Some Thursday Randomness

I haven't done one of these in awhile. Some old stuff and some newer stuff to peruse.

Art
Lips Art by Jazmina Daniel (instagram)

While looking for dragons came across Alvia Alcedo (DeviantArt) not only is there great artwork, you can get the artwork on jewelry.

Tropical Fairy Dragon
by Alvia Alcedo (DeviantArt)

Red Mountain
by Alvia Alcedo (DeviantArt)

Art By Aelia (Esty)

Reading Lists
Just a couple of articles I found on Epic Reads. One is the best YA book trailers of all time and the other is YA Fairy Tale retellings. These are just a few of my favorites from each list.
Trailers (website)
Curtsies & Conspiracies by Gail Carriger. The quirky feel to this trailer goes so well with the series.


A Study In Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro. This made me really want to read this book and would watch it if it was a series.

YA Retellings (website / graphic)
I realized that I've read some from most of the categories but the most has been from Little Red Riding Hood, which surprised me.

Goodreads

One of my favorite authors or retelling is Jessica Day George. This series is a retelling of the 12 Dancing Princesses

Goodreads

Book Review (e-Arc) ~ The Veil

The Veil (Devil's Isle)

by Chloe Neill
published by Berkley NAL
expected release date: August 4, 2015
genre: Adult, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal

**received e-galley from publisher and netGalley in exchange for honest review.

Summary (Goodreads): Seven years ago, the Veil that separates humanity from what lies beyond was torn apart, and New Orleans was engulfed in a supernatural war. Now, those with paranormal powers have been confined in a walled community that humans call the District. Those who live there call it Devil's Isle.

Claire Connolly is a good girl with a dangerous secret: she’s a Sensitive, a human endowed with magic that seeped through the Veil. Claire knows that revealing her skills would mean being confined to Devil’s Isle. Unfortunately, hiding her power has left her untrained and unfocused.

Liam Quinn knows from experience that magic makes monsters of the weak, and he has no time for a Sensitive with no control of her own strength. But when he sees Claire using her powers to save a human under attack—in full view of the French Quarter—Liam decides to bring her to Devil’s Isle and the teacher she needs, even though getting her out of his way isn’t the same as keeping her out of his head.

But when the Veil threatens to shatter completely, Claire and Liam must work together to stop it, or else New Orleans will burn…

My Thoughts: I always keep my expectations low when going into a new series from the UF/PNR genres. It helps to cut down on any disappointment. Fortunately, this book worked for me. While there were some things that didn't quite make sense, overall, this is a series that I'll look forward to the next book coming out.
This book was more story driven than character driven for me. The author made New Orleans recognizable while also making it a dystopian landscape. Like finding out how NOLA and it's people managed to survive and rebuild and go forward after the war with the paras. I look forward to finding out more about the those living and working in Devil's Isle. At times they were more interesting than the main group of characters.
While I liked Claire and Liam,  if they are the sole focus of this series, I can see myself losing interest. Having Claire become so proficient in her powers so quickly and in the save the day moment was less believable than anything. I had seen mention of it around and had to agree, she should not have been able to solve the veil problem all on her own at this point in her life.
There is some romantic feelings between Claire and Liam but it was kind of light. It has possibilities going forward but like I said above I will enjoy this series more if there are other characters taking the lead than just these two.
Even with the current veil problem being resolved there are enough questions/mysteries to keep me interested in future books.

Rating: 4

Some Thursday Randomness

Saw this table on Colossal (website). At this time with a ten year old boy I could never have a table like this but I love the whimsy of it.

Up Balloon Coffee Table
by Duffy London (website)

Epic Reads did a column on beautiful end papers in books. I always love when there are detailed, well done maps in fantasy books. From the list they showed the end papers for Fairest by Marissa Meyer was my favorite.

I'm probably just missing them but I haven't seen as many book trailers lately. Liked the artwork in this one. Mark of the Thief by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Some Thursday Randomness

Thursday Randomness

Came across this artist this week. They turn Disney characters steampunk. You can find Mecanique Fairy's Deviant Art page here.

Queen of Heart by Mecanique Fairy

Tinkerbell by Mecanique Fairy

I still love this series. There have been some misses along the way but I still look forward to new books coming out. I also love that this is a cross over between her Dark Hunters and Lords of Avalon (Kinley MacGregor). More about Son of No One here.

My son's favorite week of the year. Shark Week starts Sunday 8/10/14 on Discovery Channel.

REMUS SharkCam: The hunter and the hunted from Woods Hole Oceanographic Inst. on Vimeo.

Book Review ~ Grim

Grim

edited by Christine Johnson
published by Harlequin Teen
genre: YA, anthology, retelling, fantasy

Summary (Goodreads): Inspired by classic fairy tales, but with a dark and sinister twist, Grim contains short stories from some of the best voices in young adult literature today:

Ellen Hopkins
Amanda Hocking
Julie Kagawa
Claudia Gray
Rachel Hawkins
Kimberly Derting
Myra McEntire
Malinda Lo
Sarah Rees-Brennan
Jackson Pearce
Christine Johnson
Jeri Smith Ready
Shaun David Hutchinson
Saundra Mitchell
Sonia Gensler
Tessa Gratton
Jon Skrovon

My Thoughts: I had a hard time rating this. While they were all well written stories there was just something that didn't feel like Grimm retellings. While they were "scary" or had bad things happening they almost felt too cute. They didn't feel dark enough for my tastes. I kept waiting for something more. I wanted the sinister, creepy, twisted stories.
Overall, like I said, these were well written, good stories just not what I was expecting from the title of the book.

Rating: 3.5-4

Book Review ~ Frozen

Frozen (Heart of Dread #1)

by Melissa de la Cruz, Michael Johnston
published by Putnam
genre: YA, Dystopia, Fantasy

Summary (Goodreads): Welcome to New Vegas, a city once covered in bling, now blanketed in ice. Like much of the destroyed planet, the place knows only one temperature—freezing. But some things never change. The diamond in the ice desert is still a 24-hour hedonistic playground and nothing keeps the crowds away from the casino floors, never mind the rumors about sinister sorcery in its shadows.

At the heart of this city is Natasha Kestal, a young blackjack dealer looking for a way out. Like many, she's heard of a mythical land simply called “the Blue.” They say it’s a paradise, where the sun still shines and the waters are turquoise. More importantly, it’s a place where Nat won’t be persecuted, even if her darkest secret comes to light.

But passage to the Blue is treacherous, if not impossible, and her only shot is to bet on a ragtag crew of mercenaries led by a cocky runner named Ryan Wesson to take her there. Danger and deceit await on every corner, even as Nat and Wes find themselves inexorably drawn to each other. But can true love survive the lies? Fiery hearts collide in this fantastic tale of the evil men do and the awesome power within us all.

My Thoughts: This was a hard one for me. There were many times that I thought I would not be able to finish it. It had a good beginning and end but the middle dragged out way to long. Also, this is YA only because you are told the characters are teenagers but nothing about the story felt like it. The majority of the characters are already retired or discharged from the military but you are supposed to believe they are  only 16. Most of the story I forgot that they were teens until the authors pointed out their ages.
The world that the authors built was interesting in some ways but too current in others. Something happened (if it was explained, it wasn't something that stuck with me) that left the world covered in ice. There seems to be no hope anywhere. The government is in charge and every little thing is monitored. The problem was that this is supposed to be some time in the future but all technology was stagnant to current day. They have all these trained military people and none of them have any initiative to try and better what they have, they just fix it back to old ways.
I liked the characters. Nat was the most interesting and the only reason this was above a 3* read for me. Going with her on her journey to The Blue and finding out about her powers along the way was the reason I kept reading. I had to know about the voice in her head. I could have done without the insta-love/ attraction between her and Wes. Even if you hadn't read the blurb it was a very telegraphed story line.
Overall, whether I read the next book is going to depend on what it focuses on. If it's more about all the different fae and what about the ice is killing them, I will probably give it a try. There is also where they are going with Nat's story. The final "battle" saved this book and also set up some stories to be played on.

Rating: 3.5 (I wavered between a 3 and 4 so just went to the middle)

Book Review ~ Touch of Power

Touch of Power (Healer #1)

by Maria V Snyder 
published by Mira
genre: Fantasy, PNR, Zombies

Summary (Goodreads): Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan assumes their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honored for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Territories, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos.

Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own, is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince—leader of a campaign against her people. As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Because the price of peace may well be her life..

My Thoughts: Another great start to a series by one of my favorite authors. I was completely sucked in right from the beginning.
This was a world that you could get lost in, even if it wasn't a very nice world. People are just trying to pick up the pieces and survive after a plague has ravaged the land. The different lands were filled with every type of character and while you may not have liked some (the scared that turn in someone who just helped them) you understood them.
Avry and her magic are the most hated by the people but most wanted by the leaders. I loved how strong she was when she knew the decision she was making could kill her. The most important thing to her was that she make the choice not have someone else make it for her.
Kerrick and the rest of the group, that help Avry escape just to kidnap her, could have been very easy to hate but you couldn't help but have a soft spot for them by the end. Kerrick was the worst offender but I really ended up liking how his relationship with Avry grew. By the end of the book them as a couple worked where if it had been forced any earlier it would not have been believable.
Overall, this was another reminder why I love reading this author. I have read most of her books multiple times and this will be added to that list.

Rating: 5

Book Review ~ Emerald Green

Emerald Green (Ruby Red Trilogy #3)

by Kerstin Gier
translated by Anthea Bell
published by Henry Holt and Co
genre: YA, Fantasy, Sci-Fi (time travel)

Summary (Goodreads): Gwen has a destiny to fulfill, but no one will tell her what it is.
She’s only recently learned that she is the Ruby, the final member of the time-traveling Circle of Twelve, and since then nothing has been going right. She suspects the founder of the Circle, Count Saint-German, is up to something nefarious, but nobody will believe her. And she’s just learned that her charming time-traveling partner, Gideon, has probably been using her all along.
This stunning conclusion picks up where Sapphire Blue left off, reaching new heights of intrigue and romance as Gwen finally uncovers the secrets of the time-traveling society and learns her fate.

My Thoughts: While this book nicely wrapped up this trilogy, there were some things that just came out of nowhere that caused me to not give it 5 stars.
I normally like Gwen but there was too much whining for me in this book. The amount of tears and moaning complaining was excessive and then when you thought you were past it, it started all over again. It may have been fine for others but it brought the character down some for me. I did like the twist, regarding Gwen, I thought it was interesting and liked how that whole story line was done.
The biggest problem for me was the reveal of Count Saint-German. It just didn't seem to match with the character that we knew. While I understand that he was laying low and trying not to be noticed it just wasn't working for me. It could have been any of the other characters in the story and it would have been more believable.
Overall, this wrapped up all the stories well (even if I didn't like them). All the characters that you would have wanted to have an HEA ended up with one and those who needed to be brought down some pegs were.

Rating: 4

Book Review ~ SYLO

SYLO (The SLYO Chronicles #1)

by D.J. MacHale
published by Razorbill
genre: YA, Sci-Fi, 

Summary (Goodreads): Does Tucker Pierce have what it takes to be a hero when the U.S. military quarantines his island?

Fourteen-year-old Tucker Pierce prefers to fly under the radar. He’s used to navigating around summer tourists in his hometown on idyllic Pemberwick Island, Maine. He’s content to sit on the sidelines as a backup player on the high school football team. And though his best friend Quinn tells him to “go for it,” he’s too chicken to ask Tori Sleeper on a date. There’s always tomorrow, he figures. Then Pemberwick Island is invaded by a mysterious branch of the U.S. military called SYLO. And sitting on the sidelines is no longer an option for Tucker, because tomorrow may never come.

It’s up to Tucker, Quinn, and Tori to uncover the truth about the singing aircraft that appears only at night—and the stranger named Feit who’s pushing a red crystal he calls the Ruby that brings unique powers to all who take it. Tucker and his friends must rescue not just Pemberwick Island, but the fate of the world—and all before tomorrow is too late.

My Thoughts: This is the first time I've read this author and really wasn't sure what to expect. I had seen this book on some other blogs and thought I would give it a try.
Overall, it was an entertaining read. There was enough going on to keep my interest from beginning to end. My favorite characters were probably Tori and then Quinn. They both seemed more sure of themselves then any of the other teens in the story. Tucker has highs and lows throughout the book, which is to be expected considering everything that happens to him. Between the deaths and quarantine and not knowing who he can trust form one problem to the next he reacted as you would expect.
The only thing that brought this down for me was the sense of no resolution. I came away with more questions than answers and I still don't trust half of the group that was together at the end.
I'm curious enough about where the author is taking this story and these teens that I will be checking out the next book when it comes out in 2014.

Rating: 4

Book Review ~ Styxx

Styxx (Dark-Hunter #23)

by Sherrilyn Kenyon
published by St Martin's Press
genre: Adult, Paranormal, PNR,

Summary (Goodreads): Centuries ago Acheron saved the human race by imprisoning an ancient evil bent on absolute destruction. Now that evil has been unleashed and it is out for revenge.

As the twin to Acheron, Styxx hasn’t always been on his brother’s side. They’ve spent more centuries going at each other’s throats than protecting their backs. Now Styxx has a chance to prove his loyalty to his brother, but only if he’s willing to trade his life and future for Acheron’s.

The Atlantean goddess of Wrath and Misery, Bethany was born to right wrongs. But it was never a task she relished. Until now. She owes Acheron a debt that she vows to repay, no matter what it takes. He will join their fellow gods in hell and nothing is going to stop her.

But things are never what they seem, and Acheron is no longer the last of his line. Styxx and Acheron must put aside their past and learn to trust each other or more will suffer.

Yet it’s hard to risk your own life for someone who once tried to take yours, even when it's your own twin, and when loyalties are skewed and no one can be trusted, not even yourself, how do you find a way back from the darkness that wants to consume the entire world? One that wants to start by devouring your very soul?

My Thoughts: I'm not going to cover everything that happens in this review. This is a huge book with a lot going on and even more characters. I also don't want to spoil any of the surprises.
Ms Kenyon has said that you do not need to read Acheron in order to read this book. I can see where that is possible but don't understand why you would want to. Styxx's story is tragic in so many ways but knowing Ash's side of the story just makes it that much more so.
Nick is my favorite but Ash has always been right there at the top. I cannot tell you how many times I wanted someone to knock him upside the head. I understood why he acted how he did in their human lives. They both went through unspeakable things but the fact that he wouldn't listen or look at his brother's side when they were older (much older) just irritated me. I loved when Urian threw it all back in his face and made him see things he didn't want to.
This also changed the way I looked at Ryssa. I was like Styxx and just wanted someone to shut her up. I also felt bad about feeling this way knowing what happens. At least with Acheron it was kind of understandable but she had no excuse other than she was a spoiled princess.
I've had problems with some of the pairings in this series but the romance also worked for me in this book. I liked Beth/Bet'Anya.  The fact that she was/is order to her father's chaos really helped when it came to soothing Styxx's turmoil and giving him moments of peace. I also liked how she wasn't afraid to stand up to Apollo or any of the others when it came to Styxx.
Overall, I was happy with this story. I had no idea that I needed this book in this series considering how many other character's stories I'm waiting for. It was a great read and felt like it happened at the right time. With everything that is going on having one more person (using that loosely) on the good guys side cannot be a bad thing.

Rating: 4.5-5 I couldn't/can't decide
 

(non) Book Review ~ The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games #1)

by Suzanne Collins
published by Scholastic
genre: YA, Dystopian,

Summary (Goodreads): Could you survive on your own, in the wild, with everyone out to make sure you don't live to see the morning?

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister’s place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender.

If she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

My Thoughts: This is really not a review. This is one of those books that you have either read, are going to read or have no interest in. At this point you've made your mind up in one direction or the other. This is more for me to finally feel like I accomplished something. I've been saying I was going to read this book for the past two years and finally I've done it.
Whenever there is a book that receives as much hype, love and praise as this one, it always makes me wary. I usually end up disappointed when I read these books. I'm happy to say that wasn't the case here. I enjoyed reading this story. I found the characters interesting for the most part and the world/story were enough to keep me locked into the book until the end.
I guess the best thing I can say is that this was worth the two days it took me to read it and I don't regret taking the time. Now to work myself up to reading the second book.

Rating:4

Book Review ~ The Testing

The Testing (The Testing #1)

by Joelle Charbonneau
published by Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
genre: YA, Dystopian,

Summary (Goodreads): Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Isn’t that what they say? But how close is too close when they may be one in the same?

The Seven Stages War left much of the planet a charred wasteland. The future belongs to the next generation’s chosen few who must rebuild it. But to enter this elite group, candidates must first pass The Testing—their one chance at a college education and a rewarding career.

Cia Vale is honored to be chosen as a Testing candidate; eager to prove her worthiness as a University student and future leader of the United Commonwealth. But on the eve of her departure, her father’s advice hints at a darker side to her upcoming studies--trust no one.

But surely she can trust Tomas, her handsome childhood friend who offers an alliance? Tomas, who seems to care more about her with the passing of every grueling (and deadly) day of the Testing. To survive, Cia must choose: love without truth or life without trust.

My Thoughts: I'll start with this; I'm very hit or miss when it comes to dystopian books. Also, I haven't read the Hunger Games so I will not be comparing this to that (probably a benefit).
This was one of my favorite books I've read so far this year. I read it in most of a day and only put it down when I had to.
When it started I was concerned that it was going to be like Divergent, but that only lasted for a couple of pages. Even though there hasn't been a candidate from Cia's area in years this is still all she dreams about growing up. We start to get a sense of her character from the moment of her and three others find out they will be going through the testing. There are moments when she does something and I found myself thinking "brilliant" and other times not so much. This made me like her character more. I dislike when everything is just perfect and no matter what the character does, it's the right thing.
There were other characters I found interesting, even when they were recognizable as the "bad guy". Tomas was one of these. I still don't really like him but am curious about things that happened when him and Cia were not in a group together.
Overall, as I said at the beginning I really enjoyed this and I'm looking forward to read book 2. I'm curious what parts Cia recorded and if something she left out causes her to trust the wrong person as she is working through it. I also want to know what exactly happened with Tomas and Will when Cia was separated from them for the night. Luckily Independent Study comes out in January.

Rating: 4.5

*You  can download the eBook prequel here The Testing Guide 

Book Review ~ The Rithmatist

The Rithmatist (Rithmatist #1)

by Brandon Sanderson
published by Tor Teen
genre: YA, Fantasy, 

Summary (Goodreads): More than anything, Joel wants to be a Rithmatist. Chosen by the Master in a mysterious inception ceremony, Rithmatists have the power to infuse life into two-dimensional figures known as Chalklings. Rithmatists are humanity’s only defense against the Wild Chalklings — merciless creatures that leave mangled corpses in their wake. Having nearly overrun the territory of Nebrask, the Wild Chalklings now threaten all of the American Isles.

As the son of a lowly chalkmaker at Armedius Academy, Joel can only watch as Rithmatist students study the magical art that he would do anything to practice. Then students start disappearing — kidnapped from their rooms at night, leaving trails of blood. Assigned to help the professor who is investigating the crimes, Joel and his friend Melody find themselves on the trail of an unexpected discovery — one that will change Rithmatics — and their world — forever.

My Thoughts: This was the first I had read from this author and immediately went in search of more. There was just something so unique about this story that I was pulled in right from the beginning.
I loved Joel's need for knowledge, especially all things rithmatics. All he's ever wanted to do was be one of the chosen few and all you want is for him to get another chance. Melody was the kind of over the top character that usually annoys me but I ended up really liking. She is the opposite of Joel in every way. While he excels, she struggles. This is a big thing considering her family is one of the few that is made of many rithmatists.
I also really liked the bad guys in this story. From the chalk drawings to people taken over by chalk drawings to the people who disappeared into the chalklings, it was again something I had not read before.
Overall, the uniqueness along with the twists and turns taken by the author made me keep reading from beginning to end. You can't help but root for Joel, Melody and their professor. The fact that they do not always get what they want, while still saving the day, made them even more likable in my opinion. Once finished I was ready for a second book.

Rating: 4

Coming Soon To...

...A Theater or Shelf Near You

This just looks like a really cute book.

Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters

Mortal Instruments I know this is supposed to make you want to see the movie but it just makes me want to reread the first book.

The last are just a couple of animated films that I'm looking forward to this year.
 Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs 2 Despicable Me 2 Love the Minions!

NBUs Art, Eats, & What Other

This is a new feature I started where I can talk about just about anything, including books. I will be sharing art/artists that I enjoy as well as some of my favorite recipes. The what other is just that, what ever other thing I can think of to talk about.

Art

Mirabella
by Rachel Anderson

Eats
Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes
I got this recipe from my Aunt (I don't know where she got it).

1 box of yellow cake mix, (replace water with juice from pineapples) prepare using directions on the box.
Mix 1/3 cup of brown sugar with 2 tbsp of melted butter. Place small amount in each cupcake wrapper.
Place pineapple in wrapper then scoop batter on top. Place cherry on top of cupcake mixture.
Bake per directions on cake box.



What Other

Book Trailer for Melissa Marr's Carnival of Souls

Coming Soon ... Book Trailers

... To a shelf near you (or already there). These are a few book trailers that either caught my attention or are for books I'm really looking forward to.

Girl of Nightmares by Kendare Blake



Carnival of Souls by Melissa Marr (this is actually video from the author talking about the book)




The Queen's Vow by C.W. Gortner