About A BEAUTY SO BEASTLY: “For your vanity, your cruelty, and your cold unfeeling heart, a curse I leave upon you . . .”
What happens if the beauty is also the beast?
The stunning Beatrice Cavanaugh is considered American royalty. She has everything except the ability to love. Cursed on her eighteenth birthday, she becomes more beastly than ever, having a newfound craving for raw meat, and an undeniable yearning for the night. Bitterness is her only companion.
After accusing a maid of stealing, a disgustingly kind and exquisitely handsome guy named Adam shows up asking Beatrice to drop the charges against his mother.
Infuriated by his goodness, Beatrice vows to break him. Destroy him. Make him hurt the way she hurts. So she agrees. On one condition: Adam must take his mother’s place as a servant in the mansion.
Because Beatrice won’t stop until he’s more beastly than she is.
Special Note: A BEAUTY SO BEASLTY will be available for 99 cents until its release date on July 3rd! Then it'll go up to $2.99. So pre-order now!
About RaShelle Workman: RaShelle Workman is an international bestselling author. She writes fractured fairytales with bite and young adult science fiction that's out of this world. RaShelle likes cherry pie, movies, family adventures, and chocolate. If you want to get on her good side, send chocolate. RaShelle's sold more than 500,000 copies of her books worldwide. Sleeping Roses, Exiled, Beguiled, and Dovetailed have foreign rights contracts with a Turkish publisher.
Her books include: Sleeping Roses
Exiled
Beguiled
Dovetailed
Blood and Snow (1-12)
The Cindy Chronicles
Vampire Lies (Blood and Snow Season 2)
Short stories: Rose, Undercover
Cindy Witch
The Hunter's Tale
Gabriel
After the Kiss
Zaren's Travels
Food to eat while reading: Yin-Yang Almond Cookies (come back tomorrow for the Tasty Tuesday recipe).
“Our mother somehow knew that there was no escaping fate, no matter how chaotic and random it sometimes seems.” (p. 251)
Legends mix with reality in this dark, Edwardian tale of two sisters whose fates are intertwined. Lia understands that she can choose for herself the path she wants to take, while her twin sister Alice is determined to follow what fate has demanded of her.
Lia and Alice are like yin-yang, flip sides of a coin, black and white, north and south; while they cannot bear to live with each other, they cannot exist without the other. In the heart of this book lies the question, “Can balance come about in the face of chaos?”.
A reader will naturally look forward to seeing how Ms. Zink answers this question of balance amid the many other deliciously asked questions that string the reader along like a trail of bread crumbs. The sprinkling of bits and pieces of a puzzle are expertly crafted in a way that is enticing, and not frustrating to wonder about.
The gothic setting is intriguing and sets a lovely, mysterious background for the otherworldly tale. I was surprised at how easily I slid into the time period, relating to the sisters who lived hundreds of years before my own time.
Both Alice and Lia are intensely complex. Alice’s character especially fascinated me. At any moment she is aware of her love for family and her sister, yet the next she shows her cruelty. The tiny hairs on the back of my neck were raised when Lia caught Alice torturing the family cat.
Sonia and Luisa act as complementary companions to Lia, moving the story forward with momentum.
As the first book in a series, I found that the story arch and plotting were well done. Each high and low, each climactic scene and cathartic release were crafted with a precision that pulled emotion from each scene.
What I would have changed:
The story is written is first person, present tense and I had a hard time focusing on the story as a result. The uncommon tense distracted me a bit and I had to go back and read sections of the book again because of it. I do have to say that I got used to the tense after a bit.
Lia’s boyfriend James held no fascination for me. I simply placed a stiff Edwardian blank face in his place and his character did nothing to change my impressions of him. I felt no love for James, and as a result, I couldn’t believe that Lia loved him either.
The balance between the paranormal and the normal in her life felt lopsided towards the fantastic and I wondered if she had any sort of life before the opening of the book. I would like to have seen more scenes between her and James and also her past with her parents.
The verdict:
Prophecy of the Sisters is a fast-paced ride through mythology and spirit realms that will leave you chomping for the sequel. Prophecy of the Sisters #2: Guardian of the Gate comes out August 1, 2010.
Food to eat while reading: Bittersweet Blueberry-Lime Tiramisu (come back tomorrow for the Tasty Tuesday recipe).
“We are not permitted to linger, even with what is most intimate.” –Ranier Maria Rilke
The second book in the paranormal series(after Shiver), Linger continues the bittersweet, emotional story of Grace and Sam. “This is the story of a boy who used to be a wolf and a girl who was becoming one” ( Linger, prologue).
Once again, Stiefvater (pronounced “steve-otter”) carves intensely real fantasy characters into sharp relief against a backdrop of teen issues that any reader can relate to. Each person in the novel is unique, from the brooding, musically talented Sam, to the edgy, and mouthy Isabel. Introduced as a new character to the story is Cole, a famous teen singer who wants nothing more than to escape the life he’s ruined for himself.
The sexual tension between the characters is palpable and, in some cases, unexpected.
I love the emotions that are evoked throughout the book. There’s nothing I love more than forbidden love and there’s plenty of that going on.
Stiefvater writes with a certain poetic cadence; not only the prose is poetic, but the story circles around on itself in a way that is satisfying.
The plot weaves and twists in and out so that you will wonder what is going to happen next.
My favorite scene in the book is between Isabel and Sam near the end. No spoilers here. I will just say that I totally agree with Isabel’s assessment of Sam’s lack of action. Go Isabel!
The point of view is taken almost equally by the four lead characters, Grace, Sam, Isabel and Cole. Though you might at first think the POV shifts would be distracting, I think you will find that the technique offers a unique perspective into the emotion worlds of each character.
What I would have changed:
The romance in this second book was much edgier than in Shiver. I have a hard time with the fact that Grace and Sam were sleeping together, and in her parent’s home under their noses. Yes, this is a personal bias, but I think YA authors have a fine line to walk when they deal with issues of sex, drugs and parental involvement. Not all YA books are about happy joy-joy subjects, but IMHO, they should set a good example for teens that are looking for role models. Grace has little respect for parental and societal rules and that is a bit of a problem for me.
I continued to dislike Grace’s parents. They don’t feel developed as characters and perhaps that is because when I see them through her eyes, we get the sense that she doesn’t see them as real people in her life. My dislike of the parent’s is not a flaw in the book so much as it evokes anger at their neglect. I won’t even go into it with Sam’s parents…
The verdict:
Once again, the Wolves of Mercy Falls series delivers a heart-wrenching journey that is both delicious and bittersweet.
This novella is a companion book to Eclipse by the same author. Even though I knew ahead of time that this book is told from a blood-thirsty vampire’s point of view, I couldn’t stay away from it. As a gift, Stephenie has posted the story as an ebook for a limited time(see below for more info).
As always, Stephenie has given birth to a cast of characters who are real. The vampires jump off the page and into my mind, tempting me away from the mounds of laundry looming in my mud room.
Bree’s past is intriguing, and because I already know her fate from the beginning, I am anxious to know what is going on in her head. Her perspective on the vampires, and the Cullen clan in particular sheds light on Victoria’s side of the story.
Diego is likeable and it made me happy that Bree had a friend.
Fred is a fantastic character: mysterious, intelligent, silent and deceptively good-looking. Toward the end of the book there is a hint that we might see him again in the Cullen’s future and I very much hope so.
I enjoyed the action and suspense-filled ride that propelled me through this short, chapter-less book. Just about every scene transported me to a different setting; from an underground cavern to the top of a tree.
Bree’s story is one of regrets and what might have been. We all look back with longing to the events in our lives that we would change if we could. As Bree mounts each step toward her inevitable destruction, I cringe when each possibility for escape passes her by. If only… I think to myself, wondering what crossroads in my own life could be different.
What I would have changed:
Because this story is told through the eyes of a thirsting newborn vampire, the violence and gore is more copious than in Stephenie’s other Twilight books. Or perhaps there’s the same amount of violence, just condensed into a smaller story. What I love most about the Twilight series is the author’s ability to make us feel emotion, and though she succeeded in showing us Bree’s emotions, I prefer to experience the angst and romance, rather than the thirst and bloodshed.
This book felt like a character exercise that ran away. In fact, Stephenie admits that Bree’s story came from her side notes. I am fine if she wants to develop some of the side stories that go along with the Twilight universe, but I can’t say that I enjoyed the story as much. For one thing, I already knew Bree’s fate before I started reading, and for another, the novella was too short for me to get really attached to Bree.
The verdict:
Fans of Twilight will scour this mini-novel for clues into the vampire world.
The magic of music and celtic faerie lore drew me into the book. I loved the faerie creatures and how seamlessly the author wove them into the story. Small novelties in the book were delightful, such as the clovers which kept showing up. I can just imagine the carpet of clovers covering the lawn.
The balance between suspense and answering the important questions was handled with finesse. Just when I was excited to learn something that I had been wondering about, a new question would surface and push the story forward.
I liked Luke and James. I am intrigued about the role James will play in the next book, Ballad.
Deirdre’s dadis an interesting character to me, a bit picked on, but sympathetic to his daughter’s needs. I would like to have seen more interaction between father and daughter.
What I would have changed:
I have to say that I wasn’t drawn in by the first chapter. There were so many references to Deirdre wanting to throw-up, that by the time she finally made it to the bathroom, it was a huge relief. The characters felt flat in the beginning, but I am glad that I kept reading.
The ending was abrupt and left too many loose ends-even for the first book in a series. I wanted a bit of closure with Deirdre’s aunt, and some catharsis with both James and Luke.
Readers should be aware that there is some strong language in the book, including the f-bomb. The harsh language grated on me and threw me out of the story.
I am conflicted as to what I am supposed to think of Luke. He is fiercely loyal to Dierdre, and yet has some terrific shadows tainting his past. The ending makes me wonder as to his real motives for sticking by Dierdre. I’m looking forward to exploring his conflicted character in the next book in the series.
The verdict:
An story of emotion, music and self-discovery played out on a backdrop of Irish mythology and romance.
I gave this book 3/5 stars.
Purchase: Lament: The Faerie Queen's Deception
Genre: fantasy, YA , paranormal romance
Publisher: October 1st 2008 by Flux Paperback, 326 pages
Where I got the book: Amazon Kindle app for the iPad
Instantly drawn by the title of the book and the cover art, I snatched this book up at the LDSStorymakers Conference in April. The Dark Divine: doesn’t it just sound intriguing? I don’t know of anything better than clasping a deliciously anticipated book in my hands—except when that book lives up to the praise and hype that precedes it. The Dark Divine is one of those scrumptiously readable books.
Despain weaves a story of forgiveness and redemption using fantasy as a metaphor. The themes hit close to home without being “preachy” at all. I love the way the author chose to convey her messages in a way that is entertaining and still effective; the book will carry important truths to young adults who might not otherwise be willing to read about them in a formal way.
Despain’s characters are tangible and relatable. Grace has a quiet confidence and, well, grace about her. Her relationships with her brother, Jude, and Daniel, the love who has re-entered her life, are realistic and tug at my heart strings. I fell in love with Daniel on the first page; he is so mysterious, a bit dangerous and obviously smitten with Grace.
The plotline is smooth and reads almost like a mystery. By the time you finish the book, you will look back and see how quiet events were significant to the character’s development and the story.
Grace commits to a love that is powerful by the end of the book. The Dark Divine reads beautifully and contains great truth, but Grace’s sacrifice pushes the book to a new level, where you will dig deep inside and ask if that selflessness resides in your own heart.
What I would have changed:
Without spoiling the book for those who haven’t read it, let me say that Daniel’s motivation to seek Grace out is more than just his attraction to her. That detail makes me doubt how pure Daniel’s motives are for trying to gain Grace’s love.
In between the time when Grace finds that she loves Daniel, and the climactic scenes at the end of the book, there was too little happy time for the couple. I wanted to experience more of their love for each other. Granted, I understand that because of Daniel’s inner demon he has difficulty getting too close to Grace, but a bit more courtship would have been enjoyable.
So, I am curious: for those of you who have read the book, do you agree with the changes I wish for in this book? Did you enjoy it as much as I did?
The verdict:
The Dark Divine teaches truths of redemption and forgiveness in a fast-paced, satisfying romance that will leave teens wanting more.
“What if you had only one day to live? What would you do? Who would you kiss? And how far would you go to save your own life?
Samantha Kingston has it all—looks, popularity, the perfect boyfriend. Friday, February 12th should be just another day in her charmed life. Instead, it’s her last. The catch: Samantha still wakes up the next morning. In fact, she re-lives the last day of her life seven times, until she realizes that by making even the slightest changes, she may hold more power than she had ever imagined.”
Before I Fall, by Lauren Oliver is different from any book you’ve read. Instead of watching a character change over time, you experience the change that Sam undergoes as she is allowed to live the same day again, seven times.
What I loved:
You may be tempted to think that this book is too much like the movie “Groundhog Day.” Don’t let the repetitive nature of the book turn you away. I never once got tired of re-living Sam’s day in the book.
Don’t you love the cover? The youthfulness of the model pictured and the gravity in her eyes drew me to the book, I had to read it.
Before I Fall is Lauren Oliver’s debut book. Her authentic teen voice is realistic; you can picture the teenagers and it’s hard to believe that her characters are fictional.
The premise of being allowed a re-do holds great appeal. I think we all love the idea of being able to go back and re-live a day in our lives, may it be a perfectly happy day to enjoy again, or a day of regret that could be redeemed.
The complexity of this story blows me away. In interviews, the author said that she used an extensive timeline to keep track of the story. She earned my trust in the first do over. Even events that had seemed insignificant in the first day were addressed in each chance that Sam got to change the outcome of her day.
The analogy that a migrating group of butterflies can cause a rainstorm in Brazil captures the theme of connectivity. Even the smallest action you take can cause an unforeseen reaction. Oliver pointedly shows that we are all connected and that we can’t always control whether the results of our actions are positive or negative. Lauren Oliver commented on the connective theme in an interview: “People are connected; lives are intertwined, whether you know it or not, and the deeper your recognition of your connection to other people, the more meaningful and happy your life will be. So that is the message I would hope teens (and anyone who reads the book) would be able to carry with them.”
Redemption is another theme that Oliver successfully addressed in the novel. She explores the question, is it possible to redeem yourself from the regretful things you do, be they intentional or not? What happens when you make a change for the better?
I loved the loyalty that Sam had to her friends, especially to Lindsay.
Quotes from the book that touched me:
“I hate both of my parents right now…for letting the thread between us stretch so far and so thin that the moment it was severed for good they didn’t even feel it.”
“You keep drawing a line farther and farther away, crossing it every time. That’s how people end up stepping off the edge of the earth. You’d be surprised at how easy it is to bust out of orbit, to spin out to a place where no one can touch you.”
What I would have changed:
It took me awhile to keep the characters straight, especially in the first chapter. I had to keep flipping back to see who was who. I can understand why Oliver had to introduce all of the characters so quickly, given the nature of the story, but it was a distraction for me.
I had a hard time relating to Sam for most of the book, probably because my high school experience was so different than what she went through.
I know from reading interviews from Lauren Oliver that she hates it when people comment on the amount of drinking and sex in the book. But I have to say that there was too much drinking and promiscuity for my taste. Some will think of me as prudish for saying so, but I think that writers of YA have a responsibility to promote positive behavior. Before you judge me as being too judgmental, hear me out. I can understand and appreciate it when authors represent true to life situations, and I know that there are teen issues that can be successfully dealt with in book format. But showing irresponsible behavior with no negative consequences can give impressionable teens the wrong idea. It does not bother me that the girls in this book were drinking and promiscuous. What does bother me is that the book gave the impression that this was the way that a popular person acts and gave no repercussions. Though Sam changed drastically from the person she was at the beginning of the book, I was left believing that her views on drinking and immorality were not among the changes that her experience had wrought in her.
Purchase: Amazon, Barnes and Noble
Genre: Fiction, Young Adult, Paranormal.
Publisher: March 2nd 2010 by HarperCollins, Hardcover, 470 pages
Where I got the book: Amazon
About RaShelle Workman: RaShelle Workman is an international bestselling author. She writes fractured fairytales with bite and young adult science fiction that's out of this world. RaShelle likes cherry pie, movies, family adventures, and chocolate. If you want to get on her good side, send chocolate. RaShelle's sold more than 500,000 copies of her books worldwide. Sleeping Roses, Exiled, Beguiled, and Dovetailed have foreign rights contracts with a Turkish publisher. 
