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Review: You All Die Tonight by Simon Kernick
10 hours ago
Friday, 31 January 2014
Favorites Giveaway Hop!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Guest Post: Feeding the Muse - Rachel Neumeier
Feeding the Muse
Thanks for the invite to The Bookish Outsider – it’s a pleasure to be here!
BLACK DOG is a bit of a departure for me, as you may know – my first contemporary (or contemporary-ish) fantasy, my first paranormal (or paranormal-ish) fantasy. Even for a semi-established author, it’s hard to break into the urban fantasy/paranormal/werewolf/vampire crowd, and the only reason to try it is because your muse gives you a push you can’t ignore.
As it happens, I know just when I started reading UF and paranormals. It was some years ago, when a convention put me on a werewolf panel. Now, I had nothing in particular against werewolves, but in fact I hadn’t ever read any books featuring werewolves. None. After all, I had no shortage of other fantasy novels on my TBR pile, and who can even begin to know where to start in a genre that has blown up so far so fast? But I didn’t like to tell the convention folks I couldn’t do their panel, so instead I picked up a handful of werewolf stories real quick.
One of those was MOON CALLED by Patricia Briggs.
I probably don’t have to tell you how I fell in love with Mercy Thompson, and with Bran and Samuel and Adam and the whole world of werewolves. I read the rest of the series and then branched out: Ilona Andrews and Kelly Armstrong, Charlaine Harris and JR Ward. But for me, Mercy Thompson was the first – and I still think that this series is the most consistently outstanding. You can bet that I’ll be right there when NIGHT BROKEN hits the shelves this year!
So, indirectly – or actually pretty directly – Patricia Briggs is responsible for BLACK DOG. Because you know how it is, when you fall in love with a series. You hate to leave those characters, that world, that reality. So, in my case, I created my own reality and world and characters.
Of course my world isn’t actually much like the world of the Mercy Thompson series, barring both being contemporary-ish. And my black dogs aren’t much like Briggs’ werewolves, either. I kept the “hot-tempered werewolf” trope, but took it a step further by giving my black dogs an actual demonic twist. I liked the idea of making most werewolves male, but created new reasons for that gender imbalance to occur – I could explain the exact genetics behind my black dogs and the Pure, I worked it all out, though those details did not make it into the book! I loved the idea of one central authority for werewolves, but handed my Dimilioc a recent crushing Pyrrhic victory to reduce their effective power. And, of course, I killed off the vampires in the recent backstory.
But Patricia Briggs’ series was the one that acted as a muse, giving me a strong push to write a werewolf story in the first place.A huge thank you to Rachel for stopping by! I'm ashamed to admit that although I have owned a copy of Moon Called for several years I still haven't read it... I will definitely rectify that - and soon! Look out for my review of Black Dog coming in the next couple of days!
Wednesday, 29 January 2014
All That Glows - Ryan Graudin
Synopsis:
Emrys—a fiery, red-headed Fae—always embraced her life in the Highlands, far from the city’s draining technology, until she’s sent to London to rejoin the Faery Guard. But this isn’t any normal assignment—she’s sent to guard Prince Richard: Britain’s notorious, partying bad boy and soon-to-be King. The prince’s careless ways and royal blood make him the irresistible for the dark spirits that feed on mortals. Sweet, disheveled, and alive with adventure—Richard is one charge who will put Emrys’s magic and heart to the test.
When an ancient force begins preying on the monarchy, Emrys must hunt through the London’s magical underworld, facing down Banshees, Black Dogs and Green Women to find the one who threatens Richard’s life. In this chaos of dark magic, palace murders and paparazzi, Emrys finds herself facing an impossible choice. For despite all her powers, Emrys has discovered a force that burns brighter than magic: love.
My name is Ryan and I've been writing ever since I grabbed one of my dad's old tax ledgers and created this masterpiece: see image.
My writing has since improved, though my obsession with wolves has remained relatively the same (I even own a wolf-hybrid pup.) My childhood was a happy, sunny thing. I grew up on a steady diet of fairytales, salt-marshes, music and brothers who would re-enact Redwall battles with me in the back yard. I went to an artsy sort of high-school that allowed cello recitals in the hallways and impromptu poetry slams in the cafeteria. It was there I decided that writing was what I wanted to do more than anything.
I'm officially a grownup now (I suppose one must admit that once they turn 26). My diet still includes fairytales, salt-marshes and art, but there are a few new loves thrown in. A big one is travel. Pieces of my heart are scattered like breadcrumbs all over the globe--I've bartered them off for writing inspiration, so I suppose it's a fair trade.
When I'm not cramming my earthly belongings into a backpack and waiting in airport security lines, I'm doing one of the following: Writing YA novels, Photographing weddings with my husband, Making our little white cottage more homey, Playing with my wolf pup, Trying out Korean récipes, Haunting local coffee shops with my friends.
JANUARY 26th
The UnofficialAddiction Book Fan Club & A Reading Nurse -> Welcome to the Fantastic Flying Book Club!
JANUARY 27th
Between the Pages -> Promo Post
After Dark Rendezvous -> Review + Dream Cast
Jessabella Reads -> Review + Interview
JANUARY 28th
Sarah Elizabeth's Bookshelf -> Review + Favorite Quote
Musings of a Blogder -> Review + Excerpt
Trips Down Imagination Road -> Review
JANUARY 29th
Swoony Boys Podcast -> Review + Dream Cast
Book Sp(l)ot Reviews -> Review + Guest Post
Bookish Outsider -> Review
JANUARY 30th
Books and Other Happy Ever Afters -> Review
Fictionators -> Review + Excerpt
Addicted 2 Novels -> Review + Favorite Quote
JANUARY 31st
Book Worm In Barrie -> Review
Tressa's Wishful Endings -> Review + Interview
BoundbyWords -> Review + Dream Cast
FEBRUARY 1st
Paranormal Book Club -> Review
Some Like It Paranormal -> Review + Excerpt
Book Reviews -> Review + Favorite Quote
FEBRUARY 2nd
Library Of A Book Witch -> Review + Excerpt + Playlist
Young Adult Book Haven -> Review + Guest Post
Book Swoon -> Review
FEBRUARY 3rd
- There will be ONE winner
- You must be 13 or older to enter this giveaway
- Each day there will be available a #QOD (question of the day) in each participant blog. You can earn more points by answering the answers.
- For those who don't know how this works, the winners will be those who have participated the most. Meaning, the winners will be those who have more points. No Rafflecopter luck this time, Book Addicts. This is all on you now! If there's a draw, then the odds will decide and this time the Rafflecopter luck would be a major factor deciding if you win or not.
PRIZE!!!
Waiting On Wednesday #61 - Dark Days
This week's choice is -
ISBN - 9781628735949
Publisher - Sky Pony Press
Expected release date - June 3rd 2014
Find - Goodreads/BookLikes/Book Depository/AmazonUK/AmazonUS
'The future world has been divided into sectors--each the same as the other. Surrounded by thick steel fences, there is no way in and no way out. Yet a cyborg army penetrates each sector, picking off its citizens one by one, until no one is left. Behind the sectors' thick walls, the citizens wait to die. Few will be chosen to survive what's coming; the rest will be left behind to suffer. A new world has been created, and its rulers are incredibly selective on who will become a citizen. They want only those with important roles in society to help create a more perfect future.
Sixteen-year-old Sia lives in one of the sectors as part of a family that is far too ordinary to be picked to live. According to the digital clock that towers high above her sector, she has only fifteen days to live. Sia has seen the reports and knows a horrific death is in store for her, but she is determined to make the most of her final days. Sia refuses to mourn her short life, instead promising herself that she'll stay strong, despite being suffocated by her depressed mother and her frightened best friend. Just when Sia feels more alone than ever, she meets Mace, a mysterious boy. There is something that draws Sia to him, despite his dangerousness, and together, they join a group of rebels and embark on an epic journey to destroy the new world and its machines, and to put an end to the slaughter of innocent people.' - Goodreads
I'm so excited about this one! I'm a big fan of Kate's blog and I follow her on Twitter. As well as Dark Days she's also written - as Kate Louise - a picture book about a bulldog called Pierre (due to be published next year) and one about an upside-down fish (due later this year). Apart from loving that gorgeous cover I'm intrigued by the plot and can't wait to get my hands on a copy!
Saturday, 25 January 2014
Book Haul #61 - The Birthday Edition!
Welcome to the Birthday edition of Book Haul! As expected no books received but I did get some pretty notebooks for writing and I got money, some of which I splurged on books as it's a special occasion. Here's what I got!
Bought
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| What Makes This Book So Great - Jo Walton |
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| The Twistrose Key - Tone Almhjell |
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| Dead Jealous - Sharon Jones |
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| Scarlet - A C Gaughen |
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| Gameboard of the Gods - Richelle Mead |
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| My Name Is Rapunzel - KC Hilton |
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| The Last Werewolf - Glen Duncan |
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| Emilie & the Sky World - Martha Wells |
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| The 57 Lives of Alex Wayfare - M G Buehrlen |
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| The Book of the Crowman - Joseph D'Lacey |
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| Blades of the Old Empire - Anna Kashina |
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| Dead Silent - Sharon Jones |
Wednesday, 22 January 2014
Waiting On Wednesday #60 - Midnight Thief
This week's choice is -
ISBN - 9781423176381
Publisher - Disney-Hyperion
Expected release date - July 8th 2014
Find - Goodreads/Book Depository
'Growing up on Forge’s streets has taught Kyra how to stretch a coin. And when that’s not enough, her uncanny ability to scale walls and bypass guards helps her take what she needs.
But when the leader of the Assassins Guild offers Kyra a lucrative job, she hesitates. She knows how to get by on her own, and she’s not sure she wants to play by his rules. But he’s persistent—and darkly attractive—and Kyra can’t quite resist his pull.
Tristam of Brancel is a young Palace knight on a mission. After his best friend is brutally murdered by Demon Riders, a clan of vicious warriors who ride bloodthirsty wildcats, Tristam vows to take them down. But as his investigation deepens, he finds his efforts thwarted by a talented thief, one who sneaks past Palace defenses with uncanny ease.
When a fateful raid throws Kyra and Tristam together, the two enemies realize that their best chance at survival—and vengeance—might be to join forces. And as their loyalties are tested to the breaking point, they learn a startling secret about Kyra’s past that threatens to reshape both their lives.'
In her arresting debut novel, Livia Blackburne creates a captivating world where intrigue prowls around every corner—and danger is a way of life. - Goodreads
I don't know how I originally heard about this one but it went on my wishlist in October/November last year and I've been waiting ever since! To ease the suffering there is a prequel novella available now, Poison Dance, which I have for review. Anyway, it's fantasy and this year I'm determined to read more fantasy (both Adult and YA) and the synopsis for Midnight Thief intrigues me.
Tuesday, 21 January 2014
Top Ten Tuesday #39 - Things On My Reading Wishlist
Top Ten Things On My Reading Wishlist
This was hard! I'll happily read just about anything and if I don't like it I'll move on to the next book. After much racking of brains this is what I came up with, nine things I'd love more of in books and one thing to do with the actual books!
1. More books about books
Books about books or bookish people, why aren't there more? If I see a book involves books in just about any way I immediately pick it up!
2. YA Mysteries/Thrillers
Some of my favorite reads last year were YA mysteries and thrillers. There's something about the way they're written that I find myself drawn to and I'd like more :)
3. Retellings
This will probably be on quite a few lists but I'll go one step further and say I'd like to see more retellings from other characters points of view. Instead of Cinderella, one of the ugly step-sisters or the fairy godmother? Instead of Gerda, how about the Snow Queen? If these already exist please do tell me!
4. Prequels
I know a lot of people don't like these but sometimes it's nice to have an insight into characters before you delve into a book, especially if it sets the scene in more detail!
5. Boarding School
I have always had an obsession with boarding school, probably due to my unhealthy addiction to the Chalet School and Malory Towers books! I love the Night School books by C J Daugherty and even though I didn't think much of the book I loved that Thorn Abbey was set in a boarding school.
6. YA Horror
This could probably tie into number two but I remember being enthralled by all the Point Horror books and Christopher Pike. I'd love to see more YA Horror as it's one of my favorite adult genres, pretty please authors?
7. Fantastical Historical
I love fantasy and I love historical novels so let's put the two together! I love Grave Mercy and The Gathering Storm but I want to see more fantastical historicals!
8. Parallel Universes
I love this idea. Sadly I cannot bring to mind a single book I've read with this storyline except for When The World Was Flat (and we were in love) which I loved! Recommendations please if you've read anything!
9. Supernatural
Yes, Supernatural. The television show. Wouldn't you love to read books that are like Supernatural, featuring hot brothers and mentors and books of monsters? Think of all the different ideas you get from this, I for one would be queuing up - and it's nothing whatsoever to do with my obsession with Sam & Dean...
10. Special Editions
Not an idea for a book but the actual book itself. I would love to see more special editions of books, pretty editions, which are not only great to read but look good on the shelf. I already have
Saturday, 18 January 2014
Book Haul #60
So... This week turned out to be quite bookish, especially for someone who is on a BOOK BUYING BAN! A few books I'd preordered from Book Depository turned up (not that I spent any money because I ordered them last year and paid at the time of ordering so no real money spent!) I sent off a couple of old text books last week to trade in and got a gift certificate in return so I used that to buy some books for my Kindle (still no real money spent!) Last but not least, it was library week and as I'd gone slightly mad on the old requesting I got a huge stack! Definitely no real money spent there and I donated another 25 books which I'll never read again, I don't know why but I'm suddenly finding it a lot easier to part with books at the moment and I'm in desperate need of more storage space for things that aren't books! Here's what I got this week, next week might be a good week too as it's my birthday and I'm at least hoping to get money to feed my book buying addiction as I don't think I'll get any actual books.
Bought
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| Cold Spell | Pyramids | Small Gods |
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| The Bread We Eat In Dreams | Hollow City | Unseemly Education of Anne Merchant |
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| Burn Bright | Angel Arias | Shine Light |
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| Greta & the Goblin King | Partials | Stiltskin |
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| Indexing | The Witch's Daughter |
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| The Vanishing Season |
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| Woman In Black: Angel of Death | The Daylight Gate | The Quickening |
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| Amber | The Memory of Midnight | The Pilgrims |
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| The Midnight Dress | A Beautiful Evil | How To Love |
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| Feast of Souls | The Paladin Prophecy | Dearly Departed |
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| Fever | Sever | The Winter Ghosts |
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| Cruel Summer | Eve | Fire & Ash |
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| Dark Witch | Oliver & the Seawigs |
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