Normally my mythical go to creatures are not mermaids because I felt there wasn’t much story there. However after reading Of Triton by Anna Banks I was pleasantly surprised that I liked the story. Books about mermaids aside from the [...]
The Waters and the wild is a small story 113 pages in full it reminded me of another book I read some time ago. The Replacement it had the same feel, that slow underlining morbid vibe. Changelings are somber beings [...]
The plot is familiar you may have seen this before but writer Hirsch still manages to create a rich detailed world beyond the rift. Colloquim, our world is plausible with all the technological advances in a hundred years who knows where [...]
Disclaimer: I always try to be honest and impartial in my reviews my goal is not to tear down a writers work but to offer my most humble constructive opinions. Be it negative or positive it’s meant to be taken as [...]
Disclaimer: I always try to be honest and impartial in my reviews my goal is not to tear down a writers work but to offer my most humble constructive opinions. Be it negative or positive it’s meant to be taken [...]
This week’s Question:
A: I love puzzles and figuring things out summers always remind me of Agatha Christie mysteries and Sherlock Holmes. but mostly Agatha Christie.
Defying the Odds starts out slow and sweet two strangers meet and a connection is felt. Leaving Clay smitten and Melody intrigued but not for the same reasons at first she’s drawn to him because his gruff exterior reminds her of her father, but it becomes more. I like the progression of their romance tentative at first then it seemed to move to fast. Still it rang true if you have ever been in love you will recognize this dance touch and go especially if you have been hurt. But when its meant to be it awesome and Melody and Clay were meant to be.
The characters are believable and each have their own distinct aura. Shaped by backstories of pain and lost. Of course romances are filed with beautiful people but their hard lives tempered that beauty. I liked Clay the most this big mean looking guy that was so gentle (reminded me of my hubby). Melody was second I give writer Moon props for making her so strong to fight for her right to be happy. So many times in stories of abuse the wife goes back sometimes until the husband kills her. I liked that even though she was scared, tired and overwhelmed she didn’t give up on that right. The Connor twins were funny, and the pillars that Clay rested on for support. I loved their family dynamic dysfunctional but close.
Overall I really enjoyed the story, the characters were solid, the plot was simple and enjoyable but my only bone of contention is the ex-husband Justin. Through out the story we are given a picture of Justin and what he did and was capable of. Still his appearance at the end seemed like an after thought, it bristled me. Not enough to ruin the story but enough to loose a star. I would recommend Defying the Odds to steamy romance lovers (you know who your are), those who read erotica, and if you want to add a steamy read to your bedtime reads.
Publisher’s Note: This book contains explicit sexual situations, graphic language, and material that some readers may find objectionable: violence. So NO KIDDIES (12-18) Adults only room here sorry.
Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine featuring titles we are eagerly anticipating but haven’t arrived at your local book store shelves.
Title: The Oath Breakers Shadow by Amy McCulloch
Series: The Knot Sequence (#1)
Publish date: June 16,2013
Publisher: Random House Children’s
Genre: Fantasy
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 416
Fifteen-year-old Raim lives in a world where you tie a knot for every promise that you make. Break that promise and you are scarred for life, and cast out into the desert.
Raim has worn a simple knot around his wrist for as long as he can remember. No one knows where it came from, and which promise of his it symbolises, but he barely thinks about it at all—not since becoming the most promising young fighter ever to train for the elite Yun guard. But on the most important day of his life, when he binds his life to his best friend (and future king) Khareh, the string bursts into flames and sears a dark mark into his skin. Scarred now as an oath-breaker, Raim has two options: run, or be killed. A gripping YA action-adventure fantasy, the first part of a planned duology.
Reason: Interesting premise haven’t heard of this one before. Look forward to reading it.
SUSAN C. FINELLI
FADING SHADOWS
INTERVIEW
Q: Let’s start with the basics. Who are you?
I was born and raised in New York and currently live in “The Big Apple” with my husband and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Riley Rian. I am an Executive Producer at Manhattan Neighborhood Network Public Access Television. I also host the talk show “Behind the Shadows” a program where my guests and I explore what goes on “Behind the Shadows” of what meets the eye.
Q: Tell us (briefly) about you…
Before I gave in to my passion for writing, I was executive in corporate America for many years. Always yearning to write, I have numerous published articles in The New York and National Law Journals on financial and law firm management.
Q: Tell us in a few words about what you’ve written…
In addition to writing “Fading Shadows” my first published novel was “Behind the Shadows” I also write short stories and poetry. When I was very young I tried to write a novel, which I abandoned. After many years of it collecting dust on the top shelf of my closet, I took it down and read it, realized how dreadful it was, and had a shredding ceremony.
Q: What are you’re working on right now?
I am currently working on my third novel, yet to be titled.
Q: What are your earliest book-related memories?
My earliest book related memories are those in the first grade, sitting in circles on tiny chairs, learning how to read and listening to my teacher reading to us, wishing that I could one day go to the faraway places that we read about. I often see myself sitting in that tiny circle.
Q: What are your three favorite books?
“Time and Again” by Jack Finney, “Sons and Lovers” by D. H. Lawrence, and “Grapes of Wrath” by John Steinbeck.
Q: How many books to do you read at any given time? What are you reading now?
I only read one book at a time. I am currently reading “GOD A Story of Revelation” by Deepak Chopra.
Deer in headlights is as it sounds the feeling of be caught so off guard you freeze like a deer in headlights. I started reading this book with no expectations. But as I read I was caught off guard by how good it was, refreshing and well written in my opinion such a it is. Writer Hart infuses the gods with humanity that makes them real. There are a lot of pop culture references that give DIH authenticity. I chuckled a little to hear Aphrodite use modern day language e.g “You’re not going to ruin this for me. Suck it, son!” She crotch chopped WWE style, slamming her arms across her waist in an x formation (It was moments like this that made me giggle). As she gloated to Apollo god of the sun apparently having the upper hand at the moment in their friendly competition. A practice the gods indulged when they are bored which was all the time.
This week’s Question:
A: A lot of people have said my number one choice Mrs Weasly, she is the ultimate mom. So in a jam I would pick Nalia from Of Triton. Emma’s mom–she was always there for her and did her best to protect Emma.
Author Spotlight is a meme featuring new upcoming authors (DAC), independent authors (you should be reading), our favorite authors we love to read, and of course everyone else in between.
May’s Spotlight Author is Staci Hart the self- published author of The Good Gods series. Deer in Headlights is the first book in the series. I wasn’t expecting to like DIH but writer Hart’s writing made the characters. What worked in adaptation “the gods” weren’t haughty and imposing as the have been portrayed in many other adaptations. There are in more down earth and relatable thus making the read more enjoyable.
The Digital Public Library of America is a free, open-source resource that grants the public access to countless digital collections and archives across the country available in one place. Video, audio and text are searchable on DPLA’S site. The DPLA, the U.S.’s first public online-only library, after two years of planning opened its doors today to the public. Publicly available for the curious book geeks like myself to check out.
Normally my mythical go to creatures are not mermaids because I felt there wasn’t much story there. However after reading Of Triton by Anna Banks I was pleasantly surprised that I liked the story. Books about mermaids aside from the star-crossed lovers angle, what eles was there? Yes there is that element in Of Triton with a twist. I wondered would the story appeal to me, the synopsis hooked me and that was my motivation to read Of Triton.
What did I like about the book you say. For starters the story wasn’t epic but the bread crumbs throughout was enough to hold my attention. I was engaged in the plot I found it hard not to skip ahead at some especially juicy thing that was happening. The characters were funny and there were genuine moments when I laughed at something one of them said. Compelling at some points that I found myself wanting to know what happens next.
Told from g Galen and Emma’s point of view. Was nice to see the story unfold from both sides of the coin so to speak. The romance was cheesy but in good way if you have romanticize idea of love. There was some points of the story that just didn’t belong the book could have done without, the pacing slowed down to a crawl at one point (in my opinion). The ending to me seemed like just a way to facilitate what writer Banks need to do to make Galen and Emma’s union happen. So that they could be mated one day to each other. The book could have done without a few fluff paragraph. Of Triton had its moments the pacing slowed down throughout the body. Still the story was engaging I gave Of Triton a 3.5 out of 5. I would recommend this book if you love books about mermaids. Or paranormal fantasy in general. There is no age cap on this book child or adult could read. Its just a sweet story about a boy and a girl the obstacles they have to face to be together.
This week’s Question:
Q: Tell us about the most emotional scene you’ve ever read in a book – and how did you react?
A: Well I don’t know if this the most emotional scene i’ve ever read but its up there. Now don’t judge me this was way before it was ruined with the movies. When the spell was still fresh and I had read the book maybe four times. The scene in book 1 between Edward (yes … its Twilight) Bella where he saves her from the car (that was the one scene I think I really wanted to see come to life and I really liked in the movie). And other scene is when Edward gets the idea into to his head the best way to protect Bella is to leave. “The break up” is emotional and the scenes that follow in the book left me a little teary-eyed. Bella begins to loose her grip and we meet dare devil Bella, that jumps off waterfalls in book 2.
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May 17th, 2013 
