Photo Friday

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(Original Pinterest link no longer works)

There's a world within the pages.

WWW Wednesday (165)

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading?

• What did you recently finish reading?

• What do you think you’ll read next?

          

01. Currently Reading:
Mortal Heart by Robin LaFevers. The third and final book in the His Fair Assassin series. So so so so good. This book focuses on Annith and how she escapes the convent to find her true purpose in serving Saint Mortain.

02. Recently Finished:
Candy and the Cankersaur by Jason Sandberg. Children's book about a father who buys a dinosaur for his daughter. Very cute and enjoyable.

03. Reading Next:
I Truly Lament by Mathias Freese. A collection of stories that focuses on the Holocaust.

Candy and the Cankersaur

This is the sweet and funny tale of a young girl named Candy and a Cankersaurus Rex! Candy receives a dinosaur as a gift and is determined to train him to be a good pet.

**

Jason Sandberg shares an adventurous day with young readers in his children's book, Candy and the Cankersaur. The book is aimed at preschoolers, up to six years old. The pages have multiple sentences, with words on every page. The story is nice and easy to understand. It teaches children that they shouldn't be jealous of what others have while also showing that it's not nice to use meanness as a way to garner attention.

The plot of the children's book begins with Candy's struggle with her father's busy schedule. She's giving and considerate, but her neighbor is a bit of a bully, always wanting to be better than Candy. Candy's father buys a dinosaur as a pet for his daughter so she isn't so lonely. She looks past the scary nature of the dinosaur and decides to train him. The neighbor, Chucky, becomes so jealous that he steals the dinosaur. He shortly realizes that being mean is not the right way to gain attention and tries to fix the situation. 

I would definitely recommend this book to parents with preschool children. It's a quick and enjoyable read that will entertain children through both the story and the art. 

Teaser Tuesday (172)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of A Daily Rhythm. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers



Mortal Heart (p.22)
   - Robin LaFevers

My redoubled efforts in my training lessons have borne rich fruit, for not only have I demonstrated that no one else is equal to my skill, I have rebelled openly enough that reports of my behavior should make their way back to the abbess and have her reconsidering whether I will be so compliant with her every wish.

Eve Brenner: Zombie Agent

In the second installment of The Zombie Girl Saga, Eve teams up with CSIS to find out more about the Azrael Virus coursing through her veins. As she learns about the dangers of the virus, she also learns that there are some advantages to being less than human. Eve is quickly thrown into fieldwork to stop the spread of a virus that is spreading silently on a global level.

She might be the only hope the world has, but she’s running out of time.

*May Contain Spoilers*

Eve Brenner returns as an Agent for CSIS in book two of this zombie saga by A. Giacomi. Eve Brenner: Zombie Agent is bursting with intestines, brain matter, and the uncontrollable consumption of both. 

Eve is just as unlikeable and even more entertaining in this sequel than in book one. She's quick to anger and losing her humanity to the Azrael virus. Though she does manage to fall into a twisted zombie love. It's not quite heart warming, but it's close. In all seriousness, this is where the connection between Eve and readers lies. Bottom line, Eve wants to be accepted for the zombie version of herself and Marcus (Agent Williams) grants that wish. Everyone has self doubt and uncertainties... though they may not include blacking out from hunger and eat human beings. When we find someone who accepts us, flaws and all, it's an amazing feeling. The fact that Eve finds that will bring readers close to her. And when she is betrayed, so are the readers. 

Cam and Alex still play a role in this book, but they are dearly missed. Cam's story seems to get sadder and sadder as it goes. After the nightmare he had to experience in book one, he turns to drugs and alcohol to ease the pain. Alex's parents get a divorce and she struggles with an evil younger sister. They miss Eve and desperately need their friend back. Even though they don't appear very often, Cameron and Alex give the novel a more 'down-to-earth,' realistic aspect. 

The plot of Zombie Agent begins with Eve being promoted within CSIS from prisoner to participant. Agent Williams begins training Eve to protect herself, fight, and use automatic weapons. As zombie outbreaks begin occurring across the world, Eve and Agent Williams are sent out to stop them. But, there's more going on in the background of CSIS. Eve and Dr. August are betrayed as they discover their true purposes with the agency. When Agent Williams is revealed as a villain, book three is set up and readers are left in hiding with Eve, who is running out of time as the Azrael virus continues to take over her body and mind. Eve Brenner: Zombie Agent is a pretty entertaining sequel, with no less blood and guts than the first book.

Rating: 3/5 Cups

Photo Friday

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/229120699769275763/
https://www.etsy.com/listing/168585747/so-many-books-so-little-time-printable?ref=shop_home_active

This is so true that it overwhelms me. 

So many books I want to read.

Never too many, though.

WWW Wednesday (164)

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading?

• What did you recently finish reading?

• What do you think you’ll read next?

          

01. Currently Reading:
Eve Brenner: Zombie Agent by A. Giacomi. The sequel to Zombie Girl, Eve has volunteered to be studied in hopes of a cure for the Azrael virus. As a thank you, the CSIS agrees to train her so that she can participate in field work. As long as she doesn't eat anybody...

02. Recently Finished:
Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers. Gah, how much I love this series. This second installment focused on Sybella and her rescue of the Beast of Waroch. With secrets revealed, love recognized, and revenge.

03. Reading Next:
Candy and the Cankersaur by Jason Sandberg. Throwing in a children's book to keep you folks on your toes!

Dark Triumph

When Sybella arrived at the doorstep of St Mortain half mad with grief and despair the convent were only too happy to offer her refuge - but at a price. The sisters of this convent serve Death, and with Sybella naturally skilled in both the arts of death and seduction, she could become one of their most dangerous weapons.

But her assassin's skills are little comfort when the convent returns her to the life that nearly drove her mad. Her father's rage and brutality are terrifying, and her brother's love is equally monstrous. But when Sybella discovers an unexpected ally she discovers that a daughter of Death may find something other than vengeance to live for...

*Contains Spoilers*

Sometimes I commend myself on not catching onto a series until all of the books are out because that means one important thing: no wait! And with the His Fair Assassin series, the struggle would have been quite real. Robin LaFevers continues the series with book two, Dark Triumph, which focuses on Sybella, a character briefly introduced in Grave Mercy. Though she seemed wild and completely insane in book one, that changes drastically in this installment, giving readers a very deep look into the complexity that is Lady Sybella D'Albret. 

That's right. She's a D'Albret. One of the main villains (if not the biggest villain) is the father of Sybella of Saint Mortain. Though I use the term 'father' loosely as readers of the series know that Death's Handmaidens are all sired by Death himself. Immediately, Sybella is torn between good and bad, right and wrong. Through many trials and recounted tribulations, readers will slowly but most certainly come to see her as an incredible, resilient character. Sybella has a past that 'haunted' doesn't even begin to describe. She was not only molested by her brothers, she was beaten, tortured, and somehow managed to live through it all. Both sympathy and empathy will allow readers to fully connect with Sybella while at the same time, her love story with the Baron of Waroch, also known as Beast, will give readers hope that she can have a happily ever after. 

The story line picks up a few pages before book one ends. Readers see Sybella going to warn Ismae of the trap she and the Duchess's entourage have just waltzed into. Following which, Sybella's story truly begins. Readers discover that Sybella was sent to the D'Albret household for two reasons. The first being, obviously, to spy. The second would be to deal the killing blow to D'Albret, but he remains unmarqued for death, forcing Sybella to stay her hand. When she receives direction to save the Baron of Waroch, who is trapped in the dungeons, Sybella decides that after freeing him, she will kill D'Albret no matter the consequences. Instead, she is accidentally knocked out and taken with Beast to the countryside. A quite humorous and happy kismet. 

Now, on the run for both of their lives, Sybella must transport Beast across the country while nursing him back to health. The love story in this second book is much like the first, slow burning. The background love story adds to the intrigue of the fictionalized history while remaining as a subplot and allowing the fight for life, liberty, and the country of Brittany to take the main stage. Though revenge does play a large role. With the first two books in this trilogy being so engulfing, I absolutely cannot wait to get my hands on the final one. No matter how much I don't want the assassin nun trilogy to end. 

Rating: 4.5/5 Cups

Book One

Teaser Tuesday (171)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of A Daily Rhythm. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers



Eve Brenner: Zombie Agent (Kindle 6%)
   - A. Giacomi

From what I deduced from the samples, Eve's blood seems to be attacking itself, dying, and then regenerating. Her blood is constantly transitioning between life and death. I'm not sure what any of that means, but that is as far as I got today.

The One

The time has come for one winner to be crowned.

When she was chosen to compete in the Selection, America never dreamed she would find herself anywhere close to the crown—or to Prince Maxon's heart. But as the end of the competition approaches, and the threats outside the palace walls grow more vicious, America realizes just how much she stands to lose—and how hard she'll have to fight for the future she wants.

*Contains Spoilers*

I wonder if it says anything about my personality that I always seem to like the last books in a series the best... No matter, it rings true for Kiera Cass and her novel, The One, the third novel of The Selection. America has made it to the Elite (one of the last girls standing in this prince themed bachelor contest) and soon Maxon will make his decision. But we've known all along that it would be America... if only she'd promise her love to Maxon. 

Throughout the whole series, America has been an 'off and on' likeable character. There have been moments that I hated her, and moments that I loved her. Examples? I hated her when she started sneaking around the castle with Aspen. I loved her when she tried to save Marlee from being punished. Her wishy-washy attitude and indecisiveness didn't help her cause. Though a love triangle can be confusing, I'm sure. In this third book, I have to say I was finally swayed to her side. She does in the end realize that she is in love with Maxon. Though it is almost too late. Readers also witness her reaction to the death of a family member, and that is a very relatable, heartbreaking, moment. And then in her selfless nature, she attempts to protect others with her life during a rebel attack. I wonder if any other readers had been on the fence about America until this book. 

The plot of The One is the ending to The Selection process. America, Kriss, Elise, and Celeste are the final four. America is still unsure of whether she really wants to be the princess. She has learned a lot about herself, her personality, and her heart in this contest. When she realizes that she's been holding back since Aspen broke her heart, America is determined to be open to Maxon. And that's when things get even more complicated. More rebel attacks with unexpected Northern allies, a marriage proposal, a huge betrayal, and near death experiences that include America getting shot! This third book is full of intense situations that all lead up to one thing: Maxon's marriage. My jaw dropped open more than once as I read the conclusion to America's story. The One is definitely an entertaining ride, and in the end, I am glad that Maxon and America came together. 

(Even if I was rooting for Kriss for a while there.)

And now... The Heir? 

Rating: 3.5/5 Cups

Photo Friday

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/229120699769363747/
http://www.mpmschoolsupplies.com/p-5849-elements-of-literature-colossal-poster.aspx

I love this representation of various story parts. Of course, I focus on characterization in reviews, but there is so much more than just character evolution that makes a novel great. 

WWW Wednesday (163)

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading?

• What did you recently finish reading?

• What do you think you’ll read next?

          

01. Currently Reading:
Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers. The second book in the His Fair Assassin series. The focus lies on Sybella, a very interesting and elusive character in the first book.

02. Recently Finished:
The One by Kiera Cass. The last book in The Selection series! Finally! Review coming soon with series spoilers. (Or maybe not...)

03. Reading Next:
Eve Brenner: Zombie Agent by A. Giacomi. Sequel to Zombie Girl. Can't wait to read this undead sequel!

Teaser Tuesday (170)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of A Daily Rhythm. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers



The One (p. 75-76)
   - Kiera Cass

"Sometimes I'm surprised at the things you say, but I don't know why. You were always stronger than you knew."

Photo Friday

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/AVgqd6ysmjSrZUZBQQMYXOWz9PfY1E5pKABrZEt1eZj-8OWVkJ1g8W3Rw6ByPH3yvcL3x62jhKdJEq8xR0ZPuuI/
http://iloveapparel.com/collections/reading-t-shirts-and-hoodies?utm_source=pinterest&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=peace+love+books&pp=1

Please. 

With a cherry on top. 

Eve Brenner: Zombie Girl

Eve used to be an ordinary girl, from an ordinary town, with ordinary dreams, but her dreams rapidly turn into nightmares when one grave mistake leaves her a little less than human and a lot less average.

Eve’s not quite the same girl she used to be. She desperately clings to her humanity as new desires, new abilities, and new urges take over with each passing day.

Eve Brenner: Zombie Girl is a tale that takes you on an emotional and terrifying journey as Eve struggles to cope with her new life and find a cure for her strange illness before time runs out. She desperately clings to her humanity as she tries to control the monster she knows is lurking inside her.

Turns out living was the easy part.

*May Contain Spoilers*

This gutsy gory zombie thriller totally satisfied! Eve Brenner: Zombie Girl by A. Giacomi takes a young college student on a trip to Egypt, then gives her an undead experience. Talk about resume potential. 

Eve Brenner is the main living dead girl (yes, there is more than one!) in this novel. She's not as likeable as you would think a college girl would be, but she makes a pretty enjoyable zombie. Eve is a little temperamental with a short fuse. She has two best friends that she is very loyal to and is secretly in love with one of them. Readers will enjoy her exciting journey as she struggles to understand what is happening to her and what that means for the future. Though it is difficult to connect with someone in her situation, it is entertaining. 

Cam and Alex are Eve's co-pilots in the story. Cameron is a great friend who happens to look like a Greek god, according to Eve. Readers will really connect with Cam as they get in-depth looks into his personality and thought process when he takes his turn at narrating.  After his mom died in a tragic car accident, his father took to drinking and being abusive. Cam's had a rough go of it and more than a few hearts will melt for him. Readers will definitely be rooting for him. Alex is the quiet, reserved one of the group. Though she does have a few outburst moments. She seems like the shoulder everyone leans on because she's strong enough to hold everyone up. I really enjoyed her character and I think other readers will too. Hoping she gets a love interest.

The plot of this tale begins in a tomb in Egypt where Eve is attacked by something with glowing eyes and sharp teeth. It is soon revealed that she contracted a virus that basically brings people back from the dead. When she (accidentally) kills Cam's father, he comes back as a zombie and is seemingly out for revenge. The friends try to stop the spread of the virus while fighting zombies, falling in love, and trying to find a cure for Eve. The writing style was simplistic and the zombie consequence was explained pretty well. Though the situation snowballed almost too much, it was very entertaining. But I did start to feel sorry for Alex and Cam at the end. They went through a lot. A whole lot. I gotta' hand it to 'em. They're loyal and loving. We'll see if that continues into book two after a preview of Eve leading a zombie horde. 

Rating: 3.5/5 Cups

WWW Wednesday (162)

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading?

• What did you recently finish reading?

• What do you think you’ll read next?

          

01. Currently Reading:
The One by Kiera Cass. The final novel in The Selection series. We'll see if America gets the crown or if Maxon chooses another one of the elite.

02. Recently Finished:
Eve Brenner: Zombie Girl by A. Giacomi. Interesting zombie thriller full of guts and gore. Review coming soon.

03. Reading Next:
Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers. More assassin nuns! The second book in His Fair Assassin series. The first one was so amazing. I can't wait.

Travelers - Cover Reveal

Sienna Crenshaw knows the rules: 1) no time traveling beyond your natural lifetime, 2) no screwing with death, and 3) no changing the past. Ever. Sienna doesn’t love being stuck in the present, but she’s not the type to break the rules. That is, she wasn’t the type until her best friend broke every one of those rules to keep Henry, her twin brother and Sienna’s ex-boyfriend, alive.

Suddenly, Sienna is caught in an unfamiliar reality. The upside? Henry is still alive. The downside? Sienna’s old life, including the people in it, has been erased. Now, Sienna and Henry must untangle the giant knot in time, or her parents and all the rest of the Travelers, will be lost forever. One problem: the only way to be successful is for Henry to die.

Release Date: August 4, 2015

Meet the Author: Meradeth Houston
"I'm a California girl. This generally means I talk too fast and use 'like' a lot. Since I now live in Montana, sometimes this is a problem. I have my doctorate in molecular anthropology. Translation: I sequence dead people's DNA and spend a whole lot of time in a lab, which I love. I've been writing since I was 11 years old. It's my hobby, my passion, and I'm so happy to get to share my work! My other passion is teaching. There's nothing more fun than getting a classroom of college kids fired up about anthropology! This is probably a good thing, since my day job requires me to teach at the local university. If I could have a super-power, it would totally be flying. Which is a little strange, because I'm terrified of heights."

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