Game of Thrones

Penned By: George R.R. Martin

In the world of Ice and Fire magic is real. Only it's subtle and not overwhelming to the enthralling story unfolding. Each chapter is told from a different characters viewpoint, yet flows easily and the pieces and timeline can be put together with little effort. This first novel focuses primarily on the powerful family in the North of the country Westeros, the Starks. For several years a peace has fallen and a long summer has allowed warmth to seep into their lives. However, "Winter is coming", and strange happenings are sending the country spiraling into a struggle for power, both of the politcal and mystical kind. Follow the Stark family as they are made pawns and major players in the Game of Thrones.

Quote: "You have five trueborn children... Three sons, two daughters. The direwolf is the sigil of your House. Your children were meant to have these pups, my lord."

Genus: Fantastical Worlds

Era: Older is Better

Difficulty: 4

Determination: For the genus lover

Series: Yes, 1st of 7

Film: HBO Series Game of Thrones

Your type of tale? Try these: The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien, Eragon by Christopher Paolini,  Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey

Cool Stuff:  Comic Book       Fan site: Westeros      The Board Game

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Dragonflight

Penned By: Anne McCaffrey

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If you're a woman and a fan or writer of science fiction you owe a big thank you to Anne McCaffrey. She was the first woman to successfully break into Science Fiction literature. Her Pern series is by far and large one of my favorite series of all time. She was a fantastic and detailed writer, who passed the gift on to her son, Todd McCaffrey. He has been working in collaboration with his mother for a few years now to continue her Dragon of Pern series. He has successfully written the last few books himself. The world has lost one of it's greatest science fiction writers of all time just a few short weeks ago when Anne McCaffrey passed away at the age of 85.

Step onto the planet of Pern, where a thriving human population survives in a perilous environment. Lessa, the main character, was born into one of the ruling feudal families but forced into hiding with the dregs of society. She manages to survive through the hardships and rises to regain her birthright. However, her destiny lies with the dragons of the planet. When legend becomes reality they are all threatened and the promise of a real life for Lessa seems like it will be cut cruelly short. Lessa, though, is incapable of giving up  - but is her will to survive enough to save the entire planet? Read one of the strongest female literary character's of all time, written in the 1960's.

Quote: "Black, blacker, blackest, And cold between frozen things. Where is between when there is naught To Life but fragile dragon wings?"

Genus: Fantastical Worlds

Era: Older is Better

Difficulty: 3

Determination:For the genus lover

Series: Yes! This is the first, however the series does not need to be read strictly in order. I recomend reading in the order they were published and not the earliest in the "time-line".

Film: In the works

Your type of tale? Try these: Eragon by Christopher Paolini, A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin, Wagon Train to the Stars by Diane Carey

Cool Stuff: Chapter One Part One    The Pern Museum & Archives - Fansite    Todd McCaffrey

Twilight

Penned By: Stephenie Meyer

Banned: The extremely popular Twilight book, it's 3 sequels and companion book have been challenged severely over the last few years. The reasons? Sexual explicitness, offensive language, religious viewpoint, and violence to name a few. I must say people are reaching a bit except for maybe on the violence. Wouldn't it make more sense just to express anti-vampirism sentiments?
Sources:
Twilight: America's Fifth Most-Dangerous Book
ALA Kicks Off Banned Book Week
Twilight Series Debuts on Library Book Ban List

Twilight is the tale of an awkward girl who moves to a more than small, rainy town. There, she quickly finds more than she bargained for as she's thrust into the world of the paranormal and first true love. This unique tale of romance, adventure, and fantasy is a fun, can't put down read. If you have ever felt like an alien or out of time you will sympathize with the main character Bella.

If you have not read Midnight Sun, the first part of Twilight from Edward's viewpoint, I recommend it.

Quote: "Everything was green: the trees, their trunks covered with moss, their branches hanging with a canopy of it, the ground covered with ferns. Even the air filtered down through the leaves. It was too green -- an alien planet."

Genus: Fantasy Minded

Era: Everyone

Difficulty: 2

Determination: For the genus lover

Series:  Yes: Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, Breaking Dawn, Midnight Sun, and The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner

Film: Yep

Cool Stuff: The Cullen House Blog     Forks Chamber of Commerce Twilight       Dazzled by Twilight

Your type of tale? Try these: Vampire Kisses: The Beginning by Ellen Schreiber, Wings by Aprilynne Pike, and The Reformed Vampire Support Group by Catherine Jinks

Other Books for Banned Book Week 2011:
The Color Purple by Alice Walker

Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Sea of Monsters

Penned By: Rick Riordan

Happy Birthday Percy Jackson!

The second book in the series opens with a fiery bang and with breakneck hilarity readers are taken on another adventure with the young demigod. As if last summers discoveries weren't enough for a lifetime, Percy will find that being a member of the Olympic family means there's always at least one more skeleton in the closet. Besides a refresher in Greek mythology and humorous adventures, The Sea of Monsters will present readers with the opportunity to contemplate what's really important in life.

Quote: "Mythologically speaking, if there's anything I hate worse than trios of old ladies, it's bulls."

Genus: Fantastical Worlds

Era: Young at Heart

Difficulty: 1

Determination: For the genus lover

Series: Yes, the 2nd of 5 - Read 1st book review: The Lightning Thief

Film: No

Cool Stuff: Olympian Week    Book Page    Percy Jackson Birthday Celebration Kit  

Your type of tale? Try these: Here, There Be Dragons by James A. Owen, The Alchemyst by Michael Scott, Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets by JK Rowling

Ready to buy it?

The Magician: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel

Photograph by Amber Murray

Penned By: Michael Scott

Follow the twins in their continued quest to save or change the world. They are immersed deeply in a magical world that they never knew existed. Sophie will grow more powerful and Josh will grow more skeptical of what is right. Non-stop action and discovery are achieved at a break neck speed. You may have to pause just to take it all in. Michael Scott has brought together a phenomenal array of historical figures and made them immortal. What would you do if you lived forever?

Quote: "Lying flat on her back, Perenelle Flamel stared at the stained stone ceiling directly above her head and wondered how many other prisoners incarcerated on Alcatraz had done the same."

Genus: Fantastical Worlds

Era: Everyone

 

Difficulty: 3

 

Determination: For the genus lover

Series: Yes 2nd of 6, see my review of the first book, The Alchemyst

 

Film: Recently Purchased

Your type of tale? Try these: The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathon Stroud, Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

Cool Related Items:  Listen to the 1st Chapter     The Awakening a Game              

Nicholas Flamel Real Story

Michael Scott was gracious enough to
sign all 5 of my books.

Ready to buy it?

Bones of Faerie

Penned By: Janni Lee Simner

Janni Lee Simner defines in medias res in this astonishing tale of the future. A heart-wrenchingly beautiful story that proves what you don't know, is what truly hurts you. If you're the type that believes there is much more to this world than we know, this is a story for you. Follow Liza on a path of discovery that in the end will prove how strong she truly is. A fast, can't put down read in which the author pulls no punchs.
Genus: Fantastical Worlds

Era: Everyone

Difficulty: 2

Determination: For the genus lover

Series: Yes, 1st of 2 (so far)

 

Film: No

Quote: "One of the oaks threw an acorn at us. It grazed my ear. 'We're going to find my mother, like Karin said.' I picked up the acorn and flung it back into the forest."

Your type of tale? Try these: Afternoon of the Elves by Janet Taylor Lisle, Number the Stars by Lois Lowry, A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

 

Cool Stuff:  Book Website      Fan Made Trailer     Invasive Species (short story, same world) 

Ready to buy it?

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?

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?