Short review of: Cypher the Mountain Giant

Cypher The Mountain Giant by Adam Blade
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

So this is a very short review, more like a comment on the book:
My nine year old nephew gave me this one to read since he loved it so much. It is a good children's book and a fun and easy read.
I liked the whole concept of the story, monsters that were under an evil curse and had to be rescued.
I have to agree with other reviews that this book does not have a strong female character, just a clichee like girl that always gets in trouble. But the main character Tom is really lovely and the setting nice and picturesque.
Oh, and this book made me realize that I kind of miss books with pictures *ahem*

What was the last children's book you read?
Love and Words
KJ

View all my reviews

Persephone by Kaitlin Bevis

Persephone by Kaitlin Bevis
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

First of all I would like to thank the author for sending me a copy of this book in ebook format in exchange for an honest review. (Woar, what a long sentence!)

I love the story of Hades and Persephone so I was eager to read a modern retelling of this story.
I really liked this book. The characters were interesting and their actions understandable. I personally liked Thanatos the most.
I liked the setting and the whole concept of a "friendly" underworld since that stayed true to the original greek concept of the afterlife. Which brings us to another pro point for this book: The mythology. The story had it's unique touch while always staying true to the original myth of Persephone. ( I especially liked what the author did with the whole Orpheus myth, since I always thought of this one as my favourite)

The romance though felt a little rushed and I could not really understand the (view spoiler)[change Hades went through (hide spoiler)]. The ending itself was maybe a little too much romance for me, but that is just a subjective thought and may be (or definitely is) because of the fact that I am not that much into romance stories.

Over all the writing style was redeable and the pace very good. I just sometimes felt that I "outgrew" the whole genre which made me read slowlier. I am really sorry that this book was the one that made me figure this out, since I would have really enjoyed and loved it had I read it 2 years ago. But that is definitely not the fault of the book! The book was really good and had a great story.

Oh and one thing that was really great about this book? That twist at the end? I definitely did not see that coming and it was a great cliffhanger!
A recommendation for all YA paranormal romance fans out there!

Love and Words
KJ

View all my reviews

Weekly Update June #2

Hello everyone :)
Sorry for the long silence but as usually I had a lot to do these days. Anyway since it is Sunday it is now time for our weekly wrap up:
I will answer three questions that the people over on the Penguin Teen Australia Blog answer every week, too. It is a nice way to keep you updated with my reading :)

The Valkyrie Profiles by K.S. Daniels

The Valkyrie Profiles by K.S. Daniels
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I read a book that I really love the first thing after finishing it is normaly heading straight to Goodreads in order to write a review. But after finishing this book I felt I had to step back a moment and let everything sink in before starting my attempt at describing this book.
I am not sure I waited long enough.

First of all I have to say: Thank you to K.S.Daniels for sending me a copy of her book in exchange for an honest review. It owned itself a special place on my shelf!

As you have probably guessed I loved this book! I am normaly not that big of a SciFi reader but this book proved to me that there is a whole genre waiting for me to discover. I would have read this book within one sitting if I had the time to read it.

But now let's stop the fangirl and start with a real review:

First of all the setting: The book takes place in the not so distant future on Earth. Of course technology is well advanced and robots and nanobots are part of every day life. I loved the fact that the author showed not just the positive aspects of more technic but also how that changes humanities view of technical things. I felt like the book was asking ethical questions about the use of roboters, how "human" they are, and what that means for us without really voicing it. (And come on, you just have to love Rehel!)
I loved the whole concept of the Valkyries and their norse names. It is such a completely different setting than the normal stories or legends with norse elements I encounter. It felt just right.
The worldbuilding was solid and enjoyable.

But the more important part of the story were the characters: Oh, I just loved them! All of them!
The different characteristics, thoughts, and attitudes were greatly portrayed and the characters therefore three dimensional and their actions understandable. More important though is the fact that the characters were so interesting. I found myself more than once thinking about changing sides during the story. (And I even fancasted the characters because I liked them so much. I usually never do that, but I just had to this time.)
The only negative point was that I do not really know how old the characters are during the main events (which made fancasting not easy). It is said how old there are at the begining but years pass by and I wasn't that sure of their age when the main plot started to evolve. I tried to do the math, but it did not really work.

The plot was well paced and had just enough twists and turns that I could not foresee to keep my little brain occupied. Even when I wasn't reading but showering or eating, you know the normal things you have to do that keep you from the important reading you want to do, I found myself thinking of different outcomes and twists. I did not see the ending coming though.

This story felt unique and new, which may to some extend be because I do not read this genre very often. It definitely left me wanting more.
So this is a recommendation to all those SciFi fans out there and even more to those that never read SciFi before.

Love and Words
KJ

View all my reviews

The Immortal Circus Book Blast! (With Giveaway)

I am so excited to be participating in the book blast to celebrate the release of A.R. Kahler's THE IMMORTAL CIRCUS: ACT TWO today!

To help spread the word about its release in Kindle serial format, I have a GUEST POST from Mab, Ringmaster of the Cirque des Immortels, some information about this second book in the series and a couple of awesome giveaways to share.

With its stunning cover, its description which hints of dark things to come in this sequel and the even darker things that Mab alludes to in Vivienne's past, I am so unbelievably excited to be able to share this book on my blog.

Now let me turn things over to the Ringmaster...

***

GUEST POST from Mab – Ringmaster Extraordinaire and Circus Fashionista

Hello loves,

A few months have passed since we did our last tour, and oh, how I've missed you all.

This week, I am pleased to announce the next installment in our little show. Although it pains me to admit that we will not be doing a full blog tour, I am sure the tale ACT TWO weaves will keep you entertained. So many of you were dying to know more about Vivienne's past. In fact, many people seem to be dying when it comes to Vivienne's past but...I'd hate to spoil her surprise. Needless to say, this will be a show she will never forget.

And for those of you who need more than pretty words to tempt them, I am also hosting a giveaway. Five winners will receive Immortal Circus trading cards and a signed bookplate. One lucky winner will also get a signed copy of book one.

Six prizes, six winners. Six is my favorite number.

Step right up, loves. ACT TWO is just beginning....

Kisses, Mab

***

About the Book

Title: THE IMMORTAL CIRCUS: ACT TWO (The Immortal Circus #2)
Author: A.R. Kahler
Publisher: 47North
Release date: June 11, 2013
Format: Kindle serial eBook (current). Paperback edition to be released.

Vivienne is almost content with her new life in the Cirque des Immortels. She has moved up from selling cotton candy to telling fortunes, she has a gorgeous, magical boyfriend, Kingston…and no one has been murdered since the clash between the otherworldly Courts. Her life under the faerie big top would be perfect, in fact, if not for the nightmares and visions that compel her to seek and confront her half-remembered past. But for Viv, not knowing her past may well be a blessing. There's a reason she ran away. But can she truly escape herself?

The second act of the fantastically evocative Cirque des Immortels series, The Immortal Circus: Act Two draws readers further into a world that’s at once wonderful, seductive…and deadly.

Step right up…

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | AMAZON | GOODREADS

***

About the Author

Most little boys dream of running away to join the circus.

Alex didn't just dream it: he did it. But then, he rarely lets a good dream pass him by.

In the past six years he's toured and trained across America and Europe. He's performed in Amsterdam, taught trapeze in Madrid, studied in Glasgow and even had a stint as assistant to Holly Black and Cassandra Clare in New England. He's constantly on the lookout for new places to explore and new worlds to invent. He's a Sagittarius fueled by full moons and espresso. The way to his heart is a latte and fan art. Just for the record.

THE IMMORTAL CIRCUS, book one in his Cirque des Immortels series, is now available from 47North. ACT TWO releases today, June 11, 2013.

MARTYR, the first book in his post-apocalyptic YA fantasy series, THE HUNTED, is set to be published October 28, 2014 by Spencer Hill Press.

TWITTER | WEBSITE | GOODREADS | TUMBLR

***

About Book One

Title: THE IMMORTAL CIRCUS (The Immortal Circus #1)
Author: A.R. Kahler
Publisher: 47North
Release date: December 4, 2012 (serial eBook); January 29, 2013 (paperback)
Formats: Kindle eBook, Paperback

Murdered contortionists aren’t exactly what Vivienne signed up for when she ran away to join the circus. But like most things under the big top, nothing is what it seems. With a past she can't quite remember, Vivienne finds that running away forever might not be as appealing as it once sounded—especially not when she realizes the devilishly attractive ringleader Mab is the Faerie Queen of legend…and that she and the rest of the troupe are locked in an age-old rivalry between the otherworldly Courts.

Aided by her friends Kingston—a feisty stage magician whose magic is quickly stealing her heart—and his smart-ass assistant Melody, Vivienne finds herself racing against the clock to discover the culprit behind a series of deaths that should be impossible. However, the answer she seeks might reveal more about her own bloody past—and future—than she bargains for.

The show's just beginning.

Step right up…

GOODREADS | AMAZON

***

The Giveaways

Mab’s Giveaways (US ONLY):

GRAND PRIZE – A signed copy of book one, THE IMMORTAL CIRCUS, The Immortal Circus trading cards and a signed bookplate. (ONE WINNER)

PRIZES – Trading Cards and a signed bookplate. (FIVE WINNERS)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

***

Rockstar Book Tours Giveaways (International to anywhere that can accept eBook gifts from Amazon US)

A Kindle Serial eGift of THE IMMORTAL CIRCUS: ACT TWO. (FIVE WINNERS)

(All winners will be announced in the Rafflecopter and contacted by email.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Challenge Day 20: Lucy in the Sky

Hey folks :)
Just a quick Book Challenge Update :) Today's prompt for the Book Challenge was to write about My Favourite Romance.
I am not really into romance stories. But there is one romance book I really did enjoy:

Lucy in the Sky by Paige Toon! Here is what I thought about it, back when I first read it:

Lucy in the sky is a wonderful book about friendship and love that makes you chuckle. It is the perfect reading for souls harassed by lovesickness. I rarely enjoyed another book as much as I enjoyed this one. It made me happy and sad equally.

Following Lucys' struggle for happiness and her interesting relationships was a fantastic adventure and really delightful.
Paige Toon is able to bring her character to life, something I apreciate most about an author.

A recommendation for everyone who likes reading books about love and even for those who prefer darker reads. But most of all for everyone who needs a encouragement considering their own love-life.

Have you read the book? Tell me what you think of the story in the comments :)
Love and Words
KJ

Cover Reveal! Warrior + Her Dark Curiosity

Have you read The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd or Prophecy by Ellen Oh? They both debuted this year and now the sequels have covers!
YA Books Central revealed the covers today and they are both so beautiful that I had to share them with you guys.

Here are my thoughts on the covers:
I love the colours of Warrior. It's such a beautiful red and the little nine taled demon just looks pretty (and dangerous). I really enjoy the fact that it does not have a model on it but only a beautiful detailed dagger. This way it is somehow unique and very very beautiful :)

Her Dark Curiosity reminds me of the cover for The Madmen's Daughter, since the models look alike and they kept the little red sash but changed the cover of the dress. I always love it when the covers for a series share a motive.
The girl looks really pretty and her dress is just gorgeous, but the London Skyline in the background is what makes this cover so haunting.

It has a really dark and mysterious tone, I cannot wait to find out more about the book.

I will not share the synopsis of both stories because some of you may not have read the books yet. If you want to find out more about the authors and the books head over to YABookCentral. They revealed the covers first and included every information you need (and two messages by the authors!). There is even a Giveaway of both books!
What are your thoughts on the covers? Tell me about it in the comments :)

I am beyond excited for these two books. But I have to admitt I look forward to reading Her Dark Curiosity. The blurb says that it was inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson's The Strange Case Of Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde. I just loved that book! I am a huge fan of gothic novels in general so I cannot wait to get my sweety palms on this one.

Love and Words
KJ

The Eagle (of the Ninth) Book to Movie

Hey there :)

While I still have to watch the second Labyrinth movie I thought we might want to take the time to talk about another good book to movie adaption:
The Eagle Of The Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff (or The Eagle as the movie is called) is about the young Roman Marcus who tries to restore the honor of his family. Years ago his father was the leader of the ninth Roman legion that was destroyed behind the hadrian's wall in the unknown lands of the dangerous picts. The eagle, the standard of the legion, was lost and with it the honor of said legion and it's comander.
Now Marcus sets out to find the missing eagle, accompanied by a slave called Esca, who knows the land.
I did a full review on the book. I loved it, it was amazing, and I gave it five out of five stars.

So know let's talk about the movie starring Channing Tatum and Jamie Bell as Marcus and Esca. Beware of spoilers ahead! (If you do not know the whole story you may not want to read on)

Weekly Wrap Up June #1

So the TBR-thingy is now officialy called "Weekly Wrap Up". But everything else stayed the same.
I will answer three questions that the people over on the Penguin Teen Australia Blog answer every week, too. It is a nice way to keep you updated with my reading :)
The last one was really long so this one is rather short:

1. What is new on your shelf?

I am still on a book buying ban... So nothing new on my shelf *quietly sobbs*
And I started reading Les Miserables by Victor Hugo. I know there are like three other books on the June TBR before it but I just wanted to read it so desperately! The first pages are really good, it is way more interesting than the begining of Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoi. I just cannot get really into this book :(

2. What have you just finished on your shelf?

I did not read a lot this week, which is more than stupid since I need to read 4 books till Sunday in order to keep up with my TBR. It sounds really impossible but there is no way I am failing my challenge! I just cannot...
Anyway, I finished Labyrinth by Kate Mosse and am about to watch the first movie tonight (instead of reading *cough*) so you can expect a book-to-movie post on the weekend. The review is already up (4 of 5 stars)

3. What is the most anticipated book you want to read next?

When I was younger I read three awesome books by Joseph Delaney. The first one was called The Spook's Apprentice and I thought it was a trilogy. Now, thanks to the amazing CassJay Tuck I know that it is a series with more than 10 books! I am so freaking out right now! I want to read the other books so badly :D (Heard there is a movie adaption, gotta check that out! :) )

How would you answer these questions?
Love and Words

KJ

Book Challenge Day 18: Breaking Dawn

All right so I probably talked about this book before whenever it came to "bad" books. And I thought it is time to tell you why I disliked this book that much.
The Prompt for today's challenge was "A Book That Disappointed You" and of course Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer was the first one that came to my mind. But I have to say it is not the only book that disappointed me. Masque of the Red Death which I read last week (or the week before) really disappointed me too, to give you another example.

City of Bones Character Posters and Trailer

It's fangirl time! I hereby apologize for me using to much "amazings" in the following post...

It has been a little while since I last completely fangirled over the cast for the The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones movie. A lot has happened since that time...
I was browsing the interwebs a few minutes ago and I just realized that I am still desperately excited for this movie. I cannot wait. I want it!!
So I thought it would be time for another quick post about it, just to get us all a little more desperate for it.

Waiting on Wednesday (5)

So I thought I would do another Waiting on Wednesday. I cannot remember the last time I did one of these (I looked it up, it was last year)...
For those of you who don't know what I am talking about: Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme featured on Breaking the Spine were we highlight the books we cannot wait for.

This week I am waiting for:

Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea by April Genevieve Tucholke. Just look at it for a moment. Isn't it pretty? Well I heard that it is like one of those old Gothic-novels I love so much, so I really really cannot wait!!
Here is what it's about:

You stop fearing the devil when you’re holding his hand…

Nothing much exciting rolls through Violet White’s sleepy, seaside town…until River West comes along. River rents the guesthouse behind Violet’s crumbling estate, and as eerie, grim things start to happen, Violet begins to wonder about the boy living in her backyard. Is River just a crooked-smiling liar with pretty eyes and a mysterious past? Or could he be something more? Violet’s grandmother always warned her about the Devil, but she never said he could be a dark-haired boy who takes naps in the sun, who likes coffee, who kisses you in a cemetery...who makes you want to kiss back. Violet’s already so knee-deep in love, she can’t see straight. And that’s just how River likes it.

Blending faded decadence and the thrilling dread of gothic horror, April Genevieve Tucholke weaves a dreamy, twisting contemporary romance, as gorgeously told as it is terrifying—a debut to watch

The book will hit the shelves on on August 15th, which isn't that far away.
I already told you something about this book back when I first heard about it and I am still waiting very patiently for it... No seriously, can I get it already? Pretty please?
What are you waiting for this week?

Love and Words
KJ

Summary and Cover are taken from Goodreads, all rights not mine :D

Labyrinth by Kate Mosse

Labyrinth by Kate Mosse
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When I told you you would get the review soon, you did not expect to get it so soon, did you? Well I did not expect it either...

I really liked this book.
It centers around to women, Alice and Aläis, who live and love in two different times and are connected through the ancient and secret trilogy of the Labyrinth.
When Alice visits, in 2007 one of her old friends in France and helps out at a archaeological excavation she finds the entrance to an old cave. Things are send in motion that will lead Alice to the discovery of a century old secret and she has to finish something her ancestor Aläis started in the 13th century when war and betrayal brought her life in great danger... (Just read the summary on Goodreads, I am bad with summaries :D)

I love history. I really really love history. And this was a book that, for the half of it, was "real" living history. The part that took place in the 13th century was so vivid and well researched that I did not only learn a lot about this time period in France I also felt like I was really there.
The part that took place in 2007 was action packed and left me turning the pages desperately wanting to find out what happened next.
The characters were really well written I just had the feeling that the antagonists were not so three-dimensional than the protagonists. Though some parts of the story were told through their point of view I could not understand a lot of their motivation and background. I for example did not know why (view spoiler)[Oriane even knew about the Labyrinth trilogy. Her father never told her, how did she come to know all those things? Why did Francoise betray his own master? (hide spoiler)]
But that is really the only bad thing that comes to mind when thinking about this book.

The plot was well developed and the brakes between the different time periods were at the right places for most of the book. One of the reasons the ending was so exciting was that the story kept switching between Aläis and Alice whenever the storyline hid a high.
The romance story of Aläis was romantic and understandable, the romance of Alice felt more forced and rushed, but only a little :)

Everything, plot, characters, setting, action, love, was good and well written :) I enjoyed the writing style it was readeable and pictoresque in the same time.

Though this book was so good and had many pages my review has only some paragraphs. There is not much to say about this book besides that it was able to leave me with that good feeling I have whenever finishing a lovely book and wanting more. I will definitely pick up the second volume and encourage everyone who is interested in historical fiction to pick up this book as well.

Love and Words
KJ
View all my reviews

June TBR

Hello again! :)
I thought I would start to use the TBR thingy as a weekly Wrap-Up and start doing Monthly Wrap-Ups and TBRs for each month.
So here (four days late :D) is my TBR for June :

Book Challenge Day 17: Favourite Quote

Hòla!
So I thought while I figure out my life a little I continue the 30 Day Book Challenge in order to get myself into blogging regulary (again).
The prompt for Day 17 is:

Favourite Quote From Your Favourite Book

Picking one book as my favourite was pretty hard so I decided to pick my favourite quote from my favourite classic novel, which is Faust I by Goethe, since I just love almost every line from that book.
And here is my favourite quote:

I am the spirit that negates.And rightly so, for all that comes to beDeserves to perish wretchedly;'Twere better nothing would begin.Thus everything that that your terms, sin,Destruction, evil represent—That is my proper element.”

 This is how Mephisto introduces himself, I will leave you hanging with it, since you simply cannot explain poetry (but I have to add, that it does sound a little better in the original German version ;D)
Love and Words
KJ