Book Review #99: 7 Scorpions: Rebellion by Mike Saxton

7 Scorpions: Rebellion
by Mike Saxton

Genre: Science Fiction

Ages: 16 and up

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Description:

On May 7th, the mysterious dictator known only as the Zodiac unleashed an event called the Flash Storm, destroying every major city and military base across the world in one moment. No one saw it coming. There was no warning. There was no terrorist chatter. Hundreds of millions perished almost instantly. Humanity across the globe was plunged into chaos. In the days that followed, the enigmatic and frightening Seekers marched on the remnants of humanity, systematically enslaving or destroying everyone in their path.

All attempts to stand up to Zodiac's Grand Army failed. His Seekers, who radiate a mysterious aura that induces intense fear were virtually unbeatable.  It seemed as though the prophecies of the End of Days were coming to pass until the day came that a glimmer of hope arose in the form of an exile who had been part of a super soldier experiment. It is up to this man, Vincent Black, to rally a resistance to free humanity from the grips of oblivion, if he can let go of his past.

My Review:

Science fiction is such a wide and wonderful genre, don't you agree? And this book is a perfect example of all the things that make it fun. The hero, Vincent Black, is virtually indestructible and has a single-minded goal of whupping the bad guys. The heroine, Lexi, is tough, pretty and physically incapable of fear.

Vincent is an interesting character. As he will tell you if you ask him, he is what happens when the government plays around with things they shouldn't. He comes across as being a man of mystery, but he is actually very matter-of-fact about who he is and what he has done...except for the things that are a mystery even to him. He and Lexi make an excellent team...and perhaps more someday?

The story seems pretty typical at first, but it becomes more complicated as you read.. At first, you see the evil warlord who causes death and destruction everywhere he goes with thousands of faceless minions to do his bidding. But then you see the face of a minion and it is not what you expect. The lines between good and evil blur a little and your sympathies shift just an inch. That is when it starts to get really interesting.

While this book has a several dark themes such as past rape and abuse as well as current deaths and torture, the writing style is so...enthusiastic. You can see how much the author loves writing and how he likes to show off his characters, which adds an element of fun. Vincent can be just a tad too dramatic at times, or Zodiac can call someone a maggot at the top of his lungs, and it made me smile. The only small problem I had with the writing was that sometimes the dialogue seemed a little awkward to me.

I would recommend this novel to lovers of science fiction, video games and the Terminator movies. :)

Content Ratings: Profanity, Sexuality and Violence

1(mild) through 10 (extreme).

Profanity:

I rate it 4.10 for mild to mid-level swearing.

Sexuality:

I give it a 4.10 for references, innuendos, past rape and attempted rape.

Violence:

I give it an 8.10 for murder, torture and war.

                             
                                          Lieder Madchen

Interview with Mike Saxton, author of 7 Scorpions: Rebellion

Today we have Mike Saxton, author of 7 Scorpions: Rebellion, the first in a new sci-fi series. He has kindly agreed to answer some of my questions about him and his book!


Hello! Welcome to Songs and Stories, it is wonderful to have you here for a visit. I really enjoyed 7 Scorpions: Rebellion, so I am thrilled that I get to ask you a few questions. :)

Would you tell us a little about yourself?

Well, I’m a big kid. I just turned 34, but I feel like I’m 18 and I act like I’m 10. In addition to writing I have a full time job and I’m back in school via online at Capella University. In my insanity, I decided to pursue a PhD. I’m still trying to figure out why I did that. I’ve been married for 10 years (and right before my birthday, the receptionist at work couldn’t believe that because she thought I was 22) and I have a 6 ½ year old son who is the light of my life.

What do you think is the best thing about being an author?

It’s definitely the creative expression. Writing is an art form and it’s the only one I have any degree of ability in. I sing like a frog. I dance like I have two left feet. Don’t even get me started on musical instruments. And I definitely have trouble drawing a stick figure even with a ruler.

What is the hardest thing about writing?

I have two main challenges with writing. The first is that I’m dyslexic, so spell check and grammar check, as well as a good and patient editor are all a must for me. The second thing is that when the burst of inspiration comes, I have to move my fingers fast enough on the keyboard to get it all out.

Which one of your characters is your favorite?

That’s a tough one but I would have to go with Vincent because of his strange and eventful past as well as his strange and eventful present. In the dreams I had that inspired the 7 Scorpions Trilogy, Vincent appeared the most.

Can you give us some clues as to what your heroes are doing?

Right now, they’re just trying to survive!

What are some of your favorite sci-fi stories? (Books, movies, etc.)

I am a big time Star Wars fan and I’ve read over 40 of the novels from the expanded universe and numerous graphic novels. Amongst those, the Darth Bane trilogy remains one of my favorite storylines. Timothy Zahn also did a great job with Allegiance which quickly became one of my favorites. Although my favorite novel of all time definitely would have to be Eyes of the Dragon by Stephen King.

As far as movies go, Star Wars (and yes I actually liked the prequel trilogy although the book for Revenge of the Sith was better than the movie) is an all time favorite. The Transformers franchise, especially the generation 1 show and animated movie will always have a spot on my shelf. In the anime realm, Robotech holds the top spot in my eyes.

If you could have dinner with any three authors, living or dead, which three would you choose?

Limited to 3 huh? That’s torture. Definitely Stephen King, since he wrote my favorite novel of all time. Kurt Vonnegut is another one of my favorites, and his book Slaughterhouse V is one of my top picks. I would have to say Drew Karpyshyn would have to be in this trio since he is the author of the Darth Bane trilogy.

Thank you so much for stopping by! I am really looking forward to your next book. :)


To find out more about Mike and his books, you can find him on:
Twitter: @7ScorpionsBook, LinkedIn or his blog.

You can read my review of 7 Scorpions: Rebellion here.

Book Review #98: Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Hush, Hush
by Becca Fitzpatrick

Genre: YA Paranormal / Fantasy

Ages: 14 and up

Description:

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her...until Patch comes along.

With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment, but after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is far more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

My Review:

I loved this book. Utterly. Completely. Loved it. Mostly because of Patch. Don't get me wrong, I really liked Nora, but she has nothing on Patch. He is not nice, nor is he cute. He is a perfect illustration of the term "bad boy." He isn't one who uses the attitude as a facade; he seriously considers murdering the heroine for his own gain. That is actually his intention for most of the book, until the point when he gives in and is willing to sacrifice everything for her. Swoon. Nora is sweet, nice, a little naive and easy to sympathize with. She is immediately attracted to Patch even though she can tell he is dangerous. And, really, how could she help herself?

This book is well-written and fast-paced without speeding through the plot. It was perhaps a little bit predictable at times, but never completely obvious. The romance was really interesting with the unusual homicidal edge on Patch's part and the characters had great chemistry. I went through the entire novel in one night and wished it was longer. I really liked the ending and how it didn't have the popular cliffhanger but left enough unfinished business to keep you asking for more.

I would recommend this book to lovers of YA romance and fantasy involving fallen angels. If you like Lauren Kate or Cassandra Clare, you will love this book.

Content Ratings: Profanity, Sexuality and Violence

1 (mild) through 10 (extreme).

Profanity:

I rate it a 3.10 for some mild swearing and a brief instance of mid-level profanity.

Sexuality:

I rate it a 2.10 for some references and innuendos including a sex ed class.

Violence:
I give it a 6.10 for multiple scenes of varying degrees of violence.

                                   Lieder Madchen

Blog Tour: The Keepers by Monique O'Connor James Interview & Giveaway

Today we have Monique O'Connor James over for a visit! Her novel, The Keepers, is a lovely bittersweet story of fallen angels and a grieving young woman. Thanks to Monique and The Bookish Snob Promotions, I was lucky enough to get to read it and ask her a few questions! She is also generously giving away an e-copy of her book to a commenter. :)

When did you decide to write a novel about angels? 

As soon as I started writing the story, I knew I wanted the character to be paranormal.  I didn’t want a vampire because there were so many other stories about vampires.  Ironically, before my mom died 13 years ago she had been writing a story about angels, and so I guess the choice was fate. :)

Why did you make your hero despise humans? 

My idea was that angels or at least this one was a little jealous of humans.  Angels serve God and Humans have the opportunity to do whatever they please.  I wanted Justin to be as flawed as Jess but in a different way, and then I wanted him to meet her and see that his way of thinking wasn’t necessarily correct.

What were the hardest and easiest scenes to write in The Keepers?

The easiest scenes for me to write were the ones where Jess and Justin bicker.  People think they were mad at each other, but they weren’t, they just liked to challenge each other’s thoughts because they were so different.  The hardest scene was the one where Rory takes Jess back to see her mother in Heaven.  For me that was a fantasy that had played out in my mind many times.

Who is your favorite character? 

Honestly, I love them all, but there is something about Rory’s honesty and genuine nature that makes me adore him.  I hope to give him his own book someday.

Are you writing anything new? 

My latest novel, Jamais Vu will be coming out in a couple of weeks!!! I’m working on another project too from a story I wrote a couple of years ago! 

Do you plot things out before writing them or make it up as you go along? 

Ha!  Well, originally I totally flew by the seat of my pants.  However, of late, I’ve been at least doing a rough outline of what I’d like to see happen. I find it helps me stay focused and keep the plot in line.  I don’t think I’ll ever be a hard-core plotter, though.

Is there any music that inspires you while you write? Or songs that come to mind when you think of a specific character? 

The song Breath by Breaking Benjamin reminds me of The Fallen.  I listen to a lot of alternative rock and it really fits the mood of the story line.  I’d love to know what music or songs readers think fit the story!

Thank you so much for visiting! I really enjoyed reading your book and having you here, I hope you stop by again. :)

About the Book:
Jess denies God. In his infinite wisdom, he’s taken everyone she’s ever loved. Moving to the French Quarter was a ploy to erase the guilt she felt for rebuking her faith. Perhaps, if she hadn’t met Justin, an angel preoccupied with getting back into God’s good graces, and drowning in his hatred for humanity, her plan would have worked. Justin’s general disdain for the human race makes him difficult to like, but some higher power has appointed him her keeper. Justin’s convinced he can mend her broken relationship with her maker, but in the process he learns a thing or two about his own humanity. Never mind falling in love, that’s not supposed to happen. In fact, it may even be forbidden. Jess just wants Justin to understand her plight, and he wants to protect her from a world she doesn’t know. If neither are equipped to save the other, then whose soul will live and whose will perish?

 

And now, for the giveaway! One lucky commenter will win an e-copy of The Keepers. All you have to do is leave something nice for Monique and your e-mail address. For an extra entry, spread the word and leave a link. This giveaway runs until 11:59 Sept. 20 Pacific Time.

Follow the tour for more interviews, guest posts and giveaways! On the final stop, you can enter to win a signed copy of The Keepers from the author!

The next stop in the tour is tomorrow, Sept. 7th at Paranormal Opinion

Even if you don't win, you can find this book at Amazon and Goodreads. :)

Good luck!

                        Lieder Madchen

Book Review #95, 96, and 97: The Wolves of Mercy Falls Trilogy by Maggie Stiefvater

The Wolves of Mercy Falls Trilogy

by Maggie Stiefvater

Genre: YA Romance / Paranormal / Science Fiction

Ages: 14 and up

 

Description:

Shiver

 
Sam’s not just a normal boy — he has a secret. During the summer he walks and talks as a human, but when the cold comes, he runs with his pack as a wolf. Grace has spent years watching the wolves in the woods behind her house — but never dreamed that she would fall in love with one of them. Now that they’ve found each other, the clock ticks down on what could be Grace and Sam’s only summer together.
 
Linger
 
Can Grace and Sam last? Each will have to fight to stay together — whether it means a reckoning with his werewolf past for Sam, or for Grace, facing a future that is less and less certain. Enter Cole, a new wolf who is wrestling with his own demons, embracing the life of a wolf while denying the ties of being human. For Grace, Sam, and Cole, life is harrowing and euphoric, enticing and alarming. As their world falls apart, love is what lingers. But can it be enough?
 
Forever

For Grace, Sam, and Cole, the story continues — only now, the stakes are even higher than before. Wolves are being hunted. Lives are being threatened. It’s becoming harder and harder to hold on to one another. In the conclusion to Maggie Stiefvater’s bestselling, breathtaking trilogy, love is the question — and the answer.

My Review:
I am reviewing this series all together because they flow perfectly from one to another and I read them over a period of two days. I love, love, love this series so I am going to talk about them a lot and I will probably give things away, so I am putting a spoiler alert on most of my review. For those of you who have never read the series and don't like spoilers, I will share a few of the adjectives that I will probably use in my review. Beautiful. Lyrical. Unique. Abstract. Bittersweet. Tragic. Joyful. Perfect. Pure. Amazing. Heartbreaking. Breathtaking. Lovely, absolutely lovely. I may use some of these adjectives multiple times to get my point across. I cannot recommend this series highly enough.

********** SPOILER ALERT! **********

Shiver is such a perfect title for the first book in this series. It sends shivers down your spine and all over every inch of skin as you read. The first thing I noticed when I opened Shiver was that the text was a lovely shade of blue that matched the cover. I thought that this would bother me, but within two chapters I realized that I liked it. It was another thing that made this book unique.

The second thing I noticed was the beautiful writing style. I could drown in those wonderful, lyrical words. It is written in the alternating points of view of Grace Brisbane and Sam Roth. Both are distinctly different individuals with their own unique style. I loved them both, but Sam in particular. His side of the story is so heartbreaking, his words so abstract and beautiful. When I read about his past and what his parents had done to him, I wanted to cry. I don't think I have ever become so invested in a character so quickly before, but Sam's vulnerability and simple dreams captured me immediately.

Grace is a more subtle character, so it is harder to pinpoint the moment when she slipped under my guard. By the time I noticed, she and Sam where two parts of one whole instead of separate entities. The idea of one without the other is just wrong. Sam is the leader, but Grace is the one who gives him strength and keeps him gently rooted in reality when he threatens to fade away.

In Linger, their fragile happiness is slipping away. Sam is now Sam for good, but Grace is the one trying to remain herself. They all know that something is wrong, but they feel that if they say nothing then it won't be real. Until it is too late. And their world breaks.

In addition to the Grace and Sam, Linger is also told by Isabel Culpeper and Cole St. Clair. Isabel is feeling terribly guilty and angry over the death of her brother, and Cole is a rock star on self destruct who voluntarily became a werewolf. Isabel hides behind anger and rebellion, while Cole is quite honest about his self-hatred and his desire to lose himself forever. Their relationship develops slowly and with a great deal of reluctance on Isabel's part while Cole fears that he will destroy her like he did with his other friends. They are constantly fighting, but somehow they fit perfectly.

Linger ends on a tragic, bloody, frightening note. Now Sam is the one waiting and watching while Grace runs in the woods, unaware of who she is or who she has left behind. I am so glad that I waited until I had Forever to read this, I would have hated to wait.

The beginning of Forever is so bittersweet it hurt. When Grace first became human and Sam went rushing to find her, it was so sad when he arrived only to find the clothes she left behind when she forgot herself once again. Without Grace and threatened with losing her forever, Sam has to finally face his worst fears: his past and his future.

Cole finally finds a purpose in trying to save Grace. He moves from self-destruction to self-experimentation in an attempt to find a cure to the disease that makes them shift from man to beast. I liked him a lot more in Forever than I did in Linger. He sees what Sam and Grace have and he knows that he doesn't want to see something so right disappear.

The danger rises and Isabel becomes a spy when her father plans to organize a wolf hunt. They need to get the wolves out, but the wolves will only follow one of their own. With Cole's science, Sam's leadership, Grace's support, Isabel's position and the help of a sympathetic police officer, can they save themselves and their lupine family?

Now that I have gone through the specifics of each novel, I can address the general themes of the series. I shall start with the hardest: parents. Parents play a very important role in the series. Sam's mother and father held down him in a bathtub and cut his wrists when they couldn't deal with his disease. Grace's parents neglect her for most of her life only to try to step in and change her when they don't like what they see. Isabel's mother is out of it for most of the time and her father is determined to kill Isabel's best friends to give himself purpose after the death of his son. Cole has ruined his life to prove that he isn't his father. And then there is Beck, who made Sam into the person he is but also made so many mistakes.

While Sam's parents are awful, they aren't really in the story. All you see are the scars they left behind. Likewise, you never meet Cole's father, you just hear about how his expectations pushed Cole away. I can almost understand Isabel's parents; they lost their son and fell apart. This does not excuse their actions, but I can understand them. The parents who are most important in the series are Grace's. They seem like the most ordinary of the lot until you look closer. They do what they think good parents should do, but it is only on the surface. Because they have ignored her for years, she is more of an adult than she is a teen. They only pay any attention when there is trouble and then they treat her like the protected child she should have been rather than the woman she is. Their inability to listen and understand cost Grace and Sam precious days.

Beck, the closest thing to a real father that Sam has ever known, is a very complicated and fascinating character. He infected Sam and then regretted it so much when he saw what pain he had caused. He loved Sam like a son and did everything he could to atone for what he had done. When Sam begins to learn his secrets in Linger, it damages their relationship almost irreparably and hurts Sam all over again. And yet, there may be just enough time for forgiveness.

The heroes of this series are all broken, each in their different ways. But who says that broken can't be beautiful? They turn the most horrifying pasts into a future that is oh so bright. It is amazing to watch. When reading this series, I was so scared that it was going to end in tragedy but I didn't want to see it all boxed up into a picture perfect smile. I need not have feared; the ending was perfect. It was a mixture of pure joy and hope and sorrow that had me laughing and crying at the same time. It was four in the morning when I finished it. I had meant to go to sleep sooner but I just couldn't stop. For the rest of the day, I found myself smiling at odd moments, like when Hotel California played on the radio and I was reminded of Cole's twenty voicemail messages. This is a series that stays with you.

I loved this series with its breathtaking changes from tears to joy and back again, with its beautifully broken characters, with its prose that feels more like poetry and everything in between. I fully intend to read these books over and over again and I think you should, too. :)

Content Ratings: Profanity, Sexuality and Violence
1 (mild) through 10 (extreme).

Profanity:
I rate it a 4.10 for some mild to mid-level swearing and name-calling

Sexuality:
I give it a 4.10 for a couple of discreet fadeaways in Linger and Forever.

Violence:
I rate it a 7.10 for multiple murders, some rather brutal.

                                Lieder Madchen

Bookie Brunch

Welcome to Bookie Brunch

Come join the discussion!

Founder: Sasha Soren (Random Magic)

* Every Sunday*

Today's host: Songs and Stories 

Next week’s host: The Book Nerd

This week’s discussion open through: July 17

Hello! Welcome to this week's Bookie Brunch! Pull up a chair and order your favorite drink while we discuss a bookish topic with the four lovely bloggers who have stopped by to discuss the subject of books that make you cry. I am filling in as host for Giada who couldn't make it today, but hopefully we will be seeing her again soon. :)

Today's guests are:

Irena, of This Miss Loves to Read. (@MissIrenne)

Mariah, of A Reader's Adventure. (@ReaderAdventure)

Maricar, of Black Plume. (@BlackPlumeTwits)

Melody, of Book and Music Lover. (vlogger)

The topic is:

What is one book that made you cry, and what was it that affected you about that particular story?
Related topic to consider: Are you a Happily-Ever-After kind of person or do you like tragedies more?

Because of the topic, I am going to have to issue a spoiler alert for the novels P.S. I Love You by Cecelia Ahern, If I Stay by Gayle Forman, Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins and Delirium by Lauren Oliver.

Irena, with a cup of warm milk flavored with a teaspoon of forest honey, answers:

I remember that I cried fat tears while reading P.S. I Love You by Cecelia Ahern. What touched me so much was the strength of the character Gerry's unconditional love for his wife Holly. Gerry and Holly were always meant to be, but when Gerry died, Holly lost one half of her soul. When he was still alive and sick, Gerry knew how his death would affect Holly, so he meticulously planned a sort of rehabilitation programme for Holly in the form of letters that Holly received during the year after his death. He loved her so much that he helped her overcome her sorrow and move on with her life even after his death. Several passages describing Gerry's planning and then Holly's reactions to his letters made me cry. They were all filled with strong, warm love from Gerry's heart. Books don't make me cry much. They affect me in different ways, but Gerry and Holly's story made me cry.

Related Topic: In general, I do prefer happy endings to tragic finales. However, it all depends on a story. The ending has to fit the general tone of a story. Sometimes, the perfect ending requires tears and blood, then other times it must include smiles and butterflies. I don't really care if an ending is happy or sad, as long as it corresponds to the story it brought to its conclusion.

Mariah, enjoying a glass of orange juice, replies:

I can't pick just one book that made me cry, but here are three that had an impact on me: A Long, Long Sleep by Anna Sheehan, Linger by Maggie Stiefvater, and The Beautiful Between by Alyssa B. Sheinmel.

I'm not one of those people who tear up at everything it takes a combination of things to make me cry at a book.

1. (And most important) I have to have a connection to the characters.

2. A cause I can believe in.

3. A personal connection to the storyline.

Now not all of these things are going to be in every book I read. But at least two of these things is in every book I read that makes me cry.

Happy or Tragic?

I have mixed feelings when it comes to happy or tragic endings. I mean I always wish for happy endings but sometimes they annoy me because they are improbable. Tragic endings while painful right after reading them, are sometimes (after time I have time to process it) better and more satisfying than happy ones. (Though after reading some tragic endings I might have the urge to throw my book against the wall :) )

Maricar, cradling a hot cup of coffee, says:

One book that I shed tears while reading was If I Stay by Gayle Forman. There is this line where Mia's grandfather is talking to Mia while she is in a coma which I really relate to because those words, as I said in my review, echo my Mom's words for her dying Mom. Here are the lines:
 

“It’s okay, If you want to go. Everyone wants you to stay. I want you to stay more than I’ve ever wanted anything in my life. But that’s what I want and I could see why it might not be what you want. So I just wanted to tell you that I understand if you go. It’s okay if you have to leave us. It’s okay if you want to stop fighting.”

If you haven't read If I Stay yet, those lines were critical for Mia (the main character) because as she contemplate choosing between dying and living those lines gives assurance to her. So I guess the letting go part is what really sent me to tears while reading. It is always hard for me to let go. There are others lines too that almost breaks my heart like when Adam said this lines to Mia:

“If you stay, I’ll do whatever you want. I’ll quit the band, go with you to New York. But if you need me to go away, I’ll do that, too……maybe coming back to your old life would be too painful, that maybe it’d be easier for you to erase us. And that would suck, but I’d do it. I can lose you like that if I don’t lose you today. I’ll let you go. If you stay.”

Related Topic: I think I'm more on in between, lets called it "Satisfying Endings". Happily Ever After is too sweet for me, as if they are for fairy tales with prince & princess while tragic ending are a bit cliché especially if not delivered well. I want my endings to be realistic whether it is sad or not. Something that will fall in line with the story and the characters. 

Let's take for example the book I mentioned earlier from the first question. If I Stay is a perfect example of a story with a satisfying ending. Mia's family died in the accident so obviously its not a Happily Ever After ending but I won't call it tragic because Mia survive & she chooses to stay in the end. Though it is ambiguous and uncertain I find hope in those kind of endings. Something to look forward to. 

Melody, Mango Snapple in hand, answers:

Hmmmmm well, let's see.....a couple books have made me cry, but I think the one that really affected me the most was Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins. I cried like a baby during that! I think it was because of all the action and deaths of my favorite characters. It was also because I realized how cruel humans could be if they tried. I know, it's fiction but looking back at how monarchies could turn into tyrannies, shows that it's not that much of a stretch. The horrible things that the Capitol did in that book, shows how precious human life is, and how easily it is lost. After finishing that book, I felt like I would never be the same and I would cry just thinking about it. I was left feeling kind of raw because of how much that book made me feel for the characters and their lives. The message I feel that it sent between the lines of all the action and romance was very strong.

Related Topic: I am definitely a Happily-Ever-After kind of person. I feel there's nothing better than having the happy ending you've been waiting for. When reading a book, the hero has to go through so many obstacles, and when they get their happy ending, it's very satisfying. It's like showing us that, no matter how hard things get, there can always be a happy ending. This, I feel, is very inspiring because I think we all just want our own happy ending! =D

I take a sip of my blackberry milkshake and say:

I don't cry very often when reading and it has only happened once this year when I was reading Delirium by Lauren Oliver. I think it was a combination of several things that led to my weepy state, first of which was the fact that I thought it was a standalone novel. Silly, right? I don't know where I got that idea. So, when I reached the ending, that beautiful, awful ending, I cried. Because I didn't know that it was the first in a series, I thought that was the end of it, and while the ending was perfect it made me so sad. I think it struck me so much because of the complete, unhesitating sacrifice Alex made. He didn't even think about doing anything else when he realized he couldn't make it out. He knew Lena wouldn't leave him so he told her that he was right behind her, giving up any hope of his own freedom while ensuring hers. That is the best kind of love; completely unselfish. I read the last few pages over and over again in an attempt to convince myself that there was still hope for Alex before I finally ended up checking the internet and learning about the upcoming sequel, Pandemonium. Then I felt really stupid but also oh so happy with the knowledge that Alex at least has a chance.

Related Topic: I used to be a die-hard Happily-Ever-After reader. I would avoid anything that even smacked of tragedy. Recently, however, I have slowly come to appreciate the beauty of sorrow. I only realized this change of mind when I was working through a novel in my head, a story I have told myself a dozen times, and I suddenly killed both of the main characters at the end. What really shocked me, though, was that I liked that ending a thousand times better than the ending in which they married and lived happily-ever-after. So, while I still for the most part prefer happy endings, I can now appreciate a tragedy when it fits the story.

Brunch Goodies

or
Take-Home Goodies


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new, beautifully designed cover and a DVD of the feature film, nestled together in a sturdy case. This could be a fun treat to keep for a rainy weekend.

Book: Jane Austen's first novel, Sense and Sensibility (1811), is a wonderfully entertaining tale about two sisters, Elinor (sense) and Marianne Dashwood (sensibility). Elinor is thoughtful, considerate, and calm, while her sister is emotional and wildly romantic. Both are looking for a partner, but neither Elinor's reason nor Marianne's passion can lead them to perfect happiness...

DVD: This beloved romantic comedy stars actor/writer Emma Thompson (who also wrote the screenplay) as Elinor, with Kate Winslet as Marianne. Alan Rickman, Hugh Grant and Greg Wise co-star as the well-intentioned suitors trapped by the strict rules of society and the conflicting laws of desire.




Shown above: Trailer, Sense and Sensibility

Details: To win this charming book-and-DVD set, please leave email info and thoughtful or interesting comment below. A winner will be picked at random. If host and guests agree that a specific visitor comment is substantial, outstanding, or in some other way has particular merit, they can override random.org pick at their discretion.
For fun, take this quiz and see what Austen heroine you are most like and tell us! (I came out as Elizabeth and Emma the two times I have taken it.)

Please note - open internationally, but DVD manufactured for Region 1
only. Check your region.
International. Through September 30, 2011, 12 midnight EDT.

Brought by: Sasha Soren (Random Magic)
Watch the trailer for Random Magic
or browse this book.


Bookie Brunch is a weekly meet-up, held every Sunday, where book bloggers can have a cup of tea and chat about a particular bookie question of interest. The discussion is open from Sunday through Wednesday, and you’re welcome to drop by any time to add your opinion or read what other people have to say. This discussion is open as well to general readers or bloggers in a different field, authors, publishers and publicists.

Courtesy guidelines: Thank you for coming! All thoughtful comments will be considered and probably get a response from fellow bloggers. In fact, you’re encouraged to talk about it and share viewpoints or include links to relevant materials. We’d like everyone to have a nice time. Differing viewpoints are just fine, even if strongly expressed, but inflammatory or off-topic comments will be removed.

Contact Bookie Brunch:

If you would like to be a host, contact: @StoryWings

If you want to bring goodies for a giveaway: @StoryWings

If you want to suggest a topic or question for discussion, you can reach me at @LiederMadchen

To see an archive of past brunches go here: Fluidity of Time

So, what is a book that made you cry and why did it affect you? Do you enjoy tragedies or Happily-Ever-Afters?

Thank you for stopping by!

                     Lieder Madchen

Book Review #94: The Gray Wolf Throne by Cinda Williams Chima

The Grey Wolf Throne
by Cinda Williams Chima

Genre: YA Fantasy

Ages: 14 and up

This is the third novel in the Seven Realms series.

I received this e-book through NetGalley for review.

Description:

Han Alister thought he had already lost everyone he loved. But when he finds his friend Rebecca Morley near death in the Spirit Mountains, Han knows that nothing matters more than saving her. The costs of his efforts are steep, but nothing can prepare him for what he soon discovers: the beautiful, mysterious girl he knew as Rebecca is none other than Raisa ana’Marianna, heir to the Queendom of the Fells. Han is hurt and betrayed. He knows he has no future with a blueblood. And, as far as he’s concerned, the princess’s family killed his own mother and sister. But if Han is to fulfill his end of an old bargain, he must do everything in his power to see Raisa crowned queen.

Meanwhile, some people will stop at nothing to prevent Raisa from ascending. With each attempt on her life, she wonders how long it will be before her enemies succeed. Her heart tells her that the thief-turned-wizard Han Alister can be trusted. She wants to believe it—he’s saved her life more than once. But with danger coming at her from every direction, Raisa can only rely on her wits and her iron-hard will to survive—and even that might not be enough.

The Gray Wolf Throne is an epic tale of fierce loyalty, unbearable sacrifice, and the heartless hand of fate.

My Review:

The world that Chima has built for this series is magnificent. It is full of complexities and unique characters. I love the political machinations and prejudices that the heroes have to fight, and at times, use.

Han Alister, aka Cuffs, is a fascinating character with great depth. It is easy to sympathize with him, but you are never sure what he is going to do next. He can be kind and heroic, but there is an edge of danger to him that comes partly from his past as a streetlord and partly from his frightening strength in magic. There is something about him that warns you to be wary.

I don't like Raisa as much as Han, but it was nice to see her growing up a little. She is less foolhardy than she was in the previous two novels and she impressed me with her quick and decisive actions. However, she still toys with too many men at once for my taste. She loves Han, but can't have him. She half loves Amon, but she can't have him either. She is still attracted to Micah Bayar, but he is completely untrustworthy and forbidden. She doesn't care much for Nightwalker, but she kisses him anyway. I want to smack her sometimes.

The mysterious Crow's identity is at last revealed, and I was not surprised by his true name. The author has been foreshadowing it for a while and is definitely setting up something big with this novel. I can't wait to see where it goes.

This novel has a different feel to the others in the series. It is a little darker and more dramatic, full of intrigue and betrayal. I really enjoyed this novel and I would recommend it to lovers of forbidden romance, court intrigue and wonderful character development.
 Content Ratings: Profanity, Sexuality and Violence
1 (mild) through 10 (extreme).

Profanity:

I rate it a 4.10 for brief mild to mid-level swearing and name-calling.

Sexuality:
I give it a 2.10 for references and an intended rape that never gets further than hints.

Violence:
I rate it a 7.10 for death, murder and fights.

                                Lieder Madchen