Top ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The broke and the bookish
This weeks list is:
Top Ten Books Whose Titles Or Covers Made Me Buy It
I don't usually add pictures but I think the theme this week needs them for illustration.
Hush, hush by Becca Fitzpatrick.
This one stood out a mile the day I walked into the bookshop for a browse, I was set on buying it before I even read what it was about.
Wood angel by Erin Bow (AKA Plain Kate)
Another one I found whilst having a browse through the bookshop for something new to buy.
The reapers are the Angels by Alden Bell.
This is a more recent purchase, I spotted it on my Amazon recommendations and the gorgeous hauting cover and interesting cover made me want to learn more.
Where Demons fear to tread by Stephenie Chong.
It was more the title that got me with this one, what kind of place would a demon be scared to go!?
Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini.
Wouldn't you! That orange/yellow colour stands out so much and I love pictures of lightening so the background is a big plus for me.
Die for me by Amy Plum.
The colour of this is gorgeous and I love the pattern to.
Blood and ice by Robert Masello.
This caught my eye because the cover is downright creepy! Even the descrption is creepy.
Eyes like stars by Lisa Manchev.
The artwork on this cover is so gorgeous I'd hang it as wall art, it's definitely the what attracted me to adding this one to my virtual basket.
Fallen by Lauren Kate.
I love how dark and gothic this is and I wanted to know why she was crying.
Knife by R.J. Anderson (AKA Faery rebels:Spell hunter)
I just loved the defiant little faery on this cover.
Amongst the wasteland lies the gleaming city of Karm. A Camelot-esque utopia built from the ashes of a dying world.
Seventeen-year-old Fallon is no daughter of Karm.
She's its assassin.
Raised by a secret society of rebels, she's bent on bringing down the king's sham of an existence. But her first mark, one of the king's top knights of ...moreAmongst the wasteland lies the gleaming city of Karm. A Camelot-esque utopia built from the ashes of a dying world.
Seventeen-year-old Fallon is no daughter of Karm.
She's its assassin.
Raised by a secret society of rebels, she's bent on bringing down the king's sham of an existence. But her first mark, one of the king's top knights of the Force, makes her question everything. Even her heart.
My review: 5/5
First off I have to say I adore the setting of this stories world, it's a way of living from the past set in the future - with technology! Ok, I should clarify a little here, King Hart has built a 'utopia' after the world has been ravaged by a virus, except King Hart is maybe a little crazy and has made his new world to resemble the days of Camelot and everyone must live like that, think knights, big dresses and phrases like 'Good sir,' except he's merged technology with his old way of living. It's nothing I've seen before and such a great idea, it's what gives this dystopia it's edge against others.
I admit, I don't usually have the patience for short stories, I like some 'story' to my story and a lot of short ones don't have a lot of time for that to happen, that's not the case with this, it's fast paced with action, romance and there's a lot of world building in a short space of time that really gave me a feel for the place the author has created.
Fallon is instantly likable, she has a mind of her own and will question what she doesn't understand and isn't in denial when she finds things aren't how she thought they were - and she does what needs to be done.
I also liked Xander, other than the fact that he sounds so handsome, (not hot because he's a gentleman) I can just see him in his uniform - ahem - He's charming and chivalrous and did I mention handsome?
This short novelette is the introduction to a forthcoming novel that I can't wait to read!
My thoughts on the cover:
It's to die for! I love it so much, I really love the auburn tones and the leaves surrounding the title. The girl, her dress and the castle fit the picture in my head really well, it's just gorgeous.
Favourite quote:
'Trust without question. Something, I didn't realize until now, I might have a difficult time with.' - Fallon
Warriors of the edge: The search for stone by Katie Bridges
Available now
What's it about?
Tarek Ortzen wants what any twelve-year-old kid wants, a day to himself so he can play games in his gaming booth. He gets his chance when he signs up for the role of Stone in the latest war game, Warriors of the Edge. He figures the game will help him escape the real world and its troubles. But after one day of nonstop play, Tarek wishes he'd never heard of Warriors of the.Tarek Ortzen wants what any twelve-year-old kid wants, a day to himself so he can play games in his gaming booth. He gets his chance when he signs up for the role of Stone in the latest war game, Warriors of the Edge. He figures the game will help him escape the real world and its troubles. But after one day of nonstop play, Tarek wishes he'd never heard of Warriors of the Edge. The game has brought nothing but trouble into his life.
When the game begins to blur the line between reality and fantasy, Tarek finds himself caught between those who believe in the game and those who oppose it. Is the game trying to warn him of danger or lead him into it? Tarek doesn't know who to believe.
As Tarek's home world faces the threat of destruction, he must determine whether the character he plays can make a difference in their real lives.
My review: 4/5
I originally saw a call-out for people interested in reviewing this book on Reads, reviews, recommends and decided to put my name down and I'm glad now that I did because I really enjoyed it.
In this book Earth has been made unliveable and humans now live on twelve man-made planets in different dimensions in a society much more technologically advanced than our own, something that would involve quite a lot of world building, right? The author does a great job of setting up the scenes and the world and doesn't confuse or bore the reader by spending a long time with descriptions and info dumps, I could really imagine this new world and what it would be like to live there.
I found all the characters likeable to, Tarek is a dreamer, more cut out for fast paced action rather than sitting in a class room and I really enjoyed his friendship with Masker. I found his sister Tustley to be really intriguing and think there will be more of her in the future which I'm looking forward to see.
I found the concept of the game to be really interesting to and how it bleeds into real life, distorting the lines of reality, no one quite knows how the game came to be and I know I'm desperate to find out more, whilst the story ended well there's still lots of mystery left to keep me interested and waiting for the next one.
It was an easy read that left me thinking about the future and what's in store for us.
My thoughts on the cover:
It took me a while to figure out the cover image, you really have to read the book to find out what it is but now I know I think it's a great insight into that particular desription. I do like this cover, it picks up the futuristic, sci-fi tone of the book.
Favourite quotes:
'Butterfly threw up her chin and crossed her arms as elegantly as she could, in order to convey that she was most displeased with Clueless in the politest way possible.'
'With summer passing into fall, Tarek was beginning to wonder if he'd ever find out what it meant to be Stone.'
Trying to work things out with Nash—her maybe boyfriend—is hard enough for Kaylee Cavanaugh. She can’t just pretend nothing happened. But “complicated” doesn’t even begin to describe their relationship when his ex-girlfriend transfers to their school, determined to take Nash back.
See, Sabine isn’t just an ordinary girl. She’s a mara, the living personification .Trying to work things out with Nash—her maybe boyfriend—is hard enough for Kaylee Cavanaugh. She can’t just pretend nothing happened. But “complicated” doesn’t even begin to describe their relationship when his ex-girlfriend transfers to their school, determined to take Nash back.
See, Sabine isn’t just an ordinary girl. She’s a mara, the living personification of a nightmare. She can read people’s fears—and craft them into nightmares while her victims sleep. Feeding from human fear is how she survives.
And Sabine isn’t above scaring Kaylee and the entire school to death to get whatever—and whoever—she wants.
My thoughts
I finished Unveiled already lol
This is the fourth book in the Soul screamers series, just in case you didn't know. I love this series, I love Rachel Vincent in fact so I'm so excited I got it for review, I can't wait to get stuck in, in a minute after I've written this! Book three didn't ended happily and I'm dying to know what happens next and, as with the other UK covers for this series, I'm totally in love with the cover! After I'll probably read the two free ebook novella type things for the series which I have on my Kindle :)
Amongst the wasteland lies the gleaming city of Karm. A Camelot-esque utopia built from the ashes of a dying world.
Seventeen-year-old Fallon is no daughter of Karm.
She's its assassin.
Raised by a secret society of rebels, she's bent on bringing down the king's sham of an existence. But her first mark, one of the king's top knights of the Force, makes her question everything. Even her heart.
My thoughts
It's been a while since I've done one of these posts because I keep forgetting until I'm halfway through a book and by then there's no point lol
Anyway, I'd not heard of this one until Donna from Book passion for life (She's becoming famous on here lol) asked if I was interested in reviewing it and passed on my details when I said yes.
It sounds so incredibly interesting and I love the sound of the setting, and Fallon sounds totally kick-ass!
Oh and would you look at that cover, stunning! It's only a novelette so I think I'll get through it pretty quick :)
Hold me, Thrill me and Entice me by Lucianne Rivers – These three were sent to me from Entangled publishing, I’ll be taking part in the blog tour next month. They’re another first since I never read steamy romance either lol
Gifted
The living image and Midnight reflections by P.M. Richter – Both from the author as a thank you for hosted her giveaway, you can check out her interview and enter the giveaway to win one of fifteen sets of her eBooks here.
- What was the inspiration that caused you to write?
My earliest memories are of my grandmother reading to me and my sister. I remember the feeling of accomplishment when I read my first novel, Heidi, by myself. Then there was no stopping me. I read everything I could get my hands on, and was considered a little strange. "Why don't you go out and play?" was the constant question when I was in the middle of The Wizard of Oz, or another fascinating novel.
- How do you begin a novel?
First, for me, comes The Incident. Something startling or unusual happens to a character. Then comes the character. How she/he reacts. And then the plot starts unfolding. I don't make an outline, but compile a list of questions. I have to answer the questions, about the characters and the plot. The questions focus me. Many times I'm surprised. My characters seem to take on a life of their own and do unexpected things. In his book, On Writing, Stephen King said, "If I'm not surprised by what happens in my story, my readers won't be either." I was relieved when I read his remark. I don't work with an outline.
- Do you like epublishing?
Very much. I had one novel traditionally published. There were dry reports that told sales statistics and nothing about or from readers. Now, when I write a novel there is reader feedback. Lots of it! Reviews. Emails. It's almost hard to get in writing time because being an Indie writer is time consuming. We do the writing, pick out the art work for the covers, oversee editing. There are lots of books available, so we do promotions - on our own blogs, and others, on forums, Facebook and Twitter. But the best part of it is that I've made friends who seem to love my books. That makes writing worthwhile. They go out of their way to help me in any way they can. I had help from one reader who took my novels and formatted them for Smashwords. I've had people who volunteered to be beta readers for my next book. I love my readers back!
- Why do Giveaways?
Many writers place ads on Blogs or Forums. Sometimes it's very expensive. Maybe someone will see the ad and buy the book. But for me, I'd rather give away books to people who are interested in reading them. As I stated before, I enjoy the feedback.
- What is your favorite genre?
I don't have one. As long as the book is well written and interesting, I'll read it. I currently have a romance, a paranormal and a thriller at Amazon, B&N and Smashwords. I have been asked for sequels, and have been thinking about doing one for The Necromancer, but I'm just finishing another thriller.
The Necromancer
Omar Satinov, the Necromancer, has become a secret, whispered legend across several continents. The lure is a mystical religion based upon Witchcraft; his hook, the 'natural' herbal products that addict his followers. But does he really have supernatural powers, as many of his disciples believe? Michelle perceived a kind of magic when she met Omar, dazzled by the handsome, charismatic, wealthy older man. Older men seem safer, less likely to become ardently aggressive in a bout of excess testosterone. Michelle was brutally attacked while on a business trip in Las Vegas. The police didn't believe her and thought she must have lured a man into her locked hotel room for a little sexual adventure, which went dangerously out of control. Michelle sustained visible scars from the terrifying and almost lethal attack, but pure fear motivated the move from her home in California to Hawaii. She was afraid her attacker would come back. Now she has a successful career and she figures abstinence is an acceptable, if lonely, way to live. Michelle decides that an affair with Omar might cure her of the humiliating, embarrassing, and uncontrollable anxiety attacks which plague her whenever she finds herself alone with a man. How is she to know that she picked the exact wrong man?
The living image
Sabrina Miller, a fashion designer living in Los Angeles, is stunned when she faces her own double. Her initial shock turns to terror when she learns that her duplicate was fabricated by a scientist. The situation becomes more grave when she finds that there are people intent on killing her to protect their new creat
Sabrina flees with the woman as the news about
...moreSabrina Miller, a fashion designer living in Los Angeles, is stunned when she faces her own double. Her initial shock turns to terror when she learns that her duplicate was fabricated by a scientist. The situation becomes more grave when she finds that there are people intent on killing her to protect their new creation.
Sabrina flees with the woman as the news about a potential new secret weapon for the Defense Department is leaked. An international race ensues to acquire the woman, a copy of Sabrina's brain and body, but dramatically changed through medical engineering
Though they may look alike, there are enormous differences that the people hunting them will kill to possess.
Midnight reflections
Julia's midnight reflections actually happened about four in the morning. She was far from home, lonely, watching a handsome man sleeping in her bed at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Robin, the handsome sleeping man, had put himself in terrible danger so she could solve a mystery. She had managed to rescue him, but now she was feeling guilty as hell. Julia was playing a dangerous undercover role herself, working to complete her late brother's manuscript for a famous movie producer, while trying to find out why her brother was murdered. The other mystery was who this man, Robin, really was. She feared he might be much more than the simple mechanic he proclaimed himself to be. Can she really trust him? Robin, while helping her in the investigation, actually is playing a role of his own, hiding his true identity, trying to win her heart. Together, Julia and Robin manage to uncover information so explosive they are forced to flee a furiously angry and influential politician, who rules an army of people willing to do anything to get in his good graces. Even murder.
_____________________________________________
Pam is very generously giving away 15 copies of each of her three ebooks to 15 lucky people!
Wednesdays worldly covers is a weekly feature where each week I share a cover from around the world.
But now it's also getting a bit of a face lift becasue I've decided to now starting doing UK vs US along with it every week. Lots of other blogs already do it, including a couple I follow Totally bookalicious and Book passion for life so I thought I'd join in on all the cover fun.
Basically it's comparing a UK cover and a US cover of the same book to see which we like best.
Also, you all know Ninfa who runs the page on Facebook with me, well she's going to be appearing a lot more on the blog from now on, in her own guest posts and we'll do these posts together.
This weeks wwc is Herzklopfen auf Französisch (palpitations in French) It's the German cover for Anna and the french kiss by Stephanie Perkins.
Mist:Isn't it cute! I really love the cheeseness of the heart shaped croissants and the pink polka dots, it's very girly.
Ninfa: I think this cover is adorable,really girly,fun and very pink,it also doesn't hurt that it has croissants on the cover,which are yummy and clearly a hint to the "French" in French Kissing ;) Thumbs up for me
And this here is the US cover (usually I show the UK one for comparison but it's not out over here!)
Mist: I like this one to, I like how the hands aren't quite touching, it makes you want to find out why. It's also very obvious where it's set with the Eiffle tower in the background lol
Ninfa: This cover with the Eiffel Tower is not for me...I find it a little tooo cliche' and a boring,there's nothing different or fun about it. not something I'd pick up in a book store,at least not me...
Mist: I love them both so much!! I love in the UK cover that the girl seems to floating and has that spark coming from her hand, it's so interesting and makes me want to know why, especially with that tag line. I also really love the light blue colour dotted around. But then I really like the pinky purple in the US cover and the light coming from her hand and the flower. Overall though I think I like the UK one the most.
Ninfa: For Touch of Power it has to be the UK cover. I don't like the girl in the US version,the whole things looks a little dated for me,like a '70s book cover or something,and the UK one reminds me of the covers for the "Study series" which I really loved,so It works better for me and it means the books will look great together in my bookshelves
From a young age and all through my teens, I was certain there were faeries, dragons and I had been born on the wrong planet or in the wrong time because I really wanted to be Mr Darcy’s wife or run off with a gorgeous Prince somewhere. Jane Austen is a favourite author of mine and Pride and Prejudice a classic read that I adore. Libraries, Bookstores and now Online Bookstores are my favourite place to be.
Since I was a fourteen, ideas of characters and new worlds began to evolve in my mind. The collection of notes, drawings, mind maps and characterizations all scribbled down frantically since I decided I would become an author. And I still do this in some form when creating new ideas. Writing is my passion and I can’t ignore it. It’s a fire in me that I unleash on my computer.
The inspiration behind Mad About the Boy came from my heart and love of romance, believing in moving on and loving again. The idea originated when I was completing a Diploma of Professional Romance Writing with the Australian College of Journalism. Some great writers that inspire me are Stephanie Laurens, Johanna Lindsey, Sophie Kinsella and Sandra Brown plus many more.
Writing isn’t easy, it’s an art form. Not everyone will connect with my art but many will. If in some way, my writing makes you laugh, cry, giggle or want to grab your loved one close and whisper sweet nothings – I’ve done my job in entertaining you. Every writer has a different voice, style in the way they present a story. For Mad About the Boy, the original script was dramatic and sad until my writer’s voice set free bringing out the fun as well.
Every author is different and for me, I am inspired and moved by music. Especially in certain scenes, I’ll replay a particular song until the chapter is done. For Mad About the Boy, I have a complete playlist that goes with the novel. But Dinah Washington’s soulful voice with the song Mad About the Boy was a definite inspiration. I see Julia and Christophe, swaying together when I hear this song. Another great inspiration for my novel was the great song I’ll Be Your Lover Too, by Van Morrison – this song always melts straight to my heart.
Every author has a journey and this is where I have landed so far. Mad About the Boy released as an Ebook available on Smashwords and the Paperback due for release on the 30th of October 2011, my 31st Birthday.
Working together with Cover artists, Web designers, Book trailer producers and networking with fellow twittering tweeters, Facebook friends and Book Bloggers like the lovely Mist, Nicole, Jenny and Ninfa is a whole heap of fun.
I hope Mad About the Boy brings you as much joy, laughter and there maybe a few tears when you read it because that’s what I did when I wrote it.
I love being a writer!
Mad about the boy Julia Mendoza is driven by the success of her business. Since her husband Carlos passed away at such a young age, her business By Design is her number one priority. In her late twenties she works too hard and doesn’t take time out for fun. Annoyance with a pesky ex-friend has her begging one of the local surfer’s with a cheeky smile in the grocery store to pretend he’s her boyfriend. Suddenly, life takes a sudden detour from her business plan; much to the delight of her boisterous Latin American family.
Christophe Augustine is groomed to take over his father’s successful chain of luxurious hotels. With a wealthy French-American background, Chris has been given privileges that not many have. He works hard, plays harder but seeks approval and recognition above all else. Family is a top priority for him as he fights for custody of his young brother. His parent’s divorce has not diminished his faith in romance. When a gorgeous Latino woman changes one boring morning into an interesting game of role play, though reluctant to help at first, he soon realises she’s not like the string of other women he’s known.
A romantic first date ending dramatically doesn’t stop Chris from wanting to know Julia more. And for Julia, she’s all for a bit of fun but when things get too serious she’s running the other way. Too alike, in some ways and complete opposites, in others ways, Julia and Chris fumble through fun moments, annoying confrontations, passionate times and heartbreaking revelations.
Love has no boundaries when soul-mates meet but when one is ready to love and the other one isn’t...
