Book Chick City: November 2010

Sign Up: Horror & Urban Fantasy Reading Challenge 2011!

Tuesday, November 30, 2010 | Posted by Book Chick City |

Horror & Urban Fantasy Reading Challenge 2011!

Welcome to the Horror & Urban Fantasy Reading Challenge 2011! I love horror, it's one of my favourite genres and I adore urban fantasy too - I have so many books in both genres on my shelves. So, I decided I would create a reading challenge which combined my two favourite genres. I hope you will join in!

Sign Up Details

You must add the button to your sidebar - make sure that it links back to this post so others can join the challenge if they wish. Easiest way to do this is to copy and paste the code displayed below!

Grab the button!

Challenge Details

• Timeline: 01 Jan 2011 - 31 Dec 2011

• Rules: To read TWENTY FOUR (24) horror & urban fantasy novels in 2011 (24 is the minimum but you can read more if you wish!)

• You don't have to select your books ahead of time, you can just add them as you go. Also if you do list them upfront you can change them, nothing is set in stone! The books you choose can crossover into other challenges you have on the go.

• You can join anytime.

• At the beginning of Jan 2011, you will find a link to add your reviews.

• You don't have to have a blog to join in - for those without a blog just FILL IN THIS FORM and I will add you to the list - just join the discussion in the comments section to let us know when you've read a book and what you thought of it! :)

If you have trouble adding your URL link below, please email me the name you want posted below with your URL link and I will add it for you.

111 comments |

Sign Up: Mystery & Suspense Reading Challenge 2011!

Tuesday, November 30, 2010 | Posted by Book Chick City |

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Mystery & Suspense Challenge 2011!

Welcome to the Mystery & Suspense Challenge 2011! I didn't do very well in 2010 even though it was my own challenge, but I hope to rectify this in 2011. However, it seems many of you did very well, so congrautlations for completing the challenge. For those of you who were more like me, you have another chance!

I was amazed at the amount of participants in 2010 - 237 of you chose my challenge, amazing! I hope I have as many of you sign up for 2011.

As most of you know there was also a prize courtesy of Simon & Schuster, who offered an ARC to all who joined in with the challenge. Well, Simon & Schuster are sponsoring my Mystery & Suspense Reading Challenge again for 2011 and are giving away an ARC of 'The Survivor' by Sean Slater! Details of what you need to do to claim this fab ARC as well as all the details you need for signing up to the challenge are below!

Grab Button

Sign Up

To sign up you MUST make a post on your blog about participating in the challenge - you then use the URL of the post to sign up to the challenge by adding it to Mr Linky below. DO NOT just add your blog URL - this will be deleted. Also please be aware that unless you show you are joining the challenge with a participation post your ARC will not be sent.

To Claim ARC

Courtesy of publisher SIMON & SCHUSTER UK, ALL participants of this challenge will receive a free ARC of 'The Survivor' by Sean Slater to start you off on your challenge! Once you have made your participation post and signed up for the challenge, FILL OUT THIS FORM! This form will ask for your full name, postal address, post URL and your entry number from the participants list below (so I can verify), which I will then pass on to the publisher.

Other Details

• Timeline: 01 Jan 2011 - 31 Dec 2011

• Rules: To read TWELVE (12) mystery & suspense novels in 2011 (12 is the minimum but you can read more if you wish!)

• You can join anytime between now and the later part of next year.

• At the beginning of Jan 2011, you will find a link to specific month to add your reviews. There will be a monthly prize too courtesy of the lovely Simon & Schuster - you must be signed up to the challenge and add the link to your review to be entered into the monthly prize draw.

Now, there are many different sub-genres of mystery and suspense - you can choose from the numerous sub-genres, from cosy mysteries such as Agatha Christie to the more hard-boiled kind like V I Warshawski by Sara Paretsky, or romantic suspense written by the likes of Linda Howard, forensic crime such as those written by Kathy Reichs and even paranormal/supernatural suspense such as Kelley Armstrong. I'm sure this challenge will have something for everyone! :)

To help you figure out and decide, I have updated a sub-genre list - to view this list go HERE.

If you have trouble adding your URL link below, please email me the name you want posted below with your URL link and I will add it for you.

Labels: Mystery and Suspense Reading Challenge 2011 |

155 comments |

Where We Read!

Monday, November 29, 2010 | Posted by Book Chick City |

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Where We Read!

Carolyn

One of my favourite places to read, and probably the most common with many of you, is in bed at night before I go to sleep. I used to be able to read nearly half a book before going to sleep, but that's not possible now. This, of course, is the hubster's fault. Before we moved in together I used to read until the wee hours of the morning but now I get poked and prodded, and little whinges of 'bright light' creep up from under the bed covers beside me, so now I manage a few chapters, which I suppose is better than nothing...*and no, book lights don't help either*

I also enjoy reading on my huge comfy sofa - but unfortunately this is also a place where I can get interrupted:

'What ya reading?' says hubby.

'A book.' I reply. *I know what's coming so keep answers short - don't want to encourage him.*

'Is it good?'

'Yes.'

'Are you enjoying it?'

'Yes.'

'What's it about?'

'Argh!'

Now this may be familiar to many of you, but for those that are not don't let them fool you - they're not really interested but are feeling left out because your attention is now away from them. Sometimes it's endearing, and I look at him fondly *bless him* but mostly I just want him to be quiet so I can READ MY BOOK!

Ahem...anyway. I have found that the older I get the quieter is has to be for me to really enjoy my book. I used to be able to read with music blaring, the TV on or even people talking around me - now I find it boggles my brain. So, it has to be quiet. If I have to endure these distractions then I will as I prefer to read than not, but I eventually found my serene sanctuary - my bath. Nobody follows me in there, *points finger at hubby*, as there's nowhere comfy for them to sit! It's utter bliss: warm water, soft scented bubbles and silence....*sighs contentedly* Honestly, to those who don't read in the bath - you're missing out!

However, I don't want to end on a note with the hubby being totally in the dog-house. It is actually getting better. This is because he's found something he likes to read...and when he's all comfy in bed enjoying his book, do I seek revenge and turn the tables *evil laugh* of course I do!

'So, what ya readin'?'

Laura

In my house I have two favourite places to read. The first is my bed. I love my bed, it's a four poster and I bought it before my husband and I had even moved in together. It was one of those purchases when whatever the price you just know you have to have it, and I promptly spent a fair amount of time paying the price off. Ironically, when we did finally move into our first flat, the bed was nearly as big as the only bedroom, and we could barely fit any other furniture in the room! But I couldn't find it in me to care. I've lost many hours in it snuggled under a thick duvet, absorbed in my favourite stories.

My second favourite place is my giant, purple armchair. Firstly purple is my favourite colour, but the armchair is also, well, giant! It's big enough for me to hook my legs up onto and snuggle down under a furry blanket. With two cats and a dog in my house, it's also rare for my reading sessions to be unaccompanied :-).

There is one place that I don't read and that's in the bath. I'm slightly odd in that I don't get relaxed in bath, and take no pleasure in the whole bubble bath and candle thing. It's kind of like when I'm at the hairdressers and they've put the conditioner on my hair and the assistant then starts to massage my temples, all I can think of is please just hurry up and rinse it off. I have it on good authority from my friends that I am slightly strange in this!

One of life's frustrations for me is that I can't read and drive, especially since I now drive to work instead of getting the train. Unfortunately I think the traffic police and my poor car would have something to say if I did! However, over the last few months I've discovered audiobooks which have given me even more opportunities to stuff stories into my life. In fact, if you're an audiobook fan, look out for my monthly audiobook review coming soon!

Zosia

Wherever I read, I make a mess. Apart from the fact I love my paperbacks, most publishers aren’t interested in selling ebooks to Australians (eReader?! What’s an eReader?!). But I love my mess.

My favourite place to read is on our back deck. We have privacy and an incredible view of the mountains – the Brindabella Ranges – or we did until the trees grew too tall! However, in a couple of weeks I’ll have to give up on reading there because it gets too hot, and it’s a furnace under that umbrella.

It’s weird, but I carry piles of books with me around the house. You’ll see me becoming anxious if I don’t have books within reach! At the moment I’m making the most of reading in this corner of lounge room. Soon our Christmas tree with take over the place and I’ll be kicked out.

However, when it comes down to it, I do most of my reading in an overflowing corner of the house, at a desk which serves as my office (and yes, I know it looks more like a storage facility than a place of work). I have a problem with being interrupted while I’m reading. So I sit here most often because it’s the place I’m least likely to be interrupted when the hero gets shot; there’s a war or a wild declaration of love; or someone exciting comes back from the dead!

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So, tell us - where do you like to read?

Labels: general post, Where We Read |

21 comments |

BOOK REVIEW: 'Avatar: Collectors Vault 3D'

Monday, November 29, 2010 | Posted by Book Chick City |

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Title: Avatar: Collector's Vault 3D

Publisher: Titan Books/Whitman Publishing

Publication Date: 15th November 2010

Genre: Science Fiction

Source: Review Copy

Reviewed by: Carolyn

RATING: 10/10

SYNOPSIS:

As you make your way through James Camerons Avatar Collectors Vault 3D, you will journey through stunning terrain that few human eyes have seen the world of the Navi, the 10-foot-tall blue-skinned humanoids who inhabit Pandora. They have a mystical connection to Pandoras natural world, which they believe to be nurtured by and inextricably bound with Eywa, the goddess of life they worship.

Enjoy natural wonders like the floating Hallelujah Mountains and Pandoras natural bioluminescence. View the moons amazing creatures, ranging from the gentle, spirit-powered woodsprite to fearsome predators such as the thanator and the great flying leonopteryx. This interactive book also contains 3D glasses to further enhance your viewing experience, plus 3D Pandora removable profiles. If you are inspired by the awesome beauty of Pandora, James Camerons Avatar Collectors Vault 3D is for you!

REVIEW:

To celebrate the release of the Extended Collector’s Edition Blu-ray, Titan books have published a companion to the movie: 'Avatar Collector’s Vault 3D'.

When I received a request to review 'Avatar: Collector’s Vault 3D' I didn't really know what to expect, but when it arrived all I could say was WOW. This book is gorgeous! It's beautifully packaged in a hard glossy landscape slipcase. The book itself is hardback and contains the same glossy feel and image as the slipcase. It's full of 3D illustrations, which you view through the 3D glasses supplied - these are not the typically flimsy cardboard variety but a very good quality black plastic.

When viewing the images through the glasses the illustrations are really good and they bounce off the page in glorious 3D - the 3D aspect works surprisingly well. There are also many lovely little details which add to the quality of the book, such as profile cards with pictures of the characters, alien species and weapons as well as removable pieces.

VERDICT:

This is a gorgeous illustrated book and I would highly recommend it to all Avatar fans. And with Christmas just around the corner, what a fantastic gift! You can view a video of the book here.

You can find out more about this book and others on Titan Books website.

Labels: 10/10 Rating, Book Reviews, Reviews by Carolyn, Science Fiction, Titan |

2 comments |

This week on BCC...

Sunday, November 28, 2010 | Posted by Book Chick City |

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This Week on Book Chick City!

Heloooo! Hope everyone is having a fab weekend. I have done absolutely nothing other than read, so it's been a really chilled weekend for me!

So, the weekend is nearly over and it's that time again where I reveal to you what's coming up on BCC this week - so here you go:

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On Monday I will be posting my review of the gorgeous Avatar 3D Illustrated Book.

On Tuesday I will be posting the sign up page for my Mystery & Suspense Reading Challenge 2011 - with a fab new giveaway for participants!

On Wednesday Zosia will be reviewing romantic suspense, 'Crazy Wild' by Tara Janzen.

Thursday's guest for my 'Where Stories Are Made' feature is young adult author, Malorie Blackman, author of the fantastic 'Noughts & Crosses' series.

On Friday Laura will be reviewing paranormal romance, 'Taming of the Wolf' by Lydia Dare.

Saturday's 'On My Wishlist' will be posted as usual - you are welcome to join in, just stop by and add your direct URL to Mr Linky. Click here for more info.

On Sunday Zosia will be reviewing paranormal romance, 'His Darkest Embrace' by Juliana Stone.

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So, that's all folks! Hope you have a fantastic week! xoxo

Labels: This week on BCC |

3 comments |

'All Hallows Eve' Giveaway Winners!

Sunday, November 28, 2010 | Posted by Book Chick City |

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'All Hallows Eve' Winners!

Although 'All Hallows Eve' has come and gone I still have quite a few more giveaway winners to announce!

I am also listing all previous winners I've already announced. If there is no tick by your name then I haven't received your email with your postal details, therefore please fill out the form below!

NOTE: There is a new format to claim your prize - please see below!

✔ = prize claimed

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'Emma and the Vampires' by Wayne Josephson (INT'L)

✔ Ryan - Wordsmithonia (USA)

'The Radleys' by Matt Haig (UK & INT'L)

✔ Arantza - Fiction Kingdom (Spain)
✔ Michelle B (UK)

'Warm Bodies' by Isaac Marion (INT'L)

Sya - The Mountains of Instead (UK) - Did Not Claim Prize
✔ NEW WINNER: Chrissie - Chrissie's Corner
✔ Aleksandra - Aleksandra's Corner (Macedonia)

'Blood Oath' by Christopher Farnsworth (UK Only)

✔ Melissa - Mel's Random Reviews (UK)
✔ Dwayne - Girls Without A Bookshelf (UK)
✔ David S (UK)
✔ Kenneth D (UK)
✔ Sue B (UK)

The entire 'Spooks' series by Joseph Delaney (UK Only)

✔ Clover (UK)

'Alpha' by Rachel Vincent (INT'L)

✔ Blodeuedd (Finland)
✔ Olga K (Greece)
✔ Jessica - Jess Hearts Books (UK)
✔ Josephine H (UK)
✔ Cathy M (USA)

'Cursed' & 'Ravaged' by David Wellington (UK & INT'L)

✔ Alisa - The Book Bundle (UK)
✔ Chelsea - Vampire Book Club (USA)

'Scarlett Dedd' by Cathy Brett (UK & US)

✔ Kai - Fiction State of Mind (USA)
✔ Rosemary B (UK)
✔ Debbie F (USA)
✔ Carol P (UK)
✔ Nicola C (UK)

'Strange Angels', 'Betrayals' & 'Jealousy' by Lili St. Crow (UK Only)

✔ Cristina M (UK)

'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' Books 1 & 2 by Various Authors (UK Only)

Debbie - Snuggle Up Reads (UK) - Did Not Claim Prize
Lindsay D - Did Not Claim Prize
✔ NEW WINNER - @LoLoPants (twitter)
Tasha - Trillian Books (UK) - Did Not Claim Prize
Julie K - Did Not Claim Prize
✔ NEW WINNER - @Carol_Annshere (twitter)
Caroline F (UK) - Did Not Claim Prize
✔ NEW WINNER: Neda
Kirsty B (UK) - Did Not Claim Prize
✔ NEW WINNER: Jo B
✔ Nicola B - The Fluffy Unicorn Bookshelf (UK)

'Shade' by Jeri Smith-Ready (UK Only)

Sharon N (UK) - Did Not Claim Prize
✔ NEW WINNER: Julie H
✔ Rosemary B (UK)

'Wanted Undead or Alive!' by Jonathan Maberry & Janice Gable Bashman (UK & US Only)

✔ Debbie L - Debs Book Bag (USA)

'A Certain Wolfish Charm', 'Tall, Dark and Wolfish', 'The Wolf Next Door' & 'The Taming of the Wolf' by Lydia Dare (UK & US Only)

Katie M (USA) - Did Not Claim Prize
Hollie - Did Not Claim Prize
✔ NEW WINNER - @MunchKim (twitter)

'Tales of Terror from the Black Ship', 'Tales of Terror from the Tunnel's Mouth', 'Uncle Montague's Tales of Terror' by Chris Priestley & 'My Love Lies Bleeding' by Alexandra Harvey (UK Only)

✔ Emily H ( (UK)

'Of Saints and Shadows' & 'Angel Souls and Devil Hearts' by Christopher Golden, 'Warm Bodies' by Isaac Marion & 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker (INT'L)

✔ Katrina W - Page Flipperz (AUS)

'Strange Angels', 'Betrayals' & 'Jealousy' by Lili St. Crow & 'Raised by Wolves' by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (UK Only)

Vanessa R (UK) - Did Not Claim Prize
✔ NEW WINNER: Zoe B

'The Darkest Lie' by Gena Showalter, 'Alpha' by Rachel Vincent, 'Darkness Divine' by P. C. Cast, 'Elphame's Choice' by P. C. Cast (INT'L)

✔ Tara - Tara's Book Jabber (Canada)

'Strange Neighbors' by Ashlyn Chase, 'Seduced by the Wolf' by Terry Spear, 'Lady Anne and the Howl in the Dark' by Donna Lea Simpson, 'Hex Appeal' by Linda Wisdom, 'Hundreds of Years to Reform a Rake' by Laurie Brown, 'Mr. Darcy, Vampyre' by Amanda Grange, 'Pemberley Shades' by D.A. Bonavia-Hunt (UK & US Only)

Nicola C (UK) - Did Not Claim Prize
✔ NEW WINNER: Dot - Dot Scribbles

'Day by Day: Armageddon' by J. L. Bourne, 'Beyond Exile' by J. L. Bourne & 'Plague of the Dead' by Z. A. Recht (UK Only)

Dean S (UK) - Did Not Claim Prize
✔ NEW WINNER: Hel J

Other Giveaways:

'Crescendo' by Becca Fitzpatrick

✔ Sabrina - About Happy Books (Germany)
✔ Amanda - Floor to Ceiling Books (UK)
✔ Maryam - Glorious Books (UK)
✔ Stella - Stella Exlibris (Hungary)
Sophie P (UK) - Did Not Claim Prize
✔ NEW WINNER: Lisa W

'Dragon Moon' by Rebecca York

✔ Tawania E - Wicked Readings (UK)

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Congratulations to all winners!

**IMPORTANT - How to claim your prize(s)**

Please note there is now a new way to claim your prize. I am choosing the following method because it's easier for me. It takes a very long time to email winners when there is a large number of giveaways. Also, it keeps all winner's details in one place on a spreadsheet rather than mixed among the other numerous emails I get each day. So please read carefully...

I will NOT be emailing the winner(s). Please DO NOT contact/email me with your address. To claim your prize you MUST complete the form below.

You have SEVEN (7) days to fill out this form. If you do not claim your prize within this time no reminder will be sent and I will pick another winner.

All names and addresses will be deleted from my file once all prizes have been claimed.

For further information, please refer to BCC's giveaway policy.

**PRIZES CLAIMED**

Labels: All Hallows Eve 2010, Giveaways |

10 comments |