Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore

Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore 5 of 5 stars.
To be released January 2010

Nimira is a music-hall girl used to dancing for pennies. So when wealthy sorcerer Hollin Parry hires her to sing accompaniment to a mysterious piano-playing automaton, Nimira believes it will be the start of a better life. In Parry's world, long-buried secrets are about to stir. Unsettling rumors begin to swirl about ghosts, a madwoman roaming the halls, and Parry's involvement with a league of sorcerers who torture fairies for sport. When Nimira discovers that the spirit of a dashing fair gentleman is trapped within the automaton, she is determined to break the curse. But even as the two fall into a love that seems hopeless, breaking the curse becomes a perilous race against time. Because it's not just the future of these star-crossed lovers that's at stake, but the fate of the entire magical world.

Jaclyn Dolamore weaves a beautiful story of love, loss, lies and magic with the ease more seasoned authors envy. You will be sucked into the story as soon as you open the book. The characters are lovable and real with voices all their own. The mythology of the tale is told in a way that flows easily and seems utterly effortless. Nimira's magical and alluring world somewhat mirrors that of are own but holds its own distinctions with a solid base. I would definitely suggest this book to anyone who loves a good fantasy. There is plenty of action and intrigue. If you enjoy a fast-paced fairytale free of common cliches this is the book for you.
I look forward to seeing more from this talented author.

For fans of: The Gemma Doyle Trilogy, Gail Carson Levine, Faerie Path

New Moon- Movie Review

Twilight Saga: New Moon 5 of 5 stars

One girl, betrayed by her vampire love finds solice in the company of bestfriend and werewolf, Jacob Black. Bella finds herself going mad. Reckless actions result in an angry voice in her head, his voice.
She craves these moments of insanity and is willing to do what ever it takes to cause them. What could be more reckless than hanging out with a werewolf?
Bella needs Jacob. He's the light at the end of the tunnel for her, but what happens when Bella gets the chance to see Edward again? Can she have both?

I absolutely loved this movie. The best actors, the best music, and the best CGI all add to a wonderful script. I'll honestly be quoting this movie for the next few days. The only problem I see with it is the timeline. If you aren't a fan, and haven't read the books, I don't see how you could keep up. They go so quickly from one scene to the next, you hardly see a change. It was still wonderful though. Some things aren't exactly like the book, but it amounts to the same thing and gives the movie a bit more texture.
My favorite scene is the movie theatre scene with Bella, Jacob and Mike. But, I will say they did an awesome job casting the Volturi. The soft spoken thing was really creepy.
If you're crazy enough to think about not going to this movie, I suggest you give it a chance. Even if you aren't a fan it is enjoyable, but I think you get the most out of it if you've read the book.

Though I laughed the majority of the time, I'll admit it, I cried at the end. Bella is absolutely TOO mean to Jacob. =(

Updates

I officially deserve to be beat over the head with... something.
I am dreadfully sorry about not being on lately. I guess its just that time of year, everyone is busy. BUT I promise to make it up to you with plenty of interviews and contests between now and Christmas! =)
As for now, I am excited to say that I will be going to the midnight release of New Moon. Hooray, hooray! Really excited about that. I'm going into town early to hunt down a Team Jacob t-shirt.
I thought I would also let you all know that the wonderful HarperTeen site inkpop.com is now done with beta testing and is open to the public. It is an awesome site! Created by the publishers at HarperTeen, it takes a new view on YA publishing. Anyone can upload their novel for review by other authors. The project with the highest rank at the end of each month is sent to a review board at HarperTeen where they will decide whether or not to offer the author a publishing contract! You can find me and my Middle Grade novella Gabriela's Gift on there by looking me up. =)
I hope you all check that out and our enjoying the beginning of your holidays!

Much love,
Arya

The Struggle by L.J. Smith

The Struggle by L. J. Smith 4 of 5 stars.
A Love Triangle of Unspeakable Horror...

Damon
Determined to make Elena his queen of darkness, he'd kill his own brother to possess her.

Stefan
Desperate for the power to destroy Damon, he succumbs to his thirst for human blood.

Elena
Irresistibly drawn to both brothers, her choice will decide their fate.

The terrifying story of two vampire brothers and the beautiful girl torn between them.


Again, no, I am not into vampires. I do love the Vampire Diaries TV show so, I decided to read the books. They are well written and enjoyable even if they aren't my usual thing. I'm learning that it is good to get out of your comfort zone. The Struggle ended just as abruptly as The Awakening, which was really annoying to me. L. J. Smith has certainly mastered the nail-biter. The Struggle is full of action and will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Devil's Kiss by Sarwat Chadda

Devil's Kiss by Sarwat Chadda 5 of 5 stars.

As the youngest and only female member of the Knights Templar, Bilqis Sangreal grew up knowing she wasn't normal. Instead of hanging out at the mall or going on dates, she spends her time training as a warrior in her order's ancient battle against the Unholy.
Billi's cloistered life is blasted apart when her childhood friend, Kay, returns from Jerusalem, gorgeous and with a dangerous chip on his shoulder. He's ready to slide back into Billi's life, but she's met someone new: amber-eyed Mike who seems to understand her like no one else and effortlessly stakes a claim on her heart.
But the Templars are called to battle before Billi can enjoy the thrilling new twist to her life. One of the order's ancient enemies has resurfaced, searching for a treasure the Templars have guarded for almost a thousand years--King Solomon's cursed mirror, a source of unimaginable power. To save the lives of millions, Billi will have to put her heart aside and make sacrifices greater than she could have imagined.

Devil's Kiss is a wonderful book, well written and fast paced, it will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. The characters are believable and real, even if the circumstances are not. Sarwat Chadda did a wonderful job weaving together myths, legends, and Biblical tellings to create a story you could believe in. I would suggest this book to just about anyone.

Sphinx's Princess by Esther Friesner

Sphinx's Princess by Esther Friesner 5 of 5 stars.
Her face is a symbol of the glories of ancient Egypt.
Her life was a battlefield of the gods.
Her very name means, "The Beautiful Woman Has Come."
But Nefertiti was far more than just a pretty face...
Nefertiti is a dutiful, docile child, whose only interests, aside from the normal pursuits of a commoner's daughter, are music and dance. But an encounter with a scribe arouses her curious mind, and she cajoles him into secret lessons in the arts of reading and writing. As she enters her teen years, her growing beauty and her developing singing and dancing skills attract attention near and far. And with her aunt, Queen Tiye, summons Nefertiti's family, her life takes an unexpected turn. The strong-willed queen plans to use Nefertiti as a pawn in her desire for power.
Even though she must obey the queen and live in the royal palace at Thebes, Nefertiti's spirit and mind will not rest. She continues to challenge herself, learning how to drive a chariot and hunt with bow and arrow. With control of a kingdom at stake and threats at ever turn, Nefertiti is forced to make choices and stand up for her beliefs in ways she never imagined.

In Sphinx's Princess, Esther Friesner tells the story of yet another beautiful and strong young woman. Nobody's Princess and Nobody's Prize are two of my favorite books, and this one is right up there with them. The characters are believable and interesting. The story is full of action and will make you cheer for the young Nefertiti. The only thing I find funny about Esther Friesner is that in her writing the jerks are always the handsome ones and the heroes are the homely. I guess that's what makes her writing unique. Even while writing about women who are known throughout history for their remarkable beauty she is able to make it seem like a small thing. She shows that strength and character are far more precious than beauty could ever be.

For fans of: Esther Friesner, Mara, Daughter of the Nile, Cleopatra's Daughter

The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening by L.J. Smith

The Vampire Diaries by L. J. Smith 4 of 5 stars.
Elena is the school beauty, but she's bored. Until a new boy turns up in her class. Stefan is dark and mysterious - and she's determined to get to know him better. But Elena reminds Stefan of someone from his tragic past, and he's just as determined to resist her. Until a series of attacks in the area terrify the school and town and Stefan, the outsider, is held responsible. Elena is the only one who offers to help and, falling in love with her, Stefan tells her his terrible story. He is a vampire, on the run from his evil brother, Damon, who is also a vampire, but doesn't share Stefan's qualms about drinking human blood. And Damon is the one Stefan suspects of really being behind the recent attacks...Can Elena help prove his innocence - without revealing his secret?

Okay, yes, I don't care much for vampires, blah blah blah. But I have enjoyed watching the new show Vampire Diaries on the CW, so after the major cliff hanger last week I decided to read the book. I was surprised by how much different it was from the t.v. show, though I don't know why I didn't suspect it. It was pretty good though and I enjoyed it more than I expected. I felt it was a fairly short read and the ending was way to abrupt, but it was good. I plan on reading the rest of the books. L. J. Smith's writing is nice and flowing, definitely good at creating suspense.

For fans of: Paranormal, Twilight