Wednesday, October 29, 2014

The Faerie Ring (The Faerie Ring #1) - by Kiki Hamilton

Debut novelist Kiki Hamilton takes readers from the gritty slums and glittering ballrooms of Victorian London to the beguiling but menacing Otherworld of the Fey in this spellbinding tale of romance, suspense, and danger.  

The year is 1871, and Tiki has been making a home for herself and her family of orphans in a deserted hideaway adjoining Charing Cross Station in central London. Their only means of survival is by picking pockets. One December night, Tiki steals a ring, and sets off a chain of events that could lead to all-out war with the Fey. For the ring belongs to Queen Victoria, and it binds the rulers of England and the realm of Faerie to peace. With the ring missing, a rebel group of faeries hopes to break the treaty with dark magic.

Unbeknownst to Tiki, she is being watched by Rieker, a fellow thief who suspects she is involved in the disappearance of the ring. Rieker has secrets of his own, and Tiki is not all that she appears to be. Her very existence haunts Prince Leopold, the Queen's son, who is driven to know more about the mysterious mark that encircles her wrist. 

Prince, pauper, and thief--all must work together to secure the treaty...




5 out of 5 stars


Literally just finished this book about 15 minutes ago. And, normally when I write a book, (whether I loved it or not) I usually have some complaints about it--Some of the characters annoyed me, the romance was either dumb or too sexual, etc. But not for this book! I loved everything about it: the characters, writing, plot, setting, and romance. 

So just get the book, read it, love it, swoon over a certain thief, and pretty much just read the entire thing in one sitting. That's what I did ;-)

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Humor - Post #1


Oh my gosh! Look at his little face! Haha.

(They're referring to the tv show Supernatural... in case you were wondering).

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Teaser Tuesday - Post #15

Here's something new! Every Tuesday I'm going to share with you a picture that showcases a moment from my book, Jazmine. Below it, I'll have a quote that is related to the picture. Hopefully this way ya'll will be able to get inside my head a little and see what Latanica is really like! None of these images (unless otherwise noted) are mine.

                                                   From THE LATANICA SAGA: JAZMINE --



As I looked out into the horizon, a black dot caught my attention. I strained my eyes to try and see it clearly. After a while it got closer and I was able to see that it was a ship. It looked very old, but I noticed that it was well built.  But it was the ship’s flag that caught my attention. It was jet-black, with a red raven. It fluttered and waved in the wind.
_  _  _

Friday, October 17, 2014

TOAM: The Maze Runner

**TOAM: thoughts on a movie



Wow. That's all I can say at the moment... This was one intense movie. I mean, I've seen intense movies before but for some reason this one was different. Maybe it's because it involved the ultimate survival of children/teenagers. Now, don't think this is another rehashing of the Hunger Games. It's far from it, actually, and (in my opinion) way better. Instead of teenagers and children put together to kill each other, this is more about putting teenagers and children together to help each other survive. There are the one's that are more violent and one's that question leadership of course, but the effort these boys put into to keep each other alive is amazing. Another thing that astounded me were the words of wisdom that would come out of some of these teenage boys. Some of the things they said really made my mouth drop.

On another note. The movie is really very well made in all aspects; script, acting, cinematography, special effects. I feel like the movie industry is taking a step forward in their production of these kinds of movies. The mystery in it is also something to keep you on your toes. 

Overall, the whole movie kept me on the edge of my seat and I can't wait for the second one to come out next year.

Friday, October 3, 2014

Eon - by Allison Goodman

Swordplay, dragon magic--and a hero with a desperate secret

Twelve-year-old Eon has been in training for years. His intensive study of Dragon Magic, based on East Asian astrology, involves two kinds of skills: sword-work and magical aptitude. He and his master hope that he will be chosen as a Dragoneye--an apprentice to one of the twelve energy dragons of good fortune. 

But Eon has a dangerous secret. He is actually Eona, a sixteen-year-old girl who has been masquerading as a boy for the chance to become a Dragoneye. Females are forbidden to use Dragon Magic; if anyone discovers she has been hiding in plain sight, her death is assured.

When Eon's secret threatens to come to light, she and her allies are plunged into grave danger and a deadly struggle for the Imperial throne. Eon must find the strength and inner power to battle those who want to take her magic...and her life.



4.5 stars out of 5


The thing I loved most about this book is the time that Goodman took to create a culture that seemed real. She bases it off of Asian culture but it still has its own flavors. You have the upper and lower classes, the prejudice of the unwhole, degradation of woman, the warrior philosophies, and, of course, the reverence of the dragons. Like any real society; it's not perfect. You have the misery and the suffering, the politics and the ambitions of different people... Eon is no exception. Masquerading as a boy is difficult. But it is a small risk to pay to keep her identity as a deformed girl hidden. Eon is strong and determined which is something that I really annoyed about his/her character. Her journey as she strives to become a Dragoneye is expertly played as you really feel for her and her struggles... The other thing I loved about this book is that each character is different. The diverse personalities kept your interest as you came to love one character or hate another. Goodman's personalities weren't bland or just the same like so many other characters in different books I've read... The only thing I seemed to have trouble with were these characters that had the body of one sex but the soul of another. It was very strange and slightly repulsing for me to read about a woman who was actually a man. But besides that slight drawback, the book was an amazing read because... the dragons! Oh! I love dragons and Goodman's version of the Dragons and their Dragoneyes was so refreshing! But, instead of taking my word for it. Just get the book and read it yourself! You'll see what I mean... ;-)