Breath Of Angel Book Trailer

For anyone interested:

"Breath of Angel, Blood of Man".

Breath Of Angel

:My random thoughts:

Uhm...okayyy...

Where do I start?

This book was odd, in a charming, draw-you-in way.  

At first, I was slightly nervious about all then Angel content, and even through the book, I felt slightly, off set.  Angels trapped on earth?

Warring immortal (but not Angelic!) Brothers?

Breath of Angel, Blood of Man?

Fantasy?  I'm nervous when it comes to Fantasy.  Almost as nervous as Romance.

But, I do believe this book was wonderful.  Even if all the content is utter...pardon me, rubbish?

The Angels were more like Fairies, and the Dwarfs, Who ever disliked Dwarfs?

:Publisher's Description:

The stranger’s cloak had fallen back, and with it, a long, white, blood-stained wing.

When Melaia, a young priestess, witnesses the gruesome murder of a stranger in the temple courtyard, age-old legends recited in song suddenly come to life. She discovers wings on the stranger, and the murderer takes the shape of both a hawk and a man.

Angels. Shape-shifters. Myths and stories—until now.

Melaia finds herself in the middle of a blood feud between two immortal brothers who destroyed the stairway to heaven, stranding angels in the earthly realm. When Melaia becomes a target, she finds refuge with a band of angels attempting to restore the stairway. But the restoration is impossible without settling an ancient debt—the “breath of angel, blood of man,” a payment that involves Melaia’s heart, soul, and destiny.

:info to know:

Author:  Karyn Henley

My recommended age:  13+

Their recommended age:  12+

Publisher: Waterbrook Multnomah.

 

Number of Pages: 272

• Characters:  Trevin, you epic, scoundrel.  You had me from point A, to point B.    The 'hero' (but not always so heroic, mind you!) of the novel REALLY reminded me of Flynn Rider.  Sometimes.  
  Melaia, you, dear, are more then you could ever know.  The Heroine  has a certain, charm about her.  A way of making you almost protective of her.
  Livia, I wish you were my Guardian Angel.  I think Livia was my favorite Angelaeon.  Her caring kindness and firm guidance to Melaia was a steady ancor.
  Jarrod, It wasn't your fault, let loose, and love your eternal life!  Every story must have it's grumpy one, huh?  Ms. Henley's Jarrod was my SECOND favorite Angelaeon.  Wait...Is he an Angel? No...I don't think he is...His father being B*****n....Well, never mind.  It still liked old (like, REALLY old) Mr. Grump.
  And Benasin.....Can I cry over the ones no longer with us? Oh, wait, *happy giggle* He's eternal. (you'll understand once you read the book!)

 Plot:
Ms. Henley had me guessing, and wanting to run ahead and find all the answers.  I finished the book in a matter of hours, as it was pretty much IMPOSSIBLE to put the book down!

Writing Style:
Epic. Awesome.  Incredible. Creative.  Drawing.  Enchanting. 
 
Cover:

The mysterious look if it befits the book, but, the cover's Melaia does not correspond with my imagination's Melaia....

Ending:

WHERE CAN I GET BOOK 2!?!?!?

World Building:

It amazed me how well Ms. Henley's world shaped out.  From Gerda's house, to the Qadreef's castle.

Language:

None.

Drugs and Drink:

There is a beverage called Gash that when drank, makes you younger.  Problem is, you get so dead drunk, you slumber away your young age, until you wake up, old, and, repeat.

Romance and sexual content:

Trevin and Melaia fall in 'love' if you'd like to call it that, but after he...*SPOILER*...betrayed her, she shuns him.  Later on, well, let me just say, they meet again, under happier skies.

 

 

 

Violence:

                                 *rubs hands* Where shalt I start?
An angel is killed by a 'hawk' (Later turns out, that hawk wasn't no hawk!  That was a spoiler, wasn't it?). How an Angel dies, I can't tell you...it still has me befuddled.

Benasin and Lord Rejius fight in bird form, and one doesn't walk out of the room alive.

Lord Rejius drops Melaia off of a balcony, her guardian Angel flies up, and saves her, however.

There is a good bit of  hand-to-hand combat.

And the Draks.

*shiver*

They are a nightmare in themselves.

Ratings:

It was odd. Very odd, you might say.  But Weird people like weird books, no?

I give it a royal

Some of you might say, "Why a 5 Star?, wasn't it weird?".

Yes.

It was.

But being weird isn't a criminal offense, is it?

Sweeter then Birdsong

:My random thoughts:

I always get slightly nervous when I pick up a book with even the slightest romance to it.  Even with the Phantom of the Opera, which I now love.  Romance can be a rather tricky genre.  You can get lame, Tragic, Fairytale, Inappropriate, or just pitiful, which is a lot like lame, just worse.  However, I was pleased with Ms. Elliot's Sweeter then Birdsong.  It was a bit hard for me to get 'into' it, but I credit that to my lack of romance reading.  I just don't 'do' it that often.  But, by the time I turned the final page, I hugged the book and said, "Yes, dear, the is room for you on my shelf".

:Publisher's Description:

Music offers Kate sweet refuge from her troubles…but real freedom is sweeter.
In Westerville, Ohio, 1855, Kate Winter’s dreams are almost within reach. As the first woman to graduate from Otterbein College, she’ll be guaranteed her deepest wish: escape from the dark secret haunting her family. But with her mother determined to marry her off to a wealthy man, Kate must face reality. She has to run. Now. And she has the perfect plan. Join the upcoming musical performance--and use it to mask her flight.
Ben Hanby, Otterbein College’s musical genius, sees Kate Winter as an enigmatic creature, notable for her beauty, yet painfully shy. Then he hears her sing—and the glory of her voice moves him as never before. He determines to cast her in his musical and uncover the mystery that is Kate. Still, he must keep his own secret to himself. Not even this intriguing woman can know that his passionate faith is driving him to aid fugitives on the Underground Railroad.
A terrifying accident brings Kate and Ben together, but threatens to shatter both their secrets and their dreams. Kate can no longer deny the need to find her courage—and her voice—if she is to sing a new song for their future.

Sweeter than Birdsong is a stirring novel of hope and faith inspired by real historical people and events.

:info to know:

Author:  Rosslyn Elliot

My recommended age:  13+ (only because I do not recommended ANY romance for any younger ages, no matter how clean.)

Their recommended age:  NA

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

 

Number of Pages: 400

• Characters:   I'll only speak of two, Ben Hanby, and Kate Winter, right now.  At first, I found Kate obnoxious. She was so shy, I almost found her unreal. However, as I read more, I began to love her.  It wasn't until that 'Terrifiing Accident' which the description spoke about, that I truly began to enjoy her company.  She shows her true spunk that hides behind the shyness at that moment.
  And Ben Hanby? ♥ But, we always love the guys in romance novels, don't we?

 Plot:
I really can't think of anything magnificent to say about this.  I liked it, but, as is the way with the romance genre, the end always comes out just as we want it.  I, for one, would like to read a romance without the 'happy ever after' affect.

Writing Style:
Ms. Elliot did really well. She turned a historical family, into a story, and did it with blue ribbons to boot.
 
Cover:

Isn't Ben adorbable? And Kate's dress is what truly pulled me in.  I know, the detail things. :-D


Ending:

Happily ever after.


World Building:

There wasn't much description about Westerville, or any of the other towns, but, it was in a good way.  I could imagine everything, but not feel, drained? Is that the way I'm looking for?  She gave us just enough description to build my own picture, without taking us away from the story.  For me, this is the best kind of book TV.

Language:

None.

Drugs and Drink:

None.

Romance and sexual content:

It's a romance.  But, it is set in a highly conscience time about boy/girl relationships.  For instance,

 

A boy may NOT be alone with a girl or vis versa.

A girl may NOT learn anatomy in the same class as boys.

A girl and boy must ALWAYS have a chauffer.

 

With that in mind, it was perfectly clean.

Thank goodness. 

 

 

 

Violence:

                                  This book is a romance, but not just a romance.  It is also about slavery.  It is said that Ben's Father was whipped once for aiding slaves.
one-of-the-main-characters-who's-name-I-shall-not-mention-for-spoiler-reasons is shot at while helping 3 slaves escape, no one is hurt, however.

Ratings:

I was very pleased with Sweeter then Birdsong.  I think it was a sweet romance, nothing dirty or crude, no sexual content, and a very refreshing read anyway.
So saying, Ms. Elliot's novel get a 5 star from me.

*I GOT THIS BOOK FROM BOOKSNEEZE.COM FOR FREE.  ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN*

Not the End of the World

:My random thoughts:

I picked this book up at the library due to the biblical aspects of it.  It seemed harmless, and maybe would  be interesting at the same time. 

It didn't let me down, but, neither did I fully enjoy it.

:Publisher's Description:

Everyone knows the story of the flood, the men God chose to survive and the animals that went in two by two. But what about the others that sailed on the Ark - the women and the children? This adventure story asks what it was really like when the heavens opened and the world drowned - and what might have happened in the days that followed. With a frighteningly zealous and single-minded Noah; Japheth and his young wife, Zillah, concerned for the welfare of the animals; the stowaway boy and baby found by Noah's daughter Timna; and the animals themselves, continuing to act as animals do, whatever their surroundings, this is an extremely compelling, and at times very frightening story, beautifully written as ever by Geraldine McCaughrean.

:info to know:

Author:  Geraldine McCaughrean.

My reccomended age:  12+

Their recomended age:  NA

Publisher:  Oxford's Children's.

 

Number of Pages: 192

• Characters:   The one thing I really enjoyed about this book, is the way it's author brought the biblical characters to life.  Shem, Ham and Japeth were real people, not just words on the papers of history.  I had never even thought about their wives, the way they acted, nor if they were the only children.  Maybe they had sisters.  Most likely, there was more to the biblical account then we know.  One thing I didn't like, was how Ms.McCaughrean depicted Noah.  More like a religious fanatic and crazy man then a true follower of God.

 Plot:
We all know the story of Noah.  However, Ms. McCaughrean threw in a few extras.  *SPOILERS!* In this book, Noah's family wasn't the only to live past the floods.  That is NOT accurate at all. In fact, it made my slightly agitated at how she chose to write that.  It is clear, God washed away all life except that what was on the ark.

Writing Style:
I must give her a bravo.  She turned a normal, Biblical account into a deeper novel.
 
Cover:

Meh.  It's good, but isn't great enough to take comment.


Ending:

We all know the Flood's story.  But, we don't know the book's ending.  Thats all I say.


World Building:

I had never thought about what it must be like, to be scorned and mocked by your neighbors. To live in pre-flood times.  To watch those neighbors be washed away, and crying out for help.  Ms. McCaughrean has opened my eyes.

Language:

None.

Drugs and Drink:

None.

Romance and sexual content:

Japeth and Zillah are married on the ark, however, the whole family had decided to remain pure on their voyage, sparing us any, unpleasant,  happenings.

 

 

Violence:

                                   People die.  People are washed away.  People are drowned.

It's the story of the worst 'natural' (Not even natural, but you get my point) disaster in the history of Earth.

Ratings:

 

I 'liked' this book, but didn't love it.  

I enjoyed some parts, but not all of it.

I think some was an eye opener, but others I wished weren't there.

Overall?

It had unique descriptions, and was really a great book.  The only thing that prevented it from a 5 star, is the way it's author depicted some things, and ended the book.  

 

The Ark's occupiers were the only ones to live past the flood.

There was no one else.

point made.

The End.

Petition against SOPA and PIPA

Please, this is scaring me. Blogger, Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, Google, all these sites will be monitored and censored by the government. Links you send people through email might be censored. You might be restricted in what you may post on your blog of Facebook/twitter. I might be partial, but this doesn't sound like freedom to me....I singed the petition, will you?
Ge HERE to tell Congress we want our freedom!
Lets spread the word. I'm posting this on ALL my blogs, and taking up SERIOUS prayer.

ETA: This one Too: Google's take Action

Icecore

:My random thoughts:

My first thriller. And, i wasn't entirely displeased. The story line was GREAT, the plot was too, and the characters were SO real.  Even the suicide Bomber, you can't help but feel drawn to Thomas Grimstead!  Plus, this book gives you a huge urge to become a Computer Hacker....

:Publisher's Description:

He's a seventeen-year-old British computer hacker who penetrated the security systems at Fort Knox for a laugh. But the American government was less than amused. Since his prank, gold bars have been landing in the hands of terrorists across the globe. Now, Carl has found himself in a military prison deep in the Arctic and far off the grid. He's been caged alongside the world's most notorious terrorists, with no one to trust and no end in sight.
Carl Hobbes may not be a criminal mastermind, but if he wants to escape this subzero prison with his life, he'll have to start thinking like one.

:info to know:

Author:  Matt Whyman

My reccomended age:  13+

Their recomended age:  NA

Publisher:  Atheneum

 

Number of Pages: 320

• Characters:   excellent. Thomas Grimstead was intriguing, even if he appeared (spoiler there!) to be a big bad guy.  I never fully trusted McCoy, High five to me! And Beth was just...Beth.  I have an ultra sweet friend named Beth, but even that fact didn't draw me from who the character was.  I felt the desperation Carl must've felt, and over all, I must agree, I never want to go to Ice Core.

 Plot:

Big thumbs up! I think it was fast paced, yet slow enough to where nothing got skipped. 

Writing Style:

There were a few times I got slightly confused because Whyman didn't explain enough, but other then those 1 or 2 times, it was great!

Cover:

Now, the book I borrowed from the library didn't have such a chilling, and great cover, but it wasn't horrid and ugly either.  I'd give it a 'good'.


Ending:

Naughty Mr. Whyman! He didn't complete the ending well enough to suit me.  Actually, I kinda felt like I was left hanging. There is a sequel, which I have no hopes of setting my hands on, but there is.  I had a lot of questions, such as "What next?" "How did Beth and Carl hitch hike out of the Artic?" that weren't answered.


World Building:

Well, for one thing, I'm completely sure I'm NOT going to be a hacker due to fear of ending up in Icecore.  The whole place was VERY well described. It didn't have any long, lengthy description, but just enough to give you the chills.

Language:

Ok, this is where it gets nasty.  There was A LOT of nasty words I wouldn't use. 

A*s, b***h are the ones I remember right off. I REALLY wished Mr. Whyman hadn't used these, as if it hadn't been for them, the book would've been remarkable. Crude language just RUINS novels sometimes, don't they?

Drugs and Drink:

None.

Romance and sexual content:

None. which was really great.  This was something I was bracing for the whole book, but there wasn't ANY interaction between Beth and Carl.

 

 

Violence:

 Ok, so...where do I start? People get shot, Grimstead appears (spoiler again!) to be a suicide bomber, McCoy blows people up, Grimstead gets shot, One of the agents gets shot (won't say who..*whistles* let me say, If it had been a movie, I would've cried at that time), Grimstead forces a plane down, yeah, you get the point. 

Ratings:

I thought the book was nice. Not incredible.  There was just to much cussing to keep me happy. The whole plot, characters, everything except the bad words, was truly amazing.  But, when you're a writer, even the smallest thing that sets reviewers off can ruin a rating.

I give it a four.  It doesn't deserve a five, and three just seems to be cheating it of something.  It really was a great book, but that cussing, Mh...couldn't get past it.  And why should I? Cussing isn't a virtue.

Don't you hate it when something so seemingly simple ruins a great read?

Book Questions

I got this questionnaire from THIS blog, and thought, Why not?

1. Favorite childhood book?
Dr. Suess books, Little House series.

2. What are you reading right now?
20,000 Leagues under the Sea (Captain Nemo=♥ What did I tell you, He's a bad guy, naturally I like him best! However, the Professor's servant is...well..I like him too!).  The Voyage of Slaves by Brian Jaqcues (The Outcasts of the Flying Dutchmen series were recommended to me by a blogger friend, and I'm glad I took their advice! Mr. Jacques scores again!).  And 'A Break with Charity' By Ann Rinaldi (Ms. Rinaldi is an excelling writer as well!)

3. What books do you have on request at the library?
I have none.  I haven't found out how to do that yet at mine...I need to look into it and put 'Night Circus' up, though!

4. What do you currently have checked out at the library?
20,000 leagues under the sea, 2 History books, Icecore, Captians Courageous, A Break with Charity, Voyage of Slaves,

5. Do you have an e-reader?
No, but I want one, like, BAD.

6. Do you prefer to read one book at a time, or several at once?
As much as I can!

7. Can you read on the bus?
Yes, but since I'm homeschooled I hardly ever ride buses.

8. Favorite place to read?
On my bed, ALONE.

9. Do you ever dog-ear books?
No, but when I was younger I did.,


10. Do you ever write in the margins of your books?
NEVER.

11. What makes you love a book?
Amazing writing, epic plot, awesome characters, action, and emotion.

12. What will inspire you to recommend a book?
If it is a freakin' awesome book that makes my heart race.

13. Favorite genre?
Science Fiction, Fantasy, action, and adventure.

14. How do you feel about giving bad/negative reviews?
If it is a bad/poorly written book, there is nothing I can do about it.  However, most books I've read have something good in them, and I try to point that out as well.

15. Favorite Poet?
Hmm...I'm not into the Poets, per say, as much as the Poetry itself.

16. How many books do you usually have checked out of the library at any given time?
7, because thats the limit the library has set. Which really stinks.

17. How often have you returned books to the library unread?
Never done it!

18. Favorite fictional character?
Ooh...I will constrain myself to book fictional characters only:
Colt Mcallister.
Oz Romero.
Sherlock Holmes.
Alice Kingsley
John H. Watson.
Professor Moriarty.

19. Favorite fictional villain?
Again, ones only in books,  Professor Moriarty.

20. Books I’m most likely to bring on vacation?
Whatever ones I'm currently reading.

21. The longest I’ve gone without reading.
Eee...Somewhere between a month and a week.

22. Name a book that you could/would not finish.
A Tree grows in Brooklyn.  It just wasn't clean enough for me.

23. What distracts you easily when you’re reading?
People reading over my shoulder. HUGE pet peeve of mine!

24. Favorite film adaptation of a novel?
The Sherlock Holmes series with Basil Rathbone.

25. Most disappointing film adaptation?
Uh...Uh...I dunno.  I haven't watched much book-to-films.

26. What would cause you to stop reading a book half-way through?
If it had dirty language or content that was inexcusable.

27. Do you like to keep your books organized?
YES! I have my books arranged by series and publisher.

28. Do you prefer to keep books or give them away once you’ve read them?
I prefer to KEEP them.  I like re reading my favorite parts and lending them to people.

So, who else is gonna do this?