Book Embargo

So readers, are you ready for another rant? This applies specifically to romance novels, but can be generalized to all genres really. You have an author you love, and then you find another title by that author, and start reading only to discover that it takes place BEFORE the book you just finished. There was NO NOTATION anywhere that the first book was part of a series. NOTHING AT ALL.

This really irks me. Have no fear, I have a specific example for you.

Hawk’s Prize, Passion, Pursuit and Pledge are a series of 4 romance novels. They are about four siblings, separated years earlier. Overall each is a decent story, and though there is some repetition, it is a good set of four books. From the back of the book,

Theirs was a tale of Tragedy and Triumph. Four children abandoned in an orphanage. Two missing parents. One man whose hatred had divided a family, whose duplicity ended in murder, inextricably weaving all their lives together in a web of lies that only time could untangle.

Are you ready to see the confusion?

Here is their order.

Hawk’s Pledge, by Constance O’Banyon is the oldest brother, Whit’s story. Hawk’s Passion, by Elaine Barbieri is the first sister Elizabeth’s story. Hawk’s Pursuit, (back to O’Banyon) is the story of one of the sisters, Jena Leigh. Hawk’s Prize, (this one by Barbieri) is of the fourth brother, Drew.

Two different authors, nothing saying it is a specific series. On our computer at work, the spelling of Hawk’s is actually different. Two have Hawks and two have Hawk’s. The second through fourth do make mention to a “Hawk Crest” series but no where in our computer database at work does it reference that. Additionally, though the third and fourth book have cover inserts of the first two as reference, the second book has no reference to the first.

This series at least tried to let you know, with the series list inside, but depending on where you started, you just couldn’t know it was a series.

Trust me dear readers, other authors are much worse at listing this information. (Also, I know it isn’t just the authors. They may write the books, but it is the publishers who choose what goes on the cover and what get listed in terms of other books the author has written.)

And with that, have a good day!

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So just a short blip. I am going to be doing a “Blog Roll.” Just a short post about people that I know with cool blogs (or that I don’t know, but still have cool blogs). It shall begin tomorrow, but the book related posts will still (obviously) be more prevalent than the blog posts!!!

And with that, I wanted to share a picture of my house! If you are aware of the weather, New England got hit with a storm and part of that storm was a WHOLE LOTTA rain and wind… Well, check out what that did to my roof!!!

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Look at our goody box!!! A box arrived in the mail. It contained an advance reader’s copy, a short letter about the book and CHOCOLATE!!!! How cute is this???

The book is Three Bags Full by Leonie Swann. From the Publisher’s Weekly page,

In this refreshingly original detective story from debut German author Swann, a flock of sheep investigates the murder of their beloved shepherd, George Glenn. Leading the effort is Miss Maple, considered the cleverest sheep in the Irish seaside village of Glennkill. She slyly “pretends” to graze while eavesdropping on suspects who come to search George’s caravan for something he may have died for. When a long-lost ram recounts an incident that occurred upon his departure years earlier, Miss Maple uncovers the catalyst for George’s death. The wooly troupe reveals the crime’s solution in a near-Shakespearean mime at the annual “Smartest Sheep in Glennkill” contest. The author’s sheep’s-eye view and the animals’ literal translation of the strange words and deeds of the human species not only create laugh-out-loud humor but also allow the animals occasional flashes of accidental brilliance.

Look for this new novel in June! Baaa… Baaaa…

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You want a thrilling fantasy? Okay, look NO further!

Kristen Britain’s Green Rider Trilogy. Green Rider, First Rider’s Call and the High King’s Tomb. The first two are available in paperback and then the third is being released on either July 1st or November 6th. Dear god I pray for July….

Regardless of which one it is, I for one CANNOT wait until that day. These are Great reads. G-R-E-A-T.

From an Interview with Amazon.co.uk,

Amazon.co.uk: Any specially interesting feedback or comments?

Britain: My favourite kind of feedback is when readers tell me they were totally swept away by the book and lost sleep over it because they couldn’t put it down. While I’m sorry it causes some readers to go to work or school in a groggy state, it makes me feel as if I did my job.

That is DEFINITELY the case with me!

Here is a posted review from SFF World.com

Submitted by Helen Kerslake (Apr 10, 2005)

‘Green Rider’ tells the story of a young girl, Karigan, who must grow up and learn quickly from her experiences as she leaves the shelter of Selium and is thrust into the harsh reality of life outside her home province. She encounters a Green Rider bearing an important message for the King which will prove the difference between his life and death, however the messenger is murdered and dies at Karigan’s feet leaving her to pick up the task from where he left off. The book begins well, with the opening chapter setting the scene for the world which the story is based around, and learn of both the current dangers threatening the land as well as developing a sense of fear for dangers yet to come. Kristen Britain has an excellent writing style which draws you firmly into the world of her main character while remaining uncomplicated by flowery language, leaving you free to enjoy the story without battling with unnecessary wording. I particularly enjoyed how this book was a stand-alone story, unlike so many fantasy novels which only really exist as a series, because this meant that instead of having to incorporate a massive amount of background and history the author was able to plunge straight into the tale. The first half of the book is non-stop action, provides great entertainment and keeps the reader wanting to learn more. Halfway through the pace of events seems to slow down a bit, however the focus becomes characters and their motivations with several well-planned revelations coming to light.

Check your local bookstores for these first two titles, and start looking (either in July or November, No worries, Ill update again when it is more specific) for the third! and remember, Support your Local INDEPENDENT bookshop!

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Let’s get away from vampires and head back to some good fantasy romance, shall we? A wonderful trilogy by author Elizabeth Vaughn is the Warprize trilogy. 100% delightful.

I absolutely loved these three books. I thought that they were well written and incredibly enjoyable. Often the second in a trilogy gets left in the dust. Usually it is the “travel” book (as it is in this series too) and you are left feeling empty and wishing it was as good as the first or the third. Elizabeth managed to fill the second with such emotion (unfortunately it was grief) and excitement that you did not even notice that it was the second/travel book in the trilogy. Additionally, from Elizabeth’s website, Anne McCaffrey’s words…

“I think Warprize is possibly the best romantic fantasy I have ever read!
I loved the sequel… I can’t wait for number three! Continue please to enthrall me with your story-telling.”
–Anne McCaffrey on Warprize

And a quote from the author on becoming a published author…

But most of all, I have to tell you that I now believe in miracles. . .

And that… is that! All three are available whereever books are sold. I know that my store is carrying all three since I staff picked them! Remember, support your local independent!

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Just a short tidbit. I wanted to show you the two covers for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (July 21st if you’ve forgotten…).

The United States cover, in all it’s wrap around glory….

The British Cover… but side note, I haven’t heard much about this. Not 100% official news here on this cover…

That’s all today folks! Remember, SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOP and please, for the LOVE OF ALL THAT IS HOLY AND PRECIOUS, do not buy it BEFORE July 21st.

EMBARGO EMBARGO EMBARGO!!!

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Another Vampire novel you say? NO WAY!!!!

Oh yes. This time we delve into a vampire series that I have not read. First, some background
Anita Blake is a Vampire Hunter. From the Wikipedia article,

Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter is a series of dark fantasy novels by Laurell K. Hamilton, narrated in first person, hard-boiled detective style by the title character, Anita Blake. Anita lives in a fictional Saint Louis much like our own, save that, not only are things like vampires and shapeshifters real, but everyone knows that they’re real and they are considered citizens of America, much like normal humans.

If you want to know where to start with her BOOKS, The Laughing Corpse would be the place to look (1994 though… might be hard to find). However… the point of this post is to discuss Hamilton’s foray into the Comic Book World. Here is info on one of her comics and that gives a couple pages. Cool huh? A line from one of the pages,

I had my gun and I wouldn’t melt in the heat.

Because really… what more is important than that?

(also, she is all Bob Barker on her website, “Don’t forget to spay and neuter your pets.” Gotta love that!!!)

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There has been another Joost Beta Upgrade. Hopefully you are in on the Cool Bus, but if not, here is another tempting video of the coolness you are missing!

That said…. I have a few (less than four) invites. I know people have asked in the past for them, but I don’t have their emails anymore.

SO, Comment HERE with your FAVORITE blog post of mine and I will get you an invite!

That’s all I wanted to share. Enjoy the vid!

Another event at my bookshop this summer is that of Barbara Johansen Newman a children’s book author. Her newest book is Tex and Sugar. It is about 2 country cats who move to the big city to become stars but dont find success until they find each other. The illustrations are just so adorable.

Barbara has been illustrating and doing art for years. She will be doing a gallery opening in our local town of Plymouth starting the week before her event at my shop. I don’t have specifics on that, but once I do, I can assure you, I will post them here!!

So check your calender. August 25th from 2:00 until 4:00pm. It is a Saturday, and depending on the chaos in the store, we might even get a reading from the story!

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