Book Trailer Monday (9): Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon

Book Trailer Monday is where once a week I feature a trailer for a book that has captured my attention. This trailer might be for a book that is about to be published, or maybe its for a book that has already been released. There won't be any rhyme or reason to the trailer that I choose....the only common denominator will be that I liked it. That it made me stop or made me think or maybe it made me laugh. I do this mainly for my own enjoyment because I love book trailers. I find them fascinating and I hope that you enjoy the ones that I show here each week as well.

This week's trailer is for Silver Phoenix: Beyond the Kingdom of Xia by Cindy Pon which was released by Greenwillow Books on 28 Apr 2009. This is another book that has been sitting on Mt TBR ever since I first heard about it on twitter while chatting with Cindy herself (love twitter!!). Her description of the book and the synopsis that I found online just made it seem like such an intersting read and so I bought it. This trailer is another that makes me want to read it right now. *sighs* I really need more hours in the day so that I can read all the books that I own.

What about you? What do you think of this weeks trailer? Let me know in the comments.


If you know of a book trailer that you would like to see featured on Book Trailer Monday then please send me an email with a link to irisheyz_5 AT yahoo DOT com.

Hate List by Jennifer Brown

Publisher: Little, Brown
Publication Date: 01 Sept 09
ISBN: 0316041440
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 416
Websites:
Jennifer Brown - Official Site
Jennifer Brown - Twitter

Place(s) Traveled to: unspecific setting

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Hate List by Jennifer Brown is one of those books that I find hard to sum up. Its just so raw and filled with emotion and so this time I think that I'll rely on the book flap:

What if you wished someone would die and then it happened?

What if the killer was someone you loved?

Five months ago, Valerie Leftman's boyfriend, Nick, opened fire on their school cafeteria. Shot trying to stop him, Valerie inadvertently saved the life of a classmate, but was implicated in the shootings because of the list she helped create. A list of people and things she and Nick hated. The list he used to pick his targets.

Now, after a summer of seclusion, Val is forced to confront her guilt as she returns to school to complete her senior year. Haunted by the memory of the boyfriend she still loves and navigating rocky relationships with her family, former friends and the girl whose life she saved, Val must come to grips with the tragedy that took place and her role in it, in order to make amends and move on with her life.

Watch the Trailer:

I wasn't entirely sure what to think about Hate List when I first picked it up all I knew was that all the buzz about it said that it was amazing. When I first started the book I was doubtful of this buzz because for me it started off a bit slow. But that slowness what short lived. Before I knew it I was staying up into the wee hours of the morning sheading tears as I rushed to finish this amazing book. Hate List deals with a subject that is sure to strike fear into the hearts of everyone who reads it. Its a book that immediately brings to mind images from other school shootings like Columbine and Virgina Tech. And its those images that help make this book so powerful. But Hate List isn't about the actual shooting its about what happens next. How do you move forward from the horrible events. How do you deal with the fall out? This is Valerie's story. She's returning to school after her boyfriend did the unthinkable and she has to face her role in the events that occurred on that fateful day.

Its a wonderful story about redemption and the journey of self discovery. Of learning to overcome some pretty serious issues & events and coming out stronger on the other side. I found all the characters to be believable and was lost in their stories. A few years ago I read Jodi Picoult's Nineteen Minutes, which is also about the after effects of a school shooting. It was a story that I really liked at the time despite its difficult subject matter. But when I compare that book to Hate List, it only seems to scratch the surface of emotions that such an event would bring. Brown has this powerful writing style that takes you to the heart of the matter. This was such a great book that if you haven't read it already then I strongly suggest you run to your nearest bookseller and pick up a copy. Its just that good.

Date read: 05 Sept 09

Book Trailer Monday (8): Praefatio by Georgia McBride

Book Trailer Monday is where once a week I feature a trailer for a book that has captured my attention. This trailer might be for a book that is about to be published, or maybe its for a book that has already been released. There won't be any rhyme or reason to the trailer that I choose....the only common denominator will be that I liked it. That it made me stop or made me think or maybe it made me laugh. I do this mainly for my own enjoyment because I love book trailers. I find them fascinating and I hope that you enjoy the ones that I show here each week as well.

This weeks trailer is for Praefatio by Georgia McBride which is currently without a publisher or publication date. Which is tragic because the moment I saw it I rushed over to Amazon hoping to be able to buy it with one click! This trailer is absolutely AMAZING!!! I'll have my fingers and toes crossed in the hopes that this book finds a home at a publishing house and makes its way into bookstores soon. Because I for one can't wait for it.

And if you are like me and don't immediately know what Praefatio means, then check out this teaser trailer:

Ok...going to go watch the full trailer again (and again) because I can't get enough and its the only think I have until the book comes out. *le sigh* Don't all the publishing houses know I hate waiting?

What about you? What do you think of this weeks trailer? Let me know in the comments.


If you know of a book trailer that you would like to see featured on Book Trailer Monday then please send me an email with a link to irisheyz_5 AT yahoo DOT com.

Moonstone by Marilee Brothers

Publisher: Bell Bridge Books
Publication Date: 01 Aug 2008
ISBN: 0980245346 (paperback)
Format: egalley
Pages: 236
Websites:
Marilee Brothers - Official Site

Place(s) Traveled to:
Peacock Flats, Washington

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

Book Synopsis:

Wry, compelling, heart-warming and just plain fun. Allie Emerson is living in a twenty-four foot trailer with a mother who has decided to Retire From Life. Not exactly the sort of environment you'd expect to produce a girl destined to save the world. Allie's barely managing to survive high school. She hasn't got time to believe in prophecies and evil. Until evil makes it personal.

What to say about Moonstone by Marilee Brothers? This is a tough one to review because its hard to pinpoint just what I didn't like about it. Perhaps its the plot that only seemed to build and then never fully delivered? Or maybe it was the characters. Most seemed to be just there, some held no real purpose and others just made you go huh? Allie, the main character was likeable enough but I also found her to be a bit annoying. She'd go from leaps of intellect and "ah-ha!" moments to moments of pure stupidity. I don't know it just didn't ring true to me, but maybe its just part of being a normal teenager. Her mother....well....don't get me started there. She's in her 30's mooching off pseudo-relatives and expects her 15 year old daughter to do all the caretaking because she's "retired from life"....lady you are a single mother you don't get to make that choice. You do what you need to raise your daughter. The writing while nothing to write home about wasn't as bad as other books I've read but it was never enough to lure me into the plot. Which I found to be a bit muddled and all over the place. If I didn't already have the sequel I'm not sure that I would read it. But I asked for both books to review and review both of them I will. Who knows...maybe book 2 will be a turning point in the series and things will take a turn for the better. Stay tuned to my blog to find out.

Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers (Teaser Review)

Publisher: St Martin's Griffin
Publication Date: 05 Jan 2009
ISBN: 0312573804
Format: paperback, ARC
Pages: 256
Websites:
Courtney Summers - Official Site
Courtney Summers - Twitter

Place(s) Traveled to:
Hallowell, Connecticut

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Through the wonderful amazing kindness and generosity of fellow bloggers I was able to borrow an Advanced Copy of Some Girls Are from the super awesome Steph of Steph Su Reads. Some Girls Are or SGA as its been referred to on Twitter arrived on Friday. There was temptation to start reading it right then, but also some hesitation. After all there is already so much hype over this book and its greatness....and I am often disappointed with highly hyped up books as seen in Exhibit A. So I patted it a bit and put it on nightstand. Saturday came and I had to get my car looked at by my dad's handy dandy cave (aka the only mechanic in world I trust to tell me truth & break it to me gently when Monty is really sick). I spent some quality time with my parents, got my dad a cell phone (note to all this is the first sign of the coming zombie apocalypse be ready!) & in general continued to put off reading SGA. Though I did carry it with me all day long.

That night I pestered Courtney Summers on twitter to see if she had a playlist for the story. As playlists seem to becoming a popular trend with authors and their books these days. She didn't have anything posted on her site but she did have on in her iTunes, which she then proceeded to Tweet to me. People, this is part of why I LOVE twitter so very much. I love the real time interaction you have with authors (and bloggers and other twitter peeps). So then I was able to put off reading for a wee bit longer as I assembled the list. I even downloaded some LADY GAGA - this should let you all know my dedication to procrastination....and even more amazing the album doesn't suck. Its actually kinda catchy....words I never thought I'd say when it comes to the Haus of Gaga. (I think Courtney Summers may brainwashed me on this, but I can't be sure).

Anywho, playlist made I proceeded to sit down and read. Now mind you....I didn't start the book until 11 pm. When I started I thought to read just a chapter or two before calling it a night and finishing it up on Sunday. Well, before I knew it the clock was striking 4 am and I had finished the book and was just sitting there amazed, in awe and so completely blown away. When I regained some sense I immediately pulled out my phone and tweeted this message to Courtney "OH. EM. GEE. You are so twisted. SGA is effing brilliant. But seriously...OMG!!!" Now you'd think calling someone twisted would be a bad thing, but no this was what I received in response "!!! Hah!! I paused revision just to check twitter and saw your tweet and now I am like :D THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!! omg!" followed by "PS CUTB was just easing people into my twistedness. After SGA there's no going back. ;) srsly, though--thank you!!!".

And let me tell you I thought that Cracked Up To Be (CUTB) was amazing (my review) but compared to SGA its like night and day. CUTB is puppys and rainbows and SGA is like a zombie on crack. It its a totally mindblowing book and its really hard to put into words just how uber amazing it is. Especially now months before its out, which is why I am rambling crazily and not really saying much of anything at all. In many ways Kirkus said it best "… will make readers cringe…. a truly mean girl is not easily knocked down. Powerful and compelling.”

Some Girls Are is a cringe worthy book. It also is a book that is filled with realism and raw emotion. Regina is a character that you love and hate and who breaks your heart into pieces all at once. I am counting down the days until January when I can buy my very one copy and read it over again. Once I do I'll sit down and give you a better review then this one of me babbling over procrastination and avoidance....which so wasn't needed because Some Girls Are not only lives up to the hype but it surpasses even the most glowingest review out there.

Also, in case you wanted to listen to the Some Girls Are playlist - which seriously adds to the reading experience of the book - Courtney has graciously allowed me to post it here for you. The songs are just amazing when paired up with the text. The songs were also chosen more for the feelings & sounds rather than because of the lyrics so don't try to infer any deeper meaning out of them than that.

1. Changes Are No Good by The Stills
   
2. Beautiful Dirty Rich by Lady Gaga
   
3. Feeling Good by Muse
   
4. AntiMatter byNERD
   
5. Stupid Girl by Garbage
   
6. Little Bit by Lykie Li
   
7. LES Artistes by Santogold
   
8. Y Control by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
   
9. I Can’t Take it by Tegan and Sara
   
10. Smile Like You Mean It by The Killers
    
11. Just Dance by Lady Gaga
    
12. Alert Status Red by Matthew Good

Book Trailer Monday (7): The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Book Trailer Monday is where once a week I feature a trailer for a book that has captured my attention. This trailer might be for a book that is about to be published, or maybe its for a book that has already been released. There won't be any rhyme or reason to the trailer that I choose....the only common denominator will be that I liked it. That it made me stop or made me think or maybe it made me laugh. I do this mainly for my own enjoyment because I love book trailers. I find them fascinating and I hope that you enjoy the ones that I show here each week as well.

This weeks trailer is for The Book Thief by Markus Zusak which was originally published in hardcover by Knopf Books on 14 March 2006. I read this book back in 2008 (my review) and LOVED it. It was a book that blew me away and was my favorite book of the year. Tonight I spent a long time on YouTube looking at the many different trailers for this book and chose three of them to show here. There was one that I liked and almost posted a link to, but there were some images that may not be suitable for all audiences. So know the videos below are safe and non-spoilery. =)

Trailer #1:


Trailer #2:


Trailer #3:

Of these trailers I am torn between the first and second ones. They both capture the essence of the book and make me want to read it again. With the third one I like how the initially focus is different from the other two, but there is just something a bit off with the music. The transitions are choppy and doesn't really fit the time period of the book. Which of these trailers do you like the best, if any? Three trailers not enough? Want to see more then, click here. Do you prefer another trailer for this book? If so, then please link to it in the comments below.

If you know of a book trailer that you would like to see featured on Book Trailer Monday then please send me an email with a link to irisheyz_5 AT yahoo DOT com.

Announcement: *Another* Another Faust Contest (Guest Post from Daniel Nayeri)

Hello everyone,

Hope you don't mind the brief interruption of my regular posting for a post from author Daniel Nayeri, who is the co-author of the book Another Faust. This sounds like a really fun contest and I wanted to share the news with all of you. So without further ado here is Daniel to tell you the details.

~Irish
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hi everyone. Dina and I are about to kick off a month-long tour for our book, Another Faust, and we want to do it by announcing a contest! We are looking for the most promising writers out there (that’s YOU). And then we want to showcase their work, so that all of the Internet can bask in their awesome writing might (and, you know, give them prizes).

HERE’S HOW IT GOES.

We want you to write your own short story, re-imagining of the Faustian Bargain. (For inspiration, check out Bedazzled, Simpsons “Tree House of Horrors IV,” and The Little Mermaid). It can be about anything you like (but let’s keep it PG-13, and under 3,000 words), and it’s open to everyone.

All you have to do is send your entry to dviergutz@gmail.com before January 31.

Rules and details can be found here. (Make sure to read them so you don’t get DQed)

And the winner gets all kinds of sweetness:

• A signed copy of Another Faust
• A handwritten deleted scene
• A featured article & interview on our site
• An author’s galley of the sequel Another Pan

Though we’ll feature the top five on our site for comments, the judging WON’T happen by popular vote (so basically, we don't care which contestant has the most friends). Dina and I will personally read them.

So, spread the word! Tweet, retweet, forward, thread, spread, embed this post.

Good luck!

D&D

Book Trailer Monday (6): Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters by Jane Austen and Ben H. Winters

There are some book trailers that will make you cringe and some that leave you feeling blah. Some will make you want to run out and buy the book and still others will make you want to avoid a book at all costs. And then there are trailers that will make you laugh as this one for Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters by Jane Austen and Ben H. Winters does for me. Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters is the latest publication of Quirk Books and was released in stores on 15 September 2009.

Now that you've seen it, what do you think of this trailer? Does it make you laugh as well? LMK in the comments below.

Bite Me by Parker Blue

Publisher: Bell Bridge Books
Publication Date: 30 Sept 2008
ISBN: 0980245389 (paperback)
Format: ebook
Pages: 232
Websites:
Parker Blue (Official Site)

Place(s) Traveled to:
San Antonio, Texas

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Synopsis from Amazon.com:

Bite Me Young Adult Vampire Hunter A Fictionwise Fantasy Bestseller An edgy book for teens that spans the gap between YA and adult fiction. Life after high school is tough enough without having to go 15 rounds with your inner demon. Val Shapiro is just your ordinary, part-demon, teenaged vampire hunter with a Texas drawl. And a pet hellhound named Fang. Soon enough she finds herself deep in the underbelly of the city, discovering the secrets of the Demon Underground and fighting to save those she loves. Whether they love her back or not.

When I first picked up Bite Me by Parker Blue I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. Would it be another run of the mill vampire story? Or would there be something new in it? My very first impression wasn't a good one when in the first chapter I was jarred out of the false reality of the book when the main character, Val, gave her name to a vampire she was trying to kill. A vampire who didn't know her and yet immediately jumped to the fact that her name was Valentine. Now I don't know about you but my first thought when hearing the name Val isn't Valentine. But I shook that off, I shouldn't focus on such a minor detail I should just let the story come. And come it did. I whizzed through this book in about a day. I loved the world that Parker has created.

The main character isn't a know it all teenager with special skills who is near perfect and is able to save the world in a single bound. Val is older then in most young adult books, she's 18 and was home schooled because she harbors an inner demon, literally. This sets her apart from other people her age as well as her family. And it doesn't help that on her 18th birthday she finds herself without a job, without a home and without a family to help her figure things out. She is lost and clueless and that just makes her so very real. Val's half sister is also a character to like...well, one that you like to dislike because she's a real teen. She's a 16 year old girl who thinks she knows everything and like most little sisters she is annoying and gets into trouble. But the character that makes this book is Fang. He tends to steal the scene and add a dose of comedy in with all the life drama and vampire slaying.

As I've said I love the world that Blue has created, but this is a first book in a series by a new author so its flawed. There were several times when random scenes would knock me out of the false reality and make me go huh? Forcing me to reread passages in order to try and figure out if I missed something or if an event/statement really did just come out of nowhere. But it wasn't so flawed that I was turned off. In fact I am really excited for the second book, Try Me, to come out. Though very sad that it won't be until February!! But to tide me over I was sent the cover over Try Me and I am able to share it with you:


No word yet on what this book is about but isn't the cover amazing? I love how similar it is to the Bite Me and I can't wait until I am able to bring this book home with me.

Book Trailer Monday (5): Escaping the Tiger by Laura Manivong

For me, the sign of a good book trailer is one that makes you interested in a book. The sign of a great trailer is where after watching it you just want to run right out and get the book because you can't wait to read it. Today's trailer is one that I would call great. I first saw the Escaping the Tiger trailer when the author, Laura Manivong, left me a link to it on last weeks Book Trailer Monday. Laura is a Tenner and I'd read the description of her book and marked as something to look into when its released on 09 Mar 2010 by HarperCollins. But now I really wish that I had a contact at HarperCollins so that I could beg them for an ARC!



So what do you think? Does this trailer make Escaping the Tiger appealing to you? What book trailers have you seen recently that make you more interested in buying the book?