TinasBookReviews: September 2009

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Never Cry Werewolf by Heather Davis

Moonlight can totally change your life. And it all starts so simply. You. Him.

The moon. You're toast. .....Okay, so maybe Shelby has made a few mistakes with boys lately (how was she supposed to know Wes had "borrowed" that Porsche?). But her stepmother totally overreacts when she catches Shelby in a post-curfew kiss with a hot senior: Suddenly Shelby's summer plans are on the shelf, and she's being packed off to brat camp. It's good-bye, prom dress; hello, hiking boots. Things start looking up, though, when Shelby meets fellow camper (and son of a rock star) Austin Bridges III. But soon she realizes there's more to Austin than crush material—his family has a dark secret, and he wants Shelby's help guarding it. Shelby knows that she really shouldn't be getting tangled up with another bad boy . . . but who is she to turn her back on a guy in need, especially such a good-looking one? One thing's for sure: That pesky full moon is about to get her into trouble all over again....(Goodreads)

Review

Never Cry Werewolf was a very light and fast read I think it took me a couple hours to bite through. The overall idea was a little typical and not much of a paranormal edgy story as it was light and had a sense of humor. Shelby our book hero was a smart and a funny character. Austin was a strong character as well but you didn't really get to see much of him as a person. I think Davis' writing style in its simplicity was fun and easy to read. And the plot itself was entertaining enough to keep me engaged in the story.

What I liked: Shelby's sense of humor and Austins appeal.

What I didn't like: The Issues taken so lightly

Step families are a hard issue and stepmother and daughter relationships can be a very difficult road to travel...(trust me) but not all stepmothers are evil, some are gracious and loving and really want the best for the child. Sometimes adults can overlook and not take the heartbreak of a child in a blended family serious. Also the entire matter of brat camps, reformation camps is a serious subject and I didn't jive with the lightness of these issues. Shelby had no real reason to be at the camp other than the fact that she was sent there so her parents could dance around the town without her. Kid has problem send her off to someone else...check....then she can be surrounded by other designer obsessed kids...check....and then she can fall in love with a werewolf...check check.....So in my respectful opinion the story was cute for Jr. High but the issues were to serious to be made so light.

Overall subject matter aside it's a fun read for young teens 12-15 and werewolf fans.

3/5 YA Romance

Discussion Questions

Q#1 - What do you think about stereotypical characters? Do characters like "Honey bun" - the evil stepmother & Shelby - the teen acting out, bother you, or are you accepting of them?

Teens do act out. Its in our nature as human beings expressing ourselves to rebel against the system (I sound like a punk rocker) even when that system is parents. Now depending on parents whether they be bone heads or level heads makes a huge difference on how kids are behaving acting and dealing.

Q#2 - How did you feel about the immediate attraction and relationship between Shelby and Austin? Do you think it worked in this story or not?

Yes and no, I think it was a bit rushed like OK boom romance but it was also predictable we knew once Shelby got passed the fear he was going to be her dream boat!

Q#3 - What did you think about the attempts the camp staff made to connect with Shelby? Were they at all effective? Did the staff have a point in their position on her personal life?

This is actually the one area I thought the book was a bit serious, the staff did try but I think they based it off wrong perceptions.

Q#4 - What is your opinion on parents who send their kids to reformation camps - the ones who need to be "reformed" and the ones who don't?

WOW...don't get me started, some of these kids this is a last stop before jail or detention centers. Unfortunately though a lot of parents are lazy and don't want to deal with serious problems their children are having.

Q#5 - Do you wish there would have been a bit more mystery regarding Austin being a werewolf, letting us get to know his character first and then the big reveal?

YES....I would have loved more Austin and less Prada....

Q#6 - Do you think this novel has enough momentum for a sequel? There was some hinting at the possibility (the scratch), do you think this would be a good follow-up?

Any book can be a follow up! I hope Heather does write a sequel and "go there" on more daring and serious topics.......

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Blog With Bites First Group Interview

First Blog With Bite Group Interview with Heather Davis

Heather Davis is the author of the paranormal teen novels Never Cry Werewolf (HarperTeen hardcover, September 2009) and The Clearing (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, April 2010).Heather is co-founder of http://www.booksboysbuzz.com/ a popular teen fiction blog she shares with five other YA authors. She loves writing empowering, transformational stories where anything is possible. Visit her at http://www.heatherdavisbooks.com/(Source: Amazon.com)

BWB: Tell us a bit about the book?

HD: Never Cry Werewolf is a teen paranormal romance geared toward younger readers. It's a sweet, funny, light read. It's purely for fun and entertainment -- and it has a good heart.

BWB: What drew you into the paranormal genre? HD: My father was an English teacher and my mother is a flower child/new age hippie. Paranormal was the obvious choice.

BWB: What do you like best about werewolves?

HD: I love the idea that everyone has two sides to themselves - a public and private side, I guess.With werewolves, just like every human, there are ugly parts that never see the light of day, quite literally.

BWB: Did you base the main character Shelby Locke off of a real person/ actress, or is she completely fictional?

HD: No. Shelby is a pure figment of my imagination, though I do know many teen girls that share her attributes -- including the teenage me.

BWB: Which character do you most relate to in Never Cry Werewolf?

HD: Shelby, for sure. When things in your family change - for Shelby, her mother dying and a new, not-so-nice stepmother coming onto the scene - and your family doesn't discuss it with you, there is a sense of powerlessness that can overwhelm you. That is certainly the case for Shelby.

BWB: Is there going to be a sequel to Never Cry Werewolf?

HD: I really hope so. At lot of readers are writing me asking that question! And for me, I havea sequel in my head already.

BWB: Have you ever attended a brat camp as a teen?

HD: No, but I attended a lot of camps over the years.

BWB: What made you decide on writing a YA novel?

HD: I wrote 5 adult novels before I started writing YA. I was partly inspired by a studentI had when I was substitute teaching at an elementary school. Thinking back, my first shortstory ever published (in Cricket Magazine) was for younger readers. I guess it was meantto be.

BWB: How did you become a writer?

HD: Many, many hours of practice, I guess. I wrote plays and short stories all of my life, andfound novel-writing as an adult, but storytelling has always been part of who I am. I was afilm major in college and intended to be a screenwriter/filmmaker.

BWB: How do you get your ideas for your books?

HD: They start as little blobs of ideas for characters or situations. They glom onto other blobs and grow into a story. That probably doesn't mean anything to anyone -- but, it's like when I read an article in a newspaper or see something happen on the street and I start to think about it. Soon, it's growing into a connected idea or series of events and situations.

BWB: Who is your favorite author?

HD: No fair! That is too difficult a question to answer. Currently in YA, I would have to sayLibba Bray or Scott Westerfeld. I love writers whose stories carry the reader away.

BWB: Was the publishing process hard for you and what would you recommend for writers trying to publish?

HD: Yes. I had been writing novels for six years before I found an agent and sold Never Cry Werewolf. I would recommend that writers trying to publish find a critique group and get some solid feedback on their work -- really focusing on improving their craft before they worry about the selling part of writing. That, and spending a lot of time "butt in chair" -- the only way to get better at anything is spending time doing it, right?

BWB: Are you planning to write anything besides a possible sequel?

HD: Yes, my book for Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, THE CLEARING, comes out in April 2010. It {is} for slightly older YA readers and is a much more serious work. People who are looking for something dark, brooding and emotional will really connect with it, I think. It's a paranormal time-travel romance about a modern girl in love with a boy living in the endless summer of 1944. After that, who knows? I have several other projects underway!All of us at Blog with Bite would like to thank Ms. Davis for taking the time to answer our questions. We really appreciate it and wish you tons of luck with Never Cry Werewolf and The Clearing.What did everyone think of the interview. Do you believe everyone has a dark side like Ms. Davis says...the part of you that only comes out at night? We didn't see much of Austin's wolf in the book, but he sure scared Shelby. If you found out your "love interest" was a were would you be able to embrace his dark side or run screaming into the underbrush?

A BIG Thanks to Heather from all of us at Blog with Bite

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Banned Books

In support of this weeks banned books I will be reading:

Adult Fiction Pick:The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood, 1998. The United States is portrayed as a religious dictatorship with women’s rights severely restricted. Readers have objected to this book on political grounds.

Biography: Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen 1994. In 1967, after a session with a psychiatrist she'd never seen before, 18-year-old Susanna Kaysen was sent to McLean Hospital. She spent most of the next two years on the ward for teenage girls. Challenged for its strong language and vivid descriptions.

Young Adult Fiction:The Giver by Lois Lowry 1993. A young boy from a seemingly Utopian world is singled out to receive special training from The Giver, who alone holds the memories of the true joys and pain of life. Considered "lewd" and "twisted" by some.

If you want to see the entire lists and also read where and why these books have been banned check out Onlib.

Stargazer by Claudia Gray

What a fantastic month for sequels......I know this came out a bit ago but with my TBR pile I cant seem to get these great books read fast enough!

Stargazer Synopsis:
Evernight Academy: an exclusive boarding school for the most beautiful, dangerous students of all—vampires. Bianca, born to two vampires, has always been told her destiny is to become one of them.But Bianca fell in love with Lucas—a vampire hunter sworn to destroy her kind. They were torn apart when his true identity was revealed, forcing him to flee the school. Although they may be separated, Bianca and Lucas will not give each other up. She will risk anything for the chance to see him again, even if it means coming face-to-face with the vampire hunters of Black Cross—

Bianca has had a long summer.....no Lucas, no friends just the empty academy where she lives with her parents, as the beginning of a new school year begins she jumps at the chance to be reunited with Lucas. Sneaking off Evernight can be tricky though and with it consequences. Whats a girl to do? Well obviously fake a romance with Balthazar who is a powerful old vampire that will help you sneak off campus to hook up with your beloved...sounds like a plan...... but Bianca, Lucas and Balthazar really have no clue whats in store for them this year at Evernight.
Both Bianca and Lucas want to know why the academy admits human students, when everyone must go to such great lengths to keep the true nature of the school's students a secret. When the school becomes plagued with wraiths, or ghosts, seemingly intent on harming Bianca, a long kept secret comes out and the secure world Bianca thought she lived in unravels.

The Goods:
I like Bianca, she is a fun and easy character to cheer for. I like the tension and love story Gray has created with Bianca and Lucas. The ultimate forbidden doomed love. The writing was good, I thought the characters worked and most YA teens will like this story and the twists that will unfold.

The not so goods:
I can't say anything bad about this story because I really enjoyed it! The wraiths were super creepy and I thought the direction of the story was great. The only thing I really liked which I can't really write about because it will spoil the book and also what I think most will disagree with me on and hate was the "love" twist and the development of a particular relationship. It made me like that character much more to the point where I really want to learn more about him and see into his mind and the things he's going through. I cant wait for Hour Glass......until then savvy readers happy star gazing!!

4/5 YA Vampires, ghosts, romance

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Shiver me Timbers this was Fantastic!!!! Maggie is my new book hero. After Lament and Shiver I'm practically jumping out of my own "skin" waiting for Ballad!!!

Book Synopsis:

For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf—her wolf—is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human... until the cold makes him shift back again. Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human—or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever.

Grace has been watching the wolves outside her Minnesota home every winter. She is drawn to one in particular that has stunning yellow eyes, and she's certain that it is the same wolf who saved her from the wolves who attacked her when she was a young girl. Grace was bitten but never changed, although she feels instincts and longings she can't explain. Sam leads two lives, in the heat and brilliance of Spring and Summer he lives precious months as a human but once the crisp air of fall descends upon him the aching in his bones start and by winter he transforms into the other world of his life as a wolf.

When an event in the book threatens to end the wolves existence Sam becomes human to save himself, its middle fall and not a good time to be shifting. As destiny would have finally him and Grace connect. They are drawn to each other fire and ice but dazzling in their existence. It doesn't take long for a strong love to build and as impossible as it may seem they also realize they have been in love since the day he saved her. As the temperatures get cooler, Sam and Grace struggle to keep him human, struggle to hold on to the thin thread of hope and the picture of a future together but the bitter cold and other obstacles threaten to take him away forever.

Told beautifully and seemingly flawless, the story is written in both Sam and Grace's voice giving a unique articulation to the tale unfolding. What I adore about Maggie Stiefvater's writing is her ability to describe the surroundings and how the characters are feeling. I actually felt cold while I was reading parts of this book.....there was even a point when Sam's fighting his transformation I had to put some socks on....brrrr. Sam is so beautifully poetic and sad. Grace is strong and insightful. Maggie's poetic voices to her characters flow with rhythm and beauty. The thoughts in Sam's head are almost song like. The great thing I loved about Sam and Graces relationship although intense they had fun and acted like a normal couple. I could see them curled up reading a book or just hanging out. My favorite part....Ill try not to squeal, when Sam whispers in Graces ear..... I am alone in the world, and yet not alone enough to make each hour holy. I am lowly in this world and yet not lowly enough for me to be just a thing to you.....and you'll have to read this fantastic book to get the rest.......A haunting love story with plenty of drama to keep you guessing and gushing. I loved reading this book and completely believed and fell in love with the romantic and magical world of Shiver.

5/5 YA Love Story, Werewolves

Monday, September 14, 2009

Flashback Monday-Redeeming Love

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

I thought today I would share one of my favorite books with you all, as Ive never gotten to write a review on this masterpiece. Ive read this about ten times and each time I read it I cry like a baby and learn something new. When I was first handed this I was like hmmm I don't think so I'm not into Christian romance novels, they are way to cheesy for me. My friend assured me, this is not like anything you've read you will not be disappointed. I just thought yeah right, the first Christian fiction book I tried to read was about living in a log cabin knitting and plucking your own chickens.... my mind after reading that ridiculous fluff garbage was like whatever real people don't live like this, talking stupid and plucking chickens, everything is great because God says so!! I myself am a person of Faith and everyday is not honky dory so needless to say that religious version of "bake and sew" had soured my taste for Christian Fiction, but I thought hey, I am a devour of books Ill give it two chapters and if the knitting and chickens show up I'm outta here.....(no offense to those who knit, it is a valued skill).......WOW I had no idea the road Redeeming Love would take me on. It not only perked my interest in Old Testament biblical and Jewish history but also opened the door to so many great authors and phenomenal books Ive gotten to read over the years that normally I would have never given the chance.

Redeeming Love is based on the book of Hosea from the Old Testament. Hosea if you don't know him was the last great prophet to the Northern Kingdom of Israel. He ministered to its citizens from the last years of Jeroboam II until the Assyrians conquered and put the people into exile. His preaching dates from about 753 B.C. until 723 B.C.. The book itself in parts reads almost like poetry. I think Hosea was a tenderhearted man who had deep emotions. As always with any person in the Bible, drama struck and Hosea was called to a special mission by God. He was to share in the Lord's anguish with the people's unfaithfulness. The first three chapters tell the story of the prophet and his own unfaithful wife, Gomer. She is a prostitute who abandons him over and over, has children with other men and continues to fall back into prostitution. Like God's continuing love for Israel, Hosea continued to love Gomer and finally brings her home. In the heart and flavor of this book we meet Michael and Angel in Redeeming Love following the steps of Hosea and Gomer.

The story starts off in New England, 1835. Sarah, a beautiful young girl, learns that she is the product of an adulterous affair and her father Alex a wealthy man had urged her mother Mae to abort the pregnancy, but refused to do so. This decision alienated her from Alex, whom she continues to love in hopes that he will leave his family and marry her. Mae the classic rebound desperate woman finds herself homeless and with an eight year old daughter with no means and no job she finds a shack on the docks, where she takes up prostitution to make ends meet. Within a few months, Mae succumbs to a terrible illness, leaving Sarah alone with Rab, a drunk who was a frequent customer. Unsure of what to do with a child, Rab finds a man that is looking for a little girl for his wealthy master. Sarah soon learns Duke, the "Master" had been scouring the town not for a new daughter, but a new mistress. Duke informs Sarah that her new name is Angel, that he wants to teach her many things. He gives her her first "lesson" that very night. Angel lives in a world of prostitution at the age of eight from that night on, living in luxury but also living a nightmare. She services men, has lost all respect for herself and is a bitter and cold woman at the ripe age of eighteen.

Michael Hosea changes everything for Angel. Seeing her for the first time he knows he's in love with her and as God commands him to marry her he heeds obedience and against all odds finds a way to get Angel out of the brothel and married to him. The easiest part- getting her to his farm! Michael was in no way prepared or ready to face the battles and heartbreak of this woman's healing. Even though Angel is so cruel to Michael not once while I read this did I ever get mad at her. I wanted to see Angel find her self again, to heal from the brutality of her life. I felt hopeless for Michael when Angel would leave him again and again to pursue her life in prostitution. He never gives up though and never stops trying to help and love Angel. He never wavers and always hes waiting. Waiting for her to heal, waiting for her to love, waiting for her to overcome. This is a breathtaking story of love between a man and a woman but also its an amazing heart wrenching story of healing and abuse and how God can redeem the nonredeemable. I highly suggest reading this even if your not a Christian this book will open your eyes to the horrendous issues of sexually abused women and the awful reality of prostitution/ human trafficking. You will be encouraged by the bravery and humanity of the character's. You will be cheering and crying for Michael and Angel!!!

5/5 Christian Fiction

Saturday, September 12, 2009

New Blog Launch!!

New Blog Launch.....Come Check it Out!! Blog with Bite is a group review effort. The reviewers of BWB love the Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance genres and are united to bring you the best reviews possible.We will also be discussing the book and looking into new and exciting authors in our beloved genre. This joint effort will expose your blog to new readers and new friends! Join today.

The current BWB book is Never Cry Werewolf by Heather Davis.
Synopsis: Shelby’s been making a few mistakes lately, primarily with the boys. But, her stepmother is really overreacting, especially when she suggests to her father that they send her to brat camp! Her entire summer ruined, prom cancelled – in exchange for weeks in the wilderness with a bunch of other dysfunctional teenagers. At camp Shelby meets Austin Bridges III, very mysterious…and awfully cute. But, Austin isn’t just your run of the mill hottie. He’s also got a few problems – well they are at brat camp – and he needs Shelby to help him out. Shelby can’t turn down a boy in need, but she might just get into a lot of trouble for this one.
If you are interested in joining BWB and review Never Cry Werewolf, go to the web site and sign up!

The deadline for signing up for Never Cry Werewolf is Sept 21st so get on over there! A new book will be chosen quickly following sign-up deadline. Join Now.....

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Impossible by Nancy Werlin

Impossible by Nancy Werlin
Purchased

Lucy is seventeen when she discovers that the women of her family have been cursed through the generations, forced to attempt three seemingly impossible tasks or to fall into madness upon their child's birth. But Lucy is the first girl who won't be alone as she tackles the list.

Lucy who is oblivious to the curse upon her family has always believed her mother is insane. A constant thorn to her side and embarrassment that only her foster parents and her oldest friend Zach know about. Troubling encounters further revel to Lucy that Miranda (her real mother) is deeply disturbed and Lucy wants nothing to do with her. A horrid event occurs in Lucy's life which changes everything and she is slammed into the mystical world of The Elfin Knight, a mysterious stranger who marks his place in the story with darkness. His character radiates evil right off the pages, a dark and twisted gentleman who disguises himself in beauty.

From a hidden letter, Lucy Scarborough learns of melodramatic, crazy insane, but true things” about the circumstances surrounding her birth, her subsequent pregnancy, and why therapy won’t be much help against an ancient fairy’s curse. Everything the Elfin Knight has cursed the women with and how to out beat him is learned from a song passed down to each daughter called "The Scarborough Fair". (The author herself based the book off the lyrics and study of Simon and Garfunkel's 1967 version of the song, which after research discovered it was a very old song dating back to 1670 somewhere in Scotland with links to folklore and evil elf's.)

The shame she once felt for her mother turns into a fierce determination to save her and save the unborn child growing inside her. With the help of her foster parents and a surprising love that can conquer all evil she goes about to accomplish the Knights impossible tasks. Hopelessness and fear tug at the corners of Lucy's mind but her determination and courageous spirit refuses to fall into the trap of madness as she holds on to the bonds of love that will give her the strength to overcome the curse and free her ancestors.

What a spellbinding magical read. Just when I thought I couldn't possibly read another YA brilliant author I stumble upon Nancy Werlin. I loved how this work of realistic fiction lightly salted with folklore spun its magical tale on me. Although the book touches on rape the story itself doesn't focus on Lucy's or the other women's tragic events but how love and hope heals. The story also of course deals with the issues of mental illness and schizophrenia, but because the realism is so perfectly intertwined with the magical you will be guessing at what to believe thinking: "Is Lucy really nuts or is she really being stalked by an evil Faerie Lord"?

The characters in the story where well developed and believable. The writing was fantastic and I loved every second of the adventure I went on with the Scarborough women. I also liked the writing style and how it flowed together through not only Lucy's point of view but Zach's and the Elfin Knights without feeling choppy or shifting from the different perspectives.

My favorite Zach quote.....“We’ve formed the Fellowship of the Ring when really we should’ve all just gone on medication”.....this being said after him and Lucy's foster parents decide to believe in the curse and help Lucy accomplish her three tasks. Zach brings a bit of lightness and humor to the story but overall it is a very dramatic emotional read.

Impossible to put down and Impossible not to love!!

5/5 YA Realistic Fiction, Folklore (for the mature teen/adult)

Monday, September 7, 2009

Awesome Awards

I got the Friendship bear award from Froggy at Froggaritiville and also another Bingo award from Melissa at Books and Things.

Thank you so much girls for recognizing me this week.

Since I passed the Bingo last week I will pass on the bear to the following blogs:

Melissa at Books and Things (LOL...hey its a new one!!!!)

Faye at Ramblings of a Teenage Bookworm

La Coccinelle at The LadybugReads

Rach at ParaJunkee (cause Your awesome girl)

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Sunday Special/ The Noticer by Andy Andrews

The Noticer by Andy Andrews

Orange Beach, Alabama is a simple town filled with simple people. But like all humans on the planet, the good folks of Orange Beach have their share of problems - marriages teetering on the brink of divorce, young adults giving up on life, business people on the verge of bankruptcy, as well as the many other obstacles that life seems to dish out to the masses.

Andy is a guy down on his luck living under a bridge in Orange Beach, Alabama. Depression and fear grip Andy but just when fear and hopelessness are about to tangle him up he meets Jones an old guy with white hair wearing jeans and flip flops. Under that bridge Andy sees the first glimpse of Jones "gift of wisdom" which he calls his gift of being A Noticer. Jones explains to Andy some lessons on life and adds a little perspective to his situation. Jones tells Andy he has been given a gift, he hands him three books autobiography's starting with George Washington. These three books open Andy's eyes and throughout the story we find Andy has read threw two hundred bios, picked up his life becomes successful, marries and is happy.

Later he runs into Jones again and watches how Jones effects the small towns people. People who are flawed and full of problems, marriages on the verge of divorce, young adults ready to waste their lives. Business men going broke and people just in the gutters.

During the first few chapters I thought this was going to be another Inspirational climb these seven steps to a better life. Give all your money to church because God is a ATM machine…you slip your card in you get some cash back!! Thankfully it didn't follow those footsteps but focused on the steps of becoming a person that uses wisdom. The Jones character made this readable. It was written in a way that held my attention but I guess for me I didn’t get the concept. Reading biography's of other peoples success and drama just didn’t jive with me. Although I did see who the Jones character was representing and how the general message of being a person of integrity and a person that other people can depend on and trust leads to success in life and in relationships. Jones touches every character in a way that each problem can be addressed. Where each storm the person is going threw can be overcome with hope and the right direction.
Basically this a story of wisdom and learning from your mistakes. Being a person of integrity, how to speak and address people how you look at yourself and building yourself into a wise person. Also with that wisdom of life's lessons to pass on to others and plant seeds of encouragement.

3/5 Inspirational

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Stephenie Meyer Controversy/ The Nocturne

The latest Controversy in the Twilight world......Here's some interesting news I found on Vanity Fair and I did a bit of research on this author Jordan Scott.....

Stephenie Meyer has made Vanity Fair’s Top 100 Information Age Powers List!
82. Stephenie Meyer

STAGE OF GLOBAL CONQUEST:

The Mormon housewife’s Twilight teen-vampire romance novels sold nearly 29 million copies in one year, capturing the top four positions on the USA Today best-seller list for 2008, making her the first author ever to do so. (J. K. Rowling came close with Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 5 with her Harry Potter titles in 2000.) The movie version of Twilight grossed $191 million in the U.S., and the film adaptation of her second book, New Moon, opens in November. Meyer has also inspired hundreds of Web sites from fans who call themselves “Stephen-ites” or “Twi-hards.”

LEGEND HAS IT: Meyer, 35, began writing as a 29-year-old Phoenix housewife in 2003 after dreaming of vampires one night. She wrote 10 pages the next morning before driving her sons to swimming lessons. She moved a desk into the living room and finished her 130,000-word first novel in only three months.

THORN IN HER SIDE: Stephen King, who said that “Rowling is a terrific writer and Stephenie Meyer can’t write worth a darn.”

NEW THORN IN HER SIDE: Jordan Scott, who has alleged in a lawsuit filed in August that Meyer stole ideas from her 2006 vampire novel The Nocturne, and used them in Breaking Dawn, which Meyer published in 2008. Meyer’s publisher has said that the claims are meritless.

My thoughts: Well I haven't read The Nocturne yet but I will be once I grab a copy, on Stephen Kings comments....not nice....The new lawsuit, well with Twilight madness and the monster marketing this thing has become its a toss up. Will someone sue Mrs. Meyers to get a chunk of her swimming pool of money of course....perhaps make a name for themselves? On the other hand if its legit well Id be a ticked off author myself.The synopsis doesn't sound anything like Breaking Dawn and also its set in France not Forks!!! When it comes down to it no matter the outcome, I loved The Twilight Saga and I think your great Stephenie!!!!

Read the entire list at Vanity Fair

The Nocturne by Jordan Scott:

The first installment in its epic trilogy, The Nocturne is a dark fantasy/romance set in late medieval France. A tale of forbidden love, The Nocturne is the story of a young sorcerer, Rainier de Aaradyn, who meets – and saves – the love of his life, Annora, only to soon discover powers he never knew he had...dark powers that make it seemingly impossible for them to be together.
Rainier must make a choice to either embrace his fate and risk losing his soul...or go against it and risk losing the woman he loves.

So this sounds really good and now I'm going to have to read it to see if its anything like Breaking Dawn. Check out her website and see what you think: JordanScott

Friday, September 4, 2009

Zombie Chickens...it must be my lucky week!!!

Wow, Zombie Chickens, it must be my lucky week! I'm happy to announce that I was recently given the Zombie Chicken Award by Natalie over at MindfulMusings.

Here's a little about the award:"The blogger who receives this award believes in the Tao of the zombie chicken-- excellence, grace, and persistence in all situations, even in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. These amazing bloggers regularly produce content so remarkable that their readers would brave a raving pack of zombie chickens just to be able to read their inspiring words. As a recipient of this world-renowned award, you now have the task of passing it on to at least 5 other worthy bloggers. Do not risk the wrath of the zombie chickens by choosing unwisely or not choosing at all."And to avoid the wrath of the infamous Zombie Chickens, I'm happy to pass this award along to the following blogs:

ChewingaLeaf
Parajunke
MisfitSalon
BooksandThings
Theneverendingshelf

I love these blogs and for sure you should check them out!!!

Thursday, September 3, 2009

My First Blog Award.......Yeah!!

My first blog award....how awesome!! I won it for being Neighborly. I always love to make cookies for new neighbors...:D

So now I have to nominate some blog's...... I visit so many but here's my picks....

B-For Beautiful Jenny @ Takemeaway

I- For Informative Froggy @ Froggaritaville

N- For Neighborly Venetian@ Venetian Firefly

G- For Gorgeous Cindy @ Reflections

0-For Outstanding Alyssa @ Teens Read and Write

Thanks ParaJunkie for Nominating me......

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Lament by Maggie Stiefvater

Lament by Maggie Stiefvater
Purchased

Sixteen-year-old Deirdre Monaghan is a painfully shy but prodigiously gifted musician. She's about to find out she's also a cloverhand—one who can see faeries. Deirdre finds herself infatuated with a mysterious boy who enters her ordinary suburban life, seemingly out of thin air. Trouble is, the enigmatic and gorgeous Luke turns out to be a gallowglass—a soulless faerie assassin. An equally hunky—and equally dangerous—dark faerie soldier named Aodhan is also stalking Deirdre. Sworn enemies, Luke and Aodhan each have a deadly assignment from the Faerie Queen. Deirdre had been wishing her life weren't so dull, but getting trapped in the middle of a centuries-old faerie war isn't exactly what she had in mind.

Well, who would want to be caught in the middle of a faerie war, not me. Ive been reading so many faerie story's lately I'm half expecting a green pixie to show up in my backyard and ask me to dance.....hopefully that never happens I think I seriously would pee my pants, but those darn faeries they can be so tricky!!

A dark story of the world of Faerie and The Fey, you've heard it before: dark twisted guy with lots of damage meets talented musical human girl......It sounds typical but the story that unfolds was very enthralling had good writing and also some really great creepy parts. The middle of the night bedroom scene...(scary)...It was a bit strange in parts I didn't really get how Luke just shows up...also the only part of the book I didn't like was Deirdre's reactions to some dramatic events, I thought she lacked some depth, and the response to me was distant. Otherwise the plot was good, the writing flowed well and the storyline held my interest.

4/5 YA Faerie/Fantasy

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