Friday, March 30, 2012

Death Springs Eternal (The Rift 3) by Robert Duperre: Review/Giveaway

Death Springs Eternal (The Rift 3)
By Robert Duperre
Published December 27th 2011
Pick up your copy at Amazon, or B&N today!
Synopsis borrowed from Goodreads:

The sun rises from its slumber, melting away the winter's snow and bathing the barren land with light. The survivors once more begin their journey, braving the hordes of wandering undead, heading south for what they hope will be safer shores.

But an old threat has risen from the bowels of humanity, standing in the way of any hope for salvation. As those who remain soon learn, in a world of chaos, zombies are the least of their worries.





Darkfallen's thoughts:

First of all I just have to say that this was by far my favorite book of the series! Robert Duperre has really found his voice with this book and the writing is air tight. He paints a believable, albeit harsh, picture of the world around his characters that will leave you having nightmares.

It's been six months since the Rodent Flu brought the wraiths, zombies, and the end of the world. Six months in a world filled with not life, but death, carnage, and the undead. Six months is a long time to live when you indeed are still a breathing human being in this world after the end. In this world without hope...but that's all changing. The snow is melting off the trees, the birds are starting to chirp, and the undead and starting to drop. Could this be the beginning of something better? Could there be hope for a new world after all.

Josh, Krya, and the gang are still wandering trying to make it across the US. Hoping that once they make it south life will be better. Or that there will be life of any kind to speak of. Moving around has become easier as the undead seem to be dying a true death this time. Still their journey is anything but easy. I love the relationship between Josh & Kyra. Of course that isn't the first time you've heard me say that, but it's true. Their love is raw and unwavering even though at times it's hard to see. Even more so I love how Josh seems to grow in this book. Opening up more to Kyra and the people around him. It makes that love even more apparent.

Then of course we still have Corky and the boys. They also are moving south. In hopes of another place to hide out. Maybe even more living people. With Horace's declining heath and the some other bad circumstances things aren't going well for this group, still they are my second favorite set of characters of this series. And throughout it all there is a glimmer of hope here with them as well.

It seems as the undead fall the hope rises...If only it were that easy. While half of this book is about surviving, and hope; the other half of this book is the opposite of hope. In fact it's the place where hope goes to die. Anything good is swallowed whole here. I'm talking about the SNF army that has built up the city of Richmond. But it's how they are building it that kills the hope. The racism in this city astounds me. It physically makes me sick most of the time. I would take the zombies over these senseless hicks any day. In a time when humanity needs to band together to rise above the undead, and the government has fallen, these bastards have reverted to killing not only the zombies but anyone who isn't the right color. While I it pisses me off to no end, I can totally see this happening in real life, and that's sad.

Overall this is a book that will make you love, cry, scream, possible pee your pants from fear, and feel an anger like you've never known a book could do. Robert Duperre as not only given us a series of great horror novels, but with a journey and an ending that will leave you gasping he has painted a living breathing nightmare that will leave you wondering just who are the real monsters? I can't wait to read the last book in this series...and I'm a little scared to all at the same time.


Want a chance to get your hands on your own copy of this series? Well because Robert Duperre is such an awesome person TWO lucky winners will win their own copy of ALL three books in The Rift series! One International winner will get all three books in eBook format and one US winner will recieve all three in paperback!
Awesome right?!

All you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter. Good Luck!

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Angel Fire (Angel 2) by L.A. Weatherly: Review

Angel Fire (Angel 2)
By L.A. Weatherly
Published January 24th 2012
Pick up your copy at Amazon, B&N, or your local indie today!
Synopsis borrowed from Goodreads:

In Book Two of L. A. Weatherly’s wildly romantic, action-packed trilogy, the angels are back with a vengeance . . . and they don’t have heaven in mind.

In the wake of the Second Wave, the angel menace has exploded, and Alex and Willow are on the lam. Willow’s prophetic dream points them to Mexico City, where they connect with a fledgling group of angel killers led by the exotically beautiful Kara, an Angel Killer from Alex’s past. But the team remains suspicious of Willow, even after the more-experienced Alex takes over as leader, training them hard for a rush attack on the Seraphic Council, or “The Twelve.” This elite group of all-powerful angels is also under the scrutiny of Willow’s angel-father, Raziel, who has his own sinister plan to defeat them.

What Willow hasn’t told Alex is that there was also a mysterious boy in her dream, one she felt overpoweringly attracted to. When brooding, gorgeous Seb shows up in the flesh, he turns out to be another—possibly the world’s only other—half angel. He’s been searching for Willow all his life, and when Alex enlists this rival to help keep Willow safe, he can’t predict what chemistry will pass between them . . . or how far Willow might go to keep Alex safe. Will their love endure or spell doomsday for the human race?

Darkfallen's thoughts:

It's no secret that I love Willow and Alex....I mean seriously you would have to be not human to not love them. Everything about them is just so.....sweet!

Back into the world where angels are more of a human killing parasitic villain, and less of a holy being that most believe them to be, Willow and Alex are trying desperately to make their way across the country. Ever since their attempt to bring the angels down at their main church in Denver they have been on the run. Willows face is plastered across every wanted sign and news station. The who US is literally hunting her down. Not to mention all the angels that can spot her by her aura. Nothing is safe for them here anymore so they make their way to Mexico in hopes of a safe haven. That is until Willow starts having visions of awful things to come. Now Mexico isn't so safe anymore, in fact it's probably the least safest place they could go, but her visions says she is supposed to be there. Unfortunately it also shows her another boy that is supposed to be there. One that makes her feel things she shouldn't feel while she is with Alex. Will this mystery boy make her question her love for Alex?

With the weight of the world on her shoulders and all of humanity on the line she doesn't have a choice but to find out. The question is, if they manage to save humanity, will Alex and Willow be able to save their love as well?

This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster like I couldn't have even imagined! There was swooning, hate, anger, sorrow, compassion....you name it I felt it. And not just felt it but it consumed me. At one point I was so anger that I thought I wasn't even going to be able to finish the book...and then 50 pages further and I was crying and heartbroken. Finally coming to an ending that left me so warm and fuzzy inside that I thought I just might cry happy tears and jump up and down like a little school girl. Lol

I will say that the only reason this book isn't getting 5 stars from me is because at times it seemed a little to long in spots. Particularly I found myself slightly bored when reading from Raziel's point of view. Now yes there was a lot that I learned form his parts that I needed to know to understand what was going on, but I can't ignore the fact that I still didn't want to read his parts. Luckily he didn't have a ton so that helped.

In the end this was a great sequel in this series and I can't, CAN'T wait to get my hands on the final book!!


Lymi...




Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday



Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we just can't wait to get our sticky fingers on.


Title: Chosen Ones (The Lost Souls #1)
Author: Tiffany Truitt
Release Date: April 10th 2012
Synopsis from Goodreads:


What if you were mankind’s last chance at survival?

Sixteen-year-old Tess lives in a compound in what was once the Western United States, now decimated after a devastating fourth World War. But long before that, life as we knew it had been irrevocably changed, as women mysteriously lost the ability to bring forth life. Faced with the extinction of the human race, the government began the Council of Creators, meant to search out alternative methods of creating life. The resulting artificial human beings, or Chosen Ones, were extraordinarily beautiful, unbelievably strong, and unabashedly deadly.

Life is bleak, but uncomplicated for Tess as she follows the rigid rules of her dystopian society, until the day she begins work at Templeton, the training facility for newly created Chosen Ones. There, she meets James, a Chosen One whose odd love of music and reading rivals only her own. The attraction between the two is immediate in its intensity—and overwhelming in its danger.

But there is more to the goings-on at Templeton than Tess ever knew, and as the veil is lifted from her eyes, she uncovers a dark underground movement bent not on taking down the Chosen Ones, but the Council itself. Will Tess be able to stand up to those who would oppress her, even if it means giving up the only happiness in her life.


We here at Paranormal Wastelands are super curious about this one. What is Tess? Cyborg? Test tube girly? Franken-chick? We must know! And for that we say:


Must have NOWS!

We needs it!!
We wants it!!
We can't lives without it!!

Now that you've heard what our CAN'T WAIT book is... What's yours? Drop us a comment so we can find out what has you on pins and needles.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Teaser Tuesday: Beautiful Disaster



Welcome to Teaser Tuesday!

This meme is sponsored by MizB over at Should Be Reading.
(wanna learn more about how you too can join in and play along? click here)


This weeks teaser is from....
So I had a real hard time picking just one teaser from this book. It was just sooooo good! So I decided I'll give you two.
We'll start with the sweet one first...

“You know why I want you? I didn’t know I was lost until you found me. I didn’t know what alone was until the first night I spent without you in my bed. You’re the one thing I’ve got right. You’re what I’ve been waiting for, Pigeon.”  

And now for a more raw, and rough around the edges teaser, but still so sweet if you really think about it...

“You can’t tell me
what to do anymore, Travis! I don’t belong to you!”
In the second it took him to turn and face me, his
expression had contorted into anger. He stomped toward
me, planting his hands on the bed and leaning into my face.
“WELL I BELONG TO YOU!” The veins in his neck
bulged as he shouted, and I met his glare, refusing to even
flinch. He looked at my lips, panting. “I belong to you.”    


It's a HUGE understatement to simple say this book was amazing...but it really is! You should do yourself a favor and grab this. You can thank me later. *winks*
Now c'mon...Tease me!!

Monday, March 26, 2012

Cinder (Lunar Chronicles #1)

Title: Cinder (Lunar Chronicles #1)
Author: Marissa Meyer
Published: January 3, 2012
Synopsis from Goodreads:

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . .

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.




Ladies and gentlemen.....

Cyborgs are....

AWESOME!!!!

I mean, how can you not love a cyborg? They're kick ass, they have killer strength, they get to have their limbs hooked up electronically to their nervous system, and it's always fun to ROOT for the little guy.

Because.... even though cyborgs are awesome... They're never quite accepted....

That is.... unless you are in my house.



KABAM!!!

Because when you are in my house.... Cyborgs are awesome!

And that's what made this book so freaking cool!!!

Cinder is a cyborg. She's 17 and has been a cyborg since she was 11 years old. Her guardian found her and she can't remember a dang thing before she turned borg.



Well, not that kind of Borg. She wasn't assimilated.

Technology has become so advanced that we can now heal people with cybernetics.

From what Cinder has been told, her parents and her when in a fatal hoover accident. Hoovers are their cars. Somehow their hoover got slammed killing Mommy and Daddy and wrecking a big chunk of Cinder's body. One leg is prosthetic, as is one arm, a lung, ribs, and so on. It's a miracle that she's alive!

But who saved her? Who was the surgeon who gave her body new life?

Cinder is a mechanic lives in New Beijing with her step-mom (who is a guardian), and her two step-sisters - Pearl and Peony. There is also a really funny girl android that lives with them, Iku. She was one of my favorite characters.

The interesting thing about CINDER being a mechanic is she mainly fixes electronics. I'm thinking cellphones, Ipads, stuff like that. They all have different names, of course, but that's what I took from it. And she also fixes.... androids! That's where the Prince comes in.

Prince Kai is having trouble with his favorite old android. The old girl just won't start up. He's heard about Cinder being the best mechanic in town. So, off he goes dressed in street clothes (think Princess Jasmine in Aladdin) to Cinder's mechanic booth.

Da da daaaaaaaaaaaa....... THe story starts there.

Everyone... and I mean EVERYONE (including me) has the hots for Prince Kai. Remember how we all fell in love with Prince William once he got out of puberty? Ok.. think that. RAWR!

So, of course Cinder will fix his android.... even though she says his charms don't work on her.... LOLZ! I'm not buying it... He's a doll!

This is a retelling of CINDERELLA. There might not be any glass slipper action but it's extremely interesting how this story is retold and how the author makes it her own.

I was very impressed with Cinder's prothetics. I was also fascinated with her idea of what a cyborg is. My son and I actually have had multiple conversations about this book. He of course won't read it because it's "CINDERELLA" but he definitely helped me pick this book a part with all the gadgets.

So Moms out there... this one is for the girls. I honestly think a boy would really like this story... but if the cover has a high heel on it, then there's no way junior is going to go near it.

I really really liked this book! It's full of all sorts of Sci-fi goodies. And if you enjoyed the UGLIES series by Scott Westerfield, then I guarantee you will adore this book. Some of the technology is similar.

I'm very happy that another amputee hero is starring in books. The world needs that. I hope amputee children of the world read this and realize that even though they are different, they can still be as kick ass as Cinder!!!

I think Cinder would be a great role model and I can't wait to see what the next book has in store!!




Sunday, March 25, 2012

Bad Kitty for President

Title: Bad Kitty for President
Author: Nick Bruel
Published: January 2012
Synopsis from Goodreads:

The votes are in--it's a Bad Kitty landslide! It's time to elect a new president of the Neighborhood Cat Coalition! Who will win the election? The candidate chosen by the kitties on the right side of the street or the candidate chosed by the kitties on the left side of the street? When election time rolls around, one candidate (guess who?) will discover that she never bothered to register to vote and the entire election will be decided by a surprise, last minute absentee ballot sent by Old Kitty.

Bad Kitty is running for President!!

Well, not the kind you are thinking of.

He has no interest with running the nation... just the neighborhood.

It's that time of year again! Time to cast our ballots, wear patriotic hats, and kiss a ton of babies.

That's actually how the cats pick their nominees and Bad Kitty wants in on the action!

Actually, she just wants to run the stray cats out of the neighborhood.

My kitties can sympothize. They too hate it when stray kitties walk past thier window!! They both wouldn't mind having the power to have slingshot stray cats into the next neighborhood.

I found this book not to be as funny as the rest. While it is educational I was hoping for a bit more.

I think this would be a great book for grade-school teachers to read to their class this fall.


Saturday, March 24, 2012

Bad Kitty Meets the Baby

Title: Bad Kitty Meets the Baby
Author: Nick Bruel
Published: 2011
Synopsis from Goodreads

Kitty's owners are home with a big surprise for Kitty. But what is it? Kitty, reeling in horror, thinks it’s a . . . dog. The neighbor cats are convinced it’s a cat. But we all know that it’s really a BABY!

With Nick Bruel’s trademark mix of antic humor (this time involving a Kitty game show and the Kitty Olympics—which the baby wins hands down), riotous illustrations, total mayhem, and Uncle Murray Fun Facts, this may be the funniest Kitty book yet, and the one that hits closest to home.

Bad Kitty has met her match!

But is she another kitty?

She sure does seem to act like one.

All this new kitty does is eat, sleep, cry, and poop.

But that's not a kitty!

That's a baby!!!

All the other neighborhood kitties seem to think the new face around the house is a kitty.

She even won all the events at the Kitty Olympics.

But it's not a kitty!! It's a baby!!!

Bad Kitty is confused.

Bad Kitty doesn't really like the baby.

Until Bad Kitty finds out that she's adopted just like her.

Then Bad Kitty wants to protect the baby from getting a dreaded... BATH!!

This is a really cute story. Not as funny as the other Bad Kitty books but I think this would be a great read if you child is adopted. They could see that Bad Kitty was too and that might make them feel better. My Mom was adopted and she told me that my grandma used to read her kids books about it. I think this would have been a great one to add to their collection.

All in all... Love the artwork, love the story, and Love Bad Kitty!

Greta Kitty fact:
When my son was born we had a cat named socks. Socks did not like the new baby. He thought that the baby WAS another kitty and would hiss and hiss at him. Then after a couple of weeks, Socks got used to the baby. Whenever the baby would cry he would be the first on in the room with his paws draped over the crib waiting for me to come get the baby. I always felt that Socks considered the baby his. But unlike Bad Kitty.... Socks didn't mind if the baby got a bath. He just always wanted to help.



Friday, March 23, 2012

Perpetual Light by Jordan K. Rose: Review

Perpetual Light
By Jordan K. Rose
Published March 2012 by Crescent Moon Press
Pick up your copy at B&N, or Amazon today!
Synopsis borrowed from Goodreads:

Fate is cruel. Especially when the one you’ve sworn to love for all eternity, the very soul who changed your destiny is the last person you should trust.
After more than three hundred years of running, Lucia Dicomano must make a choice.

Forced to take her place as a Pharo of Redemption, the divine slayer needs to master her forgotten powers. Lucia turns to Vittorio, the one vampire she’s failed to deliver from eternal damnation. But overcoming smoldering remnants of love, lust and anger aren’t their only obstacles.

Samuel, who may know Lucia better than she knows herself, hunts her with a fervor stoked by a thousand years of vengeful hatred. His plan—capture and enslave the weakened Pharo then take control of her elusive power.

Can Lucia trust Vittorio long enough to reclaim her powers? Or will she have no choice but to kill him and battle Samuel alone?

Darkfallen's thoughts:

Lucia is just your average girl. She has a loving mother and father. A great career that she loves...but all that changes when the man from her dreams turns out to be real. After Lucia finds out that not only is her dream man real, they're married. Well kind of. In fact her and Vittorio have been married since the 1600's. You see Vittorio is a vampire, and Lucia? She has been reincarnated time and again as a slayer sent to give redemption to vampires through death by delivering them to the light. And she will keep being reincarnated for the same fate until she can finally find the strength to kill Vittorio. Not only is he the love of her life, but he is the love of all her lives, her soul mate. Can Lucia finally give in to fate and let Vittorio go into the light? Or will the darkness pull her under?

First I want to say that this is the first book, in a long time, that hasn't been published by a big company with all their fancy editors, that was sewn up tight. I didn't find a single editing error anywhere and the flow of the book and the story was perfect and smooth. In a world were editing seems to be going to the waste side I can't stress how refreshing that is.

But what about the story itself?

I loved Lucia and her snarky ways. She made me laugh out loud on more than one occasion with her banter between her and Peter. (her co-worker) But better yet I just found myself falling in love with both Lucia and Vittorio. Both of their characters are well fleshed out and tangible in a way that sucks you in and you can't help but feel the anguish, the heartbreak, the anger, and the love with these two. I mean I physically felt heart wrenching pain in chest at the situation that these two are in. At times I just kept waiting for Lucia to fall to the floor at Vittorio's feet and cry until she passed out, because that is certainly what I would have done. Thankfully Lucia is a LOT stronger than I am apparently. LOL

Overall I really enjoyed this read and anyone that's a fan of the PNR with our vampire friends should definitely pick this up!


Lymi...




Thursday, March 22, 2012

Perpetual Light Character Interview/Giveaway

Today we have a couple of very special guests here in the wastelands!
Who you might ask? Well today we have the epic couple Lucia & Vittirio from Perpetual Light!
They've agreed to sit down and answer a few questions for us, although they didn't agree to keep their hands off eachother for long...

*winks*

But before we get started how about I introduce you to the women behind these amazing characters, author Jordan K. Rose!


Author Bio: After trying her hand at many, many things- from crafting and art classes to cooking and sewing classes to running her own handbag business, Jordan finally figured out how to channel her creativity. With an active imagination and a little encouragement from her husband she sat down and began to write, each night clicking away at the keys with her black Labrador, Dino curled up under the desk.

A few short years later she’s entered the publishing arena with no plans to ever turn back.

Jordan’s a member of Rhode Island Romance Writers, as well as RWA National, and the New England (NEC), Connecticut, and Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal (FFnP) Chapters.

Her first book, Perpetual Light, is available on Amazon’s Kindle from Crescent Moon Press.

You can pick up your own copy at Amazon.

Find Jordan on her website at www.jordankrose.com  
Follow her tweets on https://twitter.com/#!/jordankrose  
Friend her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jordankrose

And now let me introduce you to her fantastic book...


Synopsis borrowed form Goodreads:
Fate is cruel. Especially when the one you’ve sworn to love for all eternity, the very soul who changed your destiny is the last person you should trust.

After more than three hundred years of running, Lucia Dicomano must make a choice.

Forced to take her place as a Pharo of Redemption, the divine slayer needs to master her forgotten powers. Lucia turns to Vittorio, the one vampire she’s failed to deliver from eternal damnation. But overcoming smoldering remnants of love, lust and anger aren’t their only obstacles.

Samuel, who may know Lucia better than she knows herself, hunts her with a fervor stoked by a thousand years of vengeful hatred. His plan—capture and enslave the weakened Pharo then take control of her elusive power.

Can Lucia trust Vittorio long enough to reclaim her powers? Or will she have no choice but to kill him and battle Samuel alone?

Stop by tomorrow for my review!

But now, without further ado, I give you Lucia and Vittirio!!


Lucia: Hi Darkfallen. Thanks for having us. We're really excited about promoting our story, Perpetual Light. You're our first interview so please forgive us if we're a little nervous. I'm Lucia DiComano and th—

 *Vittorio interrupts*
Vittorio: Della Caccia. You're Lucia Della Caccia,

Lucia: Right. I forget. You'd forget, too, if you'd been reincarnated and hadn't seen you're husband in more than three hundred years. Don't get all bent out of shape. *smiles* It's not like I've been using that last name in this lifetime.
Vittorio: I'll thank you very much to start today. *slides closer to her on the couch*
Darkfallen: Well, why don't I open up with a question for you Vittorio. After not having her for hundreds of years how did you control your desires around her? I kept expecting you to lose it. Lol

Lucia: Yes, Vittorio, how did you control yourself? *grins and bats eyes* Inquiring minds want to know.
Vittorio: *Exhales* She certainly did not make it easy. Let’s just say everything involving Lucia requires a great deal of concentration.  I kept reminding myself I'd held out for this long a few more days wouldn't kill me.
Lucia: *mumbles*  No. Unfortunately, that's my job.

Vittorio: Stop worrying. *Tilts Lucia's chin toward his* As you say, it is what it is. I've accepted my fate. When are you going to accept yours?
Lucia: I hate it. *looks away*
Darkfallen: Lu, I know you tried over and over to get him to give in, did you ever get so frustrated that you just wanted to give up?

Lucia: *smiles* When do you mean- this time around or the first time? *nods toward Vittorio* He's always had that stubborn streak. In Italy I thought for certain I'd lose my mind. I even threatened not to marry him. It almost worked. 
Vittorio: *Vittorio's eyebrow arches and flecks of gold and green sparkle in his eyes* Yes. Almost, but I did not fall to your tactics. You might want to ensure your parents know that fact. I'm fairly certain I'm going to be in hot water one way or another with your father. *Shakes his head*  

Lucia: What? We're married. *laughs* We're allowed. 
Vittorio: Hmm.
Darkfallen: Vittorio, you were so mad after you found out the truth about Lu yet you never questioned your love for her. How did you do it?

Vittorio: *slowly smiles* No, I have never questioned my love for her. How does one deny his soul mate? *tucks stray curls behind Lucia's ear* Never. Never could I deny my love.

*Lucia blushes, glances at me and winks*  
Darkfallen: Lu there were times when Vittorio was mad at you that, if I were you, I would have collapsed to the floor sobbing. Did you ever think you might?
Lucia: *Sucks in cheek, then barely nods* He does have a temper. Bruno has said you'd have to be dead not to notice Vittorio when he's angry, and I have to agree. *Glances at him* I did fall apart that night. After you left me in the bedroom.

Vittorio: You say it as though I really left you. I simply needed space, to think. I was somewhat surprised by your confession. *slides his arm around her shoulders and sighs* Darkfallen, it's been a very, very difficult process. One I fear will only get harder.

*Lucia rests her head on his shoulder*  
Darkfallen: Lu I know that it's instilled in you to kill vampires but can you honestly say that you wouldn't be able to consider joining Vittorio just to have him forever? I mean just think...all that hot man to yourself for all eternity. *winks*

Lucia: *Giggles* Hot vampire man. I do love him, vampire or not. An awful lot. *Peeks up at him* 
Vittorio: Forget it. Even if it were a desire of yours, I would never allow it. You deserve peace, redemption. I will never let that be taken from you. Not as long as I live. *Eyes darken*
Lucia: There you have it. *Sits up, shakes head* Even if I wanted to do it, which I never said I did, it's not an option. Besides, I think if it did happen, I wouldn't last long. I'm pretty sure Father said something about freeing my soul himself. *Shivers* It wouldn't be pretty.
Vittorio: We should go. You need to practice. You lack consistency and you still don't know how to call your power and remain conscious on this plane. *stands*  Darkfallen, thank you for having us. But, my wife needs to regain her focus and prepare. *holds hand out to Lucia*

Lucia: *Rolls eyes* Did I mention I hate practicing? Or that I hate this whole vampire slayer thing? It would be so nice to just be married and go to work at my old job. *turns to me*  Darkfallen, thanks for the interview. By the way. You should check out the sale at Tempo. Right about now they'll be having a huge winter sale. They do it every year. All the remaining items from last year's women's accessories lines will be on sale. At least 75% off.
Vittorio: Cuore mio, she does not need any tips on shopping. *Guides Lucia toward door*

Stop rushing me. She might be my only chance to get that crocodile belt. It's from the Fortunata line. Royal blue. *Sidesteps him* If you can get it, call me. I'll overnight the money to you. Well, Vittorio will overnight the money to you. *Smiles*

Vittorio: *Shakes his head* Come on.

AND because these two and Jordan K. Rose are such givers one lucky winner will get their hands on an eBook copy of Perpetual Light AND a $5 Starbucks giftcard!!
All you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter.
This giveaway is open Internationally!

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday



Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we just can't wait to get our sticky fingers on.


Title: Dreamsleeves
Author: Coleen Murtagh Paratore
Release Date: April 1st 2012
Synopsis from Goodreads:

A powerful, radiant story about a girl who wears her dreams on her sleeve . . .Aislinn is a girl with a lot of dreams, but due to family issues (caused mostly by her hard-drinking father), there's a lot standing in her way. While she should be enjoying the summer with friends, Aislinn is kept under lock and key and put in charge of her younger siblings. The average girl might give up, but not Aislinn. A person, she says, should write their dreams on their sleeve, putting them out there for the world to see, because there's a good chance that someone might come along and help you make your dream come true. What begins as a plea for help for her father to stop drinking, turns into a spark that has the whole community making their own dreamsleeves. At times heartbreaking, DREAMSLEEVES is also surprising, powerful, and luminously hopeful. Everyone will see a little of themselves in Aislinn, a girl with talent, ambition, and big dreams.

This story sounds awesome!
The cover is so pretty!
And we can't wait to read it!
So we must sing

Must have NOWS!

We needs it!!
We wants it!!
We can't lives without it!!

Now that you've heard what our CAN'T WAIT book is... What's yours? Drop us a comment so we can find out what has you on pins and needles.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Teaser Tuesday: Captivated/Giveaway



Welcome to Teaser Tuesday!

This meme is sponsored by MizB over at Should Be Reading.
(wanna learn more about how you too can join in and play along? click here)


This weeks teaser is from....

"Dean inched closer. "Every time I look at you..." he paused again and his eyes wandered down to my quivering lips. His breathing was hard, but he continued "...every time I look at you...I want to kiss you." 50% on kindle        

Can you say SA-WOOOOON?!
*sighs*
How many times I melted over Dean...let me count the ways :)


Want to find out how swoon worthy he is for yourself? Well we just so happen to have not one, but TWO paperback copies and bookmarks up for grabs!!
That's right! Two lucky winners will get a paperback copy of Captivated and a matching bookmark! All you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter form below.
This is open Internationally!
                       

Monday, March 19, 2012

Kevin's Point of View

Title: Kevin's Point of View
Author: Del Shannon
Published: 2010
Synopsis from Goodreads

Kevin Tobin is a relatively ordinary 12-year-old dealing with the aftermath of his father's death in a mountain biking accident near their home in Boulder, Colorado. To escape from his emotional turmoil, Kevin has developed his imagination into a dangerous foil and a powerful ally. While he antagonizes his sister through his superhero antics on an average Wednesday morning, his ability to escape inside a character's head become critical to his survival after his life is once-again turned upside down a year after his father's death. A mysterious package arrives in the mail, Kevin and his best friend are hunted down by a ruthless villain set upon world domination, and after enlisting Kevin's teenage sister and her pizza-delivery boyfriend in a battle for control over time itself, the secret of Kevin's whole existence is revealed to him by a source we never expected. Del Shannon's imaginative story, appreciation for the powers of family and the desire of young boys to both escape reality and prove themselves within it, and fast-paced, adventure-filled storytelling style make this a book with wide appeal for readers of all ages.

*this book was read and reviewed by Greta’s son, Mickey


The Plot
In the book, Kevin’s Point of View, Kevin is being chased around Colorado and through time itself by a man named Devin. It began when Kevin got a package and inside was the device called the influxitron that allows people to go through time. Kevin doesn’t know how to work the influxitron so Kevin can’t make his own mission any easier to get away from Devin. Devin’s mission is to kill Kevin and anything that stands in his way to get the influxitron back. Kevin and his best friend, Tony, have to find their way back to their home town of Boulder, Colorado and get to the police but before they reach Boulder Kevin is sent back in time and has a new mission. Kevin is sent back in time to the day of his own father’s death. Once Kevin finishes his mission he is sent forward in time to the day he is sent back to present day and figures out something about his past that he never knew about.


Q and A with Greta and Mickey

Did you enjoy this book?
The first chapter was slow but I did enjoy the rest of the book.

Would you recommend this book to any of your friends?
No, because I don’t think they would like it.

Why is that?
My friends wouldn’t like to read a book about a 12 year old kid.

What would they rather read about?
Girls would rather read Twilight and boys would rather read Eragon. But I would rather read Harry Potter over this book.

How old do you think a kid would have to be to enjoy this book?
It depends, is someone reading it to them?

Sure.
Ummm… I would say about 8 years old.

And what about reading it on their own? How old do you think they should be?
About 10 or 11 years old.

Were there any funny parts in this book?
No

Why not?
It’s too serious.

Do you think the author was trying to make it too serious or was he failing at being funny?
I think he was failing at being funny.

As a 14 year old boy, could you relate to any of the characters?
No.

Did they act like kids or did they act more like adults?
More like kids

Did they act like a 12 year old?
No

What did they act like?
They acted like 7 year olds. 12 year olds don’t use their imagination that much.

What do they do?
Sports or Band

Not video games?
They do play video games.

Ok… I was wondering because that’s what you did when you were 12. What is this thing called band you speak of?

Do you think a girl would enjoy this book more?
No

Why?
Too many boys.

Mickey… that’s pretty sexist of you…..
Well, it’s true!

Well, Mickey, thank you for taking the time to review this book for Paranormal Wastelands.
Who’s Paranormal Wastelands?
Are you kidding me? That’s the blog I help run. Where have you been?

Well?

Apparently blogs bore him, too because Mickey has left the Wastelands.

I'd also like to thank Del Shannon for giving us a copy to review. I hope Mickey's review doesn't discourage you lolz. He can be a hard customer, sometimes. I haven't a clue where he got his pickiness from ;)



Sunday, March 18, 2012

Bad Kitty vs. Uncle Murray

Title: Bad Kitty vs. Uncle Murray
Author: Nick Bruel
Published: 2010
Synopsis from Goodreads

Kitty’s owners are taking a week off and leaving Kitty and Puppy at home. So who’s going to watch them? Good ol’ Uncle Murray, star of the Fun Facts feature of previous Kitty books—the guy you thought knew everything about cats. Think again! It isn’t long before Uncle Murray is driven to near madness by shenanigans of epic proportions.

Bad Kitty is back!!

With Puppy and Uncle Murray..

Uncle Murray?

Who is Uncle Murray?

Uncle Murray is going to watch Kitty and Puppy while their people are gone for the week.

But where did their people go?

This book is great! Full of zany kitty action that will really get you inside a kitty's head.

It's also full of 'real kitty' facts. Like why cats are afraid of people, vacuum cleaners, and why some kitties don't like to be left alone.

This book is a chapter book and would be great for little ones who want to get into their big siblings "Wimpy Kid" books. These are just their speed.

I had a lot of fun reading this one. And I really enjoyed looking for all of Kitty's hiding spots.

I'm happy she survived Uncle Murray's visit, even though she thought he was a monster. But will she be able to survive what her people brought home?



Saturday, March 17, 2012

Happy Birthday, Bad Kitty

Title: Happy Birthday, Bad Kitty
Author: Nick Bruel
Published: 2009
Synopsis from Goodreads
It's Bad Kitty's birthday, and you're invited! Bad Kitty's second illustrated novel is packed with deadpan humor, rich tidbits of cat information -- and even some suspense! Who took Kitty's presents? Why are Kitty's friends so bizzare? Readers will laugh out loud at Kitty's feline mood swings, and they'll be touched by the heartwarming visit from a surprise guest.

Happy Birthday Bad Kitty!


It's time to break out the balloons....

that Bad Kitty popped


Get out the decorations...

that Bad Kitty destroyed


Invite all the kitty guests...

that brought her lame gifts


And let's eat some cake....

that can't be chocolate because chocolate is bad for kitties.


This book was too cute!


I love the artwork and I just love Bad Kitty.


There are times when Bad Kitty reminds me of this bad kitty:

She really reminded me of that kitty in this book. I mean, she didn't even want to get up for her party!

I was also reminded of Garfield's Christmas Special.

But that's not saying this is a rip-off. That's just saying that I've seen way too many kitty related tv specials.

There was even a moment when I was reminded of "The Richest Cat in the World".

Remember that one folks?

I told you, I've seen too many kitty related tv specials ;)

Happy Birthday Bad Kitty!! Maybe next year you'll get something you really want!!



Friday, March 16, 2012

Vampire Hollows by Tim O'Rourke: Review

Vampire Hollows (Keira Hudson Series #5)
By Tim O'Rourke
Published January 2012
Pick up your copy at Amazon today!
Synopsis borrowed from Goodreads:

With nowhere else to run to but the Hollows, Kiera Hudson finds herself in a world like no other. Entrusted with a secret, she has to make her way to the mysterious Light House set hundreds of miles beneath the Earth. As she makes her journey, Kiera’s companions are being murdered one by one. But is the killer amongst them and is it Elias Munn?

Not knowing who to trust, who to love and who to believe, Kiera makes the most dangerous journey of her life, in search of the Elders hidden within the walls of the Dust Palace. With time running out, Kiera knows she must finally choose which race should live and which race should die.

The final instalment in Kiera Hudson Series One.

Darkfallen's thoughts:

EEEeeekkkk!!! The Kiera Hudson series has come to an end...and what an end it is.

Usually by the time you get to that last and final book in a series it's just so sad knowing that this is it. There won't be another book after this. It's time to say goodbye, but with the way this one ends I couldn't be happier! So many things finally got sewed up and brought into the light. That and I can't wait for the new spin off series!!!

Kiera, Kayla, and Isador have to make their way to the Hollows while Potter is off to go save Luke from the zoo. Of course nothing can be easy when Kiera is involved. The journey to the Hollows and beyond is a tricky one. Will they be able to make it to Hollows in one piece? And if they get there will Kiera be able to make the decision? How will live? The Humans or the Vampyrus?

When things hit the fan. And Kiera finds herself with her back against a wall with nothing left to live for, just how far is she willing to go to save both races?

OMG this was one hell of a ride!! Action packed in a way only Tim O'Rourke can do it was hard to put this down. I gasped, I screamed, I wanted to throw my kindle across the room...but in the end I couldn't have thought of a better ending for this series! For those of you that haven't started this series yet, do yourself a favor and pick it. You won't be disappointed and then you can get ready for the spin off series!!

Lymi...