tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33058237681719332012024-03-12T17:46:34.472-07:00Tempting WordsReviews and musings from a YA / Fantasy book lover and bookseller
(opinions are my own)Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09312551753569124676noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305823768171933201.post-29159788799645415012018-01-07T23:27:00.000-08:002018-01-07T23:27:50.475-08:00Shallow Graves by Kali Wallace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisWM-WgBY31rv1gz8Ju4TGmargOtJ2R6D5KXXUcq2EhKKdmJCC7lXENhAdJGWRR2k1q8pv4r9jrUvlyCRurXmOrnuYK8ymDcWjHPUEIX9ytAVX56Lnj1hsYccLh8mq7X3kjPGIk47-6LU/s1600/51L6wLg%252Bx7L._SX329_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="331" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisWM-WgBY31rv1gz8Ju4TGmargOtJ2R6D5KXXUcq2EhKKdmJCC7lXENhAdJGWRR2k1q8pv4r9jrUvlyCRurXmOrnuYK8ymDcWjHPUEIX9ytAVX56Lnj1hsYccLh8mq7X3kjPGIk47-6LU/s640/51L6wLg%252Bx7L._SX329_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22663629-shallow-graves?from_search=true">Shallow Graves</a><br />
Kali Wallace<br />
$17.99<br />
(imprint) Harper Collins<br /><o:p> </o:p></h4>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let me say this first before I get into the actual review
for this book – I loved it. Loved. Loved. Loved it. The constant creepy feeling
I had whilst devouring the pages of this book was something I haven’t experienced
from a YA book in a long time and it was an awesome feeling. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A girl wakes up in a dirt filled shallow grave one year
after she was murdered. She quickly finds that she is a walking, semi-
breathing thing that can sense those who have taken lives and she feels the
intense urge to punish them. What quickly unfolds is this terrifying world of
monsters, witches and magicians – can Breezy, our 17 year old “monster” find out
just who brought her back and why? Can the mysterious “Mother” help her or is
she just another monster who wants her gifts for her own? When everything seems
against her, she discovers a strength and resilience she didn’t know existed
and maybe she didn’t have before she died. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The authors writing was quite lyrical in parts, which I was
pleasantly surprised with. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This bloody and sometimes gruesome YA horror novel was
written with the intention of being a standalone novel, but it leaves so many
unanswered questions. I want to know more. I want to know who the magician was
that woke her. I want to know why she is “perfect” and what his plans were for
her before she mercilessly killed him. I want to dive into this magician’s dark
world and see what other nasties are out there! In saying that, the ending was
also perfect in its own sense. Simplistic with infinite possibilities. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<br />Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09312551753569124676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305823768171933201.post-26832034149230638212018-01-05T00:52:00.000-08:002018-01-05T00:52:11.804-08:00NEW READS!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivJIWT72a_hoCcaTjIFnX9yYEk2t4TlljOBDuDwSIAZNY-qYzcUqZvLEiIKZALCU-MoBUFzGJy2sSX1RXVSrhNpwlkXVHRNYOM2ds9qQDVsqJxiS5ofy-aees-YFkR8j6w9hMCNjgts-4/s1600/thumbnail_FullSizeRender+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivJIWT72a_hoCcaTjIFnX9yYEk2t4TlljOBDuDwSIAZNY-qYzcUqZvLEiIKZALCU-MoBUFzGJy2sSX1RXVSrhNpwlkXVHRNYOM2ds9qQDVsqJxiS5ofy-aees-YFkR8j6w9hMCNjgts-4/s640/thumbnail_FullSizeRender+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 26px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 2px; width: 455px;">
Picked up these today. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22299763-crooked-kingdom?from_search=true">"Crooked Kingdom</a>" is the second installment to "Six of Crows" which I reviewed <a href="https://tempting-words.blogspot.com.au/2018/01/six-of-crows-by-leigh-bardugo.html">here</a> and I can't wait to get stuck into!<br /><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29234637-fire-boy?from_search=true">"Fire Boy"</a> is the first book in the <a class="greyText" href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/196580-djinn-son-duology" style="color: #999999; text-decoration-line: none;">Djinn-Son Duolo</a>y and is an urban fantasy set in modern pakistan! Islamic mythology? I know nothing about it but it sounds amazing and has great reviews and is apparently quite brutal so right up my alley! </div>
Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09312551753569124676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305823768171933201.post-58989529860915151932018-01-03T03:07:00.000-08:002018-01-03T03:07:24.192-08:00SIX OF CROWS BY LEIGH BARDUGO<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7J3kFi7B2jire-Sd9skysWg9_Kl1RKMEh6uby5Pi6ymtuDYlxo1zX4UafzeK6-LX65MkdNWV59zUw7xCzM45T_yWxBS08p0l-O7fYzc7ojglNybmRIA6VEMVKis1x0EKOzp8zAWN0uGg/s1600/23437156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7J3kFi7B2jire-Sd9skysWg9_Kl1RKMEh6uby5Pi6ymtuDYlxo1zX4UafzeK6-LX65MkdNWV59zUw7xCzM45T_yWxBS08p0l-O7fYzc7ojglNybmRIA6VEMVKis1x0EKOzp8zAWN0uGg/s320/23437156.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Six of Crows <br />
Book #1 <br />
Leigh Bardugo</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The cover to this duology series is what had me interested,
and I know you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover but I’m so glad I did. With
its gothic design and beautiful text I just couldn’t help myself – and safe to
say I’ve found a new must read author!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Kaz Brekker is an infamous thief and slumlord who rules with
a cruel iron fist. He is offered a huge amount of money to break into the most
well protected prison and rescue a scientist who has created a drug that can
control and amplify the powers of the “Grisha”, people with powerful gifts. Kaz
enlists a group of criminals who are the best at what they do and together they
try to pull off the biggest break in (and break out) anyone has ever seen.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This book is beautifully written, with flawed but realistic
characters. The perspectives swap between all six main characters seamlessly, I
found myself adoring the simple relationships building between the characters
and I connected with each one. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<i><span style="background: white;">"A
gambler, a convict, a wayward son, a lost Grisha, a Suli girl who has become a
killer, a boy from the Barrel who had become something worse<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is another
series by this author called “Shadow and Bone” which is set in the same world,
but I haven’t had the chance to read them yet, and I found I wasn’t missing
anything by not as this book was so well fleshed out. It had dark elements
which I relished, it had love interests which were fantastic and flawed and the
action was non-stop. I can’t wait to read book two.<o:p></o:p></div>
Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09312551753569124676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305823768171933201.post-32585300966615726322018-01-03T02:46:00.001-08:002018-01-03T02:47:43.481-08:002018 - My New Chapter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAigscrj7_-_rv3hStOW8p7BaaEPriUfr6EvtdW8uzNqXPir1A9nBmg6QoH7U-s948BofUe7EM4A49YJArmxRdjtN8Y28A6tvO3sJxug7nc6DMKY5-5FtzRSeEhtZxz81NYcgRBpkaiB8/s1600/26001368_10210314566132888_3708739730182903525_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAigscrj7_-_rv3hStOW8p7BaaEPriUfr6EvtdW8uzNqXPir1A9nBmg6QoH7U-s948BofUe7EM4A49YJArmxRdjtN8Y28A6tvO3sJxug7nc6DMKY5-5FtzRSeEhtZxz81NYcgRBpkaiB8/s320/26001368_10210314566132888_3708739730182903525_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Welcome (again) to my newly made over blog. I haven't written anything on here in around 5 years so if you simply MUST read my old reviews - I'm embarrassed by most so be ware!<br />
<br />
My reading style has changed quite a lot. I still love my core fantasy authors and will still pick up their new releases, however my main focus is now on YA fiction.In the last 3-4 years, the YA genre has more than tripled in popularity and the complex characters and beautiful covers have me hooked completely!<br />
<br />
SO.. please feel free to check in occasionally. I'll mainly be using this blog as a way to keep track of my reviews and my "50 books in 2018" goodreads challenge but in saying that - I might even end up doing some giveaways or challenges if I end up with any readers!<br />
<br />
If you want to be goodreads friends - add me using tricia_rose@live.com.au<br />
<br />
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/75024238-tricia-roseTriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09312551753569124676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305823768171933201.post-52608237270064697202013-02-10T23:53:00.000-08:002013-02-10T23:55:38.514-08:00Immortal Beloved by Cate Tiernan <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.angusrobertson.com.au/book/immortal-beloved-bk.-1/13485710/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgunF-igxdrF9cDhaQfL7j74ALV_yEegBVLe5G8pgbfl-7jlEW-bDlodGQvxtOGUq8tcLj2ciwsa3b39eiVzIy1yrcCmRij-MIZ0BhzUqVocAx8NN07bfVFpiSbg09vRs6-lZouvXHmyjw/s1600/Immortal-Beloved-by-Cate-Tiernan.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
This novel was an unexpected surprise. I few years back I read Cate's "Wicca/Sweep" novels and thought they were good but nothing fantastic. It is quite a modern book, in terms of the writing structure and content and I would say you would have to be a mature teenager and older to read it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://catetiernan.net/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI0aADjP5WgRu0bXiD-p78sup3lU19Zmkg9kmQUik6dv-YwF-FVkz9NYQElAkjh4natFKgEgNgGCRkevWVR7owFl-GIpfT1tCp27mF6798Ueg6wc2O2riqnI2CQYB478nYvsNzWlodBOk/s1600/sweep.jpg" height="320" uea="true" width="268" /></a></div>
<br />
Natasya is an Immortal and has spent the last few hundred years partying away her miserable existance with equally apatheic immortals like herself. They go through life with little concern for the mere mortals that surround them and make their life so glamourous, until Natasya witnesses an act by her best friend that even she can not condone.<br />
She leaves her accustomed lifestyle to live in basic isolation, on a small farm with "reforming immortals".<br />
<br />
The first few chapters of the book are quite sluggish, kind of look as though they have been thrown together as a draft to submit to publishers then left as they are. I perservered though and once we got to the 3rd chapter things started to pan out and I started to like my new " Herione in disguise". The story follows Natasya's plight to become a better person, but uncovers many memories and hurt along the way. She is reuinted with someone she never wanted to lay eyes on again, and amazed to discover her affection her him.<br />
<br />
Natasyas inner monologue keeps the story light and entertaining but still gives it the depth it needs.<br />
<br />
All in all, I did enjoy this book. I hear it is a trilogy and the 3rd in the series is due out soon so I better get into gear and read the 2nd! <br />
<br />
<br />
3.8 stars.. yes I can do .8, meaning not quite a 4, but not deserving as low as a 3 :)Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09312551753569124676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305823768171933201.post-45272901874533289602011-01-10T22:01:00.001-08:002011-01-10T22:01:35.430-08:00Scar Night by Alan Campbell<div style="text-align: justify;">Scar Night took me a few weeks to get through, having Christmas/New year and such to deal with but it was an enjoyable read! I haven't been able to get my hands on book two <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2598001.Iron_Angel">"Iron Angel"</a> just yet, but its on it's way :)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00faZAG3tM6uj2UqVHgItcMBwdU_JoCY4hL2XLt2qjx4An8a1oxcqkdhacqMXbu_14htwb0KhqHkg4MR_KBXYFxfeqMph4MWruzv39P2aQmVPInT0e7jKhd9qk9b2ONKa5MbAjIcVR34/s1600/627204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00faZAG3tM6uj2UqVHgItcMBwdU_JoCY4hL2XLt2qjx4An8a1oxcqkdhacqMXbu_14htwb0KhqHkg4MR_KBXYFxfeqMph4MWruzv39P2aQmVPInT0e7jKhd9qk9b2ONKa5MbAjIcVR34/s320/627204.jpg" width="211" /></a><a href="http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/0553384171.02.LZZZZZZZ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/0553384171.02.LZZZZZZZ.jpg" width="210" /></a>Deepgate is a vast, Gothic city suspended by an ancient network of chains above a black abyss believed to be home to the Angel/God Ulcis. The people of Deepgate are dominated by the church, who worship Ulcis and believe he is building an army of souls to war against Ayen, the mother of Heaven who has locked the people out as punishment. The city people bring their dead to the abyss, and with the strict ceremonies, the dead are dropped into the domain of Ulcis, to add to his army. As well as this, the city is involved in a centuries old war against the people of the wastelands, who worship Ayen. The heathens of the wastelands live a barbaric, nomadic lifestyle, who lack the technology of the Deepgate citizens. Not only do they have advanced airships and run an organised military unit, but they have the "Poisoner".</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Devon " Poisoner" is a chemist who has designed many "chemical weapons" to eradicate their enemies by way of diseases, poisonous gases and nasty infections. The poisoner himself has been affected by his creations and lives in constant pain from bloody gashes and infections which also took the life of his beloved wife, Elizabeth. </div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Bring in the Church's "proof", which is a living breathing descendant of the Angel Callis, who first crawled out of the Abyss to bring the word of Ulcis many years before. Dill has been confined by the Churches directions his entire life. A young Angel of barely 16 years old, he longs to fly and take to battle as his forefathers did. With his new age, comes his own personal body guard in the shape of Rachel, a member of the Spine who are essentially the Churches assassins.<br />
<br />
The Poisoner hatches a plan to concoct "Angel Wine", a syrup made of the blood of 13 souls which is said to give one immortality and in doing so, clear up all his ailements. To do this he starts mimicking the killings of the infamous Carnival, a centuries old rogue Angel who, once a month, drains the life out of someone to sustain her immortal ways. She is also completely covered in self inflicted scars ( theres an interesting story to why which I won't spoil for you). <br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">All of these characters come together to bring the reader into a sadistic, malicious story that is amazingly addictive. The world Campbell has created is dark and mysterious, and he captures the inner voicing of a madman perfectly, in a creepy sort of way! I can't wait to find out more about Carnivals story! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Alan Campbell's writing blew me away. Its amazing that this is a debut novel. </div><br />
<br />
<em>Scar Night </em><br />
<em>by Alan Campbell</em><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09312551753569124676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305823768171933201.post-825329521992149562010-12-19T17:57:00.000-08:002010-12-19T17:57:42.123-08:00Currently Reading....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidxNxzRmjHkEi3MFIcpjqk3rYCAy_hTj0xb5hlPo_pes-Hzl5gxr99X7BSbI4n_m6Qb53rYpZihP9L9FRZXNTPJxhGsy2t30VPP07YIZ6Ch-yF-n1Uz_-6f5WFPKewvnljPdkG48_Nm8k/s1600/Scar+night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidxNxzRmjHkEi3MFIcpjqk3rYCAy_hTj0xb5hlPo_pes-Hzl5gxr99X7BSbI4n_m6Qb53rYpZihP9L9FRZXNTPJxhGsy2t30VPP07YIZ6Ch-yF-n1Uz_-6f5WFPKewvnljPdkG48_Nm8k/s320/Scar+night.jpg" width="211" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Book One in the Deepgate Codex by Alan Campbell. </div><br />
<br />
<br />
Its like Gothic steam punk mixed with mystery and intrigue. With murderous Angels in a dark fantasy world... I can not wait to see what it has in store! and to find that there are 2 follow ups... I'm so excited :)Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09312551753569124676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305823768171933201.post-37944123145271686122010-12-19T14:35:00.000-08:002010-12-19T14:35:19.593-08:00Unearthly by Cynthia Hand<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.galaxybooks.com.au/book/unearthly-unearthly-01.do"><i>Unearthly</i></a> was an interesting <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEzG9nQLBlTP10CTaU9U7cL7Q7N8f21ez5f70YuE5Tji8b3p3_em5OJ0HAdEhFJp0z7w2Hu7p_WBp_GU-4UzxZ6emp66hEb6uMJnbX8vPzjDJhIlxnjoRLjosesztkLzmTdyku1s67JYA/s1600/Unearthly.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552512911008392898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEzG9nQLBlTP10CTaU9U7cL7Q7N8f21ez5f70YuE5Tji8b3p3_em5OJ0HAdEhFJp0z7w2Hu7p_WBp_GU-4UzxZ6emp66hEb6uMJnbX8vPzjDJhIlxnjoRLjosesztkLzmTdyku1s67JYA/s400/Unearthly.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 400px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 255px;" /></a>read. <a href="http://cynthiahand.blogspot.com/">Cynthia Hand</a> has taken the typical “angel” myth and transformed it into a magnificent coming of age novel. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The book is centered around Clara, a teenager who has only recently found out she is half angel via her mother’s family. She is stronger, faster and smarter than the other students at her school - all this because she has a purpose to fill. In Clara's world, all angels are put on earth with a purpose - a rite of Passage that every angel must over come. They don't know who or where, but they get dreams or hints which point them into the right direction.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Clara's dreams sent her and her family to Wyoming, where she finds two boys who she is completely attracted to. Attempting not to get distracted by either boy, Clara finds she is dreaming about both boys amidst terrifying scenes of bush fires. Amongst all this, <span lang="EN-AU">Clara discovers that her Purpose is only a small part of a massive struggle between angels and their destructive counterparts, the Black Wings. </span><span lang="EN-AU">And when the fire of her visions erupts and forces Clara to make a decision- which boy does she save? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Clara attempts to find her way in a confusing world where things aren’t the way she thought. She encounters dangers and choices she never thought existed and discovers the difference between good and evil, honesty and deceit and makes a choice between love and duty. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I got through this novel in one night! The plot is a touch simplistic, but the beautiful writing makes up for it. Cynthia captures the beautiful scenery, with vivid descriptions and well developed characters to bring us a wonderful debut novel.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">If you liked <a href="http://www.galaxybooks.com.au/book/vampire-academy-vampire-academy-01.do">Vampire Academy</a>, <a href="http://www.galaxybooks.com.au/book/the-immortals-evermore.do">Evermore</a> or the <a href="http://www.galaxybooks.com.au/book/fallen-book-9780552561730.do">Fallen Series</a> then <a href="http://www.galaxybooks.com.au/book/unearthly-unearthly-01.do"><span style="font-style: italic;">Unearthly</span></a> is for you.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLpX74BiUz50HPfaamz8t9fgZbsuIKqX-C6UGSAmSio7yy3Ju5gyd0yV-dAmIxqsi1IWn1JP-Cw9SBXUld1kvyWPoDKAIw3Sv739Hk63oyWzYlXhGBS-PSEYd1eq61D8PqCuIFJ-MVt-g/s1600/Cynthia+Hand.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552519976883880114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLpX74BiUz50HPfaamz8t9fgZbsuIKqX-C6UGSAmSio7yy3Ju5gyd0yV-dAmIxqsi1IWn1JP-Cw9SBXUld1kvyWPoDKAIw3Sv739Hk63oyWzYlXhGBS-PSEYd1eq61D8PqCuIFJ-MVt-g/s400/Cynthia+Hand.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 220px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 147px;" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">A little bit about the Author: </div><div class="MsoNormal">I'm a debut YA writer who grew up in south east Idaho (very near the Wyoming border) and I still have a soft spot in my heart for that beautiful part of the country. I currently live in southern California with my husband and son. I also teach courses in creative writing at Pepperdine University. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09312551753569124676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305823768171933201.post-79600479894378900882010-12-05T18:19:00.000-08:002010-12-05T18:19:15.230-08:00Overview of our Traci Harding and Kim Falconer Signing!What an awesome day!<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It started off with me running around making sure everything was perfect before the girls showed up. When Traci and Sarah first arrived, it was hugs and chatting until the beautiful Kim, Natalie, Abigail, Sue and Maddy showed up, then off to coffee :) </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUXcgsKXDLaL0HRuxo2fGiTjpStFbsCC6NXq55-GtCByfFaR_vsuQ5UW-peUQTtxsil6YmrYfzLiKH4nansF2Fqg2FtqXgyK-k68keUndxFflRDEWb5aXDvuz3kTwUKLok-DxFldFF0tM/s1600/68618_469081759284_6939809284_5798915_57918_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUXcgsKXDLaL0HRuxo2fGiTjpStFbsCC6NXq55-GtCByfFaR_vsuQ5UW-peUQTtxsil6YmrYfzLiKH4nansF2Fqg2FtqXgyK-k68keUndxFflRDEWb5aXDvuz3kTwUKLok-DxFldFF0tM/s320/68618_469081759284_6939809284_5798915_57918_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>At 12.30pm we rushed back to the store to see dozens of people lining up, it was fantastic! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The ladies got themselves organised then sat down for what ended up being nearly 2 hours of signing books for adoring fans! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Kim was Traci's first fan for the day! Kim got her copy of "Being of the Field" signed, before settling down and signing away. Much discussion was had, with Fans each getting a few minutes to chat to their favourite author about different scenes in the books, their favourite character, what they thought of Traci and Kim's newest releases and commenting on Traci's </div><div style="text-align: justify;">new hair do ( which looks fab!). </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuDGwq0D31d3Zb9eUOSUSgWc1MvHqx-xs_HxlCcJKre1Nm17kVPE4dYM4i1RMemPoCBloLQnID5f_tqc5Iz1-x5Rd3NyUEPX63dsYNwOOKpFBwY57WczDaYYV9D8eiU8LEdKjWn17dmaE/s1600/68145_10150097344024595_99855234594_7201914_3257597_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuDGwq0D31d3Zb9eUOSUSgWc1MvHqx-xs_HxlCcJKre1Nm17kVPE4dYM4i1RMemPoCBloLQnID5f_tqc5Iz1-x5Rd3NyUEPX63dsYNwOOKpFBwY57WczDaYYV9D8eiU8LEdKjWn17dmaE/s320/68145_10150097344024595_99855234594_7201914_3257597_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We had people visit from Melbourne which was amazing, and we had many fans from Traci's website <a href="http://www.trazling.net/Traci_Harding/fantasy.html">www.trazling.net </a>show up so that was a lovely surprise to see some old friends. The ladies signed and signed, many people bought the books on the day and it was just lovely :) </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Thank you to everyone who came, I have posted some more pics below!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEvDZMnO76glEr_oMc_mmiWveP7sgZ4Mi-Facl7zcxPznZ0OzofprAEuDMq8EuwM_Cx7efg1OoZhIH25uZCpSBwV6rGNvTNl6wsxn-L_W15RMnrEtXU1OMy3yX4r30SVHnqrJlQBFoghg/s1600/65881_469082064284_6939809284_5798927_6101060_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEvDZMnO76glEr_oMc_mmiWveP7sgZ4Mi-Facl7zcxPznZ0OzofprAEuDMq8EuwM_Cx7efg1OoZhIH25uZCpSBwV6rGNvTNl6wsxn-L_W15RMnrEtXU1OMy3yX4r30SVHnqrJlQBFoghg/s320/65881_469082064284_6939809284_5798927_6101060_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlpYubigbWa-9_0GRxdk0i31hwL_YRjaCA2ad2h3hlJp-CTc8BqKOBJwvNA_xLBm1McBu9qDZdrvCkNapRH1g-obivsncl8Kdeu7IP-YJBSx73aI36WOGzaV4N_AGIbUGrEHUgS7zHOM/s1600/68147_469082039284_6939809284_5798926_7789047_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlpYubigbWa-9_0GRxdk0i31hwL_YRjaCA2ad2h3hlJp-CTc8BqKOBJwvNA_xLBm1McBu9qDZdrvCkNapRH1g-obivsncl8Kdeu7IP-YJBSx73aI36WOGzaV4N_AGIbUGrEHUgS7zHOM/s320/68147_469082039284_6939809284_5798926_7789047_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlpYubigbWa-9_0GRxdk0i31hwL_YRjaCA2ad2h3hlJp-CTc8BqKOBJwvNA_xLBm1McBu9qDZdrvCkNapRH1g-obivsncl8Kdeu7IP-YJBSx73aI36WOGzaV4N_AGIbUGrEHUgS7zHOM/s1600/68147_469082039284_6939809284_5798926_7789047_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRK_fpnn4KWrniqJuTn-eGFzdTM70kwA1AXBeTgCDmpI_-BKznKjT_1XCAVZtAWJDFaqWmMgcb1a6GU3l7InT-is4nBLJ2xT1aRMuOPq0cdnpqb0N3nVlBiQk_1xnAD894Y2X8VnTJk_s/s1600/69733_170602052970899_136762773021494_413104_2810294_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRK_fpnn4KWrniqJuTn-eGFzdTM70kwA1AXBeTgCDmpI_-BKznKjT_1XCAVZtAWJDFaqWmMgcb1a6GU3l7InT-is4nBLJ2xT1aRMuOPq0cdnpqb0N3nVlBiQk_1xnAD894Y2X8VnTJk_s/s320/69733_170602052970899_136762773021494_413104_2810294_n.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh look there's me! </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMuSDqkRnCFDo0aefL4U5-h1zFOsNSi4xQYszZW2Yk89DlVLH7Qis1Hs_GXSv2Lk9ia7G3SxRrXGSzp2fyCWVHo61kicUF-gbKSfaYYOuJXaO5glHbxJKQF-TUj_t0oZqK722ua-k880/s1600/162873_170600899637681_136762773021494_413097_3345433_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMuSDqkRnCFDo0aefL4U5-h1zFOsNSi4xQYszZW2Yk89DlVLH7Qis1Hs_GXSv2Lk9ia7G3SxRrXGSzp2fyCWVHo61kicUF-gbKSfaYYOuJXaO5glHbxJKQF-TUj_t0oZqK722ua-k880/s320/162873_170600899637681_136762773021494_413097_3345433_n.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMuSDqkRnCFDo0aefL4U5-h1zFOsNSi4xQYszZW2Yk89DlVLH7Qis1Hs_GXSv2Lk9ia7G3SxRrXGSzp2fyCWVHo61kicUF-gbKSfaYYOuJXaO5glHbxJKQF-TUj_t0oZqK722ua-k880/s1600/162873_170600899637681_136762773021494_413097_3345433_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09312551753569124676noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305823768171933201.post-53669545583398972462010-12-05T17:53:00.000-08:002010-12-05T17:53:47.820-08:00Newly Acquired Deliciousness :)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibdI599IMLsrKjenAT1cF_MiEH1wufIHrU5Qj0EuXWW36dN40KvR0rqgm7NRDyzqVIQcCwq6yhBOSkY-ZqSjewj2kH1qQc7ZR6Xh7TVAj0hYNNNSW_EdqwkjGri5_iSBZ12OMdJNL8xsY/s1600/n330679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibdI599IMLsrKjenAT1cF_MiEH1wufIHrU5Qj0EuXWW36dN40KvR0rqgm7NRDyzqVIQcCwq6yhBOSkY-ZqSjewj2kH1qQc7ZR6Xh7TVAj0hYNNNSW_EdqwkjGri5_iSBZ12OMdJNL8xsY/s320/n330679.jpg" width="193" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzObCfncL4zRVe8oIUYJJN7RKQA947tyn98ehgo2m4OWanykv5SbPUhppXDQzmnMqpU6ddl91raF8a8iho6RkYxwqv2ma3w9fwxwmh2ZJ_7fr4iFkOns2okRaE6H8ReWxitUsgqgGeJC0/s1600/DrowningCity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzObCfncL4zRVe8oIUYJJN7RKQA947tyn98ehgo2m4OWanykv5SbPUhppXDQzmnMqpU6ddl91raF8a8iho6RkYxwqv2ma3w9fwxwmh2ZJ_7fr4iFkOns2okRaE6H8ReWxitUsgqgGeJC0/s320/DrowningCity.jpg" width="197" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5PGjA5HSCmffReTYEgeSSiePJuZ5RvQS4zq1eF-44tp5YZO19yGyx03aVSLFhP97KXT3Xo2REaOCZ_f_o0NgCmgo7Y06CgcGKpWeOT4gBlbhd9iv34WW15ppVRraiJwH1v1xQd45qYdM/s1600/TheFallenandLeviathan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5PGjA5HSCmffReTYEgeSSiePJuZ5RvQS4zq1eF-44tp5YZO19yGyx03aVSLFhP97KXT3Xo2REaOCZ_f_o0NgCmgo7Y06CgcGKpWeOT4gBlbhd9iv34WW15ppVRraiJwH1v1xQd45qYdM/s320/TheFallenandLeviathan.jpg" width="212" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So excited to get into these! </div>Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09312551753569124676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305823768171933201.post-54639308928791575072010-12-05T17:35:00.000-08:002010-12-05T17:35:53.078-08:00Musings about Nanotech<div style="text-align: justify;">I am currently working my way through Path of the Stray by Kim Falconer, and it has sparked my interest in a few topics. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjijVD20xIe6Z2DcY0HlZLjdOu1DfzehcVgoEqIB52BooF3bW1XrQn_0seopqw4pkVSiZVCSfYbnOUU32bD6RGZtpI0bCd9ct7dagW3y_58MCPVbdqEjqMnWPJ68GLrx20aW_5W-y9kOik/s1600/51USTTZ4e4L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjijVD20xIe6Z2DcY0HlZLjdOu1DfzehcVgoEqIB52BooF3bW1XrQn_0seopqw4pkVSiZVCSfYbnOUU32bD6RGZtpI0bCd9ct7dagW3y_58MCPVbdqEjqMnWPJ68GLrx20aW_5W-y9kOik/s200/51USTTZ4e4L.jpg" width="121" /></a>The main elements being Nanotechnology.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In POTS, the characters Luka and Janis are scientists on earth in the late 21st Century. The world has long been plagued by natural and man made disasters, leaving the air near unbreathable and the oceans unswimmable. Animals are becoming extinct at an alarming rate, and Luka is working on a way to splice DNA of the Grey wolves with the Canine's to bring Grey wolves back from the dead. If he succeeds, the same methods can be applied not only to extinct animals but humans as well.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Well this is the story.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In real life whilst the possibilities are endless, we are a bit slower on the "discovering" side. Not to mention the possible "side effects" of using this "nanotechnology". It has the ability to completely revolutionise science, medicine and space exploration - but it could also ruin the worlds economy, destroy the environment and can you imagine the weapons people would make when they can command molecules?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I shudder to think about it.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">What is amazing is this technology actually exists. Its not just a topic that can be touched on in speculative fiction any more. Scientists have found ways to manipulate atoms and molecules to form tiny structures ( tiny as in... on the nanometer, billionths of a meter etc). As we speak, they are working on ways to create robotic antibodies to help fight diseases and sicknesses that today are incurable. What makes me wonder though, is can the human body handle thousands of tiny metal particles? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The first example of this new technology is the product on the market ( forgotten what brand), the "silver band aids". Silver is known as a bacteria killer, so it makes sense to try to combat wound infections etc with it, but how much can our bodies take? In the years to come, would our bodies build up an immunity to the silver, or would the silver particles build up so much in our system that we would start having all kinds of problems?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>So all this makes me want to delve more into this fascinating technology... i am currently reading a book called " Nanotech - building the world molecule by molecule" which i have discovered is one of MANY books on the subject. I will keep you updated with my findings... you never know, I see a story or two building from this :) <br />
</div>Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09312551753569124676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305823768171933201.post-51025455945941028692010-11-28T17:57:00.000-08:002010-11-28T17:57:22.603-08:00Triad of Being Trilogy by Traci Harding<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Loved. Loved. Loved. ... and one more for good measure. LOVED this novel. </span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhikRL3sLwxe6DTzKVITYTOjBVpS5svb_24h-ffGffqEdK_NUZx2MiBflguC3fvkNyD4W576zxQzEl83MLUEy5j6NjJ6eHBj2aXzX1v8mfkP0JLDiYFi9TQnvNXc-D86mmdQALGCczpiac/s1600/The+Universe+Parallel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhikRL3sLwxe6DTzKVITYTOjBVpS5svb_24h-ffGffqEdK_NUZx2MiBflguC3fvkNyD4W576zxQzEl83MLUEy5j6NjJ6eHBj2aXzX1v8mfkP0JLDiYFi9TQnvNXc-D86mmdQALGCczpiac/s320/The+Universe+Parallel.jpg" width="209" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEF5Zeuf3QLLXm4QAExgfMgW0E-MiEauPbC91LHFs0oSqzwrHt6OPN5Cr-F0eICB9nUwwlG-g4Fpo_s4WMfUDF4HjoXJ1AgZ3KBxBerSTZa7m3x2qyckrBXERP5URbSswfqN-hGk8msJI/s1600/universal+parallel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I'm sure you saw my previous post where I carried on about how much of a Traci Harding fan I am, so I will try to keep the adoring admiration from this post ( try being the operative word) and give you an honest review.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Please be aware, **SPOILERS ALERT ** </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>So do not read this review if you want to keep the </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>mystery going. </i></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">In <a href="http://www.voyageronline.com.au/books/title.cfm?ISBN=0732281229&Author=18&SearchBy=Author">"<i>Being of the Field"</i></a>, Taren and the team at AIME </span><span style="font-size: small;">(Astro Marine Institute Explorer)</span><span style="font-size: small;"> discover an anomaly. A large mass of gaseous substance is seen floating on the undiscovered planet Oceane. They decide to send a pod to the surface of the planet, and abstract a gas sample to run some tests. What they don't realise at the time, is the anomaly is not just a gaseous mass but an ancient being called an "Arupa Deva", a being whose body is entirely composed of electricity. This being is actually connected to the making of the universe, it has the power to speed up the evolutionary process of a planet, and that is why it is currently residing on the planet Oceane. </span><br />
<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzsR2uCGkHbULKj8xscFtb_UtKKtZtcxoOSNUPf_y1yeWOhpFv70JkQxjdbWl_D0As6WFoSsdru0eDRXkybmZC3Gv57VCP5eMdTqkqzzivWsGqUGiqJXWcG5FhHU2lWlgl_1-th4plU08/s1600/808being.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzsR2uCGkHbULKj8xscFtb_UtKKtZtcxoOSNUPf_y1yeWOhpFv70JkQxjdbWl_D0As6WFoSsdru0eDRXkybmZC3Gv57VCP5eMdTqkqzzivWsGqUGiqJXWcG5FhHU2lWlgl_1-th4plU08/s200/808being.jpg" width="130" /></a><span style="font-size: small;">They send Taren and Zeven (appropriately named Starman, so in love with this guy!) to the surface of Oceane, and they discover the atmosphere is quite potent! They have a lovely steamy encounter before finally getting their wits about them and taking the sample back to AIME. From this, a chain of disastrous events are set in motion. Taren discovers she has had her memory tampered with, finds out who her family are and falls for the gorgeous Lucian who commands AIME. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">The <a href="http://www.voyageronline.com.au/books/title.cfm?ISBN=0732281245&Author=18&SearchBy=Author"><i>“Universe Parallel”</i> </a>picks up right where <a href="http://www.voyageronline.com.au/books/title.cfm?ISBN=0732281229&Author=18&SearchBy=Author"><i>“Being of the Field”</i></a> left off. Taren and Lucian are </span><span style="font-size: small;">unconscious on AIME which is </span><span style="font-size: small;">on course towards another universe. They are found by the "Chosen", a race of Immortals who inhabit the planet Kila. They discover that as a consequence of the stolen sample, the entire planet of Maaladan has been pulled through to a "parallel universe". Along with the planet, are of course the inhabitants, who are scared of anyone with psychic powers. They command the MSS "Maladaan Secret Service", that is encompassed of assassins, spies, etc. who either lock psychic's up or command them with mind control. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">So what happens when the MSS come into contact with the immortal psychics of Kila? Of course a War is started. Luckily the Chosen are able to dismantle it quickly by showing select members of the MSS the peaceful planet of Kila, and prove there are other ways to live. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">So the tale goes, with Taren and Lucian trying to find a way to restore Maladaan to its own universe. Taren discovers she has to go to back in time to when she first started studying, to save the lives of those who are precious to her and to discover what memories the MSS had stolen from her. <br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">In amongst all this, Lucian has the ability to connect with the Grigori, a race of highly ascended beings that are a part of Taren and Lucian's soul source - here you find the connection to Traci's previous novels (not giving too many hints :P)<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEFHmO8BfTPFpGT0ne7ffKwQey6XFiXRb9MKIhZo8miEkOadbQt_AC4MEJt1QW852LSypwTrJNycn9WHgw9QXNobb6-VgEZYYB_0sGCNRyVdl7nMEv3cvUQ4kn-Y4UBxwarWf0gmiAtXg/s1600/0732283744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEFHmO8BfTPFpGT0ne7ffKwQey6XFiXRb9MKIhZo8miEkOadbQt_AC4MEJt1QW852LSypwTrJNycn9WHgw9QXNobb6-VgEZYYB_0sGCNRyVdl7nMEv3cvUQ4kn-Y4UBxwarWf0gmiAtXg/s1600/0732283744.jpg" /></a>I was ecstatic when I realised the Characters from <a href="http://www.voyageronline.com.au/books/title.cfm?ISBN=0732281229&Author=18&SearchBy=Author">"Being" </a>were reincarnations of the Chosen clan from the earlier "<a href="http://www.voyageronline.com.au/books/title.cfm?ISBN=0732256828&Author=18&SearchBy=Author">The Ancient Future"</a> books. Oh I miss them so! Although I did have a hard time connecting Taren to Tory in <a href="http://www.voyageronline.com.au/books/title.cfm?ISBN=0732281245&Author=18&SearchBy=Author">UP</a>, she seemed a lot more like Tory in <a href="http://www.voyageronline.com.au/books/title.cfm?ISBN=0732281229&Author=18&SearchBy=Author">"Being"</a>, but not so much in <a href="http://www.voyageronline.com.au/books/title.cfm?ISBN=0732281245&Author=18&SearchBy=Author">UP</a>. The rest were just like i remembered them, only much more experienced and it was lovely to see they had established the Utopia they dreamed of in the earlier books. <br />
<br />
An awesome mix of time travel, quantum physics, kick ass action and lovable characters. Traci's books catapult me into grand adventures like no other author and I am a fan for life :)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1260583015"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></i></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1260583015"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Being of the Field ( Book #1 in Triad Of Being Trilogy) </span></i></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">RRP: $22.99</span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Publisher: Harper Collins Voyager </span></i></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.voyageronline.com.au/books/title.cfm?ISBN=0732281245&Author=18&SearchBy=Author"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Universe Parallel ( Book #2 in Triad Of Being Trilogy) </span></i></span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">RRP: $32.99</span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Publisher: Harper Collins Voyager </span></i></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLI6FwdqUN3tn7NzQChz6l8kkcVaeJD-m4As-TEA66Jy2a3kYPhnrWFS3OFydIOrZoqDdJaJmeHY9xlY742625-KB1PncjFI49cyljKG_AMp3s4eQ25ncYpTOrX4YxTuRWNjXHTsBtHPY/s1600/th_d.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLI6FwdqUN3tn7NzQChz6l8kkcVaeJD-m4As-TEA66Jy2a3kYPhnrWFS3OFydIOrZoqDdJaJmeHY9xlY742625-KB1PncjFI49cyljKG_AMp3s4eQ25ncYpTOrX4YxTuRWNjXHTsBtHPY/s1600/th_d.png" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></i> </span></div>Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09312551753569124676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305823768171933201.post-84370256302298714062010-11-14T17:52:00.000-08:002010-11-16T13:45:34.278-08:00IT'S HERE IT'S HERE!!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhikRL3sLwxe6DTzKVITYTOjBVpS5svb_24h-ffGffqEdK_NUZx2MiBflguC3fvkNyD4W576zxQzEl83MLUEy5j6NjJ6eHBj2aXzX1v8mfkP0JLDiYFi9TQnvNXc-D86mmdQALGCczpiac/s1600/The+Universe+Parallel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhikRL3sLwxe6DTzKVITYTOjBVpS5svb_24h-ffGffqEdK_NUZx2MiBflguC3fvkNyD4W576zxQzEl83MLUEy5j6NjJ6eHBj2aXzX1v8mfkP0JLDiYFi9TQnvNXc-D86mmdQALGCczpiac/s320/The+Universe+Parallel.jpg" width="209" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
OK, so I sort of turn into a crazy woman when I get a new Traci Harding novel. That crazy-trish creature came out today and scared my co-workers!!<br />
<br />
My lovely Harper Collins Rep posted me a completed copy of "The Universe Parallel" by Traci Harding and I received it this morning :) :) :) Why am I not reading you ask? because I had to take 5 minutes to write this post and eat my subway THEN I SHALL READ! and most likely finish it tonight. Oh I'm so excited I could squeal - oh wait, I did that already! ...<br />
<br />
<br />
Bear in mind this is the second book in the series, so if you have not read them i suggest you go buy "Being of the Field" immediately! "Universe Parallel" is due in stores 1st December 2010 so keep a look out!!!<br />
<br />
<b> Blurb is as follows: </b><br />
<br />
"In the Universe Parallel, Taren Lenox and Lucian Gervaise land on a utopian planet of immortal psychics. It shares an orbit with their lost planet, Maladaan -- inhabited by a race that cannot abide psychism. Their saviours believe Taren and Lucian to be incarnations of their great ancestors, come to help them remove the alien planet from their star system.<br />
Aided by her new allies, Taren moves to retrieve her lost memories from the Maladaan Secret Service′s memory bank in Esponisa. She discovers that the way to return Maladaan to its rightful universe and future, lies ten years in her past ...<br />
Superb storytelling and grand adventure from this best-selling and ever-popular author"<br />
<br />
<i><a href="http://voyagerblog.com.au/2010/09/05/sneak-peek-universe-parallel-by-traci-harding/">The Universe Parallel</a></i><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_875636797"><i>Traci Harding</i></a><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_875636797"><i>Harper Collins Voyager Imprint</i></a><br />
<a href="http://www.voyageronline.com.au/traciharding/"><i>RRP $32.99</i></a>Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09312551753569124676noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305823768171933201.post-2780697907346517672010-11-07T18:37:00.000-08:002010-11-16T13:52:21.306-08:00Geist by Philippa Ballantine<div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="color: #a64d79;"><i><a href="http://www.pjballantine.com/">Geist, A Novel of the Order</a></i></div><div style="color: #a64d79;"><i><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_926898685">By Philippa Ballantine </a></i></div><div style="color: purple;"><i><a href="http://www.booksoftheorder.com/"><span style="color: #a64d79;">Published 26th October 2010</span></a></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #a64d79;">$14.50 </span></i></div><br />
<br />
I decided to pick this one up as the cover was so pretty. I had finished my other book on the train and had nothing to read ( OH NO!) and this was a nice little find.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS2f-IlAU8X9OoU0rKsAOjX8F50gQkHWM0jIS3CkBZmeuK40tNdFW1BALuSm-MipkPAh_xdhyM72vSgj6Zz591C3QzNDcd38znWhS6oTb37Iu7mXlqOdZaLeW_1gh3QePlz7hB1dHo07A/s1600/geist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS2f-IlAU8X9OoU0rKsAOjX8F50gQkHWM0jIS3CkBZmeuK40tNdFW1BALuSm-MipkPAh_xdhyM72vSgj6Zz591C3QzNDcd38znWhS6oTb37Iu7mXlqOdZaLeW_1gh3QePlz7hB1dHo07A/s1600/geist.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0MHoveRzGcRqqaEPpthClFP2yhPxd-af-lQon8AwrQiiShtlDHuvJRmTVNxVItXttO3X8gc028yZX9521IxFvZzbWfoMRHxsAt6UohBJQiKWwi3_AwmILeK5B4pespecGB7ufWLQPr4/s1600/535px-4_stars.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The cover was very catching (as you see above). It depicts a beautiful cloaked woman with a large powerful Lion behind her. It made me very curious!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Basic summary is - </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;">When a geist (ghost) takes possession of a living person, the Deacons are the only ones with the power to banish it. Trained to work in twos as an "Active" and a "Sensitive"- one uses magic force to command the Geist's, the other uses their "sight" to see the Otherside. Sorcha Faris has been an Active for nearly twenty years, and when the Order pairs her with a complete novice for a dangerous mission, Sorcha is unwilling to give the guy a go. Merrick Chambers is a strong Sensitive talent, but he’s terrified to be paired with Sorcha, whose power is unrivaled, but her control is questionable. The partners are sent on a mission to a small seaside town which is said to be having unusual problems with the dead. They fall in the company of Raed Rossin, the "Pretender" who is the enemy of their emperor, as his family once ruled the kingdom and was overthrown. The "Pretender" is said to carry a curse of a Geist Lord, the creature is trapped inside his body and if ever unleashed will be deadly and uncontrollable.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;">They embark upon a journey that leads to Sorcha and Merrick questioning who they can and can not trust within the order. Relationships and Bonds are formed where they are not wanted between the three and the uncontrollable beast finds its way out. </span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This book has combined all the my favourite elements into one awesome read. It is fast paced action, with a touch of romance and enough twists to keep you guessing the whole way through. I love that the protagonist is a strong willed mature woman, as opposed to the usual young and stupid heroines that seem to be around lately. I love that they throw at her a new partner and they do not end up lovers. Seems weird I know but my first thought was " oh damn that is predictable" and then it wasn't. Thank god. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It was quite original too, which seems hard to find lately. It had elements of the paranormal genre, the magic system was very intriguing and quite detailed and the mental link between the partners was well thought out.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The characters had layers - whilst Sorcha is this bad ass Active who has a reputation for being unpredictable, she also has flaws. She is horrible in social situations, is having marriage problems ( which lately... everything I read ends with " happily ever after" which lets face it, isn't always the case), and is rude and condescending, not only towards her new partner but to others who seem less able than herself. Raed completely won me over the second he was introduced. Not only because he is quite obviously the perfect match for Sorcha but because he is the rebel, and carries this huge weight on his shoulders every day. His character isnt quite as deep as Sorcha or Merrick but I'm hoping in the upcoming books the author expands a little. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It does get a touch slow on the last ten or so chapters. You have a confrontation which is well put together, then a smaller confrontation which could have been made a lot more and ends up leaving a bit to the imagination. But all and all, quite a good book and I look forward to the sequels! ( assuming there is since its titled "Geist, A novel of the Order" :)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Oh and awesome love scene too! and somehow Philippa makes a man with a beard sound attractive. Sorry to those beared fellows!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0MHoveRzGcRqqaEPpthClFP2yhPxd-af-lQon8AwrQiiShtlDHuvJRmTVNxVItXttO3X8gc028yZX9521IxFvZzbWfoMRHxsAt6UohBJQiKWwi3_AwmILeK5B4pespecGB7ufWLQPr4/s1600/535px-4_stars.svg.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0MHoveRzGcRqqaEPpthClFP2yhPxd-af-lQon8AwrQiiShtlDHuvJRmTVNxVItXttO3X8gc028yZX9521IxFvZzbWfoMRHxsAt6UohBJQiKWwi3_AwmILeK5B4pespecGB7ufWLQPr4/s1600/535px-4_stars.svg.png" /></a></div>Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09312551753569124676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305823768171933201.post-25296985867454660072010-11-02T14:51:00.000-07:002010-11-02T18:35:41.831-07:00Newly Acquired Delicousness!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ilona-andrews.com/2010/01/07/bayou-moon-cover/"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKlJudByBPzif9sCymGqlJtvX73iwF9-j4vhvytOUhRZfWYbeGk2NKvxF9ZMr5JKasMKaWGS9ZbvPH1EvwW5-8PbvIriyVpW7q4MOPR1Wn04Rkm51q8efKOTpRld_NdeuJT_oXhvgy27g/s320/bayousm.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://msagarawest.wordpress.com/bibliography/"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqsp_nz-Y7sIqWvxVao0pdK3N_JVEsfbzJVmlSTNKbmnKG74ladSd6iNv07n-TdW-vPf67LMOunV1UWPRhSt4jSZ-WKXPTm8TgwJU3fssvpSUEX0YKF0Rh9Y2wmEd8yM-AHOBcp_sHTI/s320/n207243.jpg" width="205" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://msagarawest.wordpress.com/bibliography/"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBMMecaZQlYPkdhm_v3cCEon7D03EcqJ8-Lrs_1beZdbq738DILG2Hhet3Wg1M03BdcDMAJuB11tZ18yfVLm9dsVJs8z6ZFyOMZtSRfmcEImHvLLKASfd23lZm4EP26g2nqnzITpHdfjU/s320/n158100.jpg" width="205" /><span id="goog_1579530921"></span></a><span id="goog_1579530922"></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ilona-andrews.com/"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJM9DQP_8kCj5Hhrf5s15-m1HIcl0CP9JV8AXmzdZgcs_LmP5LhYit9TF2R60YKmaRmt8ASeT7TxlwkHAjg8edGvYvAUg9efDWAYEopqvQBXebFkXcjmGBgAiqiKpX7b3Q7i7CO2Y20u4/s320/n286651.jpg" width="195" /></a></div>Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09312551753569124676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305823768171933201.post-13271572115176226692010-10-24T19:31:00.000-07:002010-11-09T13:06:29.113-08:00The Blood Countess Tara Moss<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1EBXhhtXh3c1MMWR2xJvxrmum4hSXTZLhEt-Cg_wKE_UQRCHpTqrWe0pRtD2s5GS9sd9ofvmDsPVwfyzz-hmUtnQq8-WYDo4KCZ3lZ0NjCO7KTLr-mQ1J-GbAi1gE-jfOYRbC1nfNNw/s1600/Blood+countess.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1EBXhhtXh3c1MMWR2xJvxrmum4hSXTZLhEt-Cg_wKE_UQRCHpTqrWe0pRtD2s5GS9sd9ofvmDsPVwfyzz-hmUtnQq8-WYDo4KCZ3lZ0NjCO7KTLr-mQ1J-GbAi1gE-jfOYRbC1nfNNw/s320/Blood+countess.jpg" width="206" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I received my lovely signed copy of The Blood Countess late Monday afternoon, it is now Wednesday and I have just finished it! I thought since Tara is coming to Galaxy to do a signing for us, I should at least be able to have a chat with her, and I am very glad I did :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Let me first say, this is not my usual pick. I don't really follow fashion trends, let alone have a dream of moving to the big apple for a promising career in journalism. Nor do I have dreams about ghosts. Or actually see ghosts standing behind curtains ( ok maybe sometimes) or sitting on the edge of my bed. And I certainly do not make out with ghosts in said bed (not that it would be a bad thing right?). Now that I have covered the important points, on with the review. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">This novel comes across as a "Devil Wears Prada" type novel. Not that I like to compare as this has an obvious paranormal twist to it, which in turn makes the book so much more. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Pandora is a small town girl, who has the (albeit rather unrealistic) dream of moving to New York and quickly landing herself a job at a popular magazine and becoming a journalist. She moves into a dusty old mansion, home to Great Aunt Celia and in a few short days is living the life she always wanted. She soon discovers that Aunt Celia isn't what she expected. She is incredibly youthful for her supposed 70 plus years and has not lost her touch for fashion, as Celia was a well known designer in the 40's. Her connections land Pandora a job at "Pandora Magazine" ( yes...her name is the name of the company) and Pandora gets given her first assignment. To cover the launch of "BloodofYouth", a new beauty product on the market, that is showing very promising results. Pandora uncovers details on the makers of the product and in the process gets herself in some hot water with the model who is promoting the product. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">In amongst all this, we find out that Pandora has a gift- she can see spirits. The young Lieutenant Luke, who died in the civil war visits Pandora at night and the two hit it off. It is an interesting relationship that is not fully played out so I am waiting on book two :) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i>Thoughts:</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">If you are looking on an interesting, thought provoking read then perhaps this is not what you are after. But if you are looking for an entertaining, lighthearted, at times humorous read then you will really enjoy this. There were many references to the classic vampire stories such as Anne Rice's novels, Dracula and the Addams Family, which made me smile. I love the whole idea of the "vampires have to count rice when its in front of them" as I was always told that as a child so it brought back memories. But then at the same time, it made it slightly more predictable as most of us are quite familiar with these books and it would have been nice to see a new take on things. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Don't get me wrong - the author has put a lot of work into creating this Gothic, dark, creepy world. I did find the character's thoughts a touch unrealistic, in the sense that she is presented with these amazing, scary situations and she just smiles and deals with it. Which I suppose there could be people out there, but I am defiantly not one of them! ( wuss at heart!). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I really did enjoy this, and it is completely suitable for young adults too which makes it even better ( just more customers I can recommend it to! ) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Very much looking forward to meeting Tara and being able to discuss :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZf_pxtqS5JeMgM0RPLT9MbogXFOC5f4bAaFUN2UQOpmTCC9lARF6za4Qm3N0FYirMgxeFZyqN1bd3ojFoeTgcJQ0UBSfhxmmJl8mfim4lpqWeSSem6XG4wxXDY0rkcUG8cpFJCFoqlE/s1600/535px-2_starssvg.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZf_pxtqS5JeMgM0RPLT9MbogXFOC5f4bAaFUN2UQOpmTCC9lARF6za4Qm3N0FYirMgxeFZyqN1bd3ojFoeTgcJQ0UBSfhxmmJl8mfim4lpqWeSSem6XG4wxXDY0rkcUG8cpFJCFoqlE/s1600/535px-2_starssvg.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09312551753569124676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305823768171933201.post-16509273421140965972010-10-13T19:36:00.000-07:002010-10-13T23:10:52.649-07:00Magic Bites ( Book One in the Kate Daniels series) by Ilona Andrews<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ilona-andrews.com/"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOperle5eWvCTvJDZv1bYZ2WLe2woXMxJwdCtzAyU-FL1Ma0SrEnlFvhrOAVT53CnZAHRd6e3mkZpJGRII9mw5TCuTNfQv-Z_u8aUtxv35GRpOPCNbU-RtlrbZyv0IoV62XOpMjxwYwWo/s400/n210749.jpg" width="246" /></a></div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCiH6tW0FnrS-4ZvaZGSxPmErCvpx-yfOwMfwAj5eOfPhze3ITan1cGudS4tI3-zENm-h89d4o2f95JSUzqfB8Q7-KxWvnFlctImV70Y333Q1O_Lrlg1otpFRnPpHs-MZCNBTaA2XBR3A/s1600/6479550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">So Mark finally got me to read this and as predicted, I loved it. I have only read <a href="http://www.galaxybooks.com.au/book/magic-bites.do">Magic Bites,</a> and am nearly through <a href="http://www.galaxybooks.com.au/book/magic-burns.do">Magic Burns</a>, the second in the (currently) 5 book series. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">It goes like this...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">There has been a magic apocalypse somewhere in the not so distant future. Technology had taken over the world and magic decided it wanted to come back in full force - descending upon the city of Atlanta (and everywhere else in the world) in random waves knocking out all technology. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Kate Daniels is a Mercenary/Guild Member/ Trained killer with a bad mouth on her and a way of putting herself in bad situations. She is a strong willed and beautiful woman, who has a hilarious sense of dry wit. Quote "Nothing kills a party like an over sized hedgehog" - <i>if you knew the context in which this was being said, you'd fall over laughing too</i>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">The first book <i>Magic Bites</i> starts off with Kate's life long mentor, Greg, being murdered. Of course Kate goes on the hunt for the killer and during the process of attempting to gather information, she learns a lot more about Greg's acquaintances. They include the Pack, who is controlled by the ferocious Beast Lord Curran. Curran controls the pack with ruthless authority, and Kate really knows how to get under his skin. She learns that 7 members of the pack have all gone missing, and also 5 members of the "People" have also gone missing. The people are necromancers who control the living dead aka Vampires, who without the mind control of the people would be walking monsters tearing up and eating everything in their path.<br />
<br />
The story ends in a major show down, with enough twists and turns to make you immediately want to pick up the second book. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The plot is basically a murder mystery, with lots of sword fighting and gore thrown with a slight trace of romance. The main protagonist is Kate and the story is told via first person. Which normally would aggravate me to no end, but it suits the story. Being inside Kate's head is an interesting journey, she has secrets about her past that have not fully come to light ( me being only up to book two) but the way the authors hint at it is making me incredibly curious. I'm sure as I progress through the series I will work out what the secret to her blood is!<br />
<br />
So to make it short and sweet. Seriously cool books, not at all what I expected ( <i>which was along the lines of crappy heroine pouts after sappy lion etc etc). </i><br />
<br />
Definately worth the read. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8lfVUeBi8sLm9jPjj0rTqAoH6wgRvtdFoY5DbUHicj-IQforJLFpRRlQHxxzC_3cyGXMwf6JoK2tj9Zcp-DmD2LAzYanif90AL3Mxw-jcl603q9PaQXWAJ3Nwlty9ny0_dq1lop7Kgdk/s1600/magicburns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8lfVUeBi8sLm9jPjj0rTqAoH6wgRvtdFoY5DbUHicj-IQforJLFpRRlQHxxzC_3cyGXMwf6JoK2tj9Zcp-DmD2LAzYanif90AL3Mxw-jcl603q9PaQXWAJ3Nwlty9ny0_dq1lop7Kgdk/s200/magicburns.jpg" width="123" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxO_mPZy-gLKydv4B-9UHlJ7ss9Z_VzMAnZYfWX62l4jy0O37pUPXsZFn2Z0nIOGCJ5f6E8D9mmd81vyGnUi1abo2T3KHW9P4tJ7X-oJT_uBPJ8RqsaKTyky_JGZyjEhILxv9YBeoMX2s/s1600/9780441017027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxO_mPZy-gLKydv4B-9UHlJ7ss9Z_VzMAnZYfWX62l4jy0O37pUPXsZFn2Z0nIOGCJ5f6E8D9mmd81vyGnUi1abo2T3KHW9P4tJ7X-oJT_uBPJ8RqsaKTyky_JGZyjEhILxv9YBeoMX2s/s200/9780441017027.jpg" width="122" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWkL78NRsI9JHcwSh_E5XVcpyiV1kYTXnOMDm4Rzzuznlxwdld7-4PsrPxtSO3TU0ljLD9mfuInbfsDYnauktJ5ifJuqP1KoLgHiNs8jB4lXuNUWk-l3rBvORBTe63z7pAB54lOwWxH0/s1600/magicbleeds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWkL78NRsI9JHcwSh_E5XVcpyiV1kYTXnOMDm4Rzzuznlxwdld7-4PsrPxtSO3TU0ljLD9mfuInbfsDYnauktJ5ifJuqP1KoLgHiNs8jB4lXuNUWk-l3rBvORBTe63z7pAB54lOwWxH0/s200/magicbleeds.jpg" width="123" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09312551753569124676noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305823768171933201.post-88817480742343382732010-10-13T14:01:00.000-07:002010-10-25T19:56:03.759-07:00How Cool Is This...<a href="http://maryvictoria.livejournal.com/33520.html">http://maryvictoria.livejournal.com/33520.html </a><br />
<br />
Mary Victoria, author of <a href="http://tempting-words.blogspot.com/2010/10/tymons-flight-chronicles-of-tree-1-by_10.html">Tymon's Flight </a>has blogged about my little review...<br />
<br />
<br />
I really love it when Authors are involved with their readers. They put so much work and effort into creating their novels that I can't help but marvel, and being in contact with them through the journey is really the best part! Thankyou Mary! <br />
<br />
<br />
Now for a certain someone to finish his novels so I can blog about them too :PTriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09312551753569124676noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305823768171933201.post-84018227684336560232010-10-11T14:55:00.000-07:002010-10-11T14:55:21.610-07:00Really need to make up my mind...<div style="text-align: justify;">I keep changing the layout of this thing. I haven't really told many people about it because I can't seem to find a layout that I like! They're either too boring, too bright, too weird ( and I like weird) or too blah to warrant a stay any longer than a few weeks, then I loose interest. So I apologise if everytime you look *not that there is many of you* it is completely different.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It's sort of like my life. Each week something changes and I am either back to the beginning in a situation or I do a complete turn over and change everything, only to decide to put it back to the original. I'm a bit odd sometimes. The End.</div>Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09312551753569124676noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305823768171933201.post-80564302696708290582010-10-10T19:02:00.000-07:002010-11-09T13:04:10.073-08:00Tymon's Flight ( Chronicles of the Tree #1) by Mary Victoria<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><i><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1767967640">Tymon's Flight</a></i><br />
<i><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1767967640">Mary Victoria </a></i><br />
<i><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1767967640">Harper Collins Publishers</a></i><br />
<i><a href="http://www.harpercollins.com.au/books/Tymons-Flight-Chronicles-Tree-Bk-1-Mary-Victoria/?isbn=9780732290986">RRP: $22.99</a></i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://maryvictoria.livejournal.com/"></a></div><div class="deleteBody" style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="deleteBody" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://maryvictoria.livejournal.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA8NouieaEwfhjUxzQCO4-e0egplfcDsajB-_th30clm3Ae_PcI1TnmlvrvdLreWUtck9ipKtuaDf0JxeaZlMNczRMHUqYQnHjIfKSrHkt5OUiFAQMYtqb5onZ1vRmYkpqUMxzEsZeDlc/s1600/tymonsflight.jpg" /></a><a href="http://maryvictoria.livejournal.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>I finally got around to reading this book! With proof copies from work constantly piling up, this book kept slipping through the cracks and ending up sitting on my bookshelf - but I took it to QLD for a week and finally had time to relax and immerse myself in this wonderful world. Nothing like relaxing on a beautiful beach, in beautiful weather with a good read :)<br />
<br />
Tymon's Flight was a surprise to be honest. On first sight, the cover didn't really grab me, it was dark and the images didn't really capture me. But then I can be quite critical of covers- when I have so many things to get to, often if the cover doesn't grab me, it gets put aside. <br />
<br />
But this book is a classic example of "Don't judge a book by its cover". <br />
<br />
Set in the world of a huge tree where all life comes from, Mary Victoria has created a wonderful world- cities are supported by huge branches and every utensil the characters use are somehow based on the materials you would find when living off nature. It was amazing. <br />
<br />
The tale follows Tymon, a young boy who dreams of adventure. He wants to command a dirigible and explore the canopy. The Argosian priests have banned science and travel beyond the confines of the tree, but Tymon yearns to discover if there really is another world above and below. He gets a bit more than he bargained for when he disobeys his orders and meets Samiha, a female foreigner and one of the Nurian pilgrims brought to the city every year as slaves - and sacrifices. </div><div class="deleteBody" style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="deleteBody" style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="deleteBody" style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="deleteBody" style="text-align: justify;">Tymon is punished and exiled to the eastern canopy, a dry dirty place where the Nurians live - they show him there are other ways to determine the will of the tree, introduce him to magic and "grafting" and send him on a new path and a new fate.<br />
<br />
The pace of the first few chapters is quite slow compared to the rest of the book. You can tell it is building up to something big, but it takes a while to get there. It is full of adventure and Mary's incredible world building makes everything feel so believable. It's all so natural - the way the societies are built around the system of the tree, the structure, everything- its hard to describe how complex it all is until you read it. </div><div class="deleteBody" style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="deleteBody" style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="deleteBody" style="text-align: justify;">The book has been marketed by Harper as an Adult book but after speaking with the author, I found out that she had originally planned for it to be a YA/Adult book. Its sort of a coming of age novel. Apparently the next two books in the series go quite a bit darker than Tymon's Flight, so I am definitely looking forward to that.</div><div class="deleteBody" style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="deleteBody" style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="deleteBody" style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="deleteBody" style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="deleteBody">I couldn't fault this novel - its captivating, heart wrenching and the second book "Samiah's Song" looks to be very impressive ( i have read the first few chapters courtesy of Mary Victoria).<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN5GjAodLrCCku2vdbdZfLBzvh4TK1EqkcPbZvFwuIWYf_EqNU4KPYwUZ2EB7XXv2w4ptjNY-tFx-y3b-gStfuh1a71ma4L29bbeSd7R71Qq-U3etCxDzWUoQDUtZZGxibUq9zLVFkEZg/s1600/Copyof535px-4_starssvg.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN5GjAodLrCCku2vdbdZfLBzvh4TK1EqkcPbZvFwuIWYf_EqNU4KPYwUZ2EB7XXv2w4ptjNY-tFx-y3b-gStfuh1a71ma4L29bbeSd7R71Qq-U3etCxDzWUoQDUtZZGxibUq9zLVFkEZg/s1600/Copyof535px-4_starssvg.png" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09312551753569124676noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305823768171933201.post-26530679631701193722010-10-07T18:53:00.000-07:002010-10-11T14:55:43.224-07:00Fallen & Torment by Lauren Kate<span style="color: black;"> I wrote this up for another blog but decided to re-post it here...</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Fallen ( Book One RRP $17.95)</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black;">17 Year Old Lu</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha8RHJ4Rl4Ll7LuvCN-vAnF6Td9bRaJHMul7rWVBPANn6kjfpxpZFnLm20d2_FE5H-WokMIkTuIPFRLqdDdU8YjjS-JDbt4Zjt66lBlYAgAQZMXyaPZ4lIXeUe7hOv_mkkgPOA2ZcmhoI/s1600/fallen.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522119756930916658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha8RHJ4Rl4Ll7LuvCN-vAnF6Td9bRaJHMul7rWVBPANn6kjfpxpZFnLm20d2_FE5H-WokMIkTuIPFRLqdDdU8YjjS-JDbt4Zjt66lBlYAgAQZMXyaPZ4lIXeUe7hOv_mkkgPOA2ZcmhoI/s200/fallen.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 124px;" /></a><span style="color: black;">cinda Price is a new student at Sword & Cross, a boarding/reform school in Savannah, G</span><span style="color: black;">eorgia. Luce’s boyfriend died under suspicious circumstances, and now she carries the guilt over</span><span style="color: black;"> his death with her as she navigates the unfriendly halls at her new school where every student</span><span style="color: black;"> seems to have an unpleasant, criminal history.<br />
<br />
Yet when she sees Daniel, a gorgeous fellow student, Luce feels there’s a reason to be here — though she </span><span style="color: black;">doesn’t know what it is. Daniel acts cold and </span><span style="color: black;">hateful towards her. Giving the impression that he wants nothing to do with her, which is really a protective device that he has used again...and again.. and again throughout time. For Daniel is a fallen angel, doomed to fall in love with the same girl every 17 years... and watch her die. And Luce is a fellow immortal, cursed to be reincarnated again and again as a mortal girl who has no idea of who </span><span style="color: black;">she really is.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.galaxybooks.com.au/book/torment-fallen-02.do"><br />
</a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: black;">Torment ( Book Two RRP $29.95) </span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.galaxybooks.com.au/book/torment-fallen-02.do"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black;">Set only a few wee</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWPzm5ExQcfuKPDi5RONdRlxK3u1Vz6f2FGy4d8UFpg_gY3LjAiohWaORB1qLuszYbdYGT6DBfgMfi11rkzVAQ_rclDXnQfGsHFITCdhmAWrn0e_ZjRiOMGOJtx5ySGl78OSFFJEWV9O4/s1600/Torment.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522105708546422386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWPzm5ExQcfuKPDi5RONdRlxK3u1Vz6f2FGy4d8UFpg_gY3LjAiohWaORB1qLuszYbdYGT6DBfgMfi11rkzVAQ_rclDXnQfGsHFITCdhmAWrn0e_ZjRiOMGOJtx5ySGl78OSFFJEWV9O4/s200/Torment.png" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 231px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 153px;" /></a><span style="color: black;">ks after the final chapter of Fallen, Luce has been hidden away Daniel in a new school filled with Nephilim kids (the children of Angels and Humans). He promises her she will be safe and protecte</span><span style="color: black;">d</span><span style="color: black;">, although protected from <span style="font-style: italic;">what</span> Luce doesn't know. Daniel is keeping secrets. One big secret in particular that he has been avoiding telling Luce since the moment they met at Sword & Cross. At the school Luce discovers what the Shadows that have followed her all her life mean – and how to manipulate them to see into her other lives. The more Luce discovers about herself, the more she realises that her past lives are the key to unlocking her future, if only Daniel would tell th</span><span style="color: black;">e truth and help set her free.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
What if his versio</span><span style="color: black;">n of the past isn’t actually the way things happened … what if Luce was really meant to be with someone else?<br />
<br />
<br />
Torment is published as a young adult series, but I really enjoyed them! There are so many YA Angel/Vampire/Wolf books on the shelves lately but these books really stand out with their gorgeous Gothic style covers and the beautiful love between the characters. If you like authors such as -</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Richelle Mead</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Maggie Stiefvater</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Allyson Noel</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Claudia Grey</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Or PC Cast<span style="color: black;"> ....then you will eat these books up!<br />
<br />
<br />
Check out the site dedicated to the series by Random House Publishers and see the little film clip they have put together.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.fallenbooks.com.au/index.html">http://www.fallenbooks.com.au/index.html</a><br />
</span><span style="color: black;"> </span></div>Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09312551753569124676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305823768171933201.post-52580924752873259482010-09-21T19:52:00.000-07:002010-10-13T00:19:40.735-07:00Clockwork Angel (#1 Infernal Devices) by Cassandra Clare<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAK_MxmU4UYldY2Ff3dcX1Mo6oLs7xrXSbayjYnDUbI420MCSpQRtaTMJoDeK5L8eWowEgVgIneBuvZ9pQz3TVi3f2BoA3yeZU1H0lCs5xbdwPaQU4lh1INHhaoBTXo6q7suXjZQX_faI/s1600/Clockwork+Angel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAK_MxmU4UYldY2Ff3dcX1Mo6oLs7xrXSbayjYnDUbI420MCSpQRtaTMJoDeK5L8eWowEgVgIneBuvZ9pQz3TVi3f2BoA3yeZU1H0lCs5xbdwPaQU4lh1INHhaoBTXo6q7suXjZQX_faI/s320/Clockwork+Angel.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Yes its YA Fiction, but I seriously love Cassandra Clare's novels- The Mortal Instruments series was brilliant ( thank the gods its not finished yet!). I remember picking up City of Bones (bk 1) and being catapulted into this awesome world of Demons, Shadow hunters, young love, quirky fun characters and I am happy to say Clockwork Angel was a brilliant prequel. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Set in the Victorian era of the Shadow Hunters world, Tessa is a 16 year old girl on her way to London from New York to meet her brother Nathaniel. Instead of her brother meeting her at the docks as promised, Tessa is met by the Dark Sisters, two Warlocks who take Tessa as a prisoner for gifts that she apparently possesses.<br />
<br />
Tessa realises she can turn into any other human, simply by holding an object of theirs. How cool is that? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;">They teach Tessa how to harness her gift and plan on delivering her to the Magickster, an unknown man of considerable power who wishes to use Tessa's gift as his own. Tessa escapes the Dark Sisters and is thrown in the household of the Shadow hunters- the sons and daughters of the Nefilim (offspring of Angels and humans), who protect the city from the ever coming demons, warlocks and vampires. Tessa soon discovers herself and her brother are much more important than first realised, and they play an important part in a larger conspiracy. The Pandemonium Club and its Magickster have a plot to rid the world of the Shadow Hunters, by using an army of mechanicals with the essence of demons.</div>Amongst all this, Tessa finds herself falling in love with not one but two guys - a gorgeous bad boy Will and the courageous, heartfelt Jem who both adore her.<br />
<br />
The supporting characters are well written and you even become reacquainted with a few characters from the "Mortal Instruments" series i.e.. Magnus Bane - And if you have not read "The Mortal Instruments" series, then get reading because Jace is adorable!<br />
<br />
<br />
There are another 3 books due out in The Mortal Instruments Series ( squeeee!!) -City of Fallen Angels, City of Lost Souls, City of Heavenly Fire. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim0U5r2n-uAtY95C1dzLNBM4Nl_IMTKvvhO05RNQD9Hgq2Bo2QJXISUiTkeE8V7fcfxW8UtrFFezSgQ48hECVpEERnAFy9Af8hyphenhyphenC-t3sXq8yp6aDsTgJEbZPK3J38h0mO2vGfg-KJxqZE/s1600/5n64jo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim0U5r2n-uAtY95C1dzLNBM4Nl_IMTKvvhO05RNQD9Hgq2Bo2QJXISUiTkeE8V7fcfxW8UtrFFezSgQ48hECVpEERnAFy9Af8hyphenhyphenC-t3sXq8yp6aDsTgJEbZPK3J38h0mO2vGfg-KJxqZE/s320/5n64jo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09312551753569124676noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305823768171933201.post-15697317409970067422010-08-30T16:22:00.000-07:002010-09-01T20:01:17.143-07:00Currently Reading...<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">Clockwork Angel by Cassandra </span><span style="color: #38761d;">Clare!!</span></i></b></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp8vhZcJEWbIsM-2MfeIa2g3G5yEGsAk2wwNT47jc9idcfjVlUaG1eaKEIBnYUG3C9M0mbDegDV9IkGdmS02jQcsQ8aOGMjqCllunvVX1zcO2BF0-yFA-AyJnuG7v8mYJ_NuHS-SXvWaA/s1600/56901676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp8vhZcJEWbIsM-2MfeIa2g3G5yEGsAk2wwNT47jc9idcfjVlUaG1eaKEIBnYUG3C9M0mbDegDV9IkGdmS02jQcsQ8aOGMjqCllunvVX1zcO2BF0-yFA-AyJnuG7v8mYJ_NuHS-SXvWaA/s320/56901676.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> How stunning is this cover? I have been waiting over a year for this book! This new trilogy are prequels to the best selling ( and awesome) Mortal Instruments series which I absolutely adored. Sure they are YA novels, but I still loved loved loved them.. and I squealed when this book came in yesteday. <br />
<br />
Review up soon.... :) :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://books.simonandschuster.com/buy/Clockwork-Angel/9781416975861/from-other-retailers#book_retailers">Clockwork Angel </a><br />
Book One of the Infernal Devices<br />
<a href="http://cassandraclare.com/cms/home">Cassandra Clare </a>Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09312551753569124676noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305823768171933201.post-17231720785082414442010-08-30T15:24:00.000-07:002010-09-01T20:01:35.091-07:00Power & Majesty by Tansy Rayner Roberts<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPeTPmT88D0_XWUoVLILsTFk0YEav8HH0bnjohyiYnyG5ZKVh0aK_SvZKv4Xff-IbIl-7w7b9FpO01Dx0Rv73sWY8ZYeLc6pHudt4dnkm8qAs7y_jBrejlUbwMy6llJaW0WRLkw78_VmA/s1600/power+and+majesty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPeTPmT88D0_XWUoVLILsTFk0YEav8HH0bnjohyiYnyG5ZKVh0aK_SvZKv4Xff-IbIl-7w7b9FpO01Dx0Rv73sWY8ZYeLc6pHudt4dnkm8qAs7y_jBrejlUbwMy6llJaW0WRLkw78_VmA/s320/power+and+majesty.jpg" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I know in a previous post I didn't seem too impressed with this book. I still am not overly loving it <i>BUT</i> I did, in the end, enjoy it. So here is my review. There were certain parts where I felt they <i>really</i> needed a lot more work, and other parts that actually started to flow well. I will read the next book- just to see what this whole war is actually about!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The first 85 or so pages of this book, I hated it. I would come to work whinging about how absolutely nothing was making sense, how the characters were confusing, and the constant jumping from a memory to the present was driving me freaking crazy. But I did persevere and I am glad I did. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The story starts when the main character Velody sees two young teens fall out of the sky, stark naked and with one of them off their face. One of these guys confronts her without the other knowing, and steals a power that she has no idea she possesses. Velody has no idea that she is actually a member of the Creature Court, a secret society of humans who can turn into a certain animal (everyone is different) to fight the battle of the sky at night, when the city folk have no idea what is happening. But whilst they are protecting the city from falling, they fight amongst themselves, acting as animals really. Everyone is constantly on edge about who is going to kill who to gain more power and move themselves along the hierarchy of power.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Twelve years later, Velody has forgotten about the naked boys and moved on with her life. She is now a Dressmaker living with two friends in the city, and gets commissioned to make a dress for the Duchess ( I forget what she called the woman who is in charge of the city). She does so, and the dress catches the attention of a former Creature Court King, Ashiol, who was exiled by the current Power & Majesty -who was also his best friend. He has also gone mad. From here, Velody and Ashiol are thrown back into the pit of the creature court, where Velody must learn to come to terms with her new life as a powerful King and tame the hearts of all the wild animals who would rather see her dead than ruling them. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Like I said, I didn't mind this novel. It was original, well thought out and really made me think to work out what was going to happen next, which is something you want in a fantasy novel. It did however, strike a few chords with me regarding time lines - for the first 15 or so chapters I was completely confused. It constantly jumps from the past to the present, with all different characters and most of it is unnecessary. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Also, nothing was explained about the battle with the sky, I have finished the book and I still have no idea why the hell the sky shoots lightening bolts and can burn cities to the ground, or erase the memories of everyone who ever had ties to that city. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In saying all that.... the book as edgy, mysterious and exotic. It was quite dark in certain places, and definitely a novel for adults ( sex, drugs and rape are issues here)... </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I will read the following two books to make the trilogy - and I really hope that author decides to expand on certain topics. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_236804119">Power & Majesty</a><br />
<a href="http://www.voyageronline.com.au/books/title.cfm?ISBN=0732289432&Author=269&txtSearch=power%20and%20majesty&SearchBy=Title&CFID=9976517&CFTOKEN=62359511">Book One in the the Creature Court Trilogy</a><br />
<a href="http://www.voyageronline.com.au/authors/profile.cfm?Author=269">Tansy Rayner Roberts </a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://browseinside.harpercollins.com.au/index.aspx?isbn13=9780732289430"><br />
</a></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://browseinside.harpercollins.com.au/index.aspx?isbn13=9780732289430"><br />
</a></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09312551753569124676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305823768171933201.post-19255992473437854482010-08-23T15:35:00.000-07:002010-08-30T15:27:04.285-07:00Dollhouse Season 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0zuNZdhN8EzYlL6Mwuj1Xf_XY30DJ6r1KdH9jYhK2-3SA-HmPyCjUpX-nc0uZKfgU45doRrlHuPzCTJdsHxknAFdWK7jOi-lw5P78ej-KX1EcIy462oNTh8CEJKmXqXAl1CDLMrSd4E/s1600/Dollhouse___Season_1__Disc_3_by_RoboPhone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0zuNZdhN8EzYlL6Mwuj1Xf_XY30DJ6r1KdH9jYhK2-3SA-HmPyCjUpX-nc0uZKfgU45doRrlHuPzCTJdsHxknAFdWK7jOi-lw5P78ej-KX1EcIy462oNTh8CEJKmXqXAl1CDLMrSd4E/s1600/Dollhouse___Season_1__Disc_3_by_RoboPhone.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So I have as of this second also decided to review movies/tv series :) </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It took me months to finally get my hands on Season One of Joss Whedon's latest little project, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dollhouse_(TV_series)">"Dollhouse" </a>which never lived to see a Season Three after it was apparently canceled in 2009 BUT Season 1 and 2 are out, so that was enough to make me at least have a peek to see if he had created another cult sensation. I wouldn't go so far as saying Dollhouse was freaking awesome ( as that is how I describe the Buffy/Angel saga) but it was definitely worth the year wait... </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I read an interview with Joss, where he talks about wanting to explore the ideas about the different identities we create for ourselves, which is exactly what he has done in Dollhouse. Hes taken the question of " What if you could erase the past and create a whole new persona for yourself, would you do it?" to a whole new level in creating this world where you can have your mind wiped blank and imprinted with the complete personality of someone else.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I didn't mind <a href="http://eliza-dushku.org/">Eliza Dushku</a> as the lead - she slightly annoyed me when she played Faith in Buffy, but I think it was more the character she played, than the actual acting. In Dollhouse, she gets to play a huge variety of characters - one day shes a midwife, the next shes a love-struck, mountain climbing tough chick, <strong>(spoiler alert)</strong> who is hired to be the hunted....I must say that ep took me by surprise and slightly freaked me out ( I wont be camping with someone in the middle of nowhere for quite some time ....) </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So all in all not a bad little series, the first two episodes are pretty crappy but persevere because it definitely gets better. Also, if you purchase season one, make sure you watch the unaired episode titled <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItDO1BEx9iM">"Epitaph One"</a> - I thought it was a shame this was never aired because I considered it one of the best eps, connects alot of dots and makes certain details much clearer. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Definitely makes you wonder....just how would the world cope with having the power of the Gods in their hands? I think this series captures the point the makers were trying to present. And makes me never want to control minds again ( not that I ever did...maybe... )</div>Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09312551753569124676noreply@blogger.com0