Thursday, January 31, 2013

Movie Review: Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters





Release Date: January 25, 2013
Rated: R
Length: 88 Minutes

In this spin on the fairy tale, Hansel & Gretel are now bounty hunters who track and kill witches all over the world. As the fabled Blood Moon approaches, the siblings encounter a new form of evil that might hold a secret to their past. (IMDb)









Trailer 




Review


I have been excited about seeing Hansel and Gretel since I saw the first trailer months ago. I love fairy tale remakes and this version of Hansel and Gretel looked like it was going to be action packed.

What I liked…

The movie starts out much like the original tale. Hansel and Gretel are taken into the woods and left to fend for themselves. When they came to the candy house I have to say I was impressed that it looked both whimsically sweet and incredibly creepy at the same time. In fact throughout the movie the scenes visually always seemed to keep up with the horror of the tale.

The action was awesome. Each sequence keeping me at the edge of my seat. Yes, the weapons that are used are way out there for the time they are in. Having said that all the guns and other weapons really added to the story and made it more fun.

I liked that Hansel and Gretel where a brother and sister who loved each other and would do anything to keep the other safe. It really came across that these two have only had the other to depend on for a long time.

What had scratching my head…

There where a few things I would have liked more info on. (Yeah, I know it’s a movie and it can only be so long) First, Hansel had some kind of condition that made him have to inject himself with some kind of medicine every hour. I just didn’t think this added to the story and there were times when Hansel was knocked out for a long periods of time and he didn’t die without the shot???

Second, I would have liked the witches to be more fleshed out. Don’t get me wrong, visually they where scary and I thought overall the main dark witch was a very good villain. At the same time I was left with a lot of questions: How does someone become an evil witch or are they born with no choice. I also have no idea why they always have to eat children, are children more nutritious than adults, or is it the whole innocent thing? If it is the later I am happy I never have to worry about any witches eating my childrenWinking smile

Would you like it?

I think if you enjoy action movies mixed with paranormal elements you will enjoy this. Think Van Helsing! Also if you enjoy reading urban fantasy like me you will probably have fun with this one.

Happy Watching!
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Recommended For

Older teen and up: For lots of language, nudity, violence, and gore.

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday: Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers


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

My Pick

Dark Triumph (His Fair Assassin, #2)

Expected Release Date: April 2, 2013
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children

Sybella arrives at the convent’s doorstep half mad with grief and despair. Those that serve Death are only too happy to offer her refuge—but at a price. Naturally skilled in both the arts of death and seduction, the convent views Sybella as one of their most dangerous weapons.

But those assassin’s skills are little comfort when the convent returns her to a life that nearly drove her mad. Her father’s rage and brutality are terrifying, and her brother’s love is equally monstrous. And while Sybella is a weapon of justice wrought by the god of Death himself, He must give her a reason to live. When she discovers an unexpected ally imprisoned in the dungeons, will a daughter of Death find something other than vengeance to live for?

This heart-pounding sequel to Grave Mercy serves betrayal, treachery, and danger in equal measure, bringing readers back to fifteenth century Brittany and will keep them on the edge of their seats.


Why I’m Waiting

Grave Mercy was one of my favorite books of 2012! I can’t imagine not returning to the world that Robin LaFevers has created. I have to know what happens next! I have to know for sure who lives and who dies. If you have not read Grave Mercy GO BUY IT NOW AND READ IT!!!

Happy Wednesday!
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Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Review: The Last Policeman by Ben H. Winters

The Last Policeman
Title: The Last Policeman
Author: Ben H. Winters
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Quirk Books; First Edition edition (July 10, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1594745765
ISBN-13: 978-1594745768
Source: Publisher, in exchange for an honest review

What’s the point in solving murders if we’re all going to die soon, anyway?

Detective Hank Palace has faced this question ever since asteroid 2011GV1 hovered into view. There’s no chance left. No hope. Just six precious months until impact.

The Last Policeman presents a fascinating portrait of a pre-apocalyptic United States. The economy spirals downward while crops rot in the fields. Churches and synagogues are packed. People all over the world are walking off the job—but not Hank Palace. He’s investigating a death by hanging in a city that sees a dozen suicides every week—except this one feels suspicious, and Palace is the only cop who cares.

The first in a trilogy, The Last Policeman offers a mystery set on the brink of an apocalypse. As Palace’s investigation plays out under the shadow of 2011GV1, we’re confronted by hard questions way beyond “whodunit.” What basis does civilization rest upon? What is life worth? What would any of us do, what would we really do, if our days were numbered? [Goodreads]

Goodreads | Amazon


Review

I just finished reading The Last Policeman and all I can think is “Wow, that’s one awesome epilogue.”  Why does the epilogue stand out to me so much?  Well, I just can’t put my finger on it.  The book as a whole was pretty good.  But the epilogue, wow.  I can say I wouldn’t have liked the book as much without the epilogue.

In The Last Policeman are two of my favorite genres smash, mixed, and crammed together.  Sometimes it was a good fit, others it felt a little clumsy.  The pre-apocalyptic world was an insane choice of a time period to set a detective novel, but Winters made it work in his favor.  The people’s thoughts, actions, choices were so relevant and real.  I couldn’t decide what I would do or how I would choose to live with the impending annihilation of part or all of the world.  Winters portrayed those emotions with such grace and poise.  I am shocked still at how honest the book felt.

Where I had the hardest time believing in The Last Policeman was the last policeman himself. Hank Palace was a cop through and through.  New to the detective job, eager to do right by the department.  And, honestly, he was too goody-goody.  He felt a little like the kid in school that was always trying to be the teacher’s pet that just about all the other kids didn’t like.  Palace came across a little like that, only a little more jaded, a little more beaten down by the world at large.  I just couldn’t get the “why” he was so bent on solving the case, beyond his “it just doesn’t feel right” answer.  I get that there’s an instinct to police officers, a gut feeling that helps guide their inquiry, but with the end of the world as they knew looming a few months off, why be so obsessed with solving an apparent-suicide?  It took me awhile to get through the first half of the book because I just couldn’t invest myself since I didn’t understand Palace’s motives.

I enjoyed reading his journey.  The second half of The Last Policeman is marvelous.  I couldn’t stop reading it.  As the story reveals itself to the reader, there’s still some mystery that Winters holds back, some details that only take place in Palace’s mind.  The “ah ha” moments that we are not privy often are exposed in a brilliant flash and had me in shock at the truth of the situation.  Winters is quite the master at storytelling.

The writing style has a smooth, simple elegance to it.  There are some technical astrophysical-type of things related to Maia, but things roll pretty easily.  A few times the pace picks up and pages fly, but for the most part it’s like a nice stroll through the end of the world.

I am glad that Rebecca suggested I review this book.  I haven’t yet read something quite so unique in the genres it falls into or the way it’s written.

Bending_The_Spine_Moon_RaterBending_The_Spine_Moon_RaterBending_The_Spine_Moon_RaterBending_The_Spine_Moon_Rater
4 Moons

Get to reading,
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Recommended For:

Fans of dystopian/pre-dystopian; Fans of crime drama/detective novels

Monday, January 28, 2013

Children's Review: Attack of the 50-Ft. Cupid by Jim Benton


Attack of the 50-Ft. Cupid (Franny K. Stein, Mad Scientist, #2)

Title: Attack of the 50Ft. Cupid
Author: Jim Benton
Reading level: Ages 7 and up
Paperback: 112 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Goodreads   Amazon
Source: My school library

Franny's mom says every mad scientist needs a lab assistant. So for Valentine's Day Franny gets just that -- a Lab assistant. Except Igor isn't a pure Lab. He's also part poodle, part Chihuahua, part beagle, part spaniel, part shepherd -- and all thumbs.
 
Franny is fuming. She doesn't even need an assistant. What's she supposed to do with a good-for-nothing one like Igor?
 
And things get even worse when a giant, fifty-foot, arrow-shooting cupid starts causing trouble all over town. Franny knows it's up to her -- and only her -- to save the day. Or is it?

 
What I thought about it
 
Why I picked this book…
 
I picked this book because my friends had told me that they all liked the Franny K. Stein series and I was excited to see we had this one in my school library.
 
What I like about the characters…
 
First, I really like Franny because because she is an evil scientist. But everything she creates ends up going wrong in some way it is a lot of fun to see how she gets out of trouble. I also like Franny’s assistant, Igor. Igor is funny, always in Franny’s way, and always getting into trouble.
 
My favorite part of the story…
 
My favorite part of the story was when Franny drew the cupid. Franny’s version was not the normal valentine cupid but her mad scientist one.  Her drawing was a goblin with wings that was naked (LOL) with a diaper on. I liked this so much because it was so funny, I am still laughing about it.
 
Will I continue reading this series?
 
Yes! I already have a different Franny K. Stein book that I got at the library that I am reading nowSmile
 
Have fun reading,
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I give this 5 moons because I enjoyed everything about the book.

Other Books in This Series
Lunch Walks Among Us (Franny K. Stein, Mad Scientist, #1)The Invisible Fran (Franny K. Stein, Mad Scientist, #3)The Fran That Time Forgot (Franny K. Stein, Mad Scientist, #4)
Frantastic Voyage (Franny K. Stein, Mad Scientist, #5)The Fran with Four Brains (Franny K. Stein, Mad Scientist, #6)The Frandidate (Franny K. Stein, Mad Scientist, #7)

Come back next week
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I will be back on Sunday, February 3rd to Review Hansel and Gretel The Graphic Novel.

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Review: Seal of Destiny by Traci Douglass


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Seal Of Destiny
Seven Seals Series Book One
Traci Douglass

Genre: Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Crimson Romance
Number of pages: 263
Word Count: 70,000
Goodreads   Amazon
Source: Bewitching Book Tours
Book Description:
 
Love conquers all… but can it stop the Apocalypse?
 
Mira Herald is having the worst life ever. Not only is she plagued by horrific nightmares starring the Devil himself, she’s now the target of a power-hungry, rogue minion, freshly sprung from Hell and bent on her destruction. To complicate matters further, she’s acquired a stalker. One who insists he’s a divine warrior sent for her protection because she houses an ancient relic with the power to unleash Armageddon. Last time Mira checked, she wasn’t insane. Still, all this celestial mayhem is enough to drive a girl crazy.
 
Kagan is a member of the Scion, an elite team of immortal warriors selected by Divinity to aid mankind and save the world. After a century alone, Kagan is summoned for a new mission. He’s eager to begin. Eager until he’s informed his mission consists of protecting a woman with no clue to the power she wields. Plus, his briefing fails to prepare him for his new target’s cosmic-sized attitude problem. As Divinity’s sworn servant, he’s required to fulfill his duty. His oath, however, does not require him to be enthusiastic about his new assignment or warm-and-fuzzy toward his new compatriot. He plans a wham-bam rescue and a quick return to solitude.
 
The rogue minion attacks—with the backing of a mysterious organization—and all Hades erupts, putting a fast end to any whirlwind escapes. Accustomed to staunch independence, Mira’s survival now requires full cooperation and an unwavering belief in Kagan. The battle-hardened warrior is also forced to chose: between duty and desire. Amidst the turmoil, Kagan and Mira’s undeniable passion draws them closer to each other and down a path neither expected but both yearn for, more than they ever knew.

Will love save the day? The world’s fate depends on the answer.


Review

Right after reading the description of Seal of Destiny I knew I wanted to read it. Y’all know how I love a way out there paranormal romance. I have read angel books, demon books, even books with God and the devil as buddies. This is my first with a Scion character which is a little different from all the above. I am still a little fuzzy on how the Scion came to be, but more on that a little later.

What set this story apart

I loved the way Douglass has taken something many people have at least heard about, the seals of the apocalypse, and built this story around them. At the same time Douglass has set this story totally apart from what is in Revelation. In Seal of Destiny each seal is bound to a human that has no idea the power they are carrying around inside them.

The relationship between the devil and Divinity was also sort of different. I would not say that they were friends but I did find it interesting that they got along as well as they did, and I’m looking forward to reading more of there story line throughout the series.

There was one snag in the story line that continually had me rolling my eyes. Throughout the book characters are taken down with someone bringing out a syringe to knock them out. It was almost every fight scene that this happened in. This may not even bother anyone else. but it got to be a bit bazar for me.

What I really liked

In most PNR you have your alpha male and damsel in distress. In Seal of Destiny you get your alpha male but you also get a strong, can-take-care-of-her-own-self-heroin. I really felt like the women held their own to the men in the story which you know I loved!

The Romance

The chemistry between Mira and Kagan was something I could feel. Kagan is the ultimate warrior protector, ready at a moments notice to do whatever is necessary to get the job done. Mira, though she does need protecting is no wilting flower, she is amazingly strong and for the most part can take care of herself. I liked both of their characters and rooted for both Kagan and Mira to be able to get through the horrific scars that continued to blister up from their past so that they could be together.

I found myself more than once having trouble focusing on Mira and Kagan because of Xander and Zoe, Kagan and Mira’s best friends, who had me more and more intrigued as the story went on.

Dear Traci Douglas, Will the next book focus on Xander and Zoe??? As I was reading through Seal of Destiny I was continually focused on them both and I need their back story, I need to know what Divinity means when she says they are “special”! If you can’t tell I am sort of going crazy not knowing what is next for Xander and Zoe. Oh, and just as a side note I totally love the way their names go together… I can see them written in hearts on a secret notebook… Not that I ever did anything like that.

Will I be continuing this series?

YES! I have to know what happens next with the Scion warriors. I want to know who the other seals are, and in what way the seal has affected their life. I hope to read the next installment in the series as soon as it comes out!           

Happy reading,
Signature

4Moons

Recommended For
Adults: For sex and violence

Take a look at the post below to read an excerpt!

Excerpt: Seal of Destiny by Traci Douglass

Seal Of Destiny Button 300 x 225

Y’all I am so excited to share this excerpt. After reading this first book in the Seven Seals series I think a lot of my fellow PNR, and UF fans will like this series!

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Seal Of Destiny
Seven Seals Series Book One
Traci Douglass

Genre: Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Crimson Romance
Number of pages: 263
Word Count: 70,000
Book Description:
 
Love conquers all… but can it stop the Apocalypse?
 
Mira Herald is having the worst life ever. Not only is she plagued by horrific nightmares starring the Devil himself, she’s now the target of a power-hungry, rogue minion, freshly sprung from Hell and bent on her destruction. To complicate matters further, she’s acquired a stalker. One who insists he’s a divine warrior sent for her protection because she houses an ancient relic with the power to unleash Armageddon. Last time Mira checked, she wasn’t insane. Still, all this celestial mayhem is enough to drive a girl crazy.
 
Kagan is a member of the Scion, an elite team of immortal warriors selected by Divinity to aid mankind and save the world. After a century alone, Kagan is summoned for a new mission. He’s eager to begin. Eager until he’s informed his mission consists of protecting a woman with no clue to the power she wields. Plus, his briefing fails to prepare him for his new target’s cosmic-sized attitude problem. As Divinity’s sworn servant, he’s required to fulfill his duty. His oath, however, does not require him to be enthusiastic about his new assignment or warm-and-fuzzy toward his new compatriot. He plans a wham-bam rescue and a quick return to solitude.
 
The rogue minion attacks—with the backing of a mysterious organization—and all Hades erupts, putting a fast end to any whirlwind escapes. Accustomed to staunch independence, Mira’s survival now requires full cooperation and an unwavering belief in Kagan. The battle-hardened warrior is also forced to chose: between duty and desire. Amidst the turmoil, Kagan and Mira’s undeniable passion draws them closer to each other and down a path neither expected but both yearn for, more than they ever knew.
 
Will love save the day? The world’s fate depends on the answer.

 
Excerpt
 
“Basta!” Kagan grabbed her by the arm and twisted slightly, not enough to hurt, but enough to let her know he meant business as he directed her to a corner booth. He ignored the half-full beverages and coats scattered on the seats and shoved Mira into the confined space. When the booth’s original owners took issue with his hostile takeover, Kagan dispatched them with a lethal glare. He wasn’t sure where the girl had gotten the idea his mind was damaged, but he was damn sure he didn’t like it. He moved in behind her to block her escape.
 
“Oh, hell, no!” After several unsuccessful strikes to his muscled physique, Mira tried to slide out beneath the table. The angle proved too awkward. Defeated, she shoved as far away as she could into the corner and propped those killer boots on the seat in front of her in warning. “You better let me out of here, asshole, before I call the cops! I caught you stalking me, pervert!”
 
Kagan took a deep breath. He never lost his cool in battle, and he wasn’t about to start now. “Pervert? You’re of age, si?”
 
Mira glared. Kagan ticked through their earlier interactions, searching for a reason behind her intense hostility. His preternatural instincts sensed her intention before her hand reached his carotid. He blocked her quickly, locking her small hand within his and forcing it to the table beneath his own. Her pulse raced against his palm. He took another swig of beer then flashed his most endearing grin. “Let’s start over.” He released his bottle and extended his hand. “I’m Kagan.”
 
She refused to acquiesce. Kagan spoke in quiet tones meant to calm, to reassure. “I know I’m a stranger, but we have things to discuss.” He glanced around the crowded club, at the bodies packed tight. “We can’t do it here, though—no privacy. My apartment is close. Why don’t we go there and talk?”
 
Mira kicked him hard in the thigh.
 
“Merda!” Kagan grabbed his throbbing leg. “What’s in those damn boots? Marble?”
 
“Let me out of here, jackass, before I sideline your baby-maker!” Mira struggled within the tight confines of the booth. As she squirmed, the spicy scent of her shampoo wafted, and he was overcome with the strangest urge to plunge his hands into the riotous mass of her hair, to feel it curl around his fingers. She tugged on the hand pinned beneath his, and his thumb traced over her thudding veins. His heart pounding along with hers. The odd tingle sped through his torso, and his mouth turned to cotton. Her gaze blazed up at him, a swirling mix of green and golden brown. He noted the dark smudges below and wondered what kept her from slumber.
 
Dolce Cristo! Kagan looked away, fought for control. This was getting way out of hand. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d bedded a woman, but apparently it had been far too long.
 

About The Author
 
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Traci is the author of paranormal/urban fantasy and contemporary romances featuring a sly, urban edge, including her current Seven Seals series. Her stories feature sizzling alpha-male heroes full of dark humor, quick wits and major attitudes; smart, independent heroines who always give as good as they get; and scrumptiously evil villains who are—more often than not—bent on world destruction. She enjoys weaving ancient curses and mythology, modern science and old religion, and great dialogue together to build red-hot, sizzling chemistry between her main characters.
 
A storyteller since childhood, she began putting her tales down on paper in November 2011 after the idea for the Seven Seals Series occurred to her in a dream. She finished the first draft of what was to become Seal of Destiny in one month and decided to pursue a full-time writing career in January of 2012. Life has now been a rollercoaster, crash course in pursuing your dreams.
 
Traci is an active member of Romance Writers of America (RWA), Indiana Romance Writers of America (IRWA) and Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal Writers (FF&P) and is pursing a Masters of Fine Arts degree in Writing Popular Fiction through Seton Hill University. Her stories have made the final rounds in several RWA chapter contests, including the 2012 Duel on the Delta, the 2012 Molly Awards, and the 2012 Catherine Awards. An earlier draft of Seal of Destiny won the paranormal category of the 2012 Marlene Awards sponsored by the Washington Romance Writers.
 
Other current projects include upcoming books in the Seven Seals series and a new futuristic detective series with hints of the paranormal and plenty of romance.
 
Website - FB Author PageTwitterGoodreads - Publisher

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Review: White Horse Review by Alex Adams

White Horse
Title: White Horse
Author: Alex Adams
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Atria/Emily Bestler Books (December 18, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1451643004
ISBN-13: 978-1451643008
Source: NetGalley
[Amazon]

The world has ended, but her journey has just begun. Thirty-year-old Zoe leads an ordinary life until the end of the world arrives. She is cleaning cages and floors at Pope Pharmaceuticals when the president of the United States announces that human beings are no longer a viable species. When Zoe realizes that everyone she loves is disappearing, she starts running. Scared and alone in a shockingly changed world, she embarks on a remarkable journey of survival and redemption. Along the way, Zoe comes to see that humans are defined not by their genetic code, but rather by their actions and choices. White Horse offers hope for a broken world, where love can lead to the most unexpected places. [Goodreads]

Goodreads | Amazon

Review

I was instantly drawn to this book by the cover.  Then, I read the description and was sold.  I have rarely found books these days that blatantly feature someone in their 30s, and that’s where I am, in my 30s, so this instantly sounding like something I should read.

The story is told only from Zoe’s perspective, with her insights, reactions, feelings, and thoughts.  I like books that are told in the first-person point of view.  I like that the readers doesn’t have to interpret how the person is feeling, it’s right there on the page.  This was the right way to tell the story of White Horse

What I didn’t appreciate was Adams’s writing style.  It was a little choppy and disjointed.  There were too many times when I had to reread a sentence, paragraph, or page because I wasn’t at the same place Adams was.  Others bloggers have said they like the short, quick sentence structure, because that’s the way they think sometimes [Asheley ;)], but I felt more confused about what was going on than I should have.  This was a very complex story with two different story lines (more on this later) and I had to focus a lot to keep pace.  I’m not saying this is a bad thing, I just wasn’t convinced this was the most effective way to tell the story [of course I am not a writer, and Adams’s  book was published, and the second in the series is coming out later this year, so does my opinion really matter? Probably not a whole lot.]  And I don’t mind investing brain power in a story, but even with my extra effort, I had a hard time.

As I mentioned, there’s a lot going on here.  The story takes place in two different time periods referred to as “Then” and “Now.”  We don’t’ know when these actually are, so I viewed this through a modern perspective.  We switch back and forth between Then and Now multiple times per chapter.  This, coupled with the way Adams wrote (remember the paragraph above), often left me grasping at air trying to remember when I was reading in, especially if I had come back to the book after taking a break from reading.  My savior was in the characters that differed between Then and Now.  I like that a little about each time period was revealed in small chunks, but this too was trouble at times.

For much of the book I was trying to figure out what White Horse actually was, what it was doing, why the world was the way it was.  As things unfold, I was able to put the puzzle together, but only after large chucks of story took place.  I was around halfway or a little more through the book before Adams really told me what was up.  And it was a humdinger.  And I still had questions, even after it was revealed.

Another interesting part of the book is that there are some parallels to Greek Mythology.  And honestly, if it weren’t for Rick Riordan and discussion questions at the end of White Horse, I wouldn’t have picked up on some of this.  Some is very obvious, some isn’t.  Mythology isn’t my thing.  I get confused about who is who and what is what.  But regardless, it was a nice addition.  I also appreciated the Book of Revelation end-of-the-world tie-ins (which I didn’t catch until it was spelled out for me!).

There is a thing that takes place in Then, that defines, for the most part, Now and what Zoe does.  This thing can’t really be talked about, but let me just say now, that I had a hard time believing what happened with this thing.  I don’t think that, no matter how powerful or connected they are, that the thing could have actually happened.  And this combined with another governmental thing put the world in the tailspin it’s in.  I would have liked for Adams to camp out on the governmental thing a little more.  I understand the story is about Zoe and her survival, but the little descriptions given on both things left me going, “Huh?”  I’m not talking scientific research need-a-PhD-to-understand-it, just a little more fleshed out thoughts on these things.

The Swiss, I hope you hate him as much as I did.  I wanted him to be hit by karmic bus the instant I met him.  Of all the unbelievable stuff, he was the most unbelievable.  Very much a caricature of a misogynistic man.  Even knowing what all he had gone through to get to where he was, I just didn’t buy into him.

Then the final chapters of the book, when redemption is found, was too…gosh, how do I say this without sounding too negative.  With all that White Horse did to humanity, I find it highly unlikely that what happened in the end would have happened.  Call me a skeptic if you must, but I’m just not buying it.  There was too much feel-good at the end, and this is not a feel-good kind of book.  And I can’t talk about it any more because this would be a big spoiler for you all.

Overall, White Horse is very dark, very depressing, even from the get-go.  The more you know, the more you root for Zoe, but the darker and more depressing the book gets.  It’s a very unique apocalyptic/post-apocalyptic story.  There were parts that felt like other stories or TV shows [ever watch The Walking Dead?] that lend some credibility to Adam’s take on dystopian.

For all the questions that weren’t answered in full, for the parts that I didn’t like, for the writing style that didn't speak to me, for all it’s shortcomings, for all the Hate-orade I drank before writing this review, I still really enjoyed this story.  This is the first of a trilogy, so I might read Red Horse when it comes out at the end of the summer.  Fans of dystopian/apocalyptic/post-apocalyptic should give this a shot.

Bending_The_Spine_Moon_RaterBending_The_Spine_Moon_RaterBending_The_Spine_Moon_RaterBending_The_Spine_Moon_Rater
4 Moons

Get to reading,
signature 3


Recommended For

Lovers of dystopian/apocalyptic/post-apocalyptic and thriller/suspense genres
Late teen and up for some mature content, violence, and gore.


Want to know what’s next in the series?  Click the cover:


Red Horse

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Trailer Reveal & Giveaway - SENSHI by Cole Gibsen



KATANA

Kill Bill meets Buffy in this supernatural samurai taleRileigh Martin would love to believe that adrenaline gave her the uncanny courage and strength to fend off three muggers. But it doesn't explain her dreams of fifteenth century Japan, the incredible fighting skills she suddenly possesses, or the strange voice giving her battle tips and danger warnings. While worrying that she's going crazy (always a reputation ruiner), Rileigh gets a visit from Kim, a handsome martial arts instructor, who tells Rileigh she's harboring the spirit of a five-hundred-year-old samurai warrior.

Relentlessly attacked by ninjas, Rileigh has no choice but to master the katana--a deadly Japanese sword that's also the key to her past. As the spirit grows stronger and her feelings for Kim intensify, Rileigh is torn between continuing as the girl she's always been and embracing the warrior inside her.


"This action-packed novel has a unique and compelling plot...Fans of Carrie Asai's Samurai Girl series will be particularly interested, but even readers who dislike supernatural story lines will enjoy this tale of modern samurais."
~School Library Journal~

"An action packed page-turner tempered with slow-burning romance."
~Booklist~

Purchase



SENSHI


Is Rileigh’s only hope for salvation to team up with her sworn enemy?

Rileigh Martin just wants to do normal teenage things, like go on romantic dates with Kim, her boyfriend and past life soul mate. Although that seems impossible when she’s the reincarnation of Senshi, a fifteenth century samurai warrior. After a ninja ambush leaves her unable to control her ki powers, Rileigh vows to get them under control before her friends lose more than their eyebrows. But when Kim leaves her for his past life betrothed and the other samurai stop talking to her, Rileigh realizes she doesn’t have any friends left to worry about.

As the ninja attacks increase, Rileigh learns that the reincarnated kunoichi, a powerful female ninja, wants to kill her in order to reclaim her destructive powers. Alone and with increasingly unstable powers, Rileigh’s only offer of help comes from Whitley, her sworn past life enemy. Rileigh knows she doesn’t stand a chance against the kunoichi by herself, but Whitley’s sudden allegiance might be hiding a much deadlier agenda.


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Author Cole Gibsen

When Cole Gibsen isn't writing books for young adults, she can be found rocking out with her band, sewing crazy costumes for the fun of it, picking off her nail polish, or drinking milk straight from the jug -- provided no one is looking.











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Giveaway Details
ARC of Senshi + Signed Katana
Signed Katana
3 Mystery Books
Open to US, Canada & Mexico
Ends 2/6/13

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Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday: Frost Burned by Patricia Briggs


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

My Pick

Frost Burned (Mercedes Thompson, #7)

Release Date: March 5, 2013
Publisher: Ace

Shapeshifter Mercy Thompson's life is calming down, at least enough that she can focus on mundane matters like Black Friday sales. But on her return, Mercy is unable to contact her mate, Alpha Adam Hauptman, or the other members of their pack. All she knows is that Adam is angry and in pain. With the werewolves fighting a political battle to gain acceptance from the public, Mercy fears Adam's disappearance may be related - and that he and the pack are in serious danger. Outclassed and on her own, Mercy may be forced to seek assistance from the most unlikely of allies: the vampire seethe.


Why I’m Waiting

The Mercy Thompson series is one of my favorite urban fantasy series! I can’t help but be invested in all the characters at this point. The only come out every other year, but they are so worth the wait. I am very happy my wait is almost over for Frost Burned!!!

Happy Wednesday!
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Excerpt & Giveaway: The Reckoning by Alma Katsu


The Reckoning (The Taker, #2)

SECOND IN ALMA KATSU’S GRIPPING SUPERNATURAL TRILOGY THAT BEGAN WITH THE TAKER Lanore McIlvrae is the kind of woman who will do anything for love. Including imprisoning the man who loves her behind a wall of brick and stone.

She had no choice but to entomb Adair, her nemesis, to save Jonathan, the boy she grew up with in a remote Maine town in the early 1800s and the man she thought she would be with forever. But Adair had other plans for her. He used his mysterious, otherworldly powers to give her eternal life, but Lanore learned too late that there was a price for this gift: to spend eternity with him. And though he is handsome and charming, behind Adair’s seductive faƇade is the stuff of nightmares. He is a monster in the flesh, and he wants Lanore to love him for all of time.

Now, two hundred years after imprisoning Adair, Lanore is trying to atone for her sins. She has given away the treasures she’s collected over her many lifetimes in order to purge her past and clear the way for a future with her new lover, Luke Findley. But, while viewing these items at an exhibit at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, Lanore suddenly is aware that the thing she’s been dreading for two hundred years has caught up to her: Adair has escaped from his prison. He’s free— and he will come looking for her. And she has no idea how she will save herself.

With the stunningly imaginative storytelling and rich characterizations that fascinated readers worldwide and made The Taker a singular and memorable literary debut and an international sensation, Alma Katsu once again delivers “a powerful evocation of the dark side of romantic love” (Publishers Weekly) in her breathtaking new novel.


I LOVED the first book in this series, The Taker! I am so excited to read The Reckoning. I hope you all enjoy the excerpt.


Excerpt from The Reckoning

By the summer of 1830, Jonathan and I had ended up in Fez, taking a suite at a hotel frequented by Europeans and Americans doing what was known at the time as the Grand Tour, the trip taken by young adults from moneyed families to give them some knowledge of the world. The hotel was fancy enough to please wealthy clients but practical enough to maintain a row of rooms and suites along the back of the property for another class of travelers. These rooms were meant for the lost and the drifters, and that was where we found ourselves after wandering for seven years, little wiser and much poorer, still ill prepared for what lay ahead for us.

It was here that I awoke in a double bed with sheets that hadn’t been changed in a week (we scrimped on maid service to save money) to find Jonathan’s note telling me he’d gone. Forgive me. This is for the best. Promise me you won’t come looking for me. If I change my mind, I will find you. Please honor my wish. Your dearest, J. I reread the note twenty, thirty times, the words making less sense with each reading, and remained in bed for another hour, uncomprehending. He’s mad at me for something, I told myself. He’s upset over something I said or did, something I don’t even remember, and has stormed out. He’ll be back. If I wait here patiently, he’ll be back.

When I finally got to my feet, I found that his clothing was gone, along with his suitcase and the journal he’d gotten into the habit of keeping. He hadn’t taken any of our money and could have no cash but whatever small amount he had on him. He’d also left behind the small pistol he carried, a sign that I was now responsible for my own protection.

He’ll be back after sunset—that was the next thing I told myself, mostly in an attempt to remain calm. I sat in the shaded rooms, smoking cigarette after cigarette, wondering what had caused him to leave. Things had deteriorated between us, certainly, but every couple went through bad times, periods when they argued more and found less pleasure in each other’s company. Arguments, sullen evenings . . . these things would pass. Jonathan had no choice but to return to me. In our peculiar situation, there was no one else he could trust. I started to wonder if there wasn’t an outsider to blame, if perhaps Jonathan had been persuaded by one of the adventurers who trekked through Morocco seemingly on weekly basis—a strong-willed woman, one with a fortune and an independent streak—to join her on the road. Maybe my worse fear had come to pass and he had finally fallen in love with someone else.
 
 

About the Author
 
Alma Katsu

Alma Katsu lives outside of Washington, DC with her husband, musician Bruce Katsu. Her debut, The Taker, a Gothic novel of suspense, has been compared to the early work of Anne Rice and Elizabeth Kostova's The Historian. The novel was named a Top Ten Debut Novel of 2011 by the American Library Association and has developed an international following. The Reckoning, the second book in the trilogy, was published in June 2012. The Taker Trilogy is published by Gallery Books/Simon and Schuster.
 
Ms. Katsu is a graduate of the Master's writing program at the Johns Hopkins University and received her bachelor's degree from Brandeis University, where she studied with John Irving. She also attended the Squaw Valley Community of Writers.
 





Quick Q&A:
 
 
What’s been the most rewarding part of writing THE TAKER books?
 
For me, the most fun has been the freedom to write a series that is not locked into an established mythos. I wanted to create the kind of book that I love to read: dark, twisty tales filled with characters you can’t forget and a story that haunts you for days after you’ve finished the last page. It has magic—because deep down, everyone wants to believe in magic—and danger, and men you want to fall in love with but who are tragically flawed. Unfortunately, the uniqueness of The Taker books has also been the biggest challenge: the fact that it’s doesn’t fit neatly into one genre or another sometimes makes it tough to convince readers to give it a try. I hope I don’t sound immodest if I repeat what countless readers have told me: “Why did I wait so long to read this book? It was amazing.”
 
With your background in intelligence and the spy business, how did you end up writing fantasy?
 
You’d think that with 30 years in the intelligence business, writing spy novels would be a no-brainer. Maybe that means I don’t have a brain . . . But really, the truth is that the last thing I wanted to do after a long day at work was come home and wrestle with an espionage caper. It was simultaneously both too much like work and crazily unlike work: what you see in a James Bond movie or in the pages of a spy thriller is not like real intelligence work, but you probably guessed that already. Whereas with fantasy, you have carte blanche to escape from reality, to mark everything larger-than-life in order to reveal truths about life. I felt constrained trying to write spy fiction, whereas I feel totally free writing fantasy.
 
What’s been the most surprising part of being published?
 
Connecting with readers and other writers. It is mind-blowing to see the range of books being written these days. There are books for every taste, and there are an amazing number of readers who read widely and can turn you on to a new author or new favorite book you might otherwise have never heard of. And without fail, the authors I’ve met have been friendly, open, and so supportive, ready to share their experience or even lend a shoulder for you to cry on. Everyone is in it for the love of story. It’s a pretty wonderful community to be part of.
 
 
The Giveaway
 
One paperback copy of THE RECKONING by Alma Katsu
The Reckoning (The Taker, #2)
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