Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Movie Review: Alice

Alice

Released:  2009

Rated:  NR

Genre:  Fantasy

Length:  180minutes (3 hours)

Recommendation:  Maybe, if you like a little strange... okay really strange after comparing to the strangeness of Alice in Wonderland. lol.

Synopsis:
In this reimagining of Lewis Carroll's Classic novels, Caterina Scorsone starts as Alice, a young woman who descends into the twisted world of Wonderland after her boyfriend is abducted by the Queen of Hearts (Kathy Bates, in an Emmy-nominated role) and forced to gamble in her royal casino.  As the Hatter (Andrew Lee Potts) helps her battle a secret society called the White Rabbit, Alice uncovers the source of the Queen's wicked power.  Tim Curry co-stars in this miniseries.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Alice brings her boyfriend, Jack Chase, home to meet her mother.  After dinner with some privacy, Jack receives a text, "RUN."  Jack asks to take Alice to meet his parents, who are "over seas."  Alice doesn't know, so Jack offers her an old family ring.  Alice decides it's to fast and sends Jack on his way.  Alice soon realizes Jack still slipped her the ring and takes off to find him.  She finds him being hit and kidnapped by strange men, one of which wears his long white hair in two long ponytails down his back.  Alice, still caring deeply for Jack, takes off after them to find her boyfriend following the white haired man through the looking glass into a strange world.

Okay, after watching this one, my husband has decided I am a little on the strange side, and I might not be able to pick movies any longer. lol. (He doesn't know how to use NetFlix, so he loses. lol!)

This was a 3 part series on SyFy some time ago and I wanted to see it, but never seemed to be around when it was on.  Thank you Netflix for having it.

And yes, it is strange, very strange, but creative.  The world we fall into is very different, yet similar, to the story of Alice in Wonderland we know.  The buildings we first see are extremely tall, and everyone walks on paths around the buildings at each level, or bridges to the next building.  The we learn that people from our world are tricked into coming to Wonderland for the Casino's use.  The Casino, run by the Queen of Hearts, uses humans to drain emotions into an elixir, which they enjoy feeling.

Oh there were many big names in this version, and I enjoyed seeing them here.

I watched this in one sitting, and at times thought of turning it off.  I got bored with it from time to time, and wondered if I wanted to watch it through.  But then I would have a moment where I'd laugh and be good to keep going.  I think in part it was because I watched the whole mini-series in one sitting, all three hours of it.

Cover Released: Chasing Magic

I've become a fast fan of Stacia Kane's books and particularly the Downside Ghosts series, and the 5th book has a cover!!

Yes, I know I'm a little behind the eight ball, but I was sick so I'm a little delayed, but sharing anyway....

Now Stacia did make a comment on Twitter to not read to much into the small smile on the model here.  So, well... *shrugs shoulders* Maybe not all that happy then?

I do like the tattoos Chess has here, and the city in the background.  I look forward to reading on in this world.

Teaser Tuesday (104)

Teaser Tuesday
is a weekly event
Sponsored by MizB of Should be Reading

Here's how it works:

Grab the book you are currently reading (anything at all)
Open the book to any random page.
Share 2 teaser sentences from anywhere on the page
Please Make Sure They Are Not Spoilers!
(Don't Give Too Much Away)
Just enough to pique our interests

This Week:

Marcus looked like hell.  Aside from the dirt, the scratches and blood-stained clothing, his expression would have frightened the dead.

The Fly in Paradise
By Frances Pauli
pg66

Monday, January 30, 2012

Monday's Beginnings (127)

So it's Monday... and I'm down with a sinus infection, so sorry no vlog this week.  I was really looking forward to doing one to tell you about the books I got last week.  But, well, not going to happen.  And I'm sorry I'm not going to get any visiting done, as when I'm done with this post, I'm going back to vegetating.

So, what did last week Intel?  Well, let me think as the brain is a little foggy today...

Finished:
The Emperor's Knife by Mazarkis Williams

Current Read:
The Fly in Paradise by Frances Pauli

Reviews to come for:
Magic Burns by Ilona Andrews
Scars of Silver by S.A. Archer
The Emperor's Knife by Mazarkis Williams

Reviews Posted:
Something Wikkid This Way Comes by Nicole Peeler

Movie Review:
Angels and Demons

Podcast Reviews:
They are working on the next set, so when they come out I'll start listening and posting again.

New Covers Shared:
Spider's From Memory by Frances Pauli - some how this book slipped by me as it was just released last week.  It's the final book in the Changeling Race trilogy.

I did post a Flash Fiction Friday last week. :) If you would like to stop by to check it out...

My WANT List...I added 10 books!  Yes! :D  Well, I'm getting back up there with the numbers. lol.

Received Last Week:
Purchased:
This one, among others but after looking into them I think this is his pick, my son found when we were at the bookstore a week ago, and since I had a coupon I went ahead and picked it up for us.  He seems to have an attraction to zombies I think.  Gaaa...
Goodreads Synopsis:
They'll chase you. They'll rip you open. They'll feed on you...When the sickness came, every parent, policeman, politician - every adult - fell ill. The lucky ones died. The others are crazed, confused and hungry. Only children under fourteen remain, and they're fighting to survive. Now there are rumours of a safe place to hide. And so a gang of children begin their quest across London, where all through the city - down alleyways, in deserted houses, underground - the grown-ups lie in wait. But can they make it there - alive?

Free Friday on the Nook!
I saw this one and even though it's a YA read, I thought for free there would be no lose, so added it to the Nook.
Goodreads Synopsis:
Maddy Swift is just a normal girl—a high school junior surviving class with her best friend and hoping the yummy new kid, Stamp, will ask her out. When he finally does, her whole life changes.

Sneaking out to meet Stamp at a party one rainy night, Maddy is struck by lightning. After awakening, she feels lucky to be alive. Over time, however, Maddy realizes that she’s become the thing she and everyone else fear most: the living dead.

With no heartbeat and no breath in her lungs, Maddy must learn how to survive as a zombie. Turns out there’s a lot more to it than shuffling around 24/7 growling, “Brains.” Needing an afterlife makeover is only the beginning of her problems. As Barracuda Bay High faces zombie Armageddon, Maddy must summon all of her strength to protect what matters most—just as soon as she figures out exactly what that is.
 
Won:
Suzanne McLeod was giving away to a few lucky Twitters one day, I entered, and won a signed copy! Yeah!!
Goodreads Synopsis:
Genny's an expert at cracking spells, but when it comes to ending an eighty-year-old curse, she just might be in over her head...

For once, Genny's life seems quiet.  Finn, her sexy boss, isn't pushing for a decision on their relationship, the seductive vampire Malik al-Khan has vanished into the shadows and the witches have declared that Genny is no longer a threat.  But she knows it's probably just the calm before the magical storm.

Then a teenage faeling is fished out of the River Thames, dead and bound with magic, and Genny is called in to investigate.  Her search exposes age-old secrets that might be better left buried.  And when another faeling disappears, Genny is suddenly in a race against time to stop a deadly curse from claiming its next victim:

Herself.

On of my raising to favorite publishing companies for all the amazing books they put out, Mundania Press, did a giveaway for on of their authors for their new release this past week, and I won there!  (Thanks to those how don't leave their email address's so they can find you if you win.)  I got to pick one of the authors books.  I've had my eye on getting this one for a time, it sounds like so much fun.  I choose:
Goodreads Synopsis:
Chloe came to the Three Lakes area for the peace and quiet. She happily abandoned the world of retail management, suits and promotions to work as a hotel maid catering to the local tourists. Until Andrew Paige showed up--a suit of the worst kind, the kind that makes her knees weak.



When Andrew offers her a job at his hotel, Chloe is hell bent on resisting, but the Dimensional Shift is no ordinary hotel, and Chloe is immediately tossed into the world of inter-dimensional tourists, their odd accommodations, and a string of thefts that threaten to ruin her chances at romance.

While learning the ropes, dealing with the Shift's unusual guests, and trying to determine if the boss' interest in her is strictly professional, Chloe uncovers a plot to steal the hotel's dimensional keys. With the help of the town gossip, her alien abductee neighbor, and her new invisible best friend, Chloe confronts an inter-dimensional crime ring and a host of complications that make romancing the boss look like the least of her troubles.
 
Review:
I received this book for review, after a conversation with the publicist.  I really don't know when I'll be able to get to it, but it's in the review stack now.
Goodreads Synopsis:
Heaven can go to hell.

Until her cousin slaughtered the supernal family, Anazakia’s father ruled the Heavens, governing noble Host and Fallen peasants alike. Now Anazakia is the last grand duchess of the House of Arkhangel’sk, and all she wants is to stay alive.

Hunted by Seraph assassins, Anazakia flees Heaven with two Fallen thieves—fire demon Vasily and air demon Belphagor, each with their own nefarious agenda—who hide her in the world of Man. The line between vice and virtue soon blurs, and when Belphagor is imprisoned, the unexpected passion of Vasily warms her through the Russian winter.

Heaven seems a distant dream, but when Anazakia learns the truth behind the celestial coup, she will have to return to fight for the throne—even if it means saving the man who murdered everyone she loved.
 
So, this week to come?  I'm hoping to finish up The Fly in Paradise and move on to another book... what book?  Well, it will probably be another review book. :)  And I have an author guest post coming up, an author interview, and a giveaway. :) So I'm looking forward to getting some antibiotics in me and getting squared away and ready to fly here. :)
 
How does your week look?  Here's to having a wonderful week in words and pages.

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Book Review: Something Wikkid This Way Comes

Something Wikkid This Way Comes

By:  Nicole Peeler

Publisher:  Orbit Books, Orbit Short Fiction

Publish Date:  January 17, 2011

Format:  eBook

Genre:  Urban Fantasy

Series:  Set in Jane True world, but 1st of Triptych Company

Recommendation:  Yes.  Fun short read with mystery and magic!

Book Synopsis:
Capitola, Moo, and Shar are the halfling ladies of Triptych: a company that specializes in cleaning up supernatural messes.  Normally Cappie doesn't take human cases, but who can resist a priest, missing Catholic school girls, and a creature that may or may not be the Prince of Darkness?  A story set in Nicole Peelers Jane True Series.

First Sentence:
"A priest and a shape-shifter walk into an office" might be a good premise for a joke, but it's alarming when it happens in real life.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Capitola Jones, half shape-shifter, is partnered with Shar, half Succubus, and Moo, an Alfar, to create Triptych.  Triptych helps people, more over supernatural people, "find" things.  But an old friend of Capitola's family suggested her business could help the human priest, along with her father whom is of the highest regard in her opinion.  The case:  The Priest is a Principal at an all girls Catholic private school and every three months girls are leaving, performing strange sexual acts along with sacrifices then disappearing.  And no one can find the "man" behind it.

The three ladies find themselves undercover in the Catholic private all girls school. LOL! Oh yes, a half succubus in an all girls school. hee hee.

Oh this was a nice new setting!  I loved these three ladies.  This is the same world as in the Jane True series, but these are three new ladies to us.  And three I do hope to see again in the future.  So being the Jane True world, there is magic around and part of the case.  They made me chuckle and smile.  They are quite a team.  They may not see eye to eye on some things, but they love each other dearly, like sisters.  These ladies are completely different in personality yet blend so wonderfully.

This book is full of mystery.  I kept wondering who the guilty party was, or if we even had the right suspects.  Mixed with the mystery is Nicole's fun and snarkiness.  I have to say in the end I chuckled, as the joke was made, but it reminded me of an Adult Scooby-Doo episode, with out the dog of course and with three ladies, no men.

I don't want to say to much and give the story away, since it is a short story.  But it is fun.


I purchased this short story for my own enjoyment.

Friday, January 27, 2012

Flash Fiction Friday (34)

Dottie over at Tink's Place have come up with the idea for a Monday Morning Flash Fiction challenge. Each Monday a new picture prompt will be posted and if you choose to participate you post your story on Friday - 350 words, give or take.

I have to thank Blodeuedd at Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell for introducing me to this fun meme. I don't know if I'll be able to keep up with every week, but I'll give it a try from time to time.

The Image This Week:
(artist of picture, unknown)

Story By:  Melissa

Sophia did the one thing she thought she would never do again, and came to accept it.  She opened her eyes. The world was fuzzy, but it was there.  Sophia blinked several times, and then held her eyes shut tight, to open them to a room draped with sheer material.  Sophia lay on a big bed looking through the view distorting material to see a man in a bright red robe.

"You wake."  He said in a calm, peace feeling voice.  "How do you feel?"

Sophia tried to speak, but only a croak whispered from her lips.  Her throat raw and dry, feeling like a dried date looked, from crying and screaming on that cliff they left her on.  Then, now, from sleeping.  She tried swallowing to bring the wetness to her tongue.  The man stood seeing her struggle, walked to a chest of drawers.  Sophia heard the splash of liquid in a cup, bringing urgent yearning to her body.

He handed her a clay cup with water throw the screen, as he watched her gulp the liquid down with a matching pitcher in his hand.  Sophia looked to him with the empty cup out toward him, she felt like one of the scavengers living in the pits of the city, almost ashamed of herself as she wiped her arm and hand across her mouth and chin but a starved body takes over its own mind and rational thinking to survive.  And she found she didn't care.  He filled her cup again, and again.

At last Sophia found her voice, with a nod of her head, "Thank you."  With a look around the brilliant room she went on, "Where am I?  Wha," she swallowed again, "What happened?"

The man's lips turned up, not really what she would call a smile but close. "You now belong to the Freya Order."

Sophia's head spun with wide eyes to the man, then she tried to slow and not show her shock or even fear.  "The, the goddess of beauty and love and, and magic?"

"The one," the man started with pride in his voice, "She is also of fertility and war."  Then he went on to the next subject standing and pointing to the body by the wall, "Your clothing was but rags from you prison on the cliff side, this is your new armor.  We will honor you once you are dressed properly.  Knock on the door three times when you are ready."  Then he walked from the room.

Sophia sat stunned for a moment.  She didn't know what to expect.  She had thought she was going to her death with the "sacrifice" she was left as, but never thought she would be cared for like a goddess.  That was the only explanation.  With ease Sophia unwrapped her legs from under her, sliding them through the silky curtains, standing on wobbly legs.

She walked to the "armor" by the wall, starring at it.  Sophia slowly donned the armor, careful to not cut herself on the sharp spikes on the shoulder and at the elbow and knee.  Once dressed, she looked down at herself, arms out to the side, her chest half exposed.  Bringing her hands together holding her new sword in front of her, she raised her head back resting it on the wall behind her starring at the ceiling.  This is no armor; it's ornamental, for these men to see a goddess with the combination of love, lust, and war.

Even though she's alive, what kind of live would she lead?

Looking Forward To...(85)

There are so many amazing books already on the shelves and new ones coming out.

For a list of books yet to be released I'm looking to get, you can also look on my right Sidebar at the ever growing list titled Desired Reads - just scroll down. Of course there are tones of other new books to come out that are amazing as well, but these ones are part of series I have already started or for one reason or another caught my eye (and haven't seen much on other blogs yet). But I will highlight one here each week.

(mentioned in order of Release Date then Alphabetical if there are more than one book coming out on the same date.)

Next Book Is...
Thief's Covenant
By:  Ari Marmell
Due Out:  February 14, 2012

This is the first book in A Widdershins Adventures, and I think I might have to have it.  This year I plan on getting back to reading my big love, fantasy, and this one fits the bill.  I love my thieves, and with the mention of a god too... well, I like the sounds. :)  And I'm not sure, but I saw someone note it as YA.  I didn't see that in the Pyr Newsletter, but I could have missed that piece of information.

Synopsis from Pyr Newsletter:
Once she had climbed to the ranks of the city 's aristocracy in a rags-to-riches story straight from an ancient fairy tale. Today she is Widdershins, a thief making her way with a sharp blade, a sharper wit, and the mystical aid of Olgun, a foreign god. Widdershins and Olgun are going to find answers, and justice, for what happened to her-but only if those who almost destroyed her in those years gone by don't finish the job first.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Throwback Thursday (51)

Let's talk about those books already on the shelves, yours or the stores.

I have a post for books I'm looking forward to coming out;

Looking Forward To...
But what about all those wonderful books that are ALREADY on the shelves.

Whether it be on your shelf waiting to be read or on the shelves in the stores waiting for you to give it a good home.

So, I thought I would share a book a week that is just waiting for me to travel through it's world.

Now... where do I start? Lets go by Published Date on the books...

This Week:

Oh, many of you know I'm an anthology lover.  I love those short stories with just tastes of what new authors, and already loved authors, have to share with us.  This one was on the TOP of my list before it was released and when it hit the shelves I jumped to go get it.  And darn that time issue for not giving me the time to get caught up to read this.  I REALLY want to get to it, and it's with my hearts desire of Fantasy stories.


Edited by:  Lou Anders
Authors:
Jonathan Strahan, Joe Abercrombie, Glen Cook, Steven Erikson, Garth Nix, K.J. Parker, Robert Silverberg, Gene Wolfe, C.J. Cherryh, Michael Moorcock, Tim Lebbon, Greg Keyes, Michael Shea, Scott Lynch, Tanith Lee, Caitlin R. Kiernan, Bill Willingham, James Enge

Goodreads Synopsis:
Seventeen original tales of sword and sorcery penned by masters old and new 

Elric . . . the Black Company . . . Majipoor. For years, these have been some of the names that have captured the hearts of generations of readers and embodied the sword and sorcery genre. And now some of the most beloved and bestselling fantasy writers working today deliver stunning all-new sword and sorcery stories in an anthology of small stakes but high action, grim humor mixed with gritty violence, fierce monsters and fabulous treasures, and, of course, swordplay. Don't miss the adventure of the decade!

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Who? What? Where (51)

Who are you with? Where are you at? What's happening?

Share with us just a little bit of what is happening in the book you are reading, right where you are now.

Just a tiny taste of what's happening, remember try to not give spoilers of the book.

(This is a new meme I'm going to try and will tweak as I go. And please don't laugh at my lame attempt at drawing. ;D )


I'm sitting with Sarmin in his prison of a bedroom.  His brother, the Emperor Beyon, has surprised Sarmin by doing something he has never done before, visiting him.  Beyon asked Sarmin to not betray him, and also told Sarmin he is sick as well, showing Sarmin the markings of the "plague."  Sarmin is recording the patterns of Beyon's marks and thinking there is a secret there.  I think Sarmin is smarter than given credit for, even though he's not had human contact he seems to have his own plans he's putting together with all of his sudden and new visitors.

The Emperor's Knife
By:  Mazarkis Williams

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Movie Review: Angels & Demons

Angels & Demons

Released:  2009

Rated:  PG-13

Recommendation:  Yes, for a twist on a faith to create a wonderful mystery in symbols, gets you thinking.

Synopsis:
Following the murder of a physicist, Father Silvano Bentivoglio, a symbolist, Robert Langdon, and a scientist, Vittoria Vetra, are on an adventure involving a secret brotherhood, the Illuminati.  Clues lead them all around the Vatican, including the four altars of science, Earth, Air, Fire and Water.  An assassin, working for the Illuminati, has captured four cardinals, and murders each, painfully.  Robert and Vittoria also are searching for a new very destructive weapon that could kill millions.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Robert Langdon is back, called to help for his expertise in symbols and the Catholic history.  Robert has asked access a few times to the Catholic special library, to finish his books, but denied.  Now the Catholic Church asks his help, with a secret group, the Illuminati, who seem to have a mission in mind with the help of a scientific project that has made a huge break through that could help them in this thinking.

I'm not going to compare this one to the first one.  They are different cases, just with the same main investigator.  No, Robert is not an investigator, but I like the feel of a case and solving.  He is investigating a case, just solving it with secreted symbols and clues.

I am not a big person of religion, actually it kind of turns me off of a movie or book.  Unless it's done in a way I don't feel like I'm being preached to, and these movies feel that way to me.  The Catholic order has a long history, and the connections in it are there to make it one to dig around and make thoughts pop out in any direction.  I like that.  A twisted way of thinking, and gets me thinking right with it.  No, I did not come away feeling as the Catholic order had been wronged.

The scenery was lovely.  I felt like I got a view of statues and sites I will probably never get to visit, which was lovely.  And a view on history, though twisted to an angle.  I like it.

There was a very good bit of action to this as well.  Robert is figuring out the clues just a tad bit late in the time frame given, so we on on the chase most of the book.  And the action is always going as well.  Kept me wondering if he was going to get ahead of the "player" or not.  Very well done.

My husband even watched this one with me, and that is a major feat as if had religion in it - he's worse than me on the "turned away from religion" themes.  But he enjoyed it and the angle of the mystery as well.

We both enjoyed this one very much.

I really should read these books.  I have The Lost Symbol at home, and do one day want to read it.

Teaser Tuesday (103)

Teaser Tuesday

is a weekly event
Sponsored by MizB of Should be Reading

Here's how it works:

Grab the book you are currently reading (anything at all)
Open the book to any random page.
Share 2 teaser sentences from anywhere on the page
Please Make Sure They Are Not Spoilers!
(Don't Give Too Much Away)
Just enough to pique our interests


Oh, this is a teaser for me as well.  Now I can't wait to get to this point!

This Week:

Eyul studied her for a moment.  In the ruins she'd feared him as much as the ghosts, afraid he'd slit her throat.  In a day or two her arm would swell, and she'd beg for that mercy.

The Emperor's Knife
By:  Mazarkis Williams
pg93

Book Release: Spiders from Memory

This one slipped past me!  How is that possible?  Really!?!  But it's now available, and it's the third and final book to the Changeling Race series...maybe?  lol.  If you are wondering Frances Pauli has posted about that very question on Mundania Press.  But at this point the book does wrap up the books.

But on to the book that's now available!

Book Description:

The Seelie court is gone, and the Tower has fallen into darker hands. Now nightmare creatures terrorize the Fey races, and the whole Fey world turns to frost and shadow.

Liz Larson holds the last remnant of the Seelie Sidhe's power. The elves look to her for guidance, but all she has to offer them is the disturbing story of their origin, the final truth that will turn many of them against her. With her dwindling number of allies, Liz needs to reopen the borders, to find the missing Marcus Bramble, and to avoid the sudden, terrifying attention of the new Fey ruler, the Unseelie Speaker and new master of the Sidhe Tower.

While her friends in Mundanity race to pry open the gates, and Marcus searches for the answer to a puzzle that could save or damn them all, the Unseelie Speaker marches north, bringing his army and his wrath to focus on Elizabeth.

What can one, fairy-touched human do in the face of the Unseelie court's full fury? How can she fight when the enemy's anger is only partly blind, when she can see all too clearly the traces of justice behind it?

Monday, January 23, 2012

What do you think?

My little blog here has really grown since I first started it.  I started just to record what I've enjoyed about book, to help me remember, and to come across others out there that enjoy the same books as I do.  For fun.  That's what reading is right?  For us, it should be fun, something we enjoy.

Well, the blog has grown and taken on a whole world of it's own.  And I love it.  This is where I start to get to my point...

I was thinking of putting the feelers out to see about bringing on another reviewer.  Someone who enjoys the same taste in books and hopefully reviews in a similar fashion.  But I want to ask you all what you think?  In doing this should I stop doing any of the meme's I do?
  • Monday's Beginnings
  • Teaser Tuesday
  • Who? What? Where? Wednesday
  • Throwback Thursday
  • Looking Forward Too... Friday
  • Flash Fiction Friday
  • Just for Thought ~ Occasionally done

Should I make the blog more book geared and less personally geared?  Would you like more reviews to show up or do you like the smaller feel with me around more?

I do want to get some time in on my train-wreck-book here, and start with other ideas that are swimming around.  And the help would be greatly appreciated.

Any concerns you would have to me doing this?  Any ideas to let me know what you would like to see or not like to see?

I know this sounds crazy, me asking you.  But if you think about it, you have become a big part of me enjoying the blog, so I want to know more of what you would like to see, and what you would think of a few changes.

I know I enjoy the small blogs, and sometimes when they start to expand I start to lose track because there is to much information coming from them.  Please let me know what you think.  I'm not looking to grow to a huge blog, but maybe just a little help around the edges. ;)

Thank you!  I look forward to your thoughts.

Monday's Beginnings (126) Vlog Style (12)

It's Monday, and back to the grind we go...


Reading:
The Emperor's Knife by Mazarkis Williams

Finished & Review to Come:
Cybrosis by P.C. Haring
Magic Burns by Ilona Andrews
Something Wikkid This Way Comes by Nicole Peeler
Scars of Silver by S.A. Archer & S. Ravynheart

Reviews Posted:
Bad-Ass Faeries, Just Plain Bad - anthology
Addicted by S.A. Archer
Cybrosis by P.C. Haring

Movie Reviews:
No, but I have 1 if not 2 to come.

Podcast Reviews:
I'm waiting for the next set to come around. :) Looking forward to them!

New Covers Shared:
Shadow's Master by Jon Sprunk

Book Chat:
We finished Magic Burns by Ilona Andrews and have been chatting the whole book!

I did do a Flash Fiction Friday again. :) If you dare, I hope you enjoy.

My WANT List...I added 7 books.  I know, not many, but I'm slowing down.  I have LOADS of past books I need to get too! :D

Received Last Week:
Purchased:
Goodreads Synopsis:
Now that the threat of war has passed, Sabina Kane is ready to focus on the future. Her relationship with Adam Lazarus is getting stronger and she's helping her sister, Maisie, overcome the trauma of her captivity in New Orleans. Even Giguhl is managing to stay out of trouble thanks to the arrival of Pussy Willow and his new roller derby team. But as much as Sabina wants to feel hopeful about the future, part of her doesn't trust that peace is possible. 

Her suspicions are confirmed when a string of sadistic murders threaten to stall treaty negotiations between the mages and the vampires. Sabina pitches in to find the killer, but her investigation soon leads her down dark paths that have her questioning everyone she thought she could trust. And the closer she gets to the killer, the more Sabina begins to suspect this is one foe she may not be able to kill.


For on the Nook:
Goodreads Synopsis:
Capitola, Moo, and Shar are the halfling ladies of Triptych: a company that specializes in cleaning up supernatural messes. Normally Cappie doesn't take human cases, but who can resist a priest, missing Catholic school girls, and a creature that may or may not be the Prince of Darkness? A story set in Nicole Peeler's Jane True series.

So, how does your week look?

I'm hoping to get through The Emperor's Knife this week.  We shall see what the week has in store for me.

Here's wishing you all the best in words and pages.

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Book Review: Cybrosis

Cybrosis

By:  P.C. Haring

Publisher:  Off the Deep End Multimedia

Publish Date:  December 12, 2011

Format:  Arc

Genre:  Science Fiction, Cyberpunk

Series: 1st book in series with Ciris

Recommendation:  Yes.  If you enjoy action and adventurous mystery with technology mixed in, go read this one!

Book Synopsis:
For Agent Ciris, the mission should have been simple: get in, apprehend the target, get out.  But when the simple snatch and grab goes horribly awry, the worlds first cyborg find herself backed into a corner.  At odds with her superiors, she becomes embroiled in two conspiracies - one intended to destroy her with a cybernetic virus that will neutralize the technology that keeps her alive, the other intended to keep hidden the untold secrets of her origin.  With the walls closing in around her, Ciris becomes a rogue agent with no one to trust and only one objective - unravel the shrouds of secrecy before time runs out.

First Sentence:
Computer networks cover the Earth, connecting distant corners in an instant.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Ciris and her crew of operatives are on a mission to find and bring in Dr. Leon Quincy, who has become a dangerous computer hacker.  The simple mission turns messy and damage claimed by many is beyond belief of The Center, who's now upset with Ciris for her disregard of care to property around her.  Ciris is listening to the speech from Director Briggs on her disregard and how the physical damage caused while on cases has become beyond excessive since the accident, then unwillingly and not knowing why, she passes out.  These two combined with holding information from her crew gets Ciris grounded to paperwork, but quickly she returns to the field when she is the only agent around and Quincy is at his worst again.  We then see someone has other ideas for Ciris, using her computer side as a weakness...or is it her human side?  Ciris fights her virus and Cybrosis while trying to come to terms with many lies and betrayals around her.

This book started out as Podcasts, which you can find on the authors site.  I found my way there by way of Tales from the Archives, and listened to the first podcast.  I loved what I heard, but not having an iPod to load to, and not being able to carry with me, along with always being interrupted at home (you know how those kids and husbands are) I wasn't able to get to listening to more.  Which bummed me out as I really wanted to.  So, when I found out P.C. Haring made his debut into books, I jumped at the chance to read a copy of this book.  And I'm so glad I did.

We start with full, high speed action with loads of bullets and fire!  Then we end with it as well.  And through out the book, yes we have it there too.  Ciris is always wrestling with someone.

I loved the word usage!  So vivid, and easy to visualize.  Such strong words used, dropped the images into my head.
     "riddled with holes..."
     "charred remains..."
     "She raised her left arm and a pod slightly larger than a deck of playing cards rose a few centimeters from the back of her forearm." - This whole sentence made it so easy to visualize!  Who couldn't see this?

This brings me to my next subject, cyber and technology.  I always get a little fearful when picking up a cyber book or science fiction book that I will not understand the equipment or terms used.  In this case, P.C. Haring made it incredibly easy for me.  His descriptions were vivid and in terms I understood.  He didn't linger on the items longer than he had to, I know there is some huge and powerful equipment here, but as they are part of the setting and story, they were not the storyline itself.  Ciris was.  Thank you P.C. Haring.  I enjoyed the high tech equipment and usage.  The cars, can be driven or navigate on their own.  Computer access to Centers network from in the car.

Ciris... I have to say I feel for this woman.  All that has happened to her to get here, and beyond.  She is broken, but she is very strong.  Really, one of my kind of leading ladies.  P.C. Haring does well of controlling our feelings where Ciris is concerned, when we feel with Ciris the holes in her heart then turn it off with Ciris to be business when at work.

P.C. Haring kept me wondering and turning the pages as he deepened the mystery behind Cybrosis, the virus, and the betrayals all around in each chapter.  I was curious what our "man" would do next, when would we meet him, and why.  I wanted to learn all the answers and to see what destruction Ciris would create next.

Very nice debut into books!

Would you like to learn more?  You can check out P.C. Harings' site: Cybrosis.
If you would like to listen to the Podcasts of Cybrosis (which I have to say in just the first one I enjoyed the different voices) You can do so with this link.


I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

Friday, January 20, 2012

Flash Fiction Friday (33)

Dottie over at Tink's Place have come up with the idea for a Monday Morning Flash Fiction challenge. Each Monday a new picture prompt will be posted and if you choose to participate you post your story on Friday - 350 words, give or take.

I have to thank Blodeuedd at Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell for introducing me to this fun meme. I don't know if I'll be able to keep up with every week, but I'll give it a try from time to time.

The Image This Week:
By:  Melissa

Ceran sat on the fallen tree watching the fog roll across the dark lake.  The women of the village no longer came into the woods, and he had no one to...play with.  The women of his kind have all died out, or left to a find a healer to help them.

The women from the village use to come see him, all the time.  His young beautiful face, with a natural pout brought the woman close, wanting to comfort him.  Once he touched them, they became entranced by his smooth, liquidy skin.  They loved to rub against it and feel the jolt of excitement that followed.  

The men of the village caught on after several of them lost their wives to the woods, and the few who did return no longer accepted their husbands in their bed.

Now, Ceran was left alone.  Two white doves fluttered to a branch beside him.  White feathers jumped to his attention against the gloom background the forest had become.  With his kind gone, and the lack of excitement and fun, the flowers didn't bloom any longer, and the trees were dying.  The magic was leaving the world.

A dove cooed, bringing Ceran's eyes into focus on it.  It told him it had a message for him, and turned into a female with shimmering wings full of health.  Ceran's mouth dropped to speak, but nothing came out as his mind froze from shock and happiness.

"Yes Ceran.  We have found the one to help us."  Her voice reminded him of the growing of roses; tempting, beautiful, yet wild.  "Will you come be with us?"

Ceran jumped from the broken tree he sat on, landing within inches of the beauty before him.  His fingers found their way to her face, feeling the familiar smoothness he’s been craving to feel on another, then gliding down her neck to her shoulder.  His eyes traced with his fingers the glimmering skin he desired, then returning to her sparkling brown eyes.  There was fun and hope in that sparkle.  He remembered Blossom, she was always one of his favorites to spend time with.  Ceran leaned in grazing his lips across hers before claiming them for his own.  His arms found their way around her waist, tickling her wings.

Blossom giggled, sounding like the ripple of fresh water, "I take that as yes."

A flutter of wings, Ceran and Blossom left the perishing forest behind them.

Looking Forward To...(84)

There are so many amazing books already on the shelves and new ones coming out.

For a list of books yet to be released I'm looking to get, you can also look on my right Sidebar at the ever growing list titled Desired Reads - just scroll down. Of course there are tones of other new books to come out that are amazing as well, but these ones are part of series I have already started or for one reason or another caught my eye (and haven't seen much on other blogs yet). But I will highlight one here each week.

(mentioned in order of Release Date then Alphabetical if there are more than one book coming out on the same date.)

Next Book Is...


Unbroken
#4 in Outcast Season
By:  Rachel Caine
Due Out:  February 7, 2012

I read the first book and enjoyed Cassie and her...troubles.  I like the jinn take as well.  I've got the next two books waiting for me to dive into.  And I want to keep going with the series when I do.  Book number 4 has snuck up on me and is preparing to make it's appearance.

Goodreads Synopsis:
For millennia, Cassiel was a powerful Djinn-until she was exiled to live among mortals. Now the threat of an apocalypse looms, and Cassiel is in danger of losing everything she has come to hold dear...

As the world begins to fall apart around her, Cassiel finds herself fighting those she once called her own-the Djinn. With Weather Warden Luis Rocha and the rescued child Ibby by her side, Cassiel struggles to find a way to protect those that are in her charge and come to terms with the leadership role she never asked for.
Cassiel is opposed by a powerful Djinn bent on raising an army of kidnapped Warden children to bring about nothing less than the end of the world. It will take everything Cassiel has to stop the Djinn from starting a war that will wipe all of humanity from the face of the earth. She knows that this might not be a battle she can survive, but protecting those she loves is worth any cost...

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Book Review: Addicted

Addicted

By:  S.A. Archer

Format:  Ebook, Novella

Publisher:  Ravynheart Publishing

Publish Date:  January 2012

Series:  2nd in Touched Series
Affiliated with: Champion of the Sidhe, and Rise of the Unseelie series

Book Synopsis:
Suffering from the addiction to the Sidhe Touch, London is obsessed with finding a source of magic that can ease her curse.  Unfortunately, premium magic like the Touch comes with one heack of a high price tag.  Working off the debt she's racked up to the dealer may well terminate her addiction once and for all, because nothing's more dangerous than doing a Changeling's dirty work.

First Sentence:
"Are you sure he's Sidhe?"

My Thoughts and Summary:
London is feening terribly for the Sidhe Touch, and Sidhe are rare to come across, almost impossible to find.  London is addicted and will pay any price for the touch.  She meets with four newbie vampires who think they know of a Sidhe, when London mentions the magic she see a response the tells her they know where one is.  But to see the Sidhe could cost London more than just money.  Could the next Sidhe be worse than the first one, the one that cursed her?

This novella was a slower start for me.  But in that I will also say it's setting up London's addiction, to make us aware of her condition since we left Cursed which was before she became to bad in her addiction. Also, it draws the world of creatures of night for use too.  We see vampires with fey in this side of the Sidhe series'.  The Touch Series is definitely, thus far of the three series', has more sensual and sexual nuances to it.

We meet a few new characters here.  Rand, I can't say much other than he's not really a good guy but one for the money.  And we meet Joe Lansing.  Now I kind of like Joe, and I'm hoping we have future contacts with him.  He could be a potential strong character to work with London, yet has his opinion on things that might not agree with her too.

London keeps trying to survive with this curse in the "right" way, or as close to it as she can.  London is starting to see that might not be an option, any way she goes.  One thing that stuck with me was no reason or goal was given for a "mission" London was sent on, as her payment, but I'm thinking this is what addiction does to you and you don't have to or want to know.

After reading this one, I'm looking forward to London potentially crossing paths with Donovan from the Rise of the Unseelie series.


I received a copy of this short story for an honest review from the author.

Throwback Thursday (50)

Let's talk about those books already on the shelves, yours or the stores.

I have a post for books I'm looking forward to coming out;

Looking Forward To...
But what about all those wonderful books that are ALREADY on the shelves.

Whether it be on your shelf waiting to be read or on the shelves in the stores waiting for you to give it a good home.

So, I thought I would share a book a week that is just waiting for me to travel through it's world.

Now... where do I start? Lets go by Published Date on the books...

This Week:

This one I won in a blog giveaway.  I do like the sounds of this one, kind of has a futuristic, maybe dystopian, feel to it.  I got this when my blog was just starting to go and I was trying to read review books...then I got backed up with review books.

Goodreads Synopsis:
Harper Adams was six years old in 2012 when an act of viral terrorism wiped out one-half of the country's population. Out of the ashes rose a new government, the Confederation of the Willing, dedicated to maintaining order at any cost. The populace is controlled via government-sanctioned sex and drugs, a brutal police force known as the Blue Coats, and a device called the slate, a mandatory implant that monitors every word a person speaks. To utter a Red-Listed, forbidden word is to risk physical punishment or even death.
But there are those who resist. Guided by the fabled "Book of Noah," they are determined to shake the people from their apathy and ignorance, and are prepared to start a war in the name of freedom. The newest member of this resistance is Harper -- a woman driven by memories of a daughter lost, a daughter whose very name was erased by the Red List. And she possesses a power that could make her the underground warriors' ultimate weapon -- or the instrument of their destruction.