Favorite Books of the Year 2013

Rounding out the year, I took a leading from one of my favorite bloggers, Kathy of Bermudaonion , and thought I would let you know what my favorite books in several categories were.  I'm just going to give a quick list with a couple of pictures to jog your memories.  You can search for the full reviews if you take a notion, by checking out the "search" tool to the left of the page.  :]

MOST UNUSUAL
The Returned by Jason Mott
The Sleeping Dictionary by Sujata Massey
The Offering by Angela Hunt

FAVORITES IN FICTION
Cartwheel by Jennifer du Bois
Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
Guests on Earth by Lee Smith
The Passage by Justin Cronin
Call Me Zelda by Erika Robuck
The Accursed by Joyce Carol Oates
Funeral Dress by Susan Gregg

HISTORICAL FICTION
The Orphanmaster by Jean Zimmerman
Cascade by Maryanne O'Hara
Blood Between Queens by Barbara Kyle
Roses Have Thorns by Sandra Byrd

THRILLER/SUSPENSE
Close My Eyes by Sophie McKenzie
Jeffrey Deaver's new story collection!

YA FICTION
The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey
Beta by Rachel Cohn

NON-FICTION
Survival Lessons by Alice Hoffman !!!
Saturday Night Widows by Becky Aikman
Gilded Lives, Fatal Voyage...The Titanic's First Class Passengers...by Hugh Brewster

AUDIOBOOKS
Dream When You're Feeling Blue by Elizabeth Berg
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
The Good House by Ann Leary
The Mothers by Jennifer Gilmore

WEIRD, WISE AND RECOMMENDED, TOO
The Uninvited by Liz Jensen
Tampa by Alissa Nutting


Hope you find some good ones here!  It was a great year for books, and obviously I couldn't name all the ones I loved reading.  Let me know if there are any  you particularly thought were great this year or that I left out...     Deborah

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Audio Books~ November 2013

SUMMARY :

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.




I TOOK A NOTION to collect some audio books for listening over the next couple of weeks.  I have a love hate relationship with them.  First of all, I see them as a convenience more than a pleasure...  When I grab one, it's usually because I want desperately to read a certain book, but can't find a way to fit it into my otherwise slammed schedule. 

I tend often to find the narrator's voice grating.  Rarely do I find it fits the tone of the book.  When it does, it's really a slam dunk.  When it fails badly, it can completely ruin a book for me.  Usually, it's just a tinnitus in the background that I can learn to live with after a couple of chapters.

It's a wonder to me when I come across blogs and vlogs with those who spend a good deal of time "reading" audio books.  Where do they listen to them?  What are they doing when they listen?  I find it unbearable to just sit still and listen.  I have to be doing something.  The times I've traveled and listened to a book on CD have been the most rewarding to me.  I also knit, do needlework and quilt while I listen.  I really do wonder what others do...

Audio books are a sort of necessary evil to me.  I love the convenience of them, and their being available as a sideline when I can't get time to read the book I've had on a long list.  I applaud the good they do to a community of booklovers who may be unable to get to books or read them otherwise. 

This week, I've been tasting a couple and thoroughly enjoying myself.  I'll just share them in summary here and say that I recommend them highly.  :]

SUMMARY :

The brilliant new novel in the New York Times bestselling series by Louise Penny, one of the most acclaimed crime writers of our time

 

No outsiders are ever admitted to the monastery of Saint-Gilbert-Entre-les-Loups, hidden deep in the wilderness of Quebec, where two dozen cloistered monks live in peace and prayer. They grow vegetables, they tend chickens, they make chocolate. And they sing. Ironically, for a community that has taken a vow of silence, the monks have become world-famous for their glorious voices, raised in ancient chants whose effect on both singer and listener is so profound it is known as “the beautiful mystery.”

 

But when the renowned choir director is murdered, the lock on the monastery’s massive wooden door is drawn back to admit Chief Inspector Armand Gamache and Jean-Guy Beauvoir of the Sûreté du Québec. There they discover disquiet beneath the silence, discord in the apparent harmony. One of the brothers, in this life of  prayer and contemplation, has been contemplating murder. As the peace of the monastery crumbles, Gamache is forced to confront some of his own demons, as well as those roaming the remote corridors. Before finding the killer, before restoring peace, the Chief must first consider the divine, the human, and the cracks in between.

Winner of the 2012 Agatha Award for Best Novel

OVERVIEW:

"It is 1940. France has fallen. Bombs are dropping on London. And President Roosevelt is promising he won't send our boys to fight in "foreign wars." "But American radio gal Frankie Bard, the first woman to report from the Blitz in London, wants nothing more than to bring the war home. Frankie's radio dispatches crackle across the Atlantic Ocean, imploring listeners to pay attention - as the Nazis bomb London nightly, and Jewish refugees stream across Europe. Frankie is convinced that if she can just get the right story, it will wake Americans to action and they will join the fight."

 "Meanwhile, in Franklin, Massachusetts, a small town on Cape Cod, Iris James hears Frankie's broadcasts and knows that it is only a matter of time before the war arrives on Franklin's shores. In charge of the town's mail, Iris believes that her job is to deliver and keep people's secrets, passing along the news that letters carry. And one secret she keeps are her feelings for Harry Vale, the town mechanic, who inspects the ocean daily, searching in vain for German U-boats he is certain will come. Two single people in midlife, Iris and Harry long ago gave up hope of ever being in love, yet they find themselves unexpectedly drawn toward each other."

 "Listening to Frankie as well are Will and Emma Fitch, the town's doctor and his new wife, both trying to escape fragile childhoods and forge a brighter future. When Will follows Frankie's siren call into the war, Emma's worst fears are realized. Promising to return in six months, Will goes to London to offer his help, and the lives of the three women entwine."

Alternating between an America still cocooned in its inability to grasp the danger at hand and a Europe being torn apart by war, The Postmistress gives us two women who find themselves unable to deliver the news, and a third woman desperately waiting for news yet afraid to hear it.


 

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN LISTENING TO LATELY?

WHAT DO YOU DO WHILE LISTENING?  Just curious....


Deborah/TheBookishDame

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"The 5th Wave" by Rick Yancey~ Astonishing Must Read!!

SUMMARY :

"Remarkable, not-to-be-missed-under-any-circumstances."—Entertainment Weekly (Grade A)

The Passage meets Ender's Game in an epic new series from award-winning author Rick Yancey.

After the 1st wave, only darkness remains. After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one.

Now, it's the dawn of the 5th wave, and on a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from Them. The beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. Who have scattered Earth's last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, Cassie believes, until she meets Evan Walker. Beguiling and mysterious, Evan Walker may be Cassie's only hope for rescuing her brother—or even saving herself. But Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up.

"Wildly entertaining . . . I couldn't turn the pages fast enough."—Justin Cronin, The New York Times Book Review

"A modern sci-fi masterpiece . . . should do for aliens what Twilight did for vampires."—USAToday.com

PARTICULARS OF THE BOOK :
Published by:  Penguins Young Readers Group
Pages:  480
Genre:  Alien Invasion/Sci-Fy
YA Fiction/Crossover for Adults
Author:  Rick Yancy
Website:  http://www.rickyancey.com


ABOUT THE AUTHOR :

Rick Yancey (http://www.rickyancey.com) is the author of several adult novels and the memoir Confessions of a Tax Collector. His first young-adult novel, The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp, was a finalist for the Carnegie Medal. In 2010, his novel, The Monstrumologist, received Michael L. Printz Honor, and the sequel, The Curse of the Wendigo, was a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. When he isn't writing or thinking about writing or traveling the country talking about writing, Rick is hanging out with his family.

 
Some video of the book!!

THE BOOKISH DAME REVIEWS :

Every so often I pop into YouTube to see what the YA group is reading.  In the last couple of months I found that an inordinate amount of them were reading "The 5th Wave."  I had to get the book to find out what the storm was about.  When the majority of them are raising their hands and raving about a book...in the vein of "Hunger Games" and "Divergent..."  I pay attention.  I'm so glad I took the chance on this one.  It's a one-of-a-kind read for the YAs right now and a great crossover fiction for adults, too. 

Rick Yancey isn't an author I'm familiar with, but I'll be waiting for his next book, I can tell you.  He has a way with words that kept me on the edge of my seat.  His plot was well devised, and his development of characters was breath-taking.  I found myself relating to Cassie immediately as she wondered if she was the last human alive to fight the battle against an alien invasion.  Her courage and humanity was palpable.  Great characters ran throughout the novel; too many to list.  Suffice it to say you'll love them all.  Even the aliens were engaging in their own ways, and to say more about this would give away too much!

This is a novel unlike any I've read about aliens and human interaction, and I've read a few.  Easy to read and understand, for one.  I had no trouble featuring just what Yancey meant throughout the book.  It was horrifying at times, immensely touching at others, and filled with action and suspense.

As the book drove to the climax, I was riveted.  I found myself reading faster and faster to get to the conclusion.  And, I wasn't disappointed.  This is an extraordinary book that will hold your attention throughout and capture your imagination.  I felt it could all happen to us without a doubt.

Highly recommended.

5 stars                 Deborah/TheBookishDame

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"Perfection" by J.L. Spelbring~Dystopian Thriller

SUMMARY :

The personification of Aryan purity, Ellyssa's spent her whole life under her creator's strict training and guidance; her purpose is to eradicate inferior beings. She was genetically engineered to be the perfect soldier: strong, intelligent, unemotional, and telepathic.

Only Ellyssa isn't perfect.

Ellyssa feels emotions--a fact she's spent her life concealing. Until she encounters the epitome of inferiority: a dark-haired boy raised among renegades hiding since the Nazis won the war a century ago. He speaks to her telepathically, pushing thoughts into her mind, despite the impossibility of such a substandard person having psychic abilities.

But he does.

His unspoken words and visions of a place she's never visited make Ellyssa question her creator. Confused and afraid her secret will be discovered, Ellyssa runs away, embarking on a journey where she discovers there is more to her than perfection.


PARTICULARS OF THIS BOOK :

Published by Spencer Hill Press
Pages:  317
Genre:  YA/Dystopian
Author:  J.L. Spelbring


ABOUT THE AUTHOR :

J.L. Spelbring lives in Texas, where she wanders out in the middle of the night to look at the big and bright stars. Besides knocking imaginary bad guys in the head with a keyboard, she enjoys being swept away between the pages of a book, running amuck inside in her own head, pretending she is into running, and hanging out with her kids, who are way too cool for her. 


THE BOOKISH DAME REVIEWS :

This book is a sleeper!  Imaginative and spellbinding, it's captivating from the first chapter on.  I enjoyed the story immensely.  Spelbring is an author to keep your eyes on.

J.L. Spelbring was an unknown author to me, and one I told Spencer Hill Press I was willing to take a chance on because the summary of the book was so compelling.  I found the story more than satisfying with characters that were vastly interesting and well-conceived. The plot was fast-paced.  This is a dystopian unlike any I've read in six years of reviewing.  Really a book that transcends all age groups.  Young adults and adults, both, will love this one.

I thought the concept of continuing the Nazi ideal of an Aryan race was a great one, coupled with the modern extension of having the children be psychic and more.  They were stealthy in their different roles, with different genetic/innate "gifts."  The main character, Ellyssa in her aberration was engaging and exciting.  I was drawn in to her struggle from the beginning and never faltered along the way.  Other characters are strongly developed.  Loved them and their different quirks and flaws.

The ending is perfect!  And I look forward to what appears to be a set up for a sequel.   

I highly recommend this book which may not be on the list of books touted by major publishers this season.  It's a show-stopper!  (Don't be thrown off by some editing flaws at the beginning of the book.)  It's available on Amazon.

5 stars              Deborah/TheBookishDame        

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"Blood Prophecy" by Alyxandra Harvey~The Drake Chronicles Continues!!

SUMMARY :

In the thrilling conclusion of the Drake Chronicles, love and loyalties will be tested ... and proven once and for all.
 
Solange Drake has been officially crowned Queen of the Vampires, fulfilling the centuries old prophecy that foretold the rise to power of a daughter born to an ancient vampire line. Except Solange's thoughts and actions are no longer her own—she's been slowly being possessed by the spirit of Viola, the first daughter born into the Drake line, since her bloodchange. And instead of uniting the vampire tribes under the rule of an ancient daughter as the prophecy predicted, Viola would rather destroy them all and enslave humans in a personal vendetta for the devastation both wrought to her life centuries ago. Can Solange break her hold in time to save everyone she loves from a vampire civil war, hunter attack, and each other? Not everyone will survive the prophecy . . . perhaps not even her.


PARTICULARS OF THE BOOK :

Published by:  Walker Children's
Pages:  496
Genre:  YA Fiction/Horror
Author:  Alyxandra Harvey
Purchase here:  Amazon



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

ALYXANDRA HARVEY is the author of The Drake Chronicles—Hearts at Stake, Blood Feud, Out for Blood, and Bleeding Hearts—as well as two stand-alone novels, Haunting Violet and Stolen Away.

Alyxandra Harvey lives in a stone Victorian house in Ontario, Canada with a few resident ghosts who are allowed to stay as long as they keep company manners. She loves medieval dresses, used to be able to recite all of The Lady of Shalott by Tennyson, and has been accused, more than once, of being born in the wrong century. She believes this to be mostly true except for the fact that she really likes running water, women’s rights, and ice cream.

Among her favourite books are ‘The Wood Wife’ by Terri Windling, ‘Jane Eyre’ by Charlotte Bronte, and of course, ‘Pride and Prejudice’ by Jane Austen. Elizabeth Bennet is her hero because she’s smart and sassy, and Mr. Darcy is, well, yum.

Aside from the ghosts, she also lives with husband and their dogs. She likes cinnamon lattes, tattoos and books.

You can find her easily here:

www.alyxandraharvey.com

www.thedrakechronicles.com



THE BOOKISH DAME REVIEWS :

I became an instant fan of Ms Harvey's books when I ran into "Stolen Away" a couple of years ago.  I've had to back track to read about the Drake Chronicles and have loved every single word and story about them since then.  "Blood Prophecy" is just a continuation of the story...and I was greedy about it, frankly.

There's nothing new to add about my addiction to the series.  I find Alyxandra Harvey a queen of vampire writing and one who crosses the lines between YA and adult fiction very well.  Although for the most part her characters are teens and young adults, there are enough adult vampires intervening in their lives to keep things very interesting...especially in this book.

Ms Harvey has a very compelling imagination.  I love her work and would read just about anything she writes. 

I highly recommend this series.  It's not rocket science...but that makes it easy, good reading as far as I'm concerned.  You won't be sorry you've discovered her once you read one of her books.  This one is well worth the read. 

5 stars for a great vampire series           Deborah/TheBookishDame


 

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"Beta" by Rachel Cohn~Cloning of Teenaged Girl is Edgy!

SUMMARY :

Elysia is created in a laboratory, born as a sixteen-year-old girl, an empty vessel with no life experience to draw from. She is a Beta, an experimental model of a teenage clone. She was replicated from another teenage girl, who had to die in order for Elysia to exist.

Elysia’s purpose is to serve the inhabitants of Demesne, an island paradise for the wealthiest people on earth. Everything about Demesne is bioengineered for perfection. Even the air induces a strange, euphoric high, which only the island’s workers—soulless clones like Elysia—are immune to.

At first, Elysia’s life is idyllic and pampered. But she soon sees that Demesne’s human residents, who should want for nothing, yearn. But for what, exactly? She also comes to realize that beneath the island’s flawless exterior, there is an under­current of discontent among Demesne’s worker clones. She knows she is soulless and cannot feel and should not care—so why are overpowering sensations cloud­ing Elysia’s mind?

If anyone discovers that Elysia isn’t the unfeeling clone she must pretend to be, she will suffer a fate too terrible to imagine. When her one chance at happi­ness is ripped away with breathtaking cruelty, emotions she’s always had but never understood are unleashed. As rage, terror, and desire threaten to overwhelm her, Elysia must find the will to survive.

The first in a dazzlingly original science fiction series from best-selling author Rachel Cohn, Beta is a haunting, unforgettable story of courage and love in a cor­rupted world.

PARTICULARS OF THE BOOK :

Published by:  Hyperion Books for Children's
Pages:  336
Genre:  Syfy/YA
Author:  Rachel Cohn
Website:  http://www.rachelcohn.com


A BIT ABOUT MS COHN :

 

Rachel Cohn is the author of critically-acclaimed YA novels Shrimp, Pop Princess, Gingerbread, and middle-grade novel The Steps. A graduate of Barnard College, she lives and writes in Manhattan. Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist is Rachel's first book for Knopf.

David Levithan is a children's book editor in New York City. The author lives in NYC; Hoboken, NJ.

 

You can find her on Twitter and Facebook!!

 

 

YouTube video!!  Although this is in German, you can get the drift of the cloning of Beta from an ordinary girl.  The picturing is interesting and in keeping with the book.  For those of you who speak German...even better! :]

 

 

THE BOOKISH DAME REVIEWS :

I loved this YA novel which I'm recommending as a cross over for adults who love dystopians.  It was edgy and had a new take on the old concept of cloning.  I had a great time reading it.  Kept wanting to return to the book despite the fact that I was reading 3 other books at the same time!!  This one is a keeper. 

Rachel Cohn has a fabulous imagination, and also a way of grabbing our attention in the details.  Her characters are gorgeous physically, yes...but they are also quick witted and intelligent.  No simpletons in this batch of young adults.  Conversations were valid and interesting.  It was a pleasure to read about them.  Beta is an especially compelling character as she has a slow awakening to the fact that she "feels" emotions and physically experiences more than she's been programmed to.

The mystery and suspense written into this book keep the plot moving and action-packed.  Never a dull moment.  And, the land that Cohn has created is beautiful and darkly believeable.  I was reminded of a sort of Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale" by the women who inhabited the island paradise.  The women are both bored and held captive in their own ways... 

This is a book I couldn't get enough of and that I look forward to reading more in sequel. The ending is unexpected and a real stunner!  I highly recommend it to everyone.  You'll be fascinated by the clones of all ages.

5 stars

Deborah/TheBookishDame

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"Lullaby" by Amanda Hocking ~ Magical New YA Series

SUMMARY :

Harper only wanted a safe, normal life. But when her younger sister Gemma runs off with a dangerous clique of beautiful girls, Penn, Thea, and Lexi, everything changes. Vowing to get her sister back no matter what the cost, Harper must face dangers unlike any she's ever experienced. Fortunately, she has Daniel by her side, a gorgeous guy who's devoted to helping her find her sister—and who's immune to the girls' dark powers.

While Harper searches for her sister, Gemma struggles to adjust to her new life. Gemma's powers are growing by the day, and the longer she lives with her new "sisters," the harder it is to resist entering their magical world. It's a realm both dark and beautiful, and where she's plagued by strange hungers and unspeakable needs. Just as she's drifting far away from her old life, Harper and Daniel find her...but no one can deny how much she's changed. All she wants is to return to her family and the mortal world, but how can she do that when she's become something else entirely—and will they still love her once they learn the truth?

Prepare to fall under the spell of Lullaby, the second book in the Watersong series from New York Times bestselling author Amanda Hocking.

PARTICULARS OF THE BOOK :

Published by:  Macmillan Audio/St. Martin's Griffin
7 hours on 6 CDs
Genre:  YA Fiction/Fantasy
Author:  Amanda Hocking   http://www.worldofamandahocking.com
Series:  "Watersong"
Narrator:  Nicola Barber
Find this audiobook:  Barnes & Noble


ABOUT THE AUTHOR :

 

Amanda Hocking is the USA Today bestselling author of the Trylle trilogy and six additional self-published novels. After selling over a million copies of her books, primarily in eBook format, she is widely considered the exemplar of self-publishing success in the digital age.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/amandahockingfans
Twitter: http://twitter.com/amanda_hocking



THE BOOKISH DAME REVIEWS :

This is a particularly YA targeted book.  I enjoyed it as an audiobook as I travelled, but it's not one I would recommend for adult audiences unless they are interested specifically in young mermaid/sirens and their rather evil sides.  While I thought the narration was exceptionally well done, I thought the book was absolutely YA quality.  Perfect for that genre, but not a cross over for adults.

Amanda Hocking is a sensation in and of herself, having made history by self-publishing and selling a boatload of books on her own.  She's the goddess that every self-publishing author aspires to.  Her Trylle trilogy is legendary, and are wonderful books for the YA crowd.  Anything she puts her hand to will be and are widely received.  No doubt "Lullaby" and the books in the "Watersong" series will be a great hit with a huge following.

I think she's a very good writer in her genre.  Her characters are well developed with striking personalities.  Her dialogs are interesting, and her novel is strong with its engaging and compelling story.  If she ever decides to branch out into adult genre, she'll give many a writer a run for their money. 

A great YA book on audio.  No question this one is a hit for that crowd!

5 stars                      Deborah/TheBookishDame

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Books, books, books! Nothing makes you feel better!

Seriously, I started to have a down week this week because I thought I wasn't going to get any new books to read.  As you all know, I'm a steady and voracious reading machine, and I just had this notion that this was the week nobody was going to send me anything.  But, when I heard the doorbell ring on Tuesday, I was so happy!!  A book!!  And it just escalated from there, thank God.

 

I know I don't deserve these little jewels.  I'm just blissful, anyway.  And, I'm so happy to share with you.  I bought two of them.  I couldn't resist. 

 I made a trip to Books-A-Million because I was feeling so lonely this week.  I don't know if I told you my best friend died a couple of years ago, and I just get over-whelmed missing her sometimes, and since there is not a local bookstore in my town, BAM is the next best thing.

 

So, here are the two I purchased:

 



 

You can find it here:  Kirkus Reviews

 

Just a snap shot of a summary:  "First of a trilogy about virtue compromised and beauty commodified, set in late-18th-century England."

 

 

AND 

 

 

I also bought this one.  I'm trying to build my Penguin Classics collection.  This is my favorite classic along with "The Scarlet Letter," so I had to have it.  I probably have another 5 volumes of it in different covers from different time periods of publication.  I just love this snarly rosebud vines cover!  Perfect for Heathcliff and Kathy...  It's separated into an Introduction from Charlotte Bronte as "Currier Bell," has a chronological page of Emily Bronte's writings and life, Criticism, is set by the original three volume delineiation, and has tons on notes and vocabulary. Phew!  A good deal of stuff for a pretty small volume.  I love it!!

 

Here's where you can get a copy:

Wuthering Heights

 

 

 

This is a book I'm really looking forward to reading!  It's the story of a group of women who put their lives together after being widowed (obviously.)  I want to read it so much because I was widowed in my early 30's and couldn't find anyone else in my age range who was, too.  So, I pretty much had to suffer it alone.  I'm so curious to find out how they managed to plow through the phases of grief together.  Can't wait to read it.  It was sent to me by CROWN PUBLISHING and I'm so grateful.

 

Find a synopsis and get the book here:  Kirkus Reviews

 

 

 

 

I was so delighted to receive a note from Susanna Calkins, the author, to read and review a copy of her debut book above.  I love this sort of historical fiction/murder mystery.  Isn't the cover beautiful?  On the back cover it says:  "In Susanna Calkins's atmospheric debut novel, a chambermaid must uncover a murderer in seventeenth-century plague-ridden London--"

 

Love stories around the plague!!

This one is published by one of the best in the business:  Minotaur Books/St. Martins

 

 

 

 

I'm Scottish and English by heritage.  What's not to love about Scottish history?  :]  This is a comprehensive study and I am so delighted to have received a copy from Thomas Dunne Books of St. Martin's Griffin.

 

This book includes such famous Scots such as Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charles!

 

Find your copy here:  Barnes & Noble

 

 

 

 

 

These three huge volumes came from Grand Central/Hachette Publishing this week.  I've heard great things about Child 44 and wanted to read it a couple of years ago when it first came out.  It's a Russian spy/murder mystery/suspense novel.  These other two books are more about the protagonist we meet in the original book.  I'm really dying to start this series.  Lots of good things read about them.  Here are reviews from Kirkus and links to purchase:

 

http://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/tom-rob-smith/child-44/

 

http://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/tom-rob-smith/agent-6/

 

http://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/tom-rob-smith-2/the-secret-speech/

 

 

Should keep me busy and out of trouble for a few days!!

 

 

 

 

This is a book I requested to read.  It is, of course, about one of the Navy SEAL Team SIX who went in to "collect"  Osama Ben Laden on that fateful evening. He's one who didn't make it out.  Known for his immense courage throughout his life and for his love of family and country, Eric Blehm also had a great faith in God to accompany him into battle.  I'm so looking forward to reading this one.

 

Find it here:  Barnes & Noble

 

 

 

 

Just think...a YA!!  I'm so thrilled to have gotten a new YA novel!!  YAY!!  I still have to write a review on the first book in this series "A Breath of Eyre," which you can imagine is about the dear

Jane. Haven't had a minute.  But, I will read "...Scarlet," and get them off in the same post this year.

 

Purchase her here:  Amazon

 

 

 

 

Here is an international best seller that looks great. It came in courtesy of Minotaur as well.  Thanks, Minotaur!!  Here's a little about it from Amazon's overview:

 

Snow White Must Die by Nele Neuhaus is a tremendous new contemporary mystery series and huge international bestseller—with more than 2.5 million copies in print!

On a rainy November day police detectives Pia Kirchhoff and Oliver von Bodenstein are summoned to a mysterious traffic accident: A woman has fallen from a pedestrian bridge onto a car driving underneath. According to a witness, the woman may have been pushed.

Get your copy here:  Amazon



So, that's what came on my door step from my happy postman who always says, "You've got a lot of readin' to do this week!"

And, he's so right. 

What did you get to read this week? 

Do any of these sound good?

Have you read any of them already? 

 Any recommendations...?

Deb/TheBookishDame

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"The Raven Boys" by Maggie Stiefvater~Great Crossover YA/Adult Novel

 

 

SUMMARY :

 

An all-new series from the masterful, #1 New York Times bestselling author Maggie Stiefvater!

"There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark's Eve," Neeve said. "Either you're his true love . . . or you killed him."

It is freezing in the churchyard, even before the dead arrive.
Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them-not until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her.
His name is Gansey, and Blue soon discovers that he is a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble.
But Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way she can't entirely explain. He has it all-family money, good looks, devoted friends-but he's looking for much more than that. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys--

PARTICULARS OF THE BOOK :
Published by:  Scholastic, Inc.
Pages: 416
Genre:  YA/Paranormal
Find out more:  Maggie Stiefvater


A BIT ABOUT THE AUTHOR :

 

 

"After a tumultuous past as a history major, calligraphy instructor, wedding musician, technical editor, and equestrian artist, I'm now a full-time writer living in the middle of nowhere, Virginia, with my charmingly straight-laced husband, two kids, four neurotic dogs who fart recreationally, and a 1973 Camaro named Loki."   Quote taken from Maggie's website...

 

The animation and music in this trailer below is also by Maggie Stiefvater!   She's a gifted, Renaissance Woman...  :]

 

 

 

 

 

THE BOOKISH DAME'S REVIEW:

 

 

This is one of those YA novels that grabbed me right from the first paragraphs.  Maggie Stiefvater is nothing if not a gifted writer who captures the imagination.  I could read everything she writes all day long.

 

 

There is a lot to recommend this book, but to me the best of the best is the characters that inhabit "The Raven Boys."  Blue, of course, the non-psychic/psychic of a clan of "witches," clairvoyants and paranormals is a character not to be forgotten.  She's beautiful in all aspects, and so engaging.  I nearly felt her sitting with me in the same room.  Such angst and depth.  I would give anything to have been in the household of this family!!

 

 

Maggie Stiefvater has created a novel that is clever and captivating, one that is both a great YA novel and a crossover for adults.  It's reminiscent of J.K.Rowlings in characterization of the light paranormal and in the group of private school "Raven Boys."  It's a joy to read...I was sad to see it end.

 

You'll really love this book.

 

5 stars                    Deborah/TheBookishDame

 



 

 

 

 

 

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"Matched" by Ally Condie~AudioBook by Penguin

SUMMARY:
 

Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.

The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.

INFORMATION ON THE AUDIO BOOK:

Published by:  Penguin/Audio
Format:  MP3
Unabridged
Number 1 of 3
Read by:  Kate Simses
Genre:  YA Fiction/Dystopian

Meet the Author:

Ally Condie is a former high school English teacher who lives with her husband and three sons outside of Salt Lake City, Utah. She loves reading, running, eating, and listening to her husband play guitar.


The Bookish Dame Reviews:

As you may have now surmised I've begun to review audio books as a new feature of A Bookish Libraria.  This is the second one in the series.

I found this YA book to be directly in keeping with a young adult audience.  It's not a book I would necessarily recommend for a crossover audience to adult listeners because the reader has a strictly child-like voice. I felt she was younger that the age of the protagonist Cassie.  I felt she was miscast as the reader in this one.  Although her reading and "acting" abilities were good, she sounded a bit too young for the part of a 16 year old and it was distracting on whole.

However, the story Ms Condie writes is engaging and smart.  I enjoyed the book itself very much.  As in most dystopian novels there's a new world order that's meant to solve the problems of society and sharply misses doing that!  This is a society that makes the audio book absorbing.

Characters are well drawn and interesting.  Cassie, herself, is memorable.  She's a girl with the ability to think on her own in a society that discourages that sort of thing.  She's a girl who also has the courage to walk out of step in a world marching strictly to one cadence, and I appreciated that role-model for young adults.   I also was won over by the problem of her two loves!

So, a mixed bag here, but well worth the listen for young adults and adults who may not mind the voice. 

Penguin has also come out with audiobooks on the two follow up books in this series:  "Crossed" and "Reached."

With a better narrator, I would be tempted to listen to them!


3.5 stars for an interesting novel...                            Deborah/TheBookishDame

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GIVEAWAY!!! "Anew:The Archers of Avalon" by Chelsea Fine

SUMMARY :  
Scarlet awoke in the woods without her memories. She lived in mystery until she met a boy with a familiar voice. A boy with secrets. A boy with answers.

A boy named Gabriel Archer.

Intrigued by his voice, Scarlet immerses herself in Gabriel's life only to discover he has a brother he's kept hidden from her: Tristan Archer. Upon meeting Tristan, Scarlet's world becomes even more muddled.

While she's instinctively drawn to Gabriel, she's impossibly drawn to Tristan—and confused out of her mind. Why does Gabriel seem so familiar? Why is she so attracted to Tristan? And why do both brothers keep telling her she's cursed to die?

Scarlet doesn't have the answers...but the Archer brothers do.



PARTICULARS OF THE BOOK :
Published by:  Acacia Publishing
Pages:  378
Genre:  YA Fiction/Paranormal
Author:  Chelsea Fine
More about the book:  http://ChelseaFineBooks.com   and http://TheArchersofAvalon.com

Purchase the book here:  Barnes & Noble    and  Amazon

AWARDS:  
Nominated on Goodreads for: 
"Best Young Adult Book 2011," "Original Young Adult Paranormal, "  "Best Young Adult Cover of 2011"
Received Awards for :
"Book of the Year Finalist (ForeWord Magazine)"
"Best Coverof 2011 (Girls on YA Books)"
"Top Indie Covers (YA-Aholic)"
"Best Cover of the Year (UtopYA Con Awards)"

THE BOOKISH DAME REVIEWS :

Well, what a thoroughly awesome book to read on a Friday night!  I loved this paranormal YA gem about two gorgeous immortal brothers and the love of their lives who keeps dying and being reincarnated with the same "heart" issues.  Chelsea Fine has a brilliant idea for a book series, and she executes it beautifully.  I had a very entertaining time reading this novel.

Driven by gorgeous and interesting characters in a fast-moving plot, this book will keep you hopping over the several hours it will take to discover the mystery of why Scarlet has amnesia and who the hunk, Gabriel, and his brother truly are.  The chapters run short and succinct making the action whiz by!

Ms Fine is the consummate author for young adult readers.  She has a wonderful imagination and the power of a wordsmith to back it up.  This is a series I'm going to love reading.  I thought the ending of "Anew" was powerful!


*****Can't wait to read her up-coming Book Two:  "Awry" ~

Sometimes love is meant to be.  But sometimes love...is the death of you. 

 Seventeen-year-old Scarlet has just died.  Only, dying isn't unusual for a girl under a centuries old curse that left her semi-immortal.

This time, though, she comes back to her current life instead of awakening in a new one, and she realizes the curse is changing.  With the help of the immortal Archer brothers, Scarlet must piece together her life and try to break the curse before her impending death comes again.



This is a book and a series you'll enjoy reading!  Great escape novel.

4 stars                Deborah/TheBookishDame



                        GIVEAWAY*****GIVEAWAY

To Enter Please Leave a Comment About Your First Love
                       and add your email address!

Then follow me on Networked followers, please.


Note:  This giveaway is open to US and Canada only.

                                    ENDS   OCTOBER  31st


Don't forget to add your email address....I can't contact you if you don't!  :]

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GIVEAWAY!! "Amarok" by Angela J. Townsend~YA Fabulous!

SUMMARY : 
 

Emma's life has been hell since she moved from sunny California to a remote Alaskan town. Abandoned by her father and living with the guilt of causing her mother's death, she makes a desperate dash for freedom from her abusive stepfather. But when her car skids off the icy road, her planned escape leads to further captivity in a world beyond her imagining.

Dragged across the tundra by an evil mountain man and his enormous black wolf, she learns that love can be found in the most unexpected places. Amarok, as she's nicknamed the wolf, is a young man from the gold-rush era enslaved by an ancient shaman. Emma's gentle touch and kind heart win his love and devotion. When a vicious madman—trapped in bear form by the same Shaman—attacks the travelers and injures Amarok, Emma must find the strength to face her fears and free the wolf she's come to love. But that means she must face down the evil shaman, a Siberian mammoth hunter from the ice age, and he has no intention of giving up his power to her.

PARTICULARS OF THE BOOK :
Published by:  Spencer Hill Press
Pages:  181
Genre:  YA/Paranormal
Author:  Angela J. Townsend
Pre-order here:  Barnes & Noble  and Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR :
Angela Townsend was born in the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Missoula, Montana.  As a child, Angela grew up listening to stories told by her grandparents, ancient tales and legends of faraway places.

Influenced by her Irish and Scottish heritage, Angela became an avid research historian, specialzing in Celtic mythology.  Her gift for storytelling finally led her to a full-time career in historical research and writing.

A writer in local community circulations, Angela is also a published genealogical and historical resource writer who has taught numerous research seminars.  Currently, she divides her time among writing, playing Celtic music on her fiddle and Irish dancing.  She resides on a ranch, in rural Northwestern, Montana, with her two children Levi and Grant.

THE BOOKISH DAME REVIEWS :

I wasn't expecting to love this book as much as I did!  I've been very selective with YA fiction lately, and this is one I chose hesitantly but carefully because it sounded out-of-the-ordinary.  Just a touch of the paranormal and much more in the mystery/suspense realm, I thought.  I'm so glad I took a chance on it.  It was a great read for a lazy Sunday afternoon.  It was absorbing as it moved along quickly, relating action and responses from the two main characters. Further, it was full of ancient mythological shadowings and very good writing.  I love Angela J. Townsend's style.  Her storytelling is first class.

Emma, her female protagonist, is feisty and resourceful.  I loved her determination not to be beaten by her ragged and violent captor, the brutal weather conditions, nor the supernatural odds stacked against her.  She fought through everything, but Townsend's handling of these situations didn't seem contrived or flippant.  They were natural and exciting to read.  The pace of the book was settled securely around Emma's story and her relationship with Amarok, the enchanted wolf/boy.  He's also a gorgeous character who wasn't made of the fluffy stuff you often encounter in other current mythologically-inclined books. 

For all its swiftly moving story, this novel has substance and is a great read.  Townsend packs a punch without mincing words, which I really treasure.  Her grasp of the natural settings of the mountains and tundra, and her abilitiy to translate that for us adds life and realism to the book...I could smell the pine and hear the river rapids, sense the animals in their habitats.  The way she employs the transitions from historical memories of the wolf/boy Amarok to present day Emma's world gives this book depth and interest, as well.

I'm not sure if she's planning a sequel to the book, but I would love to read it, if she is.  If not, the ending was too short and sweet; my only criticism. This is a very interesting book with a gentle love story and a believeable twist on the mythological.

I recommend it.  Now available for a pre-release purchase.  Released in November...

4.5 stars             Deborah/TheBookishDame




GIVEAWAY!!!!!     ENTER FOR A COPY OF "AMAROK":

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GIVEAWAY  ENDS       OCTOBER 31st

ALSO!!!!

 

Spencer Hill Press is offering a prize package to ONE winner throughout the tour that includes a copy of Amarok, a $25 Amazon gift card and wolf charm necklace.

 

Sign Up Here:

 

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