Awards!

Wow! This week I have been awarded twice!

Thanks so much to Steph for giving me the "Lets Be Friends" Award! Thanks!

And, thanks a lot Robin for giving me the "One Lovely Blog Award" Thanks so much!

Ok, so for the Friends Award, here are the rules: Give this award to 8 people who you aim to be friends with. A very honorable award!
My 8 people:
1. The Book Muncher
2. The Story Siren
3. Lauren
4. Book Girl Reviews
5. Michelle-thebookjunkie
6. ReviewerX
7. The Page Flipper
8. Book Fanatic

As for the One Lovely Blog Award: Pass this award on to 15 other newly discovered bloggers! Ok, so since I haven't discovered that many, I will only do a few that I came across:

1. SilviapisYAbooks
2. Wondrous Reads
3. Book Fanatic
4. Alea

I hope everyone enjoys these awards!

--Enter My Contest!

Contest!

It's time for a contest! Not just a contest. A SPRING-FLING contest!!!

So, in the celebration of spring and Steve O'Brien's book, Elijah's Coin, I will be giving away 2 donated copies of Steve's book, Elijah's Coin!

Just leave your name, email address and/or blog link in a comment to this post!

1 entry: You must leave your name, email, and/or blog link in a comment to this post.

2 entries: Leave your info provided above to this post, and put this contest onto your sidebar with the link. Email or comment telling me you have done so.

3 entries: Blog about this post. Provide the link, the prize, and the ending date. Email me once you have done so, or comment to this post once you have done so.

4 entries: Follow me if you already arent!

FOLLOWERS WILL GET AN EXTRA ENTRY ONCE THEY COMMENT WITH THEIR INFORMATION!

Email: reviewabook123@yahoo.com

Ending Date: May 12th.

DID I FORGET TO MENTION THAT THESE 2 BOOKS ARE SIGNED??? PLUS, EACH BOOK COMES WITH 2 ETCHED COINS!!!!!

Buggy Crenshaw and The Deadwood Principle: Revolution!

TITLE: Buggy Crenshaw and The Deadwood Principle: Revolution!

AUTHOR: R.M Wilburn

OVERALL RATING: 4/5.0

Once again, as another adventure ends, yet another is to begin.

Buggy Crenshaw was meant to save the world. After-all, that is what her parents have been saying all along. Her mother, a refuser, and her father, a disastrous bungler, have kept the secret from Buggy and Frank for so long, it now comes out in the open.

Buggy is magic herself. But what powers is she capable of forming?

She soon, will find out.

Ever since she was captured by the sticklers, locked in the cage surrounded by them with her 2 friends, Veronica and Sid, she begins to talk to her brother Frank through her mind. The door that keeps the invaders out will have to be shut, because if they find out the secrets they share, all will be lost.

Buggy knows that the Witch Gladys Watchfly was innocent, that she never killed the Deadwood brother, but it seems she was the murder to the rest of the townspeople. Somehow though, she wants this to be a secret.

Once Buggy learns why the Sticklers have trapped them, she is shocked. The Trinity? What is the Trinity? They go along with this, so the three kids trick the sticklers into letting them go. After fleeing, Buggy comes across a mysterious person who just so happened to cross paths with Buggy and her friends. Was it destiny? Did Buggy's mom want this to happen? The person is known as Skinny Strongheart, leader of the Haflings. What are Haflings? They are people that were once regular citizens, but somehow fused with their talismans due to 2 evil doctors. From ducks, to dogs and so on, the kids look strange. But there is a story behind everything. What is theirs? How are the 2 evil doctors tied in with Sid?

Buggy begins to trust Stongheart, though he is a bit mysterious. After learning that the Sticklers are teaming up with the odd wolves against the greater good, the team must act fast. Before it's too late. The wolves are lead by their leader, Grayham. But in order to defeat the oncoming army, they must fix the Old Guard, and turn them back into forest trolls. How does Buggy undo what she did in the past?

Just as Buggy thought her dad stopped causing trouble for the already confused and terrified townspeople, his actions are just beginning. He just so happens to hold the mighty Golden Sword, the worst thing for a bungler to have.

But why are the townspeople building boats and floating away on the sea created by Syd?

The main problem though is finding the Urns for the spirit of the Rebel phoenix before the harvest moon is to set.

As the three kids take off, they have lots of time on their hands. Who is controlling it? Will they be able to find all 3 urns, and summon Tara Foxpride for her wise words? And, what secrets are about to be revealed that will shock you? Turn the page, and find out.

Knowing too much can be as dangerous as knowing to little.

MY THOUGHTS:

Wow. R.M Wilburn has done it again. Only better. I loved the adventure and secrets that was shared in this story.

It was a fresh and exciting read, especially if you read the last 2 books. Though, I read the 2nd one a few months ago, and couldn't remember some of the characters and sayings that appeared in the last 2 books, R.M Wilburn did an excellent job in bringing them back, without saying flat out what their roles were in the other books. She blended that in extremely well.

Another thing I enjoyed was the fact that the ending left you hanging. I loved the characters attitude also. I know this may sound a bit odd, but I loved how they showed true emotion to everything that happened. In other books I read, the characters that were supposed to save the world, or something risky, would just say "I can do it! I am powerful aren't I?!" But Buggy wouldn't be that way. She would have the attitude of "Ok, lets re-think our plan, and hope it works" kind of way. I don't know if that makes sense, so you will have to read this book yourself if you want to find out what I mean.

But...There was some disappointments as well. I think there were too many characters written about, and some only showed up but once or twice through-out all 393 pages. The book was, in a way, too busy. I think if it was tuned down just a bit, it would of been a tad better. I loved the secrets though. They were shocking and made me wonder how the author created such an excellent creation!

A fanatic, adventurous read I recommend to anyone.

Path Of A Hero: Rewrite

OK, so I decided to make a rewrite for the review for the book Path Of A Hero. Here it is, in full detail!

TITLE: Path Of A Hero

AUTHOR: E.S Brenwalt

OVERALL RATING: 3/5.0

After an unexpected attack on the country Trino, Cyan, who is in the midst of becoming a true Samurai, he must become one fast. Why? Because Fenx, the second commander of all the orcs, dragons, and all the other ugly creatures fighting for the evil side are overcoming all of the good forces.

But there is something far more growing. Something no one else could cure, other than Cyan. His void. The void that has built up ever since the dreadful day his caring parents were killed by Fenx himself. So, now that he is living at the School of Magic, he must train, to start his path towards manhood. Months pass, battles rage on, and Fenx and the mighty Abyss are still successful.

Until Cyan decides to go to battle. Cyan must face the dark creature himself. As the personal battle between Fenx and Cyan rages on, cyan becomes weak. But one specific magical creature decides to stand up to save Cyan from death. Magus, the talking rat will soon befriend the uprising warrior, Cyan, though become quite a nuisance as well.

After learning that the Abyss has stretched across other lands, become once again, more powerful, Cyan knows it will take a greater power than himself and Magus to defeat the expanding enemy. Perhaps, a sword. But not just a sword. A magical one. Masamune. After learning of its powers, abilities, and current keeper, Cyan must battle to succeed this swords strengths. The evil keeper of it. Sa'Phi'Ro.

Will he overcome the holder so he can clain vengeance against the abyss, and Fenx? Most of all, will his void grow too far for him to stop it, turning him into his very own enemies and the killer of his parents?

MY THOUGHTS:

While reading this book, I came across somethings that bothered me. Some things were good as well also. The things that bothered me would be the repetitive plot. I guess there wasn't any new, fresh action. Though the characters were far different than what I have ever read, sometimes they would seem, in a way, boring, or annoying. Cyan was fine, it was interesting hearing his thoughts and ideas, but Magus, the magic rat, seemed either too happy or too sarcastic. Though, I know he tried to brighten up the times that were rough, he seemed almost as if he was from a different time era.

I did like the idea of the story though. It was exciting, and unique. The imagination part of it was fantastic, and so was the writing style. There was quite a bit of action, orc killing, and war, and that didn't really appeal to me as much, though it was necessary for this kind of story. Overall, if you are looking for something different, or adventurous to read, then this would be a recommendation.

If you are interested in the book, or learning more about the author, click here to visit E.S Brenwalt's website!

Mysterious Monday #2

This Monday's book is called Blue Moon.
Release Date: July 7, 2009

What do you think it's about?

It looks kinda like a book revolving around witch-craft maybe? Or like a secret society that is into magic? Sounds and looks kinda strange...

In My Mailbox

This segment was started by The Story Siren!



The Borrowed-
None

The Recieved-
None

The Bought-
The Forest of Hands And Teeth
The City Of Bones

I feel really guitly buying these two books because I took the money out of my "laptop" fund. So far I have close to $550 saved, and I am going to buy my laptop near the end of the year, so I think if I save and spend wisely then I will be ok.
I cant wait to get started on these two books once I get done with my review books!!!!

Zombie Chicken Apocalypse Award!

Thanks so much Taschima, for giving me this awesome (and somewhat humurous) award!

Anyways, here's the 5 other bloggers I will be passing this award out to!

Kelsey
Laina
The Book Muncher
Lexi
Ashley

Waiting On Wednesday!

Here is my post for Waiting On Wednesday!

Title: Radiant Darkness
Author: Emily Whitman
Release Month/Day: April 28, 2009

Summary: "He smiles. "Hello."
It's a deep voice. I can feel it reverberate in my chest and echo all the way down to my toes.
I know I should leave, but I don't want to. I want to keep my senses like this forever. I'm all eye, all ear, all skin.
Persephone lives in the most gorgeous place in the world. But her mother's a goddess, as overprotective as she is powerful. Paradise has become a trap. Just when Persephone feels there's no chance of escaping the life that's been planned for her, a mysterious stranger arrives. A stranger who promises something more—something dangerous and exciting—something that spurs Persephone to make a daring choice. A choice that could destroy all she's come to love, even the earth itself.
In a land where a singing river can make you forget your very name, Persephone is forced to discover who—and what—she really is."

Summary from Amazon!

I think this sounds like a very intriguing book. It sounds like an adventure, and the cover is really mysterious as well! What do you think? Have you heard of this book?



And...I came across another book, I just couldnt pass up, so here it is!

Title: Once Dead, Twice Shy
Author: Kim Harrison
Release date: May 26, 2009



Summary: "Madison is dead. After she fled her prom with a mysterious guy and ended up in a crashed car—only to survive and then be struck down by this guy’s magical sword—she has existed in a curious state of purgatory. She still walks around, interacts with others, eats, and sleeps, only now she does so in the company of Barnabas, a light reaper—a kind of angel who fights off dark reapers trying to harvest the souls of people about to make fate-altering decisions. There are also timekeepers, dark wings, guardian angels, seraphs, and magical amulets. If you’re already clutching your head in despair, you won’t be alone: the architecture of Harrison’s world is confusing even after several explanations. However, for ardent fans of the good-looking undead, this has plenty of verve, an enjoyable role reversal (Madison is constantly rescuing the good-guy hunk), and is quite fun when the supernatural characters are placed within a regular high-school milieu. Like it or not, a sequel is rising from the underworld as we speak"

Summary from Amazon!

So? Thoughts???

Also Known As Harper

TITLE: Also Known As Harper

AUTHOR: Ann Haywood Leal

OVERALL RATING: 3.5/5

Everything has gone down hill, not only for Harper, but for her mother, and little brother Hemingway, ever since her daddy has up and left them. Just as her daddy's cure for sadness was drinking, poetry and writing is Harper's cure. After all, her name comes from her mothers favorite writer.

But when Harper's mom can't gather enough money to pay the rent and other bills, they are moved out in a flash. Mostly because Winnie Rae Early's mom decided to throw everything out onto their bare lawn, leaving it sit out for hours.

After coming to the nearest and cheapest hotel (only because Winnie's relative cleans it daily and cuts down the price for them) trying to get everything together. Harper knew her mother would never write like she used to, her brother would never stop waiting for their long lost father to come back and rescue them from debt, and she would miss the poetry contest for sure if her mother would still need to her watch Hemingway while she was job hunting.

But could an elderly women, a brother and sister, and a death change this crucial cycle?

MY THOUGHTS:

After reading several summary's on this promising book, I found it not to be as good as I thought. I guess what I mean to say is, there wasn't much action occurring as I would've liked. Though, it was a deep book that made me realize not to be as judgemental on people that are different. This is a brilliant awakening to those who have judged, or have been judged. . Feeling bad for the main family, I knew they could overcome everything that happened to be in their way, because they had love, and care guiding them through the tough times. When I was reading this, it gave me a sense of Hershey Herself because the main characters Hershey and Harper were facing the same issues, and struggles.

Even though there wasn't as much action as I would of liked, it was also sort of bland. I guess there could be more detail within the pages to give it a more friendly feeling, or interested type feeling.

Overall, it was a quick and mostly enjoyable read that I would recommend.

Mysterious Monday

Ok, I really want to start an event that deals with books (obviously) and came up with Mysterious Monday.

What's it about, you ask? Well...It's where you get as many books as you want and put a post up with the pictures. Since they arent out yet, there will be no description, and the visitors that come to your blog have to guess what they are about!

And since the title to this post is named Mysterious Monday, this will happen every monday.

If you decide to do this post at your blog, let me know! I'd really like it if you would include my link though. Here it is!

TITLE: Devoured

AUTHOR: Amanda Marrone

What do you think this is about?!

Author In The SpotLight ~April Edition~

Author: Steve O'Brien
Author Of: Elijah's Coin

Please give a warm welcome to this month's Author In The Spotlight guest star! Steve O'Brien!I recently reviewed his book, Elijah's Coin, which I loved! If you are interested in learning more about the book, click here for my review, or click here for Amazon's Summary. Anyways, here is the amazing interview! Hope you enjoy it!

Q: Is there a certain character that inspired you to write about in your book Elijah's Coin?
A: The two main characters, Tom and Elijah were the inspiration. A young man about to embark on a destructive course and an unlikely mentor with a mysterious past. Dr. Olin Summerlin was a fun character to develop as well, but the main two characters were what drove the book.

Q: How did you come up with all of the rules that Elijah taught Tom to live successfully?
A: With two children at home I became interested in personalities that they admired. Unfortunately, the personalities tended to be celebrities with questionable techniques for becoming famous. I started thinking about success and was disappointed that success for young people was tied to achieving fame through different forms of self promotion—some of it involving dangerous activities. In the book I laid out some rules that I believe are the true road to success. Not success seen through modern culture, but success in living a purposeful life. Giving to Get is the key to success. The rules set out by Elijah are design to help focus on Giving to Get and being true to values that make for a better society. The rules are things I’ve personally witnessed and ways to model oneself for a productive life.

Q: If you weren't an author today, what would you most likely be doing?
A: I am a full time attorney, so writing is not my main occupation. If I weren’t writing, I would probably use that time in some form of teaching or mentoring. The book is a means to distribute the principles I’d like to convey to students or mentees.

Q: Have you ever met anyone as inspiring as Elijah King in your life?
A: Elijah King is a combination of several people I have met in my life. Many times we learn valuable lessons from people we barely know—or from people who don’t even realize they are teaching us a life lesson. I wanted to capture that thought through a character and it became Elijah King. All the characters tend to be combinations of people I have met, which make them a composite of many people. I have told several friends that they should look for themselves throughout the book. The feedback I have gotten from that thought has been astounding.

Q: Would you ever want to continue Elijah's and Tom's story in another book? Or would you rather keep it a mystery to the readers?
A: I haven’t planned out a sequel, but have been asked repeatedly. With Tom moving to Washington at the end of the book, there may be a story to be continued. Also Elijah King and his coins is a concept that could launch several stories. I’d better get to work on that.

Q: How did the story plot of Elijah's Coin come to you, and when?
A: Tragically, I spoke to a friend who was an alum of Virginia Tech in the days following the school shooting. He was devastated by the news and the visuals of what happened. He could barely speak about it. That conversation made me think about how young people get off the track--and why? I wanted to write a story that showed how, through human contact and a few guidelines, a person can get back on the right path. I had the idea for a mysterious mentor and learned about the story about the prophet Elijah and his coins from Jewish teachings. The idea was to bring the story forward to modern times, but also give Tom examples of success in doing so. The first part of the book is learning the lessons—being a mentee. The second part of the book is about taking those lessons, living your life through the lessons, and becoming a mentor to others—all done in a fictional setting. The book is didactic, but I wanted to frame it in a fast paced story. The lessons could have been written as a non-fiction, self help guide, but I wanted it to be a story that could engage the reader first, and then hopefully teach a valuable lesson or two.

Q: Is this your first book ever written?
A: This is the first book I have published. I have a few other nearly completed manuscripts. I have written for many years, but mostly for my own pleasure. I decided to start with Elijah’s Coin. Who knows where it will go from here.

Q: How do you relate to Tom?
A: I wanted Tom to be a model for a life turn around. He suffers a terrible tragedy and begins shutting down. I wanted to show how a person could re-energize their life and get back on a path to success. Not only to get his life back on track, but to become someone who could help others. It doesn’t happen through introspection, it happens through interaction. Mentors largely teach people how not to repeat their own mistakes. To take that life learning as a step up the ladder, then model appropriate behavior and give back. My wife and I founded The Elijah King Charitable Foundation and portion of the proceeds from each book go to programs to help disadvantaged youth. The book is about giving to get. Those who buy the book are doing that automatically. Then, of course, I hope they pay it forward with the coins and the message.