The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel

Photo by Amber Murray

Penned By: Michael Scott

The 5th book in the series, The Warlock, came out today!

Michael Scott will be signing at Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe, AZ, Wednesday June 8th!

If you think you know the tale of Nicholas Flamel, creator of the Sorcerer's Stone, think again. Step into the depths of the great alchemysts and magicians of the past, the people and creatures that have discovered immortality. Explore the lives of people who have lived for thousands of years until today. Here is the beginning of the tale of twins born in the 20th century who will shape our world in ways that these immortals cannot.

Quote: "Sophie and Josh followed Scathach through Hekate's house. There were reminders everywhere that they were inside a tree: everything-- floors, walls and ceilings -- was wooden, and in places, little buds and shoots of green leaves dappled the walls, as if the wood was still growing."

Genus: Fantastical Worlds

Updated: Michael Scott signed my book when he
visited Changing Hands 6/8.

Era: Everyone

Difficulty: 2

Determination: For the genus lover

Series: Yes, 1st of 6

Film: No

Your type of tale? Try these: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling, The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan, A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

Want more information?    Publishers Page    Official Fansite    First Chapter
  
Ready to buy it?

Kim Asks About Her Future With Ernesto

Penned By: Dan Crawley

This tale is what is known as flash fiction, a newly popular and extremely short form of short stories. (I guess you could say LitPool is the flash blog of book reviews.) I explain because in order to review something that is less than 400 words is difficult... and brief.

Actions speak louder than words but words are sometimes needed to explain ones actions. In this very carefully worded tale a woman decides her life direction with a hug.

Quote: "He imperceptibly -- maybe a quick wince in his left eye -- flinched as she came at him."

Genus: Flash in the Pan 

Era: Older is Better

Difficulty: 2

Determination: Casual read

Series: No

Film: No

Your type of tale? Try these: One Of These Days by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Powder by Tobias Wolff, Come into the Garden, Maud by Don Nigro

Kim Asks About Her Future With Ernesto is published at Glossolalia so go ahead and read it now!

Paranormalcy

Penned By: Kiersten White

I will freely admit that when I got to the main character's pink taser, I almost put down this book. Yep, you read it right, pink taser. However, I firmly believe that reading bad literature is just as important as reading good literature, so I soldiered on. I am very glad I did. This is in no way, shape, or form, a bad book. Well-written and cunningly funny, Paranormalcy is refreshingly unique and a fun read. I can see where most people would think of this as a "girls" book, I can assure any gentlemen who brave it that they will be hooked within a few pages.

Quote: "Tasers are a one-size-fits-all paranormal butt-kicking option. Mine's pink with rhinestones. Tasey and I have had a lot of good times together."

Genus: Fantastical Worlds

Era: Everyone

Difficulty: 2

Determination: For the genus lover

Series: Yes, the next, Supernaturally, comes out in July.

Film: No

Your type of tale? Try these: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling, Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris, The Host by Stephenie Meyer

Want more information?  Publishers Paranormalcy Page    Author Page & Paranormalcy Trailer

Ready to buy it?

Illusions

Photo by Amber Murray

Penned By: Aprilynne Pike

The third book in this series lives up to both it's name and fan expectations. True to life, Laurel's decision's only become harder and more complicated as she grows older. Each chapter will leave the reader dying to know more (I read this in just over a day when I was really busy) and also thinking, "What on Avalon is going on?!" Yes, it's a fairy tale, yes, it's a romance, yes, it's an action adventure, finally it's a mystery. A fantastic, wonderful mystery.

Photo by Amber Murray

If I ever get to see Aprilynne Pike again, I'm asking how much of The Princess Bride, she watched as a kid.

Quote: "Would it hurt you more if I was with David because I loved him, or if I was with David because I wanted to make you jealous?"

Genus: Fantasy Minded

 

Era: Everyone

 

Difficulty: 2

 

Determination: For the genus lover

 

Series:  Yes - Check out my blog on book one, Wings. Check out my blog on book two, Spells.

 

 

Aprilynne and I at Poisoned Pen on May 2nd.

Film: No, but when I saw Aprilynne Pike at the signing she was in the process of negotiating a movie contract for Wings.

 

Your type of tale? Try these: Angel Light by Andrew M. Greeley, Legend by Jude Deveraux, Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbit

Ready to buy it?

Dead Until Dark

Penned By: Charlaine Harris

The newest Sookie Stackhouse novel, Dead Reckoning , came out this week!

If you're a fan of the madly popular show (like myself) the first thing you  should know about the books is they move a little slower and aren't quite as action-packed. Other than an extra character or two, the first season is surprisingly parallel to the first book. Like all books though you will gain a great deal of insight into the world of the characters.

Charlaine Harris displays traditional vampirism at it's best and the realistic nature will have you looking over your shoulder in dark parking lots. Light-hearted humor is coupled with a sinister plot line. Sookie may be innocent and unknowledgeable but don't mistake her for a fool. She displays a shockingly brave, fair, and honest nature. If you're a vampire fan this is a must read series to add to your collection.

Quote: "The politically correct theory, the one the vamps themselves backed, had it that this guy was the victim of a virus that left him apparently dead for a couple of days and thereafter allergic to sunlight, silver, and garlic."

Genus: Fantasy Minded

Era: Older is Better

Difficulty: 3

Determination: For the genus lover

Film: TrueBlood

Your type of tale? Try these: Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice, The Reformed Vampire Support Group by Catherine Jinks, The Cat Who Could Read Backwards by Lilian Jackson Braun

I have no idea whatsoever why Dead Until Dark reminds me of The Cat Who series, but it does. Maybe there's something in the writing style. Since I liked both though and there is something familiar in the two I would love to see what someone else has to say about them that has read both. (You're nuts would be perfectly acceptable!)

Ready to buy it?

Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief



Photo by Amber Murray

 Penned By: Rick Riordan

In honor of Rick Riordan's newest novel, The Throne of Fire, releasing this week.

We all go through a period of self-discovery in our pre-teen years, but of course very few of us find ourselves to be demigods. Percy Jackson takes the news and subsequent adventures with a great deal of aplomb and tongue-in-cheek humor. You'll find yourself chuckling sympathetically throughout. Revisit Greek mythology and discover how Rick Riordan makes it come alive in the 21st century.

Quote: "The chihuahua barked louder, and with each bark, it grew. First to the size of a Doberman, then to a lion. The bark became a roar."

Genus: Fantastical Worlds

Era: Young at Heart

Difficulty: 1

Determination: For the genus lover

Series:  Yes, the 1st of 5

Film: Yep - Official Site

Your type of tale? Try these: Molly Moon's Incredible Book of Hypnotism by Georgia Byng, Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins, A Spell for Chameleon by Piers Anthony (Older is better)

Ready to buy it?
                                                                                                                  

Spells

Photograph by: Amber Murray

Penned By: Aprilynne Pike

 

Illusions book signing tonight!  I highly suggest going out! Aprilynne Pike was a fantastic speaker and very personable, it was a great joy meeting her.

The second in this series really steps it up a notch. The relationships and love triangle ramp up, the action and adventure are in full-force, and the magic takes over our lead lady, Laurel's, life. The mystery and questions are tripled so if you were hoping to walk away with answers, well, just remember this is a 4 part series. Once again, the tale is beautifully crafted and merges the real world with fantasy seamlessly. This book is a good reminder to appreciate those who are dear to us and not take people for granted.

For those who are reading this series:
Are you Team David? Or Team Tamani? And who do you think she will actually end up with?
(Yes, these can be mutually exclusive!) Answer(s) in the comments.

Quote: "Everything was rainbow-hued and vivid and it took Laurel a few seconds to realize that the bright, multicolored flashes she saw weaving through the crowds were the blossoms of the Summer faeries."

Genus: Fantastical Worlds

Era: Everyone

Difficulty: 2

Determination: For the genus lover

Series:  Yes! The third one releases today! May 3rd. See what I have to say about book one here.

Film: No

Your type of tale? Try these: Talisman of Valdegarde by Madeleine Simon, Paranormalcy by Kiersten White, Just One Wish by Janette Rallison

Ready to buy it?

Wings



Photograph by: Amber Murray

 Penned By: Aprilynne Pike

Illusions book signing tonight!

It's everyone's dream to be unique and gifted while also being accepted and loved. Though while this is a fairytale adventure with a bit of romance and mystery thrown in, it fulfills that dream beautifully. Aprilynne Pike's faeries are fascinatingly unique. The reader is immersed into the fantasy world slowly and thus making it a more believable tale. It constantly leaves the reader craving more of the unknown. The main character's story dovetails neatly and she is wonderfully relatable. Teenage and adult readers alike will appreciate her dilemmas and cheer her triumphs.

Quote: "With the arrival of darkness came an unspoken permission to think dark thoughts as well."



Genus: Fantasy Minded

Era: Everyone

Difficulty: 2



Determination: For the genus lover

Series:  Yes! The third releases tomorrow, May 3rd!

Film: No

Your type of tale? Try these: Wings by E.D. Baker, Twilight by Stephenie Meyer, Meet the Austins by Madeleine L'Engle


Ready to buy it?

Extra: Illusions Trailer! **Spoiler Alert**

**note you may want to pause my player at the very bottom of the page before you play this