Aug 23 2013

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Coming Soon: The Vegas Valley Book Festival YA Program!

I just learned recently that I’ve been given the opportunity to volunteer behind the scenes at this amazing book event! I am doubly excited – not only am I going to meet dozens of amazing authors, but this will also be my first book convention!

Date: November 2 (10:00 am – 6:30 pm)

Location: Las Vegas, Nevada

Official website: http://vegasvalleybookfestival.org

Here’s a look at some of the authors who will be attending:

: The Program by Suzanne Young

: Mila 2.0 by Debra Driza

Mark your calendars, this is going to be the event of the season! :-)

Aug 22 2013

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Book Review: Broken Forest by Eliza Tilton

Title: Broken Forest

Author: Eliza Tilton

Series: The Daath Chronicles #1

Genre: Teen Fantasy/Teen Religion

Rating: 2.5/5 stars

The Overview: Hopeless he’ll never be more than the boy who didn’t save his brother, 17-year-old Avikar accepts his life as the family stable boy, trying to forget the past. But when his sister, Jeslyn, is kidnapped, the thought of losing another sibling catapults him on a desperate quest. With his best friend by his side, and using the tracking skills he learned from his father, he discovers Jeslyn has been taken, kidnapped by one Lucino, the young lord of Daath, a mystical place thought only to exist in fables. And Lucino has plans for Jeslyn. His shape-shifting brethren feed off the auras of humans, and Jeslyn’s golden hue is exactly what Lucino needs to increase his power. The longer it takes Avikar to reach her, the more entranced she becomes with Lucino’s world, and the harder it will be for Avikar to set her free.

He failed his family once. He won’t fail again.

The Review:

I broke my “only request one book from Netgalley at a time” rule for this book (five minutes after I created the rule, but who’s counting). The cover and the overview sold me immediately – how can you resist either one? For the first fifty pages or so, I feel like I got exactly what I signed up for: an amazing adventure, and endearing male protagonist, and a magical setting. Somewhere after that, however, the author made some plot choices that really brought the story down for me.

There were parts that were a bit preachy… and self-righteous. Whether you agree with the morals or not, it’s usually less effective to fling them at people. It was blatant and needlessly so, as I think the author could have easily integrated it into the story a little better. There is absolutely nothing wrong with having a theme or moral to your story, you just have to camouflage it because, generally, people don’t enjoy being preached to. The thing I found odd was that the story and characters provided a strong enough moral compass that the book really didn’t even need such heavy-handed drop-ins. And they really were just kind of clunked in there – each “thou shall not…” was delivered in a two-page passage, telling us things are wrong in a way that’s not likely to come across as anything but condescending.

More than once I have found myself reading an ARC because I felt a sense of obligation (rather than any real investment in the story). Imagine my delight when I realized I was picking up this book because I earnestly wanted to, not because I knew I should. About the third time it preached at me, that eagerness had all but vanished and I eventually had to force myself to finish it. All I can say is: what a shame. Tilton is obviously a very talented writer, I just think she decided the moral was more important than the story (which is great for a religious title, not so much for a teen fantasy).

Overall, allegorical stories just aren’t my thing and I probably won’t be picking up the second book. I actually don’t think the heavy moral overtones will bother many other people. I wouldn’t be surprised if the book got several four or five star reviews. It had a nice voice and overall plot, and even a few memorable characters with strong POV’s.

Recommended Reading: for those of you who don’t mind fantasies with religious overtones. Perhaps also to those who love fairytales but are in the mood for something slightly different.

Other Books you might like:

: Dragonspell by Donita K. Paul

: Once Upon a Winter’s Night by Dennis McKiernan

: The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman

: Goose Girl by Shannon Hale

: Poison by Bridget Zinn

Poison Review

Aug 20 2013

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Coming Soon: Autumn Bones by Jacqueline Carey

Title: Autumn Bones

Author: Jacqueline Carey

Series: Agent of Hel #2

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Release Date: October 1, 2013

The Overview: Fathered by an incubus, raised by a mortal mother, and liaison to the Pemkowet Police Department, Daisy Johanssen pulled the community together after a summer tragedy befell the resort town she calls home. Things are back to normal—as normal as it gets for a town famous for its supernatural tourism, and presided over by the reclusive Norse goddess Hel. Not only has Daisy now gained respect as Hel’s enforcer, she’s dating Sinclair Palmer, a nice, seemingly normal human guy. Not too shabby for the daughter of a demon. Unfortunately, Sinclair has a secret. And it’s a big one. He’s descended from Obeah sorcerers and they want him back. If he doesn’t return to Jamaica to take up his rightful role in the family, they’ll unleash spirit magic that could have dire consequences for the town. It’s Daisy’s job to stop it, and she’s going to need a lot of help. But time is running out, the dead are growing restless, and one mistake could cost Daisy everything.

Nik’s Notes:

The only, and I mean the only reason I haven’t picked this series up yet is because I have this neurotic need to finish all of her other books first. Her Kushiel’s series is so epic and amazing that it has officially landed itself among my all-time favorites. I loved her characters, the world building, and the love story. I am beside myself with excitement to see her apply all of those elements to an urban fantasy setting. I can’t imagine them being anything other than fantastic!

What book are you waiting on?

by Niki Hawkes

Aug 19 2013

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Top Ten Tuesday – Top Ten Things That Make My Life as a Book Blogger Easier! (8/20/2013)

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature where book bloggers come together to geek out about their favorite titles, network with one another, and share our love of reading with anybody who will listen. This week’s topic:

Top Ten Things That Make My Life as a Book Blogger Easier!

In no particular order:

#1 Dragon Dictate

About a year ago, my world was turned upside down when I sustained a crippling injury to both my wrists. As a dedicated book blogger and writer, you can imagine how devastated I was to lose the ability to type. This program gave me wings – the freedom to continue pursuing my dreams and following my passions.

#2 The Husband

As the person who gave me that extra push I needed to pursue my dreams, my husband has always been nothing but supportive and encouraging. Not only does he let me buy books to my heart’s content, but he also is patient and understanding every time I lose myself to my blog and writing. I am one lucky girl.

#3 Barnes and Noble

Having been employed with them for eleven years and counting, I get to see all the new product firsthand, stare at books all day, and generally geek out with other people who like the same books I do. They even let me check out new hardcovers and take home the occasional free book. And the discounts! Let’s not forget the discounts – they are the ultimate enabler for my book obsession. It’s positively brilliant on their end: they let me play with the pretty books all week and give me money to spend on them at the end of it.

#4 WordPress

Despite the eight month learning curve, I’m finally at the point where almost every function appeases my aesthetic tastes. It took a ton of time to figure out how to do everything (mostly I’m a perfectionist and I wanted it to look a certain way) but now that I’ve got it the way I want it I am incredibly pleased. Everything on my blog has been free (aside from the domain name), and thus far WordPress has been a killer platform!

#5 Followers

I appreciate both those who follow me and those I follow. You guys inspire me, whether by your support, great ideas, or your shared love for books. Hearing your great feedback makes it worth all the blood, sweat, and tears it takes to run a blog. I wouldn’t be doing this without you guys, so thank you!

#6 Bloggers

You guys inspire me every day with your enthusiasm and passion for books. You exude such a great energy that I can’t help but feeling happy whenever I read one of your posts. You guys make being part of the book community fun: between weekly features, challenges, and giveaways I always feel like a part of something bigger than myself. You also keep me in the know about which books are worth my time. I especially appreciate those of you who have taken the time to encourage and support me – you guys rock!

#7 Goodreads

Finally – a place that lets me organize all the books I’ve read, am currently reading, and want to read. I used to do this by hand in a journal. I would print out the covers of the books, tape it in the journal, and write a little synopsis next to it. Between Goodreads and my blog, I am totally digital with book organization now, and that makes me very happy! I also love how GR allows you to reference your blog with each review – it really is geared towards creating a great book-loving community.

#8 My Nook

Yes, I am among those of you who collect and cherish hardcopy books. There is, however, something really exciting about being able to take a few hundred books on a road trip – remember when you used to pack a whole suitcase full? I sure do. I also love the fact that I can turn on the little built-in light and read in the dark. My favorite feature: the font adjustment. I have horrible eyesight and sometimes reading tiny print can affect my enjoyment of the book. Overall, if I love a book I will purchase a hardcopy for my shelf, but I very much enjoy the E-reading experience.

#9 iPhoto

Once I figured out I could manipulate the photos, a whole slew of possibilities opened up to personalize my blog’s appearance. From creating headers for weekly features to sharing original photos for my Dragon Obsession posts, and has really allowed me to make it my own.

#10 My Notebooks

I swear these days these notebooks go with me more often than my book. Everything they contains is 100% blog-related and I am constantly jotting down notes and impressions from the books I’m reading. If I’m not writing about the book, I am researching upcoming releases or creating a detailed plan for upcoming posts. Say what you want about me, but damn, I am organized!

What are your essentials? :)

Aug 19 2013

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Your Pick for Nik! – September’s Selection!

Thank you all for your votes!

This month’s winner is… Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder!

A thorough review and discussion for this book will take place on Monday, September 30th, so there’s plenty of time to pick it up if you want to participate. For more information on the Your Pick for Nik! book club, click here.

If you want to participate officially, all you have to do is answer the questionnaire at the end of the book review when it posts (which will hopefully generate some awesome discussion). If you post your own review of the book, send me the URL and I will include a personalized link at the end of the review.

Here’s a look at what the book is about:

About to be executed for murder, Yelena is offered an extraordinary reprieve. She’ll eat the best meals, have rooms in the palace—and risk assassination by anyone trying to kill the Commander of Ixia. And so Yelena chooses to become a food taster. But the chief of security, leaving nothing to chance, deliberately feeds her Butterfly’s Dust—and only by appearing for her daily antidote will she delay an agonizing death from the poison. As Yelena tries to escape her new dilemma, disasters keep mounting. Rebels plot to seize Ixia and Yelena develops magical powers she can’t control. Her life is threatened again and choices must be made. But this time the outcomes aren’t so clear…

Aug 17 2013

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Book Review: Legend by Marie Lu

Title: Legend

Author: Marie Lu

Series: Legend #1

Genre: Teen Fantasy

Rating: 5/5 stars!

The Overview: What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic’s highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem. From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths—until the day June’s brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family’s survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias’s death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

The Review:

I’d been passing over this novel for several months before someone personally recommended it to me based on the types of books I like… and now I’m kicking myself for not having read it sooner (thank you, Rachel!). It’s probably the best book I’ve read all year and is a strong contender for the #2 spot in my all-time favorite dystopian list (following Hunger Games, of course).

With fast-paced action, two amazing protagonists, and a compelling storyline, Legend really was one of those can’t-put-down books that will have you up half the night finishing it. Sometimes when an author switches back and forth between two POV characters it can steal momentum away from the story and make it more difficult to connect with either one. That was certainly not the case here: both protagonists were complex, well-rounded characters and each switch invested me deeper into the story.

The way the plot was organized helped with this too, and I’m convinced Lu really knows how to tell a story that will keep you at the edge of your seat. Just when you feel like you can’t get more involved with the book, she hits you with something even more gut-wrenching and evoking. I even found myself holding my breath on occasion – you know a book is amazing when it can garner a physical reaction, not just an emotional one.

Another reason I think the book was so effective was the way the characters and the conflicts developed throughout the story. The two main characters are highly intelligent, which means they figure things out faster than the average person. Lu completely committed to this and never once dumbed them down for the sake of drawing out a conflict. This means her story had to keep evolving as the characters made discoveries and formed conclusions. It just speaks of brilliant storytelling, and I think it’s probably my favorite element of the book.

Recommendations: For all of you fellow dystopian fanatics – if you haven’t read this book yet, consider putting it next on your list! I might’ve even liked it a bit more than Divergent, and that’s saying something. I will definitely be rereading it within the next couple of years – and if you could see the size of my TBR pile, you’d know what a commitment that is (I really, really liked it)!

Other books you might like: