Welcome to Jagged Edge!
First, Kati, thank you so much for offering to do this interview with me. I really appreciate it.
Would you like to tell us a little about yourself?
I guess as a writer I am a bit unique in that I have been writing for most of my life and outside of magazine articles, I have never published under my own name, including Falling In Love. I am using a pen name partly to help hide Sherry’s identity. Besides writing, I love—surprise, surprise—reading, as well as sports, traveling and mostly enjoying life with my wife, our daughter and our dog.
What inspired you to write?
I have wanted to write for as long as I can remember. When I was four, I wrote my first book before I had learned any written words. It was really a comic book about my cat and I hunting for a mouse and when we found one, I wouldn’t let her kill it. It was based on a true story.
What authors influenced you as a writer?
Strangely enough, Franklin W. Dixon probably influenced me as much as anyone because every chapter in the Hardy Boys books ended with a cliffhanger, and that was the beginning of learning to write about suspense. However, as an adult I have written so many times “for hire” on different types of projects that I’m not sure how much writers have influenced my writing but obviously they have influenced my life by making it richer. I like strong stories so I read a lot of best selling writers like John Grisham, Patricia Cornwell, John Connolly and Janet Evanovich. But occasionally, I may be in a mood for someone like Richard Yates, whose work can be depressing but the writing is superb.
What is your favorite quote?
Be yourself; everyone else is already taken. – Oscar Wilde
If you could jump in to a book, and live in that world, which would it be?
The Sun Also Rises. I think that living as a writer in Paris in the Twenties would have been incredible.
What is at least one thing that every writer needs to have or do?
I think a writer has to have a strong belief in one’s ability to create something special. Writing can be so difficult and writers can be so insecure about their writing and so afraid of exposing their most intimate thoughts and feelings that the writing itself can become intimidating. You have to believe that in the end it will not only be worth it but that you will give something to the world that no one else can.
Are your books different than your personal favorite books by other authors?
Yes but again, it is because I ghostwrote several autobiographies that I might not have otherwise read. Honestly, if Sherry had chosen another writer, I’m not sure that I would have read Falling In Love. But if I did read it, I know I would have enjoyed it immensely and learned from it. I think that is about all you can ask from a book.
What led you to writing in this genre?
As I mention in the Prologue, I really only had to answer the phone.
What is your favorite part of the writing process?
I like the end of the process when I am polishing a story, because then I am like a first reader offering an opinion rather than a writer trying to make the story work.
Least favorite part of the writing process?
The writing, just kidding. Actually, I don’t really like first drafts too much because the story usually hasn’t taken shape and it still has plot holes and the characters don’t seem complex enough. But I have taught writing and during the first class I always quote Ernest Hemingway’s line, “The only thing important about a first draft is finishing it.” But that is the beauty of writing. Eventually—or at least hopefully--it turns into a great read.
What are you currently working on?
At the moment, I am working on a thriller but I don’t like talking too much about a book until I am at least done with the first draft.
Where readers can find you?
Kati, these are probably way more links that you want, so please just choose any that work for you.
Website: http://www.fallinginlovethebook.com
Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008VJM1HC
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/falling-in-love-stephen-bradlee/1112684128?ean=2940044791381
Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/213329
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15985861-falling-in-love
Sony: https://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/stephen-bradlee/falling-in-love/_/R-400000000000000802970
Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Falling-In-Love/book-mg67c1tZ90CNqtXeMGDkXw/page1.html?s=QTKH5kPE1EGbI0C-AclU_g&r=3
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Falling-In-Love/371856969552390
Twitter: https://twitter.com/stephenbradlee
Stephen Bradlee Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stephen-Bradlee/272408129527354
Stephen Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/StephenBradlee
LAST QUESTION:
Was there a question you wish I would have asked but didn't?
Not that I can think of. I think you asked the right questions. Thank you.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Review: Dementional
Title: Dementional
Author: Tonya Cannariato
Publisher: Katarr Kanticles Press
Publication Date: August 25, 2012
Reviewer: Elisa
Summary: Mark Inman has two loves: particle physics and Sarah. She agrees to become his wife at the same time his experiment to find the Higgs boson goes off the rails. Journey with Mark while his existence melts and reforms in unpredictable ways as the veils between realities thin. His exploration of the minutiae of quantum physics builds a fascinating tapestry of alternate universes. His search for survival, and the search for meaning and what is real, drive Mark as he experiences lives he never dreamed possible. His only touchstones: find Sarah and find his way home.
Review: This book starts out fairly confusing, but it all becomes clear...
When all scientists are called back to the lab because their super secret experiments are failing, Mark kisses his brand new bride goodbye and lets her know he will see her soon. His dark matter experiment has gone on meltdown and he is sucked into a tour of different dimension where he is still himself, but very different.
"I'm beginning to think every timeline has a moment of crisis - a turning point when that reality's participants are forced to choose whether their space-time implodes or evolves." (4%)
If you read it, you know how The Time Traveler’s Wife was, he would jump backwards or forwards in time, and most of them were to know a certain part or time of his wife’s. Well, Mark has had a meltdown of an experiment in dark matter or dimensional travel, but each consciousness he finds himself in, he has his wife Sarah to find. On these trips through the multiverse, he more deeply understands their connection as well as how everything else in the universe is connected. “I had gained valuable insights just by being in those forms. Previously, I would have felt that was impossible without extensive experimentation following the "work to disprove it” path of the scientific method.” (60%) Whether they are lizards, humanoids, amphibians, a planet to her moon, they have a push and pull and direct relationship to one another. It is lovely. Though a bit confusing with the talk of dark matter, electromagnetic pulses and some scientific jargon spaced a bit through, you don't really have to know what a Boson Higgs particle is, or string theory, though I imagine you will get a little more out of it than I did if you do. I don’t, so I figured it for science jargon and kept reading.
This book was so imaginative and interesting and quick it sucked me in, shook me around and finally spit me out. For a guy who travels through 8 or so dimensions, the book only comes to around 250 pages. It goes fast. There really isn't any unnecessary description. It is all important.
“I was living through a strange, extended Groundhog Day experience in these parallel dimensions, and I never knew when to expect a reset.” (35%)
“I still had no guidance for how to approach the problem, or support system, as I meandered my way through the multiverse like a pinball flung by a random application of force.” (57%)
So Mark and Sarah are being pulled through dimension after dimension, but they are always together. It is beautifully written, all in first person from Mark's POV and with his scientific recap, a little tiny bit like a Twilight Zone narration or something, with dialogue only when necessary.
After a couple of dimensions I was reading and wondering how Cannariato was going to conclude the story, really, how many ways could it end? And it does, at a nice spot. But there is no full explanation for how it happens. So I found it a little too pat and easy, though felt ok with it. I really enjoyed rolling through the multiverse with Mark and Sarah. It was a love story and expands your mind, in a good way. If you like science fiction and the idea of multiverse and some creative scenarios, you should look this one up! 4 stars.
Author: Tonya Cannariato
Publisher: Katarr Kanticles Press
Publication Date: August 25, 2012
Reviewer: Elisa
Summary: Mark Inman has two loves: particle physics and Sarah. She agrees to become his wife at the same time his experiment to find the Higgs boson goes off the rails. Journey with Mark while his existence melts and reforms in unpredictable ways as the veils between realities thin. His exploration of the minutiae of quantum physics builds a fascinating tapestry of alternate universes. His search for survival, and the search for meaning and what is real, drive Mark as he experiences lives he never dreamed possible. His only touchstones: find Sarah and find his way home.
Review: This book starts out fairly confusing, but it all becomes clear...
When all scientists are called back to the lab because their super secret experiments are failing, Mark kisses his brand new bride goodbye and lets her know he will see her soon. His dark matter experiment has gone on meltdown and he is sucked into a tour of different dimension where he is still himself, but very different.
"I'm beginning to think every timeline has a moment of crisis - a turning point when that reality's participants are forced to choose whether their space-time implodes or evolves." (4%)
If you read it, you know how The Time Traveler’s Wife was, he would jump backwards or forwards in time, and most of them were to know a certain part or time of his wife’s. Well, Mark has had a meltdown of an experiment in dark matter or dimensional travel, but each consciousness he finds himself in, he has his wife Sarah to find. On these trips through the multiverse, he more deeply understands their connection as well as how everything else in the universe is connected. “I had gained valuable insights just by being in those forms. Previously, I would have felt that was impossible without extensive experimentation following the "work to disprove it” path of the scientific method.” (60%) Whether they are lizards, humanoids, amphibians, a planet to her moon, they have a push and pull and direct relationship to one another. It is lovely. Though a bit confusing with the talk of dark matter, electromagnetic pulses and some scientific jargon spaced a bit through, you don't really have to know what a Boson Higgs particle is, or string theory, though I imagine you will get a little more out of it than I did if you do. I don’t, so I figured it for science jargon and kept reading.
This book was so imaginative and interesting and quick it sucked me in, shook me around and finally spit me out. For a guy who travels through 8 or so dimensions, the book only comes to around 250 pages. It goes fast. There really isn't any unnecessary description. It is all important.
“I was living through a strange, extended Groundhog Day experience in these parallel dimensions, and I never knew when to expect a reset.” (35%)
“I still had no guidance for how to approach the problem, or support system, as I meandered my way through the multiverse like a pinball flung by a random application of force.” (57%)
So Mark and Sarah are being pulled through dimension after dimension, but they are always together. It is beautifully written, all in first person from Mark's POV and with his scientific recap, a little tiny bit like a Twilight Zone narration or something, with dialogue only when necessary.
After a couple of dimensions I was reading and wondering how Cannariato was going to conclude the story, really, how many ways could it end? And it does, at a nice spot. But there is no full explanation for how it happens. So I found it a little too pat and easy, though felt ok with it. I really enjoyed rolling through the multiverse with Mark and Sarah. It was a love story and expands your mind, in a good way. If you like science fiction and the idea of multiverse and some creative scenarios, you should look this one up! 4 stars.
Guest Post
Nicknames in Prophecy Girl
"So, Prophecy Girl, what are we going to do first?"
"Oh great, I've got a name now?"
Prophecy Girl. Red. Big Hair. Wife. Samantha Winthrop has many names, but she prefers just Sam. That doesn't stop people from calling her all sorts of things, however, and throughout Prophecy Girl she acquires quite a few different names. She's not the only one, actually. The characters in Prophecy Girl have more nicknames than you can shake a stick at. (Don't ask me why that's a popular saying. Why are you shaking sticks at things? So violent.)
So, why the nicknames?
Nicknames tell you a lot about a person, their relationship to another person, and the situation they are in. That's a whole lot of things to tell you in something as simple as a nickname, but it's true!
When Sam is bullied on the bus and they call her Big Hair (kids are so uncreative with their insults) and she just lets them do that—that tells you a lot about who Sam is, the situation she is in on the bus, and who the jerk kids are.
Nicknames can mark changes in a characters life. We go by all sorts of names when we're kids that fade away, for example.
There is this moment later in the story where there is a big change in Sam. I can't tell you about it because it's full of spoilers for anyone who might want to read Prophecy Girl, but suffice to say the nickname marks that change in her and you sort of feel things shift when she gets it. Big Hair Sam is a very different person from the one who gets this new name.
Of course, as an author, I could just tell you things like' "Sam doesn't want to have dreams that happen, and doesn't accept it at all. Nick thinks that's funny and definitely believes her dreams do happen and accepts them all as ultimate truth."
But isn't the exchange at the beginning of this post a much shorter (and funnier!) way to point that out?
Which of course leads to me asking you, Jagged Edge readers, what do your nicknames say about you? :)
Author Bio:
Faith McKay writes stories about characters with real world struggles in otherworldly settings. She is the author of PROPHECY GIRL, a story where characters struggle with the idea of having a destiny. In comparison, she feels really lucky that her destiny was to struggle with comma placement and be that awkward lady who points out puns at parties.
Other things to know about Faith… She wears two different colored shoes. She is a survivor of child abuse. She has lived with chronic illness for over a decade. A lot of people don't like her because she laughs too much. It's also the reason a lot of other people do like her, so go figure. She listens to more music than people are probably supposed to. She's a nomad. The word sounds really cool, so a lot of people say it, but she actually lives in an RV with her husband and their pet bunny rabbit, Dorian Gray.
If you'd like to know more about Prophecy Girl or Faith McKay, visit her website at FaithMcKay.net
http://faithmckay.net
http://www.facebook.com/faithmckaybooks
http://twitter.com/faithmckay
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16133799-prophecy-girl
http://www.amazon.com/Prophecy-Girl-Lacuna-Valley-ebook/dp/B00A801I2Q/
"So, Prophecy Girl, what are we going to do first?"
"Oh great, I've got a name now?"
Prophecy Girl. Red. Big Hair. Wife. Samantha Winthrop has many names, but she prefers just Sam. That doesn't stop people from calling her all sorts of things, however, and throughout Prophecy Girl she acquires quite a few different names. She's not the only one, actually. The characters in Prophecy Girl have more nicknames than you can shake a stick at. (Don't ask me why that's a popular saying. Why are you shaking sticks at things? So violent.)
So, why the nicknames?
Nicknames tell you a lot about a person, their relationship to another person, and the situation they are in. That's a whole lot of things to tell you in something as simple as a nickname, but it's true!
When Sam is bullied on the bus and they call her Big Hair (kids are so uncreative with their insults) and she just lets them do that—that tells you a lot about who Sam is, the situation she is in on the bus, and who the jerk kids are.
Nicknames can mark changes in a characters life. We go by all sorts of names when we're kids that fade away, for example.
There is this moment later in the story where there is a big change in Sam. I can't tell you about it because it's full of spoilers for anyone who might want to read Prophecy Girl, but suffice to say the nickname marks that change in her and you sort of feel things shift when she gets it. Big Hair Sam is a very different person from the one who gets this new name.
Of course, as an author, I could just tell you things like' "Sam doesn't want to have dreams that happen, and doesn't accept it at all. Nick thinks that's funny and definitely believes her dreams do happen and accepts them all as ultimate truth."
But isn't the exchange at the beginning of this post a much shorter (and funnier!) way to point that out?
Which of course leads to me asking you, Jagged Edge readers, what do your nicknames say about you? :)
Author Bio:
Faith McKay writes stories about characters with real world struggles in otherworldly settings. She is the author of PROPHECY GIRL, a story where characters struggle with the idea of having a destiny. In comparison, she feels really lucky that her destiny was to struggle with comma placement and be that awkward lady who points out puns at parties.
Other things to know about Faith… She wears two different colored shoes. She is a survivor of child abuse. She has lived with chronic illness for over a decade. A lot of people don't like her because she laughs too much. It's also the reason a lot of other people do like her, so go figure. She listens to more music than people are probably supposed to. She's a nomad. The word sounds really cool, so a lot of people say it, but she actually lives in an RV with her husband and their pet bunny rabbit, Dorian Gray.
If you'd like to know more about Prophecy Girl or Faith McKay, visit her website at FaithMcKay.net
http://faithmckay.net
http://www.facebook.com/faithmckaybooks
http://twitter.com/faithmckay
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16133799-prophecy-girl
http://www.amazon.com/Prophecy-Girl-Lacuna-Valley-ebook/dp/B00A801I2Q/
Review: Say You're Sorry
Title: Say You’re Sorry
Author: Michael Robotham
Publisher: Mulholland Books
Publication Date: October 2, 2012
Reviewer: Ethan
Summary: TWO MISSING GIRLS. TWO BRUTAL MURDERS. ALL CONNECTED TO ONE FARM HOUSE. WHO IS TO BLAME?
Review: Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of reading Bleed for Me, a novel by Michael Robotham, featuring crime-fighting psychologist Joseph O'Loughlin. After devouring the book, I was anxious to get my hands on more. Fortunately, this fall saw the release of the next installment in Robotham's series, and I was quick to acquire a copy of this one as well.
Three years ago, the small town of Bingham was rocked to its core when two local teenagers, Piper and Tash, disappeared. Originally thought to have run away, it is soon discovered that the girls were kidnapped. In the wake of incident, two families struggle to cope with the loss of their daughter while simultaneously being investigated for possible involvement. With little evidence to guide them, the police eventually assume the girls to be dead and the story of the girls' disappearance soon fades into the history of the town.
Clinical Psychologist and part time police advisor Joe O'Loughlin has problems of his own. On top of an increasingly severe battle with Parkinson's disease, he struggles to balance his career with his relationship with his estranged wife and daughters. As the holiday season approaches, Joe plans to spend more time with his fragile family and step away from the high profile investigations that he has previously been involved with.
All these plans come crashing down when he receives a call to investigate a murdered family at the house where one of the missing girl's, Tash, family used to live. The mentally unstable suspect in custody is convinced that he saw a girl running through the snow, being chased by a snowman. Could this girl be the missing Tash? And who is this mysterious snowman? Intrigued by the possibilities, Joe races against the clock to unlock the secrets of the man's mind and to re-open the investigation of the girls’ disappearance.
Author Michael Robotham has stuck gold again. His characters, especially Joe, are crafted with a depth that keeps the reader highly invested into the story. I'll admit, this mystery lacked a bit of the urgency that I felt while reading Bleed for Me, but after a slow start, the novel really picks up into a suspenseful thrill ride that is sure to keep you guessing. This is the perfect novel for readers who enjoy well-written thrillers that go beyond the genre clichés. After reading two novels by Robotham, I am officially a fan!
-Ethan
Author: Michael Robotham
Publisher: Mulholland Books
Publication Date: October 2, 2012
Reviewer: Ethan
Summary: TWO MISSING GIRLS. TWO BRUTAL MURDERS. ALL CONNECTED TO ONE FARM HOUSE. WHO IS TO BLAME?
Review: Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of reading Bleed for Me, a novel by Michael Robotham, featuring crime-fighting psychologist Joseph O'Loughlin. After devouring the book, I was anxious to get my hands on more. Fortunately, this fall saw the release of the next installment in Robotham's series, and I was quick to acquire a copy of this one as well.
Three years ago, the small town of Bingham was rocked to its core when two local teenagers, Piper and Tash, disappeared. Originally thought to have run away, it is soon discovered that the girls were kidnapped. In the wake of incident, two families struggle to cope with the loss of their daughter while simultaneously being investigated for possible involvement. With little evidence to guide them, the police eventually assume the girls to be dead and the story of the girls' disappearance soon fades into the history of the town.
Clinical Psychologist and part time police advisor Joe O'Loughlin has problems of his own. On top of an increasingly severe battle with Parkinson's disease, he struggles to balance his career with his relationship with his estranged wife and daughters. As the holiday season approaches, Joe plans to spend more time with his fragile family and step away from the high profile investigations that he has previously been involved with.
All these plans come crashing down when he receives a call to investigate a murdered family at the house where one of the missing girl's, Tash, family used to live. The mentally unstable suspect in custody is convinced that he saw a girl running through the snow, being chased by a snowman. Could this girl be the missing Tash? And who is this mysterious snowman? Intrigued by the possibilities, Joe races against the clock to unlock the secrets of the man's mind and to re-open the investigation of the girls’ disappearance.
Author Michael Robotham has stuck gold again. His characters, especially Joe, are crafted with a depth that keeps the reader highly invested into the story. I'll admit, this mystery lacked a bit of the urgency that I felt while reading Bleed for Me, but after a slow start, the novel really picks up into a suspenseful thrill ride that is sure to keep you guessing. This is the perfect novel for readers who enjoy well-written thrillers that go beyond the genre clichés. After reading two novels by Robotham, I am officially a fan!
-Ethan
Cover Reveal
Free Souls by Susan Kaye Quinn
(Book Three of the Mindjack Trilogy) Now Available!
When your mind is a weapon, freedom comes at a price.
Four months have passed since Kira left home to join Julian’s Jacker Freedom Alliance, but the hole in her heart still whistles empty where her boyfriend Raf used to be. She fills it with weapons training, JFA patrols, and an obsessive hunt for FBI agent Kestrel, ignoring Julian’s worries about her safety and repeated attempts to recruit her for his revolutionary chat-casts. When anti-jacker politician Vellus surrounds Jackertown with the National Guard, Kira discovers there’s more to Julian’s concerns than she knew, but she’s forced to take on a mission that neither want and that might be her last: assassinating Senator Vellus before he can snuff out Julian’s revolution and the jackers she’s come to love.
All of the Mindjack stories are available on Amazon, Barnes&Noble, Kobo, and iTunes
(Note Free Souls is not yet available on Kobo or iTunes)
Early Praise for Free Souls
“Quinn paints a picture of a not-too-distant America where politicians inflame the hatred of one section of the populace for another—all for their own gain—and you worry that her world is not so far off from our own.”
— Dianne Salerni, author of We Hear the Dead, The Caged Graves, and the forthcoming The Eighth Day
"Free Souls starts with a bang and doesn't let up. Like a mash-up of all your favorite science-fiction adventures from Star Wars to The Legend of Korra, it blends nonstop action, nail-biting escapes, and great romance. I absolutely loved it! A great series conclusion—a must-read."
— Leigh Talbert Moore, author of Rouge and The Truth About Faking
“Susan did it again. Free Souls was WOW! I expected Kira to step up to her role as heroine but not like this. Surprises kept coming until the very end which tied up more loose ends than I knew existed. Warning: Don't start reading until you have time to finish. I didn't want to put Free Souls down for a second. It's that kind of book.”
— Sher A. Hart, Goodreads Review
Interview
Susan's over at Amy Saunder's blog today (12.14.12), answering questions about how she came up with the mages' abilities, what kind of mage she would be, and all about her future works.
Digital Box Set
Since Free Souls is out, there is now a Digital Box Set of the Mindjack Trilogy for those of you who want the whole series!
Mindjack Origins Collection
Want more Julian? Wondering how Sasha's ability really works? Looking for EXCLUSIVE DELETED SCENES from Free Souls? This collection of novellas, scenes, and other goodies is for those craving a bit more of the characters and drama of the Mindjack series.
Includes:
Mindjack Novellas
Mind Games (Raf's story)
The Handler (Julian's story)
The Scribe (Sasha's story)
TWO EXCLUSIVE DELETED SCENES from Free Souls (published nowhere else!)
PLUS Mindjack flash fiction, an (imaginary) conversation between Raf and Julian, and other goodies for readers who want just a little bit more of Kira, Julian, Raf, and the Mindjack crew.
ENTER TO WIN
one of FIVE ecopies of the Mindjack Origins Collection
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Review: The Night Circus
Title: The Night Circus
Author: Erin Morgenstern
Publisher: Anchor
Publication Date: July 3, 2012
Reviewer: Annie
Summary: (From Amazon) The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night.
But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway: a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them both, this is a game in which only one can be left standing. Despite the high stakes, Celia and Marco soon tumble headfirst into love, setting off a domino effect of dangerous consequences, and leaving the lives of everyone, from the performers to the patrons, hanging in the balance.
Review: In an awesome setting of an ever moving and changing circus, two magicians are involved in a lifelong duel that neither of them agreed to. This book was great! And the audio version might’ve made it better. Jim Dale is phenomenal, as always, his voice is just so magical (ha ha). The story is quite interesting as well, I love both the main characters and all they have to go through to discover what is really going on with their lives. I didn’t know what to expect with this book, but I found it to be right up my alley, reality with a touch of fantasy. I would recommend this book to everyone. Even if you don’t like the whole magic thing, this book is so well written it’s worth the read. I don’t really know what else to say, I loved it and I think you will too!
~ Annie
Author: Erin Morgenstern
Publisher: Anchor
Publication Date: July 3, 2012
Reviewer: Annie
Summary: (From Amazon) The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night.
But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway: a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them both, this is a game in which only one can be left standing. Despite the high stakes, Celia and Marco soon tumble headfirst into love, setting off a domino effect of dangerous consequences, and leaving the lives of everyone, from the performers to the patrons, hanging in the balance.
Review: In an awesome setting of an ever moving and changing circus, two magicians are involved in a lifelong duel that neither of them agreed to. This book was great! And the audio version might’ve made it better. Jim Dale is phenomenal, as always, his voice is just so magical (ha ha). The story is quite interesting as well, I love both the main characters and all they have to go through to discover what is really going on with their lives. I didn’t know what to expect with this book, but I found it to be right up my alley, reality with a touch of fantasy. I would recommend this book to everyone. Even if you don’t like the whole magic thing, this book is so well written it’s worth the read. I don’t really know what else to say, I loved it and I think you will too!
~ Annie
Review: Spring Fever
Title: Spring Fever
Author: Mary Kay Andrews
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Publication Date: June 5, 2012
Reviewer: Annie
Summary: (From Amazon) Annajane Hudgens truly believes she is over her ex-husband, Mason Bayless. They’ve been divorced for four years, she’s engaged to a new, terrific guy, and she’s ready to leave the small town where she and Mason had so much history. She is so over Mason that she has absolutely no problem attending his wedding to the beautiful, intelligent, delightful Celia. But when fate intervenes and the wedding is called to a halt as the bride is literally walking down the aisle, Annajane begins to realize that maybe she’s been given a second chance. Maybe everything happens for a reason. And maybe, just maybe, she wants Mason back. But there are secrets afoot in this small southern town. On the peaceful surface of Hideaway Lake, Annajane discovers that the past is never really gone. Even if there are people determined to keep Annajane from getting what she wants, happiness might be hers for the taking, and the life she once had with Mason in this sleepy lake town might be in her future.
Review: Annajane is finally ready to leave the small town she grew up in, and still lives and works. Her ex-husband is getting remarried and she feels comfortable enough that she attends the wedding and that’s when things start to fall apart. I had no clue what to expect with this book since it was a random pick off the shelf. I loved it! I think I’m a fan of chick-lit as long as it doesn’t get too romance, lovely-dovey. I especially loved Annajane. Finally a strong female character who is going after what she wants and takes her life in control. I also loved that there were other things surrounding the relationships, there were some great twists within the business that they all work for and when I thought I had the story figured out suddenly there’d be another twist! This was also a great book to listen to, easy to follow and kept me wanting to come back and listen to more. If you like chick-lit (Emily Giffin is a great example) you should pick up this book. It is well written and never feels trashy which you tend to get with romance novels. I’d recommend this book for traveling or any other time you’re looking for a nice light read!
~ Annie
Author: Mary Kay Andrews
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Publication Date: June 5, 2012
Reviewer: Annie
Summary: (From Amazon) Annajane Hudgens truly believes she is over her ex-husband, Mason Bayless. They’ve been divorced for four years, she’s engaged to a new, terrific guy, and she’s ready to leave the small town where she and Mason had so much history. She is so over Mason that she has absolutely no problem attending his wedding to the beautiful, intelligent, delightful Celia. But when fate intervenes and the wedding is called to a halt as the bride is literally walking down the aisle, Annajane begins to realize that maybe she’s been given a second chance. Maybe everything happens for a reason. And maybe, just maybe, she wants Mason back. But there are secrets afoot in this small southern town. On the peaceful surface of Hideaway Lake, Annajane discovers that the past is never really gone. Even if there are people determined to keep Annajane from getting what she wants, happiness might be hers for the taking, and the life she once had with Mason in this sleepy lake town might be in her future.
Review: Annajane is finally ready to leave the small town she grew up in, and still lives and works. Her ex-husband is getting remarried and she feels comfortable enough that she attends the wedding and that’s when things start to fall apart. I had no clue what to expect with this book since it was a random pick off the shelf. I loved it! I think I’m a fan of chick-lit as long as it doesn’t get too romance, lovely-dovey. I especially loved Annajane. Finally a strong female character who is going after what she wants and takes her life in control. I also loved that there were other things surrounding the relationships, there were some great twists within the business that they all work for and when I thought I had the story figured out suddenly there’d be another twist! This was also a great book to listen to, easy to follow and kept me wanting to come back and listen to more. If you like chick-lit (Emily Giffin is a great example) you should pick up this book. It is well written and never feels trashy which you tend to get with romance novels. I’d recommend this book for traveling or any other time you’re looking for a nice light read!
~ Annie
Review: A Tinfoil Sky
A Tinfoil Sky
Author: Cyndi Sand-eveland
Publisher: Tundra Books
Publication date: 2012
Genre: Fiction
Pages: 224
Rate: 4.5 stars
Summary: Mel and her mother, Cecily, know what it’s like to live rough, whether it’s on the streets or in the apartment of an abusive man.When Cecily announces that they’ve had enough and that they are going to go home to her mother’s, Mel dreams of security, a comfortable bed, and a grandmother’s love seem to be about to come true. But some mistakes cannot be easily forgiven or erased. Her grandmother is not what Mel expects, and though the local library offers sanctuary, a real home seems beyond her grasp. Mel’s determination to rise above what fate has dealt is about to change that.
Cyndi Sand-Eveland’s work with homeless youth gives her characters an authenticity no reader will forget. Ultimately, a story of hope and acceptance, A Tinfoil Sky is a powerful, can’t-putit- down novel.
Review: This book is written from a 12 year olds perspective. But not just any 12 year old, one who is mature beyond her years. Made that way because of her mothers bad choices by the end of the book all you want is for Mel to be happy and safe. I admire Mel for many reasons. She is strong, smart, and independent. Even though she could have just let he grandmother push her around and treat her like crap she didn't. She stood up for herself and made it known that she wasn't her mother. Mel is well mannered and has a love of books. The moment you meet her you live her and just hope to see her succeed. But then you also wish to have been able to meet Tux but are happy to have been able to meet Ed. This book will capture your heart and refuse to let go.
Quality of writing: 8
Pace: 8
Plot development: 9
Characters: 10
Enjoyability: 9.5
Insightfulness: 10
Ease of reading: 9
I recommend this book!
Author: Cyndi Sand-eveland
Publisher: Tundra Books
Publication date: 2012
Genre: Fiction
Pages: 224
Rate: 4.5 stars
Summary: Mel and her mother, Cecily, know what it’s like to live rough, whether it’s on the streets or in the apartment of an abusive man.When Cecily announces that they’ve had enough and that they are going to go home to her mother’s, Mel dreams of security, a comfortable bed, and a grandmother’s love seem to be about to come true. But some mistakes cannot be easily forgiven or erased. Her grandmother is not what Mel expects, and though the local library offers sanctuary, a real home seems beyond her grasp. Mel’s determination to rise above what fate has dealt is about to change that.
Cyndi Sand-Eveland’s work with homeless youth gives her characters an authenticity no reader will forget. Ultimately, a story of hope and acceptance, A Tinfoil Sky is a powerful, can’t-putit- down novel.
Review: This book is written from a 12 year olds perspective. But not just any 12 year old, one who is mature beyond her years. Made that way because of her mothers bad choices by the end of the book all you want is for Mel to be happy and safe. I admire Mel for many reasons. She is strong, smart, and independent. Even though she could have just let he grandmother push her around and treat her like crap she didn't. She stood up for herself and made it known that she wasn't her mother. Mel is well mannered and has a love of books. The moment you meet her you live her and just hope to see her succeed. But then you also wish to have been able to meet Tux but are happy to have been able to meet Ed. This book will capture your heart and refuse to let go.
Quality of writing: 8
Pace: 8
Plot development: 9
Characters: 10
Enjoyability: 9.5
Insightfulness: 10
Ease of reading: 9
I recommend this book!
Monday, December 10, 2012
Review: wheels by Lorijo Metz
Title: Wheels
Author: Lorijo Metz
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Publication Date: April 12, 2012
Reviewer: Annie
Summary: (From Amazon) For McKenzie Wu, discovering she has a superpower has been anything but super. Molecules keep rearranging themselves to suit her slightest wish, but only at the most inconvenient times. If that weren't enough, she’s been dreaming about an accident; one she’s had no memory of until now and, if true, means McKenzie is responsible for her mother’s death. When McKenzie stumbles upon a portal, transporting her and her friend Hayes to the tiny planet of Circanthos, she learns the inhabitants believe she is the “One” destined to save them from H.G. Wells, a name that sounds strangely familiar, and his Tsendi warriors. But while her newfound ability might give her superhero status back on Earth, halfway across the galaxy it’s commonplace—all Circanthians can particle-weave—and if they can’t stop H.G. Wells, what can she hope to do? With the portal closed and no idea how to get home, McKenzie must learn to use a power she does not want and accept her mysterious past, or risk losing everything—her father’s love, her new alien friends and the boy. WHEELS is a sci-fi adventure filled with mystery and romance—a coming-of-age tale that proves it takes more than super powers to save a planet.
Review: After being sent to the principal’s office, McKenzie Wu is snooping where she shouldn’t be and the next thing she knows she is being sent on a whirlwind adventure involving some long lost ancestors of hers.
I thought this was a very enjoyable read. The beginning was a little tough, I had trouble figuring out what was going on and who thee characters were and a lot was happening very fast. But once I got into the meat of the story I really stared enjoying it. I wasn’t a huge fan of the interviews by the FBI agent and other letters scattered throughout the book, I didn’t think they added much to what was already a good story. Something about Metz’s writing style is very light and almost always bordering on humorous. I loved this aspect of it because it was very different from other authors I’ve read. I also loved how she wound HG Wells into the book as a main character; it was just another element of fun in this book. If you like science fiction and want an author with a light and humorous voice (something you don’t always see in sci-fi) you should read this book!
~ Annie
Author: Lorijo Metz
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Publication Date: April 12, 2012
Reviewer: Annie
Summary: (From Amazon) For McKenzie Wu, discovering she has a superpower has been anything but super. Molecules keep rearranging themselves to suit her slightest wish, but only at the most inconvenient times. If that weren't enough, she’s been dreaming about an accident; one she’s had no memory of until now and, if true, means McKenzie is responsible for her mother’s death. When McKenzie stumbles upon a portal, transporting her and her friend Hayes to the tiny planet of Circanthos, she learns the inhabitants believe she is the “One” destined to save them from H.G. Wells, a name that sounds strangely familiar, and his Tsendi warriors. But while her newfound ability might give her superhero status back on Earth, halfway across the galaxy it’s commonplace—all Circanthians can particle-weave—and if they can’t stop H.G. Wells, what can she hope to do? With the portal closed and no idea how to get home, McKenzie must learn to use a power she does not want and accept her mysterious past, or risk losing everything—her father’s love, her new alien friends and the boy. WHEELS is a sci-fi adventure filled with mystery and romance—a coming-of-age tale that proves it takes more than super powers to save a planet.
Review: After being sent to the principal’s office, McKenzie Wu is snooping where she shouldn’t be and the next thing she knows she is being sent on a whirlwind adventure involving some long lost ancestors of hers.
I thought this was a very enjoyable read. The beginning was a little tough, I had trouble figuring out what was going on and who thee characters were and a lot was happening very fast. But once I got into the meat of the story I really stared enjoying it. I wasn’t a huge fan of the interviews by the FBI agent and other letters scattered throughout the book, I didn’t think they added much to what was already a good story. Something about Metz’s writing style is very light and almost always bordering on humorous. I loved this aspect of it because it was very different from other authors I’ve read. I also loved how she wound HG Wells into the book as a main character; it was just another element of fun in this book. If you like science fiction and want an author with a light and humorous voice (something you don’t always see in sci-fi) you should read this book!
~ Annie
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Excerpt: Into the Spiral by Erin Danzer
“Great, just what I need,” she grumbled. “What a perfect ending to such a perfect birthday. You know, I did think when I saw Brian at dinner that getting struck by lightning was all I needed to complete this day.”
“It wasn’t all that bad; you did get a tattoo today and you got to have dinner with me,” Andi pointed out. Ronnie nodded.
“Too true, and it’s rained almost every night this week anyway. So what should we do now?”
Andi glanced at the window as another rumble of thunder sounded. “I guess we could go downstairs and watch a movie.”
“Sounds great.” Ronnie wound her arm around Andi’s waist and led the way out of her bedroom.
They brought out blankets and pillows before deciding on a movie to watch. Because it was her birthday, Andi let Ronnie pick one out. Ronnie finally decided on a popular romantic comedy she hadn't seen in a while. They lay on the floor between their blankets and watched. Ronnie tried to ignore the crashing thunder and sizzling lightning, but soon it got to be too much. She stood up and crossed to the only window in the room, situated over her dad’s desk. Rain lashed the window at a ninety degree angle and lightning blinded her momentarily. Heavy black rain clouds churned overhead. Terror rang through her and she screamed as a bolt of lightning suddenly struck the ground at the lake’s edge outside her house.
“Oh my god!” Ronnie squealed as she jumped back from the window. She tripped over the chair behind her dad’s desk and ended up sprawled on the floor just below the window sill.
“Get away from the window,” her mom shrieked as she ran into the room. Another lightning bolt slammed into the ground in their backyard, closer to the house this time. Ronnie scrambled to her feet, thinking Mother Nature was targeting her house as her mom grabbed her and Andi and pulled both girls out of the room.
“We have to get into the cellar before the house gets struck,” her mom instructed and Ronnie numbly nodded. Not only was the house made of wood, it was held together by a steel frame. Her dad had been told it would make a stronger structure. Now, seeing the lightning strike closer and closer to her house, Ronnie thought it was the stupidest idea she had ever heard.
She ran through the house behind her mom and Andi as yet another bolt of lightning flashed as it struck down. Ronnie and Andi screamed and her mom told them to keep moving. The front door swung wildly on its hinges in the fierce gusts. Ronnie could just barely make out her dad by the open cellar door through the rain and swinging door.
“Go! Get out of here!” Ronnie yelled as she pushed Andi to run faster and was relieved when Andi stumbled out into the rain soaked night towards her dad. Ronnie had a moment to look out at her parents and best friend as the sky lit up with the next bolt of lightning.
“Ronnie!” Her mom screamed as Ronnie’s foot pushed off from the metal door stop but it was too late. An electrical current shot through her as she stumbled out of the house. She fell to the ground, twitching as she passed out.
“It wasn’t all that bad; you did get a tattoo today and you got to have dinner with me,” Andi pointed out. Ronnie nodded.
“Too true, and it’s rained almost every night this week anyway. So what should we do now?”
Andi glanced at the window as another rumble of thunder sounded. “I guess we could go downstairs and watch a movie.”
“Sounds great.” Ronnie wound her arm around Andi’s waist and led the way out of her bedroom.
They brought out blankets and pillows before deciding on a movie to watch. Because it was her birthday, Andi let Ronnie pick one out. Ronnie finally decided on a popular romantic comedy she hadn't seen in a while. They lay on the floor between their blankets and watched. Ronnie tried to ignore the crashing thunder and sizzling lightning, but soon it got to be too much. She stood up and crossed to the only window in the room, situated over her dad’s desk. Rain lashed the window at a ninety degree angle and lightning blinded her momentarily. Heavy black rain clouds churned overhead. Terror rang through her and she screamed as a bolt of lightning suddenly struck the ground at the lake’s edge outside her house.
“Oh my god!” Ronnie squealed as she jumped back from the window. She tripped over the chair behind her dad’s desk and ended up sprawled on the floor just below the window sill.
“Get away from the window,” her mom shrieked as she ran into the room. Another lightning bolt slammed into the ground in their backyard, closer to the house this time. Ronnie scrambled to her feet, thinking Mother Nature was targeting her house as her mom grabbed her and Andi and pulled both girls out of the room.
“We have to get into the cellar before the house gets struck,” her mom instructed and Ronnie numbly nodded. Not only was the house made of wood, it was held together by a steel frame. Her dad had been told it would make a stronger structure. Now, seeing the lightning strike closer and closer to her house, Ronnie thought it was the stupidest idea she had ever heard.
She ran through the house behind her mom and Andi as yet another bolt of lightning flashed as it struck down. Ronnie and Andi screamed and her mom told them to keep moving. The front door swung wildly on its hinges in the fierce gusts. Ronnie could just barely make out her dad by the open cellar door through the rain and swinging door.
“Go! Get out of here!” Ronnie yelled as she pushed Andi to run faster and was relieved when Andi stumbled out into the rain soaked night towards her dad. Ronnie had a moment to look out at her parents and best friend as the sky lit up with the next bolt of lightning.
“Ronnie!” Her mom screamed as Ronnie’s foot pushed off from the metal door stop but it was too late. An electrical current shot through her as she stumbled out of the house. She fell to the ground, twitching as she passed out.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Review: The Mark
Author: Jen Nadol
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Publication date: 2010
Pages: 228
Genre: fiction- supernatural
How received: Sent for review
Stars: 4 stars
Summary: Sixteen year old Cassandra Renfield has seen the mark since forever: a glow around certain people as if a candle were held behind their back.
The one time she mentioned it to someone else, the mark was dismissed as a trick of the light. So Cassie has kept quiet, considering its rare appearances odd, but insignificant. Until the day she watches a man die. Mining her memories, Cassie realizes she can see a person's imminent death. Not how or where, only when: today.
Cassie searches her past, her philosophy lessons, even her new boyfriend for answers, answers, always careful to hide her secret. How does the mark work? Why her?
Most importantly: if you know today is someone's last, should you tell them?
Review: This book is about a girl living in Kansas with her aunt that she never knew existed. She struggles with what she should do with her ability to see people marked to die. The beginning is a little confusing if only because my boyfriend was distracting me while I was reading. But as I moved on through the book I thought I could see why the grandma sent her to her aunts. I was wrong. This book is pretty difficult to put down once you start it. As I had finished this book I was very eager to start onto the next book. Let's hope it is as good as this one!
1-10 (low to high points)
Quality of writing: 8
Pace: 7
Plot development: 7
Characters: 8
Enjoyability: 7
Insightfulness: 7
Ease of reading: 7
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Publication date: 2010
Pages: 228
Genre: fiction- supernatural
How received: Sent for review
Stars: 4 stars
Summary: Sixteen year old Cassandra Renfield has seen the mark since forever: a glow around certain people as if a candle were held behind their back.
The one time she mentioned it to someone else, the mark was dismissed as a trick of the light. So Cassie has kept quiet, considering its rare appearances odd, but insignificant. Until the day she watches a man die. Mining her memories, Cassie realizes she can see a person's imminent death. Not how or where, only when: today.
Cassie searches her past, her philosophy lessons, even her new boyfriend for answers, answers, always careful to hide her secret. How does the mark work? Why her?
Most importantly: if you know today is someone's last, should you tell them?
Review: This book is about a girl living in Kansas with her aunt that she never knew existed. She struggles with what she should do with her ability to see people marked to die. The beginning is a little confusing if only because my boyfriend was distracting me while I was reading. But as I moved on through the book I thought I could see why the grandma sent her to her aunts. I was wrong. This book is pretty difficult to put down once you start it. As I had finished this book I was very eager to start onto the next book. Let's hope it is as good as this one!
1-10 (low to high points)
Quality of writing: 8
Pace: 7
Plot development: 7
Characters: 8
Enjoyability: 7
Insightfulness: 7
Ease of reading: 7
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Review: Love and Other Perishable Items
Title: Love and Other Perishable Items
Author: Laura Buzo
Series: ---
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: December 11, 2012
Series: ---
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: December 11, 2012
Received: Review
Reviewer: Kati
Summary: Love is awkward, Amelia should know.
From the moment she sets eyes on Chris, she is a goner. Lost. Sunk. Head over heels infatuated with him. It's problematic, since Chris, 21, is a sophisticated university student, while Amelia, 15, is 15.
Amelia isn't stupid. She knows it's not gonna happen. So she plays it cool around Chris—at least, as cool as she can. Working checkout together at the local supermarket, they strike up a friendship: swapping life stories, bantering about everything from classic books to B movies, and cataloging the many injustices of growing up. As time goes on, Amelia's crush doesn't seem so one-sided anymore. But if Chris likes her back, what then? Can two people in such different places in life really be together?
Through a year of befuddling firsts—first love, first job, first party, and first hangover—debut author Laura Buzo shows how the things that break your heart can still crack you up.
Review: I love this story. It makes you think, a lot. There are a lot of
touchy subjects but it doesn’t focus on those it focuses on the two characters
and how they react to it and each other. Amelia reminds me so much of me, always
feeling unworthy. Chris reminds me of the boy I love fed up with what’s going
on in his life so he changes it drastically every time. He doesn’t sit and just
think of what’s best. He sits and thinks of a way out. These two characters are
amazing. Amelia is very mature for her age and Chris kind of guides her into
more of a teen thing. They help each other out in ways neither of them understands.
This is a must read book, absolutely worth it. I always start this review in my head before I
fall asleep but never get it written down. I always have so much to say on it
but when I go to write the review can’t remember a bit of what I was going to
say. So I will say this, Must Read This Book! It is amazing! They talk about
Classic books, Feminism, and Life itself. I will defiantly take a lot away from
this book.
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