Meradeth Houston's Blog, page 5

After Reading: VICIOUS by VE Schwab

Victor and Eli started out as college roommates—brilliant, arrogant, lonely boys who recognized the same sharpness and ambition in each other. In their senior year, a shared research interest in adrenaline, near-death experiences, and seemingly supernatural events reveals an intriguing possibility: that under the right conditions, someone could develop extraordinary abilities. But when their thesis moves from the academic to the experimental, things go horribly wrong. 

Ten years later, Victor breaks out of prison, determined to catch up to his old friend (now foe), aided by a young girl whose reserved nature obscures a stunning ability. Meanwhile, Eli is on a mission to eradicate every other super-powered person that he can find—aside from his sidekick, an enigmatic woman with an unbreakable will. Armed with terrible power on both sides, driven by the memory of betrayal and loss, the archnemeses have set a course for revenge—but who will be left alive at the end? (Goodreads)

I picked this up because I particularly adored the Shades of Magic series by the same author and was looking for something along those lines. This was quite different, but the same strong characters and wonderful writing follows the author here. Overall, the story is a rather normal superhero tale, but what gives it an edge is Schwab's fantastic characters who leap from the pages. And while the author's scientific explanations made me cringe a few times, I found myself reading far into the night. I also particularly liked how there really was not a lot of cut-and-dry good-guy/bad-guy stereotypes. It was far more of shades of who was better or worse, and as I read, I felt that this made the story far more believable. Overall I very much enjoyed this and am looking forward to snagging the next one in the series!

Science for Authors: theory vs hypothesis #amwriting

This is a little repost from what I wrote over on the Untethered Realms blog this past week. I rather enjoyed writing this so I thought I'd share it here, too :)

Before I start, have you had a chance to check out the Untethered Realms anthology yet? Elements of Untethered Realms is an awesome introduction into all things wondrous and strange! Just sayin' :)


Okay, so to get this going, I am going to give a little caveat: I'm a professor by day and teach a whole lot, coupled with my laboratory research. I find myself in the science realm pretty much constantly. So, when I come across scientific facts that are wrong in novels, I totally know that most people don't have the background I do and can let some things slide.

But there are a few things that bug me a whole lot. They're too basic and actually kind of important distinctions :)

The key there is basic--if you're going to write about science in any way, mostly that means you've at least got the basics down, and I love that! But a few times I stumble across things that leave me going "ummmmm...." One of these was just this past week in a novel by a NYT bestselling author whose work I *adore*! And yet, there on the page, with two characters conversing who she had set up as being very good at science, there was this major issue that made me roll my eyes a little.

Theory was used instead of hypothesis.

See, theory has two meanings. I know it's easy to get confused. But, when it comes to being used in a novel, it's good to get it right because it's something that needs to be well understood by the general public. I'll get into that later. Anyhow, the two definitions of theory are
perhaps best understood this way:

"In theory, Mr. Peacock killed the butler." In other words, it is not established or proven. This is the sense that is often used in layman's terms in general conversation.

It is not to be confused with:

"The theory of gravity." This is the scientific meaning. In which case, there is a huge body of evidence that supports gravity (including why you are able to stay pegged to the ground and not lift off into space ;). It is something that is very well established, but because the nature of science IS questioning, we don't say that is is Law. That's how science works.
So, having two characters chatting about how a scientific idea is "just a theory" is ostensibly like saying that they've already proven the idea, had years and years of testing by many individuals, and generally it's considered to be the way the universe works. What should have been used is the word "hypothesis." This is an idea that is yet to be demonstrated through data collection and testing. You hypothesize that something may be correct, but you need to test it first. And even then, it'll be many, many tests and trials before it can even dream of becoming a theory.

Why is this such a soapbox for me? Well, because so many people clamor that something is "just a theory" when referring to a scientific idea. That's like saying that gravity isn't real. That the earth isn't round. That we don't orbit the sun. These are "just" theories. They are points upon which a ton of evidence rests. So the two definitions of "theory"--both for general layman's usage and in science--get confused. But in a novel it's a good idea to get the right. (Unless you're making a point with a character using the wrong one or something--obviously there's creative license here ;). And that's why I sighed and rolled my eyes while reading that (otherwise awesome) novel the other day.

What do you think? Have you seen this be misused? :)

New Release: ELEMENTS OF UNTETHERED REALMS by me and some awesome authors!

A little late, but better than never :) This awesome anthology released last week and is chock full of amazing tales by some of my favorite authors--I am incredibly lucky to be part of them. I have two stories in this, both of which I totally love. But I mostly enjoy the rest of the tales, both wondrous and strange, from the other fab talent represented!
Enter our mysterious realms where the stories are as varied and rich as the types of soil on this and other planets. Enchanted forests are knotted with roots and vines. Dreaded paths take us through strange, unexplored places.
Investigate new worlds and houses frequented by ghosts. Come across witches and wizards and an assassin tasked to kill Death.
Meet hot robots, hungry winds, and the goddess of chaos. Explore alien lands, purgatorial realms, and a shocking place where people bury the living with their dead.
Encounter paranormal detectives, imprisoned dragons, dark demons, cursed jewels, and handsome prophets. Search shifting worlds trapped in mirrors and a disturbing future where a president aims to rid the world of Otherkind.
Experience a haunted journey on a riverboat, water sprites borne of pennies, preternatural creatures, ancient serpents, and the Lady of the Lake who lurks in dark waters.
From USA Today bestselling and popular science fiction and fantasy authors comes Elements of Untethered Realms , a supernatural compilation of the anthologies Twisted Earths , Mayhem in the Air , Ghosts of Fire , and Spirits in the Water . These forty thrilling tales feature authors Angela Brown, Jeff Chapman, Cathrina Constantine, Julie Flanders, River Fairchild, Gwen Gardner, Misha/M. Gerrick, Meradeth Houston, Graeme Ing, Simon Kewin, M. Pax, Christine Rains, Cherie Reich, and Catherine Stine. (Goodreads)
Snag a copy on Amazon! 

After Reading: STRANGE THE DREAMER by Laini Taylor

The dream chooses the dreamer, not the other way around—and Lazlo Strange, war orphan and junior librarian, has always feared that his dream chose poorly. Since he was five years old he’s been obsessed with the mythic lost city of Weep, but it would take someone bolder than he to cross half the world in search of it. Then a stunning opportunity presents itself, in the person of a hero called the Godslayer and a band of legendary warriors, and he has to seize his chance or lose his dream forever.

What happened in Weep two hundred years ago to cut it off from the rest of the world? What exactly did the Godslayer slay that went by the name of god? And what is the mysterious problem he now seeks help in solving?

The answers await in Weep, but so do more mysteries—including the blue-skinned goddess who appears in Lazlo’s dreams. How did he dream her before he knew she existed? And if all the gods are dead, why does she seem so real?

Welcome to Weep. (Goodreads)

Welcome to October! (Wait, how did that happen? :)

So the Smoke & Bone series was epic and I think I'd pretty much read toilet paper with scribbles on it by Taylor at this point. She ranks amongst my absolute favorite authors. I've meant to get to this one for a while, and then while reading, kicked myself for not devouring it earlier. Though, bonus, the sequel comes out tomorrow so perhaps my timing wasn't so abismal. At any rate, I adored this. The switching between perspectives was a touch jarring at first, but I came to deeply love Sarai along with Strange. They were so...human (which only makes sense in context of the rest of the novel). Anyhow, as I would expect from Taylor, the worldbuilding was fantastic and fantastical. I love all the little sprinkled details and fabulous concepts (the cusp especially!). Overall, I just wanted to crawl into it and live there, monsters and gods included. The ending...oh the ending. All I can really say is that I am absolutely glad I preordered the next book and it'll be in my hot little hands on Tuesday!

Have you read any of Taylor's books?

Late Summer Travel: Glacier National Park

For today, I figured I'd do a little picture post from my most recent trip to Glacier National Park. My family came to visit me for Labor Day and we decided to head up from Missoula. The park itself was partly closed due to wildfires (so sad!), but we went around to the east entrance and up to the spectacular Logan Pass. Enjoy a few photos from my personal favorite National Park!
 







What is your favorite park?

Cover Reveal: DEMONS LIE by Sherry Ficklin

Demons Lie
Sherry D. Ficklin
Publication date: October 30th 2018
Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult

Rule #1 Demons Lie
Orphaned by an unspeakable evil, Aria Dupree is the last of her line. A powerful witch tasked with guarding the boundaries between our world and the world of demons who prey on humankind, Aria has gone rogue. Now she’s out to find and destroy every single gateway into our world and kill every demon that she can find–including the one who murdered her mother. 

But, as it turns out, hunting is the easy part; it’s graduating high school that might kill her. Red Prairie Texas isn’t just another stop on her demon hunting world tour and an unlikely alliance might be exactly what she needs to keep from becoming a slave to the very darkness she’s been fighting against.
Because the devil is coming down to Texas–and only Aria can keep all hell from breaking loose.

Add to Goodreads / Pre-order—***Also, the author will be releasing a short prequel serial for free on her website beginning Sept. 17th and leading up to the release. You can check it out at http://sherryficklin.com***!—
Author Bio:

Sherry is the author of over a dozen novels for teens and young adults including the best selling Stolen Empire series. She can often be found browsing her local bookstore with a large white hot chocolate in one hand and a towering stack of books in the other. That is, unless she's on deadline at which time she, like the Loch Ness monster, is only seen in blurry photographs. 

Sherry also writes contemporary romance under the pen name SJ Noble. You can find her at her official website, www.sherryficklin.com, or stalk her on her Facebook page www.facebook.com/sherry.ficklin. 

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

Back to School! #authorlife

Well, guess what happens tomorrow? School starts back up. Where did the summer go? I feel like it was just the end of the school year, the promise of relaxation and productivity before me. Now, well, it's been all about preparing for the next year, attempting to manage a whole lot of stress, and generally wondering how I'm going to do this all over again :) I'll handle it...I think. Somehow! But honestly, gotta admit that the cartoon above is a little too real. But, this does mean I need to get back into my blogging mojo. I've really stunk at this over the summer. Hopefully I can work out a better schedule from here on out--that's the plan at least. Though maybe ask me again next weekend when my family descends and all hell breaks loose ;)

After Reading: REVIVAL by S. Usher Evans

Jack Grenard and the demon Anya are on the run, searching for a cure for her curse while staying one step ahead of those who want them dead. The mystery leads them around the globe, each clue revealing more about the history of the original demons and the secrets behind the humans who fought them.

Hot on their trail is Jack's partner Cam Macarro, who just wants her best friend back. Unable to keep up with Anya, who can shift time, Cam dives head first into ICDM history, hoping to unravel the mystery before they do. But the more she discovers, the more she begins to see the truth behind ICDM and who's really in charge.

Revival is the second book in the Demon Spring Trilogy, which readers say is "perfect blend between urban fantasy and real life struggles" and "electric from start to finish." (Goodreads)

Guess who has been bad at blogging lately? *raises hand* In case that wasn't obvious, haha! But, who knows, maybe I'll start getting my poop in a group here shortly :)

Gotta love some fun urban fantasy! The second book in this unique series builds upon all the drama and mayhem that erupted in the first book. I really enjoyed visiting the characters again and watching them run for their lives. Wait, that sounds a little off...I enjoyed reading about their exploits ;) As Jack and Anya travel around the world, attempting to solve the mystery of her curse, they're followed by death, destruction, and the ICDM, which includes Cam. Honestly, I felt the worst for Jack's parter, Cam, throughout the novel, as she gets the short of end of the stick on multiple occasions. Overall, this was a lot of fun, with lots of interesting little details, and solid world-building. I did wonder a little at what goes on between Jack and Anya (no spoilers, so that's all I'm saying). But, the ending was perfect and totally left me looking forward to the last book in the series!

After Reading: SECRETS IN TRANSLATION by Margo Sorenson

In this celebration of Italian life and culture, seventeen-year-old Alessandra returns for the summer to Italy, where she grew up. Pressured by her parents into babysitting a rebellious twelve year old—ruining holiday plans with new found American friends—Alessandra resigns herself to a tedious summer in Positano.

Her babysitting gig, however, turns out to be anything but boring! Not only does Alessandra fall for the handsome son of the Bertolucci family, renowned for their limoncello production, but when a body mysteriously turns up on the beach, the influence of organized crime in Positano becomes frighteningly real. As Alessandra is drawn further into an elaborate conspiracy, she must risk everything to protect herself, her family, and those she loves, and in the process finds herself—and her Italian heart. (Goodreads)
Oh, my, I've been remiss on blogging, haven't I?? So sorry about that--the summer has been a busy one, and I've lost track of things. I'll get better once things get back on track with the school year starting :) But, that hasn't meant I haven't been reading! I've enjoyed a lot of books this summer, and this one has been one of my favorites, soothing my wanderlust!
I adore reading books that take me to new places and show me different ways of life around the world. It's always so interesting, and when I can't visit in person, a great way to tame my wanderlust! Secrets was perfect for that. Sorenson has created a great picture of a summer in Italy, complete with a bratty tween under Alessandra's care, and the narrow, twisting streets of Positano. I desperately wanted to step through the pages and relax by the sea or eat some of the incredible food! And maybe enjoy some limoncello while I was at it ;) I also really enjoyed reading about Alessandra/Alex's struggle with finding the balance between her upbringing in Italy and her current life in Sonoma, California. The juxtaposition of the two was spot-on and heart wrenching at first, but she manages to find her place, which left me cheering. It doesn't hurt to have an Italian hottie to help out a little! Overall, this was a great read that will leave you wanting to book a trip to Italy!

After Reading: ALL THE CROOKED SAINTS by Maggie Stiefvater

From bestselling author Maggie Stiefvater, a gripping tale of darkness, miracles, and family. Saints. Miracles. Family. Romance. Death. Redemption. (Goodreads)

It's been really far too long since I picked up a magical realism novel. I somehow forget how much I deeply enjoy them once I've started. I love their wandering pace, the little details, the magic that is just a normal part of everyday life, and the cultural tones that are often from the Hispanic world that reminds me so much of home. I love them. Steifvater has pulled this sort of magic into her realm in this novel, and made it her own, with all the same notes that I generally love in a good magical realism novel (Like Water for Chocolate, or 100 Years of Solitude, were both in mind as I read). The characters were definitely classic Stiefvater--real and able to jump off the page at a whim. The world was a new one, and I enjoyed the way that she played with it, giving it breath and life, and for me a deep longing for places I miss. The story was a good one, it wandered and told fun little side stories, and honestly anyone who has read a Esquivel novel will totally feel the same themes and tones. It was a delicious read for me, and one I'd recommend to those who have a deep hankering for a throughly classic magical realism novel.

Do you have a favorite magical realism book?