A Pirate's Charm by C.T. Douglas

A Pirate's Charm by C.T. Douglas 5 of 5 stars.
First book in The Lore Trilogy.

When she flees Barbados in the late 1780s, the last thing Molly Bishop expects is to begin life anew with a criminal -- much less the infamous Captain Thomas Crowe. On the high seas, far from her old life and even farther from England and her Uncle Samuel's farm, Molly learns more than just the way of outcasts. Captain Crowe keeps secrets -- many secrets. His eyes are sometimes deep blue and sometimes yellow. Inhuman noises can be heard from his cabin on moonlit nights. Stranger still, Thomas possesses a ring crafted by Molly's father -- a man she thought to be long gone. Life on the fringes of civilization seems to offer something forbidden and exciting to Molly, and when Thomas's secrets are revealed, she is immersed in a world of fantasy and myth more real and much larger than she could have imagined. (Book blurb)

Captain Thomas Crowe is handsome, charming, and secretive, he also happens to be Molly's only chance of escaping a past filled with shadows. What Molly didn't know is that Thomas Crowe was a man who could make all of the stories her uncle told her as a child become real. As Molly finds her world inescapably tangled with that of Thomas she must learn to accept fiction as fact while facing an adventure more mystifying and dangerous than she ever dreamed possible.

A Pirate's Charm is a page-turning adventure full of mythical creatures, romance, and magic. The writing is dense and graceful as we follow the characters' unbelievable story. Humor lightens an otherwise dark plot full of surprising twists and unpredictable turns that will leave the reader on the edge of her seat.

Having been obsessed with the Pirates of the Caribbean movies for years (seriously- I could quote all three movies perfectly) and reading To Catch a Pirate by Jade Parker over twenty times before moving on to the more popular genre of paranormal fiction, I couldn't resist reading a book that had both pirates and werewolves. Now, this plot had the possibility to either be positively genius or horribly corny. Thankfully, it was the former.

The mythology C.T. Douglas uses in his debut novel is unique to the modern paranormal world but still carries a more traditional feel. He quite obviously put alot of effort into creating a thorough history for the creatures and magic in his book.

The characters were easily lovable. Molly was the more realistic out of the bunch, while Thomas Crowe was completely swoon-worthy and hilarious. The notorious captain's antics reminded me greatly of Jack Sparrow. The side characters in the novel were just as three-dimensional as the main characters, all adding a piece to the puzzle.

Overall, I think anyone would enjoy A Pirate's Charm. Whether you're into the paranormal scene of vampires and werewolves, a pirate lover, or just a fan of a good adventure novel, you can easily fall in love with this story. I, for one, can't wait to read the next book!

To order a copy of A Pirate's Charm by C.T. Douglas, please click here.

Vampire Diaries- Season 2

Katherine is back and she's meaner than ever in the Season 2 premier of The Vampire Diaries that aired Thursday night on CW.

It seems like we've been waiting forever for this new episode since the last season left us with a gory visage of Katherine stabbing Elena's father with a butcher knife in her own kitchen. Now, Elena is home to her worst nightmare as this southern belle continues to tangle up the live of her ex-lovers Stefan and Damon.

Its dark, its dangerous, its The Vampire Diaries. Who would expect less? I was so excited when it came on last night and it didn't disappoint. I have a feeling this will be an even better season than last year's. The thing that kept striking me as I watched it was that this tv show (and let's face it, this series of books) is far more exciting than Stephanie Meyer's Twilight Saga, despite its sad lack of werewolves. I can't wait for the next chilling episode. If you haven't watched this show before, I seriously suggest starting now.

Photos from Decatur Book Fest!

Oh, my! I have to say, I am so glad I went to the Decatur Book Festival. It was a bit overwhelming but completely worth it. I met so many amazing people I would never have seen otherwise and had a great time. I admit that I was totally star-struck when I met Michelle Zink, Jackson Pearce, Robin Benway, Lisa Klein, and Nancy Werlin. They were super nice and I really hope I didn't make too much of a fool of myself. (Being the little bumpkin I am!) ;)

Anyway, I promised you all some pictures so here they are!! :) I strongly encourage you to check out the authors' websites and publications. They're all awesome!


One of my writing idols, Michelle Zink!


(Left to Right) The fabulous Robin Benway; Jackson Pearce, one of my new favorite people; Prophecy of the Sisters author, Michelle Zink.


Impossible author Nancy Werlin at her signing.

Nancy Werlin. Isn't she awesome?!


Lisa Klein who had just finished a speech on girl power or rather the lack thereof during Elizabethan times.


Zarle Williams, a super sweet lady and the author of The Memoirs of Joan of Arc.


The incredibly talented C.T. Douglas author of The Lore Trilogy.


Candace Christina author of the absolutely adorable book Summer of Seven.


Randy Young and Fran Orenstein from Sleepytown Press.


Steampunk author Nick Valentino promoting his book Thomas Riley.


Tyra Denine author of Damaged Goods and advocate against domestic abuse.


Ramona Bridges author of the beautiful book Sweet By and By.


Award-winning novelist Jane Harmon promoting her book Pip.


The mystical Leanna Sain author of the Gate to Nowhere books.

Decatur Book Festival!

Hi, everyone!! The Decatur Book Festival is absolutely amazing!! I knew it was going to be big, but it still surprised me. I've seen tons of cool authors, and am dying to read some of the books I've picked up. I do have plenty of pictures, but I was too tired to post them last night. However, I promise to post them tonight. Keep an eye on my Twitter page, as I hope to be tweeting more about the festival today.

If you happen to be there, let me know! I'd love to see you!!! :)

All the best,

Arya

Cate of the Lost Colony by Lisa Klein

Cate of the Lost Colony by Lisa Klein 4 of 5 stars.
To be released October 12, 2010.

One of the greatest mysteries of all time. . .
and a love triangle that spans two continents

Lady Catherine is one of Queen Elizabeth's favorite court maidens--until her forbidden romance with Sir Walter Ralegh is discovered. In a bitter twist of irony, the jealous queen banishes Cate to Ralegh's colony of Roanoke, in the New World. Ralegh pledges to come for Cate when he sails for the settlement with supplies, but as the months stretch out, Cate begins to doubt his promise and his love. Instead it is Manteo, a Croatoan Indian, whom the colonists--and Cate--increasingly turn to. Yet even as Cate's longings for England and Ralegh begin to fade and she discovers a new love in Manteo, Ralegh will finally set sail for the New World... (Book blurb)

When Catherine Archer's father dies and despair descends on the orphaned girl a surprising letter arrives from the queen, asking her to become one of her ladies in waiting.  Catherine is thrilled, but when she arrives at court she realizes how little she knows about what goes on within their walls. As courtly intrigue threatens to drown her the dashing Walter Ralegh--a favorite of the queen--may just be the one who pushes her head under water for good.

Catherine is banished to Virginia when the queen discovers Ralegh's affection for her, and Catherine couldn't be more thrilled. Entering a New World as Cate, she doesn't find the Eden she dreamed so often of. As the colonists are increasingly pushed to desperate circumstances it is the Indian ambassador Manteo who proves to be Cate's greatest ally.

Cate of the Lost Colony is a beautifully told story of the "lost colony" of Roanoke Island. The story doesn't rush through, but takes its time lingering on the facts that are recognized by historians and building upon them to create something totally unique. The most intriguing thing about Cate of the Lost Colony is the fact that its story is so possible, describing a possibility that has very little proof against it.

I greatly enjoyed this novel and hated to put it down. Lisa Klein did a wonderful job, obviously pouring a great deal of time, research, and thought into its pages. The pace is a bit slow and may not be the greatest book for those of you who like headlong action, but it is very interesting. If there was anything I would have changed about it, it would be not taking the time to pen in Walter Ralegh's point of view. These sections were often full of information that the reader was tempted to skip over.

The thing about this novel is, to me, it would look better on film. This would definitely be a good idea. For people who are good at conjuring a strong mental picture while reading will see why. The lack of interaction but growing affection between Manteo and Cate would have been much easier to spot in a movie then they are in a book. The same goes for the trials of the colonists. They just don't pack as much of a punch in the novel.

Overall, Cate of the Lost Colony was a wonderful read, but is mostly recommended to people specifically interested in the subject matter and time period.

A special thanks to BloomsburyUSA for sending me a copy to review!

To pre-order Cate of the Lost Colony from Amazon.com, please click here.

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This blog is an Amazon Associates Affiliate when you buy an item from Amazon.com after following one of our links to the site, we gain a small commission. However, this does NOT effect our opinion of the books. Thank you.
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Wicked Girls by Stephanie Hemphill

Wicked Girls by Stephanie Hemphill 5 of 5 stars.

What started out as girls' games became a witch hunt. Wicked Girls is a fictionalized account of the Salem witch trials told from the perspectives of three of the real young women living in Salem in 1692.

Ann Putnam Jr. plays the queen bee. When her father suggests that a spate of illnesses within the village is the result of witchcraft, Ann grasps her opportunity. She puts in motion a chain of events that will change the lives of the people around her forever.

Mercy Lewis, the beautiful servant in Ann's house, inspires adulation in some and envy in others. With a troubled past, she seizes her only chance at safety.

Margaret Walcott, Ann's cousin, is desperately in love and consumed with fiery jealousy. She is torn between staying loyal to her friends and pursuing the life she dreams of with her betrothed.

With new accusations mounting daily against the men and women of the community, the girls will have to decide: Is it too late to tell the truth? (Book blurb)

1692 is hardly an easy time for young women. Dealing with the hardships of growing up in a community where women mean very little and young women practically nothing, it shouldn't be a surprise that young girls would cling to any sense of purpose they could find, even if it sent others to their graves.

Wicked Girls tells the dark story of the first accusers of the Salem witch trials. Stephanie Hemphill seamlessly combines history with fiction to create very likely back stories for these girls. She brings into view the reason behind the girls' lies and affliction. We see a story of abuse and mistreatment unfold as the wickedness spreads throughout this small Puritan community.

One of the things I found most fascinating about this book was that it was not written simply in prose but in verse. I find it adds to the dramatic effect and also shapes things so that we understand what these girls are seeing and feeling, but we don't hear their thoughts literally. We know what drives them, but at the same time, we still don't fully understand them. It maintains mystery while still giving us a view into the girls' hearts.

The grief and regret that was felt at the end of the story was weighty and real, but it did not seem to extend to all the characters (particularly the younger ones). This, to me, helps to show that while some of these girls understood their actions and felt the guilt of what they had done, not all of them understood what implications their actions really had.

I have always been interested in the Salem trial, long before I found out my families history in them, and I think Stephanie Hemphill has done a marvelous job with this novel. Whether you are new to the trials, or have studied about them before I believe anyone could enjoy this book, either for the historical significance or for the beautiful writing.

For fans of: Sacrifice by Kathleen Benner Duble, Stephanie Hemphill

Many thanks to HarperTeen for sending me a copy to review!

To order Wicked Girls by Stephanie Hemphill from Amazon.com, please click here.

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This blog is an Amazon Associates Affiliate when you buy an item from Amazon.com after following one of our links to the site, we gain a small commission. However, this does NOT effect our opinion of the books. Thank you.
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Linger by Maggie Stiefvater

Linger by Maggie Stiefvater 5 of 5 stars.

the longing.

Once Grace and Sam have found each other, they know they must fight to stay together. For Sam, this means a reckoning with his werewolf past. For Grace it means facing a future that is less and less certain.

the loss.

Into their world comes a new wolf named Cole, whose past is full of hurt and danger. He is wrestling with his own demons, embracing the life of a wolf while denying the ties of being human.

the linger.

For Grace, Sam, and Cole, it is a constant struggle between two forces--wolf and human--with love baring its two sides as well. It is harrowing and euphoric, freeing and entrapping, enticing and alarming. As their world falls apart, love is what lingers. But will it be enough? (Book blurb)

Grace clings to her humanity while the wolf inside her grows rapidly, enticing her to let go of everything and enjoy the release being a wolf can bring. Sam tries to learn how to believe in the cure that is keeping him human and with the girl he loves, while stepping into the shoes of his father figure taking care of the wolves who will be turning into humans soon. Cole avoids coping with his past preferring the emptiness and impulsiveness of being a wold, but as he comes to realize what humanity and animalism really are, the monster in the mirror comes into view.

Linger like Shiver is about humanity, love, loss, and history. The characters all must deal with equally horrible pasts as they try their best to come to terms with who they are. It is a bittersweet story that defies the lines of most modern supernatural novels. It does not glorify paranormal creatures, but rather taps into human and animal psychs in a way that shows off the cruelty of "reality".

It goes without saying the Maggie Stiefvater's character are "likeable" or "realistic", they literally jump out of the page and slap you in the face. Stiefvater isn't afraid to shine a spotlight on the cruelty and hardship in life, and her characters reflect that. My favorite character in The Wolves of Mercy Falls series are most certainly Isabel. Isabel's strength and attitude make me want to cheer for her.

Overall, I think anyone would love Linger. The writing is lush and vivid while the story is full of everything a story needs. No sugar-coating but no hopelessness either. Its beautiful, romantic, and will break your heart into a million pieces. I can honestly raise my hand and say that YES, I DID CRY while reading this. I bawled actually, and to be honest, it takes a lot in a book to do that anymore. Don't read this without a box of Kleenex nearby!

For fans of: Maggie Stiefvater

To order Linger by Maggie Stiefvater from Amazon.com, please click here.

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This blog is an Amazon Associates Affiliate when you buy an item from Amazon.com after following one of our links to the site, we gain a small commission. However, this does NOT effect our opinion of the books. Thank you.
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