Review: ‘The Fault in Our Stars’ by John Green
Posted: May 24, 2014 Filed under: Reviews | Tags: reviews, young adult 10 Comments
Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel’s story is about to be completely rewritten.
Insightful, bold, irreverent, and raw, The Fault in Our Stars is award-winning author John Green’s most ambitious and heartbreaking work yet, brilliantly exploring the funny, thrilling, and tragic business of being alive and in love.
A little while back, one of my Aussie Owned co-bloggers, Emily, reacted with total horror when I told her I hadn’t read The Fault in Our Stars. I told her it was because a) I don’t usually read contemporary, and b) I don’t want to read a book that’s going to break my heart and make me all depressed and mopey.
She promised me this book is just as funny and poignant as it is sad, and bossed me into buying a copy. She has powers like that, you guys. In the meantime, I read The Problem With Crazy by Lauren McKellar, which is both very sad (but also poignant) and also contemporary.
And since I’d already broken my rule and survived Crazy, although it BROKE MY HEART INTO A THOUSAND MILLION PIECES, I figured I would be able to handle Stars.
I was right. Sort of.
Emily was right too. Some of the moments in Stars are hysterically funny. I love the banter between Hazel, Augustus and Isaac. It’s often classic gallows humour, and although some people may find it shocking, if anyone is entitled to it, it’s those three teens, all with cancer that has cost them big time. When it’s not gallows humour, it’s still clever and wry. The scene where the two boys egg the car was sheer, hilarious genius.
The romance between Hazel and Augustus is very full on very early, and although I usually hate love at first sight, this had just enough kinks in it that it felt real, more like the sort of mad crush a teenager is likely to get. At one point Hazel even acknowledges that if they’d had more time maybe they would’ve grown out of that mad love stage.
I didn’t go totally fangirl over the book though. For example, I didn’t love everything about the characters. Augustus’s thing with the cigarette was totally pretentious, but it was clear how much it meant to him, especially by the end. So I can forgive him that. And the sad bits… well, they made me cry, no doubt about that. But Crazy was sadder. I howled like a baby, reading that. (And loved every minute. I think I want to have Lauren’s babies.)
But here’s what made The Fault in Our Stars special to me. I saw some negative reviews of it that criticised Hazel and Augustus for not talking like normal teengers, as though cancer made them somehow special, “more than”. But I think it goes deeper than that. These two kids would be special even if they were 100% healthy; I mean, Hazel is 16 and already doing university courses. Augustus is also extremely bright, although there’s no doubt his illness made him really look at the world. The fact they both read and analysed a literary novel that (from the description) I’d throw against the wall in the first five minutes is a flashing neon sign that these aren’t normal teenagers. They are precocious.
And that’s a good thing. I’m not saying we shouldn’t read about normal teenagers, but, as anyone who’s argued for diversity in fiction would attest, there are already so many books about the normal out there. The white character, the straight character, the gender normal, average, preppy, pretty, whatever character. The character that holds a mirror to a huge proportion of the reading public.
Hazel and Augustus are super-bright nerds. He and Isaac are gamers. It’s not that John Green failed to write teenagers, it’s that he wrote different teenagers, struggling with awful problems and (for the most part — because they are also realistically portrayed) managing to handle them better than some adults would. They aren’t mirrors that reflect me, because I think literary fiction sucks. But they reflect someone, and that someone no doubt appreciates it.
And that is why I’m giving this book five stars.
Guest post: C. J. Burright’s favourite quotes from ‘Wonderfully Wicked’
Posted: May 23, 2014 Filed under: On Books | Tags: fantasy, guest post 2 Comments
Wonderfully Wicked
by CJ Burright
A dreamcaster with the ability to channel creatures from her nightmares, headstrong and cynical Kalila Montgomery longs for a peaceful, picket-fence life…until the man literally of her dreams kidnaps her.
Survival quickly becomes her number one goal, yet a growing attraction to the man in her nightmares is impossible to ignore. While she fears he will kill her, other, more terrifying enemies surround her, and Kalila succumbs to his scheme to escape. She may be his one hope for freedom…
A deadly combination of power, cunning, and cold-hearted charm, Lydon v’al Endrian fears nothing. Feels nothing. Chained to a brotherhood of men with the supernatural ability to invade dreams, he hunts dreamcasters to be harvested for their dreams and killed. His target: Kalila Montgomery. But Kalila awakens an undeniable dark desire and a longing for a freedom long-lost.
To gain everything he craves, Lydon must seduce Kalila before his plot is discovered…a hopeless challenge which, if failed, will earn him a death-sentence. Caught up in a dangerous world of secrets and obsession, doubt and betrayal, Kalila and Lydon face the nightmare of their lives, where love will either deliver them—or destroy them both.
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C. J. Burright’s Favourite Quotes
“No man would last the night with me and you know I’m not into meaningless sex, so c’est la vie. I’ll adopt a herd of cats and live abnormally ever after, alone in a cave far, far away.” – Kalila Montgomery
I love this quote because it’s a reflection of who Kalila is. She’s in a rough situation and tries to make the best of it….with her future herd of cats.
“I’ll weave my soul and life with yours so when you realize your affection for me is an illusion your odd compassion for the doomed might compel you to keep me. Maybe you’ll come to enjoy my company enough to warrant my existence. I’ll use everything in my power, Lils. Everything.” – Lydon v’al Endrian
One of Lydon’s rare moments of utter honesty. He’s putting himself out there, no excuses.
“Embracing your monstrous nature is the key to survival. You might deny it, defy it, control it for a time, yet it’s there beneath the surface, waiting. Fighting is a waste of time. It always wins in the end.” – Lydon v’al Endrian
Lydon’s veiled confession to the darkness inside him, while trying to convince Kalila to embrace who she is.
“You have altered me and I don’t see how to get beyond it. I have fallen farther than I imagined possible. My weakness shames me. Yet, I don’t—I can’t—lament you, Lils.” – Lydon v’al Endrian
The V’alkara are taught to seek out their weaknesses and destroy them, so this is a pivotal confession for Lydon, not that it means Kalila can trust him.
“I can’t take it anymore. What drastic measures must I take to have a normal, boring life? I could be a librarian. No one wants to kill librarians.” – Kalila Montgomery
One of Kalila’s stressed out moments. I like her sense of humor.
Giveaway
Enter to win here!
About the Author
CJ blames her love for reading and all things Medieval on her father, who plied her often with fantasy novels ranging from Sir Lloyd Alexander to Piers Anthony. Her love for romance, however, lies completely at the feet of her best friend Michelle, who dared to give her a romance novel for her birthday. She smiled, politely said thank you, and tossed it in the corner, where it gathered dust. In a moment of desperation, when only the revolting romance remained in her almost-always toppling stack of awaiting books, she sucked it up and read the romance. Doomed.
She started writing fantasy and paranormal romance for the cathartic experience, decided she liked it, and after two overlong, horribly written novels joined RWA and the Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal special interest chapter. Best classes and critique groups ever. Double doomed. Now, writing is a necessity, not just a hobby.
In her spare time, when she’s not writing or reading or actually working, CJ might be found in the dojang (4th Dan Black Belt, baby), rooting on the Mariners (who will some day win the World Series), working out (P90X, anyone?), gardening (a little dirt never hurt anyone), or playing Music of the Night on the piano (without mask or cape). She lives in Oregon with her fabulous husband and daughter. Not to mention her minions, a herd of cats.
WONDERFULLY WICKED is CJ’s Burright’s first novel.
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Top Ten Tuesday: Friendship
Posted: May 20, 2014 Filed under: On Books | Tags: top ten tuesday 9 Comments
Today’s Top Ten Tuesday is ten books about friendship. But since I mostly read urban fantasy and fantasy, where friendship isn’t the primary focus, I’ve gone for ten eight books where friendship is an important part of the story. (It should be ten but I’m tired.)
Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkein. Sam and Frodo. Sam and Frodo. In some ways there’s a master/servant vibe here — and some people would claim an unrequited love thing too — but Sam is the ultimate selfless friend. I adore him. (You could also look at Legolas and Gimli as another example from these books.)
Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling. The friendship between Harry, Hermione and Ron is as beautiful and realistic as you’ll find. Yes, realistic — because even though they are at a wizard school fighting a snakey supervillain, the relationship itself has its ups and downs. And it doesn’t turn into the typical love triangle we often see in young adult fiction.
Arrow’s Flight by Mercedes Lackey. This is the second book in the Arrows of the Queen series; I singled it out specifically because this is when we see Talia and Kris’s friendship at its wonderful, complicated best. They end up sleeping together, but she’s in love with his best friend, and it all gets a little confusing there for a while. And friendships can be like that at times.
The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare. I love the relaxed friendship between Simon and Clary. As with the previous book, it gets complicated and a little messy, but at the end of the day these guys have a friendship you could take to the bank. (Plus I just love Simon.)
Pivot Point by Kasie West. The friendship between Addie and Laila is one of the strongest I’ve seen in young adult fiction. I can’t explain without mega-spoilers, but Addie basically gives up everything for Laila. It was heartbreaking. And you should read this book.
The White Dragon by Anne McCaffrey. Pretty much any relationship between a dragonrider and his or her dragon could be described as a perfect friendship, because that’s how Anne described the bond: as the perfect friendship. But the relationship between Jaxom and his dragon, Ruth, goes beyond the others. From the moment Jaxom defies everyone to save Ruth’s life, they are the sweetest pair ever.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. I’m a bit conflicted about this inclusion, but Peeta and Katniss have the kind of friendship forged in the hardest of times. Sure, he may want it to be more from the start, but he respects that she isn’t sure and still cares for her. The best relationships are built on that kind of friendship.
Buffy: the Vampire Slayer by various. I wasn’t sure whether to include this, but I have about a dozen Buffy novels on my shelves (some novelisations of the episodes but others stand-alone books). And the friendship between Buffy, Willow and Xander is a lot like the one between Harry and his closest friends: complicated, loyal and real.
I have two slots free. What books would you add to my list? 🙂
Review: ‘Unclean Spirits’ by Chuck Wendig
Posted: May 19, 2014 Filed under: Reviews | Tags: reviews, urban fantasy Leave a comment
Five years ago, it all went wrong for Cason Cole. He lost his wife and son, lost everything, and was bound into service to a man who chews up human lives and spits them out, a predator who holds nothing dear and respects no law. Now, as the man he both loves and hates lies dying at his feet, the sounds of the explosion still ringing in his ears, Cason is finally free.
The gods and goddesses are real. A polytheistic pantheon—a tangle of divine hierarchies—once kept the world at an arm’s length, warring with one another for mankind’s belief and devotion. It was a grim and bloody balance, but a balance just the same. When one god triumphed, driving all other gods out of Heaven, it was back to the bad old days: cults and sycophants, and the terrible retribution the gods visit on those who spite them.
None of which is going to stop Cason from getting back what’s his…
Anyone who’s read my blog before will know that I’m a fan of Chuck Wendig’s blog, where he dispenses writing advice spiced with profanity and humour. As Chuck’s publishers no doubt hoped I would, I’ve since gone on to read several of his books. Much like his blog, his books — including this one — are peppered with profanity and humour. (I had a genuine laugh at loud moment at one of the lines from Coyote’s perspective in Unclean Spirits.) There’s also violence. Gritty, gory violence, albeit beautifully described. So if that’s not your thing, like the other Wendig books I’ve read, this isn’t the book for you.
However, if it is, and if you like a fast-paced read with a main character you can cheer for as he bulldozes and bashes his way through the obstacles between himself and the path back to his wife and son, you’ll enjoy Unclean Spirits. The premise is somewhat similar to Gaiman’s American Gods (although, as we’ve previously established, I haven’t read it): gods and mythical monsters wander the Earth, exiled from their various heavens and hells 50 years ago. Powers diminished, they are still powerful, manipulative and dangerous.
And, for reasons that become clear as the story progresses, they seem to be distressingly interested in Cason Cole.
The plot is fast-paced, the characters interesting even when they aren’t always sympathetic. The perspective isn’t just limited to Cason’s; we also see bits of the story through the eyes of his wife, Alison, and various gods — from the aforementioned Coyote to Aphrodite, Psyche and other big names I won’t mention here, because spoilers.
The ending was a little abrupt; given Cason’s entire goal was to be reuinited with his wife and son, it might have been nice to see that on the page rather than implied. Maybe there’s going to be a sequel to mess it all up for the poor family, though.
Book excerpt: ‘Kissed’ by Kimberly Loth
Posted: May 15, 2014 Filed under: On Books | Tags: urban fantasy Leave a comment
Kissed (The Thorn Chronicles #1)
by Kimberly Loth
Release Date: 05/01/14
Trapped in a dark cult, sixteen-year-old Naomi Aren has lived a quiet, albeit unhappy, life nestled deep in the hills of the Ozarks. With uncut hair, denim skirts, and only roses for friends, Naomi seldom questions why her life is different from other kids at school. Until the day her abusive father, who is also the cult’s leader, announces her wedding. Naomi must marry Dwayne Yerdin, a bully who reeks of sweat and manure and is the only one person who scares her worse than her father.
Then she meets Kai, the mysterious boy who brings her exotic new roses and stolen midnight kisses. Kisses that bring her a supernatural strength she never knew she had. As the big day approaches, Naomi unearths more secrets of about her father’s cult. She learns she has power of her own and while Kai may have awakened that power, Naomi must find a way to use it to escape Dwayne and her father—without destroying herself.
Excerpt
Seven roses contain the name of the day of rest. My favorite is Sunday Lemonade. Its pale pink blooms give off a scent of lazy summer nights visiting with friends. Just the opposite of the many Sabbaths I spend with my father. His Sundays smell like famine and pestilence.
Birds sang to announce the new day. Perhaps I could stay in bed a little longer. My eyelids fluttered and I rolled to my side, the crisp sheets scratching my skin. The cheap alarm clock glowed red in the darkness. 8:30. I had an hour until the apocalypse began. For a minute I debated staying in bed, replaying various kisses from my mystery savior, but I still needed to shower and plant myself on the couch before Father was ready to go. My stomach growled and I sighed. No food today. Sundays were days of fasting. My ankle-length nightgown twisted around my knees and I struggled to free my legs. My breath came in rapid bursts, the claustrophobia setting in. Consciously, I slowed my breath and untwisted my nightgown. If I ever escaped, I promised myself the first thing I would do is sleep naked.
I sat up and flicked on the cracked floral lamp that sat on my nightstand. My gaze settled on my dresser. Last night I left deep red Oklahoma Roses. Next to them sat a monster blueberry muffin and a banana. I was grateful, but flabbergasted that today of all days he knew to leave food with the flowers. Today, I wouldn’t be allowed to eat.
I scrambled to the dresser and inhaled the muffin and banana. Only when I was half way through did the thought occur to me that Father might notice the smell on my breath. I would have to take extra care brushing my teeth. Full and feeling that today might not be so awful after all, I set to the task of getting ready for church.
After my shower, I scrubbed my teeth and braided my hair. Guilt swam across my insides. This week, I disobeyed my parents, flipped off Dwayne, ate breakfast on the Sabbath and I was kissing a boy every night. If I confessed before the Master I would have a fingernail ripped out, my middle finger would be burned, I would have to drink a glass of scalding water, and I didn’t know what my punishment would be for kissing the boy. No one had ever committed that sin before or at least confessed to it.
Perhaps it was cowardly, but I didn’t want to bear the punishment. Perhaps given enough time, I’d just forget about it. As long as the Master never asked me, I wouldn’t have to confess. I tried once, to not confess, but one look into those evil red eyes and the words tumbled off my lips. I couldn’t help it.
Giveaway
About the Author
Kimberly Loth can’t decide where she wants to settle down. She’s lived in Michigan, Illinois, Missouri, Utah, California, Oregon, and South Carolina. She finally decided to make the leap and leave the U.S. behind for a few years. Currently, she lives in Cairo, Egypt with her husband and two kids.
She is a high school math teacher by day (please don’t hold that against her) and YA author by night. She loves romantic movies, chocolate, roses, and crazy adventures. Kissed is her first novel.
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Excerpt and giveaway: ‘Wonderfully Wicked’ by CJ Burright
Posted: May 13, 2014 Filed under: On Books | Tags: book launch, fantasy, romance Leave a comment
Wonderfully Wicked
by CJ Burright
A dreamcaster with the ability to channel creatures from her nightmares, headstrong and cynical Kalila Montgomery longs for a peaceful, picket-fence life…until the man literally of her dreams kidnaps her. Survival quickly becomes her number one goal, yet a growing attraction to the man in her nightmares is impossible to ignore. While she fears he will kill her, other, more terrifying enemies surround her, and Kalila succumbs to his scheme to escape. She may be his one hope for freedom…A deadly combination of power, cunning, and cold-hearted charm, Lydon v’al Endrian fears nothing. Feels nothing.
Chained to a brotherhood of men with the supernatural ability to invade dreams, he hunts dreamcasters to be harvested for their dreams and killed. His target: Kalila Montgomery. But Kalila awakens an undeniable dark desire and a longing for a freedom long-lost. To gain everything he craves, Lydon must seduce Kalila before his plot is discovered…a hopeless challenge which, if failed, will earn him a death-sentence. Caught up in a dangerous world of secrets and obsession, doubt and betrayal, Kalila and Lydon face the nightmare of their lives, where love will either deliver them—or destroy them both.
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Giveaway
Enter to win here!
Excerpt
“I took great effort to see you.” His tone hinted the act made him deserving. “You sleep; I’ll keep watch. And my vow of yesterday stands. I won’t molest you.”
To her annoyance, her pulse danced a country jig. Whatever efforts he took on her behalf were of questionable nature, not romantic. She made a rude noise in case he held any such illusions.
“Keep watch for what? No one besides you could reach my window and my door’s bolted.”
Lydon laced his hands behind his head, his lips twitching as though fighting a smile. “Then I’ll watch you. Like before.”
Horror prickled over her in a rushing tide. She leapt up. “You watched me sleep? Not skulked around in my bedroom to attack me?” She groaned, imagining him watching her drool, snore, or grind her teeth.
He laughed, low and warm. “You’re so lovely when you dream, Lils. An angel.” He patted the empty spot beside him.
Her traitorous body, defenseless against him, obeyed. The red, silken comforter hissed beneath her knees while she climbed onto the opposite side of the giant bed. The lone lamp by the bed cast a mystical glow over Lydon, catching golden highlights in his light hair, the silver shards in his eyes. “Watching people sleep is creepy.”
He shrugged. “Not people, just you. Besides, I am creepy.”
Definitely not creepy. Kalila settled into a cross-legged position and fixed him with a no-nonsense look. “Since it seems you have nothing better to do than lie there like a sloth, be useful and fess up. Why am I being treated as some freaking porcelain doll in a glass case? How can my nightmares benefit the V’alkara? Can the V’alkara really take my dreams away? None of you seem sick—and no, mental doesn’t count—so what’s wrong? And when will you take us home?”
Lydon jiggled one black boot. What she thought might be disapproval flickered in his eyes. “I won’t waste our alone time answering inquiries. I have other plans.”
She swallowed hard. Maybe she’d misjudged him. Maybe he was so confident in his assassin abilities—and her helplessness—he felt sneakiness was unnecessary.
He sat up in a blink of an eye, moving with inhuman speed. One large hand was planted next to her knee. His breath fanned her chin. The scent of the outdoors and a tinge of smoke drifted from his clothes. His voice whispered spider-soft.
“Do you care to know what other less attractive names some call me?” The world seemed to shrink to Lydon and the force of his gaze. “Angel of Ruin. Living Nightmare. Scourge.” His eyes gleamed, darkened. “As you might guess from such monikers, peace in my life is rare. I’ll relish any fragments of it I happen to stumble across for as long as possible.”
His fingers trailed her cheek to cup her chin. In the span of a heartbeat, his face changed. From beautiful man to skeletal beast then back to beautiful man. A chill coiled around her soul, deep and cold as a winter storm. Who—what—was this guy?
“Do you feel it too?”
Kalila’s heartbeat rumbled in her ears, kicked at her throat. Her fingers jerked with a fierce need to touch him. Instead, she fisted the blanket. Admit nothing to the enemy. Yet the urge to nestle her cheek into his palm and purr grappled with reason. She had to take control before she did something stupid.
About the Author
CJ blames her love for reading and all things Medieval on her father, who plied her often with fantasy novels ranging from Sir Lloyd Alexander to Piers Anthony. Her love for romance, however, lies completely at the feet of her best friend Michelle, who dared to give her a romance novel for her birthday. She smiled, politely said thank you, and tossed it in the corner, where it gathered dust. In a moment of desperation, when only the revolting romance remained in her almost-always toppling stack of awaiting books, she sucked it up and read the romance. Doomed.
She started writing fantasy and paranormal romance for the cathartic experience, decided she liked it, and after two overlong, horribly written novels joined RWA and the Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal special interest chapter. Best classes and critique groups ever. Double doomed. Now, writing is a necessity, not just a hobby.
In her spare time, when she’s not writing or reading or actually working, CJ might be found in the dojang (4th Dan Black Belt, baby), rooting on the Mariners (who will some day win the World Series), working out (P90X, anyone?), gardening (a little dirt never hurt anyone), or playing Music of the Night on the piano (without mask or cape). She lives in Oregon with her fabulous husband and daughter. Not to mention her minions, a herd of cats.
WONDERFULLY WICKED is CJ’s Burright’s first novel.
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Top Ten … Monday: Female Book Characters
Posted: May 12, 2014 Filed under: On Books | Tags: top ten tuesday 2 CommentsTomorrow’s Top Ten Tuesday theme is “books I nearly put down but didn’t”. But I’m pretty stubborn about finishing books—and these days seem to have hit on a string of awesome ones—so the category didn’t really work for me. Instead, I’ve decided to do my own thing, after a suggestion from a friend on Facebook: my top ten favourite female characters. Looking over the list, they all have strength and determination in common. (I’m also doing it on a Monday because I’ve got something else scheduled for tomorrow, and I’m a rebel, me.)
Hermione Granger, Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling. I can relate to Hermione, because I was a lot like that in school. I wasn’t as bright as her (although given the opportunity to study transmogrification I would definitely have applied myself!), and I couldn’t levitate chairs, but I was socially awkward and above average, academically. That’s why she’s first on my list. Also, she’s a great role model for teenage girls, full of courage and empathy.
Cinder, Cinder by Marissa Meyer. I only just read this, and I really liked Cinder. She had a balance of defiance and practicality that I admired. Given the way she’s treated, she could have very easily become sullen, but she clearly loves Iko and Peony. Also, a female main character who’s a mechanic cyborg? Made of win!
Isabeau, The Witches of Eileanan by Kate Forsyth. It’s been years since I read this series (if I were stranded on a desert island it’d be top of my pile of books). But I loved Isabeau, a fiery redhead who is a little overconfident at first but learns restraint the hard way. Plus, I adore the Scottish brogue.
Coraline, Coraline by Neil Gaiman. Regular readers of my blog will know I only read this in the last month. I love how self-possessed Coraline is, her willingness to “go exploring” and determination to do what’s right and beat the bad guy. And she’s only twelve!
Gaby, The Rephaim by Paula Weston. This is another awesome series with a confident main character who manages to be human (ironic, under the circumstances) because of how the loss of her twin brother shattered her. She does eventually learn to kick butt, but it’s a gradual process rather than an overnight montage.
Yukiko, The Lotus War by Jay Kristoff. Yukiko is yet another strong, butt-kicking female with a gentler side. (Noticing a theme here?) She has a hard personality at the start, but under the circumstances—absent mother, drug-addled father, poisoned world, secret power—that is understandable. However, the dynamic between her and Buruu is awesome.
Katniss, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Ah, self-sacrificing, self-sufficient Katniss. She’d seem cold except she sacrificed herself to save Prim. And genuinely cared about both Gale and Peeta. Also, as much as I didn’t adore the third book in the series, there’s no denying that her reactions to events were realistic and very human. Poor, broken Katniss. 😦
Granny Weatherwax, Discworld by Terry Pratchett. Crotchety, powerful and confident, demanding of respect, Granny Weatherwax is a powerful witch who’d rather do what’s right than what’s nice. But she always looks after those she considers to be hers…whether they’d agree or not!
Lessa, Dragonriders of Pern by Anne McCaffrey. Lessa is the talented main character in Dragonflight, the first book McCaffrey wrote in this huge series. Like Granny Weatherwax she doesn’t suffer fools and can have a sharp temper, but is also compassionate and clever.
Eowyn, Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkein. Shieldmaiden of Rohan, not afraid to take up a sword in defence of her people, she really struggled with the expectation that she’d stay at home and mind the children and elderly. Plus, she killed the Witch-king. Go Eowyn!
Who are your favourite female characters?
Book launch: ‘One Lucky Night’ anthology
Posted: May 10, 2014 Filed under: On Books | Tags: romance, self-publishing 1 Comment
One night can change everything…
The crew at Boston’s Brazen Head Pub hasn’t been very lucky in love. Can a mysterious visitor inspire them to look past old hurts and misconceptions and give romance a chance? One Lucky Night is a collection of five sexy interwoven novelettes by Aria Kane, Grace Teague, Ana Blaze, Constance Phillips and Melinda Dozier.
Lucky Break by Aria Kane
Four years ago, chef Derek Chase walked out of Andrea Rivera’s life after a tragedy neither of them were prepared to deal with. When she’s called to the Brazen Head to repair a dishwasher, old sparks ignite buried feelings.
Lucky Star by Grace Teague
When her life is threatened by a mugger, Charlotte Price realizes she’s in love with her best friend, Tommy Leung. The Brazen Head seems like the perfect neutral place to confess her feelings, but nothing goes according to plan.
A New Tune by Ana Blaze
When it comes to dating, Holly Hall has one unbreakable rule: no musicians. Not even gorgeous ones. Especially not gorgeous ones. Dating them only leads to heartbreak. So why did she let singer-songwriter Cian O’Neill kiss her? And why is she thinking about doing it again?
Lexi’s Chance by Constance Phillips
As a bartender, Sean Whalen meets all kinds of women every night, but none turn his head the way that Lexi has. She’s been playing cat and mouse with him for weeks. Tonight, Sean’s determined to get Lexi to quit teasing and take a real chance on him.
Drink or Dare by Melinda Dozier
A bachelorette party Drink or Dare game pairs paramedic students, Rachel Robertson and Killian Whelan, in a flirting match. Soon, the dares threaten to turn their academic rivalry into something much more.
Now available from:
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Book launch giveaway
The authors are giving away two Amazon giftcards!
About the Authors
Aria Kane is a recovering mechanical engineer and romance writer. As a military brat, she grew up all over the country, but now lives in sunny Florida with a 60 lb mutt who thinks he’s a chihuahua.
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Grace Teague lives in Pittsburgh with her spouse, children and a cat named Mr. Sushi.
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Ana Blaze lives near Washington DC with her charming husband and three cats who firmly believe they are royalty. Ana is a member of Romance Writers of America.
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Constance Phillips lives in Ohio with her husband, two ready-to-leave-the-nest children, and four canine kids. Her perfect fantasy vacation would involve hunting Dracula across Europe with her daughter, who also digs that kind of stuff.
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Melinda Dozier teaches English to middle schoolers by day and writes at night. She lives in Guatemala, Central America with her college sweetheart and three sons.
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Interview: Paula Weston, urban fantasy author
Posted: May 8, 2014 Filed under: On Books | Tags: aussie-owned, AWW, Interview, urban fantasy Leave a commentOn Tuesday at Aussie Owned and Read, I interviewed Paula Weston, author of “Shadow” and “Haze” – the first two awesome books in a an urban fantasy about angels in Australia. What is not to like about this?!
All of this is a round about way to tell you that I’m as happy as my puppy when he sees his lead, because I got to interview the fabulous Paula.
*leaps into the air*
*straighens clothes and pretends to be professional*
Although the story in Shadows—and more so in Haze—takes the characters all around the world, Australia features heavily as a destination. A lot of Australian spec fic writers shy away from setting their stories here. Did you ever consider setting the books overseas?
When I started writing Shadows, it was…
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Top Ten Tuesdays: Cover Art
Posted: May 6, 2014 Filed under: On Books | Tags: book covers, top ten tuesday 4 Comments
This week’s Top Ten Tuesday theme is the ten covers you’d hang on your wall as art. The hardest part of this was limiting myself to only ten! It’s an interesting mix in terms of its status on my TBR pile — some of them I’ve read and loved, some are on the “to be read” shelves (yes, plural shelves), and a couple I know absolutely nothing about…except I saw their covers on Pinterest and adored them!
In terms of their artistic content though, all bar two have females (or parts of females in the case of Cinder) on them. One of those females is 12 and carrying an axe, though, and another is 16 and weilding a katana.
All of that said, I’m aware of my preference for gorgeous ladies on the front of books. I’m not sure what that says about me. 😉
I considered writing a blurb on each book, but this post is dedicated to the art, so I decided to let them speak for themselves. I’d love to see your favourite covers, though. Please link them in the comments so I can check them out (and add them to my Pinterest board).
Cassandra Page 