Snapshot Musings: Instant Blogger, Just Add Coffee

One of my blogging goals for 2013 was to have more discussion posts. I've said this for a long time, but somehow never quite write them. Having Snapshot Musings will hopefully encourage me to post more than just book reviews and regular memes. Some posts may be long, some short, and some mainly asking for opinions of fellow bloggers. If there's any topic you'd like to see featured, feel free to email me with the idea!



I've been thinking a lot recently about staying energized as a blogger. As much as I can joke about reviews and other posts being fueled by coffee, the truth is that sometimes it's hard to keep energy levels up. I go through periods in which I get excited by a new idea for the blog, a new feature or the chance to do things differently in a new year, but if I can't implement things right away, the excitement fizzles out. There was even a period at the end of last year where the activity here was very low, for a variety of reasons. At the time, I was reading books that I probably should have set aside and moved on from, and when my posts got sparser, I told myself that I'd fix everything when 2013 started. But even when the new year came, my blog was not suddenly full of posts.

Then two weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to be able to attend ALA Midwinter in Seattle. Being surrounded by other bloggers who were excited about what they were doing, as well as listening to publishers and editors talk about spring titles they were very excited for, was completely rejuvenating. Because I am excited for so many of these upcoming titles too, and that excitement was contagious. I found myself looking forward to talking about books on my blog again, to diving into favorite trilogies to find out how they end and exploring new worlds in debut novels. I also went to the Montgomery County Book Festival last weekend, where I saw some of the great local Texas authors again. This reminded me of the other reason I started blogging - to help authors promote the books on which they worked so hard.

Even though coffee might help with energy, I've found that being around other bloggers as well as authors really motivates me to keep going, despite any slumps. I still love talking about books and being part of the YA book community, and events like those remind me why I do.



What about you? How do you stay energized through reading slumps, periods of blog inactivity, or general burnout? What tricks have you found that work for you?

"Waiting on" Wednesday

"Waiting on" Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.



This week's selection is:

THE ETERNITY CURE
By: Julie Kagawa
Published By: Harlequin Teen
Release Date: April 23, 2013
Preorder the Book: Amazon

Note: This is the second book in the Blood of Eden trilogy, and the following summary may contain spoilers.

Goodreads Summary: Allison Sekemoto has vowed to rescue her creator, Kanin, who is being held hostage and tortured by the psychotic vampire Sarren. The call of blood leads her back to the beginning—New Covington and the Fringe, and a vampire prince who wants her dead yet may become her wary ally.

Even as Allie faces shocking revelations and heartbreak like she’s never known, a new strain of the Red Lung virus that decimated humanity is rising to threaten human and vampire alike.



Why it's wanted:
The first book in this trilogy, The Immortal Rules, was unputdownable. I can't wait to see what happens next for Allie and Kanin!

Teaser Tuesday (69)

I'm very excited to be one of the many blogs participating in Teaser Tuesdays! TT is a weekly meme hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading. To participate:

* Grab your current read
* Open to a random page
* Share two “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
* BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!
(Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
* Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

"She clicked the gun's safety back on and was tucking it back in her waistband when Wolf's gesture gave her pause. 'They won't bother us,' he said again, almost smiling. 'But you might want to keep that out anyway, just in case.'"


p. 185 (ARC) from SCARLET by Marissa Meyer
Please share your teasers - post them or link to your blog!

Review: Stork by Wendy Delsol

STORK
By: Wendy Delsol
Published By: Candlewick
Release Date: Oct. 12, 2010
Series: Stork (#1)
Pages: 255
Genre: Fantasy
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: Bought
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads Summary: Family secrets. Lost memories. And the arrival of an ancient magical ability that will reveal everything.

Sixteen-year-old Katla LeBlanc has just moved from Los Angeles to Minnesota. As if it weren’t enough that her trendy fashion sense draws stares, Katla soon finds out that she’s a Stork, a member of a mysterious order of women tasked with a very unique duty. But Katla’s biggest challenge may be finding her flock at a new school. Between being ignored by Wade, the arrogant jock she stupidly fooled around with, and constantly arguing with gorgeous farm boy and editor-in-chief Jack, Katla is relieved when her assignment as the school paper’s fashion columnist brings with it some much-needed friendship. But as Homecoming approaches, Katla uncovers a shocking secret about her past — a secret that binds her fate to Jack’s in a way neither could have ever anticipated. With a nod to Hans Christian Andersen and inspired by Norse lore, Wendy Delsol’s debut novel introduces a hip and witty heroine who finds herself tail-feathers deep in small-town life.



Even though I was intrigued by this synopsis, it took a recommendation from Andrea at Reading Lark and meeting Wendy Delsol for me to finally read this book. And I am certainly glad I did read it. Stork blends Norse mythology with an intriguing, original idea and adds a dash of romance to make for an enjoyable read.

Living in Minnesota was never something Katla LeBlanc ever envisioned. She promised her mother she'd keep an open mind, but what good can there be in a town with no trendy stores or even a Starbucks? And though she is open to making friends, becoming the youngest (by about sixty years) member of the Icelandic Stork Society wasn't what she had in mind. She does find a place at school working for the newspaper, but that doesn't mean she can just keep her head down and blend in. She's still paying for something that happened before school started with one of the jocks, and the paper's editor-in-chief seems to radiate dislike. Yet just as Kat keeps her secrets, it seems that the town does too. As Kat begins to unravel them, with the help of the Stork Hulda, she comes to realize that she has even more to learn than she thought about fate and destiny.

I knew this book was a must-read when it became apparent that the members of the Icelandic Stork Society actually function as storks - placing babies with potential mothers. This tall tale combined with Norse mythology made for a book that distinguished itself from other YA stories in the market. I loved the mythology that was woven through the story, especially since it a change from Greek lore. The Minnesota setting is the perfect backdrop, and I could clearly see the town with its quaint stores and historical roots. Dropped into this setting is Kat, who is a fun character to read about. I liked her fashion sense and the fact that, despite major life changes and the magical developments around her, she seemed like a down-to-earth girl. Contrasted to her is Jack, who seems rather dark and intense at times. He and Kat obviously have a connection, but I would have liked to have seen it developed more. In addition to Kat and Jack, the supporting characters all have defined personalities and important roles, making the story feel all the more real.

The story is told from Kat's point of view, but within this she has dream sequences as part of her Stork role. These dreams were some of my favorite scenes in the book, with vivid, descriptive language, magic, and symbolism. I also appreciated that there was closure at the end of the book, but I certainly still plan to see what else is in store for Kat and Jack, as well as learning more about Norse legends. And, of course, I'd like to see more of the Storks, especially Hulda. I have a feeling she has a lot more tricks up her sleeve.

If you are looking for something different to read, or enjoy fantasy and mythology, Stork is definitely a book to read. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the trilogy, Frost!

Opening Lines (10)

Opening Lines is a new feature here on Portrait of a Book that showcases the first lines of recent and/or upcoming releases. If you're looking for your next read, let these first lines help you decide!



THE MADMAN'S DAUGHTER
By: Megan Shepherd
Published By: Balzer + Bray
Release Date: Jan. 29, 2013
Buy the Book: Amazon

In the darkest places, even love is deadly.

Sixteen-year-old Juliet Moreau has built a life for herself in London—working as a maid, attending church on Sundays, and trying not to think about the scandal that ruined her life. After all, no one ever proved the rumors about her father's gruesome experiments. But when she learns he is alive and continuing his work on a remote tropical island, she is determined to find out if the accusations are true.

Accompanied by her father's handsome young assistant, Montgomery, and an enigmatic castaway, Edward—both of whom she is deeply drawn to—Juliet travels to the island, only to discover the depths of her father's madness: He has experimented on animals so that they resemble, speak, and behave as humans. And worse, one of the creatures has turned violent and is killing the island's inhabitants. Torn between horror and scientific curiosity, Juliet knows she must end her father's dangerous experiments and escape her jungle prison before it's too late. Yet as the island falls into chaos, she discovers the extent of her father's genius—and madness—in her own blood.

Inspired by H. G. Wells's classic The Island of Dr. Moreau, The Madman's Daughter is a dark and breathless Gothic thriller about the secrets we'll do anything to know and the truths we'll go to any lengths to protect.

"The basement hallways in King's College of Medical Research were dark, even in the daytime."


HYSTERIA
By: Megan Miranda
Published By: Walker Children's
Release Date: Feb. 5, 2013
Buy the Book: Amazon

Mallory killed her boyfriend, Brian. She can't remember the details of that night but everyone knows it was self-defense, so she isn't charged. But Mallory still feels Brian's presence in her life. Is it all in her head? Or is it something more? In desperate need of a fresh start, Mallory is sent to Monroe, a fancy prep school where no one knows her . . . or anything about her past.But the feeling follows her, as do her secrets. Then, one of her new classmates turns up dead. As suspicion falls on Mallory, she must find a way to remember the details of both deadly nights so she can prove her innocence-to herself and others.

In another riveting tale of life and death, Megan Miranda's masterful storytelling brings readers along for a ride to the edge of sanity and back again.

"My mother hid the knife block."


MIDWINTERBLOOD
By: Marcus Sedgwick
Published By: Roaring Brook Press
Release Date: Feb. 5, 2013
Buy the Book: Amazon

Seven stories of passion and love separated by centuries but mysteriously intertwined—this is a tale of horror and beauty, tenderness and sacrifice.

An archaeologist who unearths a mysterious artifact, an airman who finds himself far from home, a painter, a ghost, a vampire, and a Viking: the seven stories in this compelling novel all take place on the remote Scandinavian island of Blessed where a curiously powerful plant that resembles a dragon grows. What binds these stories together? What secrets lurk beneath the surface of this idyllic countryside? And what might be powerful enough to break the cycle of midwinterblood? From award-winning author Marcus Sedgwick comes a book about passion and preservation and ultimately an exploration of the bounds of love.

"The sun does not go down."


THE RUINING
By: Anna Collomore
Published By: Razorbill
Release Date: Feb. 7, 2013
Buy the Book: Amazon

Annie Phillips is thrilled to leave her past behind and begin a shiny new life on Belvedere Island, as a nanny for the picture-perfect Cohen family. In no time at all, she falls in love with the Cohens, especially with Libby, the beautiful young matriarch of the family. Life is better than she ever imagined. She even finds romance with the boy next door.

All too soon cracks appear in Annie's seemingly perfect world. She's blamed for mistakes she doesn't remember making. Her bedroom door comes unhinged, and she feels like she's always being watched. Libby, who once felt like a big sister, is suddenly cold and unforgiving. As she struggles to keep up with the demands of her new life, Annie's fear gives way to frightening hallucinations. Is she tumbling into madness, or is something sinister at play?

The Ruining is a complex ride through first love, chilling manipulation, and the terrifying depths of insanity.

"I'd never been to California."



Do any of these opening lines grab your attention? What are your favorite first lines that you've read lately?

Review and Giveaway: Nobody by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

NOBODY
By: Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Published By: Egmont USA
Release Date: Jan. 22, 2013
Series: None
Pages: 400
Genre: Science Fiction
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: Publicist
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads Summary: There are people in this world who are Nobody. No one sees them. No one notices them. They live their lives under the radar, forgotten as soon as you turn away.

That’s why they make the perfect assassins.

The Institute finds these people when they’re young and takes them away for training. But an untrained Nobody is a threat to their organization. And threats must be eliminated.

Sixteen-year-old Claire has been invisible her whole life, missed by the Institute’s monitoring. But now they’ve ID’ed her and send seventeen-year-old Nix to remove her. Yet the moment he lays eyes on her, he can’t make the hit. It’s as if Claire and Nix are the only people in the world for each other. And they are—because no one else ever notices them.



Who can resist a good assassin story? When I first read the summary for Nobody, it struck me as a unique, inventive story, and it didn't disappoint. I was intrigued by Nix and his world from the very beginning and quickly drawn into the story, eager to learn more about him the world that Jennifer Lynn Barnes created.

Less than shadow, less than air - that's what Nix has been taught to be. He is Nobody, he is invisible, and he always kills his targets. Until Claire. Even though he has his assignment to eliminate her, has his gun trained on her, he can't bring himself to pull the trigger, because Claire can see him, and she might be the only one who can. Instead of killing her, Nix goes so far as to help protect Claire from The Institute. Together they learn the full extent of what Nobodies can do, especially when they are together. But Nix knows better than to think that The Institute will simply forgive his failure to follow their orders. As he tries to figure out what to do, he and Claire come to learn shocking truths about The Institute, leaving them with only one choice - to expose The Institute and hope that they make it through the ordeal alive.

In Nobody, Jennifer Lynn Barnes has created an interesting world in which basic human interactions are guided by energy; those who can't transfer energy are denied those interactions. I really enjoyed seeing how this premise translated into people being divided into Nobodies, Nulls, Sensors, and Normals. As Nobodies, Nix and Claire don't have the ability to transfer energy, and so they have lived their lives unseen, unimportant. Whereas Nix became an assassin for The Institute, Claire spent her days trying to be good enough. I couldn't help but feel sorry for her at the beginning, but over the course of the book, Claire learned to embrace the abilities that being a Nobody brought her. The third-person point of view that alternated points of focus allowed for seeing both Claire and Nix's emotional journeys, which were interesting to watch, as they were opposites in many ways. I also enjoyed watching their time together, especially in the fade. Nix slowly transformed from someone who had been taught to subjugate emotions - which admittedly made him slightly flat at first - to someone who tried to express them, and that allowed for some very sweet moments between him and Claire.

Even though this book was 400 pages, it never felt long. Jennifer Lynn Barnes' writing style was concise and direct while still spinning a gripping story. Even though this was the first book of hers that I read, it made me want to read her others, as there was never a dull moment here. There are so many possibilities with the world she created, and I can't help but wonder if there will be a companion novel to this one.

With enough science fiction elements for intrigue, dystopian elements for suspense, and romance for a swoon-worthy moment or two, Nobody makes for a quick, fun read. I will look forward to reading more books by Jennifer Lynn Barnes!






~GIVEAWAY~
I am very excited to have one hardcover copy of Nobody and one paperback copy of Jennifer Lynn Barnes' previous book, Every Other Day, to give away! Please note that the book will be coming directly from the publisher; please allow ample time for the book to arrive if you win.

The contest is open to residents of the US and Canada only. Must be 13 to enter. Please see my Contest Policy for more information.

This contest will close on Friday, Feb. 15 at 12:01 AM.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal: The Beautiful and the Cursed by Page Morgan

Several months ago, I participated in the cover reveal for The Beautiful and the Cursed. Since then, the cover has been updated, and the UK version has been finalized. This is one book that I'm very excited to read, and I'm glad to share these new covers with you! And now, without further ado, I present the new cover for THE BEAUTIFUL AND THE CURSED by Page Morgan!



Fans of Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instruments series and Libba Bray's Gemma Doyle trilogy will devour The Beautiful and the Cursed, a wholly original interpretation of gargoyle lore.

It was bizarre and inexplicable, but after it happened no one spoke of it and Ingrid Waverly was forced to leave her life in London behind. She had to trade a world full of fancy dresses and society events for Paris with her mother and younger sister, Gabby.

In Paris there are no grand balls or glittering parties, and, disturbingly, the house her twin brother Grayson found for them isn't a house at all. It's an abbey. A creepy, old abbey with a roof lined in stone gargoyles that one could almost mistake for living, breathing creatures.

And Grayson is missing.

Yet no one seems to be concerned about Grayson's whereabouts save for Luc, a devastatingly handsome servant who has some secrets of his own.

There's one secret about the city that he can't keep hidden, though. There's a murderer on the loose. And every day Grayson is missing means that there's less of a chance he's alive.

Ingrid is sure her twin isn't dead--she can feel it deep in her soul--but she knows he's in grave danger, and that it's up to her and Gabby to find him before all hope is lost.

Only the path to him is twisted—and more deadly than she could ever imagine.

Compare that with the UK cover and synopsis:



Ingrid Waverley is a young woman to be reckoned with. Faced with her brother's mysterious disappearance after an abrupt move to Paris, she is determined to discover what has happened to him. Soon she and her sister Gabriella are drawn into a Parisian underworld more terrifying than they could ever have imagined, but watching over them are two impossible (and impossibly handsome) young men. Luc is a 'Dispossessed', an ancient gargoyle whose sworn duty it is to protect the humans who inhabit his abbey. Nolan has secrets of his own too. He is a member of the Alliance - a shadowy group dedicated to keeping Paris safe from the demonic forces that threaten to destroy it.

Secrets, danger and hidden powers stalk the girls in this beautifully imagined paranormal romance that will keep readers gripped from beginning to end - and one thing is for sure - you'll never look at a gargoyle in the same way again...



About the Author: Page Morgan has been intrigued by les grotesques ever since she came across an old, black-and-white photograph of a Notre Dame gargoyle keeping watch over the city of Paris. The gargoyle mythologies she went on to research fed her imagination, and she became inspired to piece together her own story and mythology for these complex stone figures. Page lives in New England with her husband and their three children.

Find Page online here:
Author Website | Twitter | Random House


Which cover do you like best? I think the US cover is beautiful, but the UK one is definitely eye-catching and striking. What do you think?

"Waiting on" Wednesday

"Waiting on" Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.



This week's selection is:

FROZEN
By: Melissa de la Cruz
Published By: Putnam Juvenile
Release Date: Sept. 17, 2013
Preorder the Book: Amazon

Goodreads Summary: Set in 111 C.D., one hundred and eleven years after a Catastrophic Disaster has wiped out 99% of humanity and left the earth covered in ice, this new series introduces readers to a ragtag group of friends and the dawning of a new time. The world of reason, of mathematics and science, is ending, and a new civilization is being born from the ice: a world of magic and mayhem, sorcerers and spellcraft.



Why it's wanted:
So many books focus on magic fading from the world, so I like that this reverses that idea. Even though I've only read one of Melissa's books, I really enjoyed it, and I'm looking forward to the start of this new trilogy!

Teaser Tuesday (68)

I'm very excited to be one of the many blogs participating in Teaser Tuesdays! TT is a weekly meme hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading. To participate:

* Grab your current read
* Open to a random page
* Share two “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
* BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!
(Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
* Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

"What a night. First the Stork ladies, and then eye-locking, freezer-zappying, angry Apple Boy. I so had to get back to California."


p. 25 from STORK by Wendy Delsol
Please share your teasers - post them or link to your blog!

Review: The Storyteller by Antonia Michaelis

THE STORYTELLER
By: Antonia Michaelis
Published By: Abrams
Release Date: Jan. 1, 2012
Series: None
Pages: 402
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: ALA Midwinter
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads Summary: Anna and Abel couldn’t be more different. They are both seventeen and in their last year of school, but while Anna lives in a nice old town house and comes from a well-to-do family, Abel, the school drug dealer, lives in a big, prisonlike tower block at the edge of town. Anna is afraid of him until she realizes that he is caring for his six-year-old sister on his own. Fascinated, Anna follows the two and listens as Abel tells little Micha the story of a tiny queen assailed by dark forces. It’s a beautiful fairy tale that Anna comes to see has a basis in reality. Abel is in real danger of losing Micha to their abusive father and to his own inability to make ends meet. Anna gradually falls in love with Abel, but when his “enemies” begin to turn up dead, she fears she has fallen for a murderer. Has she?

Award-winning author Antonia Michaelis moves in a bold new direction with her latest novel: a dark, haunting, contemporary story that is part mystery, part romance, and part melodrama.



I'm sad to admit that I somehow overlooked this book until Jennifer from Novel Thoughts told me that I had to read it. From her recommendation I knew that the book would be intense, but I still wasn't prepared for the book to make me feel all the feelings. This story is dark, at times beautiful, but always intense.

Anna is always responsible, always does what is expected of her, and knows what she wants from her future. After graduating high school, she's going to England to be an au pair for a year. She has fun with her best friend Gitta, but she's never done anything crazy. Until she meets Abel. Known around school as "the Polish peddler" because he always has a supply of drugs, Anna has always avoided him. Yet she is intrigued by him, especially once she learns that he is caring for his younger sister, Micha. When she sees them at the university cafeteria, Anna sits close enough to hear their conversation, and she learns that Abel is telling his sister a beautiful fairy tale. But this fairy tale may not be so far-fetched after all. There are people who want to take Micha, the little queen, away from her brother...and those people wind up dead, in the story and in reality. Eventually Anna is forced to ask herself - who is the real Abel Tannatek?

The Storyteller was originally published in German, so at the very beginning, it was difficult to get into the story due to the differences in sentence structure between the languages. However, once I got farther into the story - especially once Abel began telling the fairy tale to Micha - I was completely captivated. This book was, in many ways, unlike any book I have read before. The writing was beautiful, demanding metaphorical understandings as well as literal readings. Abel was a tragically broken character, one who shrouds himself in mystery and makes us long to see more glimpses of him rather than the facade he puts up for everyone. Like Anna, I wanted to know more about the boy who cared for his little sister, and by learning that side of him eventually his full character was revealed. Anna is very genuine, and though at times it seemed like she shouldn't suddenly become irresponsible just because of a boy, she always wanted to help Abel, even when she didn't know how. I loved the story itself, but I also loved the fairy tale that Abel told Micha throughout the book. It was highly inventive and also interesting to see how fantasy and reality intersected.

As much as I loved this book, I have to say that it was dark - at times very dark. Over a week after finishing this book, some of the events in it are still hard to reconcile. Although I would only recommend this for older readers, it is definitely worth reading. Despite how good the book is, it isn't a quick read; instead, it is one that forces you to take your time, to truly process the depths of every situation, to feel everything from despair to outrage to hope.

I hope more books of Antonia Michaelis are translated into English, because her stories can be very powerful. The Storyteller is a book that will stay with me for a long time; Abel and his fairy tale are impossible to forget.