Dale Ibitz's Blog, page 16
August 1, 2012
Book Review: Silence, by Becca Fitzpatrick
Silence
Becca Fitzpatrick
In book 3 of the Hush, Hush series, Nora is out of it, and Patch makes sacrifices (as usual). But they need to work together to take down the bad-ass. It's sort of like starting over for them, because Nora can't remember anything...which sucks when someone's trying to kill you.
This is another great installment, and the plot thickens in the continuing saga. The story picks up where #2 leaves off, but we are not left scrambling to remember what occurred before, as the author nicely weaves in the information from previous books that we need to continue on. We have twists and turns, and see some familiar faces...though we don't see as much of Vee in this book as I'd like, because she is a great character!
I wanted to strangle Nora at times, especially when she comes across as a selfish, spoiled little brat. She redeems herself in the end, but as usual, Nora's attitude knocks a star off my rating. She's like a polar opposite of Patch, who would (and does) sacrifice everything for Nora.
The series continues to rock, however, and I highly recommend it.
Becca Fitzpatrick
In book 3 of the Hush, Hush series, Nora is out of it, and Patch makes sacrifices (as usual). But they need to work together to take down the bad-ass. It's sort of like starting over for them, because Nora can't remember anything...which sucks when someone's trying to kill you.
This is another great installment, and the plot thickens in the continuing saga. The story picks up where #2 leaves off, but we are not left scrambling to remember what occurred before, as the author nicely weaves in the information from previous books that we need to continue on. We have twists and turns, and see some familiar faces...though we don't see as much of Vee in this book as I'd like, because she is a great character!
I wanted to strangle Nora at times, especially when she comes across as a selfish, spoiled little brat. She redeems herself in the end, but as usual, Nora's attitude knocks a star off my rating. She's like a polar opposite of Patch, who would (and does) sacrifice everything for Nora.
The series continues to rock, however, and I highly recommend it.
July 30, 2012
Book Review: Hollowland, by Amanda Hocking
Hollowland
Amanda Hocking
My rating: 4 stars
The quarantine Remy is staying in is being over-run by zombies. When she tries to find her 8 year old 'sick' brother, she finds he's been evacuated from the medical facility to another quarantine. Remy strikes out on her own, tailed by a couple of friends, to find her brother. It's extremely important to Remy that she find her brother, since she promised to protect him after their parents died.
This book is full of energy and excitement and action. The characters are portrayed well, the plot runs along without any hitches, and the setting is well-drawn and easy to imagine.
Remy is a strong character; she knows what she wants to and she doesn't get all squeamish when she has to do some of the things she does. She wants to be tougher than she really is deep inside, and despite not wanting to make friends and allies...she does. And, she's funny, with many a witty remark that I found quite clever.
The one weakness I found in the book was that there was no chemistry between Remy and the love interest (I'm not saying who it is, because I didn't figure it out right away). And maybe that's the problem; it was hard to figure out who the love interest was initially because of the lack of chemistry.
Despite that, I thought it was a good read, and plan to keep reading the series.
Amanda Hocking
My rating: 4 stars
The quarantine Remy is staying in is being over-run by zombies. When she tries to find her 8 year old 'sick' brother, she finds he's been evacuated from the medical facility to another quarantine. Remy strikes out on her own, tailed by a couple of friends, to find her brother. It's extremely important to Remy that she find her brother, since she promised to protect him after their parents died.
This book is full of energy and excitement and action. The characters are portrayed well, the plot runs along without any hitches, and the setting is well-drawn and easy to imagine.
Remy is a strong character; she knows what she wants to and she doesn't get all squeamish when she has to do some of the things she does. She wants to be tougher than she really is deep inside, and despite not wanting to make friends and allies...she does. And, she's funny, with many a witty remark that I found quite clever.
The one weakness I found in the book was that there was no chemistry between Remy and the love interest (I'm not saying who it is, because I didn't figure it out right away). And maybe that's the problem; it was hard to figure out who the love interest was initially because of the lack of chemistry.
Despite that, I thought it was a good read, and plan to keep reading the series.
July 25, 2012
In the Hot Seat with author Christine Anderson
Today, author Christine Anderson is taking a turn in the hot seat. Christine Anderson is the author of Life of the Party. This is a gritty, raw look at a teenager who spirals into addiction. It's an intense, realistic look at what addiction is all about.
About the book (taken from Goodreads): Seventeen-year-old Mackenzie Taylor can't wait to be free; free from high school, the shadow of her perfect older sister, and her disapproving parents. The rebellious party girl has a perfect accomplice in best friend Riley, a boy from the wrong side of the tracks who scores them drugs, booze and under-age entry into the only club in town. But then everything changes. A traumatized Riley suddenly decides to give up the party life, and a wide-eyed Mackenzie meets Grey Lewis, a broodingly talented, gorgeous older man she falls instantly in love with. Though Riley warns her to stay away, the aspiring rock star's body and ample drug supply are too tempting for her to resist. Previously inseparable, Riley and Mackenzie go their separate ways.
When summer hits, Mackenzie has new friends, a new apartment and new drugs to mask the pain of Riley's absence. And of course, she has Grey. But despite the fierce, consuming passion they share, the mysterious bad-boy always leaves her guessing. Is Grey really a good guy? Or was Riley right about him all along? Mackenzie's in too deep to care. Unable to curb her mounting addictions, before long the lust-for-life teen totally loses control. She forgets Riley, forgets life, forgets everything but Grey and their next hit.
But luckily for Mackenzie...Riley has never forgotten about her.*******Sounds intense! Now, on to the hot seat!
Dale: Tell us a little about Mackenzie.
Christine: Mackenzie is really smart and talented, but embittered by feelings of inferiority, she gives up and starts rebelling. She's young and naive. She tries to seem bad-ass, but deep down she's a really good person who desperately wants to feel loved--even if the people/things that give her that feeling aren't good for her.
Dale: OK, now tell us something about Mackenzie that we *don't* know...something that's not in the book.
Christine: Riley was the one that introduced Mackenzie to weed, and at first she didn't like it. It made her feel slow and stupid. But when Riley started spending more time with his pot-smoking friends than her, she made herself keep doing it. And before long, she loved it.
Dale: Where do you get your inspiration to write?
Christine: God inspires me every day. I always hope my writing will send a positive message to whoever reads it, and maybe help someone with the same struggles I faced before I knew Him.
Dale: What's the first book you read that made you catch your breath? Christine: Meridon, by Phillipa Gregory. That book is so brilliant, even if you don't read the first two in the Wideacre series. By the end I was white-knuckling the pages.
Dale: If your book was to become a movie...a. What would the theme song be?
The Familiar Taste of Poison, by Halestorm. Or Nothing Special by Ill Scarlett
b. Who would play Mackenzie?
Sarah Hyland
(Dale: She's a cute little pip, huh?)
c. Who would play Riley? Joseph Gordon-Levitt
d. Who would play Grey?
Mark Salling...with blue eyes of course.
(Dale: Having read the book, these are great choices!)
Dale: When you write, are you a plotter or a pantser?
Christine: A bit of both. I don't write anything down, but I picture all the major scenes in my head first and figure out the basic plot. Then, as I write, the story tends to take on a life of it's own, so a lot of it changes on a whim. I work out the plot kinks as I go and do a LOT of re-writing.
Dale: When did you first realize that you wanted to become a writer?
Christine: I love to write, it's always been a hobby/passion of mine. After I had my first baby, I definitely became more serious about it. If writing was my full time career...it would be a dream come true.
Dale: Do you listen to music when you write? If so, what music do you listen to?
Christine: Yes! I have to! When writing Life of the Party I listened to the same 30 songs over and over again. They helped me get into the setting and mood--heavier music, like Avenged Sevenfold and Rise Against.
Dale: Is there a little of yourself in any of your characters? If so, who?
Christine: Most definitely. I had a lot in common with Mackenzie when I was a teenager.
Dale: Hot seat questions:
a. Beach or mountains?
Beach...with mountains. Like Hawaii!
b. Summer or winter?
Summer! Summer! Summer!
c. White or dark chocolate?
White
d. Coffee or tea?
Coffee
e. Favorite TV show?
I don't watch a lot of tv, but Arrested Development is probably the most hilarious, cleverly written show I've ever seen.
f. Favorite color?
A dark, tealy blue. And red.
g. Favorite food?
Probably pancakes, with whipped cream and maple syrup. Or pasta. And cheese.
h. Cats or dogs?
Cats!
i. What was the last thing you ate?
Apple Toaster Strudel...it was delicious.
j. Morning person or night owl?
Night owl, I don't actually wake up until about 8:00 at night.
Thanks Christine for joining us today! If you want to check out Christine's book, you can stalk her at the usual places...
http://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=life+of+the+party
http://www.amazon.com/Life-Party-Christine-Anderson/dp/1450271812/
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/life-of-the-party-christine-anderson/1029603593?ean=9781450271813
About the book (taken from Goodreads): Seventeen-year-old Mackenzie Taylor can't wait to be free; free from high school, the shadow of her perfect older sister, and her disapproving parents. The rebellious party girl has a perfect accomplice in best friend Riley, a boy from the wrong side of the tracks who scores them drugs, booze and under-age entry into the only club in town. But then everything changes. A traumatized Riley suddenly decides to give up the party life, and a wide-eyed Mackenzie meets Grey Lewis, a broodingly talented, gorgeous older man she falls instantly in love with. Though Riley warns her to stay away, the aspiring rock star's body and ample drug supply are too tempting for her to resist. Previously inseparable, Riley and Mackenzie go their separate ways.
When summer hits, Mackenzie has new friends, a new apartment and new drugs to mask the pain of Riley's absence. And of course, she has Grey. But despite the fierce, consuming passion they share, the mysterious bad-boy always leaves her guessing. Is Grey really a good guy? Or was Riley right about him all along? Mackenzie's in too deep to care. Unable to curb her mounting addictions, before long the lust-for-life teen totally loses control. She forgets Riley, forgets life, forgets everything but Grey and their next hit.
But luckily for Mackenzie...Riley has never forgotten about her.*******Sounds intense! Now, on to the hot seat!
Dale: Tell us a little about Mackenzie.
Christine: Mackenzie is really smart and talented, but embittered by feelings of inferiority, she gives up and starts rebelling. She's young and naive. She tries to seem bad-ass, but deep down she's a really good person who desperately wants to feel loved--even if the people/things that give her that feeling aren't good for her.
Dale: OK, now tell us something about Mackenzie that we *don't* know...something that's not in the book.
Christine: Riley was the one that introduced Mackenzie to weed, and at first she didn't like it. It made her feel slow and stupid. But when Riley started spending more time with his pot-smoking friends than her, she made herself keep doing it. And before long, she loved it.
Dale: Where do you get your inspiration to write?
Christine: God inspires me every day. I always hope my writing will send a positive message to whoever reads it, and maybe help someone with the same struggles I faced before I knew Him.
Dale: What's the first book you read that made you catch your breath? Christine: Meridon, by Phillipa Gregory. That book is so brilliant, even if you don't read the first two in the Wideacre series. By the end I was white-knuckling the pages.
Dale: If your book was to become a movie...a. What would the theme song be?
The Familiar Taste of Poison, by Halestorm. Or Nothing Special by Ill Scarlett
b. Who would play Mackenzie?
Sarah Hyland
(Dale: She's a cute little pip, huh?)
c. Who would play Riley? Joseph Gordon-Levitt
d. Who would play Grey?
Mark Salling...with blue eyes of course.
(Dale: Having read the book, these are great choices!)
Dale: When you write, are you a plotter or a pantser?
Christine: A bit of both. I don't write anything down, but I picture all the major scenes in my head first and figure out the basic plot. Then, as I write, the story tends to take on a life of it's own, so a lot of it changes on a whim. I work out the plot kinks as I go and do a LOT of re-writing.
Dale: When did you first realize that you wanted to become a writer?
Christine: I love to write, it's always been a hobby/passion of mine. After I had my first baby, I definitely became more serious about it. If writing was my full time career...it would be a dream come true.
Dale: Do you listen to music when you write? If so, what music do you listen to?
Christine: Yes! I have to! When writing Life of the Party I listened to the same 30 songs over and over again. They helped me get into the setting and mood--heavier music, like Avenged Sevenfold and Rise Against.
Dale: Is there a little of yourself in any of your characters? If so, who?
Christine: Most definitely. I had a lot in common with Mackenzie when I was a teenager.
Dale: Hot seat questions:
a. Beach or mountains?
Beach...with mountains. Like Hawaii!
b. Summer or winter?
Summer! Summer! Summer!
c. White or dark chocolate?
White
d. Coffee or tea?
Coffee
e. Favorite TV show?
I don't watch a lot of tv, but Arrested Development is probably the most hilarious, cleverly written show I've ever seen.
f. Favorite color?
A dark, tealy blue. And red.
g. Favorite food?
Probably pancakes, with whipped cream and maple syrup. Or pasta. And cheese.
h. Cats or dogs?
Cats!
i. What was the last thing you ate?
Apple Toaster Strudel...it was delicious.
j. Morning person or night owl?
Night owl, I don't actually wake up until about 8:00 at night.
Thanks Christine for joining us today! If you want to check out Christine's book, you can stalk her at the usual places...
http://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=life+of+the+party
http://www.amazon.com/Life-Party-Christine-Anderson/dp/1450271812/
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/life-of-the-party-christine-anderson/1029603593?ean=9781450271813
Book Giveaway of What Kills Me
Author Wynne Channing is giving away 3 e-copies of her book, What Kills Me.
Check out her interview, and enter to win! The book looks awesome...and love the cover.
http://reading24x7.blogspot.com/2012/07/interview-with-wynne-channing-and.html?showComment=1343253004969#c5687940480354306396
About the book: An ancient prophecy warns of a girl destined to cause the extinction of the vampire race. So when 17-year-old Axelia falls into a sacred well filled with blood and emerges a vampire, the immortal empire believes she is this legendary destroyer. Hunted by soldiers and mercenaries, Axelia and her reluctant ally, the vampire bladesmith Lucas, must battle to survive. How will she convince the empire that she is just an innocent teenager-turned bloodsucker and not a creature of destruction? And if she cannot, can a vampire who is afraid of bugs summon the courage to fight a nation of immortals?
Check out her interview, and enter to win! The book looks awesome...and love the cover.
http://reading24x7.blogspot.com/2012/07/interview-with-wynne-channing-and.html?showComment=1343253004969#c5687940480354306396
About the book: An ancient prophecy warns of a girl destined to cause the extinction of the vampire race. So when 17-year-old Axelia falls into a sacred well filled with blood and emerges a vampire, the immortal empire believes she is this legendary destroyer. Hunted by soldiers and mercenaries, Axelia and her reluctant ally, the vampire bladesmith Lucas, must battle to survive. How will she convince the empire that she is just an innocent teenager-turned bloodsucker and not a creature of destruction? And if she cannot, can a vampire who is afraid of bugs summon the courage to fight a nation of immortals?
July 23, 2012
Book Review: Fix by Force, by Jason Warne
Fix by Force
Jason Warne
Spencer is entering senior year in high school. A loner, an outcast, and an athlete, he never quite fits in...no matter how hard he tries. He's always searching for ways to fix himself. And Zach--who is everything that Spencer wishes he could be--especially has it in for him, Spencer has one goal his senior year: lay low and graduate.
Yeah, like *that's* gonna happen!
Rating: 4 Stars
This cover is so right for this story.
This book is not an action-packed, on-the-edge-of-your-seat action thriller. It's an introspective look at a bullied loner's downward spiral into aggression and addiction. It highlights the lengths some kids will go to to fix themselves so that they can fit in with the crowd.
This story takes an in-depth look at how one teenager, Spencer, views his life, his family, and himself. He carries the emotional baggage from childhood through adolescence, seeing only what he thinks everyone else must see. No matter how hard he tries to fix himself, the image in the mirror never changes. It takes a series of traumatic events before Spencer can shatter that image and see what's been reflecting back at him all along.
I did sense a little author intrusion toward the end, a 'this is a life lesson' kind of thing, but that by no means detracts from the over-all story. This is a pretty dynamic read, and one that I recommend to readers of all agges.
Jason Warne
Spencer is entering senior year in high school. A loner, an outcast, and an athlete, he never quite fits in...no matter how hard he tries. He's always searching for ways to fix himself. And Zach--who is everything that Spencer wishes he could be--especially has it in for him, Spencer has one goal his senior year: lay low and graduate.
Yeah, like *that's* gonna happen!
Rating: 4 Stars
This cover is so right for this story.
This book is not an action-packed, on-the-edge-of-your-seat action thriller. It's an introspective look at a bullied loner's downward spiral into aggression and addiction. It highlights the lengths some kids will go to to fix themselves so that they can fit in with the crowd.
This story takes an in-depth look at how one teenager, Spencer, views his life, his family, and himself. He carries the emotional baggage from childhood through adolescence, seeing only what he thinks everyone else must see. No matter how hard he tries to fix himself, the image in the mirror never changes. It takes a series of traumatic events before Spencer can shatter that image and see what's been reflecting back at him all along.
I did sense a little author intrusion toward the end, a 'this is a life lesson' kind of thing, but that by no means detracts from the over-all story. This is a pretty dynamic read, and one that I recommend to readers of all agges.
July 20, 2012
Book Review: Crescendo, by Becca Fitzpatrick
Crescendo
Becca Fitzpatrick
Rating: 4
The 2nd installment in the Hush, Hush series, we find Nora and Patch taking his new angel status in stride. But things don't stay rosy for long. In fact, it doesn't take long until things head south, way down south, so far south it tears Nora and Patch apart. But Rixon and Vee are there for Nora, big-time. And someone from Nora's past knocks on her door.
The book starts on a happy note, but doesn't stay that way for long. Patch is unchanging, it seems. But Nora, hmmm, I don't know what to say. She seemed clingy, over-dramatic, and quick to jealous fits. She's everything that I don't like in women. There were times when I was like, "Patch! Dump her! She's baggage!"
The plot was good, but it was over-shadowed by my increasing annoyance with Nora. Unfortunately, if it weren't for Nora, I'd give this book 5 stars, but instead it drops to a 4. Otherwise very, very good book; great plot, great writing and, other than Nora, great characters.
Becca Fitzpatrick
Rating: 4
The 2nd installment in the Hush, Hush series, we find Nora and Patch taking his new angel status in stride. But things don't stay rosy for long. In fact, it doesn't take long until things head south, way down south, so far south it tears Nora and Patch apart. But Rixon and Vee are there for Nora, big-time. And someone from Nora's past knocks on her door.
The book starts on a happy note, but doesn't stay that way for long. Patch is unchanging, it seems. But Nora, hmmm, I don't know what to say. She seemed clingy, over-dramatic, and quick to jealous fits. She's everything that I don't like in women. There were times when I was like, "Patch! Dump her! She's baggage!"
The plot was good, but it was over-shadowed by my increasing annoyance with Nora. Unfortunately, if it weren't for Nora, I'd give this book 5 stars, but instead it drops to a 4. Otherwise very, very good book; great plot, great writing and, other than Nora, great characters.
July 18, 2012
In the Hot Seat! YA Author David D. Carroll
Hello pretties! Today I'm excited to have young adult author David D. Carroll sitting in the hot seat. David has penned a sweet young adult fantasy, Princess Nenji.
Princess Nenji
Nenji lives a quiet life, but with a longing for adventure. Barely considered royalty, her life is uprooted when the Dragon King sets out to eliminate the threat of the Lorac Family revealed by prophecy. Nenji has to learn quickly about magic, politics, and herself as she takes on the roles of young lady, witch, and queen.
And, he has a new book coming out soon, Dani and the Dragon.
Coming of age isn't easy for a homeless orphan girl. But when Mages, Kings, and Dragons all want to control her destiny, she must uncover her past to find her future.
Coming soon to an eReader near you!
Anyhoo, more about David's books later. Let's get him in the hot seat!
Dale: Tell us a little about Nenji and her adventures.
David: Nenji grew up on a farm, far from the large city of Lorac. Ever since the death of her father, five years prior, Nenji's mother has been drilling her on everything from calligraphy to proper balance, and how to use the right silverware. But being an adventurous 14 year old, she prefers spending time in the woods.
Several mages have attempted to meet with her, and she would love to meet with them, but her mother refuses. When a talking rooster arrives with an invitation to a clandestine meeting with a mage, how could she resist?
Nenji finds herself thrust into a great adventure, meeting monsters, dragons, kings, and other talking animals. She must learn why the Dragon King is hunting the royal family, and more importantly, how to stop him.
Dale: OK, now tell us something about Nenji that we *don't* know...something that's not in the book.
David: Nenji isn't the typical fantasy adventure princess. She's a bit overweight, has no desire to take the throne, and still mourns the loss of her father.
Dale: Where do you get your inspiration to write?
David: The best inspiration comes from God, and I strive to seek Him out. Magic and fantasy adventures have always intrigued me, and I have written them from a young age. I have quite an imagination, and a gift for prose. These characters feel so alive for me, they almost wrote the novel themselves.
Dale: What's the first book you read that made you catch your breath?
David: Terry Brooks: Magic Kingdom for Sale. Terry has a fantastic way of finding a new slant on the fantasy world. He makes his characters and his world come alive in my mind.
Dale: If you had a super-power, what would it be? David: If I could choose my super power, I would choose flight. That is why I gave it to Princess Nenji. To fly over the tops of the trees, or soar through the skies... As long as there isn't a dragon chasing me.
Dale: If you were an animal, what would it be...and why?
David: A Dragon. I have been fascinated with dragons since I was very young. This is one of the fantastical creatures which spans the globe. There are cultures in every corner of the globe who have some form of dragon in their mythology. They are extremely powerful, often arrogant, and occasionally benevolent.
Dale: If your book was to become a movie...
a. What would the theme song be?
David: I Believe I Could Fly by R. Kelly
b. Who would play Nenji?
David: If it is made soon, Dakota Fanning would make a good Nenji. She has shown her range of acting skills includes both the cute and the vicious. She would need both to play the character right.
(Dale: I couldn't agree more!)
Dale: When you write, are you a plotter or a pantser?
David: I haven't heard the term 'pantser' before, so I assume you mean fly by the seat of your pants. I do plot outlines, create rich characters to fill the roles necessary, and let the characters show me where changes in the plot are necessary.
(Dale: Yes, that's exactly what I mean!)
Dale: Where is your favorite place to write?
David: At my desk, in a room with no interruptions, and just a little music.
Dale: Do you listen to music when you write? If so, what music do you listen to?
David: Hahaha. I just answered that. To really get into the writing mood, I turn on They Might Be Giants on random play.
Dale: What creative process do you use to create your worlds?
David: For Princess Nenji, I spent several years reading and studying how different books portray magic, how it is used, how it is explained, and how it is controlled. From there, I developed my own form of magic, drawing on elements from many others. Then I needed to add in a rich backstory with major events a few years ago, a few thousand years ago, and tens of thousands of years ago. Each major event plays a significant role in the shape of the world and the political climate my characters live in.
Dale: Is there a little of yourself in any of your characters? If so, who?
David: There is a little bit of myself in every character I write. Otherwise, how could I understand them? We all have a dark side, and at times, mine is pitch black. I have long dreamed of flying, and I question authority when it doesn't make sense. Each of these things is expanded or exaggerated to become a major character trait in at least one character.
Dale: If Nenji was to come to our world, today, what would her reaction be?
David: She would be amazed by the level of technology, and even more amazed when she learns very few people in our world can control magic.
Dale: Hot seat questions:
a. Beach or mountains? Beach for short trips, mountains for long ones.
b. Summer or winter? Summer, definitely.
c. White or dark chocolate? Both, depending on mood.
d. Coffee or tea? Root Beer
e. Favorite TV show? Eureka, followed closely by Once Upon a Time
f. Favorite color? Green
g. Favorite food? Prime Rib
h. Cats or dogs? Both
i. What was the last thing you ate? Blueberry Cheesecake
j. Morning person or night owl? Usually Morning, sometimes both
David, I'm so glad you could sit in the hot seat today. It's been great getting to know more about you, and Nenji.
If you want to see more of David's works, and get your hands on Princess Nenji, hop on over to these links:
Paperback, eBook, and coming soon, Hardback!http://www.grendelmen.com
Paperbackhttps://www.createspace.com/Customer/EStore.do?id=3423432
eBookhttp://www.smashwords.com/books/view/8270
Princess Nenji
Nenji lives a quiet life, but with a longing for adventure. Barely considered royalty, her life is uprooted when the Dragon King sets out to eliminate the threat of the Lorac Family revealed by prophecy. Nenji has to learn quickly about magic, politics, and herself as she takes on the roles of young lady, witch, and queen.
And, he has a new book coming out soon, Dani and the Dragon.
Coming of age isn't easy for a homeless orphan girl. But when Mages, Kings, and Dragons all want to control her destiny, she must uncover her past to find her future.
Coming soon to an eReader near you!
Anyhoo, more about David's books later. Let's get him in the hot seat!
Dale: Tell us a little about Nenji and her adventures.
David: Nenji grew up on a farm, far from the large city of Lorac. Ever since the death of her father, five years prior, Nenji's mother has been drilling her on everything from calligraphy to proper balance, and how to use the right silverware. But being an adventurous 14 year old, she prefers spending time in the woods.
Several mages have attempted to meet with her, and she would love to meet with them, but her mother refuses. When a talking rooster arrives with an invitation to a clandestine meeting with a mage, how could she resist?
Nenji finds herself thrust into a great adventure, meeting monsters, dragons, kings, and other talking animals. She must learn why the Dragon King is hunting the royal family, and more importantly, how to stop him.
Dale: OK, now tell us something about Nenji that we *don't* know...something that's not in the book.
David: Nenji isn't the typical fantasy adventure princess. She's a bit overweight, has no desire to take the throne, and still mourns the loss of her father.
Dale: Where do you get your inspiration to write?
David: The best inspiration comes from God, and I strive to seek Him out. Magic and fantasy adventures have always intrigued me, and I have written them from a young age. I have quite an imagination, and a gift for prose. These characters feel so alive for me, they almost wrote the novel themselves.
Dale: What's the first book you read that made you catch your breath?
David: Terry Brooks: Magic Kingdom for Sale. Terry has a fantastic way of finding a new slant on the fantasy world. He makes his characters and his world come alive in my mind.
Dale: If you had a super-power, what would it be? David: If I could choose my super power, I would choose flight. That is why I gave it to Princess Nenji. To fly over the tops of the trees, or soar through the skies... As long as there isn't a dragon chasing me.
Dale: If you were an animal, what would it be...and why?
David: A Dragon. I have been fascinated with dragons since I was very young. This is one of the fantastical creatures which spans the globe. There are cultures in every corner of the globe who have some form of dragon in their mythology. They are extremely powerful, often arrogant, and occasionally benevolent.
Dale: If your book was to become a movie...
a. What would the theme song be?
David: I Believe I Could Fly by R. Kelly
b. Who would play Nenji?
David: If it is made soon, Dakota Fanning would make a good Nenji. She has shown her range of acting skills includes both the cute and the vicious. She would need both to play the character right.
(Dale: I couldn't agree more!)
Dale: When you write, are you a plotter or a pantser?
David: I haven't heard the term 'pantser' before, so I assume you mean fly by the seat of your pants. I do plot outlines, create rich characters to fill the roles necessary, and let the characters show me where changes in the plot are necessary.
(Dale: Yes, that's exactly what I mean!)
Dale: Where is your favorite place to write?
David: At my desk, in a room with no interruptions, and just a little music.
Dale: Do you listen to music when you write? If so, what music do you listen to?
David: Hahaha. I just answered that. To really get into the writing mood, I turn on They Might Be Giants on random play.
Dale: What creative process do you use to create your worlds?
David: For Princess Nenji, I spent several years reading and studying how different books portray magic, how it is used, how it is explained, and how it is controlled. From there, I developed my own form of magic, drawing on elements from many others. Then I needed to add in a rich backstory with major events a few years ago, a few thousand years ago, and tens of thousands of years ago. Each major event plays a significant role in the shape of the world and the political climate my characters live in.
Dale: Is there a little of yourself in any of your characters? If so, who?
David: There is a little bit of myself in every character I write. Otherwise, how could I understand them? We all have a dark side, and at times, mine is pitch black. I have long dreamed of flying, and I question authority when it doesn't make sense. Each of these things is expanded or exaggerated to become a major character trait in at least one character.
Dale: If Nenji was to come to our world, today, what would her reaction be?
David: She would be amazed by the level of technology, and even more amazed when she learns very few people in our world can control magic.
Dale: Hot seat questions:
a. Beach or mountains? Beach for short trips, mountains for long ones.
b. Summer or winter? Summer, definitely.
c. White or dark chocolate? Both, depending on mood.
d. Coffee or tea? Root Beer
e. Favorite TV show? Eureka, followed closely by Once Upon a Time
f. Favorite color? Green
g. Favorite food? Prime Rib
h. Cats or dogs? Both
i. What was the last thing you ate? Blueberry Cheesecake
j. Morning person or night owl? Usually Morning, sometimes both
David, I'm so glad you could sit in the hot seat today. It's been great getting to know more about you, and Nenji.
If you want to see more of David's works, and get your hands on Princess Nenji, hop on over to these links:
Paperback, eBook, and coming soon, Hardback!http://www.grendelmen.com
Paperbackhttps://www.createspace.com/Customer/EStore.do?id=3423432
eBookhttp://www.smashwords.com/books/view/8270
July 17, 2012
Interview
I was interviewed on the Making Connections blog! Feel free to blog hop and check it out.
:)
http://makingconnectionsgroup.blogspot.com/2012/07/author-interview-with-dale-ibitz.html?showComment=1342568139772#c7211968143682857201
:)
http://makingconnectionsgroup.blogspot.com/2012/07/author-interview-with-dale-ibitz.html?showComment=1342568139772#c7211968143682857201
July 16, 2012
Book Review: Shadow Demons, by Sarra Cannon
Shadow Demons
Sarra Cannon
This is Book 4 in the Peachville High Demons series. Harper is a powerful, albeit newbie, witch. She will lead the Peachville coven when she comes of age. The problem is that Harper disagrees with how the method the witches use to get the most powerful juice...basically, harnessing demons. This is especially hard for Harper since her boyfriend, Jackson, is a demon.
Jackson is an incredibly sexy character. I love Jackson, and he doesn't fail me in this installment. Harper is true to character; she's real and down-to-earth and is one of those characters that you root for right from the start. In Book 4, we're still rooting for her. I was surprised to see that there is another book after this one; for some reason, I thought the series was ending with Book 4...I'm happy to see another book and look forward to reading it.
If you've been following this series--and if you haven't, you should--you'll find in this book we see more behind the scenes with the coven. It may look pretty and manicured on the outside, but on the inside it's full of back-stabbing politics and power-hungry, greedy evil-doers.
My biggest complaint with this book is that it's been a while since I read Book 3, and the author didn't do enough to remind me of where we left off in the plot, who some of the minor characters are, and vague references to events in Book 3 that seemed incredibly important, but I couldn't remember. I almost considered putting the book down and re-reading Book 3 to get myself up to speed, and vetoed that idea and plowed through, with the hopes that continued reading would jar my memory. It didn't.
Overall, though, I still liked the book immensely, but is one of those series that you're better off reading straight through.
Sarra Cannon
This is Book 4 in the Peachville High Demons series. Harper is a powerful, albeit newbie, witch. She will lead the Peachville coven when she comes of age. The problem is that Harper disagrees with how the method the witches use to get the most powerful juice...basically, harnessing demons. This is especially hard for Harper since her boyfriend, Jackson, is a demon.
Jackson is an incredibly sexy character. I love Jackson, and he doesn't fail me in this installment. Harper is true to character; she's real and down-to-earth and is one of those characters that you root for right from the start. In Book 4, we're still rooting for her. I was surprised to see that there is another book after this one; for some reason, I thought the series was ending with Book 4...I'm happy to see another book and look forward to reading it.
If you've been following this series--and if you haven't, you should--you'll find in this book we see more behind the scenes with the coven. It may look pretty and manicured on the outside, but on the inside it's full of back-stabbing politics and power-hungry, greedy evil-doers.
My biggest complaint with this book is that it's been a while since I read Book 3, and the author didn't do enough to remind me of where we left off in the plot, who some of the minor characters are, and vague references to events in Book 3 that seemed incredibly important, but I couldn't remember. I almost considered putting the book down and re-reading Book 3 to get myself up to speed, and vetoed that idea and plowed through, with the hopes that continued reading would jar my memory. It didn't.
Overall, though, I still liked the book immensely, but is one of those series that you're better off reading straight through.
July 14, 2012
Pic of the Week
It's been a while since I posted some of Cassie's pictures, but that doesn't mean she hasn't been busy with her camera! Here are a few I especially like. I hope you enjoy them!
