Thursday, July 28, 2011

Follow Friday (12)

Welcome to Follow Friday Hosted By Parajunkee.com andAlisoncanread.com


This weeks question:

Q. Let's step away from books for a second and get personal. What T-Shirt slogan best describes you?


That’s an easy one for me


I Can’t wait to read everyone’s shirts!
Happy Friday
~Rebecca

Review: Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast by Robin McKinley

Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast

Description


This much-loved retelling of the classic French tale Beauty and the Beastelicits the familiar magical charm, but is more believable and complex than the traditional story. In this version, Beauty is not as beautiful as her older sisters, who are both lovely and kind. Here, in fact, Beauty has no confidence in her appearance but takes pride in her own intelligence, her love of learning and books, and her talent in riding. She is the most competent of the three sisters, which proves essential when they are forced to retire to the country because of their father's financial ruin.
 
The plot follows that of the renowned legend: Beauty selflessly agrees to inhabit the Beast's castle to spare her father's life. Beauty's gradual acceptance of the Beast and the couple's deepening trust and affection are amplified in novel form. Robin McKinley's writing has the flavor of another century, and Beauty heightens the authenticity as a reliable and competent narrator.
 
This was McKinley's first book, written almost 20 years ago. Since that time she has been awarded the Newbery Medal for The Hero and the Crown and has delighted her fans with another retelling of the Beauty and the Beast fable, Rose Daughter. Still, McKinley's first novel has a special place in the hearts of her devoted readers, many of whom attest to relishing Beauty time and again. (Goodreads)
 

Book Details

Genre: YA, Fantasy
Mass Market Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: HarperTeen 
Published: July 26, 2005
ISBN-10: 0060753102
ISBN-13: 978-0060753108
Source: Purchased

Review


Robin Mckinley books have always been very hit or miss with me. But one book that I love from her and have probably read five times since high school ended is Beauty. reading Beauty is like coming home to my momma’s comfort food after  a horrible day. You just know reading it is going to make your life well… a little more beautiful.

A have always enjoyed the story of Beauty and the Beast. In this version it goes back to Beauty having sisters as in the original tale. what I love about Mckinley’s version of this is that the sisters are not wicked, they love one another. I never understood why they always had to be mean in every other version I read with sisters. The family as a whole truly loves each other. Also from the old tale the rose comes into play in wonderful ways, but I will let you read that.

Beauty, the main character did not start of physically beautiful at all. She is a great strong, smart, young woman. Reading her grow into herself and her interactions with her family, and the Beast was a joy. By the end of the book you know why she is named Beauty.

The writing, world building, and characters in this magical fantasy world flow from one page to the next. I love this book.

Happy Reading,
Rebecca

    5 moons
5 moons: I absolutely loved it, and will be looking into everything this author writes.

Recommended for

11 and up

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday (12)

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

My Pick This Week

All Good Children

Description


“Living with hope is like rubbing up against a cheese grater. It keeps taking slices off you until there’s so little left, you just crumble.”


Quick-witted, prank-pulling graffiti artist Maxwell Connors is more observant than the average New Middletown teenager. And he doesn’t like what he sees. New Middletown’s children are becoming frighteningly obedient, and their parents and teachers couldn’t be happier. As Max and his friend Dallas watch their classmates transform into model citizens, Max wonders if their only hope of freedom lies in the unknown world beyond New Middletown’s walls, where creativity might be a gift instead of a liability.(Goodreads)

Book Details

Genre: YA
Length: 312 pages
Publisher: Orca Book Publishers
Release Date: October 1, 2011
ISBN-10: 1554698243
ISBN-13: 978-1554698240

Why I’m Waiting


I found this on the LibraryThing advance reader giveaway and loved the idea of a serious Stepford Wives-ish take on teenage existence, because didn't we all feel that way anyway? I really like that it is not only a fight for individuality and personal rights, but Max is trying to save his little sister. I really enjoy books with siblings that love each other, fighting the establishment and adventure with little hopes of survival : ) 
 
If you are interested, Cahterine Austin is also giving out two ARC's on her Goodreads page.
 
So what are you waiting for this week?
~Kelly

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Early Review: Ward Against Death (Chronicles of a Reluctant Necromancer #1) by Melanie Card

Ward Against Death (Chronicles of a Reluctant Necromancer, # 1)

Description


Twenty-year-old Ward de’Ath expected this to be a simple job—bring a nobleman’s daughter back from the dead for fifteen minutes, let her family say good-bye, and launch his fledgling career as a necromancer. Goddess knows he can’t be a surgeon—the Quayestri already branded him a criminal for trying—so bringing people back from the dead it is.

But when Ward wakes the beautiful Celia Carlyle, he gets more than he bargained for. Insistent that she’s been murdered, Celia begs Ward to keep her alive and help her find justice. By the time she drags him out her bedroom window and into the sewers, Ward can’t bring himself to break his damned physician’s Oath and desert her.

However, nothing is as it seems—including Celia. One second, she’s treating Ward like sewage, the next she’s kissing him. And for a nobleman’s daughter, she sure has a lot of enemies. If he could just convince his heart to give up on the infuriating beauty, he might get out of this alive… (Goodreads)

Book Details

Genre: YA, Paranormal
Paperback: 292 pages
Publisher: Entangled Publishing, LLC
Release Date: August 2, 2011  
ISBN-10: 1937044092
ISBN-13: 978-1937044091

Source: NetGalley/ Publisher

Review


Ward Against Death is amazing! One of the main characters Ward, is a  necromancer with power he has no idea he has. While the other main character Celia, is a kick-ass assassin. The main villain (yes there is more than one bad guy in this) has the kiss of death. 

You know the person that got made fun of in high school for ALWAYS having to do the right thing? Well, that is Ward. He is so good-hearted that he risks his own life trying to save a dead girl…Yeah read the book and that last sentence will make sense. Then after sort of saving said dead girl, because of rules he follows he wont allow himself to love her. GRRRR… I wanted to kick Ward a few times. I did actually love how courageous Ward is throughout the book.

Celia is everything that Ward is not and I so want to be her. She is the beautiful nobleman's daughter who just so happens to be able to beat the ever loving crap out of you, and you don’t stand a chance if she can get her hands on a knife.

Melanie Card did a wonderful job working Ward and Celia’s personalities off one another. Together they would make the perfect person. I also loved the world building in Ward Against Death, and the mystery that is built around Celia’s death. It kept my interest at every turn.

Happy Reading,
Rebecca    

 4 moons
4 moons: I loved it. It's reread worthy.

Recommended For

Older Teens and up: Light language, kissing, some sexual situations.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

In My Mailbox 7/24/2011

100_2601

In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren.
This quick vlog post about the books we received this week. Enjoy!


The books mentioned in this post are below. Click on the Book image to go to there Goodreads page for more info.

Heart of IronForbidden (The Books of Mortals, #1)The Girl of Fire and Thorns (Fire and Thorns, #1)

Maybe this small IMM will help us get caught up on our reading… Yeah I don’t believe it either. Winking smile

So what books did you get this week?
Happy Reading,
Kelly and Rebecca

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Follow Friday (11)

Welcome to Follow Friday Hosted By Parajunkee.com and Alisoncanread.com

This weeks question:

Q. Name 3 authors that you would love to sit down and spend an hour or a meal with just talking about either their books or get advice on writing from?


Hmm this is hard I think I will go with the authors of the last three books I loved.

First: Diana Rowland, author of My Life as a With Trash Zombie (my review)
Diana Rowland
Second: Jon Skovron, author of Misfit. (my review)
Jon Skovron
Third: Mike Mullin, author of Ashfall. (my review) 
Mike Mullin


So that’s who I’m pretend having lunch with. How about you?
~Rebecca

Early Review: Paradise 21 by Aubrie Dionne

Paradise 21

Description


Aries has lived her entire life aboard mankind's last hope, the New Dawn, a spaceship traveling toward a planet where mankind can begin anew- a planet that won't be reached in Aries' lifetime. As one of the last genetically desirable women in the universe,she must marry her designated genetic match and produce the next generation for this centuries long voyage.

But Aries has other plans.


When her desperate escape from the New Dawn strands her on a desert planet, Aries discovers rumors about pirates - humans who have escaped her before its demise - are true. Handsome, genetically imperfect Striker possess the freedom Aries' envies, and the two connect on a level she never thought possible. But pursued by her match from above and hunted by the planet's native inhabitants, Aries quickly learns freedom will come at a hefty price.

The life of the man she loves. (Goodreads)

Book Details

Title: Paradise 21
Author: Aubrie Dionne
Genre: Sci-Fi Romance
Length: Novel – 247 pages
Release Date: August 2011
ePub ISBN: 978-1-937044-02-2
Print ISBN: 978-1-937044-03-9
Source:NetGalley/ Publisher


Review


What would you do if your entire life had been decided for you? Would you run, even if there was a big chance that running meant your death? Is death better than a life of personal prison? These are the decisions Aries has to make in Paradise 21. 

Aries has done everything expected of her all her life. But what nobody knows is that she doesn’t really buy into the program she was raised to believe in. She will now risk anything to escape. I liked Aries character. She was strong, smart, and compassionate. I did have one problem with Aries…How fast she fell for Striker. Yes, Striker is super hot. Yes, they are on a desert planet fighting monstrous creatures, but it just seemed a little fast to me. I did love their chemistry though, it drove me crazy.

Striker was a great character though a bit finicky at times with Aries. I loved that he and his crew were space pirates. Love me some pirates! I enjoyed the sort of Robin Hood feel you got from Striker as you watched him wanting to save his people. Even though pirates are supposed  to be villains. Striker wants to give those who have nothing a better life.

This was a fun, action packed sci-fi read, and overall I enjoyed it.

Happy Reading,
Rebecca

3 moons
3 moons: I liked it.

Recommended For


Older Teen and Up: There is some violence, language, and light medical procedure. Very light sexual content.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday (11)

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

My Pick This Week

The Girl of Fire and Thorns (Fire and Thorns, #1)

Description


Once a century, one person is chosen for greatness.

Elisa is the chosen one.

But she is also the younger of two princesses, the one who has never done anything remarkable. She can’t see how she ever will.

Now, on her sixteenth birthday, she has become the secret wife of a handsome and worldly king—a king whose country is in turmoil. A king who needs the chosen one, not a failure of a princess.

And he’s not the only one who seeks her. Savage enemies seething with dark magic are hunting her. A daring, determined revolutionary thinks she could be his people’s savior. And he looks at her in a way that no man has ever looked at her before. Soon it is not just her life, but her very heart that is at stake.

Elisa could be everything to those who need her most. If the prophecy is fulfilled. If she finds the power deep within herself. If she doesn’t die young.

Most of the chosen do. (Goodreads)

Book Details

Genre: YA, Fantasy
Hardcover: 432 pages
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Release Date: September 20, 2011
ISBN-10: 0062026488
ISBN-13: 978-0062026484

Why I’m Waiting


Oh that’s easy who doesn’t want to be the chosen one? The one person who has the power to save everything… just as soon as they figure out how to make their awesomeness work. I can’t wait to get my hands on this book! I love strong women who have to learn they are strong.

So what are you waiting for?
~Rebecca

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Review: Napier's Bones by Derryl Murphy

Napier's Bones

Description


What if, in a world where mathematics could be magic, the thing you desired most was also trying to kill you? Dom is a numerate, someone able to see and control numbers and use them as a form of magic. While seeking a mathematical item of immense power that has only been whispered about, it all goes south for Dom, and he finds himself on the run across three countries on two continents, with two unlikely companions in tow and a numerate of unfathomable strength hot on his tail. Along the way are giant creatures of stone and earth, statues come alive, numerical wonders cast over hundreds of years, and the very real possibility that he won't make it out of this alive. And both of his companions have secrets so deep that even they aren't aware of them, and one of those secrets could make for a seismic shift in how Dom and all other numerates see and interact with the world. (Goodreads)

Book Details

Genre: Science Fiction
Paperback: 300 pages
Publisher: ChiZine Publications
Published: March 29, 2011
ISBN-10: 1926851099
ISBN-13: 978-1926851099
Source: NetGalley/ Publisher

Review


Dom and Jenna are just like everyone else if we could all see numbers and formule and control them, as well as having Dan Brownish adventures and trying to save the world or numerate ecology as they know it.
 
I am not a math person and I had never heard of John Napier until this book. I know, take a few minutes to let the shock wear off. For everyone else like me, John Napier was a Scottish mathematician and discovered the logarithm (xy=x+y yada yada) and made the use of the decimal common. He also created “Napier’s Bones”, essentially a fancy abacus made with rods. In our story he didn’t make it with rods, but with his fingers, creepy. It would also give him the power to control the world with numbers, if he was alive, which he is kinda. John Napier is one of many “numerates”, people who can see and control numbers, and he is an especially powerful one that left his “shadow” in various items, so that he can use another numerate as a host and eventually regain his abacus and corporal body.
 
Dom ends up with Billy the adjunct, a shadow using his body as host, and Jenna, whose numerate mother abandoned her. There is an attraction between Dom and Jenna, but it’s never fully explored. There is quite a bit in the book that is never explored below face value: Dom’s past, the relationship between Jenna and her mother and the numerate world. The author touches on these things as well as a dialogue with Jenna’s mother and the shadows living inside of her, but seems to abandon that train of thought for more action.
 
Overall, the characters needed more depth and the math world was too confusing for me, no matter how much the author tried to explain it. I never got lost in the book. It was like eating cake without frosting; good, but not the full experience.
 
Happy Endings,
Kelly
 
2 moons
2 moons: It was ok.
 

Recommended For

I recommend this book for Adults and Mathletes.
There is some violence, cussing, Dom wants to sleep with Jenna, so some sexual thoughts.

Monday, July 18, 2011

Early Review: Misfit by Jon Skovron

Misfit


Description


Jael Thompson has never really fit in. She’s changed schools too many times to count. The only family she’s ever known is her father, a bitter ex-priest who never lets her date and insists she attend the strictest Catholic school in Seattle. And her mother—well, she was a five thousand year old demon. That doesn’t exactly help.
But on her sixteenth birthday, her father gives her a present that brings about some unexpected changes. Some of the changes, like strange and wonderful powers and the cute skater boy with a knack for science, are awesome. But others, like the homicidal demon seeking revenge on her family? Not so much.
Steeped in mythology, this is an epic tale of a heroine who balances old world with new, science with magic, and the terrifying depths of the underworld with the ordinary halls of high school. (Goodreads)


Book Details

Genre: YA, Paranormal
Hardcover: 384 pages
Publisher: Amulet Books
To Publish: August 1, 2011
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1419700219
ISBN-13: 978-1419700217
Source: NetGalley/ Publisher


Review


Misfit is a whole new take on demons and hell, and it totally worked for me! I devoured this book like Jael devours a veggie tray.

Don’t get me wrong there are a few lulls in Misfit. The beginning does take some getting used to because with each chapter you are going from the present with Jael in one , then into the past with her mom in the next. After getting used to being swung back and forth from past to present, I’m actually happy Mr. Skovron introduced Jael’s mom in this way. I got such a better feel for her character.

Speaking of characters, this book is packed with the awesomeness of great ones. Jael’s uncle for starters is well… a fish monster. I would have thought him to be cold, but he brought a lot of humor and sincerity to the story. But my favorite character is Jael.  I love how Jael grows so much just from the beginning of this book alone. When I started Misfit she was very cut off from the world and confused about who she was. By the end of Misfit, Jael understands who she truly is and uses that power to be her full potential. Even though this takes place in a relatively short amount of time, in no way did it feel forced or contrived.

I would be an absolutely horrible person if I didn’t put something in this review about Rob (Jael’s love interest). In all honesty I think I could start the I HEART ROB fan club. Rob is one of those characters that the moment he jumps on the page you start to smile and you just can’t stop yourself. He should have his own theme music… Maybe Skater Boy by Avril Lavigne. Yep Rob’s that much fun. By the end of the book you find out what Rob actually wants to do with his life… So he and Jael must have more to come. Or at least I hope so.

Misfit is a YA book but I think anyone who loves paranormal would like it. This is one of those wonderful books where I got to feel every emotion. The humor in Misfit was  superb. I mean, come on, a half-demon going to Catholic school? Then Misfit pulled out the big guns and made me cry. I loved this book and hope that it turns into a series!

Happy Reading,
Rebecca   

5 moons
5 moons: I absolutely loved it, and will be looking into everything this author writes.



Recommended For

Older Teen and up: There is language, and talk of sexual acts having been done.

Sunday, July 17, 2011

In My Mailbox (6)

100_2601
This quick vlog post about the books we received this week. Enjoy!


The books mentioned in this post are below. Click on the Book image to go to there Goodreads page for more info

The Hair Wreath and Other StoriesThe SleepwalkersBlood

Wait Till Helen Comes: A Ghost StoryUtopiaStorm Front (The Dresden Files, #1)

Knight's CurseSeersCinderella Skeleton

So what books did you get this week?

Happy Reading,
Kelly and Rebecca

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Follow Friday (10)

 

Welcome to Follow Friday Hosted By Parajunkee.com


This weeks question:

Q. What do I do when I are not reading?


I look around at what everyone else is reading. lol. I work on my reviews. I spend time with my amazing husband and our three gorgeous girls. Then there is the real job I have to go to.

What do you do when your not reading?

Happy Friday Everyone
~Rebecca

Early Review: Ashfall by Mike Mullin

Ashfall (Ashfall, #1)

Description


Under the bubbling hot springs and geysers of Yellowstone National Park is a supervolcano. Most people don't know it's there. The caldera is so large that it can only be seen from a plane or satellite. It just could be overdue for an eruption, which would change the landscape and climate of our planet.
 
Ashfall is the story of Alex, a teenage boy left alone for the weekend while his parents visit relatives. When the Yellowstone supervolcano erupts unexpectedly, Alex is determined to reach his parents. He must travel over a hundred miles in a landscape transformed by a foot of ash and the destruction of every modern convenience that he has ever known, and through a new world in which disaster has brought out both the best and worst in people desperate for food, water, and warmth. With a combination of nonstop action, a little romance, and very real science, this is a story that is difficult to stop reading and even more difficult to forget. (Goodreads)
 

Book Details

Genre: YA, Dystopian
Hardcover: 476 pages
Publisher: Tanglewood Press
Release Date: October 11, 2011
ISBN-10: 1933718552
ISBN-13: 978-1933718552
Source: NetGalley/ Publisher

Review


All Alex wants is a weekend away from his family. He is finally old enough to be left at home while the family goes on a trip to his uncle’s farm. But as the ash starts to fall Alex has no idea if he will ever see his family again.

I enjoy dystopian novels, but Ashfall came as a complete and wonderful surprise. The details that Mullin lays out are amazingly crisp. This supervolcano has just blown and because of Mullin’s great writing I could smell the sulfur in the air, hear the ear deafening blast, feel the ash and snow crunch beneath my feet. Every detail being completely thought out and believable.

Alex is the best YA character I have read in a long time. He starts off this normal fifteen year old boy and by the end of the book he has grown into a man (not in age, but in reality) because of all the decisions and situations he has been put into. I do have one small problem with Alex… Come on Mr. Mullin no fifteen year old is THAT good at Tae Kwon Do. But the Tae Kwon Do did come in handy quite a few times, so I guess it a good thing Alex has such amazing skills.

Even though I love Alex, if I could pick anyone in this novel to be it would have to be Darla. The girl is amazing! Alex meets Darla after being stabbed and she just sews him right up. She knows how to do everything. Fix machines, slaughter animals  for food, make graveyard headstones into corn grinders. If it’s the end of the world and you’re wanting to live for a little longer, you might want to stick around Darla. 

As much as I loved Ashfall it was hard to read at times. The gritty humanity that was laid out for me to read during an apocalyptic time was more real than I was wanting at times but that’s what made it great. I felt every emotion as I went through this book, yes there was even some humor, and I can’t wait for the sequel.

Happy Reading
Rebecca

   5 moons  
5 moons: I absolutely loved it, and will be looking into everything this author writes.

Recommended For

Older Teens and up: Lots of violence, gore, light sexual encounters. 


Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday (10)

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

My Pick This Week

The Faerie Ring

 

Description


Debut novelist Kiki Hamilton takes readers from the gritty slums and glittering ballrooms of Victorian London to the beguiling but menacing Otherworld of the Fey in this spellbinding tale of romance, suspense, and danger. 
 
The year is 1871, and Tiki has been making a home for herself and her family of orphans in a deserted hideaway adjoining Charing Cross Station in central London. Their only means of survival is by picking pockets. One December night, Tiki steals a ring, and sets off a chain of events that could lead to all-out war with the Fey. For the ring belongs to Queen Victoria, and it binds the rulers of England and the realm of Faerie to peace. With the ring missing, a rebel group of faeries hopes to break the treaty with dark magic and blood—Tiki’s blood.
 
Unbeknownst to Tiki, she is being watched—and protected—by Rieker, a fellow thief who suspects she is involved in the disappearance of the ring. Rieker has secrets of his own, and Tiki is not all that she appears to be. Her very existence haunts Prince Leopold, the Queen’s son, who is driven to know more about the mysterious mark that encircles her wrist.
 
Prince, pauper, and thief—all must work together to secure the treaty…(Goodreads)
 

Book Details

Genre: YA, Fantasy
Hardcover: 352 pages
Publisher: Tor Teen
Release Date: September 27, 2011
ISBN-10: 0765327228
ISBN-13: 978-0765327222

Why I’m Waiting


I have not seen one bad review for The Faerie Ring! I think it’s going to be absolutely epic and I can’t wait to get my little hands on a copy.

So what are you waiting for?
~Rebecca

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Review: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

Description


A mysterious island.
 
An abandoned orphanage.
 
A strange collection of very curious photographs.
 
It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive.

A spine-tingling fantasy illustrated with haunting vintage photography,Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children will delight adults, teens, and anyone who relishes an adventure in the shadows. (Goodreads)

Book Details

Genre: YA, Paranormal, Mystery
Hardcover: 352 pages
Publisher: Quirk Books 
Published: June 7, 2011
ISBN-10: 1594744769
ISBN-13: 978-1594744761
Source: Self Purchase

Review


I was super excited about this book and told everyone I could about it, and if at all possible made them watch the book trailer. Then I BOUGHT it in HARDCOVER. Yeah, let that sink in. I was more excited about this book than any book this summer. Did it live up to my expectations? Read on…
 
I loved this book. I loved the story. I loved the photographs.
 
I loved this story, because it wasn’t just about adventure and getting to live a fantasy life, but because it was about making hard choices. Everyone is convinced that Jacob has gone crazy from his grandfather’s death and Jacob is starting to believe them. It’s not until he starts to understand that his grandfather’s last words are clues that he decides to find out about the peculiar children.
 
I like that the book isn’t just about Jacob’s journey, but is about his family. The most haunting picture in the book, for me, is of a little boy in a bunny suit sitting on sidewalk crying. In the story, that little boy is Jacob’s father on his first Halloween when his father never showed up to take him trick or treating. While Jacob and his grandfather were always really close, Jacob’s father never had that type of relationship to his own father and he and his sister always believed that their father had cheated on their mother and possibly had another family somewhere. In reality he was protecting the peculiar children and their guardians, even though it was not a life he chose to live.
 
Even though Jacob left his father a letter at the end of the book explaining things, I hope that he shows up in more of the books. I want Jacob’s dad to have a good ending.
 
What does this have to do with crazy pictures and particular children? Well, I didn’t want to say much about the peculiar children, because they were my favorite part of the book to discover, so I’ll let you read that on your own and don’t get me started about Loops!
 
In short-go read the book, it is deliciously creepy, intricate and wonderful, as soon as I get my copy back -I’m going to re-read it! It is worth the read just to see the pictures which are fantastic!
 
Happy Endings,
Kelly
 
5 moons
5 moons: I absolutely loved it, and will be looking into everything this author writes.
 

 

Recommended For

Teen and up: Some violence and it can be a little scary.
 
 

Monday, July 11, 2011

Early Review: Luck of the Devil by Patricia Eimer

image

Description


Being the youngest daughter of the Devil isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. The days of teenage rebellion and vows of chastity made just to tick off her father are over, and now all Faith Bettincourt wants is a nice, quiet life. Unfortunately, thanks to the unexpected arrival of her demonically-downsized sister, a ditzy succubus roommate, and dear old Dad himself, Faith’s plans for a relaxing vacation spent watching reruns go up in flames.

Now it’s all Faith can do to keep the family reunion from Hell (literally) under wraps, and the angelically-inclined hottie across the hall from realizing there’s something weird about his neighbor. And, thankfully, it’s working. Until an angelic stalker shows up in a bid to steal her powers and take over the world.

Forget watching reruns. With the way things are going, Faith will need the luck of the Devil just to survive until Monday. (Goodreads)

Book Details

Title: Luck of the Devil
Author: Patricia Eimer
Genre: Paranormal Comedy
Length: Novel – 294 pages
Release Date: August 2011
ePub ISBN: 978-1-937044-10-7
Print ISBN: 978-1-937044-11-4
Source: NetGalley/ Publisher

Review


Who knew the devil was a family guy? I sure didn’t. As I was reading through Luck of the Devil, I honestly had to put it down at one point to ask one of my sisters was she sure our father was not the devil. My family dynamic was so much the same, just take out all the paranormal. Of course my sister has assured me she has never seen any horns.

Faith is in a bit of trouble, she has gone and gotten herself a stalker. When your overprotective dad is the devil you have to devise ways of keeping your personal life well…personal. When Faith’s stalker makes trouble for her at work she is quick to call her super hot neighbor, Matt, who just so happens to also be a lawyer. Matt and Faith’s chemistry was hot enough to scorch the pages. I loved reading the two of them.

Each of the side characters add so much to the book, and there are so many laugh out loud moment. The fact that Faith’s mom is with the devil, but she just tries to tell herself that he and god are just a different species…so funny. She reminded me of that crazy relative you’re always trying to get away from at the family reunion.

Even though this is a comedy there is a little mystery and action thrown in as well.  After trying to figure out who Faith’s stalker is throughout the book to find out that it is actually….. like I’m telling!!! Go read the book. 

Luck of the Devil is a fantastically fun read. I hope the author continues to write more with these characters. I think each of Faith’s siblings could easily hold their own book.

Happy Reading,
Rebecca

 4 moons
4 moons: I loved it. It's reread worthy.
 

Recommended For

Adults: For language and sexual situations.
* If you’re a person that would not be ok with god and the devil being bro’s this may not be for you.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

In My Mailbox

100_2601

This quick vlog post about the books we received this week. Enjoy!


The books mentioned in this post are below. Click on the Book image to go to there Goodreads page for more info.

A Beautiful Dark     Storm Born Volume 1  

Richelle Mead's Storm Born #2 (regular cover)    Divergent (Divergent, #1)

All the Lovely Bad Ones   Hush, Hush (Hush, Hush, #1)

Crescendo (Hush, Hush, #2)

So what books did you get this week?

Happy Reading,
Rebecca