tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-769951512329800962012-03-05T14:47:08.573-09:00Snuggling up next to books keeps me warm!Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.comBlogger1791100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-10076904844935507252012-03-05T12:23:00.001-09:002012-03-05T12:26:06.677-09:00<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11459051" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Blood Reaction" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1327887540m/11459051.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11459051">Blood Reaction</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4877830">D.L. Atha</a><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/289186298">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Annalice, a single mother and physician, is ready to immerse herself in the mundane chores of her farm as a diversion from her hectic professional life. But she becomes the victim of a home invasion, the supernatural kind. Vindictive and cruel, Asa, a century old vampire, takes brutal control of her life and home. Forcing her to strike a bargain in exchange for her daughter's life, Annalice must not only accept his presence but also bow to his depravity. Facing threats to her only child, she relies on her skills as a physician to unravel the clues to the vampire's existence attempting to beat him at his own game. Caught in a race against a genetic timeline, Annalice struggles to survive the Blood Reaction.</blockquote><br />This book is about Annalice and her fight to save her family from an ancient vampire named Asa. Asa is not your sweet sparkly vampire looking for love and stumbling across Annalice. He is an old guy preying on the fears of Annalice to get her to submit to his desires. He has deliberately picked her out because she is in a remote location and that way he can have more time to play with his food before he kills her.<br /><br />Annalice is not your typical stay-at-home Mom. She is actually a doctor and is willing to do just about anything to save her little girl. Including dying for her. She is not impressed with this vampire but believes if she plays along long enough, she will discover his weaknesses and find a way to get rid of him.<br /><br />There were several reasons I really enjoyed this story. First, Annalice was not your typical heroine. She was strong, determined, and smart enough to realize what was going on and what she needed to do to ensure her daughter’s safety. Second, Asa was a heartless s.o.b. and I could feel my dislike growing toward him as the story progressed. Third, both characters stayed in character throughout the whole story and there was no ‘and they fell in love and lived happily ever after’ to spoil a great tale.<br /><br />I burned my way through this story and loved the ending. This was a great story and I look forward to more by D.L. Atha, hopefully in the near future.<br /><br /><table style="text-align: left;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td>Blood Reaction </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Author:</b> </td><td>D. L. Atha </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Published:</b> </td><td>May 2, 2011 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published By:</b> </td><td>Foxboro Press </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b></td><td>316 Pages </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td>Horror, Suspense </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td>Won in a GiveAway </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s) Available:</b></td><td>ebook, PaperBack</td></tr><tr> <td><b>ISBN:</b></td><td>978-0979335600</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Started:</b> </td><td>2/4/2012</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Finished:</b></td><td>2/6/2012</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td>5 Stars</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/289186298">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-1007690484493550725?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-63506433424799472172012-03-03T13:12:00.001-09:002012-03-03T13:14:29.094-09:00<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13335212" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Pazuzu's Girl" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1325170822m/13335212.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13335212">Pazuzu's Girl</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5111060">Rachel Coles</a><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/271268749">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Morpho Wilson thought her life was difficult enough. Her father is Pazuzu, the Mesopotamian demon of plague and the Southwest wind. As a teenager Morpho struggles against her father, while trying to adjust to high school in a new neighborhood. The family is constantly moving in an attempt to elude Pazuzu’s murderous ex-wife, a demoness known for killing children. <br /><br />Then something unique happens. A socially-impaired classmate becomes so intrigued by Morpho that he pursues her, despite the mystery surrounding her family and the danger that accompanies it. <br /><br />But before their romance can grow the demoness tracks Morpho down, and now only needs an ancient artifact called the Tablet of Destiny to complete the destruction of the world. The tablet confers on its owner the ability to control the fate of everything and everyone on earth. <br /><br />Once the tablet is discovered in the Middle East, the oldest and most powerful gods begin a battle for its possession, with the human population caught in the middle. Morpho, her family, and her new friend must decide, do they escape from the horrifying demoness or fight for their own destiny. How far will Pazuzu go to save his daughter from a hellish fate? Will his banishment from Heaven so many millennia ago end up being a curse...or a blessing?</blockquote><br />Although you would think from the title and description that this book was only about Morpho, I found that is was about both Morpho and her father Pazuzu. Pazuzu was once considered a God until his fall and the story skips back and forth between present day and the past describing the fall of Pazuzu and how he came to be Morpho’s father. <br /><br />There were a lot of mythological people and creatures mentioned in this book. The author does tell of the different names the Gods and Goddess have and what their dominion is. Sometimes, because some Gods and Goddesses have more than one name, it did get a little confusing for me. I have always had a hard time remembering whos-who among the deities. (Sometimes, I have trouble calling each of my children by the correct name!)<br /><br />Overall, I really enjoyed the story. It was something new and refreshing and I look forward to more from this author in the future! This story will be perfect for people, like my daughter Jasmin, who love stories about mythological deities and the strange way they have about showing up when you least expect them.<br /><br />** Note **<br />I received this book free from the publisher through GoodReads First Reader program in exchange for an honest review. I received no chocolate or any other compensation in exchange for my review.<br /><br /><table style="text-align: left;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td>Pazuzu’s Girl </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Author:</b> </td><td>Rachel Coles </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Published:</b> </td><td>February 10, 2012 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published By:</b> </td><td>JournalStone </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b></td><td>266 Pages </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td>Fantasy, Paranormal, Young Adult </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td>GoodReads First Reader Program </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s) Available:</b></td><td>eBook , PaperBack </td></tr><tr> <td><b>ISBN:</b></td><td>978-1936564361</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Started:</b> </td><td>2/25/2012</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Finished:</b></td><td>2/29/2012</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td>5 Stars</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/271268749">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-6350643342479947217?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-48831120155968918432012-03-02T13:56:00.001-09:002012-03-02T14:10:28.967-09:00<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13344261" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Voices of the Dead" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1328331274m/13344261.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13344261">Voices of the Dead</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/220840">Peter Leonard</a><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/256597586">3 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">The year is 1971. The place is Detroit. Harry Levin, a scrap metal dealer and Holocaust survivor, has just learned that his daughter was killed in a car accident. Traveling to Washington, DC to claim the body, he learns that the accident was caused by a German diplomat who was driving drunk. This is only the beginning of the horror for Harry, though, as he discovers that the diplomat will never face charges he has already been released and granted immunity. Enraged and aggrieved, Harry discovers the identity of his daughter’s killer, follows him to Munich, and hunts him down. What Harry finds out about the diplomat and his plans will explode his life and the lives of everyone around him.</blockquote><br />This story mostly follows Harry Levin during the early 1970’s. His daughter is killed by a drunken driver and when Harry goes to get more information he finds out the driver has German diplomatic papers. As a diplomat, the driver will not be getting charged for the death of his daughter. This leads Harry to want to hunt down the guy and hand out a little justice … with his fists. <br /><br />Harry ends up following the killer back to Germany, which opens up a whole new problem. A young man, Harry escaped from Dachau, a Nazi death camp. Now he must face his past as well as hunt down the man responsible for the death of his daughter. Little does he know but the two things are more connected than they appear.<br /><br />This story was generally fast-moving thriller, with some wicked speed bumps thrown in. This is the first book I have read by this author, so I am not used to his style of writing. There were some things that completely threw me for a loop. Take this paragraph for example:<br /><br /><blockquote>Cordell walked to his pension, nice warm September night, nobody on the street, hot wearing the jacket, took it off, draped it over his arm. Stood in front of the pension, was about to go in, still thinking about the watch. Reached in his pocket, brought it out, looked at the time: 11:37. Watch was expensive and he needed money. Cordell thinking, wait, didn't he deserve it for saving the dude's life? Could sell it, travel for a while. But Harry was cool and the watch had to mean something to him. </blockquote><br /><br />I can’t tell you how many times I read that paragraph before I figured out what the heck it was supposed to say. LoL <br /><br />This book was like a Hershey Hug. There was enough chocolate in it to want to eat it, but that darn white chocolate. (White chocolate is not real chocolate. It was made as a communist plot to steal the real chocolate and replace it with white creamy stuff that smells kinda like chocolate. JMHO)<br /><br />** Note **<br />I received this book free from the publisher through Partners In Crime Tours in exchange for an honest review. I received no chocolate or any other compensation in exchange for my review.<br /><br /><table style="text-align: left;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td>Voices of the Dead </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Author:</b> </td><td>Peter Leonard </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Published:</b> </td><td>January 17th, 2012 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published By:</b> </td><td>The Story Plant</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b></td><td>320 Pages </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td>Mystery, Suspense,</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td>Publisher, Partners in Crime Tour </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s) Available:</b></td><td>PaperBack, ebook </td></tr><tr> <td><b>ISBN:</b></td><td>978-1611880328</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Started:</b> </td><td>1/4/2012</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Finished:</b></td><td>1/11/2012</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td>3 Stars</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/256597586">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-4883112015596891843?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-417010275313481572012-03-01T11:16:00.001-09:002012-03-01T11:19:34.128-09:00<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10584864" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Storm Runners" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1328836054m/10584864.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10584864">Storm Runners</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/137554">Roland Smith</a><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/197357965">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><br /><br />I listened to this story as an audiobook, narrated by Ramón de Ocampo, Bronson Pinchot, Hillary Huber, John Morgan, and Samantha Quan, so my review is based on that version.<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Can a first day at a new high school get any worse? Chase Masters is dropped off to stay at a winter circus compound by his father—a storm chaser. But soon, after a bus crash, Chase and two new friends find themselves pursued by a deadly hurricane through a Florida preserve. Ramón de Ocampo steadily narrates horrific events that range from electrocution to gators and escaped tigers. Chase’s voice reflects the calm he imposes on himself, aided by his father’s imagined advice, which plays in his head. Biting sarcasm between the news anchor and the local weathercaster—performed by Bronson Pinchot and Samantha Quan—adds a sharp humor to the tension. John Morgan portrays Chase’s dad, and Hillary Huber portrays the Weather Channel meteorologist. </blockquote>This story centers around Chase Masters as he tries to work his way through a hurricane to reach safety. He has been trained by his father for emergency situations, but sometimes all the training in the world doesn’t help when you are actually faced with a real world situation.<br /><br />I have to remember to check to see if books are series before I begin. I was so intently listening to this story of Chase Masters and the massive hurricane that I was shocked when it ended. I stared at my stereo and thought Nooooooooooooo!<br /><br />I did really enjoy the story and the suspense was awesome. Now I am going to wonder what happens until I can get a hold of the rest of the story. <br /><br /><u>The Narration Review</u><br />This audiobook was narrated by a whole cast of performers: Ramón de Ocampo, Bronson Pinchot, Hillary Huber, John Morgan, and Samantha Quan. I really enjoyed the whole cast performance with all the different variety of voices, attitudes, and inflections it is like a whole box of chocolates. Each of the unique chocolates adding to the overall box of deliciousness. <br /><br /><table style="text-align: left;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td>Storm Runners </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Series:</b></td><td>Storm Runners, Book #1</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Author:</b> </td><td>Roland Smith </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Narrators:</b> </td><td>Ramón de Ocampo, Bronson Pinchot, Hillary Huber, John Morgan, and Samantha Quan </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Published:</b> </td><td>3/1/2011</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published By:</b> </td><td>Scholastic, Inc </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b></td><td>3 hrs </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Type:</b></td><td>Unabridged </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td>Adventure, AudioBook, Children, Teen, Young Adult,</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td>Sync YA Listening Program </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s) Available:</b> </td><td>Audio, eBook, Hard Cover, PaperBack</td></tr><tr> <td><b>ISBN:</b> </td><td>9780545282857 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Started:</b> </td><td>2/4/2012</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Finished:</b></td><td>2/4/2012</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td>4 Stars</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/197357965">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-41701027531348157?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-66737847557860654462012-02-29T14:01:00.001-09:002012-02-29T14:05:51.923-09:00<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10134861" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Night of the Living Trekkies" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1294315352m/10134861.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10134861">Night of the Living Trekkies</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3429015">Kevin David Anderson</a><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/238609059">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />We listened to this as an audiobook, narrated by Zach McLarty, so our review is based on that version.<br /><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">This sci-fi /zombie/comedy/adventure follows a group of rag-tag Trekkies getting together for the fifth annual FedCon (billed as the "largest Starfleet Convention in the western Gulf Coast region").<br /><br />Our heroes are dressed in homemade uniforms and armed with prop phasers but soon find themselves defending their hotel and convention center against hordes of flesh-eating undead. Suddenly, all of their useless knowledge about particle physics and old Star Trek episodes has genuine real-world applications! And while hotel employees and regular civilians are dying left and right, our Trekkies summon strength and courage by emulating their favorite starship-voyaging characters.<br /><br />Packed with hundreds of gags referencing Star Trek, comic books, and fan conventions, Night of the Living Trekkies reads like the strange lovechild of Galaxy Quest and Dawn of the Dead. Journey to the final frontier of zombie science-fiction mash-ups!</blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">Mother-Daughter Review</span></u></div><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zHjCJvNtrmY/TqRpQth2YXI/AAAAAAAAAks/xr4U9C-QgVc/s1600/Squeaky_4.jpg" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zHjCJvNtrmY/TqRpQth2YXI/AAAAAAAAAks/xr4U9C-QgVc/s200/Squeaky_4.jpg" width="111" /></a><br /><u>My Review</u><br />Today, all my gentle readers get to find out one of my secrets … I am a closet trekkie. Being a lover of the original Star Trek series and a lover of good zombie stories, I thought the two together would be very amusing. This story was a perfect mix of the two. <br /><br />The authors were great the way they snuck in little bits and pieces of different Star Trek trivia into the story. I especially enjoyed the way the trekkies started fighting off the zombies with the different Klingon weapons.<br /><br />The zombies are from a brave new world and they are seeking out new life and new civilizations … oh wait … sorry I slipped for a moment there. The main hero in our story is named Jim (no not James T. Kirk) and he is a closet Trekkie. He is working at a hotel where a Star Trek convention is being held. He was once a military soldier, but now he just wants to sit around and mindlessly do his job. When strange things start happening in his hotel, he can no longer sit back and do nothing. His sister has come to the convention with a bunch of her friends and Jim must find a way to make sure they get out of the hotel alive.<br /><br />If you are a Star Trek fan, I highly recommend this book. It is a ‘must have’ for all Trekkies. If you are not a Star Trek fan, it’s not too late! If you are not a Star Trek fan and don’t want to be one, but you are a zombie fan, you will love how lots of trekkies eaten or turned into zombies.<br /><br />My Rating: 5 Stars … I loved this book!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ig7382JAKOY/TqRqhW2-3GI/AAAAAAAAAk0/KZhFZlelEPI/s1600/p12074ta107157_20_0.jpg" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ig7382JAKOY/TqRqhW2-3GI/AAAAAAAAAk0/KZhFZlelEPI/s200/p12074ta107157_20_0.jpg" width="160" /></a><br /><u>Jasmin’s Review</u><br />Night of the Living Trekkies was the story about a bellhop that used to be an ex-Military-esque person who, during a Star Trek convention, has his hotel flooded with zombies from outer space. I had to have my mom explain a few references to me, but for the most part I’m enough of a mini-Trekkie myself to understand them. The book was HILARIOUS! I simply adored it and was thrilled when I got to listen to it with my mom when we were in the car. The voices were perfect for every situation and the Star Trek humor just about made be bust a gut laughing in several different places. The ending was great, and I have to say my all time favorite character was ‘Willie Makeit’.<br /><br />5 out of 5 Stars. May this book live long and prosper.<br /><br /><u>The Narration Review</u><br />This audiobook was narrated by Zach McLarty and he had a great cast of voices tucked in his trekkie belt. I think he must be a trekkie because he did really well imitating the Klingon voices. It was very enjoyable listening to him telling this Star Trek-Zombie tale.<br /><br /><table style="text-align: left;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td>Night of the Living Trekkies </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Author:</b> </td><td>Kevin Anderson and Sam Stall </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Narrator:</b> </td><td>Zach McLarty </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Published:</b> </td><td>August 24, 2010</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published By:</b> </td><td>Books on Tape, Inc. </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b></td><td>6 Hours and 41 Mins.</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Type:</b></td><td>Unabridged </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td>Fantasy, Horror, Paranormal,</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td>Audible.com </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s) Available:</b> </td><td>Audio, eBook, Hard Cover, PaperBack</td></tr><tr> <td><b>ISBN:</b> </td><td>9780307877369 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Started:</b> </td><td>1/31/2012</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Finished:</b></td><td>2/10/2012</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td>5 Stars</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/238609059">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-6673784755786065446?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-58666114584770258862012-02-23T09:51:00.001-09:002012-02-23T09:56:15.805-09:00<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11359176" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Visions of Heat" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1305299745m/11359176.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11359176">Visions of Heat</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/71688">Nalini Singh</a><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/240417780">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />I listened to this as an audiobook, narrated by Anglea Dawe, so my review is based on that version.<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Used to cold silence, Faith NightStar is suddenly being tormented by dark visions of blood and murder. A bad sign for anyone, but worse for Faith, an F-Psy with the highly sought after ability to predict the future. Then the visions show her something even more dangerous-aching need...exquisite pleasure. But so powerful is her sight, so fragile the state of her mind, that the very emotions she yearns to embrace could be the end of her. <br /><br />Changeling Vaughn D'Angelo can take either man or jaguar form, but it is his animal side that is overwhelmingly drawn to Faith. The jaguar's instinct is to claim this woman it finds so utterly fascinating and the man has no argument. But while Vaughn craves sensation and hungers to pleasure Faith in every way, desire is a danger that could snap the last threads of her sanity. And there are Psy who need Faith's sight for their own purposes. They must keep her silenced-and keep her from Vaughn...<br /></blockquote><br />I am really enjoying the Psy-Changling series. I can't help but think of the Psy as Vulcans (I know my trekkie side is showing) with their non-emotional links to everything. The case of Faith NightStar goes beyond even the regular psy treatment as she is kept isolated from other people so she can sit in a monitored chair all day and give physic predictions. During some of those sessions, Faith has a prediction of a killer. Since psy are supposed to be emotionless it doesn’t seem possible that there is a psy killer. So of course, she thinks she is going crazy and that any day now she will be taken away to the funny farm.<br /><br />Not only is Faith emotionally isolated from others but physically isolated also. That is until the changeling Vaughn stumbles across her isolated (but very well guarded) compound.<br /><br />Vaughn, who is kind of a loner himself, takes it as a personal challenge to break in and see what is going on. Just as he is about to break in, he sees Faith breaking out. He is drawn to touch Faith at every possible moment. For a women not used to being touched it takes all Faith’s willpower (or won’t power in this case) to keep away from Vaughn. His closeness overwhelms her senses and sends her into an emotional overload. He is convinced she will get used to it, she is convinced it will kill her.<br /><br />Although I enjoyed this story overall, I think there were some HUGE leaps made in this story. For example, if I was as emotionally and physically sheltered as Faith was, I don’t think one of the first places I would reach out to touch a guy would be on his ‘manhood’. I think that would be one of the last places I would be able to handle. Think about the emotional turmoil that goes with doing something like that during a regular relationship. Just saying …. <br /><br />The Narration Review<br />This audiobook was narrated by Angela Dawe. Once again, I felt like she was rushing through the book. Maybe she had a time slot she needed to get this book into, I don’t know. I always find myself checking to see if I accidently set my iPod on 1 ½ speed. LoL<br /><br /><br /><table style="text-align: left;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td> Visions of Heat </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Series:</b></td><td> Psy-Changeling, Book #2</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Author:</b> </td><td> Nalini Singh </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Narrator:</b> </td><td> Angela Dawe </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Published:</b> </td><td> June 1, 2011</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published By:</b> </td><td> Tantor Media </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b></td><td> 9 hrs and 43 mins </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Type:</b></td><td> Unabridged </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td> Audiobook, Fantasy, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Shapeshifters, </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td> Purchased at Audible</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s) Available:</b> </td><td> AudioBook, eBook, Paperback</td></tr><tr> <td><b>ISBN:</b> </td><td> 9781452652009</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Started:</b> </td><td> 2/2/2012</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Finished:</b></td><td> 2/4/2012</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td> 4 Stars</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/240417780">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-5866611458477025886?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-53471370344624522412012-02-20T14:35:00.001-09:002012-03-05T14:07:22.177-09:00<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7926782" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Succubus On Top" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1270471884m/7926782.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7926782">Succubus On Top</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/137902">Richelle Mead</a><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/281050306">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />I listened to this as an audiobook, narrated by Elisabeth Rodgers, so my review is based on that version.<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Love hurts, and no one knows it better than Georgina Kincaid. If she so much as kisses Seth Mortensen, the shy, sexy, incredibly gifted Seattle writer she's been dating, she'll drain his life force. Georgina is a succubus - a demon who draws her power from other men's pleasure. Admittedly, the shapeshifting and immortality perks are terrific, and yes, Georgina did choose to join the ranks of hell centuries ago. But it seems completely unfair that a she-demon whose purpose is seduction can't get hot and heavy with the one mortal who knows and accepts her for who she is.<br /><br />It's not just her personal life that's in chaos. Doug, Georgina's co-worker at a local bookstore, has been exhibiting bizarre behavior, and Georgina suspects that something far more demonic than double espressos is at work. She could use help finding out, but Bastien, an irresistibly charming incubus and her best immortal friend, is preoccupied with corrupting an ultra-conservative talk radio star - and giving Georgina some highly distracting come-hither vibes. Georgina is going to have to work solo on this one - and fast because soon, Doug's life won't be the only one on the line.</blockquote>This the second book in the Georgina Kincaid series and takes up where the last one ended. Although it could be listened to without reading the first book in the series, there was so much covered in book one that I think you would be a bit lost jumping into this second in the series.<br /><br />In this book, Georgina is still pining after Seth, but now that he knows her secret he doesn’t push things. Well most of the time he doesn’t push things. Okay …. She almost sucks the life from him on several occasions and they are still working out what is safe and what is going to lead to his very early demise.<br /><br />Georgina’s incubus friend Bastien is introduced in this story. Bastien is not here just to visit with Georgina, he needs her help to score some brownie points and take down a high-powered lady. He just can’t get the lady to be interested in him. Maybe he is losing his incubus seduction powers. I always wondered what would happen if an incubus and a succubus go together. LoL<br /><br />Overall, this was a pretty good book. There was a lot going on and it kept me listening intently to try to catch all the twists and turns. I think if you enjoyed the first book in the series, this second book is a must read.<br /><br />The Narration Review<br />This audiobook was narrated by Elisabeth Rodgers. Once again, I felt that she had a slight over-enunciation on certain parts. Reminds me of when I used to sing in choir and the choir teachers would have us over-enunciate certain things to be sure they were understood. It’s not too distracting, just reminds me of school girls talking to talk haughty. <br /><br /><table style="text-align: left;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td>Succubus on Top </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Series:</b></td><td>Georgina Kincaid, Book 2</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Author:</b> </td><td>Richelle Mead </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Narrator:</b> </td><td>Elisabeth Rodgers </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Published:</b> </td><td>January 12, 2010</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published By:</b> </td><td>Audible Frontiers </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b></td><td>10 Hours, 54 Mins </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Type:</b></td><td>Unabridged </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td>Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td>Purchased at Audible </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s) Available:</b> </td><td>Audio, eBook, PaperBack</td></tr><tr> <td><b>ISBN:</b> </td><td>978-0758216427</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Started:</b> </td><td>1/29/2012</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Finished:</b></td><td>2/2/2012</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td>4 Stars</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/281050306">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-5347137034462452241?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-68608490316727462842012-02-19T17:23:00.001-09:002012-02-19T17:29:49.005-09:00<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12100126" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Bathroom Key: Put an End to Incontinence" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1328693119m/12100126.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12100126">The Bathroom Key: Put an End to Incontinence</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5058245">Kim Perelli</a><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/280557445">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Urinary incontinence is an underdiagnosed and underreported condition with major economic and psychosocial effects on society. Women are more likely to experience it due to issues with the pelvic floor brought on by pregnancy and menopause. "The Bathroom Key" is a treatment plan for women to cure their own incontinence issues. It also allows women to identify with other women through the anecdotal stories that echo their feelings of isolation and embarrassment. Written in easy-to-understand language, the book is a genuine teaching tool, guiding the reader to a better understanding of her body and effective remedies.<br /><br />Whereas in recent years some mention of the Kegel muscles and exercises have become common knowledge, this book is much more than just Kegels. By incorporating key elements of the physical therapy approach in this book, the reader will be encouraged to self-assess, modify behaviors, re-train her bladder, alter dietary habits, and practice a variety of exercises to self-treat and cure her incontinence. In most cases urinary incontinence is completely treatable with physical therapy. Women can regain bladder control, not have to take medications, throw away pads and regain their dignity.<br /><br />The Bathroom Key is written in a "friend to friend" style that reveals the secrecy around urinary incontinence through real life stories of women dealing with the embarrassing and life-altering symptoms. Advocates for PT as something that can radically help the problem. Lists a variety of behavioral and practical exercises and allow people to self-treat at home ( and also tells them when they need to see a physical therapist)</blockquote><br />This book is a must have for every woman. I had no idea that incontinence was such a huge problem in the world or that it is many women’s dirty little secret. The secret you don’t even tell you best friend, sister, or mother. I know some people might view the title and think ‘not’ but if we don’t learn of a problem how can we help our mothers, sisters, daughters, or friends?? If a woman doesn’t feel comfortable even talking to her doctor about this problem, how can we begin to help? This book is one of the ways.<br /><br />When I first got this book I wasn’t too sure what to think. At first I thought that it might be better to read it on my kindle, just so no one would know what I was reading! LoL Just by reading this book in front of my two daughters, I was able to openly discuss the contents with them. Now I can hold up the book and proudly declare ‘Remember when I told you that when I started wetting the bed you could ship me off to the old folks home? Well, HA, it ain’t gonna happen!! You are stuck with me!!’ LoL<br /><br />This book goes into detail about the different types of incontinence (yes there is more than one type) and what can be done about them. Most of the things you can do in the privacy of your own home. There are many different examples from other ladies who have suffered all the different kinds of incontinence. There is no judging or finger pointing, just easy to read exercises, ideas, and suggestions to make every day a dry day.<br /><br />** Note **<br />I received this book free from the publisher through the LibraryThing Early Reviewer program in exchange for an honest review. I received no chocolate or any other compensation in exchange for my review.<br /><br /><table style="text-align: left;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td>The Bathroom Key </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Author:</b> </td><td>Kathryn Kassai and Kim Perelli </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Published:</b> </td><td>January 17th 2012 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published By:</b> </td><td>Demos Health </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b></td><td>281 Pages </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td>Health and Fitness, Medical, Self-Help,</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td>LibraryThing Early Reviewer Program </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s) Available:</b></td><td>ebook , PaperBack </td></tr><tr> <td><b>ISBN:</b></td><td>9781936303212</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Started:</b> </td><td>2/10/2012</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Finished:</b></td><td>2/19/2010</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td>5 Stars</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/280557445">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-6860849031672746284?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-23773684183281511362012-02-18T10:16:00.001-09:002012-03-05T14:07:48.369-09:00<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9896523" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Last Werewolf" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1320558991m/9896523.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9896523">The Last Werewolf</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/37613">Glen Duncan</a><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/183097007">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />I listened to this story as an audiobook, so my review is based on that version.<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Then she opened her mouth to scream—and recognized me. It was what I’d been waiting for. She froze. She looked into my eyes. She said, “It’s you.”<br /><br />Meet Jake. A bit on the elderly side (he turns 201 in March), but you’d never suspect it. Nonstop sex and exercise will do that for you—and a diet with lots of animal protein. Jake is a werewolf, and after the unfortunate and violent death of his one contemporary, he is now the last of his species. Although he is physically healthy, Jake is deeply distraught and lonely.<br /><br />Jake’s depression has carried him to the point where he is actually contemplating suicide—even if it means terminating a legend thousands of years old. It would seem to be easy enough for him to end everything. But for very different reasons there are two dangerous groups pursuing him who will stop at nothing to keep him alive.</blockquote><br />Overall I really enjoyed the story of Jake, the werewolf. He takes you through his life as a werewolf and explains how he is just so tired of it all. You can almost feel sympathy for him. He has been around for about 200 years and ‘been there, done that’ is all he feels is left for him.<br /><br />There are folks that know about werewolves and like to hunt them down. Jake and his human familiar live for as long as they can in one place, always on the lookout and ready to run if Jake is found by the hunters. Now after 200 years, he is tied of running and thinks it might just be better if he lets the hunters find him. <br /><br />The men hunting Jake know he is the last werewolf and want to make the hunt something spectacular, so they don’t want Jake to just give up and let himself be captured. But how do you motivate a 200 year old werewolf?<br /><br />The one big drawback for me was the descriptions of sex in this story. I listen to a lot of paranormal romance stories and have heard sex described in many ways, but I wasn’t ready for the short, crass descriptions of sex with Jake. Sure 200 years probably makes the act itself tedious and redundant, but still.<br /><br /><u>The Narration Review</u><br />Robin Sachs sounds a bit like Vincent Price. He had the perfect voice for Jake, who I pictured as an English aristocrat. I will look forward to hearing him again!<br /><br /><table style="text-align: left;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td>The Last Werewolf </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Author:</b> </td><td>Glen Duncan </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Narrator:</b> </td><td>Robin Sachs </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Published:</b> </td><td>July 12, 2011</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published By:</b> </td><td>Random House Audio </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b></td><td>11 hours and 37 minutes </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Type:</b></td><td>Unabridged </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td>Fantasy, Horror, Paranormal, Thriller </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td>Audible.com </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s) Available:</b> </td><td>Audio, eBook, Hard Cover, PaperBack </td></tr><tr> <td><b>ISBN:</b> </td><td>978-0307917331 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Started:</b> </td><td>1/29/2012</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Finished:</b></td><td>1/31/2012</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td>4 Stars</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/183097007">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-2377368418328151136?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-50567164300399860802012-02-15T07:04:00.000-09:002012-03-01T10:50:31.415-09:00<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Today we start the February New Release Giveaway hop!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://alaskanbookie.blogspot.com/p/giveaway-entry-form.html"><img height="200/" src="http://booktwirps.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/FebruaryNRHopSMall.png" width="200" /></a></center><br /><div><br />There were many choices out there for books coming out, so the choice was difficult. &nbsp;I like to find books that are either stand alone of firsts in a series. &nbsp;I did see where there were LOTS of books coming out that are&nbsp;continuations&nbsp;of series I have already started, so this will be a good reading month. Some of the other folks on this hop are offering the newest in the series releases, so make sure you check them out!<br /><br />&nbsp;I couldn't find one for the Comedy category, so if anyone has suggestions leave me a note.<br /><br />The entry form and all the choices are over on the GiveAway page, so you can just click the link or use the nifty little page&nbsp;navigation&nbsp;tabs on the top of the page and hop on over.<br /><br />Good Luck Everyone!</div></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://booktwirps.com/new-release-giveaway-hop/february-new-release-giveaway-hop/" target="_blank"><img src="http://booktwirps.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/FebruaryNRHopSMall.png" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The February 2012 New Release Giveaway Hop</div><div style="text-align: center;">is hosted by&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://booktwirps.com/">Book Twirps</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">and</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://refractedlightreviews.com/">Refracted Light Reviews</a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center>Here is my selection of books. The winner will get the choice between the books listed below.<br />I have not read any of these books, so it will be surprise for both of us!</center><br /><br /><hr width="75%" />From the Comedy Category:<br /><br />Sorry, I couldn't find a good book for here ... I would take suggestions.<br /><br /><br /><hr width="75%" />From the Young Adult Category:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hIE--6uMv34/TzvMgrlxtDI/AAAAAAAABH8/wZBEeh1hEBk/s1600/Harbinger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hIE--6uMv34/TzvMgrlxtDI/AAAAAAAABH8/wZBEeh1hEBk/s320/Harbinger.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><br />In a near future in which the diminishing oil supply has led to mass rioting, 16-year-old Faye is sent to an educational facility for "delinquents and crazies," where she is tormented by strange visions of a being sent to destroy the Earth in order to save it.<br /><br /><hr width="75%" />From the Dystopian Category:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JVJgp6rYAVQ/TzvLxjb48mI/AAAAAAAABH0/3GAVmkUjb4g/s1600/partials.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JVJgp6rYAVQ/TzvLxjb48mI/AAAAAAAABH0/3GAVmkUjb4g/s320/partials.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />The human race is all but extinct after a war with Partials—engineered organic beings identical to humans—has decimated the population. Reduced to only tens of thousands by RM, a weaponized virus to which only a fraction of humanity is immune, the survivors in North America have huddled together on Long Island while the Partials have mysteriously retreated. The threat of the Partials is still imminent, but, worse, no baby has been born immune to RM in more than a decade. Our time is running out.<br /><br />Kira, a sixteen-year-old medic-in-training, is on the front lines of this battle, seeing RM ravage the community while mandatory pregnancy laws have pushed what's left of humanity to the brink of civil war, and she's not content to stand by and watch. But as she makes a desperate decision to save the last of her race, she will find that the survival of humans and Partials alike rests in her attempts to uncover the connections between them—connections that humanity has forgotten, or perhaps never even knew were there.<br /><br /><hr width="75%" />From the Paranormal Category:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TRYLOE21tzw/Tzu_h-woujI/AAAAAAAABHc/qJ2L57eCkQs/s1600/the+wolf+gift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TRYLOE21tzw/Tzu_h-woujI/AAAAAAAABHc/qJ2L57eCkQs/s320/the+wolf+gift.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><br />A daring new departure from the inspired creator of The Vampire Chronicles (“unrelentingly erotic. . . unforgettable.”), the Lives of the Mayfair Witches (“Anne Rice will live on through the ages of literature”), and the angels of The Songs of the Seraphim (“remarkable.”). A whole new world—modern, sleek, high-tech, and at its center, a story as old and compelling as history—the making of a werewolf, re-imagined and re-invented as only Anne Rice, teller of mesmerizing tales, conjurer extraordinaire of other realms, could create it. <br /><br />The time is the present. <br /><br />The place, the rugged coast of northern California. A bluff high above the Pacific. A grand mansion full of beauty and tantalizing history set against a towering redwood forest. <br /><br />A young reporter on assignment from the San Francisco Observer. . . an older woman, welcoming him into her magnificent, historic family home that he has been sent to write about and that she must sell with some urgency . . . A chance encounter between two unlikely people . . . an idyllic night—shattered by horrific unimaginable violence. . .The young man inexplicably attacked—bitten—by a beast he cannot see in the rural darkness . . . A violent episode that sets in motion a terrifying yet seductive transformation as the young man, caught between ecstasy and horror, between embracing who he is evolving into and fearing who—what—he will become, soon experiences the thrill of the wolf gift. <br /><br />As he resists the paradoxical pleasure and enthrallment of his wolfen savagery and delights in the power and (surprising) capacity for good, he is caught up in a strange and dangerous rescue and is desperately hunted as “the Man Wolf,” by authorities, the media and scientists (evidence of DNA threaten to reveal his dual existence). . . As a new and profound love enfolds him, questions emerge that propel him deeper into his mysterious new world: questions of why and how he has been given this gift; of its true nature and the curious but satisfying pull towards goodness; of the profound realization that there are others like him who may be watching—guardian creatures who have existed throughout time and may possess ancient secrets and alchemical knowledge and throughout it all, the search for salvation for a soul tormented by a new realm of temptations, and the fraught, exhilarating journey, still to come, of being and becoming, fully, both wolf and man<br /><br /><hr width="75%" />From the Historical Romance Category:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ypajyAIveXQ/TzvBMIGmHxI/AAAAAAAABHk/gfjhXtt8HRY/s1600/the+house+I+loved.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ypajyAIveXQ/TzvBMIGmHxI/AAAAAAAABHk/gfjhXtt8HRY/s320/the+house+I+loved.jpg" width="211" /></a></div><br />Paris, France: 1860’s. Hundreds of houses are being razed, whole neighborhoods reduced to ashes. By order of Emperor Napoleon III, Baron Haussman has set into motion a series of large-scale renovations that will permanently alter the face of old Paris, moulding it into a “modern city.” The reforms will erase generations of history—but in the midst of the tumult, one woman will take a stand.<br /><br />Rose Bazelet is determined to fight against the destruction of her family home until the very end; as others flee, she stakes her claim in the basement of the old house on rue Childebert, ignoring the sounds of change that come closer and closer each day. Attempting to overcome the loneliness of her daily life, she begins to write letters to Armand, her beloved late husband. And as she delves into the ritual of remembering, Rose is forced to come to terms with a secret that has been buried deep in her heart for thirty years. The House I Loved is both a poignant story of one woman’s indelible strength, and an ode to Paris, where houses harbor the joys and sorrows of their inhabitants, and secrets endure in the very walls..<br /><hr width="75%" />From the Mystery Category:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AVKrImdOZG0/TzvPw5OLWnI/AAAAAAAABIE/VBBGrsGuiK8/s1600/the+devils+odds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AVKrImdOZG0/TzvPw5OLWnI/AAAAAAAABIE/VBBGrsGuiK8/s320/the+devils+odds.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />A rip-roaring mystery set in 1940s Texas, featuring a Texas Ranger and the New Orleans Mafia. December, 1942. Texas Ranger Virgil Tucker receives a plea for protection from Madeline Kimbell, a terrified young woman who witnessed a crime. Keeping Madeline safe from the men who want to hurt her turns out to be harder than he imagined. When a prominent attorney is murdered, Virgil is drawn into the dangerous world of the New Orleans Mafia as the top mob bosses try to take over alveston’s gambling empire. <br /><br />Chockfull of Southern charm, this book is perfect for fans of historical mysteries and for anyone who loves Texas.<br /><br /><hr width="75%" /><br />From the Crime Category:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p5Xs2BeY-VQ/TzvDrn9vdSI/AAAAAAAABHs/9XE2Kydch8c/s1600/oath+of+office.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p5Xs2BeY-VQ/TzvDrn9vdSI/AAAAAAAABHs/9XE2Kydch8c/s320/oath+of+office.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><br />From the New York Times bestselling author of A Heartbeat Away and The Last Surgeon comes a shocking new novel at the crossroads of politics and medicine. <br /><br />What if a well respected doctor inexplicably goes on a murderous rampage?<br /><br />When Dr. John Meacham goes on a shooting spree the office, his business partner, staff, and two patients are killed in the bloodbath. Then Meacham turns the gun on himself.<br /><br />The blame falls on Dr. Lou Welcome. Welcome worked with Meacham years before as a counselor after John's medical license had been revoked for drug addiction. Lou knew that John was an excellent doctor and deserved to be practicing medicine and fought hard for his license to be restored. After hearing the news of the violent outburst, Lou is in shock like everyone else, but mostly he's incredulous. And when he begins to look into it further, the terrifying evidence he finds takes him down a path to an unspeakable conspiracy that seems to lead directly to the White House and those in the highest positions of power. <br /><br /><hr width="75%" /><br />All you have to do to enter is Follow me via GFC or Google + and fill out the RaffleCopter Widget, leaving me your email. (No eMail = No Entry!) If the RaffleCopter beastie isn't working, leave me a note in the comments section and I will add you manually before I do the drawing. There are options for extra entries, but they are not mandatory!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Be sure to check out the other folks in this new Release Blog hop:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://booktwirps.com/new-release-giveaway-hop/february-new-release-giveaway-hop/">Book Twirps</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://refractedlightreviews.com/?p=5400">Refracted Light Reviews</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://darlenesbooknook.blogspot.com/2012/02/february-new-release-giveaway-hop.html">Darlenes Book Nook</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://romanceaholic.com/2012/february-new-release-hop/">Jess the Romanceaholic</a><br /><a href="http://www.readerbenji.blogspot.com/2012/02/february-new-release-giveaway-hop.html" target="_blank">Benji the Non-Reluctant Reader</a><br /><a href="http://www.bookflame.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Book Flame</a><br /><a href="http://stephsbookcorner.blogspot.com/2012/02/february-new-release-giveaway-hop.html" target="_blank">Stephs Book Corner</a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><hr width="75%" /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-5056716430039986080?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-26914960947236041472012-02-13T16:44:00.001-09:002012-03-05T14:08:26.752-09:00<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7667317" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Succubus Blues" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1270472162m/7667317.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7667317">Succubus Blues</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/137902">Richelle Mead</a><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/251811468">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Succubus (n.) An alluring, shape-shifting demon who seduces and pleasures mortal men. Pathetic (adj.) A succubus with great shoes and no social life. See: Georgina Kincaid. <br /><br />When it comes to jobs in hell, being a succubus seems pretty glamorous. A girl can be anything she wants, the wardrobe is killer, and mortal men will do anything just for a touch. Granted, they often pay with their souls, but why get technical? <br /><br />But Seattle succubus Georgina Kincaid's life is far less exotic. Her boss is a middle-management demon with a thing for John Cusack movies. Her immortal best friends haven't stopped teasing her about the time she shape-shifted into the Demon Goddess getup complete with whip and wings. And she can't have a decent date without sucking away part of the guy's life. At least there's her day job at a local bookstore--free books; all the white chocolate mochas she can drink; and easy access to bestselling, sexy writer, Seth Mortensen, aka He Whom She Would Give Anything to Touch but Can't. <br /><br />But dreaming about Seth will have to wait. Something wicked is at work in Seattle's demon underground. And for once, all of her hot charms and drop-dead one-liners won't help because Georgina's about to discover there are some creatures out there that both heaven and hell want to deny.</blockquote><br />I wasn’t too sure what to expect from this freebie from Audible. I have learned to be leery of freebies. So I was pleasantly surprised that the book was actually pretty good! This story was a bit of a who-done-it, but we figured out who-done-it by applying the one certainty we all know: ‘If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.’<br /><br />Georgina was your typical book nerd who works in a bookstore and gets to meet one of her favorite writers, Seth Mortensen. She is kind of my idol in that way, because I would love to work in a book store just for the awesome selection of free books! Of course, the opportunity to meet one of your favorite writers is a bonus! <br /><br />Working in the bookstore doesn’t stop Georgina from doing what she does best, being a succubus and trading sex for life force. Seth has life force, but she has decided not to take his because she likes him. Kind of one of those “I’ll only sleep with guys I don’t really like” deals that way he can continue to write books she wants to read. :-) <br /><br />This book had almost the whole spectrum of paranormal folks: angles, demons, vampires, imps, etc. but mostly dealt with the different demons. It was interesting to learn what different abilities the author had given each type of demon.<br /><br /><br /><u>The Narration Review</u><br />This audiobook was narrated by Elisabeth Rodgers. I thought she did a pretty good job with the different voices in this story. I felt that she had a slight over-enunciation on certain parts, but it wasn’t overly distracting. <br /><br />** Note **<br />I received this audiobook free from Audible! I received no chocolate or any other compensation in exchange for my review.<br /><br /><table style="text-align: left;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td>Succubus Blues </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Series:</b></td><td>Georgina Kincaid, Book 1</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Author:</b> </td><td>Richelle Mead </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Narrator:</b> </td><td>Elisabeth Rodgers </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Published:</b> </td><td>January 12, 2010</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published By:</b> </td><td>Audible Frontiers </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b></td><td>10 Hours, 54 Mins </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Type:</b></td><td>Unabridged </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td>Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td>Purchased at Audible </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s) Available:</b> </td><td>Audio, eBook, PaperBack</td></tr><tr> <td><b>ISBN:</b> </td><td>978-0821780770 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Started:</b> </td><td>1/23/2012</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Finished:</b></td><td>1/25/2012</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td>4 Stars</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/251811468">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-2691496094723604147?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-45706490137711654222012-02-07T07:09:00.001-09:002012-02-07T07:57:10.610-09:00<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12105170" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Gods and Fathers" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1327805111m/12105170.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12105170">Gods and Fathers</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2742957">James LePore</a><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/269468343">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Matt DeMarco is an accomplished Manhattan attorney with more than his share of emotional baggage. His marriage ended disastrously, his ex-wife has pulled their son away from him, and her remarriage to a hugely successful Arab businessman has created complications for Matt on multiple levels. However, his life shifts from troubled to imperiled when two cops – men he's known for a long time – come into his home and arrest his son as the prime suspect in the murder of the boy's girlfriend. <br /><br />Suddenly, the enmity between Matt and his only child is no longer relevant. Matt must do everything he can to clear his son, who he fully believes is innocent. Doing so will require him to quit his job and make enemies of former friends – and it will throw him up against forces he barely knew existed and can only begin to comprehend how to battle. <br /><br />Gods and Fathers is at once a powerful mystery and a provocative international thriller, all of it presented with LePore's signature fascinating characters placed in dire circumstances where every choice poses new and potentially fatal challenges. </blockquote><br />This is my first book by James LePore and I really enjoyed the way he created the characters and the mystery surrounding the crime. I liked that all the people seemed like real people. The main character is not the ideal father with the ideal son. He is not even the ideal divorced father with the ideal split family ties. He is like a real dad with a real teenaged son that doesn’t relate to him or his situation.<br /><br />What I especially liked was that I did not find any crime scene flub-ups that many authors make. Not to say there weren’t any covers-ups or missing evidence, there was, but it was all part of the story, not just plopped in as an afterthought.<br /><br />LePore’s international drama dealing with Syria, Iran, Iraq, and all those little countries was enough to make my head spin, but it does that in real life too so I felt it was realistic. The only part I didn’t like was the romance between Matt and Jude. I was just not feeling it.<br /><br />I think James LePore is destined to be one of the top crime writers of our time. He is definitely one to watch and put on your must read lists.<br /><br />** Note **<br />I received this book free from Story Plant and the Author as part of the Partners in Crime Book Tour in exchange for an honest review. I received no chocolate or any other compensation in exchange for my review.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.partnersincrimetours.net/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="138" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5lmRbCGzYmY/TzFXvvs-iYI/AAAAAAAABG8/Jg27ejnJU9E/s320/GodsFathers_banner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><table style="text-align: left;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td>Gods and Fathers </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Author:</b> </td><td>James LePore </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Published:</b> </td><td>February 7, 2012</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published By:</b> </td><td>The Story Plant </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b></td><td>300 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td>Crime, Mystery, Thriller </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td>Received from Story Plant and the Author as part of the Partners in Crime Book Tour.</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s) Available:</b></td><td>PaperBack, ebook </td></tr><tr> <td><b>ISBN:</b></td><td>9781611880298</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Started:</b> </td><td>1/29/2012 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Finished:</b></td><td>2/4/2012 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td>4 Stars</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/269468343">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-4570649013771165422?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-60356604867543321512012-02-06T12:19:00.001-09:002012-03-05T14:08:50.610-09:00<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9815421" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Tiger's Curse" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1296027109m/9815421.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9815421">Tiger's Curse</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3097905">Colleen Houck</a><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/266722213">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">The last thing Kelsey Hayes thought she’d be doing this summer was trying to break a 300-year-old Indian curse. With a mysterious white tiger named Ren. Halfway around the world. But that’s exactly what happened. Face-to-face with dark forces, spellbinding magic, and mystical worlds where nothing is what it seems, Kelsey risks everything to piece together an ancient prophecy that could break the curse forever. </blockquote><br /><b>Mother-Daughter Review</b><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zHjCJvNtrmY/TqRpQth2YXI/AAAAAAAAAks/xr4U9C-QgVc/s1600/Squeaky_4.jpg" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zHjCJvNtrmY/TqRpQth2YXI/AAAAAAAAAks/xr4U9C-QgVc/s200/Squeaky_4.jpg" width="111" /></a><br /><u>My Review:</u><br />I enjoyed this story of the Tiger’s curse. There were a few ‘leaps of faith’ that I had to make in order to immerse myself in this book, but I think our Young Adult and Teen readers wouldn’t mind too much. There is a lot of information on India and Indian myths and legends so that was nice. I enjoyed the descriptions of the different Indian culinary delights that Kelsey got to sample for the first time.<br /><br />This book was written to be part of a series, but the author wrapped up the first part nicely and did leave a bit of mystique so you would want to continue the series. I was kind of surprised by the ending, so that is always a plus. I would rate this book at 3.5 Stars.<br /><br /><u>Jasmin’s Review:</u><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ig7382JAKOY/TqRqhW2-3GI/AAAAAAAAAk0/KZhFZlelEPI/s1600/p12074ta107157_20_0.jpg" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ig7382JAKOY/TqRqhW2-3GI/AAAAAAAAAk0/KZhFZlelEPI/s200/p12074ta107157_20_0.jpg" width="160" /></a><br />Tiger’s Curse by Colleen Houck was about a normal teenage girl who gets a job at a circus for the summer after high school, but life takes an unexpected turn when the tiger she is watching turns into an Indian Prince and she goes away to India to help break his curse.<br /><br />I found the idea of the book amusing, though didn’t think her guardians would let her go to India with some strange man she just met, that threw me for a bit. After that, the book consumed me. I loved all the mythology in the book and there was just the slightest bit of romance that I really enjoyed. I always love that type of relationship, where you don’t know whether to yell at each other or suck their face off. The entire series has lead me all the way through to the last book, even the people at my school are commenting how fast I’m getting through them. Instant attention grabber, 4.75 out of 5 stars!<br /><br /><br /><table style="text-align: left;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td>Tiger’s Curse </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Series:</b></td><td>The Tiger Saga, Book 1</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Author:</b> </td><td>Colleen Houck </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Published:</b> </td><td>January 11, 2011 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published By:</b> </td><td>Sterling Publishing </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b></td><td>496 Pages </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td>Adventure, Fantasy, Paranormal, Teen, Young Adult </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td>Library</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s) Available:</b></td><td>AudioBook, eBook, Hardback, PaperBack </td></tr><tr> <td><b>ISBN:</b></td><td>9781402784859</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Started:</b> </td><td>1/13/2012</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Finished:</b></td><td>1/29/2012</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td>4 Stars</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/266722213">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-6035660486754332151?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-62508215378169477112012-01-30T09:32:00.001-09:002012-03-05T14:10:24.243-09:00<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9086897" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Iron Daughter" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1282857526m/9086897.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9086897">The Iron Daughter</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2995873">Julie Kagawa</a><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/255426978">3 of 5 stars</a><br />We listened to this as an audiobook, narrated by Khristine Hvam, so our review is based on that version.<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron fey—ironbound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her.<br /><br />Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's stuck in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart.</blockquote><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Mother-Daughter-Daughter Review</span></b></div><u>My Review</u><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zHjCJvNtrmY/TqRpQth2YXI/AAAAAAAAAks/xr4U9C-QgVc/s1600/Squeaky_4.jpg" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zHjCJvNtrmY/TqRpQth2YXI/AAAAAAAAAks/xr4U9C-QgVc/s200/Squeaky_4.jpg" width="111" /></a>Meghan is soooo whiney!!! OMG. I was kind of hoping that trapping Puck in a tree to heal (for however long that would take) would take him out of the picture and move on the obvious romance between Ash and Meghan, but nooooooo….<br /><br />The author did stick Iron Horse in there to throw a possibly fourth in the love triangle, but the square love was not to be. This was so Twilighty. I want Ash (Edward) but he doesn’t want me. Puck (Jacob) wants me, but I only like him when Ash isn’t here. AND just like Twilight, doesn’t anyone see a problem with a guy who is hundreds of years old getting involved with a teenager???<br /><br />There were some saving graces in this book. First, Tiaothin the Phouka was a great mischievous and fun little character. She was surely added to the beginning of the book to add in some light-hearted fun so the first part wouldn’t be so depressing. Leanansidhe, kind of the queen of in-between, was also interesting. I wasn’t sure whose side she was going to end up on, but she has her own side, so that was good. Grimalkin, while not quite as funny as the first book, still added much needed levity to the book.<br /><br />Overall, I found the book okay. Good for Teen or Young Adult readers, but I really think I need to move on to something with a bit less whining and a bit more emotional maturity. Rating: 3 Stars<br /><br /><u>Jasmin’s Review</u><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ig7382JAKOY/TqRqhW2-3GI/AAAAAAAAAk0/KZhFZlelEPI/s1600/p12074ta107157_20_0.jpg" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ig7382JAKOY/TqRqhW2-3GI/AAAAAAAAAk0/KZhFZlelEPI/s200/p12074ta107157_20_0.jpg" width="160" /></a><br />The Iron Daughter basically started off where the Iron King ended. Meghan with Ash, going to the Winter Court, but things took a dramatic turn for angsty when Ash betrays her.<br /><br />Let me just stop there. <br /><br /><i>Obviously</i> he has been saying he was going to turn her into his queen since the VERY beginning of their relationship, which was the entire point of his even being with her. She just chooses to have a dramatic overreaction. After about two hours into the book it got exciting again, with Leanansidhe and the half-breeds and the return of Ironhorse and Grim. I actually enjoyed this book much more than my sister did, probably because I’m more angsty, but that’s just an opinion.<br /><br />I’d rate this book 3.5 out of 5, because it just had a bit too much drama, and a lot less action than the original book. Still, I want to read the next one, just to see what will happen to the young heroine next.<br /><br /><u>Lily’s Review</u><br /><a "="" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jjsOalVnVDg/TqRrR5_MClI/AAAAAAAAAk8/MqztjUq7jVw/s1600/p12074ta107157_37_0.jpg" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jjsOalVnVDg/TqRrR5_MClI/AAAAAAAAAk8/MqztjUq7jVw/s200/p12074ta107157_37_0.jpg" width="160" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I have one word to sum up this whole book:<br /><br /><b>P</b>rincess in love with the man she can’t be with.<br /><b>R</b>eminds me of the love triangle from the Twilight series.<br /><b>E</b>nemies became allies.<br /><b>D</b>ance, really, when everyone is hurt? Just the thing they need, literally!<br /><b>I</b>ron-horse = :-(<br /><b>C</b>an you say Twilight?<br /><b>T</b>errible ending<br /><b>A</b>sh I love you now I must cry!!!<br /><b>B</b>oogey, hiding under children’s bed and closets, what’s wrong with this picture?!?!<br /><b>L</b>eanansidhe, best character in the world, the only part of the book I actually liked.<br /><b>E</b>ven Puck needs someone to love = :-(<br /><br />I would give this a 2 out of 5 stars.<br /><br /><u>The Narration Review</u><br />This book was narrated by Khristine Hvam and once again she did a great job narrating. Her voice is perfect for this age group of characters. She has a nice even cadence and does not rush through the story.<br /><br /><table style="text-align: left;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td>The Iron Daughter </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Series:</b></td><td>The Iron Fey, Book 2</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Author:</b> </td><td>Julie Kagawa </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Narrator:</b> </td><td>Khristine Hvam </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Published:</b> </td><td>8/1/2010</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published By:</b> </td><td>Harlequin Enterprises </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b></td><td>13 Hours, 16 Mins </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Type:</b></td><td>Unabridged </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td>Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td>Purchased at Audible </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s) Available:</b> </td><td>Audio, eBook, PaperBack</td></tr><tr> <td><b>ISBN:</b> </td><td>9780373210138 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Started:</b> </td><td>1/3/2012</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Finished:</b></td><td>1/23/2012</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td>3 Stars</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/255426978">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-6250821537816947711?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-41181782550402575042012-01-27T10:05:00.001-09:002012-01-27T10:10:14.104-09:00<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11104931" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Cell" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1302803790m/11104931.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11104931">Cell</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3389">Stephen King</a><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/244621308">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />I listened to this as an audiobook, narrated by Campbell Scott, so my review is based on that version.<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">The cell phone users in Stephen King's tale of horror are plagued by problems much bigger than poor reception, costly roaming charges, or dropped calls: Some unspeakably malevolent force has turned them into raging, bloodthirsty zombies! <br /><br />It's a sunny afternoon in Boston, and as far as Clayton Riddell is concerned, life couldn't be any better. The Maine-based artist has just inked a lucrative contract for his first graphic novel. But in an instant, his life -- and human civilization -- is turned upside down by an event known as the Pulse, a brain-zapping burst of energy that turns the millions of people with cell phones pressed against the sides of their heads into mindless killing machines. Those lucky enough not to be using a cell phone at the time are spared from the gruesome transformation but must somehow survive the nightmarish aftereffects: cars crashing, planes falling from the sky, hungry gangs of zombies, etc.</blockquote>This is one of those books that I have wanted to get around to for a while. Because I am a fan of Stephen King, I really had to know what he did with the cell phone! <br /><br />There are cell phone usage scares out there all the time (cell phone gives you brain damage, etc..) but the biggest scare I have ever had with the cell phone, before now, was the first time I opened my cell phone bill after I gave my three teenaged daughters cell phones. YIKES! <br /><br />This tale of the cell phone goes beyond what teenaged kids can do to your bank account and blood pressure. This ‘pulse’ that runs through the cell phone, changing everyone into zombies, is just the beginning of this strange tale. <br /><br />The thing about mindless zombies that makes them easy to defeat is the fact that they are mindless. So what would happen if they were not so mindless? What would happen if they all started not only working together but also started displaying supernatural abilities? Would the ‘normal’ folks ever stand a chance to survive? <br /><br />Although I generally enjoyed this very interesting story, there were a few things that I couldn’t accept. I know you are probably thinking I couldn’t accept the supernatural zombies, but no, I could accept that. It has all to do with the batteries, the family, and the brain. Because I don’t want to ruin the book for others, I will leave it there. I did really like the ending though.<br /><br /><u>The Narration Review</u><br />This book was narrated by Campbell Scott and I did really enjoy his voice. It was very pleasing to the ear. His character voices were very well done and easily distinguishable from each other. I think this is the first book that I have heard him narrate, but I do look forward to hearing him again. On GoodReads he is also listed as narrating <i><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11588.The_Shining">The Shining</a></i> and although I have already read <i><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11588.The_Shining">The Shining</a></i>, I might go and pick it up just to hear what he has done with it.<br /><br /><table style="text-align: left;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td>Cell </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Author:</b> </td><td>Stephen King </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Narrator:</b> </td><td>Campbell Scott </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Published:</b> </td><td>January 24, 2006</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published By:</b> </td><td>Simon &amp; Schuster Audio </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b></td><td>12 Hours, 28 mins </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Type:</b></td><td>Unabridged </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td>Genres Go Here </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td>Where Did you Purchase</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s) Available:</b> </td><td>Fantasy, Horror, Science Fiction, Suspense, Thriller </td></tr><tr> <td><b>ISBN:</b> </td><td>978-0743554336 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Started:</b> </td><td>1/18/2012</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Finished:</b></td><td>1/22/2012</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td>4 Stars</td></tr></tbody></table><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/244621308">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-4118178255040257504?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-6593181291188675562012-01-23T11:03:00.001-09:002012-01-23T12:56:22.757-09:00<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8730371" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Under the Dome" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1280864285m/8730371.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8730371">Under the Dome</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3389">Stephen King</a><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/255072102">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />I listened to this as an audiobook, narrated by Raul Esparza, so my review is based on that version.<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">On an entirely normal, beautiful fall day in Chester's Mill, Maine, the town is inexplicably and suddenly sealed off from the rest of the world by an invisible force field. Planes crash into it and fall from the sky in flaming wreckage, a gardener's hand is severed as "the dome" comes down on it, people running errands in the neighboring town are divided from their families, and cars explode on impact. No one can fathom what this barrier is, where it came from, and when--or if--it will go away. <br /><br />Dale Barbara, Iraq vet and now a short-order cook, finds himself teamed with a few intrepid citizens--town newspaper owner Julia Shumway, a physician's assistant at the hospital, a select-woman, and three brave kids. Against them stands Big Jim Rennie, a politician who will stop at nothing--even murder--to hold the reins of power, and his son, who is keeping a horrible secret in a dark pantry. But their main adversary is the Dome itself. Because time isn't just short. It's running out. </blockquote>This story shows what might happen if a whole community is cut off from the rest of the world. You would hope for the best in your fellow mankind and might believe that everyone would behave nicely until they were reunited with the rest of the world, but you would be sadly disappointed and you wouldn’t be Stephen King.<br /><br />This was a long, detailed story and one of the great epic stories by the King of Horror. The thing about Stephen King is he never feels the need to hurry and finish a story. You get all the gory details. He feels no qualms about killing off a few of the main characters in the most gruesome of ways, or just ‘boink em on the head’ and they’re dead. LoL<br /><br />I snuggled up to this book the way some people snuggle up to the old classics. This book was like my favorite hot chocolate lava cake. Something that warms all my senses and I enjoy going back to until I have gotten all of the chocolaty goodness licked off my fingers.<br /><br />I would recommend this story to all of those folks that like the probability or possibility of Stephen King stories and don’t mind all the gore, guts, and glory that goes along it.<br /><br /><u>The Narration Review</u><br />This audiobook was narrated by Raul Esparza and I really enjoyed listening to him. I think that if Stephen King himself were to read this book to me, this is what it would sound like (okay maybe Stephen would have a more New England style accent). Raul had great enunciation and a very clear reading style. It was more like he was telling me a story rather than reading it to me.<br /><br /><table style="text-align: left;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td>Under the Dome </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Author:</b> </td><td>Stephen King </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Narrator:</b> </td><td>Raul Esparza </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Published:</b> </td><td>11/10/09</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published By:</b> </td><td>Simon &amp; Schuster Audio </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b></td><td>34 hours and 29 minutes </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Type:</b></td><td>Unabridged </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td>Horror, Mystery, Science Fiction, Thriller </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td>Purchased at Audible </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s) Available:</b> </td><td>AudioBook, PaperBack, eBook </td></tr><tr> <td><b>ISBN:</b> </td><td>0743597311</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Started:</b> </td><td> January 2, 2012 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Finished:</b></td><td> January 18, 2012</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td>5 Stars</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/255072102">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-659318129118867556?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-91938996333019594772012-01-15T09:15:00.002-09:002012-03-05T14:11:01.630-09:00Today we start the New Release Give Away! &nbsp;I have some awesome books picked out for this month's giveaway. &nbsp;So hope on over to my giveaway page and check them out!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://alaskanbookie.blogspot.com/p/giveaway-entry-form.html"><img src="http://booktwirps.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/JanuaryNRImageButton.jpg" /> </a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The January 2012 New Release Giveaway Hop</div><div style="text-align: center;">is hosted by&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://booktwirps.com/">Book Twirps</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">and</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://refractedlightreviews.com/">Refracted Light Reviews</a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">While you are here, feel free to check out some of the books we have reviewed!</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks for stopping by!</div><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-9193899633301959477?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-25970233295024687072012-01-10T08:51:00.001-09:002012-01-23T12:57:49.022-09:00<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11715437" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Serpent's Kiss" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1318194572m/11715437.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11715437">Serpent's Kiss</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4443809">Thea Harrison</a><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/251540000">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><br />I listened to this as an audiobook, narrated by Sophie Eastlake, so my review is based on that version.<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">In order to save his friend's life, Wyr sentinel Rune Ainissesthai made a bargain with Vampyre Queen Carling-without knowing what she would ask from him in return. But when Rune attempts to make good on his debt, he finds a woman on the edge.<br /><br />Recently, Carling's power has become erratic, forcing her followers to flee in fear. Despite the danger, Rune is drawn to the ailing Queen and decides to help her find a cure for the serpent's kiss-the vampyric disease that's killing her.With their desire for each other escalating just as quickly as Carling's instability spirals out of control, the sentinel and the Queen will have to rely on each other if they have any hope of surviving the serpent's kiss.</blockquote><br />This is the third book in the Elder Races series, but it could have been listened to without hearing the first two books, Dragon Bound and Storm’s Heart. There are references to things that happened in the first two books but not enough so that you would have been lost if you didn’t read them.<br /><br />I really, really enjoyed this story! The suspense was awesome! I feel like this story of Carling and Rune will go down as one of the best in this series even if Sophie Eastlake writes 100 more. <br /><br />In this story, the countdown for the end of Carling’s life is slowly ticking toward the final hour. Rune is determined not to let her go quietly into the night. When Carling goes into a ‘fade’ Rune finds that he is able to travel into her personal dreamland with her. He will be visiting some of the key points of her past, thus learning about her in a most intimate way. The closer he gets, the more she wants to push him away. Neither knows the dangers traveling to her past will bring, or what it could mean for the future.<br /><br /><u>The Narration Review</u>&nbsp;<br />This audiobook was narrated by Sophie Eastlake who was also the narrator for the first two books. I am getting used to her young sounding voice and she does do a good job on differentiating her character voices. I think I would classify her voice as tootsie pop drop, sweet like candy but chocolaty goodness in the heart of things.<br /><br /><table style="text-align: left;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td>Serpent’s Kiss </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Series:</b></td><td>Elder Races, Book 3</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Author:</b> </td><td>Thea Harrison </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Narrator:</b> </td><td>Sophie Eastlake </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Published:</b> </td><td>October 4, 2011</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published By:</b> </td><td>Tantor Media </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b></td><td>13 hrs and 14 Mins </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Type:</b></td><td>Unabridged </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td>AudioBook, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td>Purchased at Audible </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s) Available:</b> </td><td>AudioBook, eBook, PaperBack </td></tr><tr> <td><b>ISBN:</b> </td><td>978-1452653662</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Started:</b> </td><td> December 27, 2011 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Finished:</b></td><td> January 1, 2012</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td>5 Stars</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/251540000">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-2597023329502468707?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-417401180663141742012-01-07T14:21:00.001-09:002012-01-23T12:59:31.893-09:00<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13225562" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Amongst My Enemies" border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61f%2B9LHtkwL._SX106_.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13225562">Amongst My Enemies</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/230690">William F. Brown</a><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/246831763">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Inside an old German U-Boat rusting on the bottom of the Baltic are millions in gold bars, stolen art, and a secret that could tear NATO apart. The only one who knows the truth is Mike Randall, a battle-scarred American who survived four months in the frozen Hell of northern Germany at the end of the war. When he does speak up, he puts a target on his own forehead, one which the Russians, the West Germans, the U-boat's former owners, the Israeli Mossad, and even his own government quickly take aim at. Some want the gold, some want him dead, and some want proof about a high-ranking spy inside NATO itself. Randall's wants are much simpler. Caught between the Kremlin and a new, deadly, 4th Reich, he wants revenge and to satisfy some old debts with a steel-jacketed bullet.<br /></blockquote><br />I really enjoyed this story of Mike Randall and the U-Boat from Nazi Germany. The story had a very realistic feel to it. It made me want to go out and research some of the people listed in it to find out if they really existed and if this story follows what actually happened to them. The descriptions of the Nazi SS guys had me cringing for their victims.<br /><br />This story did have a romantic interest for our main character, Mike Randall, but the romance felt like a hot fudge sundae. Full of chocolaty goodness, but no matter how fast you eat, the fudge is never hot when you reach the bottom.<br /><br />Overall, this would be a great pick for history and suspense buffs. It felt real, like the author stole the idea from a headline news story!<br /><br />** Note **<br />I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review. I received no chocolate or any other compensation in exchange for my review.<br /><br /><br /><table style="text-align: left;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td> Amongst My Enemies </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Author:</b> </td><td> William F. Brown </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Published:</b> </td><td> December 12th, 2011 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published By:</b> </td><td> Published by Author</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b></td><td>Pages or Words </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td> Mystery, Suspense, Historical Fiction </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td>Received Free from Author</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s) Available:</b></td><td> ebook </td></tr><tr> <td><b>ISBN:</b></td><td> B006LAOIWY</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Started:</b> </td><td> December 25, 2011 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Finished:</b></td><td> January 1, 2011</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td>5 Stars</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/246831763">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-41740118066314174?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-18366274650273742552012-01-04T11:22:00.001-09:002012-01-23T12:58:39.997-09:00<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9822776" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Undead and Unwed" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1291459673m/9822776.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9822776">Undead and Unwed</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1429808">MaryJanice Davidson</a><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/216216383">3 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />I listened to this as an audiobook, so my review is based on that version.<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Waking up in a tacky coffin, and wearing off-brand shoes, Betsy Taylor can't believe the horrible turn her life has taken-then she discovers she's a vampire. Soon, Betsy becomes a participant in a power struggle between the forces of darkness. With only her friend Jessica and the hunky vampire Sinclair to help her, this new "Queen of Vampires" will have a tough time getting her afterlife straight.</blockquote>This is the first book in the Queen Betsy series and I believe it is meant as a fun read. The main character, Betsy, is an air head and is more worried about fashion than she is about being dead. Betsy is also a vampire, but a vampire with special powers. She has snarky comments about just about everything and is a bit too stupid to be afraid of anything that might kill her. <br /><br />There are some sexual scenes in this story that take it out of the young adult category, but I think if they were toned down a bit, this would be the perfect young adult vampire book.<br /><br />As much as I wanted to get into the snarky, airheaded humor of Queen Betsy, it just didn’t do it for me. Overall I think this book is like a Wendy’s Frosty. It has some chocolate, but no matter how hard you try, you just can’t suck it up through the straw.<br /><br /><u>The Narration Review</u><br />Nancy Wu did a good job on the voices in this book, giving Queen Betsy the perfect snarky voice. You could almost hear the attitude dripping off Queen Betsy whenever she spoke.<br /><br /><table style="text-align: left;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td>Undead and Unwed </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Series:</b></td><td>Queen Betsy, Book 1</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Author:</b> </td><td>Mary Janice Davidson </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Narrator:</b> </td><td>Nancy Wu </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Published:</b> </td><td>March 2, 2004</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published By:</b> </td><td>Recorded Books </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b></td><td>9 hrs and 13 mins </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Type:</b></td><td>Unabridged </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td>AudioBook, Humor, Paranormal </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td>Purchased at Audible.com </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s) Available:</b> </td><td>AudioBook, eBook, PaperBack, </td></tr><tr> <td><b>ISBN:</b> </td><td>978-1419369759 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Started:</b> </td><td> December 25, 2011 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Finished:</b></td><td> December 27, 2011</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td>3 Stars </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/216216383">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-1836627465027374255?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-68190882820356072442012-01-02T13:37:00.001-09:002012-03-05T14:12:08.101-09:00<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11746140" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Storm's Heart" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1312306679m/11746140.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11746140">Storm's Heart</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4443809">Thea Harrison</a><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/207492924">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><br />I listened to this as an audiobook, narrated by Sophie Eastlake, so my review is based on that version.<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">During the rule of her murderous Dark Fae uncle, Thistle "Tricks" Periwinkle found sanctuary among the Wyr in New York. Her ethereal beauty and sparkling personality won the hearts of the public, but after her uncle's death, there are those who don't want to see her ascend to the throne.<br /><br />Able to wield thunder and lightning, Wyr sentinel Tiago Black Eagle has ruled the skies for centuries. His massive build and thunderous power make him one of the Wyr's best weapons. And he's sent to protect Tricks when she's almost assassinated in Chicago. Soon, both Tiago and Tricks will fall prey to the stormy hunger that engulfs them - a passion that will shake the very foundation of all the worlds.</blockquote>This is the second book in the Elder Races series, but it could have been listened to without hearing the first book, <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9637479.Dragon_Bound_Elder_Races_1_">Dragon Bound</a>. There are references to things that happened in the first book but not enough so that you would have been lost if you didn't read it.<br /><br />This story takes up where the first left off and is the love story of Tricks (cute little dark Fae princess) and Tiago (Big ole Thunderbird). There are many circumstances that keep Tricks and Tiago apart, including themselves. Although they both feel an attraction to each other, they are hesitant to take the big step that will mate them for life.<br /><br />There are also many Dark Fae that don’t want Tricks to ascend to the throne so every once in a while there will be an assassination attempt on her. Between the assassination attempts and the friends that are trying to keep them apart, the world just seems against the possibility of Tricks and Tiago ever being together.<br /><br />This story had a slow build up to the ultimate conclusion. There was a point where I was just thinking ‘get on with it and mate already will ya?’ but that is just my impatient self. Overall it is a good second book and I believe those that enjoyed the first book, <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9637479.Dragon_Bound_Elder_Races_1_">Dragon Bound</a>, will also enjoy this story. <br /><br /><u>The Narration Review</u><br />This audiobook was narrated by Sophie Eastlake who was also the narrator for the first book. She has a great story telling voice that is very easy to listen to. Sophie sounds youngish, so I always blush for her when she has to say sexually explicit things. LoL<br /><br /><table style="text-align: left;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td>Storm’s Heart </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Series:</b></td><td>Elder Races, Book 2</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Author:</b> </td><td>Thea Harrison </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Narrator:</b> </td><td>Sophie Eastlake </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Published:</b> </td><td>August 2, 2011</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published By:</b> </td><td>Tantor Media </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b></td><td>13 hrs </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Type:</b></td><td>Unabridged </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td>AudioBook, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td>Birthday Present from Darlene </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s) Available:</b> </td><td>AudioBook, eBook, PaperBack </td></tr><tr> <td><b>ISBN:</b> </td><td>978-04252426679 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Started:</b> </td><td>December 20, 2011 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Finished:</b></td><td>December 25, 2011</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td>4 Stars</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/207492924">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-6819088282035607244?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-29941230439832069062011-12-31T07:08:00.001-09:002011-12-31T07:26:27.834-09:00<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12846176" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Night Strangers" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1318290985m/12846176.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12846176">The Night Strangers</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3509">Chris Bohjalian</a><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/229448610">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />I listened to this story as an audiobook, narrated by Alison Fraser and Mark Bramhall, so my review is based on that version.<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">In a dusty corner of a basement in a rambling Victorian house in northern New Hampshire, a door has long been sealed shut with 39 six-inch-long carriage bolts. <br /><br />The home's new owners are Chip and Emily Linton and their twin ten-year-old daughters. Together they hope to rebuild their lives there after Chip, an airline pilot, has to ditch his 70-seat regional jet in Lake Champlain after double engine failure. Unlike the Miracle on the Hudson, however, most of the passengers aboard Flight 1611 die on impact or drown. The body count? Thirty-nine – a coincidence not lost on Chip when he discovers the number of bolts in that basement door. Meanwhile, Emily finds herself wondering about the women in this sparsely populated White Mountain village – self-proclaimed herbalists – and their interest in her fifth-grade daughters. Are the women mad? Or is it her husband, in the wake of the tragedy, whose grip on sanity has become desperately tenuous? <br /><br />The result is a poignant and powerful ghost story with all the hallmarks readers have come to expect from bestselling novelist Chris Bohjalian: a palpable sense of place, an unerring sense of the demons that drive us, and characters we care about deeply. <br /><br />The difference this time? Some of those characters are dead.</blockquote><br />This is my first book by this author and I am really impressed! The suspense was awesome and the story had a perfectly mysterious ebb and flow. There were many different things happening to the Linton family that might be related to their new house, but then again, it might not be related to the house at all. Chip has his own demons because of the crash of his airplane and the deaths of the people on board. But does his new house amplify the spirits, add to his delusions, or is the move to the new house just a coincidence? There are a group of herbalists in their new town, but is what they are doing magic, witchcraft, or just advanced herbology? And what is the fascination with twins in this town??<br /><br />I don’t want to give away too much and ruin the mystery for anyone else, but when I finished this audiobook, I just sat and stared for a moment. All I could think was ‘Wow, I didn’t see that coming!’ It was a bizarre ending. I am still not sure how I feel about it. This book was kind of like Hot Chocolate with peppermint in it. Smooth, warm and creamy chocolate with the peppermint to wake your senses and put them on alert.<br /><br /><u>The Narration Review</u><br />This book was narrated by Alison Fraser and Mark Bramhall. I liked the dual narration for this story. The two voices worked off each other well. Sometimes with two different narrators you get a hot/cold feel to the story, but I didn’t feel that with these two. Both were very clear and easy to listen to voices. <br /><br />** Note **<br />I received this audiobook as a Random Act of Kindness from my buddy Darlene over at <a href="http://darlenesbooknook.blogspot.com/">Darlene’s Book Nook</a>. Thanks Darlene!<br /><br /><table style="text-align: left;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td>Night Strangers </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Author:</b> </td><td>Chris Bohjalian </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Narrator:</b> </td><td>Alison Fraser; Mark Bramhall </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Published:</b> </td><td>October 4, 2011</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published By:</b> </td><td>Random House Audio </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b></td><td>14 hours and 11 minutes </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Type:</b></td><td>Unabridged </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td>AudioBook, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Suspense, Thriller,</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td>November RAK from Darlene </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s) Available:</b> </td><td>AudioBook, eBook, PaperBack,</td></tr><tr> <td><b>ISBN:</b> </td><td>978-0307395009 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td>5 Stars</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/229448610">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-2994123043983206906?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-29167537769433205372011-12-29T09:21:00.001-09:002011-12-29T09:24:19.229-09:00<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11393692" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="In My Dreams" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1319715193m/11393692.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11393692">In My Dreams</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4794993">Cameo Renae</a><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/249942630">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">It was happening again. The dreams. The nightmares. It was something seventeen year-old Elizabeth "Lizzy" Hayes thought she'd outgrown; dreams that would come true; detailed premonitions of how people would die. This time she dreams about her boyfriend, Michael Young, and soon discovers that he's been found... dead. <br /><br />Michael hasn't crossed over because he was murdered, and now his murderer is coming for Lizzy. His spirit won't rest until she is safe, and as a newbie spirit, the easiest way for him to make contact is through Lizzy's dreams. When she dreams, it's as if he hasn't died. <br /><br />Lizzy must learn to pull on her inner strength to survive horrifying events. Meanwhile, in the spirit world, Michael learns everything he can about his supernatural gifts to help. But will it be enough to save her?</blockquote><br />This was a heartbreaking love story of Lizzy and Michael right from the beginning. When Michael meets with an untimely death, Lizzy starts having realistic dreams about him. She believes he is trying to warn her about something. He is determined to see that she comes to no harm, no matter what it takes.<br /><br />Cameo Renae describes things very vividly in this book, so that should be helpful to others so they could get the feeling of Alaska when reading this story. I liked that it was set in the Wasilla and Palmer areas of Alaska, because that is right near where I live. There are a lot people up here that believe in the power of dreams, spirits of the wolf, and shamanism so that gave the book a bit more of a realistic feel to it for me. It also made it feel like I was reading about something that had happened right down the street. <br /><br />I didn’t like how Michaels’s story wrapped up, but that is just me. The cover has undergone some changes since I picked it up. The new cover doesn’t make you think of werewolves when you look at it, so that is good. Overall, I think young (or young at heart) romance junkies will enjoy the story.<br /><br />** Note **<br />I won this book from a giveaway hosted at <a href="http://darlenesbooknook.blogspot.com/">Darlene’s Book Nook</a>. <br /><br /><table style="text-align: left;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td>In My Dreams </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Author:</b> </td><td>Cameo Renae </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Published:</b> </td><td>April 30, 2011 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published By:</b> </td><td>Cameo Renae </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b></td><td>~ 242 Pages </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td>Fantasy, Paranormal, Young Adult </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td>Won in a Giveaway </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s) Available:</b></td><td>eBook, PaperBack </td></tr><tr> <td><b>ISBN:</b></td><td>9781461083993</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td>4 Stars</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/249942630">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-2916753776943320537?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-15435857518933819912011-12-26T20:40:00.001-09:002012-01-02T13:50:11.017-09:00<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12967106" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Dragon Warrior" border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/5147cEJA4UL._SX106_.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12967106">Dragon Warrior</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4998597">Shéa MacLeod</a><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/242955708">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">A man without a past.<br />A woman without a future.<br />A world destroyed by monsters.<br />All that’s left is hope.<br /><br />In Rain Mauri’s post-apocalyptic world there are no shades of gray when it comes to survival. Until she meets a Dragon Warrior and discovers nothing is as simple as it seems.<br /><br />Together, Rain and the Dragon Warrior must uncover the truth behind the nightmare their world has become. Their quest will put them in the crosshairs of a ruthless enemy, but with her determination and his skill, they might just save their race from destruction. If they can save each other first.</blockquote><br />This was a great little read, the perfect beginning to a new series. Rain and her partner, Sutter, were Trackers. They tracked down old outposts and hunted for supplies. They came across the old site where Lieutenant Micah Caine fought one of the first battles with dragons 25 years ago, and lost his life taking down one of the beasties. They discover some old munitions along with some other relics of the past.<br /><br />There is a base of Marines that fight the dragons, but they are not like the old Marines. These guys go around taking whatever they want from the different outposts, sometimes leaving them without enough supplies to survive. There are strange rumors about what goes on at the Marine base. The Marines pay a visit to the Outpost where Rain and Sutter are fighting dragons and end up taking Sutter with them. Rain will end up having to travel to the Marine base and try to find out what is going on there and get her friend Sutter back.<br /><br />There were a few things that made me go grrrrrr in the book. (No, not the old air vent entry into a sealed secret military base!) But other in a few places it was a really good book and I look forward to the next in the series. Excellent ending!<br /><br /><table style="text-align: left;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td>Dragon Warrior </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Series:</b></td><td>Dragon Wars, Book 1</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Author:</b> </td><td>Shéa MacLeod </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Published:</b> </td><td>October 20, 2011 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published By:</b> </td><td>Sunwalker Press </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b></td><td>~180 Pages </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td>Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Paranormal </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td>Purchased at Amazon </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s) Available:</b></td><td>eBook </td></tr><tr> <td><b>ASIN:</b></td><td>B005XRB8U6</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td>4 Stars</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/242955708">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-1543585751893381991?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-73541902148595348092011-12-25T07:18:00.000-09:002011-12-25T07:18:33.952-09:00I want to take a moment and wish all my wonderful followers, readers, friends, and fans the most&nbsp;joyous&nbsp;day. &nbsp;I know we do not all share the same beliefs, religions, or holidays, but that shouldn't stop you from having a great day anyway!<br /><br />Remember ... a smile is&nbsp;contagious, a chocolate smile is downright&nbsp;delectable&nbsp;!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-7354190214859534809?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-66102015748829360862011-12-23T07:48:00.001-09:002011-12-23T07:49:53.235-09:00<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13221403" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Drift" border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51U3hwW8VAL._SX106_.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13221403">Drift</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/184530">Andrew Hudson</a><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/246359090">3 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Drift is about Travis Benson, a young man living an ordinary life as a marketing director for a small communications company out in Connecticut. However, as quiet as his life is, his past keeps haunting him since the day he moved to Hartford. And after a series of bad feelings and strange omens, Travis Benson decides to head back to where he once belonged. A small town in Colorado called Greenwood. A place where he finds second chances, new starts, and learns that it's never too late to try once more. However, when strange murders start happening in town, Travis realizes that his fears may have been more than mere imagination. Now he must face his doubts and fears as he fights to put everything back together again and save what he once had.</blockquote><br />I finished this book and I couldn’t help but think that the chapters could have been handled differently to help a bit more with the suspense. Almost all the things about why the murders were happening were at the end of the story, except the one in the first chapter. Even with that first murder, I almost didn’t catch how it was related by the time the reference came around at the end.<br /><br />I was hoping for a tie-in about the dreams Travis was having, but there didn’t seem to be one. So I was left wondering why he had all those strange dreams. There were several police procedural things that I couldn’t wrap my head around, those parts of the story just seemed unrealistic.<br /><br />Overall, I have a milk chocolate feel for this book. Kind of cool from the milk, but saved by the fact that it does contain chocolate.<br /><br />** Note **<br />I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review. I received no chocolate or any other compensation in exchange for my review.<br /><br /><table style="text-align: left;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td>Drift </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Author:</b> </td><td>Andrew Cyrus Hudson </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Published:</b> </td><td>December 8th, 2011 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b></td><td>Pages or Words </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td>Fiction, Mystery, Suspense, </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td>Author</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s) Available:</b></td><td>eBook </td></tr><tr> <td><b>ISBN:</b></td><td>B006JXDVTO </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td>3 Stars</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/246359090">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-6610201574882936086?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-43303569987622439612011-12-21T06:25:00.000-09:002011-12-21T06:26:30.276-09:00<div style="text-align: center;">Today I am hosting</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Margaret Millmore</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">author of</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Doppelganger&nbsp;Experiment</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5h7M1C9J7Ik/TvHz9dt-fsI/AAAAAAAABFA/99WAYXci1ds/s1600/Doppelganger+Experiment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5h7M1C9J7Ik/TvHz9dt-fsI/AAAAAAAABFA/99WAYXci1ds/s320/Doppelganger+Experiment.jpg" width="224" /></a></div><blockquote class="tr_bq">Jane woke up to find several things wrong; she was in a hospital, she’d been in a coma for over four weeks, it wasn’t 2007 like she last remembered, it was 2010, and she was married to a man she didn’t know. Dreams of a mysterious green building infiltrate her sleep, but are they just dreams or are they memories? As she struggles to recapture a life she doesn’t remember she discovers clues to a lost love and dangerous experiments that lead to murder. More flashes of memory and a re-acquaintance with an old scientist lead her to an investigation into the mystery of the green building and the discovery of horrific experiments that end in murder... and something worse than murder.<br /><br />She learns her best friend has betrayed her and the husband she is trying know and love is not who he says he is. With her trust shattered and her life precariously close to falling apart, she is more dedicated than ever to finding out who is behind the green building and the horrible things that happened there, that happened to her there. The more she learns, the more danger she is in.</blockquote><br /><hr width="75%" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">My Review of <i><b>Doppelganger Experiment</b></i> can be found<b> <a href="http://alaskanbookie.blogspot.com/2011/12/review-doppelganger-experiment.html">here</a>.</b></div><br /><br /><hr width="75%" />Margaret wants to remain a bit mysterious, so instead of a bio and picture we will represent her with:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Dark Chocolate Peanut Clusters</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WFMU48u8Py8/TvH1l6m9DyI/AAAAAAAABFI/yqfnEvVMOYU/s1600/dark_choc_peanut_clusters_beauty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WFMU48u8Py8/TvH1l6m9DyI/AAAAAAAABFI/yqfnEvVMOYU/s200/dark_choc_peanut_clusters_beauty.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">On to the interview!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Q1. How long did it take you to write the Doppelganger Experiment?<br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">A. It took me about 6 months to write the book.</span><br /><br />Q2. Are any of the experiments done to people in the book based on any real life experiments that you know of?<br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">A. I make a reference to something I found on Wikipedia, but otherwise it’s all just in my imagination</span>.<br /><br />Q3. Did you always have the bad guys picked out or were they something that developed with the story?<br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">A. I had one picked out from the onset, but as the story developed so did the characters and that helped to define the other villains.</span><br /><br />Q4. I enjoyed how suspenseful the book was! Did you have to work really hard at ‘leaving breadcrumbs’ for us to follow or was the suspense easy to write?<br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">A. I did work hard to that end; it was my goal from the beginning to keep the reader enthralled and to surprise them with the ending.</span><br /><br />Q5. I read that you are related to some other famous authors. Did they help you develop your story?<br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">A. Unfortunately my uncle died a few years ago, he lived in Ireland while I lived in the US, so I had only met him a few times. But my cousin Sharon and I are wonderful friends and correspond frequently and she’s been a tremendous help and inspiration, however we write completely different genres, so she wasn’t really able to contribute much, although she did read the book before it was published and gave me a few tips.</span><br /><br />Q6. The Doppelganger Experiment was a short story. Did you do that on purpose to test the literary waters?<br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">A. I had read some time ago that new authors needed to be cautious about the length of their early work, mainly because a large book can put a reader off if they’re not familiar with the writer. So to that end, I kept it rather short, but I feel I can go a bit further with my next projects.</span><br /><br />Q7. I read that you may have another book in the works. Can you tell us anything about it? Will it be the same type of Mystery – Suspense?<br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">A. I am working on a new book, it too will be a suspense/thriller based again in San Francisco, but at this point it’s too early to tell you much about it, but stay tuned, I’m hoping to have the first draft done soon.</span><br /><br />Q8. When can we expect to see more about your newest work-in-progress?<br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">A. I hope to able to tell people more about my new work in the next few months.</span><br /><br />Q9. What did you do before you were an author? Did ever work in a chocolate related industry?<br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">A. Nothing so exciting or delicious as chocolate. I was in the commercial real estate field for 17 years, a rewarding, but demanding career that I enjoyed.</span><br /><br />Q10. Do you have any parting words of wisdom, quips of comedy, or nuggets of chocolaty goodness to share?<br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">A. I truly believe that chocolate paired with peanut butter was a gift from God.</span><br /><br /><hr width="75%" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Thank you Margaret for joining us here at the Alaskan Bookie Website!&nbsp;</b></div><br /><hr width="75%" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />To find out more about<br /><b>Margaret Millmore</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">or to check out&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Doppelganger Experiment</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">please visit one of these sites:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.margaretmillmore.com/">Margaret's Main Site</a><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002915649470&amp;ref=tn_tnmn">Margaret on FaceBook</a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5157106">Margaret on GoodReads</a><br /><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/pub/margaret-millmore/4/a6b/6a9">Margaret on Linked In</a><br /><a href="https://twitter.com/#!/MMillmore">Margaret on Twitter</a><br /><br />You can buy the <b><i>Doppelganger Experiment</i></b><br />for $2.99 at:<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Doppelganger-Experiment-ebook/dp/B005MGOX50/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1324481035&amp;sr=8-2">Amazon</a> * <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/87866">Smashwords</a> * <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/doppelganger-experiment-margaret-a-millmore/1105441518?ean=2940012981950&amp;itm=1&amp;usri=doppelganger+ecperiment">Barnes &amp; Noble</a><br /><br /><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-4330356998762243961?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-51097474867167955702011-12-19T19:24:00.001-09:002011-12-19T19:27:19.922-09:00<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13128066" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Drowned in the Grenadine" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1322608278m/13128066.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13128066">Drowned in the Grenadine</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4992721">Dan Gilvezan</a><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/241216945">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Fancy cars, a loving wife, a designer home in the Hollywood Hills. Nathan Lindeman had it all, lost it all, and now he’s desperate to get it back. They say there are no second acts in show business, but they just may be wrong. There’s a new TV series being cast that’s virtually guaranteed to be a success, and Nathan has a shot at snagging one of the lead roles. If, that is, he can survive the perils and pitfalls that threaten to derail him along the way. Follow along on Nathan’s journey, as he deals with teenage casting directors, soulless network execs, ego-maniacal fellow performers, hucksters and thieves, a cast of characters so bizarre and unbelievable they could only be based in reality. By turns, funny, sad, heartbreaking and heartfelt, Drowned in the Grenadine explores America’s fascination with celebrity, the nature of success and what it means to be both a father and a son.</blockquote><br />I listened to this story as an audiobook, narrated by Dan Gilvezan, so my review is based on that version.<br /><br /><u>My Review</u><br />This story about Nathan Lindeman was like journeying with a real actor on the cusp of discovery. We are never really sure if he is going to make it into stardom or not and about ½ way through the story, we are not sure if we want him to! Like most Hollywood bound types, he felt as though he had to be willing to give up everything to get there. Nothing was more important to him than landing the next big role.<br /><br />This was like a peek at the actors behind the curtain at the theater. A most enjoyable story!<br /><br /><u>The Narration Review</u><br />I really enjoy Dan Gilvezan’s voice. He has one of those professional announcer type voices that always seems to have that perfect pitch and inflection.<br /><br />** Note **<br />I received this audiobook free from the Author in exchange for an honest review. I received no chocolate or any other compensation in exchange for my review.<br /><br /><table style="text-align: left;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td>Drowned in the Grenadine </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Author:</b> </td><td>Dan Gilvezan </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Narrator:</b> </td><td>Dan Gilvezan </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Published:</b> </td><td>October 21, 2011</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published By:</b> </td><td>Create Space </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b></td><td>6 hours and 36 minutes </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Type:</b></td><td>Unabridged </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td>Fiction </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td>Author</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s) Available:</b> </td><td>AudioBook, eBook, PaperBack </td></tr><tr> <td><b>ISBN:</b> </td><td>978-1461012306 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td>4 Stars</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/241216945">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-5109747486716795570?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-81046121857353513302011-12-18T18:41:00.001-09:002011-12-18T18:43:18.691-09:00<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13185137" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Mi Mascota Alocada La Rana (My Crazy Pet Frog)" border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51KL4drIKvL._SX106_.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13185137">Mi Mascota Alocada La Rana (My Crazy Pet Frog)</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/206719">Scott Gordon</a><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/245319453">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Mi Mascota Alocada La Rana (the Spanish language version of My Crazy Pet Frog) is an amusing picture book featuring 28 adorable pieces of computer-generated artwork (similar to what you would see in a Pixar movie). The book is about 30 pages in all, and best viewed in color.<br /><br />As an added bonus, 100% of the proceeds from each sale will be donated to the family of Alyssa Mowery. Last October, Alyssa was struck by a car while crossing the street with her friend Mia Decker (deceased) and sister Rain (minor injuries). Currently Alyssa is recovering, but has a long way to go.<br /><br />With your contribution and support, you can make a difference in this young girl's life.</blockquote><br />This is the Spanish version of My Crazy Pet Frog and I got it so my husband, whose native language is Spanish, could read it to our young son. It is great to have both the Spanish and English versions of the same book so my son can learn both!<br /><br />My husband was delighted that we had found a picture book that we knew our son liked that was also available in Spanish. Being read to in two different languages helps our young son connect the pictures with both languages.<br /><br />We also got this book to read on my new Kindle Fire and if you haven’t had the opportunity to see any of the other picture books by Scott Gordon, I am here to tell you the colors and pictures are fabulous!<br /><br /><table style="text-align: left;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td>Mi Mascota Alocada La Rana (My Crazy Pet Frog) (Spanish Edition) </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Author:</b> </td><td>Scott Gordon </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Published:</b> </td><td>December 5, 2011 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published By:</b> </td><td>S.E. Gordon </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b></td><td>30 Pages </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td>Children’s Books, Children’s Picture Books </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td>Purchased at Amazon </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s) Available:</b></td><td>eBook </td></tr><tr> <td><b>ISBN:</b></td><td>B006IKN7RY </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td>5 Stars</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/245319453">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-8104612185735351330?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-10302439133831932742011-12-18T17:52:00.001-09:002011-12-18T17:56:09.000-09:00<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13185136" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="My Crazy Pet Frog" border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51I3Afc4zQL._SX106_.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13185136">My Crazy Pet Frog</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/206719">Scott Gordon</a><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/245319152">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">My Crazy Pet Frog is an amusing picture book featuring 28 adorable pieces of computer-generated artwork (similar to what you would see in a Pixar movie). The book is about 30 pages in all, and best viewed in color.<br /><br />As an added bonus, 100% of the proceeds from each sale will be donated to the family of Alyssa Mowery. Last October, Alyssa was struck by a car while crossing the street with her friend Mia Decker (deceased) and sister Rain (minor injuries). Currently Alyssa is recovering, but has a long way to go.<br /><br />With your contribution and support, you can make a difference in this young girl's life.</blockquote><br />This is another very colorful picture book for kids. Just like My Little Pet Dragon this book is made to be read to little ones and for them to delight is the vibrant frog pictures and follow the story of the crazy pet frog.<br /><br />We got this book to read on my new Kindle Fire and the colors and pictures are fabulous!<br /><br /><table style="text-align: left;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td> My Crazy Pet Frog </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Author:</b> </td><td> Scott Gordon </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Published:</b> </td><td> December 3rd, 2011 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published By:</b> </td><td> S.E. Gordon </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b></td><td>30 Pages </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td> Children’s Books, Children’s Picture Books </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td> Purchased at Amazon </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s) Available:</b></td><td> eBook </td></tr><tr> <td><b>ISBN:</b></td><td> B006HOPTYK </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td>5 Stars</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/245319152">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-1030243913383193274?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-85779775523642124972011-12-16T06:43:00.003-09:002011-12-16T06:43:46.998-09:00<div style="text-align: center;">Today is December 16th and it is my Birthday!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B7jFpEchMw0/Tutho9fbFLI/AAAAAAAAAuA/0xdyzxXWrdw/s1600/happy-birthday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B7jFpEchMw0/Tutho9fbFLI/AAAAAAAAAuA/0xdyzxXWrdw/s1600/happy-birthday.jpg" /></a></div><br />This year I have found the perfect present to ask for: &nbsp;The Gift of Time. &nbsp;I want my family (whole family and&nbsp;extended&nbsp;family) to give me the gift of time. &nbsp;Take time out of&nbsp;their&nbsp;day to spend it&nbsp;with&nbsp;me. Because I live in Alaska and some of my family does not, you can still give me the gift of time. &nbsp;Take a few minutes out of your otherwise busy day and wish me happy birthday. &nbsp;Send me a note, email, post, eCard, or text message.<br /><br />Last year when I woke up and looked at my&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;page, I cried. &nbsp;Yes, real tears. &nbsp;My family and friends had posted so many happy birthday messages that I&nbsp;actually&nbsp;had to scroll to read them all. &nbsp;It was wonderful! I will remember that day forever!<br /><br />Some of my family here in Alaska will be joining me at the Dimond Movie&nbsp;Theater&nbsp;at 6:50 PM&nbsp;tonight&nbsp;to watch Arthur Christmas. &nbsp;It will be great!<br /><br />Although I have asked for the gift of time, my family also gave me a new Kindle Fire! Woo Hoo!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-StI7LcHzth0/Tutko5H4SkI/AAAAAAAAAuI/AqfdM0YHExA/s1600/Kindle+Fire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-StI7LcHzth0/Tutko5H4SkI/AAAAAAAAAuI/AqfdM0YHExA/s320/Kindle+Fire.jpg" width="230" /></a></div>My book buddy Darlene, over at <a href="http://darlenesbooknook.blogspot.com/">Darlene's Book Nook</a>, Gifted me with an audiobook:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6x0nsi1nWQE/TutlfyTa61I/AAAAAAAAAuQ/jvAaMoRJfOI/s1600/Storm+Heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6x0nsi1nWQE/TutlfyTa61I/AAAAAAAAAuQ/jvAaMoRJfOI/s1600/Storm+Heart.jpg" /></a></div><br />This is the second story in the Elder Races series. Book 1, Dragon Heart was my first every RAK from Darlene. &nbsp;Besides this&nbsp;audiobook, she sent me a card with beaches, rainbows,&nbsp;dolphins&nbsp;and Fabio riding a&nbsp;unicorn. &nbsp;I laughed when I saw it. &nbsp;Thanks Darlene!<br /><br />I hope you all have a great day,&nbsp;because&nbsp;I sure am planning to!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i>Squeak</i></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-8577977552364212497?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-28920656294901423382011-12-15T01:00:00.000-09:002011-12-15T09:31:12.605-09:00<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://booktwirps.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/December-Button.png" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">The December 2011 New Release Giveaway Hop&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">is hosted by <a href="http://booktwirps.com/" target="_blank">Book Twirps</a> and Refracted Light Reviews</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Here is my selection of books. I will pick one to give away. &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have not read any of these books, so it will be surprise for both of us!</div><br /><br /><hr width="75%" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">From the Paranormal Romance Category:</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xB-9XquEFZ4/Tui_MrYkKhI/AAAAAAAAAtM/IxdF1PnvyWQ/s1600/Devil%2527s+Kiss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xB-9XquEFZ4/Tui_MrYkKhI/AAAAAAAAAtM/IxdF1PnvyWQ/s200/Devil%2527s+Kiss.jpg" width="123" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Devil's Kiss by Zoe Archer&nbsp;</b><br /><b style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">(eBook or Paperback, through Amazon)</b></div><br />1762. James Sherbourne, Earl of Whitney, is a gambling man. Not for the money. But for the thrill, the danger—and the company: Whit has become one of the infamous Hellraisers, losing himself in the chase for adventure and pleasure with his four closest friends. <br /><br />Which was how Whit found himself in a gypsy encampment, betting against a lovely Romani girl. Zora Grey’s smoky voice and sharp tongue entrance Whit nearly as much as her clever hands—watching them handle cards inspires thoughts of another kind... <br /><br />Zora can’t explain her attraction to the careless blue-eyed Whit. She also can’t stop him and his Hellraisers from a fiendish curse: the power to grant their own hearts’ desires, to chase their pleasures from the merely debauched to the truly diabolical. And if Zora can’t save Whit, she still has to escape him…<br /><br /><hr width="75%" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">From the Young Adult Category:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XbAhWD6s6Ck/TujA3RGMyDI/AAAAAAAAAtU/P5Md82Raq_E/s1600/Shattered+Souls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XbAhWD6s6Ck/TujA3RGMyDI/AAAAAAAAAtU/P5Md82Raq_E/s200/Shattered+Souls.jpg" width="132" /></a></div><b>Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey&nbsp;</b><br /><b>(eBook or Hard Cover through Amazon)</b><br /><br />Lenzi hears voices and has visions - gravestones, floods, a boy with steel gray eyes. Her boyfriend, Zak, can't help, and everything keeps getting louder and more intense. Then Lenzi meets Alden, the boy from her dreams, who reveals that she's a reincarnated Speaker - someone who can talk to and help lost souls - and that he has been her Protector for centuries.<br /><br />Now Lenzi must choose between her life with Zak and the life she is destined to lead with Alden. But time is running out: a malevolent spirit is out to destroy Lenzi, and he will kill her if she doesn't make a decision soon.<br /><br /><hr width="75%" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">From the Action - Adventure Category:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kzi7r0KSECA/TujBlU-G_NI/AAAAAAAAAtk/_BLWPXx0s-Y/s1600/Amongst+My+Enemies+Cover+450x600.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kzi7r0KSECA/TujBlU-G_NI/AAAAAAAAAtk/_BLWPXx0s-Y/s200/Amongst+My+Enemies+Cover+450x600.PNG" width="150" /></a></div><b>Amongst My Enemies by William F. Brown&nbsp;</b><br /><b>(eBook only through Amazon)</b><br /><br />Inside an old German U-Boat rusting on the bottom of the Baltic are millions in gold bars, stolen art, and a secret that could tear NATO apart. The only one who knows the truth is Mike Randall, a battle-scarred American who survived four months in the frozen Hell of northern Germany at the end of the war. When he does speak up, he puts a target on his own forehead, one which the Russians, the West Germans, the U-boat’s former owners, the Israeli Mossad, and even his own government quickly take aim at. Some want the gold, some want him dead, and some want proof about a high-ranking spy inside NATO itself. Randall’s wants are much simpler. Caught between the Kremlin and a new, deadly, 4th Reich, he wants revenge and to satisfy some old debts with a steel-jacketed bullet. <br /><br /><hr width="75%" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">From the Dystopian Category:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PfoDGtiQjrY/TujE0LmAM9I/AAAAAAAAAts/7_1iSYeAXgk/s1600/Hunted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PfoDGtiQjrY/TujE0LmAM9I/AAAAAAAAAts/7_1iSYeAXgk/s200/Hunted.jpg" width="128" /></a></div><b>Hunted by Cheryl Rainfield</b><br /><br />Caitlyn, a telepath, lives in a world where all paranormal talents are illegal. She is on the run from government ParaTroopers. When Caitlyn falls for Alex, a Normal, and discovers dangerous renegade Paranormals, she must choose between staying in hiding to protect herself or taking a stand to save the world.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><hr style="text-align: center;" width="75%" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In the Historical Fiction Category:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WXrspm07RTY/TujF7POLEJI/AAAAAAAAAt0/Kcmba0X8cYY/s1600/The+Bungalow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WXrspm07RTY/TujF7POLEJI/AAAAAAAAAt0/Kcmba0X8cYY/s200/The+Bungalow.jpg" width="132" /></a></div><b>The Bungalow by Sarah Jio&nbsp;</b><br /><b>(eBook or Paperback through Amazon)</b><br /><br />A sweeping World War II saga of thwarted love, murder, and a long-lost painting.<br /><br />In the summer of 1942, twenty-one-year-old Anne Calloway, newly engaged, sets off to serve in the Army Nurse Corps on the Pacific island of Bora-Bora. More exhilarated by the adventure of a lifetime than she ever was by her predictable fiancé, she is drawn to a mysterious soldier named Westry, and their friendship soon blossoms into hues as deep as the hibiscus flowers native to the island. Under the thatched roof of an abandoned beach bungalow, the two share a private world-until they witness a gruesome crime, Westry is suddenly redeployed, and the idyll vanishes into the winds of war.<br /><br />A timeless story of enduring passion, The Bungalow chronicles Anne's determination to discover the truth about the twin losses-of life, and of love-that have haunted her for seventy years.<br /><br /><br /><hr width="75%" /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><b>To Enter to win, all you have to do is either do the Rafflecopter thing (if it is working)&nbsp;</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><b>or</b></span><br /><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><b>Leave a comment with your book choice</b></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><b>Be a follower of my blog</b></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><b>Leave me an email address to contact you</b></span></li></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><b>If you would like an extra entry, you can also add me to your Google + Circle.</b></span><br /><br />Thanks for stopping by. &nbsp;When you are done entering my giveaway, please visit one of the other blogs. <br />They are:<br /><br /><ol><li><a href="http://booktwirps.com/" target="_blank">Book Twirps</a></li><li><a href="http://refractedlightreviews.com/" target="_blank">Refracted Light Reviews</a></li><li><a href="http://darlenesbooknook.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Darlene's Book Nook</a></li><li><a href="http://1000wrongs.blogspot.com/">1000wrongs</a></li><li><a href="http://primrose-musings.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Primrose Musings</a></li></ol><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><script id="raflin-4c068b5d" type="text/javascript">/*{literal}<![CDATA[*/ window.RAFLIN = window.RAFLIN || {}; window.RAFLIN['4c068b5d'] = {id: 'ZDQ0Y2IwY2I2YmY5MjgzY2Y3Mzc1YjMwZDBlYzcxOjU='}; var url='//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/static/js/raflcptr/build/raflcptr.min.js', head=(document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]); (function(d,n,h){if(!!d.getElementById(n))return;var j=d.createElement('script');j.id=n;j.type='text/javascript';j.async=true;j.src=url;h.appendChild(j);}(document,'rsoijs',head));/*]]>{/literal}*/</script><a class="rafl-powered" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/" id="rpow-4c068b5d" style="color: #999999; display: block; font: 10px sans-serif; text-align: center; width: 100%;" target="_blank">a <i>Rafflecopter</i> giveaway</a><noscript>&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://rafl.es/enable-js"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;You need javascript enabled to see this giveaway&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;.</noscript><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-2892065629490142338?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com58tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-14581544301394873782011-12-14T05:06:00.001-09:002011-12-14T05:21:16.791-09:00<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12450989" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Soulless Light" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1321381458m/12450989.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12450989">Soulless Light</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5157083">Joann Buchanan</a><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/246306843">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">A young love destroyed, an entire village murdered. The year, 1363-the plagued ravaged the land in every corner of Great Britain accept one lonely isle called The Isle of Ely. The bishop, sure the village had consorted with the devil sent his Templar Knights to investigate. Their hearts thirsted for blood. They killed every living person in the village. <br /><br />Julia's soul, so angered by the actions of the knights, is given a power in death she did not posses in life. She must decide if revenge is worth the price she will pay.</blockquote><br />When the Templar Knights come to a little village and decide to wreak havoc and kill everyone, they could have no idea that their actions would bring about a horror that would scar the land. One young girl, Julia, refuses to go quietly into death. Her rage and screaming soul demand justice be brought to these knights and she is the one that is going to bring it.<br /><br />This was a very intense and descriptive horror story. Even though it was a short story, Joann Buchanan put so much intensity into such a short story that my heart was still beating fast 10 minutes later.<br /><br />If you like horror short stories, this little gem would be a great addition to your library. Joann is definitely an author to watch for future stories as she is going to take the horror world for a ride!<br /><br />** Note **<br />I received this book free from The Experience Tour and the Author in exchange for an honest review. I received no chocolate or any other compensation in exchange for my review.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">This review is part of the Soulless Experience Tour.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span id="goog_1525743425"></span><a href="http://theexperiencetours.blogspot.com/p/current-experience.html"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1_R-YX6h4B8/TuiuQ_mGX4I/AAAAAAAAAtE/4fGUqrWPr_8/s320/The+Soulless+Experience.png" width="159" /><span id="goog_1525743426"></span></a></div><br /><a href="http://theexperiencetours.blogspot.com/p/current-experience.html"><br /></a><br /><table style="text-align: left;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td>Soulless Light </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Author:</b> </td><td>Joann H. Buchanan </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Published:</b> </td><td>September 15, 2011 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published By:</b> </td><td>World Castle Publishing </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b></td><td>87 Pages </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td>Horror, Short Stories </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td>The Experience Tour, Author </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s) Available:</b></td><td>eBook </td></tr><tr> <td><b>ISBN:</b></td><td>9781937593124</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td>5 Stars</td></tr></tbody></table><a href="http://theexperiencetours.blogspot.com/p/current-experience.html"><br /><br /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/246306843">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-1458154430139487378?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-2025336315494299972011-12-13T05:15:00.001-09:002011-12-13T05:37:38.852-09:00<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12601509" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Doppelganger Experiment" border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41Zjmeku2nL._SX106_.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12601509">Doppelganger Experiment</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5157106">Margaret Millmore</a><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/237579561">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Jane woke up to find several things wrong; she was in a hospital, she'd been in a coma for over four weeks, it wasn't 2007 like she last remembered, it was 2010, and she was married to a man she didn't know. Dreams of a mysterious green building infiltrate her sleep, but are they just dreams or are they memories? As she struggles to recapture a life she doesn't remember she discovers clues to a lost love and dangerous experiments that lead to murder. More flashes of memory and a re-acquaintance with an old scientist lead her to an investigation into the mystery of the green building and the discovery of horrific experiments that end in murder... and something worse than murder. She learns her best friend has betrayed her and the husband she is trying to know and love is not who he says he is. With her trust shattered and her life precariously close to falling apart, she is more dedicated than ever to finding out who is behind the green building and the horrible things that happened there, that happened to her there. The more she learns, the more danger she is in.</blockquote><br />I enjoy a good well written mystery where I cannot predict the ending and it all comes together nicely. This is one of those stories. I was completely engrossed with the story of Jane, who wakes up in a hospital suffering from partial amnesia. <br /><br />As Jane starts to get little tidbits of her memory back, she realizes something is not quite right. Who can she trust? The husband she doesn’t remember? The best girlfriend who seems totally different from what she does remember? The best friend from college who kinda seems the same? <br /><br />This was Margaret Millmore’s debut novel. Based on this story I think we can expect great things from her in the future. Definitely an author to watch!<br /><br />** Note **<br />I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review. I received no chocolate or any other compensation in exchange for my review.<br /><br /><table style="text-align: left;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td>Doppelganger Experiment </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Author:</b> </td><td>Margaret Millmore </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Published:</b> </td><td>September 10, 2011 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published By:</b> </td><td>World Castle Publishing </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b></td><td>246 Pages </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td>Fantasy, Mystery, Science Fiction, Suspense, </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td>Author </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s) Available:</b></td><td>PaperBack, ebook </td></tr><tr> <td><b>ISBN:</b></td><td>978-1937593209</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td>4 Stars</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/237579561">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-202533631549429997?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-77801119946988544792011-12-12T08:12:00.001-09:002011-12-12T08:17:05.320-09:00<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12857421" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Super Zombie Juice Mega Bomb" border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/516GzfU%2BUiL._SX106_.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12857421">Super Zombie Juice Mega Bomb</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5266896">MJA Ware</a><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/241464416">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">When life gives you lemons, kill zombies — turns out lemon juice neutralizes the undead. After a failed attempt at running away, best friends Nathan and Misty return home expecting to face angry parents. Instead, they discover the military has destroyed the bridges out of their rural town and everyone's fled—except a small horde of the living dead. The stress of flesh-eating zombies may be more than their already strained relationship can handle. Even with the help of the town geek and lemonade-powered Super-Soakers, there's not enough time to squeeze their way out of this sticky mess. Unless the trio eradicates the zombie infestation, while avoiding the deadly zombie snot, the military will blow the town, and them, to pulp. Their only shot is something with a lot more punch. Something like the Super Zombie Juice Mega Bomb. But even if their friendship survives, there's another problem: Someone has to lure the undead into the trap.</blockquote><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Mother-Daughter-Daughter Review</span></b></div><br /><u>My Review:</u><br />I decided this would be a good Mother-Daughter-Daughter book to review because we all like zombie stories in our family. The book is closer to a teen read than adult, but I still enjoyed the story. I think this would make a good choice for a budding teenaged horror fan. Not too graphic, not too gory, and not too many details bogging down the story. I just love the title and cover, that in itself would have younger teens picking up this one! <br /><br /><u>Jasmin’s Review </u><br />Super Zombie Juice Mega Bomb (gotta give it points for its insanely cool title) was a book about a young boy, and a young girl who after going out on a trip into the forest for camping late one night, return to the town only to find it infested with zombies. It was an okay book, I say okay because if I were a little bit of a younger teen and not so used to regular zombies with their gore and such I would have enjoyed it a little more. Definitely a younger teen book. I also found the twist about lemons very interesting, a new look on the zombie mythos! Awesome! After about halfway into the book it became much more interesting, though the ending made me very sad.<br />3/5 stars.<br /><br /><u>Lily’s Review</u><br />Overall, I somewhat liked this book. I think this book would be great for younger teens. If you knew me though you would know my favorite movie is Dawn of the Dead and my favorite TV show is The Walking Dead, they are both about zombies. This being said, it was a little hard for me to comprehend the fact that zombies die of lemon juice and not a bullet in the head. I just couldn’t rap my head around that fact, which made this book a little hard for me to read. But this book would be good for younger teens that don’t like gory zombies, or anything gory. I would personally give this book a 3.5 out of 5 stars.<br /><br /><table style="text-align: left;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td>Super Zombie Juice Mega Bomb </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Author:</b> </td><td>MJA Ware </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Published:</b> </td><td>September 5, 2011 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published By:</b> </td><td>MJA Ware </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b></td><td>204 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td>Science Fiction, Young Adult, Teen, </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td>Purchased at Amazon </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s) Available:</b></td><td>PaperBack, eBook </td></tr><tr> <td><b>ISBN:</b></td><td>978-1466355019</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td>4 Stars</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/241464416">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-7780111994698854479?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-10763020552299165622011-12-11T09:03:00.001-09:002011-12-11T13:38:12.970-09:00<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10757450" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="11/22/63" border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61-zmUEf%2B1L._SX106_.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10757450">11/22/63</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3389">Stephen King</a><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/237810898">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><br /><br />I listened to this as an audiobook, narrated by Craig Wasson, so my review is based on that version.<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">November 22nd, 1963 was a rapid-fire sequence of indelible moments: Shots ring out; a president slumped over; a race to the Dallas hospital; an announcement, blood still fresh on the First Lady's dress. But what if President John F. Kennedy didn't have to die; if somehow his assassin could have been thwarted? For Maine schoolteacher Jake Epping, those hypothetical what if's become real possibilities when he walks through a portal to the past. Without special skills and still unfamiliar with his new/old surroundings, he struggles to discover a way to change the history he left. Like its Under the Dome predecessor, Stephen King's 960-page novel shows that this master of suspense is back at the top of his game.</blockquote><u>My Review</u><br />I always wondered what it would be like if Stephen King wrote a Historical Fiction, Romance, Time Travel novel. Not really, but it was fun to take this journey with him.<br /><br />Jake Epping has the chance to go back in time and change history. The thing he will be trying to change will be the assignation of JFK. But the time portal isn’t an exact thing. It only goes back to the year 1958, so he will have to ‘hang out’ until 1963. So what does a teacher do for 5 years while he is waiting around? Research all he can about Lee Harvey Oswald, teach school, and fall in love, what else?<br /><br />I enjoyed all the time period references, like the fact that everyone smoked and how inexpensive everything was. (Not that I am old enough to remember!) I thought it was funny when he would slip up and use some 2011 slang or sing modern songs.<br /><br />I wondered if Jake was even going to feel like going back to his own time once he got all settled into 1960’s. Sure we have all the conveniences like cell phones and internet, but they had honesty and respect. <br /><br />I felt the book was a bit long, but who would really tell someone like Stephen King, ‘Hey, you have to shorten this up or no one will read it.’ LoL<br /><br />I have noticed that there is a love/hate thing going on with reviewers over the ending. I loved the ending.<br /><br /><u>The Narration Review</u><br />I thought Craig Wasson did a great job narrating this story. I think he nailed the voices and sentiments of the characters just as Stephen King meant them to be read. I enjoyed hearing the New England accent and the funny pauses JFK used to use when he gave speeches.<br /><br /><table style="text-align: left;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td>11/22/63</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Author:</b> </td><td>Stephen King </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Narrator:</b> </td><td>Craig Wasson </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Published:</b> </td><td>October 8, 2011 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published By:</b> </td><td>Simon &amp; Schuster Audio </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b></td><td>30 hrs and 44 mins </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Type:</b></td><td>Unabridged </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td>Fantasy, Science Fiction, Suspense, Thriller, </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td>Purchased at Audible.com </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s) Available:</b> </td><td>Hard Cover, PaperBack, Audio, ebook </td></tr><tr> <td><b>ISBN:</b> </td><td>978-1442344303 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td>4 Stars</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/237810898">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-1076302055229916562?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-77583659065073465982011-12-10T06:11:00.001-09:002012-03-05T14:29:43.711-09:00<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13073362" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="A Taste Of You" border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/518TwlWEzOL._SX106_.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13073362">A Taste Of You</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/108629">Jennifer Stevenson</a><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/241012117">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Hel became an energy vampire at seventeen, and reduced her first lover to ashes. Forty years later, she still looks seventeen. Her life is teaching hyperactive boys, roller derby, and worrying about paying her mother's hospital bills.<br /><br />Nick Jones, federal anti-magic cop, has a secret, too. Magic turns him on, to his shame. This makes it hard for him when he's assigned to recruit Hel.<br /><br />Nick feels guilty for his attraction to a teenager. Hel adores Nick's yummy energy. If he learns she’s a vampire, he'll send her to Hinky Guantanamo.<br /><br />But how can they keep their hands off each other?</blockquote><br />This book follows Helen ‘Hel’ as she tries to figure out ways to suck energy from people without doing them any harm. She is an energy vampire and if she is not careful, she can suck energy from someone until they turn into nothing but dust. <br /><br />Not all energy tastes the same. Bad people with bad thoughts give off bad tasting energy, so sucking energy during her subway rides is bottom of the barrel picking, but something Hel does to keep from getting too hungry and possibly hurting someone she loves.<br /><br />In this world being magic of any kind is a bad thing, so she hides her true self from everyone. When Agent Nick shows up at her work and wants her to help uncover someone who may be using magic, Hel samples his energy and he is soooooo delicious! Since he is an anti-magic cop, she has to be very careful when she is around him so he doesn’t find out what she really is and have her arrested.<br /><br />This is my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it. I didn’t like that Hel was so crybaby all the time, but I guess going without love (or sex) for 40 years or so would tend to make someone a bit on edge. I enjoyed all the roller derby action and the cool names the girls had given themselves. I especially enjoyed all the names for the different moves the girls would put on people.<br /><br />I would have enjoyed learning a bit more about the different characters and what was going on with them. There were references to her shrink, Dr. Springe, not looking right and that she had a possible link to Dr. Katterfelto then nothing was ever mentioned again. They were mentions of different magics in the world, but only a few mentions as to what they were or how they were being used.<br /><br /><br />** Note **<br />I received this book free from LibraryThing Early Reviewers program in exchange for an honest review. I received no chocolate or any other compensation in exchange for my review.<br /><br /><table style="text-align: left;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td>A Taste of You </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Author:</b> </td><td>Jennifer Stevenson </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Published:</b> </td><td>November 15th, 2011 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published By:</b> </td><td>Published by Author </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b></td><td>~ 69788 Words </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td>Fantasy, Fiction, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance,</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td>LibraryThing ER </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s) Available:</b></td><td>ebook </td></tr><tr> <td><b>ISBN:</b></td><td>B006963T3Y </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td>4 Stars</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/241012117">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-7758365906507346598?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-50299511290681910042011-12-09T05:05:00.001-09:002011-12-09T05:08:23.255-09:00<div style="text-align: center;">Today is my daughter Lily's 15th Birthday.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a "="" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jjsOalVnVDg/TqRrR5_MClI/AAAAAAAAAk8/MqztjUq7jVw/s1600/p12074ta107157_37_0.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding-right: 20px;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jjsOalVnVDg/TqRrR5_MClI/AAAAAAAAAk8/MqztjUq7jVw/s200/p12074ta107157_37_0.jpg" width="160" /></a></div><br /><br />All she wants for her birthday is&nbsp;Damien McGinty (formally a singer with of Celtic Thunder, currently a member of the Glee cast). Although I couldn't schedule a personal appearance by Damien, I have decided to let her have the day off and she can computer stalk him all day.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Happy Birthday, Lily!!</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-5029951129068191004?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-68493827831793926872011-12-09T04:41:00.001-09:002011-12-09T05:05:37.068-09:00<div style="text-align: center;"><br />This is one of the best give aways yet! Gift Cards! Everyone can use one, right?<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This event is hosted by&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/">I am a Reader, Not a Writer</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">and</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://attackofthebook.com/">Attack of The Book</a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://alaskanbookie.blogspot.com/p/giveaway-entry-form.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6rxwa8C0930/Tt0NPCzefwI/AAAAAAAAAs8/4C8lmjDMXgY/s320/gift-card-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Click&nbsp;<a href="http://alaskanbookie.blogspot.com/p/giveaway-entry-form.html" target="_blank">Here</a> to go to my giveaway page.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><hr width="75%" /><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-6849382783179392687?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-50337020553135920692011-12-08T06:23:00.001-09:002011-12-08T06:25:46.976-09:00<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13175621" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Henry Helps with the Baby" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1323357237m/13175621.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13175621">Henry Helps with the Baby</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2094451">Beth Bracken</a><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/244525138">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Henry is a good helper! He can even help with his new baby sister.<br /></blockquote><br />This is a very colorful and nicely illustrated book that my 4 year old really enjoyed. Even though we do not have a younger child for my son to help out with, the idea of helping out was what he got from this story. <br /><br />** Note **<br />I received this book free from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I received no chocolate or any other compensation in exchange for my review.<br /><br /><table style="text-align: left;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td> Henry Helps With The Baby </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Series:</b></td><td> Henry Helps </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Author:</b> </td><td> Beth Bracken </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Published:</b> </td><td> February 01, 2012 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published By:</b> </td><td> Capstone </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b></td><td>20 Pages </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td> Juvenile Fiction, Children’s Books, Children’s Picture Books </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td> NetGally & Publisher </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s) Available:</b></td><td> Board Book </td></tr><tr> <td><b>ISBN:</b></td><td>9781404873810</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td>5 Stars</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/244525138">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-5033702055313592069?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-13645471158500216782011-12-06T07:19:00.001-09:002012-03-05T14:30:16.004-09:00<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11827135" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Shapeshifting For The Win" border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51le3d6b3UL._SX106_.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11827135">Shapeshifting For The Win</a><br />by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4832627.Ellie_Greene">Ellie Greene</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4710117.Jacquline_Carrera" target="_blank">Jacquline&nbsp;Carrera</a><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/229738871">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">The three main worries on sixteen-year-old Brianna Mingan’s mind are whether her alcoholic father will get up in time for work, how much her new boyfriend Connor Landon likes her, and whether a small mishap at Connor’s house has infected her with lycanthropy.<br /><br />Brianna wouldn’t mind becoming a werewolf—if it weren’t for the fact that Connor’s parents are expert werewolf hunters. Facial hair and super strength? Totally cool. Death by silver bullet? Not so much.<br /><br />To save Brianna’s life, she and Connor seek the help of Connor’s older brother, Evan, a medical researcher who rejected his family’s hunting way of life. Despite Evan’s suspiciously large store of knowledge about lycanthropy, he isn’t able to prevent Brianna from being abducted by two rogue wolfmen looking for a female addition to their pack. Neither Brianna nor Connor is sure whether the greatest danger comes from the wolfish kidnappers or Mr. and Mrs. Landon, werewolf assassins.</blockquote><br />I really enjoyed this fun, quick, and easy read by Ellie Greene and Jacquline Carrera. The story switches back and forth between different perspectives which keeps the story steadily moving forward. There is a bit of humor in the story and I loved the inner dialog Conner has about his girlfriend. (If she is a werewolf, will she eat me? She looks so hot, maybe it would be okay to let her snack on me a little.)<br /><br />This story mostly follows two teenagers (Connor and Brianna) as they are first dating and working around all the awkwardness of their yet-to-be-explored relationship. To try to build some excitement, Conner decides to show Brianna some cool stuff hidden in his brother’s room. Unfortunately, Brianna breaks open a jar of some liquid (is that blood?) and gets it all over. Later Brianna starts to feel strange, but decides she read too many of Connor’s parents werewolf books and is imagining strange things happening to her. But is she?<br /><br />Once Brianna starts to accept that she might really be a werewolf (with all the cool super-wolfy powers and abilities that go with it) the only hang up she can see (besides accidently eating her boyfriend) is that her boyfriend’s parents are werewolf hunters!<br /><br />This book was like spiced hot chocolate. It gave me a nice warm fuzzy feeling and a slightly elevated heart rate.<br /><br />** Note **<br />I received this book free from the publisher through the LibraryThing Early Reviewer Program in exchange for an honest review. I received no chocolate or any other compensation in exchange for my review.<br /><br /><table style="text-align: left;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td>Shapeshifting For The Win </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Author:</b> </td><td>Ellie Greene and Jacquline Carrera </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Published:</b> </td><td>March 14th, 2011</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published By:</b> </td><td>Juniper Press </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b></td><td>~ 256 pages </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td>Fiction, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Teen, Young Adult </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td>LibraryThing ER </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s) Available:</b></td><td>PaperBack, ebook </td></tr><tr> <td><b>ISBN:</b></td><td>978-0983262442</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td>4 Stars</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/229738871">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-1364547115850021678?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-31846808194539890752011-12-05T07:31:00.001-09:002011-12-05T07:34:26.057-09:00<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12308645" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="India Was One" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1322935148m/12308645.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12308645">India Was One</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4770448">An Indian</a><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/242584669">3 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><br />…Suddenly, he saw something shiny at the bottom of the abyss. He squinted his eyes to see what it was. He ran back to his binoculars and turned them to see what it was. Sharp barbed wires that separated the two mountains came into focus. He had come as far as he could in his country. But she was standing in another country. <br /><br />He was in South India and she was in North India… <br /><br />Have you ever imagined India being divided into two countries? What happens to the millions of Indians who are from South India but are now residing in North India? Kaahi & Jai were two such people who got trapped in this situation. Everything was going smoothly for them and suddenly, their world turned upside down. <br /><br />How will they get together? Will India become one again? <br /><br />Take an exciting journey with them from their college days in Mumbai to their life in the US and back to India when they find out that India is divided.</blockquote><br />This story follows a young couple from India, Jai and Kaahi, as they go through college and then enter the world as a young married couple. Their journey starts out in India, where they are both attending college in Mumbai. They are accompanied on their journey by their group of young friends, Punk, Subra, and Bunty. After college Jai and Kaahi go to the United States for a brief time before unrest in India has them journeying back home. It is during this journey that Jai and Kaahi will be separated.<br /><br />This book also offers an insider’s view into India’s traditions, religions, states, and people. The information is scattered throughout the book so you will lost when the author uses common Indian terminology to describe the different things in Indian culture.<br /><br />This book was not what I expected. From the synopsis, I thought the book would be mostly about Jai and Kaahi’s separation and journey back to each other. That was not the case. The majority of this book dealt with the day-to-day lives and traditions of people in India with a focus on Jai and Kaahi. They weren’t even separated from each other until the last ¼ of the book.<br /><br />This book would be an excellent read for anyone planning to travel to India so they could get an idea of how things worked there, a little bit of the common language and terms, common food terms, different holidays and festivals, travel in India, and a lot of information on the national pastime of Cricket.<br /><br />** Note **<br />I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review. I received no chocolate or any other compensation in exchange for my review.<br /><br /><table style="text-align: left;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td> India Was One </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Author:</b> </td><td> An Indian </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Published:</b> </td><td> March 6th, 2011</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published By:</b> </td><td> Create Space </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b></td><td>368 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td> Fiction </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td>Author</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s) Available:</b></td><td> PaperBack, ebook </td></tr><tr> <td><b>ISBN:</b></td><td>9781450543330</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td> 3 Stars</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/242584669">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-3184680819453989075?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-37390121179307218232011-12-04T15:04:00.001-09:002011-12-04T15:07:29.851-09:00<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13058518-hippo-says-excuse-me" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img (hello="" alt="Hippo Says " border="0" excuse="" genius)"="" me"="" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1323043245m/13058518.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13058518-hippo-says-excuse-me">Hippo Says "Excuse Me"</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5063.Michael_Dahl">Michael Dahl</a><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/243061689">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Hippo uses his manners to help a little chick.For the youngest learners, this fun, cheerful read-aloud helps guide a child's first steps in learning and growing and promotes manners, recognition, speaking skills and first words. Good manners are pure genius!<br /><br />Part of the Hello Genius series. Ages 2-4. Board book format.</blockquote>I read this book with my 4 year old son and he loved it. The pictures are bright and colorful so they captured my son’s attention at once. Most all the pages have other animals on them so there is the fun of finding the animals and naming them.<br /><br />Although the book doesn’t give a direct lesson, the lesson of saying ‘Excuse Me’ when you bump into people or want to interrupt is easy for the little ones to pick up on.<br /><br />** Note **<br />I received this book free from the NetGalley and Capstone in exchange for an honest review. I received no chocolate or any other compensation in exchange for my review.<br /><br /><table style="text-align: left;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td>Hippo Says "Excuse Me"</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Author:</b> </td><td>Michael Dahl </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Published:</b> </td><td>February 01, 2012</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published By:</b> </td><td>Capstone </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b></td><td>20 Pages </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td>Children’s Books, Children’s Picture Books, Board Books,</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td>NetGalley and Capstone </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s) Available:</b></td><td>Board Book </td></tr><tr> <td><b>ISBN:</b></td><td>978-1404867871</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td>4 Stars</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/3961184-dorothy-alaskan-bookie">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-3739012117930721823?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-3604034370850207232011-12-03T08:08:00.001-09:002011-12-03T08:18:17.912-09:00<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10414783" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Key of Solomon" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1299823749m/10414783.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10414783">Key of Solomon</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3320993">Cassiel Knight</a><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/228585147">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Anthropology PhD candidate Lexi Harrison never bares it all when she belly dances for a strip club crowd. She doesn’t have to—she’s that good. Every performance earns money toward her degree, and restores the sense of power that her painful childhood ripped away.<br /><br />Something is different about tonight. A man whose silver gaze seems to touch her skin beneath her veils. When a rowdy customer crosses the line, he comes to her rescue with the speed of a falcon—complete with wings.<br /><br />Mikos Tyomni has never seen anyone dance the raqs sharqi like Lexi. Trust his tormentor, Archangel Michael, to put him in close contact with the cause of his downfall: a mortal woman. Particularly this mortal woman. The Defender. He has only thirty days to win her trust before Hell’s deadliest demons attempt the mother of all prison breaks.<br /><br />No matter how sexy the messenger is, Lexi’s career plans don’t include some crazy idea that she’s the last line of defense against the forces of evil. Until her university mentor’s murder leaves her holding the key to Hell. And fighting a losing battle against a passion with the unholy power to bring down Heaven…Warning: This title contains a dark and sexy fallen angel, bad-ass demons, a heroine with kick-assitude tossed together with mythology, archeology and a shape-shifting rock with a fondness for the gangsters of the 1920s.</blockquote><br />This book follows Lexi as she is dumped into the world of supernatural beings and finds she must embark on a quest that she doesn’t want to go on. She is working at a strip club to help her work her way through college. She is not exactly a stripper but more of an exotic dancer.<br /><br />I enjoyed the idea of this story. Going back to biblical times, The Defender has helped keep the Key of Solomon from falling into the hands of evil demons. It has now fallen on Lexi to be The Defender, but she is not interested in helping out. She really doesn’t like most people or even humanity in general. She tries to fight the fallen angel, Mikos, about being a Defender, but he has a way of staring at her that makes her want to melt into his arms. She really doesn’t want to melt … does she?<br /><br />Overall this was an enjoyable story. There were many myths, legends, and legendary creatures that were scattered throughout the story. The heat between Lexi and Mikos as they tried not to be attracted to each other was sizzling fun. I loved the Rocky minion and I would have loved to have even more of him in the story.<br /><br />There were a few things that got under my skin, but that’s just me. I didn’t like that Lexi was working on her doctorate, yet worked in a strip club for money. With all that education, she couldn’t find a better job? Lexi turning into a super ninja and, faster than the speed of light, comes from around Mikos, draws his sword, and fights with the bad guy. And finally … it is one thing to have a kick-assitude, completely another to be bull headed and stupid. I felt many times that Lexi was on the stupid train. Gee there is a monster breaking down the door to get to me and but I am going to stand here and argue with you because you told me to run. Duh.<br /><br />** Note **<br />I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review. I received no chocolate or any other compensation in exchange for my review.<br /><br /><br /><table style="text-align: left;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td>Key of Solomon </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Series:</b></td><td>Relic Defender, Book 1</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Author:</b> </td><td>Cassiel Knight </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Published:</b> </td><td>March 1st, 2011 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published By:</b> </td><td>Samhain Publishing </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b></td><td>272 Pages </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td>Paranormal, Paranormal Romance </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td>Author</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s) Available:</b></td><td>PaperBack, eBook </td></tr><tr> <td><b>ISBN:</b></td><td>9781609283728</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td>4 Stars</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/228585147">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-360403437085020723?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-59348580271067227042011-12-02T06:43:00.001-09:002011-12-02T09:35:21.806-09:00<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13129533" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Do You See What I See?" border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61ILO7COyoL._SX106_.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13129533">Do You See What I See?</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5357844">James Sallie</a><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/242127927">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">The book is an amalgamation of photography, humor and art. An expression of the creator's perception. By means of carefully crafted imagery, the book explores precepts and corresponding perceptions; moreover, each image is a projected vision of an alternate reality of what would be normally considered as a natural scene. James refers to his technique of manipulating the original photographs he takes as Morphography, or in his street terms 'Photo-hooliganism. James is a professional photographer and graphic designer and has blended these skills with a distinctive brand of subtlety, to create a unique twist on everyday situations. The eclectic works combine to provide a new and interesting take on clichés, the puns and sayings of the titles compliment the images and trap the reader into having a longer, closer look of what each photograph provides. 'The objective of this collection of work is to raise a smile or provoke a deeper thought with the audience, to allow the viewer a moment of escape and to share the vision I had at a particular time.' 'To see what I saw' says James. There are no boundaries for James and this is what makes the book full of creative genius.</blockquote><br />This was a really interesting book of pictures and graphic manipulation. The author has taken photos and twisted them into his own perspective. Almost like we do when we are looking at clouds and we see a shape. When we point it out to someone else, they see it too. In this book, there is no one around to point out the interesting things the author has done with some of the pictures. You know something is up with the pictures; otherwise it wouldn’t be in this book. <br /><br />Some of the things are obvious, some are slick twists, and others I still haven’t’ figured out. Most gave me a good chuckle. I had to have my daughters’ keen eyes look at a couple and help me figure them out. But it was still fun trying to figure out what the author wanted us to see or not see and we all enjoyed the book.<br /><br /><br />** Note **<br />I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I received no chocolate or any other compensation in exchange for my review.<br /><br /><table style="text-align: left;border:1px 2484A2;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td>Do You See What I See?</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Author:</b> </td><td>James Sallie</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Published:</b> </td><td>August 10, 2011 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published By:</b> </td><td>BookMasters, Morphographics, Inc. </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b></td><td>166 Pages </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td>Art, Graphic Art,</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td>NetGalley</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s) Available:</b></td><td>Hardbacked, eBook </td></tr><tr> <td><b>ISBN:</b></td><td>9780987190406</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td>4 Stars</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/242127927">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-5934858027106722704?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-8342280506874439722011-12-01T06:01:00.000-09:002011-12-01T06:42:52.225-09:00<div style="text-align: center;">Today I am hosting:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Kevin Turner</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">author of</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>The Magi</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7qrMA6akupQ/TteQWpjbe_I/AAAAAAAAAsI/bhDpZzrY_9w/s1600/THE+MAGI+TITLE+PAGE+DARK.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7qrMA6akupQ/TteQWpjbe_I/AAAAAAAAAsI/bhDpZzrY_9w/s320/THE+MAGI+TITLE+PAGE+DARK.png" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><blockquote class="tr_bq">Thirteen-year-old Elijah Hawk has never heard of the Magi. He doesn't know about the secret power they have. He has never been to Savenridge, the Magi city hidden deep inside the northern forests. Most of all, Elijah is unaware of the dangers hunting him, in search for something he has. After one terrifying night, however, all of that changes! <br /><br />On a quest to solve the murder of his parents, Elijah stumbles upon the land of the Magi. Learning their secrets and training with their power is the least of his problems. In order to find out why his parents were killed, Elijah learns that he must confront the dangers that are hunting him. What's more terrifying is learning that stumbling upon this new world of the Magi may not have been an accident afterall.</blockquote><br /><hr width="75%" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">My Review of <i><b>The Magi</b></i> can be found<b> <a href="http://alaskanbookie.blogspot.com/2011/11/review-magi.html">here</a>.</b></div><br /><hr width="75%" />Here is a little about Kevin Turner:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GVTaRxfcf0A/TtegKWwn72I/AAAAAAAAAso/4SGgJCmE9gI/s1600/Kevin_Turner_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GVTaRxfcf0A/TtegKWwn72I/AAAAAAAAAso/4SGgJCmE9gI/s200/Kevin_Turner_2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Kevin M. Turner is the author of The Magi, a fantasy/adventure novel written for young adult readers. Turner majored in Philosophy and Theology and later studied education and has been teaching English to middle school students since 2004. The Magi was originally written to give his students a fun book to read. He currently lives in California with his wife and daughter. The Magi, the first book in a five-book series, is available on Smashwords and Amazon. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Q1. How long did it take you to write the Magi?<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">A. From the moment I started drafting to the moment I finished typing the final chapter, it took me about 4-5 months. However, I spent time planning the entire series and concepts long before, and of course, I edited for another 6 months after I finished writing.</span><br /><br />Q2. I read that you are a middle school teacher. Did you write the book to appeal to the students that you teach? <br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">A. Yes. Being a middle school teacher, especially an English teacher, I have really gotten to know what kids this age are wanting to read. At one point I actually gave them a questionnaire to help me identify good books for them to read from our library. However, when I began to read the answers to their questions, I decided that I could write a book they were looking to read. The Magi was the result. </span><br /><br />Q3. Do you feel that working with middle school kids gave you an insight as to how they would react to certain situations? <br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">A. Middle school students are a different breed. Their entire life is based around transition. They are transitioning from childhood into adulthood. They are transitioning from dependency to independency. They are transitioning from elementary school to high school. Change is a constant for them, so I kept that in mind when I wrote The Magi. Elijah, the main character, goes through lots of change during the story, which I think middle school students can relate to. They also require constant stimulation when they read. Therefore, my goal for The Magi was to create a constant flow of unanswered questions along with action and suspense that push the plot along. I was constantly aware of the pace of the novel as I wrote. So yes, knowing the nuances of the kids gave me insights into the characters. </span><br /><br />Q4. Did you test out any of your ideas on your students?<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">A. Some I did. Some I didn’t. Every student that has read it has given me feedback, and I did use some of their suggestions in The Magi, specifically with the element control (sorry, no spoilers!). </span><br /><br />Q5. You are also a professor of philosophy and education. Do you think your book would appeal to your college level students also?<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">A. I hope so. There are some very subtle philosophical references throughout the book if you look closely (and know what you’re looking for). So far, I have gotten quite a lot of response from people of all ages, and most have been very positive. I think the fantasy genre is appealing to kids and adults alike since it takes us out of our own world (to some degree) and creates something new. </span><br /><br />Q6. How has being a published author affected your teaching?<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">A. Not at all. I’m still Mr. Turner to my students, and to me, my students are still amazing kids who are very curious and eager to be engaged. The book has given me another option to offer them when they go to the library and insist that they can’t find a good book to read, but other than that, it’s business as usual. </span><br /><br />Q7. You mentioned that you are working on the next book in the series. How is that coming and can you give us an idea of what the new book is about?<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">A. The Sphere is inching along. It has started out slow but is starting to pick up speed (although, that’s how The Magi worked too). </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">I’ll try to give as much as I can without ruining the experience of The Magi. If you’ve read The Magi, you know the importance of a sphere, which is a sort of weapon for the Maliphists, who are a group of people hunting Elijah. The problem is, this sphere is hidden and is actively being pursued by both the Magi and the Maliphists.The Sphere is a treasure hunt of sorts, except instead of finding money, Elijah is trying to find this sphere to keep the Maliphists from using it on the common people. The book will take us to other parts of the world, other Magi communities, and will have lots of research and code deciphering as they dive into ancient secrets that have never been uncovered by the Magi. </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">Along with the search for the sphere, there are some relationships (romantic and unromantic) that are tested and we will continue to learn a little more about Elijah’s past. We will also continue learn more about the Magi world and of course Elijah’s training with the elements. I’m also very excited to say that some very ordinary scenes in The Magi will be revealed as being very extraordinary in The Sphere (and the rest of the series). But these clues are in The Magi; they’re just easily overlooked.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">Is that a good enough teaser? I have to say that when I sat down to plan out The Magi Series, The Sphere was the book that I looked forward to writing the most. </span><br /><br />Q8. Do you have any idea when the next book will be ready for your adoring fans to snuggle up with some delicious chocolate and read?<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">A. I’m not sure about any adoring fans (I have yet to get word of their whereabouts, and if I ever hear from them, I may blush). However, I really want to have The Sphere ready by Summer 2012. Most of that depends on how publicizing The Magi goes. </span><br /><br />Q9. The magic in your book uses the elements: fire, water, earth, wind. If chocolate were an element and what type of cool stuff would it do?<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">A. Multiply when consumed. I imagine that once you would take a bite out of it, the bite would somehow reappear. It would be the perfect element for the chocolate addicts out there (one of whom runs this blog).</span><br /><br />Q10. Do you have any parting words of wisdom, quips of comedy, or nuggets of chocolaty goodness to share?<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">A. I’m afraid that I may disappoint those who are expecting some awe-inspiring, life-changing quote from me, but I was once given a piece of advice from a professor that I like to share with my students. He told the class that the secret to being happy in life is to simply be happy. In other words, happiness is a choice, not an emotion or circumstance. We’re dealt what we’re dealt, so you can choose happiness or you can choose bitterness. Either way, life is still going to happen the way it’s going to happen. The choice to remain positive, however, is the only control we have during our lives. </span><br /><br /><br /><hr width="75%" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Thank you Kevin for joining us here at the Alaskan Bookie Website!&nbsp;</b></div><br /><hr width="75%" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />To find out more about<br /><b>Kevin Turner</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">or to check out&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>The Magi</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">please visit one of these sites:<br /><a href="http://themagiseries.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kevin's Site</a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5270575.Kevin_M_Turner" target="_blank">Kevin at GoodReads</a><br /><a href="http://facebook.com/themagiseries" target="_blank">Kevin on FaceBook</a><br /><a href="http://twitter.com/themagiseries" target="_blank">Kevin on Twitter</a><br /><br />You can buy The Magi now<br />at<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Magi-ebook/dp/B005TZ72NO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1322594107&amp;sr=8-1" target="_blank">Amazon</a> * &nbsp;<a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/94989" target="_blank">Smashwords</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-834228050687443972?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-43327271140997825602011-11-29T20:12:00.001-09:002012-03-01T11:38:53.070-09:00<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://teresasreadingcorner.com/2012-audio-book-challenge/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kcfq0uE3kzI/TtW7siPQtBI/AAAAAAAAAsA/l9YNYOuwi0s/s1600/FullSize2012AudioBookChallengeImage-2-1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">In 2012, I have decided to attempt a few challenges. &nbsp;My first challenge will be an&nbsp;audiobook&nbsp;challenge. &nbsp;All the details are over at <a href="http://teresasreadingcorner.com/2012-audio-book-challenge/" target="_blank">Teresa's Reading Corner</a>, as she is hosting this challenge for 2012. &nbsp;The idea is to&nbsp;challenge&nbsp;yourself to listen to more audiobooks. &nbsp;Anyone who has followed my blog already knows that I love audiobooks and I am whole&nbsp;heartily&nbsp;going for this challenge!</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">There are different levels to the challenge and they are:</center><center style="text-align: left;"><ul><li>Flirty - Listen to at least 6 audiobooks in 2012</li><li>Going Steady - Listen to at least 12 audiobooks in 2012</li><li>Lover - Listen to at least 25 audiobooks in 2012</li><li>Married - List to more than 25&nbsp;audiobooks&nbsp;in 2012</li></ul>I am going for the 'I left home to climb Mt. Mckinley' audiobook challenge level. &nbsp;It is not listed here&nbsp;because&nbsp;I don't want to scare you with the number of audiobooks I will be listening to. :-) &nbsp;And ... to top it off, I will have a&nbsp;jump-start&nbsp;on my audiobook purchasing&nbsp;because&nbsp;I won the 6 Month Free Audible membership from <a href="http://lupdilup-hotlistens.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Hot Listens</a> during&nbsp;their&nbsp;Gratitude Giveaway Hop!</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">Wish me luck!</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><u>January's Audio Listens</u><br /><ol><li><a href="http://alaskanbookie.blogspot.com/2012/01/review-serpent-kiss.html">Sepents's Kiss</a></li><li><a href="http://alaskanbookie.blogspot.com/2012/01/review-under-dome.html">Under The Dome</a></li><li><a href="http://alaskanbookie.blogspot.com/2012/01/review-cell.html">Cell</a></li><li><a href="http://alaskanbookie.blogspot.com/2012/01/review-iron-daughter.html" target="_blank">The Iron Daughter</a></li><li><a href="http://alaskanbookie.blogspot.com/2012/02/review-succubus-blues.html" target="_blank">Succubus Blues</a></li><li><a href="http://alaskanbookie.blogspot.com/2012/02/review-last-werewolf.html" target="_blank">The Last Werewolf</a></li><li>Across the Universe</li><li>Glow</li></ol><br /><u>February's Audio Listens</u><br /><br /><ol><li><a href="http://alaskanbookie.blogspot.com/2012/02/review-succubus-on-top.html" target="_blank">Succubus on Top</a></li><li><a href="http://alaskanbookie.blogspot.com/2012/02/review-visions-of-heat.html" target="_blank">Visions of Heat</a></li><li><a href="http://alaskanbookie.blogspot.com/2012/03/review-storm-runners.html">Storm Runners</a></li><li>Rescue</li><li><a href="http://alaskanbookie.blogspot.com/2012/02/review-night-of-living-trekkies.html" target="_blank">Night of the Living Trekkies</a></li><li>Not From Concentrate</li><li>The Cay</li><li>Genghis: Bones of the Hills</li></ol><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-4332727114099782560?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-35323702256807594042011-11-28T07:04:00.001-09:002011-12-18T17:08:18.587-09:00<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13114032" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="My Little Pet Dragon, A Picture Book Adventure" border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51vrGoDNrQL._SX106_.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13114032">My Little Pet Dragon, A Picture Book Adventure</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/206719">Scott Gordon</a><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/240615733">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><blockquote>My Little Pet Dragon is an amusing picture book featuring 28 adorable pieces of computer-generated artwork (similar to what you would see in a Pixar movie). The book is about 30 pages in all, and is best viewed in color.<br /><br />As an added bonus, 100% of the proceeds from each sale will be donated to the family of Alyssa Mowery. Last October, Alyssa was struck by a car while crossing the street with her friend Mia Decker (deceased) and sister Rain (minor injuries). Although Alyssa has awakened from her coma and said her first word since the accident, she has a long way to go.<br /><br />With your contribution and support, you can make a difference in this young girl's life.</blockquote><br />I purchased this book to read on my new Kindle Fire so I could get an idea of what picture books would look like on it. This book is so cute. The pictures are very vivid and my 4 year old son really loved them!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q28JOLfnSlo/TtO5I1CRKyI/AAAAAAAAArw/UWOnGM0MURo/s1600/Pet+Dragon+1_a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q28JOLfnSlo/TtO5I1CRKyI/AAAAAAAAArw/UWOnGM0MURo/s320/Pet+Dragon+1_a.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><br />There are a few words on each page, so the story is easy for young kids to follow along. The story is funny and engaged my little one.<br /><br />I highly recommend this beautifully illustrated book for all young children. After reading it with my son the first time, he asked for it again, and again, and again! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-frRUZVFZKUY/TtO5QtY_dBI/AAAAAAAAAr4/VZh0ErGgS0k/s1600/Pet+Dragon+2_a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-frRUZVFZKUY/TtO5QtY_dBI/AAAAAAAAAr4/VZh0ErGgS0k/s320/Pet+Dragon+2_a.jpg" width="219" /></a></div><br /><br /><table style="text-align: left;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td>My Little Pet Dragon </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Author:</b> </td><td>Scott Gordon </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Published:</b> </td><td>November 24th, 2011 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published By:</b> </td><td>Published By Author </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b></td><td>~ 30 Pages </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td>Children’s Books, Picture Books </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td><a href="http://www.amazon.com/My-Little-Pet-Dragon-ebook/dp/B006DTO23S/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1322494888&amp;sr=1-1" target="_blank">Purchased at Amazon.com </a></td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s) Available:</b></td><td>eBook </td></tr><tr> <td><b>ISBN:</b></td><td>B006DTO23S </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td>5 Stars</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/240615733">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-3532370225680759404?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-14134261295589051492011-11-27T13:40:00.001-09:002011-11-27T13:42:55.724-09:00<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10832361" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Slave to Sensation" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1303766844m/10832361.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10832361">Slave to Sensation</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/71688">Nalini Singh</a><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/227324042">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />I listened to this as an audiobook, narrated by Anglea Dawe, so my review is based on that version.<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">In a world that denies emotions, where the ruling Psy punish any sign of desire, Sascha Duncan must conceal the feelings that brand her as flawed. To reveal them would be to sentence herself to the horror of “rehabilitation”— the complete psychic erasure of everything she ever was…. Both human and animal, Lucas Hunter is a Changeling hungry for the very sensations the Psy disdain. After centuries of uneasy co-existence, these two races are now on the verge of war over the brutal murders of several Changeling women. Lucas is determined to find the Psy killer who butchered his packmate, and Sascha is his ticket into their closely guarded society. But he soon discovers that this ice-cold Psy is very capable of passion—and that the animal in him is fascinated by her. Caught between their conflicting worlds, Lucas and Sascha must remain bound to their identities—or sacrifice everything for a taste of darkest temptation…</blockquote>This book is a very interesting and complex version of opposites that attract each other. On one hand we have a Psy woman named Sascha who has been trained to have no emotional responses (think Vulcan) and on the other hand you have a man who is a leopard changeling (think shape shifter) ruled by instinct and emotions. Both have their own hidden agendas but have to work together.<br /><br />Our changeling, Lucas, needs to use our Psy woman, Sascha, to help them find a psy murderer and will go to any lengths necessary to get her to help, even (oh gasp) seducing the cold fish. Sascha needs to prove she is a capable business partner in the Psy world and will do everything she can, including working with this changeling who is spouting off with sexual innuendos at every turn, to prove she is adept. <br /><br />This was a great story and I enjoyed it very much. The author did a great job of drawing out our characters so you could almost feel their responses to each other. Even though this was the first book in the series, I didn’t feel bogged down with the world building and character setup. This story flowed very nicely from beginning to end and you were not left with a giant cliffhanger leading to the next book. Even without a cliffhanger, I am very interested in where we go in the next book in the series.<br /><br /><u>The Narration Review</u><br />This audiobook was narrated by Angela Dawe. Although I thought she did a good job on the voices, I felt like she was rushing through the book. There were no pauses for sensations or feelings, just reading on through. I don’t feel that it took away from the story, but would have preferred a more relaxed read.<br /><br /><table style="text-align: left;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td>Slave to Sensation </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Series:</b></td><td>Psy-Changeling, Book #1</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Author:</b> </td><td>Nalini Singh </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Narrator:</b> </td><td>Angela Dawe </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Date Published:</b> </td><td>May 4, 2011</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published By:</b> </td><td>Tantor Media </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b></td><td>9 hrs and 37 mins </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Type:</b></td><td>Unabridged </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td>AudioBook, Fantasy, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Shapeshifters, </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td>Purchased at Audible</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s) Available:</b> </td><td>AudioBook, eBook, Paperback</td></tr><tr> <td><b>ISBN:</b> </td><td>978-0425212868 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td>5 Stars</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/227324042">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-1413426129558905149?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-33812985014785012652011-11-26T07:07:00.001-09:002011-11-26T08:53:30.171-09:00<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6383846" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="BoneMan's Daughters" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1266670285m/6383846.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6383846">BoneMan's Daughters</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1441">Ted Dekker</a><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/237034452">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />I listened to this as an audiobook, narrated by Robert Petkoff. <br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Military intelligence officer Ryan Evans is married to his work; so much so that his wife and daughter have written him out of their lives. Sent to Fallujah and captured by insurgents, he is asked to kill children not unlike his own. The method: a meticulous, excruciating death by broken bones that his captor has forced him to learn.<br /><br />Returning home after the ordeal, a new crisis awaits. A serial killer is on the loose, and his method of killing is the same. Ryan becomes a prime suspect, which isn't even the worst of his problems: Ryan's daughter is BoneMan's latest desire.</blockquote><br />BoneMan’s Daughters is a story that follows Capt. Ryan Evans and his dysfunctional family. He is a military man who has dedicated his life to the military. He is so dedicated that he leaves his family for years at a time to go off on military missions. He has a wife who no longer loves him and a daughter he hardly knows. While he is on a mission in Iraq, he is captured and tortured by the Iraqis. He eventually escapes the torturers and goes back to the United States.<br /><br />Upon his return to the United States, he finds that his wife and daughter don’t want anything to do with him. While he is trying to sort things out, the BoneMan strikes. Not only has he struck before, but the BoneMan’s pattern of torture is exactly the torture he learned while he was in Iraq. Is it a coincidence that all of the BoneMan’s strikes correspond to when Capt. Evans was in the Untied States? <br /><br />This is one of those psychological thrillers that has you guessing throughout the book as you follow along with the story. The author doesn’t come out and tell you who BoneMan really is for a while and even when he tells you about BoneMan, you are still left guessing for a while whether BoneMan is an alternate personality of Capt. Ryan’s or a whole separate individual.<br /><br />There were several things mentioned in the story that were not elaborated on and I was left wondering what was up with that. Also there were several police/FBI procedural things that I also couldn’t swallow. For example, even if the police believed that Capt. Evans was guilty, they still would have questioned his wife after her attack. Also, since Capt. Evans claimed to have received a call from BoneMan, why wouldn’t the police check his incoming call records with the phone company? Just sayin ….<br /><br /><u>The Narration Review</u><br />This audiobook was narrated by Robert Petkoff. I thought the reader definitely brought the BoneMan to life in the story. His voice for the bad guy was creepy. He also did a good job with all the different voices in this book. He was very enjoyable to listen to.<br /><br />** Note **<br />I borrowed this audiobook free from the Willow Public Library. Did you know you could get audiobooks from the public library? It just another good thing to know about our public libraries. <br /><br /><table style="text-align: left;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td>BoneMan's Daughters </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Author:</b> </td><td>Ted Dekker </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Narrator:</b> </td><td>Robert Petkoff </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published:</b> </td><td>April 4th, 2009</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published By:</b> </td><td>Center Street </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b></td><td>10 hrs and 26 mins </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Type:</b></td><td>Unabridged </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td>Crime, Horror, Mystery, Suspense, Thriller,</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td>Public Library </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s) Available:</b> </td><td>Hardback, PaperBack, eBook, AudioBook </td></tr><tr> <td><b>ISBN:</b> </td><td>9781600246043 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td>4 Stars</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/237034452">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-3381298501478501265?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-76079957252797521802011-11-25T06:35:00.001-09:002011-11-26T08:54:00.046-09:00<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12861008" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Magi" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1320375607m/12861008.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12861008">The Magi</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5270575">Kevin M. Turner</a><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/233323410">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Thirteen-year-old Elijah Hawk has never heard of the Magi. He doesn't know about the secret power they have. He has never been to Savenridge, the Magi city hidden deep inside the northern forests. Most of all, Elijah is unaware of the dangers hunting him, in search for something he has. After one terrifying night, however, all of that changes! On a quest to solve the murder of his parents, Elijah stumbles upon the land of the Magi. Learning their secrets and training with their power is the least of his problems. In order to find out why his parents were killed, Elijah learns that he must confront the dangers that are hunting him. What's more terrifying is learning that stumbling upon this new world of the Magi may not have been an accident afterall.</blockquote><u>My Review:</u><br />The story starts out with a teenager named Elijah, who is a good kid in a good family. He awakens one night to a strange feeling and discovers an ominous yellow-eyed man in his house. From that moment on, Elijah’s life will change dramatically! <br /><br />Elijah is placed in a school where the headmaster and his minions are very dark and distributing people and he will come to find friendship and understanding with one of his teachers. His teacher will start him off on another journey to discover a whole group of individuals who have secret powers that help them control the elements. Elijah begins to realize that these people may hold the answers about why his family was attacked.<br /><br />This book is the debut novel for Kevin M. Turner and I was really impressed with his work. There was always something going on in this book and it was never bogged down with a bunch of useless dialog. The book kept my attention throughout the whole journey!<br /><br />One of the best things I liked about this book was that it wasn’t a ‘one boy discovers he is the most powerful magic user and he has to save the world by himself’ type book. Elijah seemed like a typical teenager with an underdeveloped muscular system and a teen awkwardness around girls. Also, even though he goes to the ‘good people’ school, there are still teens that are typical teens with bullying and other teen social behaviors going on.<br /><br />Although there were several things mentioned in this story that make me believe that there may be another book in the works someplace, this story doesn’t end with a cliffhanger. You get a sense of completeness and satisfaction with the ending of the story. If the next in the series was out, I think many readers would pick it up after reading this story.<br /><br />This story does not have sex or cussing, but does have a bit of violence. I think it would be a good read for teen - adults.<br /><br />** Note **<br />I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review. I received no chocolate or any other compensation in exchange for my review.<br /><br /><table style="text-align: left;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td>The Magi </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Series:</b></td><td>The Magi Series, Book # 1 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Author:</b> </td><td>Kevin M. Turner </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published:</b> </td><td>October 8, 2011 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published By:</b> </td><td>Publisher by Author </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b></td><td>~ 98172 Words </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td>Fantasy, Fiction, Teen, Young Adult, </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td>Author </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s) Available:</b></td><td>ebook </td></tr><tr> <td><b>ISBN:</b></td><td>B005TZ72NO </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td>5 Stars</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/233323410">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-7607995725279752180?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-91430511928695778822011-11-23T11:38:00.001-09:002012-03-05T14:31:18.953-09:00<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8152848" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Iron King" border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J-fo0Jlfdcs/Ts1eRz9VV7I/AAAAAAAAArk/4XopC0ONSts/s200/The+Iron+King.jpg" width="128" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8152848">The Iron King</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2995873">Julie Kagawa</a><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/232911812">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />We listened to this as audiobook, narrated by Khristine Hvam.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Mother-Daughter-Daughter Review</span></b></div><b><br /></b><br /><u>My Review</u><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zHjCJvNtrmY/TqRpQth2YXI/AAAAAAAAAks/xr4U9C-QgVc/s1600/Squeaky_4.jpg" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zHjCJvNtrmY/TqRpQth2YXI/AAAAAAAAAks/xr4U9C-QgVc/s200/Squeaky_4.jpg" width="111" /></a><br />This was a good choice to listen to as a family. There were no swearing or sexual scenes in this book, and it only had a little blood and gore so it is good for younger teens also.<br /><br />In this new series by Julie Kagawa, our lead character is Meghan Chase who has lived a mostly normal life, right up until her 16th birthday. Then the world as she knows it disappears and is replaced by a world of fairies and magic.<br /><br />Meghan discovers her little brother has by replaced by a changeling and in order to find him she must travel to the Never Never which is the homeland for fairies, changelings, and other assorted fairytale creatures.<br /><br />I enjoy a fantasy that you can completely immerse yourself into and I wasn’t able to do that with this book. There were several times that I just couldn’t accept what was happening in the story. I think I will leave my little 4 year old brother home alone, but don’t worry I will leave a note for my Mother who has been taken to the emergency room so she won’t worry. ** not ** There were a few other things, but I will just leave it there.<br /><br />I did enjoy the mix of different fairy tale legends and the cat, Grimalkin. I couldn’t help but picture him as the Cheshire cat from Alice in Wonderland. Overall I would rate this book at 3.5 out of 5 stars. <br /><br /><u>Jasmin’s Review</u><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ig7382JAKOY/TqRqhW2-3GI/AAAAAAAAAk0/KZhFZlelEPI/s1600/p12074ta107157_20_0.jpg" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ig7382JAKOY/TqRqhW2-3GI/AAAAAAAAAk0/KZhFZlelEPI/s200/p12074ta107157_20_0.jpg" width="160" /></a>Meghan Chase is a seemingly normal high school girl, that is until her brother is taken and switched with a changeling and forces beyond her control force her into a world where she has been destined for since before birth. Along with her best friend Robin Goodfellow, she travels into the Never Never hoping to reclaim her brother— tripping and fumbling into one of the main characters (Prince Ash) at least ten times just to be convenient. Along the way she meets even more interesting people and finds out the person who has her brother is a much more dastardly doer than she once thought.<br /><br />This book was filled with adventure, fantasy, and not the little hint of a good ‘A Midsummer’s Night Dream’ references. The only drawback to the story was Meghan’s clumsiness, in my opinion, much too reminiscent of Bella Swan for my liking. Otherwise a very good book and I can’t wait to read the second.<br /><br />I rate this book 4 of out 5 stars.<br /><br /><u>Lily’s Review</u><br /><a "="" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jjsOalVnVDg/TqRrR5_MClI/AAAAAAAAAk8/MqztjUq7jVw/s1600/p12074ta107157_37_0.jpg" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jjsOalVnVDg/TqRrR5_MClI/AAAAAAAAAk8/MqztjUq7jVw/s200/p12074ta107157_37_0.jpg" width="160" /></a>The Iron King was a good book. I thought it was slightly weird, like I could never remember the main characters name because they always called her by different names. In the beginning and the end of the book they all called her by Meghan Chase, but in the middle she was called half-breed, so once I got to the end I was like “Who’s Meghan Chase?” She then wouldn’t stop falling over, I think she fell into Ash’s arms to many times for it to be an accident. Then at the very end one of the main characters was hurt and she forgot about him completely, it was one of her best friends, what the heck?!?!?! So I gave this book 3.5 out of 5 stars. I am looking forward to the next book, they say it’s going to be better than the first one!<br /><br /><u>The Narration Review</u><br />Khristine Hvam did a great job narrating this story. She has a really good voice for young adult characters and her voices were very believable and it was easy to distinguish between the different voices.<br /><br /><table style="text-align: left;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td>The Iron King </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Series:</b></td><td>Iron Fey, Book #1</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Author:</b> </td><td>Julie Kagawa </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Narrator:</b> </td><td>Khristine Hvam </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published:</b> </td><td>February 1, 2010</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published By:</b> </td><td>Harlequin Enterprises </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b></td><td>11 hours and 48 minutes </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Type:</b></td><td>Unabridged </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td>Fantasy, Paranormal, Young Adult </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td>Purchased at Audible.com </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s) Available:</b> </td><td>PaperBack, AudioBook, ebook </td></tr><tr> <td><b>ISBN:</b> </td><td>978-0373210084 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td>4 Stars</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/232911812">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-9143051192869577882?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-6655008526994347802011-11-22T11:11:00.001-09:002011-11-26T07:39:02.267-09:00<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10247881" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Joke-Off: Old Jews Telling Jokes" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1321767668m/10247881.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10247881">The Joke-Off: Old Jews Telling Jokes</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3465141">Sam Hoffman</a><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/237616989">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">OldJewsTellingJokes.com is more than an internet sensation with a devoted, massive audience spanning generations and crossing cultural boundaries. It’s a living, breathing cultural phenomenon that has survived thousands of years: Old friends coming together to share company, memories, and, most importantly, side-splitting laughs. In that spirit, the Old Jews have gathered once again, this time for a face-to-face, smile-to-smile, roundtable session in which they perform all new jokes. With The Joke-Off, there is friendly sense of competition as one joke inspires another, but an even greater sense of delight in keeping a much-loved oral tradition alive.<br /><br />Includes: <br /><ul><li> “The Pickle Slicer” </li><li> “The Blonde in First Class”</li><li> “The Pimple” </li><li>“Painting the Porch”</li><li> “The Continuing Adventures of Becky and Jake” </li><li> and many more.</li></ul></blockquote><b><u>My Review</u></b><br />I listened to this audio CD, narrated by a full cast of jokers.<br /><br />I wasn’t sure what to expect with this CD when I saw the title. I was thinking it might be a bunch of old guys telling jokes about flies in their pudding or some such silliness. So I was pleasantly surprised when the jokes started. <br /><br />This CD is packed full of jokes, some of them are not politically correct, so if that type of thing offends you, you may want to stay clear of this CD. They joke about sex, penises, blondes and all three at once.<br /><br />Although I didn’t spend the whole hour laughing, I did spend most of it that way. Some of the jokes were oldies, but goodies, but for the most part they were jokes I hadn’t heard. Some of them were groaners, head shakers, or eye-roller type of jokes. <br /><br />I think anyone who enjoys a good laugh would enjoy this audio. <br /><br /><b>** Note **</b><br />I received this audiobook free from the Audio Jukebox Solid Gold Reviewer Program and HighBridge Audio in exchange for an honest review. I received no chocolate or any other compensation in exchange for my review.<br /><br /><table style="text-align: left;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td>Old Jews Telling Jokes </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Narrator:</b> </td><td>Full Cast </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published:</b> </td><td>June 15th, 2011</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published By:</b> </td><td>HighBridge Audio </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b></td><td>1 Hour </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Type:</b></td><td>Unabridged </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td>Humor, Comedy </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td>AudioBook JukeBox and HighBridge Audio </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s):</b> </td><td>Audio CD, MP3 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>ISBN:</b> </td><td>9781611742855 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td>4 Stars</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/237616989">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-665500852699434780?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-41124307963869273562011-11-21T04:00:00.000-09:002011-11-21T07:52:13.786-09:00<br /><br /><br /><center></center><center><br /></center><center>Today I am hosting&nbsp;</center><center><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Tawny Stokes</b></span></center><center>the author of:</center><center><b><i>Demon Whisperer</i></b></center><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1ppuV2nIRdA/TsndBG4c37I/AAAAAAAAArM/nGFLfAeLcF8/s1600/demon+whisperer_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1ppuV2nIRdA/TsndBG4c37I/AAAAAAAAArM/nGFLfAeLcF8/s320/demon+whisperer_2.jpg" width="219" /></a></div><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Awake a year-long coma, where he literally spent in hell, Caden Butcher, 17, developed a special power. He can speak to demons in their own language. This new trick helps him take over the family exorcism business, from his broken alcoholic father. Having to take care of the finances, Caden makes a decent income getting rid of demons. He’s known as the young whiz-kid exorcist to the stars, obtaining most of his work in Hollywood. But what others don't know is the exorcisms are all staged with the help of his best buddy, a demon he met in hell named Dantalion (Dan).<br /><br />When an exorcism goes wrong, Caden discovers the demon inside a teen girl is not the run of the mill malicious entity but an adversary from down under who is hell bent on Caden’s destruction. The International Order of Exorcists, an organization that tolerates Caden at best because of his respected father, starts their own investigation because of his screw up.<br /><br />Now with the help of his demon buddy, and Caden’s girlfriend Aspen Spencer, a skilled necromancer, Caden must track down the rogue demon before he can expose Caden as a fraud and destroy everything that matters to him in his life, ending his reign as the one and only Demon Whisperer.</blockquote><hr width="75%" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">My Review of <i><b>Demon Whisperer</b></i> can be found<b> <a href="http://alaskanbookie.blogspot.com/2011/11/demon-whisperer-by-tawny-stokes-my_16.html">here</a>.</b></div><br /><hr width="75%" />Here is a little about Tawny Stokes:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t8gOLZrQTqU/TsngChHj0dI/AAAAAAAAArU/BvU4Kt5wopM/s1600/Tawny+Stokes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t8gOLZrQTqU/TsngChHj0dI/AAAAAAAAArU/BvU4Kt5wopM/s1600/Tawny+Stokes.jpg" /></a></div><br />Tawny Stokes has always been a writer. From an early age, she’d spin tales of serial killers in love, vampires taking over the world, and sometimes about fluffy bunnies turned bunnicidal maniacs. An honour student in high school, with a penchant for math and English, you’d never know it by the foot high blue Mohawk and Doc Martens, which often got her into trouble. No longer a Mohawk wearer, Tawny still enjoys old school punk rock, trance, zombie movies, teen horror films, and fluffy bunnies. She lives in Canada with her fantastical daughter, two cats, and spends most of her time creating new stories for teens.Tawny also writes adult paranormal/urban fantasy fiction under the name Vivi Anna, and is an aspiring screenwriter.<br /><br />Q1. How did you come up with the idea for Demon Whisperer? <br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">A. Not sure exactly how it happened, but I do know I was inspired by the movie Constantine, and by the boys from Supernatural. I thought if I combined those two, what would I come up with. The answer was cracking wise Caden Butcher and his trusty demon sidekick Dantalion. </span><br /><br />Q2. How long did it take you to write this story? <br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">A. I didn’t write it in one go, but wrote it around other projects I had deadlines on. So, altogether probably six months. </span><br /><br />Q3. There were several different types of supernatural people in this book. Jasmin was wondering about the appearance of the Jinn in the book. It was briefly mentioned and she was wondering if there will be more about them in another book? <br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">A. Yes, I do plan to have them appear in other books. I’d like to do a whole book around their lore. It won’t be book 2, but maybe book 3. We will also see more of Saleisha and Layla in other books. Both girls got some game. </span><br /><br />Q4. When can we expect to see the next book in this series? How many books are you planning for this series? Can you give us an idea about what will be in the next book in this series? <br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">A. I’m hoping to have book 2 out in Summer 2012. I will write as many Caden books as readers want to read them. I can see min 3, maybe 5 books.B. In the next book, we’ll see Caden trying to make a living doing stuff other than exorcisms. He goes back to LA and tries to make it in TV. LOL I can’t wait to tell you what happens. </span><br /><br />Q5. There were a lot of herbs in the recipes for the exorcisms, did you research the things used in exorcisms or did you make your own recipes? <br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">A. I did do some research about what herbs are used in various rituals and warding practices. I did mix a little to make my own recipes. </span><br /><br />Q6. If your book were to be made into a movie, who would you picture in the leading roles? <br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">A. For Caden I could see Josh Hutcherson, oh if only Joseph Gordon-Levitt were younger, for Aspen I see Brie Larsen, Dan is a tough one… Justin Chatwin would be a good fit, he might be a bit too old, he’s 28 I think, but he could play younger, like 21, 22.</span><br /><br />Q7. Your character Caden drank a lot of espresso type coffees in this book, is that a reflection on your personal tastes? Do you drink mass quantities of coffee then just pound away at the keyboard? <br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">A. It’s funny, but I hate coffee in any form. I don’t drink it and never have, never will. I get all my caffeine from Pepsi and chocolate. </span><br /><br />Q8. Do you have any other projects you are working on that you would like to share? <br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">A. Well, I have another YA out called STATIC, about a punk rock groupie who gets way more than she bargained for when she parties with her favorite band.B. I’m working on the second Caden book, and I have another project that I’m currently shopping to agents. It’s a bit lighter in premise, and so much fun. </span><br /><br />Q9. If you could be any chocolate recipe, which would you be and why? <br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">A. Can I be chocolate covered strawberries? Because it’s decadent and delicious just like me. </span><br /><br />Q10. Do you have any parting words of wisdom, quips of comedy, or nuggets of chocolaty goodness to share? <br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">A. Words of wisdom: Never give up! Never surrender! Oh, and “Live long and prosper”, and “May the force be with you!” </span><br /><br /><hr width="75%" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Thank you Tawny for joining us here at the Alaskan Bookie Website!&nbsp;</b></div><br /><hr width="75%" /><div style="text-align: center;">To find out more about Tawny Stokes</div><div style="text-align: center;">or to check out&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Demon Whisperer</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">please visit one of these sites:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tawnystokes.com/" target="_blank">Tawny's Site</a><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tawny-Stokes-Author/202358929804134" target="_blank">Tawny's FaceBook</a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/866822.Tawny_Stokes" target="_blank">Tawny's GoodReads</a><br /><a href="http://twitter.com/TawnyStokes" target="_blank">Tawny's Twitter</a><br /><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Buy Demon Whisperer Now at:<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="color: #ff3333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005QR95VW/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=enchantyourse-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=217145&amp;creative=399373&amp;creativeASIN=B005QR95VW">AmazonKindle&nbsp;</a></span></u></b><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">*&nbsp;</span></b><b><u><span style="color: #ff3333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/92729?ref=fangtasticbooks">Smashwords</a></span></u></b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><b><u><br /></u></b><br />This Interview was brought to you by<br />The Alaskan Bookie<br />and<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://bewitchingbooktours.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5219/5446380837_eab144a786.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b><u><br /></u></b></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-4112430796386927356?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-72549873106882426152011-11-19T06:34:00.001-09:002011-11-19T07:38:34.659-09:00<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Anessias-Quest-Mrs-Karen-Arnpriester/dp/1456504363/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1319714356&amp;sr=1-1" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Anessia's Quest" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1321042638m/13043678.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Anessias-Quest-Mrs-Karen-Arnpriester/dp/1456504363/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1319714356&amp;sr=1-1">Anessia's Quest</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4776019">Karen Arnpriester</a><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/234280796">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Anessia’s Quest follows the life of a woman born into dysfunction and neglect. The story takes you on her journey. A journey that begins with abandonment, abuse, and physical injury. Pagne (Pain) believes she is all alone, thrown away, but soon discovers that she is protected and guided by her guardian angel. A powerful relationship develops between this lost child and her loving protector that manifests as a unique method of communication.<br /><br />Pagne encounters other broken people that become her family, friends and community. Her grace and compassion alter their destructive paths. She moves through her life unaware of the impact she creates, her purpose on Earth.<br /><br />Her life is filled with tears, laughter, joy and heartbreak. She faces challenges that include ultimate betrayal, loss and shame. Challenges that are only bearable due to her trust and faith in heaven’s love and value for her. Love that is reinforced by her angel. She discovers the events that led to her mother’s indifference and neglect, and must decide how much grace shecan extend to a woman she has hated for most of her life. The ultimate test of forgiveness.<br /><br />When she faces her death, Pagne discovers the true value and power of forgiveness and love. She is shown how her life created ripples that spread into waves of glorious influence. She was not an accident, she was placed on Earth with divine intent.</blockquote><u>My Review</u><br />This book will take you through a roller-coaster ride of emotions as we follow Champagne (Pagne) on the journey of her life. We follow her from her birth to her alcoholic mother all the way through her life. She will face many hardships, but along the way she will find faith in God and learn to trust in her guardian angel. Eventually, her faith will become so strong that she will touch the lives of many people and help them along their own spiritual paths.<br /><br />Anyone who has ever been around a dysfunctional family will be able to relate to this book. Some of the events will pull at your heartstrings and have you grabbing for that box of tissues. The author did a great job of expressing emotions in her characters in such a way that you will fall in love with most of them.<br /><br />** Note **<br />I received this book free from the Partners In Crime and the Author in exchange for an honest review. I received no chocolate or any other compensation in exchange for my review.<br /><br /><u>Author Bio:</u><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vba54L4kxSM/TsfOMfQm9wI/AAAAAAAAAq8/n_0VgZ2Pk8U/s1600/Karen+Arnpriester.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vba54L4kxSM/TsfOMfQm9wI/AAAAAAAAAq8/n_0VgZ2Pk8U/s200/Karen+Arnpriester.jpg" width="156" /></a></div><u><br /></u><br />Karen Slimick Arnpriester is a creative, passionate and adventuresome woman. She raised her two children, adores her seven grandchildren and is now a foster mom of two young ladies. She has been a self-taught graphic designer for twenty five years and started her own business twenty years ago. Her faith in God is strong and she believes that we are Christ’s hands, feet, arms and wallet. This translates into her involvement in youth ministries, local women’s shelter, street ministry, the elderly, as well as many other outreaches over the years. Her home has been available to single moms and their children, allowing them to get a fresh start.<br /><br /><b><i>ANESSIA’S QUEST</i></b> is her first novel. The desire to write began two years ago as a hobby. She had an idea for a beginning and the end. The rest of the story flowed and took Karen on a journey. She cried and laughed as she followed the twists and turns of the characters. Once friends read the book, she was strongly encouraged to share her story with others.<br /><br /><b><i>RAIDER’S VENDETTA</i></b> is Karen’s second novel. It will be released in October 2011. It is a psychological thriller between the main characters,Charley and Raider. Charley’s faith and ability to survive is challenged bythe rage of a shattered man.<br /><br />Her third book, which addresses bullying, is in the works and should be released in 2012. The tentative title is <b><i>HEY! LEADBOTTOM!</i></b><br /><br />This author wants to take her reader to a place where they can evaluate their beliefs and who God is in their life. When asked why she limits herself to Christian fiction, she simply explains that it is where her heart is. If she commits her precious time to writing, it needs to be of value and have God’s ultimate purpose in mind. Bringing his children home to him. Karen welcomes God’s influence in her writing and prays that she is fulfilling His destiny for her life.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">To find out more about Karen, please visit her website. <a href="http://karenskoncepts.com/">KarensKoncepts</a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.partnersincrimetours.net/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yt769H8m5fU/TsfOXdU_imI/AAAAAAAAArE/WUw7N1hkMp4/s320/AnessiasQuestTourBanner4.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Karen's Next Tour Stop Will Be: November 22 at the <a href="http://thebookconnection.blogspot.com/">Book Connection</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table style="text-align: left;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td>Anessia's Quest </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Author:</b> </td><td>Karen Arnpriester </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published:</b> </td><td>January 18, 2011 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published By:</b> </td><td>Karen Arnpriester </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b></td><td>302 Pages </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td>Christian, Drama, Suspense, </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td>Partners In Crime, Author </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s):</b></td><td>PaperBack, ebook </td></tr><tr> <td><b>ISBN:</b></td><td>978-1456504366</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td>4 Stars</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/234280796">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-7254987310688242615?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-46152564596351561182011-11-18T07:02:00.003-09:002012-03-05T14:31:59.128-09:00<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11732479" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Daughter of Smoke and Bone" border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51mEZqT7xmL._SX106_.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11732479">Daughter of Smoke and Bone</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/324620">Laini Taylor</a><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/229739932">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />I listened to this as an audiobook, narrated by Khristine Hvam. <br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.<br /><br />In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low.<br /><br />And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.<br /><br />Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages—not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out.<br /><br />When one of the strangers—beautiful, haunted Akiva—fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?</blockquote><br /><u>My Review</u><br />This was a very nicely written story. You start out with Karou and learn a little about her and her artistic abilities. She has normal young lady things going on like an ex-boyfriend who still wants her, art classes, and people who admire her work. She also has blue hair, magic beads, and a mysterious job that sends her out on errands around the world. <br /><br />Most of the time, there is nothing dangerous about her job, but every once in a while something will go wrong and then Karou is in mortal danger and must fight for her life. As the story develops you learn more about Karou but that just seems to deepen the mystery that surrounds her. <br /><br />When this story ended, it didn’t end with a cliff hanger, but I was so engrossed with the story that I didn’t want it to be over. This was probably one of the best Young Adult books I have listened to all year!<br /><br /><u>The Narration Review</u><br />Khristine did an excellent job with this audiobook. She has very clear enunciation and has easily distinguishable character voices. A pleasure to listen to!<br /><br /><br />** Note **<br />I received this audiobook free from the Mitch Kelly and Hachette Audio in exchange for an honest review. I received no chocolate or any other compensation in exchange for my review.<br /><br /><table style="text-align: left;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td>Daughter of Smoke and Bone </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Series:</b></td><td>Daughter of Smoke and Bone, Book 1</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Author:</b> </td><td>Laini Taylor </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Narrator:</b> </td><td>Khristine Hvam </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published:</b> </td><td>September 27th, 2011</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published By:</b> </td><td>Hachette Audio </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b></td><td>12.5 Hours </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Type:</b></td><td>Unabridged Audio </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td>Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td>Mitch Kelly, Hachette Audio </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s):</b> </td><td>PaperBack, AudioBook, eBook </td></tr><tr> <td><b>ISBN:</b> </td><td>978-0316134026 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td>5 Stars</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/229739932">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-4615256459635156118?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-38593987511003500392011-11-17T05:50:00.001-09:002011-11-17T05:51:43.082-09:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://alaskanbookie.blogspot.com/p/giveaway-entry-form.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://i1109.photobucket.com/albums/h439/Squeakness2000/gratgiv.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today, I am participating in the Gratitude Give Away hop, hosted by <a href="http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/p/giveaway-hops.html">I Am a Reader, Not a Writer</a>&nbsp;and <a href="http://tigersallconsumingbooks.blogspot.com/">All Consuming Books</a>. &nbsp;This Give Away is done to show our appreciation for our followers. What's even better is that we are not going to make you jump through hoops to enter. &nbsp;One Entry, that's it! &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Thanks for following!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The entry form is on my <a href="http://alaskanbookie.blogspot.com/p/giveaway-entry-form.html">GiveAway Hop page</a>.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-3859398751100350039?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-80626379028965319672011-11-16T08:58:00.001-09:002012-03-05T14:32:24.060-09:00<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12798827" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Demon Whisperer" border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/514dOYd6KTL._SX106_.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12798827">Demon Whisperer</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/866822">Tawny Stokes</a><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/232803634">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Awake a year-long coma, where he literally spent in hell, Caden Butcher, 17, developed a special power. He can speak to demons in their own language. This new trick helps him take over the family exorcism business, from his broken alcoholic father. Having to take care of the finances, Caden makes a decent income getting rid of demons. He’s known as the young whiz-kid exorcist to the stars, obtaining most of his work in Hollywood. But what others don't know is the exorcisms are all staged with the help of his best buddy, a demon he met in hell named Dantalion (Dan).When an exorcism goes wrong, Caden discovers the demon inside a teen girl is not the run of the mill malicious entity but an adversary from down under who is hell bent on Caden’s destruction. The International Order of Exorcists, an organization that tolerates Caden at best because of his respected father, starts their own investigation because of his screw up.Now with the help of his demon buddy, and Caden’s girlfriend Aspen Spencer, a skilled necromancer, Caden must track down the rogue demon before he can expose Caden as a fraud and destroy everything that matters to him in his life, ending his reign as the one and only Demon Whisperer.</blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Mother-Daughter Review</span></b></div><br /><br /><u>My Review:</u><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zHjCJvNtrmY/TqRpQth2YXI/AAAAAAAAAks/xr4U9C-QgVc/s1600/Squeaky_4.jpg" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zHjCJvNtrmY/TqRpQth2YXI/AAAAAAAAAks/xr4U9C-QgVc/s200/Squeaky_4.jpg" width="111" /></a><br />This story is set in a world where demon possession is an accepted concept and demon exorcists are a licensed and controlled group of people. The main character, Cadan Butcher, is a young and powerful exorcist, but he is not taken very seriously by the International Order of Exorcists.<br /><br />Cadan also has a secret, he can speak to demons in their own language and has a demon friend who goes around possessing people so Cadan can pretend to exercise him and send him back to hell.<br /><br />This little setup with Cadan works well until one day something goes terribly wrong.<br /><br />I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed how young Cadan was acting all grown up but was still really trying to make his own mark in the exorcism world. He was desperately trying to fill in the space left behind when his father was unable to perform exorcisms anymore. Like most young people, he will make mistakes, be unsure of himself, and trust all the wrong people.<br />5 Stars!<br /><br /><u>Jasmin’s Review</u><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ig7382JAKOY/TqRqhW2-3GI/AAAAAAAAAk0/KZhFZlelEPI/s1600/p12074ta107157_20_0.jpg" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ig7382JAKOY/TqRqhW2-3GI/AAAAAAAAAk0/KZhFZlelEPI/s200/p12074ta107157_20_0.jpg" width="160" /></a>The Demon Whisperer by Tawny Stokes, is now one of my new favorite books. Filled with twists and turns with zombies, demons and a few other creatures I hadn't even heard of. Every new chapter had a new twist and it just kept getting better and better until I couldn't even put it down until I finished it! The only thing that bothered me was sometimes a few things would be brought up and NEVER mentioned again. And the ending was sad, but otherwise was a brilliant book.<br /><br />4.5 out of 5 stars<br /><br /><br />** Note **<br />We received this book free from the Bewitching Book Tours and the Author in exchange for an honest review. We received no chocolate or any other compensation in exchange for our reviews.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://bewitchingbooktours.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5219/5446380837_eab144a786.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><table style="text-align: left;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td>Demon Whisperer </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Series:</b></td><td>Caden Butcher, Book # 1</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Author:</b> </td><td>Tawny Stokes </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published:</b> </td><td>September 28th, 2011 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b></td><td>~ 63175 Words </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td>Fantasy, Fiction, Science Fiction, Teen, Young Adult,</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td>Bewitching Book Tours and Author </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s):</b></td><td>ebook </td></tr><tr> <td><b>ISBN:</b></td><td>B005QR95VW </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td>5 Stars</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/232803634">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-8062637902896531967?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-4800895057401113962011-11-14T08:36:00.000-09:002011-11-14T08:36:55.520-09:00<div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Today I am hosting D.F. Lamont, the author of</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The Jinx</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fW6XmaWwK_g/TsFLdrPdCfI/AAAAAAAAApw/X9qlG5eEqRc/s1600/The+Jinx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fW6XmaWwK_g/TsFLdrPdCfI/AAAAAAAAApw/X9qlG5eEqRc/s320/The+Jinx.jpg" width="218" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><blockquote class="tr_bq">The Jinx is the story of Stephen Grayson, a 13-year old whose run of bad luck gets so bad he worries he is endangering his family. Fearing he is cursed, he flees home to protect his family, only to find that he is in the middle of a tug-of war between a cult obsessed with order and misshapen monsters known as “Chaons” who seem bent on hunting him down.</blockquote><br /><hr width="75%" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">My Review of <i><b>The Jinx</b></i> can be found<b> <a href="http://alaskanbookie.blogspot.com/2011/11/review-jinx.html">here</a>.</b></div><br /><hr width="75%" />Here is a little bit about D.f. Lamont:<br /><br />Lamont, 42, is married with children and runs his own communications company in Winnipeg, Canada, called Jetpack Media. He has a Master’s Degree in English Literature and has been writing for 20 years, as a journalist, commentator and humorist. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Here is a picture of D.F. so you can feel like he is talking right to you!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bNCl6EdLmWY/TsFNuBMp2GI/AAAAAAAAAp4/UU_ZcxbgYz8/s1600/Dougald-Headshot-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bNCl6EdLmWY/TsFNuBMp2GI/AAAAAAAAAp4/UU_ZcxbgYz8/s320/Dougald-Headshot-web.jpg" width="217" /></a></div><br />Q1. I read that you are a vivid dreamer and that you jump out of bed at 3 AM to write your stories. Do you eat chocolate before going to bed? I know when I eat chocolate before bedtime, I have some really awesome dreams.<br /><br />&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">A. I do eat chocolate, but not right before bed. Although after Hallowe’en I personally inspected my children’s candy and determined that about 1/3 of it was perfectly safe by eating it. They don’t like chocolate with peanuts or peanut butter, so that was my gain, especially my weight gain.&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">I do sometimes wake up and write at 3 AM, but I can’t honestly say that I “jump” out of bed. Usually I wake up and can’t get back to sleep, and rather than lying staring at the ceiling, I stumble out of bed to my office and do some writing. I was surprised to find that a couple of other authors have done the same, like Kate Pierson, who wrote “I don’t Know How She Does It.” And now we do know how she does it: she writes in the middle of the night.&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">I am interested in dreams, in part because they have the quality I like best about my favourite books and movies – which is that you totally believe what’s going on, even when what’s happening is impossible. Dreams can be funny, terrifying, absurd, horrific. You can wake up screaming. I have even woken up laughing.&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">Dreams also use metaphors and symbols to tell you a story, even if you don’t understand it. It’s your brain working through something. Martin Scorsese also said that movies are like waking dreams, and some of my favourite films have that dreamlike quality.</span><br /><br />Q2. I read that you wanted to keep the main character a ‘normal’ boy. Why is that?<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">A. One reason is that I like the idea that Alfred Hitchcock used over and over, which is that you have a person with an average life and they suddenly get caught up in something much bigger and have an adventure. For the viewer or reader, it’s easier to start off identifying with someone ordinary whose life gets weird than someone extraordinary whose life is already filled with craziness. Like Bilbo Baggins, or Frodo. Adventure finds them. The viewer can think “well, that could happen to me.”&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">And a lot of stories, including kids’ stories, have a main character who is born special. They are part of a prophecy, or a destiny, or it turns out their parents are secretly royalty, or magic. I love those stories, but I wanted to my character do be different. It’s an important part for me in keeping the character relatable, and the story believable.&nbsp;</span><br /><br />Q3. How many 3 AM nights did it take you to write The Jinx. Were there any mornings you woke up, read what you wrote in the middle of the night, and just laughed?<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">A. How many nights? I wrote it on and off over about 8 months, and took a break in the middle. I don’t think I ever found something so bad that it was laughably terrible. It would just get sloppy. Words would be missing, I would repeat myself.&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">I actually am pretty technical about my writing, so I tend to focus on “does this work or not?” or ask myself “what’s missing”. It’s almost like cooking, when you’re making spaghetti sauce and you taste it and you think, “What does this need?” And then you add the salt, or the pepper. Maybe you need to let it cook and get rid of the excess water, to get a more intense flavour. I guess that last one would be like editing all the unnecessary words out.</span><br /><br />Q4. The Jinx is getting a lot of great reviews! Has it gotten into any top chart action or award that we should know about?<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">A. Thanks! I am really pleased with the reception it’s getting. It’s only been out since September, 2011. After the launch it was a regional best-seller for four weeks, including 2 weeks at #1. I am submitting it for awards right now, (today, in fact!). And I’ve gotten a good response from readers. I just heard this morning that a kid who goes to school with mine said it is second-favourite book, next to the Hobbit, so that was a big deal for me, and very flattering.&nbsp;</span><br /><br />Q5. I didn’t read about any chocolate in your book. What is the deal with that????<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">A. That’s a good question. I love chocolate, but now that you mention it, everyone is always eating salty or savoury meals in the book. I think because for most of the book, the characters are in tense situations, and no one is ever relaxed enough to really enjoy the chocolate. And that would be wrong.&nbsp;</span><br /><br />Q6. I heard you were a filmmaker and musician. What types of films do you make and what type of music do you play?<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">A. I made a documentary “Spongee: Checks, Lies and Videotape” about a cult sport in my home town, called Sponge Hockey. It’s played in -30 celsius on open ice rinks, and the people who play it are obsessed with the sport and obsessed with winning. It aired on the biggest sports program in Canada. I’ve shot a couple more documentaries and I make short films.&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">As for music, I play pop-rock. I play guitar, and bass, and keyboards and a bit of drums. Once in a while I’ll get a band together, but I also write and record my own songs. I wrote a screenplay and soundtrack for a pop-rock movie musical (unproduced).</span><br /><br />Q7. What does your family think of the book? Are your children old enough to read and enjoy it?<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">A. Yes! My oldest daughter is 10 and I used it her as a test reader, and she really enjoyed it. She said it was awesome. I joked that she was just being nice, which made her mad.</span><br /><br />Q8. Would you like to share any info on your upcoming projects?<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">A. I am working on another sci-fi fantasy book for the same age group, and I am most of the way through the first draft. It’s not that I set out to write for a particular audience, just that I want to write a particular story that’s who will want to read it.&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">I have other ideas but you never know at the outset whether a kernel of a story has what it takes to unfold into something bigger. I had started to write something totally different and it stalled out, so I wrote a different idea and it took off.&nbsp;</span><br /><br />Q9. I like that you are listed as a humorist. Is that another way of saying you’re a wise guy, crack-up, practical joker, or Loki in disguise?<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">A. Oy. Is there anything worse than having to say claim you are funny? I’m not a stand-up comedian, but some of what I write is funny.&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">I started my adult writing career in university when I founded a satirical student newspaper with friends. I remember being surprised because someone would say their mom or dad couldn’t stop laughing at something we had written, because you expect “maybe my friends will find this funny,” and then it turns out to have a greater reach.&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">There’s humour in just about everything, which is why I don’t like stories that are relentlessly grim, not just because they’re depressing, but because they are not realistic.&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">I do like practical jokes. From time to time I enjoy posting weird (though not inappropriate) pictures to Facebook and tagging the photos with my friends’ names. Chippendales promotional posters from the 1980s, and what not.&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">I have also been known to assert that David Cronenberg got the idea from the steam bath knife fight in his film “Eastern Promises” from something that totally happened to me. A claim, I hasten to add, that he has never denied.&nbsp;</span><br /><br />Q10. Do you have any parting words of wisdom, quips of comedy, or nuggets of chocolaty goodness to share?<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">A. Here’s a nugget of chocolatey goodness: Bernard Callebaut are some of the most amazing Belgian-style chocolates anywhere. It’s actually a Canadian company. Their chocolates are great beyond belief. </span><br /><br /><br /><hr width="75%" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Thank you D.F. for joining us here at the Alaskan Bookie Website!&nbsp;</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><hr width="75%" /><div style="text-align: center;">To find out more about D.F. Lamont</div><div style="text-align: center;">or to check out&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>The Jinx</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">please visit one of these sites:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thejinxbook.tumblr.com/"><i><b>The Jinx</b></i> Website</a>&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheJinxbyDFLamont">D.F. on FaceBook</a>&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5134556.D_F_Lamont">D.F. on GoodReads</a>&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://twitter.com/DFLamont">D.F. on Twitter</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-480089505740111396?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-24500959436515700462011-11-12T06:19:00.003-09:002011-11-26T07:13:16.984-09:00<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10867740" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Crossed" border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51c4a06ecPL._SX106_.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10867740">Crossed</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1304470">Ally Condie</a><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/230712114">3.5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />I listened to this story as an AudioBook with my daughter, Lily. It was narrated by Kate Simes and Jack Riccobone.<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky - taken by the Society to his certain death - only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake.Cassia's quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander - who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia's heart - change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever.</blockquote><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Mother-Daughter Review</span></b></u></div><br /><b>My Review</b><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zHjCJvNtrmY/TqRpQth2YXI/AAAAAAAAAks/xr4U9C-QgVc/s1600/Squeaky_4.jpg" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zHjCJvNtrmY/TqRpQth2YXI/AAAAAAAAAks/xr4U9C-QgVc/s200/Squeaky_4.jpg" width="111" /></a>This is the second story in the Matched series and picks up where the last one left off. If you did not read the first in this series, I don’t think a lot of things would make sense for you in this story.<br /><br />This story mostly follows Cassia and Ky as they journey in the outer providences, each hoping to find the other. Along the way, they pick up a few new people that follow along with them and have their own little mysterious back-stories.<br /><br />I did not enjoy this story as much as the first. The beginning starts out promising with Cassia assigned to a work camp and wondering how to get away and Ky assigned to a farm town to act as a target decoy. The narration skips back and forth between the two as the story develops.<br /><br />The middle and ending of the books were not as exciting. There are still a lot of things going on that the author hasn’t revealed, but action wise, the book was moving like a stream of fudge rather than a chocolate waterfall. I would rate the book at 3 stars.<br /><br /><b>Lily’s Review</b><br /><a "="" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jjsOalVnVDg/TqRrR5_MClI/AAAAAAAAAk8/MqztjUq7jVw/s1600/p12074ta107157_37_0.jpg" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jjsOalVnVDg/TqRrR5_MClI/AAAAAAAAAk8/MqztjUq7jVw/s200/p12074ta107157_37_0.jpg" width="160" /></a>The main conflict in this story is that there is a three way love triangle between Xander, Ky, and Cassia. More than that is that&nbsp;Ky, the one that&nbsp;Cassia&nbsp;really, really, loves is going off to die. So&nbsp;Cassia&nbsp;did what most people would do, she goes to the Outer Providences to find&nbsp;Ky&nbsp;and find the “Rising”.<br /><br />In the beginning of the story&nbsp;Cassia&nbsp;is at a camp doing work, but she only went there to find&nbsp;Ky, which is somewhere in the Outer Providences. She then gets sent off to a camp like the one&nbsp;Ky&nbsp;is at, to go die.&nbsp;Ky&nbsp;is at a camp with about one hundred people to be bait for the ships that fly around killing them all, they call themselves decoys. The Capital tells them if they stay there for six months that they wont be Aberrations anymore, nobody lives that long in the camps. Almost every night in the camps there are bombings.&nbsp;Ky&nbsp;and another person named Vic have stayed there the longest, only twelve weeks.&nbsp;Ky&nbsp;and Vic run away from the camp with Eli, a boy that was at the camp. They ran to the Carvings. <br /><br />What I liked about this book was that there was a lot of action, like when people were getting blown up. What I HATED about this book was that they killed one of my favorite characters. I hated that part. I didn’t like the parts when they were in the Carvings. They just walked and walked for a long time and didn’t really do anything. Over all I liked this book, I would give it a 4 out of 5 stars.<br /><br /><u>The Narration Review</u><br />This audiobook was narrated by Kate Simes and Jack Riccobono. Kate Simes also narrated the first book in this series. I still think she sounds very young for the part of Cassia, but it doesn’t distract too much from the story. Jack Riccobono sounded about the correct age for the Ky portion of the narration. They complimented each other very nicely in the telling of the story from both points of view.<br /><br />**Note**<br />Combined rating = 3.5 stars<br /><br /><table style="text-align: left;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td>Crossed </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Series:</b></td><td>Matched, Book 2</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Author:</b> </td><td>Ally Condie </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Narrator:</b> </td><td>Kate Simes and Jack Riccobono </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published:</b> </td><td>November 1st, 2011</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published By:</b> </td><td>Dutton Juvenile </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b></td><td>9 hrs and 50 mins </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Type:</b></td><td>Unabridged AudioBook </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td>Dystopian, Fantasy, Teen, Young Adult,&nbsp;</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td>Audible.com</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s):</b> </td><td>Hardback, PaperBack, eBook, Audiobook</td></tr><tr> <td><b>ISBN:</b> </td><td>9780525423652 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td>3.5 Stars</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/230712114">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-2450095943651570046?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-12547161910204929852011-11-11T09:11:00.001-09:002012-03-05T14:32:55.436-09:00<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12504792" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Orpheus" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1315014104m/12504792.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12504792">Orpheus</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5150907">Dan DeWitt</a><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/229779023">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Cameron Holt is lucky enough to survive the initial outbreak that turns an idyllic New England island community into a hive of the walking, and running, dead. So is his son, Ethan. Now, the only thing keeping Holt going is the desire to either rescue his missing son from the zombies or, more likely, remove him permanently from their ranks. A phone call is cut short just as Ethan defies his father and goes looking for his mother. Holt fights his way to the hospital and finds it under siege. He and other survivors eventually form two teams, each with a drastically different purpose. One saves people, the other eliminates everything in their way. The teams are constantly at odds, as are Holt and the arrogant head of the hospital, his ghoulish lead researcher in tow. Holt is understandably obsessed with finding his son, but can't ignore the simple fact that people are looking to him for leadership. If he's not perfect, people will die. During his search, he discovers a new breed of zombie and a frightening hidden agenda, but he doesn't do it alone. His team is with him every step of the way. The skills he learned in the military help keep him and others alive, but he's no superhero. Holt is only a man, physically and mentally exhausted, who lives at his limits simply because that's what a father does. Ethan, unmistakably his father's son, has his own story to tell, as well. It begins with a movie date a few feet from Patient Zero. This book also included a preview of Dan DeWitt's next novel, "Ragnarok."</blockquote>This book starts you off right in the middle of the zombie apocalypse which is happening on this little isolated island in the U.S.A. There are people who go out into the city and try to find other survivors and then another group takes over and releases a deadly toxin that kills (or rekills in the case of zombies) everything left over in the searched areas.<br /><br />The story works its way back and forth with different views so you end up with the whole back story as you are moving forward. You are mostly following a young survivor, referred to as “Bait”, as he joins Orpheus to search for other survivors.<br /><br />This is the story of how an infectious disease can rapidly spread through a small isolated town in a very rapid (and deadly) way. You never know who is going to be the next victim. The author keeps you guessing about who will be the ultimate survivors right up until the end. Someplace along the way, we also learn that there is much more going on here than what the nice zombies would have you believe.<br /><br />I think the only drawback for me about this story is that it happens in the U.S.A. Knowing how we are, I cannot wrap my head around the fact that there are no planes, boats, or news helicopters that wouldn’t be attempting to check this place out, regardless of how contagious it is. Even with a communication blackout, inquiring minds would want to know!<br /><br />Overall this was a great zombie story and I would recommend it to other zombie lovers!<br /><br /><table style="text-align: left;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td>Orpheus </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Author:</b> </td><td>Dan DeWitt </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published:</b> </td><td>July 27, 2011 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published By:</b> </td><td>Dan DeWitt, via Smashwords </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b> </td><td>100600 words </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td>Fiction, Horror, Thriller, </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td>Purchased at Barnes &amp; Noble </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s):</b></td><td>eBook </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td>4 Stars</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/229779023">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-1254716191020492985?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-13145293095644302682011-11-10T07:00:00.001-09:002012-02-18T10:08:13.634-09:00<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12379349" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Jinx" border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Ol2GzRPnL._SX106_.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12379349">The Jinx</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5134556">D.F. Lamont</a><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/233347240">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">The Jinx is the story of Stephen Grayson, a 13-year old whose run of bad luck gets so bad he worries he is endangering his family. Fearing he is cursed, he flees home to protect his family, only to find that he is in the middle of a tug-of war between a cult obsessed with order and misshapen monsters known as “Chaons” who seem bent on hunting him down.</blockquote>This is a very faced paced little book about Stephen Grayson. Although I felt he was a typical teenager, others (including himself) felt that he was like a bad luck charm. After a series of bad luck leads him to believe he is a danger to himself and his family, he decides to leave home and that is where his life really takes a turn into a whole new world.<br /><br />The story seemed normal paced at the beginning and then started to pick up pace so rapidly that I wasn’t sure where we were going to end up. I burned through this book very quickly and wished there was more to it.<br /><br />Since this is the debut novelette for this author, I think there will be great things from him in the future and I look forward to reading more of his work. I recommend this book to those who enjoys quick paranormal or fantasy reads.<br /><br />** Note **<br />I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review. I received no chocolate or any other compensation in exchange for my review.<br /><br /><table style="text-align: left;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td>The Jinx </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Author:</b> </td><td>D.F. Lamont </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published:</b> </td><td>September 21, 2011 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published By:</b> </td><td>Jetpack Media </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b></td><td>128 Pages </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td>Adventure, Fantasy, Paranormal, Sci-Fi, Teen , Young Adult, </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td>Author </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s):</b></td><td>PaperBack, ebook </td></tr><tr> <td><b>ISBN:</b></td><td>9781257995066</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td>4 Stars</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/233347240">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-1314529309564430268?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-38470138017604427462011-11-09T04:00:00.000-09:002011-11-09T04:00:10.807-09:00<br /><div style="text-align: center;">Today I am hosting&nbsp;<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Doug Magee</span>, the author of</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Darkness All Around</b></i>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nhWyjahTVvY/TroCqD5eT1I/AAAAAAAAApQ/X2hTMpYjqcg/s1600/Darkness+All+Around.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nhWyjahTVvY/TroCqD5eT1I/AAAAAAAAApQ/X2hTMpYjqcg/s320/Darkness+All+Around.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><blockquote class="tr_bq">Filled with ominous twists and turns, a new suspense novel by the author of <b><i>Never Wave Goodbye</i></b> has readers guessing from the first page in a story that shows how one woman’s refusal to accept lies as the truth takes her to the brink to save those she loves.Within a week, Risa’s alcoholic husband Sean disappears, and her best friend, Carol, is brutally murdered. Ten years later, after Risa remarries and another man has been convicted of the slaying, Sean resurfaces, sober, plagued by horrific recollections of the murder, convinced he was the real killer.Sean’s startling claim buzzes through the small, football-crazy Pennsylvania town where this gripping story unfolds, and Risa is left to wonder if the man she still loves actually committed the grisly murder. But her growing belief in his innocence sends her on a treacherous search for the truth: a search that reveals ugly secrets her new husband, a politician, and the town’s law enforcement are hiding.Emboldened by her discoveries, Risa convinces Sean to flee as the town’s violent, shadowy forces move in to keep the truth from coming to light. Then her attempts to vindicate Sean turn the tables on the amateur sleuth, putting her and her son at great risk.Part murder mystery, part love story, Doug Magee’s <b><i>Darkness All Around</i></b> explores the depths of the criminal mind and the bravery of the human heart. This taut thriller about the quest for redemption and the power of unshakeable love will keep readers in suspense until its heartrending climax.</blockquote><br /><hr width="75%" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">My Review of <i><b>Darkness All Around</b></i> can be found<b> <a href="http://alaskanbookie.blogspot.com/2011/11/review-darkness-all-around.html">here</a>.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><hr width="75%" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Doug is a writer, photographer and filmmaker living in New York and he looks like this:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vwNZ_AUXkds/TroEoT9s5PI/AAAAAAAAApY/S8_tHOYOMAw/s1600/Doug+Magee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vwNZ_AUXkds/TroEoT9s5PI/AAAAAAAAApY/S8_tHOYOMAw/s1600/Doug+Magee.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">On to the interview!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><b>Q1. I read that you dreamed the idea for <i>Darkness All Around</i>. Can you share a little about that dream and how it led to this book?</b><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">A. It was actually a recurring dream that led to the idea. For years I’ve dreamed that I had killed someone and there was no way I could take that back. Sean Collins, in the book, has a brain injury and then begins to remember a murder he believes he committed years ago.</span><br /><br /><b>Q2. Do you often have vivid dreams? </b><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">A. I don’t have that many dreams and most of them are pretty mundane.</span><br /><br /><b>Q3. When you awaken from a really vivid dream do you rush to write down everything you remember or does the dream stay with you until you are ready to write a story?</b><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">A. I usually don’t remember anything about the dream. But if there is something interesting, I’ll write it down.</span><br /><br /><b>Q4. Your bio lists you as a screenwriter. What exactly does a screenwriter do and do you think it will help your books become movies?</b><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">A. A screenwriter writes the script, the action, scenes and dialogue that will be used by the director, crew and actors to shoot the film. I hope my background will help get the books made into movies.</span><br /><br /><b>Q5. Can you tell us a little about your filmmaking and photography? What types of films do you make and what type of photography do you do?</b><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">A. My films have been fictional stories that address social issues, like the death penalty (which I’m opposed to). My photography is mainly photojournalism. </span><br /><br /><b>Q6. I enjoyed the video trailer for this book. Did you create that?</b><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">A. I did make the trailer and have to thank the wonderful actors Chris Henry Coffey and Julie Ann Emery for their work.</span><br /><br /><b>Q7. Will <i>Darkness All Around</i> become a movie?</b><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">A. I certainly hope so.</span><br /><br /><b>Q8. Do you have any other books in the works now?</b><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">A. I do but I don’t like to talk about books that aren’t finished yet. I will say that it’s the first book in a series.</span><br /><br /><b>Q9. My favorite way to enjoy good books is in AudioBook format. Are there plans to make this book into an AudioBook format?</b><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">A. I’m not sure. There is an audio book for my first novel, <i><b>Never Wave Goodbye</b></i>.</span><br /><br /><b>Q10. Do you have any parting words of wisdom, quips of comedy, or nuggets of chocolate wisdom to share?</b><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">A. Hmm. I only know one thing about chocolate. The dark kind can lower your blood pressure. At least that’s what they say. Good enough reason for me to eat it!</span><br /><br /><br /><hr width="75%" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Thank you Doug for joining us here at the Alaskan Bookie Website!&nbsp;</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><hr width="75%" /><div style="text-align: center;">To find out more about Doug Magee</div><div style="text-align: center;">or to check out&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Darkness All Around</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">please visit one of these sites:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Darkness-All-Around-Doug-Magee/dp/1439154023/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1320814988&amp;sr=1-1"><i><b>Darkness All Around</b></i> at Amazon</a><br /><a href="http://www.darknessallaround.reellies.net/"><i><b>Darkness All Around</b></i> website</a><br /><a href="http://www.dougmagee.com/">Doug Magee's Website</a><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/DarknessAllAround">Doug Magee on &nbsp;FaceBook</a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/635565.Doug_Magee">Doug Magee on GoodReads</a><br /><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-3847013801760442746?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-82578254471789771832011-11-05T05:38:00.003-08:002011-11-05T05:38:33.127-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sizzlingpr.com/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-22040XcDEHg/TrS-aK5YsgI/AAAAAAAAAnk/sfdVyEHgvYk/s320/Saewod+Tour.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Today I am hosting Seawod Tice, the author of<br /><i><b>The Chronicles of 2020: Amongst the Ruins</b></i>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kbn65NEj69I/TrS_G5hPf6I/AAAAAAAAAns/_vi3lJC9dmE/s1600/Amoungst+the+Ruins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kbn65NEj69I/TrS_G5hPf6I/AAAAAAAAAns/_vi3lJC9dmE/s1600/Amoungst+the+Ruins.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Chronicles of 2020:</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Amongst the Ruins</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><blockquote class="tr_bq">In the year 2220, only about 15% of Earth's population have survived and thrived after the Nuclear Disaster of 2020.<br /><br />With the collapse of modern society, the population has regressed into eight clans.<br /><br />Amongst these clans, an unusual girl grows from child to adult.<br /><br />Raised on the run and in hiding, Shilo wants to be free of the expectations of women. But in a ruined world where anyone could be an enemy, only the radiation-twisted mutants are clearly identifiable. A fertile female is a precious treasure, and any lapse in caution can mean a loss of the freedom she longs for.<br /><br />Training as hard as a soldier would, in order to free herself from social constraints, she finds herself faced with an offer from a new clan--an offer that provides her with what she desires. But her recently found independence brings discovery, and discovery brings two very different men from her past—and each of them is determined to claim her.<br /><br />One is obsessed with owning her, the other desires her as the only person who can make him love again.</blockquote><br /><hr width="75%" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">My Review of <i><b>The Chronicles of 2020: Amongst the Ruins</b></i> can be found<b> <a href="http://alaskanbookie.blogspot.com/2011/10/review-amongst-ruins.html">here</a>.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><hr width="75%" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is a little bit about Saewod:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Saewod Tice lives in Central Pennsylvania with her husband and two children. A self-proclaimed foul mouthed, book nerd who loves reading genres ranging from Young Adult to Horror to Erotica.</div>To escape the structured, methodical confines of her day job, she delves into her overzealous imagination producing dystopian worlds and romances. When not writing or spending time with her family, she embraces her Computer Geekdom through the internet. Including being a member of Writing.com, TextNovel writing forums, and RWC group.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Here is a picture of Saewod so you can feel like she is talking right to you!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g2PJqX8OuxE/TrTDplu7uVI/AAAAAAAAAn0/VoQZ--WL1qo/s1600/VSaewodT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g2PJqX8OuxE/TrTDplu7uVI/AAAAAAAAAn0/VoQZ--WL1qo/s320/VSaewodT.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><b>Q1. This is a very interesting dystopian future, how did you come up with it?&nbsp;</b><br /><br />&nbsp;A. It all started with back to back episodes of ‘Life After People’ on the History Channel. My daughter (9) and I sat watching when she started asking questions: What happened to everyone? What if they are just hiding somewhere? From there my imagination formulated a basic outline. As I wrote the story seemed to just come.<br /><br /><b>Q2. How long did it take you to write and publish Amongst the Ruins?</b><br /><br />A. Amongst the Ruins began as an idea in May of 2010. I was lucky enough to get positive attention from Noble Romance Publishing and was published in September 2011.<br /><br /><b>Q3. I read that Amongst the Ruins will be a series. When can we expect the next book?&nbsp;</b><br /><br />A. I’m hoping to have the next book set to release by mid 2012. I really don’t know what I was thinking when I decided to write a series. LOL.<br /><br /><b>Q4. Can you give us an overview of what the next book in the series will be about?&nbsp;</b><br /><br />&nbsp;A. Book two will bring us exactly three years after Shilo left in book one. After all of the loss and pain you will find Shilo is a different state of mind and heart. Amidst her inner turmoil, the renegades have grown to become a greater threat. Each clan suffers loss and destruction at the hands of the newest, most lethal clan.The Renegade Clan, their destruction, the mystery of who is leading them, and the sick death games they hold at the heart of their stronghold- Drome, become a focal point. Shilo is faced with her largest battle, biggest decision, and her past coming back to haunt her.<br /><br /><b>Q5. How many books will be in this series? Will Shilo continue to be the main character in the whole series?</b><br /><br />A. The Chronicles of 2020 is set to be a trilogy. However, it was originally planned as one book, then two, so who knows what else I’ll get myself into.As for the main character and point of view, it will stay Shilo- not that I haven’t considered some alternative point of views being worked in.<br /><br /><b>Q6. Can you tell us about your family? Do they like your book? Are they supportive in your writing process?&nbsp;</b><br /><br />A. My family is extremely supportive and I think they almost crashed the publishers buy page the moment I told them it was officially released for sale. LOL So far, from those who have read the book, I’m getting good feedback from my family and friends.My husband is really supportive of my writing, letting me disappear into my own little world at the kitchen table or wherever I’ve taken up camp. My mother has come in from out of state to entertain the kids when I have big editing weekends. And my sister always stokes my ego with her talk about turning the book into a movie and what we are going to do when we get rich off of it. LOL They are all really great.<br /><br /><b>Q7. I read someplace that you are a gamer. What types of games do you like to play?&nbsp;</b><br /><br />A. Ooooh, no one asks me about this. :-) &nbsp;Some favorite video games: Mario Kart, Legend of Zelda (old school), Zelda Archery (mastered it- just saying), and Carnival with the kids. Resident Evil games, Dance Central (we have an XBox Kinect), and Tetris.<br /><br />I love racing games, puzzle games, zombie games, and games I can play with my kids.<br /><br /><b>Q8. Can you give us an idea about your writing process? Are you a planner or a pantser? Do you plan out your story or do you just sit down and write?&nbsp;</b><br /><br />A. I’d say I lean more toward planner. I’m a big researcher and outliner, but once I sit down to write my pantser alter ego kicks in and often takes control. This is what happened in Amongst the Ruins and is the reason it is now a planned trilogy.<br /><br /><b>Q9. If your book were to be made into a movie, who do you picture playing the lead roles?&nbsp;</b><br /><br />A. My main cast would be: (some would need some minor appearance changes)<br /><br /><ul><li>Shilo – Juno Temple&nbsp;</li><li>Mazy – Alison Pill&nbsp;</li><li>Adley – Matt Lauria&nbsp;</li><li>Karhn – Julianna Marguiles&nbsp;</li><li>Kain – Robbie Amell&nbsp;</li><li>Haden – William Moseley&nbsp;</li><li>Elrik - Jeremy Sumpter&nbsp;</li><li>General Vahn – Gerard Butler&nbsp;</li><li>Jin – Ken Watanabe&nbsp;</li></ul><br /><br /><b>Q10. Audiobooks are my favorite way to make a story come to life. Are you planning on getting your book into AudioBook format?&nbsp;</b><br /><br />A. A lot of people love a good audiobook and I would LOVE to get my book into audiobook format. I still need to do some work with my publisher to figure out if this is something I can do and how we/I go about it.<br /><br /><hr width="75%" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Thank you Seawod for joining us here at the Alaskan Bookie Website!&nbsp;</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><hr width="75%" /><div style="text-align: center;">To find out more about Saewod Tice</div><div style="text-align: center;">or to check out&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>The&nbsp;Chronicles&nbsp;of 2020: Amongst the Ruins</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">please visit one of these sites:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Amongst-Ruins-Chronicles-2020-ebook/dp/B005OZIIVE/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_3"><i style="font-weight: bold;">The&nbsp;Chronicles&nbsp;of 2020: Amongst the Ruins </i>at&nbsp;Amazon</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nobleyoungadult.com/Books/329"><b><i>The Chronicles of 2020: Amongst the Ruins</i></b> at Noble Young Adult</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thechroniclesof2020.webs.com/"><i style="font-weight: bold;">The&nbsp;Chronicles&nbsp;of 2020 </i>series Website</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.saewod.webs.com/">Saewod's Website</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/people/V-Saewod-Tice/100001056351331">Saewod on Facebook</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5199006.Saewod_Tice">Saewod on Goodreads</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://twitter.com/saewodtice">Saewod on Twitter</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><hr width="75%" /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sizzlingpr.com/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-22040XcDEHg/TrS-aK5YsgI/AAAAAAAAAnk/sfdVyEHgvYk/s320/Saewod+Tour.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><hr width="75%" /><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-8257825447178977183?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-5884030590462484402011-11-04T08:59:00.001-08:002011-11-26T07:14:04.950-09:00<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12996024" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Dead of Night: A Zombie Novel" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1320246687m/12996024.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12996024">Dead of Night: A Zombie Novel</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/72451">Jonathan Maberry</a><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/227148363">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><br /><br />I listened to this story as an AudioBook, narrated by William Dufris.<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">A prison doctor injects a condemned serial killer with a formula designed to keep his consciousness awake while his body rots in the grave. But all drugs have unforeseen side-effects. Before he can be buried, the killer wakes up. Hungry. Infected. Contagious. This is the way the world ends. Not with a bang... but a bite.</blockquote><u>My Review</u><br /><br />Do not even think of opening this book if you are even the slightest bit squeamish. There is brain eating, rotting bodies, skin crawling, and worm-eating flesh. It will affect everyone men, women, and children, with equal gruesomeness.<br /><br />This book tells a story of one man’s journey to revenge leading to biological experimentation gone bad and gives you a glimpse of what would happen if an unknown disease were to strike in some small town USA. Actually I think the experimental drug worked as it was designed to do, but not the way the good doctor had planned.<br /><br />This story had pulse pounding action to the very last word! I am going to have to add Jonathan Maberry to my favorite authors list because I just love his style. I absolutely loved the ending!<br /><br /><u>The Narration Review</u><br />William Dufris narrated this book. He has great character voices and you can always tell the difference in the characters when they speak. He put a lot of effort into making the emotions come to life. When he starts to describe some of the gruesome scenes you get the feeling he is actually looking at it and can hear the disgust building in his voice. <br /><br />** Note **<br />I received this audiobook as a Random Act of Kindness (RAK) from Darlene over at <a href="http://darlenesbooknook.blogspot.com/"> Darlene’s Book Nook</a>. If you haven’t heard about RAKs for books, then feel free to click on the link at the top of my page and visit the <a href="http://booksoulmates.blogspot.com/2011/02/feature-how-big-is-your-rak.html">Book Soulmates</a> website. It is an awesome way to share the love of reading!<br /><br /><table style="text-align: left;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td>Dead of Night </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Author:</b> </td><td>Jonathan Maberry </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Narrator:</b> </td><td>William Dufris </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published:</b> </td><td>October 25, 2011</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published By:</b> </td><td>Macmillan Audio </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b></td><td>13 hours and 49 minutes </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Type:</b></td><td>Unabridged Audiobook </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td>Horror, Suspense,</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td>RAK from Darlene </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s):</b> </td><td>Hard Cover, PaperBack, eBook, Audiobook </td></tr><tr> <td><b>ISBN:</b> </td><td>978-1250000897 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td>5 Stars</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/227148363">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-588403059046248440?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-24240227494529244492011-11-03T07:01:00.001-08:002011-11-03T08:13:00.071-08:00<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12481362" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Darkness All Around" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1318234969m/12481362.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12481362">Darkness All Around</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/635565">Doug Magee</a><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/227762450">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><i>From GoodReads</i><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">When there’s DARKNESS ALL AROUND . . . some memories are best forgotten.<br /><br />Within the span of one harrowing week, Risa’s alcoholic husband, Sean, disappears, and her best friend, Carol, is brutally murdered. Eleven years later, Risa has seemingly put her life back together again, comforted by the love of her new husband, who is a local politician, and the knowledge that Carol’s killer has been convicted. But then just as suddenly as he disappeared, Sean resurfaces— sober, plagued by horrific recollections of Carol’s murder, and convinced he was the real killer.<br /><br />Sean’s startling claim buzzes through the small, football-crazy Pennsylvania community, and Risa is left to wonder if the man she still loves actually committed the grisly murder. Her growing belief in his innocence sends her on a treacherous search for the truth: a search that reveals ugly secrets that her new husband and the town’s law enforcement community are hiding.<br /><br />Emboldened by her discoveries, Risa convinces Sean to flee as the town’s violent forces move in to keep the truth from coming to light. But Risa doesn’t realize that her attempts to get vindication for Sean may come at a very high price.<br /><br />Part murder mystery, part love story,&nbsp;<em>Darkness All Around&nbsp;</em>is a gripping exploration of the depths of the criminal mind, the fine line between the truth and a lie, and the bravery of the human heart.</blockquote><br />This story mostly follows a recovering alcoholic named Sean as he tries to figure out what happened to him through the bits and pieces he gets through his flashbacks . He knows someone died and he knows who it was. During his flashback, he even sees himself over the bloody remains. His doctors believe eventually he may remember more but think his memories maybe false memories, but no one can be sure.<br /><br />I really enjoyed this mystery, crime story. I wasn’t able to predict the ending, which is a big thing for me and mysteries. The more I am surprised, the more I like the mystery, as long as all the evidence was there. (No magical mystery person thrown in at the end.)<br /><br />I enjoyed how the author would present a flashback and then, as people heard about what Sean remembered, that flashback would start to change people’s minds about what really happened. For a while I wasn’t sure if Sean was fighting for his sanity or his insanity!<br /><br />Overall, I think this book would be great for anyone who enjoys mysteries and crime stories.<br /><br />** Note **<br />I received this book free from Simon &amp; Schuster's eGalleys in exchange for an honest review. I received no chocolate or any other compensation in exchange for my review.<br /><br /><table style="text-align: left;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td>Darkness All Around </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Author:</b> </td><td>Doug Magee </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published Date:</b> </td><td>October 18, 2011 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published By:</b> </td><td>Touchstone</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b></td><td>354 pages </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td>Mystery, Crime, Fiction, Thriller,</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td>Simon &amp; Schuster's eGalleys </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s):</b></td><td>Hard Cover, PaperBack, ebook </td></tr><tr> <td><b>ISBN:</b></td><td>978-1439154045</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td>4 Stars</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/227762450">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-2424022749452924449?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-82536970786819875382011-11-02T04:00:00.000-08:002011-11-02T04:00:05.184-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sizzlingpr.com/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qfxgVCDu3Oo/TrDRvG9FqAI/AAAAAAAAAnM/sZu4LqV7H8E/s320/Betrayed+Tour.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Today I am hosting Morrigan Michele and Misty Carmony,&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">the authors of <i><b>Betrayed</b></i>.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NvvSvbjGYlI/TrDAQzNUVSI/AAAAAAAAAm0/RmxVRn-fz_A/s1600/Betrayed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NvvSvbjGYlI/TrDAQzNUVSI/AAAAAAAAAm0/RmxVRn-fz_A/s320/Betrayed.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Betrayed</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Blood and Magik, Book 1</i></b></div><blockquote class="tr_bq">Love. Lies. Magick. Betrayal.<br /><br />Alexis Allcroft is used to being different, but nothingcould have prepared her for the buried secrets about to be revealed.<br /><br />With her seventeenth birthday approaching the only thing onAlexis Allcroft's mind other than her birthday party is Sebastian Valto, thehot new guy in school. <br /><br />Things suddenly take a strange twist, and in an effort totake the spotlight off herself, a spell backfires and her secrets are revealedas well; secrets she didn't know existed. With her world quickly spinning outof control, Alexis realizes no one is what they appear to be, not even herself!Alexis will soon learn that family secrets run deep, blood deep....</blockquote><br /><hr width="75%" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">My Review of <i>Betrayed</i> can be found<b> <a href="http://alaskanbookie.blogspot.com/2011/10/mother-daughter-daughter-review-of.html">here</a>.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><hr width="75%" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wgJHXbWHBU8/TrDGJB7rw2I/AAAAAAAAAm8/FO6MhBsqQAM/s1600/Morrigan+Michele.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wgJHXbWHBU8/TrDGJB7rw2I/AAAAAAAAAm8/FO6MhBsqQAM/s200/Morrigan+Michele.jpg" width="145" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Morrigan lives in a small town in the heart of Texas with her husband Robert and their daughter Brianna. She is also an ordained minister and is active in her community. When she is not busy working on a book, she enjoys spending time with friends and family and she loves to shop. Morrigan and her sister Misty also hope to one day open a coffee shop. <br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5f6lM8KkTO0/TrDGY_N0DzI/AAAAAAAAAnE/7dHb35yWbkk/s1600/Misty1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5f6lM8KkTO0/TrDGY_N0DzI/AAAAAAAAAnE/7dHb35yWbkk/s200/Misty1.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><br /><br />Misty Carmony I is 27 years old and lives with her lovinghusband Charles in a small town in Texas. They have three Pitbulls named Budwieser,Corona, and Munky. She is on the town's local volunteer fire department, and iscurrently working on her BS in business management. She enjoys reading,writing, and spending time with her family. She is also a big supporter of PBRCand BADRAP which helps save pitbulls.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Morrigan and Misty are avid readers and self-proclaimedcritics. Growing up, they wrote a lot of poetry together. In 2009 they decidedsince they read so many books, and are so critical they might as well trywriting one; and so the Blood and Magick Series was born. We really hope youall enjoy our books as much as we enjoy writing them.</div><br /><br /><hr width="75%" /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0in;"><b>Q1. This is a veryinteresting witch mixture, how did you come up with it?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 78.75pt; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">A. Misty and I read lots of books. We wouldtake turns buying them and pass them back and forth.&nbsp; After we had both read a book, we woulddiscuss what we liked and disliked about it. Finally we ran out of books andwere awaiting the next release and Misty suggested that we try our hand atwriting our own. We would write something that we, ourselves would want toread. Something fresh and new in the paranormal genre. Though vamps and magichas been done time and again, our readers will find that the Blood and MagickSeries is quite different than the rest.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0in;"><b>Q2. We read that <i>Betrayed </i>will be a series.&nbsp; When can we expect the next book? <o:p></o:p></b><br /><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 78.75pt; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">A. January 2012<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0in;"><b> Q3. Can you give us an overview of what the next book in the series will be about?</b><br /><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 78.75pt; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">A. &nbsp;After the Battle at Cuyahoga ValleyAlexis Allcroft wanted out! She wanted a fresh start and a new life; and that'sexactly what she got when she moved in with her Grandfather, Giovanni Talbot,Monarch of the Vampire Brotherhood. Eighteen year old Alexis has everything shehas ever wanted: She has mastered her powers, has a great boyfriend, and notonly is she no longer an outcast, she is about to be crowned Giovanni'spredacessor and heir to his throne. With power comes responsibility, and sheknows that sacrifices must be made for the greater good of her people;and it isunacceptable for Vampire royalty to have a human mate. The one thing she wasn'tprepared for was Julian's proposal.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 78.75pt; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">B. &nbsp;Alexis is surprised to see Sebastian-her former boyfriend and Guardian at her birthdayparty accompanied by her younger cousin Mikayla. Sebastian assures her that heis there as Mikayla's Guardian and nothing more, but from the looks of itMikayla doesn't seem to feel the same way. Sixteen year old Mikayla becomesjealous and angry and takes off, unaware of the dangers lurking just outside ofthe manors protective gates. Alexis petitions Giovanni to assign the guard togo looking for Mikayla but with the house full of Vampire royalty he cannotafford to take that risk. Julian, and Vincent, the head of Giovanni's securityboth volunteer to assist Alexis and Sebastian in the search for Mikayla whenSebastian recieves a telepathic message from Mikayla informing him that she hasbeen abducted by Rogues (Witch Hunters.)<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 78.75pt; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">C. &nbsp;During the rescue mission Alexis notices Julian's weakness in battle. She findsherself having to constantly protect him and begins to understand why herGrandfather insists that she end their relationship. Alexis and vincent beginto form a bond and Sebastian finds that he cares far more for Mikayla than hehad realized. Through Sebastian's mental connection with Mikayla the team soonlearns that the Hunters have formed an alliance with the Rogues in an attemptto assasinate both Witches and Vampires alike. This new coalition is callingthemselves The Legion and are using this abduction as a ploy to lure Alexisaway from the security of the manor. The Legions biggest mistake wasunderestimating the power of Alexis and her unorthodox team.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0in;"><b>Q4.&nbsp; How many books will be in this series? Will you continue to work together on the series or was this a one-time collaboration?</b><br /><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 78.75pt; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">A. We are anticipating this to be a lengthy series with at least 6 installments. Misty and I will continue writing thisseries together. Blood and Magick is our baby, and it wouldn't be the same without both of our creative genius.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0in;"><b> Q5. We noticed that your vampire didn’t have regular vampire traits. Can you tell us the traits thatyour vampires will have? </b><br /><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 78.75pt; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">A. I don't want to give too much away and spoil it for those who haven't read the book yet. I will say this: Our vamp'sare born rather than made. The Talbot's do not kill to feed. Vampires havevarious “magickal gift's” and their abilities vary depending on their bloodlineand age.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0in;"><b> Q6. Will there be any other hybrid characters? Like witch/werewolf?</b><br /><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 78.75pt; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">A. There will be several differentcharacters. We will be introducing them throughout the coming books.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0in;"><b> Q7.&nbsp; I noticed that it was easier to findinformation on Morrigan Michele rather than Misty Carmony.&nbsp; Is Misty shy?</b><br /><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 78.75pt; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">A. Misty likes to stay out of the spotlight.She prefers a quiet peaceful life. Misty will be attending some “in person” events, but she doesn't get on the internet much. She doesn't have a website or a facebook page. Any readers wanting to correspond with Misty may email her atmistycarmony@bloodandmagickseries.com<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0in;"><b>Q8. Can you give us an idea about your writing process?&nbsp; Are you a planner or a pantser? Do you plan out your story or do you just sit down and write?</b><br /><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 78.75pt; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">A. We do a little of both. We make an outline as a guide, but once the characters get going they take on a life oftheir own.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0in;"><b>Q9. If your book were to be made into a movie, who do you picture playing the lead roles?</b><br /><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 78.75pt; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">A. I see Mark Harmon as Giovanni Talbot. I haven't figured out who else I would want as the other lead roles as of yet.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0in;"><b>Q10. Audiobooks are my favorite way to make a story come to life.&nbsp;Are you planning on getting your book into AudioBook format? </b><br /><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 78.75pt; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">A. Yes! My uncle is dyslexic so I plan to get all of my books in audiobook format as soon as I can.</div><br /><br /><hr width="75%" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Thank you Morrigan and Misty for joining us here at <br />the Alaskan Bookie Website!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><hr width="75%" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To find out more about Morrigan and Misty </div><div style="text-align: center;">or to checkout <i>Betrayed</i> </div><div style="text-align: center;">please visit one of these sites:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bloodandmagickseries.com/">Book Website</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/BloodandMagick">Morrigan's Twitter</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/MorriganMichele">Morrigan's FaceBook</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5157152.Morrigan_Michele">Morrigan at GoodReads</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.morriganmichele.blogspot.com/">Morrigan's Blog</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5157153.Misty_Carmony">Misty at GoodReads</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><hr width="75%" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sizzlingpr.com/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qfxgVCDu3Oo/TrDRvG9FqAI/AAAAAAAAAnM/sZu4LqV7H8E/s320/Betrayed+Tour.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><hr width="75%" /><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-8253697078681987538?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-39138032269039301882011-11-01T07:16:00.001-08:002012-03-05T14:34:42.007-09:00<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2301796" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Darkfever" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1266713496m/2301796.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2301796">Darkfever</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/48206">Karen Marie Moning</a><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/197370559">3 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><br /><br />I listened to this as an audiobook, narrated by Joyce Bean.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Book Summary From Goodreads</i></div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">MacKayla Lane's life is good. She has great friends, a decent job, and a car that breaks down only every other week or so. In other words, she's your perfectly ordinary twenty-first-century woman.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;">Or so she thinks... until something extraordinary happens.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;">When her sister is murdered, leaving a single clue to her death - a cryptic message on Mac's cell phone - Mac journeys to Ireland in search of answers. The quest to find her sister's killer draws her into a shadowy realm where nothing is as it seems, where good and evil wear the same treacherously seductive mask. She is soon faced with an even greater challenge: staying alive long enough to learn how to handle a power she had no idea she possessed - a gift that allows her to see beyond the world of man, into the dangerous realm of the Fae...</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;">As Mac delves deeper into the mystery of her sister's death, her every move is shadowed by the dark, mysterious Jericho, a man with no past and only mockery for a future. As she begins to close in on the truth, the ruthless Vlane - an alpha Fae who makes sex an addiction for human women - closes in on her. And as the boundary between worlds begins to crumble, Mac's true mission becomes clear: find the elusive Sinsar Dubh before someone else claims the all-powerful Dark Book - because whoever gets to it first holds nothing less than complete control of the very fabric of both worlds in their hands...</span></blockquote><u>My Review</u><br /><br />This story mostly follows MacKayla (Mac) as she runs around trying to figure out what happened to her sister. She meets some interesting, but dangerous, people and some of them might not be altogether human. Before her sister died, she leaves Mac a very cryptic message on her cell phone voice mail. Because of that message, Mac feels compelled to travel to Ireland and solve the mystery surrounding her sister’s murder.<br /><br />I could only feel medium Milk Chocolate warmth for this book. Have you ever watched a horror movie where the dumb chick is being stalked by some killer monster dude and she comes across a room where the lights are out? Everyone sits in their seat and says ‘don’t go into the room!’ but she does anyway …. That is the type of character Mac is. Over and over again. Until the end when she magically turns into a ninja.<br /><br />I know this is the first book in the series so there was a lot of character and world building going on in this book to set up the series, so I will be a little lenient. This book is not a PNR. There was no romance in this book and there is no one in this book to be romantic about. You cannot count the seduction Fae, Vlane, because his type of play is equivalent to date rape. (Theater person yells: Git your clothes on Ethel!)<br /><br />There is something very mysterious about Barrens and we never do discover what that is. He is barely tolerant of Mac, yet she keeps returning to him. Although the end of the book has them sitting all soft and cozy together, he is barely civil to her most of the time and has admitted that he just wants her around for what she can do for him. Yet, here is Mac, starting to get all mushy, feely toward him. (Theater person yells: Get away from him you idiot!)<br /><br /><u>The Narration Review</u><br />This was the second book I listened to that was narrated by Joyce Bean. The first was <a href="http://alaskanbookie.blogspot.com/2011/08/review-all-pretty-girls.html"><i>All The Pretty Girls</i>, &nbsp;by J. T. Ellison</a>. Her narration for this novel was completely different from the crime novel and I wouldn’t have realized it was the same narrator. She did really well giving the host of characters different voices and her narration was clear and very easy to listen to.<br /><br /><table style="text-align: left;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td>DarkFever </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Series:</b></td><td>Fever Series, Book # 01</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Author:</b> </td><td>Karen Marie Moning </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Narrator:</b> </td><td>Joyce Bean </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published:</b> </td><td>October 31, 2006 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published By:</b> </td><td>Brilliance Audio </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b></td><td>8 hours and 57 minutes </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Type:</b></td><td>Unabridged </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td>Paranormal </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td>Random Act of Kindness Gift</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s):</b> </td><td>PaperBack, Audio, ebook </td></tr><tr> <td><b>ISBN:</b> </td><td>978-1441856319</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td>3 Stars</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/197370559">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-3913803226903930188?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-81265010609620511902011-10-31T08:13:00.001-08:002011-11-26T07:15:05.342-09:00<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10375868" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Shadows from Boot Hill" border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RkpLpJU8jVo/Tq7Jx-sAabI/AAAAAAAAAmk/CAffXvBGWQA/s200/Shadows+From+Boot+Hill.jpg" width="200" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10375868">Shadows from Boot Hill</a><br />&nbsp; by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/33503">L. Ron Hubbard</a><br /><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/228812683">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><br />I listened to the Full-Cast audiobook version of this book.<br /><br /><br /><br /><u>My Review</u><br />I would like to start off by saying that I have never read L. Ron Hubbard before. I am not a huge fan of western books and I never could figure out why people would always reference his works when they were talking about science fiction. I would look at the covers, say ‘Western’ and move on. Well now I know.<br /><br />I was looking for something that would make a great gift for my Dad, so I decided to try this cd and see if it would be something he liked. The stories themselves reminded me of old western movie. You could almost picture the saloon, horses, and men with guns. <br /><br />The cd I received actually had three short stories on it, <i>Shadows from Boot Hill</i>, <i>The Gunner From Gehenna</i>, and <i>Gunman</i>. I was pleasantly surprised when I listened to the first title <i>Shadows from Boot Hill</i> and it had a bit of supernatural in there!<br /><br />In <i>Shadows from Boot Hill</i>, the outlaw Brazos is hired as a hit man and ends up killing a witch-doctor. Before the witch doctors dies, he curses Brazos. Of course, Brazos doesn’t believe in curses and continues on his mission to kill Scotty Brant. But strange things start happening to Brazos on his way to complete his assignment. He starts to wonder if the witch-doctor’s curse actually did come true.<br /><br />In the second story, <i>The Gunner from Gehenna</i>, the gunner is an old partner of the local sheriff. The sheriff is a good guy now, but the gunner remembers when they ran together and wants one final run. He tries to talk the sheriff into stealing the miner’s gold stash. When the sheriff refuses, the gunner ties him to his horse and decides to force him to help. The gunner has a few tricks up his sleeve, but will he be tricky enough to out-smart the sheriff?<br /><br />In the final story, <i>Gunman!</i>, the marshal of a town named Deadlight, Brazos Kincade (not the same Brazos from the first story), is on the final days of his job as sheriff. The town believes it doesn’t need an old gunslinger sheriff. It is ready to join with the railroad and usher in a whole new type of living. There are some who want the sheriff to retire now, but he has three days left and he plans on serving out his time. There is a huge gold shipment being held in the bank and there are folks looking to rob the bank before Monday morning. Will sheriff even be there to save the bank or will he be forced into retirement before he can stop the robbery?<br /><br />Overall, I think this was a great little taste of some of L. Ron Hubbard’s work. I think anyone who enjoys western stories will love these little gems. I think they will make great gifts for my Dad and I look forward to listening to them with him!<br /><br /><br /><u>The Narration Review</u><br />All three of the stories were full cast productions. The sound quality was excellent and the cast of narrators really gave this an old-time western feel. <br /><br /><br />** Note **<br />I received this audiobook free from the Audio Jukebox Solid Gold Reviewer Program and Galaxy Press in exchange for an honest review. I received no chocolate or any other compensation in exchange for my review.<br /><br /><table style="text-align: left;"><tbody><tr> <td><b>Title:</b> </td><td>Shadows From Boot Hill </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Author:</b> </td><td>L. Ron Hubbard </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Narrator:</b> </td><td>Full Cast</td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published:</b> </td><td>September 30, 2011 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Published By:</b> </td><td>Galaxy Audio </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Length:</b></td><td>2 hrs </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Type:</b></td><td>Unabridged </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Genres:</b> </td><td>Pulp Fiction, Westerns </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Source:</b></td><td><a href="http://audiobookjukebox.squarespace.com/solid-gold-reviewer/">Audio Jukebox</a>, <a href="http://www.galaxypress.com/">Galaxy Press</a> </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Format(s):</b> </td><td>PaperBack, Audio, ebook </td></tr><tr> <td><b>ISBN:</b> </td><td>978-1592123476 </td></tr><tr> <td><b>Rating:</b></td><td>4 Stars</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.audiobookjukebox.com/solid-gold-reviewers/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iwCPIJX7H7c/Tq8sO97QR0I/AAAAAAAAAms/DXrtwEUO7mg/s1600/SolidGoldReviewer1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/228812683">View all my reviews</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/76995151232980096-8126501060962051190?l=alaskanbookie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Squeak Torreshttps://profiles.google.com/107798820920233204939noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76995151232980096.post-11325576619608985842011-10-29T06:39:00.001-08:002011-11-26T07:15:27.237-09:00<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11769539" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Adventures of Marco Polo, Volume 1" border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/616lRXgNoLL._SX106_.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11769539">The Adventures of Marco Polo, Volume 1</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4567421">RadioArchives.com</a><br /><br />My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/225566878">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><br /><br />I love old radio