The Roving Reader

Ooh. I spy with my little eye, something new AND signed!
Check it out guys!

The Slayer Chronicles
By
Heather Brewer

What have you seen when out and about?
Do tell!

Until next time ...happy reading!

READ ALL ABOUT IT: Exciting News for 'Nikolas & Co'

Hi everyone!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Some exciting bookish news just reached my inbox and I simply HAD to share it with you....so of course there's only ONE type of post that could simply be done.  Time for you to...

...READ ALL ABOUT IT!

You may remember earlier this year hearing a little something about a forth coming book entitled Nikolas and Co: A Creature Most Foul.   If not, no worries, simply click here or here for a brief reminder.  Don't worry, I'll wait.

 

*tick tock*

*tick tock*

 

You're back?

Good.

This new work of fantasy is by author Kevin McGill from Aero Studios and guess what?

It's NOW AVAILABLE in its full fledged colorfully zany finalized version...and ready for readers like you and me to begin devouring its bookish goodness. 

 

 

 

Are you ready for a grand adventure?

Then let's go!

Pick up your copy today via Amazon and let the adventure begin!

 

 

To view a vlog from author Kevin McGill himself, just check out the official YouTube channel, and to discover more about this exciting tale coming our way, feel free to visit the official website or follow along on Twitter.

Until next time....happy reading!

The Familiars by Adam Jay Epstein & Andrew Jacobson

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers. Time to explore another reading adventure through the eyes of yours truly...are you ready? Are you sure? Best be sure because today’s review is of the first book in a great children’s series that recently saw a bookish birthday as book two was released to a store shelf near you. What’s more, book three on the way (soon but not soon enough!) so if you haven’t been properly introduced yet…please, allow me. Today’s book of choice is…

The Familiars

by

Adam Jay Epstein & Andrew Jacobson

From the publisher…

Is the kingdom's fate in the hands of an orphan cat?


Running fast to save his life, Aldwyn ducks into an unusual pet store. Moments later Jack, a young wizard in training, comes in to choose a magical animal to be his familiar. Aldwyn's always been clever. But magical? Jack thinks so—and Aldwyn is happy to play along.


He just has to convince the other familiars—the know-it-all blue jay Skylar and the friendly tree frog Gilbert—that he's the powerful cat he claims to be.


Then the unthinkable happens. Jack and two other young wizards are captured by the evil queen of Vastia.


On a thrilling quest to save their loyals, the familiars face dangerous foes, unearth a shocking centuries-old secret, and discover a destiny that will change Vastia forever. Their magical adventure—an irresistible blend of real heart, edge-of-your-seat action, and laugh-out-loud humor—is an unforgettable celebration of fantasy and friendship.

I had the pleasure of working with these gentlemen last year as this book made its way through the blogosphere on a special Halloween themed tour (check the link to see the special spooky message that was made just for my (YOU) readers!) and if I do say so myself, it was A LOT of fun. Same can be said for the book itself, though my reading adventure was delayed a bit….okay, a lot, but reading schedules, they fill up fast! Anywho, once I started reading this one, I said to myself….self…how could you let this one sit SO LONG without reading it?! Do you like making yourself miss fantastic tales of adventure, danger, magic, and animal friends? Huh? Do you? What can I say…I’m my own worst critic…but you know that little voice was right, and trust me when I say…DON’T make the same mistake!



The story in brief…..Aldwyn lands in a pickle (not literally) and is forced into hiding when the Hunter (a big, dark, and SCARY man…~shudders~) is called out to capture him. While trying to escape, he ducks into a pet shop that would prove anything but mundane and set him on the path of a destiny he knew not of. From humble upbringings to the formation of a potential family (something he has longed for), Aldwyn learns that sometimes you can depend on others to be there for you and his new found friends are just the group to illustrate that lesson. Stormy waters are definitely ahead as his new found paradise is turned upside down. Will they be able to navigate the trials ahead? What of the secrets each of them hold? All will be revealed…in time…that is if they can stop it from ending them first!

A tale of friendship, family, and all the things money CAN’T buy…regardless of what you desire. I loved the main characters from the tips of their wings to their furry tails and even their bulgy little eyes. The roles each were given were well filled and the human like qualities they were granted matched well with the storyline created. I couldn’t help making an observation though. It may be something that all books featuring wizardry in any fashion suffer from thanks to a particular series garnering A LOT of attention (~whispers~ Harry Potter…in case you didn’t know which one I meant… ^_^), but our wizarding friends though furry, feathery and slimy (sorry about that Gilbert), carry some distinctive character traits of the infamous human trio. How so? Well, not to put too fine a point on it but if they were to trade places, Aldwyn would be sporting round glasses, Skylar would have frizzy hair, and Gilbert would be one of many siblings (oh wait, he already is…) and a red head.



Yep, it’s not a hard stretch to make the association…HOWEVER, despite the similarities seen and the risky adventure they are embarking on, the story itself stands on its own two feet….or legs….or four paws…no support necessary (except from readers like you and me). I can see a younger reader getting behind this story as the fascination with animals usually hits at an early age. I can see teen readers looking for a new adventure, still filled with magic and wonder but in another form, reaching for this curious tale. I can certainly see adult readers (*raises hand*) reaching for this series because really….you are never too old for animal stories filled with magic, adventure, and heart.



All in all, a find addition to the world of Children’s Literature; if you haven’t picked this one up yet, I kindly suggest you do….that way you’ll be on track to read book two, out now (…and review coming soon right here) and book three upon its release. Trust me, you won’t regret it…and if you do, I’m sure Skylar will help you with a spell to extract your revenge.



Review copy courtesy of authors Adam Jay Epstein and Andrew Jacobson, as well as the kind folks at HarperCollins Children’s Books. (THANKS TO ONE AND ALL!) For more information about this series, feel free to check out the official website for more adventure, including the chance to find out which familiar would be a good match for you! (Mine was a raven… “…a Protector of the Land.” How’s about you?) To find out more about the authors, follow along on Twitter. If you seek more information about the publisher, visit them online or follow along on Twitter. Oh and I almost forgot….the series? It’s gonna hit the big screen one day….yep, another book gem turned box office gold. (Congrats guys!)



Until next time…happy reading!

Taste Testing Tuesdays

Good morning (or whatever time it is where you are), everyone!

Welcome to another installment of Taste Testing Tuesdays here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers!  Taste Testing Tuesdays was inspired by 'Teaser Tuesdays', a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. 

 

On the menu this week...one book that's flying by but suggests a horror few can imagine...a world where chocolate and caffeine are illegal (and that's not all)?! O_O ~shudders~

On to the teaser.....

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

 

 

I have to admit it:  it was amazing how fast the rumors spread.  Minors weren't allowed to have their own phones, and no one of any age could publish, virtually or otherwise, without a license or even send an e-mail without paying postage and yet gossip always finds a way.  And a good lie travels a heck of a lot faster than the sad, boring truth.

-- pg 10, All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin (ARC)

Whoa.  O_O  Can you imagine?  There's a even a black market for paper...especially books!  Yeah...I can honestly say that this is one world that would push many to criminal activities (*raises hand*).  I mean really, outlawing paper books?  The horror...the horror....This book is one sale now should you wish to explore this "crazy" world before I get to share it here on the site.  For more information, check out the publisher's site....

 

 

 

 

 

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

*Open to a random page

*Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

*Share the title & author, too, so that other participants can add the book to their TBR.* 

 

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Until next time....happy reading!

 

 

In My Shopping Bag (90)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren.

Through her guidelines, your post does not actually have to be named the same and thus my post shall be..."In My Shopping Bag".  (just fits with the "foodie" theme a bit better in my humble opinion)

 

Let's take a peek inside my shopping bag from this past week....

 

 

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Review

 

The Familiars, book 2:  Secrets of the Crown by Adam Jay Epstein & Andrew Jacobson

(review copy courtesy of HarperCollins)

Gotta say it, this was a surprise!  How so?  Well, you may remember that I participated in the blog tour these fab authors recently traversed through the blogosphere and in doing so, I also had the opportunity to read and review (post coming soon) an ARC of this title.  Low and behold this past week...a finished hardback version arrived! *cue happy dance*  It now sits next to its matching partner (aka book 1) and awaits the arrival of book 3.  If you haven't had a chance to check out this great children's series (suitable for all ages), be sure to add this to our wish list!

Ghost Files

Ghost Trackers

by Jason Hawes & Grant Wilson

(Review copies courtesy of Melissa at Simon & Schuster)

Perfect reads for this time of year, right?  Definitely...unfortunately my "to-read" list is gonna push these babies back a few months (yep...months) but that doesn't mean I'm anticipating them any less.  Lucky for you, they are scheduled for release THIS MONTH from the fabulous publisher so if you're looking for a spooky read to add to your October list, DEFINITELY check it out.  (Psst!  There's second book coming soon as a follow up to Ghost Trackers! ^_^)

-------------------------------------------------------------

Bought

Arffirmations by Ellis Weiner & Barbara Davilman

Christmas is Good! by Trixie Koontz

Well you already know I love dogs....how COULD I resist these?  ^_^

---------------------------------------------------------------

Picked Up

(Just couldn't leave these "guys" homeless....)

The Crucible by Arthur Miller

Sketch for a Portrait by Helen Keller

The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

Hoot by Carl Hiaasen

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

The Final Warning by James Patterson

Gallows Hill

Daughters of Eve

I Know What You Did Last Summer

by Lois Duncan

 

 

 

 

 

 

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So that's it for this week.

 

Add anything to your wish list?

Got some feedback on one of the titles listed?

Just wanna share what you got this week?

 

The comments are open....do tell!

 

 

Until next time....happy reading!

 

STOP...in the name of WINNERS!

Hi everyone!

Time to announce a winner or two of the recently ended contests here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.  This time around you had a chance to win a $10 GC or 1 of 2 copies of a great Kids Fiction title.  Without further adieu, the winners are...

 

Melissa

....for the $10 B&N GC in the Be Scott Nicholsons Agent promotion courtesy of author Scott Nicholson...

and

fredamans

&

Erin

...each won a copy of The Map of Me by Tami Lewis Brown courtesy of Barbara at Blue Slip Media!
 

*and the crowd erupts with enthusiastic cheers*

Congratulations!

 

 

 

The winners have been contacted and since they opted to include their mailing information (where applicable), I don't have to vaguely promise to draw another name if I don't get a response; it's a done deal.  Special thanks to author Scott Nicholson for the impromptu giveaway to help spread the word on thsi month's promotion as well as his works of horrow.  You can find him online at http://www.hauntedcomputer.com/.   Addition thanks to Barbara at Blue Slip Media for making Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers a stop on their latest promotion.  (THANKS!)  For more information as well as their full catalogs, check out their websites through the links above! 

 

Now if you didn't win this time, no worries...there's still TWO contests up and running right now, and who knows what's on the horizon!  Just remember, you can't win if you don't enter....

 

Until next time...happy reading!

 

 

 

BLOG TOUR: "Damned" Author Interview + Giveaway!

Hiya readers!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today is DAY 2 of the Damned Blog Tour highlighting this great new release in the world of Young Adult literature and do I have a treat for you.  Yep, I surely do.  Don't believe me?  Oh yee of little faith.

Yesterday, we took a look at the book from a readers perspective...fun, but somewhat the usual fair found here.  Today...we approach the story and characters from the inside out with an AUTHOR INTERVIEW featuring both creative minds behind this curious series.  Ready to read all about it?  Here goes.  Please join me in welcoming author's Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie!  Take it away ladies....

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Author Interview:

Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie

The Crusade series is a co-authored work, meaning shared the creative endeavor with another writer. Do you find the process of working with a co-author on a title easier, harder (or somewhere in between) than working on a novel on your own? What unique challenges exist within that working relationship?



Debbie Viguie



Debbie: Easier in some ways. Her strengths are my weaknesses and vice versa. Plus there is no such thing as writer’s block when you’ve got two heads working out problems!

Nancy: It’s great when you can call the other guy and say, “I’m stuck. Help!” Or “This is so COOL! Read it!” and she’s right there. A lot of people ask us how we write long-distance. Email and phone calls. And we also work at Disney theme parks together when we can.

What was your favorite scene written into the Damned story? Any scenes that didn't make the final edition you sorta miss?

Debbie: My favorite scene is the final fight scene of the book which is incredibly intense and personal. I can’t say more about it than that.

Nancy: We cut a creepy scene starring Noah that will be in Book 3, which is titled VANQUISHED.

Though as a writer, I'm certain you love all your creations dearly, if you HAD to choose a favorite from this series though...who would it be (and why)?

Debbie: Holgar!! He makes me laugh and he’s incredibly strong and compassionate.

Nancy:  I can’t decid between Antonio and Holgar. Antonio is so passionate and caring. He would give his life for you in an instant. But Debbie’s right about the H-wolf. He’s so warm and funny. And brave.

Words can mean so much even when they are few. Is there any particular line in the book that just stuck with you? Something that just captured the mood or action of the moment?

Debbie: “Let’s go.” It’s in that final fight scene.

Cover art can make or break a title for some readers, and the cover change between Crusade in HB and Crusade in PB was pretty big. Couldn't help but notice Damned fell right in line with the new cover choice. Is it all you hoped it'd be?

Debbie: I loved the HB version of Crusade but I am thrilled with the cover of Damned.

Nancy: We think “Antonio” is so hot. The cover model is named Sterling and I know he was out in L.A. last year for pilot season. Go, Sterling! We’re rooting for you!

The question on everyone's mind...will there be another installment in the series?

Debbie: Yes! Vanquished is coming in a year.

Nancy:  Debbie and I are working on VANQUISHED right now.  As usual, we get to listen to “The Magic of the Wizard’s Dream” by our favorite group, Rhapsody of Fire.  It’s on our playlists.  We have sworn to see them live in concert!

Anything ideas for it that you've been rolling around in your creative minds that you can share?

Debbie: Nancy and I have plenty of tricks up our sleeves.



Nancy Holder



Nancy: Debbie and I came up with the idea for an adult horror series while on book tour. We started saying things to each other, took one look at each other, and starting squeeing. Our poor media escort nearly ran off the road. That might not have been a bad thing, though--we were very near a Cheese Castle and we were dying to go in. Wisconsin is so awesome--castles to cheese. Go, Wisconsin! I love you, Mequon and Milwaukee.

I've heard from your illustrious assistant Erin (~waves~) that you were on tour for this particular title. How exciting! What was your most memorable stop (and why)?

Debbie: It’s all been great! I have to say, though, that i love the architecture of St. Louis!



Nancy:  Isn’t Erin awesome?! It was a fantastic tour.. One of the most memorable parts of the tour was staying at the Moonrise Hotel in St. Louis. We had no idea St. Louis was so cool! And we saw a building on St. Louis University campus where there was supposed to have been an exorcism. Part of the same building was used in the movie!

And we found the house we’re going to buy together someday--the mansion that used for the exteriors in both Addams Family movies--it’s on Star Island in Miami. I loved visiting some wonderful independent bookstores: Pudd’nhead in Webster Groves; Books and Books in Miami; and Next Chapter Books in Mequon. They are fantastic, wonderful bookstores--like theme parks with books instead of rides.

Quid pro quo....

Favorite book at the moment...

Debbie: ...of all time - The Lone Star Ranger by Zane Grey

Nancy: THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE by Shirley Jackson

The thing I'm most looking forward to...

Debbie -Some day getting to visit Prague which is the setting for Kiss of Night, my new Christian vampire novel.

Nancy: Near future: A nice, fun day at Disneyland with my daughter, just hangin’ out and chillaxin on some rides. Long term: Getting our yard redone and our garden put in. My daughter has asked for some space for an aviary for a falcon or an owl. She wants to get her falconry license. I love being a mom.

One question I've always hoped to be asked but it just hasn't come up yet....

Debbie: Favorite food? (Salami and cheese sandwich)

Nancy:  Favorite drink? Cream soda!



Parting thoughts for all the readers out there...

Debbie: Keep reading! You’re the reason we write!

Nancy: Thank you so much for all your support. We couldn’t do it without you.

 

 

 

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Wow...now didn't I tell you this was an interview not to be missed?

Thank you SO MUCH ladies for taking the time to indulge this reader's curiosity.  It definitely sounds like you had a great time creating this series and a blast on the tour...can't wait to see what the final book in the series has to offer, especially with the cliffhanger-esque ending in book 2!

 

Now, fair readers...time for even MORE fun, if that was even possible.  ^_^  Time to get you entered to win your very own copy of this exciting novel and thanks to an invite from a fellow blogger, I was going to make it easy-peasy on you with the new Rafflecopter entry format, but couldn't get it to work. *-*.  Oh well, the old fashioned way it is.  I've given you multiple ways to gain entry into this fab contest, so please feel free to take advantage of them one and/or all!

 

  Prize: (1) copy of DAMNED (Crusade, book 2) by Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie



Open for entries from Saturday, September 24th, 2011 through Sunday, October 2nd, 2011 midnight CST. Open to one and all!




-------------------------------


How to enter....

MANDATORY ENTRY:

Leave your name and valid email address in the comments below. PLEASE NOTE: If chosen as the winner, you'll have 48 hrs to respond to my email with your full name and address for prize send out....if not received, a new winner will be chosen.







EXTRA ENTRIES:
Just leave your +1's with required links, user names, etc in the comments below.


+1 - Leave a comment on this post. What did you find most interesting about the interview? Any questions for the authors? You never know when they might swing by....



+1 - Tweet about the giveaway! Just copy and paste the following for an easy-peasey entry...

I just read @GRgenius's interview w/@nancyholder & @debbieviguie and entered to win a copy of DAMNED! UR turn--> http://insatiablereaders.blogspot.com/2011/09/blog-tour-damned-author-interview.html


+1 - Follow author @nancyholder on Twitter


+1 - Follow author @debbieviguie on Twitter


+1 - Follow me (@GRgenius) on Twitter


+1 - Follow my site on GFC....just click on JOIN in the left hand sidebar

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For more information on the book featured as well as the blog tour, please visit the official website.  For more information on the author's behind the series, check out their sites (1 or 2), Facebook pages (1 or 2) and follow along on Twitter (1 or 2)!

Good luck to everyone...and happy reading!

BLOG TOUR: Damned by Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie

Hi there readers!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers. Today we have a special treat for you as we welcome to fabulous YA authors who've recently celebrated the release of yet another book.  Yep....prolific they certainly are.  This book happens to be book 2 of a trilogy and has LOADS of action, story and danger.  Allow me to introduce today's blog guest and book of choice....

DAMNED

(Crusade, book 2)by
Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie

For those who haven't read book 1 (CRUSADE), there may be a spoiler or two so feel free to seek thee out the first title (or grab a quick refreshed by searching my review of said book right here on my site)....but I'll try to keep them at a minimum.  Let's check in on the characters we've come to know, shall we?

Eriko, the Hunter and former leader of the Salamancan group, is dealing with the changes....though not in her position but rather physically and mentally due to the changes granted her by her role. Holgar, our resident good guy werewolf, is dealing with echoes of his past as he struggles to maintain the life and health of his fighting partner Skye. Speaking of Skye, this time around she's not simply the White Witch they defer to for power boosts, protective spells, and healing....she has some soul cleansing of her own to do and her past is about to be dragged out front and center.  Then there's Jamie the hot headed Irish man who harbors a strong hostility towards the Cursed Ones and werewolves alike making him totally focused in a fight but we're about to see a semi softer side of him...yep, that's right, he has a heart and it beats right now for a fellow fighter. (Oooh ...) Side stepping a bit to Antonio, a Cursed One yes but with his eyes on the cross (studying to be a priest as he was doing in life) and his heart with his fighting partner and new team leader, Jenn...his will may be strong be he's not invincible as we're about to find out.  Then there's Jenn. Formerly sweet and somewhat innocent, she's been betrayed by family, lost her sister (sorta) to the Cursed Ones and lost her heart to someone that loves her yes but can never truly be with her.  Oye...add to that the new role of leader to this motley crew and well, let's just say she has A LOT to deal with and it's about to increase ten fold. As Jamie would say...there's a blimey lot of trouble ahead. The battle for our lives, our souls continued as the Cursed Ones gather in strength and numbers but this group as well as a few others we'll meet along the way....never say die.

It's brash. It's action packed. It's a lot heavier than your typical YA paranormal novel not only with relationships and characters but with the dose of religion injected.  That's not to say it preaches Becquerel honestly it doesn't; rather it takes a more accepting few of many belief systems asking the reader to keep an open mind about them all as the story is woven.  Will some take issue with this aspect? Perhaps...but remember fair readers, this was a story created to entertain. Sure it might have some underlying messages of good will to all but what would truly be bad about a more cohesive society where we can live side by side and respect one another, you know?   Something to think about....

In conclusion, a series addition that lives up to the power held in book 1.  You'll grow to love the characters even more as you experience their pasts and follow along as their stories continue to unfold.  Recommended read for teens and older due to violent content...it's not extreme but better suited for that age group.  Be sure to check back in tomorrow as day two of the tour stop here at the site welcomes an interview with both authors that frankly....you won't want to miss.  Trust me...I've seen their answers...good stuff!

For more information on this book as well as their other works, be sure to check them out online or follow along on Twitter (1 or 2).  Special thanks to both authors as well as Erin, Ms. Holder's fabulous assistant, for both the review copy and the chance to bring their tour front and center.  Oh and if you're still reading this post at this point....tomorrow's stop may hold a little surprise too. ^_^

Until next time....happy reading!