Paperback or Hardback? (#23)

I did a guest post over at Daisy Chain Book Reviews yesterday on Summer Covers. Check it out here.
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The Secret Year - Jennifer R.Hubbard

<< Hardback

Paperback <3 >>

I actually really love this PB cover and l think it definitely shows off what sort of genre the book is because a lot of YA genre have these sort of covers. I really like the font of the title too!

The HB is kinda strange, they look like they are eating each others faces, or is it just me who thinks that? Like the font though and red on black. Just looks much more of a 'cheaper' cover than the HB!

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13 Curses - Michelle Harrison 

 >> Hardback

Paperback <3 <<

The PB (UK) it definitely better face to face than on a computer screen as it's more shiny etc. The PB is definitely a very busy cover and l do like it, just don't love it. The font is simple but doesn't get in the way of the picture (l know half the title is the picture!) The HB is just .. quite .. terrible. I think it makes the book look like it's for much younger readers, maybe 12/13 year olds. Also makes it feel rather magically which is not really what l look for in books. 

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Sisters Red - Jackson Pearce

>> Hardback <3

Paperback <<

These covers are both very alike and the PB just made me realise that it's a wolf and the red on the HB is it's eyes.. how cool! Yes l did only just notice that.

I do like the PB but l think the HB stands out much more and l really do love red with black. Also love the font of the title and the positioning of the text as it doesn't get in the way of the picture but has instead became a part of it. 

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Please note, some covers l feature are also in other formats. For example a HB cover is usually also in PB and a PB cover is also sometimes on a HB etc.

Also sometimes the PB may be a UK one and the HB may be USA. 

It's just a way to compare covers.

</3 - Ok

<3 - Like

<33 Love

*Review* : Seeing For The First Time - Nicole Zoltack

Book review of Seeing For The First Time by Nicole Zoltack
Seeing For The First Time
Series : #1 What You See Is What You Get
Released : 26th May 2011
Publisher:  Echelon Press
Format : Kindle
Source : Author
Finished : 19th May 2011
Overall rating

For the last ten years, Ana has spent summers with her Gram. With nothing to do, the closest beach two hours away, and Gram, who Ana is convinced is crazy, always in her garden talking to things that aren't there, Ana is bored out of her mind.
One day, Ana sees strange colors floating around Gram as she works in her garden. Gram says they're fairies. She can "See" them, and there are others who can see things. Ana's a Seer, too.
When Gram gives Ana a book that explains about the many different creatures, like selkies, unicorns, vampires, and others, Ana gets curious. She is shocked when she comes across the entry about famous werewolf hunting parents. 
Rest of the blurb here

This is a very quick read, at only around 17 pages it took me around 10 minutes to read. I think Seeing For The First Time definitely has potential and that the second book in this series could make for an interesting read, if a number of things are done.

I think Ana definitely needs to be developed as in around 17 pages she definitely didn’t have time to become a proper character and be unique within herself. Because l didn’t really get enough time with her l don’t feel l can judge her character or any of the others in this book.

Another thing is l still don’t understand is the ending (explained below, Spoiler) but like l said, l do feel this book has potential. I like that this book includes many creatures, something for everything. Also l think that because everyone can see different creatures, some good and some bad, then the second book could definitely be a good read which a lot of action in and gripping chapters.

**Spoiler – ** (Highlight to read)

I didn't understand the ending. I don’t know if it’s just me but l have read over it twice and didn't understand if the man who got killed was Frank? 

This review is only a short one due to how short the book is. I am also not rating individually.

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2011 Books Challenges 

None

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Buy your copy

Amazon Kindle (UK/US)
Smashwords

*Review* : Rosie - Mariam Maarouf

Book Review of Rosie by Mariam Maarouf

Rosie
Series : No
Released : 17th January 2011
Publisher: Alexandria Library for Publishing & Distribution
Format : Kindle
Source : BLB Tours
Finished : 19th May 2011
Overall rating 

In life, nothing is the same as it seems. People create masks –identities – to hide who they really are –some for noble reasons, or nefarious ones, but only a tiny fraction because they must.
Alessandra and Damien, or Rosalie and Daniel, were once the Princess and Prince of La Pacifica until they were forced out of the beautiful island. Eight months flew by, and they finally began to settle in Alexandria, Egypt, when they found out that they didn’t leave their past behind them, and that they were both wanted urgently.
Dead.

Quick note, they use two names in this book (explained in blurb) l am going by their pretend names as they are called that most of the time.

I really didn't know what to expect when l started Rosie. I knew it was only a small book (around 100 l believe?) so the only thing l was expecting was for it to be fast paced.
At the beginning of the book l was confused and have to admit it wasn't the only time in the book. How Daniel was explaining things (from his POV) was sometimes confusing, for example at the beginning l didn't understand whether they had already moved to a new place or were going too. Once l realised that they had already move l was able to get into the book and enjoy Daniel's company. 
Daniel was definitely my favourite character in this book and such a sweet brother, l would love him as mine! He is also a very genuine person which made me feel very sorry for him at quite a few points.
Rosalie is a bit of a pain at some points but l like how Daniel deals with her and forgives her due to their loss which helped me not to get annoyed her. Although l definitely liked Daniel more and reading things from his POV the chapters from Rosalie POV made this book more of a page turner as l could see into her mind and see her thoughts as well as Daniels on certain things. 
There is random/mystery chapters in places in this book and l wish there was some sort of line to separate it from Daniel and Rosalie's POV or some sort of title to stop confusion. Aside from the confusion l did enjoy the chapters as it added to the mystery of the book and let things build up right until the end. 
Towards the end this book got really good although, sadly, everything did feel a bit rushed. I felt Mariam should have probably made the ending at least a few more pages longer to explain things in more depth so it was more understandable and not too much to take in at once. The twists in this book definitely made the mystery chapters throughout the book make more sense and also was a great twist! 

Overall

Rosie is a great quick read which will take you on a journey with a sister and brother who are struggling to come to terms with a big loss and are fighting to keep each other. 

 Mariam is definitely an author to watch out for in the future, if this is her first short story book l can only imagine the sort of great stories she will bring out. 

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Ratings :

Plot : 3.5/5

Cover : 4/5

Page Turner :3.5/5

Characters : 3.5/5

Ending : 4/5

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2011 Books Challenges 

2011 Debut Author

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Buy your copy

Amazon Kindle (UK/US)
Amazon Paperback (US)

Disclosure of Material Connection: i am a member of the Book Lovin' Bitches Ebook Tours and a copy was provided to me by the author. although payment may have been received by Book Lovin' Bitches Ebook Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review nor was there an obligation to write a positive one. all opinions expressed here are entirely mine and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist or the readers of this review. this disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Cover Crazy #20

Other Cover Crazy posts - #14 #15 #16 #17 #18 #19

Hosted by thebookworms

Friend or Fae - Hannah Blatchford

Reasons l love it :

I think it's a really unique cover

I love the stars and moons

The colours! - Pink on black

Makes you wonder what it is on her back

Just title and author, not lots of text

Not sure about :

Font - Could be more interesting font

Colour of her hair

This Week's Round Up

Reviews 

Jennifer Brown - Bitter End

A lot of reviews are for tours therefore won't be posted for a few weeks!

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Giveaway

Splash Into Summer Giveaway Hop

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Event's/Meme :

Cover Crazy

Paperback or Hardback?

Waiting On Wednesday

The Time Will Come

Discussion Part 3 - Reasons We Don't Love Our Libraries

A Year Gone By

In My Mailbox

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Guest Post

Lindsay Buroker - Why authors are self-publishing

Posts you should check out

The Reading Housewives & YA Bibliophile hosted the Sarah Dessen Week. In case you missed this awesome Sarah Dessen week a few weeks ago click here to check it out!

All Things Urban Fantasy highlighted some new titles which sound awesome!! I found a few new books to add to my wishlist so make sure you check it out here.

Small Review did another very funny and interesting post on what turns her OFF books. I love Small Review and her blog, she has such a fun personality which really comes through in her posts. I really wish my posts were as fun as hers and she is my inspiration. Check the post out here

In my Mailbox! (#24)

In order of picture

Passion|The Forest of Hands & Teeth|Haunting Violet|The Girl Who Leapt Through Time|Sold|Reckless

Thank you

Random House Children

Bloomsbury

Alma Books

Chicken House

A Year Gone By... (21)

   White Cat - Holly Black

Released - 4th May 2010

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Rating (By my goodread friends)
Seven 5 Star Ratings
Nine 4 Star Ratings
Three 3 Star Ratings
One 2 Star Rating
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Reviews

A & C Book Junkies
My Bookish Ways

I think something which has made me not pick up this book is sadly the cover. I really dislike it and l think mainly because of the cat. No, l am not an animal hater, in fact l am an animal lover. Which is probably why. I have read half of The Poison Eaters by Holly. I loved the first few stories but after around 3 stories l couldn't get into the rest.

                                       Stolen - Lucy Christopher
Released - 1st May 2010
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Rating (By my goodread friends)
Eleven 5 Star Ratings
Seven 4 Star Ratings
Four 3 Star Ratings
One 2 Star Rating
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Reviews
Books for Company (ME!)
Wondrous Reads

Do l really need to say anything about this book? My review says it all. I adore it.

Eve Of Samhain - Lisa Sanchez

Released - 25th May 2010

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Rating (By my goodread friends)
Two 5 Star Ratings
Four 4 Star Ratings
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Reviews

Diva's Bookcase

Book Faery

This does sound quite good and also l like the cover! Not sure if l will ever get the chance to read it. Would love to know what anyone thought of this if they read it.

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If you want sharpen your knowledge in this subject, you might consider online masters degrees and see how many online college classes there are out there.

Guest Post - Lindsay Buroker : Self-Publishing

3 Reasons Many Authors Are Self-Publishing These Days

Just a few years ago, self-publishing was considered a last resort by many. It was something you only turned to after every publisher and agent had rejected you. With the advent of e-publishing, and the growing popularity of ebook readers, things have changed.

While many authors are still following the tradition route, lots of others are skipping the “gatekeepers” and self-publishing their work to the online Kindle, iPad, and Nook stores. I’m one of those authors.

I never bothered querying agents and, a few months after I released my first ebook, I’m making a respectable part time income from my work. I can even see the potential for that to grow into a full-time income in the not-so-distant future. But I’ll talk more about that in a minute.

For the writers (and curious readers) out there, I’ve put together a list of…

3 Reasons Many Authors Are Self-Publishing These Days

1. You can get your work to market very quickly.

If you choose the traditional route to publishing a novel, it’s not a speedy process. You’ll likely spend months querying agents and then, if you’re lucky enough to get picked up at all, you’ll wait more months while your agent queries publishing houses. Then, if you’re lucky enough to find a buyer, you’ll wait more months (likely closer to a year) before folks can find your story on a bookshelf.

From the time I first decided to try e-publishing back in November, it was about six weeks to getting my first ebook into the stores. That’s how long it took me to stumble my first-timer way through finding an editor and someone to do cover art. Now that I’ve found an artist and editor,  the time from complete manuscript to published ebook is even shorter.

Why does this matter, you ask? Well, aside from the fact that I’m impatient and would suffer terribly if I had to wait a year and a half for my book to come out, a story can’t start earning the author any money until it’s available to purchase. A year in limbo is a year wasted. Which takes me into my next point…

Click here to read the other 2 reasons

Discussion Post - Reasons We Don't Love Our Libraries!

PART 3 (3/4)

Previous 2 posts on this discussion are HERE

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Well, l do love my library and after the past 2 posts about us discussing why we DO love our libraries it's now time to discuss why some of us, sadly, don't love our libraries. 
I actually didn't visit my library that much a few years ago and although l am sure my mum took me when l was younger when l got to around 10 l never went. I always had books to read at home and l think that was why, although l didn't use to read a few years back. I found it really interesting to find out why some people don't visit their libraries and also sad because for a lot of people they would like to visit a library but their local one isn't that great.

Is there anything which would make you want to go to your library?

No one actually mentioned how if it was closer or the librarians were nicer so maybe this isn't a issue for most people. Will have to see the answers for next weeks questions.

Book Condition 

I have an obsession with keeping my books neat and no creases or anything, to the point where l hardly open the book! If l borrow a library book which is old then the creases in the spine get to me so therefore l can see why it annoys people. But at the same time, should the library spend money on a new copy of a book they already have or a new book just out?

Rebecca said -  If they focus more on keeping the books 'healthy'. I thing those plastics covers over them is a great idea!

Danna said - If my library had more books that were in better condition, I would maybe want to go.

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Books l want to read

I think sometimes the libraries focus a lot on updating one area and sometimes the genre of books you like aren't updated enough meaning there is nothing for you.

Mel s said - I'd love to go back but the choice of books in my local library doesn't extend to the Urban fantasy range that I love.

Kirsty said - If they had books they I wanted to read. 

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Newer Books

I don't know about other countries but l know libraries at the moment in the UK are really struggling with the money side of things and a lot have had to close down. I think this means smaller libraries are often missing out and aren't getting up to date books.

Kate said - A wider, more reguarly updated range of books in the YA section.

Mel s said - The last I went there the sci-fi and fantasy range was limited and didn't look like it had been undated for 10 years!

Aleetha said - If only they clean their shelves and change it with many great and new books.

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Why do YOU feel less people go to libraries now?

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People don't read

I do kind of agree with this. Sadly with a lot of people the TV, Laptop, Game Console goes before reading and therefore books are just left at the side.
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Kate said - People just don't read anymore. I have two friends who read... one who gets all her books from me and one who only reads the classics. Other than that I don't know a single person who reads. 
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Miss Page-Turner said - Blogger free households might tend to be busy watching tv or spending time with electronic devices. 

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Old Fashioned 

I guess this could be seen in two ways. One being they are old fashioned compared to things like game consoles. The other way is because they have old books and not any new books which are out (for some libraries.)
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Angela - The Internet. Not just for personal reading, but for research, even. In my school days I would frequent the library to look things up for school, but now we can just go online and find whatever we want.
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Mel S said - I think libraries are seen as old fashioned. When there are new books released pratically every day the range in local libraries can't keep up.
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Rebecca said - I also think that reading has been much less appreciated from teens and is frowned upon somewhat.

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Convenience

Like l discussed in the why we love our libraries, some people did say the parking for their library was bad or it was quite a drive. For some people l guess it may be easier to just buy books (although for me l love free books!)
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Danna said - I think that less people go because most have ereaders and can borrow ebooks from other people or buy their own with a touch of a button.

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Price 

I do believe books are less expensive now and with things like ebooks some books are only £2/£3 for the kindle so l guess it's sometimes easier to buy them than go to the library and have a deadline to meet or renew.
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Kirsty said - Books are cheaper and more freely available.
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Lesley said - I can pick up books cheaply online and at places like telco etc and then keep them if I love them.

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Thank you

Kate - That Book Blog

Lesley - My Keepers Shelf

Miss Page-Turner - Miss Page-Turners City Of Books

Aleetha - It's All About Books

Angela - Bookish

Danna - Friendly Reader

Kirsty - The Overflowing Library

Mel S - Mel's Random Reviews