Review: "Paranormalcy" by Kiersten White

Title: Paranormalcy

Author: Kiersten White

Genre: YA Fantasy

Synopsis: Weird as it is working for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, Evie's always thought of herself as normal. Sure, her best friend is a mermaid, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she's falling for a shapeshifter, and she's the only person who can see through paranormals' glamour, but still normal. Only now paranormals are dying, and Evie's dreams are filled with haunting voices and mysterious prophecies. She soon realizes that there might be a link between her abilities and the sudden rash of deaths. Not only that, but she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures. So much for normal. . . .

Paranormalcy has become my new favorite book! I loved, loved, loved it. My fairy wings are buzzing all around with excitement from reading this book. I literally read it one day, people. ONE DAY. (It was that freaking good) It was unique in characters, plot lines and overall grooviness. Evie, is a bad*** with an affinity for pink and teen soap opera's. Readers will empathize will her and the predicament of her life. She is spunky, sarcastic, tough, and vulnerable. All she wants out of life is to go to a real high school and get kissed, now really is that too much to ask? Luckily, she meets Lend, a shapeshifter, and a heart throb without being cheesy. He is sweet, and funny and best of all he can take on the face of hot t.v celebs. (SCORE!!) He takes Evie out of her world and into his; finally giving Evie has the chance to experience "normalcy." Together they are in the fight of their lives, they are taking on the IPCA and horrible but extremely powerful paranormal intent on getting her hands on Evie. It must be noted that there is a slight love triangle, but I am hesitant to mention since I personally think that Reth, (Evie's ex-boyfriend, who is a faerie) is quite annoying. He is fiercely protective of Evie and means well, but he is incredible obnoxious and conceited and GRRRR, I so didn't like him one single bit. Even if he did make for some good scenes. Read this book, I am even contemplating buying it so I can read it again, it is that freaking good!!!

Review: "HALO" by Alexandra Adornetto

Title: Halo

Author: Alexandra Adornetto

Genre: YA Fantasy

Synopsis: Three angels-Gabriel, the warrior, Ivy, the healer; and Bethany, the youngest and most human-are sent by Heaven to bring good to a world falling under the influence of darkness. They work hard to conceal their luminous glow, superhuman powers, and, most dangerous of all, their wings, all the while avoiding human attachments. Then Bethany meets Xavier Woods, and neither of them is able to resist the attraction between them. Gabriel and Ivy do everything in their power to intervene, but the bond between Xavier and Bethany seems too strong. The angels' mission is urgent, and dark forces are threatening. Will love ruin Bethany or save her?

You know that old saying, "never judge a book by it's cover?" Well, I did. I absolutely loved the cover and the title of the book. Everything about it called out to me like kid to candy. So you can imagine my disappointment when it took me nearly two weeks to read it. It was one of those books that you know while your reading it that it isn't that great, but you still have hope that it will get better so you continue to read. While the book wasn't horrible, it certainly isn't on my "to buy" list. Since I always try to limit my negativity, I will begin with what I did like about the book, aside from the cover and title. The plot line was a nice change, the girl was the supernatural being, and the boy was human. I always like a little change up. I am trying to think what else I liked, but am struggling. My greatest peeve with the book is the intensity of the relationship between Bethany and Xavier. (OH, another positive in the book, I LOVE the name Xavier) Anyway, the relationship between the two main characters borders, in my opinion, on obsession. Bethany constantly feels like being two minutes without being near Xavier is unbearable. I am a hopeless romantic just like any other girl, but I become concerned especially in YA literature when teenage love is portrayed in such an intense way that one or more of the characters thinks that life is not worth living without that person. I know that teenagers feel everything ten times deeper than adults and first love is intense and it does tend to be consuming. I just feel like that the whole "I can't live without you" thing should be saved for cheesy adult movies, and country songs. While I love a good love story, I feel this relationship was way overboard. The characters are predictable but well liked, well accept maybe for Bethany. For some reason the protagonist drove me nuts. The plot was as you might expect an angel book to be about good verses evil. While not one of my fave's I do think this book will resonate with younger readers who love romance.

Friday Freak Out: Author Interview with Laurie Faria Stolarz

Hello Kiddies, I have a special treat for all you paranormal fantasy lovers out there. Laurie Faria Stolarz, author of Deadly Little Secrets, Blue Is For Nightmares, and Project 17 stopped by Tink's World and was kind enough to answer a few questions. You all know what a super gitty fangirl I am, hopefully I can mellow out and conduct a proper interview.

Tink: Thank you so Ms. Stolarz for taking time to answer some questions. I am super excited about this opportunity since I such a big fan of your books. I know you are a busy woman so let's get this show on the road, okay?"

Tink: "You have written many books, nine, if my research is correct not including, short stories published in Love is Hell and 666 or the newest Touch novel. Of all of your books which one was your favorite to write?"

LFS: "I loved writing Bleed because it was completely different in many respects to all of my other work. I'd just written a couple of books in my Blue is for Nightmares series when I started Bleed. I'd imagined writing it for adults, and so I broke many of the rules I had followed while working on my other titles. Bleed is also told from the perspective of ten different characters, and trying to get into all of their heads so that their language and actions were believable, was such a rewarding challenge. I also loved writing Black Is For Beginnings the fifth and final (and a companion) book in the Blue Is For Nightmares series. Black is a graphic novel, so once again, I got to experiment with something new, writing the book in screenplay format, and picturing all the scenes and characters like in a movie. I also got to work with an illustrator for the first time ever, it was an absolute thrill."


Tink: "Graphic novels are so my thing! And they have become very popular. I like when an author is willing to try new things and widen their fan base. Anyway, enough of my opinion, on to the next question. Your characters are original, yet readers are able to relate to them. Which character did you most enjoy writing about?"


LFS: "Stacey Brown from the Blue is for Nightmares series is my absolute favorite. She and I think a lot alike. We're both responsible; we both care deeply for our friends, and we tend to have a sarcastic side."


Tink: "Ah, sarcasm. It is an under appreciated art." (Sigh!) "In your recent series, Touch, you bring to light the gift of psychometry, the ability to sense things through touch. What inspired you to base your series around this concept?"


LFS: "I wanted to write a story where the main character has to struggle with the idea of falling in love with someone who could potentially be dangerous. I tinkered with this concept in the first three books in the Blue is for Nightmares series, as well as in Bleed. In Bleed, in particular, there is a young male character who was convicted of the murder of his girlfriend. His next relationship consists of pen pal letter he exchanges with a young girl while he is in prison. Without giving too much away, the relationship is briefly pursued once he's released, but I wanted to bring this concept to another level. Additionally, I wanted to continue experimenting with the supernatural, showing how we all have our inner senses and intuitions. I started researching different types of supernatural powers and discovered the power of psychometry(the ability to sense things through touch). The concept fascinated me and I wanted to bring it out in a character, showing how sometimes event the most extraordinary powers can also be a curse."


Tink: "Much like my power of beauty, it can be a curse." (Tink and LFS laugh!) "Given my love for reading, I have also dabbled a bit in writing. As an aspiring writer I am always intrigued by the process in which authors write. Would you mind sharing your personal writing process?"


LFS: "It took me two years to write my first book, Blue is for Nightmares. I spent another year and a half editing it. I learned a lot from that process. I now work with an outline and know where I am going and what my character needs to achieve, as well as what he or she needs to learn in order to achieve it. I draft a novel in six months time. I then spend another several months or so reworking it before I hand it to my editor. I still end up changing things along the way, coming up with new ideas and wanting to change paths. For my current draft, Deadly Little Voices, the fourth book in the Touch series, for example, I ended up throwing a good 80 pages away. But, I find that having an outline gives me a "home base." I can go back and reconsider. Always coming back to the basics of what my character wants and needs.


Tink: "I often use outlines as well, I chalk it up to all the college papers I wrote and had to submit outlines with. Great minds, huh?" (Again, Tink and LFS laugh!) "Some authors find themselves writing after they have already had another career. Did you always know you wanted to be a writer?"


LFS: "I always wanted to be a writer, but I never thought it would happen. I'm so grateful that I am able to do this for work and never take it for granted."


Tink: "I love your attitude about your job, in my opinion, it is why you're books are soooo good! I try to absorb any and all advice I can from authors and other writing professionals. What is the most useful advice you have received as an author? What is the least?"


LFS: "My biggest advice is to persevere. There are many talented writers who give up after 5, 10 0r even 100 rejection letters. Be open to learning and getting better in your craft. If more than one person criticizes the same point in your work, chances are you need to look at that point again. Do your homework. Never pay reading fees to get published. Know to whom you are sending your query letter, who their clients are, what their track record is, and what they are looking for. Every letter should be personalized and reflect that you have done your research. And, lastly consider joining a writers group. There's nothing better than being in a group of like-minded writers who can help inspire and cheer you on, and who provide constructive feed back that helps to strengthen your work. The least helpful advice I've ever heard? Well, I don't recommend self publish their own work, unless the work is solely for them or a small circle of people."

Tink: "Wow, a hundred rejection letters. I don't know whether to be encouraged or cry. Since the query letter is quite possibly the biggest thorn in my side, I appreciate your practical tips and will definitely put them to use." (Tink gets up and gives LFS a big hug.) "Thank you for spending time in Tink's World, Ms. Stolarz. It was a pleasure interviewing you. Help yourself to some Hershey's Kisses on your way out."

Laurie Faria Stolarz's new book in the TOUCH series, Deadly Little Games will be released December 28, 2010.

Well, I am off to see what Sebastian has planned for us this weekend. Have fun.

xoxox, Tink!

"BLOOD THIRSTY THURSDAY"

Every Thursday is about my well documented fascination(I refuse to say obsession!) with vampires. They are sexy, strong, and immortal. SO HOTT!! Well this week I want to shed the bloody spotlight on one of my favorite adult vampire series.

The Midnight Breed series, by Lara Adrian, is a guilty pleasure of mine. The characters are not what we typically think of when we think of vampires, although they do have fangs, drink blood and an annoying allergy to sunlight. The Breed is a group of vampire warriors that have sworn to protect their kind, and the unwitting humans existing alongside them, from the threat of Rogues. Rogues are vampires who have given over to blood lust and have no control over their impulses. Each book in the series spotlights a different couple, a Breed member and a Breedmate, a special female descendant from the Breed who has the ability to create a Breed child. Yet, they still are a part of the Breed. They live at the compound in Massachusetts. The Breed warriors are as close as brothers. The action in each book makes the book hard to put down and the naughty scenes. . .hmmm, can you say chills?? With at least three really fantastic sex scenes in each book, it is a series I like to read before I go to bed.

The newest and 8th book in the series, Taken By Midnight, has just been released.

"What The...Wednesday!" Have you met Jessica Rabbit, yet?

Yes, you read that correctly, Jessica Rabbit. Last week I was looking at some new book review blogs and I came across one of the most awesomely original blogs I have seen in a long time. Jessica Rabbit's Corner is definitely for adults only. She is funny, blatantly honest and uniquely weird. I enjoyed her blog so much, that I actually e-mailed her to tell her, and she responded. Her blog is my new guilty pleasure, but at first it did make me say "What the. . ." So, ladies. . . take a stroll over to j-rabbits-corner.blogspot.com and meet Jessica Rabbit. You will not be disappointed. Those of you who enjoy her blog and become followers, leave a comment letting me know.

In the words of my new friend Jessica Rabbit,

"Pixie Stix and Vodka Kisses"

"Oh Maaan, Monday; Review of "Alpha" by Rachel Vincent and "Heist Society" by Ally Carter

It was a cold weekend in Georgia, and unfortunately I got a little sniffle and sore throat. Being the wimp that I am and because of the fact that I hate being sick (I mean really, who likes it?) I stayed in bed all weekend and got caught up on some reading. I read 2... count them 2 books this weekend, and it was wonderful. Of course I took a break to watch my UGA Dawgs lose, again, for the fourth week in a row. Considering that, I am glad that both of the books I read were really good and cheered me up. (well, only a little bit. Seriously, we are 1-5 and 0-3 conference!)

Anyway, enough with depressing football stats and on to the good things this chilly, October Monday has in store. First.....the reviews!

Title: Alpha

Author: Rachel Vincent

Genre: Adult Urban Fantasy

Series: Shifter's book 6

Synopsis: The unscrupulous new Council chair has charged Jace, Marc and me with trespassing, kidnapping, murder and treason. Yeah, we've been busy. But now it is time to take justice into our own hands. We much avenge my brothers death and carve out the rot at the heart of the Council. It's not going to be easy, and loss seems unavoidable, but I have promised to protect my Pride, no matter what. With a target on my back and Marc at my side, I'm heading for the final showdown that can-that- will change everything forever. A showdown I'm not sure I'm ready for. But life never waits until you're ready...But life never waits until you're ready.

Overall Review: FREAKING GOOD, GOOD, NOT BAD, BAD, or UGLY

I know that I have said over and over on this blog how much I freaking LOVE Rachel Vincent, and her Shifter's series. Seriously, Shifter's is my equivalent to "Twi-Hard's" Twilight series and Rachel Vincent is my Stephanie Meyer. I have read the entire series at least six times leading up to Alpha the final book in the series :( ! This week it came out, and I of course I dropped everything I was doing to read it. It was everything I knew it would be and more. I laughed, I cried, I got pissed off. It was PERFECT! And it ended the way I wanted it to. I am more than sad to see this amazingly unique series end, and to say goodbye to a bunch of character with whom I have fallen in love with. That being said, I also think it great that the series is going out while it is on top, instead of dragging it out and boring us to death, (ahem,... P.C and Kristin Cast). It is better for a series to end with the reader wishing it wouldn't than having the reverse be true, right?? If you have ignored my pleas, demands and guilt trips about reading the works of Rachel Vincent, STOP IT NOW! Pick up the first book in the series, Stray, I promise you won't regret it and you will be hooked. This is a must read for all Adult Urban fantasy lovers.

Title: Heist Society

Author: Ally Carter

Genre: YA Fiction

Synopsis: When Katarina Bishop was three her parents to her to the Louvre...to case it. For her seventh birthday, Katarina and her uncle Eddie traveled to Austria...to steal the crown jewels. When Kat turned fifteen she a planned a con of her own...scamming her way into the best boarding school in the country, determined to leave the family business behind. Unfortunately...leaving "the life" is not that easy. Soon, Kat is pulled back into the life when a dangerous mobster's valuable painting are stolen and the only suspect is Kat's father. Along with a motley crew of six of the best junior thieves in the country, Kat plans the biggest heist of her young life, and it is more crucial than ever that she pull it off. Since the stakes are high, and her father isn't the only loved one of Kat whose life in in danger.

Overall Review: FREAKING GOOD GOOD NOT BAD BAD UGLY

I am big fan of Ally Carter's Gallagher Girls series so I wasn't surprised that I really enjoyed this book. I love a wholesome book, that has a lot of action and of course innocent romance. Carter has created a very clever plot. It is the Ocean's 11 of Y.A literature, at least in my book. The protagonist Kat is a fairly forgettable, although likable character. The majority of the characters are cliches, Kat, the underplayed beauty whom everyone loves and follows,. Hale, the hot but bored bad boy billionaire, who, of course, is in love with Kat. Gabrielle, the short skirted, obvious beauty. Simon, the geeky tech genius and of course the Bragshaw twins, Angus and Hamish, the goofy, trouble makers. Despite the cliche's the book is a light wonderful read, that keeps you guessing about who the mysterious thief is that framed Kat's dad. I recommend it for all ages and am happy to admit that most adults will enjoy it as well.

**Okay, now for my favorite part of the day. . ."Oh Maaan, Monday"

Today's hot man-candy from literature is. . .Jace Hammond from The Shifter's Series. He has been on my mind all weekend, since I read Alpha. Last Monday, I picked Marc, from the series, it is kind of fitting that I picked Jace this week, since he is the competition for Faythe's heart. Jace is a free spirited, playboy who's heart was tamed by Faythe. His has sandy brown, and piercing cobalt blue eyes. He is funny, sexy and best of all he shifts into a badass werecat. Reader's of the series, will love Jace.

The hot celeb that I have picked to play Jace in the Shifter's movie is. . . Jake Gyllenhaal!