dangerous life and tried not to relinquish all control of her life to Kyo. Kyo is just as dark and brooding as ever, but his inner soft side started to come out which I loved. All in all I was glad I had the 6th book next to me to read, since it was left at a critical moment.
E.J. Stevens was gracious enough to take time out of her busy schedule to do an interview with me which makes me ecstatic for I love her books! She has written many poetry books and has a YA series out called The Spirit Guide Series. You can find my review of the first book in the series She Smells The Dead HERE. The print Edition of the second book in the series Spirit Storm will be out in January 2011! E.J. also runs a brilliant blog and is always willing to help out if you have a question. Check out these cool links!
Title: Graceling Author: Kristin Cashore
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Number of Pages: 471
Date of Release: OUT NOW
Synopsis From Back of Book:
Deadly Grace
Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eight she’s a Graceling, one of the rare people in her land born with an extreme skill. As niece of the king, she should be able to live a life of privilege, but Graced as she is with killing, she is forced to work as the king’s thug.
When she first meets Prince Po, Graced with combat skills, Katsa has no hint of how her life is about to change.
She never expected to become Po’s friend.
She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace-or about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away. . .
Review: I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! I didn’t really know what to expect when picking it up. All I knew was a lot of people were talking about it, and I had to see what it was all about! I have figured out my favorite genre when reading this book Epic Fantasy. Look out Paranormal Romance!!! Epic Fantasy can be written awfully or so brilliant that it is beyond words, and this is the beyond words kind! Cashore built a dream world and made it come alive in my mind! I am having a hard time putting into words how much I love this book.
The books pacing was just right, it was never slow. It kept me at the edge of my seat and I couldn’t put it down! I loved Katsa we got to watch her transform into a new person before our eyes, and I loved who she became. She learned it was okay to let others in and she was rewarded greatly be it. While she struggled with her Grace, it also defined who she was and who she wanted to be! Po was AMAZING!! Okay so he was such a nice character. He is the perfect man! He is going to be put on the long list of reasons of why I am never going to be able to fall in love with a real life guy! He helps Katsa find her own way and then lets her go to be who she knows she needs to be! Their friendship had me yelling at Po and throwing the book across the room at times. Those were the times the book sucked me in and then took me to places I never expected!!
I think everyone should go read this book. Buy several copies and give them out as gifts! I don’t know how anyone could not like this book. It was beyond awesome on so many levels. It had every aspect in a book that one looks for! If you want to discuss a book with me I will by default probably go to this book! Can I mention how great Po was again *SIGH* Po!! Well Go out now yes now! Even if you are in PJ’s and get this book! You will not be able to put it donw and you will want more!!
CHECK OUT FIRE OUT NOW!!!
I haven't done a contest in a while and have decided now is the perfect time! Tis the season! As part of my gift to you for the Holidays one person will be randomly drawn on January 1st! The contest is open internationaly like all my contests have been! I love my overseas friends! What a better way to usher in the new year with a contest! So here is what you can win and how to win!
Title: Vixen (The Flappers #1)
Author: Jillian Larkin
Publisher: Knopf Delacorte Dell
Number of Pages: 421
Date of Release: December 14, 2010
Synopsis From Back of Book:
Jazz…Booze…Boys…It’s a dangerous combination.
Every girl wants what she can’t have. Seventeen-year-old Gloria Carmody wants the flapper lifestyle-and the bobbed hair, cigarettes, and music filled nights that go with it. Now that she is engaged to Sebastian Grey, scion of one of Chicago’s most powerful families, Gloria’s party days are over before they’ve ever begun…or are they?
Clara Knowles, Gloria’s goody-two-shoes cousin, has arrived to make sure the high-society wedding comes off without a hitch- but Clara isn’t as lily-white as she appears. Seems she has some dirty little secrets of her own that she’ll do anything to keep hidden….
Lorraine Dyer, Gloria’s social-climbing best friend, is tired of living in Gloria’s shadow. When Lorraine’s envy spills over into desperate spite, no one is safe. And someone is going to be very sorry….
Review: I have not read a historical fiction novel in some time, which is quite sad now that I think about it. Flappers have not been done in the young adult genre before. Ms. Larkin does a beautiful job of telling an intricate story laced with intrigue and suspense! There is something in this book for everybody!
Gloria is a bit annoying miss perfect, but I doesn’t realize it in the beginning. Then she evolves and realizes all the dark secrets society holds and that she wants no part of. Gloria knows what she wants and isn’t sure how everything will work out, but goes for it all anyways. She wants to live with no regrets and to follow her dreams, even if it is disgraceful to her high- society rules. I truly enjoyed this character! Clara was my favorite character though. She knows who she is and who she wants to be. Clara has secrets that come out throughout the book, but until they do it is a truly delightful mystery trying to figure out what they are. Clara and Gloria are going after the things the other has but doesn’t want. The more minor characters also had a depth that made you want more and more page after page.
Vixen is told through Clara, Gloria and Lorraine’s perspectives. This is delightful for you get to learn how each character feels about the current situations and what makes them tick. You also didn’t get bored of just one story for each character had a very different story to tell. All these strong personalities wove together to create one great book! The writing is expertly done and Jillian Larkin makes it all look easy! You will have a hard time believing from the first page that this is Larkin’s debut novel.
I highly recommend this to reluctant readers, but especially those who are looking for a good read. Vixen is Gossip Girl meets The Godfather with a dash of sparkle and fringe. There is something here for everyone; guys with substance, daring girls, music, mystery, action and suspense! This is one of those books that you will want to recommend to that random person in the book store that looks confused at what to read. Go run, NO SPRINT out and buy this fantastic Debut!!
Flappers #2 Ingénue Coming September 2011!!!
