Happy New Year!

Happy New Year, everyone! I hope your having a wonderful and safe New Year's Eve. I haven't posted much this week because I've felt like I got run over by a freight train. -_- Had a great Christmas though! Got a copy of Captivate by Carri Jones from the lovely people at Bloomsbury USA and a copy of Beautiful Creatures from my grandmother. I honestly wasn't going to read Beautiful Creatures but since I picked it up I haven't been able to put it down. Absolutely amazing. =) I plan on posting the review soon, as well as a list of the top 15 book (in my opinion) that were published in 2009.

Until then,
Arya

The Girl with the Mermaid Hair by Delia Ephron

The Girl with the Mermaid Hair by Delia Ephron 4 of 5 stars.

Click. Sukie Jamieson takes a selfie after her tennis lesson. Click. She takes one before she has to give a presentation in class. Click. She takes one to be sure there's nothing in her teeth after eating pizza at Clementi's. And if she can't take a selfie, she checks her reflections in windows, spoons, car chrome--anything available, really. So when her mother gives her an exquisite full-length mirror that once belonged to her grandmother, Sukie is thrilled. So thrilled that she doesn't listen to her mother's warning: "This mirror will be your best friend and worst enemy." Because mirrors, as Sukie discovers, show not only the faraway truth but the truth up close. And finding out that close-up truth changes people. Often forever.

The Girl with the Mermaid Hair wasn't what I expected. The beginning felt very unrealistic and unfeeling. I couldn't stand the first half to be honest. The only reason I kept reading is while I wasn't crazy about the characters or even the story Delia Ephron is a good writer. The second half was almost like a different book. I really enjoyed it. While this isn't something I typically read I'm sure someone who likes say Chick-Lit would enjoy it. Over all I would give it a three but because of the ending and Ephron's prose, I'll give it a four.

Voices in the Dark by Catherine Banner

Voices in the Dark by Catherine Banner 5 of 5 stars.
Voices in the Dark is the 2nd and latest book of The Last Descendants Trilogy.
Asking for the truth can be as painful as telling it...

Anselm Andros has clearly defined roles in his family and they are roles he plays very well - he is confidante to his mother, Maria. He is the confessor to his stepfather, Leo, a man haunted by the secrets of his past. And Anselm is also the patient, caring brother to his precocious sister, Jasmine. When the political landscape of Malonia starts to shift, this unassuming family begins to unravel. Even though they've spent the past fifteen years leading a quiet life, Maria and Leo's actions are forever linked to the turbulent history of Malonia and its parallel world, modern-day England. With so much uncertainty at home and in his world, it is more important than ever for Anselm to put all the pieces of the past together. He must listen to his own voice and acknowledge his fears and desires - whatever the cost.

After reading the first book in this trilogy, Eyes of a King, it took me a while to figure out where this book picks up. This book provides very little review of the previous book and to fully respect and understand it you must read the first. I loved the first book by Catherine Banner and in turn I loved this one. When you read a series that is crafted so carefully with such love and attention and that has such a realistic disposition even despite the unbelievable world you come to love the characters and to feel for them. I found myself crying with them and laughing with them. Catherine Banner's writing is beautiful and consoling but at the same time the story will break your heart. Its filled with such melancholy it hurts. Leo was our narrator in the first book but now, sixteen years later, his step-son takes over the narrative. In the beginning he seems much different from Leo, less miserable, angry, and thoughtful, but toward the end he picks up the same grief and guilt that filled Leo's world. While the little girl, Jasmine, seems to have a bit too large a vocabulary for a six year old she is a wonderful character that adds more texture to the story. I would suggest this trilogy to anyone who loves a good fantasy.

For fans of: Gemma Doyle Trilogy, Inheritance Cycle

Waiting on Wednesday!

This week I thought I'd dedicate this to the Twi-hards since I just found something out last night. Apparently, the next thing in the line to make the Twilight franchise even more money from loving fans is... *drum roll, please!* a REALITY SHOW! And yes, your first thought is probably the same as mine, our we going to watch the lives of Twilight fans? Really? Just come to my/my friends house. Haha. Nope. This is going to be based on the real life inhabitants of Forks, Washington. After reading this article I decided it actually sounds pretty neat, and if it does make it to the television I will most definitely watch it!


'Twilight': The Reality Show?

Producer heads to 'Twilight' town in search of the supernatural

By Josef Adalian
TheWrap.com

"Twilight" town Forks, Washington, could soon be the setting for a new reality docusoap.
Producer Zig Gauthier has begun casting for an unscripted project designed to tap into the "Twi"-hards' interest in all things related to Stephenie Meyer's book and movie franchise.
But don't expect to see Forks townies pretending to be vampires and werewolves.

"We're not going up there looking to cast people who have claims to the supernatural," Gauthier told TheWrap, just hours before hopping a flight to Forks. "We want people who have a true connection to the community. We want to avoid people with outlandish claims."
So just what will the show be?

Gauthier said the goal of the as-yet untitled series is "to peel back another layer of the onion that is Forks and see what the real people there are like."
There's certainly evidence that "Twilight" fans will respond to all things related to the franchise. As TheWrap reported last month, tourist traffic has boomed in recent years as readers and moviegoers flocked to see the town where Meyers set her novels -- even though very little filming of the movies took place in Forks.

The exact format of the series hasn't yet been worked out and won't be until Gauthier finishes casting. He also wants to give potential network partners maximum flexibility in shaping the series.

Possibilities for the structure of the show include focusing on a group of high-school students (the real life Bella!), following one or more families who live in the town or a "Real Housewives" model, in which cameras tag along with several interesting personalities in the town.

Forks has been hit hard by the Great Recession, so the tourist dollars that have come from
"Twilight" have been helpful. Gauthier hopes exposing the real Forks via a reality show could further boost tourism.

Mike Gurling, who manages the visitor center for the Forks Chamber of Commerce, said residents were aware of planned casting sessions for the Gauthier project -- but not yet sure what to make of the idea.

"It's pretty hard to imagine the concept," Gurling told TheWrap. "This is a really small logging town. If you were to compare what happens here to Las Vegas or Los Angeles, it's hard for us to believe" there's enough interesting content for a show.

That said, Gurling said that he just hopes that anything that's produced "sheds a positive light on Forks. If it's hokey or embarrassing, my personal impression is that's not something we'd want to see."

Not a problem, says Gauthier: He wants to be considerate of locals who might not be keen on a Hollywood camera crew hanging out in the town of 3,000.

"I come from a small town of 100 people in Northern California," he said. "I do expect some people to be resistant. But we want to be respectful of what the town has gone through. I think we're making our best effort to make this a good experience."

Gauthier is developing the Forks project via his Red Varden Studios banner. Before launching his own company, he served as co-head of alternative for SyFy (then SciFi) and had gigs at Fox Cable Networks and GSN.


Much love and Merry Christmas,

Arya

Teaser Tuesday

On Teaser Tuesday I will post a few sentences from the book I am currently reading and you will do the same. =) Today I will post my excerpt from Voices in the Dark by Catherine Banner on page 157. Enjoy!

"It is not just because of my father," Leo said. "Anselm, it was a very bad thing that I did. If it ever comes out--if anyone ever learns about it--I will be in trouble. And so will you--all of you."

Now, please share and teaser excerpt with me from whatever wonderful book your reading in the comments.

Also, I have now signed up for BookMooch.com and I can't believe what I've been missing out on! Its totally awesome. My username is AryaSmith. =)



Much love,
Arya

First Day of Winter!

Its official, Winter is here! I'm sad to say that while its relatively cool here now it will be 70 and raining on Christmas in Ga. =( I hope wherever you are you are enjoying a wonderfully white and safe Winter break. But I'm not writing a Hallmark card here, I know how stressful the holidays can be. So, in honor of that "other side" to Christmas, I thought I'd share something with you that might make you smile. =-) Enjoy!










Arya

Eragon’s Guide to Alagaësia by Christopher Paolini

Eragon’s Guide to Alagaësia by Christopher Paolini 4 of 5 stars.

From the creators of the bestselling books Dragonology, Egyptology, Piratelogy, and others, this is a never-before-seen glimpse into the world of Christopher Paolini’s Inheritance cycle. Alagaësia comes alive in a lush and detailed look at an unforgettable magical land. From elves, dwarves, Urgals, humans, and dragons, to the natural landscape and the magic it contains, Eragon himself offers the reader an unsurpassed tour. This oversized, full-color book provides 15 spreads chock full of spectacular artwork, engaging novelty elements, and fascinating insights into Eragon’s home. With gorgeous jewels adorning the cover and pages filled with envelopes, gatefolds, samples of dragon skin, and more, Eragon’s Guide to Alagaësia is sure to appeal to the legions of fans of Christopher Paolini’s bestselling Inheritance cycle.

When I got Eragon’s Guide to Alagaësia in the mail I was thrilled! It is a sapphire blue hardcover book that looks and feels like it is bound in “dragon skin”. I marveled at the beautiful pictures the book contained. My favorite of all would have to be the elves and the landscapes. While it is a beautiful and relatively informative book it verges on the corny side. Stuck in little packages on the different pages are paper flowers, “dragon knucklebones”, and other little things. You can feel a dragon’s wing (glitter), or a Fuldunost’s fur, which in all honesty reminds me of some little books my cousins had in preschool. Something about that just feels like they were trying to hard. This is a wonderful keepsake and a simply gorgeous book, but for a diehard Inheritance fan it might not seem much. On the other hand, I do think it could get younger readers interested in the exciting series by our much loved author Christopher Paolini. Overall, I enjoyed looking at it, and believe it is a nice collector’s item but doesn’t quite serve to satiate my thirst for CP’s thick and exciting prose.

For fans of: Inheritance Cycle

In My Mailbox (3)

I've gotten some pretty great books in the mail so far this week! =) Check this out.

Eragon's Guide to Alagaesia by Christopher Paolini from the wonderfully ladies of BookDivas

From the creators of the bestselling books Dragonology, Egyptology, Piratelogy, and others, this is a never-before-seen glimpse into the world of Christopher Paolini’s Inheritance cycle. Alagaësia comes alive in a lush and detailed look at an unforgettable magical land. From elves, dwarves, Urgals, humans, and dragons, to the natural landscape and the magic it contains, Eragon himself offers the reader an unsurpassed tour. This oversized, full-color book provides 15 spreads chock full of spectacular artwork, engaging novelty elements, and fascinating insights into Eragon’s home. With gorgeous jewels adorning the cover and pages filled with envelopes, gatefolds, samples of dragon skin, and more, Eragon’s Guide to Alagaësia is sure to appeal to the legions of fans of Christopher Paolini’s bestselling Inheritance cycle.

Voices in the Dark by Catherine Banner from RandomBuzzers.

Asking for the truth can be as painful as telling it. . . .

Anselm Andros has clearly defined roles in his family and they are roles he plays very well—he is confidante to his mother, Maria. He is the confessor to his stepfather, Leo, a man haunted by the secrets of his past. And Anselm is also the patient, caring brother to his precocious sister, Jasmine. When the political landscape of Malonia starts to shift, this unassuming family begins to unravel. Even though they’ve spent the past fifteen years leading a quiet life, Maria and Leo’s actions are forever linked to the turbulent history of Malonia and its parallel world, modern-day England. With so much uncertainty at home and in his world, it is more important than ever for Anselm to put all the pieces of the past together. He must listen to his own voice and acknowledge his fears and desires—whatever the cost.


The Girl with Mermaid Hair by Delia Ephron from my lovely friends at HarperTeen

Click. Sukie Jamieson takes a selfie after her tennis lesson. Click. She takes one before she has to give a presentation in class. Click. She takes one to be sure there's nothing in her teeth after eating pizza at Clementi's. And if she can't take a selfie, she checks her reflection in windows, spoons, car chrome—anything available, really. So when her mother gives her an exquisite full-length mirror that once belonged to her grandmother, Sukie is thrilled. So thrilled that she doesn't listen to her mother's warning: “This mirror will be your best friend and worst enemy.” Because mirrors, as Sukie discovers, show not only the faraway truth but the truth close up. And finding out that close-up truth changes people. Often forever.


I've got plenty of good books to read over the holidays! I hope you are all enjoying your time out of school. Remember not to shop, cook, and decorate to hard. Take some time to sit down, relax, and maybe reflect on the meaning for the season.

Love you all,

Arya

Waiting on Wednesday!

So, I'm guessing I should probably read Need first but after receiving the trailer for Captivate from my friends at Bloomsbury I'm dying to get my hands on it! =) If you haven't heard of it check this out.



Zara and her friends knew they hadn't solved the pixie problem for good. Far from it. The king's needs grow deeper every day he's stuck in captivity, while his control over his people gets weaker. It's made him vulnerable. And now there's a new king in town.

A turf war is imminent, since the new pixie king, Astley, is moving in quickly. Nick nearly killed him in the woods on day one, but Zara came to his rescue. Astley swears that he and Zara are destined to be together, that he's one of the good guys. Nick isn't buying it, though Zara isn't as sure -- despite herself, she wants to trust the new king. But it's a lot more than her relationship with Nick that is at stake. It's her life -- and his.

Sounds great, huh? The cover is gorgeous too!

It will be out January 2010.


Much love,
Arya

A Golden Web by Barbara Quick

A Golden Web by Barbara Quick 5 of 5 stars.
To be released April 2010.

Alessandra is desperate to escape from her stepmother, who's locked her away for a year; from the cloister that awaits her if she refuses the marriage plans that have been made for her; from the expectations that limit her and every other girl in fourteenth-century Italy.
In defiant pursuit of her dreams, Alessandra undertakes an audacious quest, her bravery equaled only by the dangers she faces. Disguised and alone in a city of spies and scholars, Alessandra will find a love she could not foresee--and an enduring fame.

A Golden Web sat unread for over a month as I read books I thought would be more exciting, saving this until last. By the second chapter I realized how horribly wrong I was. The story of Alessandra Giliani is historical fiction at its best, a beautifully and thoroughly structured book that is vivid and full. Nothing lacks from the descriptions of the setting and the time--though not over done, I assure you--to the characters themselves that live and breathe and speak through the pages. I was surprised to find that Alessandra is not believed to have lived and done the things this book says she did. She is more like a legend, really. There is no hardcore proof that she ever existed. You would never suspect this reading how wonderfully and elaborately Barbara Quick was able to weave the story of her life.
The story ties humor, romance, tragedy, and the unfairness of the 14th century to create an unforgettable story. A new favorite.

For fans of: Barbara Quick, Staton Rabin, The Sacrifice

Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink

Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink 5 of 5 stars.

AN ANCIENT PROPHECY

DIVIDES TWO SISTERS--



ONE GOOD...



ONE EVIL...



WHO WILL PREVAIL?



Twin sisters Lia and Alice Milthorpe have just become orphans. They have also become enemies. As they discover their roles in a prophecy that has turned generations of sisters against each other, the girls find themselves entangled in a mystery that involves a tattoo-like mark, their parents' deaths, a boy, a book, and a lifetime of secrets.



Lia and Alice don't know whom they can trust.



They just know they can't trust each other.



Michelle Zink's first published novel is a gothic fantasy that easily rivals that of Libba Bray. Prophecy of the Sisters is a wonderfully dark story filled with frights and delights from beginning to end. The book is beautifully written from the point of view of the sister Lia. Though you see through her eyes you begin to question even the narrator when it comes to which side she is on, the good or the evil. Though the book was very dark and held little humor I enjoyed it immensely. It reminds my a great deal of the Gemma Doyle Trilogy. Don't let that fool you, though. The originality of this story is hard to find in bookstores these days. Hidden behind much worn plots, this book is free of common cliches and will make you wonder if a happy ending is at all possible. That alone is something I like. I don't want to start reading a book knowing that its going to end well, despite whatever danger the characters are currently in. This is something that will really keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

I can't wait to read the next book!





For fans of: The Gemma Doyle Trilogy, Devil's Kiss, Oracles of Delphi Keep

Pitch Black -- Books with Bite

You may be familiar with HarperTeen's Pitch Black from Pimping your Coffin or maybe taking the "Do you have what it take to slay a vampire?" quiz. Now, just in time for holiday shopping, Pitch Black is allowing you to make your Books with Bite wish list!! It even helps you find great books by letting you pick the type you enjoy and then giving you a list. They have some of my favorites including The Faerie Path books by Frewin Jones as well as Never Cry Werewolf by Heather Davis. So, whether you're a Lover, a Fighter, or a Biter your sure to find something you'll love. After you've made your wish list you can then share it with your friends on Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, and more! Nothing helps get you through the winter like a good fantasy novel and some hot chocolate.
Click here to check it out!

The Thirteenth Princess by Diane Zahler

The Thirteenth Princess by Diane Zahler 5 of 5 stars.

Zita is not an ordinary servant girl--she's the thirteenth daughter of a king who wanted only sons. When she was born, Zita's father banished her to the servants' quarters and she can only communicate with her royal sisters in secret. Then, after Zita's twelfth birthday, the princesses all fall mysteriously ill. The only clue is their strangely worn and tattered shoes. With the help of her friends--Breckin the stable boy, Babette the witch, and Milek the soldier--Zita follows her bewitched sisters into a magical world of endless dancing and dreams. But something sinister is afoot--and unless Zita and her friends can break the curse, the twelve princesses will surely dance to their deaths.

Though I thought the cover beautiful but a bit corny, I cannot deny the wonderful story Diane Zahler has woven into the pages of this book. Princess Zita is a fiery and brave narrator who tells the story of how she saves her sisters from their enchantment. The other character are life-like and full of passion that drives the story at an exciting pace. Re-writing a well known and well loved story is a risky thing, but Diane Zahler has done it with originality and beauty. I would suggest this book to anyone who loves a good fairy tale!


For fans of: Gail Carson Levine, Princess of the Midnight Ball, Fairy Tales

Interview with Jaclyn Dolamore

I hope you all got a chance to read my review on Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore and maybe pick up a copy for yourselves when it comes out in January! =) Ms. Dolamore is a wonderful debut author, who I sincerely hope to see more of. She has kindly agreed to do an interview with me. Enjoy!



Do you remember where the idea for Magic Under Glass came from?

The best ideas seem to come from nowhere, like an unexpected package on your doorstep. Magic under glass was like that, although it came from a long love of the Victorian era, novels written in or set in that time, automata, and the relationships between cultures in a world that was starting to become smaller. The best way to get that unexpected package is to fill your head with as much awesome stuff as possible.

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

I have. Occasionally I thought I might be something else, like an artist. But I kept coming back to writing. Even as a kid I idolized other writers and filled notebook upon notebook with stories. Or at least, the beginnings of stories. My attention span wasn't great back then...

Are there any authors you look up to?

I look up to a lot of writers, for different reasons. In a creative sense, there is no *one* writer I look up to to a huge degree. I get something different out of so many different people's work, and I don't think my work is modeled after anyone. In a career sense, I definitely look up to Maggie Stiefvater right now. She's my friend and we're very close in age, and we have some similarities to our work and background, and since she has obviously been very successful, and a step or two ahead of me in the publication journey, I watch what she does and how well it works for her.

What is your favorite cure for writers' block?

If I have writers block, it's because I either haven't planned out the story enough, or I took a wrong turn and I'm being stubborn about admitting it, or I can't see what's wrong. Or sometimes I get writers block just because I need a break and I don't want to admit *that*. So the best cure is to take a day or two off, maybe, and if the problem hasn't worked itself out, I might need to talk to my boyfriend or a friend, or listen to music and sketch the characters for a while... something to get connected to what needs to happen.

From what I can tell reading Magic Under Glass, you are fairly vague on the mechanics of magic usage. Did you think about that much while writing?

Well, magic is not my favorite part of a fantasy novel. I'm much more interested in inventing new cultures and dealing with the ramifications of different magical species interacting, and things like that. So it's true I don't get extremely excited about developing magic systems, compared to some other things. Also, I have a fantasy world I've been writing about since I was 12. The magic in that world is very developed, and in my brain, that is how magic "works", so while I wanted Magic Under Glass to have its own magic, I have a hard time getting away from my other world sometimes...
BUT, if I'm contracted for a second book, the magic will be more specific! I already have some ideas along those lines...

Do you ever base any of your characters off of people you know?

Very rarely. If they are, it's probably a side character based on an old coworker or something...haha. if I know someone who's gone through a situation similar to a character, I will consider how they reacted, but most of my characters are based on some aspect of myself, another character I love in some other story (obviously, I change a lot of things), or someone whose autobiography or biography I've read...

Do you listen to music while you write? If so, what?

Yes! At least, I love to. This year I've had a repetitive stress injury and I write with voice recognition software, so I can't listen to music at the same time anymore. I miss the music a lot... I listen to different music for every book. My favorite ever is David Bowie and Roxy music. But my taste keeps getting more weird, too where I go to the library and come out with, like, old ragtime recordings and Bulgarian folk singers and bluegrass or something.

Do you have any advice for young writers?

The worst enemy of creativity are the voices -- both your own, and other peoples -- that tell you creativity should not be a priority. Writing, when you're young, and it isn't a school assignment, is quiet and personal and it often seems like no one will care or it's a waste of time. Our society does not value time spent sitting alone, reading, thinking, and creating something that might not be good, that might not be successful, that no one will ever read. But it is valuable. Immensely so. Even if I was never published, I know my writing would be the thing I was most proud of on my dying day. When I learn something, if I use it in my writing, I remember it. When I was sitting in the hospital in the middle of the night waiting to find out if my boyfriend was okay when he broke his arm, I thought of my characters and how strong they are. If it's your passion, it's always worth giving priority to. It will enrich your life in so many ways.

A Company of Swans by Eva Ibbotson

A Company of Swans by Eva Ibbotson 5 0f 5 stars.

For nineteen-year-old Harriet Morton, life in 1912 Cambridge is as dry and dull as a biscuit. Her stuffy academic father and her oppressive aunt Louisa allows her only one outlet: ballet. There, in Madame Lavarre's famed school, Harriet is finally able to come to life for a few hours each week. When a Russian ballet master comes to class searching for dancers to fill the corps of his ballet company before their South American tour, Harriet's world changes. He chooses her to be the "eighteenth swan." Defying her father's wishes and narrowly escaping the clutches of the man who wishes to marry her, Harriet sneaks off to join the Russian ballet on their journey to the Amazon. There, in the wild, lush jungle, they perform Swan Lake in grand golden opera houses for the wealthy and culture-deprived rubber barons, and Harriet meets Rom Verney, the handsome and mysterious British exile who owns the most ornate opera house. Utterly enchanted by both the exotic surroundings and by Rom's affections, Harriet is swept away by her new life, completely unaware that her father and would-be fiance have begun to track her down...

Eva Ibbotson is easily compared to Jane Austen. Her prose is thick and flowing with a beautiful style and tone. I reread this book so that I could share a review with you, and I promise, it is just as good the second time. The story is narrated with humor all the way through. The characters are wonderfully imagined and beautiful as the third person narrative slips throughout each one, emphasizing their personalities. Rom is a dashing gentlemen, think Rhett Butler, people. Harriet is a witty yet innocent heroine, and it is a joy to watch her story unfold.

For fans of: Eva Ibbotson, Jane Austen, Magic Under Glass