Happy Halloween

Thought this would be a cute way to wish everyone a Happy Halloween!

The artist is Derek Rippe

Intertwined by Gena Showalter

From the book: Most sixteen-year-olds have friends. Aden Stone has four human souls living inside him:

One can time-travel.

One can raise the dead.

One can tell the future.

And one can possess another human.

With no other family and a life spent in and out of institutions, Aden and the souls have become friends. But now they're causing him all kinds of trouble. Like, he'll blink and suddenly he's a younger Aden, reliving the past. One wrong move, and he'll change the future. Or he'll walk past a total stranger and know how and when she's going to die.

He's so over it. All he wants is peace.

And then he meets a girl who quiets the voices. Well, as long as he's near her. Why? Mary Ann Gray is his total opposite. He's a loner; she has friends. He doesn't care what anyone thinks; she tries to make everyone happy. And while he attracts the paranormal, she repels it. For her sake, he should stay away. But it's too late....

Somehow, they share an inexplicable bond of friendship. A bond about to be tested by a werewolf shape-shifter who wants Mary Ann for his own, and a vampire princess Aden can't resist.

Two romances, both forbidden. Still, the four will enter a dark underworld of intrigue and danger but not everyone will come out alive....

My review:

I enjoyed this book. The story line also looked deceptively simple and easy to predict. Happily I did not see the story this way. The twists and turns in the story kept the interest going and helped it lose it predictability. The complexity of Aden and his trapped souls drew me into his troubled life. The trapped soul's personalities, while intriguing, did not overshadow Aden as it could have happened. Instead the souls actually enhanced his interest to me.

 I also loved the character of Mary Ann. Yes, at times I was irritated with her simplistic good/bad view of the world, but it still wasn't so overwhelming it lost her charms. I think the coupling of Mary Ann and the werewolf was the most interesting part when talking romance in this book. I am looking forward too seeing why Riley couldn't resist her from the beginning even if it is obvious why he fell in love with her as their friendship progressed. He holds a lot of grounded knowledge for one that was simply seen as a servant in his world.

As for the rest of my review. I recommend this book. I only gave it 4 stars because of the ending. Be prepared to feel let down as major parts of this book have yet to be resolved. I didn't even see this as a good cliffhanger book in the way it ended. It just resolved one problem and then "poof" the end. I did know this was going to be a series, but that was almost too irritating. If I hadn't enjoyed the rest of the book so much I would have reduced my stars significantly. So, with that warning, I do say go and get it. You will enjoy this book.

Oh, and if you need more incentive to learn about the book, Harlequin Teen is holding a contest with this book. You can win $10,000 or instantly win swag. Details are at the site. So, go enter the sweepstakes!

Blog with Bite Questions:
#1  Do you feel the ending was cut short and needed more to be resolved before the book ended?

Not so much cut short, but without closure. So, I would agree more about needed more resolve. I know she was going for a cliffhanger, but even that was "off". The book needed to resolve a bit more of the story that seemed important to this book. It could crescendo again before the "end" of the book.

#2 Regarding Question #1, what are your thoughts on series books? For one you get more and more and more - depending on how long the series drags on - for another some series leave you with very little resolution at the end of the novels, i.e. the Merry Gentry series where only a couple of hours pass within the time span of one book. Do you find this is just an authors way of having guaranteed book sales - or do you really enjoy series and love reading about your fav characters over and over again?

I like series books and this obviously is going to be a series because of how it ended. I usually don't like cliffhangers, however. You can still resolve what the characters were working on within the book and keep it as a stand alone book and still have a series. Many authors do this and I enjoy those series books. As for sales. I don't think that has to do with the authors but more to do with editors and publishers. Authors usually are concerned about telling a good story. Editors and publishers are worried about sales.

#3 Which "trapped" soul was your favorite and do you see potential in the future story lines with the remaining three?

I didn't have a favorite trapped soul as they were all underdeveloped. So, all have the potential in future story lines. It seems to me we will learn more of Caleb next.

#4  When a larger-than-life character such as Vlad Tepes aka Dracula is used as a side-plot character do you believe it gives the story a more factual base, or makes it less real?

I think it makes it less real. I like it when they make a totally new story line on how supernaturals come into being. While she did take a more than traditional turn, the mentioning of Dracula made the vampires less interesting.

#5 What did you think of the side plot involving Tucker and Penny?  Do you think the issues from that plot were adequately resolved?

I feel that they were resolved enough for the present book. I can see both in future books especially due to Tucker's "ability" but I'm not sure how much more Penny can be changed to make her character live in the new world they discovered if Penny and Tucker end up together.

#6 What is your best guess as to what Aden Stone's superpower is - the power he possess without his souls?

Maybe he can bring those powers into himself just as Mary Ann keeps their powers at bay.

More Mash-ups

As promised, I added more Disney/Marvel Mash-ups by the same artist, Jeffrey Thomas. These I think are my faves of the one's that he's done.

Hope you enjoy! :)

Immortal Contest

Faye at Ramblings of a Teenage Bookworm is having a contest to win "Immortal: Love Stories with Bite" by PC Cast. So just hop over there, become a follower (if you aren't one) and post a comment.

The contest ends on Nov 7th.

Threadless T's!!!

Recently Threadless had a Halloween sale. Halloween shirts were going for $10 each. I couldn't resist. Two of my favorites were there! So, I splurged.

This zombie one was perfect. In fact I was thinking of making my own, but heck for that price, if I add up everything, it comes out to be about the same so why do it when someone can do it for you for the same cost? Besides, I love the play on words with this shirt. Gotta love those zombies. :D

This shirt is called "Art is my Weapon". How could I resist? Ah, I know I'm so sad, but just had to get it. Loved the look and the name. I was doomed.

If anyone also likes these Ts or just something a bit unusual, go sign up for their newsletter. You get info on all their sales. And I don't seem to be overwhelmed by every little thing that goes on in the shop.

Have fun!

Disney/Marvel Mash-up

When Disney acquired Marvel, people were concerned about Marvel's characters. I guess they were worried about the wrong one. :) These are some of my favorite mash-ups by Jeffrey Thomas. I thought this would be a great show for the holiday season. I may post some more closer to Halloween.

Because Your Vampire Said So (Broken Heart Vampires #3)

From the book: Even though all the non-vamps in Broken Heart, Oklahoma, skipped town, Patsy Donahue has kept her hair salon up and running thanks to the werewolves prowling around. They know how important good grooming is, especially a certain rogue shapeshifter who’s as sexy as he is deadly. Now, if only she could put a leash on her wild teenage son, who’s up to his neck in danger. The stress would kill Patsy, if she wasn’t already undead. But her maternal instinct is still alive and kicking. And no one had better mess with her own flesh and blood…

"Because Your Vampire Said So" is the third installment of Michele Bardsley's Broken Heart Vampire series. Like the other two books, this one mashes together humor, adventure and romance into the book. Like the other two it comes out successful. With this story you also get a look into the history of the Ancients as Patsy gathers their powers. That was a nice break since the Consortium have been a bit too mysterious and this was a good way to venture a bit into their stories.

My only criticism is that again, the main character needs a good dose of self esteem. While she gets it in the end in good measure, it becomes a bit annoying at the beginning. Thankfully, that isn't long as this book is only 282 pages. Still it is a book I would recommend, especially those who have already been enamored by the broken hearted vampires sense of humor.

Angelic (Women of the Otherworld)

Kelley Armstrong is coming out with a novella to go along with her Women of the Otherworld series. Angelic should be due to come out sometime in December and is less than 100 pages. So, if you are a fan of Kelley Armstrong preorder your book. It sounds like it is worth it.

From the book: As a half-demon master of the dark arts, Eve Levine isn’t what anyone would call angelic. That’s exactly why the Fates chose her for the job. She’s their secret weapon against the forces of evil.
However after five years, Eve is tired of being the designated rebel of the angel corps, expected to break the rules, then penalized for it. When the leaderless djinn stage an uprising, Eve sees the perfect chance to get herself fired. As she plunges deeper into the demon world, though, she realizes she’s in danger of losing a lot more than her job.

Dyslexia

There are 2 excellent books that I've been wanting to write about. For the longest time I always believed I had dyslexia. Not a bad form of it, but enough to explain some of the reasons I couldn't do well in some subjects in school (like English... if you couldn't guess... lol) and great in others. I could go into my "differences" but that isn't what I wanted to write about. For anyone questioning their abilities in this area, or someone who just wants to find out more, I suggest, "In The Mind's Eye" by Thomas West and "The Gift of Dyslexia" by Ronald Davis.

From the book, "In The Mind's Eye": The computer-generated information superhighway could launch a new renaissance of creativity for millions of visual thinkers! Some of the greatest minds in politics, science, literature, and the arts experienced undetected learning disabilities that stopped them from assimilating information the same way as their peers. Some of our most original intellects Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, Lewis Carroll, and Winston Churchill relied heavily on visual modes of thought, processing information in terms of images instead of words or numbers. In the "Mind's Eye" profiles gifted individuals who used non-traditional methods in their work as it explodes many myths about conventional intelligence and charts new vistas for today's computer visualisation technologies.Thomas G. West examines the learning difficulties experienced by these people and others, and how recent neurological research shows an association between visual talents and verbal difficulties. In the "Mind's Eye" probes new data on dyslexics to see how computers enhance the creative potential of visual thinkers, as well as interactive computer applications to all levels of education and work. Updated with a new preface, epilogue, and expanded notes, this volume could be the clarion call for educators and corporations to mine this untapped resource of highly creative talent in our midst.

It is a fascinating read in how the mind works. In fact this book just doesn't go into how a dyslexic's brain processes things, it also explores other great minds like, Tesla. He was one who could process things like a dyslexic and not be dyslexic himself. For some this may sound boring, but quite the opposite, it is facinating. It is a journey into how people process the visual-spacial space.

The second book, "The Gift of Dyslexia" is one of my favorites because it helps everyone see dyslexia in a different light. It even helps explain why I LOVE to read, but still have problems in other areas. It is a great book to read for greater insight written by a dyslexic artist who is determined to help others.

From the book, "The Gift of Dyslexia: At the age of 38, Ronald D. Davis made a discovery about perception that enabled him to read a book cover to cover -- for the first time. The methods he devloped have helped thousands of children and adults around the world to overcome reading, writing, study and attention problems.

Witch and Wizard by James Patterson

James Patterson is coming out with a new book, "Witch and Wizard". This will be the first book in this new YA series. I'm a bit excited about it because if you have a Kindle or iPhone/iPod Touch, you can get it free. Well, it will be pre-ordered for you and delivered by October 26 to your device. And as long as you get it by December 14, it's free! Just click on the title in this post to go there to get it.

Book description from Amazon:

The world is changing: the government has seized control of every aspect of society, and now, kids are disappearing. For 15-year-old Wisty and her older brother Whit, life turns upside down when they are torn from their parents one night and slammed into a secret prison for no reason they can comprehend. The New Order, as it is known, is clearly trying to suppress Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Being a Normal Teenager. But while trapped in this totalitarian nightmare, Wisty and Whit discover they have incredible powers they'd never dreamed of. Can this newly minted witch and wizard master their skills in time to save themselves, their parents--and maybe the world?

Blog with Bite Contest!

The first ever Blog with Bite Contest - courtesy of Karen @ MM Publicity. Karen has kindly offered to give away 4 sets of VAMPIRES by Joules Taylor and WEREWOLVES by Jon Izzard!

Rules:

You Have to be Blog with Bite Follower
Open to US, Puerto Rico & Canada only. Also no PO Boxes.
Contest ends Halloween @ Midnight CST.

Quick! Go! Sign up! NOW! ;)

I Kissed a Vampire

On iTunes there is a funny musical called, "I Kissed a Vampire". The previews are free to download, but the show costs $1.99. Right now it looks hilarious! I got this tidbit from Parajunkee's site. Go there to see the video short about the show. Enjoy and have a bit of a laugh!

First Drop of Crimson

Ok, I'm not done with this series... I'm still waiting to snag the next book, "Destined for a Early Grave", but I've enjoyed Jeaniene Frost's series (which I reviewed earlier) so much I also can't wait for this installment of the series. Actually it isn't exactly part of the series as it stars the best friend, Spade. One book I'm looking forward to reading!

From the book: The night is not safe for mortals. Denise MacGregor knows all too well what lurks in the shadows - her best friend is half-vampire Cat Crawfield - and she has already lost more than the average human could bear. But her family's dark past is wrapped in secrets and shrouded in darkness - and a demon shapeshifter has marked Denise as prey. Now her survival depends on an immortal who craves a taste of her.

He is Spade, a powerful, mysterious vampire who has walked the earth for centuries and is now duty-bound to protect this endangered, alluring human - even if it means destroying his own kind. Denise may arouse his deepest hungers, but Spade knows he must fight his urge to have her as they face the demon nightmare together...

Because once the first drop of crimson falls, they will both be lost.

Covet (Fallen Angels, #1)

From the book:

Redemption isn't a word Jim Heron knows much about-his specialty is revenge, and to him, sin is all relative. But everything changes when he becomes a fallen angel and is charge with saving the souls of seven people from the seven deadly sins. And failure is not an option. Vin DiPietro long ago sold his soul to his business, and he's good with that-until fate intervenes in the form of a tough- talking, Harley-riding, self-professed savior. But then he meets a woman who will make him question his destiny, his sanity, and his heart-and he has to work with a fallen angel to win her over and redeem his own soul.

This book was not my favorite by J.R. Ward. I actually got this book in the mail yesterday and frantically read it as the review was due today for Blogs with Bite. It was not a horrible book and was interesting enough to sail through most of it but in truth, I didn't really care for it. The main character, Jim was not who I became interested in. Vin and Gretchen were the characters I really cared more about. Jim almost seemed like a side character in the whole book. Something I was disappointed in as I was looking forward to a good paranormal book. Not much paranormal going on. Sure you had demons and angels within the book, but this whole book would have stood on it's own without those characters. We get peeks into the life of Jim, but we don't get to know him. And as frustrated as Jim was about not getting to know his angel "team" members, I was as well. In the end, it was an okay read (not great in the least) and hopefully will eventually lead to more interesting stories about Jim and the angels.

Here are the Blog with Bite discussion questions:

Q#1 - Did you relate to Jim at all? Did you feel like he was a good choice or worthy of this mission?

I didn't really relate much to Jim, but I don't need to always relate to characters to enjoy the story. I liked the fact he had a dog in this story. I think that is how audiences related to him and saw his softer side. I think he was a good choice, and since he won, must have been worthy, but truthfully, I became more interested in the two angels that helped him. I was disappointed that we did not get to learn about Adrian's fight in the end.

Q#2 - How do you feel about the tone of the book? Did you think that there was too much slang/not enough/just enough? How did you feel about the word choice in the book- did it add to your reading of the story or take away from it?

I felt there was too much slang. When everyone has the same slang, it doesn't make sense. They all grew up in different areas, were ancient, paranormal "angels" but all had the same type of talk. It wasn't so bad it got in the way of the story, but enough that I did recognize they all had the same "speak".

Q#3 - When the "fantasy" of the book is based on a belief system that is regarded as truth by some religions (the angels & demons) does it help you relate better with the story, as opposed to a story about vampires and werewolves?

No, not really. We all look to the humanity within the story. The paranormal part of the story actually often enhances the "human" parts we all share. I also recognized belief systems within the theory of this book, most may not. Like having a few individuals upon this earth that keep the balance of good within it. Without those people the earth would be destroyed. It is actually an ancient belief that more than one religion shares.

Q#4 - In the opening of this book we read about a football game analogy of Demons verses Angels, even though this is fiction what do think of Demons in this case Jim the Fallen Angel being portrayed as a "Good Guy"?

In many religions demons aren't always on the "devil's" side. Demons can often have a more general analogy of those that are paranormal. Some are actually neither good or bad. So, for me, I had no problems with this idea. Plus, he didn't become a fallen angel until the end. He was at a crossroads, so he could have played for either side.

Q#5 - How do you feel knowing this will be a 7 book series featuring Jim and he might win all of the battles?

I worry that the books could end up being redundant. The stories and battles could end up being way too familiar very quickly. I would worry about that more than Jim winning all the battles.

MediClim

From the web site:

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Sign up to MediClim^® for FREE and you will begin to get email alerts the day before your health problem may be aggravated due to changes in the weather. You will also gain access to our forums where you can meet people with health problems similar to your own. MediClim is a FREE service currently available to everyone in Canada, the USA (lower 48 states), the UK, Ireland and France.

I have tried MediClim and found it to be something I can rely on. I use it because I get frequent migraines. So far, I have noticed it has been pretty on target. I don't get a migraine every time I get an alert, and I get migraines when I don't, but it has helped me be more cautious when I get an e-mail from them. Often even if a migraine does not present itself, I do feel tired or altered in some slight way. Makes you more aware of it anyway. It is a good and FREE program to try if you have any of the problems that weather may exacerbate. Give it a try.

Blood Bound (Mercy Thompson #2)

Yes, I did read this book and I didn't forget about it. I just didn't have enough brain power to review it. Well, lets see if the brain cells woke up, shall we? :)

"Blood Bound" by Patricia Briggs held my attention as the first book in this series, "Moon Called". It was quite good for those who love the urban fantasy type of books. Within this book Mercy's vampire friend, Stefan, is looking for some help with a vampire situation and calls in a favor she owes him. The adventure takes off immediately. While on the case with the vampires (and the werewolves get caught in the middle) she learns a bit more about her true nature and why vampires hate coyote shifters. There were a few criticisms I had about the book. One was her inability to chose between Sam and Adam. Not HER inability, I should make clear, but the situation that both create to confuse her more. Sam really bugged me in this area and really needs to figure out what he really wants and then share it with Mercy. Then, she could make a decision and it won't distract from the story.

The second major aspect of the story I had a problem with could possibly be a spoiler for those that haven't read it. So you are duly warned. Why did Mercy not just ask for the vampire they ended up protecting? The vampires owed her a debt, and it seemed to me that it was within the realm of her asking for this to settle things. Now granted some may say it would be a good thing to have vampires in your debt, but it didn't seem like Mercy wanted much to do with them if she could help it. Therefore, why not ask for the favor and call it even? Perhaps it was something I missed but without that part of the story, she may have been confused about Stefan as well. So, even though it was a criticism, I do see how it worked out in the book. Yes, I do recommend this book and this series, so far.

An Evil Post

Since it is that time of year, I thought I'd be a bit evil... or at least spread some evil around. ;) I recently decided I couldn't pass up these bargains for much longer and succumbed to their evil discounts. First, is the Book Depository this place is based in England so it takes a while to get your book in the US, but the discounts are HUGE. Add the fact there is NO SHIPPING worldwide, and it has become evil place (according to my bank statement) number 1! Oh, and yes, all books are brand spanking new!

Second, is Book Closeouts. Okay, so you know I've been crafting my, uh, heiny off so I got a few of those books at a great price. Right now they are having a 1/2 sale (1/2 off THEIR price which is already reduced 75-80%) with their craft books. And, yes, I got a couple of good deals on paranormals with their scratch and dent sale books as well.

Well, I know I'll be back to reading very quickly now. I'll have to since I just increased my TBR quite a bit. Have an evil, awfully wonderful time at these places! ;)