Saturday Snatch: The Last Archangel by Michael D. Young

    The Last Archangel is a novel set in the present time, written by Michael D. Young, author of The Canticle Kingdom.

     I have wanted to read this book for a while, and I was pleased to find an excerpt on Michael D. Young's website. Unfortunately, the chapters offered only stoked my curiosity more.
   
Cover Blurb:
Xandir has been exiled to earth until the end of time. But when his cherub trainee disappears, Xandir makes a deal with rogue angels and giants that could restore life to the mortal woman he loves and end his assignment as a destroying angel in exchange for helping them bring about the end of the world and all of mankind.


I hope you like it, and tell me what you think.
~*The Last Archangel: Prologue & Chapter 1*~

Author Interview & Giveaway: Wanita May

    Wanita May grew up in the fruit belt of Ontario - St.Catharines.  Crazy-happy childhood, she always has had a vivid imagination and loads of energy.

   The youngest of six -- four older brothers, and a sister --  taught her at a young age to be competitive in all aspects of life.

   At sixteen, she began competing in athletics (track and field) and before she turned seventeen, she was representing Canada in high jump.  She continued to compete, breaking Canada's JR High Jump record (1.92m - 6' 3 1/2" for those metric-ly challenged).  She attended University of Toronto, and Kansas State University - winning CIAU's and becoming All-American 6x - NCAA Indoors Runner Up + more.

  But you're not interested in her athletic career - unless of course you're curious to know she stands 1.70m (5'7") and has jumped 20cm over her head on more than one occasion. She's represented Canada at the World Championships, World Jrs., won Francophone Games, and loved every minute of every competition.  From the grueling workouts, the crazy weights she lifted on her back, the days she thought her lungs were going to spit out of her mouth for lack of oxygen, the travelling around the world and the opportunity to read - her favourite past time.

   Life continued with her husband (a distance runner from Liverpool, UK, who she met at KSU) and then their first, then second and finally third child.  Their house became full of more imagination and stories.

  After her father passed away in 2008, from a six-year battle with cancer (which she still believes he won the fight against), she began to write again.  A passion she'd loved for years, but realized life was too short to keep putting it off.

   Her first book, Rae of Hope - from the Chronicles of Kerrigan - is published through Mitchell Morris Publishing.

  She is currently represented by Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Literary Agency. Wanita is a writer of Young Adult, Fantasy Fiction and where ever else her little muses take her.

-Favorite reads? 

Usually whatever I am currently reading.  I am a fan of  YA, Fantasy, Paranormal. I don't think I could pick an absolute favourite.  If I had to pick something I've read the most - it would be the Narnia series by CS Lewis :)

-Inspirations for the book? 

My Father - he passed away in 2008 and before he died, we had a conversation that reminded me how much I wanted to write.  So I did... and Rae of Hope is a result of that.

-Did you know you wanted to be an author when you were little?
I did :) But I also wanted to go to the Olympics :)


-Chocolate or Peanut Butter?
Both, preferably.  Or ENGLISH CHOCOLATE ... its SO yummy!


-Is there a soundtrack to the book / Favorite music?  
My editor and I came up with a play list that is at the back of the book. :)


-Do you need anything to write?(ex. snacks, music, slippers) 
 Just the time/ability to concentrate.  I seem to write best during the evenings and do my brainstorming during the day. 


-How long do you write on any average day?
I spend probably a minimum of 2hrs a day with writing - that isn't just straight writing. I consider the editing, website, social feeds, etc... all part of the writing process. 


-Give us the number one reason to read your book.
'Cause it's got a unique storyline with a fantastic twist. 


Author Info:

FB:  Wanita May  (or you can like my Author page: WJ May)

Twitter: @wanitajump

Website: www.wanitamay.yolasite.com

Blog: wanitajump.wordpress.com 

      Wanita May has donated an ebook copy of her fabulous book, Rae of Hope, for a giveaway! See my review here.

   How hard do you have to shake a family tree to find out the truth about the past?

    Fifteen-year-old Rae Kerrigan never questioned her family’s history. That is until she accepted a scholarship to Guilder Boarding School in England. Guilder is an exclusive, gifted school. Rae has no idea what she is getting herself into or that her family’s past is going to come back and taunt her.     She learns she is part of an unparalleled group of individuals who become inked with a unique tattoo (tatu) on their sixteenth birthday. The tatu enables them to have supernatural powers particular to the shape of their ink-art. Both of her parents were inked, though Rae never knew, as they passed away when she was young. Learning about her family's past, her evil father and sacrificial mother, Rae needs to decide if there is a ray of hope in her own life.

*Giveaway*(International)

Ends 1/12

Mandatory:

 Follow this blog through GFC

Extra: 

Follow Wanita May on Twitter (+1)

Like Wanita May's author FB page (+1)

Follow Wanita May's Blog (+1)

Author Interview/Giveaway: Dan O'Brien

    Dan O'Brien is a writer and screenwriter. He currently attends a California university and is pursuing a graduate degree in Psychology. He has written over 10 novels, several screenplays and is working on a graphic novel. A philosopher and martial artist, his days are filled with writing and training.

Favorite reads?

  That is a pretty long list. I have been reading Geroge R. R. Martin's fantasy series A Song of Fire and Ice lately. My all-time favorite novel is Les Miserables by Victor Hugo. Douglas Adams and Issac Asimov wrote some books that would definitely be included in a favorite read list. The Thief of Always by Clive Bark is great too. The Dark Tower series is pretty incredible. Lonesome Dove ranks high on that list as well. There are really too many to count, across too many genres. 

Inspirations for the book?

  Inspirations for writing generally come from crazy, random happenstance of life. I will often have strange dreams that become novels, and sometimes it is as mundane as having an idea in line at the grocery store. The novels that are out now were all the product of interesting dreams I had intersecting with the randomness of life. 

Did you know you wanted to be an author when you were little?

  I did know I wanted to be writer, or more accurately, that I wanted to be a storyteller. I was fond of creating intricate plays, rife with story and little characters mounted on Popsicle sticks. 

We're about to be catapulted into a rush from one holiday to the next. Which is your favorite?

   I would say New Years, simply because I don't particularly like the rush and traffic of Christmas or the food coma of Thanksgiving. I like the idea of friends and family getting together with the hope and promise of better times. 

Is there a soundtrack to the book/Favorite music?

   I listen to a lot of James Newton Howard and Hans Zimmer when I write. Recently, Mumford and Sons have found a place on my playlist. I saw them in Mountain View at the Bridge Benefit Concert and they were incredible. 

Do you need anything to write? 

   My plaid sleepy pants. They get me in the right frame of mind to write. 

How long do you write on any average day?

   I try to think about specific writing goals, as opposed to time and duration metrics. I will finish a chapter or an outline; ideas and foals like those are how I normally measure my writing. If pressed, I would say I write at least an hour or two a day on average. 

Give us the number one reason to read your book.

  My books have believable characters who you will want to journey with until the end.

Author Info:

Twitter: @AuthorDanOBrien

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Dan-OBrien-httpwwwthedanobrienprojectcom/130177267017847

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4814321.Dan_O_Brien

Website: www.thedanobrienproject.com

Blog: http://thedanobrienproject.blogspot.com/

   Dan O'Brien is graciously giving away one ebook  copy of his exciting book, Cerulean Dreams!

   Orion, the last city of men. Deep within the desert, a secret lay waiting. Young women found dead in the street. A corporation that controls the sleep of a populace that never sees the light of day. Alexander Marlowe seeks to unravel the mysteries of Orion as he helps a young girl, Dana, flee the city. The closer they come to the truth, the greater the danger that hunts them. Follow them as they search beyond the boundaries of everything they have ever known for answers.

*Giveaway*(International)

Ends  1/10

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Tweet about this giveaway (+1)

Saturday Snatch: Ice by Sarah Beth Durst

Merry Christmas Eve!
       As of yet we still have no snow, and the forecast shows none for weeks. So I thought it appropriate that today's Saturday Snatch was Ice by Sarah Beth Durst.

     I'm a sucker fairy tale remakes, and this particular fairy tale, East of the Sun and West of the Moon, is one of my favorites. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

~*Ice: Prologue-Chapter 2*~

Tell me what you think :)

Book Review: Rae of Hope by W.J. May

       Rae of Hope is the debut novel of author W. J. May.
Cover Blurb:
How hard do you have to shake a family tree to find out the truth about the past?
    Fifteen-year-old Rae Kerrigan never questioned her family’s history. That is until she accepted a scholarship to Guilder Boarding School in England. Guilder is an exclusive, gifted school. Rae has no idea what she is getting herself into or that her family’s past is going to come back and taunt her.     She learns she is part of an unparalleled group of individuals who become inked with a unique tattoo (tatu) on their sixteenth birthday. The tatu enables them to have supernatural powers particular to the shape of their ink-art. Both of her parents were inked, though Rae never knew, as they passed away when she was young. Learning about her family's past, her evil father and sacrificial mother, Rae needs to decide if there is a ray of hope in her own life.


      I read the summary and was hooked, what an interesting idea! This book in no way was a disappointment.
        Rae(main character) felt very realistic, and I loved the fact that, even though she was a very strong lead, she still had several insecurities and "personal demons" that she needed to deal with. In many books the main character is usually somewhat tempted by evil, however Rae always considered the greater good and was willing to give up her life for the world. Her roommate, Molly, made a fun quirky friend, and Devon (romantic interest) was exactly what a knight in shining armor should be, while not being stuck-up about it.
Characters: 4.5 Stars
        As far as car chases and big battle scenes go, this book was rather quiet. But the plot kept my interest quite easily with Rae's self-development and the powers all students of her school receive on their sixteenth birthdays. Towards the later end of the book the story really picked up with a big twist that I had not idea was coming! For a while it was hard to tell who to trust! But I was very satisfied with the ending. It tied up nicely while still leaving openings for a sequel.
Plot: 4.3 Stars
    W. J. May's words flowed and kept the story from becoming dry. It didn't feel like scenes were thrown into the book just for the heck of it. Everything had a purpose in furthering the plot, and though this was a debut novel it didn't read like one at all.
Style: 4.7 Stars

Rating: 4.5 Stars
Source: From Author for Review
Genre: Fantasy / Paranormal
YA Fiction

Author Info-
Twitter: @wanitajump
Website: Wanita May

Author Interview: S.R. Johannes

   A big welcome to author S.R. Johannes, whose new wilderness YA Thriller, Untraceable, was released Nov. 29 of this year.

    S.R. Johannes lives in Atlanta Georgia with her dog, British-accented husband, and the huge imaginations of their little prince and princess, which she hopes- someday- will change the world. After earning an MBA and working in corporate America, S.R. Johannes traded in her expensive suits, high heels, and corporate lingo for a family, flip-flops, and her love of writing. You can find her hanging out online and visit her at srjohannes.com

-What are some of your favorite reads?

The Pledge by Kimberly Derting, Fracture by Megan Miranda, and Carrie Ryan
series

-Any inspirations for the book?
My hubby came back from camping once and told me he had hiked so far in that
someone could live out there and never know.

-Did you know you wanted to be an author when you were little?
No. But I always wrote poems and short stories. I even won a State essay on
Nutrition. I got free baseball tickets. At the time, I thought I won the lottery.

-We're about to be catapulted into a rush from one holiday to the next.
Which is your favorite?
Christmas. I have 2 kids so they bring all that magic back into Christmas. Seeing
their face on Christmas morning is priceless. I also love when the weather
outside is frightful and the fire is so delightful. Oh wait – that’s’ a song.

-Is there a soundtrack to the book/Favorite music?
I love Adele and Jack Johnson. I love Cake and Pete Yorn. I love all music in
general – except country and hard rap.

-Do you need anything to write? (ex. chocolate, music, slippers) :)
Uggs, coffee and peace and quiet Which you can imagine is hard with 2 kids.

-How long do you write on any average day?
Not long enough It varies, depending on my kid’s schedule.

-Give us the number one reason to read Untraceable.
It is a definite page-turner with a mystery, a kickbutt heroine and of course – 2
hot boys

Online Info:
twitter.com/srjohannes
faeriality.blogspot.com
facebook.com/srjohannes


   Be sure to check out S.R. Johannes' book, Untraceable!

     16 year old Grace has lived in the Smokies all her life, patrolling with her forest ranger father who taught her about wildlife, tracking, and wilderness survival. 
      When her dad goes missing on a routine patrol, Grace refuses to believe he’s dead and fights the town authorities, tribal officials, and nature to find him. 
      One day, while out tracking clues, Grace is rescued from danger by Mo, a hot guy with an intoxicating accent and a secret. As her feelings between him and her ex-boyfriend get muddled, Grace travels deep into the wilderness to escape and find her father. 
      Along the way, Grace learns terrible secrets that sever relationships and lives. Soon she’s enmeshed in a web of conspiracy, deception, and murder. And it’s going to take a lot more than a compass and a motorcycle (named Lucifer) for this kick-butting heroine to save everything she loves.

Must Read Monday

            Must Read Monday is a fabulous meme started over at Fans of Fiction, and it is so much fun!
"The goal of the Must Read Monday is to find share your love of great books with others in the hopes that they'll add a new title to their To Be Read list. 

Your job is to create intrigue for other hoppers. What makes your book so swoon-worthy? What do you absolutely have to mention so they'll read it?

On your post, you'll make an acrostic puzzle (think of it as an overview/book blurb type of thing).

For specific ways to build your puzzle, click here, but pretty much any style of acrostic is welcome.

When you leave comments on other posts, be sure to mention whether you're adding that book to your TBR pile, and what part convinced you to do so.

It's all about powers of persuasion, people:) You might have to think a little, but channel that inner-creative goddess (or god)."

      Check out Fans of Fiction for more info.

     I'm running a bit behind today, but, let's face it, when am I not? Consequently, today's book title will be short. :)
Best Rainy Day Read  (Fitting Right?)
    The greatest thief to ever live
    He can steal anything
    Eugenides is his name


    To steal something that can't be stolen
    Hamiathes's gift must be retrieved
       Intrigue rules their small band
    Every myth has some meaning
    For what is true?
By Megan Whalen Turner
I love this book! See my review here.

Saturday Snatch: Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

   I apologize for the belated Saturday Snatch. My mind seems to rationalize that as long as it's still Saturday I can get away with posting late.
        This week's Saturday Snatch is Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare! I have heard many good things about this book, and have yet to read it, but it's definitely on my list.

 If you're like me, and have so many books on your TBR pile you're buried, then have fun with today's short, but sweet, excerpt!
   ~*Clockwork Prince: Excerpt*~
Tell me what you think :)

Book Review: Patriote Peril by Thomas Thorpe

   
     Patriote Peril is one of six historical mystery thrillers in the Darmon Mystery series about a couple from Kent that solves international crimes during the 1830's. These novels include: Message of the Pendant, The Fourth Contention, Patriote Peril, Fair Wind to Bahia, Desperate Crossing and Without Redemption.
      Cover Blurb:
   Following the return of an empty carriage, Elizabeth Darmon begins a harrowing pursuit of her family's kidnappers. Alone, scared on the frontier of New Brunswick, she trails the kidnappers through deplorable conditions along the St. Lawrence River to Quebec City where she finds a woman posing as Elizabeth with another William. Near the scene of the abduction, her brother-in-law, Charles, recovers from a gunshot wound and is led to the Patriote Party's fanatical element of Reformers. He is swept into a rebellion, recruiting Americans at clandestine hunting lodges. Family members cross paths attempting to unravel conspiracy and murder before a tumultuous assault on the governor's palace. Historically accurate events provide non-stop suspense.


          I hadn't read mystery for a while, and this was a good book to ease back into the genre.
          Most of the characters did seem just different shades of the same color, and I think their reactions could have been a bit stronger, but I really liked that Elizabeth (first main character) never became a washed-out pansy. Throughout the entire story she was full of daring-do and would not shirk at anything to get her family back.
Characters: 2 Stars
          I thought I saw what was coming on this one, but I wasn't close! Throughout every chapter the level of intensity kept building until the book finished with a bang. As with all good mysteries, the reader is led on with a carrot, and I can safely say this book definitely fulfilled that requirement.
Plot: 4 Stars
          The action throughout this book moved very fast, and I (as a sometimes skimming reader) liked this. At parts it felt the story was stripped to the bare basics (no descriptions and such) but it was a nice effect for a quick read.
Style: 4 Stars


Rating: 3.3 Stars
Source: From Author for Review
Genre: Historical Fiction / Mystery
YA Fiction


Author Info:
Amazon Profile

Must Read Monday

Must Read Monday is a weekly meme hosted by Jenna at Fans of Fiction. Check out her Must Read Monday here!
"The goal of the Must Read Monday is to find share your love of great books with others in the hopes that they'll add a new title to their To Be Read list. Your job is to create intrigue for other hoppers. What makes your book so swoon-worthy? What do you absolutely have to mention so they'll read it?On your post, you'll make an acrostic puzzle (think of it as an overview/book blurb type of thing).
For specific ways to build your puzzle, click here, but pretty much any style of acrostic is welcome.
When you leave comments on other posts, be sure to mention whether you're adding that book to your TBR pile, and what part convinced you to do so.

It's all about powers of persuasion, people:) You might have to think a little, but channel that inner-creative goddess (or god)."

        This is such a creative meme! I've been meaning to join for a few weeks now but kept forgetting (whoops), so we'll see how I do today for my first time. :)

        This Week's Category: A Book That You're Thankful Someone Recommended to You.

                Mistborn are the rarest of the rare

        Vin is Ignorant of her spectacular powers

            Skaa rage boils below the surface

Question The motives behind every action

                   Bones swallowed for a masquerade

                   Other problems unseen

 The Lord Ruler has broken the very world itself

            Never Give In

By Brandon Sanderson

Saturday Snatch: Cinder by Marissa Meyer

         Cinder is the debut novel of author Marissa Meyer planned for release on January 3, 2012.

         As you may have guessed, Cinder is a version of Cinderella ...that takes place in the far future...and there's a plague...and Cinder is a cyborg. Piques your interest right? I read the first chapter a couple weeks ago, and then the first five chapters were released and a short story, and I love it! Ready for the links?
        Cinder short story:
 Glitches by Marissa Meyer
        First chapter from Macmillan:
Cinder Excerpt
        Download first five chapters from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Macmillan:
Cinder: Chapters 1-5

Tell me what you think. :)

Gift Card Giveaway Hop

          The Gift Card Giveaway hop is hosted by the wonderful Inspired Kathy at I Am a Reader Not a Writer and Peep at Attack of the Book.

           Merry Christmas everyone!
          So I have a few questions for you. What better way to get books for the holidays than to win a gift card? And what better way to win a gift card than hop around on the Gift Card Giveaway Hop? :)
          So, as a Christmas present to all you wonderful followers I will be giving away a $10 Amazon Gift Card! To participate-

*Giveaway*

(US Only)

(Or if Amazon ships to your country)

To Enter:

-Follow on GFC

Extra:

-Tweet Giveaway and Leave Link (+1)

-Follow on twitter @booksnatch and leave username (+1)

   

           That's it! Just fill out the form, and have fun with the other giveaways!

This giveaway will close at 12:00 a.m. on Dec. 14. The winner will be contacted by email and will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen.

Author Interview: Kevin M. Turner

        A warm welcome to author Kevin M. Turner!
     Kevin Turner is the author of the recently released The Magi, the first book in a children's fantasy series.
        The Magi is Kevin's first Novel, but he has been writing since he could hold a pen. He is in the middle of the next installment of The Magi Series. Kevin is a middle school English teacher and a professor of philosophy and education. He currently lives in California with his wife and daughter and two dogs.
         See my review of The Magi here. Definitely worth reading. :)

-Tell us some of your favorite reads.
Children’s – Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, The Hobbit, The Outsiders, Hatchet, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
Others – L.A. Requiem, Angels and Demons, Chasing Darkness
-Inspirations for The Magi?
I teach middle school English. One of the most daunting tasks I have is trying to help a student find
a book in the school library that meets their particular interests and needs. After years of becoming
frustrated with many students not finding books they wanted to read, I decided to ask them point blank what their idea of a perfect story would be. I gave them a survey and had them fill out simple questions like what they liked to read and what made those stories enjoyable. Eventually, after going through survey after survey, some consistencies began to develop, and I took them to heart. I thought, “Maybe I could write this.”
   And that was the beginning inspiration of The Magi. The creation is mine, but I tried to meet the literary requests of my students at the time.
-Did you know you wanted to be an author when you were little?
No. When I was younger, I was sure I was going to be a doctor. Then I took a college biology course and my future in medicine quickly came to a halt. And the world is grateful.
-We're about to be catapulted into a rush from one holiday to the next. Which is your favorite?
Definitely Christmas! The world is transformed at Christmastime into a magical, feel-good place where
life is simple and spending time with loved ones is encouraged. It seems that there is a timelessness
about Christmas that doesn’t happen at any other time of the year.
-Does there happen to be a soundtrack to the book / Favorite music?
I have a very eclectic taste in music. I can enjoy classical music at one moment and enjoy heavy metal
the next. If my book had a soundtrack, however, I would want John Williams to write it.
-Do you need anything to write? (ex. chocolate, music, slippers) :)
Absolute quiet. I’m not one to do well with distractions. I also find it easier to write in gloomy   weather. That sometimes becomes difficult living in California. I may soon have to add tea to this list.     That or at least some hot beverage.
-How long do you write on any average day?
I’m afraid I don’t write every day. There are some days that I write for hours and then others that don’t write at all. Lots also depends on what’s happening at work. I don’t yet write for a living, so I                     have to really find time to stay on top of things.
-Give us the number one reason to read The Magi.
It’s fun. I wrote it with middle school kids’ interests in mind, wanting to give the kids who don’t like reading something entertaining to read.


Thanks for the interview!


Learn more about Kevin Turner and read an excerpt from The Magi online:
  Blog: www.kevinmturner.com
  Twitter: themagiseries
  Facebook: www.facebook.com/themagiseries
  Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/kevinmturner

   Thirteen-year-old Elijah Hawk has never heard of the Magi. He knows nothing about their three thousand-year-old secret. He has never been to Savenridge, the Magi city hidden deep inside the northern woods. Most of all, Elijah is unaware of the dangers hunting him. 

After one terrifying night, however, all of that changes! 

On a quest to solve the horrific murder of his parents, Elijah stumbles upon the land of the Magi. Learning their ancient 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, even though it means almost certain death. What's more terrifying is discovering that his journey to this new world may not have been an accident after all.

Saturday Snatch: Larklight by Phillip Reeve

        Larklight is the first book in a Steampunk / Sci-Fi trilogy that includes Starcross and Mothstorm, by Phillip Reeve, author of The Mortal Engines series, and illustrated by David Wyatt.

              Larklight is a classic English adventure story . . . that takes place in space! 'A rousing tale of dauntless pluck in the farthest reaches of space', this book is definitely a favorite on my shelf! Not to mention the fantastic illustrations. :)
              For a chapter offered on the Larklight website-
                          ~*Larklight Chapter 1*~
              And for the Amazon excerpt-
                          ~*Larklight Chapters 1-2*~
             So have fun with these, guys! And tell me what you think. :)

Giveaway: The Alloy of Law by Brandon Sanderson Audio Book

     A big thanks to the generous folks over at Macmillan Audio for supporting this giveaway!!
I really enjoyed The Alloy of Law by Brandon Sanderson, and I'm very pleased to be giving away an audio copy today.
Here's my review.

     So, who's excited?

*Giveaway*(US Only)
(Nov.23-Dec.1)

One audio copy of The Alloy of Law by Brandon Sanderson from Macmillan Audio

-You must be a follower of this blog to enter

For extra entries:

-Tweet about this giveaway with Macmillan Audio and leave link

-Visit Macmillan Audio and tell me the two books you're most thankful for this year that they have. Is that coherent? :)

The winner we be chosen at 12:00 a.m. on Dec 2, at which point they will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. 

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Book Review: The Alloy of Law by Brandon Sanderson

        The Alloy of Law takes place in the Mistborn world years after the end of the trilogy. And while it introduces a whole new cast of characters, Sanderson has made it known that this book isn't the start of the Modern Day Mistborn Trilogy he's promised, but rather a side novel, and could feasibly be read without knowledge of the Mistborn Trilogy.
Cover Blurb:
     Three hundred years after the events of the Mistborn trilogy, Scadrial is on the verge of modernity, with railroads to supplement the canals, electric lighting in the streets and the homes of the wealthy, and the first steel-framed skyscrapers racing for the clouds.
     Kelsier, Vin, Elend, Sazed, Spook, and the rest are now part of history—or religion. Yet even as science and technology are reaching new heights, the old magics of Allomancy and Feruchemy continue to play a role in this reborn world. Out in the frontier lands known as the Roughs, they are crucial tools for the brave men and women attempting to establish order and justice.
     One such is Waxillium Ladrian, a rare Twinborn who can Push on metals with his Allomancy and use Feruchemy to become lighter or heavier at will. After twenty years in the Roughs, Wax has been forced by family tragedy to return to the metropolis of Elendel. Now he must reluctantly put away his guns and assume the duties and dignity incumbent upon the head of a noble house. Or so he thinks, until he learns the hard way that the mansions and elegant tree-lined streets of the city can be even more dangerous than the dusty plains of the Roughs.

        Though not the epic fantasy we've seen from Sanderson before, this book didn't disappoint!

        I loved the snap and crack dialogue between Wax (main character) and Wayne (his sidekick), and even if at some points it was taken to cheesiness, it kept the conversation lively. Wayne was an extremely quirky character. I was in snickers a great deal when reading of him. Wax was the stereotypical Knight-in-Shining-Armor and his inner demons gave depth to his actions. On top of that, Marasi (who often played the Damsel-in-Distress) wasn't a complete airhead.

Characters: 4.5 Stars

        Guns and Fantasy don't usually mix, but in the case of this book they clicked perfectly! It was exhilarating to watch a battle scene unfold in which the protagonist is firing coins using Allomancy powers and dodging bullets as he flies across the room. There was Intrigue in high levels and a crime to be uncovered, giving this read a classic Mystery feel that I rather liked. Alas :), as is so characteristic of Sanderson, the plot was mostly tied up a few pages from the end, but then (in those 

last pages) he knocked me to the floor!  It will not be out for a long, long time, but I will be one of those crazy fanatics camped outside the bookstore for a week in an attempt to get the sequel.

Plot: 5 Stars    
        Brandon Sanderson has built an entire universe for his books, and it was amazing to see how the Alloy of Law fit perfectly into a niche he had created years ago. The development was entirely natural, and I was engrossed in how it related with the Mistborn Trilogy.
Style: 5 Stars

Rating: 4.8 Stars
Source: Amazon
Genre: Fantasy
YA/Adult Fiction

Subnote: See a recent Saturday Snatch for the link to an excerpt. :)

Book Review: The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner

The Thief is the Newbery Honor winning first book in a series with four out and a fifth planned.
Cover Blurb:

      The most powerful advisor to the King of Sounis is the magus. He's not a wizard, he's a scholar, an aging solider, not a thief. When he needs something stolen, he pulls a young thief from the King's prison to do the job for him.

      Gen is a thief and proud of it. When his bragging lands him behind bars he has one chance to win his freedom-- journey to a neighboring kingdom with the magus, find a legendary stone called Hamiathes's Gift and steal it.

The magus has plans for his King and his country. Gen has plans of his own.

              This book has definitely just hit my Top Ten Favorites, Ever! Completely MIND BLOWING! Yes, in CAPS.
              Many, many books have well-rounded characters, but there is usually just the tiniest detail that reminds you the characters are just words on a page. I did not get the smallest suggestion of that from this book. To be blunt, they acted like real people in every sense of dialogue and action. Gen, the main character, had so many layers, discovering them kept me excited and on my toes. And the supporting characters were each unique and and had important roles to play.
Characters: 5 Stars
               From the start of the book, the plot was engaging, and the interest was non-stop. Every scene furthered the story instead of filling paper. But the ending, oh the ending! The ending grabbed me by the collar, tied me in a knot, punched me to the floor, then whipped that floor right out from under me. I totally did NOT see that coming! I immediately re-read the book to see if things added up. Turner is a master of foreshadowing. :)
Plot: 5 Stars (a big 5 Stars)
                Megan Turner was able to unfold an entire world and its characters without any of the dreaded info dumping. Everything flowed naturally as if I were there, watching it for myself. And though I could sense a definite style, it didn't interfere with the plot and character developments.
Style: 5 Stars

Rating: 5 Stars
Source: Library
Genre: Fantasy/Adventurish?
YA Fiction

Author Site:
Megan Whalen Turner

Subnote: See last week's Saturday Snatch for an excerpt. :)

Saturday Snatch: The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner

        The Thief is a Newbery Honor book by award winning author Megan Whalen Turner and the first in a series with four books out and a fifth planned.  

            I'm actually reading this book to review right now, and I'm loving it so much I wanted to share it with all of you, my wonderful blog readers!
           First four chapters-
~*The Thief*~
 Tell me what you think! :)

Top Ten Tuesday: Books That Have Been On My Shelf the Longest But That I've Never Read

     Top Ten Tuesday is a fabulous weekly meme hosted by Broke and Bookish! Every week they post a new topic of Top Tens to answer, and anyone can join.
           This week's  Top Ten is Books That Have Been On My Shelf the Longest But That I've Never Read, and Holy Cow! There are way more than ten of these on my shelf! I must admit that I am a person very strongly drawn by a beautiful cover. After all, who isn't? So many of the books I haven't read are very blandly covered, or they were a library discard and so the cover is no longer legible. Hmm . . . Which ones are my Top Ten?

Top Ten is Books That Have Been On My Shelf the Longest But That I've Never Read

1. The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde (play)

           I loved the movie for this one! I'm not sure how true to the book it was, but it was fabulous!

2.Les Miserables by Victor Hugo

           I'm sure I'll read it eventually.

3. The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

           This one sounds so interesting! But, yet again, I never had time.

4. Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

           I really enjoyed the beginning of this book. Umm ...

5. Hard Times by Charles Dickens

           I've had good recommendations for this one. Someday I'll follow through.

6. Emma by Jane Austen

           It been on my TBR list. I keep bumping it down.

7. War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy

           I tried reading this one. But it was years ago, and, well, I got bored.

8. The Calender Papers by Cynthia Voigt

           It's a Newberry Honor book, and I know they have wide range, but one day I'll get to it. :)

9. The Three Musketeers by Alexadre Dumas

           I started this one too. But life got busy and I sort of forgot about it.

10. Old Yeller by Fred Gipson

          I think I'm cheating a teeny bit on this one. I have distant memories of a read-aloud long, long ago, and I'm almost sure I know the plot. That counts, right?

Okay! That about sums it up. Any recommendations as to which to read first?

Book Review: Goliath by Scott Westerfeld

           Goliath is the third and final book in the steampunk series that started with Leviathan and continued with Behemoth.
Cover Blurb:
      Alek and Deryn are on the last leg of their round-the-world quest to end World War I, reclaim    Alek’s throne as prince of Austria, and finally fall in love. The first two objectives are complicated by the fact that their ship, the Leviathan, continues to detour farther away from the heart of the war (and crown). And the love thing would be a lot easier if Alek knew Deryn was a girl. (She has to pose as a boy in order to serve in the British Air Service.) And if they weren’t technically enemies.

      The tension thickens as the Leviathan steams toward New York City with a homicidal lunatic on board: secrets suddenly unravel, characters reappear, and nothing is at it seems in this thunderous conclusion to Scott Westerfeld’s brilliant trilogy.

                 For being fifty-second on hold for this book at the library, the time sure went fast! I'm half convinced that everyone ahead of me gave up and bought the book. However, I persevered, and now I finally have it. :)
    The characters in this book kept true to how they were portrayed in both the first and second books of  trilogy. I could clearly see how Alek had developed in confidence while still clinging to the earnestness that made him so likable, while Deryn remained the cocky one of the pair and overcame every conflict courageously  Borvil, the perspicacious Loris-probably my favorite character- grew more perspicacious and quirky every day! I did feel that some of the minor characters were rather repetitive. But, overall, they blended fairly well.
Characters: 4.7 Stars
     In most series, the last book may be too late to bring in an almost completely new character and story line, but Goliath pulled it off with style. Fitting in with the theme of Leviathan and Behemoth, there was a new exciting goal to accomplish. And, spoilers withheld, I can say that a big secret is revealed to most of the characters, adding several wild ups and downs. I had some issue with the ending, as it felt that the plot line lost sight of the big goal and settled for something less the the story was capable of. But it did leave them in a good place and tied up most of the loose ends.
Characters: 4.3 Stars
      Scott Westerfeld has an enchanting style that brings his worlds to reality. I loved the phrases, such as "barking spiders" that made his characters so endearing. His alternate history was very authentic, and the steampunk spin on World War I created a setting that had me hooked!
Style: 5 Stars

Rating: 4.7
Source: Library
Genre: Steampunkish?
YA Fiction

Subnote:  Goliath is scattered with beautiful, detailed illustrations done by Keith Thompson!
Sub-subnote: See my review of Leviathan  here. :)