Young Adult Story Scavenger Hunt - Day 24

December 25, 2012


Looking for this, hunters? I have today's trivia questions from Fiction Fervor's 2012 YA Story Scavenger Hunt here for you. 2012YASSH challenges you with your knowledge of young adult books published this year, and if you enter, you might win a prize! Check out it here for more info. And be sure to read the rules!


Without further ado, today's questions come from Tempest by Julie Cross.


Easy: How did Courtney die?

Medium: Who is Jackson’s biological mother?

Hard: What class do Jackson and Karen have together?


Enter your answers in the form below!


Young Adult Story Scavenger Hunt - Day 6

December 7, 2012


Looking for this, hunters? I have today's trivia questions from Fiction Fervor's 2012 YA Story Scavenger Hunt here for you. 2012YASSH challenges you with your knowledge of young adult books published this year, and if you enter, you might win a prize! Check out it here for more info. And be sure to read the rules!


Without further ado, today's questions come from Rebel Heart by Moira Young.


Easy: What is the name of Mercy’s wolfdog?

Medium: Whom are the Tonton looking for when they enter the Lost Cause?

Hard: After Jack tells Molly about Saba, what does she say she will rename the tavern to?


Enter your answers in the form below!




And now for my giveaway!

I will be giving away one 2012 Young Adult release.
Must be 13+ years of age.
International (as long as Book Depository ships to your country)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Young Adult Story Scavenger Hunt: Day 3

December 4, 2012


Looking for this, hunters? I have today's trivia questions from Fiction Fervor's 2012 YA Story Scavenger Hunt here for you. 2012YASSH challenges you with your knowledge of young adult books published this year, and if you enter, you might win a prize! Check out it here for more info. And be sure to read the rules!


Without further ado, today's questions come from The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan.


Easy: What usually happens to children of Athena who follow the Mark of Athena?

Medium: How many pomegranate seeds does Nico have when they first see him? 

Hard: What is Bacchus' drink of choice and what is Dionysus' drink of choice now that he is no longer allowed to drink wine?


Enter your answers in the form below!




Just to let you know, I will be back with another lot of questions on the 6th and 24th of December. On the 6th, I will also be hosting a giveaway so be sure to check it out!

Cover Reveal: Some Quiet Place

November 18, 2012

Today The Mod Podge Bookshelf and Mod Podge Blog Tours are hosting Kelsey Sutton's Some Quiet Place cover reveal!


Summary:

Elizabeth Caldwell has perfected the art of pretending to feel emotion, but it’s always a lie. After a near-fatal car accident when she was a small child, Elizabeth lost the ability to feel any emotion, but along with that loss she gained bizarre abilities: she can see the personified Emotions she cannot feel.  Fury, Resentment, Longing—they’ve all given up on her, because she doesn't succumb to their touch. All, that is, save one. Fear. He’s consumed by the mystery of Elizabeth’s past, consumed by her.

And then there are Elizabeth's cryptic, recurring dreams, in which there’s always love, and there’s always death. Haunted by these dreams, Elizabeth paints them, knowing that they somehow hold the key to the mystery of her past. 

But a shadowy menace is stalking Elizabeth.  Her survival depends on uncovering the truth about herself.  And when it matters most, she won’t be able to rely on Fear to save her.



Kelsey is very enthusiastic about her debut novel's cover; here is what she has to say about the design:


"It is gorgeous, eerie, and maybe a little strange. I love how much relevance it has to the story, as well. The farmland in the background, the town, the stormy sky, the leaves, the way the girl is vanishing. The point is, I am in love. Hope you adore it as much as I do."

 What relevance is she talking about? 

Enter to win a Pre-Order of Some Quiet Place below to find out!!!

This giveaway is INTERNATIONAL!



Miss Fortune Cookie: Book Blitz



BOOK BLITZ! I have an excerpt from chapter one!
If you would like to purchase Miss Fortune Cookie, click here: AMAZON

Miss Fortune Cookie by Lauren Bjorkman
Expected Publication: November 13th 2012 by Henry Holt and Co.

"Meet Erin. Smart student, great daughter, better friend. Secretly the mastermind behind the popular advice blog Miss Fortune Cookie. Totally unaware that her carefully constructed life is about to get crazy. It all begins when her ex-best friend sends a letter to her blog—and then acts on her advice. Erin’s efforts to undo the mess will plunge her into adventure, minor felonies, and possibly her very first romance. What’s a likely fortune for someone no longer completely in control of her fate? Hopefully nothing like: You will become a crispy noodle in the salad of life."



Chapter One

My friends and I were riding home from school on Muni, clinging to an assortment of slippery handholds, when Linny almost blew my secret identity. Intentionally.
“Listen to this one,” she said, reading off her iPhone, a faint but smirky glint in her eyes. “‘Dear Miss Fortune Cookie. My cousin thinks I’m chasing her boyfriend. Her boyfriend and I never flirt, but sometimes we text. What can I do to make her believe me? Just Friends.’”
In fact, I—Erin Kavanagh, alias Miss Fortune Cookie—had posted this very letter on my anonymous advice blog, and Linny happened to be the only person in San Francisco to know that, the only person in the whole world, except for some random administrator at WordPress. She takes every opportunity to harass me about keeping my blog a secret. “What advice would you give, Erin?” she asked, winking this time.
I kept my face as neutral as possible. Luckily Darren and Mei were only paying attention each other. As usual.
Personally speaking, I think nano-deceptions are a good thing. I regularly use them to protect my friends from unpleasant truths. Should I tell Linny that her favorite knit hat makes her head look like a furry meatball? Or nudge Mei whenever Darren winces at her hyena laugh? Should I have cautioned Darren that taking AP physics would wreck his grade-point average? Absolutely not. Sincere lies keep everyone happy.
I blew the hair out of my eyes. “The cousin will never stop suspecting the two of them,” I said to Linny, “so Just Friends has to stop the texting. She could get her own boyfriend. Or move to somewhere far away like Moldavia.”
Muni, a sort of bus powered by electric wires overhead, jerked to a halt. A seat opened up, and Linny took it. “Exactly!” She had the happiest smile ever, so big it barely fit on her face. Metaphorically speaking. “Mei, don’t you think Erin is a natural at giving advice?”
“Hmm?” Mei said. She was somewhat entwined with Darren and therefore distracted.
“Nothing.” I jabbed Linny in the ribs to get her to stop talking. Gently of course. The three of us—Mei, Linny, and me—made an enviable friendship trio. I was the lesser third, maybe because Mei and Linny were gorgeously Chinese-American, while I was just Boring-American. A Person of Irish.
Mei knew nothing about my connection to Miss Fortune Cookie. We used to be best friends, and by best friends I mean we spent every afternoon and weekend together until eighth grade, when things fell apart between us. The truth is, Mei dumped me. Then Linny brought us together again during freshman year, inviting us both to eat lunch with her, forming a little group. A few months later, I mustered the courage to bring up the dumping incident with Mei, except she didn’t want to talk about it. So we became friends again without dealing with the past. Pretty much.
Except I didn’t trust her like I used to.

*****


Author Bio
I am the author of two YA novels, MY INVENTED LIFE and MISS FORTUNE COOKIE. I also contributed a short story to the anthology THE FIRST TIME.

Though I grew up on a sail boat and loved traveling the world as a kid, I'm still afraid of the ocean. I much prefer other modes of transportation these days--plane, train, or car. Walking is best.

I love books with multi-faceted, intriguing characters. The best one make me laugh, cry, and turn the pages long past my bed time.

When I'm not reading or writing, I spend time with family and friends, talking about everything under the sun. Add in some good food to the mix, top it off with chocolate, and I'm truly happy.

Links
Twitter
Facebook
Facebook Page
Website
Miss Fortune Cookie Website
Pinterest

NaNoWriMo - Day 7

November 8, 2012


Click the badge to check out the official NaNoWriMo website!

Word count: 20,363/50,000
Days left: 23

20,000 words. WOO! Almost half way there :)
That storm was absolutely crazy! Thunder lasting minutes. Heavy downpour that was gone in a flash.

Anyway, I only managed to write a few hundred words on Day 7. The next few days will be much the same, unfortunately!

If you are on twitter, don't forget to use the hashtag: #BookTubeWriMo to connect with other book vloggers and bloggers (or even just book lovers)!


Helpful links:
- Inspiration Tumblr
- Word Sprint Twitter
- My NaNo

How are you going with your wordcount?

NaNoWriMo - Day 6

November 7, 2012


Click the badge to check out the official NaNoWriMo website!

Word count: 19,847/50,000
Days left: 24

ALMOST at 20,000! Just missed it :D
Now that I can have sugar again, I will definitely be on my way to developing diabetes.

My goal for today was 20,000 but I JUST missed it! That's alright though, I am still well ahead :)

If you are on twitter, don't forget to use the hashtag: #BookTubeWriMo to connect with other book vloggers and bloggers (or even just book lovers)!



Helpful links:
- Written? Kitten!
- Write or Die
- Word Sprint Twitter
- Inspiration Tumblr
- My NaNo

How are you going with your wordcount?

NaNoWriMo 2012 - Day 3

November 4, 2012


Click the badge to check out the official NaNoWriMo website!

Word count: 10,166/50,000
Days left: 27

I MADE IT TO 10K!!! I had a huge writing burst and wrote over 5,000 words today :) I am so proud of myself and honestly just shocked that I wrote so much!

If you are on twitter, don't forget to use the hashtag: #BookTubeWriMo to connect with other book vloggers and bloggers (or even just book lovers)!

Helpful links:
- Inspiration Tumblr
- Word Sprint Twitter
- My NaNo

How are you going with your wordcount?

NaNoWriMo 2012 - Day 1

November 2, 2012


Click the badge to check out the official NaNoWriMo website!

Word count: 2,309/50,000
Days left: 29

I have begun NaNoWriMo 2012 with a good start, YAY! My daily goal is 2,174 as I have 23 days to get to my goal rather than 30. (Let's hope I can still do it!)

If you are on twitter, don't forget to use the hashtag: #BookTubeWriMo to connect with other book vloggers and bloggers (or even just book lovers)!


Helpful links:
- Inspiration Tumblr
- Word Sprint Twitter
- NaNo calendars
- My NaNo

How are you going with your wordcount?

October Wrap Up | 2012

November 1, 2012

I went SO crazy with the book buying this month! 21!? Plus more coming in November.. Oh deary me.




Books Acquired:
- Velveteen by Daniel Marks
- Snow White by The Brothers Grimm, illustrated by Camille Rose Garcia
- Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, illustrated by Camille Rose Garcia
- Mr Penumbra's 24-hour Book Store by Robin Sloan
- Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen
- The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
- Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
- The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer
- The Paladin Prophecy by Mark Frost
- House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski
- The Lovers Dictionary by David Levithan
- Beautiful Disaster by Jamie Macguire
- Eve & Adam by Michael Grant & Katherin Applegate
- Graceling by Kristin Kashore
- Dreamhunter by Elizabeth Knox
- Dreamquake by Elizabeth Knox
- Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves
- Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa
- Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa
- The Industry by Rose Foster
- Every Day by David Levithan




Books Read:
- The Burning Star by Jessie Lane- The Iron King by Julie Kagawa- Snow White by The Brothers Grimm- Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

/In Progress/
- Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce
- Velveteen by Daniel Marks
- A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
- The Night is for Hunting by John Marsden


November TBR:
- Everneath by Brodi Ashton
- Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
- Incarnate by Jodi Meadows

*****


Reviews
Birthright by Willow Cross
Snow White by The Brothers Grimm




Additions to Reading Challenges
The Burning Star by Jessie Lane - Debut Author Challenge
Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood - Debut Author Challenge
Velveteen by Daniel Marks - Debut Author Challenge

NaNoWriMo 2012

October 28, 2012


Click the badge to check out the official NaNoWriMo website!


I am attempting NaNoWriMo again this year! For those of you who are unfamiliar with NaNoWriMo [National Novel Writing Month], it is where crazy people like me, who love to write, attempt to write a 50,000 word novel throughout the month of November.

Last year was a bit of a failure, but I enjoyed writing my story when I was actually writing.. Although I do have some things going on in November which will take time away from writing, I am hoping to push through it all and succeed!

I have a video explaining NaNo, a brief idea on my four possible plot concepts and some tips which may help you!


Helpful links:
- NaNoWriMo website
- NaNoWriMo forum
- Write or Die

If you would like to add me as a writing buddy, feel free! /LittleBookOwl

During the month I will be posting updates on here, and may also include some Vlogs if I have the time.

Cover Reveal & Giveaway: Phoebe Pope and the Year of Four

October 20, 2012

Phoebe Pope  and the Year of FourToday I have another cover reveal! Take a look at the lovely cover of Phoebe Pope and the Year of Four! Below is also a giveaway for US residents.

Phoebe Pope and the Year of Four by Nya Jade
Expected Publication: November 2012

"The students of Green Lane Academy roam their halls unaware that below their manicured campus exists a prestigious school of an entirely different kind . . .

Sixteen-year-old Phoebe Pope has enrolled at the Campus Below: a spy academy for shape-shifters hidden deep beneath the grounds of a boarding school whose humans unknowingly protect it. There, thanks to a carefully planned schedule, she leads a double life: spy trainee Below and normal teenager Above.

As if two course loads, concealing a secret power she alone wields, and coping with her father’s recent death weren’t enough, Phoebe finds herself developing major feelings for actor and teen heartthrob Colten Chase, who attends the Campus Above and appears to be majoring in winning Phoebe’s heart. But when officials learn that Phoebe may be at the center of a startling prophecy, she becomes the target of shape-shifting assassins who will stop at nothing to suppress the truth.

Now Phoebe’s lessons about Shaper’s enemies and spycraft take on great importance as a menace stalks the campus, with Phoebe as its target. Meanwhile, what began as an unlikely relationship with Colten, quickly morphs into heartache when she suspects that something sinister lurks beneath this movie star’s glitter and fame. Suddenly, Phoebe’s caught in a mesh of lies, betrayals, and danger where she doesn’t know who to trust, and needs to rely on herself–and her secret power—to get to the truth and to stay alive."

Author Links:
Twitter , Facebook, Website


Giveaway!

Singer-songwriter Nya Jade is celebrating the upcoming release of her debut YA novel, Phoebe Pope and the Year of Four, with a Tiffany & Co. gift card giveaway!!
- (2) $100 Gift Cards.
- US only
Tiffany & Co. gift cards are redeemable at all Tiffany & Co. locations, as well as at tiffany.com.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Snow White by The Brothers Grimm

October 17, 2012


Snow White by the Brothers Grimm, Illustrated by Camille Rose Garcia
Released: Febuary 28th, 2012
Series: n/a
Publisher: Harper Design
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 80
Source: Purchased
Buy it: Book Depository (free shipping) | Amazon

"Originating in seventeenth-century French Folklore, the story of Snow White has been one of the world's most memorable childhood tales. It is the story of an evil queen determined to do away with a girl-with skin as white as snow, lips as red as blood, and hair as black as ebony- who threatens the queen's quest to remain the most beautiful in her kingdom. This new gift edition presents the unabridged version of the Grimms' tale, with an original interpretation by renowned artist Camille Rose Garcia that art-fully combines wit and dark romance."


I am not doing my usual review today, as it is not really the story I am going to talk about - rather I'll be discussing the entire book as a whole.


I was of course aware of the Disney's Snow White, but had yet to read the Grimm brothers version. However I bought and read this purely for the pleasure of looking at the amazing illustrations from this book.

To put it simply: it is beautiful. The illustrations and typography are amazing, gorgeous and just so good to look at. It was an extremely quick read, but I spent my time savouring each page and looking at all of the details on every single page.

Now story-wise, as I mentioned I was familiar with the general gist of Snow White, but of course Disney likes to add a little more than a pinch of sugar to sweeten original fairy tales. This story was a little gruesome at some points!

I feel that if you have not read Snow White, get this copy. You will truly appreciate it so much more (and come on, this cover will look fantastic on your shelf).



Would you buy this just for the illustrations?

Birthright Blog Tour

October 10, 2012


I received this book for free from the blog tour host in exchange for an honest review.


Birthright by Willow Cross
Released: March 2nd, 2011
Series: The Dark Gifts Series [Book One]
Format: eBook
Publisher: Self Published
Pages: 226
Source: Blog Tour
Buy it: The Book Depository (free shipping) | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords

For one-thousand years, Druid prophecies foretold of a young witch destined to alter the fate of both human and immortal alike. This witch-turned-vampire would be capable of harnessing the supernatural abilities of both and, in a bloody rise to power, would rule with unwavering control.

Unwillingly thrust into a world she never dreamed existed, Liz Markum is catapulted into an ancient war between rival vampire factions. She must choose between those she loves and the ever-present darkness attempting to devour her very soul.

Only one question remains: Will Liz claim her birthright or surrender to the dark gift?

One choice.

One chance.

Two destinies.


The Short
Birthright was a fresh take on vampires. We get a deeper understanding of a much larger world which involves magic and darker forces. The unique aspects and great cast of characters makes this story really stand out and kept me interested.


The Long
In this story, we are given a larger platform to explore in the world of vampires. You don't follow just a single vampire or a small clan, rather you are plunged into the core of the vampire rulers which has enabled a more detailed understanding on how vampires interact with one another as well as other beings.

Liz was a strong and brave character and I really liked her as a main character. She has been put into a very confronting and challenging position and the way she handles it is very respectable. When it came to her love interest, I felt that it lacked a little. I am grateful that it did not overrun the entire story, but as a sub-plot I feel like it could have been a little more fleshed out. By this I mean that I didn't see enough of the romance. Over time we are told that things are getting more serious and their feelings are growing stronger, but I did not get to see it. This is probably why I also wanted to see more of the love interest.

It was really interesting to discover who the antagonists were and their motives. The story kept getting more twisted and complex as you go, which makes me very curious about the other instalments in this series. I will definitely be getting my hands on the sequel!


The Good 
Vampires, magic, interesting world, bad-heroine


The Bad
Not enough of the sexy hunk, lack of evidence of romantic development





About the Author

Willow Cross resides in Arkansas with her husband, two children still young enough to live at home, an enormous cat named Bitsy, and a neurotic dog named Tank. Her home has been known to host the occasional ghost and several of her friends profess to be witches. Although she dearly loves Vampires and Werewolves, they are never invited for dinner.

Facebook
Twitter
Website
Blog

Top Ten Tuesday (13)

October 9, 2012




I am participating in Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by The Broke and the Bookish! Each week, there is a specific topic for a top ten list.

This weeks topic is:
Top Ten Bookish People You Want To Meet

For this I have a long list of vloggers/bloggers I would LOVE to meet! Unfortunately I can't fit them all in, especially since I wanted to include some authors :)

1. CassJayTuck [Cassidy]

2. TheBookTuber [Tiernan]

3. TheBookTubenator [Joseph]

4. padfootandprongs07 [Raeleen]

5. Jessethereader [Jesse]

6. BooksUnbound [Ariel]

7. Stephanie Perkins

8. Veronica Roth

9. John Green

10. J.K. Rowling

Banned Books Week 2012

October 4, 2012

Banned Books Week Virtual Read-Out
30 Sep - 6 Oct 2012

This week was Banned Books Week. To help promote BBW and celebrate the freedom to read, I participated in a Virtual Read-Out of a book which was frequently challenged in 2011. Last year I participating in BBW as well, doing a Virtual Read-Out alongside a video which talks about Banned Books Week and my opinion of banning books.

Here is a playlist of all three videos:

Cover Reveal: Purgatory Reign & GIVEAWAY

October 1, 2012

Today I have another cover reveal for you, for Purgatory Reign. It is a YA paranormal romance/action adventure, which sounds awesome! Below is also a book trailer, as well as a giveaway form where you could win an ARC of Purgatory Reign and other cool swag!

Purgatory Reign by L.M. Preston
Expected Publication: March 2013 (eBook) & May 2012 (paperback)

"Peter Saint’s life stinks. But things are about to get much worst. First, his parents are murdered in front of him. Then another victim dies in his arms. Visions plague Peter with warnings that something wants him for a sinister cause. It desires the one thing that Peter refuses to give—his blood. Peter carries within him the one gift or curse that could unlock a secret to destroy the human race.

On the run with Angel, a scruffy kid, Peter starts to unravel the mystery. It’s the one treasure the heavens sought to hide from the world. Unfortunately, when Peter finds the answer that he hopes will save the girl he loves, he opens the door to a great evil that happens to be salivating to meet him."


Goodreads Link



You can read a FREE SAMPLE by following this link: Sample of Purgatory Reign

If you would like to pre-order a copy, you can do so at the following retailers:
- Amazon
- Barnes & Noble (coming soon)
- Indie Bound (coming soon)
- Books a Million (coming soon)


And now for the giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

September Wrap Up | 2012

Buying books is such a wonderful feeling. Again, I am happy that I have stopped my book buying ban!




Books Acquired:
- Rapture by Lauren Kate
- The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
- What's Left of Me by Kat Zhang
- Meridian by Amber Kizer
- The Named by Marianne Curley
- The Eleventh Orphan by Joan Lingard
- Captivate by Carrie Jones
- Unravelling by Elizabeth Norris
- Slated by Teri Terry
- Blood Storm by Rhiannon Hart



Books Read:
- Blood Song by Rhiannon Hart
- A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
- Masks of the Lost Kings by Tom Bane
- Birthright by Willow Cross
- Intangible by J. Meyers


/In Progress/
- The Burning Star by Jessie Lane
- A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
- The Night is for Hunting by John Marsden


October TBR:
- Miss Peregrines Home for Peculiar Children by Random Riggs
- Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood
- The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
- The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff
- Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce

*****


Reviews
Any Love But Mine by Debbie Davies
Blood Song by Rhiannon Hart
Masks of the Lost Kings by Tom Bane


Memes
Top Ten Tuesday; Series I Haven't Finished


Additions to Reading Challenges
Masks of the Lost Kings by Tom Bane - Debut Author Challenge
The Burning Star by Jessie Lane - Debut Author Challenge

Flock: Guest Post & Giveaway

September 30, 2012


Today I have a guest post for you from Wendy Delsol, author of Flock, third in the Stork trilogy. You can also enter a giveaway for a chance to win the Stork trilogy through the Rafflecopter form at the end of this post.



Why Ya?
Because an individual on the threshold of adulthood is fascinating. Experiences are fresh. Emotions are raw. And potential is boundless.

But I didn’t start out writing for young adults. My first three novels—two of which were technically attempts—were in the contemporary-adult-fiction genre. (The third, The McCloud Home for Wayward Girls, was published by Berkley Books in August of 2011.) I began with adult fiction because it was what I was reading at the time. The other genre I read on a daily basis back then was middle-grade high fantasy. I should probably qualify that such books were put into my hands by my two sons at bedtime with a “read this” directive. Harry Potter was on a constant loop. I had no complaints. The books were a joy to all of us. No surprise, then, that there’s a middle-grade manuscript (attempt number four) on my hard drive.

By the time I was ready to begin writing book five, my oldest was about to turn fourteen, and we had recently moved from California to Iowa. The teen perspective was relevant and accessible to me (and costing me more and more in groceries and Clearasil). Moreover, our move and its inherent challenges unearthed long buried emotions in me. I was actually fairly shocked to be experiencing such angst in my forties. And, yes, it took me right back to my teen years. With a real-life teen and teen memories at my fingertips, I felt confident I could write authentically from this POV. And, yes, my Stork girl, Katla, is the new girl in town. From California, in fact.

It certainly didn’t hurt that the market for YA projects was strong at the time. It would be disingenuous of me to say that wasn’t a factor. But once I tapped into my inner sixteen year old, I knew YA was a genre in which I belonged. And intend to remain active, by the way.

I’ve often said life is a journey. While the analogy is hardly fresh, it’s so very true. I think I was meant to find my way to YA. Back to my sixteen-year-old self, if you will. So glad I did. And so glad I met Katla en route.



And now for a giveaway!
PLEASE NOTE! The first entry requires you to follow MOD PODGE BOOKSHELF, not Little Book Owl :D

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule

9/25 Giveaway @ The Mod Podge Bookshelf 
9/26 Guest Blog @ Chapter By Chapter 
9/27 Review & Interview @ Coffee, Books & Me 
9/28 Guest Post @ Catch the Lune 
9/29 Guest Blog @ The Little Book Owl 
9/30 Interview @ Bittersweet Enchantment 
10/1 Review & Interview @ Moosubi 
10/2 This or That @ Kindle & Me 
10/3 Review @ Sara Through the Looking Glass 
10/4 Interview @ OMFG Books
10/5 Review @ Book Briefs
10/6 Review @ Stiletto Storytime
10/7 This or That @ The Busy Bibliophile
10/8 Interview & Giveaway @ I Am a Reader, Not a Writer

Bloggiesta Mini-Challenges

September 29, 2012


Image reproduced with permission of There's A Book
28-30 September

I have decided to partake in some of the mini-challenges in this Bloggiesta! This post will be updated throughout the weekend as I participate in new ones, as I would like to share with you what I have done!

Here is the link to a full list of all of the mini-challenges: September 2012 Bloggiesta Mini-Challenges @ It's All About Books. There were also some really helpful mini-challenges from this years previous Bloggiesta, if you would like to have a look through those (obviously you cannot participate, but they are useful) Flashback to April 2012 Mini-Challenges @ There's A Book.


Blogging Notebook and Calender @ Love, Laughter and a Touch of Insanity


I have selected Option 1 (Calendar - aka blog organization):
1. Print an October Calendar
2. Jot down your regular blog features or posts you already have planned
3. Next fill in some posts you would like to write. If you don't want to commit to a day, list these in the white space of the calendar (I do this on the back, you can do this on the front so it's visable).
4. If you still have big holes and want to post more, brainstorm a few more ideas and write them down


This month is a little hectic, and things will probably change around, but I am hoping to post at least every Tuesday and Friday :D



20 Discussion Post Ideas @ Girl xoxo

There are so many amazing discussion ideas! Take a look yourself. They are all for book lists, and I will definitely keep these in mind. In particular, I loved:

  • 10 Covers That Terrify
  • 5 Books With a Love Triangle Where the Right Guy Wins
  • 10 Authors I Read For the First Time in 2012 and Want to Read More From
I am hoping to use these within the next few months, as well as possible do a series in December of Top 10 or Top 5 book lists for 2012


Step Out of Your Comfort Zone @ Jen Ryland

So for this mini-challenge, we are encouraged to step out of our comfort zone and do something for our blog that we have never done before or are hesitant about. Here are some of the suggestions:

  • Read something outside your preferred genre
  • Take something that you're passionate about and incorporate it into your blog
         eg. Create an outfit inspired by a book
         Book-inspired nail art
  • Resolve to do some blog-related thing that you've been avoiding
So I have taken note of some of the ideas such as book-inspired outfits, nail-art, food, etc. and I hope to use those in the future because they sound really fun! In addition, I am going to give another genre a try. Adult literature isn't too foreign, but I am thinking maybe a Classic? I don't usually read Classics and those that I have read have been with school and therefore I did not enjoy them as much as I may have if it were just for fun (some however I am certain I will never ever learn to like).


Grade Yourself @ Smash Attack Reads

This challenge involves signing up at HubSpot to "grade" my site. It gives you hints and tips for helping increase readability and traffic for your site. Take a look yourself and see how your site grades! Here is some information about mine:

HubSpot

Bloggiesta!

September 28, 2012


Image reproduced with permission of There's A Book
28-30 September

Bloggiesta is an event for bloggers, allowing them to work on their blogs and tick off items on our to-do lists to help improve them. It is hosted by There's A Book and It's All About Books. If you would like to join too, head over to There's A Book to register your blog and find out more information.

So I will be working on my blog during this weekend, however due to a busy personal life, I won't be able to put as much effort in as I would like. Nevertheless, I hope to achieve some of these items and tick them off my to-do list:
  • Update reviews and make sure all of the book information is streamlined
  • Write some over-due reviews
  • Ensure that all of the information on the blog pages (under banner) are up to date
  • Participate in some mini-challenges (in events like this I usually neglect them, but these look like very helpful and useful challenges)

Masks of the Lost Kings by Tom Bane

I received this book for free from the author's marketing representative in exchange for an honest review.


Masks of the Lost Kings by Tom Bane
Released: March 3rd, 2012
Series: Suzy da Silva Series [Book One]
Format: eBook
Publisher: Telemachus
Pages: 374
Source: Marketing Rep.
Buy it: The Book Depository (free shipping) | Amazon

Following the sudden disappearance of treasure hunter Ben Sanders in Mexico, beautiful archaeologist Suzy da Silva is snatched from the cloistered environs of Oxford University and thrust into a deadly maelstrom of intrigue and discovery.

Joining forces with astrophysicist Tom Brooking she crosses four continents, to unlock the dark secrets of Tutankhamun's tomb, the Holy Sepulchre and the mysterious Mayan Temple of Inscriptions to reveal a mysterious truth. Together they risk their lives, pursued by martial assassins and renegade special forces, fighting the forces of evil to discover hidden knowledge so precious that it has lain dormant for over a thousand years


The Short
Masks of the Lost Kings was a fascinating and gripping story. The historical elements were very interesting - I am so intrigued by Egyptian history! Furthermore, the action and suspense kept me wanting to know what was going on and how everything would unfold. The ending was certainly not what I was expecting; it was a revolutionary ending within the story's world that I didn't see coming.


The Long
Suzy was a feisty little thing. She had a very interesting back-story that was quite touching which led to some traits which made her pretty bad-ass and strong both physically and mentally. Suzy is very intelligent and knows how to take care of herself.

The story had a slower pace during the first few chapters, with the exception of the first chapter. You are introduced to Suzy's world and interests through lectures concerning Egypt and although I feel that it was necessary to understand the mysteries of the story, it did slow down the pacing. Personally, I have always been extremely fascinated by Egyptian history, so I did not find all of the information boring. Some may not find this very enjoyable reading, but in all honesty I am surprised by how intrigued I was! I don't usually read books with such strong historical knowledge, I generally prefer to jump into action from the get go. That first chapter though kept you in anticipation for later action, and curious as to what the heck just happened!

About the action: it was intense! The violence could get a little visually gruesome at some points, but it added so much suspense to the story. The identity of the assassins was a well kept mystery until later on in the book, leaving me guessing who was after Suzy and why. My assumptions constantly changed as new information was revealed that led me to question new people.


The Good 
Egyptian history, action, mystery solving!


The Bad
Slower pace at the start, didn't feel a strong connection with characters


Top Ten Tuesday (12)

September 25, 2012




I am participating in Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by The Broke and the Bookish! Each week, there is a specific topic for a top ten list.

This weeks topic is:
Top Ten Series I Haven't Finished



A Game of Thrones (Song of Ice and Fire, #1) / George R.R. Martin
1. The Song of Ice and Fire Series George R. R. Martin

I am a little intimidated by the size of these books, so I am holding off continuing for a little while. Don't get me wrong though, I loved the first books and really want to continue!







Shiver / Maggie Stiefvater
2. The Wolves of Mercy Falls Series by Maggie Stiefvater

I won't be continuing on with this series. I read Shiver, but unfortunately I did not enjoy it.








Naughts and Crosses / Malorie Blackman
3. Naughts and Crosses Series by Malorie Blackman

I absolutely adored Naughts and Crosses, however I liked how it ended as a stand-alone novel. I am a little hesitant to read the rest.







Hush Hush / Becca Fitzpatrick
4. Hush, Hush Series by Becca Fitzpatrick

I own the sequel, but have not read it as of yet. I am also a bit hesitant with this as well. I enjoyed Hush, Hush when I first read it but am unsure if I will continue to like to series.







Uglies / Scott Westerfeld
5. Uglies Series by Scott Westerfeld

This is simply because I have not yet gotten around to buying the next book in the series. My bookstore only sells copies with a different cover for the sequel (although they have the other books with the same cover design that I have).






Leviathan / Scott Westerfeld
6. Leviathan Series by Scott Westerfeld

Same sort of reason here, just haven't gotten around to buying the next book.









Across the Universe / Beth Revis
7. Across the Universe Series by Beth Revis

I don't know why, but I just haven't read A Million Suns! I absolutely loved Across the Universe, but for some reason I have take forever to firstly buy the sequel, and now read it!






Nightshade / Andrea Cremer
8. Nightshade Series by Andrea Cremer

The whole cover change completely put me off buying the sequel originally. Then I got the impression that the other books within this series aren't as good as Nightshade. I quite liked the first book, but I don't feel compelled to continue on with this series.






City of Bones / Cassandra Clare
9. Mortal Instruments Series by Cassandra Clare

So I own the first three books in this series, and have read City of Bones. I haven't continued on through because firstly, I didn't enjoy CoB as much as I thought I would. I liked it, but I think my expectations were a little too high. And secondly, I am contemplating starting the Infernal Devices series before continuing with the second book.





Wither / Lauren DeStefano
10. Chemical Garden Trilogy by Lauren DeStefano

I suppose I am just lazy with this one, like a few of the other series. I really enjoyed Wither but have yet to purchase the next book.
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