Illinois Author Events: RT Convention and Brandon Mull Author Talk

Hi all! Just a heads up that any readers in the Chicagoland area (Rosemont) who are under 20 will want to check out the RT Booklovers Convention website.  They have a special 'teen' day where, for $25.00, you can have access to over 50 YA authors, including Stacey Kade, Stephanie Perkins, and Ann Aguirre.  Teen Day is April 14th, 2012.

I can't go, because I'm 8 years over the age limit.  I age like a vampire, so I could probably sneak in and fake 20, but it falls on a bad weekend, anyway.  You lucky 20 and unders can attend without worrying about the age police hunting you down and taking back your swag!  The price is fantastic for what you get in the ticket package.  This event seems like a great thing to do with your Saturday!

Also, any fans of 'Fablehaven' in the house?  Brandon Mull is vising Skokie Public Library March 27, 2012.  Registration is required.  Call 847-324-3149 for more information on signing up for this author talk.  I've gone to a ton of author talks at SPL and they've all been awesome.  This is something you'll want to check out if you have read any of Brandon Mull's books!   

Review: Spell Bound by Rachel Hawkins

Title: Spell Bound
Author:: Rachel Hawkins
Genre: YA, Supernatural, Romance, Action, Adventure, 3rd in series
Star Rating: 5/5 stars

Taken from Goodreads, "Just as Sophie Mercer has come to accept her extraordinary magical powers as a demon, the Prodigium Council strips them away. Now Sophie is defenseless, alone, and at the mercy of her sworn enemies—the Brannicks, a family of warrior women who hunt down the Prodigium. Or at least that’s what Sophie thinks, until she makes a surprising discovery. The Brannicks know an epic war is coming, and they believe Sophie is the only one powerful enough to stop the world from ending. But without her magic, Sophie isn’t as confident. Sophie’s bound for one hell of a ride—can she get her powers back before it’s too late?"

'Spell Bound', the third and final book (?*) in the fantastic Hex Hall series, can best be described as a whirlwind.  After the crazy cliffhanger found in 'Demon Glass', should I have expected any less?  As expected, Rachel Hawkins has treated us yet again to another funny, engaging, entertaining romp into Sophie's crazy world.

While it isn't without flaws, I had a great time reading 'Spell Bound' and that to me is one of the most important things that can be said about reading.  Without going into plot details (b/c who am I to spoil it for you!), I can say that you won't be disappointed in terms of entertainment value!

I'm giving this book five stars, but want to point out one thing that 'felt funny' about 'Spell Bound'.  The main issue I had was that this story, 'Spell Bound',  felt more like the third book in a four book series instead of the last novel in a trilogy.  There was a big set up (ie: the last few pages of 'Demon Glass') to what should be a big bang conclusion.  When we finally get to that conclusion, however, it doesn't seem as climatic as it should.  Loose ends are tied up, but not in the big bang sort of way I expected based off the other two books in the series.

The plotting issue nonewithstanding, I enjoyed this book immensely.  I can definitely say that Sophie's story is one that will stick with me and will be a 'go to' series for those looking for good YA reads!  'Spell Bound' gets 5 out of 5 stars.

(On a sidenote, I must petition Rachel Hawkins to continue on with this world she's created.  I'd love more books in this series, even if they don't involve Sophie and her gang!)

*I don't ever really recall this series being toted as a 'trilogy', so I'm not sure if this is the end all/be all of the Hex Hall series.  I know the author mentioned something about 'ending Sophie's story', but there are still so many stories to tell!  For that reason, I have inserted the ?'s, because it just doesn't feel like the end just yet!

What are your thoughts on 'Spell Bound'?  Share them in the comments!  (Spoilers ARE allowed in the comments, so newbies, you have been warned!)

The Host: Movie News- Extra Photo

One of my top ten favorite reads is 'The Host' by Stephenie Meyer.  The movie started production earlier this month.  While news is slow coming and pictures even slower, a local extra's snapshot recently hit the web.  It shows five girls in 50's style fashions.  It seems this adds fuel to the rumors that the host society has a 'retro' feel to it.

While I never pictured the world in 'The Host' to be at all inspired by the 50's, I can see why the filmmakers decided to go that route.  If you think about it, the hosts values are similar to the idea of the 1950's.  People were taught to be pleasant, amiable, rule abiding, perfect.  A lot like how the hosts.  On a side note, I've always been a fan of 50's fashions, so if this movie brings them back, that would be awesome.

More information on this film can be found at 'The Host Movie News'.

Update/Follow Friday/TGIF

Hello all!  Just a quick update.  Check the main page of the blog for a review of the final book in the 'Vampirates' series and to see the cover of the August 2012 release, 'City of Swords'.

For those that keep track of my Goodreads, you'll notice a lot of older titles being placed on there.  That's because I'm making it a point to go through my book shelves and re-read some favorites of  yesteryear.   

Have a good week!

The Question of the Week: Activity!!! Take a picture or describe where you love to read the most…


Answer: As far as my favorite place to read, the honor would go to the Amish made wooden rocking chair in our living room. It has the perfect amount of cushion and it rocks (both figuratively and literally).

It's similar to this one below, but ours has different cushions. and a slightly different back and base.  On a day off of work, especially a rainy day, I could sit on that chair and read all day long.

The Question of the Week is:  Required Reading: Which book from your school days do you remember reading & enjoying? Is there a book published now that you'd like to see in today's curriculum for kids?

Answer: The only books I enjoyed reading for class were 'Oedipus the King' and 'Faust'. Uplifting, no. Entertaining, yes.  There are a ton of 'modern day' classics that could be introduced into schools.  

Personally, I believe that schools should allow for more 'free choice' reading, especially in high school. High School is when most kids stop reading for fun and if teachers had more 'free choice' reading projects, maybe less would give up on reading during their teen years.

Till next time, friends!

'City of Swords' Has a Cover!

Finally, a cover and release date for 'City of Swords', the sixth book in Mary Hoffmans' Stravaganza series.  The last book in the series hit store shelves back in 2010, so you can imagine why I'm so excited about this!

According to Goodreads, "Desperately unhappy, Laura has resorted to secretly self-harming. But Laura is a Stravagante, somebody who can travel in time and space. When she finds her talisman, a small silver dagger, she stravagates with it to sixteenth-century Fortezza, a town similar to Lucca in Italy, where she meets her Stravagante, who is a swordsmith. But Laura also meets the charming and attractive Ludo, and falls for him. Their love for each other is tested when Ludo lays claim to the crown of Fortezza, and Laura finds herself fighting on the side of the Stravaganti opposing him."


'City of Swords' has a release date of August 21, 2012.  (And I, for one, can't wait!!!!)

Review: Immortal War by Justin Somper

Title: Immortal War
Author: Justin Somper
Genre: Juvi, YA, sixth in series, action, adventure, romance, supernatural
Star Rating:  5/5 stars

Taken from Goodreads, "A bloody war is raging across the oceans, with the Pirate Federation and the Nocturnals allied against the renegade Vampirates led by Sidorio and a heavily pregnant Lady Lola. Meanwhile, Connor and Grace Tempest each have their own important roles to play- He as a pirate warrior at the heart of the battle, she as a powerful healer working with the war-wounded. As the twins face their greatest challenges yet, old allies and former foes return for the ultimate battle..."

I started this book with trepidation.  I loved the first five books in the 'Vampirates' series and knew full well that this was the last full length adventure I'd get to spend with Grace, Connor, Lorcan, and the rest of the Pirate and Vampirate crew.  Now that I've finished it, it is with a touch of sadness and a whole lotta love that I write this review.  I'm going to keep it short and sweet because I don't want to go into heavy spoiler territory by accident!  (It's just *that* good of a series!)

Justin Somper has crafted an epic finale to the series that started very simply with a book about two fouteen year old twins who were forced down two completely different paths.  'Immortal War' has everything-- action, romance, humor, and very readable battle scenes.  That last one is a huge thing for me-- I usually don't read books with heavy action scenes and if they're in a novel I'm reading, I usually just skim the passages.  I didn't do that with 'Immortal War'.  Better still, with so much happening to so many characters at one time, I still found it easy to understand what was going on where and to whom.

The big finale seemed a fitting send off to the characters I've grown to love.  Most loose ends are tied up.  Some are surprisingly left open making me wonder if we'll be seeing a few more novellas or even a companion series.  (Please, Mr. Somper!!!)  There are a ton of secondary characters who still have stories to tell and I, for one, would love to hear them (*cough*cowboy*cough*).

If you haven't read the 'Vampirates' series, go to your local library and tell the librarian you want to read 'Demons of the Ocean'.  You won't regret it.  And to those who have read the series and are putting this read off till 'next time', make 'next time' today.

I'm very happy I decided to follow Grace and Connor on their journey.  I have to laugh at myself-- I was hesitant to start this series back in the day.  'Vampire pirates? What are these authors going to think up next?', I said to myself.  But the beautiful cover and intriguing concept eventually won me over and the hardcovers now sit proudly on my bookshelf, ready for when I want to dive back into the lives of the Tempest twins.

'Immortal War' gets 5 stars and is available online and in stores.

Vampirates Play?!

I just finished reading 'Immortal War', the sixth and final installment of the Vampirates series by Justin Somper. While searching the authors website, I stumbled upon this little nugget of information.  It's old news, but I felt I should share it with you anyways!



It seems like a stage adaptation of 'Demons of the Ocean' has been touring theaters in the UK since October!  From the trailer, it looks like lots of fun.  This is the kind of theater I'd do if I were an actor.  My hope is that this one day gets to the States-- I'd love to see it! My other hope?  That this makes its way into the land of musical theater.  The story and characters in this series totally lend themselves to the musical format-- and I would pay good money to hear Lorcan sing!

What books do you think should be adapted for the stage?  Share your thoughts!

My Billy Shelf

I re-organized my bookshelf today and thought I'd share it with you!

It was a huge mess earlier today, piles of books left and right, spined and lying cover down. Essentially, the definition of messy bookshelf. 

But, look at it now!!!

 
It's sooo much better than it was before.  There's still two rows on a few shelves, but at least I can see more of the book titles.  Click the image to head over to Flickr and see a few notes I added on what you are seeing!