Tuesday 31 January 2012

Tune in Tuesday (18)

Tune in Tuesday is a snazzy feature that you can find at GReads and gives you the chance to show off some of your favorite songs or new finds!


So I was watching Robin Hood - Prince of Thieves the other night (drooling over Morgan Freeman and Alan Rickman - as you do) So I give you. Everything I do (I do it for you) by Bryan Adams. 


Or at least I would if you tube let me embed the video. 


http://youtu.be/vFD2gu007dc




















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Monday 30 January 2012

Podcasts! (4)



Wow, I am getting terrible at posting things when I say I will

*slap on hand* Bad me!

Moving on.

Here is the (1, 2, 3) 4th podcast shout out for you all and this week it is *drum roll*

The Science Fiction Book Review Podcast by Luke Borrage

This one is pretty self explanatory I guess. It is hosted by one person. Luke. And he talks about Sci-fi books - DUH. If he has done a guest appearance on another podcast you can also find those on his feed also.

He does not post to a set time, once he finishes a book he will pop up an episode.

I have been listening to this podcast for a while and it is pretty fun. Luke is a professional juggler so for some episodes he will be recording from a cruise ship somewhere - maybe I am easily amused.

As I have not actually read many of the books that he talk about I can not say is his 'take' on them is right/wrong/un-educated/whatever. But I will admit I love listening to it anyway, it had definitely made by wishlist grow.

All the links to iTunes etc can be easily found on his site. 

Site

Tata for now






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Friday 27 January 2012

50 Years of James and the Giant Peach - Send a Peach

Maybe someone out in the book blogging world might be already doing this.... But if not, here goes. 


Rather annoyingly this has been running for the best part of a year and there is only 2 and a bit months left for this to go :( But, who feels like seeing how far we can get a peach in 2 months through the book blogging community?

What to do?
If we use the paper and post peach.
The idea is to photograph you and the peach in an interesting, local place, post the picture on http://www.followthatpeach.com and then send it off to the next buddy and then they do the same thing. Only need 5 people for that.

If we use the e-mail peach
We try to e-mail it to 50 people all together and tada - dun.

If you are interested what I was thinking was to send the paper version of the peach from place to place. And have it so that each person know where it is going next.... But then the e-mail version would be quick and easy too. So how about both.

Lets see how we can do for Monday 30th guys to give this a semi-fighting chance.

So fill out one of the forms below if you would like to give this a try :)

There is no pressure at all, just a crazy idea :)





Like I said there is no pressure, we either do it or we don't ;)

Tata, for now :)

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Thursday 26 January 2012

In My Mailbox (15)

 

So excited about this.

 

I won a giveaway before the New Year for Gini Koch’s latest book and here is the amazingnesses (yes, that is a word – don’t say a word) that came through the post.

 

Aline

 

I was only expecting a book, but lookie lookie.

 

Magnets, postcards and the book was signed! Wah! Smile

 

See, see, see. Surprised smile

 

IMG00388-20120124-1131

 

Live long and prosper Alien

x

Wednesday 25 January 2012

Character Spotlight - Robert Craven


Hi guys!

I hope you have been having fun following along with The Childe Blog Tour and checking out some of the cool posts that have been going up.

Today we will be learning a little bit more about one of the more secretive and private characters of the series. The world famous novelist Robert Craven.

And for this, I will hand you over to Adam and Carol.



Character Spotlight: Robert Craven
Robert Craven is the world renowned author of the Dark Shadow series (which Cat and her friends absolutely love!). He’s considered by many to be “The Master of The Macabre” and is also known as the ever elusive man due to no one ever being able to lay eyes on him. He has managed to elude all photographers and paparazzi and only shows up randomly (in disguise) to book signings, making him extremely hard to predict.
There are six books in his series, and the sixth novel, entitled The Cleansing, will be released in the coming months. Robert Craven’s vampire, werewolf, and witch literary works have set the world of horror fans on fire. His unusual take on the mythologies of these beings have caused an unprecedented following. Now that the Dark Shadow series has been made into feature length films, it’s not only book reviewers that are speaking highly of his works, but movie reviewers are now as well. Actually he’s set many records, including global box office revenue and book copies sold. Here’s a quick breakdown of his series:

The Dark Shadow Book Series:


Fear Descends (Book 1) Synopsis - Bartholomew Drake is not your average guy. He loves the night, enjoys a liquid diet and is a member of one of the oldest governments unknown to mortal man. Some would call him a nightwalker, others a blood sucking fiend, and others a vampire doomed to walk the earth only once night falls.

Through Bartholomew’s eyes you will witness the feud between his kind, werewolves, and witches. His quest to have peace among them all will meet heavy opposition, but our hero does not give up, even when the odds are greatly stacked against him.



Wolvesbane (Book 2) Synopsis - There is no recorded date when a werewolf first walked this earth. Mortals began telling tales in early centuries of seemingly human beings who, when the moon became full, would turn into hideous monsters that were hell bent on destroying any living thing in their path.

The werewolves continuing feud with their enemies, unearthly creatures like themselves, seems never-ending. The werewolf council becomes caught in the grips of a moral dilemma regarding peace with their enemies, pitting good and miss-guided werewolves against one another. The feud between their factions boils over as the tension rises and secrets are revealed, resulting in an explosive finale. And of course Bartholomew Drake is caught right in the middle of it all.



Death Becomes Him (Book 3) Synopsis - Bartholomew Drake wasn’t always a vampire, or blood thirsty fiend as they are referred to in some circles. No, he actually used to be your average mortal man, who one night was transformed into what he is today.

Bartholomew Drake is not your typical vampire either. He is a secret champion for peace between all races. Though not as aggressive as his peers, Bartholomew rose to power, becoming the leader of his coven. By showcasing his leadership abilities and proving to be the silver tongue of the supernatural world, Bartholomew Drake earned a cabinet seat in the governing body. Though he has several opponents, many do embrace him and his ideas. But even when he meets opposition our hero does not sway from his main goal: Peace between immortals and the human race. This is his story.



Red Twilight (Book 4) Synopsis - Having lived for centuries, true love seemed to always elude Bartholomew Drake. It doesn’t help that he is a blood thirsty vampire and any form of companionship was ended when he drank his fill and erased his victim’s memory. One night while looking for a snack Bartholomew stumbles upon a beautiful young woman in distress and saves her from certain death by an out of control motor vehicle.

Natasha Collins stirs up a powerful emotion within Bartholomew’s non beating heart, an emotion he hasn’t felt since his mortal days. An American studying in Ireland, Natasha is literally swept off her feet by Bartholomew Drake, a ruggedly handsome and unusually pale man. From the first moment Bartholomew looked into Natasha’s eyes, she realizes an emotion so fierce it takes her breath away. Unfortunately, like most fated couples in history, their forbidden love will be tested to the limits. How much can love endure before it breaks.



Darkness Awakes (Book 5) Synopsis - In small pockets of the world, witch covens thrive unknown to the mortals around them. White witches watch over humans and help protect them from the evils they’re blissfully unaware of, but dark witches have something more sinister in mind.

In the beginning, witches were not like most normal societies where there was good and evil, and their only focus was battling the dark side of nature. One fateful day though, that all changed, and darkness invaded them from within their own ranks. Now besides keeping vampires and werewolves at bay, they must also fight their own. But do not despair faithful readers, for the white witches are not alone, especially with immortals like Bartholomew Drake by their side.

--------------------
Awesome sounding books, huh?

So, for the chance at winning lovely goodies the same applies as before. But I shall repeat it again (literally repeat - got to love copy and paste ;))

Leave a pretty comment for the chance at some swag - everyone loves some swag :)
When 5 comments are left, a question will be left by C.A. Kunz, your answer will then count towards the chance to win a Kindle Fire through the Childe Blog tour.

For full 'Rules' to prizes and entering etc head over HERE to Books Complete Me
And for more information on the authors and to check out the full list of blogs involves in the tour head on over to C.A. Kunz's BLOG



free glitter text and family website at FamilyLobby.com

Tuesday 24 January 2012

Podcasts! (3)

this one
Hi everyone.

So, this was meant to be up on Friday…obviously that didn’t happen.

But moving on.

Week 3s (okay I know we are in week 4, let it go guys, just let it go) podcast.

And this weeks shout out is to The Readers.

This is brilliant, and is in (as far as I am aware) the minority as it is a UK based podcast.

There are author interviews, recommendations and conversations – and some brilliant moments between  Simon and Gavin. It is a pretty new podcast with 16 episodes. But it is weekly and is definitely a highlight of my weekly listening.

Website
ITunes

See you Friday for another Podcast guys. Smile

Monday 23 January 2012

Diary of a Wimpy Kid - Cabin Fever by Jeff Kinney



There is something really funny about these books. Before I buy them I always think, "Aw, great, I loved the last one, I can't wait to get stuck into this one,". When, in reality, I find them a great deal better to look back on than to read the first time around. Yeah, weird right?

That isn't to say that they aren't good. They aren't good because they are, and there are some brilliant laugh-out-loud moments but they always have something lacking... hmmm....

Okay, so now that  is over, moving on.

Greg has a problem. He needs money to keep his virtual pet happy and his mum won't 'lend' him any. So what is a wimpy kid to do. Try out his entrepreneurial skills obviously.

I am lacking the initiative to say anything other than what I said on GR so I shall hand you over to that post :)


Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever (Diary of a Wimpy Kid, #6)Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever by Jeff Kinney
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Every time I pick up a Wimpy Kid book I re-discover all over again how much I really dislike Greg's parents. And his little brother...

That being said this installment to the series is filled with some crackers and the situations that Greg finds himself in are both cringe-worthy and relate-able.

Fun read.

View all my reviews


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Tuesday 17 January 2012

Tune in Tuesday (17)


Tune in Tuesday is a snazzy feature that you can find at GReads and gives you the chance to show off some of your favorite songs or new finds!


Let the Monster Rise - The Genetic Opera



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Dark Days by C.A. Kunz




Fantastic.

Dark Days picks up brilliantly from where The Childe left off as we continue Cat's story as truths and secrets come to lights that both answer questions and leave you with more. TEASE *cough*

With the first book my main love was the characters and this remained the same for this one. This is not a book that I found myself wading through just so that I could get to the end and know what was happening. I loved the people portrayed and I want to know what is happening with them and what will happen next. That is not to say that there is nothing to the story because there is definitely one heck of a story-line going on in this series.

Just when you think nothing else can happen and the palpitations can finally settle down
.
.
.
WHAM!
"What the...? Never saw THAT coming?"

I would love to go into the story but too many secrets are revealed and I don't want to risk spoiling anything. Needless to say there is thrills, suspense, romance, death, kidnapping. teen-drama and some good old bad guy plotting - what's not to like?

We revisit the characters from the first novel who are just as vibrant and full of life, as well as meeting some quirky new characters. Cat makes some new friends, but finds herself a few new enemies too... Dun, dun, dun.

You can find my post on The Childe Book 1 here

Leave a pretty comment for the chance at some swag - everyone loves some swag :)
When 5 comments are left, a question will be left by C.A. Kunz, your answer will then count towards the chance to win a Kindle Fire through the Childe Blog tour.

For full 'Rules' to prizes and entering etc head over HERE to Books Complete Me
And for more information on the authors and to check out the full list of blogs involves in the tour head on over to C.A. Kunz's BLOG

free glitter text and family website at FamilyLobby.com

Friday 13 January 2012

Podcasts! (2)

Hi Guys!

Week 2s podcast is
.
.
.
.
The Sword and Laser Podcast

This is a brilliant podcast for those of you who love Fantasy (Swords) and Sci-fi (Lasers).

Every week books, games and movies are discussed - although lately A Game of Thrones has been taking up quite a bit of the conversation.

This is also a book group and every couple of a months a book is picked to read and discussions go on over at their goodreads group.

Fun, fun, fun!

Website
iTunes



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Wednesday 11 January 2012

The Childe - Blog Tour



This is to give a quick shout-out to The Childe blog tour that began on Sunday and is now in full swing.

I have been SO excited about this.

1. because I LOVED the first book The Childe and have been waiting ever so patiently - or not - for the 2nd
2. because this is the first book tour I have been invited to participate in! *happy dance*

My posts for the tour will be up next Tuesday and that will be a review on Dark Days (the 2nd book) and then again on Wednesday 25th for a character spotlight.

To check out some of the truly AWESOME posts that will be popping up all over head on over to C.A. Kunz's  blog for a full list of all of the blogs joining in and what they will be talking about in their posts.

Go on. You know you want to ;)

free glitter text and family website at FamilyLobby.com

Tuesday 10 January 2012

Tune In Tuesday (16)


Tune in Tuesday is a snazzy feature that you can find at GReads and gives you the chance to show off some of your favorite songs or new finds!



One of my favourite songs! I have actually had a car accident to this song - little trivia for you :)
free glitter text and family website at FamilyLobby.com

Monday 9 January 2012

Dork Diaries 3 1/2: How to Dork Your Diary by Rachel R. Russell


Nikki Maxwell is living her worst nightmare—her diary is missing! As she retraces her steps to find the lost book, Nikki offers a list of important tips and advice on how to keep a diary. Follow Nikki’s efforts to recover the missing diary—and deal with the usual funny, wacky antics of her best friends Chloe and Zoey, crush Brandon, and mean girl Mackenzie. It’s crisis management…Dork Diaries style.


I LOVE this series! And when I saw this is in the shop I pounced on it. And considering that I bought this on the same day I became officially car-less and well and truly SCREWED it really cheered me up :) - see I don't ask a lot out of life really.

I discovered this series by accident and have thoroughly enjoyed every book and this one was no different.

But in this Nikki has a huge problem! Her diary has gone missing! Did she accidentally throw it away with her lunch? Or did her Number 1 enemy Mackenzie pilfer it?

Dun
Dun
Dun

But this is not just a story.

As we go along their are 'interactive' pages for the reader to fill in and draw on and answer questions as they learn from Nikki how to keep a diary, the Dork way, with tips and tricks along the way.


Absolutely brilliant!

Makes me want to start a diary now hehe.


free glitter text and family website at FamilyLobby.com

Sunday 8 January 2012

In My Mailbox

These are going to be the last impulse buys for a while now - thanks to the whole car dying and me having to get a new one thing. I hate technology.... grrrr... But hey, my TBR pile will get some attention anyway.

So. I got 2 books this week. And here they are.


Dork Diaries 31/2 - How to Dork Your Diary by Rachel Renee Russell

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

I have already finished Dork Diaries and the post will be up on Monday :)

And a cyborg Cinderella, really, how could I resist ;)

I hope you have all had a brilliantly bookie week.

Toodles x
free glitter text and family website at FamilyLobby.com

Friday 6 January 2012

Podcasts! (1)

Hi Everyone,

I hope you all enjoyed the CD cover posts while they were with us.

Let us have a moments silence
.
.
.
So now I have a nice big empty space on a Friday to fill. And, it will be filled with something truly awesome - her, no eye rolling.

Podcasts!!!1

Do any of you guys listen to podcasts?
Come on don't be shy, stick your hand  up *crickets*
Fine! Be like that then.

Well, obviously I do - between listening to AudioBooks.

And when I find a good podcast that has not faded gradually from existence I hold onto it and never, ever, ever, let it go.

So I thought I would give a shout out ever Friday for the next few months to my favourite podcasts.

Let us begin.

Number 1

Books on the Nightstand.

This is actually the first podcast I ever started listening to and it is a brilliant show to listen to. But listen to it at your own peril - my To Get list has grown to a monstrous size thanks to Ann and Micheal.

The website has a index of ALL the books that have been mentioned on the show and the podcast episodes that you cannot find on iTunes have been archived at the site too.

Website
iTunes - You can only get the latest 35 episodes on iTunesP


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Thursday 5 January 2012

January - That's What You Think!

Photobucket

Hi guys! 

Welcome to the 1st month of the 'That's What You Think!" Reading Challenge!

I know that there was some problems with viewing the book list. I have fixed this and the book list can now be seen in all of it's glory :)

Every month I will add a post for you to link to your reviews so we can all come and have a good old snoop at what you are reading from the list :)

Fill in the form below and then if all works as it should your links etc will be added to the spreadsheet below that.

(check out the original post in the spreadsheet for the book list)

Happy Reading!

Tuesday 3 January 2012

Tune in Tuesday (15)


Tune in Tuesday is a snazzy feature that you can find at GReads and gives you the chance to show off some of your favorite songs or new finds!

One of the BESTEST Disney Villain song ever! I mean DANG!





free glitter text and family website at FamilyLobby.com

Monday 2 January 2012

8: The Previously Untold Story of the Previously Unknown 8th Dwarf by Michael Mullin



What a marvelous tale was told in this rhyme
How one unfitting dwarf made Snow White all fine

For didn’t you know, there was one missing
From the famous 7 all dancing and singing

Poor Creepy, banished to the basement in shame,
For the cheek of attempting to live up to his name

But poor Creepy he had a soul and a heart,
As was proved when cupids arrow hit like a dart

Though unlucky in love, his proposal rejected,
Onward he went, attempting to be unaffected

But this little dwarf had a heart as I said,
And refused to go where fate led...

Yeah, that is as far as my rhyming skills go guys :)

This is the adorable, cheeky, funny and yet melancholy tale of Creepy the 8th Dwarf, who because of his personality is locked in the basement by the other dwarfs.

This whole tale is told in verse - the rhyming kind :). And had me laughing, smiling and ready to cry countless times as I read.

Wonderfully inventive.

I would absolutely recommend this. 


free glitter text and family website at FamilyLobby.com

Sunday 1 January 2012

2012 The Year of Epic!

Welcome to the year 2012 everybody woohoo. Hope you all stayed safe if you were out and about at New Years celebrations.

So, I was going through my list of books that I am hoping to get read this year and I am surprised by how many of them are actually series - this is kind of depressing actually.

And the books are -

A Song of Ice and Fire by George R R Martin.

Yes I admit the hype that was created from the HBO series is what peaked my  interest in this series. I have no seen any of the series. I have though seen some of the trailers and wow. So I will be reading the books before going anywhere near the TV adaptation. I do this with most things because I love to pick holes in the filmed version. Yeah, it is a twisted reason isn't it. ;)







Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan (and more recently Brandon Sanderson)

Well, 12 books (so far) in this series. So I think if I like the first one I will be having a lot to go on with. This is just one of those series that I have heard about over and over again in the passing so I think it is about time to give it a read.






Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon

Yip, I tried to read these last year but with one thing and another I only managed to get the first one read. Will I succeed this year? *shrug* Don't ask me, I only work here.







And next (you thought I was done didn't you)

I have my eye on the Jane Austen Mysteries by Stephanie Barron and that series sits at about 11 books I think...

Yip, I am insane. I will probably get none of these finished but I will give it my best shot to get some of them read :)

What about you guys. Have your eyes on any series you want to get through for the coming year or any suggestions.

I shall leave you to your hang overs cold weather caused headaches

Toodles :)

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