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Friday, November 30, 2012

{Cover/Trailer Reveal} "Fanged Princess" By Elisabeth Wheatley

Book Description:
I will not let my brother suffer the same loss...

Hadassah's father, the Vampire King, punished her for her choice to love a human. Now her brother, the only person in the world who still matters to her, has fall for a human girl. Determined to keep the girl safe, the three of them flee from their home in New England and find themselves cornered with their father's minions closing in. If they want to escape, their only hope may be to join forces with the mortal enemies of their kind...

Be ensnared in this dark tale of enduring love, loyalty, and revenge from teenage author, Elisabeth Wheatley.

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Nice cover Elisabeth!! I really like the colors. It is very simple, yet bold at the same time. Also I am really liking the trailer. It is definitely a tease and will make people want to read it. So reader, check out both the book when it does come out in January 2013 and for now stare at the cover, watch the trailer below and leave Elisabeth and I some nice comments =)
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Book Trailer:
Facebook | Goodreads Author Page | Twitter | Fanged Princess on Goodreads | Elisabeth's Blog

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

BBReview: "Brittle" By Jordan Calher

Genre: Young Adult -Paranormal/Urban Fantasy
Publishing Date: May 9th, 2012
Page Count: 258
Source: Sent to me by the author
Format: E-Book

Description from Goodreads.com:
A diabetic since freshman year, the control Sara Jacobs needs to survive is obliterated when she unleashes Voodoo barons of the afterlife from the dark witch trial history of her hometown -- Andover, Massachusetts. Past and present blend and ignite as her life crumbles beyond recognition, shattered by the same forbidden forces she is drawn to embrace: magic, the supernatural, and the demon raging uncontrolled in her veins. Rewired by magic, she revisits and dominates her petty high school world - paybacks to authority, and a little help with that crush from freshman year.

From a gossip-crazed high school to a moonless limbo of tombstone covered hills, BRITTLE is what happens when Sara stops being the victim.

Review:
Saying that Brittle is an interesting novel is barely saying anything. Brittle is a novel that is enriched with the very interesting Salem Witch Trial history. You can definitely tell that Jordan did his research on the subject. I think that was the part that really got me hooked to the story. I loved that it wasn't all fictionalized. I honestly don't know if I would have liked it as much as I do if it was all made up. Like if it had nothing at all to do with the Salem witch trials and was just a girl who found magic I don't think I would have enjoyed the story as much, because the history that Jordan did include in Brittle made it feel that much more real. As if this was really happening to someone currently. I know this is corny and has nothing at all to do with the story, in the least, but I also really loved that some French was used through out the novel, because I a have been taking my first semester of French this semester and it was cool to be able to identify what words meant, before being told and it did help me a little on one of my French tests.

I also really did like the characters. I think they were all very well thought out and executed very nicely. The main character, Sara, was definitely likable and relatable, but she did have her minor flaws. I didn't like that she hid her diabetes. In my opinion it's not something to be ashamed of, especially when you are basically on a date and he asks you why you aren't eating the dessert, or especially when you go into diabetic shock because you want to one up someone. Not a good idea. I also didn't like that after a dark family secret is revealed that she started to basically hate her mother. She raised you regardless of what happened, and no matter if you have always been a daddy's girl you shouldn't all of a sudden hate her when she hasn't done anything. Other than those two minor flaws I really liked Sara. I think she was perfect for the lead role and I liked learning her story opposed to anyone else's. Sometimes when you don't 100% click with the main character there is a minor character who you end up liking more and wanting to hear their side, but that was not at all the case with Brittle.

I really liked the ending. It was very unexpected and heart warming. I really can't wait to learn more about Sara's history (magic wise) and her future in the next book. Brittle is very interesting and if you are at all into the Salem witch trials or witches in general, then I say take a dive into Brittle because you will love it.

Overall:
I really liked Brittle. I absolutely loved the history behind the story and I love that it was definitely well researched and included in the story line. I think all the characters were very well done and executed flawlessly, and I think the main character, Sara, was very relatable and likable. I honestly don't know what it was, so I can't put my finger on it, but I just feel like something was missing in the end. It's terrible that I can't name what that missing piece is, but either way I really enjoyed the story and would more than likely continue on with the series =).

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 4/5



**The cover photo, book description, and book info was found on Goodreads.com. The Goodreads page has been linked back to. All other work and ideas are of my own creation. This novel was sent to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.**

Monday, November 26, 2012

{Interview/GIVEAWAY} "Faelorehn" By Jenna Elizabeth Johnson

Today I have an amazing author with me, Jenna Elizabeth Johnson, the author of Faelorehn. She graciously has agreed to do an interview with me and also volunteered to giveaway FIVE e-book copies of Faelorehn to some very lucky INTERNATIONAL winners! I am sure you are all very excited about this =D

To see my review of Faelorehn click HERE 

And then continue on to read my awesome interview with Jenna as well as enter our amazing international contest =D!!

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What inspired you to write Faelorehn?

Two things inspired me to write Faelorehn.  First, the handful of years I spent in college studying Celtic myth and lore, and second, Amanda Hocking's book, Switched.  After graduation I started my writing career, beginning with my middle grade fantasy, The Legend of Oescienne - The Finding.  Although the books in that series have a Celtic undertone, I slowly started thinking about incorporating the actual gods and goddesses and some of the themes found in the Irish legends into future books.  A few years ago, I happened to pick up Switched and realized that Amanda Hocking had done the same thing I hoped to accomplish, only she incorporated changeling lore into her book.  That's when I started to get more serious about writing a YA series that would make the world of the ancient Celts a little more accessible to teens, and so the beginnings of Faelorehn started surfacing in my mind.

I saw in your author bio that you have a degree in Art Practice with an emphasis in Celtic Studies. What made you choose Celtic Studies?

I discovered Celtic Studies on accident.  I'd always been interested in Ireland and Scotland (some of my ancestors come from those countries and for ten years I threw the shot put (a Scottish event) in track and field).  One day while walking through campus, I stumbled upon a career fair that had several tables set up presenting the many different departments at my college.  One of the tables belonged to the Celtic Studies department.  I grabbed some pamphlets and decided to sign up for a few classes.  From that point on, I was hooked.

You also seem to have a very awesome free time life, such as writing, drawing, reading, gardening, camping and hiking, and even practicing the art of long sword combat and archery. Are there any other cool things you do in your free time? And was Meghan’s character at all inspired by yourself or your personal experiences?

Let's see . . . What else do I do in my free time . . .  Oh, I know!  I do make my own Halloween costumes and every now and again I will throw together tea cozies, small bags/totes and quilts (nothing fancy; just squares and batting ;)).  I designed and sewed my own archery gloves as well.  I'm also trying to take up beekeeping.  My friends built me a beehive for Christmas last year, and now I'm trying to find the time to take some classes before I get my bees.  I love honey, especially in my tea, and bees are very important to the Celts.

As to Meghan's character being inspired by any of my personal experiences, I'd have to say that in some cases she was.  Some of the things that happen to her in regards to the mean girls and boys at school are loosely based on my own high school experiences.  In fact, I drew on my own high school tormentors to develop Meghan's enemies.  A few of her friends are also based on my high school friends, but other than that, we're not that similar.

Your writing style in Faelorehn is very visual. Did you happen to be inspired to draw any of the characters or creatures while writing?

Oddly, I haven't really been inspired to sketch any of the characters or creatures for Faelorehn.  I have a rough map of the Otherworld floating around somewhere, but that's it.  I have tons of stuff for the Oescienne series (everything from full-color scenes I've drawn up to a field guide of the creatures that live in that world and several maps).  Maybe one of these days I'll be inspired to illustrate the Cúmorrig or some of the other faelah.

What is your usual routine for getting ready to write and while writing?

Okay, when my Muse isn't on vacation, I prefer to get up early in the morning (around 4 am if I can train myself to go to bed early enough) and write before I go to work.  I'll make myself breakfast and tea (I must have tea) and I might light a scented candle.  Then I get my music list going (mostly new age Celtic and traditional Celtic instrumental for the Otherworld books; classical and any instrumental that strikes my fancy for the other books I'm working on), and I get to work.  Some days I just stare at the computer screen and wait for the story to come to me, on other days I am able to write for an hour or two straight through.  It all depends on whether or not the inspiration is flowing that morning.  I've also gone into my local Starbucks several times with my headphones and my laptop to get in a few hours of writing before work.

What do you think your spirit animal would look like?

Oh, now this is a good question.  I am going to go with a raven (although the Morrigan is represented by a raven and human history has given them a bad rap, I don't believe they are evil in the least :)).  Not only do I love corvids, but according to my Celtic zodiac, my animal sign is a raven.  I've always liked birds and I've always wanted a crow or a raven for a pet.  They're so smart and it would be cool to have one to keep me company, especially if it happened to be a spirit guide.

Who is your real world hero and why?

This is a hard one.  I have several heroes and for many reasons, yet there are so many every day heroes who never get recognized.  I'm talking about people who make a difference in their community by taking part in completely selfless acts for the benefit of others.  In my opinion, if you have ever had a positive impact on someone's life, then you are a hero to me.

If you got the letter today that you were going to go to Hogwarts, what animal would you bring? (Owl, Cat, or Toad)

I'm going to have to go with an owl.  I love cats and toads, but it would be totally awesome to have an owl to deliver your mail for you.  A Great Horned or Great Grey owl would be my first choices.


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This or That
Night reading or Day reading?

Night reading.

Reading or Drawing?

I'm more inclined to read, but being an artist I get that inkling to draw up a storm every now and again ;).

Reading outside on a sunny day or Reading inside on a cold rainy night?

Cold rainy night (or day).  It's my favorite kind of weather because it is perfect for curling up on the couch with a blanket and some tea to read a good book or (hopefully) write one.

YA or Adult?

I prefer Adult, but I've been branching out and finding some good YA of late.

Vampires or Zombies?

I was never a huge fan of either, but vampires have been growing on me recently and I'm even considering writing a vampire series . . .


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Giveaway Guidelines:
  • Must be at least 13 years old
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  • If you win only I and the author will have access to your personal information and will only use it for contact purposes.
  • If you win you have 48 hours to respond to the email or a new winner will be chosen
  • Ends on December 10th at 12:01am
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Wednesday, November 21, 2012

"Opal" By Jennifer L. Armentrout Book Trailer Reveal

No one is like Daemon Black.

When he set out to prove his feelings for me, he wasn't fooling around. Doubting him isn't something I'll do again, and now that we've made it through the rough patches, well... There's a lot of spontaneous combustion going on.

But even he can't protect his family from the danger of trying to free those they love.

After everything, I'm no longer the same Katy. I'm different... And I'm not sure what that will mean in the end. When each step we take in discovering the truth puts us in the path of the secret organization responsible for torturing and testing hybrids, the more I realize there is no end to what I'm capable of. The death of someone close still lingers, help comes from the most unlikely source, and friends will become the deadliest of enemies, but we won't turn back. Even if the outcome will shatter our worlds forever. 

Together we're stronger... and they know it.

USA TODAY Bestselling author, Jennifer L. Armentrout, lives  in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you've heard about her state aren't true. When she's not hard at work writing, she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell, Loki. Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class where she spent most of her time writing short stories... which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She also writes adult romance under the name J. Lynn

Find Jennifer on: Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Website | Blog 

Friday, November 16, 2012

The Next Big Thing in Paranormal Literature By Evelyn Burke

In 2005, Little, Brown and Company released a paranormal fantasy book called Twilight by American author Stephenie Meyer. It was an instant bestseller, appearing at number five on the New York Times Bestseller List within a month of hitting the shelves and soon reaching number one. The three sequels sold just as well and in November 2008, Twilight hit the big screen, creating even more of a cult following and thrusting vampires to the forefront of the paranormal romance sub genre. Soon the literary world was flooded with vampires and every other book featured a young girl falling for an undead love interest with a penchant for blood but a heart of gold. It reached the stage where universities started offering courses in vampire-centered literature and millions of Twilight clones appeared in bookshops. The question is, once the public’s obsession with vampires has finally died down, what will the next major trend in paranormal literature be? Will it be defined by a single book or movie or will something else shape the landscape of this genre?

Could It Be Mermaids?
In 2011, a number of magazines including Entertainment Weekly, speculated that mermaids would be the next big thing in film and literature. Literary critics claimed that the public would be looking for a new breed of semi-human creature to write about after the interest in vampires finally began to dip and suggested that mermaids might be a good replacement, as they are similar to vampires in a number of ways. Firstly both creatures can easily be used by a writer in order to pose questions about the nature of lust. In Twilight, Meyer used the main character’s attraction to a vampire to bring across as idea of the forbidden nature of desire adding to its intensity. The same could be done with a mermaid because according to mythology, these creatures resemble beautiful women but often have destructive hidden agendas, luring sailors to their doom and tricking ships onto the rocks. Secondly mermaids are similar to the vampires portrayed in Twilight in that they contain elements of both beauty and danger. Questions about the nature of relationships with potentially unsuitable partners could be posed and the idea that somebody can overcome innate immorality through love could be explored.

Gateway Fantasies
Research presented at a recent conference held by the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators suggests that gateway fantasies might be the next major trend in children’s books. A gateway fantasy is a story featuring a magical world that is connected to our own by way of a portal or gateway. Is it possible that this concept might also become more prevalent in adult literature? During the current financial crisis, many readers are seeking escapism and might be drawn to books where the main character is able to temporarily leave this world behind. With JK Rowling now no longer writing Harry Potter books, there is a gap in the market for gateway fantasy books that appeal to both children and adults. Even though the first Potter book was first published over a decade ago, it is still just as popular today, with references to it scattered throughout the media and websites offering online deals on a range of related merchandise, meaning that this sub genre is definitely capable of achieving significant commercial success.

Witches and Wiccans 
A number of literary agents are now including ‘books about witches’ in the list of things that they are looking for and stories in which a Wiccan or white witch is the main character are becoming increasingly popular. White witches are not dissimilar to the well-intentioned vampires portrayed in Twilight in that they raise questions about whether a supernatural life form that is stereotypically portrayed as being evil can be capable of behaving in a heroic, ethically sound manner. This means that it would not be a gigantic leap for fans of vampire books to become hooked on books about witches.

Final Thoughts
The probability of any of these trends catching on is difficult to predict; after all, who would have thought that Fifty Shades of Grey would have catapulted erotica into the mainstream in the way that it did? Perhaps paranormal fiction will simply decline in popularity and a new genre will become popular in its place. One thing is for sure though; vampires’ days are numbered. There are only so many clones of Twilight that can be produced making it high time writers with an interest in the paranormal focused their attention elsewhere.

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I just want to give a special thank you to Evelyn for writing such an awesome piece for the blog. The topic of what will be next for paranormal literature is definitely a big topic in the industry and more than likely on everyones minds. I know I have definitely thought about it before and we still don't truly know what the next thing is. It seems right now the only new thing is every author in town is getting a movie deal lol. No complaints here about that, though =). Again, a HUGE thank you from all the viewers of Book Bite Reviews and myself to Evelyn!!

Thursday, November 8, 2012

{Book Spotlight} "The Last Alignment" By Nathaniel Stewart

Book Description:
"He had been dead. Really dead. Now he wasn't. But if he had died and were dead, would he have been aware of the actual fact that he was deceased? He was here now, so did that mean that all this time that he thought he was gone he really wasn't? But then what happened to him if he didn't die? It had felt so real... more permanent than all the other times..."

Hektor had been dead for fourteen years, and he believed that all the chaos that existed had died with him. And now, he has returned, and while he doesn't know how he has found his way back to the land of the living, he recognizes that the situation is far more dangerous and hostile than it was before. Thing shave not only changed, but they have moved forward so rapidly that on top of everything else, he now has to deal with five teenagers and prepare them to do what those before them could not. But Awbery, Hudson, Androse, Zander, and Natalye have a ways to go before they can come together and do anything, a daunting detail considering that Hektor doesn't know how far the enemy has gotten in his absence. 

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Author Bio:
Simply put, Nathaniel Stewart is a young adult who writes for young adults. He is a Maryland native who is currently earning his Bachelors of Arts in English with a Concentration in Creative Writing and a Minor in Art. He has been writing since the age of twelve and Young Adult Fantasy is his favorite genre. 



Thursday, November 1, 2012

Follow Friday #37

This Weeks Follow Friday Question:
What is a deal breaker for you in a book? For example, do you abhor love triangles? Or can't deal with bad editing?
  
The deal breaker for me is when I cannot relate to the main character in anyway. If there isn't a connection I can't continue on, because the entire time I am just complaining to myself about how awful this main character is and everything he/she does I judge and criticize. If I can't understand where a character is coming from or why they are doing what they are doing then why would I bother wasting my time reading it, when I am just getting angry the whole time? Bad editing is another thing that irks me, but it has never stopped me from reading the book. 





For the list to add your name and follow others go to Parajunkee's and Alison Can Read's Follow Friday post =]

{Cover Reveal/GIVEAWAY} "Dictating Desire" By Bonnie R. Paulson

Cover Design by Redbird Designs

Samantha wants to love him.
Maria wants to kill him.
Dr. Luke Lawson has no idea that the girl he’s dating has split personalities fighting to control her body. Samantha must keep Luke safe at all costs.
If Samantha wins, Maria will die and disappear forever – taking Samantha with her.
If Maria wins, Dr. Lawson will die and she and Samantha will move on to the next doctor – the next kill.
But Luke is special.
He could save Samantha from herself… but only if Samantha can save him.

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About the author:
There are people who know a lot about a little, we’ll call them experts. Then there are people, like Bonnie, who don’t specialize, but rather gather information like pebbles in their pockets and drop them like Hansel & Gretel in the stories they write.

The question is, do you want to follow them back?

Certified as a Radiologic Technologist, Bonnie prefers a touch of medical in her storylines. Don’t be surprised if the romance somehow runs through a hospital or comes in contact with a paramedic. It’s just how she rolls.  And you know there's nothing more romantic than an 18 gauge needle poking your vein!

She and her Hubs delight in dirtbiking, snowboarding, fishing, cooking, eating, spending time together and more with their adorable children. 


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GIVEAWAY:
**Please note that this giveaway is NOT through/hosted by Book Bite Reviews**

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Kiss N Tell Blog Tour ~ Author Body-Swapping


Author Body-Swapping:  As a YA writer, Janet Gurtler often has to embody the lives and emotions of her character.  This time, we’re asking her to channel Sam and tell us some of the character insight we’re dying to know – first crush, most embarrassing moment, favorite books, music, & more!  And Janet reveals a little of how she creates such realistic teen characters.

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“Sam, Sam, Sam. What are we going to do with you?”  
If you can’t tell, I’m using my mother voice. Also I’m talking to a fictitious character.  But we’ll ignore that part. When I write teen characters I have to turn my mother voice off.  (And embrace the crazy.)  Truth be known, I am able to remove my mother voice pretty easily and I find it kind of natural to slip inside the head of a teenager.  

I had a tough time when I was a teenager. I had a lot of internal struggles. I majored in insecurity and angst. And I remember many of those feelings really well. Really, really well.    

So, getting inside the head of a teenager isn’t as hard for me as if should be. Of course, my characters aren’t me.  I give them different challenges and different personality quirks. And then I have to try to think the way they would think. I have to slip into their shoes.

Fortunately, I enjoy imagining getting inside a character’s head. I like to go deep inside and look at things people sometimes try to hide. From themselves and from the world. I like to go there. To places that are uncomfortable. Especially with the challenges of today’s world around them. Technology. Expectations. Social media.

I took Samantha to some uncomfortable places in Who I Kissed. Imagine feeling responsible for the death of someone else. How horrifying would that be?  How would you possibly get over it? Especially when you’re dealing with your own issues.  Sam had some things to overcome even before the accident, but the accident brought them to the surface with a rush.  Ultimately, Sam has to learn to let other people in.  And that’s not always an easy thing to do.  To me she’s a fully formed person with a history and built in likes and dislikes. So let’s take a deeper look at Sam. Let me slide back into her skin for a moment and tell you some of her secrets.

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Favorite Book- The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time  Indian by Sherman Alexie. 
  
Favorite Song- Tonight Tonight by Hot Chelle Rae

Favorite Movie- The Avengers

Favorite Food- Jelly Bellies of course! But as far as real food goes, she likes Mexican.  Bean Burritos.  Even though they give her gas.  She probably wouldn’t eat them on a date.

First serious crush. Zee.  First heart aches. Zee.  Best kiss ever. Zee.

Celebrity Crush-   Corbin Bleu. She is waiting for his acting career to extend beyond High school Musical

Personal Hero-  Missy Franklin  

Secret Talent- Sam loves to dance. She practices in her room with her iPod. At some point, she’s going to try to convince her swim team to record a dance dare (dancing behind people without them knowing) for the Ellen show. She knows every dance step to Party Rockin by LMFAO.  

Most Embarrassing Moment- When her bathing suit split down the butt at a swim meet and she had to finish her race, which was thankfully backstroke.