Day 2- Resistance Launch Week: Ben

Welcome to day #2 of the Resistance Character Quest! We are fortunate to have with us today a really "BRIGHT" guy, his name is Ben.

Ben's Bio: Light-bearer in Homer’s clan. Ben is an all-American boy who sees life through optimistic, glass-half-full lenses. Nothing annoys him. Well, except for Jeremy. Favorite hobbies? Eating!

Now that we know a little bit more about Ben, let's see what he has to say in answer to our most pressing questions, shall we?

Thanks so much for being here with us today, Ben! It's gonna be great having you ENLIGHTEN us about who you are!

What was your favorite subject in high school?


P.E. I love running. I like to watch the girls run, too.

What do you miss most about life before the Reapers came?

Smoothie King, McDonald’s French fries, and Seinfeld reruns. Oh, yeah. And sleeping late on Saturday mornings. And my mom’s chocolate-chip pancakes. . . and my dad’s famous barbeque ribs.


What is your most embarrassing moment?

That would have to be the 9th grade “Back to School” dance at Beau Chêne High School. Gabe and I went and met up with our friends Mark and Zack in the school gym where the dance was.

I got thirsty so I went to get some punch. Mel was there, standing by herself in a yellow dress, I remember. She had started to kind of hang out with us at school, but I didn’t know her that well back then. She looked kind of lonesome, and I wanted to talk to her. I took one of the canned cokes on ice, fumbled with it on the table, then offered it to her.

I’ll never forget I said, “You look like you could use this.” When she opened the tab, coke fizzed and sprayed all over her yellow dress. At first, she was really mad. Her eyebrows scrunched up the way they do now when she gets mad. But after I said I was sorry about a hundred times, she was so nice about it. She’s always really nice about things like that, when I screw up or whatever.


In your Setti clan, who is the most difficult to live with and why?

Dude, are you kidding me? It’s Jeremy! He’s so freakin’ annoying sometimes—always giving me a hard time and stuff. But I know that’s just the way he is. Some people operate like that, because they don’t know how to just be cool, ya know?


When did you realize you were “different”?

Hmm. Am I different? When I realized I was a Setti, Gabe and the rest of my friends realized they were, too. So I wasn’t any different from them. We were sort of all the same, so I never thought I was different. You know what I mean?

Thanks so much for stopping by with us today, Ben.

If you would like to buy a copy of Resistance, you can do so at the links listed here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble

Tune in tomorrow to find out a little about Clara and hear what she has to say to us!
Please visit these other blogs to show your support:

1.      Brooke DelVecchio The Cover Contessa: http://thecovercontessa.blogspot.com/

2.      Rebekah Campbell Reflections of a Bookworm: http://reflectivebookworm.blogspot.com/

3.      Amanda Cowley Blog: http://amandaleighcowley.blogspot.com/

4.      Christina M Condy  Blog: http://www.recentread.com/

5.      Bethany/YA Vixens: http://yavixens.blogspot.com

6.      Rhomy Blog: http://iknowthatbook.wordpress.com/

7.      Soma/ Insomnia of Books  Blog: http://insomnia-of-books.blogspot.com/

8.      Marni Jarman/Word to Dreams: http://wordtodreams.blogspot.com/p/contact-me.html

9.      Helena Ison/Accepted Wisdom: http://icanonlybehele3.blogspot.com

10.   Stephanie Judice/ A Writer’s Rest Stop: http://stephaniejudice.blogspot.com/ 

Day 1- Resistance Launch Week: Melanie

I'm very excited to be participating in the release blast of my friend  and author Stephanie Judice's latest book Resistance: Saga of the Setti Book 2. If you haven't read the first book in this series, Rising: Saga of the Setti Book 1, run, do not walk, and get yourself a copy!

Title: Resistance (Saga of the Setti Book Two)

Publication Date: October 15, 2012

Publisher: StudioKae Publishers

Buying links: Amazon, Barnes and Noble

The world is covered in darkness. A constant gray pall reminds the Setti that reapers are still here—watching, waiting, hunting. Gabe, Clara, and their clan must leave the relative safety of Beau Chêne, Louisiana, in order to train with others gathering in the north. No one knows what lurks when night falls. Yet, Gabe and Clara both know that they must chance the danger in order to fulfill a dark destiny.
While Gabe grows in confidence, Clara begins to doubt everything, including her feelings for Gabe. Looming between them is a growing chasm. Clara’s constant defiance against Gabe begins to sever the bond between them. New clansman and fellow Guardian, Michael, steps in all too willingly to take Gabe’s place as her confidant and more. Good-looking and self-assured, Clara finds his charms difficult to resist. She wonders why she should resist at all.
Jessie, now a shadow scout, defies the reapers’ malevolent power. She reaches out to Clara, yearning for the impossible—to be free of the reapers’ enslavement.
Beyond Clara’s battle to save a lost loved one and to keep Gabe close to her heart, another threat stirs, whispering to Clara in the dark. Something evil hunts her. Will she listen to the one who calls to her in nightmares and eventually finds her in the flesh? Will she succumb to his will or will she cling to her human soul and her human heart?

Every day this week, you will be introduced to one of the wonderful characters from this series via a bio and then a short interview! So make sure you come back every day to learn more and more about these awesome characters.

Today, we are lucky enough to have Melanie with us!

Mel's Bio: HEALER for Homer’s clan.  Mel is kind-hearted, patient, and wise. Her feathers are rarely ruffled, except when the boys behave too much like “boys.” She is the glue of her Setti clan.

Now that you know just a bit about Mel, let's see what she has to say in answer to a few questions!

Melanie, thanks so much for being with us today. We are excited to have you here to answer a few of our most pressing questions! We hope you can CURE our curiosity.

1. What was your favorite subject in high school?

I liked Math the most, because I like it when problems have a definite solution. On the other hand, I also love English because stories and literature can teach us so much about life.

2. Who inspires you the most and why?

Helen Keller is truly one of my heroes. How someone can be born without sound or sight and still find a way not simply to communicate, but to teach the world such lovely, wise things is amazing to me. She once said, “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched—they must be felt with the heart.” And this is so true, isn’t it?

Another thing that keeps coming to mind lately, since our world has changed into this bleak and sometimes lonely place, are these words of Helen Keller’s: “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” No matter what is in store for us in the future, no matter how desolate and dark things become, we must remember

the wisdom of this woman who lived her whole life in the dark.

3. In your Setti clan, who is the most difficult to live with and why?

I would have to say it is a tie between Jeremy and Ben. For some reason, those two love to push each other’s buttons, and sometimes it is so tiresome to listen to their tedious arguments back and forth. However, for the most part, it is not difficult living with my friends at all. I treasure each one of them for their special gifts and for their devoted friendship. They are a family to me.

4. What’s a quote that would represent your philosophy on life?

“It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt.” –Mark Twain

5. If you could have a theme song, what would it be?

Interesting, because Jeremy has asked me the same question so many times, and I refuse to give him an answer. But I will tell you.

My Gram used to play these old records when I was little. Yes, actual records on a record-player if you know what those are. And I think one song has seeped into my subconscious. “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong really reflects how I see the world. I wish everyone did, even now, with our future so precarious. It still is a wonderful world.

Mel, thanks so much for stopping by the blog today. It was a lot of fun having you here!

Stop by again tomorrow as we welcome Ben to the blog to let us in on some of his most intimate secrets!

Redlisted by Sara Beaman

Title: Redlisted

Author: Sara Beaman

Series: Mnemosyne's Head (Book 1)

# Of Pages: 244 (ebook edition)

http://www.sarabeaman.com

4 out of 5 Stars

GoodReads Summary:

Kate wakes from a gunshot wound to find herself dependent on the blood of the man who shot her. She can't remember who she is and her own face in the mirror is unfamiliar. As she tries to unravel the mystery of her own identity, she's swept along on a covert mission she barely understands.

Remnants, a vampiric race of post-mortals, maneuver for power in the world of plastic surgery, internet conspiracy theories, and information-stifling media conglomerates. Those who can control dream and memory muddy the waters as the mission converges on a underground bunker and the key to a source of eldritch power. Kate must uncover her past and tease apart clues to her companions' urgent mission so she can take a stand before it's too late to act.

*I received this book for free to review from the: [Lovers of Paranormal ] Read2Review Program*

My brief description of the book:
The story opens with a girl that can not remember her past. When she looks in the mirror, the reflection staring back at her is also unfamiliar. All she remembers is that she is preparing herself to become a double of someone else, but can't remember who. Due to her new appearance she is mistaken for a powerful remnant named Marabel and is shot. Upon realizing he shot the wrong person, Adam does everything in his power to make sure she survives. What he doesn't realize is that this girl is the key to remembering the past and saving the future of his kind. 

Writing Style:
I instantly fell in love with the writing style of this book! The chapters alternate between the point of views and dreams/visions of Kate and Adam. The visions and dream scenes contain much of the details for the backdrop of the story and explain how things ended up the way they currently are in the present time. This style of writing make this book a quick read that was hard to put down! Sara Beaman put a lot of effort in establishing the plot in her story and believe me it shows. Some parts were a bit confusing at times but as the story continued every detail began to make sense. I enjoyed the way Redlisted ended, it has the perfect introduction for the next book! (Which I CAN NOT wait to read)

My Overall Opinion: 
Redlisted was nothing like I thought it would be, it was so much better! I loved how the author provided many details of the story through various dreams/memories of the main characters. At times some parts of the dream sequences were a bit confusing but in the end everything came together nicely. One of my favorite aspects of this novel was the many different groups of Remnants (vampires) included, each having specific abilities. This story took me on an action-packed journey I will never forget. Sara Beaman keeps some of the classic traits of vampires we have grown to love while adding refreshing new abilities that will keep you craving more! Do NOT let the summary throw you off, give it a try I promise you will be blown away!  
  
*In my opinion the summary provided from GoodReads seems far too harsh almost giving this book a war-like feel...scaring away a lot of potential readers!*

Who is Audrey Wickersham?

Title: Who is Audrey Wickersham?

Author: Sara Shrieves

# of Pages: 147 (eBook edition)
Series: Book 1

4 out of 5 Stars

GoodReads Summary:

I know everything that's happened is my fault. I try to tell myself that it's okay, I never wanted a normal life to begin with. But then I think about who's been hurt, and I wish that I could go back to the beginning. Back to when I was just a nobody wandering the halls of my high school, alone and unnoticed. Back to when I was completely oblivious to what killing somebody felt like.

You have to understand though, I had no choice.

*I received this book for free to review from the: [Lovers of Paranormal ] Read2Review Program*

Could you imagine being attacked by a strange worm-like thing that in a short time would cause you to become a zombie? That is exactly what happens to teenager Audrey Wickersham in this story....

Writing Style:  

"Who Is Audrey Wickersham" is a debut novel from author Sara Shrieves. I have to admit that for being a new author she does an amazing job! Her writing style is very laid back and easy to read. She gives you just enough detail to understand what is going on and to keep your attention. She brings her characters to life in such a way that you find yourself lost inside their world. I hope to read more of her work soon!

My overall opinion: 
I knew from the instant I saw this cover I had to read it! It had everything I would ever want in a book.... (zombies, witches, vampires, an epic gay man, and humor) I loved how zombies and vampires come together in this story, giving the paranormal genre a refreshing change. My favorite part about this book was the humor, at many parts I caught myself laughing out loud or giggling to myself. (I'm pretty sure people thought I was nuts) I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a quick, humorous read filled with all things paranormal. 

However the ending disappointed me. It was so abrupt that I was sure that some chapters were missing, but that was not the case. This book has so much potential and am pleased to hear that a sequel is in the works! I really want to know what happens to Audrey and see how she adapts to her new change!

To read the entire first chapter of this novel: http://www.sarashrieves.com/

I got a Liebster Blog Award!

Being a new blogger, I was excited to find that I was awarded the "Liebster Blog Award" from my lovely subscriber Debdatta from b00k r3vi3ws... I truly appreciate you thinking of me and including me in your choices! Thank you so much it means the world to me! 

What is a Liebster Blog Award? 

I was asking myself the same question when I heard about it. After some research I found that this award has a few variations and was invented a few years ago. This version of the award is given to blogs with fewer than 200 subscribers and comes with 5 questions from the award giver. Oh yeah, in case you were wondering, Liebster is German word meaning "favorite" so in translation "Favorite Blog Award" (something to that effect) 

 THE RULES

 Thank and link back to the giver
 Answer the award giver's questions
 Nominate 5 other blogs that have fewer than 200 followers 
(send them a note telling them along with a link back to your post)
 Ask 5 questions for your nominees to answer 

(different from the ones you were asked)

Q & A Time

1. Hardcover, paperback, or ebooks? 

I love any format really, but my favorites I prefer to have in paperback. (even if I already own them as an ebook)

2. What's your ambiance while writing your blog posts?

Complete and utter silence. Sadly, my attention span and concentration can be broken rather quickly... lol

3. One movie based on a book, you think has actually managed to do justice to the book.

I would have to say "The Hunger Games", asides from a few minor changes I feel the movie portrayed the plot and characters extremely close to how they should have been! 

4. Do you have an Idol – a Role model? 

Yes. My role model is my mother. She may have been strict on me, but she worked her butt off to take care of me and help mold me into the woman I am today! 

5. What’s your mantra in life?

I'm a bit confused on definition of mantra, I'm thinking it means a quote or saying that you live by. (hopefully) If that is the case mine would be..."I Can Only Be Me, take it or leave it, but you can't change it."

My Nominee's & Their Questions

This Bookish Endeavor

Book-Dessert

Robin's Nest

Caffeine and Books

Frozen in Fiction 

1. What is your favorite genre of book to read?
2. What made you decide to start a blog?
3. What do you enjoy reading more, stand-alone novels or series?
4. Do you judge books based on their covers?
5. What other hobbies do you enjoy?

The Soul's Mark: FOUND by Ashley Stoyanoff

Title: The Soul's Mark: FOUND

Author: Ashley Stoyanoff

Stand Alone or Series?:  Series (The Soul's Mark #1)

Number of Pages: 240

5 out of 5 Stars

GOODREADS SUMMARY:

 Anxious to leave her destructive past behind, Amelia Caldwell moves to Willowberg, excited for a fresh start. Once there, she discovers that her birthmark is more than it seems. She has been marked by a vampire’s soul. Not only does she hold his soul, but Amelia is also his soulmate.

After almost a century of searching for his soulmate, Mitchell Lang fears the worst—he is going to lose Amelia to another man. His heart takes over, and his impulsive decision to take away her free will and to intensify their bond quickly turns her growing love into hate.

When they become trapped in the emotional rollercoaster of their souls' bond, open conflict erupts. Amelia has no intentions of belonging to anyone, not even her soulmate, and Mitchell refuses to let her go.

While she frantically searches for a way to escape his grasp, Amelia unlocks the painful memories of her past and uncovers a powerful secret. But before she has a chance to explore her newfound edge, she finds herself caught in the middle of a deadly game of revenge and is forced to realize that YOU CANNOT RUN FROM DESTINY.

MY REVIEW:

Once I picked up this book, I could not put it down! (I read it over a course  of two days, the fastest I've ever read a book of this length) I loved everything about this book and hated that it had to end. Trust me, this is not your traditional vampire novel. It's a love story of sorts with a heart-wrenching past. The supernatural aspects of this book blew my mind, I love the approach Stoyanoff  took to express them! Clever and modernistic!

I absolutely loved the writing style of this book! The character development and plot of this novel were superb. I normally have a hard time keeping up with a book that has a lot of character dialog, especially if it involves more than a few different characters. The conversations in this novel read so naturally, that at times it felt like I was in the same room as the people talking. (A very surreal and awesome feeling!) I grew an instant connection with most of the characters, feeling their emotions and thoughts. Hands down, Stoyanoff's writing style will keep you entertained and craving more!

I am excited that a sequel is in the works and CAN NOT wait to see how the story unfolds!

Quick Update + Possibile GIveaway

Hey guys here is a few short updates...

First off, I would like apologize for my brief disappearance, this month has been chaotic! I am happy to announce that we have almost 30 followers! I never imagined to have that many, it brings sheer joy to my heart...THANK YOU so much! Once we reach 50 followers, there will be a giveaway in the works... my way of showing appreciation.. :)  Share this page everywhere you can, let's make this happen!

I am happy to announce that I will be posting two reviews very soon! I plan on doing these reviews a little differently this time around and hope you guys will like it! I'm also currently in the process of revamping the look of Accepted Wisdom. (should be done by the end of this month) 

Take care everyone, check back soon for my reviews of:  "This is Not a Test" by Courtney Summers and "The Soul's Mark: FOUND" (The Soul's Mark, #1) by Ashley Stoyanoff

Brunswick by Ann Haines

4 out of 5 Stars
The courageous tale of a young teen who wakes up in a strange world that seems so strangely familiar...

 A spoil free brief description:

Jonathan Brunswick, a fifteen year old, wakes up disoriented and slightly injured in a unknown place. He soon discovers that he is in Brunswick, a magical land created from his imagination. He has been called upon to help save Brunswick and its people from a darkness known only as the Destroyer. Time is running short and with only a week of training Jonathan and a small army set off to battle the evil that is overtaking the land. Will their bravery and unexpected allies help defeat the darkness?

Writing Style:

 Ann Haines is a debut writer and that somewhat shows in her writing. The novel had a few grammatical and spelling mistakes but not enough of them to take away from her writing.  She creates a magical world filled with many wonderful characters. The story had great flow and really captured my attention. She has the type of writing skill that will make you come back for more!

 

 My Overall Opinion:

I have to admit that I really enjoyed this book! I got lost within the pages and hated to put it down. I felt so close to all the characters and found myself wishing that I could be a citizen of Brunswick. At times the story brought tears to my eyes and at other times I found myself afraid of what might happen. The story has such a positive message: Always Stand Up For What You Believe In! I truly look forward to reading more of her work in the future! 

Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma

 

5 out of 5

 A new kind of Romeo and Juliet; this story will open your mind while breaking your heart!

  

a spoil free brief description:

Seventeen-year-old Lochan and sixteen-year-old Maya step in to take care of their 3 younger siblings because their mother is an alcoholic who sometimes stays gone for days, leaving all the responsibility on Lochan and Maya. The responsibility and stress they endure forces them mature quickly and become extremely close. They have fallen in love, they know it is wrong but to them it feels so right. A love story so forbidden, how could it possibly have a happy ending.

Writing Style:

The writing style of this book was the first thing that caught my attention; Tabitha Suzuma writes in the perspective of both Lochan and Maya. The chapters alternate between the thoughts each character letting you in on the entire story. Suzuma allows you see how they both react to certain circumstances, thus letting you understand Lochan and Maya on a very personal level. Suzuma tells a great story that flows together very beautifully. The story unfolds at a great pace and keeps you craving for more.

My overall opinion:

Let me start off by saying that Forbidden is my favorite book of all time up to date! I was in a bit of a reading rut at the time I started reading this and was looking for something completely different then anything I've ever read before. I honestly never thought I would find myself reading a book regarding incest and enjoying it; but this book took me by storm! It took me on an emotional roller coaster that I will never forgive. At times I would laugh out loud, gasp in shock, scream in anger, cry tears of sadness and even tears of happiness. After I finished it, I was left with this haunting feeling. The ending broke my heart and I could not get it out of my mind, it was extremely shocking. Even thinking about it now as I write this nearly brings me to tears.

I know Incest is a very taboo and controversial subject that many people are quick to be disgusted of but this novel will open your mind and hopefully make you feel a little differently about it. You may not agree with the love Lochan and Maya share but you will understand how and why it happened. Just give this book a chance, I promise you won't regret it!

New Design, Time to Shine

I just spent the better part of 2 hours working on this new layout, I had no idea how difficult it would be! I hope you guys like it, please let me know if there is anything I need to fix or add. I'm still really new at all this but I am open to any and all suggestions :)

Update: I will be writing a few product reviews and also a book review that I plan to post early next week! So please be looking out for it, I plan to start posting them late Monday night... I'm so excited! I hope all of you are as well! Talk to you next week :)