Monday, December 31, 2012

Release Blog Tour: Author Interview, Review + Giveaway




Oh my gosh!! I can't believe it is finally my stop on the blog tour!! *Squee doing happy dance* And guess what?! I got to interview who is probably one of my favorite authors....and let me just say, that M.R. Merrick is just as incredible as his books! He is very down to earth and loves a challenge about as much as I do!! Being a huge fan and all I couldn't possibly decide which questions to share with you, so naturally I am going to share all of them with you lovely people! But for the sake of repetition I have tried to delete questions others have already asked him. So bare with me as it is a little long, but I promise you that it's awesome!!

The Interview



Writing:

1) You have stated in other interviews that you like to make up bed time stories for your daughter; have you ever considered writing children stories?


I definitely have. In fact, before I ever wrote Exiled my wife was pushing for me to write them. I have two small children’s books series’ that I’d like to start, but I need to find the time to work on them. Since I think the eBook market for children’s stories isn’t exactly there yet, and I’ll be in need of an illustrator, it will be something that I try to pursue through traditional publishing outlets. 


2) When you started Exiled, did you always know it was going to be a series?


When I started it I had no idea it was even going to be a book. I had no aspirations to write a book, or to become published. I simply started one night, and after an intense six hour writing session, I realized I was going to write a book. I waited for my wife to get home from work that night, and I promptly sat her down and ideas just fell from my mouth. I knew without a doubt, after that night, that it would be a series. I didn’t’ know how many books it would be, but I knew what was going to happen by the end…for the most part.


3) We all know titles are a huge deal and can sway a reader on whether or not to even you’re your synopsis. So, what has been your process for determining the title of your books?


Exiled’s title just came to me. There was no thought given to it really, I just knew that was my books title. Shift was the same way. I knew the title for that book before I ever wrote a word. With Release, and book 4 whose title has not yet been revealed, I had to do some brainstorming. I knew what each story represented; it was just finding the right word that brought everything together in a way I felt was powerful. For those two books I wrote down some words I felt kind of did the job, but they didn’t quite cut it, and then I just spent hours coming up with new ideas, even using the thesaurus at times to find the right fit, until finally I knew I had it. 


4) Obviously, you enjoy blog tours or you wouldn’t do one. But have you ever considered doing an actual book tour; even just locally, which would be a shame because I would miss out?


I’m not sure that I’m “there” yet. I’ve thought about how wonderful and cool it would be, but I’ve also thought about organizing one, and then being that guy that sits at a table full of books with nobody coming near me.


If I were to do one, I don’t think I would organize it myself at this point. If I was invited by the bookstore, absolutely I’d attend, but I think I need to build more of an audience before I actively seek it out myself.


      *Me: Well if you ever do one, just tell me when and where...will travel! :)

Personal:


1) How do you balance family life and writing?


This is a work in progress. My wife works all sorts of different shifts, so we play it by ear right now. I’ve only been writing full-time for a few months, so finding an exact routine has been difficult. I think a lot of this has to do with the changes my family has had. My oldest started school full-time this year, and my youngest turned one this year, so her schedule is somewhat sporadic. I’m hoping over the next six months to really nail down a routine, but right now I just make each of them happen as opportunities arise.


2) In your wildest dreams, did you ever see yourself being an author? If not, then what did you see yourself being?


Never. I didn’t even really get into reading until a year or two before I started writing Exiled. So I’m very under-read compared to most. I’d read books before, of course, but I didn’t have a passion for words like I do now. I’ve always enjoyed writing, but I never thought I’d try my hand at fiction.


I have career ADD, so I always jumped from one opportunity to the next every twelve to eighteen months. When I was in high school I wanted to be an actor and/or singer. I loved every bit of becoming someone new on stage, and music is a huge part of my life, so naturally the hope that I could take that somewhere went through my mind. I wanted to be a cop for a few years before that too. Chasing down bad guys on the street seemed rewarding. Although even though I knew better, I always envisioned it’d be just like the movies.


What I ended up doing was dropping out of high school and jumping around from job to job. I was a chef for ten years at a dozen different restaurants, I did sales, warehousing, project management, delivering, customer service…the list could go on. Back then, I didn’t know what I wanted to do, but whatever I was doing wasn’t it. I will always have a passion for cooking, and if I hadn’t found a love for writing stories, I’d probably go back to that, but once I discovered storytelling, I was hooked for good.


3) You recently made the decision to become a full time author, and as fans we are glad for that. But how did you know you had made it as an author? What was your ah ha moment?


I’m not sure I’ve made it as an author yet. I know that I had a few good months and the thought of doing it full-time appeared to be in reach. Then some things happened at my job I didn’t agree with and I ended up walking out. I hadn’t intended to go full-time as a writer yet, it just kind of happened and now I’m seeing where it goes. Who knows, in a few months I could be back working the line in some restaurant.

    
      *Me: As long as you don't give up on the writing, because you're great at it!

4) Many people believe in superstitions to help them reach success, such as wearing that pair of lucky socks every game, or throwing salt over your shoulder. Do you have any superstitions?


None. I just know when inspiration strikes to take advantage of every second of it, and when I hit a road block, I need to take a break and put my focus elsewhere. I just don’t feel like wearing dirty underwear is going to help me craft a story, but if it did, I’d probably do it.


   *Me: Nice visual, thanks :)

5) Who is your favorite movie character and why?


Just one? Oh dear…I honestly don’t think I can answer that. Although my wife and I were talking about Data from The Goonies this morning, and he’s awesome. As is the alien from E.T. The robot from Hitchhikers Guide to the galaxy was hilarious. I loved Russell Crows character in Cinderella Man and Gladiator, any character Ryan Reynolds plays usually makes me laugh...oh dear. Yeah, one just isn’t possible. 


6) As the Queen of procrastination, and yes I mean Queen, I got my bachelor’s degree in procrastination and am now seeking my master’s in it as well. Do you procrastinate? If so, what tasks do you find you procrastinate more on and how do you motivate yourself to get moving?


When push comes to shove, it’s usually a deadline. I work best under pressure not only for progress, but development. I just do my best work when I’m under the gun. So, I set goals and deadlines for myself. Sometimes they’re realistic, sometimes not so much, but they get me going most of the time. My boss can be a real jerk.


    *Me: I happen to like your boss, tell him I said to lay off or I will travel to Canada and put him in his place. 

7) If you were stranded on a deserted island with food, water, and shelter provided. What 5 things (not people) would you want with you?


Rai - The Golden Torrent from my books. She’s not technically a person, but she could take me to safety…

If that’s not allowed, I supposed it’d be:

1. My iPod

2. A never ending iPod battery

3. A big knife.

4. Fishing supplies

5. A small yacht


       *Cheater! But I guess I will let it slide this time as I neglected to inform you no boats allowed! You sir are sneaky *shakes digital fist*

8) In Hollywood it is popular to take fans favorite books and turn them into movies. As a fan of books I find that the movies never live up to the book. If a movie studio offered to make your books into movies, would you do it? Why or why not?


Absolutely I would. I would be in ecstatic if my series was going to be made into movies. I’ve dreamt of it! That being said, I’d probably want some voice in the process, so I could make sure the story wasn’t being destroyed. The author almost never has a say in things, but we’re dreaming here so let’s dream big, shall we?


     *Me: And I would totally watch :)

Characters:


1) If you could be any of your characters, who would you be and why?


I’d probably be Chase. I like what Chase stands for, and like me, he usually learns things the hard way, even when he knows it’s the hard way.  If not, I’d be Vincent, because he’s one of my favorite characters. He’s witty, intelligent, and immortal.


2) Your take on the vampire is really quite unique, and let me just say that I am a huge fan of Vincent and his snarky, sarcastic attitude.  So, what was the inspiration for your view of the vampire?


When I was writing the first scene with a vampire, I knew I wanted something different. I literally just closed my eyes while I was writing and watched the demon change in my mind. I added and subtracted a lot of things until I finally had the creature that I wanted. I really just toyed with different ideas, powers, abilities, in the fight scene until I found what worked for me personally.


    *Me: Well I for one love it

3) I am a huge fan of characters, in fact if I don’t feel some kind of connection to the characters in a book, then I feel let down. One of the things I like to do when reviewing a book or a series is to pick my favorite character moment. That one moment that epitomizes everything about that character and why I love them. What is your favorite character moment from your books and why?


Just one? Again? You’re killing me.

It’s not THE favorite moment, but one of my favorite moments is in Shift when Willy gets to take a stand for what he believes in. He stands up for Chase outside Revelations and that’s a pretty special moment for me. Willy is a fiercely loyal friend, and a wonderful person all around.

I also really love in Exiled when Rayna punches Chase in the nose. She’s classy.


I do have a favorite moment from Release, but I’ll keep that to myself for now. My absolutely favorite however, I cannot reveal. It’s still mostly in my head, and only partially on paper. But it’s coming in the next book.

**And being the little devil that I am :) after I read Release I asked M.R. Merrick to share his favorite moment(s) from it and here is his reply:

There’s actually a few moments in the book that really got me. The first was in Drakar when Tiki stands up to Chase. It was a big moment for him, and since his role has been played out mostly in the background thus far, compared to the other secondary characters, it was a really strong foothold for him. The second was in Silas where the readers learn about Willy’s past. That’s a defining moment for him. It was one that I was aware of when I first created Willy in Exiled, but it was the first time I was able to experience it like that. Before that moment it was just details in my head, but writing it out brought a new sense of depth to his character, even for me. And lastly, in Drakar with Vincent. I won’t say the exact moment because I don’t want to spoil anything, but that entire scene had me grinning like an idiot the entire time I was working on it. Although his allegiance is all over the map throughout this series, Vincent is one of my favorite characters to work on, so that was a great moment for me.



About the Author

M.R. Merrick is a Canadian writer and author of  The Protector Series, a Young Adult mash-up between Urban and Epic Fantasy. Having never traveled, he adventures to far off lands through his imagination and in between cups of coffee. As a music lover and proud breakfast enthusiast, he’s usually found at the computer between a pair of headphones and in front of a large bowl of cereal.
 Stalk Him: Website ~ Goodreads ~  Twitter ~ Facebook


Synopsis
After uniting the shifters and calling in reinforcements, Chase has to face his toughest challenge yet: learning to control his emotions. But as tensions rise and his powers grow, controlling his emotions becomes the least of his problems.

Terrorized by a multi-shifter who is hell-bent on turning him, Chase questions just how far he’s willing to go to stop his father.  Meanwhile, Tiki’s virtuous nature has placed him in the middle of Vincent’s past, leaving Chase to oppose a senate of vampires and defend a demon he hates.

Trying to balance his friends, his enemies, and his inner demons, Chase is left searching for answers about the Mark, his destiny, and where he can find the next soul piece. Stopping Riley is his top priority, but as more obstacles arise, he finds himself doubting all the decisions he’s made - especially regarding Rayna.
One thing is for certain: Chase has finally realized that he doesn’t know anything. The light doesn’t always quell the darkness, the monsters don’t always stay in the shadows, and the past doesn’t always stay in the past - sometimes, the demons inside are the hardest to fight.


*ARC from Author in exchange for honest interview

My Review: 5 Must Devour!!!!!
Being a devourer of books and all I of course could not wait to get my hands on this book and as soon as I received my copy I read it in a matter of hours and let me just tell you that I was left completely speechless. And I mean totally speechless like blubbering fool speechless as tears streamed down my face! Seriously!!

I thought M.R. Merrick's imagination was crazy awesome in the first two books but he proved me wrong with this one as he literally created worlds that I felt like I knew, worlds I thought I had traveled as I not only imagined them vividly in my mind but at times I swear I tasted them!! Kid you not! 

And his characters....OMG! I seriously love all the characters from this series. The amount of depth and thought he puts into his characters blows my mind. I have never seen characters develop so much. I mean every time I think I know them M.R. Merrick shows me another incredible side to them that makes me love them so much more. And in this book my love for Tiki, Willy, Vincent, Grams, and Chase grew exponentially!! 

Emotions ran high in this book, not only for me but the characters, and I could literally feel the passion that M.R. Merrick has for not only his story, but for writing as I was moved by so many wonderfully deep moments. I could tell that he put everything into this book as I was brought to tears or left in awe at his words. 

I honestly can't say enough about this book, it completely blew me away and left me a complete and udder mess as I was emotionally assaulted by an electronic paperback. Of course I can't wait for Endure as I hold my breath for all that is sure to unfold. After the shocking ending of Release I have so many questions swirling in my head and I absolutely must have my answers!!

Favorite Character Moment:
There were so many incredible moments in this book that my kindle copy is literally spewing yellow and it was really hard for me to pick just one because really I could just quote chapters!!

"That's what I was fighting for now. Not to save the worlds and all the creatures in them, but to keep the ones I loved safe." (kindle, loc. 5766). 

The Giveaway


Grande Prize Pack (3 Winners)
3x Signed paperbacks (Exiled, Shift, Release)
3x Signed 8x10 posters (Exiled, Shift, Release)
5x Bookmarks
1x Notebook (Winner’s choice of cover)
1x Magnet





Runner-up Prize Pack (5 Winners)
1x Signed paperback (Winner’s choice of Exiled, Shift, or Release) with signed poster
1x bookmark (Winner’s choice)
1x Magnet



Secondary Prizes A (10 Winners)
Release eBooks

Secondary Prize B (10 Winners)
1x bookmark (winner’s choice)
1x The Protector magnet




Winners will be chosen as followsFirst 3 names drawn from Rafflecopter will get the grand prize. The following 5 names get the runner-up prize. The following 10 names win ebook copies of Release, and the final 10 names win the swag pack.
~~~~~~~~~
There will also be multiple opportunities to win signed paperbacks, signed posters, notebooks, swag packs, and bookmarks throughout the tour on both Twitter (@MRMerrick) and my Facebook Fan Page .


a Rafflecopter giveaway
"Devouring worlds, one book and recipe at a time."

Friday, December 28, 2012

The Burning of Isobel Key by Jen McConnel (Review)

*Cover from Goodreads
My Summary
A bit lost in her life Lou travels to Scotland for a vacation hoping to figure out what's next in her life.

But she finds more than she ever imagined as she finds herself drawn to the witch burnings in the Highlands of Scotland. But one witch in particular has her intrigued and she begins seeking the truth of her particular case. And as she unravels the story behind Isobel Key she begins to unravel a bit of herself and where her future lays. 


*Book provided by Author in exchange for honest review


My Review: 3.5 Up to Snuff
While this book is not my usual book I have to say that the story definitely had me intrigued. I love stories that involve witches but the witches in this story were not the typical supernatural witches we have come to know and love. Instead we are transported to a time when normal people are accused of being a witch because they are just a little bit different. Much like the Salem witch trials in the United States this book focuses on the witch trials of Scotland.

I really enjoyed following Lou as the story of both her and Isobel Key were unraveled piece by piece throughout the book. The whole book I was wondering how are these two connected? Because I just knew that deep down they had to be. It was my desire to answer that question that kept me turning pages. This story had great depth and provided a rich knowledge of both where the tale takes place and the witches within the story. As I was reading it I found myself thinking that this book felt real, and that I could really imagine the things that happened within the book.

This book piqued my interest in the history of one of my favorite topics, witches, gave me a little love and a taste of adventure.

What I didn't like about the book: Despite my love for witches this book really wasn't what I usually look for in a witch story; at times the alternating chapters and the interludes seemed tedious and I found myself wanting to read a solid block of one story or the other instead of every other chapter, at times I found the story to move a little slow, not sure if this is connected to the alternating chapters or another issue; and of course I really wanted there to be some supernatural, but it was still a story about witches!!

Helpful Links: Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble

Favorite Character Moment:
This is one of my favorite moments in the book because it finally answered the question that plagued me throughout the book. Well, this quote is what leads to it! :) You really didn't think I would give the answer away did you? You have to read the book!

"Read it. Go on, read it!" (ebook, loc. 30054).

A bit sneaky, the quote both promotes you to read the book and is actually from the book!! Ha!

"Devouring worlds, one book and recipe at a time."

Top 10 Books I am Dying to Read in 2013



Well guys 2012 has been a fantastic year full of wonderful books, epic characters, and great bloggers. With the promise of next year being just as awesome! Hopefully I will devour many more great books and be introduced to more incredible characters. And it is this that is the topic of the final day of the Top 10 of 2012 Hosted by: A Life Bound By BooksConfessions of a BookaholicTwo Chicks On BooksFiktshun, and Magical Urban Fatasy Reads!

Top 10 Books I Am Dying to Read in 2013!!
~In no particular order~

Release: January 8, 2013
Just Breathe #3

Release Date: April 2013
Spellbound #3

Release Date: January 22, 2013
Everneath #2

Release Date: March 19, 2013
Chronicles of Nick #4


Endure(Protector #4) by M.R. Merrick release date TBA
Psion Alpha(Psions #4) by Jacob Gowans release date TBA
Joe Vampire: The Afterlife(Joe Vampire #2) by Steven Luna release date TBA
Aurora Sky: Metamorphosis (Volume 2)by Nikki Jefford release date TBA
Book 2 in the Brandon Fisher Series by Carolyn Arnold release date TBA


By the list above 2013 already promises to be a tearjerker as 3 books on my list will be the final in their series: Endure, Just Breathe, and Enchantment will all surely make me cry as I will have to say goodbye to some of my favorite book characters ever! The good news is that I will have them all for another year!! The other good news is that these amazing authors will be able to deliver something else, which brings on a whole new level of excitement. 

"Devouring worlds, one book and recipe at a time."  

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Everneath by Brodi Ashton (Review)

*Cover and Synopsis from Goodreads

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath. Now she's returned--to her old life, her family, her boyfriend--before she's banished back to the underworld . . . this time forever. She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.
Nikki longs to spend these precious months forgetting the Everneath and trying to reconnect with her boyfriend, Jack, the person most devastated by her disappearance--and the one person she loves more than anything. But there's just one problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who enticed her to the Everneath in the first place, has followed Nikki home. Cole wants to take over the throne in the underworld and is convinced Nikki is the key to making it happen. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back, this time as his queen.
As Nikki's time on the Surface draws to a close and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she is forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's queen.
Everneath is a captivating story of love, loss, and immortality from debut author Brodi Ashton.

My Review: 4 Delectable
I will admit when I first started reading this book I felt sort of lost, like I missed a chapter or two or even an entire book! And that frustration had me debating whether or not to even keep reading. But my sheer determination to complete the puzzle kept me going. And I'm glad that I read until the end, until I gathered every puzzle piece and assembled that puzzle.

I am a hopeless romantic and this book really played on all the reasons why. And really that's what this book was about......love, with some supernatural thrown in. But I do have to say that the little glimpse into the supernatural was enough to pique my curiosity and left me hoping for more!

I loved the tale of Jack and Nikki, but I couldn't help but secretly route for Cole. I mean sure he may have gained from her little experience, but I think that deep down he really has feelings for Nikki. Who knows, maybe Nikki will be the thing that makes Cole want to change his ways. Definitely makes me want to read Everbound that much more!!

So really if you are a hopeless romantic and like that supernatural touch, then this is the book for you!!


"Devouring worlds, one book and recipe at a time."

Top 10 Book Boyfriends 2012



Welcome to day 4 of the awesome Top 10 of 2012 Hosted by: A Life Bound By BooksConfessions of a BookaholicTwo Chicks On BooksFiktshun, and Magical Urban Fatasy Reads!

First allow me to explain that I really don't get book crushes, but there are those characters that make me want to read a book, ones that make me cheer for them no matter the situation and ones that make me think now that's hot! Not sure if you can call that a crush, but if you do then I guess I have crushes! If you read my Top 10 Characters post from yesterday I apologize if the lists are similar. Please bear with me as I am seriously limited because some of my choices were not from 2012 :(


#1 Chase Williams from Release
First off let me say that Chase is truly bad-a**!! And he could make the list just by his sheer strength! Okay, but if I have to go deeper than his fighting skills, then I have to say that he is incredibly loyal, passionate and not quick to fall in love (probably my favorite thing), I also like the fact that despite being this tough guy deep down he is incredibly vulnerable, you just need to peel back the layers of macho-ism! He literally has the weight of the worlds on his shoulders, but he cares more about his friends and family then himself! Now that's hot!




#2 Gavin Cassidy from Exhale
Can you say sexy rock God???? Really do I need to say more?! I do, well then.....he is confident yet vulnerable, incredibly deep, strong, bad boy, powerful and did I say Rock God? Oh I did....but it is awesome enough to mention twice!!






#3 Jack from Everneath
Really Jack is what every girl wants right? He is kind, loyal, strong and completely and incredibly loyal! I don't think I have ever seen a guy so loyal! And if you don't know what I am talking about then you need to go out and read the book! Because well just trust me!!







#4 Sammy Berhane Jr. from Psion Delta
If you have read this series then you are probably asking yourself what in the world am I thinking by putting him on my list? And your right, having a boyfriend like Sammy would be torture. Now hold on and let me explain......torture because he is always getting into some seriously dangerous stuff and you would always be worrying about whether or not he was going to come home or not. Torture because he is literally the most hunted person, torture because he is so naive and so innocent. But hey those are reasons you love him too! You want to be the one he runs to for relief and to forget all his troubles, you want to be his comfort and his safety. 


#5 Nathan McBride from Forced to Kill
Nathan is one of those guys that you know will always protect you, will lay down his life for you, and will kick some serious a** for you, but will also hold you and share with you your deep dark secrets and greatest fears. He is vulnerable and not afraid to show it, despite his incredibly rough exterior. He is almost untouchable and that is the kind of guy every girl wants....the kind they can't have.





#6 Raj McKenna from Entangled
Who doesn't love a bad boy every once and a while? Especially one who really isn't a bad boy, but just lets everyone believe it because it is easier then telling them the truth. He is fiercely loyal, powerful, sensitive, kind hearted and passionate. Kind of gives you the best of both worlds....bad boy meets good!






Well there is my list....as you can see I don't have 10 because of the guidelines of it having to be from a book released in 2012 and one that I had read in 2012 I was not able to include some of my other favorites! And really if I had to choose just one boyfriend I would totally choose Mr. Darcy and yes I will say that is a crush!!! So I am pouting a little, but decided to mention them below so you can check them out!

Honorable Mentions:


"Devouring worlds, one book and recipe at a time."
*All covers from Goodreads

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Top Ten Characters of 2012



Well today is day three of this epic flashback to 2012  Hosted by: A Life Bound By BooksConfessions of a BookaholicTwo Chicks On BooksFiktshun, and Magical Urban Fatasy Reads!

As I read through the suggested topics for the day I decided that I had to do something different. I was originally going to do Top 10 Villians, but decided that since I love to spotlight characters so much that I would have to do my Top Ten Characters of 2012!


1. Dirk Pitt
I think that it is only fitting that Dirk be my number 1 favorite character as he was also my very first character spotlight in Character Time! He exemplifies everything I love in a character he's strong, funny, loyal, bad a**, smart, passionate, considerate and would do anything for those in need and those he calls friends!! Now that is an awesome character!!


2. Chase Williams
There are a lot of qualities in Chase that are also found in Dirk and in some ways I could say that the two are similar, but when it comes to Chase, he has a certain level of stubbornness and youth that really makes him my number two! Chase is also loyal, strong, funny, bad a**, passionate and would do anything for the innocent and those he calls friends and family. But he also never learns his lesson the first time and seems rather a gluten for punishment and in certain cases is rather naive! It all makes me think of how vulnerable and fragile he really is even though he is deemed the Protector. 


3. Sammy Berhane Jr. 
Oh my gosh! Sammy is one of those characters that just pulls at my heart strings. There are many qualities to love in Sammy, a character who is dedicated to fighting against the evils (Aegis and Thirteens) that plague the world. And when I think about Sammy I have to remind myself just how young he is because the things he does and has been through just completely blow my mind!! Sammy is one of those characters that I want to put in a cocoon and protect even though he is the last person who needs protecting. He is seriously one bad-a** character, who is also passionate, naive, loyal, strong, dedicated, smart as hell, and of course will do anything for those he has vowed to protect and those he calls friends!


4. Rayna
Obviously I really like the Protector series and I think I could pick all 10 characters from this series alone. Because seriously M.R. Merrick does incredible work when it comes to characters; and that I just love!! So what is it about Rayna that I love so much? Well first of all she is seriously bad-a**, never backs down from a fight, passionate, compassionate, loyal, funny, vulnerable and of course will do anything for those she calls friends and family. (Beginning to see a theme here)


5. Graylee Perez
Gray is one of those characters that seriously gets better as the books progress. She is strong and powerful but doesn't even know it. She has this level of innocence about her that really makes me feel for her. She is naive and trusting, loyal, kind, and funny.


6. Gavin Cassidy
First off, Gavin is a musician and what isn't there to love about that?! But seriously Gavin is the reluctant hero in the Just Breathe series who is incredibly vulnerable, passionate, strong, powerful, while at the same time being a rebel and selfish. But not so selfish that he wouldn't give his life for the one he loves. 


7. Willy
Incredibly sweet and innocent, this stuttering demon completely stole my heart when I first read Exiled. He is afraid of everything, maybe even is own shadow, but he is loyal, kind, strong (even if he doesn't realize it), trustworthy, and would make the ultimate sacrifice for those he calls friends. His vulnerability is so raw that I want to wrap him up in a protective shell and hide him away from the cruel world he has been apart of for so long.


8. Nick Gautier
Nick is a new character in my world and I am extremely happy that I got to meet him! He is probably the biggest smart a** that I have ever met, incredibly loyal, vulnerable, innocent, powerful (and doesn't even know it), and completely naive to the world around him. He would do anything for his mother and is constantly striving to be better.


9. Raj McKenna
I think I like Raj because he is definitely not your typical hero. But he's not reluctant either, he gladly steps up to the plate when the time comes. But you see everyone thinks he is the bad boy and he really doesn't do anything to change peoples minds. He is loyal, powerful, strong, vulnerable, and definitely not what people think.


10. Al Giordino
Now just because Al is last on this list don't for a second think that he is any less a character than his best friend Dirk Pitt. You see Al is incredibly loyal, trustworthy, strong, pig headed, crazy, funny, adventurous, incredibly smart, a romeo, and would do anything for his best friend Dirk, and for the innocent. 

There you have it, my Top 10 characters of 2012! All characters that I would love to call friends and would be glad to call to back me up if ever the time came. 

So have any characters stood out to you this year??? I would love to hear about them!

"Devouring worlds, one book and recipe at a time."


Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Top 10 Book Covers of 2012



Well today is day 2 of this awesome week long event and today will probably be the most challenging for me. Hosted by: A Life Bound By BooksConfessions of a BookaholicTwo Chicks On BooksFiktshun, and Magical Urban Fatasy Reads!

Topic: Top 10 Covers of 2012, and not just that but covers of books only released in 2012!

I am not much of a cover person, for the most part I don't pay attention to them, unless they really blow my mind, which a few have this year, but I don't know if I will be able to make it to 10 so I guess we will have to see.


For me this is #1













Well I know its not 10 but it will have to do! Because for me these are the best! They all make me want to read the story that is hidden in their pages!! 

"Devouring worlds, one book and recipe at a time."


Monday, December 24, 2012

Top 10 Books of 2012

 

Okay I have to admit that I am really excited for this week long event. I know that many of these lists will be hard, but I love a challenge. Anyway....the first list of 2012 is a tough one: The Best Books I've Read in 2012!!! There were so many amazing and wonderful books that I've read this year that I couldn't possibly pick just 10, so read on and find out how I narrowed down my list!!

                                                                                
For my first choice I obviously cheated......since I found this series this year, and absolutely fell in love with this series there was no way I was going to pick just one for my list. This series offers amazing world building, incredible characters, action, and emotional rides and I couldn't possible pick one so I decided to share all 3!! These books belong on my favorite shelf as I have read all of them more than once and I know they will continue to bring me awesome adventure and an escape from my world for many years to come.


Here again I am cheating and combining this series together as I discovered all of them this year as well. I loved the originality of this series, the amazing descriptions, easy to love characters and incredible action! I can't believe I only discovered this series this year and I know that this will continue to be one of my favorites!


This is another wonderful series I discovered this year! I found the story of Cat to be completely refreshing and undeniably addicting! This series does such a great job entwining you into the story! Can't wait for more of this series!! 


I absolutely love this book! I love the series too, but this book just absolutely blew me away when I read it! I have always had a spot in my heart for witches and this book reminded me why. It also reminded me why one should never trifle with a witch!! 


I haven't read too many books where mind readers were the focus and I have to say that this book definitely brought and interesting perspective to the idea of mind readers! The power felt so raw and it was so easy to get lost in the story as Cameron tried to figure out where she fit in this world! 


I really enjoyed this series as it brought a different take to the whole light versus dark and good versus evil. It really gave me a story I could get lost in and characters I could seriously cheer for. This book had me wrapped in its clutches until I had the entire series devoured and still left me wanting more!


This book is so full of adventure and heart stopping moments as the lead character Logan races against time and his past! An amazing thrill ride that promises to deliver you to the edge of your seat!! I really don't know what else to say besides WOW! 


I fell in love with this book early on this year, and found that I was quickly swept up in its emotional tale. As Gemma struggles to discover a past that haunts her. A great adventure that is told with a great amount of detail. 


I have a soft spot for books that involve the FBI and this book more than delivered on that love! Such a gripping and vivid story that made me feel like I was watching an episode of Criminal Minds and left me wanting more!


I just recently discovered this story and am honestly kicking myself in the butt for not reading it sooner. I am absolutely in love with everything about this story. It is dark, funny, and seriously reminds me of why I am glad I am not in High School anymore!! It offers everything I love about the supernatural with vampires, hunters, shape shifters, witches, and zombies!

Well there you have it folks! My Top 10 of 2012.....well sort of!! I know I cheated, but really what do you expect when I have read so many incredible adventures that left me laughing, cheering, crying and desperate for more!! 

So what books made your list??

"Devouring worlds, one book and recipe at a time."