Aug 12 2013

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Your Pick for Nik! – September’s Nominations!

Your Pick for Nik! is a monthly feature where I turn over control of my reading list to you!

Here’s how it works: I have nominated titles from my TBR list and YOU get to choose which one gets featured. It can be one you’ve already read and want to discuss, one you want to read but wish to see my feedback on first, or – and this is my favorite part – one you want to read along with me!

Depicted below are my 10 nominees for September. Simply vote for your favorites, and let the best book win! At 10:00 am (MST) on Monday the 19th I will announce the winner. Come the end of September, I will post a thorough review of the chosen title – and hopefully find out what you thought of it as well!

Voting starts today (August 12, 2013) and you’ll have all the way through the weekend to choose your favorites (Remember: YOU CAN VOTE FOR MORE THAN 1).

Title: Poison Study

Author: Maria V. Snyder

Series: Poison Study #1

Genre: Fantasy

The Overview: 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…

Why It Nominated: having collected dust on my shelf for years, my interests in it was reignited when one of my favorite book bloggers (The Moonlight Library) included it in a couple of lists of her favorite books and characters of all time. I’ve already snuck a peek at the first couple of chapters, and it’s every bit as good as I was hoping it would be!

Title: Seraphina

Author: Rachel Hartman

Series: Seraphina #1

Genre: Teen Fantasy

The Overview: Four decades of peace have done little to ease the mistrust between humans and dragons in the kingdom of Goredd. Folding themselves into human shape, dragons attend court as ambassadors, and lend their rational, mathematical minds to universities as scholars and teachers. As the treaty’s anniversary draws near, however, tensions are high.

Seraphina Dombegh has reason to fear both sides. An unusually gifted musician, she joins the court just as a member of the royal family is murdered—in suspiciously draconian fashion. Seraphina is drawn into the investigation, partnering with the captain of the Queen’s Guard, the dangerously perceptive Prince Lucian Kiggs. While they begin to uncover hints of a sinister plot to destroy the peace, Seraphina struggles to protect her own secret, the secret behind her musical gift, one so terrible that its discovery could mean her very life.

Why It Nominated: it is a teen fantasy about dragons… I don’t know how I could’ve possibly neglected to pick this one up before now.

Title: Medalon

Author: Jennifer Fallon

Series: Hythrun Chronicles #1

Genre: Fantasy

The Overview: The small country of Medalon lies between the vast nation of Karien in the north and the nations of Fardohnya and Hythria in the south. For centuries the Medalonians co-existed peacefully with the Harshini, a magical race that abhors killing. But now they are gone and in their place the Sisters of the Blade rule Medalon from the Citadel. An elite army of Defenders enforces the Sisterhood’s oppressive rule. The Harshini and their demons are believed to be extinct and Medalon has an uneasy peace with its northern and southern neighbours. R’shiel Tenragan, daughter of the First Sister, and her half-brother Tarja find themselves caught up in the political infighting amongst the Sisters of the Blade. When their mother’s scheming becomes too much to bear, R’shiel and Tarja are determined to follow their own path and they flee the Citadel. Their lives take a turn neither could ever have imagined and the Defenders of Medalon hunt them as traitors.

Why It Nominated: I first read this series in my late teens and liked it so much I devoured it in a couple of days. Because I read it so fast, I remember practically nothing except that I loved it. I’ve been dying to pick this one up again.

Title: Ender’s Game

Author: Orson Scott Card

Series: Ender’s Saga #1

Genre: Science Fiction

The Overview: In order to develop a secure defense against a hostile alien race’s next attack, government agencies breed child geniuses and train them as soldiers. A brilliant young boy, Andrew “Ender” Wiggin lives with his kind but distant parents, his sadistic brother Peter, and the person he loves more than anyone else, his sister Valentine. Peter and Valentine were candidates for the soldier-training program but didn’t make the cut—young Ender is the Wiggin drafted to the orbiting Battle School for rigorous military training.

Why It’s Nominated: This one was nominated by one of my favorite followers who has exceptional taste in books. Even though I’ve already read this one, it was outstanding and I can’t think of a better time to reread it since the movie is right around the corner.

Title: False Memory

Author: Dan Krokos

Series: False Memory#1

Genre: Teen Fantasy

The Overview: Miranda wakes up alone on a park bench with no memory. In her panic, she releases a mysterious energy that incites pure terror in everyone around her. Except Peter, a boy who isn’t at all surprised by Miranda’s shocking ability.

Left with no choice but to trust this stranger, Miranda discovers she was trained to be a weapon and is part of an elite force of genetically-altered teens who possess flawless combat skills and powers strong enough to destroy a city. But adjusting to her old life isn’t easy—especially with Noah, the boyfriend she can’t remember loving. Then Miranda uncovers a dark truth that sets her team on the run. Suddenly her past doesn’t seem to matter… when there may not be a future.

Why It’s Nominated: I read and reviewed The Planet Thieves by this author and quite liked it. I’ve heard this series is even better, so that’s why I’m so eager to read it.

Title: Orphans of Chaos

Author: John C. Wright

Series: Chronicles of Chaos #1

Genre: Fantasy

The Overview: For Amelia and her friends, the strict English boarding school she lives in is all she has ever known. The sprawling estate, bordered by unknown territory on all four sides, is both orphanage, academy, and prison. The school has a large staff, but only five students, none of whom know what their real names are, or even how old they are. Precocious and rebellious, all five teenagers are more than just prodigies. Amelia can see in four dimensions. Victor can control the molecular arrangement of matter. Vanity can find secret passageways where none existed before. Colin is a psychic. Quentin is a warlock. And, as time goes by, they’re starting to suspect that none of them are entirely human . . .

Why It Nominated: Of all the books I’ve nominated over the last six months, I think this might be the one I’m most interested in reading. Despite all of the excellent books on the lists, this one gets my vote.

Title: Reap the Wild Wind

Author: Julie Czerneda

Series: Stratification #1

Genre: Science Fiction

The Overview: In the first book of the Stratification series, set in an earlier time in Czerneda’s Trade Pact Universe, the Clan has not yet learned how to manipulate the M’hir to travel between worlds. Instead, they are a people divided into small tribes, scattered over a fraction of their world, and prevented from advancing by two other powerful races who control both technology and terrain. Aliens begin exploring the Clan’s home planet, upsetting the delicate balance between the three intelligent races. It is a time, too, when one young woman is on the verge of mastering the forbidden power of the M’hir-a power that could prove to be the salvation or ruin of her entire species…

Why It’s Nominated: as my favorite science fiction author, is the only series I haven’t yet read from her.… It’s guaranteed to be amazing, though.

Title: Beyonders: A World Without Heroes

Author: Brandon Mull

Series: Beyonders #1

Genre: Young Reader

The Overview: Jason Walker has often wished his life could be a bit less predictable–until a routine day at the zoo ends with Jason suddenly transporting from the hippo tank to a place unlike anything he’s ever seen. In the past, the people of Lyrian welcomed visitors from the Beyond, but attitudes have changed since the wizard emperor Maldor rose to power. The brave resistors who opposed the emperor have been bought off or broken, leaving a realm where fear and suspicion prevail. In his search for a way home, Jason meets Rachel, who was also mysteriously drawn to Lyrian from our world. With the help of a few scattered rebels, Jason and Rachel become entangled in a quest to piece together the word of power that can destroy the emperor, and learn that their best hope to find a way home will be to save this world without heroes.

Why It’s Nominated: this is not the first time I’ve put this one up for votes, and it tends to win either second or third place. I’ve read everything else by this author and consider him my favorite young reader writer – aside from J.K. Rowling, of course. He says the third book in this series is his favorite one he’s ever written, and that gets me excited.

Title: Perdition

Author: Ann Aguirre

Series: The Dred Chronicles #1

Genre: Science Fiction

The Overview: The prison ship Perdition, a floating city where the Conglomerate’s most dangerous criminals are confined for life, orbits endlessly around a barren asteroid. Life inside is even more bleak. Hailed as the Dread Queen, inmate Dresdemona “Dred” Devos controls one of Perdition’s six territories, bordered on both sides by would-be kings eager to challenge her claim. Keeping them at bay requires constant vigilance, as well as a steady influx of new recruits to replace the fallen. Survival is a constant battle, and death is the only escape. Of the newest convicts, only one is worth Dred’s attention. The mercenary Jael, with his deadly gaze and attitude, may be the most dangerous criminal onboard. His combat skill could give her the edge she needs, if he doesn’t betray her first. Unfortunately, that’s what he does best. Winning Jael’s allegiance will be a challenge, but failure could be worse than death…

Why It Nominated: author of the Grimspace series, it’s no secret how much I love this writer. This is a spinoff series that revisits that world and I sincerely hope this one is just as good!

Title: The Dragon’s Path

Author: Daniel Abraham

Series: The Dagger and the Coin #1

Genre: Fantasy

The Overview: All paths lead to war…
Marcus’ hero days are behind him. He knows too well that even the smallest war still means somebody’s death. When his men are impressed into a doomed army, staying out of a battle he wants no part of requires some unorthodox steps. Cithrin is an orphan, ward of a banking house. Her job is to smuggle a nation’s wealth across a war zone, hiding the gold from both sides. She knows the secret life of commerce like a second language, but the strategies of trade will not defend her from swords. Geder, sole scion of a noble house, has more interest in philosophy than in swordplay. A poor excuse for a soldier, he is a pawn in these games. No one can predict what he will become. Falling pebbles can start a landslide. A spat between the Free Cities and the Severed Throne is spiraling out of control. A new player rises from the depths of history, fanning the flames that will sweep the entire region onto The Dragon’s Path-the path to war.

Why It’s Nominated: I consider Abraham to be one of the absolute best of the new generation of fantasy writers. His Long Price Quartet had me riveted from start to finish and I have vowed to read anything else he publishes… this one included.

Your votes are all appreciated!

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.

Feel free to steal this button for your sidebar:

Happy reading everyone! :-)

Jul 26 2013

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Dragon Obsession: The Visual Files

Meet Toothless

(Or perhaps you’ve already met?)

Toothless is quite possibly my favorite dragon in cinema – and it all started with some excellent storytelling. In the movie, dragons are hated for the amount of destruction they wreak upon this tiny Viking village. We find out fairly early on how many different ways Vikings have supposedly been killed by dragons. And there are all sorts of different types they’ve battled over the years – and they’re pretty well documented… all except for one: the night fury. No one has ever really seen one, but they are regarded as the single most dangerous breed of dragon in existence.

When we finally do meet the dragon, he is injured and angry, but not malicious like we had come to expect. His act of mercy gives a young boy the courage he needs to seek the dragon out and befriend it. Although certainly dangerous, the night fury is anything but evil. With an initial standoffish yet curious nature, Toothless essentially has the mannerisms of a giant house cat (much to my delight – what’s not to love?). This major perspective switch leads the young boy to consider that maybe not all dragons are as evil as they seem.

I love the mystery and the buildup surrounding the night fury breed, but the contrast between those theories and the actual creature was my favorite part of this plot. Setting up expectations right away gives you the opportunity to shatter them later on and really surprise people. It’s called a “reveal,” and it’s one of my favorite writing tools. I’m sure it’s part of the reason why How to Train Your Dragon is one of my favorite movies (it also has a great plot, loads of wonder and excitement, relatable characters, humor, and plenty of adventure). If the book I’m writing does any of these half as well, I will be in good shape.

At this point, I’ve seen the movie but have not had a chance to read the books (apparently there’s also a television series). I hear they’re all quite different from one another, but worthwhile all the same. Here’s a link to one of my favorite reviewers who’s looked into all three: The Unlikely Librarian.

by Niki Hawkes

Jul 23 2013

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Top Ten Tuesday – Top Ten Words/Subjects that Almost Kept Me from Reading These Great Books (7/23/2013)

This week’s Top Ten Tuesday (hosted by The Broke and the Bookish) was supposed to be centered around words/subjects that deter me from picking up books. As I started compiling my list, it took on almost a negative aspect as I considered subjects outside of my wheelhouse. It felt like book-bashing, in a way, and didn’t leave me with any means to recommend titles. With that in mind, I decided to tweak this week’s topic a bit to make it more positive. Ahem:

Top Ten Words/Subjects that Almost Kept Me from Reading These Great Books!

Keep in mind as you explore my list that most of these were not on my reading list because of their subjects but ended up being an experiment gone very, very well when I finally did read them.

#1 Circus

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

The impression I’ve always held of circuses is that they are dirty, freaky, secretive institutions where animals are abused and people go missing… I may be watching too much TV. In any case, I’d never have the desire to read about a circus before, but something about the intrigue and romance of this book compelled me to open it. It’s still one of my favorites. :-)

#2 Werewolves/Vampires

Now, I’ll admit that I’ve pretty much devoured as many things on this subject as I could once I got hooked, but before this book, I was a supernatural hater. These creatures were gross and I really didn’t want anything to do with them… until a love story was introduced. All I can say is, I’m grateful to Handeland for opening up such a wide range of entertainment for me.

#3 Historical

The Sweetest Dark by Shana Abe

I read to escape reality, so the idea of reliving stories that I wanted to sleep through in grade school was a definite turnoff. I still can’t read totally historic novels, but have come to appreciate and even love those with a fantasy twist.

#4 Elves in Space

What an odd concept. This was an ultimate mix of fantasy, romance, urban fantasy, and science fiction. And you know what? It worked. I’m reading it for the second time and it’s still good.

#5 S&M

I wouldn’t say I’m comfortable with this subject, per se, but I’m definitely glad I didn’t let it deter me from reading these novels. They are some of the most epic, rich fantasies I’ve ever read with outstanding characters. They also have an element of history, too, but I didn’t know that before picking them up.

#6 Arthurian Lore

Wings by Aprilynne Pike

The tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the round table has been beaten to death in my brain. I avoid anything on the subject like the plague because I am just plain tired of the story. Wings was such a new take on the subject that it was actually my favorite part of these books.

#7 Mythology

Fablehaven by Brandon Mull

I don’t know if it’s my aversion to history or my undeniable need to escape reality when I read, but before this book, I had shunned everything so blatantly mythological. I viewed it as almost a copout – using creatures that already exists in history so you don’t have to create your own… Since, I’ve become much less of a snob and realize that some of the best tales come from putting your own spin on classic creations.

#8 Talking Deer

You heard me. Much like Watership Down, this is a book about the life struggles of a deer. It appealed to my love of nature and animals as well as the classic “good overcomes evil” storyline. I don’t think there’s anything I can say that a makes this book not sound lame – ha ha. Take my word for it, it was a good read.

#9 Candy Magic

The Candy Shop War by Brandon Mull

I never had any intention of reading this book, thinking it couldn’t possibly be anything other than juvenile and cheesy… then Mull rocked my world with Fablehaven, so I gave it a try. Although the subject matter is geared towards a younger audience, the writing is surprisingly sophisticated and creative. It made me feel like a kid again, but in a smart way.

#10 True Story

I don’t know if I could’ve read nonfiction unless it was animal-related. I actually have quite a collection of nature books, but they are so off subject that I don’t feature them on my blog. Instead of facts, Grogan recounts the events as if he were telling a story – filled with loads of creative embellishments that made me forget I was reading a nonfiction book. It was beautiful, and I will definitely be reading it again someday.

Well, there’s my list – I hope you enjoyed it! :-)

Jul 5 2013

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Coming Soon – Janitors: Curse of the Broomstaff by Tyler Whitesides

Title: Janitors – Curse of the Broomstaff

Author: Tyler Whitesides

Series: Janitors #3

Genre: Young Adult

Release Date: September 10, 2013

The Overview: A secret society of Janitors with wizard-like powers continue their battle, and now, the stakes are even higher. The Bureau of Educational Maintenance is after Alan Zumbro and this time they mean business – deadly business. Spencer, Daisy, and their little team of rebels must find the source of all magical Glop and destroy it before it can destroy the world as we know it. No small task with the BEM and their monster toxites at their heels. It’s a wild and dangerous ride as they follow the trail of clues all the way to the hiding place of the mysterious aurans: guardians of a secret landfill. What they discover there will change the way

Spencer sees himself, not to mention the fate of the rebels.

Nik’s Notes:

I admit that I am shamelessly swayed by covers. The series was barely on my radar, but it’s excellent cover artwork, especially the latest, is one of the main reasons I’m going to read them. Because some people don’t see that as a compelling reason to pick up a book, I will say that the story line sounds like a lot of fun. It is an adventure in the same category as Brandon Mull’s Candy Shop Wars and is incidentally published by the same company (Shadow Mountain). That publisher hasn’t let me down yet, so here’s hoping it’s as good as I think it’ll be. Has anybody else read these yet?

Here are covers for the first two books in this series (click for Goodreads info):

Jun 23 2013

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Writing Diaries – My Journey as an Aspiring Author

A few of you might be aware that I am an aspiring novelist. I have been formulating the ideas for a book for the last year and have been seriously working on my novel, Dragon Games since March. It has taken a huge chunk of my time, but every sacrifice has allowed me to shape this story into something I’m really proud of. It’s one I’ve always wanted to read and it includes, you guessed it, dragons! Every few Sundays, I will be posting things related to my journey as an aspiring writer, whether it be great advice I’ve received, inspiring moments, or even snippets of my novel. This week’s topic:

The Most Inspiring Elements in My Work So Far

There are so many elements that go into writing a book, it can be overwhelming at times. luckily for me, I have an excellent support system in the form of my husband who teaches collegiate English and has forgotten more about the rules of writing than I will ever know. I also have several friends and acquaintances who graciously offer me their time and support in this project and keep me motivated every day to work towards my dreams. They remind me that I’m doing something bigger than myself and talk me out of the furnace when I’m ready to burn it all and start over again.

While support was essential for me to pursed to this as a career, I also needed to learn more about the craft. Along those lines, I signed up for two workshops offered by best-selling author David Farland (Professional Writers’ and Million Dollar Outlines) and found them invaluable in learning how to shape my novel into something people want to read. Farland is a wealth of experience and knowledge and any aspiring writer would benefit from one of his workshops (as a side note, I have also met some of the coolest people at these seminars and am convinced you will be seeing the published works from them in the future). For those of you who can’t make the seminars, he also has several daily writing “Kicks” that impart nuggets of his wisdom throughout the week. I can’t say enough good things about them and fully believe that if I make it as a writer it will be partly because of what I learned at these workshops.

Finally, this project wouldn’t have been imagined without the hundreds of fantastic books I’ve read so far. Every day in my adventures in reading I come across elements of writing that blow me away and help me improve my own craft. Stephen King once said “If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot. There’s no way around these two things that I’m aware of, no shortcut.” I couldn’t agree more; writing every day helps keep the creativity flowing and reading gives me ideas on what sort of book I want to write. Above all else, I know what I like to read and I believe that is invaluable information in creating a story others like me will enjoy.

A great writing support system, classes to improve my writing intelligence, and constant immersion in other authors’ creations are the elements that got me started and have kept me going. What elements inspire you?

by Niki Hawkes

Jun 5 2013

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Book Review: Planet Thieves by Dan Krokos

Title: The Planet Thieves

Author: Dan Krokos

Series: The Planet Thieves

Genre: Young Reader

Rating: 4/5 stars

The Overview: Two weeks ago, thirteen-year-old Mason Stark and seventeen of his fellow cadets from the Academy for Earth Space Command boarded the SS Egypt. The trip was supposed to be a short routine voyage to log their required spacetime for summer quarter.

But routine goes out the airlock when they’re attacked by the Tremist, an alien race who have been at war with humanity for the last sixty years.

The Review:

What a cool book!

This was a a fast-paced story that just kept adding to the excitement with each page. My favorite was the very beginning: Krokos dropped in the inciting incident right away, told us what was important to the protagonist, and gave the audience a lovable character worth rooting for. All in all, it was probably the best intro to a book I’ve read all year.

Characterization was definitely one of this author’s strengths. I mentioned above how much I liked the main protagonist, but the side characters were just as good, adding a great deal of humor and entertainment to the story. Although I enjoyed the overall story and conflicts, the characters are what’s fueling my desire to read the second book – I just have to know what happens to them next!

This would be an excellent introductory book for kids wanting to try science fiction. It had all the elements of space travel, alien races, new worlds, and most importantly, laser weapon battles! Heck, forget science fiction – this is a great book to get kids interested in science. Krokos interspersed a good bit of facts on the laws of the universe and did so in a way that was fun and made you want to learn more.

Overall, for the younger audience, it was perfect – it emphasized good morals like loyalty and friendship and also had some really cool moments of wonder. It is not quite on the level of Ender’s Game as far as its ability to be appealing to both adults and children, (mostly because it lacked a little robustness and complexity) but it’s the closest thing I’ve come across since.

Recommendations: Even though it wasn’t quite the groundbreaking tale I hoped it would be, it was definitely a worthwhile book and one I will be recommending a lot in the future. My only caution for parents is that it did contain a bit of light profanity.

Other books you might like: