Christie's Book Reviews

TGIF (17)

2012-06-01T02:49:00.000-04:00

TGIF at GReads- This Feature is for Fridays to re-cap the week's post & to answer a question from GReads.

Question: Issue Books: Which books have you found to be very rewarding when it comes to tackling tougher issues?

The book that popped out in my mind when I read this question was Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. It deals around the issue of rape which is definitely a tough to write about especially in a Young Adult book. This was a required reading for me in my freshman year of high school. I loved reading it and even read it again a few years later. I think the author did a remarkable job with the book and it is a book at least every female young adult should read. This is a fantastic read with a difficult topic to talk about.

What you may have missed on my blog recently:
Features:

Blog Tours:

Spectral by Shannon Duffy Blog Tour [Review]

2012-06-01T02:19:00.000-04:00

Today I am very excited to introduce you all to Spectral by Shannon Duffy by being a part of the blog tour. I have been excited to share this book with all of you since I finished it. I really loved the world that Shannon Duffy created. I think she made her mark for being a debut author. I hope you all enjoy my review and add this book to your to be read list.

Thank you Tribute books for having me on this tour. I was excited when i got the request and now that I have read the book I am even more excited to be a part of this tour.

Everyone please give a warm welcome to Tribute books, everything I have read by them has been fantastic. Without further ado, the reason you are reading this post, give another warm welcome to Spectral.

Spectral by Shannon Duffy

★★★★★

Jewel had moved her entire life, being told that her family was in the witness protection program and bad people were after her dad. After their last move, she discovered things were not what they seemed. She met Roman, who started school the day after her and seemed to know more about her and her family than she did herself. She discovered she was something called a Spectral, which was a very unique, powerful witch. Roman told her that he was there to protect her, but she didn’t know who to trust or believe anymore. The more time she spent with Roman, the more she was drawn to him, while, at the same time, another guy named Chase fought for her attention.impressed. It was not what I expected at all! Not only was the plot interesting, but also, surprising in some parts. The book was darker than I expected, which I liked. It wasn't super dark, but the main scheme of things was much more intriguing than Jewel just finding out she has powers, learning how to use them, and everything turning out fine. There is a ton of bad she must go through first, but the good and the bad balance out nicely. The plot, characters, and action kept me very interested until I finished the novel.

The characters were relatable and memorable. It was easy for me to put myself in Jewel’s place, not that I’m a super powerful witch or anything, but in the sense of putting myself into an awesome fantasy story. There were also two great guys in this book, but, of course, I personally fell for the darker bad boy, Roman. He was also a part of her new world, but he also wasn’t supposed to date her. Oh, forbidden love, it is always the best. I liked Chase a lot also; he was super sweet, respectful, and there for Jewel when she needed it.

This debut author did a great job keeping the story interesting and connecting everything really well. I got to know the world and characters on a level that made them feel very real to me. The author’s writing style flowed nicely, making it a very enjoyable, fast-paced read. I look forward to reading more of the author's work when she comes out with new books. I could see this turning into a series and would love to read more of Jewel’s story.

I received this book from Tribute Books for review.

Find Tribute Books:

Buy Spectral Now:

No Really, Buy this book NOW!

Shannon Duffy's Bio:

Shannon Duffy writes young adult and middle grade fiction. She grew up on the beautiful east coast of Canada and now lives in Ontario, Canada. She is the mom of one boy, Gabriel, her angel. She loves writing, reading, working out, soccer, and the sport of champions-shopping. She is the author of the young adult paranormal romance, SPECTRAL. Her upcoming middle grade fantasy novel, GABRIEL STONE AND THE DIVINITY OF VALTA is scheduled for a January 2013 release.

Follow Shannon:

Waiting on Wednesday (24)

2012-05-30T00:00:00.000-04:00

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

Between the Line by Jodi Picoult & Samantha Van Leer
Expected Release Date: June 26, 2012

What happens when happily ever after…isn’t?

Delilah is a bit of a loner who prefers spending her time in the school library with her head in a book—one book in particular. Between the Lines may be a fairy tale, but it feels real. Prince Oliver is brave, adventurous, and loving. He really speaks to Delilah.

And then one day Oliver actually speaks to her. Turns out, Oliver is more than a one-dimensional storybook prince. He’s a restless teen who feels trapped by his literary existence and hates that his entire life is predetermined. He’s sure there’s more for him out there in the real world, and Delilah might just be his key to freedom.

Delilah and Oliver work together to attempt to get Oliver out of his book, a challenging task that forces them to examine their perceptions of fate, the world, and their places in it. And as their attraction to each other grows along the way, a romance blossoms that is anything but a fairy tale. (Goodreads)

I have yet to read a Jodi Picoult book but this sounds really good! I do need to read some of her other books also! I have heard great things from my blogger friend Mickey from I'm A Book Shark along with many other people.

Top Ten Tuesday (24)

2012-05-29T12:17:00.000-04:00

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. Each week they will post a new Top Ten list that one of their bloggers at The Broke and the Bookish will answer.

Top Ten Books Written In The Past 10 Years That I Hope People Are Still Reading In 30 Years

Moon Called by Patricia Briggs (series)
Divergent by Veronica Roth (series)
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (series)
Delirium by Lauren Oliver (series)
Significance by Shelly Crane (series)
Remembrance by MIchelle Madow
Cast in Shadow by Michelle Sargara (series)
Red Heart Tattoo by Lurlene McDaniel and any of her books!
The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
Kissed by an Angel series by Elizabeth Chandler. Technically this one began being released longer than 10 years ago and then they reprinted the first three books in one book before the author began releasing more books in the series more recently.

Night Sky by Jolene B. Perry Blog Tour [Review]

2012-05-25T00:00:00.000-04:00

I am so happy to be part of the Night Sky Blog Tour today! I was really excited when Tribute Books contacted me to be a part of this blog tour since I had read The Next Door Boys and loved it. I was more than happy to read this book and review it for the blog tour. Everyone I hope you will give a big welcome to Jolene B. Perry because she is fantastic.

Review:

Night Sky by Jolene B. Perry

★★★★☆

Jameson’s heart was broken by his best friend Sarah, who he had been in love with for years, but never had the courage to tell her. That same night, he met Sky, a beautiful, seemingly carefree college girl. Her rule was honesty, and Jameson abided, finding honesty invigorating and addictive, but he was shocked when he discovered she had been breaking her biggest rule. Sky’s secret was so big, it changed everything, but Jameson couldn’t just forget about her because he was already in love with her.

This was the second book I have read by Jolene B. Perry, and I enjoyed it just as much as the first, Next Door Boys. This was a fantastic, fast-paced read, and I had to keep turning the pages for more. I was captured by the story, which was narrated by Jameson, the lead male character. This is the first book I have read fully in a male’s perspective, and I didn’t mind it at all.

The characters felt very real to me, and I really liked Jameson. It was really nice being in the guy's head this time instead of the girl's; it was different and a nice change from the normal, especially being a contemporary romance. Jameson is a genuinely nice guy that gets a lot of stuff thrown at him his senior year, and I thought this made him easy to relate to, even as a girl. He seemed very real and the issues he struggled with could happen to anyone.

The author is wonderful at making the words flow in her books. In both books, I found it easy to get lost in her writing and to become so entranced in her story that I found myself done with the book before I knew it. When this happens, then the author is doing something right, and I hope she keeps doing it. I really look forward to reading more of her work in the future.

I received this book from Tribute Books for review. Thank you very much, Tribute Books; I really enjoyed Night Sky.

Buy Now:

Jolene Perry's Bio:

Jolene grew up in Wasilla, Alaska. She graduated from Southern Utah University with a degree in political science and French, which she used to teach math to middle schoolers.

After living in Washington, Utah and Las Vegas, she now resides in Alaska with her husband, and two children. Aside from writing, Jolene sews, plays the guitar, sings when forced, and spends as much time outside as possible.

She is also the author of The Next Door Boys and the upcoming Knee Deep.

Find Jolene:

Charade by Cambria Hebert [Guest Post]

2012-05-23T00:00:00.000-04:00

Today I would like to welcome Cambria Hebert to my blog for the Heven and Hell blog tour. She is the author of Masquerade, the first book in the Heven and Hell series. Cambria has welcomed me to her blog tour and today she will be doing a guest post on demons in honor of Charade, the next book in the series. I hope you all enjoy this post and give a warm welcome to Cambria Hebert.

Post on Demons – Charade Tour

Throughout time demons have been a source of fear, curiosity and myth. I cannot be sure if demons actually exist but really, I tend to think that they probably do somewhere. I’m going to go way out on a limb and say that they probably exist in hell. Lol.

So what better kind of beings to add to the Heven and Hell series?? I mean it seemed perfect to add a bunch of limb chewing, skin scratching, creepy crawly killers to the book. Charade (Heven and Hell #2) is home to many types of demons – many of which I just made up. LOL. I would ask myself, what could show up in the middle of my room (or whatever) and scare the panties off of me? But, there are also some demons that are in Charade that I did not make up or were inspired by others that I read about on the internet.

Leave it to Google to show me the light on demons!!

So, I thought it would be fun to talk about some of the demons that I have learned about and I might even throw one or two in the list that made it into Charade!

Geryon – Is said to be a giant centaur who guards Hell (This is who was called in to guard the gate after the hellhounds were cast out and no longer guarding the gate)

~There is a centaur in Charade though it is not Geryon. But my centaur is NOT nice. J

Shabriri- A demon who makes people blind.

Zaebos- one of the many animal-human combinations of demons.

~ This is a type of demon that shows up in Charade. Very early on in the book… my demon is part human part crocodile and I call him “the crocodile man”. His body is part crocodile (from the waist down) and human from the waist up. He has a very long tail that stretches like Gumby (remember him?? Lol) so he can grab you and pull you in….

~There is also another demon in Charade that could fall under this category… you saw him in Masquerade as well. Remember the big bird who turned into a man and could release some sort of weird mist from his mouth? I think of this demon as “The Mist Thrower”

Samael- Angel of death, Prince of the air.

Jezebeth- Demon of falsehoods

So where do demons come from?? In Charade it is said that demons are born from people like you and me – except these are bad people – sinners. When they die they get sent to hell. Their souls are then twisted by the evil, empty place (Hell) and they are formed into demons. They can take on many different forms but they are all terrifying.

Other traits of Demons (from the Heven and Hell Series)

~Demons like to bite. Their bites are very painful after the fact. They have saliva that when gets into the bite marks burns and hurts and causes you to become very ill.

~Demons are strong and can toss you around.

~Demons are not very bright.

~Demons have “man parts” –See Charade for further clarification. J

~Demons like to scratch – the scratches are also very painful

~Demon’s have white auras

Demon Hierarchy?

Of course there is a hierarchy for demons just like everything else! Lol. There are your regular demons that are like those I described above. BUT there are other demons who are more powerful like the seven princes of Hell. These are much more powerful and have abilities that are very difficult to beat.

So that concludes today’s demon lesson! I hope you enjoyed my take on the big scary and remember a lot of my demon ideas were made up and some were found on the internet (so of course that means they are SO true! Not.)

Is there anything you can add to this demon lesson?

Thank you all for being here today as part of the Heven and Hell Tour: Charade!!!

Charade Blurb

Dying at the hands of a psycho was a shock. Having my life returned to me by an angel was incredible. Being named a Supernatural Treasure and being given Sam as my guard was pretty darn awesome. Acquiring a debt for it all—well, I should have seen it coming.

Now here we are, fighting demons from Hell, caring for a boy that I just don’t trust, and traveling to faraway places to return a treasure to its rightful place. Nothing is as it seems. Everyone wears a mask; everyone puts on a charade. It’s up to us to separate the truth from the lies and reality from fiction. A hard task when my new reality involves fallen angels, witches and dragons… and did I mention Hell?

Anchoring me down through it all is Sam. Sam, who must face tragedies of his own and is put to the test again and again.

If we fail in our task, life as we know it—life as you know it—will end. Forever.

Cambria Hebert Bio

Cambria Hebert grew up in a small town in rural Maryland. She is married to a United States Marine and has lived in South Carolina, Pennsylvania and her current state of North Carolina. She is the mother of two young children with big personalities, is in love with Starbucks (give the girl a latte!) and she is obsessed with werewolves. Cambria also has an irrational fear of chickens (Ewww! Gross) and she loves to read and review books for her blog. Her favorite book genre is YA paranormal, and she can be found stalking that section at her local Barnes and Nobles (which happens to be her favorite place ever!).

Masquerade is her first published novel, but she also has a short story prequel to Masqueradeavailable in Ebook titled, Before. In addition, she has another short story published titled Whiteout.

Cambria also co-hosts a live, internet blog radio talk show, JournalJabber, (www.blogtalkradio.com/journaljabber) where she dishes about books, publishing and everything in between: hair in a can, toilet snakes, chicken phobias, etc..

You can find Cambria on Facebook, Good Reads (she is a moderator of the Creative Reviews group and the Creative Reviews Book Club) and her blog/website http://www.cambriahebert.com for her latest crazy antics and the scoop on Masquerade.

Find Cambria:

Waiting on Wednesday (23)

2012-05-16T00:00:00.000-04:00

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

Of Poseidon by Anna BanksExpected Release Date: May 22, 2012

Galen is the prince of the Syrena, sent to land to find a girl he’s heard can communicate with fish. Emma is on vacation at the beach. When she runs into Galen—literally, ouch!—both teens sense a connection. But it will take several encounters, including a deadly one with a shark, for Galen to be convinced of Emma’s gifts. Now, if he can only convince Emma that she holds the key to his kingdom . . .

Told from both Emma and Galen’s points of view, here is a fish-out-of-water story that sparkles with intrigue, humor, and waves of romance. (Goodreads)

Top Ten Tuesday (23)

2012-05-15T00:00:00.000-04:00

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. Each week they will post a new Top Ten list that one of their bloggers at The Broke and the Bookish will answer.

Top Ten Authors I'd Like To See On A Reality Show (and which reality show :P)

Cassandra Clare
J.K. Rowling
Lurlene McDaniel
Veronica Roth
Lauren Oliver
Suzanne Collins
Michelle Madow
Patricia Briggs
Elizabeth Chandler
Michelle Sagara

I chose ten of my favorite authors but I honestly don't have any idea what realty show I would choose because I don't watch reality TV shows. I would probably say make up a new one having to do with books since they are all authors, but I guess that wouldn't be as entertaining for this feature. I'm sorry to say I don't have a great fun answer for this one but i'm sure if you stuck authors in any random reality TV show then it would probably be pretty interesting and entertaining.

Shake It Down by M. Apostolina Review

2012-05-14T18:20:00.000-04:00

Shake it Down by M. Apostolina

★★★★☆

Teresa was an amazing dancer who always captivated her audience. When she was dancing, no matter where she was, people always paid attention. Unfortunately, her dancing didn’t bring in enough money to provide for her and her sister Vianna, who she had been taking care of since they left Mexico when Vianna was a baby. Things changed when Teresa decided to open up her own club with the help of a friend, who was also an investor. Things soon spun out of control between Teresa and Vianna, which lead up to the discovery of a secret Teresa had been harboring for years.

I was genuinely impressed by Shake it Down. I began reading this without any expectations, and, while it took me a little bit to get into it, it was a great story. Once I got into the story, it was a fast read with a twist I never saw coming. A lot of the time, I can see a plot twist coming a mile away, but this time, I never saw it! I give the author high praise for this great feat because this is hard to do in today’s literature.

The author did a great job with the depth of this story. There was meaning and real issues that the characters had to deal with in the story. I really like stories that are relatable and have real issues that aren’t over-stretched or over-dramatized. The author kept it real and interesting. I would read more of her work in the future.

I received this book from the author for review.

Available now to Buy:

Colors Like Memories by Meradeth Houston Blog Tour [Guest Post]

2012-05-14T00:00:00.000-04:00

Today I would like to give a warm welcome to Meradeth Houston, the author of the new book, Colors like Memories. I will be reviewing Colors like Memories in the future and really look forward to reading it. Today I'm joining the blog tour by hosting a guest post for Meradeth. I hope you enjoy this post as much as I did.

Thanks so much for hosting me today, Christie! Before I forget, I have a contest running for my blog tour—all commenter’s are entered into a drawing for two copies of my book, and one person will win a $25 giftcard to Amazon or Barnes & Noble. There are more details on my home blog, if you want to check it out!

I’ve always been kind of captivated by the past. In high school, I loved my history classes (probably because I had the luck of an awesome teacher). Historical novels always leave me wondering what it would really be like to live in a different time, a different place, a different era. I really hope I’m not alone in this sentiment, at least sometimes! I have a little list of times I think would be pretty cool to visit if someone ever invents a time machine. In no particular order:

-Victorian England. Yes, I’d hate wearing corsets and all that, but I think it would be pretty awesome to visit for a while. Well, to visit as a duchess or something, probably not a scullery maid.

-Classic Egypt. During a time of peace, preferably. I’d love the see the pyramids being built! Maybe even catch a little of the making of a mummy, too.

-The height of the Roman Empire. I don’t think I’d be able to stomach going to the coliseum, but I think I’d like to check out the heated baths :)

-Chaco Canyon at its peak. I love this canyon, the history, and the people (well, what I’ve read about them, at least). I’d give a whole lot to see what Pueblo Bonito looked like in the past!

My personal enjoyment of the past has led me in my studies, and has also occasionally gets mixed up with what I write. The main character in my debut novel, Colors Like Memories, is a Sary, and she’s lived through quite a few important events in history (the Civil War and the French Revolution both are visited through her eyes in the book). It’s kind of fun to imagine myself in those times and figuring out what it would be like to live then.

Inquiring minds want to know: what time period would you visit if you could? Any special events you’d like to see? Or are electricity, the web, and flushing toilets making the present a pretty nice place to stay?

A bit about the Colors Like Memories:

Julia has a secret: she killed the guy she loved. It was an accident—sort of.   Julia is a Sary, the soul of a child who died before taking her first breath. Without this 'breath of life' she and others like her must help those on the verge of suicide. It's a job Julia used to enjoy, until the accident that claimed her boyfriend’s life—an accident she knows was her fault. If living with the guilt weren't enough, she's now assigned to help a girl dealing with the loss of her mother, something Julia's not exactly the best role model for. If she can't figure out a way to help her, Julia's going to lose her position in the Sary, something she swore to her boyfriend would never happen.

Release date: May 11^th 2012 from MuseItUp Publishing.

A bit about Meradeth Houston:

Meradeth’s never been a big fan of talking about herself, but if you really want to know, here are some random tidbits about her:

>She’s a Northern California girl. This generally means she talks too fast and use "like" a lot.

>When she’s not writing, she’s sequencing dead people’s DNA. For fun!

>She’s been writing since she was 11 years old. It's her hobby, her passion, and she’s so happy to get to share her work!

>If she could have a super-power, it would totally be flying. Which is a little strange, because she’s terrified of heights.

Find Medadeth Houston:

TGIF (16)

2012-05-11T10:24:00.000-04:00

TGIF at GReads- This Feature is for Fridays to re-cap the week's post & to answer a question from GReads.

Question: Supporting Characters: We tend to gush over those main characters the most, but what about those supporting roles? Who are some of your favorites?

Warren from the Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs. He is trustworthy and one of Mercy's closest friends. He is funny loving and caring. He is a powerful werewolf but pretends he isn't because he is gay which isn't very acceptable among the werewolf but that doesn't stop Adam from accepting him and being his best friend. I also love Kyle, Warren's boyfriend, he is quick witted and funny, oh and he is a human dating a werewolf and doesn't quite know it in the beginning of the first book, Moon Called. They are a great combination and I love it when they are in scenes.

What you may have missed on my blog this week:

Features:

Other Awesome stuff:

Shadow on the Wall by Parvarti K. Tyler Blog Tour [Guest Post]

Shadow on the Wall by Pavarti K. Tyler Blog Tour [Guest Post and Giveaway]

2012-05-11T00:00:00.000-04:00

I'm excited to be part of the Shadow on the Wall blog tour today. I have been honored with being able to share with you all a guest post from the author of the new book Shadow on the Wall by Pavarti K. Tyler. This book sounds fantastic and intriguing and I look forward to reading it in the future. I was invited to this tour by Tribute Books, and they are always a pleasure to work with. They are also doing a giveaway with me for another one of Pavarti K. Tyler's books, which you can find out more about at the end of this post. I hope you all enjoy this post as much as I did and I look forward to hearing what you think.

Shadow on the Wall Book Summary

Recai Osman: Muslim, philosopher, billionaire and Superhero?

Controversial and daring, Shadow on the Wall details the transformation of Recai Osman from complicated man to Superhero. Forced to witness the cruelty of the Morality Police in his home city of Elih, Turkey, Recai is called upon by the power of the desert to be the vehicle of change. Does he have the strength to answer Allah's call or will his dark past and self doubt stand in his way?

Pulling on his faith in Allah, the friendship of a Jewish father-figure and a deeply held belief that his people deserve better, Recai Osman must become The SandStorm.

In the tradition of books by Margaret Atwood and Salman Rushdie, Shadow on the Wall tackles issues of religion, gender, corruption and the basic human condition. Beautiful and challenging, this is not a book to miss.

Buy now from Barnes & Noble or Amazon!

Paperback
Price: $11.95
Pages: 248
ISBN: 9780983876908
Publisher: Fighting Monkey Press
Release: May 1, 2012

Guest Post:
"Behind the Veil: My Experience with Hijab"

Hijab is the headscarf some Muslim women wear. There is great debate over the need, use and appropriateness of the hijab, which has fueled cultural debate and conflict. In Islam there is a cultural practice of covering a woman’s hair and neck, this is considered modest dress and the roots of the practice are based in the Qu’ran. There are multiple surahs (verses) and hadiths (oral histories) which are used to explain the need for men and women to dress modestly.

The specifics of what needs to be covered is controversial. Some say only the hair must be covered, others say everything but the eyes and hands should be. From Burquas in Afghanistan to hijabs in France, it seems everyone has an opinion.

In 2001, right after 9/11, I participated in an event called “Sisters for Solidarity.” The sponsoring group was an interfaith movement for social awareness. Over 200,000 women in the US donned hijab for Eid Al-Fitr, a celebration that marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.

Somewhere in the depths of my basement there is a picture of me with a beautiful red-and-gold scarf covering my hair and neck. For three days in November, 2011, I went to work, the grocery store, church and everywhere else with my hair covered.

I could discuss the political reasons for doing this, or my own religion beliefs, but what I learned during those three days has nothing to do with either. I donned a headscarf for very personal reasons, which I believed deeply and still hold dear. And every moment I wore it, I felt stronger in my convictions. Something about a physical declaration of my beliefs was empowering and liberating.

I also felt a part of something. Other women in hijab would stop, smile and speak with me no matter where we were. It was a kind of sisterhood I haven’t experienced in other parts of my life. Even when they found out I wasn’t Muslim, the kind response I received for what I was doing was deeply touching.

Simultaneously, I found the covering very oppressive. It was hot under there, and kept slipping. This was probably mostly due to my inexperience, but I found it physically cumbersome and something that needed constant monitoring. I was also very surprised to find that a number of co-workers with whom I had been close to did not speak with me during the days I was wearing hijab. I received sideways glances on the bus and subway, not the usual smiles and commuter camaraderie I was accustomed to.

There are three female characters in my novel, Shadow on the Wall. Each has an opinion of and relationship with wearing the hijab. I pulled on my short experience to inform how I wrote these characters. Rebekah, Darya and Maryam - each of them represents a different archetype of Middle Eastern women. While it's certainly not an exhaustive representation, the issues of gender and the veil are explored in depth through the course of the story.

What I learned during the Sisters for Solidarity movement - and what I hope Shadow on the Wall conveys - is that covering is a deeply personal experience. Ideally each woman would be able to decide for herself without the pressures of politics, family or cultural assumptions. Unfortunately, we don’t live in that world, which is what makes the discussion so volatile.

I’m curious as I move into publishing Shadow on the Wall how readers will feel about these women. Which will they respond to? With which will they identify?

Pavarti K. Tyler's Bio:

Pavarti K Tyler is an artist, wife, mother and number cruncher. She graduated Smith College in 1999 with a degree in Theatre. After graduation, she moved to New York, where she worked as a Dramaturge, Assistant Director and Production Manager on productions both on and off Broadway.

Later, Pavarti went to work in the finance industry as a freelance accountant for several international law firms. She now operates her own accounting firm in the Washington DC area, where she lives with her husband, two daughters and two terrible dogs. When not preparing taxes, she is busy penning her next novel.

Throughout history, literature and the art of story-telling have influenced politics, religion and culture. The power of the epic tale is universal. Why is it that those who never read The Iliad know Helen of Troy? Her story, Homer’s story, transcends the written word and has become a part of our human lexicon. The power of the written word is undeniable and Pavarti is honored to be part of the next wave of literary revolution.

Find Pavarti K. Tyler:

Giveaway:

You can enter to win an e-book copy of Pavarti K. Tyler's Two Moons of Sera: Volumes 1 & 2, which is a fantasy romance. The giveaway will be running until May 30, 2012. To enter use the rafflecopter form below. The winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond before another winner will be chosen.

Two moons of Sera (Vol. 1 & 2)

In a world where water and earth teem with life, Serafay is an anomaly. The result of genetic experiments on her mother's water-borne line Serafay will have to face the very people responsible to discover who she really is. But is she the only one?

All the Fun of YA written for Adults (goodreads)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Waiting on Wednesday (22)

2012-05-09T00:26:00.000-04:00

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

Chosen Ones by Tiffany Truitt
Expected Release Date: June 12, 2012

What if you were mankind’s last chance at survival?

Sixteen-year-old Tess lives in a compound in what was once the Western United States, now decimated after a devastating fourth World War. But long before that, life as we knew it had been irrevocably changed, as women mysteriously lost the ability to bring forth life. Faced with the extinction of the human race, the government began the Council of Creators, meant to search out alternative methods of creating life. The resulting artificial human beings, or Chosen Ones, were extraordinarily beautiful, unbelievably strong, and unabashedly deadly.

Life is bleak, but uncomplicated for Tess as she follows the rigid rules of her dystopian society, until the day she begins work at Templeton, the training facility for newly created Chosen Ones. There, she meets James, a Chosen One whose odd love of music and reading rivals only her own. The attraction between the two is immediate in its intensity—and overwhelming in its danger.

But there is more to the goings-on at Templeton than Tess ever knew, and as the veil is lifted from her eyes, she uncovers a dark underground movement bent not on taking down the Chosen Ones, but the Council itself. Will Tess be able to stand up to those who would oppress her, even if it means giving up the only happiness in her life? (Goodreads)

Top Ten Tuesday (22)

2012-05-08T10:50:00.004-04:00

Top Ten Favorite Quotes From Books

Is this the part where you start tearing off strips of your shirt to bind my wounds?"
"If you wanted me to rip my clothes off, you should have just asked. -City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
Mine" he said.
Adam's eyes narrowed. "I don't think so. She is mine."
It would of been flattering,I thought,except that at least one of them was talking about dinner and I wasn't certain about the other. -Moon Called by patricia Briggs
You think my first instinct is to protect you. Because you're small, or a girl, or a Stiff. But you're wrong."

He leans his face close to mine and wraps his fingers around my chin. His hand smells like metal. When was the last time he held a gun, or a knife? My skin tingles at the point of contact, like he's transmitting electricity through his skin.

"My first instinct is to push you until you break, just to see how hard I have to press." he says, his fingers squeezing at the word break. My body tenses at the edge in his voice, so I am coiled as tight as a spring, and I forget to breathe.

His dark eyes lifting to mine, he adds, "But I resist it."

"Why..." I swallow hard. "Why is that your first instinct?"

"Fear doesn't shut you down; it wakes you up. I've seen it. It's fascinating." He releases me but doesn't pull away, his hand grazing my jaw, my neck. "Sometimes I just want to see it again. Want to see you awake. -Divergent by Veronica Roth
Are you implying that shreds of my reputation remain intact?" Will demanded with mock horror. "Clearly I have been doing something wrong. Or not something wrong, as the case may be."

He banged on the side of the carriage. "Thomas! We must away at once to the nearest brothel. I seek scandal and low companionship. -Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
Mom says it's because she has PMS.
Do you even know what that means?
"I'm not a little kid anymore. It means pissed-at- men syndrome -The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks
I reached out blindly, clasped a warm hand, faded from life and into peace.
Well, that was what was supposed to happen.... Except an annoying, distracting tug kept pulling and yanking....
When I woke, I thought I had overcome the pull and stayed in the afterlife.  Whiteness billowed over me in soft waves.  My body was cushioned and cocooned in warmth.  I stretched my legs  and then tried to raise my arms, but my left arm wouldn't budge.  Rolling over, I encountered a number of very unpleasant realities.
I was alive.  I was in a room.  I was naked except for a blood-stained bandage wrapped tight around my stomach.  Kerrick lay beside me.  And his hand trapped mine.
Kill.  Me.  Now. -Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder
Is this some sort of test?"
"Everything that doesn't kill you is."
"Mind you," he added, "surviving doesn't always mean you passed. -Cast in Secret by Michelle Sagara
“I run for I don't know how long. Hours, maybe, or days. Alex told me to run. So I run. You have to understand. I am no one special. I am just a single girl. I am five feet two inches tall and I am in-between in every way. But I have a secret. You can build walls all the way to the sky and I will find a way to fly above them. You can try to pin me down with a hundred thousand arms, but I will find a way to resist. And there are many of us out there, more than you think. People who refuse to stop believing. People who refuse to come to earth. People who love in a world without walls, people who love into hate, into refusal, against hope,and without fear. I love you. Remember. They cannot take it.” -Delirium by Lauren Oliver
“When you love someone, its never over. You move on, because you have to but you take them with you in your heart” -Kissed by an Angel by Elizabeth Chandler
“She was struck by the simple truth that sometimes the most ordinary things could be made extraordinary, simply by doing them with the right people...” - The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks

I could seriously go on and on well beyond ten quotes for this one!

TGIF (15)

2012-05-04T00:00:00.000-04:00

TGIF at GReads- This Feature is for Fridays to re-cap the week's post & to answer a question from GReads.

Question: Literary Vacations: If you could take a trip this summer to any place within a fictional book, where would you go? Tell us about your summer dream vacation!

I would love to visit England so I'm going to go with Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare for this one. I know the place isn't exactly fictional but the book is. I love the shadowhunting world and I would totally love to visit it and I mean who wouldn't want to meet Jem? I have never been to England but it sounds beautiful and I would love to just explore everywhere and listen to those accents all day. I don't have specific places I want to see I would just want to explore and probably hang out and read somewhere, scratch that I would find someone with an awesome accent to read to me. :)

What you may have missed on my blog this week:

Sorry to say there isn't a whole lot new this week. It is the end of the semester and I have been overwhelmed by homework and getting ready for finals. I will be getting back into the grove of blogging and posting steady reviews once the semester is over which is soon! Thanks for sticking with me and I'm sorry I haven't been as active. I appreciate everyones support and loyalty.

Features:

Other Awesome Stuff:

New Blog Tour Page - I have been joining a lot of blog tours recently so I made a page, check it out to see what will be featured on my blog!

Waiting on Wednesday (21)

2012-05-02T00:00:00.000-04:00

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

Underworld by Meg CabotExpected Release Date: May 8th, 2012

Escape from the realm of the dead is impossible when someone there wants you back.

Seventeen-year-old Pierce Oliviera isn’t dead.

Not this time.

But she is being held against her will in the dim, twilit world between heaven and hell, where the spirits of the deceased wait before embarking upon their final journey.

Her captor, John Hayden, claims it’s for her own safety. Because not all the departed are dear. Some are so unhappy with where they ended up after leaving the Underworld, they’ve come back as Furies, intent on vengeance…on the one who sent them there and on the one whom he loves.

But while Pierce might be safe from the Furies in the Underworld, far worse dangers could be lurking for her there…and they might have more to do with its ruler than with his enemies.

And unless Pierce is careful, this time there’ll be no escape. (Goodreads)

This book sounds really good! I need to read the first one now. I also love the cover, it is so pretty,

Top Ten Tuesday (21)

2012-05-01T11:00:00.000-04:00

Moon Called by Patricia Briggs
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
Remembrance by Michelle Madow
Significance by Shelly Crane
Divergent by Veronica Roth
Delirium by Lauren Oliver
Cast in Shadow by Michelle Sagara
Kissed by an Angel by Elizabeth Chandler
Six Months to Live by Lurlene McDaniel

Top Ten Books Katie would Like To See Made Into A Movie

Moon Called – Patricia Briggs
Old Magic – Marianne Curley
My Fair Godmother – Janette Rallison
City of Bones – Cassanra Clare
The New Kid – Temple Mathews
Darkness Becomes Her – Kelly Keaton
Peter and the Starcatchers – Dave Berry , Ridley Pearspn
Rangers Apprentice: The Ruins of Gorlan – John Flanagan
The Named – Marianne Curley
Summerland – Michael Chabon

Masquerade Read Along: Chapters 24-31

2012-04-26T15:18:00.006-04:00

Chapters 24-31

Final discussion questions

1. Heven develops a new “supernatural power”. She remarks that it isn’t that exciting of a power. Is this a power you would like to have, if not what kind of supernatural power would you like to have?
The power or auras would probably drive me nuts especially if I couldn't turn it off. I'm not entirely sure what kind of power I would like, maybe to read minds or something like that.

2. Which character do you think makes the biggest internal change throughout the course of this book? Is there a situation in your life that you can reflect back on as an experience that changed your life for the better?
I think Heven probably had the biggest internal change. It wasn't huge but she did begin to have more courage and hid less as time went on. She also learned what it meant to love someone and care about them more than herself.

3. Who is your favorite character and why?
Sam for the most part because he does everything he can to protect Heven. He also thinks she is beautiful with or without the scars and wasn't embarrassed to be with her like others may have.

4. When the book ends the reader has an idea of what the next book will involve. Do you think the book ended in the appropriate place?
The end was a little weird but I think it ended in a good spot.

5. Do you have any predictions for the next book in the series, Charade?
I think that we will find out a lot more about Sam's brother and whether Heven is right to be apprehensive about him. We will also probably find out more about Heven's destiny and possibly more powers she will acquire. I don't have any specific expectations or scenes I'm looking for.

6. Did you enjoy participating in this read along? Will you join in future read alongs?
Yes because it made me think more critically about the book and also made me think about things I wouldn't have without having to answer the questions.

Waiting on Wednesday (20)

2012-04-25T17:11:00.001-04:00

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

Fated by Alyson Noel
Expected Release Date: May 22, 2012

The first book in a magnificent new series about a girl who can navigate between the worlds of the living and the dead by #1 New York Times bestselling author Alyson Noël.

Lately strange things have been happening to Daire Santos. Animals follow her, crows mock her, and glowing people appear out of nowhere. Worried that Daire is having a nervous breakdown, her mother packs her off to stay in the dusty plains of Enchantment, New Mexico with a grandmother she’s never met.

There she crosses paths with Dace, a gorgeous guy with unearthly blue eyes who she’s encountered before...but only in her dreams. And she’ll get to know her grandmother—a woman who recognizes Daire’s bizarre episodes for what they are. A call to her true destiny as a Soul Seeker, one who can navigate between the worlds of the living and the dead. Her grandmother immediately begins teaching her to harness her powers—but it’s an art that must be mastered quickly. Because Dace’s brother is an evil shape-shifter who’s out to steal her powers. Now Daire must embrace her fate as a Soul Seeker and find out if Dace is one guy she’s meant to be with...or if he’s allied with the enemy she’s destined to destroy. (Goodreads)

Top Ten Tuesday (20)

2012-04-24T14:57:00.000-04:00

Top 10 All Time Favorite Characters in Books

Christie's Choices

Four from Divergent by veronica Roth
Alex from Delirium by Lauren Oliver
Caleb from Significance by Shelly Crane
Mercy from Moon Called by Patricia Briggs
Katniss from The Hunger Games by Nancy Collins
Drew from Remembrance by Michelle Madow
Jem from Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
Jace from City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
Rae from Rae of Hope by W.J. May
Logan from the Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks

Katie's Choices

Charles Cornick - Alpha and Omega Series, Patricia Briggs
Samuel Cornick – Mercy Thompson Novels , Patricia Briggs
Talia – A kiss in Time, Alex Flinn
Madison (Maddi) Moss – The Heir Trilogy, Cinda Williams Chima
Kate Warren – Old Magic, Marianne Curley
Jace Wayland/Herondale/Lightwood – Mortal Instruments Series, Cassandra Clare
Ari – Darkness becomes Her, Kelly Keaton
Wolf – The Chronicles of Ancient Darkness Series – Michelle Paver
Nick Gautier – The Chronicles of Nick, Sherrilyn Kenyon
Mercedes (Mercy) Thompson – The Mercy Thompson Novels, Patricia Briggs

TGIF (14)

2012-04-20T16:38:00.000-04:00

TGIF at GReads- This Feature is for Fridays to re-cap the week's post & to answer a question from GReads.

Question: Book Blogger Influences: Has there been a particular book blogger who's influenced what you read?Share with us a review/book blog that convinced you to pick up a certain book.

One of the most influential bloggers in my life is Michele/ Cheles Bells from A Belle's Tales. I love talking books with Michele and she got me to read Delirium by Lauren Oliver and Divergent by Veronica Roth and I loved both of them. Michele writes beautiful reviews and is a pleasure to talk to. She has also got me interested in some other books she has reviewed but I have not had time to read them yet.

Two other bloggers I love to talk to are, Mickey from I'm A Book Shark and Shellie from Creative Reads. They both write awesome reviews and are fantastic to talk with. Shellie has sent me an Arc she really enjoyed which I also haven't had a chance to read but it sounds really good an I trust her judgement! I hope I get to meet all three of these awesome bloggers in person some day!

What you may have missed on my blog this week:

Features:

Reviews:

Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

Other Awesome Stuff:

Masquerade Read Along: Chapters 16-24

2012-04-19T11:18:00.002-04:00

Chapters 16-24

5 Discussion Questions

1. Heven’s mother has definite ideas about Heven and her scars – what they mean – and their relationship is strained. Do you think their relationship can be saved?

I'm not sure, Heven's mom is a bit ridiculous and I can't believe she thinks her daughter is evil. Her mom needs to be willing to listen but instead she is stubborn and harsh. I think it is good Heven can go to her grandmother's house to get away. Maybe spending some time apart will give them time to work thought things.

2. Sam tells Heven about how he came to be living on his own, how his parents kicked him out after he became what he is. He doesn’t seem angry though, he seems to accept it. Would you be angry? Do you think he should be?

I think it is good that Sam isn't angry anymore. I would be extremely angry and probably hold that anger. That isn't a good thing but it is something I tend to do. Anger is tiring and after a certain amount of time you should just let it go because its wasting your time and energy. I'll be the first to say this is easier said than done, that is why I admire that sam has accepted it and moved on.

3. During these chapters, Heven and Sam visit the Inbetween and meet Airis (aka The Hope). Were you surprised by this series of events? Do you think a place like the InBetween really exists?

I was surprised that Heven died but of course she had to come back to life. I'm not sure what I believe about death and heaven and InBetween places. I guess to me the InBetween place could be when you are close to death or giving up the fight, I'm not sure about after you already die especially being able to bring someone back to life unless its by the hands of medics using measures like the paddles, so in that case I suppose they are technically dead and could be in that InBetween place. I really have no idea :-p

4. When Heven’s scars are no longer a part of her and she says “she no longer recognizes herself” – do you think that the absence of her scar will change her once more?

I don't think she will ever go back to how she was before but I think things might change for her as she gets used to not having the scar anymore.

5. Gran is very accepting of Heven and of Sam. Do you think that she understands more – knows more than she lets on about Heven’s life or do you think her love is just unconditional?

I never thought about Gran possibly knowing about Heven's destiny, so I had just assumed she just loved her unconditionally. Seeing that question I think it could be a possibility she knows more than she lets on. I'm really not sure and on the edge now that I read this question and have that idea in my head. Either way I think Gran is a loving person.

Waiting on Wednesday (19)

2012-04-18T16:22:00.000-04:00

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

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa
Expected Release Date: April 24, 2012

In a future world, Vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity.

Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.

Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die or become one of the monsters.

Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.

Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.

But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for.(Goodreads)

My fantastic blogging friend Michele from A Belle's Tales reviewed this book and it sounds fantastic. I look forward to reading it!

Top Ten Tuesday (19)

2012-04-17T12:51:00.000-04:00

Top Ten Tips For New (Book) Bloggers

I'm still pretty new myself but I will try to think of helpful encouraging tips. I began blogging around november and I feel like I have been doing it so much longer. I love the blogging world and it has been a great experience for me.

Be ready for a lot of work if you want a good solid blog. Blogging has been like a full-time job for me but it is really rewarding and I love it.
Do not ever plagiarize/ steal reviews and thoughts from other blogs. You will get caught and look really bad as a blogger.
Use social networks to reach more followers such as a facebook page and twitter. Twitter is great and quick and easy to use. There are other networks you can use but I use twitter and facebook the most.
Don't be afraid to ask for help from other bloggers. Most of us are happy to help anyway we can. I had to ask for help along the way and sometimes still do and then I have also been the person helping. The blogging world can be intimidating but fellow bloggers can help you make it easier.
Blog for the right reasons! If you are only doing it to get free books then it won't be fun for you. Blog because you love books and love talking and sharing books with others. Trust me the free books will come. I never expected to get the amount of author requests that I have been getting.
Participate in Features. They are a lot of fun and it helps other bloggers find out about your blog and you can find some new blogs also. Visit other features and leave comments and they will be more likely to visit you. I participate in Top Ten Tuesday (obviously), Tell Me Something Tuesday, Waiting on Wednesday and In My Mailbox.
Visit blogs and stay connected. I'm guilty at being very bad at this lately because I have been so busy with school. I can't wait for summer so I have more time to venture outside of my blog more again. One of the best things about blogging is the people and I have met and become friends with.
Host Giveaways and join giveaway hops. It is another great way to get more traffic to your blog. Giveaways are fun and who isn't excited about winning a free book? Hops are great because if you participate you are put on a list of giveaways that is easier to find. Hops can reach more people than a normal giveaway does.
Be willing to branch out from your normal reading choices. Blogging is great to discover new books. I think a lot of us have the problem that we like to stay in our reading comfort zone and then we miss out on some awesome books. Try something new! My first author request was something completely different than I would normally read but I was so excited about my first author request that I was like yah why not! I ended up really enjoying the book.
Just have fun with it! Blogging should be fun if it is not then you should stop or find a way to make it fun again.

Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver Review

2012-04-16T00:00:00.001-04:00

Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

★★★★★

Lena had escaped into the wilds and was saved by a girl named Raven. She took Lena into the homestead and helped her recover and then, taught her the ways of the wilds. Lena had to learn an entirely new way of living as she learned to let go of her old life. The only guy she had ever been around was Alex, and now, she lived with “uncured” men, which was a crime outside of the wilds. Being “uncured” meant that they hadn’t received the procedure from the government to eradicate love. When you turned eighteen, you were required to receive the procedure and a match for who you would marry, either soon, or after college. Lena and everyone from the homestead traveled to New York when it got colder, which changed Lena’s life even more.

I don’t know how the author does it, but she is amazing. This book broke my heart, while I clutched it, needing more. I couldn’t stop reading it, and when I finished, I was screaming at it. The author has a special talent of ending the book in a way that drives you nuts while contemplating murder to get your hands on the next book in the series. Waiting another year for the next book - not an option. The author has a fantastic way with words that has kept me thinking about the book well after I finished it.

I loved Pandemonium just as much as Delirium, if not more, which surprised me. I was scared to read Pandemonium after hearing bits and pieces about the book. I was upset about events that happened, but I still loved it. The book grabbed my heart and held onto it while making me feel all the emotions in the book. To me, that is an amazing book that deserves to be noticed like it is.

I can’t wait to read the final installment in the series. I really don’t know how I’m going to wait a year, but either way, I cannot wait.