You are here: Home

Bookanista Thursday: Cinder

2/2/2012 By Nikki 3 Comments

This week for Bookanista Thursday I’m talking about Cinder by Marissa Meyer. I’ve actually read several fairy tale retellings this past year, including another one of Cinderella, and I have to say that this is by far the best!

What I loved about this retelling is that it was so completely different from the original tale. It is set in the future, in a word where a civilization lives on the moon and cyborgs are as common as humans. It’s also set in New Beijing, not exactly the woods of Europe where many classic fairy tales seem to take place.

And even though the fairytale deviates in a lot of ways (the prince knows who she is before the ball, one of the step-sisters dies, there’s no fairy godmother to transform her ball gown) – the main elements are still the core of the story. There’s a princess and a prince, step-siblings and a ball, Cinder loses her shoe (or more actually her foot). Does she live happily ever after? Well, there’s a sequel so we’ll have to wait and find out!

Marissa did an amazing job of alternate voices throughout the book. Even though I’m by no means a cyborg, I could easily identify with Cinder, her concerns, and her feelings of inadequacy. And of course Prince Kai has his own issues to contend with.

Definitely a must read for anyone interested in dystopian, sci-fi, or fairy tale retellings.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . .

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

Check out what the other Bookanistas are talking about this week:

Filed Under: Reading

In Which I Apologize!

1/27/2012 By Nikki 1 Comment

Sorry I’ve been so … missing … from my own blog lately. The holidays were pure insanity and even though it’s nearly the end of January, I’m just getting back into a somewhat normal schedule!

Beyond the scheduling, I’m really just trying to immerse myself into drafting/writing/torturing myself with TWO new manuscript. Yes, you heard that right. TWO. How am I doing it? I have no idea. They both include relatively ginormous casts of characters. My only saving grace is one manuscript is in first person and one is in third person, so it helps me to switch gears in that regard.

Anyway. Saw this quote. Had to share. And say I’m sorry, hopefully I’ll be posting more (and sharing good news) soon! 2012 is the year baby :)

Filed Under: Writing

Bookanista Thursday: A Million Suns

1/26/2012 By Nikki 1 Comment

This week for Bookanista Thursday I’m talking about A Million Suns by Beth Revis. Being somewhat of a rocket scientist (haven’t read my bio yet?) I raced through both Across the Universe and A Million Suns at a rapid pace, devouring up anything to do with space travel and the future..

And I have to admit, I liked the sequel better!

As a total science and numbers geek, I had a couple of problems with Across the Universe that weren’t quite explained by the novel’s end. I had seen interviews with Beth that said, “Wait! I have explanations! They are coming.” so I waited for the sequel. Somewhat impatiently :)

And guess what? They were explained!

But not only that, what I absolutely LOVED about A Million Suns is that it was it’s own book. It didn’t suffer from sequel-failure that I’ve encountered in so-so-so many series lately. The book didn’t just revolve around a romance falling apart (which is a middle book crutch many series use). No, this had action, and revolting, and … hmm … I wish I could tell you, but I don’t want to spoil it … but it had OHMIGOD REALLY?! factor that reminded me in a small way ofEnder’s Game, which I just read a few weeks ago for the first time.

Both Amy and Elder grow up a little more in this book – and you can definitely relate to their inner and outer struggles. Amy misses her parents and isn’t sure if she should wake them, and she also pushes down here feelings for Elder for fear that they are contrived only because he’s the single male her age on the ship. Elder is dealing with an entire ship in revolt and worried that he’s not meant for his position in power.

Then of course there are the twists and turns that keep you reading up all night … and waiting impatiently for Shades of Earth.

Definitely pick up a copy today!

Goodreads Synopsis:

Godspeed was fueled by lies. Now it is ruled by chaos.

It’s been three months since Amy was unplugged. The life she always knew is over. And everywhere she looks, she sees the walls of the spaceship Godspeed. But there may just be hope: Elder has assumed leadership of the ship. He’s finally free to enact his vision – no more Phydus, no more lies.

But when Elder discovers shocking news about the ship, he and Amy race to discover the truth behind life on Godspeed. They must work together to unlock a puzzle that was set in motion hundreds of years earlier, unable to fight the romance that’s growing between them and the chaos that threatens to tear them apart.

In book two of the Across the Universe trilogy, New York Times bestselling author Beth Revis mesmerizes us again with a brilliantly crafted mystery filled with action, suspense, romance, and deep philosophical questions. And this time it all builds to one mind-bending conclusion: They have to get off this ship.

Check out what the other Bookanistas are talking about this week:

Filed Under: Reading

Bookanista Thursday: Under the Never Sky

1/19/2012 By Nikki 1 Comment

This week I’m sharing the amazing Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi. I had the pleasure of meeting her in person last week at the San Diego book signing (she was very sweet!) and then devoured the book in less than 24 hours. YES it is THAT good! And I can honestly say I’ve had a hard time getting into any books lately, so that should be a testament to her plot and pacing.

I’ll admit that the premise had me a little leery … dystopian, dual POV, one person in the “saved dome” while the other person is in the “wilds.” Sounds familiar, right?

Except it wasn’t. It SO wasn’t. You may think you know what to expect, but you don’t. Sure the novel touches on growth of technology vs. lack of technology, survival instincts, etc. But Veronica introduces so many new elements (I don’t want to spoil your read by telling you what they are) that I was firmly engrossed by the first chapter.

I also adored both characters. They are both flawed. They are both leery. They are both a little selfish. And even though they are from completely different “worlds” you can identify with each of them. You root for Aria and Perry and want them to succeed, even though their goals are separate and distinct.

Did I mention the pacing was impeccable? Yeah. It was :) Just enough action and twists and turns, coupled with quiet moments to let you sink further into the world and revel in the landscape.

Definitely pick up a copy today!

Goodreads Synopsis:

Aria is a teenager in the enclosed city of Reverie. Like all Dwellers, she spends her time with friends in virtual environments, called Realms, accessed through an eyepiece called a Smarteye. Aria enjoys the Realms and the easy life in Reverie. When she is forced out of the pod for a crime she did not commit, she believes her death is imminent. The outside world is known as The Death Shop, with danger in every direction.

As an Outsider, Perry has always known hunger, vicious predators, and violent energy storms from the swirling electrified atmosphere called the Aether. A bit of an outcast even among his hunting tribe, Perry withstands these daily tests with his exceptional abilities, as he is gifted with powerful senses that enable him to scent danger, food and even human emotions.

They come together reluctantly, for Aria must depend on Perry, whom she considers a barbarian, to help her get back to Reverie, while Perry needs Aria to help unravel the mystery of his beloved nephew’s abduction by the Dwellers. Together they embark on a journey challenged as much by their prejudices as by encounters with cannibals and wolves. But to their surprise, Aria and Perry forge an unlikely love – one that will forever change the fate of all who live UNDER THE NEVER SKY.

Check out what the other Bookanistas are talking about this week:

Filed Under: Reading
« Older Posts