My Epic Fairy Tale Fail

Anna Staniszewski's sequel to My Very Unfairy Tale Life is now out! And after reading My Epic Fairy Tale Fail I can tell you it does anything BUT Fail. Grab it. Read it. Pass it to a little girl out there to read. I plan on giving a copy to my own daughter because it's the kind of book I would have lived in when I was her age. 

But don't take my word for it. Here's a review from Sleeping Beauty:

SB: ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Me: *AHEM*

SB: Huh? Oh sorry. *eyes droop*

Me: Before you fall back asleep, can you tell us what you thought of the book? *pokes in the ribs*

SB: Ouch! I loved it. It's very realistic. I mean that's exactly what it's like where I'm from. *yawn*

Me: *yawn* those are contagious. 

SB: Sorry. *slips down in chair and closes eyes*

Me: *pokes again* Anything else to say about the book?

SB: It kept me awake until I finished.

Well there can't be a better recommendation than that. 

A Spy Like Me

If you don't know Laura Pauling, then you must correct this egregious error by clicking on her link because she has one of the best writing blogs I know. BUT did you also know that Laura's book, A Spy Like Me debuts TODAY???? 

Laura researched (and believe me when she researches she researches) and decided that in her case self publishing was the best move. Well, I had an opportunity to read A Spy Like Me and I'm going to tell you about it right now. 


First, here's the description from Amazon: 
Stripping your date down to his underwear has never been so dangerous.

Seventeen-year-old Savvy Bent expects magic on her first date with Malcolm - in Paris! Except over a picnic of sparkling cider and strawberry tarts, a sniper shoots at them. From the top of the Eiffel Tower to the depths of the catacombs, Savvy must sneak, deceive, and spy to save her family and friends and figure out whether Malcolm is one of the bad guys before she completely falls for him. Or he tries to snuff her out.

I know! Stripping down to his underwear got me too. Laura won a first chapter critique on this blog and I LOVED her first chapter so much I couldn't wait to read the book. And read it I did. 

A Spy Like Me is a fun and fast read with a spunky heroine and a hot guy you aren't sure about until the end. Laura is a plot and structure guru so it does not surprise me in the least that structure was solid. But beyond that, the voice was nailed. I was in it with the MC from page one. The chapter ends were so good, I had trouble putting it down. It was a fast paced ride with lots of twists and turns. 

To me, spy novels are just as fantastic as paranormal. It's like becoming a superhero vicariously and how fun is that??

In celebration of the official release of A Spy Like Me, Laura Pauling is hosting a three-week blog series: A Spies, Murder and Mystery Marathon. Woot! Woot!

Authors galore, guest posts and book giveaways almost every day!

Gemma Halliday, Cindy M. Hogan, Elizabeth Spann Craig,
Nova Ren Suma, Elisa Ludwig, and Anne R. Allen....Just to name a few!

And here's why she's celebrating!

Stripping your date down to his underwear has never been so dangerous.

After dodging bullets on a first date, Savvy must sneak, deceive and spy to save her family and friends and figure out if Malcolm is one of the bad guys before she completely falls for him.

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Smashwords

Head on over to Laura’s blog for the start of the Spies, Murder and Mystery Marathon. You won’t want to miss this sizzling series as we head into summer. Stock up on some great thrilling reads! If you dare…

Keeping an Open Mind

Happy Halloween!!! In honor of one of my favorite days of the year (I'll keep you guessing on the others), I am reviewing Susan Kaye Quinn's book, OPEN MINDS, which debuts tomorrow. Why this book on All Hallows Eve? Let me ask you - which is scarier? Someone with the ability to not only read minds, but control them? Or This guy? 

photo credit

Yeah, okay he's creepy, but I could take him. Or at least run away. In fact, he's the one I chose to interview about the book! And believe me he was difficult to get on Halloween. I had to promise lots of brai- uh, never mind, let's just leave it at he was tough to book.


Me: What did you think of the book OPEN MINDS?


Zombie: GWAAAAMAAWEEEEEEEGOOOOO. *thumbs up or at least some appendage pointing skyward*


Me: Very, um, descriptive. So did you feel it was an authentic teen voice with a good story arc and pacing?


Zombie: *lunges*


Me: *ducks behind furniture* Sorry! Sorry! I forgot - no big words. Was book good?


Zombie: MWAAAEEEEEEWWWWAAAAAA *Another thumbs up*


Me: Agreed. 


I thought Susan did a great job keeping the excitement coming while delivering on an authentic teen voice. This book was unique and that may be the best praise I can give because that is tough to find. She didn't pull any punches as we talked about the other day. Now if you'll excuse me, my guest is looking hungry. *gulp*

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PRIZES!

Susan Kaye Quinn is giving away an Open Books/Open Minds t-shirt, mug, and some fun wristbands to celebrate the Virtual Launch Party of Open Minds (Book One of the Mindjack Trilogy)! (Check out the prizes here.)

Three ways to enter (you can have multiple entries):

1)      Leave a comment here or at the Virtual Launch Party post

2)      Tweet (with tag #keepingOPENMINDS)

Example: When everyone reads minds, a secret is a dangerous thing to keep. #keepingOPENMINDS @susankayequinn #SF #YA avail NOW http://bit.ly/SKQOpenMinds

Example: Celebrate the launch of OPEN MINDS by @susankayequinn #keepingOPENMINDS #SciFi #paranormal #YA avail NOW http://bit.ly/SKQOpenMinds

3)     Facebook (tag @AuthorSusanKayeQuinn)

Example: Celebrate the launch of paranormal/SF novel OPEN MINDS by @AuthorSusanKayeQuinn for a chance to win Open Books/Open Minds prizes! http://bit.ly/SKQOpenMinds

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When everyone reads minds, a secret is a dangerous thing to keep.

Sixteen-year-old Kira Moore is a zero, someone who can’t read thoughts or be read by others. Zeros are outcasts who can’t be trusted, leaving her no chance with Raf, a regular mindreader and the best friend she secretly loves. When she accidentally controls Raf’s mind and nearly kills him, Kira tries to hide her frightening new ability from her family and an increasingly suspicious Raf. But lies tangle around her, and she’s dragged deep into a hidden world of mindjackers, where having to mind control everyone she loves is just the beginning of the deadly choices before her.

Open Minds (Book One of the Mindjack Trilogy) by Susan Kaye Quinn is available in e-book (Amazon US (also UK, France and Germany), Barnes & Noble, Smashwords) and print(Amazon, Createspace, also autographed copies available from the author).

Beauty Queens Extravaganza and Contest!

Boy do I have a post for you! See, my writing compadres, Julie Musil and Leslie Rose, and I have all finished reading BEAUTY QUEENS by Libba Bray. This book is too amazing to be contained in a single post, so the three of us have come together this week to bring you an uber-awesome BEAUTY QUEENS Blog Extravaganza complete with our own beauty contestant profiles and a contest too fun to believe. So make yourselves comfortable for part one, right here, right now.

And with me to review the book I have none other than a beauty contestant, Miss Writer’s Block!

Me: So what did you think of the book?

MWB: It was pretty. *Smiles*

Me: *Cringes away from blinding reflection off teeth* How did the story make you feel?

MWB: Confused and awed. I mean, I can’t even finish my book, let alone come up with yummy stories that work together so well and actually mean something. That’s why I went for the Title. *fingers ribbon*

Me: Thank you, Miss Writer’s Block.

 

My opinion? Oh come on. You guys know Libba Bray is my favorite author. I may or may not have blackmailed her into taking this picture with me at the SCBWI conference. Either way, this book did NOT disappoint. I’d say lots of good stuff about the genius of it, but let’s leave it at: If you want to be my friend you should read this book.

 

Now to my fun facts page based off the novel:

Miss Teen Dream Fun Facts Page!

Name: Lisa Gail Green

State: Excited!

Age: Emotionally? Fifteen.

Height: Tall enough to reach most of my shelves.

Weight: More than I’d like.

Hair: Fiery red

Eyes: Green/blue

Best Feature: My smile :D <-- see?

Fun Facts About Me

•         I can tickle myself. (I know weird, right?
•     I actually almost entered a beauty contest as a young teen. Thank GOODNESS my parents refused to let me do it. I am aware that the Corporation may frown upon this answer but I thought it was relevant.
•     Libba Bray called me a diva. I’m pretty sure it was meant in a good way. In fact, she signed my copy of the book to “Divalicious”. I want to be just like her when I grow up.

AND the contest!!! 

Do you want to win an autographed copy of BEAUTY QUEENS? It isn’t just any autograph either. It’s in true Libba Bray style, and you’ll just have to take my word for it. 

If you want to win simply leave a comment telling us one fun fact about you as if you were a contestant in the Miss Teen Dream pageant. You can enter up to three times by commenting on Julie’s blog tomorrow, and Leslie’s on Wednesday. You have ‘till next Monday (one week) to enter, and we will each announce the winner on our blogs next week. Nothing complicated. No extra entries for this or that, though we will give virtual chocolate for spreading the word. U.S. only please (we're poor writers).

My Very UnFairy Tale Life

I'm super-excited to be able to tell you all about a very special book. I'm part of the unofficial blog tour for Anna Staniszewski's MY VERY UNFAIRY TALE LIFE! I don't read as many MG books as YA, so before I give you my own opinion, I have a couple of guests here who happen to be experts. Well, not so much experts on MG as much as experts on Fairy Tales and such. Please welcome my friends, Gary the Gnome and Sparkles the Unicorn!
GARY: Hey everybody! I have to tell you all that I loved reading a book about gnomes for a change-
ME: Wait a second. Did you actually READ the book, Gary? Because it really isn't about gnomes.
GARY: Typical human. You see what you want to see. The hero was clearly the gnome. Right, Sparkles?
SPARKLES: Neeeeeiiiiiggggghhh.
GARY: See?
ME: Um, all he said was neigh. 
GARY: *headpalm* Can't you even speak unicorn? Sheesh.
ME: *shifts uncomfortably* Uh... No I guess not.
SPARKLES: Neeeeeeiiiiggggghhhh. *rears*
ME: Sorry.
GARY: Anyhow, read the book. It's good, even if you're human and can't stand to admit it's really about the heroism of a brave young gnome. 
ME: Seriously, Gary, you haven't read it, have you?


Wow. Well, next time I promise to make sure my guests have actually read the book....and speak English. But if you're wondering what I thought? I was sold after reading the first paragraph. I plan on buying a copy for my own daughter as well because I have the feeling she's going to LOVE it. The characters are so much fun, and Anna's creativity was a-maz-ing. Warning though - I found the villain seriously creepy (in a good way). *shudders* 

BEAUTIFUL Review

Now as you all know, when I do a review I typically have a paranormal creature of some sort read the book and give a review as well. I've had as my guest a Vampire, the Big Bad Wolf, and a Mad Scientist named Dave among others. But today I want to review the book BEAUTIFUL CREATURES by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, so I've asked a SOUTHERNER (yes they DO exist) to be my guest. I'd like you all to welcome my critique partner and genuine southern bell, Leslie Rose (check out her own blog here).

1. So, Leslie did BEAUTIFUL CREATURES honestly portray the South and its people?

Well darlin', if you are referrin' to our loyalty toward our grand and glorious family trees, preservin' true history instead of the northern version of the Civil War, and what good eatin' is, then I would say, yes. I may take issue with the assumption that some of us are narrow minded because we like keepin' things the way they always have been. Different isn't always better, you know. Disruption can be downright dangerous.

2. What one thing would you add if you could?

Absolutely nothing! The roller coaster ride had the perfect amount of flips, upside-down dangling, and screaming with my hands in the air.

3. Finish this sentence: Paranormal and the South go together like

spaghetti in chili.

4. What did you think of the book overall?

I wanted to close my eyes and leap into it like Bert's chalk pictures in MARY POPPINS. The authenticity of the south made me homesick one minute and glad I escaped to California the next. Ethan's perseverance touched my heart. The richness of the caster world created by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl calls to me in my sleep. BEAUTIFUL CREATURES is going right next to GONE WITH THE WIND on my bookshelf. That is praise of the highest degree where I come from.

Well there you have it. I couldn't have said it better myself! But if you still want my opinion, I LOVED this book. I fell absolutely in love with the main character, Ethan. So much so that I've already devoured BEAUTIFUL DARKNESS and am looking forward to the third. The writing was gorgeous and the plot was unique. But the characters are really what made it special.

Hush Hush Review

With me today I have Damian. Damian is a Fallen Angel, and I've asked him to review the book Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick for us.

Me: So, Damian, what did you think of the book?

Damian: It sucked.

Me: Excuse me?

Damian: You heard me. People who read that book might end up having feelings for Fallen Angels. We don't want you to have feelings for us. We enjoy being hated and feared. I hate it when authors make you like the bad guy. What self-respecting Fallen Angel wouldn't?

Me: So what you're actually saying is that the author does a great job sending the reader on an emotional rollercoaster. Making us actual hope that the "bad" guy isn't really bad?

Damian: Stop twisting my words. Wait. You know, you'd make a great Fallen Angel. Interested in a career change?

Me: Um no, I like writing, thank you very much.

Well, if you want my opinion, I thought the book was AMAZING. I rushed right out and bought the sequel CRESCENDO. Which was good as well, but HUSH HUSH was a truly gripping page turner. I honestly wasn't sure what was going to happen - meaning who was going to be "good" and "bad" until the end. Don't worry. I'm not going to tell you. But I sure had an emotional investment in how it turned out. I actually found it scary as well. Which I can't say happens very often for me, even in books labeled horror. So yeah, I recommend it. Oh and if I haven't convinced you yet - those steamy scenes with Patch and Nora? Whoa. Can you say sexual tension? Wow.

The Replacement in Review

I had the honor of not only reading THE REPLACEMENT by Brenna Yovanoff, but also of interviewing her here on the Enchanted Inkpot.

First about the book (taken from Brenna's website):

Though he lives in the small town of Gentry, Mackie comes from a world of tunnels and black murky water, a world of living dead girls ruled by a little tattooed princess. He is a Replacement—left in the crib of a human baby sixteen years ago. Now, because of fatal allergies to iron, blood, and consecrated ground, Mackie is slowly dying in the human world.

Mackie would give anything to live among us, to practice on his bass or spend time with an oddly intriguing girl named Tate. But when Tate’s baby sister goes missing, Mackie is drawn irrevocably into the underworld of Gentry, known as Mayhem. He must face the dark creatures of the Slag Heaps and find his rightful place, in our world, or theirs.

As you know, before I give my own review, I like to have a guest give his take. In this case I decided to go with the classic monster, Frankenstein.

Me: Franky - what did you think of the book?

Franky: I don't really know what all the fuss is about. I mean it was very well written. But scary? Palease. You want horror? Try grave-robbing and then bringing the freak back to life with lightning and a mad scientist. Now that's a good book.

Me: Um, okay. But isn't that your OWN book?

Franky: You wanted my opinion. I'm giving it. I mean yes, The Replacement was great. But who do you identify with more? Me or Mackie? Pfft. No contest. Right?

Me: Uh, no. No contest at all. I really fell in love with Mackie. Sorry, man.

Franky: Fine! Just because he's all handsome... You know what you are? You're a freakist!

Me: Hey now, no need for calling names. And yes, Mackie is supposed to be cute, but that's not why I loved him. Thank you for your opinion though, Franky. Please be careful to avoid the angry mob out front. I think I saw a couple of pitchforks..

Okay, now my opinion. I LOVED it. Again my favorite part was the MC. I fell for him right away, and continued to be completely invested throughout. Yes, the plot was good too. But to me the character was the clincher. Beautifully written. I'd read another book by Brenna in a heartbeat.

I'll Huff and I'll Puff and I'll Blow Out a Review

Today I want to do a review of Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble. But you all know me now, don't you? I can't do anything quite so boring as review the book on my own! No. So, I've invited a friend to do it for us. I'd like to turn things over to my buddy - the one, the only - Big Bad Wolf!

Thanks, Lisa. I have to tell you, it isn't easy being the bad guy. I should've hired someone for PR purposes a century ago. Everywhere I turn I've either got little kids crying, moms throwing tomatoes at me, or teenagers snickering because apparently, I come up short compared to their expectations (they all think I'm a werewolf, thank you very much Ms. Myer).

Anyhow, I say all this, not to complain, but because it certainly helped me when reading this book. The whole thing is based around this Russian folktale, see. The story of Vasilisa and the big bad witch, Baba Yaga. At first, I thought 'oh sure, they're gonna make Baba Yaga out to be some kind of monster, just cuz she likes to eat little meddling children who should be arrested for breaking and entering on her private property.' But then I realized, she's turning out to have more dimensions than I thought. So I keep reading.

I bet some of you out there are surprised I can read, right? Tell the truth! You all suck, man. Stereotypes. That's what I have to deal with on a daily basis, and what for? It's not like I ever actually catch little red or even a freakin' pig. Sheesh. I bet half you all had pig last night for dinner. Don't judge.

Sorry, I digress. The point is, at least this author understands that there's more to a bad guy than wanting to ruin the good guy's life. And for that reason alone, I give this book two out of three little pigs.

Well, thanks Big Bad Wolf. Except for the whole telling my readers they suck thing. You guys do realize of course that the wolf's opinion does not necessarily reflect my own, right? Speaking of which I want to tell you what I thought of the book.

I found the premise quite original, which is refreshing in this genre. It was a fun read and I liked learning a little about Russia, especially since I have some Russian blood myself. Not that I claim to be related to the Romanovs or anything, but it's still cool. My biggest complaint? I felt like at times there were too many POVs and time shifts to deal with. It was a little hard to keep track. I kind of wanted it to be all Ann and maybe Anastasia. Also, Anastasia's journal was really hard to read in the font they used which I found annoying, but I can't really fault Joy Preble for that. Overall, I enjoyed it. Enough that I'd be interested in the sequel that I understand is in the works.

Thank you all for "tuning in" and don't forget to come back Monday to see which fine author I take on for Monday Madness.

Going Mad for Going Bovine

Today I have asked a special guest to come and review Libba Bray's newest book, Going Bovine. I wasn't sure who to ask at first. A gnome seemed obvious, except that the gnome in the book was really a norse god. A dwarf? An angel? But really, would an angel have time to do a book review? I'd feel a bit guilty about that. Finally, I settled on my friend Dave, the mad scientist. So without further ado, take it away, Dave!

Ahem, I prefer to go by my new name: Dr. Paradox. It sounds more intimidating than Dave don't you think? Anyway, I read this book and I have to say at first I was hesitant. I mean the cover sports a cow carrying a garden gnome, not very sciency at all. But I must admit from the moment Schrodinger's cat was brought up, I was hooked!

Ah, the elusive Dr. X (maybe that's better than Pardox, what do you think?) who has unleashed evil on our world. Well, what can I say? He's my hero. He even has that whole Dr. Freeze thing going with the lost love. But I digress.

From the science behind Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease to the mention of Chaos theory without ever naming it, this book has it all. Sure there's lots of philosophy there and a life-changing journey, blah, blah, blah. But, the SCIENCE. And now I have a new goal - travel to parallel universes and bring back dark matter with which to destroy the world!!! Mwahahahaha!

Um, Dave.

Dr. Paradox!

Okay, Dr. Paradox. If you destroy the world won't that destroy you too?

Details! I will drown in the details of small minds! Ugh. Just go read the book. Everyone out there - go read this book, or I will destroy the world! Mwahahaha!

Thank you Dr. Paradox for that enlightening review. My own opinion? It's one of the best books I've ever read. I don't say that lightly. I'm kind of strange though, so take it with a grain of salt. And it isn't just because I hero-worship Libba Bray. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to see what Dr. Paradox is doing in my kitchen with my son's chemistry set...

A Fairy Good Review

Today I have a very special guest, Annabelle the Fairy, who is going to give us her review of the book Guardian of the Dead by Karen Healey. So without further ado, Annabelle take it away!

Thank you, Lisa. I have to tell you I found this book fascinating. The kind of Fairy Lore most often seen in U.S. literature is based on that of Europe - England, Ireland, Scotland, etc. Greek mythology is about as foreign as it usually gets. But this book was filled with New Zealand and Maori myth. I found it a refreshing break from all those boring Greek Gods and vampire books. Sorry - I know you love that stuff, but really, unless it's about fairies, what good is it? Everyone knows we're the most interesting creatures in the universe. So even though it wasn't about me exactly it still held my interest. Now, where's all the bling you promised me? Hey - don't write that part. Cut it out!

Ahem. Thank you, Annabelle. I have to agree about the fascinating look at Maori culture. A subject I knew little to nothing about. I also appreciated the interest in theater in the book, a personal pastime of mine. If you want to read an interview with the author, see this link to The Enchanted Inkpot. My favorite character? Mark. Definitely Mark. Gotta love those mysterious, hot guys. Have you read it? What did you think?

Double Double Toil and Trouble, This Witch Has a Bone to Pick!

Okay. So last time, I might have made a little faux pas by picking someone who'd had his brains sucked out to do a review. I think I've done a little better this time though. Let me know what you think.

The book is The Wish Stealers by Tracy Trivas. The reviewer is a witch. Now, Tracy never clearly claims the existence of witches in her book, but I think the relevance is there. So, without any further ado, let me turn things over to my reviewer (who wishes to remain anonymous).

I so love this book! Yes, the heroine, Griffin Penshine can be obnoxiously good to the point I want to gag, but I do love anything to do with magic and this book has it in folds. I've always believed in the magic of wishes. And what an interesting idea... to steal wishes of others. Hmm. What? Don't look at me like that Lisa! I'm just engrossed in the story.

Anyway, my favorite characters in the book were hands down the witches from MacBeth. Of course they must have been wearing theater makeup because witches are NOT all ugly and warty. Look at me. I'm gorgeous. Well, I am. But anyhow, even miss goody-two-shoes, Griffin has her moments and I love that. So I give it a big thumbs up!

Thank you. I think. Anyhow, much better than the zombie review. I will add my own two-cents now. Ha ha! Get it? A book about penny wishes? Two-cents?

Anyway, I LOVE this book. It's an MG and I have to tell you I thought it was amazing. Griffin is a great character, multidimensional as my guest indicated and I love the supporting cast as well. Grandma Penshine being my favorite. The story is original, with fresh writing and carries a beautiful lesson for those in the MG crowd and some grown ups I know. I hope you will check it out.

A Zombie Ate My Review!

I want to introduce yet another potential new feature to my blog today. There are oh so many book reviews out there, but are there any books reviewed by supernatural creatures? Well, now there is. And since Carrie Ryan's paperback, The Forest of Hands and Teeth debuted this week at #5 on the NY Times Bestsellers list, I thought PERFECT! I'll just find myself a zombie to do a review.

Well, silly me, Zombies aren't exactly the best choice for anything intellectual like a review. Let me demonstrate by showing you what happened:

Me: So did you read the book?

Zombie: AWWWAAAHAAWWWAAAGHH

Me: Uh huh. And did you like it?

Zombie: AAAVVRAGAWAAAHAAASHAA

Me: Did. You. Feel. It. Was. A. Fair. Depiction. Of. Zombies?

Zombie: AAARRRRGGRAWWAGHHFFLAAA

Sigh. I promise to do better next time. I think it's worth another try don't you? Only next time I'll use a reviewer with an intact brain. In the meantime, let me give you my own opinion on the book.

It was a beautifully written page-turner. I couldn't put it down. The dark and oppressive feel of the ever-looming forest of hands and teeth could not squash the fire within the main character, Mary. I wanted Mary to succeed (and by succeed I mean not die a horrible death). Does she? You'll have to read it to find out if you haven't already. The sequel, The Dead Tossed Waves was just released as well and I can't wait to get my hands on it.

Was the depiction of Zombies realistic? It certainly painted them in a negative light. All they really want is human flesh. Maybe someday we'll read a book from their side of things. Come to think of it though, it might be awfully short if my review experiment is any indication...