SOCIAL MEDIA

Nikolas and Co: A Creature Most Foul - Sneak Peek

Thursday 16 June 2011
Author: Kevin McGill
Publishers: Aero Studios
Genre: Fantasy
Publication Date: 15 September 2011
Trailer: Click Here to see it

Stay tuned for a review of the first 100 pages!



Rachel xx :)




Interview with Author Cathy Cassidy!

Tuesday 14 June 2011
Everybody has heard of Cathy Cassidy, right? Probably! She's had tons of best sellers and I am pretty sure that the majority of you reading this will have read at least one of her books (if not, don't worry, just go pick one up from your local library!).
I was so happy when she agreed to answer some of my questions and I hope you are just as happy reading them and hopefully, just hopefully, you'll find something out that you never knew about this fantastic author :o)

If you got the chance to spend a day with any character in any of your books, who would it be and why?
Probably Scarlett. I was quite quiet and shy at school, more like Jude or Hannah, so it would be brilliant to spend a day with someone like Scarlett who is brave and bright and fiery!

My favourite book is Lucky Star, where did you get your inspiration for that book?
Lucky Star was written to give the character Mouse, who first appeared as a small boy in my first book Dizzy, the happy ending I thought he deserved. So many readers wrote asking for a sequel or to find out what happened next to Mouse that I couldn't resist jumping ahead a few years and writing a book from his viewpoint. Mouse is still my favourite character of all!

Where do you like to write?
I work on Mac laptop so technically I can write anywhere, but my fave place to work is in the writing shed in my garden. It's very pretty as sheds go, and has no phone or internet so no interruptions! In the winter it's a bit cold, so then I snuggle up indoors, usually on the sofa with a mug of hot chocolate at my side for extra inspiration!

If you could chose a super power, what would it be and why?
The power to grant wishes...

Did you write as a child - what did you usually write about?
Everything! Adventure, ponies, sailing, Victorian ladies, boarding school... it didn't matter that I knew next to nothing about any of those things! As a teen I wrote about boys, boys and more boys...

Are you working on a new book right now, if so, can you tell us a little bit about it?
I am just beginning the plotting for the third book in the Chocolate Box Girls series, Summer's Dream. It's early days, but I will say that it will be an exciting summery read with a few shocks and surprises hidden away in there...

How does it feel to know you are one of the most admired authors in the world?
I do know I have the coolest readers ever, and they are very loyal, and that means a huge amount to me. For me, just being able to earn a living writing books is a dream come true. I know I am very, very lucky.

Quick Fire Questions:

Favourite Animal? Llama.
Favourite Take-a-way? Indian.
Favourite Colour? Moss green.
Favourite Type of Music? Indie rock.

A big shout-out to CC for letting me interview her! :D

Rachel xx :)


The Books of Beginning #1 - The Emerald Atlas by John Stephens

Sunday 12 June 2011
Kate, Michael and Emma think they are just plain ordinary. Nothing special. But when they come across a mysterious book in a mysterious orphanage that has the power to transport them back to the past, they realise their destiny is far more greater than any of them could ever have imagined, and way more dangerous too...

Genre: Adventure/Fantasy/Mystery
Edition: Doubleday, Hardback, 2011
Recommended Age: 10+
Source: Bought
Notes: Book 1 out of 3
Rating: 4/5

Woah. This book is good. Crammed full of action, adventure, fantasy and mystery, this novel has the whole package!
The main characters, Kate, Michael and Emma P. have their own very different and distinct personalities and I feel without one of them, this book would have felt like a part of it was missing. Kate is the protective, older sister, Michael is the slightly younger brother who loves magical creatures (especially dwarves!) and Emma - even though she is the youngest - is tough and fiery. I can't really say who is my favourite character because I like them all, but the character that stands out just a tiny bit more - apart from the three main characters - is Gabriel. The children meet Gabriel when he comes to their rescue and he has a strong bond with Emma. I admire his bravery and determination and the love and reassurance he gives Emma.
If I had to admit a slight problem I found in this book, it would be that I thought the beginning was a bit unrealistic at a certain part.
Overall though, I found this book quite enjoyable.

Rachel xx :)


Teaser Tuesday

Tuesday 7 June 2011
Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme created by MizB at Should Be Reading and all you have to do to participate is...

- Grab your current read.
- Open to a random page.
- Share two (2) “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!

The Emerald Atlas by John Stephens:
"A figure emerged from the trees, running toward them through the high grass. It was dressed in dark rags, and some kind of mask covered its face."

What do you think? I haven't got to that part yet so I don't even know what's going to happen!

Rachel xx :)


New Winner for Low Red Moon!

Monday 6 June 2011
Due to a mistake (no one is at fault!) Low Red Moon is still up for grabs. Now, let me introduce to you the new owner of Low Red Moon....................

Stephanie B!

Congrats! I will be emailing you as soon as I post this up!

Rachel xx :)


Winners!

Sunday 5 June 2011
COMPETITION NOW CLOSED!!!

Yes, the time has come for me to announce the winners! Good luck to all of you and I would just like to say a big thank you to everyone who entered, I was so happy to see a good amount of entries I had never expected for my first competiton! Without further-a-do I give you the three winners...

Lock & Key by Sarah Dessen - Zoe C :o)
The Raspberry Rules by Karen McCombie - Lucy C :o)
Low Red Moon by Ivy Devlin - Stephanie B :o)


Congrats to all that have won, an email is on its way to you! You have 48 hours to reply or you forfeit the prize to another participant.


I might just do another giveaway sometime, so to all of you that didn't win this time, it might be you next! Congrats again to all the winners, I hope you enjoy your prizes!



Rachel xx :)