WOW: Jean M. Auel Returns!!!

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine, where we readers get to discuss our favourite upcoming releases.  This week I discovered that Jean M. Auel, who has written one of my all-time favourite novels, The Clan of the Cave Bear, is returning with her sixth book in the Earth's Children Series, and I can't wait.

The Land of Painted Caves (Earth's Children Series, Book 6)
by Jean M. Auel
Release Date: March 29, 2011

This continues the story of Ayla, her mate Jondalar, her little daughter, Jonayla, taking readers on a journey of discovery and adventure as Ayla struggles to find a balance between her duties as a new mother and her training to become a Zelandoni - one of the Ninth Cave community's spiritual leaders and healers. 

Fearscape (Devouring, Book 3)
by Simon Holt
Release Date: October 5, 2010

It's been a year since Reggie first discovered the Vours, and the Winter Soulstice is approaching once again.  It will be another night of unspeakable horror for those unlucky enought to be taken by the Vours, because this time, she won't be able to stop them.  The Vours have imprisoned Reggie in a psychiatric hospital, where she is subjected to a daily routine of unfathomably sadistic experiments.  Her life is a living Hell, but she won't give up.  They attacked her brother.  They killed her friend.  And Reggie will never stop fighting back.

What upcoming releases did YOU discover this week?

Review: Extraordinary by Nancy Werlin

Extraordinary
by Nancy Werlin
Release Date: September 7, 2010
2010 Dial Books
ISBN: 978-0-8037-3372-5
Hardcover Edition: 393 Pages
Genre: Young Adult
Source: Review Copy from Penguin Canada

3.5 / 5 Stars

Summary
Phoebe finds herself drawn to Mallory, the strange and secretive new girl at school.  Soon the two become as close as sisters...until Mallory's magnetic older brother, Ryland, appears.  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, fantastical truth about Mallory, and about an age-old debt they expect Phoebe to pay.  Will she be strong enough to resist?  Will she be special enough to save herself?

My Thoughts
I enjoyed Extraordinary and it was a fun read, but there were some elements that were disappointing in this novel.  I was not completely satisfied with the way some of the events, particularly towards the beginning and the end, played out, as things took a long time to get moving, and I was somewhat let down by the ending. 

While I found the novel to be beautifully written and intriguing, I also found it somewhat predictable.  And Phoebe, the main character, actually got on my nerves for quite a while.  Part of the problem may be me as I prefer my characters to be stronger and Phoebe was somewhat timid and had little self-esteem, which her two so-called friends Mallory and Ryland took great pains to destroy even further.  There were times when I just wanted to shake her and give her a backbone so she didn't capitulate all the time.  I really liked Mallory as a character and would have loved to know more about her, but she kind of faded in and out of the novel as Ryland made his appearance and I was disappointed by that.  She was fascinating and you could see the human development in her personality, something I would have loved to explore more fully.  Ryland however, made me sick and I was disgusted by some of the scenes he and Phoebe had together.  It had classic signs of emotional abuse, very scary.  I am really glad the sexual scenes were glossed over and not elaborated on as they would have made me ill.  I realize this was probably the author's intention, but it is still not easy to watch a character being manipulated like that.

Part of the problem I had with the novel is the cruelty towards Phoebe.  Even though she had some help from the faeries towards the end, I was disappointed that no one else rushed to her aid, despite everything she suffered at their hands.  And for Phoebe to be so forgiving...all I can say is she has a much better moral character than I do as I'm pretty sure I would find it difficult to accept and forgive if a 'so-called' friend did some of the things to me that happened to Phoebe. 

The novel itself was beautifully written and explored some philosophical and psychological issues of ordinary versus extraordinary that I particularly liked, how in moments of need any ordinary person can become extraordinary, so there is really no ordinary person in the world.  There were also undertones of emotional abuse and self-esteem issues that could be explored more fully in discussion groups.  Issues of healthy friendships and healthy relationships were also woven throughout the novel.

Verdict
Although it may not sound like it, I truly did enjoy the novel Extraordinary.  I loved Impossible, and maybe that is also the problem as I don't feel this novel came close to that novel and I couldn't help but compare the two of them.  Whatever the case may be, I am looking forward to reading more novels by this author as I love her writing style and can't wait to see what else she can do.  I enjoy the world of the faeries and look forward to revisiting their world once again.

Upcoming Releases - September 6 - 12

Last week I had planned to do two Upcoming Releases as there were so many releases I was interested in, I couldn't put it in one post.  But with school starting this week and being away for the weekend, I just didn't have time to do the other one.  Oh well, life is picking up again and some things end up taking a back seat, even when you have good intentions.  I don't know how some of you can manage to keep up with everything you do!!!

Here are some books I am interested in for this week's Upcoming Releases:

Firelight
by Sophie Jordan
Release Date: September 7, 2010

Marked as special at an early age, Jacinda knows her every move is watched. But she longs for freedom to make her own choices.  When she breaks the most sacred tenet among her kind, she nearly pays with her life.  Until a beautiful stranger saves her.  A stranger who was sent to hunt those like her.  For Jacinda is a draki - a descendent of dragons whose greatest defense is her ability to shift into human form.

Forced to flee into the mortal world with her family, Jacinda struggles to adapt to her new surroundings.  Althoughs he is irresistibly drawn to Will, Jacinda knows his dark secret: He and his family are hunters.  She should avoid him at all costs.  But her inner draki is slowly fading away - if it dies she will be left a human forever.  She will do anything to prevent that.  Even if it means getting closer to her most dangerous enemy.

Road to Rome (Forgotten Legion Chronicles, Book 3)
by Ben Kane
Release Date: September 7, 2010

Having survived the perils of a journey across half the world, Romulus and Tarquinius are press-ganged into the legions, which are under imminent threat of annihilation by the Egyptians.  Meanwhile in Rome, Romulus's twin sister Fabiola lives in fear for her life, loved by Brutus, but wooed by Marcus Antonius, his deadly enemy.  Back in Egypt, Romulus fights at Zela.  Tarquinius, separated from Romulus in the chaos of war, hides in Alexandria, searching for guidance.  But mortal danger awaits them both. 

Crusade (Crusade, Book 1)
by Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguie
Release Date: September 7, 2010

For the past two years, Jenn has lived and trained at Spain's Sacred Heart Academy Against the Cursed Ones.  She is among the few who have pledged to defend humanity or die trying.  But the vampires are gaining power, and the battle has only begun.

Forced to return home after death takes a member of her family, Jenn discovers that San Francisco is now a vampire stronghold.  As a lone hunter apart from her team, Jenn is isolated - and at risk.  She craves the company of her fighting partner, Antonio: his protection, his reassurance, his touch. But a relationship with Antonio comes with its own dangers, and the more they share of themselves, the more Jenn stands to lose.

Royal Blood (Lady Victoria Georgiana Charlotte Eugenie, Book 4)
by Rhys Bowen
Release Date: September 7, 2010

Penniless and thirty-fourth in line to the throne, Lady Georgiana Rannoch finds herself in a truly draining state of affairs.  To escape her hateful brother, Georgie accepts an invitation from the Queen to represent the royals at a wedding in Transylvania.  But at the macabre-looking castle, Georgie finds the bride with blood running down her chin, and a wedding guest poisoned.  Now it's up to Georgie to save the nuptial festivities before the couple's vows become: to love and to cherish, til undeath do them part...

Extraordinary
by Nancy Werlin
Release Date: September 7, 2010

Generations ago the faerie queen promised Phoebe'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?

Immortal Beloved (Immortal Beloved, Book 1)

by Cate Tiernan

Release Date: September 7, 2010

Nastasya has spent the last century living as a spoiled, drugged-out party girl.  She feels nothing and cares for no one. But when she witnesses her best friend, a Dark Immortal, torture a human, she realizes something has to change.  She seeks refuge at a rehab to wayward Immortals, where she meets to gorgeous, undeniably sexy Reyn, who inexplicably linked to her past.

Nastasya finally begins to deal with life, and even feels safe - until the night she learns that someone wants her dead.

Trail of Blood (Theresa MacLean, Book 3)
by Lisa Black
Release Date: September 7, 2010

A thriller revolving around a seventy-five year old serial killer and someone who doesn't want Theresa to find out the truth.

The Duff: Designated Ugly Fat Friend
by Kody Keplinger
Release Date: September 7, 2010

Bianca realizes that she's falling for a guy she thought she hated more than anyone.

I have been looking forward to the release date of this one for a long time now.  I can't wait to read it.






The Limit
by Kristen Landon
Release Date: September 7, 2010

In a world not too far removed from our own, kids are being taken away to special workhouses if their families exceed the monthly debt limit imposed by the government.  Thirteen-year-old Matt thought he was safe, until one day...

Teaser Tuesday - The Thyssen Affair

Teaser Tuesdays is a fun, weekly meme hosted by Miz B @ Should be Reading.  All you need to do is grab the book nearest to you that you are currently reading, open it to a random page, and share with your readers two teaser lines from the book.  Just be careful not to give away any spoilers in case the person reading your teaser would love to read it.

The Thyssen Affair by Mozelle Richardson

"You're an idiot if you think he's an honest hunter.  And you gave him an Edelweiss pin! Stupid! Stupid! He's a hunter, all right - a Nazi hunter.  And of course he'll trace the skull to Rimini.  You fool!" p.207

I wasn't sure what to expect with this novel, but it's been a pleasant surprise.  Look for my review coming up this week.

What is YOUR teaser this week?

Blog Hop and Follow Friday!

I love Fridays (and not just because it's the weekend!).  Okay, maybe a little.  I'm off to freeze at the trailer/campground this weekend with a high of 16 degrees on Saturday.  Did somebody forget that summer doesn't officially end until the end of September and these temperatures are not wanted?  It just reminds us that snow is around the corner, and my hubby mentioned "snow tires" the other day.  Horrid thought!  Shudder! 

Follow Friday is hosted by Parajunkee's View and each week one blogger is selected as a feature.  All you need to do to join in the fun is visit Parajunkee's blog, sign up, follow the featured blogger, answer the question, and then have fun visiting the other blogs on the list.

Today's Question:  What is your favourite brick and mortar bookstore?

Answer:  I love the Chapters store that is in my city as it is big and bright and comfortable.  There is also a Starbucks attached to it so I can sip on my Chai Tea Latte with Soy as I stroll along and browse.  I have never had a problem finding a book I was looking for in that store, and if it wasn't actually in the store, ordering it is so easy.  I also like the Rewards program and other incentives I receive through email.  They are currently offering a great incentive for purchasing children's books and as I have two children, it doesn't take much to encourage me to buy books for them.  I can literally spend hours in any bookstore.

Jennifer @ Crazy For Books also features a great book blogger hop every Friday.  The only requirement being that your blog should have content related to books, including, but not necessarily limited to book reviews.  Meet new friends, have fun, discover new authors and books, and talk about what we can talk about for hours on end, BOOKS!

This week's question is:

Do you judge a book by its cover?

While I don't pick a book by its cover, I do admire book covers and the amazing talent of the artists who create them.  That being said however, there are some book covers that just seem to jump off the shelf and catch my attention, or I will see them as I am browsing online and click on them to see what they are all about.  Book covers have rarely influenced me to buy the book though, as I will not buy something where the plot and intrigue do not interest me no matter how beautiful the cover.  I am also one of those people where bright colours can get overwhelming at times and I will tend to gravitate to things that are less bright and less colourful.  Which is why I can only handle museums for a short period of time although I absolutely adore them.   Do I think covers are important though, and necessary?  Absolutely!!!!!  But I don't buy a book because of them.

Happy reading everyone!!!

Review: Velocity by Alan Jacobson

Velocity (Karen Vail, Book 3)
by Alan Jacobson
Release Date: October 5, 2010
2010 Vanguard Press
ISBN: 978-1-59315-621-3
Softcover Edition; 388 Pages
Genre: Thriller/Suspense
Source: Review Copy from Publisher

4 / 5 Stars

Summary
Detective Robby Hernandez, Vail's boyfriend, has vanished into the dense air of a Napa Valley evening.  There are no clues to his whereabouts, other than a blood stain and tenuous connections to a vicious serial killer operating in the wine country.

As the task force struggles with Robby's disappearance, the killer challenges Vail by boldly leaving high profile victims in public places.  Is this offender somewho responsible for Robby's disappearance?  Evidence suggest that he is - but just when Vail and the task force begin to make progress, the FBI orders Vail to return to Quantico to handle a case of vital importance.

Back in Washington, Vail engages covert government operative Hector DeSantos to determine what happened to Robby.  It's a move that backfires when DeSantos's confidential informants lead them into unforeseen dangers, forcing Vail to face off against powerful foes unlike any she's ever encountered, threatening her life, her career...and all that she holds dear.

My Thoughts
Velocity was a pulse-pounding ride that did not stop from beginning to end. The novel was full of twists and turns, shocking secrets and truths, government operations, suspense, and thrills. If you are innocent of the drug cartels and some of their inner workings, you won’t be after reading this book, and I found myself really contemplating the infiltration of the drugs into our society and how deep it really is. Mr. Jacobson held no punches when it came to explaining the drug situation along the U.S./Mexico border and how some of the drugs make it into the United States, and explained it in such a way that it was clear, but frightening. I was impressed at his research and at the list of F.B.I . and D.E.A. and other agencies he made use of in order to gather the information for this book.

The plot was interesting, full of detail and description, definitely full of twists and turns, and suspenseful. I would recommend that you read Crush before reading this novel however, as it took me a while to orient myself with the characters and some of the events as this book picks up pretty much where Crush left off and it can be confusing if you don’t know what’s going on. I also found some of the law enforcement lingo confusing as many acronyms were used and I didn’t know what they meant. I understand that Mr. Jacobson was trying to be true to how it really would be like as a law enforcement officer, but to a normal person, some of the language can go right over our heads, and this does take away somewhat from the story.


I enjoyed the characters, but I can’t say that I totally connected with them at all times. I didn’t always understand Karen Vail, although I did admire her sheer guts and determination to find Robby no matter what the cost. There were some things she did that I did not like, but when I put myself in her place, I wondered if I would have acted the same way, desperate. She was thinking as a woman instead of a F.B.I. Agent many times and this often got her in trouble with her superior officer. There were many other interesting characters, but I didn’t really get to know them well because the action was the main part of the story and not character development. I would have loved to have known more about Hector DeSantos as he seemed so interesting. Perhaps in the next book?

Verdict
Overall, this was a fun, interesting read, with a depth to it that was surprising. I am looking forward to reading more about Karen Vail and her colleagues in the future.

RIP Challenge

R.eaders I.mbibing P.eril V Challenge

Stainless Steel Droppings is hosting the fifth R.eaders I.mbibing P.eril V Challenge and I have finally decided to participate this year, especially as I get to read some of my favourite genres.  Visit Carl's site for all of the information and for the Mister Linky sign-up post.  There is definitely something for everyone in this challenge, including a one-book read for those who are reading outside their comfort zone.  Pull up a good book, snuggle up beside that fire, grab a hot chocolate and a cookie, and have fun reading.  It's scary, scary time!!!  How I loved reading these types of books as a child!!!   And still do!  I still can remember my mother giving my grandmother heck because she gave me gothic romances to read when I was nine, and then I couldn't sleep at night because I was scared as her house was scary at night.  Funny times!!!

The challenge runs from September 1st to October 31st. 

There are two simple rules for this challenge:
1) Have fun reading.
2) Share that fun with others.

You can include any of the following genres:
Mystery
Suspense
Thriller
Dark Fantasy
Gothic
Horror
Supernatural

I have decided to participate in two of the challenges so far as they looked really interesting.

Peril the First:  Read four books of any length that you think fit Carl's definition of scary.

Book 1: Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

Book 2: The Geneva Deception by James Twining

Book 3: The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

(This may be too ambitious for me with everything else

I have to do, but I'll give it a shot.)

Book 4: Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Book 5: The Uninvited by Tim Wynne-Jones

Book 6: The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins (re-read)

Book 7: The Graveyard by Neil Gaiman

This list will natually change in about 48 hours as do all my reading lists,

but it's a start.

Peril on the Screen: For those who like to watch suitably scary, eerie, gothic fare.

True Blood, Episode 12

The Nightmare Before Christmas (with my kiddies)

Scream

The Corpse Bride (with my kiddies)

And whatever else I feel like watching.

What are YOU going to read and watch?

WOW: The Back Door of Midnight

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine where we share those books being published in the foreseeable future we are looking forward to reading.  Come on, take a look around and add to that ever-growing wish list and TBR pile you have and see what other bloggers have discovered!!!!

The Back Door of Midnight (Dark Secrets)
by Elizabeth Chandler
Release Date: November 16, 2010
2010 Simon and Schuster

Psychic or psychotic?

Anna knows her family is crazy.  But when she goes to visit her aunt and uncle for the summer and learns that her uncle's charred body has been found, her life reaches a new level of insanity.  Her erratic aunt's "psychic" abilities are exaggerated by her grief, and have become borderline violent.  Alone in an unfamiliar town, Anna struggles to pick up the pieces and establish any sense of normalcy.  She desperately wants to trust Zach, the cute boy next door, but even he might know more about the incident than he is letting on.

But when Anna starts feeling an inexplicable pull towards the site of her uncle's murder, she begins to believe that her family's supernatural gifts are real after all.  Torn between loyalty and suspicion, Anna is certain of only one thing: she must discover who killed her uncle or she could be next...