Thursday Tags: Ultimate Book Tag

I saw this tag at The Book Babe's Reads.  This tag was created by Megan on Goodreads!

Questions:
1. Do you get sick while reading in the car?
No, I actually really enjoy reading in the car.

2. Which author's writing style is completely unique to you and why?
Ted Dekker's writing style is completely different than a lot of other fantasy and Christian fiction authors that I have read.  First off, numerous books written by Dekker are tied together eventually (see the picture below).  Minor characters in one series become major characters in another series.  Four series and five standalones that he has written before are tied together.

From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Dekker

Furthermore, he is incredible at adding suspense in books.  It does not take me long to finish one of his books because they are so action packed and suspenseful.

3. Harry Potter Series or the Twilight Saga? Give 3 points to defend your answer.
If you have read my blog before, you probably know my answer.  Harry potter is one of my favorite series.  I am currently re-reading this series.  One of my favorite things about J.K. Rowling's writing style is that she almost never includes anything insignificant in her books; everything has a meaning.  For instance the notebook in the Chamber of Secrets was mentioned in later books and had a significant purpose.  I will not mention the purpose because I want to keep this discussion spoiler-free.  Another reason that I enjoy the Harry Potter series so much is that Rowling is inovative.  She created a whole new sport, granted it is the combination of a gazillion other sports.  She invented the idea of a horcrux.  She created so many other things in that series also.  Finally, most characters in the Harry Potter series I loved or loved to hate.  None of the characters drove me nuts like they did in the Twilight series.  Bella was incredibly annoying!


4. Do you carry a book bag? If so, what is it in (besides books...)?
I am in college and so a book bag is a necesity.  I not only have the books for class, but also leisure books.  I usually have my kindle, an umbrella, and school supplies (like pencils and pens).

5. Do you smell your books?
Yes! I love the smell of new books.

6. Books with or without little illustrations?
I love both.  As you probably know, I am a huge fan of graphic novels.

7. What book did you love while reading but discovered later it wasn't quality writing? (Ex. I read Twilight before I read HP and thought the writing was amazing but read HP and now think Twilight is a little bit of a joke.)
I am not enjoying the Harry Potter series as much as I did the first time I read it.  I still love the series, but I am finding that the writing style in the earlier books in the series is a bit simple, but I think that is because I am reading the series at an older age.

8. Do you have any funny stories involving books from your childhood? Please share!
Not that I can think of...

9. What is the thinnest book on your shelf?

 
Hide and Watch by Jill Hicks Lawson is the thinniest book on my shelf with 76 pages. 











10. What is the thickest book on your shelf?

A compilation of the Circle series (Books 0-3) by Ted Dekker is the thickest book on my shelf at 1600 pages.


 










11. Do you write as well as read? Do you see yourself in the future as being an author?
I am writing a Christian fiction novel and a Christian fantasy novel, but I have not written much of either of them just yet.

12. When did you get into reading?
I have loved reading for as long as I can remember.

13. What is your favorite classic book?

1984 by George Orwell is probably my favorite classic.

 










14. In school was your best subject Language Arts/English?
No, my best subject was math.

15. If you were given a book as a present that you had read before and hated...what would you do?
I would keep it and try to read it again.  Maybe I would have a different perspective this time.

16. What is a lesser known series that you know of that is similar to Harry Potter or the Hunger Games?The Stones of Power by Eric Buffington is similar.  I have only read the first book, The Exile.

 










17. What is a bad habit you always do (besides rambling) while blogging?
Procrastinate...

18. What is your favorite word?
God

19. Are you a nerd, dork, or dweeb? Or all of the above?
Book nerd and video game geek :D

20. Vampires or Fairies? Why?
Fairies are less gory :)

21. Shapeshifters or Angels? Why?

I would have to pick angels.  I just read a cool book about angels called Amity of the Angelmen by T.C. Slonaker. (Review coming soon).

 









22. Spirits or Werewolves? Why?
I do not really read books with either.

23. Zombies or Vampires?
I do not really read books with either.

24. Love Triangle or Forbidden Love
Love triangle!

25. AND FINALLY: Full on romance books or action-packed with a few love scenes mixed in?
Action with some clean romance 

Blog Tour: Book Review, Excerpt and Giveaway of The Reckoning

The Reckoning

Only One Can Survive The Reckoning

Erin Radkey has always known the day would come when she would have to personally confront the Triad leader of the power-hungry Emporium. But she never thought it would be with a snake in her head that feeds on her energy. Or that she’d be in the company of an uncertain ally who might turn on her at any moment.

The stakes are high as new intel uncovers a startling Emporium plot that will catapult the entire world into war. Erin is determined to save not only the mortals but also her friends—even if it means sacrificing herself and her newfound love for Ritter Langton.

Ritter is just as determined to save Erin and prevent what would usher in the most bloody century the world has ever known, but even he might not recognize the person she becomes.

Every day the enemy grows stronger. There will be no second chance.

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Praise for The Reckoning:


I just loved the whole Saga! Well-written, completely addictive, keeps you on the edge, wanting to know what comes next! I really think the author should consider a movie or a TV series for the whole four books! For not being a SF fan, I just can say that this was AWESOME!


The fourth instalment in the Unbounded series definitely lives up to the action packed books preceding it. I love the strength of Erin's character, and the novel made for compelling reading.


The Unbounded world is a fascinating place to visit! I would recommend this series to anyone, women, men, young adults. Not overly complicated yet the author weaves an amazing tail. I can hardly wait to see what is next for the Unbounded!

Excerpt from The Reckoning

I started firing. My third man fell and Mari’s second before the group turned in our direction. Two men at the back dropped from Ritter and Stella’s fire, followed by two more. Nine down. They opened fire. The rat-a-tat-tat of their automatic weapons sliced through the stillness of the night. We had to hurry. Mari crouched behind the car, while I went over the top, using Ritter’s speed. He was already there. I landed on one rotund Hunter while bringing my trangue gun down on another. I rolled as I fell. Another turned his gun in my direction, but I was already diving away, the bullets spraying the short grass. Twisting, I came around, my foot out, kicking the gun from his hand. He slammed his fist at me, but I deflected it with my left arm and jabbed my right hand into his gut. He grunted and leaned forward into my next punch. I looked around as he fell, but I already sensed everyone was down.

“Get them into their van,” Stella said. “It won’t be long before someone comes to investigate those shots.” She grabbed a Hunter and started tugging him across the ground.

I sent my thoughts out wider, finding two more life forces slinking in our direction. They were dimmer than the average life forces, which meant they were shielded. Before I could warn the others, Desoto’s two patrolman emerged from the trees only twenty feet away. I caught a glimpse of automatic rifles before a spotlight blinded me.

“Stop,” said a voice I recognized as belonging to the Unbounded who’d found Walker asleep in the security room. “Put down those weapons.”

Unbounded. Both of them, I told the others. Mari, stay behind the car until I tell you.

Ritter, Stella, and I dropped our tranques and raised our hands as the Unbounded moved closer. I could see a red dot on Ritter’s forehead, and as there wasn’t one on Stella’s, I figured another must be on mine. Though the bullets wouldn’t kill us, we’d be out of commission long enough to lose the information we’d obtained unless Stella had already uploaded it to our servers. Worse, we’d be back in Emporium hands.

I’d rather die a true death.

 

Book #1 The Change is FREE.

“Surprising plot twists” -Publishers Weekly

Grab your FREE copy today!

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My Review of The Change
Full of intense action and science fiction elements, The Change is the first book in a series that will not disappoint.  Teyla Branton adds unique elements in this YA novel.  The first book ended in a cliff hanger and I immediately had to pick up the second book.  Although there was some sexual innuendos, the plot was solid and the character development was unreal.

I was given a electronic copy of The Change, and the rest of this series, in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influenced my review.  The rest of my reviews of this series is coming soon!


Author Teyla Rachel Branton

Teyla Rachel Branton grew up avidly reading science fiction and fantasy and watching Star Trek reruns with her large family. They lived on a little farm where she loved to visit the solitary cow and collect (and juggle) the eggs, usually making it back to the house with most of them intact. On that same farm she once owned thirty-three gerbils and eighteen cats, not a good mix, as it turns out. Teyla always had her nose in a book and daydreamed about someday creating her own worlds. She is now married, mostly grown up, and has seven kids, including a two-year-old, so life at her house can be very interesting (and loud), but writing keeps her sane. She thrives on the energy and daily amusement offered by her children, the semi-ordered chaos giving her a constant source of writing material. Grabbing any snatch of free time from her hectic life, Teyla writes novels, often with a child on her lap. She warns her children that if they don’t behave, they just might find themselves in her next book! She’s been known to wear pajamas all day when working on a deadline, and is often distracted enough to burn dinner. (Okay, pretty much 90% of the time.) A sign on her office door reads: DANGER. WRITER AT WORK. ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK. She loves writing fiction and traveling, and she hopes to write and travel a lot more. She also loves shooting guns, martial arts, and belly dancing. She has worked in the publishing business for over twenty years.

Website * Blog * Facebook * Twitter

Blog Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 9/18/14

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the publisher. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Blog Tour: Princess Nevaeh

Princess Nevaeh: Lessons on Self- Discovery 

by Paulette Harper

Paperback: 34 pages

Publisher: Thy Word Publishing (August 27, 2014)

ISBN-13: 978-0989969147

About The Book

Six year old Nevaeh wants to be something she already is. She will soon learn that her wish to be a princess takes a little more than just asking. Lessons on self-discovery are taught by her Mimi who makes her understand that being a princess takes work.

My Review

Learning to listen to your parents and teachers and to treat others with niceness are just a few of the important lessons that are taught in Princess Nevaeh. This book is filled with pink, which I am sure many young girls would love.  I would recommend this book to young girls who enjoy picture books.

About The Author

Paulette Harper is an award-winning and best-selling author. She is the owner of Write Now Literary Virtual Book Tours and is passionate about helping authors succeed in publishing and marketing their books. Paulette has been writing and publishing books since 2008. Paulette is the author of That Was Then, This is Now, Completely Whole, Living Separate Lives and The Sanctuary. She resides in Northern, Ca.

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