Recent Reads: Harley Quinn #0 - Comics!

Harley Quinn #0
Genre: Comic
Released on: November 20, 2013
Publisher: DC Comics

Written By: Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti

Artists: Amanda Conner, Becky Cloonan, Tony S. Daniel & Sandu Florea, Stephanie Roux, Dan Panosian, Walter Simonson, Jim Lee & Scott Williams, Bruce Timm, Charlie Adland, Adam Hughes, Art Baltazar, Tradd Moore, Dave Johnson, Jeremy Roberts, Sam Keith, Darwyn Cooke, and Chad Hardin

Colors by: Paul Mounts, Tomeu Morey, John Lalisz, Lovern Kindxierski, Alex Sinclair, Lee Loughridge, Dave Stewart, and Alex Sollazzo

My Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis:

This bombastic debut issue features art by award-winning illustrators including Darwyn Cooke, Sam Kieth, Tony S. Daniel, Paul Pope, Walter Simonson, Art Baltazar and others—but will any of them measure up to the exacting standards of the Clown Princess of Crime? Don’t miss the thrilling return of Harley Quinn in her own monthly series!

Review:

It has been a long time since I have been involved in the comic world, the most recent had to be Johnny the Homicidal Maniac and Lenore from high school and college days when those series fell into my lap. I was excited to hear/ read online that with the New 52 a new series would emerge featuring one of my favorite quirky villainesses, Harley Quinn.


Since my husband is awesome sauce, he grabbed me the first issue, #0 with one of the variant covers (above, blank variant of the normal cover on the right–>) and I was super excited to see the madness within. This was a wonderfully conceived prequel to Harley Quinn’s new comic series.
Breaking the fourth wall, the writer’s play with various artists throughout the comic to appease Harley in her new self-titled installments to the New 52 and it is funny, sarcastic, and all sorts of crazy. I cannot wait to see what is in store for the rest of the series. Harley is just as manic, crazy, interesting as normal and the artists did an amazing job with their pages. If you want to start a new series, grab this one, it is sure to be entertaining.

This review was first written for the Weekly Hubbub.

Happy Reading!

Stephanie

Recent Reads: Randi Rhodes Ninja Detective and the Case of the Time-Capsule Bandit by Octavia Spencer

The Case of the Time-Capsule Bandit by Octavia Spencer
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Available: Now! October 15th, 2013

 

 
Format: Paperback ARC
Source: Publisher at BEA 2013

My Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis:

Meet Randi Rhodes, the world's first ninja detective! Mystery abounds in this delightful new middle grade series from Academy Award-winning actress Octavia Spencer.

Deer Creek is a small town whose only hope for survival is the success of their Founder's Day Festival. But the festival's main attraction, a time capsule that many people believe hold the town's treasure, has gone missing.

Randi Rhodes and her best friend, D.C., are Bruce Lee-inspired ninjas and local detectives determined to solve the case. Even if it means investigating in a haunted cabin and facing mean old Angus McCarthy, prime suspect.

They have three days to find the treasure the future of their whole town is at stake! Will these kids be able to save the day?

Review:
Randi Rhodes is the only child of author Herb Rhodes, the mastermind behind the great detective series staring Glenn Street; so it isn’t surprising that Randi herself aspires to be a great detective.

After the passing of her mother, and her father giving up his writing for a while; they move to the small town of Deer Creek where a mystery has occurred, the time-capsule has gone missing. Randi is determined to show her father that she is no longer a baby and that she can help the town solve this crazy misdeed.

I have to say, this middle grade book pleasantly surprised me. It was full of adventure, a great strong female character who likes having a black belt and doesn’t want to be pink and frilly, and a great cast of characters overall. The plot was fun and fast paced and a middle grade reader would definitely enjoy this book. To make it even more awesome there is an appendix of Ninja Detective things to do along with the book: like how to spy, make a casting of a footprint, and there is even a place to login on a computer and become part of the ninja detective team. This interactive aspect is really building on what middle grade readers like with their books.

Overall, I found the book easy to read and enjoyable. I think both boys and girls in the middle grade range would also love it!


View all my reviews

Monthly Re-Cap: November

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

 

Another month down, here's another wrap-up- complete with Goodreads and Review links. 

 

 

What did you read or listen to in November? Link me up in the comments section!

~~Books Read in November~~

Click the book covers to go to Goodreads

~~Links to Reviews ~~
Fallout by Todd Strasser (5 Stars) -- YA
Randi Rhides Ninja Detective and the Time Capsule Bandit by Octavia Spencer (4 Stars) -- MG -- Review coming soon
Forever Evil #1 (4 Stars) -- Comic - short review on Goodreads
Harley Quinn #0 (5 Stars) -- Comic - short review on Goodreads
Afterlife with Archie #1 (3 Stars) -- Comic - short review on Goodreads
Diary of A Dancing Drama Queen by Louise Lintvelt (5 Stars) -- MG
Memory's Wake by Selina Fenech (3 Stars) -- YA

~Audiobooks in November~

Click the book covers to go to Goodreads

~~Links to Reviews ~~

Will in Scarlet by Matthew Cody (4 Stars) -- MG 
Lethal Circuit by Lars Guignard (4 Stars) - Adult

Early Reader Review: Will O' the Wisp by Tom Hammock

Will O' the Wisp by Tom Hammock
Publisher: Archaia Entertainment 
Available: December 10, 2013

 

Format: eBook
Source: Netgalley and Archaia Entertainment

My rating: 


Goodreads Synopsis:

After her parents' accidental death by mushroom poisoning, young Aurora Grimeon is sent to live with her estranged grandfather on Ossuary Isle, deep in the southern swamps. Joined by her grandfather's pet raccoon Missy, Aurora explores the fog-covered island of graves. Along the way she meets its sinister residents who care for the tombstones and mausoleums, living out their lives by the strange rules of Hoodoo magic. When ghostly things start happening out in the swamp and island residents start disappearing, Aurora thrusts herself into the middle of the mystery, uncovering secrets that might be better left buried.

 
Review:
Will O’ the Wisp is a graphic novel about a girl who looses her parents to mushroom poisoning and is told that she must move into the swamp with her recluse grandfather who studies bones and oddities. While there she learns about her family, the swamp and the graveyard surrounding her, all while coming to terms with herself and being part of this new and strange community.

I love the dark and macabre and this definitely fits that description Aurora, the girl we follow, is bored and displeased with her new situation but through the chapters learns more about the superstitions surrounding the swamp isle and wants to be more like the community. At first her grandfather is distant and kind of a jerk but he starts acting more like family as the book drew to a close.

I think the drawings were interesting. I liked the scenery and the characters were weird and quirky, but the plot sometimes seemed to jump from one scene to another without much explanation between them and sometimes I felt myself wondering where Aurora ran off to and how she ended up where she was and how she came to conclusions that the reader seemed to be left out on.

Over I liked this book, but there was some things left to be desired so not one of the best. I do recommend this book of those interested in the strange and unusual, hoodoo as the book called it, and superstitions.


View all my reviews

Building the Book Pile #70

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!  A Weekly meme inspired by Stacking the Shelves

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

Giveaways Going on NOW!         

 

  
  

Click pic to be taken to the giveaway!

Others may be linked on the right sidebar :) check them out!

  
What's Happening?!

  Hello Lovely Readers! I have not done a book pile post since the beginning of the month, a lot has been going on :/ sorry. But here are the goodies (not many- but enough for me)

 

Coming up on the Blog...

The Case of the Time-Capsule Bandit Middle Grade Review
Fangirl Young Adult Review
 The Deepest Night (The Sweetest Dark #2) Young Adult Review

Will O The Wisp Graphic Novel Review
Mid-Winter's Eve Giveaway Hop (Dec 3)

What I got this month so far...

Books

  
Covers Link to Goodreads

Diary of a Dancing Drama Queen (MG) ebook for blog tour-- Reviewed
Root Bound (YA) ebook for blog tour
Untold (YA) paperback ARC from Randombuzzers for review
Christmas in Dogtown (Paranormal Romance) ebook for blog tour


Also received paperback ARCs of Gated and Two Boys Kissing (which I have reviewed as audiobooks already -- so these will be prizes soon) from Randombuzzers

Audiobooks

Covers Link to Goodreads

A Wounded Name by Dot Hutchinson from Librarything Early Reviewers

 

  Comment and leave me a link to your Round-up post! Happy Reading!

Blog Blitz: Cornerstone

Free on Amazon    Free on iTunes   Free on Kobo    Barnes and Noble

Epic Fantasy combines with Young Adult romance in this stunning new adventure set in a richly developed medieval world.

When Emariya Warren learns enemy forces have captured her father, she’ll do anything to save him. Anything. Even marry a mysterious prince she knows nothing about in order to rally the strength to arrange a rescue. During her journey to Torian’s foreign castle, Emariya comes face to face with her mother’s killers–and a deadly secret. Not only does Emariya possess a powerful but unexpected magical gift passed down through each of her families, the prince she’s promised to marry possesses a third, and an ominous prophecy has warned the three gifts must never be combined. If she breaks her promise to marry Torian, she won’t be able to save her father and if she keeps it, she may bring a curse upon everything she holds dear. Determining which choice is best won’t be easy, but when she meets the gorgeous prince who may desire more than just her heart, she realizes she will have to fight just to have a choice at all. Her heart wants him desperately. Her head begs her to run. If she doesn’t want to share her mother’s fate, she’ll have to find a way to untangle the truth from the lies in time to save herself.

About Kelly Walker

Kelly Walker is a YA and NA author of several romantic titles, including the Souls of the Stones series. She has an unhealthy appreciation for chocolate, and a soft spot for rescued animals. Her best lessons on writing came from a lifetime of reading. She loves the fantastical, and the magical, and believes a captivating romance can be the most realistic magic of all. Kelly, her husband and her two children share their Virginia home with three dogs who walk her, and two cats who permit her to occasionally share their couch.

Website    Facebook    Twitter   Goodreads

Interview, Excerpt, and Giveaway: Thimble Down by Pete Prown

Welcome to Cover2CoverBlog Pete and thank you for joining us. First could you tell us a little about yourself?

Well, I’m known in different fields for different things. Primarily I’m an editor and journalist who specializes in music and gardening. I’ve written both fiction and non-fiction books, including THIMBLE DOWN and a series of instructional titles about guitars. I’m also a musician and recording artist—my Guitar Garden albums are available on CDBaby.com and iTunes. I live in Pennsylvania with my wife and six children.

What was your inspiration for Thimble Down?

It was a combination of my love of classic English mysteries and Young Adult adventures. If you want to look for specific authors and books, I’d steer you towards the work of Charles Dickens, Agatha Christie (especially her Miss Marple books), M.C. Beaton’s Hamish MacBeth series, JRR Tolkien, and a love of horticulture, nature, food, and landscape painting. People have said to me, “Y’know, there’s a lot of food in Thimble Down.”

                                                                                                              

Which came first – the story or the characters? 

I came up with a basic framework for Dorro and the village of Thimble Down first, and then I came up with a plot. The actual story and characters then evolved at the same time—I invent as I write and my writing process is relatively fast. Strangely, the faster I write, the better the story gets. I think that’s because I’m not overthinking it. It’s fresher and more spontaneous.

What is your favorite part about the writing process? Do you have a special writing spot?

My favorite part is finishing off a particularly good chapter—that’s very satisfying, especially when you know you developed a clever plot twist. And I write all over the place: indoors, outdoors, morning, afternoon, and sometimes night (though I’m not much of a nightbird). Favorite writing spots include scenic parks and my local public library, but I can go anywhere with my laptop and knock out a chapter or two.

Is there anything about you that would surprise your readers?

Probably my extensive guitar background—I’m far better known for my guitar writing than for anything I’ve done so far. I’ve interviewed hundreds of famous and brilliant guitarists over the years, from Eddie Van Halen to Scotty Moore, who was Elvis Presley’s guitar player.

If you could spend time with any author, who would it be and why?

Good question! First, I’d say Agatha Christie to learn more about how she came up with so many clever plotlines, and P.G. Wodehouse, just because his Jeeves & Wooster books are so hysterically funny. There are definitely touches of Jeeves & Wooster throughout Thimble Down and the forthcoming books in the series.

What do you have planned next? Are you working on anything currently?

The next book in the “Chronicles of Dorro” series (the sequel to Thimble Down) is completed and will be ready for publication early in 2014. And I’m almost done with the third book. I have enough material for quite a few more books right now.

What are you reading right now? Do you have any book recommendations for the young adult reader?

I’m just revisited one of the Redwall books because I love Brian Jacques’ endlessly creative and witty dialogue. As for recommendations, I would recommend the Artemis Fowl books—always fun—and Linda Buckley-Archer’s The Time Travelers book, as least the first on in the series. And read one of the true classics, like The Wind in the Willows. It’s a magical book that never gets stale.

Blog Tour: Review and Giveaway -- Dairy of a Dancing Drama Queen by Louise Lintvelt

Diary of a Dancing Drama Queen (The Secret Ramblings of Harriet Hughes #1) by Louise Lintvelt

 

Harriet Hughes is not your typical 12 year old girl. She does not like pink and she is not what you would call breathtakingly beautiful. Harriet considers herself decidedly average; her sister Abigail on the other hand is very pretty and good at everything.  Join Harriet as she makes her way through middle school. In diary of a dancing drama queen Harriet has to face the embarrassment of a dance class after her mother enrols her and her sister at Madam Zangara’s School of Dance. She is not exactly the best dancer in the world and when the most popular girl in school, Melanie joins the dance class, it marks the start of a fun filled adventure that includes a birthday party, a talent show and a school dance. Will she get asked to the dance by her biggest crush, Oliver Russel? Harriet writes about family, friends, school and boys in a fresh, young voice and the sketches in her diary (secret ramblings) add a touch of whimsy. This funny book is sure to be a hit with 8-12 year old girls.

Find the book: Goodreads | Amazon

Add Louise on Goodreads!

This book made me laugh out loud many times. Harriet's attitude and explanations of her life and the people around her are amazingly full of drama and quirkiness. I loved her character. She is strong and opinionated but also realizes when she should give in to others to do the right thing. The book was only about 60 pages or so (PDF format) and includes sketches from ' Harriet' that are just as entertaining as the story itself. I felt that any young girls would love to read this book. 

Harriet has a great relationship with her family and friends and even makes new friends through the story, ones that are not expected. I have to admit I was waiting for these girls to turn on one another but to my surprise it never happened. It was a lovely and easy read!

Other Books in the series:

Diary of a Pop Sensation (The Secret Ramblings of Harriet Hughes #2)  by Louise Lintvelt

Harriet is whisked off to New York with her best friends to take part in a talent competition. Harriet has to focus on winning the talent competition while trying to deal with the aftermath of the school dance where she was humiliated by her crush Oliver Russel. Join the Daisies as they experience New York for the first time, navigate the twists and turns of the Tween Talent competition and take on the Trendy Triplets. This second book in the Harriet Hughes series is funny, imaginative and entertaining; the perfect read for tween girls. 

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Follow the Tour!
11/18
The (Mis) Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old Girl- Reviews
Curling Up With a Good Book- Interview
Candace's Book Blog- Reviews

11/19
Brooke Blogs-Reviews
Deal Sharing Aunt - Interview (Possible Reviews)
3 Partners in Shopping - Reviews

11/20
Rose and Beps Blog - Interview
Cover2Cover- Review

11/21
Every Free Chance- Review
Living a Different Fairytale- Reviews

1/22
Dalene's Book Reviews - Interview & Review
Met in Eleven- Interview & Review

Cover Reveals: The Samantha Project Series by Stephanie Karpinske

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The Samantha Project by Stephanie Karpinske
(The Samantha Project #1-3) 

Genres: Romance, Science Fiction, Young Adult

 

The Samantha Project (The Samantha Project Series #1)
Seventeen-year-old Samantha has a seemingly perfect life; great parents, early admission to Stanford, and her boyfriend, Colin, quarterback of the football team and the hottest guy in school. But a shocking secret from her past turns her world upside down.
Sam discovers she’s part of a global corporation’s genetic enhancement project. Just as she’s learning what these enhanced genes can do, the corporation decides they want her, and the technology hidden inside her, back.
During a heart-pounding race to flee from her pursuers, she encounters Erik, another person who was part of the experimental project. From the instant they meet they share an indescribable attraction to each other. Together they’re in even greater danger and a rogue scientist discovers a deadly secret lies inside them.

Book 1, The Samantha Project

  Amazon B&N Kobo

The Golden Couple (The Samantha Project Series #2)
In this action-packed second installment of The Samantha Project series, Samantha and Erik go on a search to find a way to save themselves from the genetic time bomb ticking away in their cells. Along the way, they discover a shocking secret that changes everything.
Although Samantha’s boyfriend, Colin, is back now, she can’t deny her feelings for Erik. It isn’t long before she learns the real reason why she can’t resist Erik. But only after she’s gone too far with him. So far that Colin may never forgive her.
GlobalLife Genetics continues to pursue Samantha and they’ll stop at nothing to get her. Sam still doesn’t understand GlobalLife’s plan for her but she knows it’s something big. And she knows it isn’t good.

Book 2, The Golden Couple

Amazon B&N Kobo

A Chosen Destiny (The Samantha Project Series #3)
Samantha’s destiny was chosen long ago. At least that’s what she’s told by the people who created her. Her enhanced genes and genetic software were meant to do everything from mold her personality to pick who she falls in love with.
But can destiny be changed? Ever since Samantha learned the truth about herself, she’s struggled to figure out who’s really in charge of her life. Can she make her own choices? Or is her future determined by her genes?
Old enemies reappear and new ones emerge as Samantha and Erik use their powers to fight the people who are after them. But it’s getting harder to figure out who’s good and who’s evil. The enemy they’ve been fighting may not be the one who’s truly after them.

Book 3, A Chosen Destiny

Amazon B&N Kobo

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/series/95061-the-samantha-project

About the Author

After spending years at a publishing company working on other people’s books, Stephanie left the corporate world to write her own books. Although her day job is freelance writing for magazines, she spends the rest of her time writing fiction. The idea for The Samantha Project came from a dream she had of a teen girl being held in a lab. She couldn't stop thinking about the dream, so she turned that one scene into a much larger story that ended up being a trilogy. Stephanie also writes New Adult romance under a different name. When she's not writing, she's reading, cooking, running or watching movies.

Find the Author

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