Book Blogger Confessions #22: Giving thanks

Book Blogger Confessions is a new bi-weekly meme hosted by Karen @ For What it's Worth Reviews and Midnyte Reader. It was formerly co-hosted by Tiger @ All Consuming Books

Is there a book that you are thankful you have read? Maybe it has changed your life in a small or even a large way, or made you see things in a different perspective.

Every time I come across this kind of question my answers are always the same :P. I am thankful to The Babysitter’s Club by Ann M. Martin series because that got me into reading and pretty much helped me survive middle school because I spent most of my time hiding in the library because I had no friends until year 9. I am thankful to the Harry Potter series because that got me reading more than just contemporary books and stopped me from judging books by their covers and running away from thick volumes, in fact I started thinking the thicker the book the better. It also help me discover the world of online fanbases, fanfiction and graphic design ^_^. I am thankful to the Wicked Lovely series because it introduced me to the world of paranormal YA and to a lot of great online friends who helped me feel less lonely while I was away from home at university.

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Book Blogger Confessions #21

Book Blogger Confessions is a new bi-weekly meme hosted by Karen @ For What it's Worth Reviews and Midnyte Reader. It was formerly co-hosted by Tiger @ All Consuming Books

Should bloggers & authors discuss politics? Does that turn you off to a blogger or authors’ books if they tweet/post about their political positions or do you appreciate their passionate point of view?

Not if it’s one or two posts on the subject but if their blog starts feeling like a political blog I quickly run away, my politics tolerance meter is very tiny. 1. Because I don’t really care about politics even though I should because what’s being discussed affects me whether directly or indirectly. 2. I am not a US citizen and I don’t live in the US and most of the politics I hear about are US related and there is honestly nothing I can do about what’s going on, not even vote for who I like so why would I want to read about people’s political views when I already don’t care about politics? And although I may run away from a blogger or author’s blog for a while it doesn’t turn me off so much that I will permanently unfollow them or stop reading their book.

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Book Blogger Confessions #20

Book Blogger Confessions is a new bi-weekly meme hosted by Karen @ For What it's Worth Reviews and Midnyte Reader. It was formerly co-hosted by Tiger @ All Consuming Books

Do you like to read scary books? Why or why not? If so, what is the scariest book you ever read and why does it deserve that honor?

I DO NOT, thank-you very much. Why you ask? because I do not like to have nightmares and be deprived of my sleep. Because that is what scary books and movies do to me, they give me nightmares. Do you know I sleep with my bathroom light on and the door cracked open so it’s not completely dark in my room? I also like to have my dog in my room and keep my closet mirror/door thing closed. I have a flashlight in my nightstand, are you understanding me now? Scary movie trailers give me nightmares so there is no way I am watching the movie and there is no way that I am spending hours reading a book about characters being possessed by demons, or angry spirits hiding in your closet, or baby face dolls who are looking one direction and then in a completely different direction the next time you go and dust them. (My brother and I finally convinced my mom a few months ago to get rid of the choir of creepy porcelain dolls that were positioned under our TV, but one still remains). I will read eerie books like The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff or dark and tense books like This is Not a Test by Courtney Summers and I will even consider reading books like Possess by Gretchen McNeil, The Graveyard Queen: The Restorer by Amanda Stevens and The Devourer by Simon Holt, but I won’t read them because every time a horror movie trailer pops up on my TV I am reminded that I am a big bowl of marshmallow puff and I will constantly remind my friend that paranormal does not automatically = horror.

Bonus question! Just for fun – have you ever dressed as a literary character for Halloween? Brave enough to show a photo if you have one?

No, but I did try to dress up as a winter faery from Melissa Marr’s Wicked Lovely series for a Faery Costume Ball at RT, the costume wasn’t what I imagined but if you want to see a picture visit Scribing Shadows.

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Do u agree?

In time we lose
In love we lose
In life we lose

In yourself only you can win
In yourself there is belief
In yourself there is love

In others there is loss
In others there is only them

Where is your belief,
In others or in yourself?
In losing or winning?
In being lonely or being loving?

What will you choose?

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Book Blogger Confessions #19: I covet your comments!

Book Blogger Confessions is a new bi-weekly meme hosted by Karen @ For What it's Worth Reviews and Midnyte Reader. It was formerly co-hosted by Tiger @ All Consuming Books

Do you have a bad case of blogger envy? Do you covet thy neighbour bloggers book hauls/follower numbers/blog design? How do you tamp down the green eyed monster?

Hmm sometimes I do, not usually with book hauls because honestly I don’t have time to read the books I have let alone keep up with weekly book goodies. I do covet the amount of comments other bloggers get on their posts though. I look at their post and wonder what they are doing that are garnering so much response and wonder what it is I can do to improve my post:comment ratio. I think follower count is related to comment count but also the amount of quality and interesting posts a blogger does and of course the amount of time they spend promoting their blog and socialising with their followers and other bloggers so I suppose that’s my way of tamping down on my blogger envy - focusing on how I can improve instead of how much “better” I think other bloggers are. Oh blog designs too! Not so much an overall design but little features a blogger has in their template like drop down menus! I really, really want a drop down menu but I don’t know how to make them or customize them or add them to my template, this makes me sad some times because I know it’s possible I just don’t know where to start.

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Book Blogger Confessions #18

Book Blogger Confessions is a new bi-weekly meme hosted by Karen @ For What it's Worth Reviews and Midnyte Reader. It was formerly co-hosted by Tiger @ All Consuming Books

Are there blogs you visit and comment on because you like their style, voice etc.(maybe you even converse with the blogger on Twitter & Facebook) but those comments are never reciprocated on your blog?. Do you get a bit offended or do you understand that they may be busy? Or do you comment just because you like a post not expecting anything in return?

There are about 3 blogs where I visit and leave comments and the bloggers reciprocate by visiting my blog and commenting but beyond those three I don’t expect other bloggers I visit and give comments to also come back and visit me and leave a comment. 1. Because the blogs I usually comment or follow are rather large and they get at least 10 comments per post and I know it would be extremely time consuming for them to visit every blogger who leaves a comment on their blog, so I don’t expect them to visit and don’t feel “hurt” if they don’t. 2. I just don’t have that kind of relationship with them probably because I don’t visit them often enough to establish that sort of connection. On the other hand there is one particular blog I visit and comment on regularly though that I don’t even get replies to my comments on the blog itself which at first had me feeling indignant and thinking (I am going through all the trouble to read your post and leave a meaningful comment and you can’t even reply?) Because well it’s not like the post had a large amount of comments but after a while I notice the poster doesn’t reply to any comments, which I find to be a bit odd but I no longer take non-replies personally :P.

Do you comment just because you like a post not expecting anything in return?
This is me most of the time – commenting just because I like the post but I do leave a link under my name like a sort of signature just because it doesn’t hurt to give the poster a little incentive to visit your blog xD. The only times I comment expecting something in return is on posts like Blog Hop, Follow Friday and Waiting on Wednesday when visiting other people’s blogs and commenting is a part of the meme.

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Book Blogger Confessions #17: Following

Book Blogger Confessions is a new bi-weekly meme hosted by Karen @ For What it's Worth Reviews and Midnyte Reader. It was formerly co-hosted by Tiger @ All Consuming Books

How do you follow blogs? Do you use Google Reader? Are you on an e-mail list? Are you more apt to follow people who have less followers? Would you follow a blog to enter a contest? What makes you unfollow a blog?

How do you follow blogs? Do you use Google Reader?
I use google reader and on a much lesser note Bloglovin. Google reader because I use blogger and it’s just super easy for me to scroll through my dashboard and check updates from blogs for the day. Bloglovin is for the blogs I find the most interesting and who I want to keep up to date with so I get a daily digest of the blogs’ latest updates right in my email inbox.

Are you on an e-mail list?
 I am only on email lists for a couple of author blogs.

Are you more apt to follow people who have less followers?
Mostly I follow who ever I find interesting but when it comes to memes like follow Friday I do tend to focus on following blogs who have a small or smaller number of followers because it indicates to me that they are new and I remember being a new blogger.

Would you follow a blog to enter a contest?
I have followed blogs as part of entering giveaways, I have also become twitter followers of bloggers to enter their giveaways but I draw the line at email subscriptions just because I am terrible at consistently checking my email and the updates would pile up in my inbox. After saying that I wish there was a way you could customize your subscriptions so followers could have the option of getting bulk updates once a week instead of every time an update happens because I have people who have subscribed to my blog by email and I sometimes update two or three times in one day and I could imagine what their inbox must look like.

What makes you unfollow a blog?
I have a rule, if you haven’t left a message to your followers saying that you are taking a break and have not updated in 3 months I unfollow you, because what’s the point of following a blogger that is no longer maintaining their blog? If the majority of your posts are giveaways/contests or memes I unfollow you. Seeing nothing but giveaways/contests on a blog makes me think of spam, seeing nothing but memes on a blog gives me the impression that the blogger has nothing individualistic or personal to contribute. I haven’t had to do this for blogs yet but I have unfriended/unfollowed at least two people on goodreads because their updates were hate-filled, flaming rants that they have written or they have liked and I didn’t feel comfortable being associated with someone that is so mean.

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Book Review: I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella

I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella
I've lost it. The only thing in the world I wasn't supposed to lose. My engagement ring. It's been in Magnus's family for three generations. And now, the very same day his parents are coming, I've lost it. The very same day. Do not hyperventilate, Poppy. Stay positive!!

Poppy Wyatt has never felt luckier. She is about to marry the ideal man, Magnus Tavish, but in one afternoon her 'happy ever after' begins to fall apart. Not only has she lost her engagement ring but in the panic that followed, she has now lost her phone. As she paces shakily round the hotel foyer she spots an abandoned phone in a bin. Finders keepers! Now she can leave a number for the hotel to contact her when they find her ring. Perfect!

Well, perfect except the phone's owner, businessman Sam Roxton doesn't agree. He wants his phone back and doesn't appreciate Poppy reading all his messages and wading into his personal life.

What ensues is a hilarious and unpredictable turn of events as Poppy and Sam increasingly upend each other's lives through emails and text messages. As Poppy juggles wedding preparations, mysterious phone calls and hiding her left hand from Magnus and his parents... she soon realises that she is in for the biggest surprise of her life.

In Sophie Kinsella’s latest standalone novel I’ve Got Your Number the heroine Poppy Wyatt has lost her engagement ring and not just any ring, it is Magnus’ (her fiancé) great grandmother’s emerald engagement ring, a ring so valuable that Magnus had to go into a vault and retrieve the ring before proposing to Poppy. And now Poppy has lost it, on the day she is supposed to see Magnus’ parents for the first time after getting engaged. It would be an understatement to say that Poppy is panicking and of course things get worse after Poppy loses the one way anyone who has found the ring to contact her (her cell phone) so what does she do? She steals a phone or well saves a phone since the item in question was taken from the trash. Who cares if it’s a company phone and that the person calling it (Sam Roxton) demands that she returns it (turns out the phone belonged to his personal assistant), Poppy NEEDS it and she’ll return it as soon as she gets her ring back. In fact she even offers to substitute as Sam’s PA until this whole mess is over. Oh the trouble this girl gets herself into.

In I’ve Got Your Number Poppy Wyatt is a people pleasing physiotherapist about to be married into a family of over achieving geniuses. Sam Roxton is a high level executive who isn’t big on socialising or writing messages that are more than a sentence long and by a series of unexpected events they both get tangled up in each other’s lives. Initially both Poppy and Sam clash as they are both very different personalities and neither can really understand the other but they both also have what the other needs and in the end really help one another to realize their faults and their strengths.

Ever since I read the humorous Can You Keep A Secret a few years ago I have been a fan of Sophie Kinsella's standalone books. They are what you want to read if you need something funny and cute to put you in a good mood, the novel equivalent of a romantic comedy. This book was both a light and quick read and the heroine, like all Sophie Kinsella heroine's, is a likeable character who after getting herself in to a few ridiculous situations realizes how strong, smart and capable she really is. Some people may dismiss books like these as pure fluff but I just desperately want to read the next book this author writes.

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Book Review: Hammered by Kevin Hearne

Hammered by Kevin Hearne
Thor, the Norse god of thunder, is worse than a blowhard and a bully—he’s ruined countless lives and killed scores of innocents. After centuries, Viking vampire Leif Helgarson is ready to get his vengeance, and he’s asked his friend Atticus O’Sullivan, the last of the Druids, to help take down this Norse nightmare.

One survival strategy has worked for Atticus for more than two thousand years: stay away from the guy with the lightning bolts. But things are heating up in Atticus’s home base of Tempe, Arizona. There’s a vampire turf war brewing, and Russian demon hunters who call themselves the Hammers of God are running rampant. Despite multiple warnings and portents of dire consequences, Atticus and Leif journey to the Norse plain of Asgard, where they team up with a werewolf, a sorcerer, and an army of frost giants for an epic showdown against vicious Valkyries, angry gods, and the hammer-wielding Thunder Thug himself.

By the end of Hexed, the second book in the Iron Druid Chronicles, Atticus had made two deals and was in debt to two very powerful people. The first, an Indian witch named Lashka who in turn for helping Atticus kill a dozen bacchants requested that he steal for her an immortal youth-inducing Golden Apple. The second person was Atticus’ long-time friend and lawyer Leif Helgarson a Nordic-vampire who in exchange for helping Atticus take down a coven of evil witches and demons would require Atticus’ help in killing Thor, the Norse God of Thunder. Both favours require Atticus to travel between planes and to the world of Asgard; both favours also put Atticus in a lot of trouble.

Atticus does not want to go to Asgard, he does not want to make his existence more known to those that might want to smite him or put the ones he loves in danger but he gave his word and despite receiving two warnings from two gods of two different religions he is still going to go ahead with his quest, a quest that he might not walk away from. Hammered definitely had a different feel to it than the first two books in this series. It was still a fun and humorous read but there was also a more serious tone interspersed throughout the narrative as well as an obvious hint that things were about to change forever and not necessarily for the best.

I enjoyed this third volume but not as much as its predecessors. Although there was interesting back stories revealed on not only Atticus but Granuille (Atticus’ apprentice), his friend Leif, and Gunnar, the Alpha werewolf of the Tempe pack, there were also stories shown about other characters that were introduced for the first time in the novel that I wasn’t too interested. It was my least favourite part of the novel and wished would have been done differently or cut down shorter. Still, if you are a fan of the series this is definitely not an instalment you should skip; many changes take place in this volume as well as hints of things to come. I believe this book was not only the end of an ARC but a set-up to the next one.

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The Infernal Devices, volume 1 manga COVER

Not sure if this is well known already but I just saw this on the YenPress website and had to share.

A prequel to Cassandra Clare’s Mortal Instruments series, The Infernal Devices is the story of Tessa Gray, a sixteen-year-old American girl traveling alone to Victorian London who runs afoul of the city’s sordid supernatural underworld. Rescued by the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, Tessa quickly finds herself caught up in an intrigue that may very well destroy her new friends – including the two enigmatic young men, Jem and Will, who have taken her under their wing…

Dark hair and brilliant blue eyes hmm I wonder, could this be Will? I was surprised to see this image as the cover because below is a cover of an issue of YenPlus magazine that also has Will on the cover, and usually the cover shown on an issue YenPlus turns out to be the cover for the next upcoming volume in a a series.

Maybe the powers that be finally realized the position of the sword could be sending off the wrong sort of message ;).

What do you think of the cover? Prefer it to the image on the magazine or not?

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Movie Review: Abraham Lincoln:Vampire Hunter

Production Company: Abraham Productions/Bazelevs Production/Tim Burton Productions
Director: Timur Bekmambetov
Writers:Seth Grahame-Smith (screenplay/novel)
Main Stars: Benjamin Walker, Rufus Sewell and Dominic Cooper

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, discovers vampires are planning to take over the United States. He makes it his mission to eliminate them.

Once again, I have only glimpsed the trailer for this movie and was not sure what to expect. Somehow I just could not wrap my head around the thought of the once President of the United States being a vampire hunter. It just looked like a good movie and Reeshe and Sandy were hyped to see it, being vampire buffs.

The base of the story revolves around a young Abe vowing to kill the man he witnessed kill his mother. Later coming to finding the man he finally got up the nerve to kill could not be killed because he is a vampire.

Abe meets up with Henry who tells him he is a vampire hunter. Henry promises Abe that he will have his revenge, but first he must become a vampire hit man for him. He must have no friends and no family, and be ready when he tells him. There is not much more I can say without spoilers, but I must say there is an interesting twist.

There is plenty of action which is slowed down like in Sherlock Holmes, to allow you to see the blow by blow. It is also very interesting the way they incorporate some of the historical facts of his political life into the movie, like the battle of Gettysburg.

We highly recommend you go see this movie and hope that this review, though short will want you to go and check it out for yourselves.

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Movie Review: The Dark Knight Rises

In the aftermath of the recent tragedy in Colorado, we decided to still go see this movie. It is so sad that there are people in this world who prey on innocent victims in there moments of insanity. Our blessing go out to those have lost loved ones, hurt or suffered any traumatic damage in this incident.

Production Company: Warner Bros. Pictures/DC Entertainment
Director: Christopher Nolan
Writers: Jonathan Nolan, Christopher Nolan, David S. Goyer, and Bob Kane
Main Stars: Christian Bale, Tom Hardy and Anne Hathaway

Eight years on, a new terrorist leader, Bane, overwhelms Gotham's finest, and the Dark Knight resurfaces to protect a city that has branded him an enemy.

I think we all agreed that this movie was well worth the wait. Somehow I expected more with all the hype. But I guess I should have watched the trailer before. Reeshe and Sandy know a lot more about the character of Bain so it was more to their expectations.

I was never much a fan of Christian Bale as Batman fan; I must say he did a really good job. In this movie you see a more emotional side of the Dark Knight, as he struggles with his inner turmoil dealing with his lost love and choosing to protect his beloved Gotham City.

Anne Hathaway as the catwoman/burglar I thought was no Hallie Berry or Michelle Phiffer, but she did a wonderful job. The chemistry between her as Selina Kyle and Bruce Wayne was spectacular...and she sure can handle the bike! Her quirky personality is always a plus too.

My favourite casting was Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who plays Detective Blake. I think he has really come a long way from his role as an alien in the popular 90s TV show Third Rock from the Sun. We can look forward to seeing big rolls from him in the near future.

Although I think this movie could have had a bit more action, we all greatly enjoyed the story and of course seeing all the new bat gadgets.

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Book Blogger Confessions #15

Book Blogger Confessions is a new bi-weekly meme hosted by Tiger @ All Consuming Books and Karen @ For What it's Worth Reviews.

Making money off your blog: There was a recent controversy about bloggers charging authors for reviews (You can read about it here) which leads to this week's question:
Almost all of us blog as a hobby in our spare time, usually for free but is there anything wrong with making money off your blog?

Should bloggers charge for reviews?
What about advertising on a blog?
When a blogger does allow book related advertising does it turn you off? Make you wonder about the honesty of their reviews?

Do you have a problem with purchase links (Amazon for example) that earn a blogger a small commission if a person purchases a book through that link?

I suppose it depends on how you are making money off your blog. Some ways I am more comfortable with than others. Like with affiliate links, I am ok with this because the money a person gets through the affiliates link doesn’t cost the buyer any extra, so it’s a win/win for both blogger and buyer. Advertisements is a sort of grey area with me, now the blogger is receiving payment directly to advertise an author’s/publisher’s books and other things so they aren’t just a book blog but are now leaning towards becoming a marketing site. However, advertising alone isn’t too much of concern for me but if a blogger also reviews a book they are advertising then I can’t trust their review because how can they give a negative review to a book they are being paid to promote? This also applies to being paid for reviews, I don’t think book bloggers should charge for reviews, how can their followers trust what they are saying when they have been paid for their opinion?

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Book Review: Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry
"I won't tell anyone, Echo. I promise." Noah tucked a curl behind my ear. It had been so long since someone touched me like he did. Why did it have to be Noah Hutchins? His dark brown eyes shifted to my covered arms. "You didn't do that-did you? It was done to you?" No one ever asked that question. They stared. They whispered. They laughed. But they never asked.

So wrong for each other...and yet so right.

No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with "freaky" scars on her arms. Even Echo can't remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal. But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo's world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible.Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she'll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again.

I wasn’t too interested in Pushing the Limits, one I don’t read much contemporary fiction and two the cover kind of screams romance but I got the ARC at BEA and so much people who had read advanced copies were giving Pushing the Limits positives reviews, including one of my favourite authors so I decided to give it a shot. This novel is so much more than a romance.

Told from alternating points of view Pushing the Limits is about Echo, who ever since an attack she can’t remember that left her arm permanently scarred is trying not only to remember what happened to her so she can move on but is also trying to deal with the grief of losing her brother Aires who died overseas on deployment. It’s about Noah, who after a fire kills his parents has been shipped from one foster home to another and only wants to be reunited with his little brothers again. It’s about two people struggling with overwhelming issues trying to find hope and happiness.

Pushing the Limits was both a deep and compelling read that had me glued to the pages and desperate to find out how the story ends. Katie McGarry knows how to create realistic characters and she knows how to get me to care about them. Both Noah and Echo are the reasons I did not want to put this book down, not only did I want to find out how their individual stories pan out but I wanted to see their relationship through and to find out what would become of it. Echo is a girl who was betrayed be someone she should have been able to trust above everyone else and because of the aftermath she hides herself from the world and has become a shadow of her former self. Noah is the result of the failings of the Foster Care system, there is barely anyone he will trust and he is both hurt and angry. It took me a while to like Noah; I could sympathize with him sure but because of his reputation for doing drugs and sleeping around with girls it wasn’t until about one hundred pages in that I started liking him as a character but I eventually did and in the end he was the character that had me crying and wanting to comfort.

Pushing the Limits is not a fluffy light read but nor will it bog you down and fill you with angst. Pushing the Limits is both real and hopeful and a stand out début.

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Winners: Lazy Days of Summer Giveaway Hop

Thank-you to everyone who entered the giveaway and became new followers! It really means a lot to us ^_^. The winners of a a hard cover copy of Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson and Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick are:

Krista and Sophia Rose

 

Both winners will be contacted through email but if either do not respond within 48 hours a new winner will be chosen.

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Out this Weekend - Total Recall and The Watch

So there might be a storm heading by here Monday which means this weekend I will be shopping for a few things like water, batteries, canned foods and plastic tubs to keep my books safe because my house may be safe from flooding but not leaks if the shingles decide to go. Enough with storm talk though, it's not here yet and this weekend we have a couple a good mood movies to see.

The team is seeing this one tonight. Kitten and I just picked up tickets during lunch time. This looks like it could either be really fun and great or just bad, lets hope it's the former.

This is my first time seeing the trailer for this but Kitten says it's look like it's going to be funny and it has a few well known comedy actors. The plan is to see this one tomorrow.

Last weekend the team watched both The Dark Knight Rises (awesome movie) and Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (very entertaining). Check back this weekend for reviews by Kitten on both movies.

What movie would you like to see this weekend?

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Feature Fiction - Drowning Instinct by Isla J. Bick

Ever stumble across a book that you instantly love? You've only seen the description and the cover but you already want to share the book with everyone you know? It doesn't happen often but it does happen so I thought I would create a little feature to showcase the books that make me want to share them with the world even if I haven't read them yet.

Publisher: Lerner Books/Carolrhoda Books | Author: Isla J. Bick | Release Date: January 28th 2012

There are stories where the girl gets her prince, and they live happily ever after. (This is not one of those stories.)

Jenna Lord's first sixteen years were not exactly a fairy tale. Her father is a controlling psycho and her mother is a drunk. She used to count on her older brother—until he shipped off to Iraq. And then, of course, there was the time she almost died in a fire.

There are stories where the monster gets the girl, and everyone cries for his innocent victim. (This is not one of those stories either.)

Mitch Anderson is many things: A dedicated teacher and coach. A caring husband. A man with a certain...magnetism.

And there are stories where it's hard to be sure who's a prince and who's a monster, who is a victim and who should live happily ever after. (These are the most interesting stories of all.)

Drowning Instinct is a novel of pain, deception, desperation, and love against the odds—and the rules.

Why Feature It?

I haven't read this one yet so I don't know if I will personally like it but I have read reviews and blurbs and it just SOUNDS like it's going to be one of those books that will stick with you for a very long time. It also sounds like the kind of book I would stay away from, in fact if you look at my Scribing Shadows' Review Policy I will not accept books about continued abuse of any kind and I don't have this in my policy but I also do not read or watch anything about student/teacher relationships (Vampire Academy was an exception) and the synopsis for this book hints that there might be some student/teacher stuff going on but this just SOUNDS so good that I am going to ignore my rules and give it a shot. Hopefully this decision won't bite me in the butt.

Blurbs About the Book

"...a compelling study of brokenness that persists across generations and of salvation by unconventional means."
--A RECOMMENDED READ, Bulletin for the Center for Children's Books
"Bick ...writes about dysfunction with a professional's insight."
--Booklist
"Bick's deft handling of a controversial subject will have readers waiting to see what she writes next."
--StreetInsider.com
"DROWNING INSTINCT builds and builds ... while there are many monsters in the story, some are more monstrous than others."
--Examiner.com
"...takes hold of you and doesn't let you go until the very last page."
--Ashley Perez, author of The Knife and the Butterfly
"Intense, suspenseful, passionate...Insanely good."
--Xpresso Reads

About the Author

Ilsa J. Bick is a child psychiatrist, as well as a film scholar, surgeon wannabe, former Air Force major, and an award-winning, best-selling author of short stories, e-books, and novels. She has written extensively in the Star Trek, Battletech, Mechwarrior: Dark Age, and Shadowrun universes. Her original stories have been featured in numerous anthologies, magazines and online venues. Ilsa's YA paranormal, Draw the Dark, was also a semifinalist for the 2009 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award (as Stalag Winter). Ilsa currently lives with her family and other furry creatures in rural Wisconsin and across the street from the local Hebrew cemetery. One thing she loves about the neighbors: They're very quiet and come around for sugar only once in a blue moon.

Do you have a book that you haven't read yet, but want to share with everyone?

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Out this Weekend - The Dark Knight Rises and Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

Last week there were no new movie releases besides Savages which seems interesting sure but not enough to spend a $12 ticket on, that's $14.29 in US. I'll rent it when it comes out on DVD. However, this week there are TWO new movies that everyone on WildFire are eager to watch. The Dark Knight Rises which was released last Friday in the states and Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, which came out who knows when. My brother and sister will of course be coming along to the movies with us but my brother isn't seeing Abe kill any vampires because you know it's rated R.

I am sure everyone who enjoyed The Dark Knight has been waiting anxiously for this one. I have read reviews from people who loved it as much as The Dark Knight and reviews by others who have not. I just hope I love it.

I thought it sounded like a weird book when I first heard the title but then I saw the trailer and it actually looks like it could be awesome. I don't know what the general reaction is for this one but with all movies I go and see I hope I love it.

What movie do you want to see this weekend? What was the last movie you saw?

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Giveaway: Lazy Days of Summer Hop

This Giveaway is now closed

The WildFire Writing team are continuing our futile effort to clear out our shelves so here is another giveaway.

Lazy Days of Summer Giveaway Hop
July 27th to August 1st

Hosted by Colorimety
&
I Am A Reader, Not A Writer

PRIZE
1 Hardcover copy of Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
1 Hardcover copy of Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick

2 Winners, 1 book each.



RILES
1. You must be 14 years old or older.
2. You must have a US shipping address as this giveaway is only opened to the US.

TO ENTER FILL OUT FORM HERE

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Book Review: Hexed by Kevin Hearne

Atticus O’Sullivan, last of the Druids, doesn’t care much for witches. Still, he’s about to make nice with the local coven by signing a mutually beneficial nonaggression treaty—when suddenly the witch population in modern-day Tempe, Arizona, quadruples overnight. And the new girls are not just bad, they’re badasses with a dark history on the German side of World War II.

With a fallen angel feasting on local high school students, a horde of Bacchants blowing in from Vegas with their special brand of deadly decadence, and a dangerously sexy Celtic goddess of fire vying for his attention, Atticus is having trouble scheduling the witch hunt. But aided by his magical sword, his neighbor’s rocket-propelled grenade launcher, and his vampire attorney, Atticus is ready to sweep the town and show the witchy women they picked the wrong Druid to hex.

After defeating a hateful Irish god of love, taking on a coven of wicked witches, and losing his right ear to a demon I think it’s appropriate to say that Atticus O’Sullivan deserves a break. But not everyone gets what they deserve and unfortunately the last thing our witty protagonist catches in this second installment of the The Iron Druid Chronicles is a break. Before Atticus can sign a mutual non-aggression agreement with the local Tempe coven of Polish witches, he’s magically attacked by a new resident of witches who don’t like to share. Well those ladies picked the wrong Druid to piss off, ok he’s the only Druid but that’s be sides the point, the point being that Atticus may not like to pick fights but he sure as hell is going to finish them.

If I thought the first book in this series had action then Hexed definitely doubles the ante, not only does Atticus have badass witches to deal with but he also has a ravenous fallen angel buffeting at the local high school (a consequence of Hounded) and a troupe of Bacchants looking to have a good time, unfortunately these ladies’ parties tend to destroy lives. Not only this, but Atticus’ longtime acquaintance the Morrigan is back and although she’s technically not against Atticus she’s also not against dropping trouble at his door. You think with all this going on the book would feel a tad convoluted but the way Kevin Hearne lays out the plot and subplots I could easily keep track of each storyline and had the thought, while reading, that this series would make a fantastic graphic novel series with maybe two or three volumes per novel.

Getting back on track though, besides the action keeping the pace of this book quick and the story entertaining I have to say that the characters are my favourite part. Many old favourites return from Hounded like Granuaile (brilliant druid apprentice) and Oberon (hilarious Irish wolfhound). Along with a few new comers who make brief appearances like Coyote and others who might be coming back in later books to cause Atticus some unwanted trouble, think hunters of all things “evil”.

In conclusion, this book is just fun, the author obviously does his research and it pays off in the world building and his writing is laced with humour and the story is carried by great characters. If you’re looking for a book that is different from the usual stack of urban fantasies then give this series a shot.

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Book Blogger Confessions #14

Book Blogger Confessions is a new bi-weekly meme hosted by Tiger @ All Consuming Books and Karen @ For What it's Worth Reviews.

What do we owe publishers and authors? If we accept ARC’s do we “owe” anything to them or just an honest review to our followers? As book bloggers are we obligated to do more than just review books? Post covers – participate in book tours – host guest posts - promote authors?

I say if a blogger accepted a free ARC for review all we are obligated to do is give an honest review, if we are able to complete the book. If you couldn’t finish the book then maybe you could pass it on to someone else who might enjoy it more than you do or write a post about the book that way you still get the word out there but I don’t think this should be required. I mean what if you hated the book so much you wanted to burn it? Then it’s probably not a book you even want to mention on your blog.

Most book bloggers do what we do for fun, we are not getting paid for our services or the time we spend on our blogs so I don’t think we a required to do anymore then review a book we’ve accepted for review. If a blogger wants to help promote an author and their book by participating in blog tours, hosting giveaways, etc then that is solely up to the blogger.

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The Great and Powerful Oz Movie Trailer

The release of the trailer was brought to my attention over at a GREAT read and I am excited ^_^. Although I am surprised that the trailer for this movie was released so early. I don't even think we would normally get a teaser at this time but here we are with a full and proper movie trailer!

Disney's fantastical adventure "Oz The Great and Powerful," directed by Sam Raimi, imagines the origins of L. Frank Baum's beloved character, the Wizard of Oz. When Oscar Diggs (James Franco), a small-time circus magician with dubious ethics, is hurled away from dusty Kansas to the vibrant Land of Oz, he thinks he's hit the jackpot--fame and fortune are his for the taking--that is until he meets three witches, Theodora (Mila Kunis), Evanora (Rachel Weisz) and Glinda (Michelle Williams), who are not convinced he is the great wizard everyone's been expecting. Reluctantly drawn into the epic problems facing the Land of Oz and its inhabitants, Oscar must find out who is good and who is evil before it is too late. Putting his magical arts to use through illusion, ingenuity--and even a bit of wizardry--Oscar transforms himself not only into the great and powerful Wizard of Oz but into a better man as well.

Release Date
March 8th 2013

So what do you think of Oz? Think it's going to be one of the top movies of 2013?

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Movie Review: The Amazing Spider-Man

Production Company: Columbia Pictures/Marvel Studios
Director: Marc Webb
Writers:James Vanderbilt, Alvin Sargent, Steve Kloves, James Vanderbilt, Stan Lee, and Steve Ditko
Main Stars: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone and Rhys Ifans

Peter Parker finds a clue that might help him understand why his parents disappeared when he was young. His path puts him on a collision course with Dr. Curt Connors, his father's former partner.

Peter Parker finds a clue that might help him understand why his parents disappeared when he was young. His path puts him on a collision course with Dr. Curt Connors, his father's former partner.
At first I was not sure I wanted to see this movie, because I thought it was just another remake of an already great string of movies. But I am glad I watched it, because it totally wasn't. Of course we decided like a lot of new movies, to watch it in 2D...since 3D here sucks! It is certainly not like Universal or Epcot. Maybe it‘s our screen or something...anyway back to the movie.

There is not much I can say about the movies without giving away spoilers. I will say this though, there was plenty of fast paced action and the storyline was done in a completely different way, which made the movie a standalone movie. Being a Spider-man fan I can't say I was disappointed at all...besides the whole him not being able to spin his own web thing which bothered the heck out of Reeshe :-).

I was not sure about the new guy; Andrew Garfield, I mean he is no Toby Maguire...he so skinny! But he pulled it off nicely, showing a more comical side to the character. Emma Stone also did a good job playing Gwen Stacy (the MJ of this movie). I actually liked her because she liked Peter from the beginning, not like the stuck up MJ.

The movie also has a new villain; "The Lizard", which I appreciated that they did not do the whole Green Goblin thing again...although this one was still green. Funny enough this one was not so scary, but still cool.

After a few movies we realize that sometime extras scenes show during or after the credits so we waited back a bit...looks like there might be a sequel brewing! :-)

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Cover Up #12: Clockwork Princess and More

Lots of pretty covers were revealed in the last few weeks and these are the ones I didn't see much talk of in the blogosphere except for Clockwork Princess of course, people are kind of going crazy over that cover reveal right now :).







I have a thing for bright colours and striking contrasts so of course Ravage and The Name of the Star stands out to me but I also really love Shards & Ashes because although the shades of colour are pretty subtle the red, greys, browns and white really stand out against each other and I love the beautiful image. Kitten says out of all the Infernal Devices covers, Clockwork Princess is her favourite and Reeshe says she likes The Stone Demon's cover more than The Iron Witch, the first book in the Iron Witch series.

Click on the covers to be taken to their goodreads pages.

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Movie Review: Rock of Ages

Production Company
New Line Cinema

Director
Adam Shankman

Writers
Justin Theroux, Chris D'Arienzo, Allan Loeb, Chris D'Arienzo

Main Stars
Diego Boneta, Julianne Hough, Tom Cruise

A small town girl and a city boy meet on the Sunset Strip, while pursuing their Hollywood dreams.

Firstly let me tell you that some of us were totally unaware that this was a musical lol. And it borders the line between PG-13 and R ratings, something we did not realize when we dragged Sandy's little 12 year old brother to watch it.

The movie is about a small town girl coming to find her dream of being a singer in Hollywood, a bartender and his band trying to make it as the next big rock-n-roll success, a couple of stuck in the 80s guys running a club to relive their glory days and of course the washed up Rock God (played by Tom Cruise) looking to rekindle his fire, by going solo.

If you are like me who grew up in the 80s or just like 80s rock, you will love this movie. I was singing along to every song. The producers did a wonderful job in fitting the songs perfectly with each situation.

It was an all around feel good movie, which I enjoyed greatly and would definitely recommend it, and get it on DVD.

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Book Series: Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Hex Hall is a part of our book club books for this month and I must admit it is one of the most exciting books I have read in a long time. At the very least, it wasn't what I expected.

This books was so fascinating that I couldn't put it down. I am try to go through this review without spoilers, but I know I probably can't. It was like looking through a telescope, but never being able to see the moon, until it drops on your head. I will tell you this, not everything or everyone should be trusted in this book and I learnt that the hard way. There are witch hunters called "The Eye"who not only hunt witches, but everything that is magical.
I couldn't put this down, it was so good I had to go out and buy the other 2 books right away.


Demon Glass was a book worth reading. There were so many secrets that came out in this book, that I couldn't believe these people could actually trust each other. This book was about a young women finding her way, and no matter how many mistakes she makes along the way, she finally saw that the people around her loved her. I am so in love with the main charterer Sophie; her soul and personality was great and also inspiring. Her heart was pure, but in all good books there is always a Love Triangle. Personally, I am all team Betrothed (you will understand when you read the book). Of course in this book she finds out her mother will keep secrets and also who are the bad guys.


In the 3rd book Spell Bound; Sophie learns to fight, but of course like all good, pure girls she doesn't want to kill, and that is a good thing. She also endangers lots of people, and even as she tries to save them all, she is forced to live through some things she never thought possible. There was a lot of loss in this book, which hurt me deeper than any of the other books.

Every one pulls together in this book, and of course through the twist and turns, you find out about a lot of things which no one will ever know. You will be able find out what is set in stone, and what is not.

I give each of these books

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Movie Review: Madea's Witness Protection

Production Company
Tyler Perry Company, The

Director
TYler Perry

Writers
TYler Perry, Mark Andrews, Steve Purcell, Irene Mecchi

Main Stars
TYler Perry, Eugene Levy, Denise Richards

A Wall Street investment banker who has been set up as the linchpin of his company's mob-backed Ponzi scheme is relocated with his family to Aunt Madea's southern home.

At first I thought this movie was going to be about Madea going into the Witness Protection Program, since I did not really watch the trailer. I just love Tyler Perry movies, so it did not really matter to me.

Turns out it is actually the opposite. Her nephew; a lawyer investigating a charity fraud case (played by Tyler Perry himself), asks her to hide his client and his family, who he believes is innocent, from the Mafia until he can testify.There's just one thing...they're white!

The movie was funny but there was something off about it. I thought this was not directed by Tyler Perry himself, because there were some flaws in the acting and camera shots, but then I found out he did direct it.

Madea was just not the same. The real Madea would not hesitate to lash out at an unruly child, but this one maintained control. Perhaps they are trying to change things up a bit, but I say "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!"

I would still commender to go see it, but a true Tyler Perry Madea fan will be a bit disappointed.

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Stumble Upon Songs #3

I haven't done this post in a while and that's because I'm not a big audiophile, you'll notice by now that most of my song choices come from book playlists or movie soundtracks. So I am open to all recommendations!

"9 Crimes" by Damien Rice

Discovered on Kathleen Peacock's blog this is one of the song's from the playlist of book 2 of the Hemlock trilogy. Werewolves people werewolves!

Gone by Ioanna Gika

From the official movie soundtrack of Snow White and the Huntsman. Go here to read my review.

Noble Maiden Fair (A Mhaighdean Bhan Uasal)

From the official movie soundtrack of Brave. Great movie, go here to read Kitten's review.

What are you currently listening to?

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Movie Review: Brave

I have been given the task of writing the movie reviews for the blog. Since I am not used to doing reviews, it may take me a little while to get the hang of it, and let me apologize now for being late. in my defence, all of these movies are still showing in the theater here in Cayman :-).

If you have already seen the movie, then I encourage you to please share your comments. If you have not, then I hope my review will help you decide it you do or do not want to see it...but please remember it is only my opinion, so watch the trailers first.

Production Company
Walt Disney Pictures/Pixar Animation Studio

Director
Mark Andrews
Brenda Chapman
Steve Purcell

Writers
Brenda Chapman, Mark Andrews, Steve Purcell, Irene Mecchi

Main Stars
Kelly Macdonald, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson
Determined to make her own path in life, Princess Merida defies a custom that brings chaos to her kingdom. Granted one wish, Merida must rely on her bravery and her archery skills to undo a beastly curse.

First off, I was very glad to see the new short from Pixar, which always come before their movies. This one was actually a bit more vocal terms of grunts, groans and what might have been Spanish?? None the less it is always a pleasure.

The story started off with Merida; a typical little tomboy just trying to be a kid having fun. Her father the king is very playful and childlike himself, encourages her. Her mother the queen on the other hand is trying her best to prepare her in being a lady, for the day she will one date rule the kingdom.

Then comes along her three little little brothers, who do their share in distracting her in their mother's teachings. They are always getting into mischief and trouble, while Merida and their father eggs them on, enjoying their childhood.

One day, Merida gets the news which she is totally oblivious to; all the first born from the surrounding clans will come forth to compete in a competition for her hand in marriage. She of course is upset about this and reluctantly sits in, picking the sport of Archery (her favourite) as the deciding factor.

All hell breaks loose when Merida herself steps in (as first born to her parents) to compete for her own hand, winning the competition by splitting the bullseye arrow down the middle with her own arrow. She is determined to have her way.

Her mother is furious and forbids her, but Merida runs off into the woods. She finds these mysterious glowing fairy like creatures called wisps and follows them even deeper into the woods. There she finds a mysterious cabin, and a wood carver/witch whom she begs to give her a spell to help her change the outcome of her destiny.

Despite the witches warning she uses the spell with devastating results. She has only two days to reverse the spell by mending the bond between her and her mother, while trying to protect her from danger.

This was a wonderful tale, and just goes to show, be careful what you wish for, because it might not be exactly what you hoped for.

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Out this Weekend - The Amazing Spiderman

My coworker may not like superhero movies but the team of WildFire Writing definitely do. We haven't discussed it yet but I think we're going to be buying our tickets today and seeing the movie tomorrow.

So...ignoring the little music at the end. What movie are you seeing this weekend?

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Manga Review: Chibi Vampire by Yuna Kagesake

Karin is a cute little girl who also happens to be a vampire...with a twist. Once a month, she experiences intense bleeding from her nose--we're talking gushers! In other words, she's a vamp with blood to spare, so rather than stealing blood from humans she actually gives her blood to them. If done right, this can be an extremely positive experience that benefits the "victim" as much as the vampire. The problem is that Karin never seems to do things right!

Chibi Vampire is a very interesting little manga. We decide to add this manga to our reading list because it sounded unique. After reading volume 1, I must say it does sound like some thing I would like to continue reading. It showed me a new way to look at vampires, and I liked it.

I must say, the only down fall to this manga is that it seems too short. When I finish reading it I felt like I was left with too many questions. I guess in a way it is good for the writer because now I have to read volume 2 hoping to get some answers.

This book is about a young girl who turns out to be a vampire; in fact her whole family are vampires. There are five of them, and all are different in there own way. They seem to be just like a regular family, most of the time. I hope you all enjoy this manga as much as I have... I don't want to spoil anything for you.

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Feature Fiction: Midnight City by J. Barton Mitchell

Ever stumble across a book that you instantly love? You've only seen the description and the cover but you already want to share the book with everyone you know? It doesn't happen often but it does happen so I thought I would create a little feature to showcase the books that make me want to share them with the world even if I haven't read them yet.

So this week during my daily perusal of my blogger dashboard for updates I checked out the Nerdette Reviews’ weekly Waiting on Wednesday post (meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine) and you know what lovely book she was featuring?

In a post-apocalyptic world controlled by alien invaders, two teens and a young girl with mysterious powers embark on a dangerous journey. What they find will change everything…

Earth has been conquered. An extraterrestrial race known as The Assembly has abducted the adult population, leaving the planet’s youth to fend for themselves. In this treacherous landscape, Holt, a bounty hunter, is transporting his prisoner Mira when they discover Zoey, a young girl with powerful abilities who could be the key to stopping The Assembly. As they make their way to the cavernous metropolis of Midnight City, the trio must contend with freedom fighters, mutants, otherworldly artifacts, pirates, feuding alien armies, and perhaps most perilous of all: Holt and Mira’s growing attraction to each other. Published by St. Martin’s Press.

As soon as I saw the cover I was in love and instantly had to share it with Reeshe and Kitten and then after I read the description of the book I quickly added it to my goodreads to-read list. Do you know what convinced Kitten she wanted to read the book before even reading the description?

Strangelands

Midnight City

Mantis Encounter

The author, J. Barton Mitchell, asked artist Evan Cagle to create these three illustrations depicting scenes from the novel. I actually saw the last one first and then located the first and second image. I say these drawings confirms what the description implies that this story is going to be grand, filled with science fiction goodness, and heart pounding moments.

Midnight City
releases October 30th 2012
from St. Martin Griffin

Do you have a book that you haven't read but want to share with everyone?

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