Monday, April 30, 2012

Video Review: Intangible and Author Interview (2)




Author: J. Meyers
Publication Date: January 31, 2012


Twins Sera and Luke Raine have a well-kept secret—she heals with a touch of her hand, he sees the future. All their lives they’ve helped those in need on the sly. They’ve always thought of their abilities as being a gift.

Then Luke has a vision that Sera is killed. That gift they’ve always cherished begins to feel an awful lot like a curse. Because the thing about Luke’s ability? He’s always right. And he can’t do anything about it.





Intangible means: Unable to be touched or grasped; not having physical presence: "cyberspace or anything else so intangible". I just kept saying the word over and over again in my head, trying to grasp the meaning. Then when I read the excerpt, I was thinking, this is totally awesome; this girl can’t be touched! Then I looked at the girl on the cover and I tried to imagine Sera looking like this girl. I guessed correctly before I started reading in that, Sera has this ultimate power and doesn’t even realize how influential it actually was; I was right!!


Meyers has the capability of writing some of the most versatile characters that I have ever read. She can write the darkest character and then turn right around and give the next one so much charisma and light! I was so enthralled with these characters; I felt like I could reach out and touch them. She also intrigued me with the fact that she allowed readers to be inside of each character’s head. Each chapter was a different perspective from one of the five main characters. Most of the time you always knew what was on their minds, but this book involved some close reading or else you may get lost in the pages :)

The magical and whimsical bond that Sera and Luke share is one of my favorite aspects about the book. They were always watching out for one another, and as siblings that is the way it should be. They both had the sweetest dispositions and put the other’s feelings before their own. Another reason why I drew so close to the twins was because at times they did not even realize their own capabilities. They were to be the most powerful human beings alive, but they never took for granted these awesome powers which they were born with. Lastly, I want to commend their bravery. Even when they were facing death they never backed down or even had second thoughts. Meyers wrote such admirable characters that had me reading as fast as I could to witness their next moves.

My favorite character, as I mentioned in my video, was Feyth. She was just a bad to the bone chick! Her connection to Luke and Sera was almost motherly and I had “faith” in her promise to protect the twins the whole entire time. She was a solid, stand out character. I could relate to her so much. She was a realist and would never lie to Luke and Sera, even if it was something that maybe they really did not want to hear. I wish I could meet Feyth!!

Overall, this book took me a little while to get into (maybe the first couple of chapters or so while the scenario is still being set up for the reader), but after that I was hooked and didn’t reach my pillow until about 1:00 a.m. Once you reach the climax of the book the suspense and thrill doesn’t stop there. It’s almost like a punching bag, the details get more vigorous the further into the chapters you read. By the end of this book I was on the edge of my seat and biting my fingernails. I loved it and I am anxiously awaiting and praying for a sequel!




And now for a short introduction of the marvelous mind behind the story of Luke and Sera….


Me: Who or what inspired you to become a writer?

J. Meyers: I'm a creator, to the depth of my   soul. In so many aspects of my life, I am compelled to create. In my   professional life I've been an actor, singer, portrait artist, and writer. In   my personal life I bake everything from scratch, we make gifts for each other   in my family, I knit, I sew. Writing, for me, is another expression of my urge   to create.

Me: Who was your favorite character from this book? Why?

J. Meyers: I don't have a favorite--I can't   choose a favorite! I love them all. But I will tell you why I love Luke. I   love the strong bond he and Sera share. I love that he's quick to joke and   laugh, that he's strong and caring. I love that he's intelligent, loves   to banter and makes fun of himself. He'd be a lot of fun to hang out with.

Me: What book are you reading now?

J. Meyers:  I'm reading the manuscript of a book by Megan Whitmer, and I'm also reading Grave Mercy by R.L. LaFevers as well as The Iron King by Julie Kagawa.

Me: Describe yourself if 5 words.

J. Meyers: Silly, loving, insane, happy, lucky

Me: What advice would you give aspiring writers?

J. Meyers: Read. Read, read, read, and then   read some more. Immerse yourself in your chosen category or genre. And then   write the book that you want to read.

Me: What are your current writing projects now?

J. Meyers: I'm writing the sequel to Intangible. :-)

Thank you so much for being here with us today, J!! I really enjoyed your book and I hope my readers do as well! Pick up a copy of Intangible today :)





Saturday, April 28, 2012

In My Mailbox (2)

Goodreads
Goodreads

Amazon
Goodreads

Goodreads

Goodreads


         Provided by Author / Goodreads
        Provided by Author / Goodreads

I am so extremely happy with my haul this week. I am so thankful to the authors who provided these two great books to me and for all my awesome followers who are helping my blog grow. I can’t wait to see what everyone else got! If you have any comments for me, please don’t hesitate to leave them below. (As soon as I make it to 150 followers I am going to host my first giveaway!!) See you guys later :)


 


Thursday, April 26, 2012

Follow Me Friday (1)



Q: Have you had a character that disappointed you? One that you fell in love with and then "broke up" with later on in either the series or a stand-alone book? Tell us about him or her.

My Answer: I know a lot of people might say this but just because it has been so recent that I have read these books; I would have to say Gale from the Hunger Games. I was really disappointed in his character and how he transformed from a hard exterior to what seemed like a hardened heart as well.

Happy Reading to all!!




Video Book Review: The Academie


Author: Susanne Dunlap
Publisher:Bloomsbury
Release Date: February 28, 2012

Synopsis:
Eliza Monroe-daughter of the future president of the United States-is devastated when her mother decides to send her to boarding school outside of Paris. But the young American teen is quickly reconciled to the idea when-ooh, la-la!-she discovers who her fellow pupils will be: Hortense de Beauharnais, daughter of Josephine Bonaparte; and Caroline Bonaparte, youngest sister of the famous French general. It doesn't take long for Eliza to figure out that the two French girls are mortal enemies-and that she's about to get caught in the middle of their schemes. Loosely drawn from history, Eliza Monroe's imagined coming of age provides a scintillating glimpse into the lives, loves, and hopes of three young women during one of the most volatile periods in French history.



This cover took my breath away, literally!! Being a highly experienced shopaholic I was at a loss for words because I want that dress! Then you open up to the first page and Eliza Monroe says, “Not to mention the gowns. How everyone in Virginia will be envious of me when I return with the latest fashions to show them!” Now that is off to a good start :)

This book was a double hit with me because it was young adult and historical fiction; sign me up! The three girls who get to tell their stories are: Eliza Monroe, future US President James Monroe’s daughter, Hortense de Beauharnais who is the stepdaughter of Napoleon Bonaparte, and Madeline who is an actress in the Comedie Françoise. We also have Caroline Bonaparte who is the younger sister to Napoleon Bonaparte. Some people do not like books with multiple narrators, but me on the other hand; I love it! I think it keeps the story/adventure interesting because you are on a new and incredible journey with each girl.

I connected mostly with Hortense who had a real vision and sense of compassion for the world around her. I felt like she really did care about the characters that she made contact with and had such a genuine spirit when it came to her loved ones. Eliza was a bit naïve and was harder to connect with, but I loved to be able to see how much her character and courage had grown by the end of the book. Madeline had an interesting background, being a mulatto girl in 1799, but her story became more and more depressing. I felt so sorry for the conditions that she had been placed under for most of her life. And last but not least there is, Caroline. She is someone that all of us can connect to because at times we can all be a little deceptive. She had her eyes on the prize and went after the man she loved and wanted to spend her life with, while letting no one or nothing intervene.

 However, I wish Susanne would have allowed Caroline to be a narrator in the story as well. I hated having to solely read about her through Hortense, Eliza, and Madeline. Her character was creatively crafted and she probably had the most dramatic and interesting thoughts out of all the girls :(

Susanne Dunlap captured the historical realm of the eighteenth century and did a wonderful job relaying that to her readers. When I found out that their stories were not all fiction I literally beamed inside! These girls knew each other! When these girls all finally learn to trust one another and actually rely upon one another their friendship becomes magical. Caroline and Hortense have worked so hard to stay enemies that when they become friends it is powerful; two very intelligent and bright women putting their heads together= GREAT!! Their connections are when the book really starts to get good. That is when you almost leap off the bed saying, “I knew it!!”








Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Waiting On Wednesday (2)


Waiting on Wednesdays is a weekly book meme that lets readers just like you guys know what to be expecting and waiting anxiously for. It is hosted by Jill over at Breaking The Spine. Want to participate? Grab the logo on her page, post your own WoW entry on your blog, and leave your link on her blog!


Author: Pamela Mingle
Publication Date: August 14, 2012
Publisher: Random House Children’s Books

Synopsis:  Miranda has Shakespeare in her blood: she hopes one day to become a Shakespearean actor like her famous parents. At least, she does until her disastrous performance in her school's staging of The Taming of the Shrew. Humiliated, Miranda skips the opening-night party. All she wants to do is hide.

Fellow cast member, Stephen Langford, has other plans for Miranda. When he steps out of the backstage shadows and asks if she'd like to meet Shakespeare, Miranda thinks he's a total nutcase. But before she can object, Stephen whisks her back to 16th century England—the world Stephen's really from. He wants Miranda use her acting talents and modern-day charms on the young Will Shakespeare. Without her help, Stephen claims, the world will lost its greatest playwright.

Miranda isn't convinced she's the girl for the job. Why would Shakespeare care about her? And just who is this infuriating time traveler, Stephen Langford? Reluctantly, she agrees to help, knowing that it's her only chance of getting back to the present and her "real" life. What Miranda doesn't bargain for is finding true love . . . with no acting required.


  This book has just screamed out to me ever since the first time I saw it on Goodreads! I am an English major so Shakespeare is kind of my life around the University..you can’t get your Bachelor’s in English without being well acquainted with Will Shakespeare :) This book just sounds so amazing because Miranda has such a strong connection with Shakespeare and I am anxious to hear her thoughts on the great playwright! What is everyone else waiting on?







Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Teaser Tuesdays (1)

 





My teaser this week comes from The Academie by Susanne Dunlap. This is a novel full of historical background and intriguing characters who each have their own secret to share with you.






Monday, April 23, 2012

Author Interview (1)

Hello all of my wonderful, sweet readers!! I have my first author interview for you guys today! She is the author of the upcoming book called Masque of the Red Death. So without further interruption……




Me: I take a lot of interest in the covers of books. Were you pleased with the cover of Masque of the Red Death? How much say did you have in how it turned out?

Bethany: I didn't really have any say. It's definitely more girly than I would've gone for, but...that's why I'm not a cover artist. The final copy is gorgeous, it glows and has raised lettering, and deckled pages, just beautiful. And I do like girly covers, myself, I've been known to buy a few books just for their covers, but I was sort of expecting something more symbolic, and something that would maybe not appeal to boys, but not turn them off? So it did take me awhile to get used to the cover.

Me: Tell me more about the Debauchery Club.

Bethany:  Well, it was based on 19th century gentlemen's clubs. Here's an educational :) quote from the internet: The nineteenth century was the age of clubs, each with its own building resembling a stately mansion where gentlemen smoked, drank, ate, read (in libraries or news rooms), gambled, played billiards, and socialized among their peers. Members were elected (or not--that is, blackballed) and clubs members often had common political or recreational interests. (http://www.bluffton.edu/~sullivanm/england/london/clubsintro/intro.html). Honestly, when I first started brainstorming this book, before the historical setting seeped in, I imagined April and Araby going to a loud dance club. But the Debauchery Club, with it's sort of quiet, genteel debauchery worked so much more for me.

Me: Did you picture Araby as appearing anything like the girl on the cover of your book? What do you think some of Araby's best qualities are?

Bethany: Well, since you can't really see her face...I'd say that yes I did picture her as being very thin, and at least sometimes, elegant, like the girl on the cover. I think Araby's best quality is probably perseverance.

Me: What type of setting was Araby's surroundings before destruction took place?

Bethany: Good question. In a lot of ways, I pictured it as very Victorian, as far as the architecture, but buildings like the Akkadian towers would've been too tall to be realistic in that time period. The city had a bustling harbor and was obviously thriving, before, fashions and social conventions were very Victorian.

Me: Did you travel at all concerning this book, if so where?

Bethany: No, I actually didn't. The setting was completely and totally manufactured in my head.

Me: In your writing process how do you go about planning your character's next thoughts, moves, or actions?

Bethany: Wow, I'm not sure how to answer that exactly. In some ways you get a feel for who the character is, and of course you know the movement of the plot, so their thoughts and actions are dependent on how this character would react to each thing that happens, what they would do, so it isn't so much planning (though the plotting is planning) so much as intuiting how the characters would react to any given situation and making it work with the plot???

Me: Who is your favorite author and what is it that strikes you about their work?

Bethany: I actually think my favorite author is Stephen King, because he writes such fascinating characters, and I love his fantasy-ish books, like the Dark Tower series, The Talisman, and The Stand.

Me: Do you have any future projects planned?

Bethany: I just turned in the sequel to Masque, and I have started a new book, but it's just a few chapters long...

Wow! Thank you so much Bethany for agreeing to let me interview you and we are all anxiously awaiting the release of Masque of the Red Death, which is due to release tomorrow, April 24, 2012! Everyone please stop by Bethany’s Website and check it out!