo by Benjamin Mee (audio)
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (audio)
My Ideal Bookshelf by Thessaly La Force & Jane Mount
Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins (audio)
Undead and Unstable by MaryJanice Davidson
1984 by George Orwell (audio)
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (audio)
The Raft by S.A. Bodeen
Burn For Burn by Jenny Han & Siobhan Vivian (audio)
Forgotten Bookmarks by Michael Popek

Stacking the Shelves (30)

2013-04-06T14:47:00.003-04:00

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews!

FROM LIBRARY

That's what I received this week. What did you get?

My love/hate relationship with audiobooks.

2013-04-05T08:00:00.000-04:00

I have to admit that I have a love/hate relationship with audiobooks. I enjoy listening to books this way so that I can work on my blog, clean my house and more. It's an easy way to still read while accomplishing other tasks.

My only problem with audiobooks is: the narrators. Sometimes you listen to an audiobook that has a narrator who draws you into the story and you just can't pause it at all for anything and others you barely pay attention to the story until next thing you know that CD is over and you have no idea what happened after the first five minutes.

How is it that a narrator can make such a huge difference? Would you have enjoyed the story if you had read it in print format instead of listening to it with a horrible/monotone narrator?

This happened to me recently and I'll have a review post up about the one that I listened to recently and hardly paid attention too (after I watch the movie adaptation for comparison).

I will say that I have found a few narrators that I love... recently I've listened to Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins, narrated by Carolyn McCormick. Carolyn has a wonderful voice for narrating by putting feeling into the words and changing her voice for certain characters' voices.

Do you have any favourite narrators? Favourite audiobooks I should check out? Where do you get your audiobooks from?

I mostly borrow them from the library, though I found a few in my Mom's room during my last visit to see my Dad and I might see if I can borrow them sometime (I did sneak Twilight though). I also noticed that my library has the ability to loan audiobooks online (might have to check this out).

Review: Who Was Dracula? by Jim Steinmeyer

2013-04-04T12:31:00.000-04:00

Who Was Dracula? Bram Stoker's Trail of Blood by Jim Steinmeyer

Published: April 4, 2013

Publisher: Tarcher

Pages: 318

Received ARC for honest review from publisher

Buy Now: Amazon | Book Depository

An acclaimed historian sleuths out literature’s most famous vampire, uncovering the source material – from folklore and history, to personas including Oscar Wilde and Walt Whitman – behind Bram Stoker’s bloody creation.

In more than a century of vampires in pop culture, only one lord of the night truly stands out: Dracula. Though the name may conjure up images of Bela Lugosi lurking about in a cape and white pancake makeup in the iconic 1931 film, the character of Dracula—a powerful, evil Transylvanian aristocrat who slaughters repressed Victorians on a trip to London—was created in Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel of the same name, a work so popular it has spawned limitless reinventions in books and film.
But where did literature’s undead icon come from? What sources inspired Stoker to craft a monster who would continue to haunt our dreams (and desires) for generations? Historian Jim Steinmeyer, who revealed the men behind the myths in The Last Greatest Magician in the World, explores a question that has long fascinated literary scholars and the reading public alike: Was there a real-life inspiration for Stoker’s Count Dracula?

Hunting through archives and letters, literary and theatrical history, and the relationships and events that gave shape to Stoker’s life, Steinmeyer reveals the people and stories behind the Transylvanian legend. In so doing, he shows how Stoker drew on material from the careers of literary contemporaries Walt Whitman and Oscar Wilde; reviled personas such as Jack the Ripper and the infamous fifteenth-century prince Vlad Tepes, as well as little-known but significant figures, including Stoker’s onetime boss, British stage star Henry Irving, and Theodore Roosevelt’s uncle, Robert Roosevelt (thought to be a model for Van Helsing).

Along the way, Steinmeyer depicts Stoker’s life in Dublin and London, his development as a writer, involvement with London’s vibrant theater scene, and creation of one of horror’s greatest masterpieces. Combining historical detective work with literary research, Steinmeyer’s eagle eye provides an enthralling tour through Victorian culture and the extraordinary literary monster it produced.

I thought this book would be more about Dracula, but it seems to be more about the author, Bram Stoker. It focuses on Bram and the inspirations all around him that may have formed his dark and devilish character, Dracula.

I found it to be very interesting and filled with some amazing people and periods in history. Honestly, I had no idea who Henry Irving was, but he was one of the most influential people in Bram's life. The people who did interest me were Walt Whitman and Oscar Wilde - people who Bram was in awe of and looked up to. Also, there are references to other stories, like Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

Vlad Tepes was an obvious influence that I had already known about, but Jack the Ripper was one that I did not see coming. The entire chapter about the Ripper was fascinating, as it delved into the murders, the areas surrounding Whitechapel and the suspect who got away.

It seems to me that Stoker, may have taken characteristics from many of the above noted people in his life, whether he did it knowingly or not, we'll never really know. Each chapter seems to explain how he knows them, what characteristics they each share with his most well-known character and how their friendships evolved.

There was a wonderful chapter that pretty much breaks down the entire novel of Dracula. If you are looking to learn more about the author or the influences for Dracula himself, this might be the book for you.

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