First Grave on the Right: Chp 16-21

Today is the final discussion week of the Don't Fear the Reaper read-along! We'll be discussing the last chapters  of First Grave on the Right, the first book in the Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones. If you would like to join, please see this introduction post on how to get started! Many thanks to Heidi @ Rainy Day Ramblings for this week's questions.

1. What is the funniest t-shirt or bumper sticker you have encountered? If you had a t-shirt that best described you what would it say?

 Thanks to this question, I spent hours looking at funny t-shirts and bumper stickers. I thought this was pretty funny, but I really liked this one:

Found on Cafepress.com

2. Charley is constantly helping ghosts throughout the book.  Would you like to be able to talk to ghosts and bring closure to their loved ones?  How would you feel about all the ghosts popping up at all times day or night?  Would you like to have a ghost like Mr. Wong in your house?

I wouldn't mind helping the ghosts to other side. The random popping up at all times would be annoying, irritating, and not to mention distracting. For some reason, Mr. Wong creeps me out. Why is he still there and won't talk? Maybe if he talked it would be less creepy.  


3.  Kim reveals some rather shocking and sad details about Reyes' past.  Do you agree with her decision to adhere to her promise and not intervene?  Would you be willing to keep your word and let a loved one die if it was their wish?

 That's a hard question to answer. I think it depends on the situation. If the person is causing harm to themselves and/or to others then I feel obligated to intervene. It's hard to say for Reyes because we don't really know the full story until much later.


4. Do you like the fact that Charley consistently ends up getting her butt handed to her?  What are your overall thoughts on Charley?

I adore Charley. I love her wacky sense of humor and her genuine good heart to help those less fortunate. I also like the fact that while she may have some cool abilities, she is still left in the dark about her full potential. It's annoying to read about characters who know exactly what to do and have everything turn out fine. It's fun learning more about Charley as she discovers her full potential at the same time.


5.  Chapter 20 is a big, hot, smoking chapter.  We finally get some answers on Reyes.  Does the revelation change your opinion of him?  Do you think he can overcome his "nature" and be a good person or is Charley in big trouble?  

I think we all can agree that Reyes is physically hot, but I'm still unsure about him. How long did it take him to flip the switch? He is definitely going to be an interesting character to watch and grow. It's a bit too early to say whether or not Reyes is good for Charley. Personally, I love Garrett and Charley together though Charley treats Garret like crap.

6.  Did you enjoy this book?  Will you be continuing the series?   

First Grave on the Right was exactly a book that I needed during my most stressful time at work. It was an easy and enjoyable read that kept me laughing and guessing throughout the book. I do plan on continuing the series.  

7 Things That People Don't Tell You About Being a Merperson by Ciye Cho + GIVEAWAY

 Books featuring mermaids and mer-people have been very popular lately. Today I'm excited to introduce to yet a new book that also spins a new take on mer-people. Indie publisher Ciye Cho is here to talk about her book, Florence, and maybe we should reconsider somethings before wishing to be a mer-person. Be sure to check out the bottom of the post for your chance to win a copy of Florence!

7 Things That People Don't Tell You About Being a Merperson

Most people have a deep fascination with mermaids and mermen. Some
people even dream of life below the waves. And why not? Merfolk are
colorful, whimsical, and swim among dolphins. Yet, all things come with
a price, and the majesty of having a tail can come with some unexpected
hiccups. Here are some things that people don't tell you about life as a
merperson:

1) You'll get seaweed stuck between your teeth. A lot of it.
2) Raw fish is a human delicacy. Sashimi 24/7 is just a whole lot of
cold fish.
3) Sleep in a bad neighborhood and you could get eaten by a shark or
covered in barnacles (note: it is rumored that mermaids use special clam
tools to scrape off barnacles--and it's about as painful as it sounds).
4) Talking to animals can be fun. The conversation? Not so exciting.
5) Painting your fingernails underwater can be very, very messy.
6) Ariel gave up legs to be a human. You'll have to give up your
iPhone.
7) Ever tried drinking coffee underwater?

Seventeen-year-old Florence Waverley is out of her depth. Literally. Kidnapped and taken below the waves to the mer world of Niemela, she is the ultimate gift for merman Prince Kiren: a human familiar tied to his side. But nothing is what it seems amid the beauty and danger of a dark ocean.

Every Niemelan has a role to play, from the mermaids who weave towers out of kelp to the warriors who fight sea monsters. But in trying to survive, Florence will end up in the middle of a war between the mer and the Darkness. A conflict that will push her between two brothers: Kiren, the charmer inexplicably drawn to both her and the monsters; and Rolan, the loner who has been pushing her away since the day they met. But in order to take a stand--and find out where she belongs--Florence will have to risk it all: her life, her heart... and her very soul.

GIVEAWAY

  Ms. Cho is very generous to giveaway 1 (one) ebook copy of Florence to 1 (one) lucky reader! To enter, simply leave your name/alias along with an email address so I can contact you to win. Giveaway will end on Saturday, September 8th. The winner will be chosen by Random.org and winner will be announced on my blog on Sunday, September 9th. Good luck to all those who enter!

Mini Childrens Reviews: Strange Case of Origami Yoda, Familiars, and Dark Life

  School registration is currently in full force. Thankfully, I survived the first day.  I've read and finished quite a number of children's books. My reviews of these books are starting to pile up so I thought I would do a few pithy mini-reviews for you. All of these books are found on this year's Illinois School Library Media Association's (ISLMA) Bluestem Reading Award and Rebecca Caudill. For the full list of books nominated by school librarians, teachers, and students, click here for Bluestem Awards and click here for Rebecca Caudill Awards. Today I'll be reviewing The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger, Familiars by Adam Jay Epstein, and Dark Life by Kat Falls.

Description (from the Publisher): Sixth-grader Tommy and his friends describe their interactions with a paper finger puppet of Yoda, worn by their weird classmate Dwight, as they try to figure out whether or not the puppet can really predict the future. Includes instructions for making Origami Yoda.

Review:  Tommy and his friends think that Dwight is a weirdo who's always talking about robots or spiders or something. In true Dwight fashion, he shows up at school one day with his latest creation, a little origami Yoda finger puppet. Origami Yoda is not like Dwight at all as it doles out bits of wisdom to Tommy and his friends. The mystery of the book is whether the Yoda is just Dwight talking in a funny voice or if it actually has mystical powers. Told from a collection of stories gathered by Tommy and told by kids who either believe or don't in Origami Yoda. The Strange Case of Origami Yoda is a quirky, fast paced book that sure to please many Star War fans.

Rating: 3 stars

Words of Caution: Mild boy humor, but otherwise relatively clean. Recommended for Grades 3-6.

If you like this book try: Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney, Darth Paper Strikes Back by Tom Angleberger


Description (from the Publisher): When a scrappy alley cat named Aldwyn passes himself off as a magical animal companion to Jack, a young wizard in training, Aldwyn and his fellow "familiars," a know-it-all blue jay and bumbling tree frog, must save the kingdom after the evil queen of Vastia kidnaps Jack and two other wizards.

Review: The Familiars is a great choice for young readers who may be too young for Harry Potter. Just imagine Harry Potter and other popular fantasy series where the animals or familiars take center stage. The book contains your usual trope of a children's fantasy book. Characters who are trying to prove themselves and gaining self confidence as well as coming together to fit a big evil.  The consistently suspenseful narrative moves quickly and is full of twists and turns. The great combination of action and humor will keep readers' attention. For me, I don't really take an interest in animal driven stories, but I do several kids who would eagerly line up and read this one.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Words of Caution: None. Recommended for Grades 3 to 7.

If you like this book try: Secrets of the Crown (Familiars #2) by Adam Jay Epstein, Warriors series by Erin Hunter


Description (from the Publisher): When fifteen-year-old Ty, who has always lived on the ocean floor, joins Topside girl Gemma in the frontier's underworld to seek and stop outlaws who threaten his home, they learn that the government may pose an even greater threat.

Review: Dark Life is essentially your typical western that takes place in the ocean. Sixteen-year-old Ty is the first child born to the pioneers who live in the depths of the ocean. He has little to no patience for topsiders (aka land dwellers) until he meets feisty Gemma, who immediately enlists his help to locate her missing older brother. The heroes and villains are fairly easy to detect and the plot was too predictable for me, but those who are interested in marine life and what would it be like living under the sea would find this book worthwhile.

Words of Caution: PG violence otherwise pretty clean. Recommended for strong Grade 5 readers and up.  

If you like this book try: Riptide by Kat Falls, Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi, Drowned Cities by Paolo Bacigalupi, Stuck on Earth by David Klass

Color of Snow Blog Tour: Guest Post by Brenda Stanley

I'm delighted to introduce you to a new author, Brenda Stanley, and be part of the promotional blog tour for Ms. Stanley's Color of Snow. Ms. Stanley is here on the blog today to give us a glimpse of what inspired her to write her novel.

 The Color of Snow has been described as dark or mysterious.  I feel most of my writing fits this description because I enjoy looking at the strange and unusual things in life.  My novel will definitely make some people uncomfortable.  I like to look at situations and issues and try to figure out how people will react.  For years I was a crime reporter, so I enjoy investigating stories and learning about the parts of life most people try to hide.  When I wrote The Color of Snow, I was working on a story about a young girl who went missing years ago and has never been found.  I started thinking about what would happen if she were to suddenly show up now.  I loved putting myself in Sophie’s shoes and seeing things for the first time.

Sophie’s relationship with Damien is both intense and tempered.  Her father has raised her to believe that she will destroy anyone who truly loves her, so she is torn between her love for Damien and her fear of causing him harm.

The story changes between what is going on with Sophie and what happened in her parent’s past that brought her to where she is.  I wanted readers to experience the often isolated feeling of living in a vast rural area, but also the mental confinement of a small town.

Mental illness, teen pregnancy, religious intolerance, and racism are all big parts of The Color of Snow.  I like my characters to face challenges and see them grow from them.  It is not only the conflicts with the other characters that keeps the story going, but also those within the person’s own mind.

I wanted Sophie to be unusually beautiful so that people treated her strangely and therefore made her feel even more alien when she is first discovered.  She has transformed from a tragic kidnapping victim to a mythical ghost from the past and this makes her transition into her new life even more difficult.

My ties to the Mormon Church go back to my great-great grandparents.  I was raised in the teachings of the Mormon religion and even though I am no longer a member, I have many friends and family who are still very active in the church.  My descriptions of the Mormon culture are how I view it and how I feel someone who has never been exposed to it might see it.  I think there are a lot of people who are curious about the Mormon religion and have misconceptions.  I feel I’ve been both candid and fair in my portrayal.

Can a troubled young girl reenter society after living in isolation?

When a beautiful 16-year-old girl named Sophie is found sequestered in a cage-like room in a rundown house in the desolate hills of Arbon Valley, Idaho, the entire community is shocked to learn she is the legendary Callidora--a baby girl who was kidnapped from her crib almost seventeen years ago and canonized in missing posters with portraits of what the fabled girl might resemble. Authorities soon learn that the cage was there to protect people from Sophie, because her biological father believes she is cursed.

Sophie is discovered after the man she knows as Papa, shoots and injures Damien, a young man who is trying to rescue her. Now, unsocialized and thrust into the world, and into a family she has never met, Sophie must decide whether she should accept her Papa’s claims that she is cursed and he was only trying to protect others, or trust the new people in her life who have their own agendas. Guided by a wise cousin, Sophie realizes that her most heartbreaking challenge is to decide if her love for Damien will destroy him like her Papa claims, or free her from past demons that haunt her mind.

To learn more about Ms. Stanley, please check out the websites below:

The Color of Snow web site
The Color of Snow Twitter hashtag

The Color of Snow GoodReads Page

Brenda Stanley's Facebook

Brenda Stanley's Twitter's Twitter
 

Brenda Stanley's Website

Brenda Stanley's GoodReads

First Grave on the Right Read-along: Chp 11-16

Today is the third week of the Don't Fear the Reaper read-along! We'll be discussing the chapters eleven to sixteen of First Grave on the Right, the first book in the Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones. If you would like to join, please see this introduction post on how to get started! Many thanks to Jen @ In the Closet with a Bibliophile for this week's questions.

Questions Week 3

Chapters 11-16

1. I do have a soft spot for Charley's Aunt Lilian. She is sweet and soft while somehow also being a little dirty and I find that hilarious in an aunt. Do you have any relatives dead or alive that remind you of Aunt Lillian? If not, tell me about your favorite deceased relative. 

  Hrm..not really. Aunt Lillian is much more out there than my relatives. My relatives do have a great sense of humor and are incredibly caring. 

2.  In these chapters, we get a little closer to Reyes and his secrets. Neil, the warden at the prison where Reyes is currently incarcerated - and a high school mate of Charley's - tells a story about how Reyes ended up in the Coma and something he witnessed. What do you think of the story? What does this lead you to think about Reyes?

The guy's got issues. I thought it was interesting that Reyes is always mentioned in the same breath as violence. This was the point in the book where I had to finish it to find what Reye's true identity and how well Charley's theory of him played out. Now that I know what he is, it makes perfect sense to find himself in troubling situations. 

3.  One of the things I love most about Ubie and Charley's relationship is that Ubie aka Uncle Bob has absolute faith in our Charley. Maybe it's because Charley's been solving murder cases for ages and Ubie knows that Charley knows things. If you could pick a super power, which one would you choose? Seeing the dead? Invisibility?

Telepathy would work really well if I was a grim reaper like Charley. I could mess with peoples minds if they irritated me. LOL!

4.  Okay, in my opinion, there is nothing better than walking into your living room and seeing the god-like creature  of your dreams standing there waiting for you. If you were in Charley's shoes, who would be standing in your living room??

Oh, now that's just a cruel question! I don't have much space to list everyone, but I would limit it to my top ten literary crushes. As for celebs, Johnny Depp would be awesome. I could only imagine the story's he has to share.

5.  We get a surprise visit from Rosie's husband and we find out some information about Reyes...that he and The Big Bad are the same guy. What are your thoughts? Were you surprised about Rosie's husband or did you feel that one coming? What about Bad Reyes, had you already made the connection?

 I had my suspicions before that Reyes and the Big Bad were the same guy. I also anticipated to see Rosie's husband again. What I didn't know is how he could be in two places at once? Of course we figure out why at the end. :)

Let's Pretend This Never Happened

  After reading a few serious books, I wanted something light and funny. I've gotten lots of good reviews of Let's Pretend This Never Happened from both coworkers and library patrons alike. I decided to give it a shot and for the most part I did enjoy it.

Description (from Goodreads): Jenny Lawson realized that the most mortifying moments of our lives—the ones we’d like to pretend never happened—are in fact the ones that define us. In the #1 New York Times bestseller, Let’s Pretend This Never Happened, Lawson takes readers on a hilarious journey recalling her bizarre upbringing in rural Texas, her devastatingly awkward high school years, and her relationship with her long-suffering husband, Victor.

Review: If you're looking for something funny or just a reassurance that maybe you're really not that weird then Let's Pretend This Never Happened is for you. If you, however, are looking for something with a bit more depth than a few chuckles here and there, this book will disappoint you.
  Jenny Lawson is definitely funny and I can definitely see her humorist wings growing. As a writer, however, she needs to stay focused. Let's Pretend This Never Happened is pretty much composed of tangents that are not linear nor really take any shape. For instance, there are footnotes and those footnotes have footnotes, but the footnotes don't really have much to do with the narrative but just a parenthetical that happens to be there. The lack of structure makes me think that the book wasn't edited to closely or that the editors chose to have Lawson's voice go unhindered due to her already large popularity (she has one of the biggest blogs on the internet called The Bloggess that has over a million page views on a daily basis). I did think there were chapters that were filler and I skimmed them without missing much. I would recommend jumping around and reading selective chapters instead of reading it straight through.
  Most of the book is read as if Lawson is constantly onstage and having to dish out a punchline all the time. I'll admit that majority of the punchlines were funny and amusing, but after a while it got really old and I found myself getting a little bored. My favorite parts of the book moves beyond the comedy and gets a bit personal as Lawson discusses poignant issues such as her pregnancy troubles and dealing with her anxiety. I do know that Lawson plans on exploring these issues in her next book, which would make the reading experience a bit more rewarding.
  While not mind blowing or expertly written, Let's Pretend This Never Happened is an amusing read that I would recommend for readers looking for a light and fun book. I do see Lawson's talent and I plan on reading more from her in the future.   

Rating: 3.5 stars

Words of Caution: Strong language, drug use mentioned, and crude humor. Recommended for older teens and adults only.

If you like this book try: I Was Told There'd Be Cake by Sloane Crosley, I Know I Am, But What Are You? by Samantha Bee, Half Empty by David Rakoff, Naked by David Sedaris

Dear Shiloh from Moonlight Mayhem Twitter hashtag: #MMBlogTour

To celebrate the release of author, Sherry Soule’s new YA novel, Moonlight Mayhem, the second thrilling novel in the Spellbound series, we asked her fictional heroine, Shiloh Ravenwolf to stop by. She has started her own advice column “Dear Shiloh”. Since several people have asked Shiloh for help with some “very” interesting questions, she’s generously taken time away from her supernatural studies to answer them. Pasted below are some of the emails sent to her. Enjoy the snark!



Question 1:

Dear Shiloh,
My boyfriend and I have been together for six months and I love him a lot but I think he loves his computer and his X-box games more than me! All he wants to do is play online games. He never takes me on dates anymore. I love him bunches, but I don't wanna feel ignored anymore. I don't know what to do!
Thanx,
Ignored-by-BF

A. Dear Ignored-by-BF,
It’s great that he’s into video games, but he should make time for you, too. If he can’t—I advise you to move on and find someone who appreciates you like my honey, Trent.
Kind regards,
Shiloh

Question 2:

 Dear Shiloh,
I think my house is haunted. Objects move by themselves, I hear whispering and moaning at night, and often the rooms get super cold. Once I saw a ghostly figure in the hallway. It freaked me out. What should I do?
Sincerely,
Scared of Ghosts

A. Dear Scared of Ghosts,
Sounds like your house is definitely haunted. My mentor Evans says that often a ghost simply wants to be recognized and sometimes they like to just hang out. Maybe the ghost really wants to play a game, like Monopoly before he/she ventures into the light. Always remember to be a good host, and even, offer your ghostly roommates some kind of entertainment.
Kind regards,
Shiloh

Question 3:

 Dear Shiloh,

Lately my boyfriend has been acting kinda weird. Sometimes he gets all aggressive, and then he acts all testosterone-fueled. And he seems to be inhumanly strong. One time he got so mad that he actually snarled like a wolf. Plus, he’s gotten a lot hairier, too. Whaddya think’s going on?

Peace out,
Worried Girl


A. Dear Worried Girl,

Well, his odd behavior might be a paranormal dilemma. He could have a serious lycanthrope disorder. Not sure what to tell you about his bad attitude, but you could buy him a bottle of Nair for his hairy bod. Evans told me that were-creatures cannot enter houses of worship or walk on sacred ground. Try taking him to a graveyard or church and if he freaks out—well, then you’ve got major problems, and it might be best to contact either the Paranormal Research Group or animal control.

Kind regards,
Shiloh


Question 4: 

Dear Shiloh,

I think I might have a “Devil’s Mark” like yours. Does that mean I have demon blood inside me? It itches a lot and occasionally the scar even pulsates like a heartbeat. Sometimes when I get upset or mad a ball of flames appears in my hand.
Best,
Super-Worried

A. Dear Super-Worried,
Okay, it could be one of three things. One, you’re possessed by something evil. Two, you were “marked” by a demon named, Esael. Or three, you’re a half-demon, otherwise-know-as a cambion. If its number three, then you should know that in medieval legend, a Cambion is the offspring of a demon and a human. I sure hope it’s something simple like possession. Best of luck!
Kind regards,
Shiloh

Question 5:


Dear Shiloh,
My BFF got hit by a car and we thought she died. But now she talks with an odd gurgle sound, she shambles around school, and she looks all insipid and blue-veiny. Recently, she’s had a weird craving for brains and she smells like embalming fluid. I think something’s terribly wrong with her!
Help me,
BFF Troubles


A. Dear BFF Troubles,
Yikes! This doesn’t sound good. I fear your BFF has turned into a zombie! But on the plus side, I’ve read online that zombies can often be affectionate, but hugging one often leads to, well, having your brains eaten—so you’ve been warned.
Kind regards,
Shiloh


Hope you enjoyed this comical post. Now go feed your mind and read a book! Preferably mine. J

Otherworldly Creatures. Dazzling Magic. Fiery Romance.
Shiloh Ravenwolf thought she was getting used to the strange events in Whispering Pines, until the full moon brings another surge of supernatural threats to her coastal town. Ferocious wolves, deadly necromancers, and shambling zombies have descended upon the neighborhood, so Shiloh needs to gain control of her magical abilities—fast!
    It sucks that she has a crippling fear of the dark, which for a demon hunter can be an epic problem.
When her classmates are attacked by a mysterious creature and her father is murdered, Shiloh vows vengeance. Forcing her phobias aside, she forms an unlikely coven of supernaturally gifted teens to help her eradicate this menace. Except that's not all Shiloh has to worry about. She’s battling a different monster within herself and struggling not to become the very thing she fights: evil.
But with demon blood inside her—anything can happen…Moonlight Mayhem is the second novel in the unforgettably epic Spellbound series.

For more information check out these sites!

Sherry Soule: Official Website 
Official Blog
Official Spellbound Series Universe
Twitter @WriterSherry
Goodreads


Thank you so much for hanging with Shiloh and me today. It’s been an honor to reveal a little bit about one of my favorite characters with all of you. If you haven’t seized your copy of Moonlight Mayhem yet, please do so. More thrilling adventures await you!