Shelf Saturday Featuring Laura Lond, Author of My Sparkling Misfortune

We all love our books, and we want them to have the best shelves ever. Also, this is a new way to sort of show off your book collection, along with your funky shelves.

ARGH tried fitting himself in a bookshelf but had a hard time doing it.  Big guy learned his lesson :D

Last week there was no Shelf Saturday, so to make up for that, I'm going to show you something different, this time we're featuring a 'Kindle shelf' and my newest favorite author, Laura Lond, was very happy to share the books on her Kindle for us to check out and drool over :D

Remember Laura Lond?  She's the awesome author of the book, My Sparkling Misfortune, whose main character, the villanous villain, Lord Arkus of Blackriver Castle will be interviewed by none other than ARGH.  Watch out for that here!


Laura also wrote another set of books, The Adventures of Jecosan Tarres trilogy.

What are your most favorite books among those on your Kindle?
 

The Riyria Revelations fantasy series by Michael J. Sullivan and the Elfhunter trilogy by C.S. Marks. I was very fortunate to have come across these books, they are exactly the type of fantasy I enjoy.

 

The Riyria Revelations series

Elfhunter trilogy

How many books are in your collection?
 

Over forty right now. I’ve only had my Kindle since Christmas. My collection is growing fast though.

 

What is one unique feature of a Kindle that you are most proud of?
 

I love how the book is instantly there when I purchase it from Amazon. No shipping, no waiting - just one click, and I can open my Kindle and start reading.

 

Do you have a reason why you prefer reading on an e-reader than traditional print books?

 

I actually thought I wouldn’t like an e-reader, I loved paper books so much. But when I tried it, I was sold. It is convenient, easy to use, and I can have hundreds of books in it without cluttering the house. Ebooks are also cheaper, too.

 

Even though I am more of a print-books person, I agree that nothing beats the convenience that e-books give us.  And yes, it lessens the clutter.

Thank you so much for sharing your Kindle shelf with us, Laura!

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Think this is a great idea?  Want to have your shelves featured?  Then fill out this form and ARGH and I will email you for details on how to be a movie star - er, how to be featured on Shelf Saturday :D

Book Review: Wild Child by Mike Wells

Photo taken from Goodreads

Book Info

  
Title:  Wild Child

Author:  Mike Wells
Publisher:  Mike Wells (Kindle); Athens Press (Paperback)

Language: English

Format:  E-book (PDF)

Pages:  73 pages
Source:  Reviewer's digital copy from the author, Mike Wells

Buy this book on Amazon 

Summary

From Goodreads:

"Briana Fox is the wildest girl in school. She and Kyle have been close for a long time...almost lovers. Kyle is afraid that if he pushes her, he'll have his heart broken and lose his best friend. When Briana discovers a mysterious "power drug" in a cave, two government agents are desperate to find the source and turn Briana into a human experiment. Will Kyle risk everything to protect his love?"

Review

Wild Briana Fox and level-headed Kyle Dunlap were close friends who love to hang around in Kyle's boat, until one day, an accident occurred that led Briana to discover a mysterious 'power drug' in a cave.  With government agents trailing on their heels, Kyle must decide how far he would go to protect his friend.

And that, dear readers, is Wild Child by Mike Wells.

This story was very fast-paced and urgent, you would never put the book down once you started it, which is quite easy since this novel does not have that many pages - 73 in fact, from the PDF copy I was given for review.  Besides, if this book was any longer, you would not really notice because it demanded your attention so much you just forget about the time.

Briana had such a strong presence in the book, although the story was mostly focused on Kyle and his race to protect his friend.  In my opinion, Briana is the strongest character in this book.  She may not have reflective moments in the book that Kyle had, but what was unsaid about her character was what elevated her and made her a lingering figure.  Which was probably because this story was mostly told through Kyle's point of view, and reading from the chapters, it is easy enough to understand that Kyle is in love with his best friend.  Their characters were very genuine and believable, and although most would say that they were flawed, that was exactly the point, and it was like just reading about a story of two real life people - except of course, that part about the magic drug. 

Mr. Wells' writing style was very easy as he told the story as is, no heavy doses of commentary and dialogue, just pure storytelling which is what most young adult readers prefer.  Caution, however, should be taken when this book is read by younger readers as there are some delicate scenes that they may need walking through by an adult.  No, I am not talking about graphic sexual or violent episodes, but as this is mainly a book suitable for older teens, there may be some parts that a younger reader might need help understanding, although once he/she gets past those, he/she will find that this book is quite an enjoyable read.

But although I was quite blown away by the story, the progression of the novel just left me with a lot of questions and although I know that there are some things better left as they are, I seriously think this story just begs for a sequel!

After all, more adventures equals more fun, right?

Rating

If you have any questions on this particular rating, please refer to my ratings system here.

Notice

I received this book free of charge from the author, Mike Wells, in exchange for an honest and truthful review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Please contact me for questions, comments, and suggestions.  

Seducing Mr. Darcy by Gwyn Cready

Photo taken from Goodread

Book Info

Title:  If I Stay

Author:  Gwyn Cready

Publisher:  Pocket

Language: English

Format:  Kindle Edition

Pages:  384 pages

ASIN:  B001D8QUMU

Source:  Purchased, Amazon

Buy this book on Amazon  

Summary

From Amazon 

"In the second hilarious and sexy novel from author Gwyn Cready, a divorcée suffering from "carnal deprivation" has a racy one-night stand with one of literature's most irresistible heroes -- and learns that you really can't judge a book by its cover.

Mr. Darcy just isn't Flip Allison's style. She prefers novels with hot sex on the bathroom sink to the mannerly, high-tension longing of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. That is, until she pays a visit to Madame K, who promises a therapeutic massage with an opportunity to "Imagine Yourself in Your Favorite Book." Somehow, on the way to a sizzling sink-top session with a Venetian Adonis, Flip lands right in the middle of Regency England -- and dangerously close to handsome Mr. Darcy. So close, in fact, that she discovers a side of him even Jane Austen couldn't have imagined.

Waking from her massage, Flip is on top of the world and ready for her upcoming book club -- that is, until she notices a new scene in which Darcy and spunky heroine Lizzy Bennet are arguing over...Flip Allison? Her rapturous liaison with Darcy has had disastrous consequences for Austen's characters -- not to mention millions of Pride and Prejudice fans! Flip has twenty-four hours to put the story back on course, and Magnus Knightley, a sexy but imperious scholar whose brooding good looks and infuriating arrogance are decidedly Darcy-like, is the only one who can help. The only problem is, Flip can't keep her hands off him, either..."

 

Review

Reading this reminded me of the books I borrowed from my mother.  She's very fond of romance novels and when I began to get interested in reading longer books, I grabbed a book from her shelf.  I was quite young then, so imagine a 10-year-old girl reading the romantic misadventures of a Highland heroine - my mother never stopped me from reading, although she would at times get me age-appropriate books, but I like her books better because it's got better vocabulary, but of course the explicit seduction parts I mostly skipped.  My mother strictly made me do it.

I got interested by Seducing Mr. Darcy because of the title.  Who has never fallen in love with Mr. Darcy at some point while reading Pride and Prejudice?  I know I did.  And like every female, I wanted to get to know Mr. Darcy's ardent, passionate side.  Reading this book, like any romance novel worth its salt, this book enticed you and sucked you into its story.  Were it not for the fact that this was a digital copy, I would have finished this in one sitting.  As it was, life happens and it's easier to put down your Kindle than putting down an actual print book (take that, ARGH!).  But resuming reading, I was even more excited than when I first read it and found myself actually getting into the middle parts in less than an hour.  

The story was very fast-paced.  Because this happens within one day, you definitely sense the urgency but the details of each scene, the minor specifics were not merely sketched, they were well-drawn and vividly described.  The author ensures you never miss a thing, even in the most exciting parts.  

Which is what probably brings me to the first issue I had with this book:  Because it was full of details, how could this book explain the existence of the masseuse herself?  I know that she's essential into making this story work, but no background on her at all?  How did she come across such power?  No back story on that one?  Oh well, you can't have everything, I guess.  I don't want to risk running spoilers so I won't cite further examples.

The characters were very romance-novel credible.  They are strong, but they need love.  I like the fact that each character's voice was very distinct and evokes a specific image in the reader's mind.  

I don't think I would agree much that this book is another of those Pride and Prejudice remakes.  Sure, this story revolves around that novel, but it's only a setting for an elaborate and outrageous but interesting plot, but if anything, pride was only present, mostly in Magnus Knightley's character.  There was no prejudice, nothing of that sort in Flip or any of her friends.  Well Magnus was also a bit prejudiced about American women, but my point is that there is no pride in one character and prejudice in another that when combined together could compare with Austen's narration.  

One lesson I learned through reading most of my mother's romance novels:  Always expect some impossible twists - in this case, the dabbling into the paranormal was of course a bit impractical but it's what held the story up, what made it special and thrilling.  

On the whole, I enjoyed this book a lot.  I like the simple love story between Flip and Magnus - which is grounded more on sex, but what romance novel wasn't? - and liked the human portrayal of our beloved characters from Austen's book.  A lot of sexual references and sex scenes but once you get past that, the story is actually very simple and light.  An easy read after reflecting heavily on Pride and Prejudice - and of course, if Mr. Darcy left you hankering for more. :-D 

Rating

If you have any questions on this particular rating, please refer to my ratings system here.   

Notice

All opinions expressed in this book review are my own and not influenced by any party in any way.

 

Nina vs. ARGH: Printed Books vs. Ebooks

I am currently reading Me, Dead Dad & Alcatraz by Chris Lynch (print) and Seducing Mr. Darcy by Gwen Cready (digital) and as far as I know, I'm making more progress - although still dismal - reading the first book than the second.  It's not that Seducing Mr. Darcy is not good, I think it's all right, but I've been doing a lot of things that's been preventing me from getting near my reader.  On the other hand, ARGH says I don't make much progress because I mostly forget to bring my reader with me and continue to lug heavy books around, and because I favor printed books, which he thinks is so 1999.

Which results to a new argument discussion between me and ARGH:

                           Printed books      vs.              Ebooks

I prefer printed books because:

1. The story feels more tangible to me when I have its printed book in my hands as I read it.  
2. I love the cover designs and the different colors.  Ebooks also have cover designs but I love seeing a particular book cover whenever I want to without having to start a gadget or whatever hassle just to look at it.
3. It's easier to pace myself when reading words on paper.  With digital books, I get dizzy sometimes and my eyes hurt from prolonged reading.
4. It's easy to purchase - just go to the bookstore and there you go!  Ebooks aren't sold much in the Philippines.
5. I can go back and forth different pages easily.
6. My library looks impressive because of the number of books I have :D
7. I don't have to lug around a laptop/my reader just so I can read.  Print books do not need power to function - just a well-lighted, comfy spot.
8. I can smell them - can't do that with digital books!
9. The urge to do my book ritual is satisfied - I can't cover Ebooks with plastic cover.
10. A printed book helps me concentrate more on what I'm reading, unlike Ebooks which I automatically associate with digital articles which I have a little difficulty focusing my attention on.

But ARGH thinks Ebooks are cooler because:

1. It saves trees from getting slaughtered and turned into books.  You can't recycle a bad book - you think you can turn it into a flower vase once you got tired of it or thought it was hideous?
2. You do not have to carry a heavier bag just for the sheer amount of books you packed in it.
3. It saves space - especially in the bedroom so he has more space for himself.
4. Ebook readers are compact but contains multiple ebooks so whether you got bored reading one book, you can switch to another.
5. You can easily take notes and bookmark a page - unlike printed books that get ruined pages when you fold them as bookmark, and the notes stay on the page forever.
6. ARGH also points out that my eyes got ruined at a young age because I loved to read - even in dark places.  Ebooks are read using a reader and it has its own light source.
7. Ebooks never get damaged from fires, water, or sticky substances - not to mention the destructive reading habits of other people who borrow your perfectly-kept print book and return it like it's practically dying.

Do you agree with ARGH or with me?  We can't settle this by ourselves so if you could help us, that would be great:  Do you prefer the printed book or a digital copy would suffice? 

My Very First Giveaway -CLOSED

It's nearing Christmas! But better yet, it's going to be my birthday in four days! So as a thank you to everyone who supported my blog, and as a birthday treat, I'm giving away some titles that I have in my shelf, and some ebooks.

I am from the Philippines and due to financial constraints, I can't fund book shipments to international destinations, but not to worry: Those who have no mailing address in the Philippines may still participate in the ebook giveaway.

Here's how this works:

For residents of the Philippines, vote below for a book you'd like to win:

Which book would you like to win?
	13: A Novel by Jason Robert Brown and Dan Elish - hardbound
	What If... All the Rumors were True? by Liz Ruckdeschel and Sara James
pollcode.com free polls

For international and Philippine residents, vote below which you'd like to win (Note: The two titles with the most votes will be given away as a prize):

Which ebook would you like to win?
	13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson
	Dark Divine by Bree Despain
	Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
pollcode.com free polls

To join, you *must* be a follower of my blog. Just vote for the book you like, and then fill out the form below:


THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.