Sevara: Dawn of Hope by Damian Wampler

Today, I'm bringing you two posts. ;-) I got sidetracked yesterday (oops) because I was working hard on creating my YouTube channel. So, my reviews will not only be on my website; they will also appear on YouTube! I'm excited by the new direction A Drop of Ink Reviews is heading and being able to use today's technology to expand the reach of independent authors and potentially reach more people than ever before.

Now, on to a review that won't even appear on my website until tomorrow.

When fifteen-year-old Sevara refuses to marry, she's kicked out of her orphanage and left on the streets of Plexus with nothing. She doesn't last long on the outside. Luckily, someone has been watching her.

A shape-shifting immortal gives Sevara a second chance at life, and a powerful set of gifts. But when Sevara begins a doomed love affair with the man she could have married, she must choose between protecting the city and saving the only man she's ever loved.
(taken from Goodreads)

My Opinion:

Sevara is a headstrong young woman. That is not something this society regards as a good trait. Females are not something someone wants. When one is born, the girl child is taken to one of the local orphanages and placed there. There are only two ways out. To be bought by a male looking to essentially raise his wife to be a model servant and bedmate or to age out. Hidden until her 14th birthday, Sevara eventually ages out. However, her personal sense of morality is a hindrance and sparks something no one in power ever wants to see. A possible change in the way things are.

In a country torn by war, Sevara aims to do what is right, no matter the cost.

I have always thought I had a good imagination, but Damian Wampler pushed it to the limits. I’ll admit there are a few things he put into his book that I still can’t picture. The main thing is the transportation system. I honestly cannot picture how such a thing would work, but Wampler could. In the end, I suppose that’s all that matters.

Sevara: Dawn of Hope is split into three books. Every time one ended, I’d turn the page on my e-reader in the hopes the next section was there. I was kept completely engaged in the story until the very end. There were a few parts where I was like, “You have got to be kidding me,” but they were few and far between. It was his world to put together as he saw fit and that’s all that matters.

I’d definitely put this in the steampunk genre, but the entire series shows promise. I’m not sure where he’s going next, but it could be fun to follow along and find out. Well, as soon as I can free up more reading time and catch up on my TBR list that is. However, I did finish reading this book a good week ago and it still lingers in my mind. That is definitely a sign of a well-told story.

Marketing 101: Finding Reviewers

Before my first novel was released, I spent hours upon hours of web searches for book reviewers. I found a great site that listed hundreds of them along with a note detailing what kind of books that particular reviewer liked. As I worked through the list, I'd find old blogs that hadn't been updated in months or even years. Others were current, but so overloaded with requests that they had stopped accepting requests. Every once in a while I'd find a reviewer, send an email and get a positive reply.

Why do we go through so much trouble?

Because review numbers count. People are comforted to see that lots of other people have read a book. It makes them feel like they have a better chance of enjoying a story if hundreds of other people already enjoyed it. In a way this is silly. Reading is so subjective that I could try a book a million people loved and still not be able to get past the second chapter. (Slight exaggeration, but it has happened.) However, as authors we have to accept this truth and put in those grueling hours.

I only knew one way to approach that task before the conference--combing through long lists hoping to find a few honest reviewers interested and with time to review my book. However, I've got another way to find them now, and a new perspective.

First, the perspective.

I book review bloggers were the only people I could approach to review my book. However, it was pointed out that approaching focus groups outside reading groups can open up an whole new world of reviewers.

For instance, let's say you wrote a suspense novel where the MC runs a bakery. You can contact bakers to read your book and give a review. Maybe your MC loves horses. You can search for online groups who love horses and see if they'd be interested in reading your book. And so on.

Now, a new way to find readers who review.

1. Pick/search for a book on Amazon comparable to your book
2. Click on the link for their reviews
3. Browse the reviews for ones that you like how they were written and click on the reviewers name
4. Look for the email link (Note: not all reviewers have an email link, but don't give up, keep looking) and send them a query just like you would any reviewer

Good luck and happy hunting!

The Fourth Contender

I have been lucky to read a lot of great indie books this year.

The fourth contender's position is going to a young adult steampunk novel. I will provide you with the review for the first book, though it's a series and I will be reviewing books 2.5, 3, and 4 later this year. I have already reviewed book 2. I'm looking forward to continuing this grand adventure with Mr. Adam Dreece.

I bring you the first of the Yellow Hoods series: Along Came a Wolf by Adam Dreece.

Tee is a happy and exuberant 12 year old. She is surrounded by those who love her, and foremost is her Grandpapa, Nikolas Klaus. He is a renowned inventor who belonged to a secret society, and someone comes after him believing he has invented a steam engine. Along with her friends, Elly and Richy, Tee mush shed her childhood naivete to help save her Grandpapa while staying out of the reaches of those trying to harm them. Dressed in matching yellow hooded cloaks, they become known as the Yellow Hoods.

My Opinion:
 

My opinion is easy enough. This book definitely falls into the category of “must read” in the YA genre. With a steampunk vibe, mixed with a real-life fairy tale, this book packed a punch. Though it was short at 128 pages, it was perfectly paced. There was just enough world building that you could picture what the area looked like without the author spoon-feeding it to you. The action keeps you happily turning pages until you reach the end with a satisfied sigh. The final conflict was resolved perfectly, with just the right amount of intrigue inserted at the end to set up for its sequel. All of the characters were wonderful and you got handed just enough back story to make it interesting without once dragging the book down.

Adam Dreece did an incredible job on this book and I will happily be reading the second book in this series. I have already started recommending the book to others and will continue to do so. It’s definitely for the young and the young at heart. I love YA fiction and this series is destined to land in my favorites list, along the Ranger’s Apprentice series and the Harry Potter books. It definitely earns that spot and I’m happy to place it there. Adam Dreece is definitely an author to keep an eye on as I believe he will go far.

While this is the end of my time this week on Unicorn Bell, it's definitely not the end of those who are on the list to win the 2015 A Drop of Ink Reviews Book of the Year Award. I'm positive there are more books ahead who deserve to be added to the contender's list. Until next time!

The Third Contender

This book is a fascinating blend of the past with the present. It's a unique look at death and it fascinated me. Here is a good look at what independent authors are capable of doing.

I bring you Failed Moments by A. Robert Allen.

Patrick Walsh kept making all of the wrong choices. However, he gets the chance at redemption in an odd way. He’s given the opportunity to go back in time and fix two other men’s lives in the attempt to correct his own.

French Caribbean in 1790 ~ Patrice Beaumont is considered the “kindest” of slave owners. While talking about the need to abolish slavery, he never does anything about it. Is being “the best of the worst” his only legacy?

New York City in 1863 ~ Patrick Allen is a large Irish immigrant who learns to make a living in the boxing ring. When out of the ring, he doesn’t pick fights or pick sides. However, during the Draft Riots, he sees a lynch mob about to beat up two black men. Is Patrick willing to choose sides this time and stand up for what’s right? Or will he walk away like he always does?

My Opinion:

This book was different and unique. I honestly couldn’t put it down until I’d reached the last page. Patrick Walsh is a man many of us could relate to. It’s always easier to walk away and stay uninvolved than it is to step in and do what is right. Watching as he goes through each of these lives is amazing. The amount of research that had to have gone into this book is mind-blowing. You get an accurate picture of these major points in history and feel like you’re right there with the character. I felt each life could have been its own book because each part was so rich and well-developed. When each time period ended, it was sad in a way. I wanted the story to continue because I got so involved with the way the tale was spun.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. It was absolutely terrific.

Book Awards and a Review

When I started A Drop of Ink Reviews, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. So when it took off on me, I was surprised. When more and more requests for my reviews came in, I finally had to shut down the submissions because I’m currently sitting at 57 books awaiting review. I’m not even sure I can review that many in what’s remaining of this year, but I’m sure going to try!

However, with all of that happening, I decided to have an award made. I actually have several, but two of them are reserved specifically for people who pay to be moved to the head of the list. To date, I’ve handed out ONE of them. Turns out I’m getting stricter as I go along and I’m exposed to more and more books. The BIG award is what I want to talk about today.

I do not have this listed anywhere on my site, so the readers of Unicornbell are the first to know. There is an award I will hand out in January 2016 for the book I liked the best out of the entire 2015 year. So, for the rest of my time this week, sorry it’s so short, I’ll be sharing the reviews of the books that are currently in contention for that award.

The main criteria I decided on was it had to receive a 5-star rating, of course. That only makes sense. But I’ve handed out several of those. So which one will win? Well, I have recently decided that the books that stick out the most in my mind and are either indie published or small house published, will win the award. I already shared a review of one of the books with you previously. It’s Grave Beginnings by R.R. Virdi. If you’d like a refresher, you can view it here.

For the next book, I present you with The Vanishing of Katherine Sullivan by Christina Weaver.

Matt Sullivan received a shock when his Uncle Lucas was placed in a hospital with heart problems. At the same time, Matt was handed a letter stating his uncle’s property had to be cleaned up in two weeks or else. As a by-product of the Great Depression, Uncle Lucas horded everything. Matt faced down his uncle and got clearance to begin cleaning up the home under one condition. He was not to touch the dining room or den. Matt agreed and with the help of his brother Samuel and nephew Stephen, they began to tackle the disaster.

Curious, Matt went into the dining room to find out what was so important to his Uncle Lucas. In there, he found old newspapers with names underlined and circled. He also came across a box of old letters from his grandmother and grandfather. After making a point to his nephew and sister about their hoarding tendencies, Matt decided to venture into the attic of his home, which used to belong to his parents, now deceased. Up there, he found all of his father’s treasures. In looking around, he found a notebook with the same names his uncle had been so interested in. He also came across an old family Bible that smelled of smoke. Inside, he found the names of his grandparents and their children. His grandfather, Samuel, had the year of his death recorded, but nothing for his grandmother. Realizing he knew nothing about his family, Matt decided to dig into his family’s past and find out what happened to his grandmother Katherine. With absolutely no help or encouragement from his Uncle Lucas or Uncle Henry, who was running for President of the United States, he set out to find the truth.

Following clues, he ended up in a small town in West Virginia, where he found nothing but hostility and closed mouths. His only help was the feisty librarian and school teacher, Selma Greeley. Only a death bed confession gave him any insight into the plight of his grandmother. Determined to follow it through to the end, Matt faces terrible trials and dead ends to bring closure for his uncles and himself.

Christina wrote a truly touching story about a young woman who lived in the hills of West Virginia and married a city man to escape her family. Matt’s search for her is long and intense and shows great devotion to family and a history he had no idea even existed. This story is heartbreaking and heartwarming all at once. I’m not even sure I can begin to convey how much this book touched me. She shared a beautiful picture of the life of this amazing woman and a small town who did nothing but belittle her and her family. She did an amazing job weaving the search Matt was doing in present times with glimpses of the past.

While there were a few errors in the editing, that shouldn’t be a hindrance. Her story is a powerful one and definitely worth a read.

Review of West of Paradise

This one is Marcy's book. This is a good example of a review that doesn't say a whole lot, but hopefully it said enough. Originally written 3/21/14.

From Goodreads:
Katherine Kennedy has it all—she’s beautiful, wealthy, and engaged to a man who, at one time, seemed perfect for her. Only she can’t marry him, and she can’t say why. All she knows is there is suddenly nothing she wants. Not her fiancé Antonio. Not any of the hundred thousand things her money can buy.

Jack McCabe comes home from the war with a pretty medal and a lot of ugly pictures in his head. He has nowhere to go, nor anyone to go with. All he has is a vague sense of discontent, a restlessness that will not abate.

Separately, Katherine and Jack are drawn to Paradise Tours on the privately owned Cristobel Island, a resort promising life-altering adventure. Just choose the time and place. Suddenly they find themselves over 125 years in the past, 1881 to be exact. Neither of them knows the other is a fellow time-traveler.

For Jack McCabe it’s the life he craves, and he’s at the top of his game—until his run-in with Alanna McCleod, the beautiful but deadly train robber. Katherine no sooner lands back in time than she is mistaken for Alanna McCleod and can’t understand why—until she sees the wanted poster.

Set in the Old West, this high-spirited tale of mistaken identity, romance, and murder is part historical fiction, part time travel fantasy, and completely captivating.

My Take:
Marcy is also with the same publisher I am--WiDo Publishing. This is her debut novel and holy cow does she come out swinging. I read her book in one day. It's been almost a week and I've put off this review for one reason.

I'm not sure what to say.  I've been trying to think of real "review-type" things, but I can only think of a few and I'm afraid you'll think I'm just being nice to a friend. But that's not it at all. The fact is I got lost in the story and didn't pay any attention to the writing. I felt fear for Katie, angry at Jack for being such a jerk in the beginning, but grew to like him as much as Katie did.

Marcy floored me by making me feel like I really was back in 1881. The style is different, but the details were as good as the Louis L'Amour books I read as a teen. Didn't see that one coming did you? Yes, it was awesome. And when our characters were in the "near future" of their actual time, Marcy had nice little details that made it feel real and totally possible. Nothing way out there crazy, but just little things that still gave it the flavor of "not now".

The best way I can sum it up is--Back to the Future III meets Somewhere In Time.
















I give West of Paradise by Marcy Hatch a solid 5 because I couldn't put it down, and I've already asked her if there is going to be a sequel. She said she'll think about it.

1-5 scale and what it means:
1: I couldn’t even finish it / just plain bad
2: I hope I didn’t pay for this / disappointing
3: I didn’t hate it, but it was still missing something / forgettable but inoffensive
3.5: On the line between good and ok / like, not love
4: Solid mind candy / worth reading
4.5: So very close to perfection! / must read
5: I could not put it down and I’m still thinking about it! / a true treasure

The Importance of Reviews

After yesterday's post, I button downed the hatches and started searching for appropriate book reviewers to email. The truth is reviews on Amazon go a long way toward boosting your books viewability and sales. I sent a few requests and realized I needed to sit and review several books that I've read recently.

I'll work on that this week. In the meantime, I want to brag on some of our UB moderators whose books I've read. Today I'll share my review of Carol's first novel, and tomorrow one for Marcy's novel.

After reading, go write a review on Amazon for a book you've read and loved in the last few weeks.
This review was originally written 9/20/13.

From Goodreads:

Justus Aubre is a wilder. A mage unbound to the Imperium, and therefore a dangerous wild card in their eyes. The Imperium wants him, wants his power, but Justus has hidden for many years and now has some semblance of a normal life. All that’s about to change when Sable Rounds walks through the door of his antique shop, looking for work. Justus instantly knows what Sable is, he just doesn't know the danger he’s in.

Alone, also on the run from the Imperium, Sable longs for a normal life. For somewhere to belong. She finds this when Justus hires her, but she knows it’s temporary and fragile, an illusion. Though she hates to think about it, she knows that one day she will have to move on.

The Imperium is always behind her, waiting. When they finally find Sable, they find Justus. And all hell’s about to break loose.

My Take:

First, you probably know CD Coffelt as Huntress and our fearless leader here at Unicorn Bell. She is also my first real critique partner and I love her dearly. With our swapping of stories, I had the privilege of reading this book before it was contracted. The second read through was just as enjoyable and rewarding as the first time. Huntress crafts a wonderful story of courage and love set in a chilling reality where one crazed woman controls all those who can work magic. Well, almost all.

Justus is the one who got away. He's a strong hero, even in his sullen moods you can't help but like him. He lives by his convictions and is doing quite well for himself until the unexpected happens. He falls in love. And with the most dangerous woman possible. No not the crazy one, but someone that can actually be used against him.

Sable is running from the Imperium, but she's never free of their watchful eye. She is the prize worth waiting for, and once crazy Tiarra gets her she'll be the weapon to bring down all who resist the Imperium's control. Even Justus.

I love all the characters in this story. Bert the impertinent teen who has to learn the hard way, the sweet couple who take care of everyone, even the two hunters struggling to break free of Tiarra's grasp. There are also some great magic slinging duels as well as lots of tamping down hot emotions. Of many kinds. ;)

Without giving any spoilers, I have to say that I loved the subtle difference between the original ending and the published ending. The clues have all been dropped and I'm just waiting for Huntress to write the next book. I love how Justus' inner struggle is more of the focal point at the end as well. I can't wait for the next in the series!

I give Wilder Mage by CD Coffelt a 5! And not just because I love Carol. The book really is that good.

1-5 scale and what it means:
1: I couldn’t even finish it / just plain bad
2: I hope I didn’t pay for this / disappointing
3: I didn’t hate it, but it was still missing something / forgettable but inoffensive
3.5: On the line between good and ok / like, not love
4: Solid mind candy / worth reading
4.5: So very close to perfection! / must read
5: I could not put it down and I’m still thinking about it! / a true treasure

Books and Cookies—Book Review: Anna and the French Kiss

Over the past couple of months as I've researched different agents for my YA contemporary novel, I typically tune in to their favorite books list to determine if my manuscript might interest them. And one book that is a favorite for many agents is the YA novel by Stephanie Perkins, ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS.

Since I'd never read it, I decided I should check it out to see what all the hype was about. So I did.

Is it worthy of all the praise and references? My answer is a resounding, Yes!

ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS is about Anna, a seventeen-year-old girl who is shipped off to a boarding school in Paris for her senior year of high school. In this beautiful, brilliant city, she meets an eclectic group of friends who immediately pull her into their group and show her the ropes. And, of course, this group includes the beautifully hot British/American Etienne St. Clair. After all, who can resist an accent? Problem is, Etienne has a serious girlfriend who has a serious hold on him. And Anna likes Etienne's friendship a little too much to ever consider rocking the boat. But sometimes, you just can't help who you fall for...

Anna was a comical, fun MC with such a wonderful voice. I could have read her voice for days and weeks. And Etienne is deep and relatable, making him totally swoon-worthy. Add that to the other cast of characters with their unique voices and quirky ways, and you have yourself an all-star cast of characters in this sweet YA contemporary romance.

All the references to Paris and descriptions of the setting put the reader right there. Since I've never been to Paris (yes, it's on my bucket list), I loved that I was able to experience the culture, a little bit of the language, and the romantic Parisian setting right from my own living room. It's a story about falling in love, forgiveness, finding oneself, and being true to who you are.

I give this book 5 stars and would highly recommend it to anyone who likes YA contemporary romances.

Happy Reading!

And now for some cookies to munch on while you read...

You can find the recipe for these yummy Peanut Butter Cup Cookies HERE.

A Few Last Thoughts and a 2-Star Review

Recently, the writing group I'm a part of on Facebook was talking about a specific review on a book. It was an out there, 1-star review that said, "I hate my EX." While quite amusing, it did spark a conversation on what reviews authors like to see. One point that was brought up was important enough that I thought I'd address it here.

Remember the author has no control over the quality of printed books or the shipping times. The only time they have control is if they're shipping out the books themselves. However, in a marketplace such as Amazon, that's rarely the case. Most independent authors choose to use Amazon's CreateSpace to handle the printing and Amazon to handle the shipping. If the book you receive is of inferior quality, then feel free to mention it in the review. However, and this is important, please do not knock stars off the review because of this. Please rate the book based on the story and the author's ability to write.

I'll admit that idea is backwards, because most of the time we write reviews on products specifically aimed at quality and how well it does what it was meant to do. For example, a bathroom scale. We would review how accurate it is, how it looks, how well it stands up to use, etc. Books are a different animal. What they are "meant to do" is sweep us off to another land, another time, another whatever and let us experience the world through another viewpoint. And that is what we want to review. How well did the author do?

With that in mind, here's the one and only 2-star review I've written and posted publicly. The author did a smashing job writing and editing, but in my opinion, missed with the story line itself.

Brandye Dui-Erâth was born under a blood red moon and in the midst of a fire that claimed his parents’ lives while leaving him untouched. Because of these auspicious beginnings, no one trusted him, not even when his grandfather came to claim him in order to raise him and took him to another town. The story of his birth seemed to follow him wherever he went.
 
Brandye grew up on his grandfather’s tales of a Darkness that claimed the rest of the world, leaving Consolation as the only place where Light still prevailed. Coupled with a curiosity about the world around him, fostered by his grandfather, Brandye grew up in a time when Darkness began to creep across the final bastion of light.

Having found only friends in a single family that didn’t look down upon him and the circumstances of his birth, Brandye grew and became a young man in charge of his destiny.

My Opinion:

I have just done what I swore I’d never do; which is post a 2-star review. I normally keep these silent and contact the author directly. However, this is a different case entirely. The story itself is well-written and there are almost no errors in the manuscript itself. That is impressive. And for many, this book may be great. I read all 250+ pages of it just fine.

As a writer, I’m well aware of the need to create an elaborate back story for characters, especially the main character, in order to be able to show a rich and complete character to the reader. Unfortunately, in my opinion, that’s all this book was. It was the intricate back story that tells us what made Brandye what he is. I kept waiting for the story to fully develop and things to happen. While there are great scenes in the book where I thought, “Here we go, there’s the story,” it would fall short and back up a bit. Those great areas could easily have been worked into a different book as flashbacks, or something similar, so we could see what happened to make Brandye the way he was. When this book ended, I thought, “Now we reach what should have been the first book.”

Do not get me wrong. This entire book was well-written. That is the reason why I’m leaving a 2-star review for the first time. There are plenty of people out there that may very well disagree with me and believe this made a terrific first book to what appears will be a great series. I will admit that I’m intrigued and would be willing to read the second book to see what happens next. There are so many ways this could go from the end point that I’m fascinated to see what will happen.

Grave Beginnings Review

Here's a review I did awhile back. The author was looking for feedback on his cover, and I liked it and his blurb so much I immediately went out and bought it. You should head out to Amazon and read a few more of the reviews for this book. You'll see all kinds to give you an idea of some fairly good and creative reviews.

Meet Vincent Graves. Who is he? He’s not 100% sure himself. All he knows is he died under “strange and mysterious circumstances” awhile back. Now, his soul is bounced back into newly deceased bodies whose previous owners also died under “strange and mysterious circumstances.” He learned real quick that meant the same as “supernatural.” He has bounced in and out of so many people, he’s not even sure who he was anymore, however, he at least gets to retain some of the memories and skills of the people he’s inhabited.

His job is to figure out what killed the person whose body he is now occupying and put an end to it. To aid him in this, he keeps a journal of each thing he encounters. Since he can’t take it with him when he switches bodies, he hands it off to his caretaker. At the beginning of every job, he enters the nearest church, grabs his journal and receives a snazzy countdown tattoo. He has yet to fail in his job, but there’s always a first time for everything.

This go-around, Vincent ends up in the body of Norman Smith, who was once the curator of the American Museum of Natural History. As he goes around trying to figure out what killed Norman, he has a run in with the FBI and meets Special Agent Camilla Ortiz. She turns out to be a rather interesting woman.

Honestly, I don’t want to give anything away. Virdi has a fun style of writing and the entire book was enjoyable from beginning to end. The idea is a great one and he obviously had fun writing Vincent Graves. It has a definite feel of Jim Butcher, reminiscent of the Dresden Files. I will admit I enjoyed this more than the Dresden Files books. Okay, that might be blasphemy to some, but hey! A girl has the right to her opinion.  There might have been a few sneaky bits tucked in from a few TV shows, but I can’t prove that. I found the sense of humor that ran through the entire book great.

Virdi uses some harsh language here and there, but considering what Vincent goes through? It’s understandable. He also has a thing for ellipses (…) and periodically using periods in odd places to emphasize something. For example, “Stop. Moving. Right. Now.” That kind of thing. So if that drives you insane, you’ve been warned.  There are a few editing issues here and there, but those can be fixed over time. Personally? I can’t wait for the next book to come out.

The Importance of Being a Reviewer

Until the beginning of 2015, I had never written a book review anywhere. Not that I didn’t read books, but it never occurred to me to write a review. I did contact an author directly once to let him know the family loved his books, but that’s it. It wasn’t until recently I realized how important those reviews really were.

I began A Drop of Ink Reviews because of a group of writers I hang out with on Facebook. Their number one complaint was how readers wouldn't leave reviews for their books. I figured becoming a reviewer would be a good way to give back to the authors who spend endless hours honing their craft so I can have a few hours of enjoyment. I have found writing reviews to be quite enjoyable and it's fun to share my opinion with everyone. :-)

You might be looking at your screen right now telling me, “I don’t know how to review.” This is where I tell you, “It’s easy!” Think of it this way. You just read a terrific book and you want to tell your best friend that she (or he) needs to read it. That person will look at you and ask, “Why?” That’s exactly what the book buyer is asking. Why should they buy this book? Why should they spend their valuable time reading it? All you are doing is taking a few minutes to go out and say why someone should or should not read this book. 

What are some things you can mention in a review?

 

Well, some good tips are to mention if there are a lot of errors in the book. This is especially important if the book is independently published. The standard is to ignore up to about 5 minor errors. After that, mention them. 

Did you particularly love or hate a certain character? Were you upset when the book was over? Other readers LOVE to know your reaction to a book. 

You don’t need to be long and gushy in a review, unless you really loved the book and want everyone to know. You don’t need to write an essay paper about a book you read in your spare time. A simple “I liked it because X, Y, and Z” is enough. 

What you should NEVER do in a book review is leave spoilers! Don’t tell other readers how the book ends. That’s just cruel. They want to take that adventure on their own, so let them. My personal ‘rule’on this one is to only include details that can easily be read in the sample you can download from Amazon or approximately halfway through chapter 2. That way, you know for sure you’re not giving anything away. I have said I didn’t like an ending in a review before, but I didn't give away why I didn’t like the ending. 

What if you didn’t like the book? Should you leave a review?

 

That’s entirely up to you. I have given a book a 2-star review once. I tend to speak directly with the author when I had a major problem with their book. I'll admit that option is easier for me since I'm asked specifically by the author to review the book. However, you can definitely tell others why you didn’t like it. It very well could be what you didn’t like is something another reader DOES like. Maybe a book had too many “scenes” you didn’t like or there was too much cursing or any other number of things that other readers might not be concerned with. 

Authors don't mind bad reviews, as long as they contain constructive criticism about what it was exactly the reader didn't like. There's usually a concrete reason why we didn't like a book. So if you can pinpoint that reason and share it, then it's a 'good' negative review. Some reasons might include the number of errors being too much, there were too many plot holes, the characters just didn't engage you, etc. Any one of those reasons is perfectly legitimate and gives the author a good idea of what to look for in the future. Don't bash the author for no good reason. Those reviews don't help the author or another reader.

All of this applies to traditionally published books as well. During a ‘break’ from independent works, I dove into books I’ve read time and time again in the past. This year, I decided I’d finally review them. I was honestly shocked to find out this NYT bestselling author only had 65 reviews on one of her books and it had been out for years. Trust me, your review counts no matter who wrote the book or how it was published.

So take a deep breath and go review that book you just read. It’s not as hard as you think and won’t take you very long. Probably a lot less time than it took me to write this blog post. ;-)

Books and Cookies: Book Review for THIRTEEN REASONS WHY

I chose this next book because of its personal significance to me and the astounding message of the book.

A few months ago, a 6th grader at my son's school committed suicide. This young boy came from an affluent family, had successful parents, and appeared to "have it all." The death of this boy who should have had many, many years ahead of him and a life filled with possibilities, rocked our small North Carolina town. It led me to question how well I know what's going on in my children's minds. How well do I really know them?

When I won a Giveaway for a free signed copy of Jay Asher's THIRTEEN REASONS WHY shortly after this tragedy struck my area, I knew I needed to read this book. If for nothing else but to see what could possibly go through a child's mind to make them want to commit suicide. Even though this is a work of fiction, Mr. Asher opened a gateway of thinking and analyzing for every teen that reads this book. Even for every parent that reads this book. How well do you know what's going on in your child's life?

THIRTEEN REASONS WHY is a novel about a teenage girl who commits suicide, and we learn about the 13 reasons why she chose to do it in these cassette tapes she leaves behind to the people who "influenced" her decision. The receiver is supposed to listen to the tape, follow the map of her life, and then pass the tapes on to the next person on the list. The story is told through the eyes of the MC, Clay, who is one of the recipients of the cassette tapes. It's a brilliant way to tell a story. Truly. The creative effort to capture this girl's story on the cassette tape is so unique. And we as the reader are learning right along with Clay as he listens and processes the reasons Hannah Baker committed suicide.

This book was a page-turner for me. Mostly because I kept waiting for that moment—the one that would make it perfectly clear why Hannah Baker decided to kill herself. But that moment never came. At first, I thought her reasons were shallow, but then I realized something. It is never about one significant event or one defining moment, but rather, it's a culmination of things that make a person feel as if they have no way out. It's so sad to think about that, and in the story, it was heart-wrenching to know that this vibrant, once-happy girl could spiral so far down as to feel that she had no other option but to kill herself.

I know you're probably thinking this sounds like a depressing read. And in some ways, maybe it is. But it's also enlightening. And for a teen, I think it can maybe even change the way they view others around them, especially those that may be considered an "outcast" or those who are experiencing challenges.

For my review, I give this novel 4 stars. I recommend it to anyone who likes YA Contemporary novels that deal with heavy issues. But warning: Some of the content may not be appropriate for young teens or those adults who like super clean reads.

And on a lighter note...

It's time for cookies!

These scrum-dilly-umptious cookies are called Earthquake Cookies. I've made these before and they're super easy to make and taste delicious! Just make sure you have a box of Devil's Food cake mix on hand. You can find the recipe HERE.

Happy Baking and Reading!

Books and Cookies: Book Review for THE SKY IS EVERYWHERE

Well, my kids are officially out of school now, and after throwing a pool party to celebrate the end of school, we are definitely ready for summer vacation! I figured I'd let my kids have a few days of "free for all" before I crack the whip and put them on a schedule. We'll see...

So, I do have another book review for you today! I'm super excited about this one because this is a book I read recently and immediately fell in love with. It's true. I think I might have a crush on this book. And the author. :)

For starters, I loved the title: THE SKY IS EVERYWHERE. Doesn't it just sound pretty? And then the writing was beautiful and literary and oftentimes poetic. The book deals with death and grief, love and friendship, and all the quirkiness that makes families unique.

In this YA Contemporary novel, the MC, Lennie Walker, is an extremely likable character with a strong voice. Still reeling from the death of her sister, Lennie struggles to come to terms with what her life means now that her older sister is gone. She has to redefine herself and discover an inner strength she didn't know she possessed without her sister. But along her journey of self-discovery, she leaves trails of notes, poems, and memories of her and her sister that are found on scraps of paper, coffee cups, sheet music, etc. *Warning* Plan to have a box of tissues by your side, because the notes she scatters throughout her town are emotional and heart-breaking and truly raw.

Then there are those moments of light-heartedness and humor. And those moments where we as the reader fall in love at the same time she does. And of course, in order for her to grow, she must make choices that betray who she once was. And who she wants to be.

In the end, she's torn between "a boy who will help her remember and a boy who can make her forget."

It truly is a wonderful read, but be prepared to experience every emotion as you read this book. Be prepared to experience Lennie's highs as well as Lennie's lows. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!

As for my review, I give this book 5 stars. Enough said.

Now for some cookies...

My husband loves Snickerdoodles, and while this isn't the recipe I use to make these cookies, this looks like a good one. If you love Snickerdoodles, you can find the recipe HERE.

Happy Baking and Reading!

Books and Cookies: Book Review for REMAKE

Are you excited for the approach of summer? Tomorrow is my kids' last day of school, and while I'm looking forward to a little less of a routine and sleeping in past 7:00, I'm also a little nervous about keeping FIVE boys entertained. Wish me luck! (I'm gonna need it...)

If you're like me, then you probably have a whole stack of books that you're looking forward to reading this summer. Or perhaps you're looking for a few good books to add to your TBR list. Maybe you'll find what you're looking for in one of my book reviews this week.

I've been reading a lot of Young Adult books lately because that's the genre I write, so if you enjoy reading YA, you'll probably like some of these books I'll spotlight this week. This first one is REMAKE by Ilima Todd.

Set in a futuristic dystopian society where children are raised in batches instead of families, this novel delves into the idea of what it would be like to live without a family. And it's interesting to see the distinct difference between the Rebels who still live in families as opposed to the children, also known as Batchers, who are raised without parents and have limitless freedoms and no consequences.

Batchers are given hormone suppressants so everyone looks the same and there are no differences between male and female. At the age of seventeen, the Batchers get to experience a Remake where they choose their gender and what they want to look like. This novel brings about the question of gender and what makes us male versus female. It's a very interesting take on the whole idea of gender and what it would be like if we could choose our own gender.

As for my review, I loved this book. I'm a sucker for a dystopian setting in general, but I loved that it was a clean read with probing questions, a sweet romance, and an intriguing plot that made it difficult to put the book down. And the best part? It's the first book in a series so I know I'll get to see those characters again. Hurry up, Ilima, I'm waiting over here! :)

All in all, I'd give this book 4 1/2 stars! And I'd recommend it to anyone who likes dystopian settings like MATCHED by Ally Condie or UGLIES by Scott Westerfeld.

Now for some cookies...

Don't these Peanut Butter Cup Cookies look scrumptious? You can find the recipe HERE.

Happy Baking and Reading!

Books and Cookies: YA Book Review #3—Fracture

Happy New Year! Hopefully you've had time to reflect on 2014 and set goals for 2015. I know I'm looking forward to a productive year (I hope).

Now that the holiday season is officially over *Boo*, I have one final installment of Books and Cookies. The week wouldn't be complete without highlighting a yummy chocolate cookie recipe. If you love chocolate and PB cups, this is the cookie for you!

Moose Tracks Cookies

If you too want to make these cookies, you can find the recipe on Inside BruCrew Life. So grab your plate of cookies and join me for the book review!

A YA Book Review: Fracture by Megan Miranda

Delaney Maxwell’s life changes the moment she steps onto the frozen lake and falls through the ice. For eleven long minutes she is trapped under water. Pronounced dead at the scene, Delaney somehow manages to survive despite the fact that doctors say her brain will have irreparable damage. But when she emerges from her week-long comma, Delaney is very much alive and very much like herself before the accident. Except for one thing—she now senses when people are sick or dying. 

I absolutely LOVED this book. I simply could not put it down. I read it in a day if that tells you anything. Megan weaves a tale that is emotional and heart-wrenching at times, then mysterious and creepy at others. And VOICE. I can’t say enough about how much I was drawn to Delaney Maxwell’s voice. For instance, this is how the book starts out, which of course, immediately drew me in:

“The first time I died, I didn’t see God.

No light at the end of the tunnel. No haloed angels. No dead grandparents.

To be fair, I probably wasn’t a shoo-in for heaven. But, honestly, I kind of assumed I’d make the cut.” ~Delaney Maxwell

Aren’t those the greatest opening lines ever? Who wouldn’t want to keep reading?

Delaney has been best friends with her neighbor Decker for as long as she can remember. They are inseparable. Except for that day on the ice when Decker leaves her standing there alone and Delaney falls through. It’s a moment he’ll regret forever. As far as romance goes, (because every YA novel needs a little romance) there are clearly more feelings between Delaney and Decker than either is willing to admit. But their relationship changes when a boy named Troy comes into the picture—a boy who knows more about Delaney than he initially lets on. He’s a boy with a past and a secret which Delaney quickly uncovers.

With a riveting plot from start to finish, Fracture delves into the ideas of the human spirit and suffering, love and loss, compassion and jealousy. Don’t be surprised if you stay up WAY too late trying to finish it in one sitting. And for Fracture fans, Megan Miranda has written a companion novel titled Vengeance that is told from Decker’s point of view. Thanks to Amazon, it’s already on its way to my house! Happy Reading!

Books and Cookies: YA Book Review #2—Uglies

Today, I have another cookie recipe and another great book review! So, whip up a batch of cookies, download this book to your Kindle, and get reading. Enjoy!

Rainbow M&M's Cookies

I found this cookie recipe on Sally's Baking Addiction and it turned out to be the perfect holiday cookie. Pair it with a glass of peppermint milk and you have a yummy treat. And now, for the review...

A YA Book Review: Uglies by Scott Westerfield

In a world where a person is considered ugly until the day they turn sixteen and can have an invasive operation that turns them pretty, Tally is counting the days until her sixteenth birthday. All her friends have already turned pretty and now live on the other side of the river in New Pretty Town. It isn’t until she meets a girl named Shay that Tally begins to wonder if turning pretty is everything she’s ever dreamed it would be. When Shay decides to run away and join a band of “uglies” nicknamed the Smokies, Tally is forced to find her if she ever hopes to become pretty herself. But in the world of the Smokies, a crude town built in a hidden location away from the eyes of Special Circumstances, Tally discovers the truth behind what it means to turn pretty. And she quickly realizes she wants nothing to do with it. Unfortunately, it may be too late to change her fate. 

I’ll be honest, it took me a little while to get into this book. I even set it down several times, but kept picking it up, and boy, am I glad I did. It’s set in a futuristic dystopian-type society where the leaders want to make everyone appear the same. No one should be more beautiful than another, so they make everyone pretty. I guess it’s a way to get rid of judgments and unfairness, but it’s really a way for the ones in charge to control the population like mindless sheep. Tally is a very superficial character at first, but it’s because of the way she’s been brainwashed into thinking that anyone “normal” is ugly and anyone “pretty” is the ideal. You do see her mature and grow throughout the novel as she learns more about the truth behind these operations. 

Here’s one of my favorite passages from the novel. It shows this superficial mentality of these teenagers who are waiting to turn pretty. This is an excerpt of Tally and Shay as they are looking at an old magazine while in the Smokies library. 

“Who are these freaks?”

“They aren’t freaks,” Shay said. “The weird thing is, these are famous people.”

“Famous for what? Being hideous?”

“No. They’re like sports stars, actors, artists. The men with stringy hair are musicians, I think. The really ugly ones are politicians, and someone told me the fatties are mostly comedians.”

Anyone who likes YA dystopian novels will enjoy this read. And like most dystopians, it’s the first novel in a series. I can’t wait to read the next one titled Pretties. In fact, I’m heading to Amazon right now to buy it…

Books and Cookies: YA Book Review #1—Phobic

Hi, everyone! Hope you are having a wonderful holiday season! And what is better during the holidays than to relax and catch up on that looming TBR pile?

Today, you are in for a treat. Literally. If you're like me, then you enjoy cozying up under a blanket, curling up on your bed, or settling into your favorite comfy chair to read your latest book pick. And what better way to do that than with a plate of cookies by your side. That's right. Cookies. So, obviously, I CAN'T make you a plate of cookies, but I CAN provide you with an awesome recipe. And a great book recommendation.

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Banana Cookies

This is a pic of the Peanut Butter Oatmeal Banana Cookies I made for the holidays, and they were dee-licious! To find the recipe and make these cookies, please visit Inside BruCrew Life.

And while you eat your scrumptious cookies, here's a book you might want to check out.

A YA Book Review: Phobic by Cortney Pearson

Fifteen-year-old Piper Crenshaw knows her house is anything but ordinary. The walls groan, doors slam on their own accord, and once, her room turned upside down. With a dead father and a mother in prison, Piper’s life has been torn apart by events that happened years earlier. Teased and tormented by the popular kids at school, Piper clings to her best friend Todd and her talent at playing the clarinet. But when things start to get incredibly creepy at her house, and Piper starts seeing the dead former inhabitants of the old home, she knows there’s a mystery that needs to be unraveled. A mystery that propels her into another reality and becomes a matter of life and death. 

I was pulled into this book from the first page. Cortney's writing is beautiful and descriptive while still maintaing that important young adult voice. Here are some of my favorite lines from the book:

“My best friend Todd’s red pickup appears at the curb, spewing exhaust like the truck has a cigarette up its backside. I jerk up. My pulse kicks at the sight of him. That’s been happening a lot more lately, my insides flaring up and doing some sort of spastic dance whenever I catch sight of his alluring smile and dark curls.” -Piper Crenshaw

In reference to high school:

“I don’t get how one place can offer Spectacular for some and then Suckfest for others.” 

-Piper Crenshaw

This book is a mixture of creepy, intriguing, mysterious, and romantic. As the reader, I felt for Piper and this crazy life she’s living devoid of parents to love and protect her. When the haunted aspects of her house intensified as did the ridicule from classmates, I wanted things to work out for Piper, including her “getting the guy.” Piper has a great teenage voice, especially when she talks about Pop-Tarts, the popular kids, and school in general. Cortney did a fabulous job of capturing the teenage mind and putting it onto paper. 

As a fan of romance, I loved the romantic elements of the story. Piper and Todd have been friends for years, but suddenly the heat kicks up between them. They are more “aware” of each other and yet, neither of them is willing to admit it. And of course, there’s feelings of jealousy and betrayal that only adds to the conflict of the story. 

Cortney weaves a tale rich in language and description with a full-blown mystery that needs to be solved. Add to that a teenage girl tormented by her peers and a romance blossoming between her and her best friend, and you have an enthralling read. Of course, there are those characters you love to hate, and without giving anything away, all I can say is they definitely get what they deserve. I would recommend Phobic for anyone who loves a good YA novel with a compelling story that makes you want to stay up way too late reading it. 

And here's a special offer for those who are interested in reading Phobic. But you better hurry, I think it only lasts through the holiday season! Happy Reading! 

Buy on Amazon

Reworking Genres

I was reading a contest description the other day (that of course I can’t find now) that started, “Are you writing The Next Great American Novel?” And my left eye started to twitch. I mean honestly.

But it did get me thinking. What exactly are we writing? What is the end result? I’m not talking genre...because I think those change over time, and I think that in our own bookshelves we categorize much more differently then we ever would find things in a book store. 

But...How do you want your writing to be remembered? Because when you get right down to it...that is the point.

So I spent some time looking at my bookshelves. Which are organized by the intricate workings of my brain, so of course they make perfect sense. Harry Potter is right next to Diana Gabaldon who is right above Dickinson who is right next to Rawn. All my Fantasy is organized by how well they fit on the shelf (obviously). Classics...same. Space is at a premium. But there is one shelf that is always within easy access, and always has the same books on it...no matter how many times I move.

I call it my Comfort Food Shelf.

I doubt that this was the intent of the authors of these books. Especially given that one of them is actually labeled as THE Great American Novel. But these are the books that I return to whenever I need a mental and emotional refresher.

First up is Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. I think I could recite this book by heart. It makes me laugh, it makes me cry, it makes me have faith in the human race again every time I read it.

Next is, oddly enough, An Old Fashioned Girl by Louisa May Alcott. I think this is more of a childhood love than anything else. But I find the feminist bent in it hysterical every time I read it. She was a crafty woman that Alcott.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Can you get any more fluffy than this? Flappers and Speakeasies. Love it.

Last in this shelf is The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. Epic story on an epic scale with epic characters. It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve read it. I’ve package-taped the cover back on. Someday I’ll find a hardcover edition. Maybe.

So. I’ll be digging deeper into my bookshelves this week, see what else is on there. In the meantime, what are your Comfort Food Reads?