Book Review & Giveaway: It may be April Fools Day but we’re not fooling when we tell you that we’ve got a great giveaway for you! Emilie & the...moreBook Review & Giveaway: It may be April Fools Day but we’re not fooling when we tell you that we’ve got a great giveaway for you! Emilie & the Hollow World by Martha Wells is a steampunk sci-fi/fantasy adventure novel aimed at YA readers but, since I quickly forgot that our heroine is a teen, I think readers of all ages will enjoy this one. This is another novel that would do Jules Verne proud – that’s two in two weeks! If this sounds interesting then read on. Emilie is a heroine you’re going to love! And one reader will win an advance readers copy (ARC) of it, thanks to the publisher’s generosity! Read the rest of my review & enter our giveaway at http://popcornreads.com/?p=5684.(less)
In Quintessence, award-winning author David Walton blends science fiction and fantasy in a manner that would make Jules Verne proud. When I saw the bo...moreIn Quintessence, award-winning author David Walton blends science fiction and fantasy in a manner that would make Jules Verne proud. When I saw the book cover for Quintessence, it looked like just the kind of adventure I was in the mood for and, when I read the concept from Tor Publishing, I was sold. Are you in the mood for alternate history on a flat Earth with mysterious occurrences, alchemy, strange creatures and courageous explorers? Read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=5661.(less)
When we reviewed The Dead of Winter by Lee Collins last Fall, I could hardly wait for the sequel to be published. Cora is one of those characters who...moreWhen we reviewed The Dead of Winter by Lee Collins last Fall, I could hardly wait for the sequel to be published. Cora is one of those characters who just grabs you, and I needed to know what happened to her after she left Leadville. Thankfully Angry Robot didn’t wait a full year to publish She Returns From War, its follow-up. This is a paranormal Western and those are such fun! Although you don’t absolutely to have read The Dead of Winter to enjoy She Returns From War, I strongly recommend reading it first. I think it will result in a much better reading experience for you. Combining the Wild West with demons, vampires, shape shifters and all the paranormal has to offer makes for a winning combo you’re going to love! Read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=5380.(less)
Book Review & Giveaway: We’re participating in the April No Strings Giveaway Hop, and have a great giveaway for it – Prophet of Bones by Ted Kosma...moreBook Review & Giveaway: We’re participating in the April No Strings Giveaway Hop, and have a great giveaway for it – Prophet of Bones by Ted Kosmatka. His prior book, The Games, was a Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2012. In Prophet of Bones, Kosmatka’s world is built by asking the initial question, “What if Darwin’s theories about evolution had been debunked and creationism was the accepted scientific theory upon which everything was based?” If you like stories about an alternate Earth and/or non-stop sci-fi action thrillers then you are going to want to check this one out. And you could even win an advance readers copy (ARC) at http://popcornreads.com/?p=5757.(less)
I was immediately drawn to the book cover for The Six Gun Tarot by R.S. Belcher and, once I read the publisher’s description, I knew I had to read it....moreI was immediately drawn to the book cover for The Six Gun Tarot by R.S. Belcher and, once I read the publisher’s description, I knew I had to read it. This is a genre bending novel that is being promoted as a Steampunk Western. Chinese mysticism, Mormon and creation mythology, the Civil War, the paranormal, the 19th century Wild West, a few horror elements, and much more – and it all works in a very interesting way. See why I was intrigued? Read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=5320.(less)
Book Review & Giveaway: We’re participating in the Back to the Future Giveaway Hop and had a choice: We could choose a magical historical or a fut...moreBook Review & Giveaway: We’re participating in the Back to the Future Giveaway Hop and had a choice: We could choose a magical historical or a futuristic novel. I couldn’t resist featuring The Winter Witch by New York Times bestselling Welsh author Paula Brackston because it is truly magical. Maybe I’ve always been fascinated by Wales because my mother is part Welsh. For whatever reason, I couldn’t resist a story about a 19th century Welsh witch. Like historical fiction, witches – good and evil, clean romance, or just stories about women with indomitable spirits? Want to win it? Read the rest of my review and enter to win it at http://popcornreads.com/?p=5313.(less)
Book Review & Giveaway: Award-winning author James P. Blaylock is considered one of the three founding fathers of modern Steampunk literature, alo...moreBook Review & Giveaway: Award-winning author James P. Blaylock is considered one of the three founding fathers of modern Steampunk literature, along with Tim Powers and K.W. Jeter. I was excited when I was approached about reading and reviewing his new novel in the Langdon St. Ives series, The Aylesford Skull. This is what I like to think of as old-school Steampunk. It should appeal as much to people who like Victorian era historical novels as it does to fantasy and Steampunk fans. Read the rest of my review & enter to win a copy at http://popcornreads.com/?p=5271.(less)
A Conspiracy of Alchemists is Book #1 in the new Steampunk series, The Chronicles of Light and Shadow, by Liesel Schwarz. The book cover pulled me in...moreA Conspiracy of Alchemists is Book #1 in the new Steampunk series, The Chronicles of Light and Shadow, by Liesel Schwarz. The book cover pulled me in immediately and I knew I had to read it. A lot of times I prefer the UK book cover to the U.S. book cover but this one rocks! This debut novel weaves together classic Steampunk elements along with scifi/fantasy, mystery, action/adventure, paranormal creatures, mythology and romance into an exciting alternative historical novel. I could hardly wait to share it with you! Read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=5539.(less)
Book Review & Giveaway: Some rules have exceptions and our rule about not reviewing graphic novels had to be broken so we could bring you Sailor T...moreBook Review & Giveaway: Some rules have exceptions and our rule about not reviewing graphic novels had to be broken so we could bring you Sailor Twain or/ the Mermaid in the Hudson by Mark Siegel. Not only is it a New York Times bestseller but it’s been named a Washington Post Top 10 graphic novel/comic for 2012. Sailor Twain began as a serialized web comic and evolved into a novel in much the way many of the greatest 19th century novels were serialized. Read the rest of my review, enter to win a copy, and link to all the book-related giveaways in the Book Lovers Holiday Giveaway Hop!(less)
Book Review & Giveaway: When I saw Portlandtown: A Tale of the Oregon Wyldes by Rob DeBorde, I knew it would make a great Halloween giveaway. Norm...moreBook Review & Giveaway: When I saw Portlandtown: A Tale of the Oregon Wyldes by Rob DeBorde, I knew it would make a great Halloween giveaway. Normally we show the book cover at the left; however, I found this poster for the novel on the author’s web site and knew we had to include it instead. Doncha love it? If you’re a Wild West fan or a zombie/supernatural/paranormal fan, this one is going to be perfect. It is indeed “The old west as you’ve never seen it.” Read the rest of my review & enter to win a copy at http://popcornreads.com/?p=4868.(less)
Book Review & Giveaway: We’re participating in the Fangs, Fur & Fey Giveaway Hop, and our giveaway is fangs related. Cue the evil book reviewe...moreBook Review & Giveaway: We’re participating in the Fangs, Fur & Fey Giveaway Hop, and our giveaway is fangs related. Cue the evil book reviewer’s laugh. Thanks to the publisher, we’re reviewing and giving away an advance readers copy (ARC) of The Dead of Winter by Lee Collins. The book cover says it all: “True Grit meets True Blood.” Yep, this novel is alternate history – a Western with strong elements of paranormal fantasy and some horror thrown in for bump-in-the-night thrills. Read the rest of my review & enter our giveaway at http://popcornreads.com/?p=4689.(less)
I was in the mood for something historical and a little different when I saw Something Red by Douglas Nicholas, and it looked like it just might fit....moreI was in the mood for something historical and a little different when I saw Something Red by Douglas Nicholas, and it looked like it just might fit. Boy did it ever! This novel is not only historical but it’s got some paranormal/mythological elements, and it’s just downright creepy in places. For all you purist historical fiction fans, no worries because the research makes this one come to life and the elements I mentioned fit perfectly with superstitions held during that time period. Sound interesting? Read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=4619(less)
I was familiar with bestselling author Mitch Albom’s Tuesdays with Morrie so, when I saw The Time Keeper, I jumped on it. How do you feel about time?...moreI was familiar with bestselling author Mitch Albom’s Tuesdays with Morrie so, when I saw The Time Keeper, I jumped on it. How do you feel about time? How would you like to meet Father Time? We all have definite opinions about time and this short novel addresses them in a very interesting way. Read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=4547.(less)
Book Review & Giveaway: We’re participating in the Reading Clean Giveaway Hop. Our giveaway for this hop is the new Steampunk novel by Lilith Sain...moreBook Review & Giveaway: We’re participating in the Reading Clean Giveaway Hop. Our giveaway for this hop is the new Steampunk novel by Lilith Saintcrow, The Iron Wyrm Affair. Set in an alternative Victorian England, Book #1 in the new Bannon and Clare series is filled with clockwork creatures, sorcerers, spirits, and shields. It should appeal not only to Steampunk and fantasy fans, but to anyone who likes a good thriller. Buckle your seatbelts because it’s full of non-stop action and hairpin turns! Read the rest of my review & enter to win at http://popcornreads.com/?p=4555.(less)
Book Review & Giveaway: I fell in love with the bestselling novel, A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness and have been anxiously awaiting the...moreBook Review & Giveaway: I fell in love with the bestselling novel, A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness and have been anxiously awaiting the next book in the All Souls Trilogy ever since. So, obviously, I pounced when I saw an advance readers copy (ARC) of Shadow of Night. Woot, it’s here!
If you don’t know anything about this series, I encourage you to...read the rest of my review & enter our giveaway at http://popcornreads.com/?p=4291.(less)
Book Review & Giveaway: We’re participating in the No Strings Attached Giveaway Hop! As a lot of you know by now, I’m originally from the Appalach...moreBook Review & Giveaway: We’re participating in the No Strings Attached Giveaway Hop! As a lot of you know by now, I’m originally from the Appalachian Mountains. So when I see a novel about that area, it’s pretty much a no-brainer. Auraria is a historical novel about the Georgia Appalachian Mountains in the 1800’s, with a twist. This story was based on a real ghost town, and combines mountain folklore, magical creatures and 19th century Appalachian life into an intriguing story. Read the rest of my review & enter our giveaway at http://popcornreads.com/?p=4264.(less)
I was intrigued when I saw the book cover for Dead Reckoning by bestselling authors Mercedes Lackey and Rosemary Edghill. It looked like a Western and...moreI was intrigued when I saw the book cover for Dead Reckoning by bestselling authors Mercedes Lackey and Rosemary Edghill. It looked like a Western and I couldn’t imagine Mercedes Lackey writing a Western. I used to read a lot of her novels so, once I had read the publisher’s blurb, I knew I had to check it out. A combination of the Wild West and zombies? How could I resist? I think this one will appeal to pretty much every age group, for different reasons. Read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=4054.(less)
I must be a book cover junkie because so many times I find interesting new novels by being drawn to their book covers. The Kino book cover isn’t beaut...moreI must be a book cover junkie because so many times I find interesting new novels by being drawn to their book covers. The Kino book cover isn’t beautiful or picturesque but there is something about it that drew me in. I’m glad it did because Kino by Jurgen Fauth is an interesting genre mix. It combines a contemporary thriller with historical fiction about the golden age of German filmmaking and, as odd as that may sound, it works. Read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=3678(less)
Grave Mercy is Book #1 of the His Fair Assassin Trilogy by Robin (R.L.) LeFevers. This is Ms. LeFevers’ first foray into YA fiction; however, she’s we...moreGrave Mercy is Book #1 of the His Fair Assassin Trilogy by Robin (R.L.) LeFevers. This is Ms. LeFevers’ first foray into YA fiction; however, she’s well known for her Theodosia series and her Nathaniel Green: Beastologist series for younger readers. Don’t let the fact that she’s been writing for younger readers mislead you into thinking Grave Mercy is only for tween and/or teen readers. This is a novel that blends fantasy with mystery and political intrigue on a level that could easily be found in any novel designed for adult readers. Like a lot of YA fiction these days, it’s definitely not just for teens. Read the rest of my review & link to an author discussion featuring Robin (R.L.) LeFevers at http://popcornreads.com/?p=3794.(less)
How could I resist a novel called The Peculiars, especially with a book cover like this one? Award-winning author Maureen McQuerry has perfectly blend...moreHow could I resist a novel called The Peculiars, especially with a book cover like this one? Award-winning author Maureen McQuerry has perfectly blended alternative history with steampunk, mystery, intrigue, paranormal elements, adventure and romance, all rolled up in a captivating world. This story, like so many YA novels, is a wonderful read whether you’re a teen or an adult. Read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=3832.(less)
Book Giveaway & Review: When Brooke Johnson approached me about reviewing her YA steampunk novel, The Clockwork Giant, I was immediately drawn to...moreBook Giveaway & Review: When Brooke Johnson approached me about reviewing her YA steampunk novel, The Clockwork Giant, I was immediately drawn to the concept. I’m a sucker for steampunk and strong female protagonists, and I couldn’t help asking myself why someone would build a giant. At the time, I was solidly booked with reviews, but Brooke is very patient and I’m glad because this novel was well worth the wait. Not only do I get to share it with you but she’s provided a copy that you can enter to win! Read the rest of my review and enter our giveaway at http://popcornreads.com/?p=3344.(less)
Okay, I fell in love with another book cover. Sigh – can’t help myself sometimes. So, of course I had to request an advance readers’ copy of The Gathe...moreOkay, I fell in love with another book cover. Sigh – can’t help myself sometimes. So, of course I had to request an advance readers’ copy of The Gathering Storm, Volume #1 of the Katerina Trilogy, by Robin Bridges. I knew it was a YA novel but I had no clue it wasn’t just a strictly historical novel. That could have been wonderful but instead it’s more of an alternative history novel with a great plot. What a fun surprise! Robin Bridges brings authenticity to the late 19th century period but then she twists it. I think history buffs and paranormal fans will like this one, and I think it will have wide appeal across all age ranges. Read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=2675.(less)