Printed Books Giveaway Hop - Feb 1st - 7th! (INTL)

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...the place to be when you're feeling bookish and the need to read is overpowering.  Yes, we love indulging those feelings here.  ^_^

Today we are celebrating our love of books, but more specifically, PRINTED BOOKS.  Ebooks are fine and dandy, I mean even I indulge in them from time to time and as long as you're reading, who am I to tell you to stop using your preferred format...but there is something different about the reading experience for me when a book is in its physical form.  Holding the book, feeling its weight in your hands; the texture of the cover, the smoothness of the page.  The beauty of its very presence in your "current reads" stack.  Once read, you gain the ability to flip through the pages, scanning passages that captured your heart or remembering characters met and places visited like old friends in a photo album...plus the chance to visit it all again with a quick jaunt over to its new home on yourself bookcase.  Ah yes, behold the power of the PRINTED BOOK.  *sigh*  With that in mind, as soon as I saw this giveaway hop open up, I knew I had to participate.  

So, are you ready to hop?  Here's the deal...

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

Printed Books Giveaway Hop

Hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer

February 1st to 7th

Ebooks are becoming more and more popular but there are still many people who prefer printed books.  

This hop features only printed books (no ebooks allowed).

I pondered.

I thought.

I ruminated.

I scrambled.

I rummaged through both my mind and my personal library as I tried to figure out just what book to give away.  I mean, should I go classic or contemporary?  Fiction or non?  Kids or Adult?  So many options, so many great titles that I could include.  In the end, I was struck with an idea.  Why not celebrate my love of PRINTED BOOKS with a title that's been in print for a considerable length of time and is cherished by many AND a book that celebrates readers and the books they love with a dash of humor?  Why not indeed!  So, my prize pack was born.  Here's the scoop...

There will be ONE winner.

The winner may be US or International.

The winner's home determines the prize.

US winner will receive...

(1) paperback copy of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

AND

(1) paperback copy of Judging a Book by Its Lover:  A Field Guide to the Hearts and Minds of Readers Everywhere by Lauren Leto

AND

...a bookish surprise or two to go along with them.  ^_^

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

Pretty cool, right? 

Now for our international friends, seeing as we know how international shipping rates can be, I can't send the same prize pack, but what I can do is offer them the chance to create their own.

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

International winner will receive...

A book or books of their choice up to $10 (US) from Book Depository!

Rules...because you knew there had to be some...

...open to EVERYONE; prize is determined by location as described above.
...winner will be contacted by February 8th and have 48 hours to respond with their FULL NAME and MAILING ADDRESS; prize choice also if applicable.
...entries were kept easy peasy and will be verified, so please no cheating, kay?  We wanna keep the blogosphere happy, healthy and honest.  ^_^

So...are you ready to enter?

Just fill out the Rafflecopter form below and you're in it to win it!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Now that you've entered my giveaway, be sure to hop on over to these other great blogs who are also celebrating their love for PRINTED BOOKS!

Until next time...GOOD LUCK...and happy reading!

  

Two are better than one, but three can still be fun...

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...the place to be when you're in need of a bookish break...because seriously, there are only so many backwards thinkers you can take before more than your TIME breaks. *-*

Yes, it's been one of THOSE days to a degree but I'm going to take the path of enlightenment and rise above it all...in other words "fake it til you make it" in the real world and spend a little quality time with all of you as the day permits online.  Sounds good to me, how about you?  ^_^  Anywho, the day actually fits quite well with the books I'm featuring, as do my reactions to it both for better and worse.  They are actually book 2 and 3 of a Middle Grade/Young Adult trilogy (book 1 of which I reviewed once upon a time) that definitely stands apart in today's publishing arena.  How so?  Well, it's the story line that really does it.  It's not in the here-and-now, it's not dystopian, it's not paranormal or even fantasy per se.  It harkens back to a time when mankind lived simply, days were filled with the goings on of immediate life as opposed to that of the distant future and the internet was a far cry from existence.  (Whoa...are you okay there?  I think I saw you swoon... ^_^)  It's a change of pace from the usual hubbub and one WELL worth the read.  If you would please, allow me the pleasure of re-introducing you to this series by author Alan Richard Shickman via today's BOOKS of choice.  First up is book two...

Zan-Gah and the Beautiful Country

In this installment, Zan-Gah and Dael's lives are returning to their normal pace within the Bo-Caro tribe until tragedy touches their world once again.  Dael's wife dies in labor along with his newborn child reigniting the flames of turmoil and destruction within him.  He embarks on a quest to alleviate his pain the best way he knows how...vengeance against the Wasp people that caused him so much harm during his previous captivity.  Little does he know that the angry steps he takes on this fateful day will lead him not to justice and salvation but to imminent destruction of not only himself but all that he cares for.

It's a harrowing tale that really puts Zan-Gah's brother in a new light.  Despite the fact that my description merely makes a passing mention of the kinder brother, he is in fact a key player in this tale.  He's just not as fiery as his brother, though the secrets he harbors and his lack of action will be his undoing to some degree as well.  Hey, no one is perfect but family is family and sticking by each other was big in those times.  In fact, it was often the most of what some families had...too bad this one is crumbling fast.  Lucky for us though because it gives readers a chance to see brotherly love in action as well as responsibility and consequence.

I enjoyed seeing Zan-Gah's battle to do right by his brother while still protecting the tribe he calls home.  I loved the fact that Pax didn't squelch her true self to become a traditional wife AND that Zan-Gah respects her all the more for it.  I also thoroughly enjoyed seeing her become the hero for a spell in the book, something you'll have to read for yourself.  It was brave of her on many counts and that's not something expected of the women in her new tribe.  ALSO, I have to give a brief mention to their friend Rydl who's smarts are JUST as big as his heart...and also introduces us to a character with different "interests", something not normally tackled in stories set in this time period.  Additional points for originality!  Moving forward...let's check out book three...

Dael and the Painted People

This time around, the narrator position shifts to Dael but wait, what's this?  He's a kinder, gentler soul than previously seen (well, at least until you reach the later part of book 2, but I'll let you read up on that to see just how that astonishing change happens) and with Sparrow in tow, he's seeking out a tribe previously encountered on his journey to the Beautiful Country...the Painted People.  Think of them as human rocks because really that's what they resemble when in full camouflage mode.  They paint their entire bodies red with the red rock from the area they live in as a display of their connection to the Earth...but that's not the ONLY difference between the tribes.  This one is run by the WOMEN.  Yep...the women.  They are the ruling party within the group, hunters, archers and the like.  Oh, the men folk help out too but they are the consulted part not the determining party.

Though Dael sought this tribe out in peace, discord tends to follow him wherever he goes...almost like a ghost as penance perhaps for his past deeds.  *ponders*  Whatever the reason, his lot in life at this point seems set and he's about to make an enemy out of a formidable man of the tribe.  Did he deserve his distrust and foolish acts of jealousy?  No; in fact he did everything he could to discourage it, even borrowing a trick from his former enemy now friend Rydl but some people just won't listen.  They are poisoned by what's in their minds and will hear nothing that is said to their hearts no matter how true.  Sad really...I think they could have gotten on well together, even learned a thing or two but well, let's just say that after the ends are met, it's doubtful he'd be good company.  *ahem*

I love how the author introduces us with ease to a new people once again.  He gives us something to build on so we know their history and inner workings but without creating the need for a history book to be written on each.  The connections they have with other tribes is realistic as are their reactions to events that transpire.  I have to say it, it's a well rounded ending to a GREAT series.

Author Allan Richard Shickman

So...in conclusion, this is definitely a series I'd recommend to Middle Grade readers and older that enjoy adventure, a little history and all the quiet (and loud) ponderings of the mind.  There is much to be learned here besides hunting, fishing, weaponry and social ladders.  There's friendship, understanding, forgiveness and love at its heart too.  A well balanced read for boys AND girls that will keep you turning pages straight til the end...and then perhaps wishing for even more.  Hmm...maybe Rydll will get his own story telling about when he was back with the Wasp people or Pax or...

Review copies received courtesy of Bonnie at Earthshaker Books.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this series, be sure to stop by the official website.  The entire collection is available now in print, ebook and audio formats so be on the look out for it on a bookstore shelf or online outlet near you.

Until next time...happy reading!

Oh the places you'll go in books...

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers…the place that aims to satisfy the reader in you…and You…and even yOu!

Quick reminder…there are TWO contests going on right now (and several more just around the corner!) for some AMAZING prizes; one of which happens to end January 31st!  So be sure to check out the right hand sidebar under ‘Current Contests’ before you leave for more details and get your entries in before it’s too late!  Now, on with today’s show…

We’re soaring back into the Young Adult genre today with a title that may sound unusual but is really AMAZINGLY AWESOME, CURIOUS , and ASTOUNDING!  Oh…did I mention I liked it?  Um, a lot?  ^_^  Personally, I think you will too, but I’m getting ahead of myself.  Allow me to introduce you to today’s book of choice…

The Toadhouse Trilogy, 

Book 1

By

Jess Lourey

About the book…

Read for your life!
Aine believes herself to be a regular teenager in 1930s Alabama, but when a blue-eyed madman named Biblos attacks, she discovers that the reclusive woman raising her isn't really her grandmother, she's been living inside a book for the past five years, and fairies are real. With her blind brother Spenser, she flees the pages of the novel she's called home, one terrifying step ahead of Biblos and his black magic. Their only chance at survival lies in beating Biblos to the three objects that he desires more than life. 

Yes, it’s the adventure of a lifetime…or rather SEVERAL lifetimes as they traipse through story after story on a quest they never expected and wonder if they’ll succeed in finishing.  Can you imagine finding out you’ve been living your life in a book and that the story you’ve been in isn’t even your own?  Mind boggling to say the least and living through it may not be desirous (or would it?  *daydreams*) but reading about it…OH SO MUCH FUN!

Aine (pronounced AW-NEE….thank you to the author for the clue in on that within the reading) is a great person and a wonderful sister…even if she struggles with both listening AND being heard sometimes (who doesn’t?).  She has the best interests of her family at heart and strives to keep things easy peasy for all, especially her brother Spenser…who happens to be blind but SO amazing; a great actualization of how a handicapped person is not really disabled…merely differently abled.  Anywho…Aine is also a well rounded girl who not only likes a swim in the river but thoroughly enjoys an afternoon curled up with a good book just like many of us (*high five*)…good thing too because her world is about to turn upside down and that bookish knowledge is gonna come in handy!  Moving forward…

Spenser as previously mentioned is her younger brother and his visual limitations are out shined by his trusting soul, loving heart, easy going demeanor and other skills that will become more apparent as the story progresses (trust me…a clue would be his swimming abilities…that’s all I’ll say).  He doesn’t let anything stand in his way and his connection  with Aine definitely helps make him the kind and powerful spirit he is today. It’s great to see a set of siblings that get along well together…though the brief glimpse I caught of the next two books (yep, already scheduled for June 2013 and 2014! *marks calendar*) tells me things may not stay quite as peachy-keen as they currently appear.  *ahem*  Anywho, suffice it to say that both siblings play an important role in the story and that importance grows with every turn of the page.  Now, let’s talk other characters…

There are several to choose from and many I’d like to indulge but I’ll only skim the surface so as not to spoil YOUR exploration of the book, deal?  So, there’s Glori the children’s grandmother who really isn’t…their grandmother that is.  Yep…who she is, well that’s her secret to reveal but it will definitely surprise both you and the children and that’s only the tip of the iceberg in the reveal department.  Next we have Gilgamesh who is a hard to figure out fellow whose definitely harboring his share of secrets, though at times he lets them slip in a Hagrid-ish manner (..hehe, couldn’t resist the reference…the book had me crossing ideas in my head left and right with all the storylines! ^_^), and I think could end up having a BIGGER role in the story than we’re led to believe thus far…can’t wait to see what’s in store for him.  Now, let’s skip to the bad guy…Biblos.

Yep…sorta like Bilbo but more likely a shortened version of bibliophile because in reality, well their reality at least, that’s only his nickname…his real name is The Bookworm.  *-*  Yeah, this is probably the only book where I’ve seen that used as a BAD thing so at least while you are in the children’s presence, I’d refrain from owning that title.  He’s set on destroying the children or at least using them for his nefarious plans, the why and what of which are somewhat revealed prior to book’s end.  You’ll see why he’s upset but at the same time, the drastic measures he’s taken and the stories he has and continues to destroy make him simply deplorable…he’s hoping the kids can defeat him.  *fingers crossed*

Author Jess Lourey

Story wise, once again I have to resort to the word AMAZING to describe it.  I had a good feeling about the book going into the read but once I was engulfed in their world, I was caught hook, line and sinker.  I love the imagination used to bring the children and their stories to life.  I enjoyed the means of travel employed and finding out how it all actually worked without things getting too technical and the fact that it all revolves around stories and books well that’s just up this bookw…I mean reader’s alley.  ^_^  All in all, a read I would definitely recommend to teens through adults; the story is adventure filled too keep both boys and girls interested and the future reading suggestions embedded within the story help open up new worlds of bookish fun for all.  A job well done if I do say so myself…and I do.

Special thanks to author Jess Loury for the signed review copy (…yep, SIGNED!).  (THANKS!)  For more information on this trilogy as well as the author behind the work, be sure to stop by her official site or like her on Facebook.  Oh…and for those of you that also like to take a dip in the Mystery genre, be sure to check out her Murder by Month series also viewable on her site.

Until next time…happy reading!

Excuse me! Is the Doctor in? Doctor Duck that is...

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...the place to be whether it's cold, wet and rainy outside or the perfect beach day because really, when couldn't you use an added smile to your day; am I right?  ^_^

Speaking of smiles...you may remember that once upon a time I had you reading all about a new site called HooplaHa.  (If not, click HERE for a quick reminder.)  Well, as inspirational and smile inducing as their everyday content can be, I've recently been made aware of one that will not only lift your spirits but is also book related...too cool, right?!  Right!  So, of course...I had to share it with all of you because that's what friends are for.  You're welcome.  ^_^  Turn the volume up and get ready for a healthy dose of "can do" attitude with Doctor Duck...

See?
Now tell me you're not smiling and contemplating just what goal you want to achieve next.  Yep, that's what I thought.  Whether your aim be high or low, world changing or simply afternoon passing, go to it...and do it!  I believe in you, now all you need to do is believe in yourself.


Special thanks to Erin at HooplaHa.com.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this great site, just pay them a visit and watch the smiles unfold.  To catch them on social media, be sure to check out Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+.


Until next time...

^_^

Taste Testing Tuesdays

Hi guys!

Time for a quick teaser Tuesday post on the fly. Why on the fly? Well, life

has been a bit of a challenge recently but that doesn't mean that we can't

still revel in the bookish fun we encounter, am I right? With that in mind,

I give you today's tease... and the first glimpse for both of us of my

latest read in progress...

Hallowed Circle

By

Linda Robertson

I probably would have given more thought to why he wasn't coming back

tonight, but Beverley was eager to handle a knife. That kept me well

grounded in the moment. --pg 102

Ooh...so I get the grounded part but who isn't coming back? Why is the

child eager for the knife? Tell me tell me tell me! *ahem* Yes, to say I'm

anxious would be an accurate assessment. =)

So... What are you reading this week?

Do tell!

Vicious Circle by Linda Robertson

Hi there!

Welcome back to the place that aims to please the bookish part of you every day of the week…Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we’re taking a step outside the reading box, or rather MY reading box and heading knee deep into the land of Paranormal/Fantasy.  Whoa whoa whoa…I know what you’re thinking, you’ve seen those genres on the blog before…and yes my friends, you’d be right; the difference however is that those were from the Kids and Teen section of that world.  This one is squarely in the land of regular good old adult fiction.  Yep.  I branched out and with surprising results.  Ready to hear, or rather READ all about it?  Today’s book of choice is…

Vicious Circle

By

Linda Robertson

About the book…

A girl's got to do what a girl's got to do....
Being a witch doesn't pay the bills, but Persephone Alcmedi gets by between reading Tarot cards, writing her syndicated newspaper column, and kenneling werewolves in the basement when the moon is full -- even if witches aren't supposed to mingle with wolves. She really reaches the end of her leash, though, when her grandmother gets kicked out of the nursing home and Seph finds herself in the doghouse about some things she's written. Then her werewolf friend Lorrie is murdered...and the high priestess of an important coven offers Seph big money to destroy the killer, a powerful vampire named Goliath Kline. Seph is a tough girl, but this time she bites off more than she can chew. She needs a little help from her friends -- werewolf friends. One of those friends, Johnny, the motorcycle-riding lead singer for the techno-metal-Goth band Lycanthropia, has a crush on her. And while Seph has always been on edge around this 6'2" leather-clad hunk, she's starting to realize that although their attraction may be dangerous, nothing could be as lethal as the showdown that awaits them. 

Book one in a six book series (so far) that blends the paranormal and magical worlds of witches, werewolves, vampires, and more.  More?  Yes, more!  But…don’t go thinking you know these creatures or their human counterparts because they’ll turn your previous convictions on their head and send you for a spin.  In a good way, promise!

First up, the witches…seeing as how our leading lady and narrator is in fact a witch; just don’t go waiting around to see her fly off on a broomstick or don the stereotypical long black dress and pointy hat.  This witch prefers cami’s and jeans but her powers are GREAT nonetheless.  She goes by Seph and I love her attitude, which she OBVIOUSLY inherited from her family bloodline because really, her new rooming buddy (aka Nana, her grandmother) is a hoot and a half!  There’s not a conversation she can’t wedge a word in edge wise nor a situation that she doesn’t have some input about…but she also has the best intentions of those around her at heart.  Does that mean there’s no room for our spunky elderly matriarch to grow?  Of course not!  That’s where Seph gets to teach her a new trick or two…ha!  A new trick…you’ll see why that’s funny in a sec…back to Seph.

Seph is a witch that walks the line between following her world’s laws and guidelines and following her own moral compass.  Which one points to truth?  Both…sorta, but if I had to put my faith in one, it’d be her morals because she’s not afraid (mostly) to do the right thing even if a chance has to be taken in order to get it done.  You know, such as risking her own life and the safety of the life she’s built in order to save a cross species friend who might have otherwise been written off…or getting to the bottom of things even when they seem cut and dry on the surface revealing a hidden truth you wouldn’t have smelled a mile away.  She’s got talent, she’s got spirit, and she’s got a lot to learn but she has the skill to do it and do it well.  Now as for her friends…

The circles she keeps include our buddies the werewolves and in this world they and their other paranormal counterparts are out of the woods, coffins and covens so to speak.  The world knows they exist, but nobody said they were happy about it.  It’s not an all out witch or were hunt but it’s not a red carpet welcome either.  That being said, services such as those offered by Seph when its full moon time are much appreciated; that’s room and board or rather kennels, clothes and snacks to you and me.  Oh, and these aren’t just random were’s that come a calling.  Nope.  Over time, they’ve built friendships, connections with Seph and each other and that comes into play more than they realize it will as events unfold.  Also, we can’t end a discussion about the were’s without a nod to Johnny.  Whew!  He’s not your average Joe and at first his looks may startle you really (black leather, piercing and tattoos anyone?) but you can’t judge a book by its cover and believe me, the contents of THIS one are 100% inviting.  *ahem*  I’ll leave it at that…for now.  ^_^  Let’s see, what am I forgetting…oh yeah!  The blood suckers…

Yes, this is one series where the vamps have power and yet aren’t favored for the most part; strange considering their doggy counterparts seem to live in that role most literary turns.  The ones in this book are SERIOUSLY…wrong.  From Goliath (oh boy) to Menessos (BIG TROUBLE), Seph makes a few too many “friends” who’d she (and I) would rather not have made to set things right but like I said, she doesn’t back down from a fight or when a friend is in need.  The path she’s chosen (or has it chosen her?  *ponders*) is not going to be easy, and it’s probably going to be dangerous but lucky for her (and for us) she’s got a few good, no GREAT friends at her side to see her through for better or worse.

Overall, an enjoyable read that kept me coming back for more page after page and character after character.  *ahem*  There’s enough background on each of the paranormal factions to entice you and build up the world you’re encountering but not SO much that it becomes overwhelming.  So if you’re into magical adventures with a twist of normalcy and a good bit of hunkiness thrown in for good measure, I’d totally recommend this book be added to your wish list post haste (for older teens through adult readers).

Review copy received courtesy of Melissa at Pocket Books, a division of Simon & Schuster.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their complete catalog, be sure to stop by their site, like them on Facebook or follow along on Twitter.  OH!  As previously mentioned, this is BOOK ONE of a current SIX BOOK series; the sixth of which was JUST released this month and is entitled, Shattered Circle.  I’ll be reading my way through the series as 2013 continues so be on the lookout for more on how the story progresses, but in the mean time if you've read ahead…scope out the waters for me, okay?  ^_^

Until next time…happy reading!

About Hummingbirds by Cathryn Sill

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers…the place that LOVES books at least as much if not more than you.  ^_^  Hey, it’s that mutual love of reading that brings us together so why NOT celebrate it, right?  

Today, we are partying hard with the written word in a different way…and despite the fact that ‘New Moon’ is on TV right now and totally trying to distract me after a long day back at job one, I’m going to share it with all of you.  (*must not watch shiny vampires*)  It’s a Children’s Storybook that falls in the educational category from the great folks over at Peachtree Publishers (thanks guys!) and written by an author that’s known for her work within this genre.  It’s remarkable insight is only complimented by the illustrations found within and with that intro I give you today’s book of choice…

About Hummingbirds:

A Guide for Children

By

Cathryn Sill

Illustrated by

John Sill

As I said, the remarkable part of this book is not merely in the information it imparts, though that IS plentiful, but in the illustrations.  Each two page spread contains a fact on one side and a full page, full color, detailed as if it was a photograph picture on the other.  It’s extraordinary.  For me, it felt like I had a front row seat to a window box that allowed an unobstructed view into nature’s wonderland.  If you’re a bird watcher, this will be right up your ally; if not, I can’t imagine someone not appreciating the beauty presented.  But, if you find yourself in that smaller camp, there is another aspect of the book to marvel at…the cold hard facts, presented in a not-so-cold but still absolute way.

Though each page only contains one fact on the given hummingbird pictured, the final pages fill in the blanks.  The last six pages offer a few more choice details on each depicted flying friend along with a glossary, suggested reading and even a few websites to check out to further the learning adventure.  Pretty cool, right?  I thought so…and I think younger ones curious about nature (or even older readers that simply love to admire the beauty a printed book can offer) will too.  This book is about of the ‘About…” series available through Peachtree Publishers, be sure to check out the full line as they cover everything from fish to penguins, insects to reptiles and a whole lot more.  Animals not your thing?  No worries!  Check out the ‘About Habitats’ series to learn more about the landscapes that surround you.

Review copy received courtesy of Peachtree Publishers.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their full catalog, be sure to check out their website, catch up on their blog, like them on Facebook, or follow along on Twitter.

Until next time…happy reading!

Bunny Loves to Read by Peter Bently

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers... the place to be any

day of the week when the need to read strikes with a heavy hand.

Today, we're taking a break from the promo posts and jumping back to the

land of childrens storybooks for a quick adventure that all my fellow

bookworms should be able to appreciate. It was a self purchase a few months

back that I just couldn't resist...and so if you find yourself in the same

predicament... you know, about to break a book buying ban or something, I

certainly won't blame you. :) Today's book of choice is...

BUNNY LOVES TO READ

By

Peter Bently

Illustrated by

Deborah Melmon

This is one of those books that I just want to go out and buy for all my

bookish friends (and I have for a few), and even those less than bookish

ones because it simply is THAT good. Take one bunny enraptured with the

world of reading, add in one sunny turned rainy day and mix in a lot of

friends who'd rather play outside than look through the pages of some

boring old book. Yep, Buster Bunny has his work cut out for him, but with a

little inside knowledge he proves there is a right book for every reader

and non.

It's all about connecting them with something that sparks their interests.

Whether it be pirates on the high seas, or fairy princesses escaping wicked

queens...the potential reader has to see something of themselves in the

work, or something they are curious about in order to form a connection

they wish to pursue. It's not an exact science and it certainly gets a hand

from a little bookish magic, but when it happens it's one of the best

feelings in the world for both the seeker and the connection maker. So go

ahead, share your love of reading with your friends, your neighbors, or

even that stranger trying to peer over your shoulder right now, desperate

to see what has captured your attention so; you'll not only be broadening

your horizons but quite possibly introducing them to their next favorite

read.

Review copy from my own personal library. Recommended read for all ages,

shapes, sizes, colors, and even species. There is not a reader amongst us

that could resist its charm nor a non reader that couldn't benefit from is

message.

Until next time... happy reading!

READ ALL ABOUT IT: XII: GENESIS by Jason Rowe and Brian Palmer - FREE Download!

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers....the place to be when the need to read comes a calling; trust me, the answer is always yes.  ^_^

Today I'm spreading the news about a great LIMITED TIME promotion....but first a few questions.

*ahem*

Do you like to read?

To you indulge in ebooks from time to time?

Do you like exploring new worlds of fantasy and dystopian-type futures where things are on the brink of going from bad to worse and the ones standing in its way you're not sure whether to call friend or foe?

If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, YOU my friend are in LUCK because RIGHT NOW there's a FREE READ out there just for you...and if you like it, there's more where that came from as it just so happens to be book one in a forthcoming series!  Too cool, right?  Time for the scoop, so let's....

READ ALL ABOUT IT!

XII:  GENESIS

by

Jason Rowe and Brian Palmer

From Amazon.com...

A century after the world was predicted to end, it was indeed reborn. Under the leadership of the Overseer of New Earth, minds were united, diseases were cured, and the Earth was healed when population centers minimized mankind’s footprint, and the remainder of the planet was turned over to the will of nature. War was eradicated, the world embraced one religion, and the New Era began.

But darkness rises now, mistaken for a mere shadow cast by the bright light of human progress. It is the time of which the ancients foretold. It is the time when all things must end. …It is the time of The Twelve. 

Six men and six women representing all creeds and colors are supernaturally gifted, but the unlikeliest of heroes. They are barely adults by the world’s standards, but still they are called.

Only they can stand against the growing darkness – but will they stand together?

XII: Genesis is the first installment of an eight-book series in the Young Adult / New Adult genres. If action excites you, if the supernatural intrigues you, and if love compels you - then you are invited to join The Twelve in their fight against the growing darkness that threatens New Earth!

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FREE DOWNLOAD

JANUARY 25th - JANUARY 27th

Just click HERE and you'll be whisked right on over to Amazon to grab your copy hot off the ebook presses.  

Though I've not read the book myself...yet...it is on my to read list for later this year.  Want to check out the series a little more before committing to a read?  No worries!  If you missed it, I did a little "meet the book" type post with excerpt a few weeks back right here on the site; that should get you started.  Afterwards, follow the authors online via Twitter, check out their Facebook page or take a gander at the official site and you'll be in the front seat to witness the bookish fun as it unfolds.

Special thanks to the authors for the heads up on this promotion!  (THANKS!)

Until next time...SPREAD THE WORD...and happy reading.

^_^

I can see the light...and the sign...and the stars...and FREE GLASSES for YOU!

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...the place to be if you're a reader in need of a bookish break from your day; happy to oblige...although today's break is a little bit different.  How so?  Well...it's book related and yet not.  You'll see...and no, this isn't a spammy post.  Promise.  ^_^

If you're like me, you LOVE to read...and let's face it, you probably wouldn't have stopped by if you didn't but you may mirror me in another way as well.  What way you might ask?  The need of glasses.  Yep.  If you're a glass wearing citizen of the world, you are not alone; I too depend on them to enjoy the sites I see and though my need is for distance, yours might be for the very pages before your eyes.  No worries!  That's what they're there for but might I ask when was the last time you picked up a new pair?  Uh-huh.  That's what I thought.

If you had to think about it for a second, okay...no worries, but if you had to REALLY think about it, it's probably time for a check up.  I was the later and so when I received an awesome invitation from Firmoo.com to try out a pair of their glasses free (in exchange for posting my honest experience, of course), I jumped at the chance. Sound too good to be true?  Believe me, I thought so too...but you know me, I did a little research; here's what I discovered.

Firmoo.com is the world's most popular online eyeglasses store. Years of expertise in optical industry enable Firmoo.com to offer varieties of prescription eyewear to the consuming public in high quality yet at extremely affordable prices.The low prices in Firmoo.com never compromise the quality of eyewear while treating the quality and services to consumers as top priority. Firmoo.com fully understands that prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses are classified and regulated by FDA as Class I medical device, therefore multiple inspections of eyewear by our team are being executed before shipping to our customers to ensure 100% accuracy of prescriptions, enhancing the physical well-being of our customers.Firmoo.com feels each satisfied customer is the priceless wealth who helps spread the word. Only our valued and satisfied customers can further solidify our position as the leading online optical store in the world.

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Pretty cool, right?  I mean just the idea of getting quality eyeglasses at lower prices should be enough to capture your attention but when you add in the fact that they have designer frames and you get free shipping on orders over $49 too...you've struck gold.  So, what's a bloggy girl to do?  

I accepted their offer and set out to try the site out for myself.  One eye exam (as I was due for one), a few keystrokes and several dozen clicks of the mouse later (what can I say, when I found out I could upload my photo to virtually try on the glasses before making my final decision...I totally had to try on like ALL of them... ^_^) and BAM!  My free pair was on its way to me.  

The turnaround time on everything was amazing at less than a week, especially considering that they were delivered to my door complete with a hard case, soft case, cleaning cloth and mini repair kit.  So far, so good...but I had to see more.  Commence opening package and exploring the goodies inside...

TADA!

My chosen pair.  I stuck with the slightly heavier frames (like I currently wear) but went with a different shape and color than I've had before.  In hand, they feel sturdy, look like your typical high-fashion frames and though one might think them hefty, they're considerably light!  A greatly appreciated combination when one has to wear them pretty much twenty four seven.  The case options provided were wonderful so that no matter where I am or the space available to me, I have a way to protect them should they be off my face for any length of time.  Yep, things are pretty great but now it was time for the BIG reveal.  According to my virtual try on, they should look pretty good but my bigger concern was whether or not the prescription would be accurate to what I entered.  (The process of gathering the information from your prescription is easy and provided for you on the site, but the proof is in the pudding...)  Time for the try on. Oh come on, those of you that wear glasses for pleasure or need can totally sympathize, seeing them in person and on your face is a totally different experience than catalog or online shopping.  

*gulp*

Here goes...

........

.........................

So...what do you think?  I'm pleased and my worries about the prescription were put to rest as soon as I put them on.  Right on target.  Can't wait to see what my coworkers think when I head back to job two in a few days.  *hehe*  Anyway, I have to say overall I had a POSITIVE experience.  Customer Service was in touch with me every step of the way so had I encountered a problem or question, I can only imagine that they would have been perceptive. 

Now...I've got something ELSE you're gonna want to know about this site....so put your reading glasses on if necessary and take note!  There's a special program for FIRST TIME CUSTOMERS where you get a FREE PAIR of eyeglasses!  That's right!  Choose from a myriad of frames, prescription or non and all you have to pay is shipping & handling.  According to the site, the 5-7 business day shipping is about $15-$16 dollars....now tell me where you're gonna get a deal like that right out the door?  That's what I thought.

So take a chance and score a FAB pair for you, a family member or friend all for the cost of shipping!  Head on over to Firmoo.com and see a new version of YOU for a whole lot less.  Special thanks to Firmoo.com for the chance to bring this special to you and the chance to check out their wares and share my honest experience.  (THANKS!) For more information on the site, the program mentioned, or to check out their huge selection of available frames to feel your need or fashion desires, stop by their site, like them on Facebook, follow along on Twitter, add them to your circle on Google+ or pin them on Pinterest.

Until next time...SPREAD THE WORD...and happy reading!

Who? What? Where?

So, this is my first time participating in this particular MEME but if I have anything to say about it, it won't be my last.  It was started by Melissa over at My World in Words and Pages (http://melissa-melsworld.blogspot.com) ...fab site if I do say so...and it let's you share a bit about your reading adventure in a new way; by answering the infamous "W" questions. Ready for a little bookish fun readers? Here we go!

_  _ _  _ _ _ _  _ _ _ _ _ _ _  _ _  _ _ _

Who are you with? Where are you at? What's happening?

Share with us just a little bit of what is happening in the book you are reading, right where you are now. Just a tiny taste of what's happening, remember try to not give spoilers of the book.

I'm with Nobody... aka Nix...and Claire in a cabin in the woods, in the middle of nowhere learning about his bloody past, how to fade, and that The Society may be a lot more dark than light in the grander scheme of things.

I'm over halfway through NOBODY by Jennifer Lynn Barnes and though I almost lost my grip a time or two, I'm loving it! Racing towards the finish line but to what end, who knows! Can't wait. So who, where, what are you? Do tell!

Until next time ...happy reading!

Taste Testing Tuesdays...and then some!

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. 

Today's selection is from a book I just recently cracked the spine on but so far, I can't get enough!  Ready for a taste?  Here it comes...

The death of a dream was an eclipsing thing, and the hope that someday things would be better had been Claire's mainstay for as long as she could remember.  She wanted to fight to hold on to that sliver of maybe, but she couldn't bring herself to doubt what she was hearing, because it explained so much.

-- pg 104, Nobody by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (ARC)

So much and yet so little is said with this particular tease; I almost wanted to choose another.  What stopped me?  The way it is written.  The feelings behind it.  The way the words felt meant to be in this particular order as opposed to letters merely slapped on a page in somewhat recognizable fashion.  I've never read this author's work before, but if this is her usual style, I might have to correct that situation post haste.  Thoroughly enjoying this adventure thus far...Nix is a total conundrum but I like figuring him out and Claire, well she could be a mirror image of me most of the time, but really, who hasn't felt like her at some point in their lives?  Can't wait for my next chance to read more but you will have to wait for my review just a bit longer.  No worries, I'm not slacking off, there is a good reason behind the delay.  Read on my friend, read on.

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Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

*Grab your current read 

*Open to a random page 

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

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (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 Lists if they like your teasers! 

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Now...usually that's where this sorta post would end...USUALLY.

Today however is not your usual sorta day.

How so?

Well, because THIS Taste Testing Tuesdays post just so happens to contain a SECOND HELPING well worth making room for on your bookish plate.  You see, today just so happens to be a DOUBLE BOOK BIRTHDAY for author Jennifer Lynn Barnes as both this title and her previous work Every Other Day make their bookshelf debuts in one form or another (hardback for the first, and paperback for the second).  Pretty cool, right?

Wait...there's more.

First...let's read a bit about these titles now, shall we?

Every Other Day

Every other day, Kali D'Angelo is a normal sixteen-year-old girl. She goes to public high school. She attends pep rallies. She's human.
And then every day in between...She's something else entirely.
Though she still looks like herself, every twenty-four hours predatory instincts take over and Kali becomes a feared demon-hunter with the undeniable urge to hunt, trap, and kill zombies, hellhounds, and other supernatural creatures. Kali has no idea why she is the way she is, but she gives in to instinct anyway. Even though the government considers it environmental terrorism.
When Kali notices a mark on the lower back of a popular girl at school, she knows instantly that the girl is marked for death by one of these creatures. Kali has twenty-four hours to save her and, unfortunately, she'll have to do it as a human. With the help of a few new friends, Kali takes a risk that her human body might not survive...and learns the secrets of her mysterious condition in the process.

AMAZON   |   Barnes & Noble   |   Indiebound

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

Nobody

The most dangerous people in the world . . . are the ones you don't even see.
Some people are Nobodies: ignored, unloved, practically invisible in every way. No one notices them. No one cares about them. They exist under the radar, forgotten as soon as you turn away. No one sees them coming. No one sees them leave.
That's why Nobodies make the perfect assassins.
Seventeen-year-old Nix is very good at his job. So when the organization he works for sends him after a teenage girl named Claire, he doesn't ask questions. He's a killer. She needs to die.
For sixteen years, Claire has led a normal life being overlooked. Her parents are absent. She doesn't have any friends. She has no idea what she is, or why anyone would want her dead. But she's about to find out, because from the moment Nix attempts to carry out his mission, the two are caught up in a conspiracy of murder, cover-ups, and betrayal.
Nix is a killer. Claire is his target. But from the moment he sets eyes on her, everything changes, because only the two of them can truly see each other -- and two Nobodies are more than twice as dangerous as one.

AMAZON   |   Barnes & Noble   |   Indiebound

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Now for the MORE part of things...

...thanks to Karen at Media Masters Publicity and the great folks over at Egmont USA I have the extreme pleasure of giving YOU a chance to win not just one title, but BOTH!

You may commence squeeing now.

^_^

Here's the scoop...

PRIZE:

(1) paperback of Until Next Time

and one hardback of Nobody both by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

HOW TO ENTER:

Fill out the Rafflecopter form below and you're in it to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

RULES:

Open to US/Canada residents only; no P.O. Boxes please.

Contest will run from Tuesday, January 22nd, 2013 through Tuesday, February 5th, 2013 at midnight CST. Winner will be selected and contacted on Wednesday, February 6th, 2013 and have 48 hours to respond with their full name and mailing address for prize send out.  If the winner's information is not received within the given time frame, a new winner will be chosen.

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There you go guys!

You know what to do.

Get your entries in and be sure to spread the word because if the first 50 pages are any indication of the novel's fabulosity; this one's gonna be GOOD.

Until next time...GOOD LUCK...and happy reading!