Writer Wednesday

First review of the year. I wanted it to be a different book, but I've got plans for the week I do that one and I'm not quite ready yet.


So, I wanted to tell you all about this book and the author because the book is awesome and the author is one of my favorites.


I'm not doing a full on review because I've got some other things to talk about, but here it goes...


Through The Zombie Glass by Gena Showalter


4.5/5 Stars


This is book two in The White Rabbit Chronicles and I loved it more than the first. It takes a lot for me to really feel a book and get into a character. I can love them, hate them, envy them, etc, but to actually FEEL them, very rare. Alice, the main character in this book, made me feel. I felt for her, felt things she should feel, but couldn't. She needed to be strong in this story and couldn't let her emotions come through properly. It's okay though, I had those emotions for her. I wanted to cry when she needed to, yell when she should've, and open up to the people who cared most when fear for them and herself kept her closed off.


I've read many books from Showalter and every time I love them. Even when I don't love them love them, I still love them. I can't explain what it is exactly, but the worlds she takes me to are the best thing ever. I want to build a home there, or at least rent a room from one of the characters. In her angel series, I want to buy a cloud and meet a nice but ruthless angel to settle down with. In her Lords of the Underworld series, I want to live in their fortress and await a demon cursed warrior's attentions to find me. And in her White Rabbit Chronicles, I want to see into the spirit world, see the zombies, and fight them.


This is what an author should do, it's why I love reading and what I hope to one day achieve myself. I wanted to write this semi-review as a mash up of Mention Monday and Writer Wednesday. So, if you haven't read Showalter, I highly recommend checking her out. And if you have, you should check out the White Rabbit Chronicles. And if you've read her books and don't care for her, then, let's move on :P


I'm working out some details that will involve some giveaways. I'm not sure exactly what all I'll be giving away or when, but it will be soon. I'm mentioning it now, so you'll know to keep an eye out.


Also, I'm working on getting my Talk (To Me) Tuesday all planned out so that I can get some interviews going. I'm planning on more than just authors too, but I'll wait until details are smoothed a little better before I put it out there.


Other than that, I'm just editing and working on getting my stuff together to try submitting soon. I'll have another post soon. Until then, have an awesome day (or days) and I'll see you soon. :)

Weigh In Wednesday - Review: Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

Three Stars to Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

I read the first book of this series (The Nightshade series) and loved it. So, I was hoping to love this one as well. I did, though I was little unsure if I should really give it four stars or three. Not that it wasn't a great read, just that it wasn't what I expected exactly. (BTW: The cover I used is the first cover, there is a 'new' one and I don't like it, so I'm not using it.)

Cala is an Alpha, born from the Alpha couple that lead the Nightshades. This book picks up with her waking in the Academy for the Searchers. Searchers are magical people who hunt Guardians (which is what Cala is, it's the group of people who shift into wolf form) and Keepers. And how much of any of this makes sense if you haven't read the books? Probably not much, sorry. :/

I'm going to go on and spoil it now for anyone who wants...

Weigh In Wednesday - Review: Grasping At Eternity by Karen Hooper

FIVE Stars to Grasping At Eternity by Karen Amanda Hooper

O.M.G. Yes, this book is THAT good. When I first saw this book cover, I loved it. When I read Tangled Tides, I could not wait to read another book written by Karen Hooper. When I first got this book, I was torn between waiting to read it (because I just KNEW it would be awesome) and reading it (because I just KNEW it would be awesome). Then when I started reading it, I read as slow as possible. I read every word. I wanted to cherish every chapter. I kept stopping while I was reading because I didn't want it to end. But I went right back to reading because I HAD to know what was going to happen. I stayed up all night reading it because it was so so so good.

A book about love, soulmates, death, war (within self and an actual war of sorts that's going on), and remembering. It's about so much more than that, but I'm at a loss for what all to say. If you've ever read any of my reviews then you know, I really hate to spoil a book and I REALLY hate to spoil an AWESOME book. I know there are people who will review this book and tell you more. You will read that the MC is Maryah, a seventeen year old girl who's thrown into a situation that's hard to handle. You'll probably read about reincarnation and possibly even Elements. There will even be people who talk about Nathaniel and traverse. Maybe even astral travel.

The point is, yes I know that other places are going to say more about the book. That's fine, I'm not one to do that. I'm not even going to pretend to put spoilers because I just can't spoil any part of this book. The supernatural aspects are far from the 'typical,' The writing is good, the concept unique, and the plot fantastic.

This book is now my number one favorite of any book I've read in at least the past three or more years. I don't even know which awesome aspect made it number one, probably all of them put together. This book is fantastically fabulously awesome and you should go read it if you haven't. GREAT JOB Karen Hooper, can't wait for more books to come. :)

Happy Reading Everyone :)

Weigh In Wednesday - Review: Hard Bitten by Chloe Neill

Three Stars to Hard Bitten by Chloe Neill

This is book four in the Chicagoland Vampires series. I've read this series and enjoy it. If you haven't read the series and are interested, I suggest starting with book one (Some Girls Bite). It's a good vampire series that has unique aspects that don't apply to the typical vampire scene. No matter my star rating for this book, I love the series and will continue with it.

The reason for it only getting three stars is the fact that there were things that happened that really pissed me off. It's mainly because I've followed the series from the beginning and am attached to the world and how it works. When things that I'm used to are ruined/taken away/etc...it irks me.

Merit is a vampire in the Codogan House (in this book the vampires have 'houses' that they belong to. This would be another reason you should read it from book one.). This book is about someone extra vamping the vamps. There are vampires turning up all raged and pumped up to do some evil vampire things. Merit plans to stop them. And that is what this book is all about. Raged vamps causing chaos in Chicago and Merit being the one who needs to end it.

It's time for the spoilers and I know I didn't give you much to go on about this one, but feel free to click read more and I'll explain. BUT I warn you, my spoilers are going to give it ALL away, so if you think you may read the book, please do not read my spoilers.

Weigh In Wednesday- Review: Tangled Tides by Karen A Hooper

FIVE stars to Tangled Tides by Karen Amanda Hooper

And that's five in all caps because this book is AWESOME!!! It's the best book I've read this year and last. It was one hell of a page turner and I HATED when I had to put it down. I was pretty sure it'd be good when I read it, but it surpassed any feelings I could've come up with. I bow, humbly, to Karen Hooper for this book. She did an excellent job.

Yara is a seventeen, almost eighteen, year old girl who lives semi on her own and semi with her Uncle. In the midst of a Hurricane she's rescued and then thrown into a world she never imagined was real.

Here's the deal, and you all know what's up, it's time for SPOILERS. This is another one of those books that I SOOOOO don't want to spoil for anyone who hasn't read it. I should just leave it here and be done. However, I know some people like spoilers so if you MUST, then go ahead and click read more...but you really shouldn't.

Review: Zombie Whisperer by Caterina Torres

Four Starts to Zombie Whisperer by Caterina Torres


I've been reading the short stories on Caterina Torres' blog and I like them, so I expected to like this story. Aside from some typos here and there, it was a good read. There were times when the details bored me, but that's personal preference. (Anyone who knows me, knows I don't care for details at all.) It held my interest throughout and made me want to read and read. I hated when I had to stop reading to do other stuff. And that is what earned Zombie Whisperer four stars from me, it pulled me through to the end and I liked it.

Jane Smith wakes from a week of being sick with the flu to a world full of zombies. She finds her boyfriend and  they start to travel from the West coast to the East-heading for Jane's mother's house. As they drive, Jane realizes she can hear zombies in her head. As if that's not messed up enough, Jane and her boyfriend stop at a gas station and are captured by people who appear to be military. Things go from weird to weirder and plans begin to unfold.

Like usual, if you'd like spoilers (though I think you should just read it), click the read more button. And I really mean SPOILERS!!! So please, make sure that's really what you want before clicking to read more.

Review: Become by Ali Cross

Five Stars to BECOME by Ali Cross


This book was a (surprise) win from NiNoCon. When I entered the contest it was a Become swag pack, but the book (and is that not a fabulous cover!?!) wasn't a part of my win at first. Ali is one of the most awesome people I've met (on or off-line) and she's one of those authors that writes awesomeness and is still a sweetheart. That author you LOVE who you meet and you're like, wow-she's genuine and nice...real.

Needless to say, I was super excited to read it and it went beyond my expectations. Make sure you add this book to your TBR if you haven't, it's worth it. Check Ali out at her website, you can read her TAG! here, she's also a member of the Indelibles, and the Sensei at Ninjas Write. Check her out, she's AWESOME!!!

Desolation Black is a special kind of girl, being the daughter of Lucifer and having lived in Hell for most of her life. She's awkward and unsure and super likeable. As I went through page after page of this unique take on Angels vs Demons, I loved Desi more and more. Each time I had to put the book down was saddening because I just wanted to read, read, read.

This is another book I hate to give spoilers on, but if you realllllly want it, go ahead and click read more. Though I really think you should just go read it.

Review: The Hunger Games

3 stars to The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.


I talked a little bit about the book (here) on my week wrapped up. The book was hard getting into for me. I am a reader who doesn't care for details, and this book is FULL of them. After I got to about Chapter 6-I started getting into the story and by the time I finished, I was ready for book 2. For some that would make the star rating higher, but the fact that I skimmed SO much of the book, I can only give it 3. I do recommend it though.

Since I skimmed a lot and only have the story to talk about, my review will be full of spoilers. Go ahead and click on read more if you want the full review...

Review: Bound by C.K. Bryant

Five Stars (and hats off) to Bound by C.K. Bryant.

This is another book I won from the awesome NiNoCon. I won the ebook and read it in one day. It was THAT good. Nothing I had to do got in the way of my reading this book. I read it throughout the day and by the time I went to bed, it was over. Which was the saddest part-it was over. The sequel isn't even out yet...I'm so sad.

C.K. did an excellent job with this book. Kira's adventure will keep you intrigued from start to finish. There is not a dull moment in this one. I read every single word from start to finish, no skimming this one. It was one of THE BEST books I've read in a long time. I hate to sound this way, but I was happily surprised by how well written this story is.

This is usually where my spoilers would come in, but I hate to spoil it for anyone. Okay, okay, I'll do it...

IF YOU WANT SPOILERS, CLICK THE READ MORE BUTTON NOW

Review: Ashfall by Mike Mullin

Five Stars to Mike Mullin's Ashfall.

I won this book from NiNoCon (and yes, I am a Ninja). I was so surprised that I won. Once the shock of winning wore off, I was anxious to get the book and start reading. My schedule tends to be crazy, and it was hard to find time to read at first. As I got further into the book though, I read more and more.

This was a great story, that kept my interest the whole way through. From the beginning I connected with Alex and by the end I was ready for book two. A post apocalyptic type of novel, with enough twists and turns to keep me on my feet. Just when I thought I knew what was happening, or going to happen-something happened to prove me wrong.


NOW IT'S TIME FOR MY SPOILERS. STOP HERE IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE STORY.

To Do List: Review

This is more a weekly or biweekly or even monthly type of thing, but it's still on the to do (at least you should have it on your to do)

Review:


Yep, it's on there, and yep, I'm talking about reviewing that book you just read. I already talked to you about reading, so I know you're doing it, right? Yes, of course you are. Now, that book you just finished? Go review it somewhere. Even if all you do is go to Goodreads and mark it with five stars and write, "I loved it!" (Or 1 star and say, "I hated it!") There are several places you can go to review a book, and you don't have to write an excessive review. Just take the time to put your feelings about the book out there. Good or bad, reviews are important. So many people out there base what book they are going to read on what the reviews have to say about it. So many authors look for your reviews to find out how their audience feels about their writing.

How do you make the time for this in your to do? Well, since we all read at different paces, it's that much simpler. This is not a weekly to do, but it should be on your list regardless. Fit in a time to say something about each book you read. It's only going to take up five minutes max (well unless you feel like you need to write an excessive review-which is okay, it just may take more time.), and you can do it first chance you get after the book is done. My Goodreads and Amazon reviews typically take a total of five minutes to write both. Then, by my choice, I write a blog post about the book. Since I can schedule blogs to post when I choose, it's easy to make time to write up a review on my blog. Point is, authors need to have reviews for their books, and readers need to have the option to check out the reviews before they read the book.

Yes, another short and sweet one. Makes some of my other to do posts look way too long, but it's another easy thing to check off the to do list.

Happy Reviewing :)

Something Sunday

I wrote my first book review Sunday Feb. 5 on Calista Taylor's Viridis. It was exciting to talk about a book I read, and how much I loved it; to recommend a book to others; and most of all, to promote a fellow writer. I decided then, that the first Sunday of every month I will post a book review. My next review will be on  Sunday, March 4 over Ashfall by Mike Mullin. I have not finished the book just yet, but so far I'm enjoying it and can't wait to write that review as well.

This morning, I was thinking about my blog. Right now, I have a blog series happening every Monday and Wednesday where I focus on conquering the To Dos of a Writer's busy life. Every Tuesday and Friday is when I post my poetry (although I am thinking about opening it up to other writers as well. Where they could post a very short story or a poem-something like that). And as I stated above, the first Sunday of every month will be a book review. But that leaves the rest of the Sundays of the month, as well as Thursdays and Saturdays. I know I don't have to post every single day, but I want to, so.

I'm throwing around some ideas for Thursdays to be guest post day. Get some other writers and non writers to write up a post of their choice for my blog. I haven't gotten my idea for it all the way set, so it's not happening yet, but that's what I really would like. And for Saturday, I think I'm going to make a recap of my week sort of thing.

Now-what about Sundays that have nothing, right? Yes, that's right, those poor singled out all alone Sundays. Well, those days will be for recommending and promoting. I will talk about books, blogs, websites, and everything inbetween. I have tons of ideas for what I want to post. If you have anything you want me to recommend/promote or whatever: A book, blog, site-ANYTHING; leave a comment on this post, email me, Tweet me, find me however you want-Here's My Contact Info. (FYI if you have a book you'd like me to review, you can contact me for my book review Sunday as well)

My Something Sunday will kick off on Sunday, Feb 26. Come back and check it out. And don't forget to let me know if you have something specific you want me to talk about :)

Happy Sunday!

Review: Viridis by Calista Taylor

So, I just finished reading Viridis by the wonderful Calista Taylor and this is my review. I have reviewed books before, but I haven't ever done one on my blog. However, I really enjoyed this book so I thought I would use it to kick start a book review section on here.

Viridis by Calista Taylor


I give it 5 stars!

From the first pages to the last, Lady Phoebe pulled me in and held me close. I felt every emotion she did. In addition the other characters made me love them. I was dragged into their lives and loved every minute of it. From the happy moments, to the sad moments to the OMG that did not just happen moments. This book was well worth my time.

WARNING!! I AM GOING TO BRING UP SOME POINTS NOW THAT WILL BE SPOILERS. IF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW DETAILS OF THIS BOOK DO NOT KEEP READING.


If you are still interested then