REVIEW: "Howl's Moving Castle" by Diana Wynne Jones

Why this book?: I was reading an article and this was mentioned as one of their favorite books of all time. I wanted to know why.

Type: Young Adult, Fantasy, Magic, Witches, and Wizards, oh my!, Demons

About the book: Sophie has the great misfortune of being the eldest of three daughters, destined to fail miserably should she ever leave home to seek her fate. But when she unwittingly attracts the ire of the Witch of the Waste, Sophie finds herself under a horrid spell that transforms her into an old lady. Her only chance at breaking it lies in the ever-moving castle in the hills: the Wizard Howl's castle. To untangle the enchantment, Sophie must handle the heartless Howl, strike a bargain with a fire demon, and meet the Witch of the Waste head-on. Along the way, she discovers that there's far more to Howl—and herself—than first meets the eye.

Review: After reading this... I can definitely see why this book would be listed as one of someone's all-time favorites. It really was an excellent story, I have no clue why it took me this long to pick this book up and read it. But "Howl's Moving Castle" came at a great time for me. I was reading the emotional roller coaster known as "The Hunger Games" yet again, this time for a book club at work, and I needed something fantastical, something lighter, like this. There is great adventure to be had in this book, and it was just what I, and maybe even you!, needed.

Sophie is fascinating. She's sure she won't get a happy ending because she's the oldest daughter, and in fairy tales, the oldest never gets a Happily Ever After. So when the Witch turns her into an old woman, she decides to screw the stories and head out for adventure. Well, that, and she's hoping the crazy, mad, possibly evil wizard in the moving castle will be able to change her back.

The moving castle was one of my favorite parts. I love the idea that one door could open to so many different places. In my copy of the book, there was an interview with the author, and she mentioned her idea behind this door. She said just because the door to your bedroom has always opened into your bedroom before, doesn't mean you can't suddenly open it, and be facing something entirely different. She even mentioned leaving most of the doors in her home slightly ajar so the room doesn't disappear on her.

The characters were truly charming, even the grumpy ones. Michael, Howl's apprentice, was adorable.. and really felt his age - even the way he dutifully cared for Howl and Calcifer. And oh, Calcifer. Despite the fact that he was a demon and played up his grumpiness, you could tell he truly cared for Sophie.. and indeed everyone else as well. He was one of my chief comic amusements in this story.. well, him and Howl. There aren't enough words to properly describe Howl. Fantasy novels have certain conventions - an old wizard, wise beyond his years, bearded and fierce, yet gentle and kindly when they need to be. And then Howl comes along... he's young, vain, a coward.. at least 2 plus hours of his day are spent in the bathroom making himself look handsome. Despite Howl's many, many faults, his sense of humor and slitheriness (Sophie's word) is classic, and even lovable.

The anime movie based on this novel won several awards, and I'm eager to see how the two compare. Usually I try not to watch a movie too soon after I've read a book, because I will automatically dislike the movie.. so I'm trying to hold off as long as possible. But my love for this story is so great, I'm not sure I can hold it off much longer!

Cover Lovin': I loved it! There are several different covers for this book.. the original, later reprints, and even movie tie-in covers, and every one that I've seen looks wonderful.

Recommendation: For readers young and old, this is a fantasy tale that quickly moved to the top of my all time favorites list, and I'm sure it will for you as well!

 Final Rating: FIVE out of FIVE (5/5)! I loved it, I practically inhaled it, reading it all in one sitting.. it was wonderful. Great story, great characters... and hopefully great movie, I'll see soon enough!

Have you read "Howl's Moving Castle"? Share your thoughts in the comments! Want to purchase a copy of your own? Get it from Amazon.com!

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda ~!~

REVIEW: "A Courtesan's Guide to Getting Your Man" by Celeste Bradley and Susan Donovan

Why this book?: I heard some rave reviews, and wanted to see what all the commotion was about!

Disclaimer: This book was sent to me by the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Type: Romance (Contemporary and Historical), Steamy (not for readers under 18 years old).

About the book: Regency London’s most celebrated courtesan, The Blackbird, was a woman before her time—uninhibited, financially independent, and free to live by her own rules. Schooled in the sensual arts by the one man she loved the most, she recorded every wicked detail in her diaries…

When Boston museum curator Piper Chase-Pierpont unearths The Blackbird’s steamy memoirs, she’s aroused and challenged by what she finds. Could the courtesan’s diaries  be used as a modern girl’s guide to finding love and empowerment? One curious curator—and one very lucky man—are about to find out…

Review: This is an example of a well done story featuring characters in booth the past and the present. Other books have attempted it, but this is the best one I've seen/read so far.

"A Courtesan's Guide to Getting Your Man" has a cast of truly excellent characters. I actually love all of the main characters. I was originally worried I wouldn't connect with everyone, afraid the characters in one time period would outshine the others and I would be bored with half the story, but there was an amazing balance. And all the main characters were appropriately fleshed out - which is a truly great thing to see. Some novels with more than one or two main characters seem to be lacking in the character development/realness.

It's not often I want to cry at the end of a book (especially when the book has a happy ending!) but I wanted to for this one! This is one of those books I want to immediate thrust into other people's hands and make them read it. In fact, I did. I gave this book to my mother to read, with the caveat that we not discuss the steamy scenes.. well, other than saying they were quite dishy.

And speaking of steamy scenes, this book is choc full of them! I didn't feel that the scenes were over the top, after all.. she's going through training to be a Courtesan. This was not smut for smut's sake, it was erotic, beautiful, and enough to make me want to fan myself. That said, if sex scenes aren't your thing, this book may not be for you. If you don't mind scenes that will fog up your mirror, go get your copy ASAP!

Cover Lovin': Not the best cover in the world, but it does alright, I'd say.

Recommendation: Excellent novel, for fans of both (or either) Contemporary and Historical Romance. Due to some of the more graphic love scenes, not suggested for readers under 18.

Final Rating: FIVE out of FIVE (5/5). This is one of those books I immediately started passing out to people, telling them they just HAD to read it because it was something I wanted to discuss. Excellent!

Have you read "A Courtesan's Guide to Getting Your Man?" by Celeste Bradley and Susan Donovan? If so, share your thoughts in the comments! If not, CLICK HERE to get your copy from Amazon.com today!

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda ~!~

I'm back, baby!

Hello all!

I know it's been ages, but I finally feel ready to return. I had surgery in the beginning of November.. and there was a lot of prep involved beforehand.. and I'm still not fully recovered from it. BUT.. I have decided I will make my official triumphant return today, a MONDAY of all days. If I wanted it to be a truly happy return to reviewing.. I should have done it on a Friday, when everyone is celebrating the weekend, right? Pft.

I have really missed blogging, as well as reading everyone else's blog. I had these grand plans for when I was off work after my surgery.. I figured since I was off, I would have tons of time to read and relax, catch up on my favorite blogs, etc. Well, clearly I have never had major surgery before - I was tired all the time! Even sitting up and concentrating long enough to read a chapter was killer. So instead, I napped a lot. Finally I'm to the point where reading isn't such a difficult task, and I'm  so excited!

I probably won't be back to my old speed for some time, alas, but I will do the best I can, and maybe add in some filler posts and things go along. I have a review coming up tomorrow, so be on the lookout for that.

Again, I've missed everyone and I'm so glad to be back!
Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda ~!~

GUEST POST: Author Jus Accardo talks about writing quirks!

Hello readers! Please welcome author Jus Accardo, who joins us to chat about her writing quirks. Be sure to check out her website, and check out her new release (coming out November 2011), "Touch"!

Without further ado... Jus!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
5 Quirks About My Writing Process…

Quirks. Strange little rituals. We all have em. Some people have to check
the stove before bed—even if they haven’t used it. Others need to tie
their shoes in a specific order. A friend of mine will only drink soda on
weekends.

Like everyone else, I have my quirks. Little things I need to do or have
while working. Here are a few of them…

1.      I need to be barefoot. Yes. I’m serious. I cannot work with shoes
on. Socks—yes. In the cooler temps, nice fluffy socks are a must
(preferably dry and untouched by doggie drool). Why? I have no clue. It’s
just one of those things. Like leftover pizza being eaten cold for
breakfast (Ick, by the way).

2.      I must have music and doggie snores. I know, I know. Odd combo.
But I can’t concentrate without the right tunes blasting and the subtle
duet of soft snores from the Narcoleptic Akita and the Duck beneath my
feet. The GSD doesn’t snore. It’s beneath her.

3.      Lights out. Yes, this is probably not the best thing for my eyes,
but I can’t write with the light on. Day light is okay, but once the sun
goes down, I need the light off. It’s distracting—which is funny because
during the holidays, I can’t write without the xmas lights on.

4.      CHEESE! It’s my snack of choice. I need fresh, (none of that
processed crap) salted Mozzarella while I write. Who among you can dispute
the awesomeness that is cheese? I dare you!

5.      I cannot plot. TOUCH was born without planning. It started with a
picture in my head and two characters whose voices would not be silenced
(which is pretty much how my brain works). I began writing and the story
unfolded as I went. All those funky twists and turns were unplanned. When
I started writing, I had no idea what was going to happen. Don’t get me
wrong. I envy the plotters. I ever tried to be one. I can sometimes get
away with a very rough outline, but anything more screws me up.

So what about you? Do you have any special rituals or funky quirks in your
daily routine?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thanks so much for sharing, Jus! Personally, I find that sort of thing fascinating. We all have our little quirks and "must dos," and it's so cool to learn about other peoples'. Again, make sure to visit Jus at her website (link above), and learn more about her new book "Touch"!

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda ~!~

REVIEW: "The Queen of Attolia" by Megan Whalen Turner

"The Queen of Attolia" by Megan Whalen Turner
Why this book?: I really enjoyed "The Thief" by Megan Whalen Turner, and I couldn't wait to get my hands on the second book and see how Gen's life continues.

Type: Series, Young Adult/Juvenile fiction, Fantasy (sorta!), Historical (sorta!), Thieves, Queens, War, I love it when a plan comes together

Recommendation: At my library/work, this book was classified as Juvenile (up to age 12), but I would more likely place this book in the Young Adult section. In book 1 ("The Thief"), Gen is a teenager, and he grows up fast in book two. Nothing too "adult" happens, but the subject matter is probably easier on older readers.

Disclaimer: This book was borrowed from my local library. I am not being compensated in any way for this review.

About the book: When Eugenides, the Thief of Eddis, stole Hamiathes's Gift, the Queen of Attolia lost more than a mythical relic. She lost face. Everyone knew that Eudenides had outwitted and escaped her. To restore her reputation and reassert her power, the Queen of Attolia will go to any length and accept any help that is offered...she will risk her country to execute the perfect revenge.

Eugenides can steal anything. And he taunts the Queen of Attolia, moving through her strongholds seemingly at will. So Attolia waits, secure in the knowledge that the Thief will slip, that he will haunt her palace one too many times.

When Eugenides finds his small mountain country at war with Attolia, he must steal a man, he must steal a queen, he must steal peace. But his greatest triumph--and his greatest loss--comes in capturing something that the Queen of Attolia thought she had sacrificed long ago...

My Review: I loved book one, and this one was even better, I think. As mentioned in my "recommendation" section, I think I would definitely give this book to teens rather than juveniles, due to the amount of war planning, and just.. Gen is older. He acts more grown up, and I think it would just suit young adults/teens better than juveniles.

Gen was so amusing in the first book, "The Thief," and I figured I would see more of that. But Turner shows us a different side to Gen. After a tragedy that strikes early on in the book (It was shocking and a big plot point, so I won't give it away), we see Gen in a different light. He's morose, he barely cracks a smile, he honestly believes his life is over. It was heartbreaking so see a character so full of spunk in the first book so reduced to depression in the sequel. I will say this - there is hope for Gen.. indeed, there is a third book in the series.

I think people could get a lot out of this book. Not only is Eugenides (Gen) incredibly clever, but he's one of those heroes that overcomes adversity - that really rises above what happens to him early on in the novel. Turner is excellent at making you really feel for Gen, for making this characters real. I couldn't put the book down because I so needed to know what would happen, and how Eugenides would manage to get out of yet another sticky situation. If you love books where a complicated plan or con comes together.. definitely check out "The Queen's Thief" series by Megan Whalen Turner!

Cover Loving: The cover of the copy I read was different than the one above, but both are incredibly powerful - and make much more sense once you've read the book.

Final Rating: FIVE out of FIVE (5/5). Another excellent book. I really loved book one, and this one was equally as good. Gen's story just keeps getting better, and throwing me for a loop with every page.

If you haven't already, be sure to check out The Queen's Thief series by Megan Whalen Turner. Use the link above to go directly to "The Queen of Attolia"'s Amazon.com page!

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda ~!~

REVIEW: "Much Ado About Vampires" Katie MacAlister

Amazon - "Much Ado About Vampires" by Katie MacAlister
Why this book?: I'm a big fan of Katie MacAlister, and her Dark Ones series is truly superb.

Type: Vampires, Series, Soulmate/Beloved, zombies, past lives, paranormal romance, humor

Recommendation: Definitely for older readers! Cora and Alec have their share of steamy scenes, 18+

Disclaimer: This book was purchased by me for my own entertainment. I am reviewing it here because I wanna!

About the book: Corazon Ferreira is a jaded woman. Turns out she was a vampire's mate in a past life. And no matter how distractingly gorgeous he is, she just can't get the image of him killing someone out of her head. But when her life depends on him, Corazon's going to have to stop overthinking things-and start trusting her heart...

My review: I really, really enjoy this author. And as with any prolific author, die hard fans will start to notice some similarities in each book, especially if the author has several different series running at once. And, well.. I really started to notice it in some of Katie's books. I still laughed out loud while reading them, and enjoyed the stories, but.. I was losing a little of the magic. And then "Much Ado About Vampires" came strolling onto the scene. Yes, Katie's signatures are still there, but she's thrown some interesting new things in as well - such as scenes from the hero, Alec's perspective. Katie MacAlister has done this before, but usually when the heroine was not there - for the most part, the heroine is the main character, and it's all from her point of view. I thought it was incredibly refreshing to hear how Alec was feeling about the whole situation, and not just from his thoughts that the heroine picks up now and again (Beloveds, if you don't know, can sometimes hear their Dark One's thoughts). I hope Katie keeps up the different points of view. Her heroes are just too amazing for us never to get their side of things!

I'm a big sucker for soul mates, especially the kind that find each other in later reincarnations - and that's (sorta) what we get here. Corazon is Alec's Beloved reincarnated, complete with some (read: about two minutes of it.. and she was dead at the time) knowledge about their former life together. They really are adorable together, and Corazon's change from vampire hater/being afraid of Alec to not able to keep her hands off him, well.. it's an amusing journey.

I can't wait for the next Dark One book, and I especially can't wait for Katie MacAlister's next release, "It's All Greek To Me," a contemporary releasing within the next few months. If you think Katie's paranormals are good, be sure to check out her contemporaries! "Men in Kilts" is still one of my favorite romances of all time.

Cover Loving: Definitely a good one. Not quite sure that's how I picture Alec, but.. well, the man is quite hunky.

Final Rating: FIVE out of FIVE (5/5). I chuckled out loud, I smiled like a big goof, and I loved loved loved the scenes from Alec's perspective - a great read that is (of course) going on the Keeper Shelf/Bookcase.

If you haven't already, get your copy of "Much Ado About Vampires" by Katie MacAlister from Amazon.com asap! And use the handy dandy link at the top.

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda ~!~

REVIEW: "Up A Dry Creek" by Avery Flynn

 Why this book?: I've had this in my review queue for some time, and I thought it was a perfect vacation book, so I took it with me to FL.

Disclaimer: I was given this book in exchange for a review.

Type: Romantic Suspense, Dry Creek series book one

About the book: Claire Layton expects the usual busy Saturday night at Harvest Bistro to be killer on her stilletto shod feet. She never imagines there’d be an actual murderer on the loose at her restaurant in rural Dry Creek, Nebraska. But when she discovers a customer dead in a dumpster, the killer demands she find the victim’s phone and flash drive or face fatal consequenses. 

Jake Warrick, a cocky and mind-numbingly hot private investigator, becomes Claire’s unlikely ally in the search. Jake just wants to solve the case and get out of this hick town, but the diminutive and curvaceous Claire turns his plan upside down as they uncover a more complex crime than they ever imagined. The two bicker and banter like Tracy and Hepburn caught in a whirlwind of intense sexual attraction as they try to find the killer before it’s too late.

Review: This isn't a particularly long book, but man does "Up a Dry Creek" pack quite the punch. So much happens to poor Jake and Claire, and it was certainly a joy watching these two argue with each other, battle their attraction, and yet band together to defeat the killer that is targeting Claire.

Long time readers of my blog will know how much I love an alpha hero, and Jake is a great example of one. And what makes this book even better, is that Claire has quite a bit of alpha in her as well, and when these two clash, sparks fly. Claire did have a moment or two where I feared she would succumb to the Too Stupid To Live Heroine syndrome, but she pulled out of it just in time.

Avery Flynn has a way with words, and her imagery is something that will stick with me for some time. I cannot wait to see more from this author, and the little teaser at the end of "Up a Dry Creek" left me salivating for the next story in the Dry Creek series.

Cover Lovin': I really like this cover. I think this suits Claire and Jake's story.

Recommendation: Great, quick read for fans of romantic suspense. Definitely for older readers (18+) and those that don't mind the steamier scenes.

Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE (4/5). Excellent story, and it kept me glued to my kindle from page one.

Have you read "Up a Dry Creek" by Avery Flynn? What were your thoughts - share them in the comments! Want to read it? Pick up a copy from Amazon.com today via the link at the top!

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda ~!~