Gretchen C. Hohmeyer's Blog, page 91
June 14, 2012
Review: “The Golden Lily” by Richelle Mead
The Golden Lily (Bloodlines #2) by Richelle Mead
Tough, brainy alchemist Sydney Sage and doe-eyed Moroi princess Jill Dragomir are in hiding at a human boarding school in the sunny, glamorous world of Palm Springs, California. The students–children of the wealthy and powerful–carry on with their lives in blissful ignorance, while Sydney, Jill, Eddie, and Adrian must do everything in their power to keep their secret safe. But with forbidden romances, unexpected spirit bonds, and the threat of Strigoi moving ever closer, hiding the truth is harder than anyone thought.
Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Richelle Mead’s breathtaking Bloodlines series explores all the friendship, romance, battles, and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive. In this second book, the drama is hotter, the romances are steamier, and the stakes are even higher.
4 1/2 stars
I picked up this book on the release date and proceeded to finish it in three hours. Despite the fact that I was supposed to be cheering on my brother at his Little League game.
And I regret nothing.
If you have not yet heard me fangirling about this series yet, well, you’re about to. Because *insert fangirl squealing here*.
I’ll admit, I wasn’t a fan of the idea of these books at the beginning. After all, in the VA series Adrian and Sydney weren’t really that big in my mind. I was a hardcore Dimitri/Rose shipper and found Adrian cute but in the way. Sydney I just didn’t find particularly interesting with Rose at the front and center.
Bloodlines, I have to admit, was good. The Golden Lily? BETTER.
I liked Sydney in Bloodlines. I loved her in The Golden Lily. I liked Adrian in Bloodlines. I LOVED HIM IN THE GOLDEN LILY.
*Mild spoiler warning*
Adrian turned into such a different person in this book. In the VA series especially, he was a big cliché of a slacker dude. In The Golden Lily, though, he really comes into his own. The depth that he shows and the personality past the snark and slacking was utterly amazing. Plus, it didn’t feel like this sudden turn around. Mead made me believe that this was really under there all along. I will never give up on Dimitri because HELLO SEXY but Adrian?
HELLO ADORABLE MARRY ME NOW.
I was really not expecting the Sydney/Adrian scenes to go like then did. I especially didn’t expect Sydney to get a boyfriend. That in itself was awkwardly adorable, but again DUDE IN THE WAY OF THE REAL LOVE. Mead, you love to torture us so. Adrian’s attempts to hang out with Sydney through subtle ruses was way too overt coupled with Jill’s apparent “crush” on Sydney, though. I mean, we got it, really. And Sydney, HOW DENSE CAN YOU BE?
Oh, oh, should I be talking about the other stuff in the book? Crap. Uh. I also enjoyed finding out what Trey’s sun tattoo meant, and seeing Jill grow up a little in regards to her situation. The whole Eddie/Angeline/Jill thing seemed a little contrived to me, but I’ll let it slide because I’m here for the Sydney/Adrian, really.
One of the biggest changes for me is the fact that there is a lot less action then I seem to always expect. After all, Rose was THE most active person ever, getting into fights at every chance. Sydney, of course, is the brainy chick who was not raised to be a fighter and that necessitates a different form of “action.” Because of this, it almost seemed like The Golden Lily moves slower than any of the VA books, when there really is a lot going on. My brain has yet to process this.
I really wanted the whole witch thing to be delved into a little more, but with everything else going on there wasn’t really room for it anyways. Still, the next book doesn’t come out til 2013, come o–
The next book doesn’t come out til 2013 and SHE LEFT IT WITH THAT ENDING? WHY, MEAD, WHY?!?
I may die of anticipation.
Also, by the way, if you were expecting a coherent review you weren’t listening to me when I said FANGIRL HERE.
And because the fangirl really is here now I … should probably stop typing. Bottom line?
Bloodlines < The Golden Lily
IT’S THAT GOOD.
June 13, 2012
Waiting on Wednesday #13
Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine.
Title: The Cadet of Tildor
Author: Alex Lidell
Expected Publication Date: January 10, 2013
Summary from Goodreads: Having already survived six years at the Tildor’s top military academy, sixteen-year-old Renee De Winter is determined to graduate, training day and night to compete with her male classmates. When the boys overpower her parries, she works harder. When a bully sabotages her gear, she fights without it. But when an underground crime group captures her mentor for its illegal gladiatorial games, she must choose between her career and her conscience. Determined to penetrate the group’s inner circles, Renee will leap from academia to the crime filled streets, pick up a sword, and weigh law against loyalty.
Why I’m Waiting: Okay, maybe this is a little selfish on my part, but I DID just help reveal the cover for this sucker. And what an awesome cover it is, too! The cover department actually asked Lidell to describe Renee’s sword in detail so they could match it. It looks SO NEAT and just what I like to read; almost a little Tamora Pierce-esque! Allow me a moment to remind you that, along with the cover reveal, there are also TWO giveaways being hosted by Lidell and Penguin/Dial books in celebration. Click HERE to enter!
June 12, 2012
Indie Author Giveaway Hop
It’s time for ANOTHER giveaway hop! This one, hosted by I’m a Reader, Not a Writer and Krazy Book Lady, features books that are either self published or published by small presses. There are 230 other blogs participated in this hop, so make sure you click HERE to access the linky for all their giveaways! As for mine?
I don’t usually push the fact that I self published two books of my own here on this blog but, uh, I did. Believe it or not. And since this hop is occurring as I’m in the final stages of editing my third AND overlaps my birthday, well, I figured this would be the best time ever to giveaway the first two books in my Mind Evolution Chronicles! Check them out:
Mind Evolution (Mind Evolution Chronicles Book #1)
Clayton never thought his life would change.
At fifteen, he was stuck in the Middle Class for life. His biggest problem was getting his father to accept the fact that he didn’t want to take over the family farm, but wanted to be a teacher.
But then the Collectors came to town.
They’re looking for a Mind-Power – one of the strongest they’ve ever seen. It could be Clayton’s brother Trey, or it could be his sister Macy.
Or it could be Clayton himself.
Breaking Barriers (Mind Evolution Chronicles Book #2)
For Xander Rolandsson, the last five years have been a personal hell.
He was supposed to be the only Shielder prodigy in Elite City. He was supposed to be standing at the side of Tomas Eriksson, the Shielder on the Elite City Council. And he would be there, too, if it wasn’t for the events of five years ago.
He’s been stuck watching Clayton Stefansson, who the Council of Elite City deemed to be a traitor. It’s been his life. However, when Clayton’s retrial sets him free of prison, Xander thinks he’s finally going to get on with his life.
Yeah. Right.
Now, he’s forced to be Clayton’s tail at all times, waiting for the event that will give Tomas reason to put Clayton back in jail … for good. But just when Xander thinks he’s home free, ghosts from both he and Clayton’s past jump in and complicate matters. Tomas gives Xander the chance to have all he’s ever wanted, but will Xander take the opportunity now that he knows there a cost?
Or will trying to decide his own destiny cost him more than he ever could have thought?
This giveaway begins June 13 and ends at midnight on June 19th. Both books will be signed and personalized for the winner. This giveaway is US only. Oh blegh on the rules, click HERE to enter (and, uh, read the rest of them 
) Don’t forget, Shadowed Thoughts – Natalia’s Story is coming later this summer!
Top Ten Books I’d Recommend As Good Beach Reads
Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish
It should probably be noted that my idea of a beach read is, uh, anything. Even if it’s dark and dangerous and depressing. That said, I’m going to TRY to give you guys what it is you’re looking for. I think. Uh. Well, here we go! (All title links go to Goodreads)
1. Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry
I have not posted my review of this one yet, but GUYS. One of the best contemps I’ve EVER read. Seriously. It’s a little lacking on the fluffy, fun side but … I don’t care. I reread this one any day.
2. The Selection by Kiera Cass
There are few books that are total and utter mind candy, sparkly and airey. This, this is one of them. And I loved ever second of it.
Gorgeous cover. Gorgeous read. And not too heavy to cart around. (Did I mention ONE OF MY FAVORITES EVER?) :P
4. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
Alright, so, this one will try to take you away to France, but c’mon. Would you rather just be on a beach or on a beach IN PARIS? Be truthful now. (Plus, there’s a reason my review includes so much squealing.)
5. Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
A quirkier, spunkier read I’ve rarely come across. Plus, the last book comes out in August, I do believe. It’s a PERFECT time to read or reread this series.
6. The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks
SHH, we’re sneaking in a non-YA read. That’s pretty okay with me. I LOVE THIS BOOK. UNRESERVEDLY. Perfect summer read right here.
Oh man, I’d almost forgotten about this one. How, I do not know. Thank you, Goodreads. This might literally end up being my beach read!
8. Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles
HELLO HOTNESS. My favorite Simone Elkeles book of all time right here. A staple of any summer.
9. A Song for Summer by Eva Ibbotson
A CLASSIC. I adore these books, and adored even more the decision to rerelease them with new, gorgeous covers. My old ones were falling apart.
10. A Match Made in High School by Kristen Walker
Seriously, sometimes you have to enjoy a book for its cuteness. This is one of those times.
June 10, 2012
Cover Reveal + Giveaway: “The Cadet of Tildor” by Alex Lidell
GET EXCITED GUYS!
I’m happy announce that I get to show you guys the first view of the cover of The Cadet of Tildor by Alex Lidell, coming January 10, 2013 from Penguin/Dial books. What is The Cadet of Tildor, you may ask? Well…
“Having already survived six years at the Tildor’s top military academy, sixteen-year-old Renee De Winter is determined to graduate, training day and night to compete with her male classmates. When the boys overpower her parries, she works harder. When a bully sabotages her gear, she fights without it. But when an underground crime group captures her mentor for its illegal gladiatorial games, she must choose between her career and her conscience. Determined to penetrate the group’s inner circles, Renee will leap from academia to the crime filled streets, pick up a sword, and weigh law against loyalty.”
Are you excited yet? You really should be. Because, guys, this cover. Are you ready for this cover? Here we go!
ISN’T THAT AMAZING? I want her sword like you would not believe. Go, go, click the linkies to add it to shelves on Goodreads and Amazon! Then come back, because the author and Penguin have set up TWO awesome giveaways for you! That’s right, TWO!
GIVEAWAY #1 – The Cadet of Tildor Swag Pack!
Interested in entering? You should be. Click HERE to do so! (Please note that this giveaway is US only and ends June 15.)
GIVEAWAY #2 – For Teachers and Educators!
This awesome giveaway has The Cadet of Tildor themed SAT vocab cards. The author actually designed these herself with some classroom games in mind, which you can read about below (clicking the link will open a SNAZZY PDF). Then click HERE to enter!
Teachers Vocab Card Letter 1.0
June 7, 2012
ARC Review: “Dead of Night” by Lynn Viehl
Dead of Night (The Youngbloods #2) by Lynn Viehl (Click for Goodreads)
3 stars
True love . . . and an undying obsession
Catlyn Youngblood has a secret life. Despite being a natural-born vampire hunter like her two older brothers, Cat has fallen for Jesse–an ageless boy from a centuries-old vampire clan.
Cat’s job cataloguing rare, mystical texts at a bookstore allows her to meet with Jesse alone every evening. But when girls who look disturbingly similar to Cat start disappearing from town, Cat and Jesse discover frightening clues to their whereabouts within the book collection. Together, they must stop a crazed man from realizing his dark scheme– one that would claim Cat’s life.
This review is based on an ARC received from NetGalley. You can get a copy of your own July 8, 2012.
Now, if you don’t know this already, I can’t stand when books don’t have a lot of action. It’s just a personal preference. I need to constantly get moving or I get bored.
For the first half of this book, I was really bored.
Don’t get me wrong, the mythology that was being explored was fascinating and the potential for action was great, but it just didn’t have it. The writing didn’t hook me either, so–in the words of a Goodreads update–I was reading along going “hum-dee-dum.” I kept waiting for something to happen with all the ticking time bombs that were clearly lying around–really, ANYTHING to happen. But it took about halfway through the book for the pace to pick up.
Actually, maybe it was sooner, but I couldn’t tell. I’ll be honest, the pick up in pace kinda snuck up on me. It was very subtle, though to be honest it was action so much as things finally started to be figured out and the plot started coming together. The pace got faster and faster towards the end of the book, but action was still mostly absent. It was more suspense then anything else. Since I’m an action girl this wasn’t particularly my style, but by the end of the book I was liking it a lot more.
However, the end continued to have issues. Since it is near the end I can’t explain, but there were some logically inconsistencies that popped up that were serious plot points … but didn’t make sense. The book is told in first person, and some serious misuse of that point of view happened here. In first person, you can’t explain a scene and then go back and say, “Whoops here’s what I was ACTUALLY doing” later on. It doesn’t work like that, at least not well, but it happened multiple times towards the very end.
All in all, I liked Dead of Night. I didn’t love it, but I didn’t dislike it either. However, it lacked fast pacing for two long and was too devoid of action for me to really fall in love with it. The ending left an opening for a very action packed next book, so that ought to be interesting if that’s the road Viehl chooses to take with it. This book clearly had that potential, but it just didn’t go all the way.
June 6, 2012
Waiting on Wednesday #12
Waiting on Wednesday is a feature hosted by Breaking the Spine
Title: Witchstruck (Click for Goodreads)
Author: Victoria Lamb
Expected Publication: July 5, 2012
Summary from Goodreads: Meg Lytton has always known of her dark and powerful gift. Raised a student of the old magick by her Aunt Jane, casting the circle to see visions of the future and concocting spells from herbs and bones has always been as natural to Meg as breathing. But there has never been a more dangerous time to practise the craft, for it is 1554, and the sentence for any woman branded a witch is hanging, or burning at the stake.
Sent to the ruined, isolated palace of Woodstock to serve the disgraced Elizabeth, daughter of Henry VIII and half-sister of Queen Mary, Meg discovers her skills are of interest to the outcast princess, who is desperate to know if she will ever claim the throne. But Meg’s existence becomes more dangerous every day, with the constant threat of exposure by the ruthless witchfinder Marcus Dent, and the arrival of a young Spanish priest, Alejandro de Castillo, to whom Meg is irresistibly drawn – despite their very different attitudes to her secret.
Why I’m Waiting: IT’S PARANORMAL TUDOR FICTION. That should be enough for you. Well, alright, you have to like Tudor fiction, but yeah. I adore this stuff. Like you would not believe. To be honest, the last time I tried this out with The Red Queen’s Daughter by Jaqueline Kolosov, it didn’t work out all that well, but it was still a fantastic concept. Plus, this is backed up to the timeframe that I really enjoy. Plus, c’mon, it’s TUDOR HISTORICAL FICTION. WITH MAGIC. I can’t NOT read it.
June 5, 2012
Top Ten Books Whose Covers Made Me Buy It
Top Ten Tuesday is a feature hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.
This week’s TTT is actually a TTT Rewind, meaning I could pick whatever past topic I wanted. I chose this one because, a lot of times, I am ALL about the covers. I mean seriously. If it sparkles and sounds halfway decent, I am bound to pick it up. This has not always worked out for me, but sometimes it has been the best way to choose EVER. Get ready for some COVER EYE CANDY!
(All title links go to Goodreads. All links in the paragraphs go to my reviews.)
If you have to ask why, you must not have seen this cover. And this book is just as gorgeous as the cover. There is way too much squealing in my review.
2. Wilde’s Fire by Krystal Wade
In a world where most girls are wearing black dresses and looking depressed, this girl was moving and very blue with magic or something. It looked exciting to me! However, I was not entirely impressed.
3. The Shapeshifter’s Secret by Heather Ostler
This cover looks freaking amazing and you cannot tell me otherwise. The font, her make up … everything. If only they had spent more money on the editing department instead of the cover, maybe I wouldn’t have DNFed this book.
4. The Selection by Kiera Cass
Yeah, yeah, I know, opinions about this one abound. However, I picked it up because it looked like fun, sugary fluff and I was entirely right. And I enjoyed it too.
5. Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey
Look at that cover. How could that cover contain a book any less than awesome, right? Wrong. This book inspired a rant so fierce I was afraid to post it. But I did. Because *CUE ANGRY GRETCHEN*
I had actually had a friend whose opinion I respect tell me she hadn’t enjoyed this one, so I was rather wary about picking this one up. Then I saw the cover and decided to take a chance. And I’m so glad I did.
7. The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson
I have no idea if I picked this up more because of the gorgeous cover or because of the fact that Tamora Pierce’s blurb is on the front cover. Either way, it was a really spectacular decision. So much love for this book right here.
Okay, I totally picked this up for other reasons too. HOWEVER, once I saw the cover, I just had to pick this up to ask the girl on the cover, “What in the name of all that’s chocolate forced you to put on THAT?” The book then went on to inspire the mother of all reviews, so I guess that was worth it too.
Actually, I’m pretty sure it was the font that got me on this one. I just have a THING for this font. And the color purple. So that. And the book wasn’t half bad either! (The second one was better.)
10. Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
Yeah, so, sometimes the girls in dresses utterly and completely hook me. This is one of them. And the book was such a quirky, fun ride I was glad it caught me!
June 4, 2012
Author Interview: Morning Star (Ethos #1) by Desiree Finkbeiner
Welcome to Author Desiree Finkbeiner!
Desiree Finkbeiner attained a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design from Missouri Southern State University (2006) with a heavy background in business, marketing, music and fine art– She was heavily involved in campus affairs and served actively in several committees focusing on campus entertainment and events.
She performed with musical acts/bands in rock and electronic genres, released seven studio albums, performed in 11 states and has written hundreds of songs. Her band, Carbon Star, was a finalist for VH1′s “Bands on the Run” reality TV show in 2000. Then she performed with Pointy Teeth until finally leaving the music industry for the quiet life.
She had a scholarship for acting in college though she was not a theater major. Although she no longer performs or focuses on musical/performing arts, she has chosen to shift her talents to other areas that are more conducive to raising a family.
Continuing education is a constant adventure for Desiree with topics of interest ranging from civil and corporate law, history, political conspiracy, homeopathic medicine and spiritual healing. She prefers to read non-fiction, especially on topics that educate and broaden her perspectives on controversial issues.
With thousands of completed art works in her archives, most of which appear in private collections worldwide, Desiree hopes to focus more on publishing, marketing and licensing her work so she can leave a legacy behind.
Interview:
1. What inspired you to become a writer?
Reading inspired me to be a writer, and the need to create and have an outlet that allowed my imagination to run wild.
2. In one sentence, why should someone read your book?
Ethos is more than urban fantasy and paranormal romance, it’s a unique perspective on spiritual questions that everyone has asked themselves at least once in their lives.
3.The cover of your book is absolutely gorgeous! I understand that, in the coming print edition, there are illustrations inside as well. Tell me a little about those.
I did the art, of course, and these illustrations are simply a guide to help give a visual concept of some of the worlds I have created in the story. No imagination is as good as the reader’s, but I thought these images might give the book a visual spark of fun that other novels lack.
4.When you’re writing, do you prefer silence or do some of your characters have soundtracks? Or do you do something completely different?
Complete silence. I normally wait till everyone else in the house is asleep to write. I don’t like anything to influence me when I write – I think this allows me to feel the characters more realistically.
5. Can you see yourself in any of your characters?
All of them. Each character contains a piece of me (even the villains). We humans are complex beings, and it’s importantthat readers are able to identify with the characters. I can identify with my characters, so I hope others can too.
6. So this is a first in a series, where are you in the stages of the next book? Any teasers?
I’m 2/3 through book #2, and the plot for Book #3 is already in my mind. Without giving away total spoilers, let me just say that the series dabbles in dystopian fantasy by the end of book #2 and there is total chaos in Book #3 … don’t worry, there’s a happy ending. You can expect zombies, global war and some more romance from Brianna and Kalen.
7. When you aren’t writing, what kind of stuff do you read? Any favorite titles you think everyone should read?
Mostly nonfiction to be honest, especially books about conspiracy, liberty and history. I think everyone should read “None Dare Call it Conspiracy” and the follow-up “Call it conspiracy” by Larry Abrahms.
8. When you need to do something that doesn’t involve books or writing, what do you like to do?
Spending time with my family, art and camping in the mountains.
9. You released several studio albums and did a lot of musical performances. What was that experience like?
I had a blast as a recording artist. There’s nothing more gratifying than hearing your own music in final mix-down (even if you’re the only one who will ever like it). I had a chance to meet a lot of very interesting people, and see a lot of great cities … but I had to give it all up when the lifestyle caught up with me. Touring with a band is exhausting physically and emotionally. So I gave it up to be a mom, LOL, an even more exhausting job,but also the most rewarding!
10. Performing and writing are two very different worlds. How did you make the shift, and how did your background affect your writing?
Very different indeed. Performing thrusts you into the spotlight, literally. One can not be afraid of crowds or being the center of attention to get up on the stage and perform. Writing, however, is a solitary effort. It’s the complete flip side of the coin. Sometimes I miss the high of performance, but over the years I have become more conservative. My views and interests have changed and matured. Writing suits me better now, and allows me to focus on my family. My musical background was filled with marketing experience, so it has helped me get the book out there quite a bit. And having undergone the extreme discipline of writing, recording, booking and going on tour … releasing a book was easy, and much less stressful.
Morning Star (Ethos #1) (Click for Goodreads)
When a mysterious stranger interrupts Brianna’s mundane routine, her eyes are opened to the dark underbelly of reality… immortal rogues, ancient conspiracies, prophetic revelations, savage tribes, mammoth dragonflies…
She’s thrust into a race for her life when Kalen, a warrior from Ethos, discovers that she is harboring a secret… a secret that he’d give his life to protect.
There’s just one little problem… they are tempted by a forbidden romance, which threatens to compromise a divinely appointed mission. They are faced with a choice… love eternal, or the end of the world…
May 31, 2012
My Favorite Reads Giveaway Hop – Win a Simone Elkeles Prize Pack!
My Life is a Notebook is participating in the My Favorite Reads Giveaway Hop, June 1st thru June 6th, as hosted by I’m a Reader, Not a Writer and Rachelle’s Writing Spot! What this means is that you can enter the giveaway here and then click HERE to go to a list of 148 other blogs hosting giveaways of their own!
For my “Favorite Reads” I’m going with FREAKING EVERYTHING Simone Elkeles has ever written. Seriously. (Well, unless you count her Fullriders series but that isn’t released yet!) Anyways. What’s in this prize pack? Well, one lucky winner will get:
The entire Perfect Chemistry trilogy
- Paperback copy of Perfect Chemistry
- Hardcover Rules of Attraction
- Hardcover Chain Reaction (See my review here)
The entire Leaving Paradise duology
- Paperback Leaving Paradise
- Paperback Return to Paradise
And a 3-1 version of her How to Ruin trilogy!
Excited yet? To read the rules and enter the giveaway, click HERE and open the link in a new window. This will be very important, trust me. Please note that this giveaway is for US ONLY.
