Drood by Dan Simmons

Yup another Horror review, we couldn't resist. Halloween is so much fun around here. Stay tuned Monday for an oldie but a goodie review from our very own Miranda aka MyEclecticBook!

I first learned of the book Drood by Dan Simmons when Amazon.com recommended it to me. I read the description and immediately HAD to have this book. The below summary is quoted from Publishers Weekly:

“Bestseller Simmons (The Terror) brilliantly imagines a terrifying sequence of events as the inspiration for Dickens's last, uncompleted novel, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, in this unsettling and complex thriller. In the course of narrowly escaping death in an 1865 train wreck and trying to rescue fellow passengers, Dickens encounters a ghoulish figure named Drood, who had apparently been traveling in a coffin. Along with his real-life novelist friend Wilkie Collins, who narrates the tale, Dickens pursues the elusive Drood, an effort that leads the pair to a nightmarish world beneath London's streets. Collins begins to wonder whether the object of their quest, if indeed the man exists, is merely a cover for his colleague's own murderous inclinations.”

Are you serious? A mystery about two of the all-time great writers and based in part on actual historic events which inspired Dickens’ novel about Edwin Drood. What’s not to like here? I ordered the hardcover on the spot.

Unfortunately, I was a bit disappointed. The idea was interesting. The opium-addicted Wilkie Collins narration was brilliant and funny. The historic detail was well researched and spot on. The complex relationship between the authors were insightful. The scenes in the London sewers and opium dens were creepy as hell. So, why didn’t I enjoy reading this book more than I did? I’ve given this a lot of thought and I think this was a situation where the editor should have exercised more control over the project. It’s not just that the book was long… it was the fact that your could have cut 50-75 pages without losing anything. Several times I sat this book aside to read other things and procrastinated getting back to it. If any of you know me at all, you would know how unlike me that is. Finishing the book had almost become a chore, rather than enjoyable recreation.

For those who are Dickens’ fans, this novel should be interesting enough to hold your attention. However, if you have not read several of Dickens’ books (especially Bleak House), you may get bored with all of the literary references. Overall, I would say that Drood has some incredible things going for it, it just takes some commitment to actually read.

Plot – 1 ½ bookmarks (too sllllloooooowwwww)

Literary Merit – 2 bookmarks (without further edits), 4 1/2 bookmarks possible if tightened up.

Character Development – 3 ½ bookmarks

Creepy Factor – 2 ½ bookmarks

Historical Detail – 4 ½ bookmarks

Dream Cast (otherwise known as who I pictured while reading) – Paul Giamatti (Wilkie Collins), Anthony Hopkins (Charles Dickens), The tall creepy dude who was on the TV show Moonlighting in the 80’s (Drood)

Best Seller For A Day

People are being martyred, but not for their faith. Instead, the deaths are part of a serial killer’s sick game as he chooses his victim by their name… then kills them in that saint’s grisly manner.


This time of year can be a little scary. That's why Cristyn West has a treat for you: ALL HALLOW’S EVE, her fright-fully compelling thriller for just 99 cents! Get your treat bag ready to score some new books and, if you’re lucky, a new Kindle!

Head over to Cristyn West's All Hallow's Eve page on Amazon.com today and purchase it for just 99 cents!

Plus get in on the brand new Kindle giveaway!  As thanks for your support Cristyn West is giving a Kindle to one lucky entrant.  For your entry, sign up for the Best Seller For a Day newsletter on the site. For 5 extra entries, fill out the sidebar form on Bestsellerforaday.com with your purchase code.  #pieceofcake 

I am Not a Serial Killer by Dan Wells

Hello friends! We have another Horror review in honor of Halloween. Today the wonderful Jesi reviews I am Not a Serial Killer by Dan Wells

John Wayne Cleaver is not your typical high school boy.  He is a sociopath, incapable of empathy.  This combined with his fascination with death, fueled by living above his mother’s mortuary, has led him to form an obsession with serial killers.  He studies these murderers in order to prevent himself from becoming one.  When a mutilated bodies start piling up around town, it is John who discovers the true identity of the killer.  Now, can he stop him?  

John is one of the most unique protagonists that I’ve read.  On one hand, he lacks emotions and connection with other humans.  But on the other, he knows right from wrong and strongly wants to be good.  Wells does a wonderful job of balancing these conflicts and John’s struggle with his own emotions, impulses and desires.  He fears that he might become a serial killer because he fits all of the warning signs and profiles.  Yet, it is this self-awareness that is his strongest weapon against this fate.

The book also has a paranormal twist in that the thing killing people around town is not a person, but a demon.  Something that I found fascinating is how the author contrasted John’s emotions with those of the demon.  It lends to the question of what makes us human.  This, I think, is the core of this novel and the reason I liked it so much.

There is also a fair amount of dry humor in this book which provides a nice relief from the darker elements of the story.

Overall, I give I Am Not a Serial Killer…

Plot – 4 bookmarks

Character Development – 5 bookmarks

Humor – 4 ½ bookmarks

Paranormal Elements – 3 ½ bookmarks

Dream Cast (otherwise known as who I pictured while reading) – Alexander Gould (John), Dakota Blue Richards (Brooke), Anthony Hopkins (Mr. Crowley), Vanessa Redgrave (Mrs. Crowley), Martha Plimpton (Mother)

Jesi Reviews Scent and Shadow by Mercy Loomis

Good morning! We have another great review from Jesi today, I hope you enjoy it!

“For college student Amanda Bairns, nothing is more important than finally taking control of her life. But when the sexy, sociopathic vampire Gabriel Chapel forces her to drink his blood, Amanda has four weeks to discover which means more: her freedom and her humanity, or the power Gabriel offers.” – Smashwords description

Just in time for Halloween, Mercy Loomis releases this little gem of a vampire novel.  As most of you know, I have never met a vampire that I didn’t like.  That being said, Gabriel has to be one of my favorites so far.  He is everything that a vampire should be—cold, sexy, dangerous, animalistic…not in the least bit human.  I dig a good vampire romance as much as anyone, but this time of year, I’m looking for less romance and more horror.  Scent and Shadow delivers.  There are some hot, steamy scenes, but don’t go into this book looking for a happy little ending, tied up with a neat little bow. 

Amanda is also a very interesting character.  She’s not your typical college student.  Amanda has some serious control issues.  When Gabriel forces his way in and begins to take over her life, she finds herself in a battle for her humanity.  The only problem is that the battle lines get blurred and it becomes hard for her to remember what it is she is fighting for. 

The world of the Aether Vitalis is a fully developed web of paranormal creatures, ranging from vamps and shifters to mages and fairies.  It’s a world both fascinating and terrifying at the same time.  I can’t wait to read more from Mercy Loomis!

Overall, I give Scent and Shadow…

Plot – 5 bookmarks

Character development – 5 bookmarks

World building – 4 ½ bookmarks

Dream cast (otherwise known as who I pictured while reading) – Aidan Turner (Gabriel), Kat Dennings (Amanda)

Masquerade the Final Day

Yup, you read that right. It's the last day of the Masquerade event. Today's books are below, as before simply click the cover to be taken to the blogs so that you can leave a comment and get your free ecopies.

Just in time for Halloween:

And the next in a wonderful series:

Day 5 of Masquerade

It's day 5!! I am so excited, have you been having as much fun as I have? Have you gotten excited every time you got a new email from an author? FREE BOOKS...My NOOK is so fat and happy right now and there are more coming. Today it's Jackie and M. Todd's turn, simply click the book covers to be taken to their website/blog...comment and a free ebook is yours. #easypeasy Have fun and I'll see you back here tomorrow for the final day in the tour..woohoo

Day 4 in the Blog Tour de Force Masquerade

It's day 4 and today there are two more GREAT books to go grab. Honestly I have to say we are in heaven over here. Our love of books is being satisfied with the amazing authors who are participating in this tour. PLUS all you have to do is leave a comment on each blog to get a FREE ecopy of each book. SERIOUSLY, I mean how easy is that?! Awesome, amazing, wonderful...needless to say we are giddy.

If you haven't been commenting, then you need to start. Head to the IBC blog and get started. Plus take a guess at who is mystery posting on each blog and each correct guess is another entry into the KINDLE giveaway. Plus many of the authors are doing giveaways on their own blogs in addition to the free ebook. There are some awesome baskets up for grabs out there. We wish we could win them all, but we won't be that greedy.

Today's authors are Jeremy Rodden and Elena Grey, click the covers to be taken to their blogs. Are you having as much fun guessing as we are? Have you read either book? Tell us about it!

Masquerade Day 3

It's Day 3 everyone, have you been following along, have you stopped by all the blogs so far to comment for your free ebooks? Well if not, don't worry you can go back and start now. The IBC Blog is home base, where each author is posted and links to their blogs.

Today the featured authors are the amazing Ann Charles and the wonderful wordsmith Augusto Pinaud. (their book covers are below, click each one to be taken to their blogs)

Stop by each and see if you can determine who today's mystery bloggers are, comment for your copy of their books and to be entered for other wonderful goodies!

So head over to each blog now and have some fun! Come back tomorrow to see what is up next!

Gifts of the Blood

Yup, you got it, it's a two post type of day. I posted on my personal blog about the wonderful book by Vicki Keire and just had to post it here too! I want as many people to get the word out!

Here is my review of one of the books up in the Blog Tour de Force Masquerade. Gifts of the Blood by Vicki Keire.

: A dying brother. A young man with golden planes of light on his back. A blind chess wizard. An insane angelic kidnapper in flamboyant red leather. A town with more secrets than stoplights. A cat that talks to spirits. Waking up with eyes the color of moonlight

A bit about the Author

Official Website: http://vickikeire.com/

The Ides of March (Blog:) http://vickikeire.blogspot.com/

Vicki Keire grew up in a 19th Century haunted house in the Deep South full of books, secret rooms, abandoned coal chutes, and plenty of places to get into trouble with her siblings. She holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees in English Literature, and is A.B.D. with specializations in Eighteenth Century British Literature, Romanticism, and Postcolonial Theory. She spent the last decade teaching writing and literature at the university level while slipping paranormal fiction in between the pages of her textbooks.

When not reading and writing about all things paranormal, she indulges in her eclectic musical tastes, enjoys other people's cooking, keeps vampire hours, and adds to her massive stockpile of quirky t-shirts and designer notebooks. She'd rather burn the laundry than fold it. She believes that when an author wins the Newberry, he or she gets a secret lifetime pass to Neverland. She is fond of odd jewelry, bottle trees, and lost causes. She still lives in the Deep South with her husband, two children, and pets, but is pretty sure her house isn't haunted. A person can't be so lucky twice.

Gifts of the Blood and Darkness in the Blood are both set in the mythical town of Whitfield, where she has several other paranormal series planned. Whitfield is a compilation of all she loves about her upbringing with a sprinkling of the things she doesn't. Even though she created it and the people who live there, it still has the power to surprise her. She hopes you enjoy it as much as she does. Please drop by her website, www.vickikeire.com or connect with her online. She loves hearing from readers.

Review

I did not know what to expect when I opened this book on my Nook. I loved the cover and the little blurb intrigued me. I love almost any story to do with angels, but Vicki took the story of Angels to a different level in this book. The story of Caspia and her brother will pull at your heart strings. A young woman trying to go to school, work, and care for a brother who is dying of cancer. Isn't that enough for one person to handle, but nope there is more in store for Caspia. Angels come in to the picture, both good and evil. And then there is a blind wizard, and loving witch and more than Caspia can process. This is a great story of love, strength, loss and rebirth. If you want a yummy character to love, then you will find one in this story whether it's Ethan the "good" angel or Logan the brother, or one of the dark angels...this book has it all for you. 

I give it 4 dragonfly wings! Go grab your copy today, best part is, you can get one free! Just stop by her blog today and leave a comment.

Cherished by Belinda Boring

Good morning! It's day 2 in Blog Tour de Force Masquerade and we are highlighting and reviewing one of today's books. Cherished by Belinda Boring.

For a moment, Darcy almost convinced herself the last twelve hours didn’t happen. As image after image hits her, the sinking realization of all she’s lost overwhelms her and all she can think of is to run. Run far away where her shame can’t find her, and most of all, where she’ll never have to see the look of blame in Mason’s eyes. Feeling like a complete failure, she scrambles to make plans. But the voice of her mate-to-be penetrates her frantic thoughts, asking for the chance to show her just how much she is loved.

It hurts Mason deeply to hear Darcy’s thoughts, knowing the events of the previous night have completely rattled her. Grieving over the death of his beloved sister Jasmine, Mason knows he has to act fast. Darcy is all he’s ever wanted and the idea of life without her is unacceptable. Armed with his unswerving love and wolfish charm, he sets out to remind Darcy just how valuable she is and why there is no one else for him but her.

Can Darcy let go of the shame of failure consuming her or will Mason convince her that after all is said and done, she truly is… Cherished?

A bit about the Author

A homesick Aussie living amongst the cactus and mountains of Arizona, Belinda Boring is a self proclaimed addict of romance and all things swoon worthy. When she's not devouring her latest read, you can find her celebrating her passion for books on her blog The Bookish Snob.

With all that excitement, it wasn’t long before she began writing, pouring her imagination and creativity into the stories she dreams. Whether urban fantasy, paranormal romance or romance in general, Belinda strives to share great plots with heart and characters that you can’t help but connect with. Of course, she wouldn’t be Belinda without adding heroes she hopes will curl your toes.

Surrounded by a supportive cast of family, friends and the man she gives her heart and soul to, Belinda is living the good life. Happy reading!

This is the second in her Mystic Wolves series. I thoroughly enjoyed this novella. It was a quick read that kept me turning the page and wanting more when it was done.  Belinda makes her characters ones you can connect with and root for. The loving and devoted relationship between Belinda and Mason is one every woman would love to have. A true Alpha and his mate story. Pick up your copy today. It's easy, stop by Belinda's blog and leave a comment to get a copy free and be entered for more goodies. (simply click the cover above to be taken to her blog)

Stop back tomorrow and see what's up next.

Blog Tour De Force Masquerade Day 1

Hello lovelies! I am so excited, today is the kick off for the week of Masquerade. 12 Authors over 6 days blogging about their books, doing special giveaways, giving away copies of their book and the ultimate prize...a KINDLE...yup. Want all the details then head to the main site HERE.

Today's Authors are Amber Scott and Maxwell Cynn. I admit I have not read anything by Maxwell yet, but I am a die hard Amber Scott fan...she is HOT..teehee. Both Authors are giving away a free copy of their book to each commenter so make sure to click each book cover below to be taken to their site so you can read up  and leave a comment. I have already stopped by both and can't wait to get the books. I know I will have to whole up for at least a week after this event so I can read them all.

Stay tuned to the blog, tomorrow we will be reviewing one of the two Authors that are up tomorrow. Want to stay in the loop each day? then head over and sign up for the newsletter so that you get notice each day where to stop and comment for your free book!

Till tomorrow~~

Miranda

‘Going Too Far’ by Jennifer Echols

“All Meg has ever wanted is to get away. Away from high school. Away from her backwater town. Away from her parents who seem determined to keep her imprisoned in their dead-end lives. But one crazy evening involving a dare and forbidden railroad tracks, she goes way too far...and almost doesn't make it back.
“John made a choice to stay. To enforce the rules. To serve and protect. He has nothing but contempt for what he sees as childish rebellion, and he wants to teach Meg a lesson she won't soon forget. But Meg pushes him to the limit by questioning everything he learned at the police academy. And when he pushes back, demanding to know why she won't be tied down, they will drive each other to the edge -- and over....” – Amazon description

Going Too Far is the first Jennifer Echols book I’ve read, and I promise it won’t be the last.  I am a big fan of realistic YA characters.  In real life, teenagers are not perfect.  They make mistakes, say the wrong things, act before they think.  So many times in YA fiction, authors either make their teen characters unrealistically perfect, or they try to force them into being quirky to the point of ridiculousness.  Echols captured a realism in her characters that felt refreshing. 

Meg is a bit of a rebel.  She drinks, smokes pot and is promiscuous.  But it is clear from the first page that this behavior is a defense mechanism burying some serious pain.  John is nineteen-going-on-forty. Despite his good grades and talent for art, John has chosen to forgo college and go directly to the police academy.  Being a cop feeds his do-gooder side and his need to help others make good decisions.  When John sees the destructive path Meg is going down, he works with the local DA to make Meg ride along with him in his squad car for a whole week.  He wants her to see the possible consequences of her actions. 

The connection between Meg and John is immediate, but their romantic feelings for each other take a little time to develop.  Of course, the whole story take place over one week, so it is a fairly quick romance.  Given how quickly teenage emotions change, I didn’t find the speed with which Meg and John feel for each other unrealistic, especially given they each carried emotional baggage and desperately needed someone to turn to. 

There were a couple of minor issues that bothered me… Meg has blue hair.  I don’t have a problem with that, but I do have a problem with it being mentioned every other page.  Readers do not need to be beat over the head with these kinds of details over and over.  My other issue is that I wanted John to be just a little bit older.  In the beginning, Meg mistakes him for being forty-years-old due to his attitude and maturity.  I guess I pictured him in his early twenties, so when he reveals he is only nineteen, I didn’t buy it.  I also didn’t buy it that Meg and John were only a year apart in school, in a small town, had classes together in the past and had some social connections in common, yet she had no idea who he was.  It just didn’t make any sense. Lastly, I thought Meg’s reasons for being claustrophobic were lame.  It basically stems from one incident.  Given the debilitating claustrophobic problems her has, I would have expected more. 

Minor issues aside, I really enjoyed reading this book.  The characters were great.  I loved the setting.  The romance was swoon-worthy.  I can’t wait to check out some of Echols’ other books.

Overall, I give Going Too Far…

Plot – 4 bookmarks

Character development – 4 ½ bookmarks

Love story – 4 ½ bookmarks

Dream cast (otherwise known as who I pictured while reading) – Gia Mantegna (Meg), Liam Hemsworth (John), Allison Siko (Tiffany), Nick Roux (Eric)

~~Jessi

Always a Bridesmaid by Anna Pescardot

Nicole Turner is a single girl, worried she'll be left rotting on the shelf forever while less attractive girls are getting snapped up by gorgeous guys. She starts to feel there's something seriously wrong with her.
Desperate to change her life from boring to brilliant she enlists the help of her eccentric best friend, Patsy. Together they use cosmic ordering to help conjure up Nicole's perfect man. When Nicole's life suddenly gets more complicated she soon realises that it might not have been such a good idea after all. Chick lit meets soap opera in this humorous romp..


Our current Author Spotlight is the author of our current review. I was looking for something light and fun to read, to switch up the pace and that is what I got with Always a Bridesmaid. Reminiscent of Bridget Jones' Diary, Ms. Pescardot weaves a funny, will things ever go my way, story.
 The main character Nicole is young woman trying to find her way in life, realizing she doesn't want to spend the rest of her life living at home, working a job she hates, always being a bridesmaid on other's weddings, and alone she heads over to her best friends house to ask the Universe to bring her what she wants. After a good chat, plenty of wine she sits down to write out what she wants in a man and ask the universe to bring it to her.
This starts her journey of job change, and puts her on alert to who "universe guy" just might be. Is it the good looking guy she met at the last wedding, is it the guy she met at the coffee shop, or is it the guy who sat down and talked her up at the club the last time she and her best mate went out? Every woman can see a bit of herself in Nicole.
This is a great story that follows Nicole through some funny episodes with her best mate, realizing what she wants out of life and a partner and coming to terms with who she is and accepting that.
You'll laugh, cringe, and shake your head in agreement with Nicole as she goes through her search for "universe guy" and smile in the end. This story will make you realize we can all find our own happiness if we just stop trying so hard and let things fall into place.

I give this one 4 stars. It is set in the UK and I admit there were a few times I had to look up a couple of phrases (being from America myself) but it was totally worth it. Take the time, grab the ebook and sit down with your glass (or if you are like me bottle) of wine and get read to have a good read! Priced at .99cents on Amazon and Smashwords it's worth the read :)

Don't forget to stop by our Author Spotlight page and learn a little more about the Author as well!