Cream of the Crop (2)

Cream of the Crop is a feature in which I take some of my favorite posts from other blogs and websites and share them with you.  This is what caught my attention this week:

Author Jeaniene Frost has a great post over on The Deadline Dames about why e-piracy is a big problem for both authors and readers.  If you've ever downloaded a book from a file-sharing site, you need to read this post.

Adele @ Persnickety Snark posts about her hopes that GLEE will step up its game when new episodes return in April.  I, like her, am a big fan of the show, but I agree there's a lot of room for improvement.

Steph Su presents an excellent analysis of the first chapter of The Hunger Games and how those few sentences help to build a dystopian world without being obvious about it.

Diana Rowland has a great post.  Being an author IS an awesome job, but there are some associated annoyances.  Somehow it makes me feel a little better that it's not all sunshine and roses.

Natalie @ Mindful Musings posted in defense of the blogging affiliates movement.  This is something I've been wondering about myself, but after reading her post I really understand a little more what these bloggers are after.  I may even join in myself!

Author Lisa Shearin posts about some great ways to support your favorite authors.  It's more than just buying books.  I can't figure out how to link to a specific post on her blog, but the one you're looking for was posted on Wednesday, Feb 24.

I Heart Monster wants to know: why exactly are vampires damned?  Click on over and throw your two cents in.  For myself, I always just assumed it was because it made a convenient plot gimmick to support their oh-so-attractive angsty personalities.

I've been enjoying putting this feature together so much that I'm planning to make it a weekly occurence. 

Review: Cast in Shadow by Michelle Sagara

Last word first: Action packed and addictive. (4/5)

Acquire it: Cast in Shadow by Michelle Sagara

Summary: Seven years ago, 13-year-old Kaylin fled the city of Nightshade to escape the mysterious deaths of dozens of children... children who just happened to bear the same strange marks that appeared on Kaylin.  Now, grown to adulthood, Kaylin serves the order of the Hawks, spies and law enforcement to the Emperor.  But the killings have started again, and Kaylin is assigned to the case.  Accompanied by a partner she doesn't trust, she has to pursue the answers to a mystery she would rather run away from.

My thoughts:  I've had this book sitting on my shelf for over a year.  I bought it when I read a great review for the series over at Drey's Library, but then it just kept getting bumped to the bottom of the pile.  I'm glad I finally picked it up, though.  Cast in Shadows is an interesting blend of a high fantasy novel and a crime procedural with a dry sense of humor that gives it a flavor all its own.

Kaylin herself is a great mix of the vulnerable child she was and the tough enforcer she's become.  When she is assigned to the ritual deaths of several poor children, she mentally flinches away but eventually throws herself into the investigation.  Her first meeting with Severn, her new partner who also has connections to her past. is a scene to remember.  The emotional intensity of the story was immensely satisfying.  The relationship dynamics between kept making me think there was going to be some sort of romance, and though that never really developed, there was plenty of setup for the future.

The story starts off fast, and manages to maintain a quick pace through most of the book.  The biggest flaw in this novel, from my perspective, was the way you sort of get thrown in mid-story.  It was a little jarring trying to figure out what the heck is going on.  Why does Kaylin hate Severn so much?  What the heck is an Aerian?  Why are the fiefs so crazy when there appears to be a strict rule of law everywhere else?  Reader, be patient, for all will be explained.  However, with the story caught between present events and the killings that happened seven years ago, a good half of the book was slightly disorienting.

This book reads like a more adult version of  Terrier or Bloodhound by Tamora Pierce, and will likely appeal to fans of that series.  Cast in Shadows is the first of a series, and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next one, Cast in Courtlight, and read about more of Kaylin's exploits. Though the cover is a little romance-y for my taste-->

Content warning: Plenty of violence and death, obviously, though there is remarkable restraint in the level of gore.  The book has a dark tone, but manages to stay pretty clean. 

About Michelle Sagara (also writes under the name Michelle West): She lives in Toronto with her long-suffering husband and her two children, and to her regret has no dogs.  Reading is one of her life-long passions, and she is sometimes paid for her opinions about what she’s read by the venerable Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction. No matter how many bookshelves she buys, there is Never Enough Shelf space. Ever. (borrowed from the bio on her website)

Second opinions:
Angieville - the scene she shares is also one of my faves.
Ink and Paper - found it a little confusing from time to time.  Me too!
Have you reviewed this book?  Let me know in the comments, and I'd be happy to link to you.

Blogoversary Preparations

At some point in the last week or so, I officially passed the 400 follower mark!  Thanks everyone!

Normally, I would have a big giveaway to celebrate, but my budget is tiny (read: nonexistent) and my 1-year blogging anniversary is coming up, so I think I'll save the giveaway until then.  My official 1st day of blogging was March 31, 2009 and throughout the month of April I'm planning to have giveaways and other fun things to celebrate. 

Which is where you all come in.  I would like to have a series of guest posts from other bloggers as a part of the festivities.  I could interview you, or you could write a post about your best blogging experience, your favorite book, the massive size of your TBR pile, an aspect of the reading lifestyle, or just why you have a book blog.  Anything goes!  I'm also planning a post entitled "Best Advice for New Bloggers" so if you'd just like to contribute a snippet on that topic, that's great too.  I think it will be lots of fun for everybody, and should give us all lots of cross-exposure.

Plus, since I'm going to have a newborn then, giving me a little blogging help will be a great gift!  =o)

So, if you're interested in participating, please just fill out the form below.  And thanks!

Review: What I Saw And How I Lied by Judy Blundell

Last word first:  Suspenseful, classy mystery. (4/5)

Acquire it: What I Saw and How I Lied (paperback)

Summary: It's 1947, and life is looking up for 15-year-old Evie Spooner.  Her stepfather, Joe, has returned from the war alive and well, and the family is enjoying a new sense of prosperity.  But zest for life and business sense aren't all Joe brought home from the war.  A former army buddy, Peter, appears in their lives and things start to change.  Evie starts to fall for him.  But who can she trust?  Her parents or the man she might just be in love with?

My thoughts:  This book has a little of everything.  There's romance, intrigue, murder, racism, and a coming-of-age story that broke my heart just a little bit.  Though written from the perspective of Evie, 15 and on the verge of first love, this is not a warm and fuzzy book.  It seemed like every chapter, even every turn of the page, brought another character's motives into question.  It's impossible to know who to trust, when even Evie herself seems untrustworthy.

The foreshadowing of disaster is laid on a little thickly, so you know right from the beginning that this isn't going to be a happy story.  And yet the story is so completely engrossing that even I, confirmed hater of all unhappy endings, wasn't tempted to put the book down.  I had to know what was going to happen next.

The breakout star of the book was the period setting, which Blundell has captured beautifully.  As I read, I could feel myself pulled into the relief and sorrow of the time just after World War II.  It is a time that seems perfectly tailored for a girl like Evie, just on the brink of adulthood and longing for it while being simultaneously terrified.  Actually, Evie's clearsighted analysis of the society in which she lives made me wonder why she had such a hard time seeing what was going on in her own family.

Overall, a great book, if a bit of a sad one.  Highly recommended.

Website of Judy Blundell.

Second opinions:
The Reading Zone
Steph Su Reads
Have you reviewed it?  Let me know, I'd be happy to link to you!

Beautiful Dead Giveaway

Beautiful Dead: Jonas (Book One) by Eden Maguire

Check out the page for Beautiful Dead over at Teen Fire. You can watch the book trailer, read a short excerpt, and visit the discussion boards to learn more.

Description:  Something strange is happening in Ellerton High. Phoenix is the fourth teenager to die within a year. His street fight stabbing follows the deaths of Jonas, Summer and Arizona in equally strange and sudden circumstances.

Rumours of ghosts and strange happenings rip through the small community as it comes to terms with shock and loss. Darina,Phoenix's grief-stricken girlfriend, is on the verge. She can't escape her intense heartache, or the impossible apparitions of those that are meant to be dead. And all the while the sound of beating wings echo inside her head! And then one day Phoenix appears to Darina.

Ecstatic to be reunited, he tells her about the Beautiful Dead. Souls in limbo, they have been chosen to return to the world to set right a wrong linked to their deaths and bring about justice. Beautiful, superhuman and powerful, they are marked by a 'death mark' - a small tattoo of angel's wings. Phoenix tells her that the sound of invisible wings beating are the millions of souls in limbo, desperate to return to earth.Darina's mission is clear: she must help Jonas, Summer, Arizona, and impossibly, her beloved Phoenix, right the wrong linked to their deaths to set them free from limbo so that they can finally rest in peace. Will love conquer death? And if it does, can Darina set it free?


 
GIVEAWAY

I have to admit that this book was not exactly a great fit for me, but you might love it.  And I'm going to give you a chance to find out. I am giving away my gently read ARC copy of Beautiful Dead.  Simply fill out the form below to enter the contest.

Teaser Tuesday 2/23/2010

Today's teaser comes from Cast in Shadow by Michelle Sagara.

He laughed.  No one else in the room did.  And as she looked, she realized that Red was to be the one mercy the room afforded.  The Hawklord was there.

I haven't started this book yet, so I don't really have any early impressions to share.  I've heard lots of good things about the series, though, and I'm excited to get reading!

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Mini-reviews (9)

The Know-It-All by A.J. Jacobs

Summary: In an attempt to fill in the gaps of his education, AJ vows to read through the entire Encyclopedia Britannica.

My thoughts:  Yikes!  What a chore.  Rather than reading through the whole EB yourself, you're much better off reading AJ's memoir about his experience.  Full of trivia and entertaining tidbits, you'll end up feeling a little smarter after reading this book, but you'll also laugh the whole way through.  Along the way, AJ explores the question of what intelligence really is- can having a ton of random information at your disposal really make you smarter?  Edu-tainment at its best.  Please enjoy the following quotes:

elf: Not the cute creatures we've been spoonfed by the media.  Elves in traditional folklore ... stole human children and substituted deformed fairy children.  Wonder if Santa is really a crack dealer.

gymnasium: The literal Greek translation is "school for naked exercise."  Which made toweling off the stationary bike even more important.

pet: It's believed the ancient Egyptians used geese as guard animals.

Dealing With Dragons by Patricia Wrede

Long story short: Princess Cimorene does not like being a princess.  She hates studying etiquette and would much rather study swordfighting.  Most of all, she is disgusted with everyone telling her that what she wants to do "just isn't done."  So she runs away.  She becomes a dragon's princess, answering to the mighty Kazul's every whim. That's just the beginning.  Cimorene encounters a witch, a load of irritating knights, a tricky wizard and a djinn... and she might just be the one to save the dragon kingdom.

My thoughts:  I happen to love a good "princess who hates being a princess" story.  I think the whole damsel-in-distress concept is a crock.  Who wants that?  I loved that Cimorene doesn't find a Prince Charming- she's too young for that anyway.  (How my daughter manages to be a pink-obsessed princess wannabe is a mystery to me... hope she grows out of it.  But that's not the point.)  This book is a cute and funny read for middle schoolers and all the young-at-heart who enjoy a great adventure.  I'm excited to get my hands on the next book in the series.

Cream of the Crop (1)

"Cream of the Crop" is a new feature where I'll be bringing you a few of my favorite posts from the two weeks or so.  Posts on other blogs and sites, that is.  Here's what got my attention in the first half of February:

Scott Westerfeld does us all a favor by breaking down the Amazon-MacMillan debacle.

Misty of the Bookrat did a guest post over at Once Upon a Bookcase talking about the lure of a pretty cover.  I agree!  There are so many books that I loved the cover of, and was completely disappointed by.  Wait, I think there's actually an old adage about that... it reminds me of a song: "She ain't pretty, she just looks that way."

Debbie Reese talks about possible plagarism in the House of Night series by PC and Kristin Cast.  Could be subtitled "Why cut-and-paste is a double-edged sword."

GMR at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers wants to know: do you like the original cover or the movie tie-in version?  I myself almost always go for the original.

In case you were hiding under a rock somewhere in Siberia and you missed it, Scholastic released the cover and title for Book 3 of the Hunger Games Trilogy this month.  Did you hear my SQUEE!?  The On Our Minds at Scholastic blog also gives us a few hints on what will NOT be happening in MOCKINGJAY.  lol on the Lady Gaga comment.

Bella's Novella let us know that Katherine Heigl has been cast in the role of Stephenie Plum for the film version of Janet Evanovich's One For The Money.  Huh... didn't see that one coming.  But the real question is who will they get to play Morelli and Ranger?  Any suggestions?

We've been seeing a lot of commentary about "whitewashing" in the book industry. Jessica @ Book Bound checks in with her own opinion, which is a little different than most of what I've been seeing.

Over at The Secret Adventures of Writergirl, you'll find another thought-provoking post on the issues of race and perspective.

Sing Me To Sleep Winner!

GMR @ Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers!

GMR, you are the lucky winner of Sing Me To Sleep by Angela Morrison.  I will forward your mailing info to Angela, and she will ship out your book as soon as the book is released on March 4th. 

There are also 20 lucky entrants (out of more than 50!) who will be getting a signed Angela Morrison boomark in the mail.  I won't list you all here, but keep a close eye on the mailbox! 

Many thanks to everyone who entered, especially those who also stopped by the review and interview - you made this blog tour lots of fun.  If you didn't win, you can still purchase Sing Me to Sleep from Amazon.

Book previews: yes or no?

Lately I've been seeing a lot of book previews offered for upcoming novels.  Sample chapters, excerpts, and the like.  I never read them, because I find they just make it harder to wait for the book in question to hit shelves.  Then, once I get my hands on an actual copy of the book, my first reading is marred by the fact that I read the first three chapters a few months ago.

I'll occasionally read excerpts or a sample chapter from a  book that's already been published, if it's a new-to-me author.  It helps me get an idea of the style of writing and I can figure out if I'll like it without having to buy the whole book.

My guess is that I'm pretty unusual on this.  There are a lot of these excerpts and teasers floating around out there.  Surely authors and publishers wouldn't offer them if they weren't an effective marketing tool.  Do you read them?

If you do, here are links to a few I've seen lately:

The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong
The Line by Teri Hall

Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson
Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
My Love Lies Bleeding by Alyxandra Harvey
The Dresskeeper by Mary Naylus
The Fool's Girl by Celia Rees
The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan

Fun Finds: Sea Glass

I've been meaning for a little while now to do a post about sea glass (sometimes called beach glass).  This is  glass that has been naturally tumbled by the ocean, giving it a beatiful organic look.  I love it! 

Blue and White Swirl Pendant by Seashaped

Teacher's Pet Keyring by Sea Find Designs

The Captain's Lady by Artistic Detour

Wine Charms by Endless Sunner

Filigree Locket by Beach Glass Memories

And hey, if the above gorgeous pretties aren't your thing (though how could they not be?), you can always check out Sea Glass by Maria V. Snyder.

All images are the property of their creators and are used with permission.

Review: The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley

Last word first:  A novel approach to detective fiction, with a spunky heroine who kept me hooked.  I am eagerly awaiting more of Flavia's adventures. (4/5)

Acquire it: The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley

Summary: Eleven-year-old Flavia de Luce loves chemistry, particularly as it pertains to poisons.  She has a father she loves and two older sisters that she despises.  She is smarter than just about everyone that she knows.  When she discovers a dying man in her garden just in time to hear him gasp his bizarre last word, "Vale!" it is the most exciting moment of her young life.  But then Flavia's father is accused of murder, and she is determined to solve the crime herself and clear his name.

My thoughts:  You don't often read an adult mystery novel with a protagonist who is a child.  I'm not sure why this is, but perhaps because putting a child in those types of situations would come off as a little creepy. And the child whose narration is adult enough to be appealing would be a little disturbing.  And yes, Flavia is ever so slightly disturbing.  After all, this is a child who knows more about poisons than your average assassin.  But she is also engaging, precocious, and just generally fun to read.

Flavia imagines herself to be something of a miniature Sherlock Holmes, deriving complex meaning from clues that the coppers can't make head or tail of.  Unfortunately, no one will listen to her!  So this wild child sets off on her bicycle across country to solve the mystery herself.  Thank goodness she lives in Britain in the 50's, or someone would probably sic a social worker on the child.  You couldn't call this book particularly action-packed, but Flavia's narration is so absorbing that I had a hard time putting it down. 

A perfect old-fashioned mystery, this story is chock full of obscure clues, elusive witnesses, and motives originating in the distant past.  I enjoyed every moment.  The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie is billed as the first of a series, with the second expected later this year.  This makes me very happy, because I am dying to read more of Flavia's adventures.  This book is recommended for all mystery lovers.

About Alan Bradley: Alan Bradley was born in Toronto and grew up in Cobourg, Ontario. With an education in electronic engineering, Alan worked at numerous radio and television stations in Ontario, and at Ryerson Polytechnical Institute (now Ryerson University) in Toronto, before becoming Director of Television Engineering. (from the bio at Flavia's website, http://www.flaviadeluce.com/) Now he lives in Malta, the traitor, but we'll still give him Canadian Author status.

Second opinions:
I'm Booking It
On My Bookshelf
All About {n}

Teaser Tuesday

Today's teaser is from The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley.  It's a different spin on detective fiction and so far I am loving the book and its spunky narrator, Flavia.

Ten minutes later, we were sipping cocoa in the station tearoom, P.C. Glossop and I.  He told me that he had a girl just like me at home (which, somehow, I doubted).

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Review: The Puzzle Ring by Kate Forsyth

Last word first: A fast-paced historical adventure that will appeal to all ages! (4/5))

Acquire it: The Puzzle Ring by Kate Forsyth ($10.54 CAD at the Book Depository)

Summary: Australian Hannah Rose Brown is almost thirteen when she receives a mysterious letter in the mail and ends up travelling with her mother to Scotland, in order to meet the grandmother she's never even heard of. Once there, the mystery only deepens, as Hannah discovers her family is under a curse from a fairy who was betrayed by one of Hannah's ancestors. To break the curse, Hannah must travel back in time some 400 years... but will she make it home?


My thoughts: Excellent! It took me a couple of chapters to really get into this book, but once I was there, I stayed hooked through the end. The Puzzle Ring is a fun, exciting read - definitely one for the permanent shelf! This story pulls together contemporary characters, history, and folklore in a way that is completely riveting.

I found Hannah mildly irritating early on in the book, but then she is a thirteen year old girl, and I have yet to meet one that I don't find mildly irritating. I even annoyed myself when I was thirteen. As the story moved on and Hannah had interaction with characters other than her mother, I liked her a lot better.

My favorite part of the story is when Hannah and her friends travel back in time to try and break the Rose curse. I loved the interweaving of the present and the past, and I kept trying to figure out the various mysteries and where the story would go next. Forsyth managed to surprise me most of the time, though. Her skillful use of historical figures and events to advance the plot of the story managed to bring this period of history to life for me in a way I've never experienced.

One thing that I deeply appreciated about this book is that, while it is totally appropriate for the recommended age group (10+), the writing is not dumbed down at all. The plot is complex, the vocabulary is pleasantly challenging (it sent me running for the dictionary once), and the historical detail is accurate to the best of my knowledge. Most importantly, the distressing details of the story and historical setting are never glossed over or sensationalized unnecessarily. The Puzzle Ring thankfully manages to avoid the condescending tone that turns me off of so many middle-grade novels. This is a book that truly has appeal for all ages.


About Kate Forsyth: Kate Forsyth has wanted to be a writer for as long as she can remember. She wrote her first novel at the age of seven and has been writing constantly ever since.  (borrowed from her website)  You can learn more about Kate by reading her guest post!

More about The Puzzle Ring:
Hannah Rose Brown is interviewed at Tales of Whimsy.
Review at Bookalicious Ramblings.
Review at Chicklish.

Slightly Off-Topic: My Favorite Fictional Couples

So it's Valentine's Day and, while I'm not much of a romantic, even I can tell that love is in the air.  The question was going around Twitter the other day about whether Edward and Bella ought to be crowned the best romantic couple ever.  With all respect to Mr. and Mrs. Cullen, my own personal answer to that question can only be ABSOLUTELY NOT.  So I'm going to be sharing with you a few of my favorite fictional couples and why I love them.

Yelena and Valek (The Study series by Maria V. Snyder).  What amazes me about this pair is the way their relationship manages to fill the books, despite the fact that they are geographicly separated for a large part of the story.  They're strong, independent characters, driven by motivations bigger than "ah my love let us ride away together into the sunset" and their relationship resonates the stronger because of that fact.

Lexi and Whatshisname (Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella).  I don't know why I can't remember his name, it's making me crazy.  Despite the fact that these two are having an affair (never a point in their favor in my books) I'm completely seduced by the way he's desperate to get amneisiac Lexi to remember him.  Not to mention the way he seems hauntingly familiar to her, despite the fact that she can't remember his name (seems to be a lot of that going around).  I guess I must have a shred of romanticism hiding somewhere.

Ron and Hermione (The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling).  Who could resist the way this pair of bickering friends grow up and fall in love? 

Eve and Rourke (The In Death series by J.D. Robb). The cop and the thief.  An unlikely pairing, but it works.  I love the way the relationship between these two has developed over the course of the series.  They're polar opposites in some ways, but they appreciate each other.  Maybe because they have a similar lack of need for sleep *wink*

Fire and Brigan (Fire by Kristin Cashore).  I feel like I've been talking about these two a lot lately, but if I have it's with good reason.  Again we have a pair of characters who not only have deep feelings for each other, but have deep feelings and motivations in other areas.  In this case, they are each doing their best to serve the people and their kingdom, each in their own way.  Edward and Bella really love each other, sure, but if you take half of the pairing away, you're left with less than a complete person.  Maybe that seems romantic to some people, but to me it's just boring. 

Belgarath and Poledra (The Mallorean, Belgarath the Sorcerer by David Eddings).  Yes, they're grandparents.  Millenia-old grandparents, actually.  But if you still love a person after all that time, clearly something is working.

I'm sure if I sat down and thought about it for a while, this list would get so long as to be embarrassing.  So I'll stop here.  What do you think?  Who's your favorite fictional couple?