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Court of Thorns and Roses, by Sarah J. Maas (book review) – as payment to the Fae, she lives

Aug15

book cover of Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas, published by BloomsburySo her family won’t starve,
so the land of her new prison will live,
so an impossible love can grow…

So that her ungrateful family will live, Feyre goes with the beast to Fae, even though entering that magical land will kill her – and does not die.

The beast shapeshifts into a handsome fae prince who grows to appreciate the young human woman. As passion blooms between Tamlin and Feyre, dark forces are plotting to enslave both worlds.

Published on May 5th, this first blockbuster in the series of the same name should be readily found at your local library or independent bookstore – get on the waiting list, if you need to!

How much could you sacrifice for your family’s well-being, for love?
**kmm

Book info: A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses, book 1) / Sarah J. Maas. Bl0omsbury, 2015.  [author site]  [publisher site]  [author video] Review copy from book fan and author Claire Caterer; cover image courtesy of the publisher.

My book talk: Centuries’ old truce broken by her uncanny aim, Feyre willingly becomes sacrifice to protect her family, little realizing that she will arrive in Fae not to die, but to live, love, and save her enemies’ magical land.

Desperate to keep her feckless father and spoiled sisters alive, she shoots a wolf going after the same deer in the winter woods. But it’s one of the shapeshifter fae who rule the North, and the human girl must pay for his life with her own.

Given the option to leave humanity behind and live forever beyond The Wall dividing the two realms, Feyre is taken to Fae by shapeshifter Tamlin, the wolf’s best friend and a prince in his own right. Contrary to all she’s been told, the young woman isn’t made a slave, doesn’t die of magic poisoning,and is encouraged by Tamlin to draw and paint – after all, she’ll live in Fae forever.

Whispers of dark Fae magic that seeks to conquer all beings reach Tamlin, and what Feyre overhears spurs her into action.

How can her tracking skills help uncover the traitor?
How can she resist the passion building between her and Tamlin?
Why should she even try?

First in a new fantasy series by the author of The Throne of Glass series, the fate of all realms hangs in the balance as evil warps time and minds to suit its purpose.

Who’s missing? Mysteries & frights to read with your ears!

Jun4

Time to download this week’s eerie pair of free audiobooks from SYNC so you can read with your ears!

Yes, these are complete audiobooks available from Thursday through Wednesday, and they’re yours until you delete them from your computer or electronic device.

If you miss the free download time for any works mentioned, you can find buying info at http://www.audiobooksync.com/  Check your local library, too!

CD cover of A Corner of White by Jaclyn Moriarty | Read by Fiona Hardingham, Andrew Eiden, Kate Reinders, Peter McGowan Published by Scholastic AudioA Corner of White
by Jaclyn Moriarty
Read by Fiona Hardingham, Andrew Eiden, Kate Reinders, Peter McGowan
Published by Scholastic Audio

Missing persons, interconnected worlds with uncrossable barriers that Madeleine and Elliott somehow get past! I recommended this first book in trilogy on BooksYALove here in 2013.

DraculaCD cover of Dracula by Bram Stoker | Read by David Horovitch, Jamie Parker, Joseph Kloska, Alison Pettitt, Clare Corbett, John Foley, David Thorpe Published by Naxos AudioBooks
by Bram Stoker
Read by David Horovitch, Jamie Parker, Joseph Kloska, Alison Pettitt, Clare Corbett, John Foley, David Thorpe
Published by Naxos AudioBooks

The vampire tale that started it all, read by an outstanding actor cast, complete and unabridged!

Have you read either of these changed-world titles before?
**kmm

Tut: The Story of My Immortal Life, by PJ Hoover (book review) – pharoah in junior high?

May29

book cover of Tut My Immortal Life by PJ Hoover published by StarscapeRuling as powerful pharaoh – yay!
Becoming immortal – cool!
Stuck in middle school for eternity – ughhh!

And Tut’s forever-13-life becomes more complicated as a cult dedicated to evil god Set targets monuments in Washington DC, the general who killed his father is after him, and a mortal classmate gets involved in the hunt!

Lots of Egyptian gods hanging around the US Capitol these days, it seems…

Be sure to check out the book trailer here and the author’s website where you can visit the novel’s world in Minecraft, play games, and solve puzzles.

Would you let a friend join you in a dangerous quest?
**kmm

Book info: Tut: The Story of My Immortal Life / PJ Hoover. Starscape, 2014. [author site]  [publisher site]  [book trailer] Review copy and cover image courtesy of the publisher.

My book talk: Immortal teen Tut suddenly has bigger problems than an overprotective guardian and middle school bullies as the man who killed his father centuries ago reappears as head of an evil-worship cult in present-day DC.

Rescued by the god Osiris from assassination, now Tut lives with a golden scarab heart, forever age 13. Centuries later, his middle school’s field trip turns ugly when “Tut’s Tomb” exhibit includes dark god Set, much hated by the real Tut.

Scarabs swarming everywhere, exploding obelisk monuments, and too much attention from kids at school – many eerie things are happening in Washington DC.

When the general who killed Tut’s father escapes from his eternal prison to lead Set’s followers in destruction, Tut and mortal friend Henry follow clues found by his army of tiny shabti soldiers and advisor Horus in cat form.

Can they save DC residents from this supernatural peril?
Why is Tut’s guardian hiding a deadly secret?
Will Tut have to use the last spell in The Book of the Dead  to stop Horemheb?

Egyptian gods and strange connections abound in this action-packed adventure! (One of 6,000 books recommended on www.abookandahug.com)

Identity-switch magic to read with your ears – SYNC audiobooks for free

May28

Magic, malice, bodies switched, perhaps love? Time to download this week’s free audiobooks from SYNC so you can read with your ears!

These complete audiobooks are only available from Thursday through Wednesday, but once downloaded, you have free use of them as long as you keep them on your computer or electronic device

Click on the title to go directly to its AudioSYNC download site, enter your name and email, and follow the instructions to get these magical, dangerous tales for yourself.

CD cover of The Ring and the Crown by Melissa De La Cruz | Read by Jennifer Ikeda Published by Recorded Books, Inc. The Ring and the Crown
by Melissa De La Cruz
Read by Jennifer Ikeda
Published by Recorded Books, Inc.

To escape an arranged marriage in the Franco-British Empire, the princess will give her identity to Morgan whose magical talents almost equal those of the Empress herself. But can the deception keep both girls safe?

 
CD cover of Sea Hearts by Margo Lanagan | Read by Eloise Oxer, Paul English Published by Bolinda PublishingSea Hearts
by Margo Lanagan
Read by Eloise Oxer, Paul English
Published by Bolinda Publishing

As the sea witch discovers how to turn a seal into a woman, the magical consequences may affect everyone on her remote island. Is creating the perfect wife for a sailor worth the risk?

Have you ever wished that you were someone else?
**kmm

Nimona, by Noelle Stevenson (book review) – graphic novel villains with a grudge

May26

book cover of Nimona by Noelle Stevenson published by HarperTeenA shapeshifter ready for battle,
a good guy and a bad guy with long shared history,
many secrets… many, many secrets!

Like any good sidekick, young Nimona is right in tune with her boss’s mission of revenge, but sometimes it’s hard to tell who’s running this operation.

Read the first three chapters of this May 2015 graphic novel here for free to meet the shapeshifter and the villain she chooses, then ask for Nimona at your local library or independent bookstore – before Sir Goldenloin and the Institute get to them first!

Would you rather be sidekick to a villain or to a hero?
**kmm

Book info: Nimona / Noelle Stevenson, art by Noelle Stevenson. HarperTeen, 2015.  [author site]  [publisher site]  Review copy and cover image courtesy of the publisher.

My book talk: Villainous Balister Blackheart thinks he needs no sidekick in wreaking havoc, but shapeshifting young Nimona convinces him that she can help him get revenge on the Institute and Sir Goldenloin.

Never mind that Nimona’s origin story changes every time she tells it or that Sir Goldenloin assures her boss that he didn’t plan to ruin Blackheart’s chances to be a good hero during a training joust, the Kingdom and the Institute are going down!

Fire-breathing dragon overhead or shark in your tent? That’s Nimona.
Infiltrating the secret labs of the Institute? Our pair of baddies together.
Trying to find out where their youthful fondness for one another went? Goldenloin and Blackheart.

All is not as it seems in this graphic novel which began as a webcomic – and the leaders of the Institute want to keep the Kingdom’s people in the dark about their real purpose forever! (One of 6,000 books recommended on www.abookandahug.com)

Fangirl’s Guide to the Galaxy, by Sam Maggs (book review) – cosplay, conventions, geek girl heaven!

May12

book cover of Fangirl's Guide to the Galaxy by Sam Maggs published by Quirk BooksStar Trek or Star Wars?
Which Doctor?
Fanfic – yea or nay?

Fangirls of the world, unite!

Stake your claim in the imagined/future/fictional universe of your choice, and find friends online and in-person to share the fun.

Happy book birthday to The Fangirl’s Guide to the Galaxy!

Which fanship(s) do you identify with most?
**kmm

Book info: The Fangirl’s Guide to the Galaxy: a Handbook for Girl Geeks / Sam Maggs. Quirk Books, 2015.  [author tumblr]  [publisher site]  [book trailer] Review copy and cover image courtesy of the publisher.

My book talk: Geeking out about your favorite sci-fi series or superhero comics is even more fun when you get together with other fangirls – online or in person. But where to begin?

Whether it’s gaming or anime, sci-fi or fantasy, Star Trek or Star Wars, you can find other fangirls who share your enthusiasms. Check out all the interviews with women writers and artists who share their advice on living the geek girl life (yep, many began by writing fanfic and drawing fanart).

From staying safe, hydrated and blister-free at conventions to locating online fangirl communities and staying clear of trolls, Sam Maggs tells you all the hows, wheres, and whens in this super guide.

Busting myths about feminism, girl gamers, and cosplay etiquette? Indeed!
Helping others be proud of the stories and characters they love? Awesome!
Discovering new female characters in comics, video, games, and books? The best!

Hone your reviewing skills, find resources for the best cosplay outfit ever, or get tips for amazing theme parties – YA book nerds, Whedonites, Otaku – The Fangirl’s Guide to the Galaxy is for you! (One of 6,000 books recommended on www.abookandahug.com)

Seriously Wicked, by Tina Connolly (book review) – avoid witchcraft or save a friend?

May5

book cover of Seriously Wicked by Tina Connolly published by Tor TeenDragon in the RV shed,
former friend denying nose surgery,
homework in spellcasting and algebra…

Camellia has never been happy living with her “aunt” who keeps insisting that the teen can learn to cast spells. The weird ingredients that Cam must acquire are annoying and embarrassing, too.

Now the whole town is in danger because of the demon summoned by the witch!

Happy book birthday to this Tor Teen title – misunderstood teens of the world, unite!

Any strange relative stories to share?
**kmm

Book info: Seriously Wicked / Tina Connolly. Tor Teen, 2015.   [author site]  [publisher site]  Review copy and cover image courtesy of the publisher.

My book talk: When her aunt summons a demon for political purposes, Camellia defies the witch’s demands for help until the demon takes over a classmate’s body and threatens their town.

If Sarmine would just accept that Cam isn’t a witch and doesn’t need to learn spells, the sophomore might have a social life, but mucking out the dragon’s barn and not flunking algebra get priority right now.

The auras that best friend Jenah claims to see aren’t as dazzling as the idea of hanging out with new guy Devon and his boy-band music – much better than going to the Halloween dance with robotic Kelvin (the favors she trades to get rare ingredients for the witch… ugh)

A slight error in summoning Estahoth allows the demon to inhabit Devon’s body; without full demon-power, the witch cannot control the upcoming rebirth of the phoenix hidden in their town!

Can Cam locate the phoenix before it arises?
Why won’t Sarmine just let her be a teenager?
What will the devious demon do while Devon is trapped in his own mind?

Power, goat’s blood, and root beer – Camellia’s October just got even weirder than usual as her Seriously Wicked  witch aunt sends spells flying.  (One of 6,000 books recommended on www.abookandahug.com)

William Shakespeare’s The Phantom of Menace, by Ian Doertcher (book review) – May the Force be with thee!

May4

book cover of William Shakespeare's The Phantom of Menace by Ian Doescher published by Quirk BooksKnights Jedi guard while evil Sith draw near,
Out in that “galaxy – far, far away.”
As beings fight for homeworld held so dear
Can heroes rise ‘gainst Federation’s sway?

Villains squeeze the planet of Naboo,
Whose patriots do try, do fight, do die.
When Gungan Jar-Jar offers his aid, too,
Queen Amidala finds a strong ally.

Seek out this so-readable retelling of Star Wars: Episode One at your local library or independent bookstore – ’twas published mere weeks ago.

Why speak just now of this most-worthy tome,
Why note it not upon its natal day?
Mark well today’s harmonious date, kind one,
And may the Force be with us all, I pray!
**kmm

post scriptum – Verily I say, forthcoming and much-anticipated are part two The Clone Army Attacketh  in July 2015 and part three Tragedy of the Sith’s Revenge  in September 2015.

post-post scriptum – Mine thoughts on earlier-released parts of this series? Look ye here: William Shakespeare’s Star Wars  (part 4), The Empire Striketh Back  (part 5), and The Jedi Doth Return  (part 6).

Book info: William Shakespeare’s The Phantom of Menace (Star Wars, Part the First) / Ian Doescher. Quirk Books, 2015.   [author site]  [publisher site]  Review copy and cover image courtesy of the publisher.

My book talk: In the very style of Shakespeare comes this peril-laden tale of Star Wars’ early days as The Phantom of Menace  relays the fall of the Republic, the rise of Anakin, and much swordplay, speeder racing, and treachery.

R2-D2’s bleeps and boops become clear through the droid’s asides, and finally, Jar-Jar Binks’ pidgin and pratfalls are nearly tolerable, as Doescher reveals Jar-Jar’s hidden political agenda of uniting Naboo’s humans and Gungans, using trenchant inner dialogue:

“Such thoughts as these were reprehensible
To all the bosses; thus my banishment.
Yet this is not the story I’ll relate.
[to Obi-Wan:] O issa longa tale you seeuh” (p. 31)

The young queen’s masquerade as her own maid, the fortuitious finding of Anakin Skywalker and arguments among the Jedi about training him (Yoda speaks in haiku), romance cut short, and enemies growing stronger – it’s all here.

While awaiting the newest Star Wars movie, refresh your memories of the history leading to it – The Phantom of Menace  will soon be followed by The Clone Army Attacketh  (part 2) and Tragedy of the Sith’s Revenge  (part 3), while William Shakespeare’s Star Wars  (part 4), The Empire Striketh Back  (part 5), and The Jedi Doth Return  (part 6) are available now.  (One of 6,000 books recommended on www.abookandahug.com)

V is Ven traveling under the sea, where it’s eat or be eaten – Tree of Water, by Elizabeth Haydon (book review)

Apr25

Tree of Water by Elizabeth Haydon published by StarscapeFrom known dangers into unknown perils,
testing the bonds of friendship,
seeking wonders under the sea.

If Ven’s curious streak made him stand out from his cautious Nain brethren, then his venture into the Sunlit Sea makes the son of earth an easy target for ocean-dwellers who don’t care at all about his mission of discovery or the fate of folk on the land.

The Tree of Water  can be read by itself, but you’ll enjoy Ven’s current adventures even more if you read the first three books (available in paperback) starting with The Floating Island (my www.abookandahug.com review here), followed by The Thief Queen’s Daughter  (my review here) and The Dragon’s Lair.

These wonderful fantasy books are recreated from fragments of the Lost Journals of Ven Polypheme ‘found’ by Haydon. If someone found pieces of your journal, what adventures would they read between the lines?
**kmm

Book info: The Tree of Water (Lost Journals of Ven Polypheme, book 4) / Elizabeth Haydon; illustrated by Brandon Dorman. Starscape/Tom Doherty, 2014.     [illustrator site]  [publisher site]   Review copy and cover image courtesy of the publisher.

My book talk: Escaping his enemies by following a mermaid under the sea will also let Ven report on its wonders to the King, if the young nain and his best friend can survive its perils!

Amariel the merrow hides Ven and Char from the Thief Queen beneath the waves, where the young King’s Reporter and his friend use a magical gift to breathe water. Too bad that it cannot protect them from the sea’s law – “Everything in the sea is food for something else” – as the son of earth and son of air are so often reminded.

An underwater forest, a hippocampus race, storms, and predators interrupt the group’s race to find the mythic Tree of Water and prevent the sea-Lirin commander from attacking the land-city!

This fourth book in this fantasy series can stand alone, but for maximum enjoyment, read them in order: The Floating Island,  The Thief Queen’s Daughter,  and The Dragon’s Lair. (One of 6,000 books recommended on www.abookandahug.com)

N for Nightbird, by Alice Hoffman (book review) – secrets, community, threat?

Apr16

book cover of Nightbird by Alice Hoffman published by Wendy Lamb BookxA family curse,
the lure of night and flight,
secrets kept and truths discovered…

Nightbird was published just this week; you can read chapter one here for free.

Hoffman’s magical realism shines here as it does in her Green Angel (my review) and Green Witch (my review), asking questions about love and curses and understanding.

And the wonderful Pink Apple Pie that Twig’s mother bakes? The author kindly provides a recipe here for those of us whose apple trees were not planted by Johnny Appleseed himself!

Should we hide what others might not understand about us?
**kmm

Book info: Nightbird / Alice Hoffman. Wendy Lamb Books, 2015.  [author site]  [publisher site]  [author video] Review copy and cover image courtesy of the publisher.

My book talk: As her day-hidden brother soars nightly over their small New England town to taste freedom, thirteen-year-old Twig wishes for friendship, little realizing that the witch’s curse on their family may link both their dreams.

The finest apple pie baker ever, her mother retreated from New York City to the family apple farm when Twig’s father left them, hiding James in the attic where his wings wouldn’t remind the folks of Sidwell about the curse on the Fowler family.

Twig is delighted when teen sisters Julia and Agate from the city move in next door, is devastated when townspeople seriously set to hunting the Sidwell Monster as James flies nightly, is determined to discover the truth about the generations-old curse that gave James his wings.

Will Twig’s mother ever feel safe in her own home town?
Who – or what – else roams the Montgomery Woods besides James?
Can love heal an ancient wrong?

Become a Nightbird  with James, delve into history and happiness with Twig and Julia, and find out why this charming town has a sudden grafitti problem in this magical tale. (One of 6,000 books recommended on www.abookandahug.com)