September reading list

Now this is not something I usually do, but I decided for a change I would put up what books I will be reading and reviewing in the coming month. (If all goes to plan).

First I will be finishing the series I am currently reading, the war of the fae by Elle Casey. I am half way through Darkness and Light then on to the final book in the series New World Order.

Then I have some ARC’s to read. (In not Particular order).

Witchfall by Victoria Lamb and also since I have not read it yet the first one in the series Witchstruck.

Four Summoner’s tales by four great authors.

Charming by Elliot James.

All is Fair by Emma Newman and the first two in the series since once I again I have not read them yet, (I really should check it’s the first in the series) Between two thorns and Any other name.

The Fairest of Them All by Carolyn Turgeon.

The reluctant Cannibals by Ian Flitcroft.

Frost Hollow Hall by Emma Carroll.

If I get time the Last priestess by Elizabeth Baxter.

And anymore I can fit in, also i have some great ideas for posts on Harry Potter and other booky issues. Think I can Manage it all? I hope so. let me know if you have read any of these wonderful looking books 🙂

Until next time bookworms.

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Review : Call To Arms

Call to Arms is the second book in the War if the Fae series by Elle Casey.

I know it’s unlike me to do two reviews of a series in a row, I try and keep things different and not have a lot of repetition, but this series is just too good.

Follow Jayne Sparks, the (still) potty-mouthed seventeen-year-old and newly changed elemental fae and her friends – an incubus, a daemon, a green elf, a water sprite and a pixie – as they struggle to find their places in the Light Fae community of the Green Forest and prepare for the upcoming battle against the Dark Fae.

It has been a while since I have read a book so quickly, let alone a series. This book left off exactly where the last one finished which I was glad of because there was so much I wanted to know. This is still fast paced and lots of twists and turns that I did not see coming. Not so keen on Spike anymore, he a little creepy now, but my oh my Chase is coming into his own and I want to introduce myself. 🙂

Tim is such a loveable character, I know it might be odd, but I find it hard to let new characters in once the plot has developed. Tim just swooped in, his charm was instantaneous. He is funny and cute (I know he doesn’t like being called cute, but he can’t hear me). Also I am not a big fan of fart jokes, but Pixie farts just seem very funny.

If you have not read the first one in the series yet, why not?

Until next time happy reading bookworms.

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Top Ten Tuesday’s : Favourite Secondary Characters

This segment is hosted by The Broke and The Bookish. This week’s topic is favourite secondary characters. Wow, this is going to be a tough one, there is so many great character’s to choose from. So without farther ado, in no particular order;

1. Molly Weasley and Professor McGonagall from the Harry Potter series – Molly is all sweet (sometimes stern) but always motherly. In the last book she becomes a badass and kicks butt, she proves why she is in the Order.

2. Ari and Janco from the study and glass series by Maria V. Snyder – They are loyal and fierce, they prove time and time again why they are the best.

3. Spike and Chase from the War of the Fae series by Elle Casey – They are good friends and hot guys- what more could you want?

4. Patrick from Eternal Eden (and the rest of the series) – He may be part of the kinda love triangle but he never wanted to win, which I loved, he would  have been more heart broken if Bryn had chosen him instead of his brother. What a great guy.

5. Cal from the Hex Hall series – he is just too nice and big brotherly, he has his sexy moments though.

6. Jasper from the Twilight series – He may be the newest “vegetarian” but I think he is misunderstood. He is sweet and always tries to help, yes he can kick butt too though 🙂

7. Will from Divergent – not in it much, but he seems like a really sweet guy who deserved a happy ending.

8. Gabriel from the Books of Beginning series- He seems scary at first but turns out to have the kindest heart of them all.

Okay so top 8, I am having trouble remembering names of characters. So I will leave it there.

Until next time, night bookworms.

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Review : The Changelings

The Changelings is the first book in the War of The Fae series by Elle Casey.

The Good

I was a bit unsure of this book at the start but I was quickly proved wrong it is a great easy read. Jayne has a bit of a potty mouth so aimed at older teens but I did not think it was excessive. I really liked her character. And all the other characters, was a bit suspicious of Jared but not enough to think he was a bad guy. The authors imagination is incredible, how she came up with some of I’ll never know. She uses mythology to her advantage and writes a modern story with mythical creatures. And Spike, oh my will you marry me please?

The Bad

Was not a fan of the cliffhanger at the end but not enough to put me off. A love triangle possibly square near the end, I thought it was very refreshing that her best friend did not fancy her and visa versa and there was only one guy she liked, then it got ruined.

Overall

I would give it 5 stars. It is aimed at older teens and adults, there is some foul language but not too much. I am very much looking forward to the next one.

So bye for now bookworms.

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Celebrating the Author: Trudi Canavan

So last week’s celebrating the author was on Maria V. Snyder, it went amazingly well, Maria herself read my blog and posted it on her facebook page, also sent me a thank you email. As you can imagine I was grinning from ear to ear. Time to celebrate another author. Trudi Canavan

.

What has she written?

The Black Magician trilogy (The Magician’s Guild, The Novice, The Highlord and The Magician’s Apprentice (prequel)). The Traitor Spy trilogy (The Ambassador’s Mission, The Rogue, The Traitor Queen) and my personal favourite The Age of The Five (The White Priestess, The Last of the Wilds and The Voice of the Gods). A new series called Millennium’s Rule will be out in 2014 (the first one the 2014, second on 2015 and the last one in 2016).

A little about her.

She is from Melbourne, she has been nominated for a few awards and has won at least one for a short story. She uses music to inspire new story ideas (I know the feeling, a couple of words can spark an idea for a whole story). Sorry that’s all I could find about her.

Her favourite authors

J.RR Tolkien, Guy Gravial Kay, Robin Hobb, Neil Gaiman, Tanith Lee, Louise Cooper, Tad Williams, N.K. Jemisin and Gail Carriger. I have heard a few of these but these will be added to my to be read list.  She has also read Cold Magic by Kate Elliot, Casting Spells by Barbra Bretton and Rogue Gadda by Nicole Murphy.

Research

I assume she does some research, but since a lot of it is all made up by her wonderful imagination there probably is not too much. I did see on on of her blog posts that she sailed a blokart for research recently. Wow wish I could do that as research.

Personal Experience

Other than reading her books I have none. I actually came across her by accident, saw The White Priestess in Waterstones in a 3 for 2 offer and decided to give it a go. I was not disappointed in the slightest.

Her Blog

Here is link to her blog, if you would like to know a little more about her and her writing.

Until next time, happy reading bookworms.

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Top Ten Tuesday’s

This meme was created by the broke and the bookish. This week’s top ten is top ten things that make my life easier as a blogger.

1. My family friends and boyfriend- They all support and help me anyway I need. Not just by reading my blog, but helping me by letting me talk as much as I want and suggesting books.

2. Goodreads – it’s just such a great website for true book lovers. It makes finding books easy and it’s good to talk to like minded people.

3. Netgalley – it’s a good place for professional readers (I love that title 🙂 ). Finding new books and reviewing them is great.

4. Fellow bloggers and my followers- there would be no blog and no enjoyment without you guys. I love reading other peoples blogs and seeing what they write too.

5. My Tips- makes it easier to buy books, without breaking the bank.

6. My kindle – I have far to many books on there but I love it. One click book shopping- Love it.

7. The works (a bargain bookshop) – They lots of different books all for great prices. I shop there too often.

I unfortunately cannot think of anymore- sorry.

Songstone

Songstone by Lena Goldfinch.

I got this book in exchange for a honest review from the author via the goodreads group  We ♥ YA Books!

I really enjoyed the originality of this book, it was the second one I have read by this author but I did not feel it was too similar to the other one.

The Good

I liked how all the different villages had their own myths, legends and stories, it gave the book some character and realism. Now, putting a song into stone just by singing, was very creative and I loved it, the first time it happened in the book, i was amazed and had to stop reading for a few minutes and imagine what it would be like to be able to do that. Noni was an amazing character, she was not swayed by what other people thought, even when everyone else despised Kita, Noni who had known her as a child, just ignored them and tried to get her to be her sister.

The Bad

We never really found out what “moko” was, it was described a little but I was left wondering exactly what it was and how people managed to get it. I also wanted to know a little more about what Makito was doing and why he wanted to turn into mist. It also got a little repetitive how there was always one person in the village who did not care what Kita looked like or which village she was from, they just want to get to know her, it always seemed to be a family member of herself or a friend as well.  (Just my opinions).

Overall

I will read more from this author, if she keeps writing like this then no doubt she will be world famous some day. 🙂

Until next time books worms.

Emma

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Celebrating the Author : Maria V. Snyder

I have decided to start a new Sunday segment, called Celebrating the Author. We talk about the book and how great or bad it is, what about the person who wrote it? When did they start writing and why? What did they do before? What kind of books do they read? I will be celebrating a different author every Sunday, if you like the idea of this please join in and write about your favourite authors or ones you think do not get enough recognition. It’s as simple as choosing an author and finding out the answers to questions you want to know. Share any stories you might have about them, let us know whether or not you have met them.

This week I am writing about Maria V. Snyder.

What has she written?

She wrote the Study series (Poison Study, Magic Study, Fire Study), the Glass series ( Storm Glass, Sea Glass, Spy Glass), Insider Series (Inside Out, Outside In), the Healer series (Touch of Power, Scent of Magic and Taste of Darkness (which is out in December 2013)). Along with short stories.

A little about her.

She is from Philadelphia and worked as a meteorologist before she became an author.   Maria got a Master of Arts degree in fiction writing at Seton Hill University, she is currently a teacher there. (Lucky students).

Research.

She uses her knowledge to write interesting and creative characters and worlds, anything she does not know she does extensive research. Her knowledge and interest in the weather proved useful and creative in the Glass series. She even attended a glass blowing class as research for the series. She uses her environmental knowledge in the Insider series where they recycle everything. She even learned how to ride a horse and pick a lock, toured a prison and studied Karate. (She is definitely the real deal).

Hobbies.

Scrapbooking, reading (can you be a good writer if you don’t read?), Volleyball and traveling.

What does she read?

I had a nosy at her read list on goodreads, (I thought I had read a lot), she seems to read mostly fantasy including: The Maze Runner series by James Dashner, The Morganville Vampire series by Rachel Caine, the Five Hundred Kingdoms series by Mercedes Lackey and the Xanth series by Piers Anthony.

Past experience.

A few years ago I entered a competition on her website, the prize was a signed copy of her new (at the time) Sea Glass book, I was not lucky enough to win. A week or two after the competition closed I received an email from Maria commiserating me on not winning, but asking if I would like some sea glass bookmarks and a her autograph. I enthusiastically replied a few weeks later I received some bookmarks and a little note with shells on it saying:

“Emma, The sea is full of treasure. Happy hunting. Maria V. Snyder”

I thought this was a very nice gesture, even nicer when you take in the fact that she lives in the USA and I live in the U.K. Not only she is a great author she is a very nice person and loyal to her fans.

Blog and Website.

Want to know more about her? Here is her a link to her blog. http://officialmariavsnyder.blogspot.co.uk/

Here is a link to her website http://www.mariavsnyder.com/index.php

Up and Coming books

Stormwatcher is coming out October this year. The third book in the Healer series (Taste of Darkness) is coming out December this year.

Anything else you would like to know about her? I will try to find out.

Until next time, bookworms.

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Killing Snow White

Killing Snow White (The fairytale retellings) By Jamie Campbell.

Synopsis from goodreads.

History is told from one person’s perspective. Sometimes they don’t get it right.

The queen has been portrayed as evil for too long. Now it is time for her to tell her side of the story.

The queen once had everything – a loving husband, a ready-made family, and the respect of everyone in the kingdom. Until the day the king died.

As Snow White tries to do everything in her power to hate her step-mother, the evil queen only has love for her. She has always wanted a daughter and was hoping their relationship could be salvaged.

Taken to the woods for her own sanity, Snow White does not hesitate in plotting against the evil queen to take her down.

While trying to continue her husband’s legacy, the queen will do everything in her power to act in the best interests of the kingdom. Even if that means killing Snow White.

Revisit the charming tale of Snow White as told from the perspective of the Evil Queen who allegedly poisoned her.

This is the second of these novellas I have read by Jamie Campbell and this was as charming as the first. I know the evil queen is meant to be evil but I like how every evil thing was explained as good, it was a nice change. I found it very believable. I found myself jumping ahead in my mind wanting to know how a certain part was going to be explained, it was clever and well written. All the characters that you know and love are there, just a little different.

The end, as I was getting further through I was wondering if any ending she could write would be feel right, well the ending we got was better than I could have ever imagined, I loved it, did not see it coming at all.

If you like Snow White this book is worth a shot.

Looking forward to reading the story of Rapunzel sometime soon. Until next time night bookworms.

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A to Z Survey

I saw this posted on eatreadexplores’s blog, it was originally posted on The Perpetual Page Turner’s blog. I liked all the comments so decided to try it out myself.

Author you’ve read most books from:

Other than J.K. Rowling and Maria V. Snyder I cannot think of any authors I have read more than four of, not because I do not like them, just either I have not gotten round to them all or they only have one or two out so far.

Best sequel ever:

This is a hard one for me, since it is probably my favourite book ever I will go for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

Currently Reading:

I quite often read more than one at once so here we go; Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss, Songstone by Lena Goldfinch, Crossed by Ally Condie and City of Bones by Cassandra Clare.

Drink of choice whilst reading:

Don’t really have probably tea or diluting juice.

E-reader or physical book:

I read both, I love the convenience of my kindle, not that I take it places, just that I do not need to limit by book buying (apart from money) and it’s easier to read in bed. But on the other hand, having a real book in your hand cannot be beaten.

Fictional Character you probably would have actually dated in high school:

Em, now I honestly do not know, possibly Neville from Harry Potter (can you see a recurring theme yet?) or Alekskie from City of the sun by Sarah Bryant, he was just so caring and thoughtful.

Glad you gave this book a chance:

The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson, a friend lent it to me years ago, and it took me a while to get into, he kept telling me not to stop, in the end I loved it, bought the whole series.

Hidden Gem book:

City of the Sun by Sarah Bryant, it really is great and not enough people know about it. Oh and the Healing Wars series by Janice Hardy, it’s too good to miss.

Important moment in your reading life:

I would say it happens every time a truly great book/series that just gets your heart going and cannot put down, (does not happen too often for me).

Just finished:

Prince of Wolves by Quinn Loftis, I am sorry to say I was glad to be finished it, not really my thing, too slow paced for me.

Kinds of books you won’t read:

Erotica, romance and most sci-fi.

Longest book you’ve read:

The Book of Deacon by Joseph Lallo 900ish pages.

Major book hangover because of:

This has happened a few times, of course the later Harry Potters and all the Study series by Maria V. Snyder, (studying got put on hold for those books).

Number of bookcases you own:

One, but it has books almost as high next to it and a shelf under my bed at my parents house filled three books high, (okay I need to have a clear out).

One book that you have read multiple times:

The one I have read most is probably Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder, ten times and counting.

Preferred place to read:

In my bed or armchair curled up.

Quote that inspires you/gives you all the feelings from a book you’ve read:

I honestly have no clue on this one. I will instead show one of my favourite quotes

“But this room looked like it had been decorated by the unholy lovechild of Barbie and Strawberry Shortcake.”  From Hex Hall By Rachel Hawkins.

Reading Regret:

Only that I do not have enough time to read every book I would like to.

Series that you started and need to finish (all books are out in the series):

The Matched series by Ally Condie, Flowers in the attic series by Virginia Andrews, that’s all I can think of just now. (there is probably more though).

Three of your all time favourite books:

The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield, Divergent by Veronica Roth and The House at Riverton by Kate Morton. (I am trying not to mention the same books over and over again).

Unapologetic fangirl for:

The healing wars series by Janice Hardy, I cannot explain how great they are.

Very excited for this release more than all the others:

Allegiant (book 3 in the Divergent series) by Veronica Roth, so excited for this 😀

Worst bookish habit:

Starting too many books at once and not always finishing some of them for years (or ever).

X marks the spot: Start at the top left of your bookshelf and pick the 27th book:

For One More Day by Mitch Albom (forgot I had this book, it was hiding).

Your latest book purchase:

Ruby Blue by Julia Cassar

ZZZ-snatcher (last book that kept you up way late)

The Pain Merchants by Janice Hardy

Let me know what yours are, leave me a link if you have taken this as well.

Until next time, night bookworms.