My first WoW! I never used to do one as I was busy with my A levels, but that's now over!
I just heard about my pick for the week this week and am quite excited! I loved Hush Hush and still have a hangover with Angels so why, don't blame me!
ANGEL (L.A. WEATHERLY)
The only good angel is a dead angel...
Willow knows she’s different from other girls. And not just because she loves tinkering around with cars. Willow has a gift. She can look into people’s futures, know their dreams, their hopes and their regrets, just by touching them. She has no idea where she gets this power from…
But Alex does. Gorgeous, mysterious Alex knows Willow’s secret and is on a mission to stop her. The dark forces within Willow make her dangerous – and irresistible. In spite of himself, Alex finds he is falling in love with his sworn enemy.
To be published Oct 1, 2010 by Usborne books.
Find out more about the book at www.angelfever.com or follow them at twitter: @Angel_Book
I'm so very excited to post this. I loooooooved (yes, that's seven o's) Kimberly Derting's The Body Finder. And tonight the cover for the sequel, Desires of the Dead has just been revealed! Excited? So am I!
Here we go:
Oh yes.
It's complementary with the blue of The Body Finder, no? They would reaaally look good together on a bookshelf (I want one)!
Although I'm pretty only the colour and the title of the cover is different, I'm still excited!
Your thoughts?
My second interview for the day is with Simone Elkeles, author of Perfect Chemistry, Rules of Attraction and Leaving Paradise, all of which are my favourite books! The sequel to Leaving Paradise, Return to Paradise is due to be published on November - do watch out for it!
1. We know how much you love bad boys, and we can't agree more. Who is your favourite bad boy character?
I can’t choose. I love all of my "bad boy" characters. In Perfect Chemistry, Alex has a heart of gold and is so dedicated to his family and the ones he loves. I love him. On the other hand is Carlos, who loves to live his life on the edge and loves adventures and challenges. And on the third hand, Caleb is so self-sacrificing that he changes his life just to protect his sister while at the same time helping Maggie discover her true strength. I’m sorry, I can’t pick. I’ll take them all.
2. Personally, what do you feel is the most fulfilling part of being a writer?
My fans! They are passionate and the emails I receive definitely inspires me to write more books. When I get an email saying a teen hated to read but because of my books now loves to read is amazing and surreal. When readers say that reading one of my books has inspired them to write their own book, it’s the coolest feeling! When someone says they look at people differently and don’t judge them because my books taught them you can’t judge someone by the color of their skin or their social status, I love that!
3. Say you're trapped in a deserted island. Which of your characters will you most likely pick as a companion?
I'm going to cheat a little bit and take two: Alex and Carlos. Now, I'm going to cheat a little more and take my vision for the movie version of Ales and Carlos: Alexander F. Rodriguez and Giancarlo Vidrio (the boys who played my heroes in my book trailer for Rules of Attraction) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhEx0kaUlrU
(I have to agree, Simone. They're irresistible!)
4. Are any of your (wonderful, endearing and extremely lovable) characters based on anyone in your life?
Let's just say that I'm very observant of people around me and I have a great memory. Many of my characters have personality traits and quirks that belong to people I like (and those I didn't like) who have been in my life past and present. Also, there is definitely a part of me in every character I write. To be honest, I have a sarcastic attitude and connect more with the snarky and sarcastic side of my characters more than anything else. Amy from the How to Ruin books is more like me than any other character.
5. Your male characters have very 'creative' ways of proclaiming their love. Where do you get the inspiration to write such romantic scenes and lines?
I have a very romantic imagination and I love to daydream. I think most women feel that way. . . We know how we wish to be treated. I just try and capture those daydreams and put them into my novels.
6. If, for instance, Perfect Chemistry is going to be made into a film. And you get to choose the cast. Who would you choose to play Brittany and Alex? (Oh, and I looove Alexander Rodriguez as Alex - you have such a good choice there, Simone!)
You are absolutely right about Alexander F. Rodriguez! He is the ONLY person I can imagine playing Alex. I know you didn't ask, but I would really love for Giancarlo Vidrio to play to play Carlos. He was perfect in my book trailer! I don't know that I have my heart set on a Brittany. . .
7. And how about Caleb and Maggie?
I don't have my heart sent on anyone for these two either. . . I guess I'm not doing much to hide my crushes on Alexander and Giancarlo, am I!?
8. Now Rules of Attraction has been released, can you share your plans for the next book in the series?
The third novel in the Perfect Chemistry series will be about Luis Fuentes, the youngest Fuentes brother. He’s such a good guy who doesn’t live with the angst that his big brothers have always lived with. Luis is smart, funny, and has big dreams. When he falls for the wrong girl, Luis enters a dark world he’s never known to try and save her from herself. Just when he thinks he’s got life all figured out, Luis learns some disturbing news about his family that destroys his positive outlook on life. Will that Fuentes bad boy streak come out with a vengeance and lure Luis to live on the edge like his new girlfriend and his own father?
8. Finally... (I'm excited for this!) Can you tell us what's in store for us in Return to Paradise?
I'm happy to say I have finished my first draft of Return to Paradise! Caleb thought he was leaving Paradise and Maggie behind for good, but he was wrong! After having some time to grow up and find their own strength, Maggie and Caleb's paths with cross again. I don't want to give away too much, but I will say that this will be the conclusion of Maggie and Caleb's story and I don't think my readers will disappointed with the "ending" I have in store for them!
(I'll try not to hyperventilate - but ohmygod this might just be the death of me! I'm so terribly excited!)
Thanks so much for interviewing me! It was a pleasure.
Thanks so much, Simone! You can find out more about Simone and her books on www.simoneelkeles.net. Why don't you pass by and show her some love, eh? :)
Just for reference, I gushed over Perfect Chemistry here and Rules of Attraction here.
Of course, this interview will not be complete without the epic win that is the Rules of Attraction book trailer! Oohlala Alexander and Giancarlo <3
Though Honora Tannach came of age amid the misty moors of the Scottish highlands, where warring clans battled to the death for the future of their wild land, nothing frightens her so much as a lifetime trapped in the castle of her cruel stepfather. She is thrilled when a marriage is arranged to the son of a Scottish laird . . . until her betrothed is revealed to be Cavan Sinclare. Though the savage warrior once saved her life, Honora knows no one can tame the heart of such a brute, no matter now finely chiseled his features or how enticing his eyes . . . .
After escaping his captors, Cavan’s only concern is protecting his clan from the menacing invaders who threaten at every turn—and his beautiful wife is a dangerous distraction. But in the face of fiery passion, their reluctance will fade . . . and Cavan will discover that there is no greater strength than the power of true love.
I'm not exactly sure how Return of the Rogue ended up as my afternoon read but I do know it probably took the expressway. I simply wanted a romance novel to spend my afternoon with and found myself attached to the story of the Sinclare brothers. As you may have guessed, the fact that this has diverted me from my official to-be-read pile means I favour this book!
Return of the Rogue is a charming highland romance novel - not that I read many, mind you - and set my standards for the succeeding books in this particular series quite high. It follows the story of Cavan, the olders of the Sinclare brothers and the joy and upsets of his unexpected and unwanted marriage to Honora Tannach, a 'mousy' woman he so thoroughly dislikes. Scarred and broken from his being captive to the Barbarians, Cavan is riddled with guilt at failing to save his younger brother Ronan from the same hands. The novel follows Cavan's marriage and his family's attempts to rescue Ronan from the barbarians' hands.
As already mentioned, Cavan Sinclare is a broken man - the novel is lengthy at its description of Cavan's tumultuous thoughts, of his guilt and the effects of both on his character. There were moments where I wanted to skim read over his reveries but reading through proved useful as the plot progresses; mind you, these were merely at minor times as I did enjoy Cavan's thorough development. In fact, all characters are well developed; Honora for her part is provided with sufficient history and uniqueness I have no complaints whatsoever. The rest of the Sinclare brothers are also very well described; they are easy to relate to and are quite an entertainting company. Their bond - brotherhood - is evident and is a huge driving force in the plot.
The plot itself is amazingly generous. Mostly, it paves way for a complete development of character and builds the essential foundations for a romantic storyline. It strengthens the chemistry between the main characters, so I was rooting and cheering and hoping for their love to be known to each other. I also enjoyed the sub-plots, which are not too many to be overwhelming. I'm surprised at how the book quite easily took me to a different time in history; most of the time I grapple with such change but it was easy with this book. Wonderful!
The only negative thing I can comment on is the limited array of characters. With such small number of characters - mostly the Sinclare clan - readers are able to familiarise quite intimately with each and every one, which I have no doubt will suit many. It develops these characters very well and each are bountiful in their individuality. However, this also causes the plot to become more predictable. Given the numbered characters it was easy for me to pin-point who the culprit behind it all; the clues that are showered within the plot are no help either - they were too well-timed to be dismissed, which might probably leave readers with too little to guess.
Overall though, this is a really good book. For romance lovers, grab this and enjoy the Sinclares! I am personally reading the next in the series.
Today I have a two lovely authors for interview! Firstly let me welcome Sean McCartney, author of the upcoming Middle Grade book, The Treasure Hunters Club: Secrets of the Magical Medallions to Girls Without a Bookshelf! Sean's debut novel will be out 6th July so watch out for it! (I will post more information at the end of the post.) I have asked Sean a few questions and here's what he has to say.
1. In ten words or so, what can we expect The Treasure Hunters Club: The Secrets of the Magical Medallions?
A fun filled read of action and adventure.
2. What was the inspiration behind The Treasure Hunters Club: The Secrets of the Magical Medallions?
I wanted a series that I would have liked as a kid. I really enjoyed the mystery of the Hardy Boys and I love the magic from Harry Potter. So I tried to add them together and drop in some of Indiana Jones and National Treasure and you've got The Treasure Hunters Club
3. What were the major challenges of writing this book?
The major challenge are when the words don't come. Some days it just is so hard to find the right words that flow and tell a good story. The best part is it usually doesn't last because you push through.
4. ...And the most fulfilling part?
The most fulfilling was the creation of the characters and the research for the story. In all the books I want the treasure to be real and working through the history of those treasures really gives you great insight. The characters were great fun to work with because they were very much like the kids I grew up with.
5. Who do you look up to as a writer?
I look up to a lot of writers from every genre. Rick Riordan does a really good job incorporating history into his books and John Grisham's longevity and ability to tell a story are great. J.A. Konrath really seems to have his hand on the pulse of publishing as he sees what is coming down the pike. I must say, however, that Mark Twain was always a great read. He had such ability to find the right word. He was someone I really do look up to.
6. Let's talk about your characters. Can you introduce us to your protagonists?
13-year-old Tommy Reed is the leader of the treasure Hunters Club and his three friends make up the rest. Shannon McDougal, even as the girl of the group, provides the muscle and no fear attitude; Jackson Miller is super smart and sometimes too smart for his own good; Chris Henderson is the big, lovable teddy bear whose size belies his rather timid image. The one character who I think is the most interesting is "Diamond" Jack Reed. He is a very famous treasure hunter and is also Tommy's uncle and his hero. Jack is the inspiration to the club but in this story we find Jack's inspiration waning as he searches for it while helping Tommy.
7. Can you give us a taste of what these characters will face in The Treasure Hunters Club: The Secrets of the Magical Medallions?
The club longs for adventure. They are restless and are getting tired of talking about treasure and want to find some. When Tommy's uncle, the famous treasure hunter "Diamond" Jack Reed, sends him a medallion, adventure finds Tommy and his cub. Now they are pursued by an evil treasure collector named Manuel de la ernesto who will stop at nothing to get the medallion back. It's up to Tommy and the club to find out why this medallion is so special before Manuel runs them down.
8. What is the best and most difficult aspect of framing these characters?
The best part about these characters are they remind me of people I grew up with as a kid. They also have similar traits to students I have had in the past. The most difficult part about the characters was staying true to who they were and what they are about. I have to remember they are on their first adventure and that can be scary.
9. Any tours or book signing where readers may meet you in person?
I am in the middle of planning all of that now. This interview is a nice start. I am also planning on doing more blogs and I hope to do several signings in the future. I will have a calendar on my website (www.treasurehuntersclubbook.com )in the next week were people can check out where I am going to be.
10. What can we expect next from Sean McCartney?
My hope is with the success of the first book will lead to the second and so on. I have great plans for this series with future stories as the club gets older and their adventures become more dangerous and exciting.
Thanks again for having me and I can't wait to hear what people think.
Allah's Garden is a true story of a Moroccan doctor's 25-year imprisonment in Sahara Desert. Told alongside the author's own time as a volunteer, the two stories combine to unveil secrets held deep within the desolate land known as "Allah's Garden."
I know Allah's Garden is not of the YA genre - I won it as part of a Goodreads giveaway and am glad I did. It's a book which I feel everyone should read; it's shocking, horrifying, and appalling, yet genuinely inspirational.
Allah's Garden is a book out of my comfort zone; I often shy away from deliberately informing myself of the less than pleasant aspects of the human existence. However, I have been quite enlightened by this book.
Allah's Garden is both shocking in its description of the horrors of war - what made it more poignant is that is focuses on a little known conflict in the Sahara. It drives a point home: Known or not known, a war will always be a war. There will be masses hurt, injured or kill, human rights abuses, tortures, sacrifices made. It is horrifying and appalling - more so for me, as a normal teenage girl with no inkling whatsoever to the roughness of the outside world. Glimpsing this world in midst of abuses as a POW is an eye-opener.
The book handles this and in the foreground highlights the epic character of a man suffering through all these; the heart, hope and perseverance that allows Azeddine, a physician who has been held captive as a POW for 24 years, to endure each and every horror and to persevere against such circumstance. I felt the authors empathy and respect to the man; however, notwithstanding the author's sentiments, readers will inevitably grow to admire Azeddine. Such dedication is uncommon in many men.
There were parts of the book which I would have liked to be more elaborated; there were elements here and there that I wanted more clarifications, more detail. Whilst the book is generous in its description of the effects of this particular war, I felt that the general overview of the situation needed more focus.
Overall, Allah's Garden is a book I would recommend to all; its description of the horrors of war, particularly of a POW, is disturbing - yet not far from what is exactly occurring outside of our blinded sights.
When Carlos Fuentes returns to America after living in Mexico for a year, he doesn’t want any part of the life his older brother, Alex, has laid out for him at a high school in Colorado . Carlos likes living his life on the edge and wants to carve his own path—just like Alex did. Then he meets Kiara Westford. She doesn’t talk much and is completely intimidated by Carlos’ wild ways. As they get to know one another, Carlos assumes Kiara thinks she’s too good for him, and refuses to admit that she might be getting to him. But he soon realizes that being himself is exactly what Kiara needs right now.
Sequel to Perfect Chemistry (a personal favourite), Rules of Attraction is every bit as delightful as its predecessor. If there were any doubts of the Fuentes brothers' droolworthiness after Perfect Chemistry, Carlos sealed the deal in Rules of Attraction. I just loved the masculine presence of Carlos in this book. Definitely a Fuentes.
Rules of Attraction is a hell of a lot funnier than Perfect Chemisty. While Alex was resigned to his fate, Carlos is cynical about his life in general. His outlook in life is comparably worse, and this cynicism he easily translates into humour - this, combined with Kiara's boldness and the flair of interesting, hugely entertainting secondary characters, produces humour that had me giggling and laughing while reading. Despite his best efforts, Carlos is immature, wanting to dive head first into a life his brother once left behind. Watching him develop, learn and ultimately mature is perhaps one of the strengths of this book. Like Alex, Carlos has a strong heart, but mind you, is the truer bad boy of the two. And while I could quite easily list Carlos' endless loveable traits, I'll let you know that ultimately he's as hot as older brother Alex.
Unlike Perfect Chemistry - which was equally underscored by Brittany's and Alex's stories -, I found Rules of Attraction to focus more on Carlos and less on Kiara. Bits and pieces of Kiara I found missing, which left her characterisation to be underdeveloped. However, the development of Kiara's family offsets this quite well.
The romance, as with any of Simone's work, is wonderful. Carlos and Kiara's chemistry is fresh and witty, but not as sizzling as Alex's and Brittany's. And, speaking of the two, I looked forward to and was satisfied with the glimpses that Simone has provided into Alex's and Brittany's relationship. It was familiar ground, just from a fresh viewpoint. There were also parts which seems to lay the foundation for the third book in the series. I like!
Overall, Rules of Attraction is a worthy read, twenty times over. There are bits and pieces I did not like, but it was very hard not to love this book in general. It encompasses many motifs, among which is brotherly love, trust and growth. Each of these are impeccably handled. For that alone, this book is worth anyone's time.
Apologies, I seem to compare RoA with PC a lot - while I honestly tried to review RoA in it's own merit, it appeared increasingly difficult not to compare it with PC!
Four Stars.
PS. Tomorrow I'll be posting a review with Simone Elkeles. Watch out for it!
‘I have fallen in love, and she is the one who endures. I killed her once and died for her many times and I still have nothing to show for it. I always search for her; I always remember her. I carry the hope that someday she will remember me…’
Daniel has spent centuries falling in love with the same girl. Life after life, crossing continents and dynasties, he and Sophia (despite her changing name and form) have been drawn together-and he remembers it all. Daniel has "the memory", the ability to recall past lives and recognize souls of those he's previously known. It is a gift and a curse. For all the times that he and Sophia have been drawn together throughout history, they have also been torn painfully, fatally, apart. A love always too short.
Interwoven through Sophia and Daniel's unfolding present day relationship are glimpses of their expansive history together. From 552 Asia Minor to 1918 England and 1972 Virginia, the two souls share a long and sometimes torturous path of seeking each other time and time again. But just when young Sophia (now "Lucy" in the present) finally begins to awaken to the secret of their shared past, to understand the true reason for the strength of their attraction, the mysterious force that has always torn them apart reappears. Ultimately, they must come to understand what stands in the way of their love if they are ever to spend a lifetime together.
I read quite a lot of romance, and I do like most of them, but occasionally I find one that can easily outclass the rest. My Name is Memory is in huge contention for the most romantic book I have ever laid hands on.
The story of Daniel is one that is both fascinating and unnerving. I found the concept of reincarnation common enough, but to carry the memory of it all - both a gift and a curse to our hero - is a fresh albeit as intriguing twist to the idea. The complexity of Daniel's memory is engaging and intensely captivating, and as more of his history is introduced I was felt I was being enlightened to a philosophical, cosmic law. I was curious as to how the plot would present the concept of reincarnation and the accompanying memory - I did have a lot of questions but these has been more or less seen to in the course of the plot.
The novel is in alternate chapters of past and present. Through Daniel's account, readers glimpse his - and Lucy's/Sophia's - history. Images of the past were new and exciting to me. I cannot comment on the accuracy of the depictions but I am pretty satisfied and as Daniel is more thoughts than acts it is really his reflections which captivated me.I looked forward to each chapter of Daniel's narration and history while reading the present events and looked forward to the present while I was immersed in each of Daniel's chapters. Once I started reading, I almost haven't stopped.
Daniel is certainly the mostnotable character. It is easy to feel - yes, feel - him in every page. His character is thoughful, reflective, almost self-less. He carries in his narration the words of a man who has lived a hundred lives, and this I felt is what drew me most to his character. It was as if a tangible Daniel has written those accounts himself; the emotions and anguish were so raw, his love for Lucy pervades his every word. It is worth noting, I think, that whilst Daniel is unquestionably in love with Lucy, he lives each of his life as his own person. Whilst Lucy is also a developed character, I find the balance tilted more towards Daniel. In a way, I think the latter surpasses many of the characters I have come to admire; there is respectability and a sort of magnetic admirability in Daniel that I rarely, if ever, find in others.
Now, if that was not enough, the twist in the plot had me gasping, squealing and racing to find out what happens next. It was incredible. The suspense was almost heartbreaking; I wasn't quite sure how everything would fall in place!
And while the ending(or lack thereof) was impossibly vague, it was not frustrating at all. I was still basking in the intensity of Daniel and Lucy's love to be frustrated about anything at all. I absolutely adore this novel. I could not get enough, and whilst I'm not sure if there will be a sequel, I damn well hope so.
I still re-read my favourite parts and am yet to determine how to untangle myself from this novel. It's impossible not to fall in love with it!
My Name is Memory is beautiful,beautiful novel. Written exceedingly well, with magnetic characters and with a romance that took my breath - and my heart - away, it is easily the most romantic novel I have read as of late.
Five Stars!
My Name is Memory is published by Hodder & Stoughton on 24th June. Don't miss it! Oh, and here's the book trailer!
* My review copy has been provided by the publishers. Thanks so much!
We are happy to accept books from authors or publishers for review. Paperbacks and hardbacks are most welcome, as are self-published books. E-book copies are also accepted. For more information, you can read our review policy here.
If you're an author or publisher and would like us to review or promote your book(s), to host an author interview, or to conduct any giveaways, e-mail us for details.
Posts
