Friday, August 21, 2009
Update
Hey you guys!
I just want to thank you all for following me! I've reached 105 followers. =D I think since I have reached that, everyone in my Ash contest who was a follower from 105 or before will get like 3 extra entries! Woot!
Alright. A little update. I have officially moved back to college! Which is a good and bad thing, for various reasons. Anyway. Due to this, as well as having to get ready for classes. I probably won't have a new post up until Sunday, maybe Monday. I sadly don't have any posts lined up and won't have time to type any reviews until probably tomorrow.
Just wanted to let you guys know and show I hadn't disappeared. =)
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Waiting on Wednesday (10)
“Waiting on Wednesday” is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine
The Everafter by Amy Huntley
Release Date: October 1st, 2009
The Everafter by Amy Huntley
Release Date: October 1st, 2009
Madison Stanton doesn't know where she is or how she got there. But she does know this--she is dead. And alone, in a vast, dark space. The only company she has in this place are luminescent objects that turn out to be all the things Maddy lost while she was alive. And soon she discovers that with these artifacts, she can re-experience--and sometimes even change--moments from her life: Her first kiss. A trip to Disney World. Her sister's wedding. A disastrous sleepover.
In reliving these moments, Maddy learns illuminating and sometimes frightening truths about her life--and death.
Labels:
Amy Huntley,
The Everafter,
Waiting on Wednesday,
WoW
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Mega Contest Palooza!
Hey Guys,
So, I know everyone loves contests! I know I do. So recently I posted about Princess Bookie's contest who is giving away a TON of books. You can check out my post about it HERE if you haven't already.
Well a good blogger friend of mine is holding another Awesome Contest. She's giving away a lot of good books to three lucky winners! Some of the books include, but are not limited to:
Give up the Ghost by Megan Crewe
Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink
Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Betraying Season by Marissa Doyle
So what are you waiting for? Run on over to Taschima's blog by clicking HERE and sign up!
And Good Luck!
Labels:
Amazing Contest,
Bloody Bookaholic,
Contest
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Eyes Like Stars
Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev
Release Date: July 7th, 2009
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 352
Overall:
Enter Stage RightThis book as become one of my all time favorites. This is because this book is one of the most original story lines I have read. It was upbeat, humorous, entertaining, and most of all completely new from other things I have read.
All her world's a stage.
Beatrice Shakespeare Smith is not an actress, yet she lives in a theater.
She is not an orphan, but she has no parents.
She knows every part, but has no lines of her own.
Until now.
Welcome to the Théâtre Illuminata, where the characters of every place ever written can be found behind the curtain. They were born to play their parts, and are bound to the Théâtre by The Book—an ancient and magical tome of scripts. Bertie is not one of them, but they are her family—and she is about to lose them all and the only home she has ever known.
Lisa Mantchev has written a debut novel that is dramatic, romantic, and witty, with an irresistible and irreverent cast of characters who are sure to enchant the audience.
Open Curtain
First you have the characters and if you have read any of the Shakespearean plays you might recognize some of the characters, with the exception of Beatrice Shakespeare Smith. Bertie is strong minded, determined and very capable. She finds magic in things no one else thinks is worth anything, shows trust in those who are unreliable, and gives life to the book (and Theatre). To lighten the otherwise darkened mood of the plot is the Fairies! I love their humor and obsession with sugarcoated things. It makes everything more delicious. There is the highly favorable love triangle as well, and I can’t wait to see how it turns out in the next books.
The writing was also fun and upbeat. It was quick to pick up and fast pace to the end. It was definitely an easy enough read that makes you want to read it over and over again. The only complaint was that I was slightly confused in the beginning at what was going on, but that was simply because I forgot what the jacket flap had mentioned about the book.
I definitely CANNOT wait to read the sequel and will definitely be keeping a watchful eye on Lisa hoping for spoilers.
Who Might Like This Book:
Fairy lovers
Shakespeare Lovers
Play lovers
Paranormal Romance
Fairy lovers
Shakespeare Lovers
Play lovers
Paranormal Romance
Plot:
Character:
Writing:
Cover:
Character:
Writing:
Cover:
Labels:
Book Review,
Eyes Like Stars,
Lisa Mantchev
Friday, August 14, 2009
Fairy Tale
Fairy Tale by Cyn Balog
Release Date: June 23rd, 2009
Publisher: Delacorte
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 256
Overall:
Morgan Sparks and Cam Browne are a match made in heaven. They've been best friends since birth, they tell each other everything, and oh yeah- they're totally hot for each other.Fairy Tale started out kind of slow for me.
But a week before their joint Sweet Sixteen bash, everything changes. Cam's awkward cousin Pip comes to stay, and Morgan is stunned when her formerly perfect boyfriend seems to be drifting away.
When Morgan demands answers, she's shocked to discover the source of Cam's distance isn't another girl- it's another world. Pip claims that Cam is a fairy. No, seriously. A fairy. And now his people want Cam to return to their world and take his rightful place as Fairy King.
Determined to keep Cam with her, Morgan plots to fool the fairies. But as Cam continues to change, she has to decide once and for all if he really is her destiny, and if their “perfect” love can weather an uncertain future.
I can remember not being that into it at all, having trouble concentrating on the story. However, I am glad I stuck with the story because it turned out to be a cute story indeed.
The characters were interesting enough. I really liked the fact that the story was told from the mortal’s point of view instead of the character being changed. It allowed the reader to see what others go through besides just the one being altered. I also liked how Pip’s character slowly changed from the awkward outsider to the cool guy all the girls want.
Except for the beginning, the writing style was fine. It didn’t give away exactly what was going to happen, but it gave hope that you might get what you want to happen (depending on which way you leaned). There was still a little bit of surprise though if you are observant you can probably see what is going to happen before it does.
I think my favorite part of the story is the ending. It ended exactly like I wanted it to, and didn’t leave me disappointed at all. I think this is one of the few books in which I really did like the ending.
Who Might Like This Book:
Faery lovers
Fairytale Lovers
Paranormal Romance
Faery lovers
Fairytale Lovers
Paranormal Romance
Plot:
Character:
Writing:
Cover:
Character:
Writing:
Cover:
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
AMAZING CONTEST!
So there's a contest I felt everyone should know about!
It's pretty much amazing! Check it out here!
You can win:
1. Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick ARC
2. Along For The Ride by Sarah Dessen ARC
3. Kiss of Life by Daniel Waters ARC
4. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater ARC
5. Troy High by Shana Norris ARC
6. Love You Hate You Miss You by Elizabeth Scott ARC
7. Reincarnation by Suzanne Weyn ARC
8. Lovestruck Summer by Melissa Walker
9. Death by Series by Linda Gerber (3 books total)
10. a 5 dollar giftcard from Walmart (you can buy yourself half of a book with it, lol)
11. 3 Sarah Dessen books ( Just Listen, This Lullaby, Someone Like You)
12. Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson
13. Fire By Kristin Cashmore ARC
14. Last but not least, I have some extra amazon cards, so I will also include a preorder for CATCHING FIRE BY SUZANNE COLLINS. It will be shipped to on or around Sept 1st (whenever they ship it)
AND a book of your choice (under $15.00 please and it can be a preorder as long as it comes out in September-so many good books get released)
If you do enter, please let Cindy know Shayla at The Book Explorer sent you. I'll give you an extra entry in any of my contests if you add a comment here letting me know. <3
It's pretty much amazing! Check it out here!
You can win:
1. Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick ARC
2. Along For The Ride by Sarah Dessen ARC
3. Kiss of Life by Daniel Waters ARC
4. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater ARC
5. Troy High by Shana Norris ARC
6. Love You Hate You Miss You by Elizabeth Scott ARC
7. Reincarnation by Suzanne Weyn ARC
8. Lovestruck Summer by Melissa Walker
9. Death by Series by Linda Gerber (3 books total)
10. a 5 dollar giftcard from Walmart (you can buy yourself half of a book with it, lol)
11. 3 Sarah Dessen books ( Just Listen, This Lullaby, Someone Like You)
12. Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson
13. Fire By Kristin Cashmore ARC
14. Last but not least, I have some extra amazon cards, so I will also include a preorder for CATCHING FIRE BY SUZANNE COLLINS. It will be shipped to on or around Sept 1st (whenever they ship it)
AND a book of your choice (under $15.00 please and it can be a preorder as long as it comes out in September-so many good books get released)
If you do enter, please let Cindy know Shayla at The Book Explorer sent you. I'll give you an extra entry in any of my contests if you add a comment here letting me know. <3
Waiting on Wednesday (9)
“Waiting on Wednesday” is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine
Other by Karen Kincy
Release Date: July 1st, 2010
I met Karen in a chat and when I mentioned what kind of books I liked to another blogger, she jumped in saying I would probably like her book. I immediately checked out her website and now I’ve been able to think of nothing less. Can’t wait!
Other by Karen Kincy
Release Date: July 1st, 2010
I can’t last much longer. It’s been one week, three days, and I forget how many hours.
My belly cramps, and I curl on my bed, staring out at the stars. A delicious breeze glides through my window and cools my sweaty forehead. The air smells of summer–mowed grass, recent rain, lingering barbecue–and tempts me more than I want to admit. Shards of moonlight and shadow shift on the wall. I clench my teeth and toes and try to ride out the pain. My bedroom drifts counterclockwise, and I shut my eyes.
It can’t be good for me, not shapeshifting.
Seventeen-year-old Gwen hides a dangerous secret: she’s Other. Half-pooka, to be exact, thanks to the father she never met. Most Americans don’t exactly roll out the welcome mat for Others, especially not the small-town folks of Klikamuks, Washington. As if this isn’t bad enough, Gwen’s on the brink of revealing her true identity to her long-time boyfriend, Zack, but she’s scared he’ll lump her with the likes of bloodthirsty vampires and feral werewolves.
When a pack of werewolves chooses the national forest behind Gwen’s home as their new territory, the tensions in Klikamuks escalate-into murder. It soon becomes clear a serial killer is methodically slaying Others. The police turn a blind eye, leaving Gwen to find the killer before the killer finds her. As she hunts for clues, she uncovers more Others living nearby than she ever expected. Like Tavian, a sexy Japanese fox-spirit who rivals Zack and challenges her to embrace her Otherness. Gwen must struggle with her own conflicted identity, learn who she can trust, and-most importantly-stay alive.
Labels:
Karen Kincy,
Other,
Waiting on Wednesday,
WoW
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
More Awards!
I received some more awards and figured it was time to do another post! Woot!
So the first award is from Taschima at Bloody Bookaholic and by Eli at The Tainted Poet!
The Heartfelt Award!
Do you reach for a cup of cocoa or tea when your relaxing, seeking comfort, sharing a plate of cookies with family and friends? You know the feeling you get when you drink a yummy cup of cocoa, tea, or a hot toddy? That is what the Heartfelt Award is all about, feeling warm inside.
Rules:
Put the logo on your blog/post.
Nominate up to to 9 blogs which make you feel comfy or warm inside.
Be sure to link your nominees within your post.
Let them know that they have been nominated by commenting on their blog.
Remember to link to the person from whom you received your award.
1. Erica at The Book Cellar
2. Mitali at Alley of Books
So the first award is from Taschima at Bloody Bookaholic and by Eli at The Tainted Poet!
The Heartfelt Award!
Do you reach for a cup of cocoa or tea when your relaxing, seeking comfort, sharing a plate of cookies with family and friends? You know the feeling you get when you drink a yummy cup of cocoa, tea, or a hot toddy? That is what the Heartfelt Award is all about, feeling warm inside.
Rules:
Put the logo on your blog/post.
Nominate up to to 9 blogs which make you feel comfy or warm inside.
Be sure to link your nominees within your post.
Let them know that they have been nominated by commenting on their blog.
Remember to link to the person from whom you received your award.
1. Erica at The Book Cellar
2. Mitali at Alley of Books
3. Kristen at BookWorming in the 21st Century
4. Chelsea at The Page Flipper
The next award was given to me again by Taschima by Bloody Bookaholics
The Spread The Love Award
I'm going to nominate a few random blogs that I love since there are no guaranteed rules.
1. Erica at The Book Cellar
2. Kristen at BookWorming in the 21st Century
3. Chelsea at The Page Flipper
5. Mitali at Alley of Books
The next award was given to me by three people: Kristen at Bookworming in the 21st Century, Erica at The Book Cellar and Reggie at Uncover Book Lover.
The Zombie Chicken Award!
The blogger who receives this award believes in the Tao of the zombie chicken - excellence, grace and persistence in all situations, even in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. These amazing bloggers regularly produce content so remarkable that their readers would brave a raving pack of zombie chickens just to be able to read their inspiring words. As a recipient of this world-renowned award, you now have the task of passing it on to at least 5 other worthy bloggers. Do not risk the wrath of the zombie chickens by choosing unwisely or not choosing at all...
1. Taschima at Bloody Bookaholic
2. Eli at The Tainted Poet
3. Bri at The Book Pixie
4. Mitali at Alley of Books
5. Chelsea at The Page Flipper
The next award is from Erica at The Book Cellar!
The Me-to-You Award!
1. Taschima at Bloody Bookaholic
2. Eli at The Tainted Poet
3. Bri at The Book Pixie
The next award is from Eli at The Tainted Poet!
The Kreative Award!
I'm not sure of the rules so I'm just going to nominate a few people =)
1. Erica at The Book Cellar
2. Mitali at Alley of Books
3. Chelsea at The Page Flipper
I was also nominated for the Your Blog Rocks award! By Polish Outlander. However, I've already nominated for this award so this is just a shout out and a thank you! =)
Teaser Tuesday (6)
Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme held by Should Be Reading and here is my Teaser for today.
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater, Pg. 210
I looked past her toward the hall, looking for Dad, but the hall was empty. "Where's Dad?"
"He went out for wings with the new guys from work. You act like I'd only ask you because he's not here." Mom banged around the kitchen, pouring herself granola and leaving the box open on the counter before retreating toward the sofa.
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater, Pg. 210
Labels:
Maggie Stiefvater,
Shiver,
Teaser Tuesday
Monday, August 10, 2009
Quest for Cuh-Razy Creatures Contest!
Alright guys! It’s time for another contest! This one is also for Prophecy of the Sisters launch!
This is the Quest for Cuh-Razy Creatures Contest.
Here is what you have to do to win.
Answer this Question
What Mythological Would You Be and Why?
The more unique your creature and reasoning, the more likely you’ll be able to win!
The winner will be chosen either by me or Michelle Zink and then she will send the winner the prize.
Now for what you’ll win:
The Winner Will Win:
Prophecy Playlist DVD
Bookstore Gift Card (of choice)
Prophecy Bookmart
Prophecy Magnet
Signed Prophecy Poster
Nail Polish
Candy
Choice of DVD between: Bram Stokers Dracula and Stardust
Ends August 27th, 2009 at Midnight
So please list your creature, reasoning, as well as your email address in order to be contacted if you win!
So please list your creature, reasoning, as well as your email address in order to be contacted if you win!
Labels:
Contest,
Creatures,
Michelle Zink,
Mythology,
PotS,
Prophecy of the Sisters
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Contest - Win Ash by Malinda Lo
Alright guys. I’ve reached over 75 followers and decided to hold another contest! Woot, right?
This time the contest is going to be to win Ash by Malinda Lo
How to Enter
- MUST be U.S. Resident
- MUST comment with Email Address
-MUST Answer this question:
Extra Entries:
+1 - Linking to this contest (Must leave link/+1 for each additional link up to 5)
+1 - Tweeting about this Contest
+2 - Referring someone to this contest (they must leave your name)
+3 - Following me on Twitter (thebookexplorer)
+3 - For Becoming a Follower
+5 - For already following me on Twitter
+5 - For Already Being a Follower
Contest Ends August 26th, 2009 at Midnight. Winner will be posted on August 27th.
This time the contest is going to be to win Ash by Malinda Lo
In the wake of her father’s death, Ash is left at the mercy of her cruel stepmother. Consumed with grief, her only joy comes by the light of the dying hearth fire, re-reading the fairy tales her mother once told her. In her dreams, someday the fairies will steal her away, as they are said to do. When she meets the dark and dangerous fairy Sidhean, she believes that her wish may be granted.
The day that Ash meets Kaisa, the King’s Huntress, her heart begins to change. Instead of chasing fairies, Ash learns to hunt with Kaisa. Though their friendship is as delicate as a new bloom, it reawakens Ash’s capacity for love—and her desire to live. But Sidhean has already claimed Ash for his own, and she must make a choice between fairy tale dreams and true love.
Entrancing and romantic, Ash is an empowering retelling of Cinderella about choosing life and love over solitude and death, where transformation can come from even the deepest grief.
How to Enter
- MUST be U.S. Resident
- MUST comment with Email Address
-MUST Answer this question:
What is your favorite Fairy Tale?
Extra Entries:
+1 - Linking to this contest (Must leave link/+1 for each additional link up to 5)
+1 - Tweeting about this Contest
+2 - Referring someone to this contest (they must leave your name)
+3 - Following me on Twitter (thebookexplorer)
+3 - For Becoming a Follower
+5 - For already following me on Twitter
+5 - For Already Being a Follower
Contest Ends August 26th, 2009 at Midnight. Winner will be posted on August 27th.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
In My Mailbox (8)
In My Mailbox is a weekly Meme hosted by The Story Siren
Candor by Pam Bachorz (ARC/Egmont/ September 22nd, 2009)
Once Was Lost by Sara Zarr (ARC/Little Brown/October 1st, 2009)
Immortal by Gillian Shields (Hardback/HarperTeen/August 4th, 2009)
Coffeehouse Angel by Suzanne Selfors (Paperback/Walker and Company/August 21st, 2009)
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan (Paperback/Miramax/April 1st, 2006)
Candor by Pam Bachorz (ARC/Egmont/ September 22nd, 2009)
Oscar Banks has everything under control. In a town
where his father brainwashes everyone, he's found a way
to secretly fight the subliminal Messages. He's got them
all fooled: Oscar's the top student and the best-behaved
teen in town. Nobody knows he's made his own Messages
to deprogram his brain. Oscar has even found a way to
get rich. For a hefty price, he helps new kids escape
Candor, Florida before they're transformed into
cookie-cutter teens. But then Nia Silva moves to Candor,
and Oscar's carefully-controlled world crumbles.
Once Was Lost by Sara Zarr (ARC/Little Brown/October 1st, 2009)
Samara Taylor used to believe in miracles. She used to believe in a lot of things. As a pastor's kid, it's hard not to buy in to the idea of the perfect family, a loving God, and amazing grace. But lately, Sam has a lot of reason to doubt. Her mother lands in rehab after a DUI and her father seems more interested in his congregation than his family. When a young girl in her small town is kidnapped, the local tragedy overlaps with Sam's personal one, and the already-worn thread of faith holding her together begins to unravel.
Immortal by Gillian Shields (Hardback/HarperTeen/August 4th, 2009)
Wyldcliffe Abbey School for Young Ladies, housed in a Gothic mansion on the bleak northern moors, is elite, expensive, and unwelcoming. When Evie Johnson is torn away from her home by the sea to become the newest scholarship student, she is more isolated than she could have dreamed. Strict teachers, snobbish students, and the oppressive atmosphere of Wyldcliffe leave Evie drowning in loneliness.
Evie's only lifeline is Sebastian, a rebellious, mocking, dangerously attractive young man she meets by chance. As Evie's feelings for Sebastian grow with each secret meeting, she starts to fear that he is hiding something about his past. And she is haunted by glimpses of a strange, ghostly girl—a girl who is so eerily like Evie, she could be a sister. Evie is slowly drawn into a tangled web of past and present that she cannot control. And as the extraordinary, elemental forces of Wyldcliffe rise up like the mighty sea, Evie is faced with an astounding truth about Sebastian, and her own incredible fate.
Gillian Shields's electrifying tale will dazzle readers with suspense, mysticism, and romance.
Coffeehouse Angel by Suzanne Selfors (Paperback/Walker and Company/August 21st, 2009)
From the author of Saving Juliet comes a romantic comedy that is good to the last drop. When Katrina spots a homeless guy sleeping in the alley behind her grandmother’s coffee shop, she decides to leave him a cup of coffee, a bag of chocolate-covered coffee beans, and some pastries to tide him over. Little does she know that this random act of kindness is about to turn her life upside down. Because this adorable vagrant, Malcolm, is really a guardian angel on a break between missions. And he won’t leave until he can reward Katrina’s selflessness by fulfilling her deepest desire. Now if only she could decide what that might be . . .
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan (Paperback/Miramax/April 1st, 2006)
Percy Jackson is a good kid, but he can't seem to focus on his schoolwork or control his temper. And lately, being away at boarding school is only getting worse: Percy could have sworn his pre-algebra teacher turned into a monster and tried to kill him. Percy's mom decides it's time that he knew the truth about where he came from. She sends Percy to Camp Half-Blood, a summer camp for demigods (on Long Island), where he learns that the father he never knew is Poseidon, God of the Sea. Soon a mystery unfolds and together with his friends, one a satyr and the other the demigod daughter of Athena, Percy sets out on a quest across the United States to reach the gates of the Underworld (located in a recording studio in Hollywood) and prevent a catastrophic war between the gods. But to succeed on his quest, Percy will have to unravel a treachery more powerful than the gods themselves.
Labels:
Candor,
Coffeehouse Angel,
IMM,
Immortal,
In My Mailbox,
Once Was Lost,
The Lightning Thief
Interview with Michelle Zink
Michelle Zink is the author of the new book Prophecy of the Sisters that has recently been released on August 1st, 2009.
You can find out more about Michelle on her on her website by clicking Here or following her on Twitter at: @Michelle_Zink
To find out more about Prophecy of the Sisters, check out my review by clicking Here.
Thanks again Michelle for doing the interview!
You can find out more about Michelle on her on her website by clicking Here or following her on Twitter at: @Michelle_Zink
To find out more about Prophecy of the Sisters, check out my review by clicking Here.
Q: What made you decide to write Young Adult literature as opposed to Adult?
To be honest, it wasn't a conscious decision! I still feel nineteen inside and I always enjoyed the same books as my teenage daughter. There's something really honest and open about YA books that appeal to me both as a reader and a writer.
Q: How long did it take you to write Prophecy of the Sisters?
The first draft only took me about three months, but that's because I prefer to draft in total-immersion mode - i.e. writing 6-8 hours a day, every day, until it's done ver sus a little here and a little there. I don't really allow myself to go back and fix anything in the first draft until it's completely done. If I did, I'd never actually finish! So I manage to write my drafts really fast. The downside is that I have A LOT of revisions on the back end. Between my "keep moving forward" motto and my preference to write without an outline, I usually have a whole lot of work to do once a book is finished. Prophecy took me ten months to edit after that first draft was complete.
Q: Did any of the characters particularly difficult to write? Particularly easy?
Alice was a difficult character for me because I really wanted to defy the cliched black & white evil antagonist. I know from real life that its rarely that simple, and I wanted to craft a character with a dark nature that also struggled with moments of goodness. It wasn't easy! But in the end, it was one of the more satisfying aspects of the book, at least for me!
Q: What would you say is your favorite book of all time and why?
You guys are going to get sick of hearing this in my interviews, but it's White Oleander by Janet Fitch. I've just never read anything that spoke to me as powerfully as that book. I'm always surprised how many people haven't read it! They always say they've seen the movie, and I'm like, "Noooooo! It's not the same!" And it isn't. It's Fitch's writing that gives that book meaning. You have to READ it!
Q: Prophecy is based off the myth about Watchers from the Bible. What is your overall favorite Legend/Myth (besides the one Prophecy is based off of)?
Ohhhhh, that's a tough one! You're talking to a myth/legend junkie! I love pretty much every biblical legend. Demons scaaaaaare me!
Q: Sonia and Lia and Alice all have supernatural gifts. If you could any supernatural gift what would it be and why?
I would love to be able to cast spells. But I would only use my power for good not evil! I promise! Wait... does giving myself the ability to eat whatever I want and be skinny count as evil? *ponders*
Q: Most authors say that music played a big help in writing their book. Did music help you while writing, and if so any particular song or genre?
Music helps me A LOT. I write to film scores because lyrics distract me. I try to find two or three scores that capture the mood of a my next book before I start a project. It helps me tune out the noise of my house (four kids aged 10-17 - need I say more?), is a constant reminder of the atmosphere I'm trying to create, and gives me a way to instantly slip back into the writing mood of a particular book no matter how much time has passed since I last worked on it. For this book I listened exclusively to the score from The Village.
Q: Now I’ve heard that Prophecy is the first of three books. Is that true and if so, is there anything you can tell us about the other two?
It is! The second book is called Guardian of the Gate. I think of the book as "big" - not in terms of length (it's almost exactly the length of Prophecy) but in terms of feel. It's just a big adventure, a lot of action, a lot of growth for Lia and a couple of crazy twists! Oh! And a hot new guy!
Q: Is there any debut novel that you are looking forward to reading?
Oh, my gosh, there are so many! Really looking forward to The Hollow by Jessica Verday, Bedeviled by Shani Petroff, The Secret Year by Jennifer Hubbard, and Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garci and Maragret Stohl. But that's only a teeny-tiny fraction of the books I'm waiting for!
Q: How does it feel to have a published book?
It's just.... amazing. Surreal. Crazy! My son and I used to go to the bookstore near our small town, and he remembers us browsing the YA section and me saying, "I want a book on these shelves SO BADLY!" And the other day we went in to that same bookstore and walked smack into a HUGE Prophecy display in the very same YA section. My son kept shaking his head and saying, "This is awesome." I'm hoping it's up-close-and-personal proof to my kids that dreams DO come true.
Q: Any advice for aspiring authors?
Read and write as much as you can. Silence your inner editor while working and try to just FINISH something. You'll learn more from that process than from ANYTHING else you can do, and you can always edit later. Most of all, if you really want it, don't give up. That doesn't mean write aimlessly. That means WORK to get better, to learn, to take constructive criticism. But whatever you do, don't stop writing. Because the only sure way you will fail is if you quit.
Q: Anything else you want readers to know?
Just a big thank you to those of you who have done so much to support Prophecy online! You guys have made ALL the difference, and I so appreciate those of you who believed in my book very early on and spent the past few months telling anyone who would listen that Prophecy is a great book. You're the best! <3
Thanks again Michelle for doing the interview!
Labels:
Interview,
Michelle Zink,
PotS,
Prophecy of the Sisters
Friday, August 7, 2009
Prophecy of the Sisters
Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink
Release Date: August 1st, 2009
Publisher: Little, Brown Young Readers
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 352
Overall:
Without the Keys, something terrible will happen. Something that cannot be undone. And with them, I might bring an end to the riddle of the Prophecy and my strange part in it. If Alice and I are on conflicting sides of the Prophecy, the Keys would be dangerous in her hands. Which means I have to find them. And I have to do it before my sister.This was Michelle’s debut novel, and I have to say that I really liked it. I was a little unsure when I started reading, because I usually don’t like books set in the early 1900’s or earlier, and yet the prophecy idea drew me in and I’m glad it did. There was much more paranormal to it than I expected. Filled with demons, traveling plans and spells, Prophecy was a good read.
Sixteen year-old Lia Milthorpe has just recently lost her father, leaving her parentless. But when a strange mark appears on her wrist, she realizes she is being branded with much more than her newfound title of orphan. Lia and her twin sister Alice are part of an ancient prophecy that has turned generations of sisters against each other.
Lia hides this discovery from Alice and even from her beloved James, but to escape from the burden this secret bestows she must end the prophecy-before her sister. Only then will she understand the mysterious circumstances of her parents' deaths, the true meaning of the mark on her wrist, the lengths to which her sister will go to defeat her, and the impact the resolution of the prophecy could have.
The characters were pretty original. You have Lia, the main character, who is trying to find her place in this prophecy. She isn’t sure whether she is drawn to good or evil, and continues to fight for the one she wants, not willing to give in so easily. She is steadfast, determined and brave. In comparison, is her twin sister Alice. Alice has obviously picked a side and refuses to try to fight for the other. She prefers the simple life promised her without wanting to fight for it. However, she also shows compassion, not wanting her sister to be harmed in anyway, and constantly tries to make this happen by trying to persuade Lia.
The writing style was very unique and yet familiar. I heard someone compare it to the writing style of Jane Austen or Emily Bronte. There is a haunting, gothic feel to the writing, making you feel like you are reading about the moors of Wuthering Heights. It was fun to read a modern-style to such classics.
Overall the book was a quick, intriguing read. It had the paranormal aspect that I tend to look for and even a bit of romance. I can’t wait to read the sequel.
Who Might Like This Book:
Mythology Lovers
Paranormal Gothic-Style Lovers
Mythology Lovers
Paranormal Gothic-Style Lovers
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Book Review,
Michelle Zink,
Prophecy of the Sisters
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