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Post by Emily on Nov 9, 2011 0:10:34 GMT -5
Genre: Steam punk Like most I was not fortunate enough to read the first two before this one. Winning it in a Librarything Giveaway it took some time before I got the book and then was able to read it due to my evil email. However, once the book was delivered I found that I was missing something that I would greatly have enjoyed sooner. Normally I am not a steam punk reader. As that genre usually doesn’t fullfill all my needs and leaves me with to many grumpy questions and analogies. However, I was in love as soon as I started reading this book and it drew me in. Needless to say I’m also in the process of collecting the previous two books in this trilogy since I adored and loved it so much. It’s always a pleasure to find an author that doesn’t play upon the usual devices and so once again one has been found. Building a world with his own Mythology and imagination I was sucked in as soon as I started reading. The character of Qhora was enrapturing as I grew to love her and all her quirks being taken on this wonderful imaginative ride was a pleasure I am thankful for the author allowing me a second chance to review. This in no way makes or made me bias to my concept of his creation but it did allow me a chance not to miss out on the story he has created. Rich characters and abound with action. I love how each chapter was told in a different way and it helped add to the scenes and feelings of things all together as a whole. With all of this having been said I can only beseech you all to pick up the book and fall in love with it yourselves.
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Post by Emily on Nov 7, 2011 11:03:07 GMT -5
Review By Emily Tuley Genre: Paranormal Romance / Young Adult There are some books you read that make you remember your teen years fondly. Though mine was never covered with the outstanding magical fantasy that didn’t mean that the moments of some teenage rebellion or what my father thought was didn’t compare. It made me smile and gave me fond memories of times past to pop to the imagination which only helped the story it’s self unfurl and make me turn the pages even so I stayed up all night just to finish it. Though some of the scenes are meant more for the Younger Adult I still say that this book was one that definitely goes on my save to read shelf . Hope is dealing with the divorce and change to her lives that her parents have thrown them all into. Missing her life and friends in Georgia is one thing. Doing it because she feels her father couldn’t live without her is another. His drinking problem only seems to pull her more into an adult life than she really needs to be basically mothering not only her father and her twin brothers that came with them to California Hope has lost herself into that roll of teenage parent almost. Covering all things for her father when he’s to busy being drunk in his room and being lost in the loss of his wife. Finding herself on meeting few people one that she meets first is Slade, The quiet brooding , tattooed and pierced young man from down at Henry Park. One of the band members of the mysterious band Evil Kings of Ink. She is drawn to him. But the fun doesn’t stop there . She meets Tucker as well one of the popular handsome boys of Ashwilder School of the Arts which is where Hope is going to school as well and is warned to stay away from Slade. The question is which is more dangerous Tucker or Slade? If you want to know I HIGHLY suggest you pull out this wonderful work from Holly Hood. I know I hope that perhaps there will be more on the whole story of Hope and the mystical life she comes to lead.
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Post by Emily on Nov 5, 2011 1:13:22 GMT -5
Genre: Young Adult Shut out! Love it! I loved the girl power and the proof that there are moments that you can take something into your own hands and change the balance of a situation. Life gives you lemons you make lemonade! Like the old saying goes and this is definitely one of those stories that leaves you feeling empowered you laugh , you cry, you even find a moment where you want to shake Lissa and other moments where you want to cheer her on and tell her YOU GO GIRL! And shout out with glee. I would definitely show this book to my daughter when she gets older and suggest it to her. I like how it will help some of the younger girls with their sexuality and let them know that it’s ok to feel how they want to feel and be and do what they want to do and most of all to say no when they want to say no to any situation. The story starts out with Lissa and her boyfriend at the time Randy , having a heated make out session in the back of his car right before the rivalry between the soccer and football teams interrupts that for several chapters you read how this rivalry has went on for ten years and is getting progressively more dangerous for the boys of both teams. Till Lissa tired of being ignored and abandoned for said rivalry gathers all the girlfriends of the opposing teams and sets them down for a discussion. All pledge to a no sex rule, no anything with their boyfriends until the rivalry comes to and end and the boys learn to work together. This works out for the best for them all but not without some surprising consequences leading to the girls all banding together to support one another, and realize that they have the support and tight nit friendship they all need to make it through even when close to the end Lissa starts to loose her way a little as well…
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Post by Emily on Nov 5, 2011 0:46:53 GMT -5
Genre: Young Adult This series known as the fallen angels written by Katherine Pine starts off with very interesting twists and turns. Concepts of celestial and demonic beings are very intriguing . I enjoyed reading this and was a little skeptical at the start. The story was a little slow starting and I had begun forming questions to quickly that were getting little to no answers, but soon enough the story began to flesh out more and I was being pulled in to read. The characters were a little normal and some of the things were actually predictable but for a young adult read this was a good read. The story began to pick up and take a nice pace one that allowed you to keep turning the pages and letting you know that there was more to come. Though there were times that the lead character Devi made you a little frustrated with her careless actions to herself and those that were around her. Endangering some of the people around her more than they should have been. In the end the unlikely love affair that springs up between her and Oz is cute .
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Post by Emily on Nov 1, 2011 16:50:39 GMT -5
Genre: YA WOW, starting out with this book I was a little turned I thought that Archer was going to be the bad guy, how could this guy be the hero,victim? was my constant question running through my mind.Then you started to see there was more to Archer than he let on. The story of Archer began to unfold and the more you listened to him and learned what he was doing and why. The more you saw that he was the victim when all he wanted was love and acceptance to protect those that he loved. Only to be repeatedly rebuked and ridiculed by them only useful when it was good for them or in their benefit. Only out of all did Marrisa *Vivien's mother* and Evan truly care for Archer as he should and needed to be cared for. Before, Archer gets the help he so very much needs though their lives are all turned upside down and on a whirlwind ride as the person he thought loved him *Vivien* shows her true colors and let's the world see just what Archers affections have done to her, She's become spoiled Selfish and down right cruel she's possesive and criminally insane over time. I loved this book I couldn't put it down or stop reading it. I loved the real life situations and the fact that one can find love in the most uncommon of places or reasons. All in all for a YA read it blew me away this is definately out there for a reread in my books and going on my shelf. I love it well done to Kelley York very well done. She's created a masterpiece and a clip into the human psyche.
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Post by Emily on Oct 31, 2011 15:04:12 GMT -5
Genre: Horror A descriptive horror that will blow you away. Pulling things from such genre books that I can't even begin to descript and explain you will be as shocked as I was with this horror. It was a pleasant twist and turn into the genre that gave me a breath of life that I needed. I love horror writers such as the infamous Stephen King and to say things were like that is a far stretch. I'm pleased to say that Benjamin Kane Etheridge has stepped into the world and made a name all for himself. All you know about Halloween will be twisted and turned, but you can catch the subtle nuances and references to old world charm and cultures that helped to shape Halloween to what it was. I felt as if I was being given the culture shock I needed to leave me asking questions and wondering will there be more to this wonderful book. Given to me as a gift from my sister I was a little scepticle as often more times than not our tastes in some genre's stretch well away from each other where there are some we find and love deeply just alike. To read this book and find that I adore it as well as she did is an understatement. It is definately going on my shelf of to read again and again books. The read was well and lengthy and it was the perfect read for bringing about this time of year. Especially since it is after all Halloween. With this being said and doing my best not to give a play by play and ruin all of the book for everyone I beseech you please pick it up and give it a read you will love it as much as I do if not more. Happy Halloween!
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Post by Emily on Oct 27, 2011 21:18:30 GMT -5
Genre: Fantasy I'm simply at a loss of words over this masterpiece of fantasy that A.M. Tuomala has created. The creation and time put into the world that this revolves around instantly pulled me in and caused me to turn the pages reading each as if it might be the last and leave me longing. I enjoyed that in the beginning of the story the time was taken to break down the linguistics of this story and the correct pronouncement of terms and words. I loved the pull from so many cultures that were influence into this story. To say I was impressed is the only words that I can find to express myself. It's not often fantasy gets a rush of new blood and breath blown into it and I myself at times will say that I fall prey to sticking to the norm and being a little timid at times to step outside of a certain box but I was so glad that with this book I was not. I almost want to repeatedly thank Candlemark and Gleam for accepting Great Minds Think Aloud Literary Community to their reviewers and allowing us this chance to read the wonderful work that has been before me. I do wish there was more about Shabane and Gamela but, I know there is only so much one can cover. The views of each characters being shown and how things unfold. Of course I'm also a fan of Zombies so I can say I was a little bias there be them the flesh eating I'm going to take your brains kind or the ones that just want to be whole again I have a little space in my heart for them all. There isn't much more I can say than to grab the readers by the shoulders and shake a little as I thrust the ebook into their view and tell them to give it a good read, try it and you may not just like it but fall completely in love.
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Post by Emily on Oct 27, 2011 14:56:11 GMT -5
Genre: Fantasy Romance I was pleasantly surprised when I first started reading this novel. Once again I was glad to find a romance novel that didn't focus solely on the love scenes and really put the time and effort into a great fantasy story. The beginning pulled me in with it's clips and snips to see where it was heading and the legend that was created to make the story also let me enjoy it further more when I got down to the action and adventure there seemed to be a constant ever flowing bit that kept you turning the pages and truly seeing that there are some chivalrous men still left around. The story of Anakin and Rayne is enchanting leading you on a fairytale escape. Quite literally. The women and men of the family are cursed by the treachery of their past relatives lives and it's in their mistakes that the happiness of their future children come about. A wonderful turn of events keeps you on your toes and really surprises you at the end when the one you thought was the main villian turns out to be not the villian at all. It all goes on a rollercoaster ride where you want to strangle Rayne at times for her stubborness and the others you want to give them a firm talking to for believing or taking what some say for granted. Wonderful quick read and worth the time.
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Post by Emily on Oct 27, 2011 14:45:03 GMT -5
Genre: Paranormal/ Mystery/ YA When I got this book I did not know that it was the third in a series. Reading books out of order drives me bonkers and so when I found out that I was it drove me a little nuts but I pushed through. The book was wonderful. The first few pages had me hooked and I immediately began to see why so many people sang praises for this young adult series. In my book it was a lot better than some of the ones that I had seen. Without pushing some of the boundaries there are for young adult themes these days. The story captivated me with the powers that Yuki has and those of her friends. It really showed the bond of friendship and that no matter what true friends will always be there and stand by your side. Differences, fights, breaks ups and disagreements are swept aside as all friends band together to keep Yuki safe on her journeys to put the souls of the dead she "smells" at rest and figure out the untimely events that lead to some of their demise. Witchtrot Road is cursed and it's that curse this book focuses around. Starting with the death of one of her fellow students and quarterback of the football team. Yuki faces persecution from her fellow classmates of the football team claiming that they believe her to be a witch and it was her curse and fault that their beloved quarterback is dead. On a journey to prove herself innocent and to keep the ghost of said quarterback from haunting her forever Yuki and her friends set out on an investigation filled with trouble and events that lead them to discover that not only is Witchtrot road not haunted or cursed but that something worse is going on there.If you want to find out what however, you will need to read this book yourself. Great read is all I can really say.
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Post by Emily on Oct 23, 2011 16:41:53 GMT -5
Genre: Mystery / YA For a young adult mystery novel it was cute. I found the characters were really cut out and defined but even at moments they had their own flaws. It was something I thought would be good for young girls to read the romance scenes were not over steamy or to graphic leaving it to be rather a good young adult novel. Definately something I will suggest for my daughter once she gets a little older to read it. I found myself laughing in some parts and angry in others at the right moments you should be feeling the emotion and drive of the characters. However the end was a little predictable and that was my only down fall for the book. But once again as I stated it's a great book for a young adult. Dani or Daniela must find out who is sabotaging the TV show that has come to film on her school campus after only a few of the girls win in the audition the turmoil around her and her like of two boys seems to ruffle her better judgement on both of them. Leaving one blamed even in his innocence and the other innocent only to be proven guilty. Jealousy from a rival dancer also fuels the fires of mystery as more and more becomes crashing to a dangerous ending and almost finale for them all. Away from home, surrounded by people she is unsure to trust, Dani eventually finds out who her friends are and who her enemies are in the end you realize that good friends are always hard to find but great once you have them.
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Post by Emily on Oct 23, 2011 16:30:08 GMT -5
Genre: Science Fiction/YA I won this book back a while ago in one of Librarythings giveaways. Unfortunately with time and delays I was unable to give my review for it till now. Let me just start by saying WOW. Normally Science Fiction is harder for me to enjoy as I'm really picky and have a certain way I like to read things. But Tracy has captivated me in the compelling world she has created for Brett and I can NOT wait for the next book. So much so I have been searching and trying to find out when it will come out. With that being said I move on to the rest of my thoughts. The book flows though some may feel it's slow to start with I felt that it took the time and depth needed to write the story and pull you in instead of jumping right to the guns and grit of things. You begin to feel a kinship to Brett and even a little of what she's going through. You feel her frustration when she's frustrated, her sadness when she's sad and the happiness when things are at their best in her life. In doing so Tracy has allowed us to come to love not only Brett but, Ryan and Andi and Brody all the characters as you feel each one is different than the other they have their own personalities and flaws. The wonderful new world they are placed on to explore and the amazing bond that is created with one of the creatures called Caper has you laughing at moments and others just amazed at the clarity and understanding that some of these creatures get. There is just so much I found I loved about this book I find a hard time saying that there was a problem. With that being said it's an amazing read for young adults and adults I urge those that are curious about this book to PICK IT UP read it I don't think it will disappoint you. I know it will leave you wanting more just as it's done for me.
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Post by Emily on Oct 22, 2011 1:00:36 GMT -5
Genre: Paranormal/ YA Let me start by saying Melissa Conway I adore her work from the first time I read some of her work I have jumped at any chance I have gotten to read more. That however, does not make my review for this book in anyway bias to her. With that having been said I shall move on. In this book one of two that deal with the Gossamer Sphere I found myself pulled into the wonderful world Melissa has created of Titania Strauss a young teen girl that has survived the cataclysm and found herself unchanged in the world that had changed so drastically around her. Little known to her that her world was about to become completely turned upside down. Forever knowing herself to be to ugly to imperfect she struggles with her life nothing but, either ignored or ridiculed for how she looks and what her life is. Wishing only to be normal and beautiful like most teen girls she's moves forward through life as best she can. On the crazy move from Washington state towards her grandmothers on the east coast. She finds herself on a plane with her mother in London instead. Then trapped upon a boat at sea. So sick she prays for death it's a memory she wished she had forgotten. Later it's the whole reason her world changes finding out she's a Fae is one thing. Finding out that she's a Shapeshifter is another and as her world spirals out of control she later finds out that only she and a few others like herself can save her world and keep things from being turned upside down once again. It's a wild and rather rambunctious ride that I tell anyone to enjoy especially our young Adults
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Post by Emily on Oct 22, 2011 0:48:57 GMT -5
Genre: YA/ Thriller/ Paranormal This story pulled you in flipping back and forth following the life of Meredith. A young woman sold at the age of six by her parents to an evil vicar demanding his rent of one year he purchases Meredith for seven. The man was twisted and evil he wasn't the pure christian he pretends to be summoning the devil and making packs with him found out later with Meredith for riches and powers. It's based in Ireland in the times of witchcraft scares and paganisms downfall. Pulled in you get to experience the torture of Meredith's memories that she has to endure as she later gets away from the Vicar running from Legion AKA the Devil and the slip she has made when she summoned him for herself from sneaking and watching the Vicar in order to find her parents she lost so long ago. Compelling how she has to escape her trouble and is saved by a young man later but not before she beats the Devil at his own game and pulls herself back from the complete damnation of her soul and the horrific moments that almost lead up to her death. For those that like a nice thrilling ride it's a story you should read and see for yourself.
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Post by Emily on Oct 22, 2011 0:35:25 GMT -5
Genre: Horror/Thriller For the first time you get the story from a cops position. Zombies not just any kind of zombies but , the kind that are different fast slow, torn apart not torn apart. It all comes together in this book . You feel everything that the cop is going through and you hate it for him. Eddie goes through a night of hell while on shift. Not only does he loose his first partner but it continues on to go that almost everyone he tries to save along with him is lost eventually. While Eddie fights his way through the streets trying to save his own wife and 6 month old son. You see him torn between doing his job as a cop and trying to take care of his own. I loved how that pulled you in it put the hard decisions before him and showed what some people actually go through while in a situation of crisis. The guilt of shooting someone that may or may not be dead in order to save your own life. Deciding whether to stay or go when he arrives at several rescue moments and even when he sees that one rescue area has become compromised struggling to try and save as many of them as he can as well. Good intentions do not go to waste but not every thing goes as it is planned and sad to say that eventually by the end of the night he gets to find his wife and child but not without his own scars and scares. I look forward to reading more seeing how the author fleshes out the scene more in the other two books of this trilogy.
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Post by Emily on Oct 20, 2011 2:45:37 GMT -5
Genre: Horror Zombies! Love them can't get enough of them, I use to be terrified of them or anything like that ever happening as all very well may have known from a previous review I wrote for the Great Minds Literary Community. So when it comes to finding a good page turning not going to bore me out of my mind or make me fall asleep to easy zombie book, I'm pretty picky. From the start of this book it pulled me in, I got to see the normality of life of the characters before things started to go horribly and completely wrong in their lives. There were no perfect people and I love how the writer was not scared to take a character he created and one you thought might stick around for a good long time and throw that monkey wrench in there and take them out from something so simple to something completely complicated. Each character was well established and each story tore a little at your heart as you got to experience the love and loss of each one, The triumph and their defeat. The pages couldn't turn fast enough for me as I ripped through this with a hunger for more. So much so that when I was finished and saw that I had the Air: Elements of the Undead short novelette to read I instantly and voraciously tore into it wanting more. Which leads me to say MORE PLEASE MORE. To William Esmont you have created a wonderful horrorverse that I look forward to and can't wait to see expand as well I'm sure my cat as well seeing as how she gets more cuddles now at night than she ever has when I have read a good horror book. To those out there that haven't read this or picked it up do so I feel you will not regret it.
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