Book Chick City: February 2010

Book Deptository

Goodreads Summary:

In the distant future, humans and several other races have been granted membership in the Confederation--at a price. They must act as soldier/protectors of the far more civilized races who have long since turned away from war....

Books in Series Order:

1. Valor's Choice

2. The Better Part of Valor

3. The Heart of Valor

4. Valor's Trial

5. The Truth of Valor (TBA)

I've seen this book a few times on other blogs and I think it sounds really good. I also think the cover's pretty cool too.

Unclean Spirits

M. L. N. Hanover (Pocket)

Publication Date: 2 Dec 2008

Paperback: 368 pages

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Book Deptository

Goodreads Summary:

Jayné Heller thinks of herself as a realist, until she discovers reality isn't quite what she thought it was. When her uncle Eric is murdered, Jayné travels to Denver to settle his estate, only to learn that it's all hers -- and vaster than she ever imagined. And along with properties across the world and an inexhaustible fortune, Eric left her a legacy of a different kind: his unfinished business with a cabal of wizards known as the Invisible College.

Led by the ruthless Randolph Coin, the Invisible College harnesses demon spirits for their own ends of power and domination. Jayné finds it difficult to believe magic and demons can even exist, let alone be responsible for the death of her uncle. But Coin sees Eric's heir as a threat to be eliminated by any means -- magical or mundane -- so Jayné had better start believing in something to save her own life.

Aided in her mission by a group of unlikely companions -- Aubrey, Eric's devastatingly attractive assistant; Ex, a former Jesuit with a lethal agenda; Midian, a two-hundred-year-old man who claims to be under a curse from Randolph Coin himself; and Chogyi Jake, a self-styled Buddhist with mystical abilities -- Jayné finds that her new reality is not only unexpected, but often unexplainable. And if she hopes to survive, she'll have to learn the new rules fast -- or break them completely....

Books in Series Order:

1. Unclean Spirits

2. Darker Angels

This sounds like such a fun book and I just love the title! The cover's really cute too. I can see me getting this book real soon to take on holiday. Has anyone read it yet? Recommend?

Blonde with a Wand

Vicki Lewis Thompson (Signet)

Publication Date: 2 Feb 2010

Paperback: 336 pages

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Book Deptository

Goodreads Summary:

Sexy witch Anica Revere has one rule: never under any circumstances get involved with a man before telling him she's a witch. Still, what's one silly rule? Especially when the guy in question is as cute as Jasper Danes. But when Anica and Jasper have a spat, she breaks an ever bigger rule of witchcraft and turns him into a cat. Bad news for him. Worse for her...

Books in Series Order:

1. Blonde with a Wand

2. Chick with a Charm (March 2010)

Labels: On My Wishlist |

16 comments |

"Shiver" Contest Winner!

Friday, February 26, 2010 | Posted by Book Chick City |

And the winner is...

Sabrina (YA Bliss)

Congratulations!! I have emailed you please send me your details so I can get the book out to you as soon as possible!

Sorry to all of you who didn't win this time, but thank you for entering! This was my most popular contest to date with 216 entries!

Labels: Giveaway Winners |

7 comments |

Where Stories Are Made: Anton Strout

Thursday, February 25, 2010 | Posted by Book Chick City |

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Where Stories Are Made is a new feature here at Book Chick City. It's where the author takes us on a tour of their writing place, be it an office, coffee shop or park and tells us about their writing day and rituals. Today I welcome the very funny Anton Strout...

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I know some authors have one location where they get everything done, but I am not one of those authors. Depending on what part of a book or the writing process I am working on, I have several locations that I like for all that. Bear with me, folks. We’re going to have a few photos here.

The first stage isn’t worth a photo. Much of what goes into my books happens while I’m on my morning and night commuter bus from New Jersey into New York City for the day job. First thing in the morning, I’m handwriting notes in a notebook on the bus. It doesn’t have to be pretty and with my cursive, believe me, it ain’t. But, it gets words down on the page, words I can later hone.

My first photo is where I write when I first get home with all those handwritten notes. I’ve usually produced 5-10 pages of notes and now it’s time to enter them into the computer. This allows me a quick first pass editing sweep of my frantic bus scrawl as it goes in, refining it a little. This I can do while sitting on the couch watching some TV. Please note the awesome zombie decal on our wall, still up from my zombie themed birthday party this year. Yes, I’m twelve. Of interest, please note the chair-and-a- half section of the couch. I fell in love with them while up in Montreal and I love being able to curl up on it. Also please note: my bus notes, some printouts of scenes I write notes on, copies of Buffy and Spidey comics as well as reference materials for my series. Also, coffee- sweet, lifesaving coffee.

When enough of the book is in or I have refined a chapter or two, I must go into radio silence. That means heading for my home office. There’s no Instant Messenger there or anything. It’s there so I can write, pay attention, and suss things out undisturbed. It’s lonely, yes, but essential, and besides, my kitteh likes to jump up an my lap and watch the magic happen. The desk is uninteresting, but here is the view immediately to my right. My bookcase. Thought you’d like to see what I’ve been reading, along with where I store some copies of my books.

Also of note is the top of my filing cabinet, where I keep all my action figures that aren’t in my day job office. Of note are: My signed Tara action figure from Buffy’s Amber Benson, my Jayne hat from Firefly, some of my Lego video game figures, and a red bubble gum machine I plan on turning into Tom Servo from MST3K someday when I have the time. Also, they help to move them around when I’m trying to figure out the blocking for one of my scenes.

Next up, and please forgive the poor quality, is the office at my day job, which happens to be with Penguin, one of the big NY publishing houses. The low light is due to the fact that I can’t stand fluorescent lighting and disabled it. I have two desk lamps, but I had to shut one down to get anything worth viewing. Let’s remember that I’m writing around trying to have a life and around a day job. So you take time where you can get it. Often times, I shut the office door during lunch, and speed write for an hour. There are plenty of things to fuel my geeky heart here. Please note the many fine geek posters, graphic novels and some of the action figures, including a My Lil’ Cthulhu statue in the lower right corner. He wuvs you and wants yer soul. Aww, ain’t he a cutie?

And who doesn’t love Hellboy, Darth Tater, Spider Spud… or Spam? This is the view fro m the far side of my monitor. What you can’t see is my lil’ Resident Evil zombie that lurks under my monitor along with that giant red haired monster from Bugs Bunny.

So there you have it, the few places that help me put out a book a year around an already packed life. Thanks for checking it out, and as a parting photo, here is the desk of action figures that keep my company at work. I am particularly fond of my Tick action figures as well as my Akira and Evil Dead ones. Oh yes, and Ein, the stuffed corgi I have from the Cowboy Bebop series. Naturally, he is a guard dog over all of them so don’t try to steal them.

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Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Dead to Me: out now

Deader Still: out now

Dead Matter: out 23 Feb 2010

You can find out more about this feature HERE

If you're an author who would like to be featured on Where Stories Are Made please email me: HERE

**Next week on 'Where Stories Are Made': Tim Waggoner**

View Shedule Page for full author listing

15 comments |

BOOK REVIEW: Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

Wednesday, February 24, 2010 | Posted by Book Chick City |

Title: Uglies

Author: Scott Westerfeld

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication Date: 4 March 2010

Reading Level: Young Adult

Genre: Science Fiction

Rating: 7/10

Summary:

Tally lives in a world where your sixteenth birthday brings aesthetic perfection: an operation which erases all your flaws, transforming you from an 'Ugly' into a 'Pretty'. She is on the eve of this important event, and cannot wait for her life to change. As well as guaranteeing supermodel looks, life as a Pretty seems to revolve around having a good time. But then she meets Shay, who is also fifteen - but with a very different outlook on life. Shay isn't sure she wants to be Pretty and plans to escape to a community in the forest - the Rusty Ruins - where Uglies go to escape 'turning'.

Tally won't be persuaded to join her, as this would involve sacrificing everything she's ever wanted for a lot of uncertainty. When she is taken in for questioning on her birthday, however, Tally gets sent to the Ruins anyway - against her will. The authorities offer Tally the worst choice she could ever imagine: find her friend Shay and turn her in, or never turn Pretty at all. What she discovers in the Ruins reveals that there is nothing 'pretty' about the transformations...And the choice Tally makes will change her world forever.

Review:

This is the first book in the The Uglies Trilogy series by Scott Westerfeld. Uglies was quite a roller coaster for me to read. One minute I was enjoying it, then I was bored, then I was enjoying it again. Happily though my overall feeling was that I really enjoyed it. For the most part is was fast-paced, with great characters and a great story.

It's three hundred years into the future and the main protagonist, Tally, is anxiously awaiting to become a 'Pretty'. But she has to wait until she's sixteen. Tally lives in Uglyville and is an 'Ugly'. Her best friend Peris is already a Pretty and lives in New Pretty Town and she misses him a lot. Along comes Shay, another Ugly and they become fast friends. Shay tells Tally of another place called The Smoke where Uglies live out their lives without becoming Pretty.

For the majority of the story Tally is pretty adamant that she wants to become a Pretty, brainwashed into thinking that anyone other than a Pretty is downright ugly. This has blinded her to what's really important, the person you are on the inside. But she's seduced by the Pretties lifestyle of parties and fun, their unblemished, perfect skin, plump lips and big beautiful eyes.

But when Shay tells Tally that she's running away to join the other Uglies in The Smoke, Tally cannot understand why. Why would Shay not want to be pretty? After Shay leaves, Tally is lonely but she believes she has made the right decision. She doesn't want to be ugly any more. On the morning of her operation things don't go to plan and she's taken to Special Circumstances where she meets Dr Cable who blackmails her into infiltrating the others at The Smoke by being a spy.

The journey to The Smoke is where I became slightly bored. I wanted action and yet it slowed down quite a lot in terms of pace and I struggled. But I'm so pleased I continued as it got better and better with each chapter.

Once in The Smoke, Tally's life really changes. She meets David and other Uglies that are living very much in the wild. In The Ruins of a city past. Her perception of the Uglies slowly changes and her outlook on life as a Pretty and what she thought it would be like is turned upside down when she discovers a secret. A conspiracy. And it shocks her to the core. In the end Tally makes a decision that will change her world forever and maybe the lives of those around her.

Verdict:

I really enjoyed seeing Tally evolve from a brainwashed young girl into a young woman with her own mind. The characters are well rounded and the relationships between them are believable. There's even a little bit of romance, but not a lot. The story ends on a slight cliffhanger, which has me itching to begin the next installment. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book to young adults and adults alike.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster for sending me this book to review.

Books in Series Order:

1. Uglies

2. Pretties

3. Specials

Labels: 7/10 Rating, Book Reviews, Science Fiction, Scott Westerfeld, Young Adult |

30 comments |

ARC's: Review Sooner or Later?

Tuesday, February 23, 2010 | Posted by Book Chick City |

I have a bit of a dilemma.

Getting books sent for review it pretty fantastic. I can honestly say that getting books through the post is the highlight of my day (actually, that makes me sound a bit sad, let's say most days..ahem). However, the more I get the more I feel there's a need to prioritise. The problem is I'm not a machine. My reading choices come from inside me, I don't know what it is but if I see a book and like the synopsis and it takes my fancy, then that's the book I will read ;)

However, with all the books I'm sent my thoughts inevitably gravitate towards certain questions: which book should I read first? How should I prioritise? My biggest dilemma is ARC's. When I receive them they can be months in advance of publication date. Do I read and review early, with the possibility of readers becoming annoyed because they can't get their hands on a copy themselves? Or with the chance of the book being forgotten by the time it's released? But on the positive side the possibility of creating early buzz?

Or do I review it nearer the publication date, so readers have the chance to actually pick the book up at their local bookshop? So it's still fresh in people's minds? But, on the negative side, having the guilt of leaving the ARC on the shelf for weeks and weeks, causing sleepless nights? (only kidding, I have insomnia anyway...).

I put a feeler out on Twitter and these were some of the responses from bloggers and publishers:

"Online reviews are great for creating buzz so we love early reviews. Ideal situation would be a revisit or reminder on or near publication date" (publisher)

"my feeling is it's your blog, I can't make demands on content or timing but always grateful if blogger checks for early ones." (publisher)

"Early reviews build word of mouth, but if it's a great book people want it there and then! so it's a bit of both" (publisher)

"I'm fed up of reading reviews for same book over and over. I don't think publishers realise the power of waiting" (blogger)

"Shouldn't main concern be with readers? And readers tend to prefer closer to release date" (blogger)

No definitive answer there, but I didn't think I would get one. Every publisher and blogger will have a different idea on the subject. So where does that leave me? Yes, my reviews are written for the reader and I will always write an honest review of all books sent my way from publishers or authors. However, the publicists I deal with are pretty great. They are helpful, generous and always willing to help when I email about new feature ideas. So, I want to help them in return. I also want to do what's best for the author and their book.

So how do I get around this dilemma? What do you do with your ARC's? Do you review them sooner or later?

Labels: Thoughtful Ramblings |

52 comments |

Cover Crush - US Edition: Alpha by Rachel Vincent

Monday, February 22, 2010 | Posted by Book Chick City |

This is the gorgeous new cover for Alpha, the sixth book in the Shifters series by Rachel Vincent, which she revealed on her blog only moments ago. I have been dying to post this but knew Rachel wanted to reveal it herself first, so I waited - it was tough I can tell you, especially as I saw it last week on The Pride, her online forum.

The cover of Rogue is still my favourite, but I think this is a gorgeous addition to the series, it has a different feel from the other covers I think. It's quite dark, I wonder if that is because the story has turned darker too? I haven't read this series but I have just bought the first book, Stray, so I'm looking forward to cracking on with it. I couldn't find the name of the artist anywhere, but as soon as I do I will post it here.

So, what do you guys think - you likey?

Click Image to Enlarge

Alpha

Rachel Vincent

Fall/Autumn 2010

MIRA

Summary

The unscrupulous new Council chair has charged Jace, Marc, and me with trespassing, kidnapping, murder, and treason. Yeah, we've been busy. But now it's time to take justice into our own hands. We must avenge my brother's death and carve out the rot at the heart of the Council.

It's not going to be easy, and loss seems unavoidable, but I have promised to protect my Pride, no matter what. With a target on my back and Marc at my side, I'm heading for a final showdown that can--that will--change everything forever. A showdown I'm not sure I'm ready for. But life never waits until you're ready.

Other covers in the series:

Labels: Cover Crush |

7 comments |

In My Mailbox (#29)

Sunday, February 21, 2010 | Posted by Book Chick City |

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren

Hi folks!! I have had another absolutely amazing week for books! I received 12 for review. I was also very naughty again as last Thursday morning my finger had a mind of its own and went clicking away on Amazon 1-click and bought 10 books! In my defense I really didn't seem to have any control of my own finger! ;) Seriously though I've been in a pretty bad reading funk and I thought by buying more books and including some light fun reads may pull me out of it - we will see...

I think all my books this week are awesome and I'm looking forward to reading all of them, but as I say every week there are always a few that stand out. This week I'm really excited about: Apartment 16, Mr Monster, Mirror, Mirror and The Midnight Mayer (I've also bought the first book in this series An Angel of Madness, which I intend to read first) - and as for the books I bought, I want to read all of them! ;)

FOR REVIEW:

Apartment 16

Adam Nevill (Pan)

Publication Date: 21 May 2010

ARC: 400 pages

Genre: Horror

Goodreads Summary:

Some doors are better left closed...In Barrington House, an upmarket block in London, there is an empty apartment. No one goes in, no one comes out. And it's been that way for fifty years. Until the night watchman hears a disturbance after midnight and investigates. What he experiences is enough to change his life forever.

A young American woman, Apryl, arrives at Barrington House. She's been left an apartment by her mysterious Great Aunt Lillian who died in strange circumstances. Rumours claim Lillian was mad. But her diary suggests she was implicated in a horrific and inexplicable event decades ago. Determined to learn something of this eccentric woman, Apryl begins to unravel the hidden story of Barrington House. She discovers that a transforming, evil force still inhabits the building. And the doorway to Apartment 16 is a gateway to something altogether more terrifying...

The Midnight Mayor

Kate Griffin (Orbit)

Publication Date: 18 March 2010

Paperback: 410 pages

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Goodreads Summary:

It's said that if the ravens ever leave the Tower of London, then the Tower will crumble and the kingdom will fall. As it happens, that's not so far from the truth...

One by one, the magical wards that guard the city are falling: the London Wall defiled with cryptic graffiti, the ravens found dead at the Tower, the London Stone destroyed. This is not good news. This array of supernatural defenses - a mix of international tourist attractions and forgotten urban legends - formed a formidable magical shield. Protection for the City of London against... well, that's the question, isn't it? What could be so dangerous as to threaten an entire city?

Against his better judgment, resurrected sorcerer Matthew Swift is about to find out. And if he's lucky, he might just live long enough to do something about it...

Mr Monster

Dan Wells (Headline)

Publication Date: March 2010

Paperback: 278 pages

Genre: Horror

Goodreads Summary:

John Wayne Cleaver has always known he has a dark side but he's fought hard to oppress it and live a normal life -- separating John from Mr Monster to survive. But after confronting and destroying the vicious killer that was terrorizing his town, his inner monster is getting stronger and harder to contain. And now more bodies are being discovered... With the police failing to catch Clayton County's second serial killer John is going to have to use his secret knowledge of the first demon-killer to trap the second...but will he be able to avoid suspicion falling on him, and, in the face of extreme horrors, will he be able to restrain Mr Monster?

Mirror, Mirror

Gregory Maguire (Headline Review)

Publication Date: 12 Feb 2010

Paperback: 327 pages

Genre: Fantasy

Summary:

The year is 1502, and seven-year-old Bianca de Nevada lives perched high above the rolling hills and valleys of Tuscany and Umbria at Montefiore, the farm of her beloved father, Don Vicente. But one day a noble entourage makes its way up the winding slopes to the farm -- and the world comes to Montefiore.

In the presence of Cesare Borgia and his sister, the lovely and vain Lucrezia -- decadent children of a wicked pope -- no one can claim innocence for very long. When Borgia sends Don Vicente on a years-long quest, he leaves Bianca under the care -- so to speak -- of Lucrezia.

She plots a dire fate for the young girl in the woods below the farm, but in the dark forest salvation can be found as well. A lyrical work of stunning creative vision, Mirror Mirror gives fresh life to the classic story of Snow White -- and has a truth and beauty all its own.

This Is Not A Game

Walter Jon Williams (Orbit)

Publication Date: 18 March 2010

Paperback: 460 pages

Genre: Techno-Thriller

Amazon Summary:

Once upon a time, there were four of them. And though each was good at a number of things, all of them were very good at games ...But when one of them is gunned down in a parking lot, the survivors become players in a very different kind of game - one that is played for the highest stake of all. Now they must draw on all their resources - not least millions of online gamers - to track down the killer. Imagine a game with no boundaries. Waiting in a parking lot, sitting at your computer, walking down the street - you could be called at any moment, and you'd better be ready. This is not a game. This is a novel that will blow your mind.

Pleasure of A Dark Prince

Kresley Cole (Pocket Books)

Publication Date: 4 March 2010

Paperback: 431 pages

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Summary:

Can the beast seduce a beauty and make her love him...?

A promise of pleasure ...from a brutal warrior determined to protect her.

Never far from her bow, Lucia the Huntress is as mysterious as she is beautiful. But the secrets she harbors could destroy her-and those she loves-and every day brings more danger. It isn't safe for her to be with Garreth MacRieve, yet whenever she sees the fierce werewolf with his smoldering eyes, she finds herself surrendering to his kiss.

An uncontrollable need... that can only be sated with her touch.

From the shadows, Garreth, prince of the Lykae, has long watched over Lucia, the lovely little Valkyrie who alternately maddens him and inflames his lust. He aches to claim the seductive creature as his own and keep her safe from harm, but first he must convince her to accept him as her guardian. To do that he'll exploit Lucia's greatest weakness-her desire for him.

Masquerade

Publication Date: 4 March 2010

Paperback: 304 pages

Genre: Fantasy

Tags: Vampire, Young Adult

Summary:

Schuyler Van Alen is starting to get more comfortable with her newfound vampire powers, but she still has many unanswered questions. A trip to Italy in search of her grandfather only serves to make things more confusing. What secrets are the leaders of The Committee hiding? Meanwhile, back in New York, preparations are feverishly underway for the famous Four Hundred Ball. In true Blue Blood fashion, the ball is totally fab, complete with masks, and hidden behind this masquerade is a revelation that will change the course of a young vampire's destiny.

Turn Coat

Jim Butcher (Orbit)

Publication Date: 18 March 2010

Paperback: 530 pages

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Summary:

Harry Dresden, PI and practitioner of magic, has always tried to keep his nose clean where the White Council of Wizards is concerned. But good intentions aside, his past misdeeds haven't gone down well. And this places him in an awkward position.

Morgan, formerly his chief Council persecutor, has been wrongly accused of treason and there's only one, rather final, punishment for that crime. So Morgan wants someone with a knack for backing the underdog, however much that someone wants to stay below the radar. Soon, Harry is working to clear the less-than-agreeable Morgan's name, hiding him from Wardens and bounty hunters and seeking the identity of the true turncoat. A single mistake may mean that heads - quite literally - could roll. And one of them might be his.

Arson

Estevan Vega (Tate Publishing)

Publication Date: 4 May 2010

Paperback: 333 pages

Genre: Fantasy

Summary:

Before now, three things were true: he both loved and despised his grandmother; his life was going nowhere; and he was alone. But when a strange girl-who feels more normal behind a mask than inside her own skin-moves in next door, Arson hopes to find something he's never had: purpose. Using what he fears the most about himself, Arson must face his consuming past and confront the nightmare that is present as he walks the fine line between boy and monster. Dark, moody, and breathtakingly relevant, Arson, the chilling chronicle of an isolated boy with unimaginable ability, is sure to ignite the hearts and minds of a new generation.

Rock Chicks

Ronni Cooper (Sphere)

Publication Date: 10 June 2010

ARC: 450 pages

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Summary:

The groupie - Coco LaBiba has the beauty, she has the money, but she just needs sex, music and fame to get high. She won't give up her wild ways for anyone - except the one guy she can never have.

The wife Marny Rammer - pretty, quiet, devoted wife of the band's lead singer. But there's a price to pay when superstardom comes knocking on your husband's door, and for Marny it comes in a dangerous pile of fine white powder...

The manager Lori Wyatt - the girl from the sticks turned kick-ass band manager who can play any man at their own game - business, or pleasure - and who will do anything she can to sky-rocket her boys to the top. Anything.

How To Be Married

Polly Williams (Headline Review)

Publication Date:4 March 2010

Paperback: 376 pages

Genre: Chick-Lit

Summary:

Sadie Drew thinks she must be the world’s worst wife. She only needs to walk into a room to make it untidy. She wears flannel pyjamas in bed. Furry things breed in her fridge. But she’s a busy working mother not a wifebot and husband Tom loves her as she is. Until he gets a hot new job and things change. There are alpha-wives to entertain. Nuclear rows. Unsettling secrets. And the smell of another woman’s perfume on his suit. Sadie risks losing everything if she can’t transform herself into the perfect wife...

**As this book is not a genre I would review on BCC, it is now on it's way to Chrissie's Corner for review!**

Getting Over Mr Right

Chrissie Manby (Hodder & Stroughton)

Publication Date: 24 June 2010

ARC: 296 pages

Genre: Chick-Lit