Author: Jana

Item: Perfect Ruin
Rating: 4
Author: Jana

Sir Princess Petra’s Talent by Diane Mae Robinson | Children’s Book Review

Posted October 3, 2013 by Jana in Blog Tour, Children's Book Review, Inner Child / 10 Comments

Sir Princess Petra’s Talent by Diane Mae Robinson
The Pen Pieyu Adventures #2 (although the book works as a standalone)
Published by Tate Publishing on September 24, 2013
Genres: Children’s chapter book, fantasy
Pages: 88
Format: Paperback
Source: From the author
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Sir Princess Petra has already proven she is a kind and noble knight. This, however, does not please the king and queen—they want her to behave like a princess and forget this silly knight nonsense of hers!

But when the king writes a new rule in the royal rule book that requires her to attend Talent School and acquire a princess talent certificate or suffer the spell of the royal magician, Petra, reluctantly, agrees to go. But who could have guessed what Sir Princess Petra’s Talent would be?

This cute little story is all about a princess named Petra, who decided she wanted to be a knight. She proved her abilities in the first book, which is also cute, and her parents are still not delighted by this. They want her to be a girlie little princess with a girlie little talent, so they send her to talent school in The Land of the Lost Donkeys with her trusty steed (dragon), Snarls. Petra, being the spunky tomboy that she is, really hates this idea. It’s required, though, so off she went.

On her way she meets a pink man named Prince Duce Crablips, who feels it would be nice to acquire a talent of his own. He chooses crocheting, Snarls chooses BBQing (why not put his dragony fire to good use?), and Petra tries to choose a number of talents she knows her father will not approve of. She finally decides on writing, and creates a lovely little poem before heading home (after taking a short detour to the Vast Wilderness for some adventure time) with her certificate in tow. Of course, any enemies of Petra’s become friends. She ends up back in her kingdom with a bunch of new friends, and a story to share. Celebration ensues, and she even looks out for her friend Bograt. Everyone loves Petra, and she loves everyone.

My favorite part of the Pen Pieyu Adventure series is the emphasis placed on going against the norm. Petra certainly does not fit into the normal princess category. She’s an adventuresome tomboy, and she’s proud of it. I think I know a few young girls who could definitely identify with her thoughts on this. The illustrations are all in black and white pencil or charcoal, and are pretty cute. I wish they had been in color like the cover! The storytelling is witty and exciting, and perfect for a youngster who enjoys fantasy. Snarls is a very fun character, and his antics made the book for me.

Tied by Laney McMann (Book Playlist + Giveaway)

Posted October 1, 2013 by Jana in Blog Tour, Giveaway, Guest Post / 1 Comment

Hello, and welcome to my stop along the Tied blog tour! Laney has written up a scene-by-scene playlist for Tied, her new YA urban fantasy romance novel. Before I present it to you, here’s a little information on the book:

Tied by Laney McMann
Series: Fireborn #1
Published by J. Taylor Publishing on September 9, 2013
Genres: Urban Fantasy, Romance
Pages: 286
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Normal people don’t believe their nightmares stalk them. They don’t fall in love with boys who don’t exist, either.

Seventeen-year-old Layla Labelle, though, is far from normal. Her delusions walk the earth. Her hallucinations hunt her, and her skin heats to a burn every time her anger flares.

Or is that all in her head?

Layla doesn’t know what to believe any more because if none of that’s true, Max MacLarnon must be an illusion, and her heart must still be broken.

No matter how much she wants to believe Max is real, doing so would mean everything else is, too. How, then, is that possible?

The answers lie in an age-old legend the supernatural aren’t prepared to reveal, and with a curse that could tear Layla and Max apart forever—if it doesn’t kill them both first.

In TIED, book one in the Fire Born trilogy, learning the truth will mean fighting an arsenal of demons, and being with Max will put Layla on a path toward her own destruction.

Just how far will Layla go to protect the one she loves?

The answer may never be far enough … away.

Tied Book Playlist

Blue Foundation ~ Dream (3:11 P.M.)
M83 ~ Midnight City
Animal Kingdom ~ Strange Attractor
M83 ~ Wait
Ford & Lopatin ~ I Surrender
The Neighbourhood ~ Female Robbery
Imagine Dragons ~ Demons
Coldplay ~ Fix You
M83 ~ Reunion
The Fray ~ Look After You
BoysLikeGirls ~ Two Is Better Than One
M83 ~ Outro
Mumford & Sons ~ Reminder
Coldplay ~ Trouble
Gorillaz ~ Dare
Paul Banks ~ The Base
Chromatics ~ These Streets Will Never Look The Same
Rihanna ~ Stay
Imagine Dragons ~ Radioactive
Awolnation ~ Sail
Mumford & Sons ~ Ghosts That We Knew
Moodswings ~ Hairy Piano
M83 ~ By the kiss
Pretty Lights ~ My Only Hope
Gang Gang Dance ~ Adult Goth
Enya ~ Lothlorien
Night Terrors of 1927 ~ Dust and Bones
The Chevin ~ Champion
Moodswings ~ Thailand
M83 ~ Where the Boats Go
Polica ~ Amongster (Exitmusic Remix)
M83 ~ This Bright Flash
M83 ~ Wait (starting at 4:23)

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Perfect Ruin by Lauren DeStefano (Book Review)

Posted September 30, 2013 by Jana in Book Review, Young Adult Fiction / 11 Comments

Perfect Ruin by Lauren DeStefano
Series: The Internment Chronicles #1
Published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers on October 1, 2013
Genres: Dystopia, Fantasy, Romance, Science Fiction
Pages: 356
Format: ARC
Source: Publisher (Mail)
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On Internment, the floating island in the clouds where 16-year-old Morgan Stockhour lives, getting too close to the edge can lead to madness. Even though Morgan's older brother, Lex, was a Jumper, Morgan vows never to end up like him. She tries her best not to mind that her life is orderly and boring, and if she ever wonders about the ground, and why it is forbidden, she takes solace in best friend Pen and her betrothed, Basil.

Then a murder, the first in a generation, rocks the city. With whispers swirling and fear on the wind, Morgan can no longer stop herself from investigating, especially when she meets Judas. He is the boy being blamed for the murder — betrothed to the victim — but Morgan is convinced of his innocence. Secrets lay at the heart of Internment, but nothing can prepare Morgan for what she will find — or who she will lose.

I’m always on the lookout for unique story lines, especially in the dystopian genre. I love reading about new worlds that authors have created, so of course I gravitated right to Perfect Ruin. I was not the biggest fan of Lauren DeStefano’s Chemical Garden trilogy, but I really, really enjoyed this first installment in the Internment Chronicles. I’m so glad I was given the opportunity to read it! As always, my main points are bolded. :)

1. Internment is a huge chunk of Earth that has been RIPPED out of the ground and placed in the sky by the Sky God. Because the island is so small, people have to apply to have babies, and are exterminated when they reach a specific age in order to keep the population under control. Babies are betrothed before they are born. There’s a strong wind just off the edge of the island that keeps people from jumping off. People who venture there anyway go insane, and are labeled as Jumpers who have to go to therapy and take medication. Morgan’s brother, Lex, is a Jumper. Thus, the entire family is watched for signs of rebellion. If that’s not a crazy unique and exciting sounding story, I’m not sure what is.

2. Even crazier, people are turning up dead on this happy little island in the sky. The first one is a girl who was murdered and left on the train tracks. The entire population is now in this constant state of paranoia, not to mention they are under even more surveillance by their oppressive king. Everyone knows everything, but only a couple people know the truth.

3. I really love this cast of characters. Morgan is not content with her small life. She knows the world has more to offer her than the rock she’s living on. She begins questioning everything especially after she comes across Judas, the boy who has been accused of murdering the girl on the train tracks (his betrothed), and is convinced he’s innocent. She also comes upon the mysterious sister of the murdered girl, and begins to learn things that make her question her life even more. She confides in her brother and tries to convince herself that she will not end up a Jumper like he is. She also holds on tight to her betrothed, Basil, who is so caring and understanding with her. We also meet Morgan’s best friend, Pen, who is outwardly reluctant to be with her betrothed, but secretly adores him. All these characters are strong, dynamic, and unique.

4. I loved learning about the inner workings of this city. There are so many laws and cultural elements. I can’t wait to read more about these people.

5. There are some really amazing twists and events that had my jaw dropping. The story is go, go, go, and I did not want to put it down. And the cliffhanger!!!!!!!!!! Oh man. I can’t even handle it.

6. Lauren’s writing and worldbuilding skills have improved so much! I was completely invested in this story and these characters. I loved her descriptions and her writing style.

7. As is typical with the first book in a trilogy, Perfect Ruin brought up a lot of questions. There is so much going on here, with so many layers of secrets that I’m still not sure I know what’s going on. I actually really loved that. I’m usually a control freak when it comes to books. I want to know everything all at once. With Perfect Ruin, I was left in the dark a lot. It’s perfect for the story, though. I felt just like the characters did, I learned with them, and I really could picture myself living in their world.

I feel like this review is really unorganized and pointless, but there’s so much I just don’t want to say for fear of spoiling things! I went into Perfect Ruin knowing only two things: it’s about an island in the sky, and there’s murder going on. That was it. And I think because I knew so little, I loved it so much more. Bottom line, I’m a new fan of Lauren DeStefano. She has created an amazing story that had me gasping for air and wishing for more. I can’t believe I have to wait a million years to find out what happens next! Definitely read this book.

My Ex From Hell by Tellulah Darling (Excerpt + Giveaway)

Posted September 27, 2013 by Jana in Blog Tour, Book Excerpt, Giveaway / 6 Comments

My Ex From Hell by Tellulah Darling
Published by Te Da Media on April 1, 2013
Genres: Mythology
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Sixteen-year-old Sophie Bloom wishes she’d been taught the following:
a) Bad boy’s presence (TrOuBlE) + teen girl’s brain (DraMa) = TrAuMa (Highly unstable and very volatile.)
b) The Genus Greekulum Godissimus is notable for three traits: 1) awesome abilities, 2) grudges, and 3) hook-ups, break-ups, and in-fighting that puts cable to shame.

Prior to the Halloween dance, Sophie figures her worst problems involve adolescent theatrics, bitchy teen yoga girls, and being on probation at her boarding school for mouthy behaviour. Then she meets bad boy Kai and gets the kiss that rocks her world.

Literally.

This breath stealing lip lock reawakens Sophie’s true identity: Persephone, Goddess of Spring. She’s key to saving humanity in the war between the Underworld and Olympus, target numero uno of Hades and Zeus, and totally screwed.

Plus there’s also the little issue that Sophie’s last memory as Persephone was just before someone tried to murder her.

Big picture: master her powers, get her memories back, defeat Persephone’s would be assassin, and save the world. Also, sneak into the Underworld to retrieve stolen property, battle the minions of Hades and Zeus, outwit psycho nymphs, slay a dragon, rescue a classmate, keep from getting her butt expelled from the one place designed to keep her safe …

… and stop kissing Kai, Prince of the Underworld.

My Ex From Hell Excerpt

When the going gets desperate, the desperate send email

To: ????
From: bloomingoddess@gmail.com
Subject: Seriously?

Dear Your Royal Imperialness Demeter, Goddess of Grain and Fertility, Preserver of Marriage, and Bringer of Seasons,

Or can I just call you Mom?

Bet you never thought you’d be hearing from me. Sorry for not having written sooner, but until about twelve hours ago, I didn’t know you existed. Nothing personal.

See, yesterday, I was plain old Sophie Bloom. My life sucked in your typical 16-year-old ways. I was stuck here at Hope Park Progressive School on probation again (“mouthy behavior”), dealing with cliquish poseurs, rampant hormones, blah blah blah.

Then I met a guy. I know that’s the worst cliché ever. But sadly, it’s true. And of course, me being me, he couldn’t be just any bad boy. No. He had to be Kai, son of Hades, Lord of the Underworld. Anyway, he was really hot and there was this bone-melting kiss and … whatever. The point is, before he showed up, I thought I was human. Afterward, well, let’s just say everything changed. Who knew when I was cramming Greek mythology for my English final, I was studying the family tree?

They say when you die, your whole life supposedly flashes before your eyes. When Kai and I kissed, here’s what flashed before mine—Mount Olympus, Zeus, the Underworld, Hades, and you. But that wasn’t my life. Or was it?

Here’s the Wiki version. (Do you have Wi-Fi on Mt. Olympus?) Turns out I’m Persephone. Me, Goddess of Spring and Embodiment of Earth’s Fertility? Ew! Which makes me your kid, Hades’ target, and totally screwed. In the myth version, I’m the innocent maiden, you’re the grieving mother, and we’re reunited with great joy. Guess that’s why they call it a myth.

I know I sound like a nut bar. And maybe I’ll wake up in a padded room restrained for my own safety. But in that moment with Kai, it felt real. Like I knew who I was. Or used to be. Those were my memories flashing before my eyes—not some fantasy or hallucination. Part of me remembered those moments. But where do I go from here? And is there an online tutorial I can take?

I don’t exactly have your email. But if you’re a goddess, maybe you’ll know I’m writing. That I really need my mom right now. And if not—well, I guess I’ll save this for my obituary. Which I’ll probably need pretty soon because of the gods-wanting-me-dead thing.

Take care.
Sophie

a.k.a. Persephone
a.k.a. Goddess of Spring
a.k.a. Your Daughter

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Blog Tour Guest Post: S.A. Bodeen (The Compound) + Giveaway

Posted September 26, 2013 by Jana in Blog Tour, Giveaway, Guest Post / 2 Comments

It’s my pleasure to welcome S.A. Bodeen to the blog today, as part of the official blog tour for brand new release (it came out today, actually!): The Fallout, sequel to The Compound! S.A. is going to introduce the series to you, as well as talk about what her life would be like if she lived in an isolated compound like the characters in her books. Also, make sure you scroll to the bottom of the post for a giveaway! Macmillan is so nice to give a paperback of The Compound and a hardback of The Fallout to one winner from my blog’s readers!

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S.A Introduces The Compound

My new novel The Fallout comes out September 24^th. Whenever people ask what the book is about, I say “It’s the sequel to The Compound.” Now people who’ve read The Compound get a gleam in their eye and say “Oh!”, but if you haven’t yet read The Compound, I’ll need to clue you in. So let me set the stage.

The Compound is about fifteen-year-old Eli Yanakakis, son of billionaire Rex Yanakakis. For the past six years, the entire Yanakakis family has been living in an underground compound which they escaped into during a nuclear attack. Whew, you might think. That was close, eh? Not so fast. I left out a few things. First, Eli’s identical twin Eddy, his second half so to speak, was left on the outside when the door shut. Second, while the rich dad laid in a virtual Costco of supplies meant to last the twenty years they’ll need to spend down there, some problems arise with the food and the once plentiful supply is dwindling. And third and fourth and fifth? Eli does not get along with his parents, his weird little sister has an English accent, and he hates his older sister. Oh, and there is a mysterious room with a yellow door that he never goes in. Good times.

Now if I had my own compound, you know what I would have in it? Food. Movies. Books. My own YMCA. More books. Maybe some of my favorite people. But I definitely would not have a room with a yellow door on it…

—

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The Fallout (The Compound #2)
by S.A. BodeenRelease Date: September 24, 2013 (Today!)
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After barely escaping from the compound where Eli’s dad kept his family for six years, they’re learning to acclimate to “normal” life—whatever that is for them. It seems like the entire world wants to know what happened to this high profile family.

Slowly they begin to make their way back into the world, but Eli can’t escape the creeping feeling that they’re being watched everywhere they go. But by who?

Eli’s anxiety is heightened as unnerving information continually surfaces about Eli’s dad’s company. Not to mention the sketchy new friend his twin brother Eddy has. Nothing seems to be “normal” anymore. New people are entering their lives—but who can Eli and his family trust?

About S.A. Bodeen

Stephanie is the award-winning author of the Elizabeti’s Doll series of picture books, as well as several others. Her first young adult novel The Compound was released in 2008 and recently won the Maryland BlackEyedSusan Award, Nebraska Golden Sower Award, and the Indiana Young Hoosier Award. Her second YA The Gardener was featured on Good Morning America as a Best Summer Teen Read, and her third YA The Raft was recently named a 2013 Tayshas list title.

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