Waiting on Wednesday (18)

Waiting On Wednesday was created by Jill over at Breaking The Spine. It's a weekly post for you to share what upcoming books you can't wait for!

I can't wait for Afterlife by Claudia Gray to come out! This is the 4th and final book of the Evernight series!  Unfortunately we will all have to wait until 1st March 2011.

 For those of you that haven't read the first 3 this synopsis contains MAJOR spoilers.

Synopsis
The fourth book in this electrifying vampire series has all the romance, suspense, and page-turning drama that have made Claudia Gray’s Evernight books runaway successes.

Having become what they feared most, Bianca and Lucas face a terrifying new reality. They must return to Evernight Academy, Lucas as a vampire and Bianca as a wraith. But Lucas is haunted by demons, both personal and supernatural. Bianca must help him fight the evil inside him, combat the forces determined to drive them apart—and find the power to claim her destiny at last.

Readers have fallen in love with Bianca and Lucas, and they will be thrilled to read this exciting conclusion to their romantic adventure.

A Match Made in Highschool by Kristin Walker

Title: A Match Made in Highschool 

Author:  Kristin Walker

Genre:  Young Adult

Publisher:  Razor Bill

Publication Date:  February 2010

ISBN:  978-1-59514-257-3

Stand alone or series: Stand Alone

Pages: 278

Book Received from:  Bought

First Lines:  I should have known.  I should have known the minute I went to get my favourite White Stripes pepermint tee and found it not in the drawer, but temporarily forgotten in the back of my closet, curled up in a crusty ball.

Synopsis

When the principal announces that every senior must participate in a mandatory year-long Marriage Education program, Fiona Sheehan believes that her life can’t get any worse. Then she marries her “husband”: Jerky jock Todd, whose cheerleader girlfriend, Amanda, has had it in for Fiona since day one of second grade. Even worse? Amanda is paired with Fiona’s long-term crush, Gabe. At least Fiona is doing better than her best friend, Marcie, who is paired up with the very quiet, very mysterious Johnny Mercer. Pranks, fights, misunderstandings, and reconciliations ensue in an almost Shakespearean comedy of errors about mistaken first impressions, convoluted coupling, and hidden crushes.

My Thoughts 
A few other blogs had this in their IMM a little while ago and after a friend on the Good Reads website recommended it, I couldn't wait to read it.

A Match Made in Highschool was entertaining and funny and I read this in one sitting.  Fiona is a very lovable character.  She is kinda nerdy but not afraid to give her opinion and tell it like it is.  I found myself at times laughing out loud with her witty comments and narration and especially loved the verbal fights between her and her "Husband".  Marcie and Johnny are lovable characters and I couldn't help liking Fiona's "husband" too.  It's definitely a cast full of amusing characters.

The only thing that is a little far fetched was the whole Marriage thing but that's what makes this book such a great read.  I mean if I was put in that situation and stuck with a so called jock well.. I'd imagine myself taking the same road as Fiona.

All in all this is definitely a light funny read that I would recommend to everyone!

Sticky Beak (17)

Sticky Beak's all about sharing.  Sometimes we can't all get around to every single blog and website available so thats very Sticky Beak comes in.  By word of mouth (well you get what I mean) we are more likely to get to those blogs that we wouldn't have normally seen without someone pointing them out to us.

The links could be to your own post, a favourite blog post you would love to share, an author's website/blog, book/writing contests, reviews you really enjoyed, tour info or anything that you would love to share with others.  Just use the comments section for your links!!

Here's Mine:

 

Giveaways:

Edifying and Edgy: Giveaway of the Mortal Instruments Trilogy.  Enter before 1st July. 

Blogs I've come Across:

The Trick Is To Keep Breathing - Writing Blog of Tori from Book Faery.  

AustCrimeFiction- Database of Australian and New Zealand authors, books, reviews, events and announcements

Page Turners: Aussie Lit, book reviews etc. Check it out 

 

For Writers:

Booklife- Strategies and Survival Tips of the 21st-Century Writer.
Omnific Publishing- How do I know if my manuscript is ready for submission?

Misc Stuff

Fable Croft- Judging a book by it's cover.

The Book Smugglers- On the Smugglers Radar. Some cool looking books listed here.

Weekly Wrap Up (1)

This week I didn't get anything for my IMM so I've decided to do a Weekly Wrap Up of what has happened with this week.

Monday

Sticky Beak (16) 

Tuesday

Interview with Jennifer DeLucy

Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday (17)

Thursday

Once Upon A Time Project G2 Deadlline

Friday

Interview with Lisa Sanchez

Saturday

Lies by Michael Grant

Lies by Michael Grant

Title: Lies

Author: Michael Grant

Genre: Young Adult

Publisher:  Katherine Tegen Books

Publication Date: 

ISBN: 978-0-06-144909-3

Stand alone or series: Series (Gone Series)

Pages: 447

Book Received from: Bought

First Lines: Obscene graffiti. Smashed windows.  Human Crew tags, their logo, along with warnings to freaks to get out.

POSSIBLE SPOILERS IF YOU HAVEN'T READ PREVIOUS BOOKS

Synopsis
It happens in one night: a girl who died now walks among the living, Zil and the Human Crew set fire to Perdido Beach, and amid the flames and smoke, Sam sees the figure of the boy he fears the most - Drake. But Sam and Caine defeated him along with the Darkness - or so they thought. As Perdido Beach burns, battles rage: Astrid against the Town Council; the Human Crew versus the mutants; and Sam against Drake. And the prophetess Orsay and her companion, Nerezza, are preaching that death will set them all free. As life in the FAYZ becomes more desperate, no one knows who they can trust.

My Thoughts

Lies is the Third book in the Gone Series.  I really enjoyed the previous two books and was somehow hoping this would be the final book in the series (since I didn't look up how many books are in the series I was clearly wrong) but as it turns out theres yet another book.  Plague coming out in 2011.  So I was kind of disappointed with the ending.  I'm not saying the ending was bad but it left me hanging.

Like Gone and Hunger, Lies has numerous characters telling the story.  It's necessary though because it shows what's going on in the FAYZ.  I found it hard in some parts reading it because I really believe this sort of thing would happen if the adults actually did disappear. Obviously not the super powers bit but the struggles that each character faces and the darkness that surfaces in each of them. Add to that the lack of food and water, the loss of patience with eachother it's shocking to know what those would do when things become dire. So, as you can tell I was really sucked into this one.

Apart from the fact I was kind of disappointed to find this wasn't the last book, I also noticed that there were a number of things that were left hanging at the end.  While I did enjoy reading this book I found it was more to set the scene for the next book. 

For those of you that like dystopian YA this series will be for you!

Interview with Lisa Sanchez

Spellbound by Books would love to introduce Lisa Sanchez, Author of Eve of Samhain!

A Big Thank You to Lisa for taking the time to answer my questions, so here we go!!

1. How would you describe Eve of Samhain?

Eve Of Samhain is a humorous paranormal romance with a snarky female lead and a witty, sexy, frustrating, but always charming,hero that will leave you pining for more.

2. What was the easiest/hardest part of writing Eve of Samhain?

The easiest part of writing Eve Of Samhain was the dialog. I have a houseful of girls, and my oldest is a teen, so I’m very comfortable writing female relationships. The banter and slang you see tossed between the roommates throughout the book flowed easily for me. The hardest part was writing the ending. I struggled for days, mostly because I didn’t want it to end, lol!
 

3. Where do you do most of your writing?

Sittin’ back in my easy chair with my laptop, woohoo!

4. What routines/quirky habits do you have for when and how you

write?

During the school year, I wait until the girls are out of the house, and then it’s on! I usually grab a snack, which lately, has been a giant bag of Costco trail mix, and get to work. The girls are out of school for summer at the moment, so my writing habits have changed a bit. If I want to get any work done, I’m forced to hide like a criminal in my bedroom while I pound away at the keys.

5. What keeps you writing?

My characters! They won’t leave me alone! I’ve always had a creative flair, and now that my children are older, I finally have to time to foster it. There’s a wonderful sense of accomplishment that comes with weaving a tale from start to finish. Besides, if I didn’t write, didn’t get these ideas out of my head, I think my head might explode!

6. Finish this sentence 'When I'm not writing....'

I’m shoveling lukewarm chicken nuggets into my mouth while speeding across town, taxiing my girls to cheer practice.

7. Any future projects you would like to share with us?

You bet! I’m currently polishing up the sequel to Eve Of Samhain. Book two is Martha’s story. I can’t say much without giving important details away. However, I will say this: Martha kicks serious bootay! Stay tuned!

8. Is there a question you've always wanted to be asked but haven't? What would your answer be?

Haha! Of course! I’ve always dreamed of someone approaching me with starry eyes, asking me “Hey! Are you Scarlett Johansson?” My reply would be “Uh, no, but I’ll take her husband, please. Ryan Reynolds is hot!”

9. Are there any tips and advice you would like to pass on to aspiring writers?

Persevere. Stick with it. Rejections suck on a multitude of levels, but you have to push past the hurt and keep on keeping on. Find a critique partner you can trust, or two (insert smiley face), take classes and write, every day if you can.

10. And last, you’re stuck on a deserted island. Which character from your books would you take with you and why?

Oooh fun question! Okay, since my other works aren’t out yet, I will go with a character from Eve Of Samhain. Of course, I’m gonna have to go with Quinn. I mean, hello! He’s gorgeous, tatted up and is the most sexually experienced being on the planet. Something tells me my time on the island wouldn’t be spent searching for coconuts. That is, of course, if I were single (waves hello to super, awesome, sexy husband) and Ryann were out of the picture.

I'd like to say another thank you to Lisa for an awesome interview!

To learn more about Lisa Sanchez and Eve of Samhain click on the links below:
Lisa Sanchez's Blog (Eve of Samhain)
Twitter (LisaSanchez3)
Facebook
http://omnificpublishing.com/

To read my review of Eve of Samhain click here!  Awesome Book!!

Once Upon A Time Project G2 Deadline

Okay people!! Deadline two is coming up.  Everyone who still has to enter their stories still has about 4 hours left to do so.

Unfortunately for me I've failed to finish my story this time!  It's not for the lack of trying either.  I just couldn't end it.  So I've decided to add a story I did a while ago for Readers on Deadline at Deadline Dames.  It is only short but it's better than the one that I've tried writing lol.

So here it is (Very short, sorry)

Jake thought it was cruel that I’d pester the living when they walked past the orphanage.  When one got close enough I’d breathe down their neck and watch them cringe and pull their jackets tighter. Sometimes I would let them walk through me.  Jake didn’t understand.  It was his choice to leave the world of the living.  Me?  I didn’t know what hit me, literally.  One minute I was walking down the street, the next I was looking at myself mangled underneath a car.  By the time I worked out what had happened the light had gone and I was stuck with Jake.  Once you missed the light, you had a pretty hard time getting that one way ticket to the next world.  I guess I felt a little ripped off.

Jake was leaning on the pole when another walked past.  I got up and as always he shook his head at me.  Before I even got close enough to work my magic she had spun on her heel and glared at me. To say I was a little freaked out would have been an understatement.  I stepped from one side to the other but her gaze remained on me.  This had caught Jakes attention now and he walked down and stood beside me. The girl turned to him and her expression softened. “Jake.”

 In all the time I had known Jake, not once had I ever seen him cry, until now.

(c) Melissa Freeman 2010    

I hope you liked this.  It was written from a photograph that was posted for ROD and while I didn't win I had lots of fun writing it!

So not long now peoples, I'll be doing a countdown on Twitter for those of you that aren't in Australia.  Please don't miss out on getting your story in.  All stories can be emailed to melissa@spellboundbybooks.com

UPDATE: For those of you that missed out on the deadline last night, I've decided to go for one more day.  So you all have until tonight at 12 AEST (Friday) to get your stories in.

Waiting on Wednesday (17)

Waiting On Wednesday was created by Jill over at Breaking The Spine. It's a weekly post for you to share what upcoming books you can't wait for!

 This week I've picked a couple.  First one up is Extraordinary by Nancy Werlin.  Release date is 7th September 2010.  I just absolutely love this cover!!

Synopsis
Phoebe finds herself drawn to Mallory, the strange and secretive new kid in school, and the two girls become as close as sisters . . . until Mallory's magnetic older brother, Ryland, shows up during their junior year. Ryland has an immediate, exciting hold on Phoebe, but a dangerous hold, for she begins to question her feelings about her best friend and, worse, about herself. Soon she'll discover the shocking truth about Ryland and Mallory: that these two are visitors from the faerie realm who have come to collect on an age-old debt. Generations ago, the faerie queen promised Pheobe's ancestor five extraordinary sons in exchange for the sacrifice of one ordinary female heir. But in hundreds of years there hasn't been a single ordinary girl in the family, and now the faeries are dying. Could Phoebe be the first ordinary one? Could she save the faeries, or is she special enough to save herself?


My second pick for this week is Choker by Elizabeth Woods.  This one's not out until the 4th January 2011 and I really can't wait.


Synopsis
You can never be sure who you can trust, even your best friend. A new thriller!

That's all I have on this one but it sounds good!!

Okay that's my Waiting on Wednesday for this week!  What did you get?

Interview with Jennifer DeLucy

 Spellbound By Books would love to introduce Jennifer DeLucy, Author of Seers of Light!

A Big thank you to Jennifer for taking the time to answer my questions.  So here goes.

1. How would you describe Seers of Light?

Well, it's a mix-mash of paranormal/speculative romance.  I like to combine a lot of eastern thought and modern living into my books, because I believe we're all destined for good things, if we act from our heart and with love and courage.  This book is a love story, yes, but I think it's more about the purpose and path of our main protagonist (Lily), and how her interactions influenced and touched the lives of everyone around her.

2. What was the easiest/hardest part of writing Seers of Light?

Hm.  The easiest part was writing it.  The hardest part was trying to find enough hours in the day to do so, since I was working full time while writing it.  The sleep-deprivation really stinks, but, it was worth it.

3. Where do you do most of your writing?

Actually, I like to write either in bed, or on the coffee table.  I know, boring, right?  But, if I had my ideal, I'd be writing in a garden or on a sun porch by the ocean.  Le sigh.

4. What routines/quirky habits do you have for when and how you write?
Quirky habits... Let me think.  I do zone out when I write.  You could hit me with a brick and I wouldn't know you were there.  I also tend to write late into the evening, since, for now at least, that's the only time I have.  Oh, and when I'm writing scary scenes, sometimes I freak myself out so much that I can't sleep after.  But, you know, if it's going to scare the poop out of me, hopefully that will translate to the reader. (Sorry readers!)

5. What keeps you writing?

It makes me happy, plain and simple.  Writing is one of two things (the other being music) that brings me great joy, and in a world where so many people are unhappy and afraid to follow their dreams, I just want to encourage and inspire them to feel passionate about their own lives.  Sometimes it takes a story or a song to do that, you know?

6. Finish this sentence 'When I'm not writing . . . . '

I'm working, or editing, or writing music.

7. Any future projects you would like to share with us?

Sure!  The sequel book in the Seers series is in editing now, so that's due for release sometime in the fall, I believe, and I'm planning book three (which I'm thinking will be the last in the series before I begin something else, but, we'll see.)

8. Is there a question you've always wanted to be asked but haven't?  What would your answer be?

You know, off hand, I can't think of one.  But, if your readers leave a question in the comments area, I'd be happy to answer it!

9. Are there any tips and advice you would like to pass on to aspiring writers?

Learn grammar thoroughly as you can.  I don't mean run out and try and earn your doctorate in the English (or whatever you speak) language, but, do have a firm grasp on the rules of writing.  It saves both you and your editor a lot of work, and it makes you far more likely to be taken seriously and published more quickly.

10. And last, your stuck on a deserted island which character from your books would you take with you and why?
Ooooh, now, this one is niiiice.  Okay, talk about hard!  I'm going to say William, because, for one, he is a healer, and wouldn't that be handy in a dangerous environment, but also . . . . come on.  He's William.

Thank you again Jennifer for an awesome interview! 

To learn more about Jennifer DeLucy and Seers of Light click on the links below:
http://jenniferdelucy.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/Jen_DeLucy
http://www.facebook.com/JenCED
http://omnificpublishing.com/

To read my review of Seers of Light click here!  Fantastic Book!!

Ooh.. Music Monday!

Just wanted to let you guys know that I'm featured over at Book Crazy for Music Monday run by Jenn!

Sticky Beak (16)

Sticky Beak's all about sharing.  Sometimes we can't all get around to every single blog and website available so thats very Sticky Beak comes in.  By word of mouth (well you get what I mean) we are more likely to get to those blogs that we wouldn't have normally seen without someone pointing them out to us.

The links could be to your own post, a favourite blog post you would love to share, an author's website/blog, book/writing contests, reviews you really enjoyed, tour info or anything that you would love to share with others.  Just use the comments section for your links!!

Here's Mine:

 

Cool Book Blog Sites

Australia Book Blogger Directory

Crazy Book Tours : An Adult Fiction, Non-Fiction, and Memoir Tour Site for Book Bloggers!

A Fanatic Book Blog:  Me Monday Feature.  Awesome go check it out!

Voracious YAppetite: The Do's and Don'ts of book signings 

Book Club Girl: Dedicated to sharing great books, news and tips with book club girls everywhere.

Book-Crazy: Music Monday. For more info click the link!

 

This is just a short one this week as I'm writing my little contribution for the Once Upon a Time Project.  Which reminds me, theres only a few more days until deadline to get your stories in.  Don't miss out on a chance at winning a really great prize!!

You can email your stories to melissa@spellboundbybooks.com

Also Larissa over at Welcome to Larissa's Bookish Life has a very cool creative writing contest called Doing It Write.  You can find out more by either clicking on the link above or on the button on the side bar.

 

Thanks guys 

 

The Karma Club by Jessica Brody

Title: The Karma Club

Author: Jessica Brody

Genre: Young Adult

Publisher:  Farrar Straus and Giroux

Publication Date: March 2010

ISBN: 978-0-374-33979-1

Stand alone or series: Stand alone
Pages: 258

Book Received from: Bought

First Lines:  I can tell you right now, it's all Karma's fault.  Yes, Karma.  You know, that unmistakable force in the universe that makes sure good deeds are rewarded and bad deeds are punished.

Synopsis

Madison Kasparkova always thought she understood how Karma works. It’s that mysterious, powerful force that brings harmony to the universe. You know—do good things and you will be rewarded, do something bad and Karma will make sure you get what’s coming to you. A sort of cosmic balancing act.

But when Mason Brooks, Maddy’s boyfriend of two years, gets caught tongue-wrestling with Miss Perfect Body Heather Campbell, and absolutely nothing happens to either of them—except that they wind up the hot new couple of Colonial High School, it seems like Karma has officially left Maddy in the lurch. That’s why Maddy and her best friends, Angie and Jade, decide to start the Karma Club—a secret, members-only organization whose sole purpose is to clean up the messes that the universe has been leaving behind. Whether they’re modifying Heather Campbell’s acne cream as part of “Operation Butterface,” or righting a few wrongs when it comes to Angie and Jade’s own slimy exes, they know they’re just doing what Karma should have done in the first place. They’re taking care of one another.

Sometimes, though, it isn’t wise to meddle with the universe. Because it turns out, when you mess with Karma, Karma messes back. Now Maddy must find a way to balance her life for good, even as everything around her seems to be toppling to the ground.

My Thoughts

I've been waiting for this book for some time and was excited to finally get it in the mail!!  I absolutely loved the cover and couldn't wait to read it.

This was a great read but I have to say right from the start, the book trailer kind of spoiled it for me.  Don't get me wrong I really loved the trailer but I also like to find out what's going on when I read a book (so that it's a surprise) and I found that the trailer gave away a fair bit of what happens in the The Karma Club.

The characters were great and the story line, while it wasn't unique (for me), it does give a different perspective of the whole 'lets get revenge' sort of thing.

I could totally relate to Madison, Angie and Jade and if I found myself in highschool all over again, I would probably at least give one or two of these things ago, just to help Karma out a bit lol.  

Overall, if you haven't watched the book trailer, don't.  Wait until you've read the book to get the full effects.  This is a funny read that I think everyone could relate to in some way or another.

How Aussie Are You?

How Aussie Are You?

Found this over at Manda's Movements who found over at Good Golly Miss Holly. I love these questions because I never go as good as I feel I should so they motivate me to get out there and do more!

There 102 in total so I've changed the colour of the ones that I've done and added extra comments in brackets here and there.  Make sure to take these out if you copy and paste. Give this a go even if you're not from here because they aren't entirely strictly Australian.

How many of these things have you done?

   1. Heard a kookaburra in person. (Had about 4 outside my back door the other morning)
   2. Slept under the stars. (Only done it twice.  It was awesome)
   3. Seen a koala.
   4. Visited Melbourne.
   5. Watched a summer thunderstorm.
   6. Worn a pair of thongs. (Everyday, got a few pairs of em!)
   7. Been to Uluru. (Ayer’s Rock)
   8. Visited Cape York.
   9. Held a snake. (Creepy little buggers they are! We have 19 of  the25 most venomous snakes here.) 
  10. Sang along with Khe San.
  11. Drank VB.
  12. Visited Sydney.
  13. Have seen a shark.
  14. Have used Aussie (and NZ) slang naturally in a conversation.
  15. Had an actual conversation with an indigenous Australian. (Aboriginal)
  16. Eaten hot chips from the bag at the beach.
  17. Walked/climbed over the Sydney Harbour Bridge. (I've driven over it though)
  18. Used an outside dunny, and checked under the seat before sitting down.
  19. Seen Chloe in Young & Jackson’s.
  20. Slept on an overnight train or bus.
  21. Been to Sydney’s Mardi Gras. (Haven't YET but how mad would that be!!)
  22. Have gone bush-bashing. (Lots of fun that is!! :)
  23. Taken a sickie.
  24. Been to see a game of Aussie Rules football.
  25. Have seen wild camels.
  26. Gone skinny dipping.
  27. Done a Tim Tam Slam.
  28. Ridden in a tram in Melbourne.
  29. Been at an ANZAC day Dawn Service.
  30. Watched a sunrise or sunset.
  31. Held a wombat.
  32. Been on a roadtrip of 800km or more. (Been to Mount Isa in the wet season. Almost lost the Jeep in flooding on the way up! Scary stuff... and here I was worrying about crocodiles LOL IDIOT!)
  33. Seen the Great Australian Bight in person.
  34. Had a really bad sunburn.
  35. Visited an Aboriginal community.
  36. Seen a redback spider. (Guilty of killing them as well)
  37. Have watched Paul Hogan.
  38. Seen Blue Poles in person.
  39. Wandered barefoot in the bush/outback.
  40. Eaten Vegemite. (Good Stuff)
  41. Thrown a boomerang.
  42. Seen the Kimberleys.
  43. Given a hitch-hiker a lift. (Have thought about it... kinda creeped out after Wolf Creek though LOL)
  44. Been to Perth.
  45. Have tried Lemon, Lime and Bitters. (Very Nice)
  46. Tried playing a didgeridoo. (I may have tried...)
  47. Seen dinosaur footprints.
  48. Eaten Tim Tams.
  49. Been to Darwin.
  50. Touched a kangaroo.
  51. Visted the Great Barrier Reef.
  52. Listened to Kevin Bloody Wilson. (Very Funny)
  53. Killed a Cane Toad.
  54. Gone to a drive-in theatre. (Went for the first time this year. Totally Awesome)
  55. Have read and own books by Australian authors.
  56. Visited Adelaide.
  57. Know the story behind “Eternity”.
  58. Been camping.
  59. Visited Brisbane. (Live only 30 mins away)
  60. Been in an outback pub. (Been to the Walkabout Creek pub on the way to Mount Isa)
  61. Know what the term “Waltzing Matilda” actually means. 

  62. Gone whale watching. (Would love to)
  63. Listened to Slim Dusty
  64. Own five or more Australian movies or TV series. (don't own 5 .. no)
  65. Sang along to Down Under. (yeah great song !)
  66. Have stopped specifically to look at an historic marker by the side of the road.
  67. Eaten a 4′n’20 pie.
  68. Surfed at Bondi.
  69. Watched the cricket on Boxing Day. (not into the cricket)
  70. Visited Hobart.
  71. Eaten kangaroo. (It's pretty good)
  72. Seen a quokka.
  73. Visited Canberra.
  74. Visited rainforests.
  75. Used a Victa lawnmower.
  76. Travelled on a tram in Adelaide.
  77. Used a Hills hoist.
  78. Visited Kata Tjuta
  79. Used native Australian plants in cooking.
  80. Visited the snow.
  81. Chosen a side in Holden VS Ford. (Go The Holdens!)
  82. Visited the desert.
  83. Been water skiing
  84. Read The Phantom.
  85. Visited Parliament House.
  86. Gone spotlighting or pig-shooting.
  87. Crossed the Nullarbor.
  88. Avoided swimming in areas because of crocodiles.
  89. Listened to AC/DC.
  90. Called someone a dag.
  91. Voted in a Federal Election.
  92. Have been swimming and stayed between the flags. (when I've been game enough to try lol)
  93. Had a possum in your roof.
  94. Visited the outback.
  95. Travelled over corrugated roads.
  96. Hit a kangaroo while driving. (scary stuff)
  97. Been well outside any mobile phone coverage.
  98. Seen an emu.
  99. Have woken to the smell of bushfires.
 100. Subscribed to RRR.
 101. Patted a pure-bred dingo. (No thanks!)
 102. Seen the Oils live. 

56 out of 102! If I can count properly. Well at least I got over the halfway mark!

In My Mailbox (18)

In My Mailbox is a weekly post created by The Story Siren and inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie!! (This post was inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie.)

 BOUGHT

Succubus Nights by Richelle Mead

Succubus Dreams by Richelle Mead

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephanie Meier

SENT TO ME

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan

The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan

Thanks heaps to Stella at Ex-Libris for sending me this awesome pack!!

CRUZITO'S MAILBOX 

 Cruzito's Mini Review (written by Mum)

Horton Hears A Who! by Dr Seuss

I set out to read this to him hoping I'd finish before he lost interest. We got halfway through before Cruzito wanted to grab the book and flick through it on his own.  It was quite funny because towards the end he kept saying "No, No, No." I'm not sure whether this was to stop reading or keep going?

So what did you get in your mailbox?

Question for this week: What are you all reading at the moment?

Winner of Archvillian ARC

Thank you everyone for entering into the Archvillain ARC Giveaway, and a BIG THANK YOU to Barry Lyga for sending me a copy of Archvillain to do the giveaway!!

Congratulations to 

*

*

*

*

Tiffany!!!

I've sent you an email.  Please get back to me as soon as you can with your address!

(The winner was picked using Random.org)

Seers of Light by Jennifer DeLucy

Title: Seers of Light

Author:  Jennifer DeLucy

Genre: Paranormal Romance
ISBN:  1-936305-03-8 
Publisher: Omnific Publishing

Format: Paperback or eBook

Stand alone or series: Series
Pages: 396

Book Received from: Publisher

Thank you to Micha from Omnific Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read Seers of Light, and a big THANK YOU to Jennifer DeLucy for writing an abolutely awesome book!

Synopsis
Lillian Hunt has never truly lived.  Always sensing more to the world than is easily perceived, she fears that her instincts are stubborn flights of fancy, or worse, mental instability.  But some things—disappearing strangers, tangible dreams, and visits from malevolent creatures—cannot be ignored.  Before it's too late, Lillian is ripped from the only existence she’s ever known and thrust into a reality that she always suspected, but could scarcely believe.  She must learn the truth about who she is, the powerful beings that wish to destroy her, and the two men who would die to protect her.

Jennifer DeLucy has created a unique, enchanting tale of destiny and the ageless power of love in her debut novel, Seers of Light.  DeLucy's novel charms readers with quirky characters, while sketching a haunting portrait of one woman's journey on the path of the supernaturally gifted. But be prepared.  Once you've entered the world of Seers, you will never be the same.
 

My Thoughts

If you haven't read my 100 pages Meme I just want to say that I tried really hard to make this book last and not devour it like I've done with most other books.  To say that didn't work is an understatement.  I've read some good books in the time that I've been reading, but by far this one has swept me off my feet.  I would read this one over and over again (And that's something I wouldn't usually do) because I fell in love with the characters and the story.

Seers of Light is full of great quirky characters, quite different from eachother.  While usually I feel bombarded with so many characters in one hit, I didn't with this story.  

Lily is an amazingly strong character who is thrown right in the deep end of a world she never knew existed.  She's passionate, loving and sensitive to others around her.  Christian, protective, stubborn and has got a temper on him.  Though there were times where I didn't like his overbearing nature with Lily, I can totally understand why he felt the need to be that way.  William, he's patient, unbelievably forgiving, and has been through alot and lost so much, yet is so ready to love and be loved.

I really enjoyed the world that Jennifer DeLucy has created and I totally wish there were more paranormal happenings in real life.  But take out the scary stuff :)  The interactions with each characters are dialogue heavy but not in the least bit boring.  It definitely builds the relationships with each character and propels the story forward.  
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Seers of Light is a beautifully written story, about self discovery, love and fitting in.  With an amazing cast of characters you will completely fall in love this is a must read!  

This is a fantastic book I can't wait for the sequel to this.  YES!! There is another book.

You can find out more about Jennifer DeLucy using the links below: 

Website

Blog

Twitter

Facebook

Goodreads

Once Upon a Time Project Week 2 Check in (G2)

Hey all.  It's Week 2 of OUAT Project.  How is everyone doing??  Okay first up I'd like to add one more item to the First Prize.

One Smoky Green Handbound Journal

Unlined
~ 6.25 x 4.25 inches
~ 1 inch thick
~ paper size 5.5 x 4.0 inches

 While I don't have a pic of this exact journal, below is what it will look like.  Except the colour will be smoky green.

So not only will you receive one lovely smokey green hand bound journal, but also a Signed copy of The Pace and $30 e-gift voucher at Barnes & Noble for the first prize!!

I've decided not to add my own story until Week 3 & Deadline (which is next Thursday 24th June at 10pm AEST)

Some motivation to help you write!

These are links throughout Dragon Writing Prompts that are really cool

Awesome Writing Quotes

Writing Prompts

Word Prompts

List of books on writing and exercises mentioned in the prompts.

Remember, have fun writing!

Once you've written your story you can send it to me at melissa@spellboundbybooks.com

100 Pages Meme (4)

The 100 Pages Meme was created by Ashlyn over at Teenage Reader.  If you would like to particpate in this please click here.

Seers of Light by Jennifer Delucy
I'll admit it has taken me a little while to get to the 100 pages of Seers of Light.  But it's not for the reason you think.  I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm reading this slowly to make it last.  I think I would have devoured this in one night if I allowed myself too.   

Lily Hunt is 28 years old and appears to be having hallucinations, weird feelings, and vivid dreams.  While out in the woods she is attacked by some creature who appears to be slightly human.  Luckily she is saved by a mystery person before things got bad and is taken to Georgia.

I don't want to say too much but this definitely had me from the start and I understand why so many peopled loved this book.  I can't wait to see what happens next!

You can read the synopsis for Seers of Light here.

Waiting on Wednesday (16)

Waiting On Wednesday was created by Jill over at Breaking The Spine. It's a weekly post for you to share what upcoming books you can't wait for!

This week I've chosen Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead.  This is the last book in the Vampire Academy series and will be out 7th December 2010.  I can't wait to find out what's in store for Rose and her friends!! 

I don't have a synopsis for this yet but I found this on Richelle Mead's website so at least I can give you something to read :) 

Last Sacrifice will be the last book about Rose, but it'll be followed by a spin-off series still set in the Vampire Academy world.  Side characters we know from the current series will now be our main characters, and there'll be a whole new storyline (not the last one told from a different perspective).  So far, there is no title or release date info for the new series. Expect it in 2012.

Ex Libris presents "Spotlight on.."

Stella from Ex Libris has got a cool event happening right now. It's called Spotlight on..  You can see what it's all about here.

First up is Thriller week and runs from 14th - 20th June. If you click here you will find whats been scheduled for this.

You can also see my very first Guest Post here. 

I hope you all enjoy Stellas awesome event.  There will be reviews, guest posts and giveaways so go check it out!!

Ex Libris

Sticky Beak (15)

Sticky Beak's all about sharing.  Sometimes we can't all get around to every single blog and website available so thats very Sticky Beak comes in.  By word of mouth (well you get what I mean) we are more likely to get to those blogs that we wouldn't have normally seen without someone pointing them out to us.

The links could be to your own post, a favourite blog post you would love to share, an author's website/blog, book/writing contests, reviews you really enjoyed, tour info or anything that you would love to share with others.  Just use the comments section for your links!!

Here's Mine:

Writers:   

Fan Story: Online Writing Community

Welcome to Larissa's Bookish Life: Doing It Write. Creative Writing Contest

The Book Abyss: Writing Competitions
 

Giveaways:

Simon & Schuster UK's Big Fat YA Giveaway - The Fall Edition

Ex-Libris: 222 Follower Giveaway:  Don't miss out this is ending REALLY soon.  Open International

Blogs I've come Across:

Bang Out The Prose: Writer blog about dashing off the draft

Thought Note Chronicles: Blog about thoughts and stuff about family, life, interests and being an expat; in chronological order.

Author Stuff: 

Booktopia Blog: 10 Terrifying Questions.  Check these Authors out!

Absolute Shakespeare: Read his work online.

Misc Stuff:

Book Magic: Check out Deb's new blog design.  Very Pretty!

Uncommon Goods: Great shop for all sorts of things.  Check it out. 

My Handbound Books:  Bookbinding blog.  Some very cool looking journals

Oh My Blog Award!!

Thank you to Amanda at Manda's Movements for this totally awesome award! 

So with this Award comes a little challenge for the Bloggers receiving this.

1. Get really excited that you got the coolest award EVER! Yay! Woohoo!
2. Choose ONE of the following options of accepting the OMB award:
(a) Get really drunk and blog for 15 minutes straight, or for as long as you can focus.
(b) Write about your most embarrassing moment.
(c) Write a "Soundtrack of your childhood" post.
(d) Make your next blog a 'vlog'/video blog. Basically, you're talking to the camera about whatever.
(e) Take a picture of yourself first thing in the morning, before you do anything else (hair, make up, etc) and post it.
3. Pass the award on to at least three, but preferably more, awesome bloggers. Don't forget to tell them.

Okay, I originally chose to make a vlog and I had maybe 20 attempts (No I'm not exaggerating lol) at doing this but in the end chose to write about my most embarrasing moment.

This was a few years ago when this happened and I will change names to protect myself (not them LOL) from further humiliation.  My other half and I were at one of the pubs that also had a dance floor.  Anyways on this particular night I may or may not have had a fair bit to drink and wanted to go dance but since my other half 'doesn't dance' I decided to go out alone.  I passed a guy who I swore was a distant relative of mine that I hadn't seen in a while.  I went up and hugged 'Henry' and we started talking.  (I'll set the scene for you.  This person was with two mates and we were on the dance floor by that point)  

Anyways I proceeded to ask 'Henry' how his family was and what not, to which he replied yeah good  blah blah blah.  When I asked how a particular person was, Henry looked at me strangely and said "Who?" So I may have said "Your brother you trippa"(Let me point out now, that not once did Henry tell me he didn't know me).  

Long story short I had Henry pull out his drivers licence to prove he wasn't who I thought he was (because I thought he was having me on) and it turns out that I just hugged and had a meaningful conversation with a stranger.  I asked him why he didn't tell me he had no idea who I was and he said, "I just thought you were a nice chick and putting the moves on me."  

So as elegant as I was, I said, "Well, don't I feel like a *insert inappropriate word here*.  It was nice chatting Henry but I think I need another drink"  And walked off to the bar red faced.

So anyways back to handing out awards. Here are my picks!

Rachel at Parajunkee's View

Lara at Absolutely Booked

Stella at Exlibris