A Note:

6/2/13

I once told myself: IF I am accepted into grad school, this blog would no longer be updated. As it turns out, in April, I received news of my acceptance for the Fall 2013 semester, where I will attain a Master's degree of Science in Nutrition.

Running a blog, as many of you may already know, is a demanding side job once the excitement wears off. And once I fell out of the blogging community's loop (have you SEEN how many blogs there are now? Wow!), it was like the kiss of death. Despite my best efforts, I couldn't get into a blogging routine once this happened due to the disconnect I felt from the community.

So I took a break. I struggled with the loss and with missing my blog. And then I realized I didn't have to run Book Faery to still be a book reviewer; I could read my books and post reviews online. I'm still a book review blogger, just not in the traditional sense.

I'll still be online. You can chat with me on Twitter, where I'll be posting links to my reviews and talking books. I'll also be posting links to nutrition articles. And if you'd like to connect with me where I guarantee I will post reviews, just add me as a friend on Goodreads.

So that's all, folks! It's been a fun and amazing journey, and I thank you all for listening to my thoughts about books. I hope we all can keep in touch elsewhere :)

Tori

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Giveaway: The Way We Fall by Megan Crewe

The wonderful folks at HyperionTeens and Big Honcho Media are here to offer two lucky blog followers an opportunity to read Megan Crewe's THE WAY WE FALL!







It starts with an itch you just can't shake.
Then comes a fever and a tickle in your throat.

A few days later, you'll be blabbing your secrets and chatting with strangers like they’re old friends. Three more, and the paranoid hallucinations kick in.

And then you're dead.

When a deadly virus begins to sweep through sixteen-year-old Kaelyn’s community, the government quarantines her island—no one can leave, and no one can come back.

Those still healthy must fight for dwindling supplies, or lose all chance of survival. As everything familiar comes crashing down, Kaelyn joins forces with a former rival and discovers a new love in the midst of heartbreak. When the virus starts to rob her of friends and family, she clings to the belief that there must be a way to save the people she holds dearest.

Because how will she go on if there isn't?










Connect with Megan:
{Website} {Blog} {Twitter} {Facebook}




Please note: this giveaway is open to US residents only


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, January 30, 2012

Cover Wars: Mephisto Covenant VS Entasy

Cover Wars
(inspired by Kate's Throwdown Thursday at The Neverending Shelf)

Cover Wars is a weekly post occurring every Monday at Book Faery.
Two covers will have a "face off," and it will be up to the readers to
decide who is the victor and who is the loser.  This is a great way for
readers to have their voice be heard, while also promoting new/old books
in the process.



Last week we had a showdown between Masque of Red Death and Dearly, Departed.

The Winner:
Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel



Mephisto Covenant VS Entasy



Vote for your favorite in the comments below!

Sunday, January 29, 2012

AAD NOLA Author Spotlight: Diana Castilleja



Hi to all the Book Faery Readers! So, I'm here to charm and hang out for a while, huh? Well, let me share a little bit about me and my writing. Tori has been kind enough to put together an interview for me, so let's get rollin'!

What is your favorite genre to read?
This is very cyclical. For the last year or so, I've been reading almost exclusively Male/Male romance. But I also read paranormal and romantic suspense, so it depends on the mood more than anything. I also tend to follow authors, so what's next might not be the latest release, but how deep I've been able to get into my TBR pile.
 
Why did you choose to pursue this career path?
I'm not so sure I chose to pursue writing. It was more, it appeared out of a dark alley, beat me over the head, and mugged me. Only after I acceded to the will of my muse did I decide to outwardly go with the flow and attempt a full blown career at it. It wasn't easy, and it took years to get to this point, and it will take many more years before I can honestly say, I still have a lot to learn. 
 
When did you decide that you wanted to be a published author? 
I began writing in 2004, and at first it wasn't to publish my work. I began writing out of boredom, reading a lot of books that I enjoyed at the time and feeling I could do the same. I'm a bit of a "get it right" personality, so I joined a writer's critique group here locally and one of the group was a retired college professor. She, among the others, encouraged me to seek publication. I'm not sure how long it would have taken me to attempt that on my own otherwise. My mother has been a huge supporter of my writing, as well. 

What has the journey been like?
Oh, boy. A lot of ups and downs. A lot of success, and an equal if not larger number of failures and frustrations. Did I mention a lot of ups and downs? But each bump taught me something, gave me the strength to stand up for my work later down the road, or taught me what I needed to avoid like the plague *cofhistoricalcof*

What is the writing process like for you?
I sit down and usually play a little. Write a little or a lot depending on the flow and how caffienated my muse is. Play some more. Answer emails, write, play, write, and occassionally I remember to eat. 
 
Do you have any pre/post writing rituals?
I was going to say no, but that's not really true. Post especially, one of the things that is almost a winning bet is I'm going to sit down and read what I've written, end to end. I self-edit as I write, but I also tweak and then when it's all said and done, I do it again after it's officially finished. The only time someone sees raw work is on the fly, during challenges. And they're sworn to secrecy of how crappy that writing may be. :) 
 
If you could marry any fictional hero, who would it be and why?
Hm... That's a toughie. Let me think on that one. 

Coffee or tea?
Coffee. Though I drink tea during the winter when I want something hot and not loaded. 
 
Chocolate or vanilla?
Chocolate. It is its own food group, isn't it? 

Night owl, or early riser? 
Night owl. Ask anyone who knows me. I am not a morning person. 

Winter or summer? 
Actually, I'm a fall girl. I love the change in the seasons, the colors, and the cooler temps without quite needing to bundle up like a hill-billy sales rack to go get the mail. I do love snow, but there's very little that can ruin a brisk north breeze with sunshine on you. 
 


Diana Castilleja has been writing since 2004 with her first work published in 2006. She's since had over twenty combined titles published under her mainstream name and her psuedonym of Diana DeRicci. Her writing runs across the board in the romance genre and she's always on the lookout for anothe challenge--usually brought to her at right at the same time she's trying to fall asleep. It's a collision of Muse and Sandman and rarely does she get out of it easily. 
 
Her latest works include Wolf Brother's Legacy: Resurrection (Castilleja) and Under One Roof (DeRicci). For more information, sample chapters and other bits about her work, please feel free to check out her websites. She can be reached through her websites and she loves to hear from readers.

www.DianaCastilleja.com
www.DianaDeRicci.com

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

AAD NOLA Author Spotlight: Boone Brux



Thank you so much for having me here at Book Faery. I’m so excited to reveal my cover and to announce the exciting new contest I’m sponsoring.

First let’s do the reveal.

I’ll admit I became a bit breathless when I first saw this cover. So much smooth back and muscle that needed my caressing. But, I can’t take credit for this eye-candy. Heather Howland at Entangled Publishing created what I like to refer to as my afternoon pick-me-up.


Kiss of the Betrayer is book two in my Bringer and the Bane series. This story revolves around Luc and Jade, two secondary characters from book one, Shield of Fire (Tori: You can check it out on Goodreads here!). Their relationship is tumultuous at best and they get in a lot of trouble when they decide to keep secrets from the rest of the Bringers.

Now onto the contest.

Be part of my next book, Kiss of the Betrayer, by entering the Name the Character Contest.

Rules: Read the character description and come up with a clever name. You can submit just a first name, just a last name, or both.


How to Enter: You may enter five ways.
  1. Email your name choice to boonebrux@gmail.com. Put Name Contest in the subject line.
  2. Tweet me at www.twitter.com/boonebrux
  3. Go to my Facebook Author Page at www.facebook.com/BooneBrux/Author
    At the left side of the page, click on the Contact Boone button and put your answer in the Message section. 
  4. On my website, www.boonebrux.com you can enter by sending me a message from my Contact Boone page. 
  5. Last, but not least, you may enter from my blog, www.boonebrux.blogspot.com
    Just click on Contact Me at the upper right corner of the sidebar and send me your entry.
Easy squeezy!


How will the name be chosen?
  1. Every entry will be considered and chosen through a process of elimination by myself and other Entangled Publishing editors. 
  2. In case of a tie, the winner will be randomly drawn.

What will I win?
  • The character in Kiss of the Betrayer will be given your contest entry name and you will receive a glowing acknowledgment in the book, praising your brilliance and creativity. 
  • Your contribution will be heralded throughout the land on several blogs, including my personal blog, website, Facebook and the Entangled Publishing blog.
  • You will receive a signed copy of Shield of Fire and Kiss of the Betrayer when released. 
  • $50 gift card to Amazon

So let your creativity flow and name this character.
  • Female, approximately 29 years of age
  • Sturdy and curvaceous, medium height, long brown hair and hazel eyes
  • Profession: Prostitute, works the docks.
  • Private Life: Poor, Single mother with three children, 12, 4, and five months.
  • Redeeming Qualities: Strong, resourceful, has a good heart, would rather sell her body than accept charity, a good mother, fearless, smart, streetwise, rolls with the punches.
  • Less Redeeming Qualities: Stubborn, too curious for her own good, has associations with a lot of unsavory people. 
  • Significance in the book: This character is slated to become a major secondary character, appearing throughout the rest of the series.
Okay people, name that character. I can’t wait to see the entries start rolling in.



Boone has lived in the beautiful state of Alaska for nearly two decades. She spent many of those years in the bush, where the internet and flush toilets were a luxury. Boone’s motto? “Have laptop, will travel.” It’s not uncommon to see her pounding away at her computer during camping trips, fishing expeditions, or in their family plane as they fly over the open tundra.

www.boonebrux.com
www.twitter.com/boonebrux
www.facebook.com/#!/BooneBruxAuthor
www.boonebrux.blogspot.com



You can buy Shield of Fire at...
Amazon ~ B&N ~ Books on Board ~ Diesel Books ~ Book Depository

Monday, January 23, 2012

Cover Wars: Masque of the Red Death VS Dearly Departed

Cover Wars
(inspired by Kate's Throwdown Thursday at The Neverending Shelf)

Cover Wars is a weekly post occurring every Monday at Book Faery.
Two covers will have a "face off," and it will be up to the readers to
decide who is the victor and who is the loser.  This is a great way for
readers to have their voice be heard, while also promoting new/old books
in the process.



Last week we had a showdown between Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard and Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins.

The Winner:
Something Strange and Deadly!




Masque of Red Death VS Dearly Departed



Dearly Departed has been featured in a Cover War before, but I felt like these two just had to face off. Which do you prefer?

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Alice's Review: Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder

Released: January 2012 (Aus)
Paperback: 390 pages
Price: $19.99 (Aus)
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Source: Bought
Genre: YA, adventure, action
Series: Healer 
Series Order:
1. Touch of Power
2. Scent of Magic (2013)
Summary: Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan assumes their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honoured for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Territories, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos. 

Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own, is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince - leader of a campaign against her people. 

As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Because the price of peace may well be her life....
My Rating:
My Opinion: Since March of last year, Maria has become one of my favourite authors. Her books include action, adventure, great heroines, romance and handsome heroes. What could I not love about them?  I was super excited to finally spot Touch of Power in my local Kmart and bought the book for a discounted price (a bonus!).

It starts off with Avry getting caught by the police for being a healer, which is very, very bad. There was a huge plague and someone spread rumours that the healers (people who are able to heal any injury by  absorbing it onto themselves. Eg someone has a cut on their arm, so Avry can use her magic to absorb it to herself, so she will assume that cut and it will heal quicker on her because of her powers) were the cause of the plague, so any healer was put to death. She is saved from death by a band of rogues and quickly makes good friends with them.

This band of rogues would become her little family, which is really awesome since she'll need all the help she can get to escape from the various mercenaries out to hunt her down for the huge bounty on her head. I really liked Belen because he is like the older brother I don't have but want!

Reading this book was awesome because the lead, Avry (pronounced as Avery), is strong-willed, stubborn, opinionated and sassy. She doesn't give in to anyone's demands, is smart and very likeable. I loved that she was witty and quick with comebacks and she made me laugh. She also irritated the hell out of Kerrick and it was so obvious that they would fall in love. Kerrick is smart, brave, a good fighter and a forest mage, which makes him very stealthy in the forest. He's also quick to anger when Avry speaks out against Ryne, the sick prince he needs her to save.

My verdict: I couldn't put this book down! Combine a great plot with a set of great characters and that equals Touch of Power. Maria's talent for writing such great books needs to be admired.

Saturday, January 21, 2012

For Our Readers

I've got a few updates for you all today.

We have a new blog layout!


It snowed and my Chem lab was canceled. I was also feeling a bit better (though that may be because of the antibiotics and not because I'm actually getting over this chest cold) and figured if I didn't do the layout today, I would never do it. Sorry about the wait! Also, it may be a bit buggy. If you have any issues with anything, please email me. I'm still working out a few kinks, and I'm trying to make some elements a bit more aesthetically pleasing.

Next: this was announced back in 2011, but if you haven't heard, Google will be removing the GFC widget for non-Blogger blogs. While Book Faery is a Blogger blog, I still wanted to give those of you who were unaware of this a heads up. I would also like to present other following options for you guys.




I usually post author interviews, guest posts, and giveaways up on Twitter. My tweeting memory for book reviews is somewhat lacking, but now that we're off the Artisteer layout, I think I may be able to connect my Twitter account to the blog's feed so it will automatically update there. Either way, Twitter is the best way to contact me.

Of course, you can always subscribe via email (that option is in the sidebar to the right of this post under the social media icons).

Or, if you would like to subscribe to Book Faery's feed directly, you can manually add (read: click one button) the blog to your Google Reader.

Finally, I have a question for you all:

Blogger's default commenting system, or Disqus?

Friday, January 20, 2012

AAD NOLA Author Spotlight: Kristen Painter



What is your favorite genre to read? 
I'll read anything I can get my hands on. Lately though, it's been comic books and graphic novels.
 
Why did you choose to pursue this career path? 
I think it chose me. ;o) I have a head full of stories and there's no better way to tell them than to write.

When did you decide that you wanted to be a published author?
When I was six or seven. Unfortunately, it took quite a while longer to get published. 

What has the journey been like?
Big ups and big downs, but I've made some amazing friends along the way.

What is the writing process like for you?
A lot like exercise. I have to make myself do it, then while I'm doing it I'm pretty much in the zone, but I'm happiest when I've finished and know that what I accomplished was totally worthwhile.


Character's Name: Malkolm Bourreau 
Character's Appearance: Dark hair and eyes, fangs, body covered in the tattooed names of his victims. 

What is one thing you wouldn't be caught dead doing?
I'm already dead. And I've done just about everything.  

If you could marry any person, who would it be and why?
Marry? I'm not the marrying kind. *checks to see if Chrysabelle is listening* 

What is your favorite book?
The one that has the solution to my curse in it.

What is your favorite article of clothing?
A good weapon. Not technically clothing, but I'd rather be naked and armed than not. 

Do you have a favorite food?
Humans. 


A little about me: I’m a former college English teacher, but I’ve held a crazy mix of other jobs including maitre’d for Wolfgang Puck, personal trainer, and sales for Christian Dior Bijoux. On the writing side of things, I’m a two-time Golden Heart finalist and have been on the board of three different RWA chapters. What can I say? I like getting involved. I’m not adverse to bossing people around either.

Connect with Kristen: Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook

Thursday, January 19, 2012

AAD NOLA Author Spotlight: Katie Reus


1. What is your favorite genre to read?

Romance! I’m open to pretty much all subgenres of romance but lately I’m reading a lot of paranormal romance and romantic suspense.

2. Why did you choose to pursue this career path?
About 5-ish years ago I read a book that changed everything for me. At the end of the book the protagonist made a decision to finally do what she wanted in life: write romance. It was like a light bulb went off. Despite having a degree and a good job, I was floundering around with what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. Luckily I figured out writing was for me and haven’t looked back since.

3. When did you decide that you wanted to be a published author?
The second I started writing.

4. What has the journey been like?
It’s been a continuous adventure. I had no idea how stressful it would be (at times) when I first decided I wanted to be published and I definitely had no clue how slow the publishing industry can be so there were hurdles I never planned on which has made where I am today that much sweeter. 
 
5. What is the writing process like for you?
I used to have a pretty strict writing schedule but after having a baby six months ago, my schedule is pretty much ‘write during naptime’. I still have the same daily output (though some days I wonder how), but my schedule is just not as structured as it used to be. The one thing that’s stayed continuous in my process is that when I’m working on a story I write every day until I’m done.



Character's Name: Connor Armstrong, Alpha of the newly formed Armstrong-Cordona pack
Character's Appearance: In human form: A little over six feet tall, broad shoulders, muscular
build, but not bulked up. Dark brown hair and greenish gray eyes. In wolf form: pure black coat
of fur and almost five feet tall on all fours.

6. What is one thing you wouldn't be caught dead doing?
Getting a pedicure or manicure.

7. If you could marry any person, who would it be and why?
Shifters don’t marry, we mate…And Analena Cordona will be mine.

8. Coffee or tea?
Coffee. 

9. What is your favorite article of clothing?
Nothing. I prefer to be naked or in my fur. 
 
10. Night owl, or early riser?
Both. My wolf likes to run free under the stars and as Alpha of my own pack, I’m usually up
before everyone else. I rarely sleep. 


A little about me: I’ve been reading romance from a young age—ever since I discovered my mom’s hidden stash. Luckily the addiction stayed with me into adulthood. I write paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense for Carina Press, Harlequin Nocturne, and NAL/Signet Eclipse. To learn more about me please visit my website, my blog, facebook or find me on twitter @katiereus.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

AAD NOLA Author Spotlight: Abigail Barnette



I’ve been with Authors After Dark since the very first year. In fact, I remember the day Stella asked me to be a part of the first conference. She sent me this very professional, very outlined proposal inviting me to come to the conference. I read it on my blackberry as my husband drove me to Barnes & Noble, and just as we turned into the parking lot I responded, “Sure. I’ll go.”
 
Because I am nothing if not professional.

That first year was amazing. My husband got swine flu. No, I’m not kidding. He spent he first AAD in the hotel room with a raging fever, while I buzzed from event to event like a frantic, soon-to-be-widowed bee. He was feeling a little better the night of the costume party, so my BFF Jill and I went to the party, where Jill promptly came down with swine flu, leaving me unattended in a room with a bar. There was drinking. There was a lot of drinking. I’m pretty sure I stole tableware. I woke up in a stranger’s bathtub.

So, naturally, I’ve been down for going every year since. It’s always such an amazing opportunity to have new experiences, especially if you’re clinically insane. Last year, I spent quite a bit of time window peeking on the same perpetually nude gentleman whose apartment was unfortunately close to the parking garage.

That’s not to say that you mostly sane people won’t have an amazing time. You totally will, enjoying the sane, normal things that people enjoy. These things include, but are not limited to, meeting your favorite authors, seeing local sights (I want to meet a shadow man and get turned into a frog who cracks wise!), and making friendships that will last a lifetime. AAD is unlike any conference I’ve ever been to before, because egos are checked at the door, making it a friendly, awesome place to be.

So, that is a little bit of my experience with AAD. I’ll be in NOLA this year, and Savannah the next, and I plan to keep going forever because it’s a celebration of the books we love to write and read.

Now, I’m really excited and pleased to introduce you to my latest novella, BEAST. Set in the fictional kingdom of Chevudon, the latest installment in my Naughtily Ever After series is a re-imagining of what else, Beauty and The Beast. It’s all about love and redemption, and since so many people asked when they’d get to see his story, it’s also all about Prince Philipe. So please, enjoy this blurb and excerpt, and one lucky reader will walk away with a free copy!

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Guest post and Giveaway with Nadia Lee

Cover Art Fun & Tori's Birthday Giveaway 
by Nadia Lee

Cover art is one of the most important -- if not THE most important -- marketing tools there is. There are literally thousands of books out there, and when you see a cover that really pops, you tend to give that book a second look. And when it comes to bookselling, getting a potential reader to glance at the blurb is half the battle.

Given this, I always try to fill out the cover art sheet with extra-special care. I sometimes copy & paste a few relevant descriptive passages if I feel that they'll be helpful to the artist.

Filling out the cover art sheet isn't usually that difficult for me... except for my characters' eye color. For some reason I can almost always remember their hair color, style, texture, the shape of their eyes, height, build, etc. but never their eye color.

I just don't notice eye color in general, probably due to my upbringing in Asia. There, people have dark eyes and so there isn't any real reason to notice another person's eye color. And this aspect of my upbringing affects how I envision my characters as well. I rarely think about their eye color, and I have to make a conscious effort to note all my characters' eye colors and record them on a separate Word document so I can keep track.

Of course, the luck would have it, I didn't have that for The Last Slayer because I lost it when my computer crashed. Thank god for the "Find" function in Word!

How about you? What features do you remember the most vividly about characters on book covers or when you imagine a character based on a description in a book? What features do you not care that much about? Answer for a chance to win an electronic copy of The Last Slayer! (Open international) Oh and don't forget to say happy birthday to Tori! :-)

Tori: Thank you Nadia! :)


Nadia Lee’s websites, social media sites:
http://www.nadialee.net
http://www.nadialee.net/blog/
http://www.facebook.com/nadialeewrites/
http://www.twitter.com/nadialee/
http://www.goodreads.com/nadialee/
http://nadialeewrites.tumblr.com/
http://www.nadialee.net/newsletter/



It's Giveaway Time! 


Ashera del Cid is a talented demon hunter, but when she kills a demigod's pet dragon, the hunter becomes the hunted. Her only potential ally is Ramiel, a sexy-as-hell demon. Now the two must work together to battle dragons and demigods...and the chemistry crackling between them.
Ramiel has his own reasons for offering Ashera his protection. He knows her true identity and the real reason the demigods want her dead. What he can't predict is how she'll react when she discovers he knew who she was all along...

Ashera is shocked to discover that she is the only daughter of the last slayer. To claim her destiny, she and Ramiel must join forces to face down danger and outwit their enemies. Only then will she be able to truly accept her legacy...
 

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Giveaway: Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

The wonderful people at Penguin are offering a copy of A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES by Deborah Harkness to celebrate the novel's print release.




A richly inventive novel about a centuries-old vampire, a spellbound witch, and the mysterious manuscript that draws them together.

Deep in the stacks of Oxford's Bodleian Library, young scholar Diana Bishop unwittingly calls up a bewitched alchemical manuscript in the course of her research. Descended from an old and distinguished line of witches, Diana wants nothing to do with sorcery; so after a furtive glance and a few notes, she banishes the book to the stacks. But her discovery sets a fantastical underworld stirring, and a horde of daemons, witches, and vampires soon descends upon the library. Diana has stumbled upon a coveted treasure lost for centuries-and she is the only creature who can break its spell.

Debut novelist Deborah Harkness has crafted a mesmerizing and addictive read, equal parts history and magic, romance and suspense. Diana is a bold heroine who meets her equal in vampire geneticist Matthew Clairmont, and gradually warms up to him as their alliance deepens into an intimacy that violates age-old taboos. This smart, sophisticated story harks back to the novels of Anne Rice, but it is as contemporary and sensual as the Twilight series-with an extra serving of historical realism.



Giveaway Deets:
1) Open to US & Canada only
2) Complete the Rafflecopter entry form by performing one of the actions accepted
(simply leaving a blog comment without "registering" on the Rafflecopter widget will not enter you, sorry!)


Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Excerpt: The Demon Lover by Juliet Dark

The lovely Sue Grimshaw from Random House notified me that THE DEMON LOVER, by Juliet Dark, is coming out this month. Last time I checked, it was available on NetGalley for review, but if you do not have access to NetGalley and are intrigued by this title (like I am), then you can read an excerpt below to see if this title is worth purchasing and/or borrowing.

I actually thought that THE DEMON LOVER was a YA at first due to the cover image. It's got that YA vibe going on, which makes it incredibly misleading. It is an adult title, so if you're a YA fan and hate reading adult novels, then you'll want to avoid this title.

Dark's book has had plenty of mixed reviews on Goodreads, which makes me somewhat wary, but I plan on checking out THE DEMON LOVER after I finish reading a book Karen from For What It's Worth lent me like 5 months ago. You can expect a review sometime soon if I can still open it on my Kindle.


A must-read for paranormal romance fans: THE DEMON LOVER: A Novel by Juliet Dark (excerpt)

Monday, January 9, 2012

Under Construction

Apologies. I usually like to avoid double posts, but I wanted to give readers a heads up that my reviews may slow down a smidgen as I dedicate my free time (finally!) this week to editing the new blog look. I didn't forget my promise, but I've been super busy working lately. And I'm kind of iffy about the look, which has also slowed me down, blah.

Once the new layout is up, I will also be adding a few more things to hopefully make the blog experince easier for everyone.


Consider Book Faery officially under construction until further notice.

Cover Wars: Something Strange and Deadly VS Sweet Evil

Cover Wars
(inspired by Kate's Throwdown Thursday at The Neverending Shelf)

Cover Wars is a weekly post occurring every Monday at Book Faery.
Two covers will have a "face off," and it will be up to the readers to
decide who is the victor and who is the loser.  This is a great way for
readers to have their voice be heard, while also promoting new/old books
in the process.



Last week we had a showdown between Vengeance Moon by Lee Roland and Royal Street by Suzanne Johnson.

The Winner:
Royal Street by Suzanne Johnson!!




Something Strange and Deadly VS Sweet Evil




The beautiful dresses seem to be a trend in YA that shows no signs of slowing down. Which cover gets your vote?

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Alice's Review: Where I Belong by Gwendolyn Heasley

Paperback: 256 pages
Price: AUD$17.95
ISBN: 9780061978845
Released: 23rd June 2011(Aus)
Publisher: HarperCollins
Author's Website: http://www.gwendolynheasley.com/
Obtained: Bought
Genre: YA
Summary: Meet Corrinne. She's living every girl's dream in New York City--shopping sprees at Barneys, open access to the best clubs and parties, and her own horse at the country club. Her perfect life is perfectly on track. At least it was. . . . 

When Corrinne's father is laid off, her world suddenly falls apart. Instead of heading to boarding school, she's stripped of her credit cards and shipped off to the boonies of Texas to live with her grandparents. On her own in a big public school and forced to take a job shovelling manure, Corrinne is determined to get back to the life she's supposed to be living. She doesn't care who she stomps on in the process. But when Corrinne makes an unlikely friend and discovers a total hottie at work, she begins to wonder if her life B.R.--before the recession--was as perfect as it seemed.

My Rating: 
Beware, there are a few spoilers in this review. Read at your own peril.

My Opinion: I thought this book would be completely different. The cover, for example, led me to believe this would be a cute girl gets cute cowboy type of story. I mean look at that gorgeous cover. How could I not buy this book hoping to be totally engrossed and love the story? It wasn't a love story. Not even close.

Corrinne is basically one of those clichéd rich-bitches from Gossip Girl: shallow, uncaring and pompous. She includes this letter in the beginning going on about how much she's changed and how mean she used to be and blah blah blah. Right. I just wanted to get on to the love story that never happened. Corrinne annoyed me. Something else annoyed me too: the use of 'I am'. Do you know anyone in this world who says 'I am' instead of 'I'm'? Like, no one in this book says 'I'm', it's always 'I am' and it got so damn annoying. And 'you are' instead of 'you're'. Ugh!! Why didn't the editor pick up this totally annoying mistake? I got so sick of reading I am not ready, I am going out, I am sorry and etc.

Those of you who wanted a sweet little love story to pick up your day will not get it. I considered just DNFing this book but I read some reviews on Good Reads about the ending and just decided to plough through it to see what kind of ending it would have. I finished the book twenty minutes ago and I barely even remember the ending; shows how much I was into this book, huh?

The only redeemable characters were Corrinne's grandparents, brother Tripp (who names their kid Tripp?), Corrinne's lovely friend Kitsy and her boyfriend, Hands. I really liked Hands, he seemed like a great guy even though he wasn't really featured a lot. That hottie from work turned out to be a major jerk and Corrinne ended up going for this guy named Bubby in the last two pages. Bubby is the guy who constantly made fun of her, by the way.

I guess a lot of people like the story about the reformed diva but this wasn't my cup of tea. I much prefer a love story and this had great potential to be a love story about a reformed diva, which, truthfully, is an awesome concept, especially if you love cowboys, which I do. 

My verdict: If not for Kitsy and Corrinne's adorable brother, this book would have been a DNF. The characters alone-- excluding Corrinne and her friend Waverly-- made me give this book a two-star rating instead of a one-star. Don't spend money on this book, just borrow it from the library.

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Tori's Review: The Gathering Storm by Robin Bridges




Hardcover: 400 pages
Price: $17.99
ISBN: 978-0385740227
Released: January 10, 2012
Publisher: Random House 
Author's Website: Robin Bridges 
Buy it: Amazon
Obtained: Netgalley 
Genre: Young Adult  
Series: Katerina Alexandrovna 
Book Order:
1. The Gathering Storm 








St. Petersburg, Russia, 1888. As she attends a whirl of glittering balls, royal debutante Katerina Alexandrovna, Duchess of Oldenburg, tries to hide a dark secret: she can raise the dead. No one knows. Not her family. Not the girls at her finishing school. Not the tsar or anyone in her aristocratic circle. Katerina considers her talent a curse, not a gift. But when she uses her special skill to protect a member of the Imperial Family, she finds herself caught in a web of intrigue.

An evil presence is growing within Europe's royal bloodlines—and those aligned with the darkness threaten to topple the tsar. Suddenly Katerina's strength as a necromancer attracts attention from unwelcome sources . . . including two young men—George Alexandrovich, the tsar's standoffish middle son, who needs Katerina's help to safeguard Russia, even if he's repelled by her secret, and the dashing Prince Danilo, heir to the throne of Montenegro, to whom Katerina feels inexplicably drawn.

The time has come for Katerina to embrace her power, but which side will she choose—and to whom will she give her heart?


My Rating: DNF

My Opinion:
I hate it when I look forward to a book, only to find that it was nothing like what I expected... and in a bad way. THE GATHERING STORM has an interesting premise, however, it disappointed me with its lackluster execution.

Let it be known that a few reviewers have stated on Goodreads that the second half of the novel is where things start to pick up, whereas the first half is dedicated to the numerous balls and social gatherings Katerina attends. Perhaps this is what ultimately contributed to my disappointment, since there is some info-dumping and an overwhelming amount of names that essentially bogged the story's pace down for me. Even with a lack of action, what truly made me give up was the following:

Way too much telling--to the point where I wonder how an agent or editor would be okay with it. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against telling in a story, but after one reads so many blog posts and hears so much emphasis on "show, don't tell," only to publish books that do the exact opposite, it makes me wonder why they bother to preach it in the first place.

Coupled with the telling was a lot of glossing over of important details that would have otherwise made me connect with Katerina on a more intimate level. As it was, I felt incredibly detached from her narrative and wished that at any moment, something would click and I would get into the story.

It seemed like the start of this book was more focused on giving Russian history lessons instead of telling Katerina's story. And for some reason, I got really annoyed during the doctor debates between our protagonist and her family.

Finally, what was equally as jarring as all the information in such a short time was the seemingly random inclusion of paranormal creatures. First you get somewhat overwhelmed with technical terms/Russian customs, but then all of a sudden, there's talk of vampires and faeries. Even now, I still don't understand why they're being included, and I felt this was handled very poorly. I wish the history and the paranormal aspects melded together a bit more smoothly, but it didn't (for me).

I seem to be in the minority, so please do not take my review as the be all, end all when it comes to making your decision on whether or not to read/purchase this title. And remember: I did not read the entire book--this review reflects the pages that I did read. If it sounds interesting, read a sample chapter and then decide for yourself whether THE GATHERING STORM is something you will enjoy.