Review: Strange Angels

Strange Angels

By Lili St. Crow

293 pages (of which I read 208)

Published by Penguin group

What its about:

The Real World is a frightening place.  Just ask sixteen-year-old orphan Dru Anderson, a tough girl who has taken down her fair share of bad guys.  She's armed, dangerous and ready to kill first and ask questions later.  So it's gonna take her a while to figure out who she can trust...

Dru Anderson has been "strange" for as long as she can remember, traveling from town to town with her father to hunt the things that go bump in the night.  It's a weird life, but a good one- until it all explodes in an icy, broken-down Dakota town, when a hungry zombie busts through her kitchen door.  Alone, terrified, and trapped, Dru's going to need every inch of her wit and training to stay alive.  The monsters have decided to hunt back- and this time, Dru's on their menu.  Chances of survival? Slim to none.

What I thought:

Well.... I really tried with this book.  I pushed through as much as I could stand before I finally said I can't take it any more.  First of all, the writing in this book is, annoying, for lack of better word.  It has so many cliche's and little kid/wives tales like its everyday life it made my head hurt.  I don't use step on a crack fall and break your back, I don't give a rats patootie, or any other lame term in my everyday life and I don't know why everyone in this book does! Second, there are always way too many conversations going on.  I can't keep up with what is being said between two characters when Dru's inner monologue gets way too far ahead and totally off subject.

I also had an extremely hard time keep up with settings.  It takes far too long to describe a setting and by the time I get caught up they're somewhere else and I have no clue what is going on.  I couldn't relate to the characters because I feel like they all hate themselves too much.  Dru doesn't think very highly of herself and she seems to hate Graves the main male character, which I don't think I'm supposed to get the feeling she can't stand him, I'm pretty sure he is intended as the love interest but I didn't feel it.  I liked when Christophe came around because I like that he kept saying to Dru "you don't listen" because she doesn't! and she can't make up her mind.  One minute she's a tough chick ready to take on the world the next she's insecure and confused.  There is also a lot of repeating in this book, I think I was told about 12 times in the first few chapters that zombies disintegrate fast.  It makes me feel dumb, like I couldn't get it the first time, although I did. 

 I know a lot of people love this book, but I can't stand it.  I couldn't even finish it which says a lot because I don't usually give up on books.  I didn't see any character development, love story development and had no clue where they were or what was going on half the time.

Sorry to everyone who liked this book!  I'm still very open minded and would love to read your reviews of this book, so let me know if you have one! maybe I'm just missing something.  but all in all I'm only giving this book:

Follow Friday:)

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Review: Catching Fire

Catching Fire
By Suzanne Collins
391 Pages
Published by Scholastic Inc
17.99 (Hardback)
book 2 of 3




What is it about:

Sparks are Igniting.
Flames Are Spreading.
And the Capitol Wants Revenge.

Against all odds, Katniss has won the Hunger Games.  She and fellow District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark are miraculously still alive.  Katniss should be relieved, happy even.  After all, she has returned to her family and her longtime friend, Gale.  Yet nothing is the way Katniss wishes it to be.  Gale holds her at an icy distance.  Peeta has turned his back on her completely.  And there are whispers of a rebellion against the Capitol-- a rebellion that Katniss and Peeta may have helped create.

Much to her shock, Katniss has fueled an unrest she's afraid she cannot stop.  And what scares her even more is that she's not entirely convinced she should try.  As time draws near for Katniss and Peeta to visit the districts on the Capitol's cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever.  If they can't prove, without a Shadow of a doubt, that they are lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying.

What I think:

Im Just as obsessed with this as the Hunger Games.  I have to wait for Mockingjay because I had a gift card from amazon, and that's what is always on my mind currently.  Anyway, I love watching how the relationship between Peeta and Katniss grew. I'm still team Peeta. This book had so many twists I felt like I was on the spinning cornicopia.  I couldn't stop reading.  I love the part where Katniss wakes up Haymitch and then jumps out the window.  I feel like this such a great picture of her character, it was like she jumped out that window and into real life.

I loved this book! and I'm patiently awaiting Mockingjay, okay you caught me, I'm entirely jealous of everyone who already has it and I want to go the the local walmart and just stare at it!

Until next time happy reading! 

Writing For Charity Event

I had an Awesome chance to go to a writing conference called Writing For Charity on Saturday August 21st.  This Event was designed to help Utah kids get new books to read.  There was a silent Auction, Author signings, Author panels and Q&A's with Authors.  Some of the great Authors that showed up were: Bree Despain, Jessica Day George, Emily Wing Smith, James Dasher, Shelia A Nielson, Dan Wells, Shannon Hale, Brandon Mull, and Brandon Sanderson, Plus many more!

One of the great parts of this event was that writers were able to get their first pages of their novels critiqued by a published author, I had mine critiqued by Bree Despain which I was really nervous about because I love her so much! But it turned out amazing and she gave me a lot to think about with my novel!

Some of the greatest advice I heard there was just keep writing.  First drafts are always horrible and you can't compare them to published works.  Read a ton, and internalize everything you read. Pay attention to things you love but also to things you hate.  Revise, Revise, Revise.  Great books are revised not written.  Don't get super attached to the first book you write, finish it put it away for awhile write something else then go back to it, while you put the new project aside.  Now you have choices!  Don't get too wound up in details for a first a draft if you get stuck just keep writing.

I had so much fun at this and it made me want to find more conferences and really get a critique group going. I only bid on one thing at the Auction I'll post pictures of it, I didn't win but that's okay and all the money went to such a great cause!

Until next time happy reading! or writing!

A few Favorites

I was sitting at work today thinking about scenes in books that are unforgettable, and always stick in my mind so I thought I'd share them today.

1. Jane Eyre- It's been a while since I've read this book, I've had it on my needs to be reread pile for awhile but I have so many new books its taking me a while.  The scene in Jane Eyre that always stuck with me was, After Jane finds out Edward has already been married and she has decided to leave him.  Edward is sitting outside of Jane's room and when she emerges he wraps his arms around her and pulls her into his lap.  I just love the way you can feel Jane's pain and her love for Edward all in that one moment.

2. Succubus Blues- In the end where Georgina is sitting in the car crying to Carter.  I love this scene because its true to Carters nature.  I love his character and its a big part of his development in the story.  I love how much he cares about Georgina and that she has someone to be there for her when she's down.  This was the moment i fell in love with Carter.

3. Catching Fire- There's a Scene where Katniss goes to wake up Haymitch and throws a bucket of water on his face.  I love how she waits in the window when he pulls out a knife.  Tells him if he wanted to babied he should have asked Peeta to wake him. and when Peeta shows up she bolts out the window.  I love this part because there is so much descriptions and feeling in it I could actually picture the whole thing in my head.

That's all I have for right now because I gotta run but I have more so I'll add later!  My readers are my favorite;)

Follow Friday and Blog Hop!

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How many blogs do I follow?

A:  about 25.  I try to stop by all of them at least once a week.  I love reading what everyone else is doing!  I

If you'd like for me to follow you back answer me this in my comments, Just to make sure you're paying attention:)   When you read books do you always use the same bookmark? different bookmarks? or fold the pages?

Review: The Hunger Games.

The Hunger Games
By Suzanne Collins
374 pages
Published by: Scholastic Inc.
$8.99 (paperback)
Book 1 of 3




What is this book about:

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts.  The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games.  But Katniss has been close to dead before-- and survival, for her, is second nature.  Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender.  But if she is to win she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

What I think:

I can't believe I waited so long to read this! I was hooked from the very first chapter.  This is one of those books my husband dislikes because it steals all of his time, I couldn't stop.  Every chapter left me wanting more! Suzanne's ability to give detail in her surroundings and descriptions makes you feel like you're apart of these horrible games.  Katniss is such a strong character, I love that she isn't really sure what she wants yet she's careful about choices she makes.   Each Character brings something to the book that leaves a lasting impression.  I'd have to say after book one I'm very team Peeta.  I of coarse always reserve the right to change my mind, but I love his moral fiber and his obvious attachment to Katniss. 

This book matched well with my love of reality TV (Big Brother) and reading.  Not that I could stand this type of reality TV but some days I wonder how far TV is going to end up going.  I hope people have better sense than to do horrible things like this.  But its a very compelling story.  The points where you can't help tears and points where you just want to cheer in happiness.  

I absolutely LOVED this book and I'm very sad I have to wait for Catching Fire to come in the mail.

 

Soundtrack Saturday!

First of all! Thank you to all my new Followers!!! I'm so excited you're here! I'm hoping you'll enjoy my style and visit often! I'll try to keep it unique, in the words of my favorite Band 'you've got to come original!' -311

That being said I'd like share something I call Soundtrack Saturday.  I know its cheesy and everyone is enjoying these Alliterations with days so I thought I would too.

Here's how it works:

My life is consumed by music! I always have a song stuck in my head.  although I can't listen to music while I read, its too distracting, I love listening to music while I write and some of the things I write are inspired by certain songs.  I also quite often will associate songs with books I am reading or certain scenes in a book.  So I've decided to share those with you on Saturdays! Sometimes it may be a long list of songs or sometimes it may just be one song I thought went perfect with a part I just read.  Sound like fun? I hope so :)

My Soundtrack today is coming from Richelle Mead's Georgina Kincaid Series. (I'm sorry for being so obsessed with this lately!)  Its coming from the the series as a whole as I can hear all the songs in all the books.

1. Your love is my drug ~Ke$ha
2. Sideways ~Citizen Cope
3. Standing at the edge of the earth ~Blessid Union of Souls
4. I will follow you into the dark ~Death Cab for Cutie
5. Stand in the rain ~SuperChick
6. Lacrymosa ~ Evanescence
7. Landslide ~Dixie Chicks
8. Soul Meets Body ~ Death Cab for Cutie
9. Be With Me ~VAST
10. Pretty When You Cry ~VAST (this one I associate most with Bastien, and the hotel room scene)
11. Walk On ~U2

That's all I can think of for now.  If I reread this and something new pops into my head I'll add it so feel free to check back under the soundtracks label!

I'd love to hear some soundtracks you've put together for your favorite books!!! If I have a week where I come up blank maybe I'll feature you're list and a link to your blog, then I'll add your link to the side of my blog too!

Have a happy safe fun weekend! and Happy reading always!

Follow my book blog and blog hop friday

  Happy friday the 13th!! Rules:

To join the fun and make now book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:

Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Host { Parajunkee.com } and any one else you want to follow on the list

Follow our Featured Bloggers - http://nymfaux.blogspot.com/

Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing.

Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say hi in your comments

Follow Follow Follow as many as you can

If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love...and the followers

If you want to show the link list, just follow the link below the entries and copy and paste it within your post!

If your new to the follow friday hop, comment and let me know, so I can stop by and check out your blog!

This week's question comes from Michelle from Michelle’s Book Blog! (waiting for her blog link!)

How many books do you have on your 'to be read shelf’?



My answer: Oh my its never ever ending.  I buy books and by the time I finish one I've bought 5 more!  Im crazy obsessed and I'll never get through the list!

Review: Succubus Shadows

Succubus Shadows

By: Richelle Mead
281 Pages

Published by: Kensington Publishing Corporation

$15.00 (paperback)

Book 5 in a series of 6




What is this book about:

Georgina Kincaid has formidable powers.  Immortality, seduction, shape-shifting into any human form she desires, walking in heels that would cripple mere mortals-- all child's play to a succubus like her.

Helping to plan her ex-boyfriend's wedding is a different story.  Georgina isn't sure which is worse-- that Seth is marrying another woman, or that Georgina has to run all over Seattle trying on bridesmaid dresses.  Still, there are distractions.  Georgina's roommate, Roman, is cluttering her apartment with sexual tension.  Then there's Simone, the new succubus in town, who's intent on corrupting Seth.

But the real danger lies in the mysterious force that's visiting her thoughts, trying to draw her into a dark, otherworldly realm.  Sooner or later, Georgina knows she'll be too weak to resist.  And when that happens, she'll discover who she can trust, who she can't-- and that Hell is far from the worst place to spend eternity....

What I think:
I absolutely love how Richelle can make her characters jump off the page becoming living breathing people.  It's amazing that she can write a series and have these amazing connections between two characters from page one and by the time you reach book five you really feel like this relationship is a part of your life.  Georgina and Seth are no exception.  You feel your heart break when Georgina's does, you feel lost and alone when Seth does. 

The one thing I had a hard time with in this book was that Georgina had a huge period of time where she was helpless and I hated it! However I did love learning more about her past.  And the end, even though it was emotionally trying, totally made up for the part I disliked.  There were some devastating losses, heartbreaking moments, extreme happy events and emotional ups and downs.  Everything that makes a great book! 

I think I have a little bit of an idea of where this might go, or I at least have hopes.  If you want to hear them I'd love to discuss and get other opinions because I'm totally obsessed. but I don't want to give away spoilers here. 

I feel like books 1 and 5 are the strongest in this series so far, but everything is leading up to a very important ending I'm pretty sure!

All in all even though there was a part I disliked I still give this book:

If I Could Tell You,

It's the 12th!  that means its time for a If I Could Tell You episode.  This is where I write letters to Characters.

This months If I Could Tell You letter goes to Georgina Kincaid.

Where does Georgina come from?:  Georgina is the main character in the Georgina Kincaid Series by Richelle Mead.

Why Georgina?:  I decided to write to Georgina in honor of meeting her Creator Richelle this month.

Dear Georgina,


I am currently reading about you in Succubus Shadows.  Its taking me a while to get through because I'm sad to see it end, once its over I won't get to hear any more about your adventures for over a year!  That's a long to be with out you! I learned to take my time with books and really enjoy them from the way you soak in every deatail of caddy and O'neil.  I've grown to love hearing about your new fashion ideas and I'm constantly cheering for you and Seth.


I'm totally Jealous of your ability to change your appearance whenever you want.  Some days I think that would be such an awesome superpower.  On Tuesday you could have short blond hair and on Thursday you have long black hair. I love all the possibilities.


I have to admit to you that I kind of like Roman, not saying my love for Seth is any smaller.  I just think he's somewhat appealing.  I like how so far he seems to care so much about you.  I can see what a tough spot you are in between him and Seth.


I don't know how you see Maddie everyday and don't feel a strong desire to punch to her.  I know she's a nice person and is clueless about the situation but I wouldn't be able to do it.  I would for sure handle the situation poorly.  I admire your strength!


You're beautiful, Strong, and very brave.  Don't give up on Seth, I know you'll figure it out!


Love,


Andrea

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday (WoW) is a weekly event Hosted by Breaking the Spine.  It spotlights upcoming releases.

This week my I can't wait to read this selection is:

The Lost Saint
by Bree Despain
Release Date: December 28th 2010

I don't have a description for this book yet but the cover was released so I figured I could share that!

The lost Saint is the 2nd book in the Dark Divine Trilogy.  its the continuance of The Dark Divine which in case you haven't read it is about:

from readbree

The Dark Divine - Synopsis

A prodigal son

A dangerous love

A deadly secret . . .

I stood back and watched his movements. Daniel had that way about him that could shut me down in an instant. . . . I kicked the gravel a couple of times and worked up my courage again. “Tell me . . . I mean . . . why did you come back? Why now, after all this time?”

Grace Divine, daughter of the local pastor, always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi disappeared—the night she found her brother Jude collapsed on the porch, covered in blood. But she has no idea what a truly monstrous secret that night really held. And when Daniel returns three years later, Grace can no longer deny her attraction to him, despite promising Jude she’ll stay away.

As Grace gets closer to Daniel, her actions stir the ancient evil Daniel unleashed that horrific night. Grace must discover the truth behind Jude and Daniel's dark secret . . . and the cure that can save the ones she loves. But she may have to lay down the ultimate sacrifice to do it—her soul.

Just for Fun

Do you like short stories?  There's a competition going on right now its called the YA Fantasy Showdown.  Alot of Authors have come together to write short stories about their Character fighting characters from other books.  You can even vote who you think would really win! Click here to check it out and vote for your favorite characters!  I especially recommend the Jace VS. Daniel.  Bree Despain even wrote her version of what would happen. You can Read Bree's version Here.

Richelle Mead signing

My Friend Jenn and I ran away to Portland this week to see the all time great Richelle Mead.  Portland is beautiful and I was in awe of all the great talent at the signing.  We met bloggers, other Authors and OF COARSE Richelle!

Richelle read from Spirit Bound.  I loved how she had to explain why Rose wanted a popsicle it was such a great insight into her writing process and some of the things Editors ask and press the writers about.  Richelle brought a box of goodies they handed out to people and there were 150-200 people there to see her! It was amazing!  After her reading she did a Q&A and there were some great questions asked!  Even Jenn got a chance to ask a question! She was so brave I wouldn't have been able to do it.  Jenn asked her, what her favorite and least favorite part of the writing process was.  I got it on video and if I can figure out how to flip the video so it doesn't play on its side I'll post it.

We took Richelle a shot glass from Utah, and we're Fan girl type excited to see that we made her blog! http://blue-succubus.livejournal.com/251020.html 

The trip was short but so worth it!

Read for you

I love to read and am excited to start sharing what Im reading.  Hopefully I don't bore everyone to death and I can inspire more people to share my love. When ever I get busy or overwhelmed and don't have time to read life seems to get a little dark.  Quite often in these times I'll tell my husband read for me and tell me what its about. its of coarse only a joke as I love to read for myself but you only find good books through good recomendations. So I'll read for you and tell you what its about!