Review: Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

From Goodreads: Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything--including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?

My review: Let’s talk about character building vs world building. For some reason, many Fantasy/Para books I read either do one much better than the other, or they balance each other out so that both are ok or good enough. In Nightshade, I was taken into a world where I could envision this town and the secrets it held so much that I felt I was actually there- being guided by Calla, a guardian, who is fearless yet soft, and someone who I would follow and respect. Ms. Cremer is a phenomenal debut author. It is difficult to bring in so many characters yet give them each a unique voice, especially when told from the MC’s POV in first person. Yet I felt that I knew and either loved or disliked each one on a personal level. They were not merely there to simply add to dialog or move the plot forward, they were apart of Calla’s life and as an alpha, Calla showed great courage in her predicaments and when it came time to protect the people (her pack) she cared so deeply for. Now, the love triangle, I am a sucker for a good love triangle, and the author honestly had me back and forth between Shay and Ren. Usually I decide early on whose team I’m cheering for, but both these swoon worthy guys made it difficult to pick. Ren is tough, he’s the alpha of his pack, and has an almost bad boy feel to him. Cocky, but underneath he truly cares for Calla. Shay, god love him, fumbling along trying desperately to infuse himself in Calla’s world. At some points I felt so bad for him. He is definitely strong in his own way, yet he has a humorous side that balances Calla, and provides an escape for her during a trying time in her life. I wanted her to pick both! But I think I’m looking forward to a little more male territorial rivalry in the sequel for that to happen ;) The plot was strong, voice and world was unique, and the romance was full of emotion and passion.

I can’t help but give Nightshade 5 flames!    I want more!

Author: Andrea Cremer

Hardcover, 454 pages

Published October 19th 2010 by Philomel

Review: Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

From Goodreads: Nora should have known her life was far from perfect. Despite starting a relationship with her guardian angel, Patch (who, title aside, can be described as anything but angelic), and surviving an attempt on her life, things are not looking up. Patch is starting to pull away, and Nora can't figure out if it's for her best interest or if his interest has shifted to her arch-enemy Marcie Millar. Not to mention that Nora is haunted by images of her father and she becomes obsessed with finding out what really happened to him that night he left for Portland and never came home.

The farther Nora delves into the mystery of her father's death, the more she comes to question if her Nephilim blood line has something to do with it as well as why she seems to be in danger more than the average girl. Since Patch isn't answering her questions and seems to be standing in her way, she has to start finding the answers on her own. Relying too heavily on the fact that she has a guardian angel puts Nora at risk again and again. But can she really count on Patch, or is he hiding secrets darker than she can even imagine?

My Review: Hush Hush was by far one of my favorite books last year. So I had high expectations for Crescendo, gladly, Becca Fitzpatrick didn’t disappoint. The story picks up a couple months after Patch has gotten his wings back and is Nora’s guardian angel. I was wondering how Becca was going to keep the relationship going between them now that Patch was holy, but just because Patch gained a higher status didn’t change his bad boy attitude (thank god). Soon the couple is hot for each other, Nora professing her feelings for Patch. But an unexpected turn of events forces her mortal enemy, Marcie, into her life and Patch out. I won’t give details, as this is a review, not a book report, but I will say that I was shouting at Patch through this whole book! He is my bad boy fantasy, and Becca takes him to the next level in Crescendo. So many times I actually had to put the book down because I was bewildered by his behavior. And once a new flame, Scott, enters Nora’s life, she is torn between feelings of loss and love and for friends and family, as she tries to unravel the mystery that is her heritage. Vee is a great character and friend, she is always there for Nora and her humor always brings the drama of the story into a wonderful balance. In a deeper explanation of the nephilim, we are taken further into the Book of Enoch. I love how the author balances romance with history in this gripping, heartbreaking and epic tale. Oh, and we finally get to find out what Patch’s real name is! Plot was strong and solid and the love story, as always, between Patch and Nora was HOT!
 I give Crescendo 5 flames!  

Hardcover, 427 pages

Published October 19th 2010 by Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

Author Becca Fitzpatrick

SCWW Writers Conference! Today!

Today I leave for the 20th anniversary of the South Carolina Writers Workshop in Myrtle Beach, SC! I have painstakingly prepared for this convention over the past few weeks, hence why I've been a ghost on this blog and my web site. But who wants to look like an idiot in front of the industries finest? So, I've crammed my head full of publishing info along with researching all the agents, panelist, and key note speakers. As well as the authors that's going to be there. And, my book is edited to the max! And I finally found my hook and perfected my elevator pitch. Not that I'm going to follow or stalk agents pitching at them, I wouldn't dare. But it's better to be over prepared then under. I have a query session lined up with the fabulous Ms. Fox, and if anyone can help me see the trees for the forest, I believe it's her. I'm hoping to come back with loads of new info oozing from my ears. Wish me luck! I'm one excited little girl =) !!! SCWW Check it out!

Author Miniview: Andrea Cremer Author of Nightshade- Giveaway!

WIN a copy of Nightshade! Comment on this awesome Author Miniveiw with the talented Andrea Cremer to enter. Earn an additional point by becoming a follower of this blog! Earn yet another point by tweeting this giveaway! Leave all points in your comment along with your email address. Thanks and good luck!

Ms. Cremer answers a few questions for her fans and aspiring writers everywhere!

Andrea Cremer spent her childhood daydreaming while roaming the forests and lakeshores of Northern Wisconsin. She now lives in Minnesota, but she thinks of her homeland as the “Canadian Shield” rather than the Midwest.

Andrea has always loved writing and has never stopped writing, but she only recently plunged into the deep end of the pool that is professional writing. When she’s not writing, Andrea teaches history at a very nice liberal arts college in St. Paul.

In the little spare time she can find, Andrea stares up at trees, rescues infant rabbits from predatory cats, and invents names for pug puppies with her husband. She has an unfortunate tendency to spill things – white carpets beware!

Her debut novel, NIGHTSHADE, the first of a YA fantasy series, will be published in fall 2010 by Penguin (Philomel). ~From Authros Web Site.

*Miniview*

Ms. Cremer, Nightshade is your debut novel, can you tell your already growing number of fans what the inspiration behind the book was?

- Calla started it all because I wanted to write a story about a female character who wasn’t being pulled into a magical world – she was already in the middle of it, a leader and a warrior. The world of Nightshade came as I tried to figure out how someone like Calla, a girl who I knew was incredibly powerful, could be afraid and angry. What was controlling her? Why would she be fighting against her own destiny? I realized that she was facing off with something even more powerful than herself. That’s where my background as a historian came in. I teach early modern history (1500-1800) – a period of immense, violent change in human societies. This is the time of witchhunts, religious warfare, colonization, the Inquistion; all types of cataclysmic social transformation that turned the lives across the globe upside down. The more I thought about Calla I thought about the ways in which wolf warriors and witches could have intertwined lives.  The mythology in Nightshade is a blend of history and lore plus new twists I imagined along the way.

As an established Author now, can you look back and tell us about any moments of rejection, if you had any, and how you overcame it to go on to becoming a published Author?

- I have always wanted to be a writer, but I didn’t give myself permission to try writing full-time until I was in a horseback riding accident two years ago. I ended up with a broken foot and couldn’t do anything all summer. Since I was stuck on the couch 24/7 I decided it was now or never in terms of giving writing a novel a real shot. Once I started writing I was hooked and there was no going back. Coming from the academic world, I knew nothing about publishing fiction, so I did research. I started querying in December and had many rejections before I found an agent in March, and my book sold to Penguin in the summer of 2009. It all happened very quickly, but I've learned that my experience is unusual - it often takes a very, very long time to find an agent and then find a publisher. The most important thing to remember as an aspiring writer is that you're writing because you love to write and the most worthwhile goals often require a lot of sweat, tears, and patience.

The road to publication is a long and challenging one for most, what was your reaction when you found out that Nightshade had been sold to Philomel Books Penguin?

- I have two agents, Richard Pine and Charlie Olsen, at InkWell and it was Richard who called to give me the news that Penguin wanted to buy the series. I was thrilled but wanted to be professional since I’d only spoken to Richard on the phone a few times and he’s one of the founders of InkWell, so I managed not to scream. Since that time I’ve gotten to know Richard really well and both he and Charlie have been subjected to my weird personality and shrieks of joy when there’s good news.

Awesomeness! Thank you so much to Andrea Cremer for providing such wonderful answers! Check back soon for the upcoming Book Review on Nightshade!

Review: The Light of Asteria- Kailmeyra's Last Hope by Elizabeth Isaacs

Title: The Light of Asteria- Kailmeyra's Last Hope
Author: Elizabeth Isaacs
Publisher: iUniverse
Publication Date: 03/16/2010
Pages: 366

 

So, I’m browsing the Barnes and Noble online YA department, looking for books published by smaller publishers because this was my hunt that day- finding all the publishing houses I could so that I would be ready to mass submit when I received my final rejection letter from the very last queried agent. Huh, what I found on this particular day was so much more.

I came across a beautiful purple cover (purple is my favorite color) and I mean it was purple, so it stuck out, calling me to click on it and check it out. I read over the synopsis and thought, wow, this sounds like some deep stuff.

Synopsis: If Nora Johnson hadn't been on campus that day she would have never known her true destiny. Helping her friends move into the dorm that she wanted to call home, Nora accidentally collides with mysterious stranger, Gavin Frey. His very first touch sends flames through her heart.

The world seems different-something within her has changed.

Nora tries to resume her mundane life, but she is now consumed with the one whose very presence ignited her soul, the one with eyes of emerald. Nora soon learns that an energy buried deep within has been unleashed. She now wields unimaginable power and has become Gavin's source, his strength.

Her newfound joy is shaken when she discovers that Gavin is not who he appears to be and she has been thrust in the middle of a war of mythical proportions. Negativity has allowed all things evil to flourish, the earth is under siege. The fate of creation hinges on the power within her heart. Will she be strong enough to survive?

A gripping tale of unbounded love and ancient power, The Light of Asteria will take you on an epic adventure filled with war, treachery, and demons, as well as unimaginable delights.

Wow, so then I moved on to the reviews. Two of my favorite bloggers raved, I mean raved about how this book changed their lives. So, now I’m thoroughly curious, but for the life of me I could not figure out who published it.

Well, needless to say, I bought the book. I had to find out what all the hub-bub was about. And being as nosy and poky as I ever am, emailed Ms. Isaacs to inquire if she was an independent Author- for one, I had never read reviews chanting, and singing praises the way they were over a self-pubbed Author. And again, I’m nosy and had to know.

Elizabeth replied to my letter with a touching, heart-felt description of how and why she published the book. Just her one page letter brought stinging tears to the corners of my eyes, and I knew, just from her lovely letter, that I was in for a ride with the book.

I stalked my front door impatiently waiting for the UPS guy to deliver it, and when it finally arrived, I tore in and did not move or even acknowledge my family for about two days. I was lost in another world; with people who I felt I was becoming close friends with, and a protagonist that was beautifully-broken in such perfection that she haunted my soul.

Review: Eighteen-year-old Nora Johnson- if I attempt to describe her to you, I’m afraid it would come out wrong, like I’m talking about a saint. But Nora is no saint, she is the deepest and noblest YA character I have ever come to know. She is not perfect, but even in her imperfection we are able to see that her flaws are beautiful. The way she is able to learn with vigor from her mistakes and rise above them to conquer her fears is awe-inspiring. She is a character that I will forever hold dear to my heart, and even question my actions from now on, wondering how she would handle the situation.

And the MC’s love interest Gavin. Whoa girls, I am having to rethink my infatuation with bad boys here. This is one strong, wise, respectful gentleman that sets my insides aflame. I never thought that I could be so attracted to such a wholesome character, but Gavin is the type of MAN I dream of. He guards Nora with such passion and love and desire that my heart felt at times that it would explode from the onslaught of emotion. Gavin alone gets 5 flames from me!

The plot was well plotted; the characters were real and crafted with care. The world building brilliant and vibrant, making me think Kailmeyra is close to how heaven might be, beautiful yet free enough to still be your own person. I truly, truly want to just spill all the goods at this point, but I can’t. I have to restrain myself. I want you all to go out right now, do yourself a HUGE favor and read this book. I do not think my one and a half page review will be able to do it justice. But every girl or woman should experience this for themselves. It teaches you about love, the real kind, without preaching. And it captures another world with ease, making you become a part of that world and Nora’s story. I know that I shall never be the same; it has opened my heart and eyes to new and wonderful possibilities in the YA genre.

And I absolutely adore Edna, Nora's foster Mother. I was so happy to see a YA novel bring in a parent and make them a part of the youth's life in an important and necessary way. Her story was gripping also, and I believe young women need to know that it's ok to have your parents in you life. I could go on about this subject for days, maybe another topic soon.

There is a link to my Author Miniview (short interview) with Ms. Isaacs at the bottom of this page. She is a wonderful writer, and her answers are inspiring. Please check it out and leave some feedback!

 *  This novel is EPIC! The love story beyond smoldered so I give it 5 flames!  

     Please check out the Miniview with Ms. Isaacs here!



Awesome Halloween Giveaway by Courtney Allison Moulton Author of Angelfire!

Ok, are you getting as excited for the release of Angelfire as I am?! Well, if you just can't wait and want a chance to WIN a signed ARC along with other prizes- Signed ARC of Firelight by Sophie Jordan, signed Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers bookmark, DVD of Casper starring Christina Ricci and Devon Sawa, Vampire Nutcracker figure w/bling, Purple Vampire Fangs, Glow-in-the-dark Bat, 2 Halloween Pencils- And that's only the grand prize! There's enough goodies for a second and third place winner, too =) All you have to do is go to Courtney's site  http://courtney-allison.blogspot.com/2010/10/halloween-party-trick-r-treat-giveaway.html and follow the instructions there to enter. Good Luck to everyone! And Happy Halloween! 

Winner Of The Crescent Giveaway Announced!

Congratulations to Donna! Winner of The Crescent Giveaway! She now is on her way to devouring her very own signed copy of debut author Jordan Deens' edgy werewolf tale. Thank you to everyone who participated in the first giveaway on my site. It was a lot of fun and I have more giveaways planned.

One off the top of my head will be an autographed copy of The Iron Witch by debut author Karen Mahoney. Her novel hits bookstore shelves in February, and you have a chance to win a signed copy right here! So please check back for updates on how to enter the giveaway.

This site is still in the process of being built so bare with me as I'm implementing things from my other site to this one. In the next few days I will be posting book reviews, author miniviews, and more contests to enter. Thank you for stopping by!

The Crescent by Jordan Deen! Last Chance Giveaway!

Hey there! Almost up and running now that I have completely redone the registry of this Windows 7 PC. But that's another topic. Today is the last day you can enter The Crescent signed book giveaway! The winner of their very own autographed copy will be announced tonight at 9:00 PM (eastern time) on this blog and my web site! All you have to do to enter is go to http://www.trishawolfe.com/ become a member by signing up, and comment on The Crescent book review. Easy! So what are you waiting for! I loved the book and can't wait for others to discover this wonderful debut author. Jordan's a member and you can find her web site from the members page as well as follow her on twitter. I have more givaways planed so make sure you check back often! Thanks to all those who paticipated and good luck!

Why can't I find a PC?

Ok, bare with me... And excuse the unfinishedness of this blog (is that a word?). I have been trying to build and post on this site for three days now. First- my netbook died. Poor baby, it was a great one, too. A Gateway that I used and abused and it just kept coming back for more, until I attempted to design my own graphics. It just couldn't handle the stress of it all. Second- I, after doing my own extensive research (being the no-it-all savvy PC person) said, "I want a Mac." Those never die. They're great and look cool (all the Celebes have 'em) and it won't ever get a virus. I found out that I am not a Mac. I am very much a PC who does not like change! Death to Mac! It wouldn't even allow me to upload graphics, pics, post on Blogger. Needless to say, I returned the Apple. I do believe Mac's are fun and wonderful machines- for those who do not need or have no need to do more than a few things at a time. I am very demanding. I expect my computer to do at the very least 10 things at once because I am a woman and therefore a multitasker. So, my computer needs to be also. Third- The Geek Squad at Best Buy now know me by name, and I have a Sony VAIO. I begged and cried until the sales guy climbed to the top cage to grab me the last one because THIS was the one. The laptop that promised high performance, long battery life, and a submissiveness that would bow to my every whim. Huh. This poor thing probably won't last a year. The battery shakes when it's moved, the plastic casing honestly feels like I'm holding a toy, and I can't believe it, but it's slower than my used up netbook.
I really wanted my first post to be about something amazing- something like a wonderful book review about a subject I just couldn't elaborate on enough. However, until I find a computer that's a perfect match, I'm afraid this post will have to do.

If there's someone out there who has that perfect relationship with their PC and would like to profess their love, please, honor me with your tale. I'm about at my wits end with these confounded machines. I only ask that it be able to tab from maybe, say, 5 web sites, handel designing graphics and uploading them, support hosting of web sites. That's not too much to ask for in this day and time with all the tech stuff out there is it?

I'll be back when I have found my perfect match, until then, please look forward to plenty of writing talk in the future. But as I've come to find out so far, computers and the writers life go hand in hand. You spend more time with your computer than you do your own children *gasp* admit it, you do! So yes, I want the best one I can find. Peace out!

Review: The Crescent by Jordan Deen

Summary from Goodreads:
Becoming a werewolf is not an option for seventeen-year-old Lacey Quinn, but death can be a strong motivator. Lacey is so focused on her future that everyday life has passed her by. Counting down the days to her eighteenth birthday, Lacey is almost home free. But when she falls for the mysterious Alex Morris, she lands in the middle of an ancient war between two enemy wolf packs. Tempting dreams, tantalizing lies and a dangerous love triangle ensues leaving Lacey heartbroken and confused. Lacey's fate rests in the hands of Alex and Brandon, but both are pulling her strings for their own agendas. Even as she slips further into the dark world of werewolves, Lacey struggles to find the truth and save the only family she's ever know.

Cover: I don’t have to comment much on the cover; if you like werewolves, then you have to love the cover as much as I do!


Review: Right away the first thing that stood out as I dove in was the grammatical errors. Things like; my Mom, then addressing mom in lower case, the use of towards instead of toward, and the lack of commas needed in certain places. However, once I got past the first chapter and the story gripped me, and I no longer noticed them.

The protagonist of this story is lacey Quinn, a seventeen-year-old senior who goes to school half days and works with her aunt Jamie at an animal clinic after school. She was a fresh new character for YA lit. We follow Lacey as she battles the inner turmoil of a dysfunctional home- parents who constantly fight- with her ear buds in, jamming to her favorite bands. Her plan to leave home as soon as she graduates- to escape the scene- is deterred as Alex enters the picture. Tall, handsome, cocky, Alex, who first introduces himself to their Econ class as Lacey’s stalker from Paris that followed her to the states to make her his. I was almost in tears with laughter. This guy has a loveable, confident attitude that any girl could easily fall for. As their fast-paced relationship heats up, we see Lacey question her feelings for him.

 At first things are going smoothly, she even admits to loving him at one point, until in steps Brandon, the mysterious new student who appears and disappears from school, only to reappear again in Lacey’s lucid dreams. Almost immediately Lacey realizes that she must be in love with him, because there is a bond between them, powerful and haunting and terribly confusing. *Spoiler* Brandon even tries to convince Lacey that they are meant to be together because of the matching crescent marks on their palms.* As both guys fight for Lacey’s attention and companionship, Lacey becomes even more confused- not able to distinguish her dreams from reality. Though it is difficult enough to just pick one boy over the other, Lacey finds out a shattering truth, choosing one could mean the death of the other. And not picking at all could mean her own. And if discovering that she is a werewolf, destined to rival one pack against the other, wasn’t bad enough, she finds out that the parents she loved her whole life were in on it.

 That’s enough to level any girl’s sanity. But Lacey picks herself up, thrust herself into the fray and comes out strong and ready for more. The feud between packs was a different spin on the werewolf theme, and overall I truly enjoyed this book. The love triangle in this novel will have almost every girl swooning, whether you are team Alex or team Brandon, that’s up to you. I personally can’t pick yet, I am awaiting the sequel to find out!

This book was hot! I give it 3 flames