Harry Potter Challenge: Epic Fail (for me)

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling Publisher: Scholastic Publication date: June 2003ISBN: 9780439358071 Source: Library audiobookHarry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling Publisher: ScholasticPublication date: July 2006ISBN: 9780439785969 Source: Library audiobookHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling Publisher: ScholasticPublication date: July 2007ISBN: 9780545139700 Source: Library audiobook Well, as you might have guessed, I did not finish the Harry Potter challenge.  In fact, I'm in the middle of listening to #5 and #6, but haven't even gotten to #7.  However, my...

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Posted in Fantasy , harry potter , Young Adult

Got Fear?

A Bit of Me(Me) is hosted by Danielle of There's a Book. This week's topic is about our greatest fears.  I'm not entirely sure what is my greatest fear.  I admit I have a fear of being attacked (really, who doesn't), but I don't often think about that, unless I'm walking home alone in the dark.  I've also got a rather healthy fear of spiders.  So much so that I couldn't bring myself to post a photo of one to illustrate.  But, I decided to focus on one that I've been dealing with particularly these last few months.Image: Rasmus Thomsen / FreeDigitalPhotos.netThe fear is public speaking. At the thought of getting up in...

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Posted in a bit of me , not a review

Elsewheres

I really ought to be posting a book review right now (hey, I'm currently only two months behind, but wait a few days and It'll be closer to three).  Instead, I'm directing you to check out my guest post up at Callista's Ramblings.  She was gracious enough to let me ramble about my camping experiences.  Made me wish I was camping again (even though I went last weekend).  Enj...

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Posted in not a review , other awesome people

Discord's Apple

Carrie Vaughn writes books for the female demographic, no doubt about it. Her Kitty Norville series (review of her latest book in that series coming later) has scooped up quite a bit of popularity and recognition, so really it was only a matter of time before she started branching out more and more. DISCORD'S APPLE is her latest effort towards giving her readers something a little different from her normal releases.Here is where we repeat the disclaimer: Carrie Vaughn writes for the female demographic. She doesn't write for guys. We are guys. Are you following our logical progression?This doesn't mean we didn't like DISCORD'S APPLE. To...

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Posted in Books for Chicks , Carrie Vaughn , Urban Fantasy

Book Review: The Agency 1: A Spy in the House by Y. S. Lee

The Agency 1: A Spy in the House by Y.S. LeePublisher: CandlewickPublication date: March 2010ISBN: 9780763640675 Source: Library Mary, a reformed thief who was saved from the gallows at age 12, has been brought up in a ladies' school.  Little does she know the school also stands as a front for a detective agency, banking on the fact that women are in general ignored and unnoticed.  Mary's first assignment leads her to the house of a suspected smuggler, where she is to safely gather information.  But, she's anxious to do more, and decides to take more risks.  When she is plunged into a deadly web of mystery and danger,...

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Posted in 4 stars , Historical Fiction , mystery , The Agency , Young Adult

Moot Loot

(hosted by Marg of Adventures of an Intrepid Reader and Claire of The Captive Reader)I've pretty much decided that the library is banned for me right now.  I'm so far behind in review books and books I own that I've really got to hold off for a while.  Fortunately, I've still got a few books that I want enough that I will check them out anyway! :)  Only two this week, though.The Postmistress by Sarah BlakeUglies by Scott Westerfeld (reread for me - checked out the book club set for our August meeting)I also managed to acquire some delights for review:The Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare (for Traveling ARC Tours)Fat Vampire...

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Posted in acquisitions , library loot , not a review

Book Review: Whistle Bright Magic by Barb Bentler Ullman

Whistle Bright Magic: A Nutfolk Tale by Barb Bentler UllmanPublisher: Katherine Tegen Books (HarperCollins)Publication date: February 2010ISBN: 978-0061882869 Source: Review copy provided by authorWilla and her daughter are returning to Plunkit after being gone twenty years.  While Willa can't see or even remember the fairies, Zelly is just discovering their presence; in particular, the last young fairy Whistle Bright.  The fairies have been leaving Plunkit, ever since the city began to expand, cutting down more trees, but Whistle is determined to stay where he is.  Zelly makes a few friends, and decides she wants to remain in...

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Posted in fairy stories , Fantasy , middle grade , review copy , tween tuesday

The Adamantine Palace

Okay, so let’s be up front. I’m completely jealous of Stephen Deas. Yes, it’s true, and no you can’t laugh at me because I’m not going to allow you to. So there. The largest portion of this jealousy stems from the fact that he lists K.J. Parker on his acknowledgments page. K.J. Parker. That nearly dropped me right where I was. At the bus stop. I’m also jealous of him though because Mr. Deas was one of those newbie authors with a humble number of publishing credits to his name, when one of the “Big Guys” over at Gollancz decided to ask him to write a book for them.Whoa.Not only was he asked to write a book though, he was asked to write a book...

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Posted in Books that are Mediocre , Fantasy , Stephen Deas

Listless Monday, Water Edition

Listless Monday was inspired by both Amanda at A Bookshelf Monstrosity's feature Books by Theme and Court at Once Upon a Bookshelf's Listed feature.  Be sure to check out their lists!   Since there hasn't been much relief from the heat here, I thought I'd do a list of books that are about water, as an attempt to help us cool off.  And, since I'm going to a nearby lake in a few weeks, it will help me get in the mood too!Water Edition20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules VerneBloody Jack by L.A. Meyer A Blue So Dark by Holly Schindler The Changeling Sea by Patricia McKillip (suggested by Andie)Dark Life by Kat...

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Posted in listless monday , lists , not a review

Got Books? Winner!

Wow!  The Got Books? event was a lot of fun and I got to visit plenty of new-to-me blogs (despite coming at it a day late)!  I also had a lot of people sign up for my contest which was pretty exciting.  And, since I know you are all so anxious to know who won, I'll not delay any longer:Jennifer, whose newest favorite book is Linger (and I'm super jealous, cause I haven't had a chance to read this one yet!)  Congrats, Jennifer!  I've sent you an email and you can choose two books from the photo on my contest post.  Thanks everyone for visiting and a special thanks to the bloggers from There's a Book and Satisfaction...

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Posted in giveaway , not a review , other awesome people

Got Books?

Little did I realize, when I signed up for the Got Books? event, that I would be on a camping trip and thus quite unable to have an internet connection.  But, fortunately for you, I did manage to think ahead enough that I can post this and schedule it for tomorrow!  So, if anyone is so inclined to be kind and put a link to my contest on The Event page at the Got Books? site, I'd be obliged forever!  So, for your reading delights, I have a photo of the books I'm offering up for grabs.  And, since we are a bit tight on budget, I'm only able to have one winner at this time, but the winner will get to choose two books from the...

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Posted in bookish topics , giveaway , not a review

Looting a Bit Later

(hosted by Marg of Adventures of an Intrepid Reader and Eva of A Striped Armchair)I almost decided to skip library loot again this week, because my loot has been so slim.  But, I decided I just couldn't leave you guys hanging another week :)   The best part is, they are all reloot - books I had to return unread and check back out again.  Here's hoping I get to them the second time!Glimpse by Carol Lynch WilliamsAcademy 7 by Anne Osterlund Sorcery and Cecelia by Patricia Wrede and Caroline StevermerAnd a few came for review and from contests: Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick (for review) Fallout by Ellen Hopkins (for review) Mistwood...

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Posted in acquisitions , library loot , not a review

Palimpsest

I was first introduced to the work of Catherynne M. Valente a few years ago when my brother bought me THE ORPHAN TALES: IN THE NIGHT GARDEN. Based entirely on that one present he is now my favorite brother. That book was amazing. I almost cried when it was over because there wasn’t any more of that fascinating story to read. I never wanted it to end. Needless to say when Valente’s PALIMPSEST was released I picked up a copy immediately hungry for another beautiful story.PALIMPSEST is the tale of a sexually transmitted city.For some of you that may be all you need to know, and I won’t say I blame you. When I find sex in a book I usually try to...

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Posted in Books We Like , Catherynne M. Valente , Fantasy

Author Interview with Jon and Pamela Voelkel

While I'm trying new things, here's my very first author interview!  The Voelkel's first book The Jaguar Stones, Book One: Middleworld published this year and is an exciting middle grade adventure novel about ancient and modern Mayan culture.  Check out my review of the book here.  Also, take a peak at the guest post the Voelkels did on my blog last Thursday.  Without further ado, here is the interview: ME: What's the most exciting or hair-raising experience you had while traveling to research your book?J&P: It was a beautiful sunny day in Campeche, Mexico and we decided, on impulse, to try and find a remote site called...

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Posted in author fun , not a review

Book Review: Middleworld by J & P Voelkel

The Jaguar Stones, Book One: Middleworld by J&P VoelkelPublisher: EgmontUSAPublication date: April 2010ISBN: 9781606840719 Source: Review copy from publicist(Guest post and author interview with J&P Voelkel) All Max Murphy wants is a fabulous vacation to Italy, where he can devour pizza and relax.  But, when his archeologist parents cancel the trip in order to go on a dig in Central America, his dreams are shattered.  They aren't even planning on bringing him there, but he gets sent down there shortly after.  Once there, he becomes embroiled in a battle for power centered around the mysterious Jaguar Stones.  Now he's...

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Posted in 4 stars , adventure , humorous , middle grade , review copy , tween tuesday

Dante's Journey

Because we are the benevolent Book Gods that you have to know, love, and worship, we have a treat for you today. A review AND an interview. Without further ado, we present JC Marino, author of Dante's Journey.Welcome to EBR John, thanks for doing the interview. We like to start things off here by giving authors a chance, to in their own words, tell the world how elite they are. After all, to be a guest here at Elitist Book Reviews you must be. So lets have it.I used to work at Digital Equipment (affectionately called DEC, for those of you who remember). The mentality there was to never toot your own horn, but to let the product do the talking...

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Posted in Books We Like , Interviews , JC Marino