Waiting On Wednesday #103: Reborn, by C.C. Hunter

This is a weekly event hosted by

Jill @ Breaking the Spine!!

It showcases future releases which

we book bloggers

are eagerly anticipating!!

Here's my choice for this week!

 Reborn

 (Shadow Falls: After Dark #1)

C.C. Hunter

Hardcover, 400 pages

May 20, 2014

Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy,

Young Adult Fiction

Amazon US/Amazon CA

Amazon UK

Barnes & Noble

The Book Depository

Book Synopsis

Return to the beloved world of Shadow Falls, a camp that teaches supernatural teens to harness their powers—and where a vampire named Della will discover who she’s meant to be.

For Della Tsang, Shadow Falls isn't just a camp: it's home. As a vampire who's never fit in with her human family, it's the one place she can truly be herself. But when a mysterious new guy arrives at camp, Della’s whole world is thrown into turmoil. Chase is a vampire with secrets, who knows more than he’s telling. But the more time she spends with him, the more she begins to trust this attractive stranger—and feel drawn to him. But romance is the last thing she wants—as she keeps telling Steve, the hunky shapeshifter who won’t stop trying to win her heart. And if Della isn't careful, he just might succeed.　 When a new case puts everyone she cares about in danger, Della’s determined to do everything she can to save them . . . even if it means teaming up with Steve and Chase, who leave her more confused than ever. With their lives on the line, will Della and her friends survive—with their hearts intact?

Why am I waiting on this book?

I really should have read the first
Shadow Falls series by now,
but, obsessed bookworm that I am,
I can't help coveting this first book
in Hunter's new Shadow Falls series!!
This just motivates me to go  
buy and read all the books in 
that first series!

For information on the first series,
just go HERE!




What do you think of my choice?
What incredibly exciting
book(s) are you waiting on
this week? 

Of Beast and Beauty Read-Along: Week 4 Discussion Questions

Welcome to Week 4
(the last week) of 
the Read-Along for the bestselling
YA novel, Of Beast and Beauty,
brought to you by
A Night's Dream of Books and

Vonnie's Reading Corner!!

It ends tomorrow, with reviews by 
the two participating blogs!

Of Beast and Beauty

Stacey Jay

Hardcover, 400 pages

Delacorte Press, 

July 23, 2013

Dystopian Fiction, Fairy Tale Retellings, 
Fantasy, Romance, Science Fiction, 
Young Adult Fiction

Week 4 Discussion Questions
Chapter 21 -"In the Beginning"
(Epilogue)
Vonnie's Reading Corner

April 29th

1.) Who is really benefiting in the dome? 

It's the nobles who really benefit.  They enjoy all the good things in Yuan, while those who are deemed "imperfect" live in poverty and squalor.  They support the nobles' comfortable lifestyles.  However, Junjie will benefit most of all, if his plans succeed.  Once his son marries Isra, and Junjie can get her out of the way, he will be the real ruler, since Bo is so easily manipulated.   

2.) Why are the nobles the only ones spared from the majority of the mutations?

I think that's mostly due to the fact that they make sure to marry only other nobles, whether from Yuan, or other domed cities.  However, it's probably also due to the fact that the group from the original settlers who agreed to the covenant were thereby spared from the mutations.

3.) Are the royal women really "mad"?

Of course not!  They are merely more compassionate than the men, especially power-hnngry ones like Junjie.  The royal women have been labeled as "mad" (crazy) because they have wanted to make changes in the unfair city system.  This is very inconvenient to those in power, who want to reap the benefits without caring that some of the people are not being treated humanely.

4.) Why are the men (the advisors) afraid of change?

I answered this question partially above.  They're afraid of change because they're afraid of losing their power and comfortable lifestyle.

5.) Why did the roses attack Isra?

It's really the Dark Heart, the evil half of the planet, who is attacking Isra, using the roses to do it.  Its malevolent presence fills the rose garden, speaking into Isra's mind, telling her to surrender, to let herself die....and Isra realizes that the Dark Heart wants to destroy her because she knows too much, because she's trying to make changes, and thus, the Dark Heart will no longer be allowed to claim Yuan's queens as sacrifice.
 

Blog Tour: Book Review: Coping, by J. Bennett

Welcome to this stop 

in the tour for Coping 

(Girl with Broken Wings, #1.5),

sponsored by

Innovative Online Book Tours!!

About the Book

  

Coping

(Girl with Broken Wings, #1.5)

J. Bennett

Trade Paperback, 80 pages

Endeavor Writing

June 23, 2013

Dystopian Fiction, New Adult Fiction, 

Paranormal Fiction, 

Science Fiction, Thrillers

Book Synopsis 

Coping is the exciting follow-up to Falling in the Girl With Broken Wings series.  This is a gripping and action-packed paranormal novella.  Maya, a quirky and likable heroine, is intent on joining her half-brothers in their secret war against the genetically-enhanced killers that call themselves 'angels'. Still trying to cope with her new abilities and the hunger that threatens to overwhelm her, Maya may be more of a hindrance than a help to her brothers as they take on a new mission and make a horrifying discovery. >>> “Maya is imperfect, sarcastic and believable; and her plight is heart-poundingly realistic.” Reading Lark Blog Coping is a fast-paced novella that brings readers back into Maya’s darkly-humorous world where angels are not the good guys, the heroes don’t wear tights, and getting in over your head just means it’s Tuesday. >>> “It's totally exciting. Dramatic. Vividly intense. Poignant. Need I add that it's an utterly riveting, page-turning read? To sum up, I have discovered a bold new talent to follow! ” A Night’s Dream of Books Blog Join Maya, Gabe, and Tarren for more blood, bullets, and Chuck Norris jokes in Coping, part of the Girl With Broken Wings New Adult paranormal series.

Amazon US/Amazon CA

Amazon UK

Barnes & Noble

My Review

The non-stop action continues in this novella, which also serves the purpose of giving readers more background on the Fox brothers, as well as Maya, their half-sister.

This exciting new series gripped me from page 1 of the first book, Falling!  In spite of the grim futuristic setting, I was drawn deeper and deeper into the plight of Maya and her half-brothers with every single page. 

The novella is no different.  This trio of unlikely vigilantes embarks on a very dangerous journey, with Maya now being tentatively included as more than just a lookout.  She does make some mistakes at first, but her brothers -- even Tarren, surprisingly enough -- cut her some slack, and, with her help, they are able to make, as the synopsis puts it, 'a horrifying discovery'.

I did find that part of the book a bit hard to take, due to its rather graphic detail.  However, I'm too invested in the characters and the whole story by now to stop reading this series!  

These three siblings have such a perfect combination of good and bad points.  Maya is insecure, snarky, and rather quirky, but she is also kind and loving.  She's having a hard time learning how to be tough, although she does want revenge on the angel responsible for her current condition.  Tarren is very bitter and cynical, but he also has a hidden well of compassion.  As for Gabe.....oh, I just adore Gabe!  He's the one who acts as a sort of buffer between Maya and Tanner.  I love how he persists in giving his sister the benefit of the doubt, in spite of the danger she obviously poses.  I love how he stands up for her whenever Tarren makes one of his cynical remarks about her.  

In spite of the tension created by the presence of Maya, the brothers work things out between themselves, and with her.  As they start to go on missions together, their bond grows, and even Tanner begins to treat Maya more like a sister.  What a poignant, touching contrast to their grim, mostly joyless, existence, which is broken only by Gabe's wonderfully silly Chuck Norris jokes and seemingly nonchalant attitude....

Although this is only a novella, it's as fully realized as a full-length novel.  Bennett's writing and characterizations are as skillful as I discovered them to be in the first book. Furthermore, the book has very nicely filled in some much-needed information, such as the story of Maya's birth, which I was curious about.   

Bennett's world is not a pleasant one, to be sure, but she definitely makes her readers care for and about her characters, as they continue their grim quest to rid the world of these so-called 'angels', who are really scientifically-enhanced-humans-turned-monsters.  

I'm heartily looking forward to the second book, Landing, and beyond that, to the third, Rising!  

  




 MY RATING:

Reviewer's Note

I would like to thank Ms. Bennett

for providing me with  a

print copy of her book.
I am continuing to enjoy this series!

About the Author

J. Bennett is a professional copywriter and copy editor, as well as a novelist.  She lives and writes in Southern California.

Works by J. Bennett

Girl with Broken Wings Series

Falling (Book 1)

Coping (Novella, 1.5)

Landing (Book 2)

The Vampire's Housekeeper Chronicles

Employment Interview with a Vampire

(short story, #1)

The Vampire Hunter Comes to Call

(short story, #2)

Duel with the Werefrog

(short story, #3)




Online Links
Website 
Blog
Facebook
Goodreads
Amazon 





For the complete schedule
of participating blogs,
just click on this button!

  

Shelf Candy Saturday #110: Sacrifices, by Mercedes Lackey & Rosemary Edghill

Welcome to Shelf Candy Saturday!!

This is my weekly feature

showcasing beautiful book covers!

It also provides information,

if available, on their very talented creators!

For more information

about Shelf Candy Saturday,

just click HERE.

Here's my choice for this week!!

Sacrifices

  Mercedes Lackey & Rosemary Edghill

Hardcover, 304 pages

Tor Teen

(Tom Doherty Associates, LLC)

April 2, 2013

Fantasy, Mystery, Mythology,

Young Adult Fiction

Amazon US/Amazon CA

Amazon UK

Barnes & Noble

The Book Depository

Why do I love this cover?

I first saw this cover when I was preparing my "Waiting On Wednesday" post this week.  Well, it definitely caught my eye, so I knew I had to feature it for my next "Shelf Candy Saturday" post!

The first two things that attracted my attention were the metallic sky blue of the dress worn by the model on the left, and the flaming red hair of the model on the right.  

After noticing these two most prominent details, I took in the rest of the picture, and felt even more drawn to it because of its mystical, magical atmosphere; the swirling, glowing mists enveloping the two girls, as well as the one point of light above the mysterious doorway behind them, all contribute to this fairy-like atmosphere.

Interestingly, the girls are dressed as if they were going to a party.  The redheaded girl looks especially elegant.  However, the way they're standing, in front of this mysterious doorway suggests they're really guardians of the doorway.  This becomes even more apparent because of the way they're both staring out at the viewer.  They're wary, vigilant.  The blonde girl's stance shows that she's ready for action, despite her nice dress.  She seems to be wearing some sort of strange shawl or covering around her neck and shoulders.  I wonder if it's some sort of magical protection.

The font used for the title is very dramatic.  This impression is heightened by the gradual orange shading of the letters.  

This cover certainly creates a very powerful impact, with its contrast between detailed realism and mystical atmosphere.  It's a true masterpiece!  

Unfortunately, here's another case of an uncredited artist.....  Although I checked the credits page of this book in the Amazon reader, I was unable to find the name of the artist who created this brilliant cover.  Perhaps this information is to be found on the back cover, but, since I don't yet own this book, I obviously can't check that out. 

What do you think of my choice?

Leave me a comment and 

let me know!

Thanks!!

   

 

Blog Tour: Spotlight/Giveaway!! Among Friends, by Father Jim Sichko

Welcome to the blog tour for

Among Friends, which runs from
April 23rd to April 29th,

and is sponsored by

I Am A Reader, Not A Writer 

Book Tours!! 

About the Book

Among Friends
Father Jim W. Sichko
Trade Paperback, 170 pages
Premier Digital Publishing
April 1, 2014
Christianity, Memoir, Nonfiction, Religion, True Stories


Book Synopsis:  “This book is my Midrash.”

With these words, Father Jim draws us into his life story full of laughter, tears, and service. Among Friends is a compilation of short stories and insightful lessons experienced on his many travels as a clergyman and motivational speaker. Whether recounting his sobering flying experiences, meeting the Pope, his encounter with the “Weed Man” or telling us about his “lead foot,” Father Jim teaches us lessons through powerful storytelling. As he takes us along on his journey from getting kicked out of seminary to hosting celebrities, such as Dolly Parton, Harry Connick Jr., Martin Short, Bill Cosby, and former First Lady Laura Bush, at his small Kentucky parish, Father Jim shines a light into the corners of the human heart to expose our need for God and the love He alone can give us. You will laugh, cry, and be taken back by his honesty. In all, Father Jim shows us what it means to love God, love others, and live life Among Friends.

Amazon US/Amazon CA

Amazon UK

Barnes & Noble

The Book Depository 

Book Excerpt

 

Stories

I love stories. I’m thinking I’m not alone in that, either. Billions of dollars are spent on novels, movies, and even video games. Why? God made us to function through story. Not only did He reveal Himself in the greatest-selling Book of all time, but He made story a vital part of how we communicate with each other.

Think about it. We are a storytelling people. From the moment we are born, growing up through school and beyond, we love hearing stories being read and told to us. We love sharing experiences that we have lived, seen, or heard. For me, as a storyteller, preacher, and speaker, stories provide the opportunity to communicate in a powerful way with people in everyday language with down-to-earth tales.

I think back to my own days at St. Mary Catholic School in kindergarten and how we loved to sit in a circle and listen to Mrs. Richard read to us. We learned from the plot, the characters, and their actions. She read with a passion and belief that captivated our little minds. Most importantly, the stories struck at our hearts.

Why do you think Jesus told stories to make His point? Indeed, He is a master storyteller in all of His parables found in the four Gospels. He would use everyday situations that people understood. He used characters that people would recognize in themselves and others.

Even more interesting, Jesus didn’t always provide the answers. He let people figure out His meaning by telling them, “He who has ears, let them hear.”

God gave me a very interesting life story, as you’re going to see throughout this book. I like to think He gave me this life so I could tell stories from my journey. As you might guess, when I travel to speak at different places, I am often asked two questions. First, “Are your stories true?” and, second, “How do these experiences always happen to you?”

My answer is simple: Yes, the stories are true, and yes, they do happen to me, and they happen to you! The real question that needs to be asked is, “Do you and I have the eyes, the ears, and the hearts — not to mention the minds — to recognize the wonderful opportunities and teachable moments from the experiences of our day?”

Through sorrow, pain, joys, and exultations, our experiences teach us; they stretch us. For me, stories empower and illumine the life of Our God who is ever present with us on this journey through our experiences that we call “Life.” 

Allow me to tell you a few…

About the Author 

 Father Jim W. Sichko is a priest of the Diocese of Lexington, KY. He was ordained to the Ministerial Priesthood of Jesus Christ on May 23, 1998. He travels throughout the U.S. giving missions, retreats, and days of recollection. Known for his storytelling, Father Jim weaves everyday life experiences with the rooted messages which lie within the Gospel. He is booked for speaking engagements through 2015. Each engagement lasts a minimum of three days and averages 3,000 people per night. Father Jim completed his undergraduate work at New England Conservatory of Music in Vocal Performance and received a Master of Divinity degree from Sacred Heart School of Theology.


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