Audio Book Review: Mastiff by Tamora Pierce

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Mastiff by Tamora Pierce

Book summary:  The Legend of Beka Cooper gives Tamora Pierce’s fans exactly what they want—a smart and savvy heroine making a name for herself on the mean streets of Tortall’s Lower City—while offering plenty of appeal for new readers as well.

Beka and her friends will face their greatest and most important challenge ever when the young heir to the kingdom vanishes. They will be sent out of Corus on a trail that appears and disappears, following a twisting road throughout Tortall. It will be her greatest Hunt—if she can survive the very powerful people who do not want her to succeed in her goal.

Pierce’s Beka Cooper series is one of my all time favorite young adult series. The writing is fantastic.  I actually listened to all the books on audio and the narrator did a fabulous job with Pierce’s words.

What I liked about the book:  Cooper is a very strong female character, with a heart of gold. She makes an excellent role mode for young women.  In fact all of Pierce’s characters are very well developed with a great deal of depth.  It’s an adventure story, with moments of fast paced action mingled in with slower times of reflection.  There’s a bit of a mystery and I have to admit I was stumped.  The revelation of the traitor really caught be by surprise. I love a good book that keeps me on my toes.

What I didn’t like about the book: Loved it all. I highly recommend this series for anyone who is looking for an all around good read.

 

ARC Review of Revived by Cat Patrick

Revived

 FTC Disclosure:  I received an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Revived by Cat Patrick

Book summary:  As a little girl, Daisy Appleby was killed in a school bus crash. Moments after the accident, she was brought back to life.

 A secret government agency has developed a drug called Revive that can bring people back from the dead, and Daisy Appleby, a test subject, has been Revived five times in fifteen years. Daisy takes extraordinary risks, knowing that she can beat death, but each new death also means a new name, a new city, and a new life. When she meets Matt McKean, Daisy begins to question the moral implications of Revive, and as she discovers the agency’s true goals, she realizes she’s at the center of something much larger — and more sinister — than she ever imagined.

We live in a dare devil world (or at least I do). Mr. Booklady is a retired combat engineer and likes to ride motorcycles (and he likes for me to tag along on the back of the bio.)  The idea of a drug that could “cure death” was intriguing.  The moral implications alone would provide much for discussion.

What I liked about the book: I loved the pacing of this book.  From the moment I picked up the book, the story just flowed. So often these days it seems that so many books (even very good ones) are just a struggle to get through. Maybe I have too many things competing for my attention, but I just breezed right through Revived.  Daisy’s character is very well written. She’s a teen with an extraordinary life.  She’s died five times.  Surprisingly she’s a little more grounded, practical if you will, than I would have expected.  Knowing you can die and be brought back is bound to give even the most mature adult a cavalier attitude about death. Daisy does have a rather blasé attitude about death, but that all changes when she meets knew friend, Audrey.  Audrey is dying and Revive can’t help her.  This makes Daisy begin to question her life and the whole “Revive” program.  Patrick weaves this transition in Daisy’s life with great craftsmanship.  The premise for this story is very interesting, but for me it was Daisy that made the story.  She’s a very likable character – in many ways a typical teen girl.  I also liked Mason, Daisy’s adopted father. I would have liked to learned more about him.  Daisy does have a love interest – Audrey’s brother, Matt.  I really like Patrick’s style of character development in this story.  There were no flat characters.  This is very well written book.  And I will be recommending it to several of my readers.  In fact I already have a list of people who want to be the next person to read this book.

What I didn’t like about the book:  There was only one thing I didn’t like about this book.  The person in charge of the super secret government program that developed Revive is referred to as “God.”  Those who work for him are referred to as disciples and the test subjects are known as converts.  We never learn the real name of the head of the program.  He’s not a likable character. (He’s not supposed to be.)  As a Christian, this one aspect of the book made me uncomfortable – but not so much that I stopped reading it.  I mention it in the interest of providing an honest review and because I do have some readers that might also be bothered by this aspect.

Somehow I missed Patrick’s debut novel Forgotten. I’ve now added it to my out of control to be read pile.  After reading Revived, I’m looking forward to reading more of Patrick’s work.

If you like young adult novels with a twist and are looking for something different from the usual teen angst or paranormal story, I recommend you give Revived a try.

This book will be released on May 1st, 2012.

 

Guest Post by Jackie Gamber author of the Leland Dragon Series

I’m very pleased to present a guest post by Jackie Gamber, author of a wonderful series about dragons (dragon stories have a special place in my heart – but that’s a post for another day).

Redheart, the first book in the series was one of my favorite summer reads last summer.  I recently added Sela to my iPad and can’t wait for school to be out so I can get started on it – maybe I won’t wait.  To celebrate Jackie’s guest appearance at Booklady’s Booknotes, I am giving away a copy of Redheart.  The contest is open to anyone who lives where Amazon ships.  Just leave a comment/question for Jackie by May 1st for a chance to win. (Be sure to leave a way for me to contact you if you are the winner.)

Now for the good stuff – Jackie’s post!

Redheart

Sela

“Of Process and Influence” by Jackie Gamber, author of REDHEART and SELA, Books One and Two of the Leland Dragon Series

Some of the best advice I was given as a budding, struggling writer, was “finish it”. Whatever it is; poem, novel, short story, script; the writing advice works. No one, in all of history, as ever gotten an unfinished work published.

Well, except the occasional famous person who has had writing discovered after their death. But I’m not holding out for that, in my case.

I’ve taken this counsel to heart. I have shifted my entire process around it.

When I first began writing the Leland Dragon Series, with REDHEART, I dabbled at it. I’d pull out a chapter, move things around, maybe add a new scene. Then I’d rise from the chair, happy to announce I’d “written today”. Or I’d be struck with inspiration for a short story, and rise early in the morning to get the idea down, rough form. Call that my writing for the day.

What I was really doing was dancing with my fears. Sure, I was following all the steps, and I was even graceful, in my own way. But I wasn’t leading. That was Fear’s role.

Then I realized my stories were never going to be read by anyone else unless I took them, and myself, seriously. I set my mind to finish. Once and for all. Whatever it took.

Weak paragraph? Keep going. Blank transition? Write “something exciting happens here” and move on. I allowed my first drafts to be a bit clumsy.

And my productivity soared.

I even find the editing part enjoyable! That is when I dig deep; hovering on a scene or dialogue for days, just to get it right. I can afford the time, because the piece is already done! Editing isn’t procrastinating, it’s refining. Mark Twain said:

The time to begin writing an article is when you have finished it to your satisfaction. By that time you begin to clearly and logically perceive what it is that you really want to say.

For me, words to live by. No matter the subject matter, whether I’m writing dark fiction, science fiction, or fantasy.

I’m often asked about my fantasy work, and about dragons, in particular. The honest answer to why the Leland Dragon Series is populated with characters as dragons is because that’s how they introduced themselves to me. Kallon Redheart, at first. Then others. And in my mind, the world filled in around them, and Leland began.

I’m not aware if I was pre-disposed to dragons in particular. I do love the idea of how they fly, how they can overpower, how something mythical has managed to capture our imagination for eons.

And I remember one of the first books to have influenced me at a young age: MY FATHER’S DRAGON by Ruth Stiles Gannett. I love that book, and I still have it on my bookshelf to this day. It’s crumbling along the spine and edges, but it’s as comfortable as an old blanket or a stuffed animal.

The books of my youth helped unlock my dreams; gave me picture language for the developing thoughts in my head. I cherish books for that reason, and, likely, the dragons of REDHEART and SELA came through a door in my mind left propped open enough to shine a light left glowing from my childhood imaginings.

Jackie Gamber is the award-winning author of “Redheart” and “Sela”, Books One and Two of the Leland Dragon Series, now available! For more information about Jackie and her mosaic mind, visit http://www.jackiegamber.com

And meet Jackie elsewhere on the world wide web at:

https://www.facebook.com/AllotropeMedia

http://www.amazon.com/author/JackieGamber

http://www.twitter.com/JackieGamber

http://www.facebook.com/jackiegamber

http://www.lelanddragons.com

 

ARC Review of Bow Wow Wiggle Waggle by Mary Newell DePalma

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FTC Disclosure:  I received an Advance Reader’s Copy of this book from Librarything’s Early Reviewers program in exchange for an honest review.

 

Bow-Wow wiggle wiggle-waggle by Mary Newel DePalma

Book summary:  What begins as a playful game of fetch between a boy and his dog turns into a wild goose chase that springs from one page to the next in this delightful book. Young readers will find themselves caught up in the bright and charming watercolor paintings as they follow the pair on a frolicking escapade, and ultimately, to an endearing reunion.

I am always looking for a good rhyming book for my younger readers.  This one certainly fits the bill.  This is a beautifully written and illustrated story that takes the reader on an exciting outdoor adventure with a boy and his dog.

What I like about this book:  The illustrations are colorful and engaging.  The rhyming words make the story a fun, quick read.  Young readers will be able to associate the sounds with familiar animals.

What I didn’t like about the book:  I liked it all.  I will be adding this book to the school library.

Recommended for Pre-K and up.

AR Level:  Not an Accelerated Reader book as of April 23, 2012

Mrs. Archer’s rating:  5 of 5!

 

 

ARC Review of Apron Anxiety: My Messy Affairs In and Out of the Kitchen by Alyssa Shelasky

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FTC Disclosure: I received an advance copy of this book from the Amazon Review program in exchange for an honest review.

Apron Anxiety: My Messy Affairs In and Out of the Kitchen by Alyssa Shelasky

Goodreads summary:  Three months into a relationship with her TV-chef crush, celebrity journalist Alyssa Shelasky left her highly social life in New York City to live with him in D.C. But what followed was no fairy tale: Chef hours are tough on a relationship. Surrounded by foodies yet unable to make a cup of tea, she was displaced and discouraged. Motivated at first by self-preservation rather than culinary passion, Shelasky embarked on a journey to master the kitchen, and she created the blog Apron Anxiety (ApronAnxiety.com) to share her stories.

This is a memoir (with recipes) about learning to cook, the ups and downs of love, and entering the world of food full throttle.

I’m not really sure what I was expecting from this book.I think I was looking for something deeper.  However, it was an ok read and would probably be a good summer beach read.  The writing the flowed smoothly with a light-hearted beat.  However, I often found myself wondering why I should care about the story. Perhaps if I had known who the author and her fiancee were before reading the book, I might have made a connection with the story.  If I had not agreed to review the book, I might not moved it to my Did Not Finish shelf.

What I liked about the book: It was light, easy read. The author also shares many of the recipes she talks about.

What I didn’t like about the book:  The story has a rather spoiled and shallow ring to it.  I guess it’s really wasn’t my cup of tea.

 

Sela by Jackie Gambler – Free Kindle Download Today!

Sela

Thursday April 19 Seventh Star Press is offering  a free Kindle download of Sela by Jackie Gamber.  This is the sequel to Readheart .  You can read my review of Readheart here.

Check out the book, download it and leave me a comment on your thoughts about the series.  Check back later this month when Jackie will be a guest on this blog.

 

Forbidden Book Club: A Great and Terrible Beauty Post #3

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I apologize for posting late this week. I’ve been on Spring Break and since I’ve already read this book, I’ve been busy trying to catch up on my to be read list. And – since my copy of this book seems to have sprouted legs and walked away (I’m pretty sure I had an autographed copy so I’m not to happy about it’s MIA status) I had to get a digital copy from the library and my loan period was up and I couldn’t renew it.  I know whine, whine, whine!

Here are two discussion questions for this week:

1.  Gemma says of Felicity, “I don’t yet know what power feels like. But this is surely what it looks like, and I think I’m beginning to understand why those ancient women had to hide in caves. Why our parents and teachers and suitors want us to behave properly and predictably. It’s not that they want to protect us; it’s that they fear us” (p. 207). What kind of power is Gemma talking about? What is it that she thinks the parents and teachers and suitors fear?

My thoughts:  I think the parents, teachers and suitors fear independent thinking.  If the girls are able to think and act for themselves, then they can’t be controlled.

2.  Bray paints the Victorian age as a time when appearances must be kept up at all times. Appearances matter more than reality, and anything interesting is kept a secret. For example, Gemma’s family hides the nature of Virginia Doyle’s death to avoid scandal. Likewise, in the Realms, appearances are deceiving. Gemma, Ann, Pippa, and Felicity believe their dreams are coming true–but is that really the case? What do you think the author meant by drawing a parallel between reality and paradise? Is it ever really possible to escape or change reality?

My thoughts: I do think it’s possible to change/escape reality. You have to “make” your own reality – if you are brave enough. Having read the entire series, I don’t want to comment too much for fear of spoiling it for anyone who has not yet finished the series.  For those of you who are reading this book for the first time, I hope you will continue through with the series. It really is one worth reading, at least that’s my humble opinion.

Ok, let’s finish off the book for the final post on Tuesday, April 3rd.  I promise to post on time.  In the mean time I’m looking forward to your thoughts on the book so far.

 

Laura Childs Giveaway at Escape With Dollycas

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I am a total bookworm and I love many genres, but mysteries top the list of my favorites. There are several cozy mystery authors that I consider a must read.  Laura Childs is among my top ten favorite mystery authors. She is guest posting today at Escape With Dollycas.Check it out for Laura’s advice on getting published and for a chance to win a copy of Laura’s new book: Agony of the Leaves.

 

Murder by Mocha by Cleo Coyle

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Murder by Mocha by Cleo Coyle

From the inside flap:  Clare’s Village Blend beans are being used to create a new java love potion: a “Mocha Magic Coffee” billed as an aphrodisiac.  Clare may even try some on her boyfriend, NYPD detective Mike Quinn — when he’s off duty of course . . .

The product, expected to rake in millions, will be sold exclusively on Aphrodite’s Village, one of the web’s most popular online communities for women.  But the launch party ends on a sour note when one of the Web site’s editors is found dead.

When more of the Web site’s Sisters of Aphrodite start to die, Clare is convinced someone wants the coffee’s secret formula — and is willing to kill to get it. Clare isn’t about to spill the beans but will she be next on the hit list.

Murder, Coffee, and Chocolate – what more could a mystery bookworm want?

This is the tenth installment in the Coffee House Mystery series and I enjoyed this book just as much as all the ones before it.

They say that revenge is a dish best served cold, but it can also be as bitter poorly brewed coffee. And bitter revenge is at the heart of this story. In addition to a well crafted (if slightly darker) mystery, we also get a glimpse into Madame’s back story. Even if coffee is not your thing, mystery lovers will still enjoy this series and this installment in particular. Readers who find cozy mysteries to be a little too light, but are not quite ready for a true blood and guts thriller will find Murder by Mocha a nice compromise.

What I liked about this book:  Personally, I like the inclusion of recipes and coffee brewing tips. However, if they are not your “cup of tea” you can easily ignore them as they are included at the end of the book rather than scattered throughout the story.  I love all the regular characters. Reading about them is like having coffee with family.  I also especially like that there is no “irritating, pain in the butt character.”  Many cozy mysteries include an annoying character as a foil for the heroine or maybe for comic relief. I’m never quite sure.  Coyle’s characters are well developed and in my opinion very interesting. I would love to learn more about any of them.

What I didn’t like about the book:  OK. The new barista, Nancy seems a little goofy. It was hard to figure out if she was truly the bumpkin she appears to be or if maybe she is hiding something. I wasn’t sure why she was added to the story, but it certainly didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the book.

If you have read any of my previous reviews of the Coffee House Mysteries you will know that I am a big fan. When I find a series I enjoy this much, I always begin to worry if the series will eventually get boring or annoying or just lose something.  I’m very pleased to say that is not the case with this series. Murder by Mocha is a must read for Coyle fans and anyone who likes a mystery with a good cup of Joe.

 

Bewitching by Alex Flinn

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Bewitching by Alex Flinn

Goodreads Summary:  Bewitching can be a beast. . . .

Once, I put a curse on a beastly and arrogant high school boy. That one turned out all right. Others didn’t.

I go to a new school now—one where no one knows that I should have graduated long ago. I’m not still here because I’m stupid; I just don’t age.

You see, I’m immortal. And I pretty much know everything after hundreds of years—except for when to take my powers and butt out.

I want to help, but things just go awry in ways I could never predict. Like when I tried to free some children from a gingerbread house and ended up being hanged. After I came back from the dead (immortal, remember?), I tried to play matchmaker for a French prince and ended up banished from France forever. And that little mermaid I found in the Titanic lifeboat? I don’t even want to think about it.

Now a girl named Emma needs me. I probably shouldn’t get involved, but her gorgeous stepsister is conniving to the core. I think I have just the thing to fix that girl—and it isn’t an enchanted pumpkin. Although you never know what will happen when I start . . . bewitching.

I am a fan of “altered” fairy tales.  I enjoyed Flinn’s Beastly.  When I found out that Bewitching was another story about Kendra, I couldn’t wait to read it.  I was not disappointed.

What I liked about the book: I liked that in Bewitching we learn Kendra’s back story – how she became the witch she is today.  Though the main focus of Bewitching is a rather unique twist on Cinderella we also get a new take on several other fairy tales (Hansel and Gretel, The Little Mermaid, and the Princess and the Pea.) I enjoyed the way the story switched back and forth between Emma/Lisette’s story and Kendra’s history.  It was a quick and enjoyable read.

What I didn’t like about the book: When the story focused on the rather upside down version of Cinderella (Emma and Lisette’s story), I felt that Kendra was more of a secondary character.  We don’t really see the role she plays until close to the end of the story.  It wasn’t something that kept the story from being enjoyable, but I would like to have seen more of the story from Kendra’s point of view.