Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan’s Hope – DK Publishing

Saturday, July 14th, 2012 by Marci

Oscar-nominated filmmaker Morgan Spurlock teams up with Joss Whedon and comic book legend Stan Lee to provide an insider look at the unique experience that is the San Diego Comic-Con. An annual four-day event that originally showcased comic books and science fiction, the convention has expanded over the years to include film, horror, anime, manga, animation and video games. The largest event of its kind in the world, Comic-Con is the quintessential center of pop culture today. From what Comic-Con is, what goes on, and how it became what it is today, this illustrated companion to the film offers an unprecedented look at this annual event.

Includes interviews with Frank Miller, Matt Groening,Kenneth Branagh, Ellen Page and Seth Rogan

Morgan Spurlock was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary for Super Size Me. He followed up with the well received Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden(2008), and produced three seasons of his acclaimed television series 30 Days. Spurlock also conceived, wrote, and directed The Simpsons’ 20th Anniversary Special in 3-D. His feature-length adaptation of the New York Times Bestseller Freakonomics was released in Fall 2010. He is also the author of Don’t Eat This Book!, based on his documentary Super Size Me.- Publishers Website

I have never been to one of these festivals, but by the looks of it from inside these pages, it would have to be one of those most fantastical places, albeit, for a week or two.

The fans, the costumes, the panels, and of course the sneak peeks into movies or anything else you wanted to know about is all there. It would be one of those one moments in time, where you would experience everything at once. What a whirlwind!

I really loved the enthusiasm that the fans have for their most loved comic, movies, graphic novels and so much more. What would you want to do there ? I think I would want to experience a little of everything. That is if I had time to do so! Below, check out some of the costumes, fans, celebrities, and more inside the book.

Comic-Con Site – Comic-Con Twitter – Facebook – YouTube

Comic-Con IV

#19 & #20 – Double Post – DK Star Wars – The Secret Life of Drones and Star Wars – Year By Year – A Visual Chronicle – DK Books

Friday, May 4th, 2012 by Marci

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be C-3PO or what R2-D2′s function is?

Well now you can find out in Star Wars: The Secret Life of Droids from DK’s newest Star Wars series. Learn about the many types of droids from large and fearsome droidekas, to the smart and helpful astromech droids.

The Secret Life of Droids looks at the classic Star Wars galaxy from a fresh, new perspective, and features a timeline giving the reader a quick-reference overview of the events and information featured. Interactive and dynamic pages presenting events thematically rather than chronologically will allow young readers to uncover droid technology and discover each of its individual functions! – Publishers Website

AND…

From the first release of Star Wars: A New Hope in 1977 to the 2009 second season of The Clone Wars, Star Wars Year By Year: A Visual Chronicle is an unparalleled chronological journey through the making of the most epic science fiction series ever! Featuring incredible illustrations and stills, the book chronologically details the history and development of the Star Wars movies; the events, press, and logistics surrounding the making of each movie; and exclusive interviews with people who worked behind the scenes. The year-by-year format includes images from the movies, TV series, comic books, video games, and novels as well as movie posters, memorabilia, book covers, and more. – Publishers Website

I cannot say enough about DK’s Books !! I love each and every one of them !!! Since it is May 4th, and it is May the 4th Be With You, this is an extra special day for Star Wars and DK !! I have many of their books, but the specific topics they publish about are I have to say the absolute best of any of the books out there !! They add imagination, full colour photography, interesting ways of actually giving you the information so you are engaged and informed at that really boring office party or wherever you are, just to make that awkward situation just a little better. And who doesn’t know about star wars right?!?

Everything you wanted to know about droids but where afraid to ask? The secret life of droids is the book for you. Has your child who is obviously old enough to have watched one or all the movies wondered this question, have no fear; all their questions and then some are incorporated into this small book for any age, young or old.

In the Year by Year compilation, if you are one of those “fans” that go to the conventions, have been a fan of the movies and or the Star Wars movement since the start, and don’t have this book, this is the time to get it!

Inside the cover is an envelope that has 2 high quality pictures that are special to the book. It does have a thick cover to enclose the book so that you can display it with pride along all of your other Star Wars books, figurines, movie posters. Yes, I know you do, just nod your head and agree, I know you want to!

The Year by Year book is something! It is the ultimate pop culture collection, from George Lucas’ initial career of a movie maker, to what inspired him to everything in between; this is the greatest Star Wars Lovers Paradise !!

And from today until May 6th, if you live in Canada and buy any of the DK Star Wars Books at any of the Chapters/Indigo/Coles family of stores, DK Canada will make a donation to the Indigo Love of Reading Foundation. For more information, click on this link and get to buying some of the books you don’t have already in your collection!! Or just joining in on the celebrations that are going on today throughout Canada !!!

Here is a sneak peek inside The Secret Life of Drones and Star Wars Year by Year – A Visual Chronicle to see what I am talking about !

StarWars 2012

#6 – The Placebo Effect – David Rotenberg

Monday, February 6th, 2012 by Marci

Decker Roberts has the dangerous gift of detecting the truth. For years this talent proved to be a lucrative sideline to his acting teaching. Only his closest friends know, and he keeps his identity secret from the companies that pay him to tell them if the people they are planning to hire are lying.

But Decker’s carefully compartmentalized life starts to fall apart. His house burns down, his credit cards are cancelled, his bank loan is called and his studio is condemned.

He realizes that he must have heard something in one of his truth telling sessions that someone didn’t want him to know.

Decker has to go on the run and figure out why he’s been targeted. There’s also a government agent hunting him who seems to know absolutely everything about Decker Roberts’ identities, real and false—and other people of “his kind.” How will Decker find out which truth is endangering his life?

Who betrayed him and revealed all his secrets? Decker needs to find answers quickly, before knowing the truth turns from a gift into a deadly curse.- Publishers Website

I really enjoyed the angle of this book. Synesthesia is an actual phenomenon if you will, it does exist, if you happen to do a google search as I did. My main question would be would you want to have this sort of magical super-power? I guess it would have to be said I would love to have one, but not one that would get me into trouble for one, after all I am an angel…tee hee! David’s writing was engrossing, informative, entertaining, and a terrific waste of time. Just remember that this is the first in a series I believe of three books, with David giving me a bit of a scoop on the next one in a Q and A I did with him over email recently. He just so happens to be a fellow Canadian, this isn’t his first book either. He’s written 5 mysteries set in Modern China, as well as a best-selling historical fiction novel. I don’t think I will have any resistance in grabbing his next novel, regardless of the setting, he sure can write !

Facebook – David’s Website – Excerpt – Reading Group Questions

Stay tuned, as I have done a Q and A with David, it will be posted right after I am done posting this review !!

#66 – Goliath – Scott Westerfeld

Friday, October 21st, 2011 by Marci

Alek and Deryn are on the last leg of their round-the-world quest to end World War I, reclaim Alek’s throne as prince of Austria, and finally fall in love. The first two objectives are complicated by the fact that their ship, the Leviathan, continues to detour farther away from the heart of the war (and crown). And the love thing would be a lot easier if Alek knew Deryn was a girl. (She has to pose as a boy in order to serve in the British Air Service.) And if they weren’t technically enemies.

The tension thickens as the Leviathan steams toward New York City with a homicidal lunatic on board: secrets suddenly unravel, characters reappear, and nothing is as it seems in this thunderous conclusion to Scott Westerfeld’s brilliant trilogy. – Publishers Website

Well, this is the third and last book in the Leviathan Trilogy. As soon as the book arrived, I absolutely could not keep my hands off the book. Immediately, I tore open the envelope and sat down to start reading. I was anxious almost to the point of an anxiety attack just to find out what actually happened to Alek and Deryn. Was Deryn’s ultra super secret found out by Alek?!? Was he upset?

Did they argue, among other things that were happening on the ship that has traversed the skies all over the world? Among some very identifiable characters, you also have the talented art work from Keith Thompson that actually accentuates the book perfectly. If I didn’t love the series so much I would mount some of the artwork and hang it on my walls or at least my son’s walls. Nick, loves Deryn’s colourful way of expressing herself. He finished Leviathan back in March when he was in Kentucky at camp. So when he came home, it was “Bum Rag” this and “Barking Spiders” that.

So like I had said, I flew through the book at a breakneck pace, with the last few pages remained…Would Alek and Deryn have feelings for one another and live happily after you ask?!? Well, if I told you..then well I would have to kill you, I don’t give out those secrets, you will just have to read the fabulous ending to end all endings. Trust me, if you loved the first two books, you will love this one and literally ache for more…My reviews of Leviathan and Behemoth can be accessed by clinking the links. And so, if you have waited for all three books to be able to read them all at once get reading !

Alan Cumming (The Good Wife) does an absolutely fabulous job of the audio book, so if you are a fan of audiobooks, it doesn’t disappoint !

Fan Scott on GoodReads – Scott’s Website – Facebook – Twitter – Browse Inside

THIS VIDEO CONTAINS SPOILERS !! BEWARE !!

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#63 – The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer – Michelle Hodkin

Saturday, October 15th, 2011 by Marci

Mara Dyer doesn’t think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.

It can.

She believes there must be more to the accident she can’t remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.

There is.

She doesn’t believe that after everything she’s been through, she can fall in love.

She’s wrong. – Publishers Website

I loved this book !! Even from the description on the back page, it is THAT intriguing !! After reading it, I am speechless, it was that darn good.

Since it is a young adult title from Simon and Schuster, it will appeal to an older audience as well. We have a teenager who is coming to terms with the death of 2 of her good friends, she moves away, and more incidents of odd happenings follow her. She has no memory of the accident, but, as time goes by, she begins to piece things together…She is shocked, scared and doesn’t know what to do. Until she meets a boy in her new high school who she falls for, but he has his secrets as well.

As time goes by, they are inseparable. At the end of this book (I believe there are 2 other books being written in the series) There are more questions than answers. Some of the answers have been taken care of, the most serious ones…haven’t.

Michelle is a supremely talented writer, I hope that when book 2 comes out, that talent is still here ready and waiting to thrill me like the first book did. I do get overly critical of young adult books, because of the content. However, with this book, I threw that out with abandon and absolutely loved this book !! It has all the facets of a thrill ride you will not soon forget. So, go and get this book !!Make sure you check out the books trailer below – AMAZING !

Michelle’s Website – Michelle’s Blog – Twitter – GoodReads – Browse Inside

#49 – Don’t Breathe A Word – Jennifer McMahon

Thursday, May 19th, 2011 by Marci

On a soft summer night in Vermont, twelve-year-old Lisa went into the woods behind her house and never came out again. Before she disappeared, she told her little brother, Sam, about a door that led to a magical place where she would meet the King of the Fairies and become his queen.

Fifteen years later, Phoebe is in love with Sam, a practical, sensible man who doesn’t fear the dark and doesn’t have bad dreams—who, in fact, helps Phoebe ignore her own. But suddenly the couple is faced with a series of eerie, unexplained occurrences that challenge Sam’s hardheaded, realistic view of the world. As they question their reality, a terrible promise Sam made years ago is revealed—a promise that could destroy them all. - Publishers Website

This was an unexpected book from the publisher. I am almost glad that I didn’t leave it on the bookcase. From the first few pages I was taken in…In the first few hours I was engrossed in this book to the point where I swear this has NEVER happened before, but, the hair on the back of my neck started standing up. You have to admit, that is one great book !

It flips from past to present in the chapter set-up, where Jenifer gives you a brief glimpse into both, then switches you away to another part. It was creepy, it was suspenseful, it was scary! I loved it from the beginning, and if you love books like this you will not be disappointed in the least.

Just don’t read this one on a cold dreary raining night, it will creep you out even more !

Jennifer’s Website – Reading Group Guide – Facebook – Goodreads – Twitter

Browse Inside this book
Get this for your site

#45 – Star Wars – The ULTIMATE Visual Guide Special Edition 30th Anniversary – Ryder Windham, Daniel Wallace

Wednesday, May 4th, 2011 by Marci

The definitive companion to the entire Star Wars phenomenon, in a special updated edition: Star Wars: The Ultimate Visual Guide uncovers the full story of the amazing Star Wars saga, with more than 1,000 images from the movies, cartoons, comics, and novels, along with merchandise, behind-the-scenes photography, and much more!

This Special Edition features brand-new overviews of the latest comic books, new information on merchandise, as well as a special feature on fan celebrations.

The History of the Star Wars galaxy, Key Characters, technology, droids, aliens, and locations. Behind the scenes information on the making of the movies. Collectibles and merchandise, Full colour illustrations from the Star Wars Expanded Universe, Comics, Novels, and Video Games. Publishers Website and Back of Hardcover

Seriously, who hasn’t already seen all of the movies at least once? Either you were a die-hard fan when the first one came out way back in 1976. Yes, it has been that long. But in the world of Star Wars, it is just a moment away in one of the extravagant space ships on some far, far away galaxy that we have all come to know and love.

Who was your favorite character? Luke Skywalker? Darth Vader? Yoda ? Princess Leia? Chewbacca? Obi Wan Kenobi? Well they are all here and all of the many new characters that have evolved along the years with new and exciting worlds as well.

This book was originally published in 2005, but it was again updated and republished with new content for the 30th Anniversary in 2007. Since the series came out there have been novelizations, new series, movies, readers, and comics that keep the universe alive even today.

As my son and I looked through the book, we loved the full colour illustrations and the not so new facts that we never knew about. A few years ago, we entered a contest from DK in the United States for a Star Wars contest, and he happened to win! I think the blog was asking what his favorite character was, as DK was releasing one of their now best-selling books Lego Star Wars Visual Dictionary.

Another reason he was so into Star Wars, was that he was about to compete in a Lego League competition where the kids built their own robots and competed on a course doing different things with their somewhat homemade robots. When they did compete, they WON the spirit award for their participation at the event!

So, as May the 4th Be With You Day begins or ends where ever you may be in our own universe, come and take a look inside this book and the many others that DK Worldwide have published in honor of STAR WARS and May the Force Be With You !!

Above this post is an extra special post about May the 4th Be with You and what DK Canada is doing this year in honor of this humble occasion around the world, so it is so exciting that I can hardly contain myself it WILL be so fun, that is if you choose to participate!! For details go click here

Since this book was republished back in 2007 and it was the 30th anniversary, since it is 2011 that means an even more special anniversary – the 35th one !! Long live the FORCE !

Star Wars Site – DK Canada – DK USA

This is the trailer for Star Wars trailer from 1997 Special Edition ENJOY !!

#40 – Eona – Alison Goodman

Tuesday, April 26th, 2011 by Marci

Eon is now Eona, the Mirror Dragoneye, on the run (with Ryko and Lady Dela) from High Lord Sethon’s army. She is also struggling to bear the anguish of the ten dragons whose Dragoneyes were murdered by Lord Ido; as they focus their grief through her, she becomes a dangerous conduit for their power.

The three renegades are on a quest for two things: first, the black folio, stolen by the drug-riddled Dillon. And then they must also find Kygo, the young Pearl Emperor, who needs Eona’s power and the black folio if he is to wrest back his throne from the self-styled “Emperor” Sethon …- Publishers Website

I could NOT put this book down when I received it. The first book - Eon Dragoneye Reborn - (my review) was such a vividly exciting book, I wasn’t sure if I was going to last until the 2nd book was published. I BARELY made it. Even though I had another book I was reading, I put it down to immediately get started on Eona, and boy oh boy, I wasn’t disappointed in the least !

I cannot belive that Alison is that talented as a writer. Especially for young adults, these books encompass just about everything that anyone even adults would want in a thrilling, action packed book such as this.

She is torn between 2 lovers, she is attempting to control her powers, save the country, as well as countless lives all in a short period of time before she is discovered and brought to the dark side.

I cannot believe the imagination that the author has achieved with these two books. It is so vivid as you are actually there with everything happening the smells, the joyous victories, the ability to heal the earth as well as a few other things you will find out in the book. I cannot say enough about these books !! GO AND GET THEM !! It won’t matter if you are 12 or older anyone will enjoy these books, I PROMISE !!

I love, love, LOVED these books !!!

Did I mention that there are also fantastic life lessons in these books as well?!?

Destination Elsewhere on Ning (you may be able to enter contests and win yourself a copy)

Eon and Eona Book Site

Become a fan on Facebook of EON: Dragoneye Reborn

Alison’s Website

The Bitternest Chronicles – Alan Draven

Friday, October 29th, 2010 by Marci

If you are a fan of the gothic – horror genres, get ready !

The Bitternest Chronicles is set in Bitternest, a foggy city in Louisiana – Unusual things including the fog are anything but ordinary.

Combining five previously published short stories, and two brand new novellas that will have you turning page by page, taking hold of you until it is ready to let you go from the beginning.

The writing itself is addictive, it will grab hold of you until the story is finished. You will feel the fog envelope you and take you away. The scenes are appropriate to modern and past times, but will pull you in whatever Alan has dreamed up.
Pixie Dust Press

Crescendo – Becca Fitzpatrick

Thursday, October 21st, 2010 by Marci

Are YOU ready ?!? I know I was, and Crescendo does NOT disappoint in the least!

We left Nora in the gym of her school at the end of Hush, Hush, well I don’t have to tell you how or why or any of it right? You have already gasped, been frightened down to your toes about whether Nora is saved right?

Ok, now that we are all on the same page, this time Nora is having thoughts about why and how her father really died.

Then there is that whole thing about her guardian angel Patch and her in a relationship with him which, really shouldn’t be happening, but it is and Nora is so in love with Patch it makes her sick when she isn’t around him. Patch is hiding his feelings, as we all probably know by now that all or most guys do that so they aren’t being too girly with all that mushy stuff right?

So, anyways, just a bit off topic here, but really, I’m getting to the point. She has the same best friend in the world, the same bullies at high school especially one Marcie Millar that has always does one thing or another to totally make Nora thinking of doing mean and nasty things back. There is really a hidden meaning to all of this hated and angst between the two that Nora wasn’t aware of until now.

So, as the story goes as fast as I am reading and pages are literally flying out of the book (they really did at the end).

Her relationship with Patch reaches a point where something she never imagined happens, she knows what she feels, but what she doesn’t know that Patch is keeping from her may well hurt her in the end as well, even as he really wants to tell her how he really feels about her.

There are a few new characters that are introduced into the mix - Patch’s best friend who is also one of those hunky, gorgeous angels so to speak, then there is a boy who moved back that Nora used to know who has major problems of his own. Once Nora is introduced into all of this, all of the pieces fall into place about her father’s murder, her background in all of this, and a few other tidbits that will have you flipping the pages as fast or maybe even faster than you can read to the end where it all comes to a head one way or another.

Breathe…

Will Nora found out the real truth behind how she feels? the things that are being kept from her? As well as all of the other things she doesn’t quite know everything about right now to make her see the full picture? Trust me, if you thought the end to Hush, Hush was spectacular, wait until you get to the end of this one…you will be craving more.

Did I happen to mention that there will be a THIRD book? Yep, that’s right ! More Nora and Patch !!

Simon and Schuster

Grab the reading group guide

Read an Excerpt

If you missed my review of Hush, Hush it can be found here

EON Dragoneye Reborn – Alison Goodman

Sunday, September 12th, 2010 by Marci

Look at this utterly fantastic cover ! It absolutely drips of what kind of action is inside the pages, I was mesmerized from page 1 !

Eon has been a slave most of his life. Between the salt mines, and now being focused on sword work and magical study, he is attempting to become chosen as what is called a Dragon eye in his customs and life, where he will train alongside other Dragon eye’s for twelve years, when a new one is chosen.

There is a slight problem..Eon is actually Eona. Males are only permitted to work with the dragons, learn their energies, and secrets. If Eona is found out to be female instead of male, the penalty is death.

As she is in the performance platform, something happens in the middle of her presentation. One of the dragons that has been missing for the last 500 years returns. Of course everyone is excited, but, this poses a problem – Another candidate has been chosen as well, one of her good friends.

As their paths take on this new life, Eona (Eon) and her friends and close acquaintances find out secrets that haven’t been heard of for many, many years. Old enemies come to light, new alliances are discovered, war starts with the Emperor being killed by one of his own men. Eon and a few adversaries have come to save the country, the palace, and of course the world of Dragon Eyes. Will they have enough time and courage to do it all when it is needed ?

Non stop action, excitement, fear of the unknown, as well as courage to do something they haven’t ever done before. This book blew me away. Intended for juvenile fiction fans, which from what I have heard was a runaway hit when it was first published last year, is bound to have your child or even yourself glued to the pages until the last one is read wanting more.

You may have to wait a bit for the sequel. Eona is coming sometime in the beginning of 2011. I know I want to be first in line for the book when it is released ! If you are a fan of exotic fictional places, that take place a long time ago or even in a place you have never heard about before (fantasy) then this is the book for you. It has been a long time since when I was swept up into a book packed from the first page the last with absolute non stop action and adventure.

Trust me – go and get the book !

Penguin – Puffin (Juvenile Fiction)

Read an excerpt

American Gods – Neil Gaiman

Wednesday, June 16th, 2010 by Marci

This book was chosen by a group on twitter (1book1twitter – #1b1t).

Shadow has been waiting for this moment for the last three years.

He is being released from prison in a few days. Little does he know that he will be released in a few hours following the deaths of his wife and his best friend, amid compromising circumstances.

As he is on his way home, he comes across a man who is named Mr. Wednesday. He is propositioning him a job, one that will require little, but in the end may require more than the average job entails. Shadow at first refuses, but, as the trip ensues, he accepts, which brings him into this fantastical world – hallucinations at first he thinks, but as Shadow goes deeper and deeper into the work, the people he meets it is more than he ever imagined that it would be.

The travelling across America and beyond, Shadow becomes aware of what his presence is really there for, what the meaning of life is for him, what it means to others.

“It’s just easier to just do the time.” He paused. Then, “You got to understand the god thing. It’s not magic. It’s about being you, but the you that people believe in. It’s about becoming the concentrated, magnified, essence of you. It’s about becoming the thunder, or the power of a running horse, or wisdom. You take all the belief and become bigger, cooler, more than human. You crystallize.” He Paused. “And then one day they forget about you, and they don’t believe in you, and they don’t sacrifice, and they don’t care, and the next thing you know you’re running a three-card monte game on the corner of Broadway and Forty-third.”

Futuristic, yet goes to the heart of a man’s sense of who he is, how he is changing, and what he will become.

One Book One Twitter or stop on by Crowd Sourcing

Neil Gaiman is on twitter @neilhimself – he may even answer you back

HarperCollins

Browse Inside

Lover Mine – J.R. Ward

Wednesday, June 16th, 2010 by Marci

**Warning** – Book contains sexually explicit content

This is one of those books that if you are craving a bit or a lot of “Brain Candy”, going to the beach for the day and want to relax this is the book for you.

Full of action and adventure, this is book 8 in the Dagger Brotherhood. It can be read as a standalone or as part of the series. I personally read it as a standalone.

In Caldwell, NY among the darkest alleys and corners – A conflict of epic proportions takes place. The Vampires and their enemies are about to fight like never before.

John is one of the Warriors. When he finds out that one of his enemies has abducted a female he wants to bond with, he is out for vengeance, revenge, and only to smell the death os Darius.

The brotherhood’s answer to the call with not only brute force, but with a passion to save one of their own.

Xhex is the one that John loves, but since she is a sympath, her feelings are pushed away from the surface, so she can fight, she isn’t acknowledging her feelings for John, she knows they are there, she is afraid if she does she will turn into one of those touchy, sensitive people; she is definitely NOT one of those.

Does John get what he wants the most out of life, or does Darius take it all away from him,read the book and you will find out.

Penguin / New American Library

J.R. Ward’s Website – pretty neat if you ask me!

Halo Encyclopedia – The Definitive Visual Guide – DK Books

Tuesday, June 1st, 2010 by Marci

Are you a die-hard HALO fan? Do you go to the game store on Halo day to be the first in line to get the latest game?!?

If you are one of these people, you will definitely want to have this book for your collection.

This book has everything you either knew or wanted to know about HALO up to the latest HALO release ODST, and the whole universe.

Full colour photographs
Intricate step by step detailing of characters – why the wars were started, vehicles, weapons, etc.

Nick loves the weapons and the descriptions and wishes he had a few of them in his collection. He loves the different groups as well as the differences of races not only described in full detail but in the games as well. The images of war scenes on every single page, the informational boxes, the timelines of each and every district. The close up of the people of these regions aren’t so bad either, as well as the protocols for each region.

DK Books

Here is a glance inside HALO Encyclopedia: The Definitive Visual Guide -

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White Cat – Holly Black

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010 by Marci

From the Publisher’s Website:

Cassel comes from a family of curse workers — people who have the power to change your emotions, your memories, your luck, by the slightest touch of their hands. And since curse work is illegal, they’re all mobsters, or con artists. Except for Cassel. He hasn’t got the magic touch, so he’s an outsider, the straight kid in a crooked family. You just have to ignore one small detail — he killed his best friend, Lila, three years ago.

Ever since, Cassel has carefully built up a façade of normalcy, blending into the crowd. But his façade starts crumbling when he starts sleepwalking, propelled into the night by terrifying dreams about a white cat that wants to tell him something. He’s noticing other disturbing things, too, including the strange behavior of his two brothers. They are keeping secrets from him, caught up in a mysterious plot. As Cassel begins to suspect he’s part of a huge con game, he also wonders what really happened to Lila. Could she still be alive? To find that out, Cassel will have to out-con the conmen.

My Thoughts: I read the book up until page 104-105 and decided that this wasn’t going to be a book for me. It did sound good, but for me the whole premise of having so-called “workers” that had magical powers who in reality were just a bunch of “con artists” didn’t really make sense to me. I felt the book was tiring, it wasn’t keeping me interested, but decided to give it that best chance I could. In the end I gave it the good fight, I wanted to like it, but, I didn’t. Maybe it will be different for you.

Simon and Schuster – McElderry Books

Leviathan – Scott Westerfield

Friday, December 4th, 2009 by Marci

First off, I just have to say this is a gorgeous cover with all of the texture and colour this is one of my favorites.

Just at the beginning of WWI, some nations have taken to steam-powered machines and some have taken to more animatistic made machines that they use for battles.

Aleksander Ferdinand has been kidnapped after his parents were killed by their own people. There are only a few who are still faithful to Aleksander and his beliefs, and have taken precautions to keep him safe.

Deryn, a girl who is clambering at the bit to be able to become a pilot has disguised herself to try and join the British Air Service. With her taking chances the way she is one thought came to me – will she be discovered? what will happen if she is?

With war starting, will both sides be able to reclaim or overcome the other side to get what they want?

I have to say, this is a great book for kids who in my case with my son is a reluctant reader, and when this book arrived he was actually interested in what it was all about. It is also great for those exploring what genre’s of books they will ultimately want to read in adulthood to help them decide.

My son is reading this at school and at home, it is really holding his attention, and he is actually talking about what he thinks may happen in the chapters he hasn’t read. Will Deryn be discovered, will the war change things that were once quiet and calm? What will really happen when the machines take over Europe, or when the Animals take over? The humour is great as well I find it is quite agreeable for kids. I did hear my son chuckling at a few passages while he read quietly and then asked what part he was at, and once he told me I chuckled as well.

Like I mentioned before, the texturization of the dust cover as well as the full colour diagrams and illustrations in the novel make it quite unique and would be a keepsake just for that alone.

Scott’s Website

Simon and Schuster

Dark Slayer – Christine Feehan

Thursday, October 1st, 2009 by Marci

dark slayer I have to say right off this was the perfect book when I read it. I had read some pretty heavy literary works before this book and was in a sort of rut in choosing what I would read next. I think you all know what I am talking about, I needed a break from those heavy topics, and this happened to be the exact right change.

Lately, there has been this craze not only in books but on television as well adding to the debate of Zombies or Vampires. But when I looked at this book, it had caught my interest, so I broke down; this is a new departure for me this genre of Paranormal / Fantasy / Erotic Fiction type of work, so I hope a do a good job of relaying what the book was about.

Just a warning to you all, this has a fair amount of explicit sex, so I would recommend this book to only adults, and to exercise caution when buying this book for someone else.

Ivory has been betrayed by some of the members of her family hundreds of years ago. As she was regenerating in the deep cavernous depths of the earth after being chopped into pieces and left for the wolves to eat her remaining body parts, she had become part of a pack of wolves that had befriended her and have been her family ever since. She hunts vampires; it doesn’t matter if they are family members.

The search for an infamous one Xavier has been her ultimate goal since she has returned. Xavier is the most vile, evil Vampire that uses his powers to overtake different parts of earth work for him in every way possible. This even means spiders and any other animal or mineral that he can control.

One night while hunting, she comes along a scent that is that of a man, which just so happens to also be her life mate, who has recently escaped Xavier after being tortured and held captive for centuries.

Razvan has been branded a criminal, not to be trusted. But when he encounters Ivory all of that changes, they team up to take down Xavier no matter what the damage or what comes in their way.

As long as they can stay alive doing it.

I enjoyed this novel immensely. It was one of those well written books that keep you wanting to keep reading no matter what you need or have to do in real life. I was also impressed that at the back of the book there were appendixes that she shares to better give you an idea of what the Carpathians are about, where they come from, chants and languages that they use. With my family coming from an area close to the location she is talking about was interesting as well.

Dark Slayer debuted on the New York Times Bestselling list at number 1

Christine’s Website

Penguin / Berkley

Fragile Things – A Short Story Collection by Neil Gaiman

Wednesday, August 5th, 2009 by Marci

fragile things In this collection of short stories and fictions, some have been published previously, as well as some haven’t been published at all. I have to say these are just great if you are a fan of speculative fiction, or are new to the genre. Even with the cover art, and the imagination that Neil possesses, is something that is nothing short of fantastic.

The stories that are in this collection, just plain right out there with his concoctions which he weaves together that makes you want to read more to see what comes next, whether it is a story itself or the poetry, of one of his full length novels.

Combining the real and the imaginary, Neil accomplishes this in more ways then one, regardless of the word count. There are approximately 50 stories in this collection, so it is a great way to get a feel for his work, to be able to graduate to one of his longer pieces of work.

Expertly written to keep you guessing even after the story is finished, it will or at least it did me want to read more. At times it was deeply dark, thought provoking, and strangely philosophical at the same time will leave you thinking what if, or could it actually happen?.

I will definitely have to check out more of his work, it is sure these stories will have you looking around the corner before you actually turn the corner while walking down the street late at night, difficult to see in the dim light being cast from the streetlights. All of these thoughts going through your mind, or if you are drifting off to sleep, when you hear a noise in the background…..

This is the THIRD book I have read for the HarperCollins Summer is Short, Read A Story Challenge

Listen to an audio excerpt

Neil Gaiman’s Website

HarperCollins

BUY the Book – Amazon / chapters.indigo.ca / Borders / Books A Million

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