Colleen Houck's Blog, page 9

Snakes in mythology

Snakes have been in religion, mythology, and history since time began.

 

 

Adam and Eve is the first story we know of where a snake is present in the Garden of Eden. In Genesis 3 we read about how Eve was tempted by the serpent who felt that the forbidden tree wouldn’t kill Eve but would open her eyes and be as a god knowing good and evil.  After partaking of the succulent fruit her eyes did indeed open and she then encouraged Adam to also partake of the fruit.  Soon thereafter they discovered they were naked and got busy creating some clothing out of fig leaves.  The serpent in this bible story represented Satan and his desire to thwart God’s plan.

Later in Moses‘s story in Exodus 4:2 God turned Moses’s staff into a snake and back.  Later when Moses and Aaron appeared before the pharaoh Aaron’s staff turned into a snake, the Pharaoh’s sorcerers countered by casting down their own rods and  similarly turned them into snakes.  Aaron’s snake then proceeded to swallow the sorcerer’s snakes/rod.

 

 

Caduceus or the magic wand of the Greek god Hermes, messenger of the gods, inventor, conductor of dead and protector of merchants and thieves.  In the 17 century A.D. Hermes became linked with alchemy.  Since the caduceus was the magic staff of Hermes and alchemy it soon became known as the staff of medical profession which was a case of mistaken identity since it actually stood for commerce. 

 

 

The Staff of Asclepius is the actual symbol of healing. It is a serpent entwined rod held by the Greek god Asclepius associated with healing and medicine. Since the staff look so similar many mistake them as the same.

 

 

Medusa was a monster in Greek mythology. She is one of the Gorgon sisters and the only mortal daughter of Phorkys and Keto. Once a beauty with golden hair and fair skin served as a priestess of Athena she was devoted to a life of celibacy but she fell for Poseidon and married him. Athena punished Mudusa by turning each golden lock of hair into a venomous snake, her eyes turn in blood shot orbs, and her creamy skin turned a greenish tinge.  Knowing she was repulsive she fled to Africa where she wandered dropping young snakes from her head which is how Africa became a hotbed of venomous reptiles.  She turned whomever she gazed upon into stone.  Deliverance came to her as death, by the hands of Perseus.

 

 

Snakes in movies are a commonplace.  Who can forget the Harry Potter films where snakes are a common theme.  It started in the first film when Harry talks to and mistakenly releases the friendly snake from the zoo. Then we meet the huge Basilisk that haunted the halls of Hogwarts. Later we find out their is a snake language called Parseltongue, which is a rare ability, where humans can talk to snakes.  Finally we meet Nagini who is Voldemort’s pet snake who was actually a horcrux.

 

Snakes are everywhere.  Remember Kaa from the Jungle Book?

New 2016 The Jungle Book…creepy

 

 

Ouroborus is an ancient Greek symbol depicting a serpent or even a dragon eating it’s own tail.  Originated in Egyptian iconography but Ancient Greeks adopted the symbol. It symbolizes introspection, eternal return, or constantly  re-creating yourself. Of course it also symbolizes the infinite cycle of nature of creation and destruction or life and death. 

 

The first known appearance is in the Book of the Netherworld which is an ancient Egyptian Funerary text in the tomb of Tutankhamen in 14th century B.C.

 

In Norse mythology the ouroboros is the serpent “Jörmungandr, one of the three children of Loki and Angrboda, which grew so large that it could encircle the world and grasp its tail in its teeth.”

 

 

In India the ouroboros is used to describe Kundalini energy. “Different spiritual traditions teach methods of “awakening” kundalini for the purpose of reaching spiritual enlightenment.[1] Kundalini is described as lying “coiled” at the base of the spine, represented as either a goddess or sleeping serpent waiting to be awakened.”

 

Any way you look at it snakes are interesting, creepy, have a slithering stronghold through history.

 

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My Top Ten Favorite Movies

I love movies. In fact, movies are probably what sparked my storytelling love even more than books. It’s hard for me to narrow my list down to just ten and most of these are old and bring back fond memories. Okay, so, here we go…

[image error] The Princess Bride

I love this one because it’s funny. It has elements of fantasy and pirates and knights in shining armor and princesses and romance. Pretty much everything I love is wrapped up in this one film. Excellent characters and acting. All around classic I’d watch year after year.

Favorite scene: ROUS’s

 

 

Star Wars

This one is probably on everyone’s list. It deserves a place of honor. It was way ahead of its time in both special effects and storytelling. I love anything that showcases the hero’s journey and this is one that works particularly well. I spent much of my childhood in love with Luke Skywalker. Always had a thing for the good guy boy-next-door type.

Favorite scene: the garbage pit

Titanic

I watched this one three times in the theater which has never, ever happened with any other movie. The special effects were amazing. I felt the danger, the freezing temperature of the water, and fell more in love with Leo than I already was.

Favorite scene: The top of the titanic before it sinks

Gone With the Wind

It was the costumes that did it for me more than anything else. It’s one of my mom’s favorite films and because of that I’ve seen it so many times I could quote all the lines by heart. Vivian Leigh creates such a powerful, memorable heroine, you cannot deny her impact.

Favorite scene: You need kissing badly…and by someone who knows how

[image error] Indiana Jones

The booby traps, the adventure, the hat, the whip, the snakes…what more could you ask for? I love all the adventures of Indiana Jones. If it wasn’t for dust, bugs, tight enclosed spaces, etc. I would have loved to be an archaeologist.

Favorite scene: The snakes

 

Avatar

I loved immersing myself in the world of Pandora. How cool was that place? It’s freaking awesome. The world building alone makes this one worth the watch. For me, it changed what was possible in film.

Favorite scene: Nighttime in Pandora

Jurassic Park

Going to this movie wasn’t just a thing you did to pass the time. It was something you planned on and thought about long before it was released. Seeing those dinosaurs chasing and eating the humans was epic. I fully expected those dinosaurs to be waiting for me in the parking lot.

Favorite scene: The water moving in the cup

Ghostbusters

I don’t think there is a better SNL retiree comedic team movie than this one. It’s fun. It’s silly. The special effects are cool. The ghosts are awesome. The car. The old firehouse. It’s just a classic that I watch every Halloween.

Favorite scene: The nerd party

The Sound of Music

I could listen to Julie Andrews all day long. She’s a fantastic actress and no one can top her voice. I spent years wishing she was my governess. Love the movie. Love her.

Favorite scene: the party

 

[image error]Pirates of the Caribbean

What can top Johnny Depp as Captain Jack? I loved this ride at Disneyland way before they made the movie. I’ve always loved pirate films. I used to watch the Voyages of Sinbad and Jason and the Argonauts when I was little and this franchise is just awesome. The special effects, the ships, the characters–all amazing.

Favorite scene: Anything with Jack Sparrow

There you go. My top ten movies of all time. Note that I purposely did not include any animated films. I’ll do another top ten list for that category later. What are your top picks? Are any of them the same as mine? Let me know in the comments section.

Share the REIGNITED Book Trailer Contest Winner Announced!

The long awaited moment is finally here! Colleen Houck has teamed with Crush Creative again for a book trailer, REIGNITED. After much collaboration and creative genius, we are excited to bring you the new trailer,

From New York Times bestselling author Colleen Houck comes a novella full of celestial marvel, passion, betrayal, and evil that will grow to reign over humanity forever.

In celebration of this book trailer reveal, we hosted a contest where one lucky person will win a REIGNITED PRIZE PACKAGE (includes an advanced reader copy of REIGNITED and lots, lots more)! Thanks to all who participated in this one!

And the winner is . . .

Jess Wipperman

Congrats!!!

Linda Louise Lotti

Winner Announced! – Dress up the cover REUNITED Contest of the month + a BONUS contest

I think this might be one of my favorite contests.  I love all the beautiful things you all found that match so well with the book cover.

Look how beautiful these are!

#1st Place Agathe

2nd Place Foxy Lula

3rd Place  Natalie Arroyo

 

Dress up the REUNITED Book Cover Contest!

This contest will be so fun because the cover is just beautiful!

 

This contest will be just like the ones in the past where you pick a few fun items and put them all together in a graphic collage.  I like to pretend I’m going to the movie premier for this book and imagine what I would wear on the red carpet and then start to design my look.

 

 

Here are a few examples

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For those of you who have read the Reawakened series already, you’d know Lily is the 17 year old heroine from New York who comes from money but doesn’t let it get to her head. She’s a talented artist, smart, brave and a bit sassy.

She finds herself in the wrong place at the wrong time when a mummy rises from the dead and binds himself to her. He is an Egyptian to die for in every sense of the word!

Here’s how the contest will work,

Create and design a pin where you dress up the REUNITED book cover on Pinterest (check the examples above)
Share your Pin by providing the link in the comments below for others to check out!

 

That’s it! If you haven’t read the books, hurry and pick them up and join the contest! You won’t be disappointed.

 

One Grand Prize Winner will receive  a Dream Lily Package including (Advanced copy of  REUNITED, books, beauty goodies, jewelry, and more!)

 

This contest will run for the entire month of March 2017

Good luck and happy pinning!

 

Both contests run from March 1st – 31st

 

BONUS CONTEST:

Enter to win an additional book from Colleen’s series just do one or all (to increase your odds of winning a 2nd book)

Pick a book to win
Follow Colleen on Twitter
Add Reignited to Good Reads “To Read” list
Add Reunited to Good Reads “To Read”  list
Link a review of any of Colleen’s books on Amazon or Good Reads (just follow the instructions below)  This one is worth 5 x more points

On GoodReads

Find the book
Review the book
hover over “My Review” and right click over it to click on and copy the link
paste the link in the proper area on the Rafflecopter

On Amazon.com

Find the book
Review the book
hover over the “title” of your review and right click over it to click on and copy the link
paste the link in the proper area on the Rafflecopter

 

 

Shara

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Dress up the cover REUNITED Contest of the month + a BONUS contest

Introducing . . .

Dress up the REUNITED Book Cover Contest!

This contest will be so fun because the cover is just beautiful!

 

This contest will be just like the ones in the past where you pick a few fun items and put them all together in a graphic collage.  I like to pretend I’m going to the movie premier for this book and imagine what I would wear on the red carpet and then start to design my look.

 

 

Here are a few examples

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For those of you who have read the Reawakened series already, you’d know Lily is the 17 year old heroine from New York who comes from money but doesn’t let it get to her head. She’s a talented artist, smart, brave and a bit sassy.

She finds herself in the wrong place at the wrong time when a mummy rises from the dead and binds himself to her. He is an Egyptian to die for in every sense of the word!

Here’s how the contest will work,

Create and design a pin where you dress up the REUNITED book cover on Pinterest (check the examples above)
Share your Pin by providing the link in the comments below for others to check out!

 

That’s it! If you haven’t read the books, hurry and pick them up and join the contest! You won’t be disappointed.

 

One Grand Prize Winner will receive  a Dream Lily Package including (Advanced copy of  REUNITED, books, beauty goodies, jewelry, and more!)

 

This contest will run for the entire month of March 2017

Good luck and happy pinning!

 

Both contests run from March 1st – 31st

 

BONUS CONTEST:

Enter to win an additional book from Colleen’s series just do one or all (to increase your odds of winning a 2nd book)

Pick a book to win
Follow Colleen on Twitter
Add Reignited to Good Reads “To Read” list
Add Reunited to Good Reads “To Read”  list
Link a review of any of Colleen’s books on Amazon or Good Reads (just follow the instructions below)  This one is worth 5 x more points

On GoodReads

Find the book
Review the book
hover over “My Review” and right click over it to click on and copy the link
paste the link in the proper area on the Rafflecopter

On Amazon.com

Find the book
Review the book
hover over the “title” of your review and right click over it to click on and copy the link
paste the link in the proper area on the Rafflecopter

 

 

Shara

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Modern Ink Society-Featuring Author Gretchen McNeil

FEATURING GUEST

Gretchen McNeil

An Author’s Week in Photos

Welcome to the twenty-ninth session of

THE MODERN INK SOCIETY!

“Imagination is the key to my lyrics. The rest is painted with a little science fiction.”

                                                                   — Jimi Hendrix

Introducing Gretchen











Bio: Gretchen McNeil is the author of the standalone YA horror novels POSSESS, TEN, 3:59, and RELIC; GET EVEN and GET DIRTY, part of the Don’t Get Mad series; and the contemporary comedy I’M NOT YOUR MANIC PIXIE DREAM GIRL. Gretchen is a former coloratura soprano, the voice of Mary on G4’s Code Monkeys and she sings with the LA-based circus troupe Cirque Berzerk.

 

Gretchen’s latest Novel

Here’s a little teaser

Beatrice Maria Estrella Giovannini has life all figured out. She’s starting senior year at the top of her class, she’s a shoo-in for a scholarship to M.I.T., and she’s got a new boyfriend she’s crazy about. The only problem: All through high school Bea and her best friends Spencer and Gabe have been the targets of horrific bullying.

So Bea uses her math skills to come up with The Formula, a 100% mathematically-guaranteed path to social happiness in high school. Now Gabe is on his way to becoming Student Body President, and Spencer is finally getting his art noticed. But when her boyfriend dumps her for Toile, the quirky new girl at school, Bea realizes it’s time to use The Formula for herself. She’ll be reinvented as the eccentric and lovable Trixie—a quintessential manic pixie dream girl—in order to win her boyfriend back and beat new-girl Toile at her own game.

Unfortunately, being a manic pixie dream girl isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, and “Trixie” is causing unexpected consequences for her friends. As The Formula begins to break down, can Bea find a way to reclaim her true identity, and fix everything she’s messed up? Or will the casualties of her manic pixie experiment go far deeper than she could possibly imagine?

 An Author’s Week in Photos



Monday

NEW SHOES! I have to admit – I already owned two pairs of yellow pumps.  But how could I resist these flowers?  THEY ARE HAND STITCHED!!!  *swoons*

 

 

Tuesday
 
 I wore those new shoes to a school visit in Los Angeles with YA Author B.T. Gottfred. Check out the amazing book art at this library!

 

 

 

Wednesday


While walking my dog in the neighborhood, I came across these two off leash, running around a neighbor’s front yard. I finally managed to get a number from one of the tags and called the owner who lived across the street and fetched them. Crisis averted! Dogs off leash in Los Angeles make me incredibly nervous.

 

Thursday


The season open of the fabulous Book’d event in Los Angeles, with fellow YA author Romina Russell and adult authors Patricia Smiley and C.D. Reiss. Great turn out, great reaction to the passage I read from I’M NOT YOUR MANIC PIXIE DREAM GIRL, but clearly, seated is not my best look…

 

Friday


lunch with an old friend on a busy, rainy day in Los Angeles. Our waiter looked so much like Dominic Cooper I did a double take. Only in Los Angeles, right?

 

Saturday


Flight to Chicago! I packed some old horror favorites to read, looking for inspiration for my next book. I’m not sure horror is such a great choice for a four hour flight, but at least it wasn’t Matheson’s Nightmare at 20,000 Feet, right?

 

Sunday

Signing at The Book Stall in Winnetka, IL, again with my friend B.T. Gottfred. My husband’s cousins drove all the way up from Bloomington to see us! Absolutely charming bookstore, and I applaud the locals for coming out on a frigid SuperBowl Sunday to see us.

 

Wow thanks for sharing Gretchen! Her week looks like it was so much fun! It’s good to see that a writer’s life isn’t always deadlines and typing while hunched over a keyboard, sipping soda or coffee to stay awake. There are perks too! Book release day must be such a big moment in the life of an author.

For those of you who’d like to learn more about Gretchen and her books, go to her website.

Until next time,

Linda Louise Lotti

Ten Gifts to Give an Author

Since Valentine’s Day is near, I’ve been thinking about something I’d like other than chocolate, which, in my opinion, is pretty much the best gift ever. Here’s a list of some cute things I’ve found on Pinterest that an author might like to get for Valentines Day, a birthday, Christmas, or an anniversary. These are all pinned on my Just Cute board.

 A New Desk

This one comes from Design Toscano, which is one of the places I go to frequently to find statues for my curio cabinets. This desk is little small for what I want in my future office and it’s a spendy gift, but its so cute! 

 

 Book Shirts/Sweatshirts

What’s great about this one, is that it’s very true. Writers pull from life experiences, and I can say that I absolutely put in things my husband has said or mean girls in high school have said to me. It’s also a good way to advertise just by walking around in public wearing it. You might want to consider a tee that says my wife is a writer. Ask me about it. Also, don’t forget to carry around bookmarks.

An Embosser

I have a set of embossers and use them to stamp books when I do signings. Each one is unique and labeled to match a particular book. At some point I might have to give this up since they’re heavy and I can’t really take all of them with me any more. But I love having something unique to mark signed books with. I use The Stampmaker to create mine.

Book Socks

What can I say about these except that they are awesome and all the writers need a pair. Also if your writer friend, spouse, etc. writes about dragons or pyramids, you might try going for a theme and getting a bunch of pairs. Personally, I also really appreciate warm, fuzzy socks since I write at home and my feet are often cold.

 

 Unique Tableware

I can’t even tell you how much I love this set. I’m one of those people who very much enjoy hosting parties on holidays and special occasions. How awesome would this be for a reading club luncheon?

 

 A Book Skirt

This one is so cute! As an author, I often attend writing conferences and there are a lot of dress up opportunities. This would be a fun addition to any author’s wardrobe. Also consider a steampunk bustle in the same material. 

 

 Interesting Office Supplies

Since a lot of us authors work at our desks for hours, it would be great to have some kind of drink holder. Also consider a mini fridge and a drawer for snacks. 

 

 Book Teapot

Did you know authors all love tea? You disagree? Well I can guarantee all authors love to drink certain beverages while they write. This teapot is just super cute. Also would serve for a great centerpiece for a book club.

 

 Customized Luggage

You could create a photo collage of all the book covers or blow up just one to create a customized carry on. It would be easy to find in baggage claim and might just generate more interest in an author’s books.

 

 

 A Book Mirror

This would look awesome in a writer’s office. Also, when you’re checking out your face without makeup and the hair you didn’t brush, the lines of the books break up your image enough that you can pretend you look acceptable when the mailman rings the doorbell.

 

 

And there you have it. My top ten gifts to give that author in your life. Also…chocolate. An author can never have too much of that.

Colleen

The love story of the Lion and the Unicorn

Love story?  Aren’t the Lion and the Unicorn only unified on the English coat of arms in 1603? Well Colleen’s imagination created a devoted couple out of the below unification.

In 1603 when Scotland’s King James VI became James I of England unifying the Scottish and English kingdom. The unified countries required a new royal coat of arms combining England’s lion and Scotland’s unicorns.  Note the poem of this union.

The lion and the unicorn
Were fighting for the crown
The lion beat the unicorn
All around the town.


Some gave them white bread,
And some gave them brown;
Some gave them plum cake
and drummed them out of town.

 

I had never heard this nursery rhyme until I studied about the unification of the English Kingdom.  It’s simple and has even been set to music.

 

 

 

 

However Collen has re-imagined this relationship to be one of sacrifice and love. At the end of RECREATED  Nebu the golden steed takes Lily and Tia on a long journey.  Tia is uncomfortable on this journey and doesn’t trust him.  However she hesitantly listens as Nebu tells of the Unicorn and the Lion, or as Tia puts it the Lion and the Unicorn, making sure the Lion is credited first in the story.

Nebu starts with describing the lovely young maiden who was a princess and was so bless by the gods with charm, beauty, kindness, and “heartbreaking purity.”  All men that saw her fell in love with her. She was so virtuous that those who came near felt a desire to become like her, her equal.  Many came from afar to woo her and prayed to persuade her to marry them.  However neither the rich nor poor, handsome prince nor peasant caught her eye. The maiden only cared about what was on the inside. She would take the hand of each man and look deep into his eyes all the way through to his soul.  If they flinched and could not endure her gaze they knew they were unworthy and left.

 

As the suitors dwindled the maiden felt lonely and despaired that she would never find a worth mate.  One day in the forest by a cool pond she dipped her feet, and a lion appeared.  He instantly fell in love with her, although she was frightened, she looked deep into his eyes and found no malice.  She found her match. The maiden took the new companion home to meet her father, the King.   He agreed to the marriage but not until the Spring which gave the couple time to get to know one another.  Those humans who used to fill her days now would not approach and risk their lives just to spend time with the maiden princess. Which the lion was fine with, since he liked to keep her all to himself.

 

They were equal in most ways except one, that she did not eat meat.  The lion did, but only to satisfy his hunger.  This bothered the princess because she loved all creatures and knew that his hunger was sated by innocent creatures.  She cried over each kill and pleaded with the lion to stop.  As he complied, eating only fruits and vegetables he became weak, but he would continue to eat this way because he loved her.

 

One afternoon they wen to the forest and had a picnic of strawberries, apples, and carrots.  The lion was still hungry but fell asleep.  The maiden went for a walk and came upon a home of a noble unicorn. (Tia rolled her eyes at this part)  The unicorn came out to meet the delicate human and loved everything about her.  This unicorn was pure, worthy, and a perfect match.  She was drawn to him as well, but this knowledge broke her heart.

 

The princess stayed with the unicorn all afternoon and told him they could never be together since she was already betrothed. She was not the type of person to break a promise.  He laid her head in his lap and decided to make the best of the stolen time they had together. As the sun set they knew their time was up.  She left telling him they would never see each other again.

 

The princess was true to her word and never came back, but the unicorn could not erase her from his mind.  So he stole into the human world to see her.  Using his one power, which was the alicorn, or the horn on the top of his head he bargained with the lion offering the horn which would change the lion’s body so he could survive on grains, fruits, and vegetables and regain his strength.  The bargain was struck and the unicorn knelt down for the lion could cut the alicorn from the head of the unicorn unable to extract it himself.  Once the horn was extracted the unicorn became as a mortal horse loosing all his powers.  The lion was strong again and brought the horn to the princess.  The princess wept because of this act the lion became unworthily of the princess since he harmed another to selfishly benefit himself. The unicorn came to the princess asking if he could now be with her, but even though there was no malice in his heart-“the girl hesitated.”

 

The lion felt tricked by the unicorn and a tribunal of the gods determined that they both would be rebuked.  In despair at the outcome the princess took the broken alicorn and plunged it deep into her breast.  After she died the lion and the unicorn didn’t care about what happened to them they only wanted to reunite with the girl they loved.  The angry tribunal didn’t grant their wish and punished all lions to the human world and sentenced them to always be a war with the humans.  The unicorns punishment was one of solitude.  They would be forbidden to show themselves to mortals, and were to live their immortal life without progressing to the afterlife.

 

 

As you can see this is a story of sacrifice, love, despair, longing, and heartbreak.  Love can change us, but I hope it will change you for the better and bring you joy like my sweetheart does for me.

 

Shara

PS-  An interesting tidbit.  Do you remember when Kelsey and Kishan were in Shangri la and met the apple eating Lion?  I wonder if it’s the same lion?  Thoughts?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Book Reviews For Kids By Kids- The Lightning Thief and Trails of Apollo: The Hidden Oracle

For those of you who are looking for new books appropriate for middle grade that both boys and girls might enjoy, this is the place to look!

Every month, a new book (or two) will be added for review right here and they will be reviewed by the best critics, KIDS! That’s right, the one’s who read them will be the judge!

This blog is written by my quirky and adorable niece, Madelyn. She’s super sweet and quite ambitious in everything she sets her mind to. She’s quick to help and give hugs, two of my favoritist things!

 First, for those just tuning in, may I introduce Madelyn . .

“I’m a freshman who recently started high school. I have a HUGE love of books. My entire family are book nerds. I have a sister named Madison and a brother named Michael. It’s hard for me to find boring books. I read all the TIME!”

And now, introducing our 21st middle grade book review for kids, by kids!

                                               Book Review of The Lightning Thief

                                                                  By Rick Riordan

Book Commercial

    This takes place in, New York with a twelve year old kid named Percy Jackson. Percy Jackson lives with his mom, Sally and goes to school. He has ADHD and Dyslexia. He goes on a class field trip to a museum and something odd happens. His teacher turns into an ancient Greek monster called a fury. His Latin teacher gives him a pen sword and Percy Attacks her, killing her.

    A couple of weeks later, Percy’s Friend, Grover takes him and his mother to Camp Half Blood, a camp for Greek demigods, children of the Greek gods. Percy’s mother is captured and Percy goes to the camp where he meets Annabeth Chase, Daughter of Athena.

    At the camp, Percy is claimed by his Greek parent, Poseidon. He is then told by his Latin teacher, who is a centaur, that he must find Zeus’ lightning bolt. He heads off to the Underworld with Grover and Annabeth to find the bolt. In the end, Percy does find the bolt, but the culprit of the bolt is who Percy least expects it to be. And his purpose becomes more surprising as the books continue.  

    I really enjoyed this book. I’ve been a long time fan of the series and love reading it. I recommend this book to anyone who loves reading about Greek gods, action, and magic. This book will always be one of my favorite books.

                             Book Review of Trails of Apollo: The Hidden Oracle
                                                  By Rick Riordan






Book Commercial
This story starts with the God Apollo free falling through the sky. He was just kicked out of Olympus by Zeus and was turned into a teenage boy. He finally lands on trash and is New York. He gets mugged by two boys and is saved by a girl named Meg who has “claimed his service” as part of his punishment. Meg is obviously a demigod who is on the run. The two venture of to find help from Percy Jackson. He offers to take them to Camp Half-blood.

They are dropped off at camp with a couple of mishaps. Percy heads off and Apollo and Meg explain the situation to Chiron. Chiron welcomes them into camp and explains that campers have been going missing. After a couple of days, two more go missing and Apollo figures out that the Oracle grove, Dodona has returned. Apollo and meg head off to find the grove and get separated. When they finally get to the grove, they face an enemy who wishes to destroy Apollo. In the end, Apollo is betrayed by someone dear to him and he heads off to find the other oracles.
 
I loved this book. I love everything to do with the Percy Jackson Series and the world of Percy Jackson. It really brings you in, makes you laugh, cry, and smile. I recommend this book to anyone who loves the Percy Jackson series because it is an awesome book.

Here’s a list and links to the other books we’ve reviewed:

Kingdom Keepers: Disney after Dark by Ridley Pearson

Midnight for Charlie Bone by Jenny Nimmo

The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan

The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling

The Blackthorn Key By Kevin Sands

A Map to Everywhere By Carrie Ryan and John Parke Davis

Greek Mythology by Ken Jennings

Fairest by Gail Carson Levine

The Tale of Emily Windsnap by Liz Kessler

Wednesdays in the Tower by Jessica Day George

The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo

Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery by Deborah and James Howe

A to Z Mysteries: White House White Out by Ron Roy

The Sisters Grimm: The Problem Child by Michael Buckley

Captain Underpants and the Attack of the Talking Toilets (In full color) by Dav Pilkey

Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

Invasion of the Overworld by Mark Cheverton

Igraine the Brave by Cornelia Funke

The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis

Spiderwick Chronicles by Tony Di’Terlizzi and Holly Black

Artemis Fowl, book 1 by Eoin Colfer

The BFG (The Big Friendly Giant) by Roald Dahl

How to Train Your Dragon: How to Break a Dragon’s Heart, Book # 8 by Cressida Cowell

~ Till next time,

Linda Louise Lotti

Dress up your favorite Romantic Scene Contest with a BONUS CONTEST-Winner Announced

The winner for this contest is

Cali Willette

This is another creative contest.  What we want if for you to take a romantic scene from any of Colleen’s books in either series and create a graphic or picture of it. To get your juices flowing here are a few romantic settings.

 

Remember this scene in The Princess Bride movie?

 

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This reminds me of Kelsey Dancing with Kishan or Ren

 

 

 

I’ll create one for you so you can see how to do it.  You can use any program you want and then pin the picture to Pinterest and paste the link below.  Make sure to tell us what scene you are creating.  There are so many to choose from.  Which is your favorite?  I love the 1st date Ren and Kelsey share at the hotel at the end of Tiger’s Curse.

 

 

 

 

Here’s my first attempt.  I included the orange rolls, the candlelit table, Kelsey’s purple dress and strappy shoes, and even the nut crusted fish.

 

 

 

Your prize will be any ONE of Colleen’s Books,  and a huge box filled with beauty goodies from e.l.f. so you can get ready for your upcoming romantic date.

 

Pick any ONE of these books

 

 

Plus this huge goodie bag full of date night goodies!

 

 

 

Make sure you list what the scene is on your graphic and when you post it which book you would like to win.

 

Good luck!!!!

 

Both contests run from February 1st – 28th

BONUS CONTEST:

Enter to win an additional book out of the list from above just do one or all (to increase your odds of winning a 2nd book)

Pick a 2nd book to win
Follow Colleen on Twitter
Add Reignited to Good Reads “To Read” list
Add Reunited to Good Reads “To Read”  list
Link a review of any of Colleen’s books on Amazon or Good Reads (just follow the instructions below)  This one is worth 5 x more points

On GoodReads

Find the book
Review the book
hover over “My Review” and right click over it to click on and copy the link
paste the link in the proper area on the Rafflecopter

On Amazon.com

Find the book
Review the book
hover over the “title” of your review and right click over it to click on and copy the link
paste the link in the proper area on the Rafflecopter

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Shara

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