Feature and Follow (16)

Feature and Follow is a weekly meme hosted by Alison Can Read and Parajunkee!

 

Question: Activity! Who do you want to be? If you could choose any character from a book. What do you think that character looks like and what do you have in common?

 

Answer: Such a great question this week! There's been countless numbers of times when I wished I could trade places with a character in a book! xD However, if I had to choose, my top two picks would have to be either Katy from the Lux Series by Jennifer Armentrout or Rose from the Vampire Academy Series by Richelle Mead. Why Katy? Any person who has ever read Jennifer's masterful work of art, also known as Obsidian, would understand where I'm coming from. I don't know how I've survived this long in the world without a Daemon! I want one so bad! xD Gahh! *Fans self* And I also picked Rose, because she brought life back into vampire novels! I loved her witty comebacks and her badass ninjaness when she was staking Strigoi!

What do these characters look like? When I imagine Katy, I think of light brown hair and brown eyes. When I try to picture Rose, I see more of a darker look, with black hair and brown eyes. Hmm...what do we have in common. Well, I know that Katy is a avid reader and loves book blogging! That's one of the reasons I connected so well with her, because we both had interests in the same thing! Unfortunately, I do not have a hot alien next door neighbor. I don't think I have anything in common with Rose. If I ever had the misfortune of meeting a Strigoi on my way to school, I would turn around and run like hell instead of stabbing it through the heart. xD

 

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How about you? Who would you want to be?

Of Poseidon by Anna Banks

Reading Level: Ages 13 and up
Hardcover: 326 Pages
Release Date: May 22, 2012
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Genre: Mermaids/Fantasy

Of Poseidon Series
Book One: Of Poseidon
Book Two: Of Triton (May 28, 2013)

Order On Amazon: Hardcover
                                Kindle
Order On Barnes and Noble:
Hardcover and Nook

Author's
( Goodreads ! Website ! Twitter ! Facebook )

Goodreads Summary:

Galen is the prince of the Syrena, sent to land to find a girl he's heard can communicate with fish. Emma is on vacation at the beach. When she runs into Galen — literally, ouch! — both teens sense a connection. But it will take several encounters, including a deadly one with a shark, for Galen to be convinced of Emma's gifts. Now, if he can only convince Emma that she holds the key to his kingdom . . .

Told from both Emma and Galen's points of view, here is a fish-out-of-water story that sparkles with intrigue, humor, and waves of romance.

My Review:

Of Poseidon. What's the first thing that pops into your head when you come across this title? Some might say water, the sea, or badass gods. My thoughts? Greek Mythology, Percy Jackson *Swoons*, and Jello. Don't ask me where that last one came from, because I honestly don't know. Although....it does say alot about my mental sanity doesn't it? xD Anyways...if your looking for some sort of Greek related myth, or maybe your an obsessive Percy Jackson fan waiting for the next big thing in the Mythology genre. If you are, turn back around and head the other direction! I'm not saying you won't enjoy what this book has to offer, but if your relentlessly set on a Mythology based book, you won't be finding it in this novel.

Of Poseidon was a refreshing theme! Were all used to the Greek gods by now, heck that was what I assumed the theme to be based off of just by looking at the cover. However, even though Of Poseidon wasn't exactly what I was expecting, it was pleasantly surprising how interested I became on the whole subject matter. The idea of a race of mermaids, or "Syrena", as they liked to call themselves, that were each divided into two categories (Poseidon, being those who didn't mind a human's company and Triton, being those who openly despised them), intrigued me.

Anna Banks doesn't fail to jump right into the story! No long drawn out introductions or tedious explanations! She literally starts off with one of the major characters, Emma, tripping on her flip flops and falling smack into Galen, prince of Syrena. I loved what she did here! This certain scene was what I was anticipating all along, and Anna didn't fail to deliver!

Emma was a so so character for me. She started off with a major blushing problem. Emma seriously blushed like a bajillion times each page. Might be an exaggeration on my part, but ehh, that's what it felt like to me. Now don't get me wrong, I have nothing against characters who blush, but to do it so repetitively? It starts to grate on your nerves after a while. However, even though she had a tendency to get embarrassed...alot..she also had this stubborn and headstrong nature about her. When Galen specifically told her NOT to do something, it basically guaranteed that she would do it anyways. Her reactions to difficult situations were at times realistic....but other times not so much. There was this one particular scene when she attacked someone (With good reason!), threw them out a window, and then the following day became friends with said person. Don't know about you, but I'm pretty sure that going from murder to omg lets be bffs is a little far stretched.

Galen was an admirable character! But If I couldn't read from his POV, I probably would've thought of him as a creepy stalker dude who wouldn't take no for an answer. However, since we did have the opportunity to read from Galen's perspective, I understood the problems that he was going through, and that even though he had a stalkerish tendency in the beginning of the novel, he had good intentions. I loved the way that Anna wrote Galen's character! It was like stepping into his shoes for the day, and experiencing the world for the very first time. As a Syrena Prince, he didn't spend much time on land, because it was frowned upon by his society. Words and phrases that are second nature to us, were completely foreign to him. It was adorable to see him flounder around (Haha fish joke!) to find the right word he was looking for.

Writing style.......wasn't feeling it. Everyone has different opinions, and I respect that. But for me, my favorite writing style is First Person past tense. Of Poseidon jumped from First Person present in Emma's perspective to Third Person present in Galen's perspective every other chapter. This constant switch back and forth made the wording awkward, stilted, and flat. I had to reread pages over again, because the writing style just didn't make sense. And for certain scenes, when there was alot of action going on, the sentences were abrupt and choppy. The author was probably hoping that this style of writing would make the scene more epic, but sadly...it just didn't work out.

The action was well paced. There were a few spots when I got slightly bored and ended up flipping a couple of pages, but it wasn't very often. One of the main reasons I picked up Of Poseidon, was because I heard from alot of my favorite bloggers that the characters were witty and that this book was chock full of laugh inducing humor. Do I disagree with that statement? Yes and no. There were several times when the reactions or comebacks of certain characters made me laugh or chuckle. However, there were also times when the humor was just a little too much, and veered dangerously close to corny.

Overall, Of Poseidon had a great idea with a unique twist. The action was well paced and the characters were fairly decent. However, if your picky about your writing styles or if you were hoping for a Greek myth based book, this novel might not be for you.

Hero- 4/5
Heroine- 2.5/5
Romance- 3.5/5
Action- 3.5/5
Comedy- 4/5
Overall- 3/5

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Waiting On Wednesday (16)

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill over at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we can't wait to get our hands on!

 

 

This week's WoW is.................The Runaway King by Jennifer A. Nielsen!

 

 

Goodreads Summary:

 

A kingdom teetering on the brink of destruction. A king gone missing. Who will survive? Find out in the highly anticipated sequel to Jennifer A. Nielsen's blockbuster THE FALSE PRINCE!

Just weeks after Jaron has taken the throne, an assassination attempt forces him into a deadly situation. Rumors of a coming war are winding their way between the castle walls, and Jaron feels the pressure quietly mounting within Carthya. Soon, it becomes clear that deserting the kingdom may be his only hope of saving it. But the further Jaron is forced to run from his identity, the more he wonders if it is possible to go too far. Will he ever be able to return home again? Or will he have to sacrifice his own life in order to save his kingdom?

The stunning second installment of The Ascendance Trilogy takes readers on a roller-coaster ride of treason and murder, thrills and peril, as they journey with the Runaway King!

 

My Thoughts:

 

I literally just finished reading the first novel in this series, The False Prince, a couple of minutes ago. After being stunned by the intricate storyline Jennifer has managed to weave, I was beyond giddy when I saw that the next installment of the series already had a set release date! Not too crazy about the cover, but the motto/sentence has completely reeled me in! He's gonna flee the throne!? What? How? Why?! :O I need to get my hands on this book right now!

 

Extra Information:

 

Release Date: March 1, 2013

Hardcover: 352 Pages

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Genre: Fantasy/Adventure

 

The Ascendance Trilogy:

Book One: The False Prince

Book Two: The Runaway King (3/1/13)

 

 

How about you? What book are you waiting on this Wednesday?

Book Blast: The Immortal Circus by A.R. Kahler

Ladies and gentlemen,

It gives me great pleasure to introduce to you a show unlike any you've seen before.

Within the walls of THE IMMORTAL CIRCUS, you'll be amazed by acts of tragic romance, seductive magic, and maybe even a little murder.

After all, loves, nothing is what it seems under this big top. Not even your innocent little heroine, Vivienne.

Released every two weeks through the Kindle Serials program, we'll be sure to keep you on the edge of your seat, right up to the breathtaking conclusion that will have you begging for more. But don't worry, loves—you'll delight in the anticipation.

I personally guarantee it.

Follow our spectacle across four blogs representing the two Faerie Courts. There will be exclusive interviews and artwork, backstage reviews and more from the author, A.R. Kahler—and trust me when I say, he knows the circus well. Pick a side, promote the show, and compete for your chance to win a spectacular prize of circus goods.

And my eternal love, of course.

Trust me when I say, when the final curtain falls, no one and no thing will ever be the same.

But let's not get ahead of ourselves. The show's just beginning.

Are you ready to run away forever?

~Mab

Ringleader, Fashionista, and Queen of the Winter Court

Choose Your Court...

Summer....

 

Or

Winter?

 

About The Book:

 

Publisher: 47North

Release Date: December 4, 2012

Format: Kindle Ebook

 

Murdered contortionists aren’t exactly what Vivienne signed up for when she ran away to join the circus. But like most things under the big top, nothing is what it seems. With a past she can't quite remember, Vivienne finds that running away forever might not be as appealing as it once sounded—especially not when she realizes the devilishly attractive ringleader Mab is the Faerie Queen of legend…and that she and the rest of the troupe are locked in an age-old rivalry between the otherworldly Courts.

Aided by her friends Kingston—a feisty stage magician whose magic is quickly stealing her heart—and his smart-ass assistant Melody, Vivienne finds herself racing against the clock to discover the culprit behind a series of deaths that should be impossible. However, the answer she seeks might reveal more about her own bloody past—and future—than she bargains for.

The show's just beginning.

Step right up…

 

Find The Book:

( Amazon ! Goodreads ! Website ! Facebook )

About The Author:

Most little boys dream of running away to join the circus.

Alex didn't just dream it: he did it. But then, he rarely lets a good dream pass him by.
In the past six years he's toured and trained across America and Europe. He's performed in Amsterdam, taught trapeze in Madrid, studied in Glasgow and even had a stint as assistant to Holly Black and Cassandra Clare in New England. He's constantly on the lookout for new places to explore and new worlds to invent. He's a Sagittarius fueled by full moons and espresso. The way to his heart is a latte and fan art. Just for the record.

THE IMMORTAL CIRCUS is his first New Adult novel, and is being released exclusively through the Amazon Kindle e-Serials program by 47North. It will be available in print and audio when the episodes are complete.
MARTYR the first book in his post-apocalyptic fantasy, will be published by Spencer Hill Press in October 2014.

Find The Author:

( Twitter ! Book Twitter Page ! Website )

 

 

 

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Book Blitz + Giveaway: Frost Fire by Olivia Rivers

 

About The Book:

 

Genre: YA Paranormal Romance

Publication Date: November 20, 2012

 

“Magic is just like love, Allai. It won’t wait for permission before it destroys you.”

 

 

Like sand in an hourglass, Allai’s future is dwindling away. She’s spent her entire life fighting the Mages who threaten humanity, and dreams of someday eradicating magic. But all it takes is an anonymous phone call for the truth to spill out: Allai is the one thing she despises most. 



She’s a Mage. 



Though ancient law mandates Allai’s death, she still has one last chance of survival. His name is Drake Rhaize, and he swears he can lead Allai to a sanctuary for Mages. Allai hasn’t seen Drake in years, but she remembers him as the Demon boy who used to hold her close and softly whisper that he’d keep her safe. But Drake has changed since then: He’s now suspected of murder, and has been out-casted for betraying his own kind. 



While Allai doesn’t trust Drake, she has no choice but to put her life in his hands and hope he can get her to safety. Because Allai’s father has hired a pack of Demons to bring her back to him, dead or alive–and

Demons never stop the hunt.

Find The Book:

( Amazon ! Barnes and Noble ! Goodreads )

 

About The Author:

 

Olivia Rivers is a high school student, a literary agent intern, and an obsessive-compulsive reader. She has a slight obsession with Kootenai County in Idaho, and she’s pretty sure life will always be awesome as long as Irish accents exist. She lives with dysautonomia, a chronic medical condition affecting her nervous system. Portions of proceeds from her “Tortured Elements” series go toward supporting youth with dysautonomia.

 

Find The Author:

( Website ! Goodreads ! Twitter )

 

 

Excerpt: Chapter One

 

Luke cleared his throat, bringing her thoughts back to the present. “So, about these nightmares.”

“I thought we changed the subject away from them.” Allai crossed her arms and fingered the sleeves of the old t-shirt she used as a pajama top. She always felt like her hands had to be doing something. The Demons she lived with were constantly alert and responsive, so the least she could do was look active.

“You changed the subject,” Luke said. “I never agreed to it. So how are you going to stop your nightmares?”

“You said it yourself. They’re not just going to stop.”

“Of course not. You have to make them stop.”

“How the hell do you expect me to do that?” She took a deep breath, and then said in a calmer tone, “He tried to kill me, Luke. You were there, you know the details. How am I supposed to just push that memory away?”

“Don’t push at it,” Luke said. “Just accept it. Embrace it, and then move on.”

There was no way she could do that. Part of her wanted to; getting that memory out of her head would be beyond relieving. But the other part wanted to remember, because every memory she had of Drake Rhaize was a piece to a puzzle. And part of her hoped that once she put together the entire puzzle, it would tell a different story than her nightmare.

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