Book Review: City of Bones (Cassandra Clare)

When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder - much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing - not even a smear of blood - to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

If book can give hang-overs then City of Bones can give the best and worst kind of it. Best, because I'm completely intoxicated with this book; and the worst - because I am utterly and completely going insane over it! This is one hell of a book. It's simply superb!

I think I am one of the remaining few still new to Cassandra Claire's Mortal Instruments series. I regret not reading City of Bones sooner, as it turned out to not only exceed all my expectations, but gave me a thrill that I had not quite experienced since the Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings books! I will probably inevitably repeat all the gushing reviews given to this book, but there's no way around it. It's just that good.

City of Bones stars Clary Fray, an ordinary girl who discovers a world beyond any she knew existed. In the Shadow world, prominent figures include demons, warlocks, witches, werewolves, vampires, shadowhunters and a certain Jace Wayland. The author's description of this world is impeccable. In rich and with great detail, strong imagery and letter-perfect writing, City of Bones just lures the reader into its world. Clary's adventure I don't often wish I belong to a book world, but I certainly did with this one.

Clary is an amazingly strong heroine. I love her perseverance and her will to fight, her selfless concern for others and even her sarcasm. She's a fiesty heroine, one I totally cheered on. She handles trials with grace and is firm in her stand. Secondary characters are not less note-worthy. They are colourful and their vibrance give this book life. Isabel for instance, is as just as tough as Clary - I really adore her. Alec, Simon, Luke, Hodge - the variety of characters is amazing. All of them are fully-developed and important in their own rights. And of course, I think this review would be incomplete if I don't mention how hot the heroes are. I love both Simon and Jace, but damn. Jace Wayland? Yes please.

City of Bones has the markings of a great classic and so much more. It's exhilarating, intoxicating and every bit gripping. Expect a whole lot of suspense, tension, thrill, drama, you name it! There were twists in every corner, new characters to delight readers, adventures that would give anyone an adrenaline rush and a romance that will leave you gaping. As more secrets are uncovered, more truths laid bare and more of the Shadow World discovered, the more this book hooks you. It was slightly draining to read as it really engages the reader; I felt as if I was in one adventure myself!

And the ending? The bomb. The profanities the flew out of my mouth after I found out the great revelation was unbelievable. Like I can wait a second for City of Ashes?

Five stars.

In My Mailbox (11)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren.

Seriously, a sack?

Well yes, apparently. Full of these.

It's pretty weird this week. I was not expecting a lot, but they came anyway. Mr postman sent me this on Friday, and I didn't know if I should hate him or love him. Like hello, wake me up with a sack?

* For Review

Castle of Shadows (Ellen Renner)

City of Thieves (Ellen Renner) 

Guardian of the Dead (Karen Healey) - from Int'l Book Tours

Torment (Lauren Kate) - from UK Book Tours

* Won

Horrible Histories: Awful Egyptions (Terry Deary)

The Great Space Race (Joshua Mowll)

The Spellman Files (Lisa Lutz)

Curse of the Spellmans (Lisa Lutz)

Revenge of the Spellmans (Lisa Lutz)

Some very cute nail files too! :) - All Thanks to The Book Chick City:

* From Read it Swap it

Poison Diaries (Maryrose Wood)

Claire de Lune(Christine Johnson)

City of Ashes (Cassandra Clare)

* From Rhiana @ Rhiana Reads - thanks love! :)

The Other Countess (Eve Edwards)

* Bought

13 to Life (Shannon Delaney)

The Highlander's Bride (Michele Sinclair)

I will be more faithful to my book ban next week. This week has been disastrous for my for-the-love-of-God-don't-buy-any-more-books' rule.

Since the rest of you don't have any book bans whatsoever (right?) link me your IMMs too, and I'll check it out.

Happy reading!

Book Review: Two Way Street (Lauren Barnholdt)

There are two sides to every breakup. This is Jordan and Courtney, totally in love. Sure, they were an unlikely high school couple. But they clicked; it worked. They're even going to the same college, and driving cross-country together for orientation. Then Jordan dumps Courtney -- for a girl he met on the Internet. It's too late to change plans, so the road trip is on. Courtney's heartbroken, but figures she can tough it out for a few days. La la la -- this is Courtney pretending not to care. But in a strange twist, Jordan cares. A lot. Turns out, he's got a secret or two that he's not telling Courtney. And it has everything to do with why they broke up, why they can't get back together, and how, in spite of it all, this couple is destined for each other.

I keep wondering what I missed when reading this book because I have heard a whole lot about it and majority of what I did were positive reviews. It's not that I dislike this book or anything, it just wasn't as good as I have heard.

I loved the premise of a road trip between an ex-couple who I knew still loved each other. It's incredibly romantic, despite the tension and the pain of the break-up. In many ways the book lived up to that. It was romantic - Jordan's gestures convey all his feelings for Courtney, and Courtney's hurt was palpable in her thoughts and actions. There was a great plot build up in Two Way Street, complete with the flashbacks that support and explain the couple's past. It also explains hook up, the break-up and everything in between. Towards the end there was such a rush of tension that I pretty much just raced through he book.

Unfortunately, I somehow found the twist pretty obvious from the beginning, as Jordan gives abundant clues in his narration. From then on it was just a matter of seeing where it will all lead to, which was not very fun at all. There was also the lack of individuality in the narrative voices. Both Jordan and Courtney share the same idiolects (for instance, the tendency to say 'I mean this, not that') which I wasn't sure if I were to take as their connection or just a lack of differentiation in their voices.

I found myself enjoying secondary characters more. B.J. is my favourite character, and despite his antics I thought he was great company. Unfortunately, I fiercely disliked the adults in this book. Selfish, condescending and callow. I could have dealt with that, had the book not made me feel like it was Courtney who had issues and had to change to accommodate the adults. I felt as if the adults were tolerated and Courtney was at fault for being kept in the dark. Thankfully, I liked the resolution between Courtney and Jordan, and what the roadtrip meant for their relationship.

Three stars.


* I received this copy for review. Thanks Mel!

Book Review: The Highlander's Touch (Karen Marie Moning)

A Warrior Of Immortal Powers

He was a mighty Scottish warrior who lived in a world bound by ancient laws and timeless magic. But no immortal powers could prepare the laird of Castle Brodie for the lovely accursed lass who stood before him. A terrible trick of fate had sent her 700 years back in time and into his private chamber to tempt him with her beauty—and seduce him with a desire he could never fulfill. For this woman he burned to possess was also the woman he had foresworn to destroy.

A Woman Caught In The Mists Of Time

When Lisa felt the earth move under her feet, the fiercely independent 21st-century woman never dreamed she was falling...into another century. But the powerful, naked warrior who stood glaring down at her was only too real...and too dangerously arousing. Irresistibly handsome he might be, but Lisa had no intention of remaining in this savage land torn by treachery and war. How could she know that her seductive captor had other plans for her...plans that would save her from a tragic fate? Or that this man who had long ago forsaken love would defy time itself to claim her for his own...

Third in Karen Marie Moning's Highlander series, The Highlander's Touch is the most complex of the three I've read. Each of the book in the series has a very different feel to them, with different strengths and weaknesses, and this one is particularly infused with extra twists. Funny enough, all of them are connected - for instance The Highlander's Touch, which occurs a century prior, is connected to the first two by its characters.

Let me begin with the characteristics that it shared with its predecessors: it's hilariously funny, it has a drop dead gorgeous hero and the chemistry between the protagonists sizzles (swoon!). It has very loveable secondary characters - and as always, there are some seriously drool-worthy male foils.

I adored (or more like drooled over) Sidheach 'Hawk' Douglas from Beyond the Highland Mist, and Circenn Brodie is much like Hawk in this book. Devastatingly sexy and domineering, Circenn is a man of honour, a natural born leader who lived by his rules. (Un)fortunately for him, his curse on a religious relic misfires and transports the twenty-first century lass Lisa Stone into his lap - literally. She turns his world upside down; makes him break his oaths, lie and deceive. I had a good laugh at this, which saved what would have been a boring characterisation. Circenn, despite his allure, is a slightly inadequate character and much overshadowed by a foil, Duncan Douglas.

However, Lisa is a wonderful character. Strong, vivacious and determined, she works not for herself, but for her mother dying of cancer. She is understandably devastated when she finds herself in a war-torn country in the fourteenth century, her life threatened by the very person who can tempt her into staying. Again, while I like her character, she doesn't seem to have adequate focus, and less-developed characters are a boon in novels, really. Not good.

What makes this stand out in the series are these: several sub plots never fulfilled, a twist that is hard to foresee in the end, and an ending too polished for its own good. The first is annoying, because one of it involved Duncan Douglas, which is the superior character I found in this book. The twist is satisfying as I never could have seen it coming! Finally, the ending is such a classic. I thought it took happily ever after to the extreme, but I can't deny that I didn't like it. My inner child is forever screaming for a happy ever after in all of the books I read and was extremely satisfied with The Highlander's Touch.

Not the best in the series (or at least the three I have read so far), but pick this one up if you're looking for a sexy warlord to drool over, a happy-go-lucky protector to admire and to enjoy the company of the Knights of the Templar.

Three stars.


* I received this e-book for review. Thank you Mel!

Book Review: Single White Vampire (Lynsay Sands)

A romance you can sink your teeth into.

S.W.M. - "Lucern." Successful biographer of family, books recently categorized as "paranormal romance." Something of a recluse. Hates crowds, aggressive women. Doesn't like sunbathing, garlicky dinners or religious symbols. Likes old-fashioned values; spicy Mexican dishes; warm, nice-smelling neck; and plump red lips. Stronger than ten men and can vanish in the blink of an eye. Currently unaware he's seeking a woman to share eternity.

S.W.F. - "Kate C. Leever." Newest editor of Romance at Roundhouse Publishing. Perky, fun. Has recently discovered a legacy author just dying to be broken out. In fact, her career could take off from it. (The tall, dark, handsome writer just needs to be taken to several romance conventions and introduced to his fans . . . and stopped from acting so strange in public.) Dislikes "difficult, rude, obnoxious, pig-headed writers." Currently she's met the man of her wildest dreams.


Oh dear.

There is something in the dysfuntional Argeneau family that is strongly magnetic, and I doubt it's solely due to the fact that they are centuries-old vampires. They are so fun to read, so entertaining to spend a sunny afternoon with and so devastatingly hilarious I find it hard to part with them everytime I finish reading an Argeneau book. Single White Vampire (SWV), the third in the series, is my current favourite.

I have read and reviewed its predecessor, Love Bites, and that revived my thirst for reading and for more Argeneau moments. I have wanted to get my hands on SWV since I first read its prologue, which consists of the funniest correspondence I have ever come across!

This book is still to be beaten at the top of 'most hilarious book' list. Combine an independent, aggressive and slightly bossy twenty-first century editor with a grumpy, obnoxious, reclusive vampire writer, sprinkle them with the melodramatic Argeneau clan (spearheaded by the match-making matriarch) and dump them in a romance conference, and there is neverending hilarity. I love it.

The characters are so distinct and expertly perfected. Lucern Argeneau, our grumpy vampire, is the autobiographer of the family. A published writer loved by many women, he is reluctant to embrace his fame. He dislikes television, day dreams of sucking some juicy neck and dislikes his bossy editor, Kate Leever. The said Kate is forcing him to attend a romance conference, and he sure as hell isn't going to. Their tug of war romance is full of everything nice, of seduction and of stolen 'necessity-driven' moments. Fun.

It's hard to dislike a book this funny - but, there are some flaws that, if corrected, would give this book an edge over many. Lynsay Sands' vampire lore is already solid; it's the plot in each book that makes a difference. Firstly, though the romance in SWV was fun to read, it seemed a little abrupt to me. Nothing major, but there was no gradual change of heart (at least for Lucern, but really he's an oldie, so...), that slow transition from hate to love that I crave for in a romance novel. There was not much action sequences in this book, but heck, it totally failed when it did come up. Made the book a lot more hilarious.

Overall, the perfect paranormal romantic comedy. Of course, if you love the Argeneau family as much as I do, it's totally unmissable!

Read it when you're looking for a book that's funny as hell.

Four Stars.


* I received this book for review. Thank you publishers!

Book Review: The Pace (Shelena Shorts)

Weston Wilson is not immortal and he is of this world. But, aging is not part of his existence, and eighteen-year-old Sophie Slone is determined to find out why. In doing so, she could also uncover something about her own life expectancy that she may not want to know. Suddenly, immortality will mean everything and nothing all at the same time.

Intensely fascinating and rich with determination, The Pace brings together romance, mystery, and suspense in a compelling bond that is sure to have readers asking for more.

The Pace is a very peculiar book. It was an interesting read, romantic and intriguing with it's fresh new take on conventional plots. However, while I enjoyed this book very much, I felt it lacked the sparked that I was looking for in its pages.

The Pace is fundamentally about Sophie Slone's relationship with Weston Wilson (III). After crashing into him and finding herself with a very odd young man, she becomes drawn to his chivalrous ways and gentlemanly behaviour. She finds Wes intriguing and every bit mysterious. When Sophie starts seeking answers, that's when the story really unfolds. From hence the readers are taken into a journey of finding and seeking, of understanding Wes and his real connection to Sophie.

Unlike other male protagonists, Weston is gentle, physically strong but emotionally vulnerable. Sophie is really the character that stood out in this book, and the stronger of the two. She is also more action and less thoughts; hence, Sophie's narration focuses a lot more on actions than on her reflections. I did not mind at all, and Sophie is a very comfortable character do spend some time with. It's fine with me, but I'm not sure it won't drag for other readers. I'm not sure there were other very substantial characters, as another peculiar trait of this novel is the tendency to surprise you with the importance of a passing character.

I have to admire the author for her creativity in the age-old concept of immortality. It has been made clear from the description that Wes is indeed immortal; so my reading experience consisted mostly of attempting to seek the answers to Wes' immortality. I was surprised about how it was handled in the book; it is a very scientific explanation and though I found it very intriguing, I was not sure I followed thoroughly. It was both understandable and slightly vague. I would have liked a lot more elaboration.

I found The Pace saturated with romance and tender moments, but sadly lacks suspense. It gets better towards the end, but as it stands, I did not particularly think that there was enough suspense built up within the previous pages. Because I was looking eagerly for one, I found several subplots that is not accomplished fully towards the end. There was also a sense of predictability in the romance, although like always, Sophie surprises me.

Just a note, the ending had me scratching my head, because it did not make any sense to me at all. No matter, it seems the sequel will fill in all the gaps. Despite the flaws of this book, I really can't let go of it and am itching to get my hands on The Broken Lake.

Three Stars.

Waiting on Wednesday (5)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine.
Here's what we're waiting for this week:

A TOUCH MORTAL (LEAH CLIFFORD)

Eden didn’t expect Az.

Not his saunter down the beach toward her. Not his unbelievable pick up line. Not the instant, undeniable connection. And not his wings.

Yeah.

So long happily-ever-after.

Now trapped between life and death, cursed to spread chaos with her every touch, Eden could be the key in the eternal struggle between heaven and hell. All because she gave her heart to one of the Fallen, an angel cast out of heaven.

She may lose everything she ever had. She may be betrayed by those she loves most. But Eden will not be a pawn in anyone else’s game. Her heart is her own.

And that’s only the beginning of the end.

To be published 22 February 2011 by Greenwillow Books.

This one is about fallen angels, one of the hottest trend in YA and one of my favourite too! And the cover is gorgeous! The wine red is very striking, no?

What's your waiting on wednesday, folks? Do link me yours too and I'll check it out!

In My Mailbox (10)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren.
Here's what we got this week!

* For Review

I am Number Four (Pittacus Lore)

Mistress of the Storm (M.L. Welsh) - courtesy of Bookbabblers

* Bought

Sisters Red (Jackson Pearce)

The Ghost and the Goth (Stacey Kade)

Ebook: Two Way Street (Lauren Barnholdt)

* Loaned from Lyndsey @ Heaven, Hell and Purgatory

Shade (Jeri Smith- Ready)

* Won

Fallen (Lauren Kate) - Thanks Jo @ Once Upon a Bookcase

Vision in White (Nora Roberts)

* Back from Tour

Forget You (Jennifer Echols)

Sorry I can't link to goodreads right now, but I'm pretty sure you lot are familiar with these books, right? I loved The Ghost and the Goth ( you tototally should read it!) and can't wait to read Sisters Red and 

I am Number Four. Special thanks to Lyndsey for Shade and Jo for Fallen. Awesome bloggers.

This week's been crazy, I haven't read much or visited blogs much! Kinda miss reading reviews. Anyways, do link me your IMMs too :) Will visit later!

Book Review: The Ghost and the Goth (Stacey Kade)

After a close encounter with the front end of a school bus, Alona Dare goes from Homecoming Queen to Queen of the Dead. Now she’s stuck here in spirit form with no sign of the big, bright light coming to take her away. To make matters worse, the only person who might be able to help her is Will Killian, a total loser/outcast type who hates the social elite. He alone can see and hear her, but he wants nothing to do with the former mean girl of Groundsboro High.

Can they get over their mutual distrust—and this weird attraction between them—to work together before Alona vanishes for good and Will is locked up for seeing things that don’t exist?

I don't think I've ever smiled so broadly after reading a book than I did with Stacey Kade's The Ghost and the Goth. Vibrant and full of life, this book just downright loveable. Yep, you totally should get this, and devour it right away.

Alona Dare - three-time homecoming queen, varsity cheerleader co-captain, technically perfect - is such classic Queen Bee (warning: can be bitchy). I love her voice - undeniably feminine, saturated with unyielding confidence and with an admirable tenacity. What endears me most to Alona is not the fact that she has hidden issues or that she is afterall imperfect, but more because she's not infuriatingly arrogant. She may be ruthless, but this only stems from one trait: frankness. Unlike the conventional miss perfect, she's not being mean for the sake of it. It's simply just her defense mechanism, the one way she knows how to survive the big world with.

Similarly, Will Killian is a charming character with many faults and vulnerabilities. Although commonly labelled the school freak, hidden behind the drone of music and the colour black is really just a boy longing to live his life in peace. In the world's unlikeliest partnership (that's not even considering the fact that she's dead and he's not), Alona and Will will find answers, help and drive each other mad. And tell you what, I love every single bit of Alona-Will moments!

It's hard to find fault in either of these wonderful pair. It's one of those rare books with characters so magnetic you immediately connect with them - that's what it was like to me. They are charming by themselves alone and so hilariously uplifting together. Alona's and Will's narrative occur alternatively in this book, interwoven to ensure a continuous flow of all the positive vibes I could ever get in a book. But no, I'm not implying the book is everything fun and happy. It has depth and morals too. The plot spends time in highlighting the transition of Alona and Will's relationship with each other from aversion to acquaintance to friendship and beyond, and in doing so emphasises their acceptance of each other by seeing more than just the superficial. As they begin to trust each other, their smallest acts become significant and carry with them a major 'aww' factor. So very cute!

As the plot progresses, the focus shifts more towards seeking answers both Alona and Will are looking for and generally turns to its darker side. Sub plots also become more prominent in the second half of the book, as do the secondary characters. Unconnected links are finally drawn together and a very fresh, very inventive take on the afterlife is conjured in the Ghost and the Goth. It's slightly vague at parts, but there should be some more answers in the sequel, and there was nothing significantly amiss. Of course, Alona and Will learn to accept, if not understand each other too. In doing so, their respective characters really develop and mature. Together, these two seems to have an endless supply of surprises that had me giggling and grinning and being extremely happy!

The Ghost and the Goth is one of the most endearing books I have ever read. Uplifting, funny and loveable beyond compare, it's also one of my utter favourites! Loving the cover as much as I do is not harm either, right? What am I to do whilst waiting for Queen of the Dead?

I rate this Five Stars!

Author Guestpost: Angela Morrison

I laughed with and cried over Sing Me to Sleep and Taken by Storm, and to spread my love of her beautiful novels, today I hand over this post to an author who has touched my heart, Angela Morrison!

First, Dwayne and Hanna, I must tell you how much I love your blog title. I kind of know how you feel. When we moved to Arizona from Singapore, I left five of my bookcases behind. I brought two black-laquered Chinese ones that I love, but I'm still down a lot of shelf space. My bookcases are crammed full, and I have baskets and bins of books all over the place.

(I *love* Singapore! And yes, such a pain to see my books crammed under the bed. Grr.)

My husband and I just got back from Scotland where we toured the Highlands. He's a Morrison, so we made it all the way up to the Isle of Lewis where the clan is from. What a wild adventure. Wind. Rain. One-lane roads. Miles of peat bogs, and a few lonely sheep.

Angela's overflowing bookshelf (I envy...).
Spot a few of your favourites?

Guess what I brought back? A whole suitcase full of books. I drug my husband through every black house museum we could find and emptied their gift shops. I want to write a historical romance set during the Highland Clearances, but I got the greatest idea for a modern romance when we happened on sheep dog trials on the Isle of Skye. (Don't you think Skye just oozes romance?) I roughed out the whole plot as we flew home.


Can you tell I love to visit the UK? We lived in Switzerland for four years, and the UK was our favorite destination. It was such a delight to speak English and not feel guilty.

My ancestors emigrated from Birmingham, Kilmarnock, and somewhere in Whales. My historical YA, MY ONLY LOVE, follows the Glovers of Kilmarnock to Nova Scotia. When I lived in Switzerland, I spent more time studying Scots than French. I own the "Complete Songs of Robert Burns" on CD. I made the Glovers' oldest son, William, into the most romantic collier you'll ever meet. He has to leave the lass he loves behind in 
Scotland. As you so adeptly noted in the lovely reviews you wrote of TAKEN BY STORM and SING ME TO SLEEP, I'm drawn to young adult stories full of heart-ache. And love. I hope to find a publisher for MY ONLY LOVE soon.

The novel I'm in the middle of revising, SLIPPED, also has a UK connection. It's set in medieval Switzerland (yeah, before it was actually Switzerland) and stars Jag, a time traveling assassin from a post nuclear winter future, and Margaret, a Bronte-esque heroine who accidentally gets mixed up in Jag's plot. Think Jane Eyre meets the Terminator--but my assassin is way hotter than a robot. I had to throw in a Highland mercenary, too. Couldn't help myself. Every novel needs a man in a kilt. I even gave Lord Byron a cameo (but not a kilt).

Right now, I'm taking a break from SLIPPED to get UNBROKEN CONNECTION, the sequel to TAKEN BY STORM, ready for publication. A new ebook publisher, Top Shelf Books, is releasing it in August. The print edition will follow soon after. I'm excited that readers will finally get to continue Michael and Leesie's journey.

This fall I'm writing CAYMAN SUMMER--the final episode in Leesie and Michael's saga. I'm going to try something kind of crazy--but I think it will be a fantastic experience.

I'm so grateful for readers and bloggers (like Dwayne and Hanna!) who stood by me when Penguin rejected UNBROKEN CONNECTION. I want to do something that will actively involve all of you in my creative process. I've decided to post CAYMAN SUMMER's chapters on a blog as I write them and ask my readers from all over the world to comment and critique. I'll post three different endings to keep you guessing. I love my blogger and reader reviewers. I think they'll make great editors, too. I'll use the feedback to revise and release CAYMAN SUMMER early in 2011!

*

Thanks very much Angela! I'll have you know I'm super excited for My Only Love - I love Scotland, YA and tearfully beautiful stories and damn it has everything! Not to mention Unbroken Connection (out in August. Yess!), Cayman Summer and Slipped. Readers, we have a lot to look forward to!

I have gushed over Sing Me to Sleep here and Taken by Storm here, both I truly love.

Why don't you drop by and say hello to Angela on her website? As a bonus, you get to read the epilogue of Sing Me to Sleep (stop! Massive spoilers ahead, hence for readers only :D), the first chapter of Unbroken Connection (stop! Spoilers again) and be the first to know about developments on her upcoming works! As a bonus, you can also listen to Beth's Song. You'll know in Sing Me to Sleep :)

Waiting on Wednesday (4)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine.

ENTWINED (Heather Dixon)

Azalea and her younger sisters dance in the mysterious silver forest every night, escaping from the sadness of the palace and their father’s grief. What they don’t understand—although as time passes they begin to get an inkling of the danger they are in—is that the mysterious and dashing Keeper is tightening his snare with deadly purpose. Luckily, Azalea is brave and steadfast. Luckily, a handsome young army captain also has his eye on Azalea. . . .
To be published by Greenwillow Books on 29th March 2011

*

Firstly, I think the cover is very pretty! Okay, so I don't like the flowers on the bottom much, and I think they crowd the cover, but yup I still like it!

Secondly, there seems to be lots of dancing, palaces and handsome army captains in this novel. Who can say no to that? Not me, no no.

There you go, what are you waiting for this week?

Author Interview: Artist Arthur

Instead of the usual one-to-one interview, Artist and Lisa held a community interview where more bloggers were able to contribute than usual! Here's an extract of said interview - check out the listed bloggers too!

1. Do you feel being able to Manifest is blessing or a curse? -Cleverly Inked

I think that any type of growth can only improve who and what you are, thus a blessing.

2. Why did you decide to write a YA novel, and why in the fantasy genre? - Once Upon a Bookcase

I was encouraged by a lot of people in my life to write something interesting for our youth. I’m a believer in signs so I figured with so many people saying the same thing, I owed it to myself to give it a try. I love paranormal and so far my romance has been contemporary so this was my opportunity to do something totally different.

3. Who are some YA authors that inspire you? Can you name any YA novels that you read and loved recently? - YA Addict

I’m so in love with Rachel Vincent’s Soul Screamers. I really enjoy Laura Halse Anderson and Alyson Noel as well. Just recently I read Fallen by Lauren Kate and enjoyed her voice.

5. Of all the paranormal creatures currently "sweeping the YA nation" why choose ghost over vampires, werewolves and faeries, oh my? - Black and Blue Ink

Because everybody seems to be choosing vampires, werewolves and faeries and I wanted to tell a different story, give readers another entity to consider when they think of the paranormal.

6.Is the character of Krystal based on yourself or someone that you know? I'd like to know where you got the inspiration for such a headstrong, but young character. - Diva's Bookcase

Krystal is a combination of myself and my daughter. We are extremely moody and stubborn, but once you get to know us you can’t help but love us. Ok, that might be exaggerating, but yeah, I drew a lot of my own experiences and feelings as a teenager and then on some moods I’ve seen my daughter in to create Krystal.

7. Why did you decide to not only make Krystal African American, but also one fourth Native American? - Miss Attitude

I wanted all the characters to be unique in their backgrounds and upbringing. My family has some Native American (Cherokee) so it was a natural mixture for me.

8. My question is really for Krystal Bentley rather than Artist: Of all the spirits that have come to you, who evoked in you the most emotion? What emotion? Why? - Amusing Reviews

Carolyn Jamison, she was the lady in room 319, right beside my grandfather who was in 320. Carolyn said I reminded her of her granddaughter that she hadn’t seen in years because she couldn’t find her. I didn’t know where her granddaughter was either, but Carolyn said it was okay, visiting with me was like being given another granddaughter. That’s the sweetest thing anybody has ever said to me.

9. How did you come up with the amazing idea for the base for this book and the Mystyx group/powers? - Star Shadow

I love watching the weather channel. I kept thinking that something has to be left behind after all these storms and natural disasters. My daughter came up with the names of the Mystyx characters and I gave them powers. I wanted different powers, ones that would fit each character specifically.

10. What sort of research did you need to do for your novel? - Lu Ann

I had to find books on the weather that would back up what I’d seen on the weather channel. Books on Greek mythology that I already had because I love the subject in general. Then, I just wanted to spend time with teenagers to get a real feel for their lives, loves, issues, dreams.

11. If Manifest became a movie who would you like to see play the main characters? - Lady Storm

I’ve actually been asked this a lot in the past month so I’ve been thinking about it. I like Selina Gomez for Sasha. Zac Efron would be great for Jake but I think he might be too old. Kiki Palmer for Krystal.

12. As a writer are you a "plotter" (with detailed outlines) or are you a "plunger" (plunge into the story and see where it takes you)? - Liz B

I’m a plotter definitely. As I begin to write the characters take on their own life but with my outline I know where I need them to end up. Most of the time they work with me.

13. Since Manifest is infused with paranormal mystery, do you have a personal paranormal experience that you can share with us? - Girls Without a Bookshelf

Sometimes I’ll be in a room by myself and think I see shadow or feel like someone or something has moved past me. It’s weird and doesn’t happen all the time, but each time it does, I wonder…

Thanks very much to Lisa, who organised this author interview, to all the book bloggers who participated and to Artist for being patient with all of us! :D

You can visit Artist's website HERE for more information about the author and Manifest.