Birthday: May 4, 1976 (40)
From: Bolinas, California
Currently Living: Bolinas, California
Education: B.S. in Archaeologist Materials at Oberlin College, M.A. in Anthropology at University of California Santa Cruz
Books:
Young Adult
Etiquette and Espionage (Buy on Amazon)
Curtsies and Conspiracies (Buy on Amazon)
Waistcoats and Weaponry (Buy on Amazon)
Manners and Mutiny (Buy on Amazon)
Adult
Soulless (Buy on Amazon)
Changeless (Buy on Amazon)
Blameless (Buy on Amazon)
Heartless (Buy on Amazon)
Timeless (Buy on Amazon)
Prudence (Buy on Amazon)
Imprudence (Buy on Amazon)
Other Information and Interests:
Gail Carriger is a pen name for Tofa Borregaard
Archeaologist
Shoes
Octopuses
Personal Website- http://gailcarriger.com/
Monday, September 26, 2016
Friday, September 23, 2016
Anticipation Friday: The Black Key by Amy Ewing
Goodreads Description
For too long, Violet and the people of the outer circles of the Lone City have lived in service to the royalty of the Jewel. But now the secret society known as the Black Key is preparing to seize power.
And while Violet knows she is at the center of this rebellion, she has a more personal stake in it—her sister, Hazel, has been taken by the Duchess of the Lake. Now, after fighting so hard to escape the Jewel, Violet must do everything in her power to return to save not only Hazel, but the future of the Lone City.
Preorder on Amazon
Other info
Expected Date of Publication: October 4, 2016
Stand-Alone or Series//Companion: Series- Lone City #3
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian Society, Young Adult Fantasy
For too long, Violet and the people of the outer circles of the Lone City have lived in service to the royalty of the Jewel. But now the secret society known as the Black Key is preparing to seize power.
And while Violet knows she is at the center of this rebellion, she has a more personal stake in it—her sister, Hazel, has been taken by the Duchess of the Lake. Now, after fighting so hard to escape the Jewel, Violet must do everything in her power to return to save not only Hazel, but the future of the Lone City.
Preorder on Amazon
Other info
Expected Date of Publication: October 4, 2016
Stand-Alone or Series//Companion: Series- Lone City #3
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian Society, Young Adult Fantasy
Why Am I Anticipating This Book?
- The cover of this is very interesting to me. It's very abstract looking. The girl is wearing the same dress as in the first two books. If you look close enough, there are faces of different people.
- This is the final book to the Lone City series and it left at such a cliff hanger that it has been bothering me for a year of what will happen.
- When I found out that Violet's beloved sister, Hazel, was taken from Violet's old evil master, Duchess of the Lake, I got really upset. Stay innocent, Hazel! Stay innocent!
Labels:
AF,
Amy Ewing,
Anticipation Friday,
Dress,
Fantasy,
The Jewel,
The Lone City Trilogy,
The White Rose,
YA,
YA Fantasy,
YADS,
Young Adult,
Young Adult Dystopian Societies,
Young Adult Fantasy
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
Review Wednesday: Fifty Shades Freed by E.L. James
*This is a book meant for adults due to some inappropriate content for people younger than 18.*
*DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW UNTIL YOU HAVE READ FIFTY SHADES OF GREY. THERE MAY BE SOME SPOILER. If you want to read this series, read my review about Fifty Shades of Grey by clicking on the link: Review: Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James
Title: Fifty Shades Freed (Fifty Shades #3)
Author: E.L. James
1st Date of Publication: January 19, 2012
ISBN: 978161130606
# of Pages: 551
Genre: New Adult, Adult Romance, Erotica Romance
Age Rating: 17+ (Language, Violence, Sexual content)
Buy on Amazon
Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Title
View on the Cover: Who is actually the one in handcuffs?
View on the Title: How is there freedom? And if so who?
E.L. James's Website:
http://www.eljamesauthor.com/
*DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW UNTIL YOU HAVE READ FIFTY SHADES OF GREY. THERE MAY BE SOME SPOILER. If you want to read this series, read my review about Fifty Shades of Grey by clicking on the link: Review: Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James
Title: Fifty Shades Freed (Fifty Shades #3)
Author: E.L. James
1st Date of Publication: January 19, 2012
ISBN: 978161130606
# of Pages: 551
Genre: New Adult, Adult Romance, Erotica Romance
Age Rating: 17+ (Language, Violence, Sexual content)
Buy on Amazon
Book Description:
When unworldly student
Anastasia Steele first encountered the driven and dazzling young
entrepreneur Christian Grey it sparked a sensual affair that changed
both of their lives irrevocably. Shocked, intrigued, and, ultimately,
repelled by Christian’s singular erotic tastes, Ana demands a deeper
commitment. Determined to keep her, Christian agrees.
Now, Ana and Christian have it all—love, passion, intimacy, wealth, and a world of possibilities for their future. But Ana knows that loving her Fifty Shades will not be easy, and that being together will pose challenges that neither of them would anticipate. Ana must somehow learn to share Christian’s opulent lifestyle without sacrificing her own identity. And Christian must overcome his compulsion to control as he wrestles with the demons of a tormented past.
Just when it seems that their strength together will eclipse any obstacle, misfortune, malice, and fate conspire to make Ana’s deepest fears turn to reality.
Now, Ana and Christian have it all—love, passion, intimacy, wealth, and a world of possibilities for their future. But Ana knows that loving her Fifty Shades will not be easy, and that being together will pose challenges that neither of them would anticipate. Ana must somehow learn to share Christian’s opulent lifestyle without sacrificing her own identity. And Christian must overcome his compulsion to control as he wrestles with the demons of a tormented past.
Just when it seems that their strength together will eclipse any obstacle, misfortune, malice, and fate conspire to make Ana’s deepest fears turn to reality.
Setting: Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington
Point of View: 1st Person- Anastasia "Ana" Steele
Goodreads Rating: 3.89
My Rating: 3.95Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Title
View on the Cover: Who is actually the one in handcuffs?
View on the Title: How is there freedom? And if so who?
Pros:
- This book was a quick read like the other two previous books. It was full of action and mystery more so than the previous books.
- The conflict in this novel is really intense, which represents how intense the relationship between Christian and Ana.
- Christian's character really grows in this novel and you really get to know why he is who has become. He also learns how to get out of his comfort zone.
Cons:
- The book very predictable in my opinion. I knew exactly what was going to happen even to the end. I felt that some of the fun in reading it was taken away.
- Ana seems to become extremely pathetic and incapable of anything throughout the novel.
Critics' Reviews:
"In a class by itself." —Entertainment WeeklyE.L. James's Website:
Other Recommendations:
Beautiful Burn by Jamie McGuire
Easy by Tammara Webber
Easy by Tammara Webber
Review Wednesday: The Tyrant's Daughter by J.C. Carleson
Title: The Tyrant's Daughter
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads Rating: 3.73
Author: J.C. Carleson
1st Date of Publication: February 11, 2014
1st Date of Publication: February 11, 2014
ISBN: 9780449809976
# of Pages: 304
# of Pages: 304
Genre: Young Adult Historical Fiction
Age Rating: 13+
Buy on Amazon
Book Description:
From a former CIA officer comes the riveting account of a royal Middle Eastern family exiled to the American suburbs.
When her father is killed in a coup, 15-year-old Laila flees from the war-torn middle east to a life of exile and anonymity in the U.S. Gradually she adjusts to a new school, new friends, and a new culture, but while Laila sees opportunity in her new life, her mother is focused on the past. She’s conspiring with CIA operatives and rebel factions to regain the throne their family lost. Laila can’t bear to stand still as an international crisis takes shape around her, but how can one girl stop a conflict that spans generations?
J.C. Carleson delivers a fascinating account of a girl—and a country—on the brink, and a rare glimpse at the personal side of international politics.
Setting: Washington, D.C. in the 21st century
Point of View: 1st person- Laila
From a former CIA officer comes the riveting account of a royal Middle Eastern family exiled to the American suburbs.
When her father is killed in a coup, 15-year-old Laila flees from the war-torn middle east to a life of exile and anonymity in the U.S. Gradually she adjusts to a new school, new friends, and a new culture, but while Laila sees opportunity in her new life, her mother is focused on the past. She’s conspiring with CIA operatives and rebel factions to regain the throne their family lost. Laila can’t bear to stand still as an international crisis takes shape around her, but how can one girl stop a conflict that spans generations?
J.C. Carleson delivers a fascinating account of a girl—and a country—on the brink, and a rare glimpse at the personal side of international politics.
Setting: Washington, D.C. in the 21st century
Point of View: 1st person- Laila
Goodreads Rating: 3.73
My Rating: 3.90
Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both
View on the Cover: Who is the girl hidden by the veil? Is it worn because of her culture?
View on Title: Why is she the tyrant's daughter? Is she royalty?
View on Title: Why is she the tyrant's daughter? Is she royalty?
Pros:
- It was interesting to see a character from the Middle East get used to America culture. Laila gets used to the ideas of school, freedom, and dating.
- I liked how the chapter's were short. It made the book go at a quicker pace.
- Laila seems to be very smart as she tries not to betray her family and does what she thinks is right.
- Laila's relationship with her 6/7 year old brother is interesting as she tries to keep his innocence, but not lie him since he is the rightful ruler of their country but is in hiding from their dictator uncle.
Cons:
- I felt that there was a lack of character development in some of the characters.
- Laila's character was a bit frustrating because she would make the complete opposite decision in the end. It was a constant annoyance.
Critics' Reviews:
"Carleson, a former undercover CIA officer, infuses her story with compelling details and gripping authenticity." -The Boston Globe
"This is more than just Laila’s story; rather, it is a story of context, beautifully written (by a former undercover CIA agent), and stirring in its questions and eloquent observations about our society and that of the Middle East." -Booklist
“Laila is a complex and layered character whose nuanced observations will help readers better understand the divide between American and Middle Eastern cultures. Smart, relevant, required reading.” -Kirkus
"Filled with political intrigue and emotional tension, Carleson’s riveting novel features a teenage refugee caught in a web of deceit and conspiracy." -Publishers Weekly
J.C. Carelson's Website:
"Carleson, a former undercover CIA officer, infuses her story with compelling details and gripping authenticity." -The Boston Globe
"This is more than just Laila’s story; rather, it is a story of context, beautifully written (by a former undercover CIA agent), and stirring in its questions and eloquent observations about our society and that of the Middle East." -Booklist
“Laila is a complex and layered character whose nuanced observations will help readers better understand the divide between American and Middle Eastern cultures. Smart, relevant, required reading.” -Kirkus
"Filled with political intrigue and emotional tension, Carleson’s riveting novel features a teenage refugee caught in a web of deceit and conspiracy." -Publishers Weekly
J.C. Carelson's Website:
http://www.jccarleson.com/
Other Recommendations:
The Milk of Birds by Sylvia Whitman
A Time to Dance by Padma Venkatraman
A Time to Dance by Padma Venkatraman
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
Review Wednesday: Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
Title: Salt to the Sea
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads Rating: 4.39
Author: Ruta Sepetys
1st Date of Publication: February 2, 2016
1st Date of Publication: February 2, 2016
ISBN: 9780399160301
# of Pages: 393
# of Pages: 393
Genre: Young Adult Historical Fiction
Age Rating: 13+
Buy on Amazon
Book Description:
Winter, 1945. Four teenagers. Four secrets.
Each one born of a different homeland; each one hunted, and haunted, by tragedy, lies…and war.
As thousands of desperate refugees flock to the coast in the midst of a Soviet advance, four paths converge, vying for passage aboard the Wilhelm Gustloff, a ship that promises safety and freedom.
Yet not all promises can be kept.
Inspired by the single greatest tragedy in maritime history, bestselling and award-winning author Ruta Sepetys (Between Shades of Gray) lifts the veil on a shockingly little-known casualty of World War II. An illuminating and life-affirming tale of heart and hope.
Setting: 1945 in Prussia
Point of View: 1st person- Alfred Frick, Florian Beck, Emilia, and Joana
Winter, 1945. Four teenagers. Four secrets.
Each one born of a different homeland; each one hunted, and haunted, by tragedy, lies…and war.
As thousands of desperate refugees flock to the coast in the midst of a Soviet advance, four paths converge, vying for passage aboard the Wilhelm Gustloff, a ship that promises safety and freedom.
Yet not all promises can be kept.
Inspired by the single greatest tragedy in maritime history, bestselling and award-winning author Ruta Sepetys (Between Shades of Gray) lifts the veil on a shockingly little-known casualty of World War II. An illuminating and life-affirming tale of heart and hope.
Setting: 1945 in Prussia
Point of View: 1st person- Alfred Frick, Florian Beck, Emilia, and Joana
Goodreads Rating: 4.39
My Rating: 4.50
Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both
View on the Cover: Why are there so many life preservers? It seems very sad and somewhat morbid through all the blues and grays involved.
View on Title: What or who is the salt to the sea? And why salt? Are they tears? The sea is already salty.
View on Title: What or who is the salt to the sea? And why salt? Are they tears? The sea is already salty.
Pros:
- I have read Sepetys's first two novels and I thought this was the best one by far. This is an actual event that happened but both the Nazis and the Russian hid their loss/win because the war was pretty much over and it was accepted. The research put into this event really shows through the reactions of the fictional characters.
- What I loved most was that the book was split into four alternating characters in first person. Changing characters and their ideas is a very difficult task especially if it's more than two, but Sepetys truly pulls off this arduous task.
- The chapters were also very short, which made the novel read so quickly.
- The characters were great and very diverse.
- Emilia is Polish and has to keep her identity hidden but she is also pregnant which means her life is double life or death.
- Joana is Lithuanian and she is a skilled nurse and feels the need to protect those who cannot protect themselves.
- Alfred Frick is Prussian and fairly loyal throughout the novel to gain favor with authorities, which shows how some military officers really were during World War II.
- Florian Beck is German and a traitor to his country, but that's because he follows his heart and does what he thinks is right.
- Of course almost every young adult book, or even adult, has romance. But the romance does not take over the novel and simply enhances the novel to represent more on how high the stakes really are for all four characters.
- The ending was not what most people would expect. It is not completely happy. There is a lot of turmoil that goes on even to the very end.
Cons:
- It was at first hard to follow the characters because there are four characters you have to get to know and be familiar with. This is the only issue I had with it but that's something that everyone will have an issue with at first.
Critics' Reviews:
"Sepetys excels in shining light on lost chapters of history, and this visceral novel proves a memorable testament to strength and resilience in the face of war and cruelty." —Publishers Weekly
"This haunting gem of a novel begs to be remembered, and in turn, it tries to remember the thousands of real people its fictional characters represent. What it asks of us is that their memories, and their stories, not be abandoned to the sea." —Booklist
"Artfully told and sensitively crafted, Sepetys’s exploration of this little-known piece of history will leave readers weeping." —School Library Journal
"The inevitability of the ending (including the loss of several characters) doesn't change its poignancy, and the short chapters and slowly revealed back stories for each character guarantee the pages keep turning. Heartbreaking, historical, and a little bit hopeful." —Kirkus
"This book includes all the reasons why teens read: for knowledge, for romance, for amazing and irritating characters. This novel will break readers’ hearts and then put them back together a little more whole." —VOYA
"Sepetys’s...scene-setting is impeccable; the penetrating cold of the journey is palpable, and she excels at conveying the scope of the losses while giving them a human face....[T]his elegiac tale succeeds with impressive research, affecting characters, and keen, often unsettling insights into humans’ counterposed tendencies toward evil and nobility. Readers will be left to discuss which impulse triumphs here." —The Horn Book
"Sepetys excels in shining light on lost chapters of history, and this visceral novel proves a memorable testament to strength and resilience in the face of war and cruelty." —Publishers Weekly
"This haunting gem of a novel begs to be remembered, and in turn, it tries to remember the thousands of real people its fictional characters represent. What it asks of us is that their memories, and their stories, not be abandoned to the sea." —Booklist
"Artfully told and sensitively crafted, Sepetys’s exploration of this little-known piece of history will leave readers weeping." —School Library Journal
"The inevitability of the ending (including the loss of several characters) doesn't change its poignancy, and the short chapters and slowly revealed back stories for each character guarantee the pages keep turning. Heartbreaking, historical, and a little bit hopeful." —Kirkus
"This book includes all the reasons why teens read: for knowledge, for romance, for amazing and irritating characters. This novel will break readers’ hearts and then put them back together a little more whole." —VOYA
"Sepetys’s...scene-setting is impeccable; the penetrating cold of the journey is palpable, and she excels at conveying the scope of the losses while giving them a human face....[T]his elegiac tale succeeds with impressive research, affecting characters, and keen, often unsettling insights into humans’ counterposed tendencies toward evil and nobility. Readers will be left to discuss which impulse triumphs here." —The Horn Book
Other Recommendations:
Between the Shades of Grey by Ruta Sepetys
Children of Willesden Lane by Mona Golabek
Children of Willesden Lane by Mona Golabek
Review Wednesday: Fifty Shades Darker by E.L. James
*This is a book meant for adults due to some inappropriate content for people younger than 18.*
*DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW UNTIL YOU HAVE READ FIFTY SHADES OF GREY. THERE MAY BE SOME SPOILER. If you want to read this series, read my review about Fifty Shades of Grey by clicking on the link: Review: Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James
Title: Fifty Shades Darker (Fifty Shades #2)
Author: E.L. James
1st Date of Publication: September 16, 2011
ISBN: 9781612130583
# of Pages: 532
Genre: New Adult, Adult Romance, Erotica Romance
Age Rating: 17+ (Language, Violence, Sexual content)
Buy on Amazon
But desire for Christian still dominates her every waking thought, and when he proposes a new arrangement, Anastasia cannot resist. They rekindle their searing sensual affair, and Anastasia learns more about the harrowing past of her damaged, driven, and demanding Fifty Shades.
While Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Anastasia must confront her anger and envy of the women who came before her and make the most important decision of her life.
Erotic, sparkling and suspenseful, Fifty Shades Darker is the irresistibly addictive second part of the Fifty Shades trilogy.
Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Title
View on the Cover: I really liked how the embellished mask looked like. When I first saw this, I thought maybe either Ana or Christian might be wearing a mask figuratively and/or literally.
View on the Title: Does the book get darker or do you find a darker history about another character(s)?
E.L. James's Website:
http://www.eljamesauthor.com/
*DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW UNTIL YOU HAVE READ FIFTY SHADES OF GREY. THERE MAY BE SOME SPOILER. If you want to read this series, read my review about Fifty Shades of Grey by clicking on the link: Review: Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James
Title: Fifty Shades Darker (Fifty Shades #2)
Author: E.L. James
1st Date of Publication: September 16, 2011
ISBN: 9781612130583
# of Pages: 532
Genre: New Adult, Adult Romance, Erotica Romance
Age Rating: 17+ (Language, Violence, Sexual content)
Buy on Amazon
Book Description:
Daunted by the singular sexual tastes and dark secrets of the beautiful, tormented young entrepreneur Christian Grey, Anastasia Steele has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a Seattle publishing house.But desire for Christian still dominates her every waking thought, and when he proposes a new arrangement, Anastasia cannot resist. They rekindle their searing sensual affair, and Anastasia learns more about the harrowing past of her damaged, driven, and demanding Fifty Shades.
While Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Anastasia must confront her anger and envy of the women who came before her and make the most important decision of her life.
Erotic, sparkling and suspenseful, Fifty Shades Darker is the irresistibly addictive second part of the Fifty Shades trilogy.
Setting: Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington
Point of View: 1st Person- Anastasia "Ana" Steele
Goodreads Rating: 3.88
My Rating: 3.90Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Title
View on the Cover: I really liked how the embellished mask looked like. When I first saw this, I thought maybe either Ana or Christian might be wearing a mask figuratively and/or literally.
View on the Title: Does the book get darker or do you find a darker history about another character(s)?
Pros:
- This book was a quick read and kept me captivated as it took me another three days to finish this book.
- I really enjoyed the character development with Christian. The reader gets to learn a tiny bit more of why he is so messed up and such a control freak along with his unusual form of enjoyment. But, you still do not get to know enough of the story to understand his character.
- I like how Ana becomes more ballsy when it comes to wanting things or impressing Christian. Where she lacks in having freedom, she makes up for in audacity to keep Christian at her fingertips.
Cons:
- I knew Ana was going to go back to Christian because he is just that interesting. I felt that her character weakens throughout the novel because she barely fights him about being overprotective. I feel that she becomes less herself in this book.
- What bothered me the most about Christian was that he is a complete blockhead when it comes to Ana staying with him. He keeps pleading to her not to leave and she continues to reassure him that she will not. It bothers me that this is such a common occurrence in this book.
Critics' Reviews:
"In a class by itself." —Entertainment WeeklyE.L. James's Website:
Other Recommendations:
Clipped Wings by Helena Hunting
Beautiful Oblivion by Jamie McGuire
Beautiful Oblivion by Jamie McGuire
Anticipation Friday: Spindle by Shonna Slayton
Goodreads Description
Set during the Industrial Revolution, Sleeping Beauty's happily ever after isn't the end of the story...
In a world where fairies lurk and curses linger, love can bleed like the prick of a finger.
Briar Rose knows her life will never be a fairy tale. She’s raising her siblings on her own, her wages at the spinning mill have been cut, and the boy she thought she had a future with has eyes for someone else. Most days it feels like her best friend, Henry Prince, is the only one in her corner…though with his endless flirty jokes, how can she ever take him seriously?
When a mysterious peddler offers her a “magic” spindle that could make her more money, sneaking it into the mill seems worth the risk. But then one by one, her fellow spinner girls come down with the mysterious sleeping sickness—and Briar’s not immune.
If Briar wants to save the girls—and herself—she’ll have to start believing in fairy tales…and in the power of a prince’s kiss.
Preorder on Amazon
Other info
Expected Date of Publication: October 4, 2016
Stand-Alone or Series: Stand-Alone
Genre: Historical Fiction
Set during the Industrial Revolution, Sleeping Beauty's happily ever after isn't the end of the story...
In a world where fairies lurk and curses linger, love can bleed like the prick of a finger.
Briar Rose knows her life will never be a fairy tale. She’s raising her siblings on her own, her wages at the spinning mill have been cut, and the boy she thought she had a future with has eyes for someone else. Most days it feels like her best friend, Henry Prince, is the only one in her corner…though with his endless flirty jokes, how can she ever take him seriously?
When a mysterious peddler offers her a “magic” spindle that could make her more money, sneaking it into the mill seems worth the risk. But then one by one, her fellow spinner girls come down with the mysterious sleeping sickness—and Briar’s not immune.
If Briar wants to save the girls—and herself—she’ll have to start believing in fairy tales…and in the power of a prince’s kiss.
Preorder on Amazon
Other info
Expected Date of Publication: October 4, 2016
Stand-Alone or Series: Stand-Alone
Genre: Historical Fiction
Why Am I Anticipating This Book?
- First off, it's historical fiction. I have not read any books written during America's Industrial Revolution, which should be a breath of fresh air. I'm not complaining and I really love World War II era books, but I'm just ready to read something different and more unique.
- I also love fairy tales and twists that could come to them. I have not read a twist on the fairy tale Sleeping Beauty yet so I am really excited about this one.
- I have read another work by this author and enjoyed it so I am sure I will enjoy this one just as much.
- The cover of the book looks interesting but beautiful which still continues to peak my interest
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