In Pursuit of My Own Library

I am super excited to see that we are getting close enough to the conclusion of the Paper Magician series for a cover reveal of the third book The Master Magician . The final novel will be releasing June 2, 2015 from 47North. I highly suggest pre-ordering a copy (I already have!!) and there is a link at the bottom of the article. Here is a little about the book: Throughout her studies, Ceony Twill has harbored a secret, one she’s kept from even her mentor, Emery Thane. She’s discovered how to practice forms of magic other than her own—an ability long thought impossible. While all seems set for Ceony to complete her apprenticeship and pass her final magician’s exam, life quickly becomes complicated. To avoid favoritism, Emery sends her to another paper magician for testing-- a Folder who despises Emery and cares even less for his apprentice. To make matters worse, a murderous criminal from Ceony’s past escapes imprisonment. Now she must track the power-hungry convict across Engla

Since joining Netgalley, I have been introduced to some great new writers. I have expanded my author connections through twitter and found some promising new talent. I have spent a year writing plenty of 4 star and above reviews. I think I actually forgot what it took to really knock my socks off. Then, I was offered Seeker. Seeker by Arwen Elys Dayton This novel was amazing. The email "trailer" to get me interested in the novel definitely worked. I was very interested and incredibly pleased when my ARC request was approved. I am so glad I was able to read this novel. It is great. The plot is fresh and exciting. You can't really figure out if this is Earth of the future, past, or alternate timeline. I really, really loved that. There were aspects from the fantasy and sci-fi genres blending in a way to made my heart oh-so-happy. Oh, and just touch of steampunk. There is a coming of age for three protagonists; and we are involved with all three growth plots.

I remember in high school asking my good friend (now turned author of dragon novels interestingly enough) for a recommendation for some new reading material. I was looking for something that was not what I had read. I needed a huge refresher from the Tolkien fantasy copycats. She suggested I read Anne McCaffrey's Acorna  series. Not the first recommendation most would consider from McCaffrey, but I was thrilled with the complete change of pace. It, of course, then introduced me to the world of Pern. Dragonholder by Todd McCaffrey This is a unique style of biography scrapbook. It blends old photos with anecdotal stories. Written by her son and originally published in 1999, this biography shows not necessarily how dragons became to be Anne McCaffrey's bread and butter but how writing as a profession affects a person. Here came a lady in the late 60s who planned on writing in the man-club science fiction arena and being successful at it. Anne McCaffrey made the conscious

After my heavy brain detour in non-fiction, I needed a quick jump back into my wheelhouse of fantasy. As I eagerly await the next novel in the Great North Woods Pack series, I understand that authors sometimes need a break from their worlds to get a fresh perspective and knock off the spiderwebs. Shawn Underhill has done just that with a detour into a new series starting with The Earthkeepers , which is a series shelved in the children's section for a middle age audience.  The Earthkeepers by Shawn Underhill While it is targeted at a younger reading level than usual for me, I found the book to be extremely well written and intellectual. The author makes some very important points on the lessons we should be learning even in our adulthood. The plot and dialogue aren't overly complicated and can border on plain to an adult reader, but the transparency for the young reader is excellent. This book has a great cast of characters to keep young readers interested for the future

Clear, crisp skies and freezing temperatures. Great weather to stay huddled under my blanket, staring out the window wistfully, and reading a good book. I got to spend the weekend with the ever amazing Lady of Devices. Perfection. A Lady of Integrity by Shelley Adina I bought this the minute it was released on Christmas. Such an amazing present. Only disappointed that I didn't get to reading it right away. Life, and it happening when I would rather be reading.  A Lady of Integrity is the seventh novel in what is quickly becoming my all time favorite series. This series is brilliant . As I reflected on how to write up this review, besides it being filled with glowing praise, I decided a few things about steampunk. Now that I have read several authors and spent a year pondering this new genre of fiction, I have fully decided what makes the genre so great for me and where my pet peeves lie. Shelley Adina has managed to only fall into the great column. Strong women charact

Well, it definitely took me a little longer to read the second half of my two book challenge. The book has been an amazing read, but it suffers from being a non-fiction type of up hill battle in the reading department. If you put in the effort, I promise you will come out the other side with an amazing reading experience. John Muir: The Scotsman Who Saved America's Wild Places by Mary Colwell This look into one of the founding father's of federal reserve land that managed to preserve some of the final pristine landscapes of the Wild West , now recognized as some of the most visited National Parks,  is absolutely amazing. I have always loved biology and geography subjects in school, yet somehow I had never been made aware of the impact John Muir had on the natural sciences. He was an intriguing blend of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Nikola Tesla. The man made astonishing inventions that forwarded industry while travelling the continent searching for the beauty of God in nature. H

I hope everyone had an excellent holiday season. During my lovely vacation from work, I took some time to read two books at once. A feat I had not challenged myself to since college. I had fiction reading for night time and non-fiction for the day. As usual, I progressed through the fiction quicker than the non-fiction. While the non-fiction is absolutely wonderful and fascinating, it provides so much food for thought I take my time reading. Bird of Chaos by Susie Mander I picked this novel because the author followed me on Twitter . I honestly try to get the authors who follow me into my to-read pile,  and I am really hoping to find a new Australian author to replace the fabulous Sara Douglass. The review, however, will be very mixed. I tried to take some notes after I finished reading to make sure I captured everything today (now that I have a full computer back to write my review). What I found actually managed to surprise me. I had more items in the con column, yet I feel that