Superman: Red Son

Author: Mark Millar
Illustrators: Dave Johnson and Kilian Plunkett

Title: Superman: Red Son 
Publication: February 1, 2004

Publisher: DC
Genre: Action

Pages: 160

Audience: 13 and up

Rating: 5 out of 5

Source: Bought

Synopsis (from Amazon):
From acclaimed writer Mark Millar (Ultimate X-Men), and artists Dave Johnson (100 Bullets) and Kilian Plunkett, comes a revolutionary alternate reality for Superman! It's an American nightmare! What if baby Superman had crashed on the wrong side of the Iron Curtain and grew up to become Stalin's right-hand man? And what if insane genius Lex Luthor was employed by the US government to develop their own countermeasure against the Man of Steel, turning the Cold War hot?! Alive with historical figures and starring a host of familiar superheroes, including Batman and Wonder Woman as you've never seen them before, this superb graphic novel takes the arms race and infuses it with the thrilling powers of Kryptonite!

My thoughts:As I stated before im not a big Superman fan, but if a Superman story comes highly recommend, I'll give it a try. Now love him or hate him, Superman is an American icon, and that's why I found an alternate storyline where Superman, as a baby crashes in Russia during the Cold War rather than America so interesting. He is The Man of Steel raised on Communist ideas, but he is still Superman. He still wants to help people and do what he thinks is right. I highly recommend this book to any comic book fan. Comrade Superman wont let you down.

Excerpt & Giveaway: Forged in Grace by Jordan E. Rosenfeld

Title: Forged in Grace

Author: Jordan E. Rosenfeld

Publication: February, 2013

Genre: Psychological Suspense

Audience: 16 and up

Amazon|Goodreads

Synopsis: Grace Jensen survived a horrific fire at age 15. The flames changed her: badly scarred in body and mind, Grace developed an ability to feel other people’s pain. Unable to bear human touch, she has made a small life for herself in Northern California, living with her hoarder mother, tending wounded animals, and falling a little in love with her former doctor. Her safe world explodes when the magnetic Marly Kennet reappears in town; Grace falls right back into the dynamic of their complicated friendship. Marly is the holder of many secrets, including one that has haunted Grace for over a decade: what really happened the night of the fire?

When Marly exhorts Grace to join her in Las Vegas, to make up for the years they have been lost to each other, Grace takes a leap of faith and goes. Although Marly is not entirely honest about her intentions, neither woman anticipates that enlarging Grace’s world will magnify her ability to sense the suffering of others—or that she will begin to heal wounds by swallowing her own pain and laying her hands on the afflicted.

This gift soon turns darker when the truth of Marly’s life—and the real reason she ended her friendship with Grace—pushes the boundaries of loyalty and exposes both women to danger.

Excerpt:

Prologue

I feel swimmy, high, adrenaline on full tilt, though I haven’t consumed a drop of alcohol. “We need to subdue him first,” I hear myself say. “Can’t just slap a hand on his face and hope it knocks him out.”

Marly nods, though she is too encumbered to move quickly, and me—there’s no guarantee of what I can do.

“I have pepper spray,” she fidgets with her purse as though she’s about to withdraw it. “And it’s not like we have to break in, Grace. He’ll let us in, when he sees it’s me. Think I’m coming to talk.”

            “Okay, then,” I say, before I lose my nerve. And we get in her car and drive.

We park and walk four residential blocks. The streets are lit by yellow halogen lamps, but there’s also a nearly-full moon. Its bold light makes me feel bolstered, sanctioned. Marly points to his condo, one square box among many in a beige world of homogenous residences.

            “This could have been my life,” Marly whispers, her face a portrait of disgust. “I should be in that kitchen right now making dinner, then go spread my legs for him. I can’t believe he thought he could get away with what he did to me.”

            The guilt surges through me again. If only I hadn’t healed away the evidence. But we didn’t know. Nobody could have known.

            “Let’s do it soon, before I chicken out.” My palms have begun to ache with heat.

            “Damn straight,” she agrees, and the toss of her hair is so familiar it’s like we’re fifteen again.

 Simultaneously, we take a deep breath.

Marly repeats her lines, “I’ll say we’re here to talk—that I brought you as my friend and witness. That will put him on his best behavior. And you?”

            I choke a little on my own saliva, cough, and answer, “I’ll ask for a glass of water, say I got too much sun today. He’ll take one look at me and have a hard time refusing, right?”

Marly pats her purse. “Let’s go.” She’s always one step ahead of me.

Excerpt, Giveaway: Moon Supn by Marilee Brothers

Title: Moon Spun (Unbidden Magic #3)
Author: Marilee Brothers

Publication: July 1, 2010

Publisher: Bell Bridge Books 
Source: Author/Publisher via netgalley

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy 

Audience: 12 and up

Amazon|B&N|Goodreads

Synopsis: Junior’s back from Mexico with his movie star entrourage. Beck is using his half demon charms to “heal” a new girl. Mom’s still wacky and now she’s dating Principal Hostetler!

High school is still an obstacle course of drama queens, bullies and nutjobs. The Trimarks are still a menace and the moonstone pendant has reveale even more mind boggling powers. In other words, Allie Emerson’s life as the Girl Voted Least Likely To Save The World From Evil has gone from Weird to Super Charged Super Weird, and it’s about to get even weirder.

“You’re a faery princess.” So says the mysterious and handsome Ryker, whose talents include turning himself into a hawk. Not to mention he and Allie are destined to marry. In faery land—Boundless. If they can save it from forces even more deadly than Trimarks and high school.

The third book in the Unbidden Magic series plunges readers into a rich other world of danger, humor, romance, fable, fairytale and magical destiny.

Excerpt: 

I changed quickly and ran to the barn, Faye on my heels. The barn’s big double doors usually stood wide open. But, tonight, they were closed tight. We each took a door and yanked. I fumbled for the light.

Both of us shrieked when we saw Junior’s low rider parked next to a wall of hay bales. The last time I’d seen the car, it was covered in gray primer. But now, the 1976 Chevy Caprice had a shiny new coat of blue paint. Instead of a racing stripe, an intricately designed rainbow swirled down the side panels of the long, low car. The ginormous pink bow on its roof left no doubt as to Junior’s intent.

“Oh my God, Allie!” Faye said, walking around the car and peering into the windows. “I can’t believe he gave you his car.”

Unable to speak, I just stood and stared. I’ve never been good at accepting gifts. In the past, my mother and I had been the recipients of so-called “charity.” You know, stuff like Christmas baskets put together for poor unfortunates like Faye and me. In a town the size of Peacock Flats, there are no secrets. Personally, I’d rather eat Cup-O-Noodles for Christmas dinner than wonder how many people chipped in to buy us a turkey.

Okay, turkey . . . car . . . not quite the same. So, why wasn’t I jumping up and down with joy? It takes money to buy gas and insurance. Money we didn’t have.

But, on second thought, it was a truly hot ride, so maybe I should take a moment to savor the experience of car ownership. I walked around the Chevy, trailing my fingers down its satiny surface and wondered if it would be hypocritical to take it out for a spin. Just one.

Faye opened the driver side door and peered inside. “There’s something on the driver’s seat,” she said. “Another envelope with your name on it.”

I ripped the envelope open and pulled out a single piece of paper. 

Hey!

I know what you’re thinking. No way are you going to accept a gift from Junior (almost said “your ex boyfriend” but who knows what will happen in the future.). It’s not my car anymore so don’t argue. The title says, Alfrieda Carlotta Emerson. The insurance is paid up – check the glove box for proof. The gas tank is full. Look under the driver’s seat and you’ll find a wallet with a gas card. Use it. The bill will be sent to me. If you don’t follow these instructions, I’ll fly up there and kick your cute, little butt!

Oh yeah, about the rainbow. It reminds me of the moonstone. You’re a special girl, Allie. You need a special ride.

Love ya, kid.

Junior.

Author Bio: 

A former teacher, coach and school counselor, Marilee lives in Washington State and writes full time. Her books include Castle Ladyslipper, a medieval romance, The Rock and Roll Queen of Bedlam, winner of the 2010 Booksellers Best award for romantic suspense, Moonstone, Moon Rise, Moon Spun, Shadow Moon, and Midnight Moon. Marilee is a member of the Romance Writers of America, Pacific Northwest Writers Association and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

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Giveaway:
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The Do Bees: Curbee Races the Nasbee 500

Author:  Kyle Donovan

Title: The Do Bees: Curbee Races the Nasbee 500

Publication: January 2007

Publisher: Wannabees Media

Genre: Children

Pages: 22

Audience: 3 and up

Rating: 5 out of 5

Source: Purchased

Favorite line: "Don't ever give up. That is the key. You can be anything that you want to Bee."

Amazon Synopsis:
The Do' Bees are some amazing bees who each "Do" something in order to "Be What They want To Be." Each story teaches children that no matter what obstacle is before them, they can overcome it and "BE ANYTHING THEY WANT TO BEE". As the cars take off CurBee is in the lead, he is showing off his car and it's amazing speed. Around the first corner there is a loud blast "Oh No," Every bee was asking, "Did CurBees's tire blow?" Can CurBee, who wants to be a race car driver, fix his car in time to win the race? With amazing, vivid, color illustrations throughout, the story of "Curbee Races the NasBee 500," teaches children that if they never give up they can "be anything they want to bee".

My thoughts:
I bought this for my nephew because he loves Cars and I thought this was a cute colorful book he might enjoy. The story rhymes the entire time so it is easy to read. It is an adorable story about bees and they are all racing in the Nasbee 500. Curbee appears to be the racing star and wants to win, but half way through the race his tire blows out. The story shows children that thinking outside of the box and never giving up are great characteristics to allowing you to be anything you want to be. I remember my parents all through my life told me I could be anything I wanted to be. Now, I'm in my last semester of grad school ready to become a librarian. I couldn't be happier and I hope to spread this knowledge to my nephew, he can be anything he wants to be!

Fairest: Wide Awake Volume I

Author: Bill Willingham
Artists: Phil Jimenez, Andy Lanning, Matthew Sturges, Shawn McManus

Title: Fairest: Wide Awake Volume I

Publication: November 27, 2012

Publisher: Vertigo

Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Fairy Tales

Pages: 160

Audience:16 and up

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Source: Purchased

Favorite Quote: "You're an addict. You need stories the way the furrow needs the plow."

Synopsis (from the cover):

They call her Sleeping Beauty, but life's always been ugly for Princess Briar Rose. Cursed at birth by a pissed-off fairy godmother, she wound up acting as a one-woman weapon of mass destruction against the Adversary in the last days of his war against the Free Fables. She won the day, but at the cost of sending herself into a permanent nap from which only true love's kiss can awaken her.

Few would have guessed that it would be Ali Baba Prince of Thieves, who would rise to the challenge- or that he'd be accompanied by an obnoxious, not-quite-a-genie sidekick. But as Briar Rose's true origin is revealed, can this no-longer sleeping beauty and her Prince Charmless escape the cold fury of the Adversary's former right-hand woman--the icily regal Snow Queen?

My thoughts:
 I started collecting the singles for this graphic novel, but then decided to wait for the trade to come out. I really enjoyed the storyline until the last 10 or so pages, which starts a new storyline from out of no where. I was a bit lost through out the entire story because it kept referencing Fables. I understand this novel is a spin off of Fables, but I thought it would be able to hold its own. Apparently, I was wrong. So I have really mixed feelings about the novel. I will want to know what happens so I may wait and check out the next trade to see if I want to continue reading it. Also, my favorite character was Jonah, the bottle imp, and the Snow Queen was pretty cool too. I enjoyed the storyline when background story was not necessary, but when it was it was confusing and irritating. If you have read Fables, then go for Fairest. If you have not read Fables but really want to read Fairest, go for it, but just know you may have to go back and eventually catch up on Fables.

Interview, excerpt, & Giveaway: His Allure, Her Passion by Juliana Haygert

Synopsis:

In his father’s eyes, Dylan Deveraux is just a playboy spending the family fortune on prostitutes, alcohol, and fast cars. And it isn't even with the cars his father produces. Because of that, his father forbids his presence at the ball that will mark the launch of the US plant of his company, strategically scheduled on Valentine’s Day.

Hayley Allen is a failing model with the worse luck in the world. She always ends up in the hands of cruel designers and photographers. At least, that’s what she tells herself. Better than admit having a weak nervous system that always reacted during her gigs. Desperate, she would do anything to help her career.

Dylan shows up at her door, wasted as usual. Friends for a long time, Hayley is the only one able to put up with Dylan’s bullshit, and he appreciates that, but not the way her heart wants.

Even though he doesn't believe in Valentine's Day, Dylan has an idea for his father's ball. When he suggests a deal to Hayley, a deal that could finally put her in the spotlight of success and help him impress his father, she doesn't hesitate. Even if it means hurting her heart a little more.

Goodreads

Excerpt:

Dylan kissed Hayley, his lips moving slowly at first, afraid of getting her madder than she already was, afraid of falling under her spell more than he already had. But her scent burnt his nostrils and her sweet taste teased his mouth, and he lost it. His need grew, and he increased the speed and pressure of the kiss. Startling him, she matched his new rhythm, her soft lips moving along with his, her nails scratching the back of his shoulder, sending shivers down his spine, shaking his core. Wanting more of her, needing more of her, he slid his hands up her bare back, rubbed her silky skin, glued himself to her. He loved her skin on his, her warmth mingled with his.

Dylan could have kissed her forever, and he would have, weren’t it for Dorant.

“Perfect,” the photographer said, destroying the moment. “And that’s a wrap. We’re done here, people.”

The kiss slowed, their hands drew back, and finally Hayley pulled her head back, breaking the kiss, her wide eyes on his.

Damn, he missed her lips already.

“Hayley, I-”

She walked away without hearing him. Perhaps, it was for the best, since he wasn’t sure what to say. He felt he needed to say something, to fix them, to fix their relationship.

Hayley, on the other hand, didn’t seem eager to fix anything. TEXT HERE

Author Bio:

While Juliana Haygert dreams of being Wonder Woman, Buffy, or a blood elf shadow priest, she settles for the less exciting—but equally gratifying—life of a wife, mother, and author. Thousands of miles away from her former home in Brazil, she now resides in Connecticut and spends her days writing about kick-ass heroines and the heroes who drive them crazy.

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Interview: 

Nicknames: Ju, Juli, Seca (which is a slang for someone too thin in Portuguese – I was too skinny when a teenager)

Where do you live: Connecticut

Your favorite dessert: hm, anything with hot fudge and ice cream

Your favorite TV series: TVD, Nikita, Arrow, and Beauty and the Beast. I CANNOT choose only one from these.

Last book you read: Breathe by Abbi Glines

Last movie you watched: The Expendables 2 (horrible! good for laughs though)

Last song (or album) you bought: Lucifer by SHINee (South Korean boy band)

A book/series you could read over and over again: I’m not big into re-reading but I would say any book/series by Richelle Mead

Coke or pepsi? Both

Day or night? Night, though, after becoming a mother, I had to force myself to become a day person ;)

Pen or pencil? Pencil

Summer or winter? Winter – I have super low blood pressure and faint a lot during the summer, so …

Cat or dog? Dog

Tea or coffee? Both

Plotter or pantser? I was half-half, but now I’m trying to become more of a plotter

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? I’ve been writing since I was 13yo, but it was only a hobby. It was around 2009 when I thought I could try this seriously, but I took it very slow in the beginning.

What are you working on now? I’m writing NA contemporary romance called Breaking the Reins and I’m plotting The Everlast #2 which is unnamed yet. And I will not mention how many ideas are swirling around my mind. Too distracting …

If you decided not to be a writer, what would your other dream job be? Why? Architect. I went to architecture school for 3 years. Loved it to death. Still do.

What is the scariest thing you’ve ever done in your life? Moved out of my parents’ house in a very small town when I was 16yo and went to live alone in a city with 1.5 million habitants.

Who is the one person that has singlehandedly inspired you the most in your life? My father. He and I always talked a lot, about everything, and he always pushed me to be a better person. Before I went to college (for Architecture, then Graphic Design), he told me I should do something where I could use my writing – he knew I was destined to be a writer, even when I didn’t.

What is one talent that you’re hopeless at, but you wish you had? Singing. And drawing. How I wish I could do both at least a little decently, but nah. I’m hopeless.

What is one trait or physical characteristic that you are proud of/love about yourself? Physical = my greens eyes. Trait = I always treat others as I would like to be treated. Respect is the law.

Do you have any suggestions for aspiring writers? Don’t give up. Each word you put down, you’re improving your craft. Several known authors wrote lots of manuscripts before finding and agent/selling a book. Your time will come. You just have to keep at it.

Giveaway: 

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Y the last man Vol. 1 Unmanned

Author: Brian K. Vaughan
Illustrator: Pia Guerra

Title: Y the last man Vol. 1 Unmanned

Publication: January 2, 2003

Publisher: Vertigo

Genre: Action
Pages: 128

Audience: 18 and up

Rating: 5 out of 5

Source: Bought

Synopsis (from Barnes & Noble):"Y" is none other than unemployed escape artist Yorick Brown (his mother was a Shakespeare buff), and he's seemingly the only male human left alive after a mysterious plague kills all Y-chromosome carriers on earth. But why are he and his faithful companion, the often testy male monkey Ampersand, still alive? He sets out to find the answer (and his girlfriend), while running from angry female Republicans (now running the government), Amazon wannabes that include his own sister (seemingly brainwashed), and other threats.

My thoughts: Not much is going right for Yorick  Brown. He's unemployed, his girlfriend in on walk about in Australia, and he's a shut in. But things aren't all bad. He's an English major, an escape artist, and he has a pet monkey. However everything changes when every male on earth dies except Yorick and his monkey. I liked this book a lot and I can't wait to read the next volume, because while  a world of only women may sound like the ultimate male fantasy, Yorick doesn't seem to be having a very good time with it.