Saturday 27 April 2013

Review: Vanish by Sophie Jordan


If I were giving away prizes for the most stupid heroine in all of Young Adult lit, it would be a photo-finish between Jacinda from Vanish (Goodreads) and Nora from Hush Hush (Goodreads)

Really, how is it possible that a normally intelligent girl can turn out to be so dumb when a boy enters the scene? And a boy she's only known for a weeks too! *eyes rolling* I just don't buy it. I have three teenage daughters and - I'm claiming no brilliance here - none of them have ever been so stupid as to lose all reason, all focus, all sense when a boy enters the picture.

Wait! 
Stop. 
Think.  
Damn! 
Recant.
That is exactly what my daughters do too. 
Sigh.

Okay, back-peddle on Jacinda and the love of her life, Will. Or is it Cassian? Dang . . . how must I know when she's utterly clueless? Anyway, maybe she isn't as annoying and irritating as I thought she was with her constant whining about wanting to be with Will - while devouring Cassian's kisses!

Thinks again.
No. She's still annoying.

For those who haven't read the book, let me fill you in: Jacinda is a draki - a human girl who can manifest as a dragon. Just please don't ask me what she looks like in dragon form, because I have no idea. She has hands and hair, along with wings and slit eyes, but no mention of scales or tail. All very confusing.

But I digress.

She's supposed to bond with (marry) Cassian - the draki hottie slated to be the next pride alpha. Of course, being a hormone-riddled sixteen-year-old, she falls in love instead with a human boy named Will. Who also happens to be a draki hunter. Ho-hum . . . teenagers really know how to push the melodrama. Just so you know, that all happened in book one Firelight. (Goodreads)

Anyway, in Vanish Jacinda spends her time trying to escape her fate as Cassian's mate so she can be with Will. That leads her into real trouble - can't say what because of spoilers - but instead of blasting the bad guys away with her much vaunted fire-breathing skills, she wheezes out a puff of smoke and then . . . nothing. As a result, Cassion's sister Miriam is kidnapped.

So much for kick-butte drakis. If the pride is relying on Jacinda's fire-breathing talent to protect them for their enemies, then they'd better come up with a plan B - fast.  Did I mention that Jacinda irritated me in this book?

Although I have lot's of gripes about Vanish - much eye-rolling - there were a few very tense scenes which managed to snatch it from the clutches of a two star meh into a three dragon talon read . . . Just.

At the end of Vanish - spoiler's stop me revealing more - Sophie Jordan sets up what I hope will be a rollicking read in the next book Hidden (Goodreads) Here's me holding my breath. . . . But if Hidden is a rinse and repeat of Jacinda bemoaning her miserable life while dithering between two boys, then Sophia Jordan has lost me as a fan. That would be a pity because she writes well and the Firelight series has an interesting take dragon-lore. Do I recommend Vanish? At this point yes, because it may just be a horrible link to another good read.

I'd love to hear your views, so don't be shy to leave a comment.

Cheers
Gwynn

PS. In case you're wondering, I'm definitely:

 Firelight by Sophie Jordon

Friday 26 April 2013

Frivolous Friday: 16 April

Happy Friday!

Life: it's pleasures are like poppies spread . . . 


Do kid’s still have autograph books? You know the kind I mean, those notebook type things in which you'd get your friends and family to pen a few witty words for you. Clearly not . . . my kids are looking at me blankly. Anyway, in 1924 for grandmother had one - I came across it in some books I was packing up for my house move - and this is what E. Rand (whoever he or she was) wrote  . . . 

LIFE
The following contains a line from well-known authors arranged as a poem.
 

Why all this toil for triumphs of an hour (Young)
Life’s a short summer, man, a flower (Dr Johnson)
And pleasures are like poppies spread –
You seize the flower, its bloom is shed. (Burns)
To be is better far than not to be (Sewell)
Though all man’s life may seem a tragedy; (Speneer)
Your fate is but the common fate of all, (Longfellow)
Unmingled joys here to no man befall. (Southwell)
Live well! How long or short: permit to heaven (Milton)
Those who forgive the most shall be most forgiven; (Baily)
Soar not too high to fall, but stoop to rise- (Massinger)
We master grow of all that we despise. (Cowley)
How long shall we live, not years but actions tell (Watkins)
The man lives twice who lives the first life well; (Merrick)
The trust that’s given, guard, and to yourself be just (Dana)
For live we how we can, yet, die we must! (Shakespeare)

Although I confess I don’t know most of those poets, I have to say I was very impressed with the poem. It's quite profound and seamlessly linked together. Hope you enjoy it and that you have a fantastic weekend.

Cheers
Gwynn
PS. And yes, I had an autograph book too. And no! I was not around in 1924!
PPS: Elisa is still doing the A-Z Challenge, but she'll be on track again for Frivolous Friday in May. Still check her out here.

Wednesday 24 April 2013

WWW: 24 April


Now for some book fun . . . Thanks to MizB at Should Be Reading for hosting. As usual she asks three questions:

1. What have you finished reading?
2. What are you currently reading?
3. What are you planning on reading?


What have I finished reading?

Oh man, thanks to my house move, it's been a SLOW reading week, so all I managed was  . . .

The Iron Knight (Goodreads
I really enjoyed this and felt it was a fitting end to this part of the Fey series. I posted my review of The Iron King here for those who are interested. I'm now keen to read on to see what happens to Meghan's brother Ethan.

What am I reading now?

All That Was Promised (Goodreads)
I'm part of a blog tour for this book so I have to get it read by the 16 May. Right now, I'm struggling, but I'm sure once my move is over, I'll sail through it.

And
Insignia (Goodreads)
The Impossible Is Just The Begining
With everything going on my life, I thought this by-line very appropriate, so I started this last night - and promptly fell asleep. No reflection on the book, I promise; I was just exhausted. 

What am I reading next?

Trail of Bones (Goodreads)
I love the cover! I'm also part of the blog tour for this, so it's next up. I'm sure I'll love it. I mean, it's about wolves, so how could I not?

That's me. Please leave your link and I'll get back to you - maybe not immediately, but definitely before next Wednesday.

cheers
Gwynn

Review: The Iron King by Julie Kagawa


I love this cover. It's really gorgeous
I'm probably one of the last people on the planet to read The Iron King (Goodreads), but in my defense, it’s been on my TBR for ages. Now it has come of age. 

So, a quick recap of what it’s about. Sixteen Meghan doesn’t fit in anywhere. (Just like about every other teenager in America, if the authors of YA literature would have us believe) Anyway, on the eve of her sixteenth birthday her brother is stolen by faeries and replaced with a changeling. Of course, like any intrepid heroine, Meghan has to get him back. That quest leads her to Nevernever, the land of dreams and imagination where every conceivable mythical creatures lives. Here, Meghan discovers she is part fey, the daughter of Oberon, King of the Summer Kingdom.

Unfortunately, all is not well in Nevernever. This is where Julie Kagawa’s imagination goes into overdrive. I give her ten out of ten for her plot. It really is brilliantly conceived.

You see, human imagination, which spawned all these magical creatures in the first place, has also created a Kingdom of Iron fey, born of the Industrial Revolution and the electronic age. And, as anyone worth their oats knows, faeries and iron don’t mix. Think Superman and Kryptonite. Naturally, (due to a reason I never really did grasp), it’s up to Meghan to defeat the Iron King. Of course, she has help. This aid comes from two rival, but adoring, faeries - Prince Ash and Puck - and one very cynical, streetwise cat called Grim. (My favourite character by far) Yes, you read right: the infamous Puck from Midsummer Night’s Dream is the other love interest in this book. Only here, he’s not only an incorrigible prankster, he’s also snarky, smart, and brave. A credible love interest for our heroine. I really liked him. The dark, brooding Prince Ash is also intriguing, but a bit too tortured for my liking. I far preferred Puck’s open, let’s-just-kill-them-now attitude. (Doesn’t say much for me, I suppose. . .)

So, did I like the book? I must confess that I was not overly impressed to start. The story began slowly, weighed down with way too much descriptive stuff. Yes, I admit, I'm a philistine who likes fast-moving dialogue and action. Also, Meghan was a little too wont to cry for my liking. That, unfortunately, was not a flaw she managed to overcome by the end of the book. Every time I looked at her, she was either blubbing or fighting tears. Maybe I'm just heartless . . . okay, I admit, I like my heroines made of sterner stuff and Meghan felt a lot like a damsel in distress in this book. But by the time Prince Ash intercepted her and Puck in the Winter Kingdom, I was hooked - so much so that I read until three in the morning, woke up early and finished it off. That speaks for it’s self. By the end, I had a much greater admiration for my heroine. I still think she cries too much, but she does develop a bit of steel in her soul. Because I was hooked, I dived straight into the next one in the series: The Iron Daughter (Goodreads). Review to follow.

So, in conclusion, although I don't think I'll be trading dragons or wolves for fey any time soon, I’m thoroughly enjoying this magical world and I give it four shiny stars.

Cheers

Gwynn

P.S: Oh yes, what team do I belong to? At this stage, I’m torn between both Puck and Ash.

Tuesday 23 April 2013

Top Ten Tuesday: 23 April


I've eyed this little gem hosted by The Broke and the Bookish for ages now. I've so enjoyed reading the other bloggers' lists, so I've finally decided to make this a regular feature on my blog (along with my usual WWW and occasional Stacking the Shelves) I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

The Top Ten Books I Thought I'd Like MORE/LESS Than I Did
In no particular order . . .



Don't be put off by the cover or you'll really miss out. This was one of the best books I read last year! Indie author, Jade Varden really impressed with her plot and characters. I'll post a review of it soon.



Grrrr. Don't get me started on this one. . . 
How can a book with the alluring name of Wolf Springs Chronicles fail? Trust me, it can. Big time. I forced myself to read to the end, hoping against hope, that something - ANYTHING - would happen. What a waste of my time.


I heard so many great things about this book and I fully expected to be blown away. Sadly, I was totally under-whelmed by it. In fact, the only book in the series I really enjoyed was the Specials.



This was another bitter disappointment. I really wanted to like this series, but I haven't got the energy for the last book. I just wish someone would tell me who Cassia ended up with - Ky or Xander. Feel free to leave a comment if you know!


I got this for free on Amazon and went into it knowing very little about it. I was blown away. This book is amazing - and the reason why I didn't like Matched, because I think Ally Condie lifted her world straight out of The Giver.


How do you possibly write a boring book about Vlad the Impaler, AKA Dracula?
Ask Elizabeth Kostova.




I was amazed by this book. I enjoyed the Twilight series, but I didn't think the plot was anything special - boy meets girl, boy hates girl, boy saves girl, boy wants to die for girl. Oh yes, boy happens to be a sparkly vampire.

So I was pretty stunned by the depth and originality of The Host. Well worth a read.

 


This was another pleasant indie surprise. The plot is an imaginative fantasy and the characters well-sketched. Really recommend this one.



I was a bit dubious about this to start - it looks like a girl having a bad hair day -
but I was thrilled with it. I immediately rushed out and bought the whole series. Wonderful fantasy stuff.



Okay, don't stone me, but I was a bit disappointed with this book. It just didn't live up to the great start made in Divergent. Still, I am so looking forward to the final book: Allegiant


That's mine. Leave a link and I'll pop by and check yours out.

cheers
Gwynn

Sunday 21 April 2013

Cover love: Unwind by Neal Shusterman

To be perfectly honest, I don't like the cover of Unwind much (Review). And by that I mean both the UK and the US versions. Let me show you what I mean. . .

This horrible - infantile, in my humble view - cover decks the UK book sitting on my daughter Erin's shelf. We had to order the book for her and this is what the bookshop imported from the UK. Would you have bought this if you'd seen it in a shop? Not me, babe. I get that the body parts are attached to a frame as if it were a model, but still, it misses the mark for me.

UK Version Simon & Schuster Children's Books

But the US cover doesn't excite me much either. Then again, I can't think of a better way of depicting the legalized dismembering of kids to get to their body parts . . . Have you any ideas?

e
US Cover

This final cover was used on the eBook. Why it needed a different cover is anyone's guess. I quite like the red strip. The bloody streak adds some 'life' to the cover. Sick joke, given what the book's about.

EBook version

So what are your thought? As usual I'd love to hear them.

cheers
Gwynn

Friday 19 April 2013

Frivolous Friday: 19 April

HAPPY WEEKEND!

We're in the process of moving house. Yes, I know, the stress of that is the subject for a trilogy of horror stories. Still, as part of the clean up, I suggested to my daughter Erin that she goes through her bookshelf to find books to give away. Relax, it's not as sacrilegious as it sound. I mean, we all have books we paid good money for and didn't like. Or is that just me? Anyway, her bottom lip was dragging as she stalked off to comply. Then she called me to see her progress . . . and this is what I saw . . .


The sign says: "I've lived a thousand lives" and the message was clear. The books - all of them - are going with her.  Aren't I the lucky one . . .  I not only raised a reader, but a hoarder too!

Have a great weekend. Think of me packing up my world.

cheers
Gwynn



Wednesday 17 April 2013

WWW: 17 April

Thanks to MizB at Should Be Reading for hosting. As usual she asks three questions:

1. What have you finished reading?
2. What are you currently reading?
3. What are you planning on reading?

 1. What have you finished reading?

It's been a slow reading week. All I managed to get through were . . . 

The Storm Bottle by Nick Green (Goodreads)
I read this fantasy as part of an upcoming blog tour, so I won't go into major detail because that will spoil my scintillating review scheduled as part of the tour. All I will say is that this one got a full five stars.

Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa (Goodreads)
Ho-Hum . . . me an Meghan. Not to mention Ash. I think this was my least favourite of all the books in the series so far - even though Meghan finally stopped crying and took control of her life. I think it was the ending that ticked me off, but I obviously can't say anything about that or it will be a spoiler of note. I will be reviewing the whole series next week, so stand by for more of my thoughts.

Which brings me to what I'm reading now?

The Iron Knight: Julie Kagawa (Goodreads)
I am about a third of the way through this and I'm pretty hooked. Honestly, I don't like Ash much - Team Puck all the way - but the story is compelling. I have to see what happens next.

What will I read next?

Switched! by Karen Prince (Goodreads)
This is a middle-grade fantasy set in Africa that the author has given to me to review. 

So that's my week. What about yours? Leave a link and I'll call back.

Cheers
Gwynn

Tuesday 16 April 2013

RevIew: Unwind by Neal Shusterman

Okay, I'm a wuss. I admit it. But truth is, I only got thirty pages into this book before I chickend out. I don't think I'm old or mature enough yet to read about stripping kids of their body parts to be sold on the donor market. 

However, my squeamishness didn't stop my seventeen-year-old daughter Erin. She dived into Unwind, came up for the odd breath - and to bombard me with questions - before diving back in. Her recurring question was: "Mom, would you ever send me away to be unwound?" My answer: "That all depends on whether you've cleaned your room or not." I thought it would rouse her to action, but it turned out to be an epic fail. She'd rather risk having her body parts sold off to the highest bidder than tackle that mess . .  . Oh, well. What can I say? So the following review was written by my guest blogger Erin. 



Here goes . . . 

Unwind will leave you haunted, exhilarated, terrified, shocked, amazed and unable to think about anything else for about two weeks. 

This is the horrifying and brilliant story of our world gone mad. After a war over abortion, both sides reached the conclusion that parents could sign an order for their children between the ages of 13 and 18 to be unwound. These children are taken to “Harvest Camps” where their body parts will be harvested for later use.

Three teenagers are on the run, trying to save themselves. If they can survive without being caught until they’re eighteen then they cannot be unwound. They can be imprisoned, but not unwound. Connor is your average teenage boy who messes up. In a moment of anger, his parents sign him away. Once signed, it cannot be undone. Risa is an orphan who lives in a state home. After she makes a mistake during a piano concert, the State signs her unwind order. And finally, Lev is a tithe child, brainwashed his entire life to believe that he has been especially chosen for a great mission - to save lives by being unwound. 

Often, in the book, the teens are comforted by the line “you don’t die, you just stop living.” My questions is: So, if all your body parts are alive and functioning, but in different places, are you alive or dead? If your brain still works, and your memories still exist, but they belong to someone else, then have you really died if your body is not dead? I don't have the answer and I would be afraid to hear it anyway. This is one of the things that disturbed me most of all. Trust me, you will never get over this book. I gave it five gruesome stars.

Thanks Erin. And I promise, I would never send you to be unwound no matter the state of your room. 
So from Gwynn, you wuss blogger, cheers! Enjoy the week


Monday 15 April 2013

Of Poseidon by Anna Banks: Review


I read this a few weeks ago after a couple of intense reads. I was looking for something light and frivolous. Of Poseidon fitted that bill perfectly. It’s light-hearted Young Adult fluff with a mythological twist.

Galen is a Syrena (or, as we would call him, a merman) and Emma is a typical American girl living in Jersey. These unlikely characters are brought together when Emma and her best friend Chloe spend a holiday in Florida. 

What follows is a story filled with romance, teenage angst, cross-purposes, hot guys and a very shallow plot. Trust me, the mystery is about as transparent as a glass bottle – the kind stuffed with messages, floating in the ocean. 

Still, it was fun – as long as you promise yourself not to get offended by the quick and callous death of a minor character – needed as a plot device  - or the overtly sexist nature of Syrena society. Man-oh-man, those merboys take the fishcake when it comes to bossing girls around! It boggles the mind. Still, I guess their personalities cannot be nearly as perfect as their pecs and abs! I guess it’s all about priorities!

With that little carp out the way, let me say that the characters are likeable, the mythology interesting and the Syrena society intriguing. The romance was sweet, although a little predictable. Although Emma can be a bit of an airhead where Galen is concerned, she did try and exhibit some backbone for which I give her credit. But in the end, his pecs and abs had her well and truly filleted and she succumbed to his bull-shark charm.

I will definitely put the next book on my light reading list – a good palette-cleanser for when I need a change of pace after more demanding books. I give this book 3 starfish.

Cheers
Gwynneth


Saturday 13 April 2013

Cover Reveal: Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas

Woo Hoo . . . I am one excited girl!

By now you all know that I adore Celaena Sardothien, heroine from the Throne of Glass series. (Review of novellas)

Well guess what I saw last night while cruising through Goodreads? The cover reveal of Crown of Midnight, the second book in the series! 

And it is STUNNING. I mean, just look at this . . . 





How that for a chick-butt girl! She has no equal. I am SO glad the American publishers have repented of their evil ways and have given this book the cover it deserves. Check here for my post on the US versus UK cover of a Throne of Glass.


Now for the synopsis of Crown of Midnight

An assassin’s loyalties are always in doubt. But her heart never wavers.
After a year of hard labor in the Salt Mines of Endovier, eighteen-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien has won the king's contest to become the new royal assassin. Yet Celaena is far from loyal to the crown – a secret she hides from even her most intimate confidantes.

Keeping up the deadly charade—while pretending to do the king's bidding—will test her in frightening new ways, especially when she's given a task that could jeopardize everything she's come to care for. And there are far more dangerous forces gathering on the horizon -- forces that threaten to destroy her entire world, and will surely force Celaena to make a choice.

Where do the assassin’s loyalties lie, and who is she most willing to fight for?


The hardcover launches on 27 August 2013 published by Bloomsbury USA Children. I can't wait.


So what do you think? Do you love it as much as I do?


Cheers
Gwynn


Friday 12 April 2013

Frivolous Friday: April 12

TGIF! 

And oh boy, do I mean that! It has been a rough week. Thankfully, I've had my writing (going brilliantly), The Iron Fey series (almost finished. Reviews to follow) and long walks with my dogs to keep me sane.

So, this week I thought I'd share some pics of my dogs with you. After all, I showed you a picture of my other kids last week, so now it's the pups turn.



This is Bella, a Toy Pom with the heart of a lion. She happily takes on the Rottweilers at the park, swims like a fish and follows me like a shadow. 



Then we have Holley (yes, she has an 'e' in her name, having been named after a small town in upstate New York. We visited there as a family in the year we got our Blonde) Like all Labs, Holley will eat until she explodes, often (read usually) raiding the dustbin to satisfy her insatiable appetite. (That's after she's polished off Bella's food) She adores walks to the park and swims in the river where she mother-hens her little friend Bella. The two of them play like puppies together. A more loyal friend you'd be hard-pressed to find.

Finally, Louis.

 
Yes, I know Louis isn't a dog. He's a 17.4 hand bay Thoroughbred, but he's also a vital member of the family. (Although he lives in a roomy stable on a beautiful wine farm five minutes from our home) Stephanie, my eldest daughter, started horse riding when she was four and Louis belongs to her.

And then, in loving memory of
Man Cat


Man Cat, also know as Big Boy, died recently and is still solely missed by everyone but Bella. There was just too much competition for Mom's lap for the two of them to ever get along.

So, that's what's kept me sane this week. What about you? Please leave a comment because I'd love to hear what you do when life gets on top of you.

Cheers
Gwynn


Thursday 11 April 2013

Cover Reveal: A Shard of Ice by Alivia Anders

As you know, I'm a cover nut, so I couldn't help enlisting for the cover reveal of Alivia Anders new book A Shard of Ice. And would just look at this gorgeous cover . . .  stunning.


So now for some details . . . 

Title: A Shard of Ice
Series: Black Symphony Saga
Publisher: Red Alice Press
Release Date: April 14th, 2014

                                                                  SYNOPSIS

When 13-year-old Lilix Morgan is found alive and floating on a bed of ice at sea, everyone counts it a miracle. Kidnapped nearly four weeks earlier, she remembers nothing of her mysterious abduction. When she tries to remember what happened, she hears only a melody – a faint and delicate set of notes, strung together in a tune she doesn’t understand.

THEIR POWER, UNMATCHED

A year later and desperate to put the lingering nightmares of her past behind her, Lilix crosses the country to enroll at Baelmorte Academy, aiming to become the violinist she once dreamt of. Things seem to be finally going well, and Lilix settles into a routine of sheet music and inspiration among new friends.

Then the dreams start.

The melody and night terrors she thought she’d left behind return with a vengeance, threatening to ruin her fragile version of normalcy. Then an unlikely ally tells her that she isn’t alone. That there are others just like her, fighting to hide their own shocking truths from coming to light. That they know who she is, and what she’s been through. Now, accompanied by four other girls, Lilix discovers her nightmares are larger than a single trauma; they’re a window to a hidden part of her soul, a place of immense power with a destiny that cannot be ignored.

THEIR BATTLE, IS ONLY BEGINNING

With this knowledge comes a new and frightening reality. For Lilix has been reawakened to stop an age-old enemy, one thought to have been destroyed centuries ago. Trapped by her destiny, Lilix is torn between what feels right and what she remembers. Her memories tell her of a star-crossed love waiting to be reunited, of friendships and trust broken in the past. But can she save that love when reality brings her an enemy, and an evil that will be the undoing of them all if they don’t destroy it?

Sounds good, huh? 


For more details, check out the links below:
Facebook for Alivia Anders: http://www.facebook.com/aliviaanders 
Twitter for Alivia Anders: https://twitter.com/AliviaAnders
Blogger for Alivia Anders: aliviaanders.blogspot.com http://aliviaanders.blogspot.com
Official author website (still under construction): aliviaanders.com http://aliviaanders.com
A Shard of Ice on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17207178-a-shard-of-ice


Cheers

Gwynneth

Wednesday 10 April 2013

WWW: 10 April


Thanks to MizB at Should Be Reading for hosting. As usual she asks three questions:

1. What have you finished reading?
2. What are you currently reading?
3. What are you planning on reading?

I have been very boring this week because all my reading has been in one series - The Iron Fey. So . .


I've just finished . . .



I loved the concept and some of the characters enough to dive headlong into the series. Unfortunately my character love does not extend to Meghan Chase, our leading lady. I don't think I've ever known a heroine to cry as much as this girl. Still, I read the book in a day and then grabbed . . .



This book is filled with teenage angst, a heartbreaking love triangle, and lots of great battle scenes. Wonderful stuff. My favourite characters are definitely Grimalkin, the grey cat, and Puck. Team Puck all the way.


What am I reading now?



 I'm about halfway through this. Even though Meghan still cries at the drop of a hat - or a scowl of a boy (read Ash) - she's definitely toughening up. This has the makings of a good, action-filled story.

What will I read next? 


 Surprise, Surprise



And then I think I would have done my bit for faeries!

What have you been up to this last week? Leave me a link and I'll call back. Oh, and done forget to check out my Giveaway. You can win a Kindle Fire or $100 in Amazon or PayPal vouchers. Check the side bar for details.

Cheers
Gwynneth
 

Tuesday 9 April 2013

Feed Your Reader Kindle Deals & Freebies

Since I started blogging over a year ago, I've followed Inspired Kathy at I Am A Reader, Not A Writer. Now she has launched a new site aimed at bringing us readers the best Kindle Ebook Deals. I've been getting her posts emailed to me for some weeks now and I've found some really good cheap - and free - Ebooks which I've gleefully downloaded. To say thanks to her and to share the good news, I've joined her promotional campaign. Trust me, you want to read this post . . .



Each day on feedyourreader.com you'll find a new list of available ebook deals (most for under $3).



And of course there will be lots of  Featured Freebies too!



To celebrate the launch of the new site she is giving away a Kindle Fire, Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash.


Win a 7" Kindle Fire (US only)




Or $100 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)




Or $100 in Paypal Cash (International)





Giveaway Details 
1 winner will receive their choice of a Kindle Fire 7" (US Only), $100 Amazon Gift Card or $100 in Paypal Cash (International).
Ends 5/5/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. Prize value $100-$159 US.

To enter please click on the Rafflecopter  below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck. And I hope you find lots of great books to download.

cheers
Gwynneth 

Cover Love: Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

I declare myself confused. This book has had more covers than I've had hot breakfasts.

My first surprise came when I saw these two completely different Seraphina (review) covers (both paperback) sitting side-by-side on the shelf in my local bookstore. Both were published in 2012 by Random House. How weird is that? I've never seen it before with any other book. Have you?

Which cover do I prefer? I bought the red one with the dragon eye. But I like the other one just as much, so I'd be happy with either in my bookshelf.


Random House 2012
 Random House 2012



Which
do
you
prefer?












Then we have the following:

Doubleday: Canada

Very pretty. I definitely like it. But why the Canadians need their own version of Seraphina is one of life's great mysteries. Perhaps you have the answer. If so, don't be shy to comment.

Finally, we have this . . . The same sepia cover as sold in my South African bookstore, but with a red typeface. Don't ask me why.

Published by Corgi in 2013


And these are just the print books for the English speaking world. It does not even touch on what's happening in foreign languages or eBooks. Strange, given that this book is almost brand new.

So help me out here . . . what cover do you own and where do you live?

cheers
Gwynneth

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