a Rafflecopter giveaway
But don't worry! You can still get Cheree Alsop's series here:
Cheree's books:
Thursday, June 30, 2016
Girl From the Stars: GIVEAWAY WINNERS!
Thanks for everyone who entered, but these two are the lucky, lucky winners!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
But don't worry! You can still get Cheree Alsop's series here:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
But don't worry! You can still get Cheree Alsop's series here:
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
Shelf Control #2 | Vicious by V.E. Schwab
Shelf Control
hosted by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies
Shelf
Control is all about the books we want to read — and already own!
Consider this a variation of a Wishing & Waiting post… but looking
at books already available, and in most cases, sitting right there on
our shelves and e-readers.
Synopsis (via Goodreads):
Victor and Eli started out as college roommates—brilliant, arrogant, lonely boys who recognized the same sharpness and ambition in each other. In their senior year, a shared research interest in adrenaline, near-death experiences, and seemingly supernatural events reveals an intriguing possibility: that under the right conditions, someone could develop extraordinary abilities. But when their thesis moves from the academic to the experimental, things go horribly wrong. Ten years later, Victor breaks out of prison, determined to catch up to his old friend (now foe), aided by a young girl whose reserved nature obscures a stunning ability. Meanwhile, Eli is on a mission to eradicate every other super-powered person that he can find—aside from his sidekick, an enigmatic woman with an unbreakable will. Armed with terrible power on both sides, driven by the memory of betrayal and loss, the archnemeses have set a course for revenge—but who will be left alive at the end?
How I got it:
I bought this one for my Nook. On sale even. *win*
When I got it:
Uncertain. Either late 2015 or early 2016
Why I want to read it:
For a while, everyone in the booktube community was talking this book up. It's supposed to be fantastic and, after reading the synopsis, I knew I had to read it. At first, I thought my problem was not being able to find a copy. This is one of the more expensive books I've seen and I didn't have the money to dish out on something I didn't already know I'd love. Even after I got it discounted, I haven't sat down to read it yet. :P
What book do you own that you need to finally just read already?
Victor and Eli started out as college roommates—brilliant, arrogant, lonely boys who recognized the same sharpness and ambition in each other. In their senior year, a shared research interest in adrenaline, near-death experiences, and seemingly supernatural events reveals an intriguing possibility: that under the right conditions, someone could develop extraordinary abilities. But when their thesis moves from the academic to the experimental, things go horribly wrong. Ten years later, Victor breaks out of prison, determined to catch up to his old friend (now foe), aided by a young girl whose reserved nature obscures a stunning ability. Meanwhile, Eli is on a mission to eradicate every other super-powered person that he can find—aside from his sidekick, an enigmatic woman with an unbreakable will. Armed with terrible power on both sides, driven by the memory of betrayal and loss, the archnemeses have set a course for revenge—but who will be left alive at the end?
How I got it:
I bought this one for my Nook. On sale even. *win*
When I got it:
Uncertain. Either late 2015 or early 2016
Why I want to read it:
For a while, everyone in the booktube community was talking this book up. It's supposed to be fantastic and, after reading the synopsis, I knew I had to read it. At first, I thought my problem was not being able to find a copy. This is one of the more expensive books I've seen and I didn't have the money to dish out on something I didn't already know I'd love. Even after I got it discounted, I haven't sat down to read it yet. :P
What book do you own that you need to finally just read already?
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
TTT: Ten (or Thirteen) Favorite Heroines
 |
| Top Ten Tuesday is a blog meme hosted by the ladies at The Broke and the Bookish |
Today is a freebie for so I decided to do one I missed in the past: Favorite Heroines. I'm fairly picky about my heroines. While I like a heroine who can handle a gun and hold her own as much as the next gal, I also like heroines to act like women. I also miss the heroines who were strong and capable even without taking up arms. There's a pretty healthy mix going on here and I couldn't even limit it to 10!
1. Vesper Holly
Vesper Holly is essentially a teenage, red-haired, female Indian Jones, whose adventures tend to involve political intrigue, coups, or rebellions. Vesper is smart, capable, and confident. She's exactly the kind of heroine young girls should look up to and I was glad I found these books when I was young. Plus, it's written by the master, Lloyd Alexander.
2. Iku Kasahara
Iku Kasahara is the youngest -and only girl- in a family of brothers, so it's no wonder she grew up a tomboy who's more interested in being a soldier of the Library Defense Force than a simple librarian. She's tough, competitive, determined, and fiery -but she's reckless, too, and she has a hard time coping with all of her emotions. She flails, she bursts into tears all the time, and her reaction when someone asks her out on a date -! I adore Iku Kasahara but she's a strong female character in every sense of the word, but she is such a girl. ^_^
3. Holly Short
Holly Short, an elf and an officer of the Lower Elements Police Reconnaissance (LEPrecom), is tough, headstrong, and a fantastic police officer. Her empathy and soft heart, alongside her grit and gumption, is what I truly love about Holly. She's in turn tough and gentle; just as likely to punch Artemis in the face as tackle him with a hug.
4. Vin
Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson
Vin, at the beginning of the story, is a thief on the streets, eye always on the exit, relying on no one but herself, distrustful of all, and always waiting for the other shoe to drop. She sounds cold, but she's just the opposite. Sanderson gets us in Vin's head; we feel her longing to trust people, her desire to become friends with her new colleagues, but we see her fear, her scars, that keep her from opening herself up to them. Aside from being an amazing, beautifully constructed fantasy (twists! wordbulding! magic system! Brandon Sanderson!), Vin is fantastic character with an incredible character arc.
5. Charlotte
Midnight in Austenland by Shannon Hale
Torn between her and Jane in Austenland, Charlotte wins out because she was a woman whose life has been essentially shattered. Not only has her husband divorced her, but he did so in order to marry the mistress Charlotte was unaware of. Ouch. But she picks herself up! She tries her dog-gone hardest to put herself back together! She has my utmost respect for this. She doesn't spend the book wallowing in self-pity or shying away from any idea of love or kindness like a wounded animal. She faces it, she deals with it, she realizes she is worth more than her ex-husband obviously thought she was and she realizes she deserves better than him. Go, girl!
6. Princess Addie
The Two Princesses of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine
If I were a book character, this is probably the closest to any heroine I would be in real life. Princess Addie, unlike her daring and adventurous sword-wielding sister Meryl, is meek, shy, skittish, perfectly happy to stay at home where it's safe, and afraid of everything from dragons to spiders. The only thing that gets her out of the castle, to risk the danger and terror of a life-threatening quest, is the hope to save her brave sister when she is struck with an incurable plague. The greatest heroes are not always the ones who easily brave the dangers, but the ones who must dig down deep to find the strength and bravery to endure.
7. Rory Landon
The Ever Afters by Shelby Bach
Of course Rory Landon is on this list! She wins both for her incredible courage and her intense loyalty to her friends. Even at a point in the series when she is led to believe her two best friends might not be as loyal to her, Rory doesn't let this affect her own loyalty to them and does whatever she can to protect and save them, even if they don't want to be her friends any more.
8. JenicaWildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier
Jena has a head -and the heart- for her father's merchant business. Unfortunately, in 16th century Transylvania, there's not much opportunity for her to pursue this dream, especially after her father is taken ill and Jena and her sisters find themselves under the care of their very traditional minded cousin. Jena is not only burdened with the unwanted advances of her cousin, but also the sole care of her younger sisters when her older sister disappears into a lovesick stupor AND the responsibility of protecting the magical Other Kingdom that her village becomes increasingly intent on destroying.
She's got a lot on her plate and, while she she makes her share of mistakes, she has a lot of heart to support and protect so many.
9. Princess CimoreneThe Enchanted Forest Chronicles by Patricia C. Wrede
Princess Cimorene is betrothed to a dim-witted prince and, since it doesn't look like being kidnapped by a dragon is an option, she runs away from the palace to find a dragon who'll hire her instead. She has a taste for magic, adventure, and sword-fighting and she doesn't have any qualms of putting a dragon in its place.
What more need I say?
10. Ella
The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom by Christopher Healy
Now, to my utter shame, I've still only read the first of these, but Christopher Healy's version of Cinderella is fantastic. Not only is she strong of character and personality, but she's thirsty for adventure after so much time locked away by her stepmother. She's a swashbuckling, villain-besting, intelligent heroine and yes I really, really need to finish this trilogy. It's actually the plan right here in the near future.
11. Miss Penelope Lumley
The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place series by Maryrose Wood
young tutor governess, Miss Penelope Lumley is hired to take on the most peculiar position of
12. Celia West
After the Golden Age by Carrie Vaughn
Celia West is the non-superpowered daughter of the two most beloved super heroes in the world. Their relationship is complicated. She tries to distance herself from them, but it's hard when every other wannabe villain kidnaps her as an attempt to lure out her parents. I don't want to say too much for fear of spoilers, but Celia had to endure a lot growing up in her parents' shadow and trying to separate herself from it. She's an emotionally vulnerable woman, plagued with self-doubt and self-loathing, but there's a strength in her too that one would only expect from the daughter of the strongest (and most stubborn) man in the world.
13. Meg MurryA Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'Engle
Meg Murry is a fantastic heroine, because she's very ordinary, dealing with ordinary school problems, while surrounded by an extraordinary family. Especially at this age, I think we all feel like the stupidest person in the room and it's nice to see a character dealing with the same struggles. But what I love most about Meg -what really makes my heart cheer- is that she doesn't save the day with brains or brawn, but with the deep, endless ocean of love she has for her little brother. That is a beautiful character.
Who are some of your favorite heroines?
Monday, June 27, 2016
#BookmarkMonday (2): "Closing the Circle"
#BookmarkMonday
hosted by Aloi @ GuiltlessReading
hosted by Aloi @ GuiltlessReading
 |
| #BookmarkMonday is a weekly meme that started in 2009. Click the widget for more details! |
I often pick up random bookmarks either at the library, bookshops, or in books themselves. I don't quite remember where this one came from (I know I definitely didn't pick it up at the Sears Art Museum). Because of the whimsical woman depicted in the painting -Closing the Cirlce by Jennifer Rasmusson- I generally find myself using this whenever I read Austen or any other romance.
Do you have bookmarks for specific genres? Or is that just me?
Thursday, June 23, 2016
GIVEAWAY: Girl From the Stars Series by Cheree Alsop (books 1-5)
To celebrate the release of the final book in the series, Cheree Alsop is providing a set of the entire series for TWO lucky winners right here at To Read or Not to Read!
Liora Day, half-human, half-mess with her and you’ll die Damaclan, had
been thrown onto a rough path at a very early age. But when she is
broken out of a cage by Devren, the young captain of the SS Kratos, she
is shown that perhaps humanity does have a heart. The Kratos is set on a
mission to rescue fallen surveyors from the Revolutionaries, and Liora
is given the choice to follow her Damaclan instincts, or trust Devren’s
dark eyes and captivating smile that promise an adventure unlike any she
has ever experienced.
Excerpt from the series:
"To live is a choice. You want, you need, you desire more than you have at this moment, and you strive for those things. You don’t settle; you fight for things to be better. You choose to reach for the next star, for the next emotion. You long for love, for acceptance, to belong. To truly live means to accept failure and to get up again.” He looked at her. “Yet to live is harder because there are consequences. What you do today impacts tomorrow. You have to decide what is worth carrying in your life, what direction you are heading, and what will guide your footsteps. Your friend has already made that decision."
Giveaway:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
About Cheree:
Cheree Alsop is a best-selling, award-winning author and the mother of a beautiful, talented daughter and amazing twin sons who fill every day with joy and laughter. She is married to her best friend, Michael, the light of her life and her soulmate who shares her dreams and inspires her by reading the first drafts and adding depth to the stories. Cheree is a fulltime author and mother. She enjoys reading, riding her motorcycle on warm nights, and playing with her twins while planning her next book. She is also a bass player for her husband’s garage band, Alien Landslide.
Cheree and Michael live in Utah where they rock out, enjoy the outdoors, plan great adventures, and never stop dreaming.
Liora Day, half-human, half-mess with her and you’ll die Damaclan, had
been thrown onto a rough path at a very early age. But when she is
broken out of a cage by Devren, the young captain of the SS Kratos, she
is shown that perhaps humanity does have a heart. The Kratos is set on a
mission to rescue fallen surveyors from the Revolutionaries, and Liora
is given the choice to follow her Damaclan instincts, or trust Devren’s
dark eyes and captivating smile that promise an adventure unlike any she
has ever experienced.
“Girl from the Stars is an entirely new take on the space opera
genre. It’s refreshing to read about a strong heroine and genuine
villains who feel real and mutli-dimensional. I liked the new races she
has created, and the planets, battles, and space travel keep it fresh
and exciting. I am very much looking forward to the rest of the books in
this series. If they’re anything like this one, I’ll be up all night
thinking about the delightful storyline and the heartbreaking path of
the heroine.”- Suzanne McCarthy, Goodreads Reviewer
Read more reviews
Read more reviews
Excerpt from the series:
"To live is a choice. You want, you need, you desire more than you have at this moment, and you strive for those things. You don’t settle; you fight for things to be better. You choose to reach for the next star, for the next emotion. You long for love, for acceptance, to belong. To truly live means to accept failure and to get up again.” He looked at her. “Yet to live is harder because there are consequences. What you do today impacts tomorrow. You have to decide what is worth carrying in your life, what direction you are heading, and what will guide your footsteps. Your friend has already made that decision."
Giveaway:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
About Cheree:
Cheree Alsop is a best-selling, award-winning author and the mother of a beautiful, talented daughter and amazing twin sons who fill every day with joy and laughter. She is married to her best friend, Michael, the light of her life and her soulmate who shares her dreams and inspires her by reading the first drafts and adding depth to the stories. Cheree is a fulltime author and mother. She enjoys reading, riding her motorcycle on warm nights, and playing with her twins while planning her next book. She is also a bass player for her husband’s garage band, Alien Landslide.
Cheree and Michael live in Utah where they rock out, enjoy the outdoors, plan great adventures, and never stop dreaming.
Find Cheree online:
Cheree's books:
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
Shelf Control #1 | The 39 Steps by John Buchan
Another
day, another meme! And since my ratio of owned books to read books is
freakishly out of control, this seems like another perfect fit for To Read or Not to Read?
The 39 Steps by John Buchan
Synopsis (via Goodreads):
Richard Hannay’s boredom with London society is soon relieved when the resourceful engineer from South Africa is caught up in a web of secret codes, spies, and murder on the eve of WWI. When a neighbor is killed in his flat, Richard, suspected, decodes the journal, runs to the wilds of his native Scotland in disguises and local dialects, evades Germans and officials.
How I got it:
Bought the series in e-book
When I got it:
February, maybe March
Why I want to read it:
A British spy/intrigue novel, first published in 1915. It was adapted into a play, a Hitchcock film, and, most recently, a miniseries on BBC (which is really, really good).
I discovered this because a local theater house put on a production of the play. It was hilarious. First of all, they had about 50 roles being played by four actors and a minimal amount of props. (The bi-plane they made out of a trunk and two ladders was phenomenal, but the slow-motion fight scene atop the train was even better.) So while both the play and the original Hitchcock film are more thriller/comedies, the recent adaptation from BBC was a straight up thriller; much more what I expected the Hitchcock version to be like.
Therefore, I was left with the question of: What kind of story was it originally?
All of these different versions were explored with a friend of mine, so it seemed only fitting we each pick up copies of the book (the entire series, actually) and experience it together.
I just haven't read the book yet. :P
This is the next read on my list -I've already promised, since I was supposed to have it read back in Feb/March- so I'll certainly let all ya'll know!
What book do you own that you need to finally just read already?
Shelf Control
hosted by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies
Shelf
Control is all about the books we want to read — and already own!
Consider this a variation of a Wishing & Waiting post… but looking
at books already available, and in most cases, sitting right there on
our shelves and e-readers.
The 39 Steps by John BuchanSynopsis (via Goodreads):
Richard Hannay’s boredom with London society is soon relieved when the resourceful engineer from South Africa is caught up in a web of secret codes, spies, and murder on the eve of WWI. When a neighbor is killed in his flat, Richard, suspected, decodes the journal, runs to the wilds of his native Scotland in disguises and local dialects, evades Germans and officials.
How I got it:
Bought the series in e-book
When I got it:
February, maybe March
Why I want to read it:
A British spy/intrigue novel, first published in 1915. It was adapted into a play, a Hitchcock film, and, most recently, a miniseries on BBC (which is really, really good).
I discovered this because a local theater house put on a production of the play. It was hilarious. First of all, they had about 50 roles being played by four actors and a minimal amount of props. (The bi-plane they made out of a trunk and two ladders was phenomenal, but the slow-motion fight scene atop the train was even better.) So while both the play and the original Hitchcock film are more thriller/comedies, the recent adaptation from BBC was a straight up thriller; much more what I expected the Hitchcock version to be like.
Therefore, I was left with the question of: What kind of story was it originally?
All of these different versions were explored with a friend of mine, so it seemed only fitting we each pick up copies of the book (the entire series, actually) and experience it together.
I just haven't read the book yet. :P
This is the next read on my list -I've already promised, since I was supposed to have it read back in Feb/March- so I'll certainly let all ya'll know!
What book do you own that you need to finally just read already?
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
Teaser Tuesday #1
I was all set to post my Top Ten Tuesday list this morning when I realized I skipped this week's topic and gone straight into next weeks! Well, at least you know I'm all set for that one. But this gives me a chance to try out another Tuesday meme.
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!
Teaser Tuesday
hosted by MizB @ Books And A Beat
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 teaser:
"He should have taken more care of her face? She would knock his nose from his face."
Page 90, Graceling by Kristin Cashore
Monday, June 20, 2016
#BookmarkMonday (1): Laugh It Up Fuzzball
Another day, another meme! And what's a better fit for me than #BookmarkMonday?
My gosh, you guys, my bookmark collection is *huge*. If I don't have more bookmarks than books, than it's a close call. I'm so excited to share them with you -from the awesome, to the weird and the random, to the downright nostalgic. (Seriously, why have I never thought of this before?)
First up, I have to share one of my all-time favorites:
It may be a tiny bookmark, but that makes it the perfect size for my paperback Star Wars books! I don't like my bookmarks that poke out at the top or bottom too much because, like I said, I love my bookmarks and don't want to see them bent or torn or crumpled when I tote my books around. (Yes. It's possible I would cry.)
My sister -ridiculously talented as she is- made this for me as a birthday gift last year. Thanks again, sis!
Are you a bookmark person? Or a person who views everything as a potential bookmark?
#BookmarkMonday
hosted by Aloi @ GuiltlessReading
hosted by Aloi @ GuiltlessReading
|
| #BookmarkMonday is a weekly meme that started in 2009. Click the widget for more details! |
My gosh, you guys, my bookmark collection is *huge*. If I don't have more bookmarks than books, than it's a close call. I'm so excited to share them with you -from the awesome, to the weird and the random, to the downright nostalgic. (Seriously, why have I never thought of this before?)
First up, I have to share one of my all-time favorites:
It may be a tiny bookmark, but that makes it the perfect size for my paperback Star Wars books! I don't like my bookmarks that poke out at the top or bottom too much because, like I said, I love my bookmarks and don't want to see them bent or torn or crumpled when I tote my books around. (Yes. It's possible I would cry.)
My sister -ridiculously talented as she is- made this for me as a birthday gift last year. Thanks again, sis!
Are you a bookmark person? Or a person who views everything as a potential bookmark?
Sunday, June 19, 2016
UPCOMING TITLE: Potions in the Pizza by Mikey Brooks (W.H.O. Files) | REVIEWERS WANTED
Future House proudly presents Mikey Brooks’ The W.H.O. Files: Potions in the Pizza, a quirky children’s Halloween mystery just waiting to be devoured by young readers. Join twins Ethan and Emmy and their best friend Jax as they uncover the truth behind some strange occurrences at their school. Potions in the Pizza is a treat you won’t want to miss out on this Halloween.
Apply to be a reviewer or sign up for our Beta Reader’s Club to get an exclusive reminder of the book’s release this October!
So remember my Top Ten Tuesday list of Most Anticipated Reads for the Second Half of the Year? Potions in the Pizza should have been on it. A million times over. The reason it wasn't on the list? I found out about its publication FIVE HOURS AFTER the post was published. Really, Universe?
Nevertheless, this is one of my most anticipated reads for the rest of 2016. Imagine* it tucked neatly into the #2 spot on that list of mine, right under Eoin Colfer's Iron Man novel and just above Rowling's Cursed Child. Oi! Don't give me that look! I've been waiting years to read this middle grade adventure. Years! I only started reading Harry Potter in December.
So yeah. Mikey Brooks ranks higher than J.K. Rowling.
Let me explain. A few years ago, I was fortunate enough to read the first few chapters of Potions in the Pizza. I fell in love with it and I fell hard. It is so much fun, hilarious, and a perfect middle grade adventure. And I've been waiting to find out how it ends ever since.
I am so happy this book has finally found a home with Future House. Congratulations, Mikey!
But let's face it. My joy is entirely selfish. BECAUSE NOW I GET TO READ IT!
And guess what? You could read it too! Future House is offering ARCs in exchange for honest reviews -details at the bottom of the post. NOW EVERYBODY'S HAPPY!
About The W.H.O. Files: Potions in the Pizza
10-year-old twins Ethan and Emmy’s parents have never told their kids what they do for a living. Then just before Halloween, while their parents are away on an emergency business trip, Ethan, Emmy, and their best friend Jax discover a HUGE secret: could the twins’ parents actually be . . . witch hunters?
Meanwhile at school, a new team of glamorous lunch ladies arrives on the scene, serving meals that taste way too good to come from a school cafeteria. There’s only one logical explanation: they’re witches, and the meals they serve are spiked with a dangerous potion! Why have witches come to Roosevelt Elementary? Where have Ethan and Emmy’s parents gone? Can it be a mere coincidence that their parents left just as the witches arrived? Whether they’re ready or not, Ethan and Emmy have only one option if they want to save their school and find their parents: become witch hunters themselves.
Meet Mikey Brooks
Mikey Brooks is a small child masquerading as an adult. On occasion you’ll catch him dancing the funky chicken, singing like a banshee, and pretending to have never grown up. He is an award winning author of the middle-grade fantasy adventure series The Dream Keeper Chronicles. His other middle-grade books include: The Gates of Atlantis: Battle for Acropolis and The Stone of Valhalla. His picture books include the best-selling ABC Adventures: Magical Creatures, Trouble with Bernie, and Bean’s Dragons.
Mikey has a BS degree in English from Utah State University and works full time as a freelance illustrator, cover designer, and author. His art can be seen in many forms from picture books to full room murals. He loves to daydream with his three daughters and explore the worlds that only the imagination of children can create. As a member of the Emblazoners, he is one of many authors devoted to ‘writing stories on the hearts of children’ (emblazoners.com).
>> Follow Mikey on Amazon & Goodreads
>> Follow Mikey on Facebook & Twitter
>> Visit Mikey’s website
If you would like to be notified when Mikey’s book is published, join our Beta-readers list. If you would like to get an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for a review of this book, contact Ryan Mendenhall (ryan AT futurehousepublishing.com).
For booking school assemblies or classroom visits, media appearances, interviews, and/or book-signings contact Ami Johanson (ami AT futurehousepublishing.com). Contact Ryan Mendenhall (ryan AT futurehousepublishing.com) to request podcast appearances, guest blog posts or other digital promotional opportunities.
*Okay, so you don't have to imagine it. I added it on.
Apply to be a reviewer or sign up for our Beta Reader’s Club to get an exclusive reminder of the book’s release this October!
Nevertheless, this is one of my most anticipated reads for the rest of 2016. Imagine* it tucked neatly into the #2 spot on that list of mine, right under Eoin Colfer's Iron Man novel and just above Rowling's Cursed Child. Oi! Don't give me that look! I've been waiting years to read this middle grade adventure. Years! I only started reading Harry Potter in December.
So yeah. Mikey Brooks ranks higher than J.K. Rowling.
Let me explain. A few years ago, I was fortunate enough to read the first few chapters of Potions in the Pizza. I fell in love with it and I fell hard. It is so much fun, hilarious, and a perfect middle grade adventure. And I've been waiting to find out how it ends ever since.
I am so happy this book has finally found a home with Future House. Congratulations, Mikey!
But let's face it. My joy is entirely selfish. BECAUSE NOW I GET TO READ IT!
And guess what? You could read it too! Future House is offering ARCs in exchange for honest reviews -details at the bottom of the post. NOW EVERYBODY'S HAPPY!
10-year-old twins Ethan and Emmy’s parents have never told their kids what they do for a living. Then just before Halloween, while their parents are away on an emergency business trip, Ethan, Emmy, and their best friend Jax discover a HUGE secret: could the twins’ parents actually be . . . witch hunters?
Meanwhile at school, a new team of glamorous lunch ladies arrives on the scene, serving meals that taste way too good to come from a school cafeteria. There’s only one logical explanation: they’re witches, and the meals they serve are spiked with a dangerous potion! Why have witches come to Roosevelt Elementary? Where have Ethan and Emmy’s parents gone? Can it be a mere coincidence that their parents left just as the witches arrived? Whether they’re ready or not, Ethan and Emmy have only one option if they want to save their school and find their parents: become witch hunters themselves.
Meet Mikey Brooks
Mikey Brooks is a small child masquerading as an adult. On occasion you’ll catch him dancing the funky chicken, singing like a banshee, and pretending to have never grown up. He is an award winning author of the middle-grade fantasy adventure series The Dream Keeper Chronicles. His other middle-grade books include: The Gates of Atlantis: Battle for Acropolis and The Stone of Valhalla. His picture books include the best-selling ABC Adventures: Magical Creatures, Trouble with Bernie, and Bean’s Dragons.
Mikey has a BS degree in English from Utah State University and works full time as a freelance illustrator, cover designer, and author. His art can be seen in many forms from picture books to full room murals. He loves to daydream with his three daughters and explore the worlds that only the imagination of children can create. As a member of the Emblazoners, he is one of many authors devoted to ‘writing stories on the hearts of children’ (emblazoners.com).
>> Follow Mikey on Amazon & Goodreads
>> Follow Mikey on Facebook & Twitter
>> Visit Mikey’s website
If you would like to be notified when Mikey’s book is published, join our Beta-readers list. If you would like to get an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for a review of this book, contact Ryan Mendenhall (ryan AT futurehousepublishing.com).
For booking school assemblies or classroom visits, media appearances, interviews, and/or book-signings contact Ami Johanson (ami AT futurehousepublishing.com). Contact Ryan Mendenhall (ryan AT futurehousepublishing.com) to request podcast appearances, guest blog posts or other digital promotional opportunities.
*Okay, so you don't have to imagine it. I added it on.
Friday, June 17, 2016
Exploring My Bookshelves #1: Favorite Bookish Father
Today, I'm trying on the meme Exploring My Bookshelves. What do you think? Does it make me look bookish?
From my shelves, I have five favorite bookish fathers:
2. Mr. Bennett
Of Pride & Prejudice fame, yes. Because let's face it, if Mr. Bennett had not been the understanding, easy going man he was, not only would Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice have lost a good source of wit and amusement, but Elizabeth probably would have wound up the wife of Mr. Collins long before Darcy came to his senses. Then everyone would have been miserable.
3. Jack Woodcutter
From the Woodcutter Sisters series by Alethea Kontis, Jack Woodcutter is a wonderful father, who has a knack for telling magical tales. With his stories, he has a way of not only sharing truths to his children, but sometimes spinning those truths out of the fiction and into reality. A big, gentle man, I can easily picture going to him for help, advice, or just a hug.
5. Mo (Silvertongue)
Book confession: I have not yet finished the Ink series by Cornelia Funke. When I was reading them, I never got around to Inkdeath, because I didn't own it, and that was years and years ago. The whole series is still on my TBR.
Mo I love, not only for his beautiful and dangerous power to read things into reality, but for what a caring father he is. Granted, he kept a lot of secrets which Meggie didn't appreciate, but he is a devoted father. He cared for her with even more tender care than the broken books he mended and he raised his daughter with a cherished love of books.
Of course, as wonderful as these fictional fathers are, they all pale in comparison with mine. Love you, Dad!
Don't keep queit!
Who are your favorite bookish fathers?
Exploring My Bookshelves #1
Favorite Bookish Fathers
created by Victoria @ Addlepate and Book Nerds
co-hosted by Shannon @ For the Love of Words
The meme: Every Friday, participants share a photo of their
bookshelves and post on a specific topic or question about them.
My bookshelves:
From my shelves, I have five favorite bookish fathers:
1. Blain Charleston
From the Reckoners series by Brandon Sanderson, Blain Charleston is the father of our beloved main character, David Charleston. Though he is featured very little in the series itself, he has a clear, profound, and positive impact on David throughout the series, as David often thinks of his father during times of trouble or hardship, hoping to emulate what his father might do in the same situation. Plus, he is a HUGE comic book nerd and a darn decent guy.
2. Mr. Bennett
Of Pride & Prejudice fame, yes. Because let's face it, if Mr. Bennett had not been the understanding, easy going man he was, not only would Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice have lost a good source of wit and amusement, but Elizabeth probably would have wound up the wife of Mr. Collins long before Darcy came to his senses. Then everyone would have been miserable.
3. Jack Woodcutter
From the Woodcutter Sisters series by Alethea Kontis, Jack Woodcutter is a wonderful father, who has a knack for telling magical tales. With his stories, he has a way of not only sharing truths to his children, but sometimes spinning those truths out of the fiction and into reality. A big, gentle man, I can easily picture going to him for help, advice, or just a hug.
4. Artemis Fowl I
Admittedly, the father of our favorite enterprising child criminal mastermind in Eoin Colfer's Artemis Fowl series was not the best of role models. But thanks to a little fairy magic, Artemis Fowl senior was able to get in touch again with the kindheartedness of his youth and turn his back on his criminal ways. His influence -and watchful eye- probably had more to do with Artemis Fowl II's change of heart than even Holly Short and their adventures. After all, there is no better role model for a child than a good father.
5. Mo (Silvertongue)
Book confession: I have not yet finished the Ink series by Cornelia Funke. When I was reading them, I never got around to Inkdeath, because I didn't own it, and that was years and years ago. The whole series is still on my TBR.
Mo I love, not only for his beautiful and dangerous power to read things into reality, but for what a caring father he is. Granted, he kept a lot of secrets which Meggie didn't appreciate, but he is a devoted father. He cared for her with even more tender care than the broken books he mended and he raised his daughter with a cherished love of books.
Of course, as wonderful as these fictional fathers are, they all pale in comparison with mine. Love you, Dad!
Don't keep queit!
Who are your favorite bookish fathers?
Thursday, June 16, 2016
Harry Potter Moment of the Week #1: Would you have wanted to explore the Shrieking Shack?
Here is the first step in my journey of finding compatible book blog memes!
Harry Potter Moment of the Week: Would you have wanted to explore the Shrieking Shack?
Let me answer this with a gif or two...
You tell me about the Shrieking Shack, grisly legends all:
You take me close enough to hear that, yes, it really is shrieking:
Harry Potter Moment of the Week
started and hosted by Leah @ Uncorked Thoughts
& co-hosted by Micheline @ Lunar Rainbows
Harry Potter Moment of the Week: Would you have wanted to explore the Shrieking Shack?
Let me answer this with a gif or two...
You tell me about the Shrieking Shack, grisly legends all:
You take me close enough to hear that, yes, it really is shrieking:
You ask me if I want to exploring:
So, no. No I would not have wanted to explore the Shrieking Shack.
Just another reason I'm a reader, not a main character. ;)
Now, I'm not going to be able to do the Harry Potter Moments every week because, well, I haven't finished the series yet. Spoilers, and all that. (Hey, don't give me that look! I'm almost finished! And I only started a few months ago!)
And what about you?
Would you have wanted to explore the Shrieking Shack?
Update: New Things On the Blog
I'm starting a process of changes here on the blog. I haven't been as active as I want to be for the last few months, so I'm going to start fixing this.
You may have noticed I changed the title of the blog from my name to 'To Read or Not to Read?' That was step one. Initially, this blog was meant to be simply the beginning of platform building for a future writing career, along with my book reviews. While I'm still working on the future writing career, the blog took on a life of its own and I fell in love with book blogging. So now this is, and always will be, officially a book blog.
I'm also going to be stepping up my game. One change starting this morning is an experiment of book blog memes. I've been regularly participating in The Broke and the Bookish's Top Ten Tuesday meme and I've had a lot of fun with it. I just discovered lists and lists of different weekly and monthly memes floating around out there in the book blogosphere. I'm going to try my hand at any of these that sound fun, so please! Comments! Feedback! Tell me which ones you like and would love to see me do more. Heck, tell me your favorite book blog meme and I'll give it a try!
This will be a fun change for all of us, so thank you, dear blog readers, who have stuck with me so far, and buckle up -things are about to get more interesting.
You may have noticed I changed the title of the blog from my name to 'To Read or Not to Read?' That was step one. Initially, this blog was meant to be simply the beginning of platform building for a future writing career, along with my book reviews. While I'm still working on the future writing career, the blog took on a life of its own and I fell in love with book blogging. So now this is, and always will be, officially a book blog.
I'm also going to be stepping up my game. One change starting this morning is an experiment of book blog memes. I've been regularly participating in The Broke and the Bookish's Top Ten Tuesday meme and I've had a lot of fun with it. I just discovered lists and lists of different weekly and monthly memes floating around out there in the book blogosphere. I'm going to try my hand at any of these that sound fun, so please! Comments! Feedback! Tell me which ones you like and would love to see me do more. Heck, tell me your favorite book blog meme and I'll give it a try!
This will be a fun change for all of us, so thank you, dear blog readers, who have stuck with me so far, and buckle up -things are about to get more interesting.
Monday, June 13, 2016
TTT: Most Anticipated Releases for the Second Half of the Year (2016)
1. MARVEL IRON MAN: THE GAUNTLET BY EOIN COLFER
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| This. Must. My gosh. This is going to be my new desktop screen. xD |
A new Marvel Iron Man book.
By Eoin Colfer.
A book about one of my favorite superheroes written by my ALL TIME FAVORITE AUTHOR.
IS THE CAPS LOCK ENOUGH TO TRULY EXPRESS MY ENTHUSIASM?!
I only check NetGalley every week to see if ARCs of this are available for request yet.
Current Status: Not available for requests, but by golly I wished for it!
...have I mentioned I'm excited for this one?
>>INSERT>> 2. W.H.O. Files: Potions in the Pizza by Mikey Brooks
This book announcement and cover reveal hit the Internet and my social media feeds literally HOURS after I published this list and it simply cannot be left out!
I'll be featuring more about this title on Sunday!<<
2. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. RowlingAs many of you might know, I only recently began reading this series for the first time. My original goal was to finish the series before Fantastic Beasts hits theaters in November but, well...
I JUST HIT THE POINT OF NO RETURN. I'm in the middle of Order of the Phoenix and I'm finishing it before the Cursed Child release. No question.
Which means this will be my first Harry Potter book release and, as a complete HP newb, I really feel like I have to go all-out for this -Barnes & Noble midnight release party, stay up all night to read it, spend the next day in an exhausted blur, kind of all out.
It's not like I'm ever going to get the chance to do it with any of the others, right?
3. Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians: The Dark Talent by Brandon SandersonAdmittedly, I've only read the first book. But it's hilarious, a quick reader, so nerdy, and did I mention hilarious? Plus, written by Brandon Sanderson who, let's face it, I don't think is capable at this point of writing a bad book.
I plan to get my hands on book 5 and read through the entire series in one delicious feast.
4. Library Wars: Love & War Volumes 14 & 15
These are sitting over on my shelf right now. Do you know how long I've been waiting for this series to conclude. A long time. A long, long time. Since 2010. And that waiting was often punctuated by years of being unable to get the current volumes. Years.
Even better than reading the last two volumes? Getting ALL of the volumes and reading the complete series through in one go. ^_^
5. Bloodline by Claudia GrayI'd be remiss if I didn't add the latest Star Wars 'new canon' addition, despite my failure to stay completely up to date on these new books. Oops.
6. Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton
I've heard good things about this -even grabbed the audiobook- but it inconveniently arrived the same time as Ready Player One, so I had to postpone it. :P
7. Stars Above by Marissa Meyer
I know this one has been out for a while, but no, I haven't read it yet. I have had SO MANY books to read and listen to it's not even funny.
8. Beauty and the Clockwork Beast by Nancy Campbell Allen
Um, YES.
'A Steampunk Proper Romance'.
I mean, guys, how can you NOT want to read this?
9. Tiara on the Terrace by Kristen Kittscher
Right, so this has already been released, but I haven't read it yet. It's a middle grade mystery and sequel to The Wig in the Window, which I loved.
10. Heartless by Marissa MeyerOkay, so doing these TTT lists of upcoming releases is usually when I learn about most upcoming books. Like this one.
This is on the list because IT'S A NEW MARISSA MEYER. I loved The Lunar Chronicles, so of course I have to give this a try.
But it's also at the bottom of the list because it is a play off Alice in Wonderland. I have a love/hate relationship with Lewis Carrol's creations. I tend to really like spin offs and retellings of the story -like SyFy's Alice miniseries and Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland- but the original material itself, any movies directly based off of it, and the story ride in Disneyland are all on my Gives Me The Heebie Jeebies list. Ever since I was a small, terrified-of-almost-everything child all things Alice in Wonderland have freaked me out and, while I grew to love things like Who Framed Roger Rabbit despite how much Christopher Lloyd's cartoon self used to cause me vivid nightmares and Anastasia with what I now realize is a great villain in Rasputin, Alice in Wonderland is something I don't think I will ever recover from.
So I plan on giving Heartless a try, but it is with some trepidation.
I also just realized both of the examples I used of things that terrified me as a child were Christopher Lloyd. I swear it wasn't just him. A lot of other things terrified me as a kid, too. Really, I was an easily terrified child. That episode of Rugrats where Chucky thinks there's a monster under his bed and it's really just his sweater? Freaked me out so much my parents banned me from watching the show. That happened a lot, actually.
Please don't take it personally, Mr. Lloyd; I think you're awesome.
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