Better Know A Blogger: Bella - Obsessed!

For our last Better Know A Blogger I introduce you to BEL-LA!! You must say it with a thick Italian accent....really loud....that's what I do anyway. We are both very...ahem.....opinionated when it comes to our reading and I love getting into a good debate with her over all things literary. We usually end it by agreeing to disagree (Gale V. Peeta) or focusing on what/who we both love (Seth - from Wicked Lovely). She has an aWesOme blog with a fresh take on everything she reads. Whether she loves it or hates it she writes her reviews with passion!

Your name: My name is Izabela, but I do answer to *The Bella* ;)

Name of your blog: Obsessed! (http://paranormal-obsession.blogspot.com/)

When did you start Obsessed! ? I started my blog near the end of March last year, but it wasn't until July that I started posting book reviews ... it began as a personal blog where I rambled on when I had nothing better to do and - erm - occasionally gave in to a rant or two (LOL, bad idea, you think no-one who knows you will ever find out about it - THEY DO! :P) ... then I got bored of re-reading Twilight and decided to write up a bit of a review ... I did a little research to see what other people had to say about the series and *surprise* discovered BOOK BLOGS! :D ... the rest is HISTORY!




Number of followers: Google Friend Connect: 485, Facebook Networked Blogs: 74

What do you review? I'm Obsessed!™ with Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance, so mostly those genres (and anything related) :) ... but I do sometimes read ordinary Young Adult books as well (I'm partial to love stories and books that deal with serious issues such as anorexia or cutting).

How did you get the name for your blog? If I'm remembering correctly, this is the sixth name my blog has had, lol ... so however I came up with it, it wasn't easy! ;) Each time I decided on a new name, I had just revamped my entire blog ... I think that as I got closer to understanding what I wanted to do with the whole thing, so the name changed to better reflect it all ... it started off called Anything! (Just Not Beige) - yeah, I know, that tells you everything :D ... and is now Obsessed! - which really DOES tell you all you need to know :D

How would you describe your blog? Well, this is a tough one ... I'd say it provides an interesting, possibly informative, almost always funny, perspective on UF and PNR novels ... feel free to agree / disagree / throw pineapples at me ... I don't know ... it's just a place where I share my random and often disjointed thoughts about the books I read ... and where people occasionally drop by to *wave* or try to sell me Viagra ... SPAMMERS!!! I'M GOING TO GET YOU!!! *grrrr*

What kind of blogger are you? Very organized or fly by the seat of your pants? I am stupendously organized. By which I don't mean that I go to extremes to ensure there's something posting every day (I don't, btw - I like it here on Team Don't Blog Unless You Have Something To Say) ... what I mean is that when I DO write up a post, I am fanatical about spelling and grammar (the wonky stuff is intentional, I'm not actually as illiterate as I make myself out to be :P), checking, double-checking, triple-checking, making sure I've said everything that I feel the need to say in the most interesting way possible, doing another spell-check just in case, checking the HTML for *those random things* that appear and screw everything up ... etc ... no, I don't need therapy ... well, maybe ... I blame it on my star-sign and, err, CHOCOLATE MILK! :D ... no, not really. Yeah, you get the point ... and you have to know I'm going to check this about 10 times before I'm happy with it, lol ... okay, moving on, NEXT QUESTION! ;)

What is your favorite review or post for your own blog? I love them ALL, that's why they're there ;) ... but, okay, I'll pick one ... and I'll make it short, because I DO have a tendency to ramble on ... had you noticed? OH, I know, lol ... you probably won't find this very funny unless you've read the third House of Night book, Chosen (P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast) ... BUT - I CHOOSE YOU - CHOSEN LOLCATS! :D (No, I have no idea which dusty corner of my brain that Pokémon reference came from :o) BTW - the tortie (Aristotle) and the fat orange cat (Garfield Socrates) are my very own gorgeous kitties, so feel free to go and give them some virtual love even if you haven't read Chosen :) http://paranormal-obsession.blogspot.com/2009/12/teh-house-of-night-lolcats.html

Your favorite blog? Wicked Little Pixie's blog, because who doesn't LOVE snarkiness and the occasional bit of randomness :D http://wickedlilpixie.com/

What are you reading right now? I'm currently reading Soulless by Gail Carriger ... it's one of the funniest novels I've read in AGES and *very* welcome after THAT OTHER BOOK :o I heart Alexia ... she's all kinds of awesome ...

*Well you know how much I love my animal pictures ..... so I introduce to you the gorgeous Aristotle (left) and Socrates (right) snoozing on Bella's TBR pile!!

Thanks for stopping by Bella! <3 ya!!

That concludes our Better Know A Blogger Q&A's! Thanks to all who particpated. You can view them all HERE.

There is still time to enter The Ultimate Reviewers Challenge! It ends tonight at midnight CST!! Go link your reviews!!

Review: Warrior by Zoe Archer

The vicious attack Capt. Gabriel Huntley witnesses in a dark alley sparks a chain of events that will take him to the ends of the Earth and beyond - where what is real and what is imagined become terribly confused. And frankly, Huntley couldn't be more pleased. Intrigue, danger, and a beautiful woman in distress - just what he needs. Raised thousands of miles from England, Thalia Burgess is no typical Victorian lady. A good thing, because a proper lady would have no hope of recovering the priceless magical artifact Thalia is after. Huntley's assistance might come in handy, though she has to keep him in the dark. But this distractingly handsome soldier isn't easy to deceive... (Historical Romance, Action)

Review:
I have been dying to write this review for months now. I had a chance to read the first three books in this series and oh what a ride! Zoe Archer’s Blades of the Rose series is a blend of Historical Romance, travelogue, rip roaring adventure with a touch of the paranormal. I can’t even imagine what section they will deem to place Warrior in the bookstores…lol.
Here’s the premise; the world has always been full of magic but as mankind evolved so did their capacity to use the magic for evil so it had to be hidden – in “sources”, sometimes an ordinary object like a teapot and other times in objects of legend such as the Hammer of Thor. The Heirs of Albion want to possess all this magic in the name of England to dominate the rest of the world but they are thwarted in their efforts by a small band of heroes – The Blades of the Rose. It’s a race to see who can recover the sources first!
Each book focuses on a different member of the Blades in a different exotic local and in Warrior we are whisked away to Mongolia and introduced to one of my favorite heroines ever, Thalia. She is smart, brave and no nonsense, doing whatever it takes to save mankind and become a member of the Blades herself. She can save herself – thank you very much! Gabriel Huntley former member of Her Majesty’s Army is just looking for somewhere to settle down but stumbles into the adventure of a lifetime and into the arms of a woman that captivates him.
The best way I can describe this book is to compare it to Indiana Jones (or maybe Romancing the Stone) and I’m not sure if Archer favors that comparison but I mean it in the best way! There is so much action, history, scenery and romance rolled into one book!
Where this series shines though is with the characters themselves. There are so many books out there right now that claim to have intelligent women and men who appreciate them but Warrior takes it to a new level. I LOVED Thalia and her hero (nay – partner) Gabriel  truly appreciates both her brains and beauty.
I’ll let Zoe’s writing do the talking here with just a few of my favorite passages that show Thalia’s strength and Gabriel’s devotion to her.

Thalia learning to rely on herself:

“What if she failed the Blades? Failed Gabriel? What if she failed herself?

She heard Gabriel shouting his support from behind her, yet while his words warmed her, she didn’t take encouragement from him. It had to come from within. If she relied on something, someone, outside herself, then she would be no good to the Blades. She must be strong on her own.”

Gabriel and Thalia - having a sexy little discussion about teamwork before they head to battle:

“I like this very much,” he said, nibbling on the tips of her fingers. “An army of two.”

“Who’s in command?” she answered as she fought for breath.

What a wicked smile he had. “Let’s take turns.”

Warrior is a great kickoff to a really fun series. There are no big mysteries or deep pondering plots but you do get characters that you can root for and care about. As I said before I adored Thalia – I just can’t say enough good things about this girl! While I liked Gabriel, he is a little to “manly” for my personal tastes but still a wonderful character. I reserve my devotion for Bennett who shows up in book 2 – Scoundrel (The title tells you all you need to know!)
Loved: The characters were a smart and a  breath of fresh air for this genre.
Nitpick: The setting of Mongolia wasn’t my favorite but again this is personal preference not the writing itself.

Rating 3.5 out of 4 ......... Pure Escapism!

Author's Website: http://www.zoearcherbooks.com/Home.html
Buy the book! Warrior (The Blades of the Rose)
Pre-order Scoundrel (The Blades of the Rose) (trust me on this! <3 Bennett)

Read Zoe Archer's introduction to the Blades of the Rose

&

Win a signed copy of Warrior HERE !

Better Know A Blogger: Petty - Pen and Paper

Without a doubt Petty's blog - Pen and Paper is THE quirkiest blog I follow. And I mean that as a high compliment. It's a blend of book reviews, strange random facts, informative  posts....I could just go on and on. I tried visiting her blog today to pick a favorite post and I just couldn't - there are too many. I guarantee you won't leave her blog without a smile on your face or your mind expanded.

Name: Petty Witter (aka Tracy)

What is the name of your blog? Pen and Paper (http://pettywitter.blogspot.com/)

When did you start your blog? 18th April 2009.

How many followers do you have? 122.

What do you review? I'm quite eclectic in my posts - mainly books (lots of historicals and crime but also other genres). I also like to take a look at humorous stories/newspaper articles from around the globe amongst other things. Generally nothing too serious.

How did you get your blog name? Pen and Paper because I love writing letters the 'old fashioned' way. Petty Witter because I am known to 'witter' on about things that many other people see as being unimportant/of no real significance.

Describe your blog: (oh that's difficult) Friendly (I hope).

What kind of blogger are you? Very organized or fly by the seat of your pants? (Laughs) An addicted one. Seriously, I'm very organised - I have an index box in which everything is stored in labelled compartments. That said I can also be quite spontaneous as well.

What is your favorite post? (An even more difficult question to answer) Probably my first ever, 'HELLO', as that was the most difficult, scary one - after that there was no stopping me.

What is your favorite blog? Impossible to answer - I have several favourites, all of whom are favourites for different reasons. One blog may be a favourite because that blogger posts the most amazing book reviews, another blog may be a favourite because the blogger is just such a lovely person, another a favourite because they write about their home towns, taking me on wonderful journeys and so on.

What are you currently reading? The Poison Master by Liz Williams.
On the planet of Latent Emanation, humans form the lowest class, at the mercy of strange and decadent alien rulers: the Lords of Night. The young alchemist Alivet has chafed under the Lords' domination ever since her twin sister was abducted to serve in their palace. But, having saved every penny to rescue her, Alivet's plans are wrecked when she finds herself on the run for murder.
Her only hope now seems to be a mysterious stranger named Ari Ghairen, the Poison Master from the planet Hathes. Ghairen needs an alchemist of Alivet's expertise to compound the one drug that can free her human kin by destroying the Lords. Sequestered in Ghairen's fortress laboratory on Hathes, lied to by both her new ally and the enigmatic governess he employs, Alivet doesn't know whom to trust or where to turn. But if she doesn't find some answers soon, she will lose everything.

Thank you Petty!
Go stop by her blog where you will find everything from book reviews, to posts about monkey's, fish, stupid criminals, the size of bug splats & inspirational women - all on the same blog!

Better Know A Blogger: Aly - Fantasy 4 Eva!

Today I bring you the lovely Aly from Fantasy 4 Eva! I found Aly's blog in a somewhat backward way. I had followed her on Twitter for awhile and we talked about books( @blueicefiesta ) and then realized she had a blog. She has very eclectic tastes and it's always fun to find out about books that wouldn't be on my radar otherwise. And heeere's Aly........

Your Name: Aly

Name of your blog: Fantasy4eva http://blueicegal-fantasy4eva.blogspot.com/

When did you start your blog? November 2009 wow time has sure flown by huh?

Number of followers? 295

What do you review? I'm open to almost to anything, however I mainly focus on, YA, Chick Lit, Romance, Urban Fantasy & the Paranormal

How did you get the name for your blog? Whenever I get asked things such as, how did you think of so and so? I never really have a solid answer, I don't really plan things, everything about me and my blog is pretty much in the moment like my reviews and such, I'm quite spontaneous in that sense, I've always had a big imagination maybe that's why that name came to me?

How would you describe your blog? Imaginative, amusing, honest, and opinionated.

What kind of blogger are you? Very organized or fly by the seat of your pants? Hahaha not organised at all! That's just not me, like I said I'm more on the spontaneous side so I would go with the fly by the seat of my pants option :D I envy people who do things like scheduling their posts, but I don't have the patience for that, I write my reviews the very moment I've finished the book, its just the way I work, I do it that way because at that moment all my thoughts are very fresh, so if I say something very positive, on the emotional side, or negative its because i literally just finished that book 5 seconds ago and those thoughts are just waiting to be spattered out, I may not offer the most well written reviews, but they are honest and if you look carefully they always tend to have a lot of imagery in them, I like to try and give my readers the vivid picture I see when I read that particular book, it tends to comes out though when I'm really passionate about a read, have you noticed it? I hope the readers can see that in my reviews.

What is your favorite review or post for your own blog? Now this is where it gets tough, well surely not my past ones because they are cringe worthy but recent ones?...maybe the sky is everywhere, I fell in love with that book completely, the fact that I reviewed it right after I literally put it down, may have affected the emotional side of it, but i feel I expressed myself well on that review.

Your favorite blog? Oh no! I can't do that there are so many! I don't think I have a particular blog that I like more than the rest because that would be unfair, there are so many blogs I enjoy, lets just put it this way, the blogs that I love? I almost comment on them everyday so if that's you, then your on my list :)

What are you currently reading? I'm currently reading - The Rose That Grew From Concrete By Tupac Shakur which consists of poems written by him, which are just amazing!! :)

I loved your questions thank you for having me! xD

Thanks for stopping by Aly!!

Guest Post: Author Zoe Archer - Blades of the Rose & a CONTEST!!

I have been dying to talk up this series since I first got to read the ARC's several months ago. Warrior is the first book in author Zoe Archer's new Blades of the Rose series and I'll be reviewing it here tomorrow - but for today I'll let Zoe give you an introduction as to what to expect from this fantastic new series.......

Take it away Zoe.........
Who: The Blades of the Rose

What: A band of adventurers, scientists and explorers who follow the four points of the compass to find and protect the world’s magic.

Where: All over the world! From the wind-swept steppes of Mongolia, to the gleaming islands in the Aegean Sea, to the rugged Canadian Rockies, and a few more surprising locations.

Why: I’m an admitted fan of historical romance, but I’ve also enjoyed the freedom and diversity available in paranormal romance. After reading many, many books about spying dukes and bluestocking debutantes, I wanted to read something really different, something that combined the richness of a historical romance with the range and potential of paranormal romance. So, the BLADES OF THE ROSE were born.
Romance readers are a diverse group, and I decided to bring that diversity to a historical setting. This means that not only do I have English heroes and heroines, I have a Canadian Indian hero, an American journalist heroine, and a black British hero—who happens to be a scientific genius. I loved writing each and every one of my heroes and heroines, not just for their diversity, but because they were fun and, above all, intelligent.
It’s a safe bet to say that many romance readers have come across heroines with more sass than smarts. Often, the heroine has to be bailed out by the hero, or it’s mostly luck that gets her to safety. I have one word for those heroines: oy.
When it came time to write the Blades books, right from the beginning I vowed to make my heroines just as smart and just as capable as the heroes. They can save themselves, and even, on occasion, lend the hero a hand. Of course, the heroes get their moments to shine, as well, and shine they do. But I made sure that the relationships were about equality as well as attraction. There’s nothing sexier than a man who wants a woman for her brains and her beauty (exactly how my husband feels about me!).
And, yes, these are historical romances spanning the years 1874-75, but they aren’t confined to England. There’s a great big world out there, and it’s exciting and romantic! Why should contemporary and paranormal romance get all the fun of exotic locations? Just imagine that iconic image from adventure films, where we a little icon of a plane or ship moving across the map. That’s exactly the feeling of the Blades books. You know when the plane lands or the ship docks, something really fun is about to happen.

So, to recap, what are you going to find in every Blades of the Rose story?

-Adventure

-Magic

-Action

-Danger

-Exotic historical settings

-Diabolical steampunk inventions

-Sexy men in tall boots

-Heroines who kick ass

-Red hot romance

I can’t wait to share the adventure with you!

Thanks Zoe!

                                          

The Blades of the Rose 

Warrior - September 2010

Scoundrel - October 2010

Rebel - November 2010

Stranger - December 2010

*****

The Undying Heart - Now Available in Half Past Dead  

 

Buy the book! Warrior (The Blades of the Rose)

Pre-order Scoundrel (The Blades of the Rose) Available Oct. 1st! Ahhh...Bennett *sigh*

*Visit Zoe at her website: Zoe Archer
*Follow Zoe on Twitter: (where she will torture you with her baked confections and find out that she really likes boots!) @Zoe_Archer

CONTEST TIME!! Leave a comment below and your entered to win a copy of Warrior by Zoe Archer!

*Contest ends Sunday 9/5/10 (crap - is it September already??) at 11:59pm EST

International entries OK!

*Extra entries:

+1 if you follow my blog
+1 if you follow me on twitter (@teamsheltie)
+1 if you blog/ lin on sidebar or Tweet about this contest!

Leave a comment below and be entered to win a signed copy of WARRIOR!

Sunday Ramblings........

OK - this was a fairly traumatic week for all of us. Mockingjay came out. Nuff said. Whether you loved it - hated it - or somewhere in between it was rough. So my advice to you to get out of the "post MJ funk" is to go see Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World! This movie is original, funny, quirky, trippy, weird and sweet all rolled into one. There are a few lulls in the action but overall it was a really great summer movie. I'm bummed that it doesn't seem to be more popular. Translation - no sequel. Which would be a shame. Go see it!!

Onto the wrap up!!

This is the last day to enter the epic - awesome - ginormous - huge - Mocking jay contest!! This is a joint venture with Bella from Obsessed! and The Paperback Dolls so you have THREE chances to win some amazing Hunger Games prizes including a boxed set, *3* chances to win Mocking jay, t-shits, pins.....go......hurry.....enter HERE ! Don;t forget to enter on their blogs too!

For all my Hunger Games related postings for the week go HERE !

THE ULTIMATE REVIEWERS CHALLENGE is still going strong with over *600* links posted so far!! WOW, I'm amazed!! There are still a few days to link your reviews HERE ! Do you think we can make it to 700?? Please...lol

As part of the challenge we have been posting a Better Know A Blogger Q&A! Lots of fun...get to know everyone who's participated so far HERE !

Coming up!

Monday author Zoe Archer will be here to talk about her new Blades of the Rose series - strong women & the sexy men that love them!! I'll also be giving away a copy of the first book int he series "Warrior" and my review will be posted Tuesday!

This week because of the psychological trauma I've endured reading - I'm closing with puppies. Here are my guys when they were just little babies....Indy & Beau

Have a great weekend everyone!!

Better Know A Blogger: Caitlin - The Scarrlet Reader

Another new blogger!! Caitlin's motto is "Life gave me books, so I read them" - LOVE it! Go check out her beautiful blog. I have a thing for blogs with flowers.....they relax me, so The Scarrlet Reader is a regular stop.

Your Name: Caitlin

Name of your blog: Scarrlet Reader (http://scarrletreader.blogspot.com/)

When did you start The Scarrlet Reader? I started Scarrlet Reader in the near the end of May of 2010, so i'm kind of a newbie to the blogging world, though is one of the best decisions I've made for myself. I love it!

Number of followers? 116

What do you review? I review the books that interest me. I don't just focus on one genre, but travel into all the different selections of the book world. I review mostly YA books and I do have a liking for paranormal romances. But really, I'll give anything a shot.

How did you get the name for your blog? *grin* I happen to like when people ask me this question because it infact does come with a story. I am, as most of the people that know me know, a danger magnet. I always find a way to hurt myself and as a result I have my fair share of scars all over myself, so some of my friends started calling me Scarr about three years ago. So then, my favorite color is purple, but my second is red and I've always loved the name Scarlett. So when it came time to name my blog, I came up with the name Scarr-let Reader. XD

How would you describe your blog? It's my relief place. It's where I can talk books how ever much I want with out the poeple around me going cross eyed from listening to be talk about my recent read. It's a place where I can be myself yet I am someone else at the same time. People on my blog know me as Caitlin or ScarrletReader. People in my life know me as Caitlin the girl who spends all her money on books or the Reading Addict. It's like I'm two people in the same body. My blog is a blog where my rambling and thoughts can be heard.

What kind of blogger are you? Very organized or fly by the seat of your pants? *snorts* Organized? I don't know the meaning of the word. I'm a very "in the moment" kind of person. So sometimes when I finish a book the review may come about an hour later or may not even be write a week later. I don't usually have things planned out, but I have found that having a blog can make a person become organized. I can't wait too long to review a book or I might forget something and I can't have everything I want posted at once sometimes. I've learned that I need to keep things in a little bit more order. Though if you saw my room you'd definately know I wasn't the most organized.

What is your favorite review or post for your own blog? That's easy. It would have to be my review for North of Beautiful. I loved that book so much I feel like the review I did for it really gets across how wonderful this book is! http://scarrletreader.blogspot.com/2010/08/book-review-north-of-beautiful.html

Karen - I'm going to add in my two cents here and point you out to  you Caitlin's "re-create Mockingjay cover contest" entry - I think she did an AMZAZING job! Look at it here!!

Your favorite blog? Oh, that's a tough one! How am I suppose to narrow them all down?! Well, I have to say that I do love is The Book Pixie. She is one of the first blogs I started following and she has great content in her reviews! http://thebookpixie.blogspot.com/

What are you currently reading? I'm currently reading: We Hear The Dead by Dianne K. Salerni & Come Again No More by Jack Todd

Here's a picture of Caitlin's very intimidated TBR pile!!

Thank you for stopping by Caitlin!! And check out all the other bloggers who have stopped by this month HERE

Better Know A Blogger: Jen - What's On The Bookshelf

I first got to know Jen through Twitter due to our mutual admiration of all things Jeri Smith-Ready. I'm glad she finally caved and started her own blog - "What's On The Bookshelf " so I can read her thoughts on other books too. We seem to have very similar tastes so it's fun to discuss and get reading recommendations from her! She's a newbie but has already developed a style of her own and has written really great reviews. And my gold standard.....she's honest! 
Your Name: Jen

Name of your blog: What's on the Bookshelf? http://whatsonthebookshelf-jen.blogspot.com/

When did you start ? July (Yep I'm a newbie!!)

Number of followers? 21 and growing

What do you review? Everything! I prefer YA, but I will read just about anything that comes my way.

How did you get the name for your blog? I was sitting at my desk at work trying to come up with a clever name when a student walked in and asked me what one of the books on my shelf was. I figured that worked as a good name for my blog as well.

How would you describe your blog? Evolving...I'm still new at all of this, so I'm still trying new things and seeing what works and doesn't work.

What kind of blogger are you? Very organized or fly by the seat of your pants? Haha....fly by the seat of my pants. I've always got a thousand things going on in life, so if I'm planning something it's usually for my daughter rather than myself. So far it's worked to fly by, I'm sure that will change eventually.

What is your favorite review or post for your own blog? (provide link) My favorite review so far is Happyface. I read it as a challenge and ended up really liking the book. http://whatsonthebookshelf-jen.blogspot.com/2010/07/book-review-happyface-by-stephen-emond.html

Your favorite blog? I don't think I can narrow my favorite to just one. I can narrow it down to a favorite type though, I like blogs that are versatile and have honest reviews. I've found new music, new movies, and new books from blogs. I love that!

What are you currently reading? I've slowed down on my reading lately, so I'm only reading Immortal by Gillian Shields

Thanks for stopping by Jen!!

If you want to meet the other blogger's featured in Better Know A Blogger go HERE

Review: My Husband's review of Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Here is my husband's review for Mockingjay - it does contain minor SPOLIERS!

Kevin's review of The Hunger Games & Catching Fire HERE if you want to read that first.

Review:
I just finished reading Mockingjay……..and, well, I have to say I was disappointed. It was written well but was just missing… something. Maybe it’s just because I read all three books in the series in a row, or maybe I was just expecting too much, caught up in the hype. All I know is that I didn’t feel satisfied.


The first two books were so intricately laid out with each scene, each moment meaning something and leading to something greater. She concentrated on all the little things. Here in Mockingjay she completely abandoned that style and jumped to the big picture but without tying in to anything she had laid out earlier. It was almost as if she had this epic Shakespearean story planned and then turned on CNN’s war coverage and said “let me write about that and insert these characters into that narrative.” Every issue relating to war is covered. Bombs, traitors, torture, propaganda, waterboarding, the media…you name it – it’s there. As an anti-war, anti-terrorism novel it works, as a bookend to this series it does not. The series started as a dystopian future and then swapped over to a commentary on current events.

There was some sort of fire in Collins writing when she penned The Hunger Games and Catching Fire. That wasn’t continued in this book. Katniss is the same self-doubting girl we were left with in Catching Fire. Everyone else around her has changed for better or worse. Even her little sister Prim has grown up and matured into a strong young lady. The storyline focuses so much on war & rebellion to the point that the character development is lost.

There is a lot sadness and bleakness in this book but no heart. I should explain……………
In the first two books there are scenes/events that rip your heart out. You go from the depression of dealing with the death of Rue to the comfort and tender moments with Peeta and even Gale. You felt the swings in emotion. In Mockigjay there are really no scenes that “stab” you in the heart. Yes, I knew that I was supposed to be happy or sad but I didn’t “feel it” and, no, it’s not because I’m an unfeeling guy. I teared when Katniss adorned Rue in flowers. I thought of my little sister and how I would feel in that situation. I felt the safety that Katniss and Peeta felt when they were holding each other.

As everyone has said there is a decision in the Peeta/Gale situation………. Yes, there was logic in the decision but, once again, there was no heart. Now I stated in my previous review that I am Team Peeta. And I stand by that. He is the yin to her yang, I think she needs Peeta’s calmness to balance her but whatever…that’s not the point. What she does to these two boys – now men, is on the verge of cruel. She asks everything from them and gives nothing back. Now I know she’s young and hadn’t had any romantic feelings at all before being pushed into the games and that forced the issue. On that level I’m ok with that. She doesn’t NEED to pick anyone. But Collins wrote it this way – that a choice had to be made. I believe she loves both Gale and Peeta for different reasons but the she way she treats them is just wrong. She won’t be happy until there is nothing left of them and one of them dies for her and then she will cry about how it was her fault. Some of the things she says to Peeta (my god girl – what does this guy have to do for you??) and does to Gale…..Grrrrr. ****SPOILER**** Peeta was tortured to the point that he has almost lost his humanity and she’s upset because he doesn’t think she’s beautiful. Then being spurned by Peeta she runs to Gale and uses him as her rebound guy until he pisses her off, then she goes to Haymitch and then the cycle starts over. Maybe I have problems with this because I’m a guy – maybe I just see it more from the guys angle than hers but it really rubbed me the wrong way at just how selfish she is when everyone has been through so much – not just her. ****END SPOILER****

The end was kind of like a “Scooby Doo” episode in the sense that you learn about what happened to everyone in the last part but because you are told about it – you don’t get to see it. As Karen said in her review, pivotal scenes and conversations were missing. It was tied up with a neat little bow but the package was empty.

I still had a lot of questions at the end……and we all know what that leads too…..fan fiction.

I plan on reading it again to just make sure of how I felt. Who knows….practice makes perfect….oh wait, that doesn’t work for reading, does it? Well, I’ll read it again anyway and see if I can make more sense of it. It did upset me so that’s good right? I felt something. Yup, that’s what I’m telling myself.

Team Peeta? Team Gale? Team Katniss? Nah – I’m Team Buttercup!

Rating: as a stand-alone novel I would give it a 3.5 out of 4 but as the ending to this series I give it a 3 out of 4.

Here's Karen's review: HERE

Better Know A Blogger: Julie - My 5 Monkey's

Today's blog feature is Julie from My 5 Monkey's. I adore Julie and her blog! She is about THE sweetest person you will meet!! (virtually anyway - she's too far to meet in person :-( ) We've become friends over the past few months and I'm happy to have her stop by my blog for the day!

Your Name: Julie

Name of your blog: My 5 Monkey's http://www.tableforseven-julie.blogspot.com/

When did you start My 5 Monkey's? It started as a family blog in 2008 and since I got books to review....it became more public

Number of followers? 450
What do you review? young adult, adult books and Blog with Bite Book club books

How did you get the name for your blog? Well I have 5 kids or monkeys as I lovingly call them..because they do climb all over things in the house.






How would you describe your blog? Fun and snarky at times and I love Gerard Butler and chocolate.

What kind of blogger are you? Very organized or fly by the seat of your pants? Organized to a point of scheduling posts and reading my books in a timely manner but I'm try to add a personal books in the reading pile because reading should be fun /hobby ..not a job.

What is your favorite review or post for your own blog? My Twice Bitten book review -http://tableforseven-julie.blogspot.com/2010/07/twice-bitten-book-review.html

Your favorite blog? www.blogwithbite.com

What are you currently reading? Saving Max, The Girl Who Played With Fire and Shadow Hills.

Thanks Julie!! <3

See who else has stopped by for Better Know A Blogger! HERE

Are you ready to HOP??

Here we are again....another TGIF and another hop and Follow Friday under our belt.





Blog Hop is hosted by Jen over at Crazy For Books
This week's question is: Do you use a rating system for your reviews and if so, what is it and why? Yes, because I think a lot of people skip the review and head straight to the rating. I know I do....then I go back and read the review. It gives an overall picture of how you felt about a book. The review gives the details. I have struggled with mine though. I rate on a scale of 1-4.Sometimes I rgubj U should go to 5 to give myself more wiggle room but I don't know.....I guess what I have works for now.

Follow Friday is hosted by Parajunkee (wo designed my beautiful header!!)

I have lots of stuff going on here this week so I'll just get to it so you can get hopping!


CONTESTS!!

* I'm co-hosting a HUGE Hunger Games themed giveaway with The Paperback Dolls and Bella from Obsessed! to celebrate the release of Mockingjay!!  Click HERE to enter. Contest ends Sunday 8/29!

* And don't forget to check out all my THG / Mockingjay related posts including my review of  Mockingjay to see how you can earn extra entries to the above contest - HERE

THE ULTIMATE REVIEWERS CHALLENGE!!

* The challenge continues until August 31st - if you're a blogger then LINK YOUR REVIEWS HERE for a chance to win some amazing prizes! Don't forget to stop by Addicted 2 Novels, Karen's Addictions and All Comsuming Books - Reviews by Tiger - my co-hosts for the event. 

Thanks for stopping by - leave a link so I can hop back and enjoy your weekend!!

Ultimate Reviewers Challenge: Review Spotlight - Whistling in the Dark by Tamara Allen

Today I'm spotlighting a review I found linked in The Ultimate Reviewers Challenge by John from Dreaming in Books. I loved his review of Whistling in the Dark by Tamara Allen for many reasons. It's well written of course but it was just how much he loved this book and how it came through in his review that won me over. I'm not that big a fan of Historical Fiction or Historical Romance so when someone can make me want to read a book from this genre I have to give them credit and I must say he made a persuasive case for picking this one up. I also haven't really read much GLBT literature and it seems like a good story to push me out of my reading comfort zone. The review is from Dreaming in Books Rainbow Thursday review feature.

So without further ado ......here's John's review....(hey - that kind of rhymed - yup I'm a dork! - sorry John)

Hey bloggies! Today, for my Rainbow Thursday, I am reviewing one of my best reads so far this year! Tamara Allen is a great historical author, and y'all better read her books. I have nothing but good things to say. This is what happens when I become a fangirl, as you know. Now, enjoy the gay historical love!

Title: Whistling in the Dark
Author: Tamara Allen
Publisher: Lethe Press

Gay historical romance is pretty much the highlight of my reading life. I mean, it has everything that I love. Romance. Gay men. Historical settings. It's just an immensely appealing niche. A friend of mine basically talked Ms. Tamara Allen up to high heaven, so I had to ask if I could review her books. Whistling in the Dark is her first novel, set in the roaring 20's, when jazz and radio are just starting to get big. It's a rich time with a lot of mystery and secret amusement among the younger set, and ends up being a truly marvelous novel on all accounts.
After being expelled from his college for having an affair with a male teacher, Sutton Albright packs his bags and heads to New York City. He wanders the streets, with hardly any money to his name. Sutton comes across a small diner, where he manages to get a job as an errand boy. Working for the diner isn't what Sutton - a piano prodigy and war veteran - had in mind for his life's work, but he can't bear to go home and tell his family the truth about himself. The fact that he likes men.
Jack Baily is the polar opposite of Sutton. After coming home from the war, he was left without any direct family, and moved into his fathers old shop. Jack is restless and doesn't want to sit around selling antiques and useless items. His technical skills are better suited towards running the contraption gaining momentum known as the radio. If he can get the one in the shop up and running, and maybe a music player, he could attract more customers and get out of his debt.
Whistling in the Dark is a romantic expose on the lives of two men haunted by the aftermath of World War I, and their struggle to define themselves in a world where liking other men is a crime and indecent. They may not be able to define themselves as gay, but they know that their hearts will always be searching for someone of the same gender. When they meet, the chemistry is obvious, and before long Sutton is playing piano again. This time for Jack. His skills attract many new customers, but also bring up issues with the relationship. Especially when Jack doesn't want to get too close.
I wanted to take Sutton home and snuggle him. I loved his character to bits, and he is the perfect example of a well-written gay man. He's questioning of himself, but by the end of the book is very assured that he isn't wrong in who he is. Intelligence is obvious, and his piano playing is a wonderful quality that adds to his depth of character. The deep connection he had as a war veteran was also really compelling, and I loved how that tied in with Jack's issues.
Allen's writing is a joy to read. The setting is so vibrant and meticulous without being overbearing. It's a great balance for a historical novel, and Allen doesn't once break it with an anachronism or stylistic issue. For a first novel, it's very mature and seasoned. Every phrase carries a certain weight and importance about it that really speaks volumes about Allen's style and her writing ability.
Since I cannot be subtle anymore: Read. This. Book. You will drool over the romance. You will be amazed at just how good the writing is. You will become a Tamara Allen fangirl like I am, and there is no stopping it. This is what quality gay romance is all about, people. And it doesn't even have any naughty bits, so it's safe for small children. I know. It's like the perfect cross-over book. Now go and buy it and make me a happy LGBTQ reviewer. :)

Cover Comments: For a small press cover, it's good. I like the music notes and the classic photo/snapshot on the front, thought the font is kind of meh.

Rating: 5.0 Stars

Copy: Received from Tamara (signed) for review! Thanks oodles, Tamara!

Thank you John for letting me reprint your review here and please go check out Dreaming in Books!

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Follow John on Twitter - @DreamingReviews

Better Know A Blogger: Stella - Ex Libris

Today I'm featuring Stella from Ex Libris. She's a fairly new blogger but she already has a large and loyal following! Ex Libris is one of my favorite blogs to visit - she has great reviews and has been kicking it up a notch with equally great contests!

Your Name: Stella

Name of your blog: Ex Libris http://www.stella-exlibris.com/

When did you start Ex_Libris? Created the blog on 31 January 2010, and started blogging in February

Number of followers? 538 GFC followers since 4 February 2010

What do you review? I have a very eclectic reading taste, I read almost everything: urban fantasy, paranormal romance, mysteries and thrillers, historical novels, fantasy and even read my first sci-fi recently!

How did you get the name for your blog? I'm quite the linguist: I speak 6 languages, and learned Latin for several years. I enjoyed it very much and Latin means culture, history and books to me (3 of my favourite things besides travelling and cooking ;-p), and somehow Ex Libris just popped into my head when I considered starting my own book blog. I didn't spend that much time searching for a name, this one called out to me. It literally means "from the books" as in "quoted from", but I like to give it another meaning too: that when I read I'm transported in the story and the characters and settings step out "from the books" to surround me.

How would you describe your blog? It is an eclectic journey, a cozy place. I would like you to feel as much at home at browsing it as if you were under a blanket on your sofa in a Sunday afternoon. When I started blogging I wanted to have my book reviews in one place then I discovered what a social activity blogging is and the fantastic community. Now I live for comments and love lively discussions! :-)

What kind of blogger are you? Very organized or fly by the seat of your pants? Oh no, unfortunately I'm not very organized, the only time I was when I took part in Book Extravaganza and Got Books? then I had to prepare all the giveaway posts in advance since I was to be out of town without internet so I had to prepare all the giveaway posts for planned posting. I'm more of the very spontaneous kind. Sometimes posts just keep pouring out of me others times I don't have either the time or the inspiration to write. I should plan more my posting, that is one of my blogging goals :-)

What is your favorite review or post for your own blog? To post or not to post (a discussion post) http://www.stella-exlibris.com/2010/05/armchair-bea-to-post-or-not-to-post.html , and Touched by an Alien by Gini Koch (book review): http://www.stella-exlibris.com/2010/06/book-review-touched-by-alien-by-gini.html  This is one of my favourite book reviews because I love this book, just thinking about it makes me all warm and fuzzy :-D

Your favorite blog? I'm very indecisive in everything, so you can't expect me to choose only one ;-) I love Bookalicious Ramblings, All Things Urban Fantasy, Pearls Cast Before a McPig, Reading Without Restraint, Geeky Blogger's Book Blog, Reading with Tequila and SciFiGuy. Ok, happy now? It really took me a lot of effort to limit it to only these! :-)

What are you reading right now? Right now I'm reading My Soul to Save by Rachel Vincent. Read the introductory novella on Sunday and got interested in the series. Gobbled up the 1st book (My Soul to Take) on Sunday and wanted more. It is seriously addictive! :-D

Thanks for stopping by Stella! As you can see she is passionate about her books and that comes through in her all her reviews!! I LOVE Ex Libris & Stella!! If you haven't been to Stella's blog yet, then go right now!!

The Hunger Games!!

Here are the links to all things Hunger Games on For What It's Worth:

Huge Mega Giveaway!!! Three blogs - THREE prizes!! Ends 8/29!

*CLICK HERE TO ENTER!!

Comment on any of the following posts and earn one extra entry to the contest! be sure to enter on the main contest page (link above)  first and follow the directions to have the entry counted.

*Review of Mockingjay: HERE (spoiler free)

*My husband's review of Mockingjay: HERE (some spoilers)

*Review of The Hunger Games & Catching Fire: HERE

*Your Mockingjay predictions - hopes and theories: HERE

*Team Peeta Sonnet: HERE

*Hunger Games - The Music: HERE

*Team Peeta Quotes of the day: HERE 

The Hunger Games Trilogy - Music

I've wracked my brain looking for the right song that fits with this series and while a lot of songs remind me of certain moments or characters, I've had a hard time finding something that fits the series as a whole. I think I've come close with this one. I'm hoping to make up a playlist soon.

Nine Inch Nails - "Right Where It Belongs":



Lyrics:

See the animal in his cage that you built
Are you sure what side you're on?
Better not look him too closely in the eye
Are you sure what side of the glass you are on?

See the safety of the life you have built
Everything where it belongs
Feel the hollowness inside of your heart
And it's all
Right where it belongs

[Chorus:]

What if everything around you
Isn't quite as it seems?
What if all the world you think you know
Is an elaborate dream?
And if you look at your reflection
Is it all you want it to be?
What if you could look right through the cracks?
Would you find yourself
Find yourself afraid to see?

What if all the world's inside of your head
Just creations of your own?
Your devils and your gods
All the living and the dead
And you're really all alone?
You can live in this illusion
You can choose to believe
You keep looking but you can't find the woods
While you're hiding in the trees

[Chorus:]

What if everything around you
Isn't quite as it seems?
What if all the world you used to know
Is an elaborate dream?
And if you look at your reflection
Is it all you want it to be?
What if you could look right through the cracks
Would you find yourself
Find yourself afraid to see?

And this one from Stabbing Westward - "What Do I Have To Do"



There are several Nine Inch Nail songs that really fit with the books..... "Maybe Just Once", "We're In This Together" - Muse and Arcade Fire are two other groups that really taps into the dystopian themes of the series.

Do you have any songs that remind you of the books or the characters?

Review: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she’s made it out of the bloody arena alive, she’s still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Katniss. And what’s worse, President Snow has made it clear that no one else is safe either. Not Katniss’s family, not her friends, not the people of District 12. Powerful and haunting, this thrilling final installment of Suzanne Collins’s groundbreaking The Hunger Games trilogy promises to be one of the most talked about books of the year. (YA)

There are no spoilers for Mockingjay but if you haven't read The Hunger Games or Catching Fire you might want to skip this review.

Review:
If The Hunger Games and Catching Fire were about The Games and manipulations of The Capitol then Mockingjay is about choices and consequences.
At the beginning of Mockingjay, District 12 has been destroyed, the “non-existent” District 13 has been discovered and Peeta has been captured by The Capitol.
Mockingjay is different in tone and pacing than the previous two books in the series. Katniss has matured and hardened. She has to face the realities of being "The Mockingjay". It’s not something she can escape from just because the games are over. There are still those who want to use her and what she represents for their own goals, but this time she’s in control. She also comes to the realization that she needs help, not an easy admission for her.
One thing I really loved about this book is that she has relationships with the other characters for once. The romance takes a back seat, as it should, although it is always looming in the background (and a decision is made) but in Mockingjay we get to see her interact with the others and expand her sometimes narrow views. Instead of being the loner, questioning everyone’s motives, she has to work with a team to take down The Capitol. I liked that she was able to form a bond with her former tributes – Finnick & Johanna.
She’s not the only one who has been changed by the games. Peeta, Gale, Haymitch, Johanna and Finnick are also profoundly affected by the manipulations of President Snow. They are not the same people we read about in The Hunger Games. We learn more about their backgrounds and just how evil The Capitol was in keeping an iron grip on the residents of the 12 Districts. The parallels to war and its effects on the psyche of its victims are the driving force in this, the last chapter to The Hunger Games series. Suffice to say it made for some rough reading at times.
The relationship between Katniss and Haymitch was the most profound to me. What has he been to Katniss? Mentor? Traitor? Friend? He has now become Katniss’s conscience and the person who knows her best, because honestly – they are so much alike. Sometimes Katniss needs a whack upside the head! I love her but she can be incredibly self-absorbed. My heart went out to Haymitch as we learned about his past and I was happy to see his character get a bit more development.
And I’m going to give a little shout out to Buttercup – Prim’s cat – yes Buttercup. Katniss’s interactions with him provide a welcome respite from the relentlessly bleak backdrop and let us in on a vulnerable side of Katniss that we don’t often see.
If I have one complaint it would be that Collins delved a little too deep in explaining certain things such as each line of a song but then hurried along at other (more important IMO) points. There were a few important conversations and scenes that I would have liked to have read but were left out.
Many of the themes and symbols from the first two books were carried through to the finale and most things are resolved. There are twists and turns that I’m sure you won’t see coming. While a few things happened that people predicted, I’m going to go out on a limb and say most of you will be shocked by at least once during this book. I personally was stunned at the path she took – I expected something….different….more epic and yes I was a little disappointed after all the buildup.
I don’t think this is my favorite book in the series but it is a fitting end to one of the best YA series I’ve read in years. I hope I don’t ever get that stressed out over a book again! The wait almost killed me!

Rating: 3.5 out of 4. A fantastic end to a brilliant series. I believe this series is best read all at once - so set aside a few days and get reading

If you leave a comment that has spoilers please say *SPOILER* so people will be warned!!

Your Mockingjay Theories!

As you may know by now I'm co hosting a HUGE Hunger Games themed giveaway HERE - the question to answer in my comment section is: Tell me how you would like the trilogy to end or if you've read Mockingjay - did you like the end?

I'm really enjoying your answers and I thought I would share some of your theories and see how close you get now that Mockingjay has finally arrived!!

I stayed up all night reading it - I have had exactly 1 1/2 hours sleep so far...... but I'm telling if you were right or way off base!

Here are some of my favorites:

Giada M: “I usually love happy ends, but in this last book I don't think a true happy end is possible. At least I would like to see president Snow agonizing and dead.”

puppyduck4: “I think the Rebels will defeat the Capitol in the end but it won’t be a clean conclusion. There will still be a long way to go after that, to make things better for everyone.
I'm hoping maybe we’ll find out that Katniss’ and/or Gale’s dad is still alive.
Also, Katniss will end up with Peeta (: “

itsmefaith: “Well I hope that President Snow dies (of course) and Peeta and Katniss live happily ever after WITHOUT "smexy" Gale in the way. Ugh. Besides that, I'd like her to go in the arena (aka the Capitol) and save Peeta/ Johanna etc... then throw Pres Snow into the stupid arena!!!! Muahahahahaha!!! And then all the past winners can go and take a stab at him!!! (I'm sorry, is that too gory? :D) Oh, and then maybe Katniss could find her Dad! Who might still be alive in District 13, plotting revenge at the Capitol.”

Nyasha: “i want pretty much for the most part a happy ending.president snow dead and katniss with peeta.i also think it would be kinda interesting if gale and prim ended up together.mostly because prim is the girly girl kind of stereotype and gale is pretty much on the manly man side.
also i think the last chapter or the epilogue should be a look into the future.”

Anonymous: “I want Mockingjay to end with Katniss choosing Gale and them living happily ever after. I don’t want anyone to die and I want them to rebuild their district. I want people in the book to be able to travel to other districts and I was that guy- can’t remember his name (Katniss and Peeta’s coach) to become the new President of all the districts.”

Jen: “I've always thought that it would end with Katnis going to that district that was supposedly blown up (district 13?). Finding rebels and Katnis leading a rebellion against the government.”

Kathalina: “I hope I'm not ruining anyone's day by saying that I think Katniss's and Gale's fathers could still be alive. In Catching Fire, Katniss met Twill and Bonnie who escaped an "accidental" explosion. Well, six years ago, their was an "accidental" explosion in Distrist 12 and why shouldn't some miners, including the fathers, escape? Ripper was smart enough to get out alive from the explosion, but with one arm sadly. So what I'm saying is...there is a lot of secrecy hidden from Katniss that goes for the cause of bringing down the damn Capitol.
I hope that President Snow will be revealed as he really is to his precious Capitol. Every district can see what he really is, how can the Capitol be so ignorant? Maybe because of fear. The fear of how much power one old man has.

District 13 could have all these rebels and have been waiting for the right moment, Katniss's scheme of rebelling with the berries, and with a strong person as Katniss as their motivator, then the plan will act out.”

Kirsty Wongmcdonaldssauce: “I have to be truthfully honest I think, Katniss' and Gale's dads are still alive and faked their death to secretly travel to District 13 and start the rebellion. I think Cinna and Gale might die, but in a very heroic fighting way. I do not want to make it end "happily ever after" but I do want it to end on a good note, but not fairytale happy like the rebels won and Peeta is all okay "the end." I really hope I don't get disappointed, but I can't wait for Mockingjay!!”

Sena: “I want NOBODY to die :((( And I hope Katniss ends up with Gale.. no, wait, I mean Peeta.. I mean, Gale... see, even I can't make up my mind!!”

Leeswammes: “I haven't read Mockingjay, but I hope it'll be something like this: Peeta finds himself a really nice girl (with plans to live happily ever after) and Gale shows himself to be the ultimate hero, maybe in another Hunger Games competition. Katniss may not choose either of them and go her own way.”

Elegance: “Wow. I don't really know how I want the series to end. I usually leave that up to the author. BUT, I do have a condition for a GOOD ending. And that is that Peeta is returned to his rightful position next to Katniss. Yeah. They should be together. I don't want anything less for them.

Oh, I almost forgot. This time I want KATNISS to fight for PEETA, not the other way around. Or maybe they can fight for eachother. Yeah, I bet that would be good.”

Zombie Girrrl: I've heard Collins compare her series to Greek myth with Katniss playing the roll of Spartacus, who, BTW, DIES, so I'll do the same. I think they'll manage to cut the head off the dragon (i.e. kill Pres. Snow) but it'll grow back ten times worse and with fangs, ala Hercules and the Hydra. Not very happy, but how can this story possibly end well?


I have one more theory! It just came to me, too! District 13 rebelled and is independent! The Capitol concocted a huge lie and spread it around that the rebellion was failed and that D13 is no more, but wouldn't it be awesome if it was actually free?! In that case, I think that it will impossible for them to bring down the Capitol in so short a time, sooo I think that they'll escape to D13 and Panem will eventually colapse on its own from the inside because the citizens of the Capitol will have had the wool removed from before their eyes and they'll stand up against Pres. Snow. I think it's be cool if the pampered citizens took their own Capitol down on behalf of the downtrodden Districts.

So was anyone close?? We'll see.............. Happy reading everyone!