Storming by K.M. Weiland

Storming
A Dieselpunk Adventure
by K.M. Weiland

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Published: November 2015
Publisher: PenForASword
Genre: Action, Adventure, SciFi, Steampunk
Paperback: 454 pages
Rating: 4

First sentence(s):
Flying a biplane, especially one as rickety as a war-surplus Curtiss JN-4D, meant being ready for anything. But in Hitch's thirteen years of experience, this was the first time "anything" had meant bodies falling out of the night sky smack in front of his plane.

In the high-flying, heady world of 1920s aviation, brash pilot Robert “Hitch” Hitchcock’s life does a barrel roll when a young woman in an old-fashioned ball gown falls from the clouds smack in front of his biplane. As fearless as she is peculiar, Jael immediately proves she’s game for just about anything, including wing-walking in his struggling airshow. In return for her help, she demands a ride back home . . . to the sky. Hitch thinks she’s nuts—until he steers his plane into the midst of a bizarre storm and nearly crashes into a strange airship like none he’s ever run afoul of, an airship with the power to control the weather. Caught between a corrupt sheriff and dangerous new enemies from above, Hitch must take his last chance to gain forgiveness from his estranged family, deliver Jael safely home before she flies off with his freewheeling heart, and save his Nebraska hometown from storm-wielding sky pirates. Cocky, funny, and full of heart, Storming is a jaunty historical adventure / dieselpunk mash-up that combines rip-roaring steampunk adventure and small-town charm with the thrill of futuristic possibilities.

PeekAbook:



My two-bits:

Lots of aerial scenes both stunt and serious flying in a small town setting with its set of colorful characters.

I liked the character growth with the main character, Hitch. He was one of those unsuspecting and unexpected heroes with a bit of a transformation that was fun to see.

For this story, I was more interested in character development than the steampunk part (which was on the light side).

A few illustrations are sprinkled throughout the book.

About the author:

K.M. Weiland lives in make-believe worlds, talks to imaginary friends, and survives primarily on chocolate truffles and espresso. She is the IPPY and NIEA Award-winning and internationally published author of the Amazon bestsellers Outlining Your Novel and Structuring Your Novel, as well as Jane Eyre: The Writer’s Digest Annotated Classic, the western A Man Called Outlaw, the medieval epic Behold the Dawn, the portal fantasy Dreamlander, and the historical/dieselpunk adventure Storming. When she’s not making things up, she’s busy mentoring other authors on her award-winning blog. She makes her home in western Nebraska.

~*~
* review copy courtesy of author

The New World by Chris Adrian, Eli Horowitz and Russell Quinn

The New World
by Chris Adrian, Eli Horowitz and Russell Quinn

Find out more about this book and author:
Powells
Goodreads
BookExcerpt

Published: 2015
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Genre: SciFi
Hardback: 224 pages
Rating: 3

First sentence(s):
Jim collapsed and died at the hospital where he and Jane both worked, she as a pediatric surgeon and he as a chaplain—a humanist chaplain, as he liked to remind everyone.

What is the purpose of life?
If you could send a message to the future what would it be?
Why do you deserve, not desire, to live forever?

Acclaimed author Chris Adrian (The Children’s Hospital, The Great Night) joins the award-winning creators of The Silent History – Eli Horowitz and Russell Quinn to create an innovative digital novel about memory, grief and love.

The New World is the story of a marriage. Dr. Jane Cotton is a pediatric surgeon: her husband, Jim, is a humanist chaplain. They are about to celebrate their eighth wedding anniversary when Jim suddenly collapses and dies. When Jane arrives at the hospital she is horrified to find that her husband’s head has been removed from his body. Only then does she discover that he has secretly enrolled with a shadowy cryogenics company called Polaris.

Furious and grieving, Jane fights to reclaim Jim from Polaris. Revived, in the future, Jim learns he must sacrifice every memory of Jane if he wants to stay alive in the new world. Separated by centuries, each of them is challenged to choose between love and fear, intimacy and solitude, life and grief, and each will find an answer to the challenge that is surprising, harrowing, and ultimately beautiful.

My two-bits:

I found this to be a quick read on the topic of grief. It is not too different than other grief books out there and only provided a couple ideas on the afterlife that had me pondering.

Not sure why this book made it into the Tournament of Books shortlist as it does not seem as strong as a contender as other nominees.

~*~

Tournament of Books short list nominee (details)

Sparked by Sheena Snow (with giveaway)

Sparked
by Sheena Snow

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Release date: December 16, 2015
Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing
Genre: Robots, SciFi, YA
ebook
Rating: 4

Metal Bones series:
Sparked
book 2 - tba

First sentence(s):
I never locked eyes with a robot before.
Never.
Not once.
I guess I thought it would feel different.

Metal will Clash

In a not-too-distance future, robots composed of metal for bones, electric cords for veins, and synthetics for skin are now available. For purchase. Eighteen-year-old Vienna Avery’s home is going to change forever, now that her mom purchased an Italian Chef Robot to cook and reside in their house.

Secrets will Unfold

The government claimed robots were indifferent, unthinking pieces of metal and elastic—assistance for the help of humans. Vienna never believed much of what the government said. The pieces didn’t always fit. And now Vienna knows why, because she’s uncovered the government’s secret: that robots have emotions, sucking Vienna into the underground world of feeling, thinking, and sovereign robots.

Sparks will Fly

Alec Cypher is everything a robot is not supposed to be: deep, dark, and dangerously human. And for some reason, he wants to save Vienna from the government’s prying, vindictive eyes. Going forward, Vienna will have to learn to trust robots and battle the growing feelings she never thought possible . . . feelings for the green-eyed, soul-searching robot named Alec.

My two-bits:

This book can get you thinking about the future and technology. How far do we want to go and will we even get to see it happen?

The age-old question of "What is it to be human?" goes round and round in this story that has an ensemble cast of robots (young adult-like) and a human girl, Vienna.

And when it comes to love and robots, it is interesting to think about how humans can manage to anthropomorphize things so much to the point of caring and loving them despite their inhuman-ness.

Most of all, I wonder if we really want human-like robots in our world walking amongst us unnoticed and assimilated?

~*~
* review copy courtesy of book tour sponsored by Kate Tilton's Book Bloggers

* SIGNUP to win a Reading is Sexy mug (here).

Guest post & Giveaway: Sparked by Sheena Snow

Sparked
by Sheena Snow
Amazon | Goodreads
They weren't supposed to have feelings.

Metal will Clash

In a not-too-distance future, robots composed of metal for bones, electric cords for veins, and synthetics for skin are now available. For purchase. Eighteen-year-old Vienna Avery’s home is going to change forever, now that her mom purchased an Italian Chef Robot to cook and reside in their house.

Secrets will Unfold

The government claimed robots were indifferent, unthinking pieces of metal and elastic—assistance for the help of humans. Vienna never believed much of what the government said. The pieces didn’t always fit. And now Vienna knows why, because she’s uncovered the government’s secret: that robots have emotions, sucking Vienna into the underground world of feeling, thinking, and sovereign robots.

Sparks will Fly

Alec Cypher is everything a robot is not supposed to be: deep, dark, and dangerously human. And for some reason, he wants to save Vienna from the government’s prying, vindictive eyes. Going forward, Vienna will have to learn to trust robots and battle the growing feelings she never thought possible . . . feelings for the green-eyed, soul-searching robot named Alec.

About the author:

Find out more about this book and author:
Amazon
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Website
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~*~
~-~-~-~-~ guest ~-~-~-~-~
by Sheena Snow
~-~-~-~-~ guest ~-~-~-~-~
Your personal motto (if you've got two of them - name them)  ;-)
- JK Rowling : Failure often leads to great success.

Sheena's Top 10:

• A typical work day begins with… me opening the manuscript and internally saying, “How am I going to fix this?”
• I lose track of time… when I’m reading an amazing book, or playing candy crush :/
• I have always… been creative in one way or another
• I have never… swam with sharks, climbed Mt. Everest, or gone streaking at a sports game
• Home means to me… feeling happy, feeling loved and being surrounded by books and animals.
• I am inspired by… the little things in life that decide to take my mind on an adventure
• I would like to meet… JK Rowling! With Suzanne Collins coming in close second. Omg. And I would probably faint straight away. *fanning myself as I’m imaging this*
• My worst character trait… I struggle to forgive
• My best character trait… I love to smile
• The best advice I was given: Don’t be so hard on yourself

~end

Guest post created by Sheena Snow, author of Sparked
© 2015. All rights reserved.

~-~-~-~-~ guest ~-~-~-~-~
by Sheena Snow
~-~-~-~-~ guest ~-~-~-~-~

--~ Blog Tour Giveaway ~--

WIN a Reading is Sexy Mug!

Open to US only.

Offer ends: December 13, 2015

TO DO: (2-parts)

1. ADD this book to your Want To Read list on Goodreads (here).

2. LEAVE a comment.

AND, leave your email.

~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~

Contest has ended - (winner is here)

~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~

~*~
* part of blog tour sponsored by Kate Tilton’s Book Bloggers

Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

Illuminae
by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

Find out more about this book and author:
Amazon | Goodreads | BookExcerpt
AMIE: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest
Tumblr | Twitter @AmieKaufman
JAY: Website | Facebook | Twitter @misterkristoff

Release date: October 20, 2015
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Genre: SciFic, YA
Hardback: 608 pages
Rating: 5

The Illuminae Files trilogy:
Illuminae
book 2 - tba

This morning, Kady thought breaking up with Ezra was the hardest thing she’d have to do.

This afternoon, her planet was invaded.

The year is 2575, and two rival megacorporations are at war over a planet that’s little more than an ice-covered speck at the edge of the universe. Too bad nobody thought to warn the people living on it. With enemy fire raining down on them, Kady and Ezra—who are barely even talking to each other—are forced to fight their way onto one of the evacuating fleet, with an enemy warship in hot pursuit.

But their problems are just getting started. A deadly plague has broken out and is mutating, with terrifying results; the fleet’s AI, which should be protecting them, may actually be their enemy; and nobody in charge will say what’s really going on. As Kady hacks into a tangled web of data to find the truth, it’s clear only one person can help her bring it all to light: the ex-boyfriend she swore she’d never speak to again.

Told through a fascinating dossier of hacked documents—including emails, schematics, military files, IMs, medical reports, interviews, and more—Illuminae is the first book in a heart-stopping, high-octane trilogy about lives interrupted, the price of truth, and the courage of everyday heroes.

My two-bits:

Although a chunkster of a book, it reads fast as the story is told via chat sessions, emails and reports. Illustrations and schematics are included to compliment the feel of the book.

Loved the presentation of this book (although I read an ARC). I am tempted to get a final copy for the full effect.

Loved the characters and how they interact via mostly online.

Got me thinking of AI's and robots.

~*~
* review copy courtesy of publisher

* see if the authors will be in your town in November (here)

* read this during Dewey's 24 hour Read-a-thon (here)

Crudrat by Gail Carriger

Crudrat
by Gail Carriger
Read by J. Daniel Sawyer, Veronica Giguere, and 20 others
Original score by Danny Schade

Find out more about this book and author:
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Book Website
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Twitter @gailcarriger

Audio cd released: August 2015
Publisher: Artistic Whispers Production
Genre: SciFi, Aliens, YA
Rating: 4

Welcome to Wheel: a perfect world without poverty, disease, or want. Tinkered and tuned in every way for maximum order by Rank and Spoke, every child knows her destiny. So long as she can take the neural implant.

The defective, whose bodies reject the implants, do not exist. Ghosts. Cyphers. Haunting the edges of society, living on scraps, killed for sport. A lucky few, the Crudrats, scrape out a perilous living cleaning the toxic wastes from the great machines that power the station.

Meet Maura. Cypher. Crudrat. Grown too tall, alone in a spaceport with no use for her, doomed to starve. With only her crud-eating murmel and an alien monster to help her, she must find a way to survive, or escape, before they catch her and blow what’s left of her life, and her companions, into space.

From the pen of Gail Carriger, Artistic Whispers Productions presents an unabridged full-cast young-adult adventure that brings golden age-style science fiction into the 21st century, stuffs it full of heart, and gives it a finely polished, gleaming edge.


My two-bits:

I found this full of action and aliens in a sci-fi world with snippy and snarky dialogue that made for fun listening.

The language and slang in this world made this story special, light-hearted and entertaining.

~*~
* listened to the audio version

fyi: Crudrat was printed as a limited run, numbered, special edition, signed, hard cover book. This was available only to specific Kickstarter backers as a reward. It is not for sale to the general public. Currently, Gail has no plans to produce this book in print for purchase.

The Book of Strange New Things by Michel Faber

The Book of Strange New Things
by Michel Faber

Find out more about this book and author:
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BookExcerpt
Website

Published: 2014
Publisher: Hogarth
Genre: SciFi, Spirituality
Hardback: 512 pages
Rating: 4.5

It begins with Peter, a devoted man of faith, as he is called to the mission of a lifetime, one that takes him galaxies away from his wife, Bea. Peter becomes immersed in the mysteries of an astonishing new environment, overseen by an enigmatic corporation known only as USIC. His work introduces him to a seemingly friendly native population struggling with a dangerous illness and hungry for Peter’s teachings—his Bible is their “book of strange new things.” But Peter is rattled when Bea’s letters from home become increasingly desperate: typhoons and earthquakes are devastating whole countries, and governments are crumbling. Bea’s faith, once the guiding light of their lives, begins to falter.

Suddenly, a separation measured by an otherworldly distance, and defined both by one newly discovered world and another in a state of collapse, is threatened by an ever-widening gulf that is much less quantifiable. While Peter is reconciling the needs of his congregation with the desires of his strange employer, Bea is struggling for survival. Their trials lay bare a profound meditation on faith, love tested beyond endurance, and our responsibility to those closest to us.

My two-bits:

There were touching moments in regards to long distance relationships whether on another city, country or planet the issues that arise are the same.

Feelings of loss, grief and hope are presented so well that are cause for pause while reading this story for both human and alien beings.

But the biggest take away for me from this book was in regards to connections - making connections and maintaining connections with others.

~*~
* added this to my Bookish Bingo challenge - square: Over 400 pages

Moral Order: The Rise of Luca C. Mariner by Phil Pauley

Futuristic design - Pathfinder
~*~
As part of the Moral Order blog tour, image above is a representation of something you would see in the world that is created in the Moral Order.

~*~

Moral Order:
The Rise of Luca C. Mariner
by Phil Pauley

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Twitter @MoralOrderBooks

Just released: September 15, 2014
Publisher: Clink Street Publishing
Genre: Aliens, Dystopia, Sci-Fi, YA
Paperback: 322 pages
Rating: 4

Moral Order series:
The Rise of Luca C. Mariner
book 2 - tba

Society has been ripped apart by environmental decay and the battle scars of progress. Solar storms, extreme weather, barbaric tribes and mutant creatures rule the planet. In the 22nd century, no one lasts in the Wilds for long.

Shielded from this world, teenager Luca C. Mariner lives a privileged existence in one of the last remaining Megacities. Yet his tranquil life is about to be shattered as Luca and his friends are thrown into the brutal reality of the Wilds when Earth is attacked by a merciless alien alliance.

Luca, fragile humanoid Ceiba and feisty Asia-Mae are catapulted into a thrilling adventure of intergalactic and deep sea mystery. They must battle against time and use their strength of friendship to become leaders of a new resistance. But is it too late to restore moral order and save humanity from imminent collapse?

My two-bits:

I found this to be a good start to a new series that takes place in the future that includes aliens.

A big cast is introduced and established well in this story. However, there is a focus on the main character, Luca, who holds special abilities and qualities that presents him as good hero for this series.

Alliances and friendships are made and strengthened amidst action scenes.

I was tickled to encounter a kind of black smokes monster that shows up in the story that reminded me of the black smoke monster from the tv series Lost.

And, there is a spark of a budding romance.

About the author:

Phil is an internationally recognised conceptual designer and futurist. His work regularly feature in a number of high profile technology, lifestyle and popular science websites, blogs and news sites.

This year he was one of two people honored by the world renowned Green GOOD DESIGN Award and is featured in the BRITAIN IS GREAT campaign.

--~ Book Giveaway ~--
WIN a copy of this on Goodreads here (expires Oct 18)

~*~
* part of my Dystopia Reading Challenge

* review copy courtesy of book tour - check out the other stops here.

Next stop on the blog tour is The Howling Turtle

These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

These Broken Stars
by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

Find out more about this book and author:
Amazon
BookExcerpt
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Facebook: Amie
Pinterest
Twitter: @AmieKaufman

Facebook: Meagan
Pinterest
Twitter: @MeaganSpooner

Published: 2013
Publisher: Hyperion
Genre: Dystopia, YA
Paperback: 416 pages
Rating: 5

Starbound series:
These Broken Stars
This Shattered World - release date: Dec 2014 -win this on Goodreads here (exp: Aug 11)

It's a night like any other on board the Icarus. Then, catastrophe strikes: the massive luxury spaceliner is yanked out of hyperspace and plummets into the nearest planet. Lilac LaRoux and Tarver Merendsen survive. And they seem to be alone.

Lilac is the daughter of the richest man in the universe. Tarver comes from nothing, a young war hero who learned long ago that girls like Lilac are more trouble than they’re worth. But with only each other to rely on, Lilac and Tarver must work together, making a tortuous journey across the eerie, deserted terrain to seek help.

Then, against all odds, Lilac and Tarver find a strange blessing in the tragedy that has thrown them into each other’s arms. Without the hope of a future together in their own world, they begin to wonder—would they be better off staying here forever?

Everything changes when they uncover the truth behind the chilling whispers that haunt their every step. Lilac and Tarver may find a way off this planet. But they won’t be the same people who landed on it.

--

A timeless love story, THESE BROKEN STARS sets into motion a sweeping science fiction series of companion novels. The Starbound Trilogy: Three worlds. Three love stories. One enemy.

My two-bits:

Loved how this story mixes romance, sci-fi, and YA.

The pacing and gradual transformation of the two main characters in this story is what I found appealing in this story of survival on a lonely planet. Through the eyes of each, you begin to fall in love with each.

Although the next part of this trilogy will introduce another couple, I must get book 2, This Shattered World, to see what happens next in this world.

fyi: I listened to the audio version which was a treat because it is narrated with two voices for the two main characters. Definitely give it a listen if you like audio books.

~*~
* optioned for TV series - details here

* part of my Dystopia Reading Challenge

* added this to my Bookish Bingo challenge

* i love the gorgeous poster for this book...

May the 4th Be With You

May 4 is considered a holiday by Star Wars fans to celebrate Star Wars culture, books and honor the films.

It is called Star Wars Day because of the popularity of a common pun spoken on this day. Because the phrase "May the Force be with you" is a famous quote often spoken in the Star Wars films, fans commonly say "May the fourth be with you" on this day.
-- per Wikipedia

CELEBRATE with these Star Wars themed books...

William Shakespeare's Star Wars
by Ian Doescher
Published: 2013
Amazon | Goodreads

Return once more to a galaxy far, far away with this sublime retelling of George Lucas’s epic Star Wars in the style of the immortal Bard of Avon. The saga of a wise (Jedi) knight and an evil (Sith) lord, of a beautiful princess held captive and a young hero coming of age, Star Wars abounds with all the valor and villainy of Shakespeare’s greatest plays. ’Tis a tale told by fretful droids, full of faithful Wookiees and fearstome Stormtroopers, signifying...pretty much everything.

Reimagined in glorious iambic pentameter—and complete with twenty gorgeous Elizabethan illustrations--William Shakespeare’s Star Wars will astound and edify Rebels and Imperials alike.

Zounds! This is the book you’re looking for.

My two-bits:

I must say this mash-up of the movie story of Star Wars and Shakespeare-speak works!

AND, most definitely, a fun story to read aloud.

Loved the word play and illustrations that pepper the book. I was also tickled by the aside comments from R2-D2 that were translated from this usual beeps and squeaks.

William Shakespeare's The Empire Striketh Back
by Ian Doescher
Just released: March 2014
Amazon | Goodreads

The saga that began with the interstellar best seller William Shakespeare's Star Wars continues with this merry reimagining of George Lucas's enduring classic The Empire Strikes Back.

Many a fortnight have passed since the destruction of the Death Star. Young Luke Skywalker and his friends have taken refuge on the ice planet of Hoth, where the evil Darth Vader has hatched a cold-blooded plan to capture them.

Only with the help of a little green Jedi Master—and a swaggering rascal named Lando Calrissian—can our heroes escape the Empire's wrath. And only then will Lord Vader learn how sharper than a tauntaun's tooth it is to have a Jedi child.

What light through Yoda's window breaks? Methinks you'll find out in the pages of The Empire Striketh Back!

My two-bits:

Currently reading.

So far, more of the same good fun mash-up that follows the movie, Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back.

William Shakespeare's The Jedi Doth Return
by Ian Doescher
Release date: July 2014
Amazon | Goodreads

Hot on the heels of the New York Times best seller William Shakespeare’s Star Wars comes the next two installments of the original trilogy: William Shakespeare’s The Empire Striketh Back and William Shakespeare’s The Jed Doth Return.

Return to the star-crossed galaxy far, far away as the brooding young hero, a power-mad emperor, and their jesting droids match wits, struggle for power, and soliloquize in elegant and impeccable iambic pentameter.

Illustrated with beautiful black-and-white Elizabethan-style artwork, these two plays offer essential reading for all ages. Something Wookiee this way comes!

My two-bits:

This is the mash-up of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi with Shakespeare. Looking forward to reading this one soon!

PeekAbook:



~*~
AND, check out this Star Wars themed bento box at BentOnBetterLunches.

~*~
* image source: Star Wars BBQ

Star Trek: Into Darkness (2013)

Star Trek: Into Darkness (2013)
Directed by: J.J. Abrams
Written by: Roberto Orci
Alex Kurtzman
Damon Lindelof
Based on television series "Star Trek" by Gene Roddenberry

Starring:
Chris Pine as Kirk
Zachary Quinto as Spock
Zoe Saldana as Uhura
Karl Urban as Bones
Simon Pegg as Scotty
John Cho as Sulu
Anton Yelchin as Chekov
Benedict Cumberbatch as Khan
My rating: 5

Per imdb:
After the crew of the Enterprise find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one man weapon of mass destruction.

Neat-o trivia bits from imdb:

* The screenwriters studied sci-fi novels by Arthur C. Clarke and Larry Niven for inspiration.

* This marks the first time a Star Trek film has shot outside the United States, with shooting in Iceland for special effects sequences.

* When calling down to the shuttle bay, Sulu commands the crew to prepare the transport captured during the "Mudd incident last month", a reference to the comic prequel "Star Trek: Countdown to Darkness".

PeekInside:



My two-bits:
Totally fun summer must-see, especially if you enjoyed the first movie from this Star Trek series directed by J.J. Abrams.

Beloved Sherlock (Benedict) as Khan was fantastic!

Found it amusing to when Spock got a bit emotional and screamed KHAAANNNN! - very un-Spock-like (per original Star Trek tv series) but believable for this series

~*~
READ a prequel to this movie...

Star Trek: Countdown to Darkness
written by Roberto Orci
Mike Johnson
illustrated by David Messina
Marina Castelvetro
Claudia Scarletgothica
The countdown to the motion picture event of 2013 begins here, in this blockbuster 4-issue prequel mini-series that sets the stage for the upcoming Star Trek film! Like the best-selling Star Trek: Countdown in 2009, this all-new series leads directly into the next movie, with a story by Star Trek writer/producer Roberto Orci and Mike Johnson (Star Trek) ongoing series), and drawn by the original Star Trek: Countdown artist, David Messina! Star Trek: Countdown To Darkness is the can't-miss lead-in to the new adventures of the Enterprise crew!


DIFFERENT perspective...

Redshirts:
A Novel with Three Codas
by John Scalzi
Ensign Andrew Dahl has just been assigned to the Universal Union Capital Ship Intrepid, flagship of the Universal Union since the year 2456. It’s a prestige posting, and Andrew is even more thrilled to be assigned to the ship’s xenobiology laboratory, with the chance to serve on “Away Missions” alongside the starship’s famous senior officers.

Life couldn’t be better . . . until Andrew begins to realize that

(1) every Away Mission involves some kind of lethal confrontation with alien forces,

(2) the ship’s captain, its chief science officer, and the handsome Lieutenant Kerensky always survive these confrontations, and

(3) sadly, at least one low-ranked crew member is invariably killed.

Unsurprisingly, the savvier members belowdecks avoid Away Missions at all costs. Then Andrew stumbles on information that completely transforms his and his colleagues’ understanding of what the starship Intrepid really is . . . and offers them a crazy, high-risk chance to save their own lives.

May the 4th Be With You

May 4 is considered a holiday by Star Wars fans to celebrate Star Wars culture, books and honor the films.

It is called Star Wars Day because of the popularity of a common pun spoken on this day. Because the phrase "May the Force be with you" is a famous quote often spoken in the Star Wars films, fans commonly say "May the fourth be with you" on this day.
-- per Wikipedia

Check out this newly released Star Wars themed book...

Star Wars: Vader's Little Princess
by Jeffrey Brown

In this irresistibly funny follow-up to the breakout bestseller Darth Vader and Son, Vader—Sith Lord and leader of the Galactic Empire—now faces the trials, joys, and mood swings of raising his daughter Leia as she grows from a sweet little girl into a rebellious teenager.

Smart and funny illustrations by artist Jeffrey Brown give classic Star Wars moments a twist by bringing these iconic family relations together under one roof.

From tea parties to teaching Leia how to fly a TIE fighter, regulating the time she spends talking with friends via R2-D2's hologram, and making sure Leia doesn't leave the house wearing only the a skirted metal bikini, Vader's parenting skills are put hilariously to the test.

PeekAbook:

Simply hilarious!

~*~

Click here to see the shop

Transfer Student Cover Reveal and Giveaway

Transfer Student
by Laura Elliott
TWO WORLDS. TWO TEENS. ONE WISH.

TRANSFER STUDENT is a science fiction Freaky-Friday romance/adventure about two normal teenagers struggling to survive high school and deal with their parents… typical rites of passage.

The twist?

One teen is an alien from the planet Retha. In a galactic teleporting experiment gone wrong, Ashley, a Beverly Hills High surfing fashionista, and Rhoe, the biggest geek on planet Retha, swap lives. Only by surviving life as their biggest nightmare do Ashley & Rhoe discover their dreams.

How far would you go for someone you love?

WIN TRANSFER STUDENT BOOKMARKS SIGNED
BY AUTHOR LAURA A. H. ELLIOTT!

To enter to win all you need to do is tweet this & follow my blog Laurasmagicday:

Nothing says #ValentinesDay like an alien #romance! TRANSFER STUDENT Cover Reveal! #TransferStudent #teenreads #kindle http://laurasmagicday.wordpress.com/

The first 100 tweets/followers win!

TRANSFER STUDENT BLOG TOUR:
LEAP DAY, 2012 - MARCH 20th
AND STOPS HERE -- February 29!

Giveaways include free ebooks of...

TRANSFER STUDENT
Amazon gift cards &
weekly surprise gifts that are out of this world!

TRANSFER STUDENT RELEASE DAY: MARCH 20th
by Laura A. H. Elliott, YA & MG Author


Winnemucca, a small-town fairy tale where fear’s as blind as love
Teen Halloween Series:

13 on Halloween, Roxie’s birthday gift is out of this world
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Happy Release: Every Savage Can Reproduce by Enid Wilson

Every Savage Can Reproduce
(Pride and Prejudice-inspired Science Fiction)
by Enid Wilson
release date: September 1, 2011
In the futuristic society on Planet Earth, Elizabeth Bennet is accused of luring Fitzwilliam Darcy to an illegal establishment, which leads to their exile deep in the centre of a rebel planet. The subsequent galactic war exposes dark secrets regarding the autocratic Queen Immortal. Will Elizabeth and Darcy discover their love for one another and find their way back to Earth?

Set in the 39th Century, this novel is a tale of Pride and Prejudice-inspired science fiction, where Jane Austen’s characters take on new lives but still face the barrier of class distinction and seek to overcome their faults, as in the original classic.

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by Enid Wilson
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Thank you Velvet for hosting me!

I’m pleased to announce the release of my latest novel, Every Savage Can Reproduce, a Pride and Prejudice-inspired science fiction.

You can check out the book cover blurb above for the gist of the story. But today I actually want to talk about Emma Woodhouse and George Knightley instead.

I’ve been writing Pride and Prejudice-inspired stories for three years now. Some readers have asked me to write about other Jane Austen characters. I haven’t done so in the past because I’m not very familiar with other books by JA. But this time, I’ve decided to take the plunge.


Let’s visualise Gwyneth Paltrow and Jeremy Northam:
(picture them in space suits with heavy weapons)

A moment later, what was left of the door of the mating capsule was pushed aside, and two heavily armed soldiers appeared in the opening, looking at them curiously.

“What have we got here? What a handsome couple! What are your names? Have you enjoyed the stay in the capsule?” the young woman of the pair asked cheerfully.

Before they could respond, the male officer said, “Why, Officer Woodhouse, don’t speak so foolishly. Clearly, they are fugitives from Earth. Let us follow protocol.”

“Captain Knightly, you’re no fun at all. What’s wrong with a bit of friendly…companionship?” Woodhouse responded.

Stepping forward, Elizabeth said, “I am Elizabeth Bennet, and this is my…friend, Fitzwilliam. We were attacked by the Military Intelligence Agency.” She waited for their reaction, hoping that the female officer’s friendliness meant that Darcy and she would come to no harm. She had no intention of telling them Darcy’s full name, as she didn’t want them to know that he was a close relative of the unpopular Queen of Planet Earth.

“I’m Emma,” the uniformed young woman stated. “Nice to meet you, Elizabeth! As to the MIA pursuit, we already know all about it. Only mating capsules chased by the MIA would be allowed to land here. We’ll have cruisers chasing the MIA away.”

“I don’t understand. Are you saying that you represent…a safe house for people from the mating capsules?”

“You could say that.”

“Where are we then? Can you help us get back to Planet Earth?”

“You’re on Planet Hartfield. Our ancestors migrated here because they didn’t like the crazy rules and pollution of Earth.”

“Emma, the protocol!” Captain Knightley objected with a frown.

“Fine, fine, sir! We must observe the protocol, Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam, or my dear Captain Knightley will be very unhappy. That means that we will have to scan you, first, to see if you are genuine articles.” – excerpt from Every Savage Can Reproduce

Happy reading!

Hugs from sunny Sydney

Enid

Guest post created by Enid Wilson, author of Every Savage Can Reproduce
© 2011. All rights reserved.

Visit Enid:
Website
Blog
Facebook
Goodreads

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by Enid Wilson
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--~ Book & Earrings Giveaway courtesy of author ~--
To celebrate this ebook release, Enid is giving away her ebook (pdf version) and a nice pair of earrings with Aboriginal design.



Open to all.

Offer ends: September 30, 2011

TO DO:
Enid wants to know: Tell me how I fare in this first dabble into Emma-inspired scene.

AND, leave your email (if I don't already have it)

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Contest has ended - winner is here

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Bleeder by LK Rigel

Bleeder
A Postapocapunk Romance
(Apocalypto 3)
by LK Rigel

Published: 2011
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, SciFi
ebook
Rating: 4

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | Goodreads

The King of Garrick wants to kill her.
The King of Allel wants to love her.
And shapeshifters stole her baby's soul!

It's been a hundred years since sea-level rise and global nuclear war wiped out most of humanity. Mallory is a chalice, one of the world's rare fertile females who contract with the kings of the Concord Cities to provide natural-born heirs.

It was supposed to be a pampered and easy life, but Mal becomes caught between King Garrick's scheme for world domination and the goddess Asherah's desperate plays for another god's attention.

In her struggle to survive, Mal must confront the most terrifying threat of all -- the truth of her past and the inevitability of her destiny.

NOTE: Bleeder contains sexual content, including graphic scenes. Not recommended for younger readers.

READ chapter one: The Ptery and the Peregrine

Series:
Space Junque
Spiderwork
Bleeder

My two-bits:
In-a-word(s): soul
The world building continues in this postapocapunk series.

I liked this futuristic read which touched on religion, politics, the body, the soul and love - what of love?

--~ eBook Giveaway courtesy of author ~--
signup to win this ebook

~*~
* review copy courtesy of author
* part of other punk event
* part of Bleeder blog tour, July 9 to August 1 - check out the other stops for more details on this book and goodies
* detour during the rrRoad Trip event

Human.4 by Mike A. Lancaster

Human.4
by Mike A. Lancaster

Release date: March 8, 2011
Publisher: EgmontUSA
Genre: Fantasy, SciFi, YA
Paperback: 232 pages
Rating: 5

Description from the amazon:
Kyle Straker volunteered to be hypnotized at the annual community talent show, expecting the same old lame amateur acts. But when he wakes up, his world will never be the same. Televisions and computers no longer work, but a strange language streams across their screens. Everyone’s behaving oddly. It’s as if Kyle doesn’t exit.

Is this nightmare a result of the hypnosis? Will Kyle wake up with a snap of fingers to roars of laughter? Or is this something much more sinister?

Narrated on a set of found cassette tapes at an unspecified point in the future, Human.4 is an absolutely chilling look at technology gone too far.

Amusing Quote:
NOTE - "Teletubbies"
Many theories exist about this word, but none are particularly satisfactory. Or, indeed, convincing. Kepple, in his essay "A Pantheon of Teletubbies," seems sure that it is a word of deep religious significance, referring to a collection of gods or goddesses almost exclusively worshipped by children, although his evidence is seen by most scholars as, at best fanciful.
- page 21, chapter 2

My two-bits:
In-a-word(s): them
Loved the framework of this story which included editor's notes, notes and references to a cassette tape used as a source of oral history. It also had a great light Matrix-y feel. Made me think of computers and how it affects our lives.

--/=/=-- Book Giveaway --=\=\=--
signup for giveaway
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* ARC review copy courtesy of Egmont

* part of Fantasy Reading challenge

//\\//\\ dragons (and some fantasy) schedule //\\//\\

Dust by Elizabeth Bear

Dust
by Elizabeth Bear

Published: 2007
Genre: SciFi
Paperback: 368 pages
Rating: 3

Description from the amazon:
On a broken ship orbiting a doomed sun, dwellers have grown complacent with their aging metal world. But when a serving girl frees a captive noblewoman, the old order is about to change....

Ariane, Princess of the House of Rule, was known to be fiercely cold-blooded. But severing an angel’s wings on the battlefield—even after she had surrendered—proved her completely without honor. Captive, the angel Perceval waits for Ariane not only to finish her off—but to devour her very memories and mind. Surely her gruesome death will cause war between the houses—exactly as Ariane desires. But Ariane’s plan may yet be opposed, for Perceval at once recognizes the young servant charged with her care.

Rien is the lost child: her sister. Soon they will escape, hoping to stop the impending war and save both their houses. But it is a perilous journey through the crumbling hulk of a dying ship, and they do not pass unnoticed. Because at the hub of their turning world waits Jacob Dust, all that remains of God, following the vapor wisp of the angel. And he knows they will meet very soon.

Amusing quote:
That is no Ben Kenobi. More une belle quelquesomething sans merci.
- page 97, chapter 10

Zombie sighting:
At lease they will be more useful zombies.
- page 294, chapter 26

Series:
Dust
Chill

My two-bits:
In-a-word(s): complexify
Written well but story just didn't entertain me despite some zombies mentioned (aka resurectees). It could be because I'm still new to the science fiction genre and not quite getting it... yet. Perhaps this may require a re-read later.

In any case, the world introduced included angels, war and hardware. And, I found concepts of memories and souls stored in orchard libraries intriguing.

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* my review of the Tiptree short story selection is up: And I Awoke Found Me Here On The Cold Hill’s Side

* part of The Women of Science Fiction Book Club

* part of Women's Tales event

PeekAbook: The Darkness

The Darkness
by Crystal Connor
Just released: December 2010

PeekAbook:


--/=/=-- Book Giveaway courtesy of publisher --=\=\=-
signup for giveaway

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* part of Winter Getaway event

Spiderwork by L.K. Rigel

Spiderwork
In Flagrante Apocalypto 2
by L.K. Rigel

Just released: January 2011
Genre: Romance, SciFi
ebook
Rating: 3

Description from the amazon:
The sequel to Space Junque.

Her fate was to hold the world together. His destiny was to tear it apart.

As a child, Durga was chosen by the goddess to save the world from sterility and extinction. Now her eighteenth birthday approaches, and Durga must take her place among the chalices, women blessed by the goddess with fertility to ensure more souls for the universe. Durga's mission does not include love ... but Khai, the scion of Luxor, is unlike any man she's ever met.

Char Meadowlark once played a role in the goddess's plans. Now her lover, Jake Ardri, heads an emerging city-state whose enemies covet everything Jake has built. As Jake navigates the uneasy waters of political intrigue, his very existence is threatened. To save him, Char must share him with a chalice ... one trained to take him to the heights of sexual ecstasy.

In flagrante apocalypto: When the veil drops between life and oblivion, only love can save them from the abyss.

Amusing quote:
The chalices must not have relationships with the princes. Nor can they bond with the offspring. If they want affection, they can get a dog.
- location 918

fyi: kindle version is currently available for 2.99 cents

My two-bits:
In-a-word(s): fertility
I liked these characters from book one, Space Junque, so it was not hard to like this story. However, I missed the action and adventure feel as this one delves into settling down.

--/=/=-- eBook Giveaways courtesy of author --=\=\=-



signup for giveaway

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* review copy courtesy of author

~~* Winter Getaway schedule *~~

Space Junque by L.K. Rigel

Space Junque
by L.K. Rigel

Published: 2010
Genre: Romance, SciFi
ebook
Rating: 4

Description from the amazon:
Space Junque is a novella, a paranormal romance

Edited by USA Today bestselling author Anne Frasier/Theresa Weir

The DOGs want to destroy the world. The gods want to make a new one. The trick is to survive both.

The world is on the brink of ecological cataclysm set off by the Oil Spill of 2010 and the Great Sea Level Rise of 2070. When the Defenders of Gaia set off dirty bombs in random cities, Char Meadowlark races to the airport to get off planet until the terror subsides.

Char's friend Mike Augustine secures her a place on the Imperial transport, but the DOGs strike before she can board. Jake Ardri, pilot of the shuttle Space Junque, rescues her and delivers her to the Imperial Space Station where Mike awaits.

When the DOGs' final onslaught goes global and the physical world threatens to implode, the ancient gods reemerge to stop humanity from annihilating all material existence. In this chaos, Char must juggle two men, orbiting eco-terrorists, and a goddess with her own agenda for a new world order.

Will there be room for love in flagrante apocalypto?

Amusing quote:
So delusional euphoria then. "Okay, Asherah, I'll play. Give me your revelation." - says Char
- location 623

fyi: kindle version is currently available for 99 cents

My two-bits:
In-a-word(s): shiba-dang-dib!
You'll take a bumpy ride into outer space with this tale of the future.

It was interesting to read of the world created and then destroyed. So, now I'm curious to see what new world is presented in the sequel. And too, want to see how Char's love life develops ;-D

--/=/=-- eBook Giveaways courtesy of author --=\=\=-

Prize: ebooks - Space Junque and Spiderwork (sequel to Space Junque)

Open to all

Offer ends: Jan 30 --> extended to February 1, 2011

TO DO:

1. Visit LK's site and leave her a comment.

2. Tell me which post you commented on.

AND, leave your email (if I don't already have it).

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Contest has ended - winner is here

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* review copy was won from contest

~~* Winter Getaway schedule *~~