Review: The Dragonslayer's Sword by Resa Nelson

Book: The Dragonslayer's Sword
By: Resa Nelson
Publication Date: June 1, 2008
Publisher: Mundania Press LLC

Description: For Astrid, a blacksmith who makes swords for dragonslayers, the emergence of a strange gemstone from her body sets in motion a chain of events that threaten to destroy her life. Her happiness is shattered when her lover-the dragonslayer-disappears without a trace, and the life that she knows and loves implodes without warning. Astrid lives in a world of shapeshifters whose thoughts have the power to change not only themselves but others. Everything Astrid knows to be true is called into question when she learns the truth about her past and the mysterious family from which she was separated as a child. Reality turns inside out as Astrid gradually learns the truth about the people she loves as well as those she disdains. With the fate of dragons, ghosts, and slaves in foreign lands resting on her shoulders, Astrid faces the challenge of deciding who she is and how she will stand up inside her own skin. Will she withdraw and hide from the world that has disappointed her so much...or will she rise to lead others to freedom and peace?

My Thoughts: The Dragonslayer's Sword was a book unlike any other I had ever read. I had no idea what to expect when I began reading this book, and it was a good thing. There was no way for me to even guess at the things that would be discussed. This book was nothing, if not unique.

The beginning of this book dropped us right in the midst of the feelings swirling inside a young, abused girl, Astrid. It was somewhat depressing, and confusing. The reader had no idea why she was like she was or what happened to her family. However, we learned that Astrid is very intuitive and learns things about her surroundings easily. She doesn't forget and uses everything she learns to make her a better person.

Initially, I did not like this book. I thought it was too confusing and convoluted. Nothing made sense. I didn't understand why the people could change the way they appeared, or anything. As the book went on, I was very tempted to quit and never read it again. I didn't like how easily things came for Astrid. Often, she said "I understood now why..." or "That explained why...". It got me a little annoyed because, well, it explained nothing to me, and I didn't understand why. There were way too many links and loopholes between people and events. There was just way too much to this book, too many different people with too many backstories and not enough pages to explain them all. It felt rushed and oftentimes, I found myself wondering how on earth I made it to where I made it in my book.

Despite these many issues, there was much I liked about the book. I loved the fact that the main character was unattractive and was able to grow into her true potential. I liked that they showed the power of belief on people. In addition, once things were explained at the end, I felt much better about the book. It was the end that improved the rating I had about the book.

I would suggest that only those who are thoroughly interested in Fantasy read this book. If you are interested more in paranormal romance and expect this book to be heavy on the romance and otherworldly explanations about the reasons life is the way it is, don't read this book. You much throw out all your preconceived notions and come to the table with an empty slate.

I give this book 2.5 stars. It wasn't really my type of book, although I liked much about it. I will probably read the next book (not just because I promised the author, but because I want to).

Random Rant Thursday - New Years Edition

Hello everyone!!!
I had planned to do this post on new Years Eve, but it's a weekend and I never have enough time, so I'm doing it now.

Since New Years is coming up and people like to make these resolutions and everything, I have decided to (try to) participate. I usually never ever follow through with my resolutions beyond the first few weeks of the new year, but who knows. Maybe I will next year.  Here goes:

1. Blog at least 3 times a week. Dont opt for taking a nap instead of saying a few words beforehand because, as we learned in 2011, I wont feel like waking up later in the evening, I'll just sleep until the next day. (lazy, I know.....which leads us to number 2)
2. Don't be lazy (This probably wont be followed, but I figured it needed to be said anyway)
3. Start writing my book and make an actual attempt. Dont put it off (especially not for sleep...see resolution number 1)
4. (An attempt at providing a little insight into my life outside of books) Continue to be a good person  to others. This includes my relationships (romantic and other). Try not to take things personally and be more understanding of other people's decisions, choices, and personalities.

That's it for now. Thanks for listening. Talk to you soon!!!

Waiting on Wednesday, Merry Belated Christmas

Hello All you Lovely followers!!!! I think I'll begin with the WoW post, and move on from there.

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine and is a weekly event where we bloggers spotlight upcoming books that we're eagerly anticipating. This week's "Waiting on" Picks are:

Book: Monstrous Beauty
By: Elizabeth Fama
Publication Date: August 21, 2012

Description: Monstrous mermaids, ghosts, and a century-old curse feature in this beautifully crafted, compulsively readable thriller.

In 1872, mermaid Syrenka falls in love with a young naturalist. When she abandons her life underwater for a chance at happiness on land, she is unaware that this decision comes with horrific and deadly consequences.

One hundred thirty years later, seventeen-year-old Hester meets a mysterious stranger and feels drawn to him in a way she can’t explain or resist. For generations, love and death have been inextricably linked for the women in her family. Is it an undiagnosed genetic defect . . . or a curse? Hester’s investigation of her family’s strange, sad history leads her to the graveyard, the crypt, and the bottom of the ocean—but powerful forces will do anything to keep her from uncovering her connection to Syrenka and to the tragedy of so long ago.

My Thoughts: I have recently fallen in love with all mermaid books and cant wait until this one comes out. I hope it's great.

Book: The Kill Order
By: James Dashner
Publication Date: August 14, 2012

Description: Before WICKED was formed, before the Glade was built, before Thomas entered the Maze, sun flares seared the earth and mankind fell to disease.

The Kill Order is the story of that fall.

A prequel  to The Maze Runner trilogy, The Kill Order has been in the works since the completion of The Maze Runner. The  story of civilization's fall was kept under wraps and is the explication of the events that began this bestselling series.

My Thoughts: No I haven't read the Maze Runner yet. I have had plans to for quite some time but it just seemed like I have somehow lost it in my pile of books. Not to worry. I will get to it as soon as possible, and when I do, this book will be next!

Merry Belated Christmas!!!!!

Yes, I ignored you all during the Holidays. Sorry about that, but Hey, I'm here now. Honestly, with all the day's off from work, and the last minute shopping, and the little sister's Christmas play and the cooking of the Christmas food, and the last minute gift wrapping, and the constant visits to grandma's house on Christmas day AND, AND, AND........ I just ran out of time. I was so exhausted st the end of the day that I just came home and went to sleep. I wish all your holiday celebrations were less stressful than mine and that you got everything you want. I know I did. I finally got a new computer and it's a Macbook!!! I'm so excited and as soon as I learn how to do stuff on it, I'll be blogging from it and beginning to write my book (Woohoo)! Anyway, warm wishes to you and your family!

Random Rant Thursday - HELP!!! and excuses...

Hello Everyone,

Okay its time for my rant, and this time, its not so much of a rant and instead it's just a few comments and a random question.

First, did you notice that I was really excited about constant blogging last week and then this week....nothing? No? Well that's what happened. I was super excited to get back blogging again after finishing class. Started everything off with TWO reviews because I thought for sure I'd have another up by Monday or Tuesday. NOPE! Monday hit, and with it came old Mr. Sick Bug. No Idea what kind of virus I had this time, but whatever I had had me in the bed almost the entire 3 days. I barely even wanted to get up to eat (but I did of course. We all know I hate missing food.) Needless to say, no reading got done, and i wasn't online long enough to make a blog post so........yea. Any who, I'm back (but don't tell Mr. Sick Bug. He may try to pay me another visit)

In other news, It's almost Christmas for my family, and other's out there are probably celebrating the holidays in their own special way, so First, I'd like to say Happy Holidays and I hope you thoroughly enjoy them.

HELP!!!! I am having an issue. It's almost Christmas, and I feel I need to get my boyfriend's parent's a gift of some kind. He and I will have been together 3 years as of Dec. 27th and his family treats me as if I ma already a part of their family. My boyfriend, however, told me not to get them a gift. That they "wouldn't want/expect one." My parents think that I should still get them one, but when asked if they expected my boyfriend to get them a gift, they said "No, he just needs to make sure to continue to make you happy and that's all that matters." (Sounds a bit hypocritical to me. I'm just saying...) I know I will at least get them a card. Other than that, no idea. Help?

Review: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Yes, you're right. I did just post a review a few minutes ago. I know you're thinking I probably read this during the drought, but the truth is, I finished Dead Sky Morning, and went directly into reading Shatter Me, finishing it within the day. My sister was angry (For some reason she likes to make it a contest to see who can read books faster. I always win. She's always angry)I loved Shatter Me.

Book: Shatter Me
By: Tahereh Mafi
Publication Date: November 15, 2011
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Description: "You can't touch me," I whisper.
I'm lying, is what I don't tell him.
He can touch me, is what I'll never tell him.
But things happen when people touch me.
Strange things.
Bad things.
No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal, but The Reestablishment has plans for her. Plans to use her as a weapon.
But Juliette has plans on her own.
After a lifetime without freedom, she's finally discovering a strength to fight back for the very first time—and to find a future with the one boy she thought she'd lost forever.

My Thoughts: Shatter me was everything they said it would be. It had a touch of Hunger Games, (Minus the games) a touch of X-Men, and a touch of everything else.

I cant thoroughly explain how I feel about this book. One thing's for certain, the writing style was amazing. I loved it. I liked the fact that some of it was crossed out to show what Juliette was thinking. I even loved the explanations or the random statements, " My Jaw is dangling from my shoelace." HA! I loved it. It's so wonderful and I always wanted more.

That being said there were a few things I didn't like. First, there were a few slow moments in the book. Not enough to annoy you, just enough to notice. There were a bunch of unanswered questions, especially near the end. Too many loose ends. I hate it when a book references some answer someone knows, that will explain everything, and then the book ends without telling you what it is. Then, I hated Juliette's personality sometimes (But I also LOVED her! It's a strange thing, I know). I wanted her to fight back earlier, be meaner, stop being such a goody goody. I guess that's just her personality, but it sucked, until it didn't. This book showed quite a bit of self actualization. In the beginning Juliette was SUCH a pushover, but at the end.......well you'll just have to wait and see.

In all, I liked the book, although it didn't put me over the top like I expected. It was an easy fun read that I loved but some of it seemed done before (except the killing by touch, that was cool!). The book was everything I had hoped fore, but not enough to satiate me. I want more. I want answers. I feel like Juliette with the constant battle going on in my head, so I'll just stop this confusing review before it gets even worse. My Review? 4 Stars.

I'd like to point out that I was friends with the author on her blog before she released her book (before I even knew she was releasing  a book). I love her and stalk her blog Grab a Pen every chance I get. She has wonderful and funny tips to aspiring writers/current writers and never fails to give me a laugh. It's funny because I don't know her but I felt like it was my own little victory when she released her book. Then, when I saw in her acknowledgements that she wanted to thank her blog friends, I knew FOR SURE she was talking about me and I did a little dance in my seat. (I sound like a stalker right? It's OK. It won't be the first time) Ha!

Review: Dead Sky Morning by Karina Halle

Like I said before, I am back in full force!!!! I have a review ready to give you (and still one to write) so lets get down to business!!!

Book: Dead Sky Morning (Experiment in Terror #3)
By: Karina Halle
Publication Date: October 13, 2011
Publisher: Self Published
Description: With the Experiment in Terror show finding some success, amateur ghost hunters Perry Palomino and Dex Foray embark on their most terrifying investigation yet. A tiny, fog-shrouded island in the rough strait between British Columbia and Washington State has held a dark secret for decades: It was a former leper colony where over forty souls were left to rot, die and bury each other. Now a functioning campground, Perry and Dex spend an isolated weekend there to investigate potential hunting's but as the duo quickly find out, there is more to fear on D’Arcy Island than just ghosts. The island quickly pits partner against partner, spiraling the pair into madness that serves to destroy their sanity, their relationship and their very lives.

My Thoughts: This series just keeps getting better and better! I was ripped and stretched and pulled in so many directions that I didn't know who to like and who to hate!!!

Perry Palomino (I just love that name) is still just as psycho, and I love her just the same. There's so much to her I still just don't understand. We know that something happened in the past, but what? We know that her parents are somewhat afraid of her, but why? The author does a wonderful job providing depth to these characters that you wonder if they may be walking down the street next to you.

Sexy Mr Declan (Dex) Foray is here, and just as annoying as ever with his innuendo's and his flirtations and his brooding. Perry still hasn't broken his shell all the way and its funny how much about him I too want to know. He's such a mystery that sometimes you just want to hit him over the head with a rock (which is exactly what Perry did to him in the book).

Their relationship is so hot, and cold at the same time. There's so much tension, but at the same time, nothing has happened between them yet. Like the last book, you find yourself saying "Get it on already" and, although the book almost makes you satisfied, it, like Dex, is just a tease! I wanted so much more!!!!

The terror of the book is somewhat more creepy than the last book. Unlike those, I didn't actually find myself scared to the point that I couldn't sleep, I was more creeped out. There's so much that's creepy about this island. The ghosts and the...others....Trust me, it's pretty unnerving. You'll find yourself flipping forward in the book just to see if there's some salvation on the horizon.

The only think I didn't like much about this book was the ending. It seemed as if the author wanted the book to end soon and so some of it seemed short, clipped, and not really thought out. I'm not trying to give away any teasers so I'll just say this, one of the escape attempts, we'll call it "Plan Backpack," didn't even seem like it would kind of work in real life. Furthermore, I couldn't picture how it happened in my head. It made me frustrated. Then, things just seemed too neatly wrapped up and fixed for me. I wanted a cliff hanger (don't tell anyone I said that). I wanted some loose ends. It kind of made me feel like the end was not attached to this book.

Despite those things, I liked the book. I don't think it was quite as good as the others, mainly because of the ending, but it was still a good book. My Rating? 3.5 Stars

Waiting on Wednesday

Hello Everyone.
As promised, I am back now that I'm done with that horrible class. I will be announcing the winner for the Gift Card Giveaway Hop this evening!!! (You all know I cant do fun stuff from my work computer, thats why I'm waiting until this afternoon) Until then....
Its Wednesday and that means its time for the WoW Post:

Waiting on Wednesday is Hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine and spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
I decided to focus on the Hunger Games this month due to my ridiculous anticipation of the movie. I have been looking up everything Hunger Games related ever since the trailer was released. It makes me feel better about having to wait ALLLL the way until May. A BUNCH of things are in the works:

Book: The Hunger Games Tribute Guide
By: Emily Seife
Publication Date: February 7, 2012
Description: The New York Times bestselling Hunger Games is now a major motion picture -- and here is the ultimate guide to the all the tributes in the 74th annual Hunger Games!

Here is the ultimate guide to the twenty-four Tributes participating in Panem's 74th annual Hunger Games. Follow the Tributes' journey from the Reaping to the Games, with a look at all the highlights along the way--the Tribute Parade, the stations of the Training Center, the interviews, and more. Get exclusive information about the Tributes' strengths and weaknesses, their weapons of choice, and their experience in the Capitol before entering the arena.

My Thoughts: I want it!!!

Book: The Hunger Games: Official Illustrated Movie Companion
By: Kate Egan, Scholastic, Inc Staff
Publication Date: February 7, 2012
Description: The New York Times bestseller by Suzanne Collins is now a major motion picture -- and this is your guide to all of the movie's excitement, both in front of the camera and behind it.

Go behind the scenes of the making of The Hunger Games with exclusive images and interviews. From the screenwriting process to the casting decisions to the elaborate sets and costumes to the actors' performances and directors' vision, this is the definitive companion to the breathtaking film.

My Thoughts: I really want it!!!

Book: The World of The Hunger Games
By: Kate Egan, Scholastic, Inc Staff
Publication Date: March 23, 2012
Description: The definitive, richly illustrated, full-color guide to all the districts of Panem, all the participants in The Hunger Games, and the life and home of Katniss Everdeen.

Welcome to Panem, the world of The Hunger Games.  This is the definitive, richly illustrated, full-color guide to all the districts of Panem, all the participants in The Hunger Games, and the life and home of Katniss Everdeen.  A must-have for fans of both the Hunger Games novels and the new Hunger Games film.

My Thoughts: I really really want it!!!

And just Because I feel bad for all you Non Hunger Games lovers (shame on you!), I decided to give a regular book:

Book: Auracle
By: Gina Rosati
Publication Date: August 7, 2012
Description: Trapped outside her body, Anna sees and hears but cannot touch the one she longs to hold.

Anna has a secret: she can astrally project out of her body. But when there's an accident and her classmate Taylor gets into Anna's body, what was an exhilarating gift threatens to become a terrifying reality. Anna and her best friend Rei form a plan to set things right, but they don't anticipate the feelings that are beginning to grow between them. This exciting, sensual novel explores the relationship between body and soul and the power of a single touch.

My Thoughts: I love it. The cover is pretty and shows the idea of the story well. The story reminds me of the old legends told around the campfire in Twilight Eclipse (Thats a good thing). Makes me want to read it sooo much!!! 

What books are you waiting for?

Gift Card Giveaway Hop

Hey Everyone. So I have decided to enter into my first giveaway Hop!! I hope this works out well!!!

This hop is hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer. It will run from December 9th - 13th.

The giveaway is for either a $20 Barnes and Noble Gift Card or a book worth up to $20 from the Book Depository and the winner has the option of choosing either. This giveaway is International to anywhere the Book Depository Ships.
Only one winner will be chosen.
Make sure you put your choice for prize in the section for extra info under the blog comment section. What are you waiting on? Enter already!!!

Follow Friday

Follow Friday is hosted by Allison Can Read and Parajunkee. It's where we bloggers gather and mingle a bit.

This week's question is:

Question: Keeping with the Spirit of Giving this season, what book do you think EVERYONE should read and if you could, you would buy it for all of your family and friends?

Hmmm...There are so many. I think If I could, I would do Marina's tales and of course The Hunger Games. The latter is definitely a MUST READ, the former, just one I adored. 

What about you? What are your must reads???

Teaser Tuesday Fake/Real Post

Okay, I have been a bit out of the loop for quite some time. I decided to use this week's Teaser Tuesday to explain/ show you why. I called it a fake/real post because, well its from a real book, but I'd doubt anyone would want to actually read it. With that said, lets go into the Teaser Tueday

Teaser Tuesday is hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. 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!

 My TT for this week is:

Book: The Goal
By: Eliyahu M Goldratt

Teaser:
"You're just playing a log of games with numbers and words"
"Increase throughput while simultaneously reducing both inventory and operating expense"

Wow! Doesn't that just make you want to dive in and read this book? No?

Okay, in all actuality, its not a bad book. I have to read it for school, and it's written like a novel so its easier to read than most other business books. I'm actually getting through it rather quickly. The problem is just that I DONT WANT TO READ IT!!! I want to go back to my ghosts and faeries and vampires and werewolves. I want to go back to reading about relationships that are too perfect to actually be real. I want to go back to my own books.

Luckily this book needs to be done by this weekend, so after this weekend, I will be reunited with all my lovely YA and paranormal books.

What's your teaser for this week?