Laurisa White Reyes's Blog, page 125
May 31, 2013
BOOK REVIEW: THE MONSTROMOLOGIST by Rick Yancey
THE MONSTROMOLOGISTRick Yancey
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
464 pp.
Ages 14 - 17
Published: 2009
These are the secrets I have kept. This is the trust I never betrayed. But he is dead now and has been for nearly ninety years, the one who gave me his trust, the one for whom I kept these secrets. The one who saved me . . . and the one who cursed me.
So starts the diary of Will Henry, orphan and assistant to a doctor with a most unusual specialty: monster hunting. In the short time he has lived with the doctor, Will has grown accustomed to his late night callers and dangerous business. But when one visitor comes with the body of a young girl and the monster that was eating her, Will's world is about to change forever. The doctor has discovered a baby Anthropophagus—a headless monster that feeds through a mouth in its chest—and it signals a growing number of Anthropophagi. Now, Will and the doctor must face the horror threatenning to overtake and consume our world before it is too late.
MY REVIEW:
Wow. I've been hearing about Yancey's historical/horror/paranormal book for a few years now and it's been at the top of my TBR list. I finally got a chance to listen to it via my Ipod on a very long trip to Salt Lake City and back. I have to say this story really lives up to the hype. Yancey masters the language of the late nineteenth century without sounding arrogant or contrived. His young protagonist, Will Henry, is shockingly complex and yet fully accessible. And the Monstromologist himself--what a wonderfully compelling character! Reminiscent of Dr. Jeckyl and Sherlock Holmes, he is both irritating and unforgettable. Yancey weaves a yarn so unnatural, so strangely believable, you very nearly doubt your own understanding of reality. My kids and I were riveted all the way to very last sentence. One of the best books in recent years and one I highly recommend. Due to the graphic violence described, however, I would caution sharing this book with readers under twelve years of age. But even a youngster who is familiar with books like The Hunger Games series might handle this just fine. I can't wait to read the other books in this series.
CONTENT RATING:
Profanity: NoneSexuality: NoneViolence: Extreme
May 26, 2013
THE EMERALD RING BLOG TOUR
* Win a copy of IMPOSTER by Susanne Winnacker (Ends 6/14)
* Win copy of THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES (Ends 6/10)
* Review of THE EMERALD RING
CLEOPATRA'S LEGACY BOOK I: THE EMERALD RING
BLOG TOUR & GIVEAWAY!!!
I've been talking about my sister-in-law's book, THE EMERALD RING, released just a couple of weeks ago with Cedar Fort Publishing. Today I'm pleased to be a host in her blog tour. Below is an interview with author Dorine White and a chance to win either a copy of the book or a genuine emerald ring!!!
Summary of THE EMERALD RING:
Sara Bogus's life turns upside down when she discovers an emerald ring that once belonged to Cleopatra. The fun of discovering the ring's unique abilities turns to fear when she finds out a dangerous cult bent on restoring Rome to power is after the ring. Forced to choose between keeping the ring and saving her friends, Sara learns the price of bravery in this electrifying read!
INTERVIEW w/ DORINE WHITE:
1. Describe The Emerald Ring in one sentence. Oh, this question is so hard! 12-year-old Sara Bogus finds an emerald ring with magic powers that once belonged to Cleopatra, but there is a murderous cult after the ring, and they will stop at nothing to get it.
2. What inspired you to write a story involving Cleopatra and ancient Egypt? I love ancient cultures and wanted to include my love for fantasy too. Cleopatra and Egypt are such amazing subjects, my imagination was filled with ideas. Her own life was powerful, yet tragic, great writing fodder.
3. You are an avid reader of fantasy books. Do you have any favorites?
I don't really have favorites like I used to. I read so much. I love Harry Potter, Rick Riordan, and my old faves, Margret Weis and Tracy Hickman, and Anne McCaffery.
4. Share a little about your road to publication. It was a bumpy, long road. I've been writing for the last 9 years. This is my third manuscript. If you thought the writing was difficult, wait until you try to get published. I tried agents for over a year, but got rejections. I tried editors for another year, they loved it, but passed. When I'd finally given up, is when the contract came my way :)
5. The Emerald Ring is book one in a series. Can you give us a glimpse of book 2? Yes! It is called, The Ruby Pendant. Here is the blurb. You can also read the first chapter on my website here- http://www.dorinewhite.com/sneak-peek/
Welcome to New Orleans- home of Mardi Gras, jazz music and voodoo. Eighth grader Melanie Belaforte is home for Spring break and itching for excitement. Late one night she discovers a hidden chamber and a secret journal in her deceased Aunt Florence’s bedroom.
The diary contains the writings of a mad woman, along with vague clues about the whereabouts of a ruby necklace that once belonged to Cleopatra. The ruby bestows upon the wearer the power to hear other people’s thoughts- even the thoughts of the dead!
And so the hunt begins. Melanie, her best friend Sybil, and a haunting specter unravel clues that take them from crumbling graveyards, to the busy streets of the French Quarter, and then into murky swamps, all to find the prize. But they need to watch out, because a murderous cult is matching them step for step, and they won’t give up, ever.
6. What is your average writing day like? I try to get my blog and social media sharing in the mornings. I tend to write in the late afternoons after I've had a nap, or thought about the book during the morning. I don't write everyday. I am too random, but I do write for long stretches at a time.
Dorine White- Author of Cleopatra's Legacy- The Emerald Ring
Author Website- http://www.dorinewhite.com/Blog- The Write Path- http://www.dorinewhite.blogspot.com/Twitter @Dorinewhite- https://twitter.com/DorineWhiteFacebook Author Page- https://www.facebook.com/dorinewhite
a Rafflecopter giveaway a Rafflecopter giveaway
CLEOPATRA'S LEGACY BOOK I: THE EMERALD RING
BLOG TOUR & GIVEAWAY!!!
I've been talking about my sister-in-law's book, THE EMERALD RING, released just a couple of weeks ago with Cedar Fort Publishing. Today I'm pleased to be a host in her blog tour. Below is an interview with author Dorine White and a chance to win either a copy of the book or a genuine emerald ring!!!
Summary of THE EMERALD RING:
Sara Bogus's life turns upside down when she discovers an emerald ring that once belonged to Cleopatra. The fun of discovering the ring's unique abilities turns to fear when she finds out a dangerous cult bent on restoring Rome to power is after the ring. Forced to choose between keeping the ring and saving her friends, Sara learns the price of bravery in this electrifying read!
INTERVIEW w/ DORINE WHITE:
1. Describe The Emerald Ring in one sentence. Oh, this question is so hard! 12-year-old Sara Bogus finds an emerald ring with magic powers that once belonged to Cleopatra, but there is a murderous cult after the ring, and they will stop at nothing to get it.
2. What inspired you to write a story involving Cleopatra and ancient Egypt? I love ancient cultures and wanted to include my love for fantasy too. Cleopatra and Egypt are such amazing subjects, my imagination was filled with ideas. Her own life was powerful, yet tragic, great writing fodder.
3. You are an avid reader of fantasy books. Do you have any favorites?
I don't really have favorites like I used to. I read so much. I love Harry Potter, Rick Riordan, and my old faves, Margret Weis and Tracy Hickman, and Anne McCaffery.4. Share a little about your road to publication. It was a bumpy, long road. I've been writing for the last 9 years. This is my third manuscript. If you thought the writing was difficult, wait until you try to get published. I tried agents for over a year, but got rejections. I tried editors for another year, they loved it, but passed. When I'd finally given up, is when the contract came my way :)
5. The Emerald Ring is book one in a series. Can you give us a glimpse of book 2? Yes! It is called, The Ruby Pendant. Here is the blurb. You can also read the first chapter on my website here- http://www.dorinewhite.com/sneak-peek/
Welcome to New Orleans- home of Mardi Gras, jazz music and voodoo. Eighth grader Melanie Belaforte is home for Spring break and itching for excitement. Late one night she discovers a hidden chamber and a secret journal in her deceased Aunt Florence’s bedroom.
The diary contains the writings of a mad woman, along with vague clues about the whereabouts of a ruby necklace that once belonged to Cleopatra. The ruby bestows upon the wearer the power to hear other people’s thoughts- even the thoughts of the dead!
And so the hunt begins. Melanie, her best friend Sybil, and a haunting specter unravel clues that take them from crumbling graveyards, to the busy streets of the French Quarter, and then into murky swamps, all to find the prize. But they need to watch out, because a murderous cult is matching them step for step, and they won’t give up, ever.
6. What is your average writing day like? I try to get my blog and social media sharing in the mornings. I tend to write in the late afternoons after I've had a nap, or thought about the book during the morning. I don't write everyday. I am too random, but I do write for long stretches at a time.
Dorine White- Author of Cleopatra's Legacy- The Emerald Ring
Author Website- http://www.dorinewhite.com/Blog- The Write Path- http://www.dorinewhite.blogspot.com/Twitter @Dorinewhite- https://twitter.com/DorineWhiteFacebook Author Page- https://www.facebook.com/dorinewhite
a Rafflecopter giveaway a Rafflecopter giveaway
May 24, 2013
GIVEAWAY & INTERVIEW w/ Susanne Winnacker, author of IMPOSTER!!!
IMPOSTERSusanne WinnackerRazorbill288 pp.Ages 12 & up CAN TESSA POSE AS MADISON . . . AND STOP A KILLER BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE? Tessa is a Variant, able to absorb the DNA of anyone she touches and mimic their appearance. Shunned by her family, she’s spent the last two years training with the Forces with Extraordinary Abilities, a secret branch of the FBI. When a serial killer rocks a small town in Oregon, Tessa is given a mission: she must impersonate Madison, a local teen, to find the killer before he strikes again. Tessa hates everything about being an impostor—the stress, the danger, the deceit—but loves playing the role of a normal girl. As Madison, she finds friends, romance, and the kind of loving family she’d do anything to keep. Amid action, suspense, and a ticking clock, this super-human comes to a very human conclusion: even a girl who can look like anyone struggles the most with being herself.
Susanne's newest release, IMPOSTER, was just released yesterday! It's one story you won't want to miss. Susanne stops by today for an interview AND she has a copy of her book to give away. So be sure to check out how to register to win below.
1. Describe Impostor in one sentence.Impostor is about a girl who can absorb the DNA of other people and who turns into the latest teenage murder victim to catch the killer.
2. What inspired you to write this story?My main character Tessa came first. I knew I wanted to write a book about a girl who can be whoever she wants to be and who struggles with her identity and her longing for a loving family while simultaneously having to function as an agent for the FEA, a division of the FBI.
3. Impostor is a thriller. What are some of your favorite books in the same genre?I read a lot of adult thrillers, and especially love the books from Simon Beckett, Jussi Adler Olsen, Josh Bazell and Stieg Larsson.
4. What is your writing schedule like?Well, I don’t follow a schedule. I’m a full time writer, so I’m in the fortunate position that I can decide when to work. But if I’m in the drafting phase of a book, I’m spending most of the day writing. I’m a quick writer and get quite obsessed when I’m working on a project.
5. If you could choose a character in any book to be your best friend, who would it be?Hermione from Harry Potter, because she’s loyal and because it would mean that the Harry Potter world is real, and that would be amazing!
6. What can we expect from you in the future?I’m going to write more young adult books that are creepy and scary because that’s what I love most! And I’m currently working on the sequel to IMPOSTOR!
GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
Susanne Winnacker will giveaway a copy of IMPOSTER to one winner! To be eligible to win, just be a follower of this blog and fill out the rafflecopter form below. U.S. only, please. This giveaway will end on June14th. a Rafflecopter giveaway
May 21, 2013
And the winner is...
Congratulations to Rachel S. who won the signed copy of James Dashner's THE SCORCH TRIALS!!!
May 19, 2013
Win a copy of THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES' 10TH ANNIVERSARY Edition!!!
SPIDERWICKE CHRONICLES #1: THE FIELD GUIDETony TiTerlizzi & Holly Black
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
107 pp.
Ages 7 - 10
Originally Published: 2003
The Grace children discover the faerie world is closer than you think in this repackage of the first book in the #1 New York Times bestselling Spiderwick Chronicles.
After finding a mysterious, handmade field guide in the attic of the ramshackle old mansion they’ve just moved into, Jared; his twin brother, Simon; and their older sister, Mallory, discover that there’s a magical and maybe dangerous world existing parallel to our own—the world of faerie.
The Grace children want to share their story, but the faeries will do everything possible to stop them...In honor of the tenth anniversary of the #1 New York Times bestselling Spiderwick Chronicles series, which has more than 12 million copies in print worldwide, this edition of The Field Guide features a larger trim size and an original jacketed cover with all-new art from Tony DiTerlizzi.
When the Grace children go to stay at their Great Aunt Lucinda's worn Victorian house, they discover a field guide to fairies and other creatures and begin to have some unusual experiences.
Remember those awesome little volumes with the rough cut pages and the really cool covers? Each one was like a little treasure. And the stories were amazing, too. (The movie wasn't too bad either.) This new print edition of The Spiderwick Chronicles' first book, The Field Guide, comes out in honor of the series' 10th year anniversary and just in time to introduce a whole new generation of kids to Jared, Simon and Mallory Grace and all the creatures in the world of faerie.
I happen to have a brand spanking new paperback copy of the new edition ready to give away to one lucky reader. To be eligible to win, just follow this blog and fill out the rafflecopter below. But in honor of the upcoming release of my own book, The Last Enchanter, you can earn 5 extra entries by visiting my book's listing at Barnes & Noble and answering one simple question. Over the next few months keep your eyes out for more fun promo giveaways!
GIVEAWAY TIME!!!Win a copy of THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES: THE FIELD GUIDE.Giveaway will end on June 10th. US only please.a Rafflecopter giveaway
May 12, 2013
CHILDREN'S BOOK WEEK BLOG HOP
Welcome to the CHILDREN'S BOOK WEEK BLOG HOP hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer, Kidlitfrenzy and Mymcbooks!!! If you're new to blog hopping, here's what to do. Hop from blog to blog (there are 130+ participating blogs listed below) and fill out their entry forms. Each blog has a different book or book-related item to giveaway! The more blogs you visit, the more chances you have to win!
What am I giving away?
THE SCORCH TRIALS
sequel to James Dashners'
THE MAZE RUNNER
& it's SIGNED by the author!!!
To be eligible to win, just fill out the Rafflecopter form below.
You must be a follower of this blog to enter. Then be sure to hop on by the other participating blogs.
If you don't win but want a second chance at winning a signed copy of Scorch Trials, come back June 24th - 30th for
SUPER SWAG SUNDAY!!!
Scorch Trials is just one of many awesome author prizes available!!! This giveaway ends on May 19th.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
