A to Z Reflections

A to Z Reflections

 

I really do love the A-Z Challenge, but I'm also really glad we're in May now.

Things I loved:

• Writing with a theme. The writing and pre-scheduling of the posts are perhaps the easiest part of the entire challenge.
• The addition of categories to add beside our blogs on the link list. It was nice to know what type of blog a person was clicking on. That was a big plus.
• What posts I managed to read and everyone who stopped by and commented were awesome!

Things I didn't love:

• Time. I didn't have enough of it. Between writing 30,000 words for Camp NaNoWriMo, finishing up a short story for Men of Foxwick, then getting sick with bronchitis, all my hopping around, following, and commenting back time vanished. I'd hoped the last two days I would be able to get back to the blogfest, but then my mom got sick and was in the hospital from Saturday evening to Tuesday morning. She's better now, but I guess by April 29, I wasn't really feeling like doing anything. Then I got this massive day job work project, so it's sucking away even more time.

And that's it. Beyond not having as much time as I thought I would, I thought the challenge went well. I don't think I would change anything about it, although next year I hope to have more time. Also, I participated with two blogs this year, and I think next year I'll just do one. Perhaps I could alternate between blogs. I haven't completely decided, but I do hope to participate next year.

I will also be getting to those people who commented on my blog. Your comments meant the world to me, and I loved your enthusiasm for the book series. I hope you found some new books to read because I know I did by finding the series in the first place. I have all the emails for the comments in my Inbox, so I will be following and visiting. It just might take me a few weeks to catch up.

A special thank you to the A-Z hosts and their many minions! You make the A to Z Challenge run smoothly.

Z is for Zimiamvia series by E.R. Eddison

 

For 2013's A to Z Challenge, I am talking about book series, particularly some favorite series as well as series I've been waiting to read for a LONG time.

Z is for ... Zimiamvia series by E.R. Eddison

I’ve never heard of this series before, but it was hard to come up with one starting with a Z. It looks really cool, though, and who am I to argue with J.R.R. Tolkien. *grins*

A classic work of unsurpassed imagination, from the author J.R.R. Tolkien called "the greatest and most convincing writer of invented worlds that I have read". Unavailable since 1978, the three books of Zimiamvia--the magical realm where noble warriors, treacherous villains, and beautiful ladies go when they die--now come together in one magnificent volume.

Y is for The Young Sorcerers Guild series by G.L. Breedon

 

For 2013's A to Z Challenge, I am talking about book series, particularly some favorite series as well as series I've been waiting to read for a LONG time.

Y is for ... The Young Sorcerers Guild series by G.L. Breedon

I read the first book of a different series by G.L. Breedon, and this series has been on my to-read list for way too long. I hope to read The Dark Shadow of Spring soon.

A dragon that foretells destinies, streets suddenly cluttered with thousands of dead birds, a plague of malevolent insects, ghosts arising in the town cemetery, demons haunting the woods of the White Forest —these are only some of the dangers that thirteen year old Alex Ravenstar and his friends in The Young Sorcerer’s Guild must overcome in order save the secluded magical town of Runewood from an ancient soul-enslaving evil in The Dark Shadow of Spring.

After a nearly disastrous adventure to wake the local dragon from its hibernation in hopes that it will tell them their destinies, Alex and his friends accidentally encounter the dark force that was responsible for burning the magic out of the world beyond the Rune Valley thousands of years ago. Known as the Shadow Wraith, the evil force was cast from this world and imprisoned in another realm at the end of the war fought to stop it. Once again, the Shadow Wraith is trying to escape its prison to enslave the world and Alex and the Young Sorcerer's Guild are the only ones who can defeat it.

X is for Age of X series by Richelle Mead

 

For 2013's A to Z Challenge, I am talking about book series, particularly some favorite series as well as series I've been waiting to read for a LONG time.

X is for ... Age of X series by Richelle Mead

I love Richelle Mead’s style, and I enjoyed reading the Vampire Academy, even though I’m behind in the series. I can’t wait to start on the ground floor, so to speak, of this new series of hers.

In a futuristic world nearly destroyed by religious extremists, Justin March lives in exile after failing in his job as an investigator of religious groups and supernatural claims. But Justin is given a second chance when Mae Koskinen comes to bring him back to the Republic of United North America (RUNA). Raised in an aristocratic caste, Mae is now a member of the military’s most elite and terrifying tier, a soldier with enhanced reflexes and skills.

When Justin and Mae are assigned to work together to solve a string of ritualistic murders, they soon realize that their discoveries have exposed them to terrible danger. As their investigation races forward, unknown enemies and powers greater than they can imagine are gathering in the shadows, ready to reclaim the world in which humans are merely game pieces on their board.

Gameboard of the Gods, the first installment of Richelle Mead’s Age of X series, will have all the elements that have made her YA Vampire Academy and Bloodlines series such megasuccesses: sexy, irresistible characters; romantic and mythological intrigue; and relentless action and suspense.

W is for Witch Song series by Amber Argyle

 

For 2013's A to Z Challenge, I am talking about book series, particularly some favorite series as well as series I've been waiting to read for a LONG time. 

W is for ... Witch Song series by Amber Argyle

Amber Argyle is one of my favorite new fantasy authors. She has a beautiful style and creates such magical worlds. I enjoyed Witch Song, but Witch Born was really awesome. I can’t wait to read anything else she has for us. Plus, she has some of the most beautiful covers too.

The world is changing. Once, Witch Song controlled everything from the winds to the shifting of the seasons-but not anymore. All the Witches are gone, taken captive by a traitor. All but Brusenna. As the echo of their songs fade, the traitor grows stronger. Now she is coming for Brusenna. Her guardian has sworn to protect her, but even he can't stop the Dark Witch. Somehow, Brusenna has to succeed where every other Witch has failed. Find the traitor. Fight her. Defeat her. Because if Brusenna doesn't, there won't be anything left to save.

Click here to read my review of Witch Song.

Brusenna thought it was finished. She defeated the Dark Witch, saving the Haven Witches from imprisonment and death. She found love and a place to belong. She was wrong. Haven is not the sanctuary it appears to be. Even love is in danger of slipping away like water through cupped hands. Some things can't be saved. A new threat merges with the old as the Witches' dark history begins to catch up with them. Only Brusenna knows the extent of the danger and how to stop it, though doing so might cost her everything. Including her life. Will Brusenna be required to make the ultimate sacrifice?

Click here to read my review of Witch Born. 

V is for Virals series by Kathy Reichs

 

For 2013's A to Z Challenge, I am talking about book series, particularly some favorite series as well as series I've been waiting to read for a LONG time.

V is for Virals series by Kathy Reichs

I love Kathy Reichs’ Temperance Brennan series, even though I’m a bit behind in the last few of the series. When I heard she was writing a YA series, I got really excited. I have the first two books, but I haven’t had a chance to read them yet. *sighs* The story of my life, it seems! But I can’t wait to read them.

Tory Brennan, niece of acclaimed forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan (of the Bones novels and hit TV show), is the leader of a ragtag band of teenage "sci-philes" who live on a secluded island off the coast of South Carolina. When the group rescues a dog caged for medical testing on a nearby island, they are exposed to an experimental strain of canine parvovirus that changes their lives forever.

As the friends discover their heightened senses and animal-quick reflexes, they must combine their scientific curiosity with their newfound physical gifts to solve a cold-case murder that has suddenly become very hot if they can stay alive long enough to catch the killer's scent.

Fortunately, they are now more than friends they're a pack. They are Virals.

U is for A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket

 

For 2013's A to Z Challenge, I am talking about book series, particularly some favorite series as well as series I've been waiting to read for a LONG time.

U is for A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket

I’ve never seen this movie or read the books, but they look like a lot of fun. Perhaps one of these days I’ll get around to reading the Series of Unfortunate Events.

Dear Reader,

I'm sorry to say that the book you are holding in your hands is extremely unpleasant. It tells an unhappy tale about three very unlucky children. Even though they are charming and clever, the Baudelaire siblings lead lives filled with misery and woe. From the very first page of this book when the children are at the beach and receive terrible news, continuing on through the entire story, disaster lurks at their heels. One might say they are magnets for misfortune.

In this short book alone, the three youngsters encounter a greedy and repulsive villain, itchy clothing, a disastrous fire, a plot to steal their fortune, and cold porridge for breakfast.

It is my sad duty to write down these unpleasant tales, but there is nothing stopping you from putting this book down at once and reading something happy, if you prefer that sort of thing.

With all due respect,
Lemony Snicket

T is for the 13th Floor series by Christine Rains

 

For 2013's A to Z Challenge, I am talking about book series, particularly some favorite series as well as series I've been waiting to read for a LONG time.

T is for ... 13th Floor series by Christine Rains

Christine Rains is one of my best friends, and when she told me about her idea for the 13th Floor series, I knew it was a winner. Paranormal people living on a floor that doesn’t technically exist. So much fun. To date, my favorite story so far is The Dragonslayer, but I’ve enjoyed them all. They are unique and fresh in a genre that is overrun by the same ol’, same ol’.

Life after Hell isn't more exciting than watching football and fixing a busted pipe. Once a powerful demon, Marc enjoys his quiet existence and a good cup of coffee. With big ambitions to gain his master's favor, a trickster demon named Vetis shatters Marc's peace and vows to deliver Marc's head to the fires of Hell. Not before he destroys everything Marc cares about, of course.

Marc's power has diminished over the years. Heaven will never grant him absolution, and he refuses to return to Hell. Running isn't an option. The city of Carmine is his territory. It's also home to his favorite cafe owner, Mae Hopkins. The dame has a lovely smile, but it's her heart and soul that shine bright.

While his city burns and his love is captured, Marc must decide to surrender or let hate and anger fuel him to become the fearsome beast he so loathes: The Marquis. If the Marquis rises, Vetis can be defeated and Mae saved, but Marc would be lost to his demon forever.

Click here to read my review of The Marquis.

Having been cooped up in her apartment for months, Stefanie Porter didn't think one run in the woods would matter. The wolf within her needed to stretch her legs, but obviously she didn't have very good instincts. Her former pack found her, and they almost catch her too, but a mysterious lone wolf jumps in to help Stefanie escape.

The pack is driven by their cruel Alpha, Wyatt. He refuses to give Stefanie her freedom even after she lost the challenge to lead them and left their territory. She can hide in her apartment, or the lone wolf can teach her some of his unusual urban survival tricks. James Roberts might be a bit geeky, but he's smart and looks hot when the argyle sweater comes off. He has a ridiculous ambition to become a superhero, and it might be admirable if Wyatt couldn't rip him limb from limb.

With the pack scouring the city for her, Stefanie must convince James to teach her, or fight not only for her life, but his as well.

Click here to read my review of The Alpha.

On the rooftop of neighboring building, dragonslayer Xanthus Ehrensvard fires at his target, Governor Whittaker. How he missed the shot, he doesn't know, but fleeing the scene, he picks up an unwanted passenger. Gorgeous reporter Lois King saw Xan's face, and she believes it's the story to make her career. Except he can't let her walk away knowing what he looks like. Xan has to show her the Governor is a bigger threat to the world than he is.

Xan knows dragons never went extinct. They evolved with human society, taking on mortal forms, and slithered their way into positions of great influence and power, just like the Governor. But it's no easy chore proving to someone that dragons still exist, and even more so, they're disguised as famous people. Xan must convince Lois or find another way to silence her. An option, as he gets to know her, he likes less and less.

After all, dragonslayers are no longer celebrated heroes but outlaws. Just as the dragons wish it. But this outlaw must make a plan to slay the dragon or risk its retribution.

Click here to read my review of The Dragonslayer.

Meira Harper loves both her jobs: talking about beautiful shoes and fetching souls for Zeus. But the Thunder God threatens the harpy's loyalty to her job when she receives the call to bring the soul of gorgeous Sam Wright. Meira pleads with her boss to let him live. Zeus agrees, but Sam must fight for his life. If Sam can win three challenges, he can keep his soul.

The gods never play fairly, though, so Meira needs to find ways to help Sam with the challenges. She cannot outwardly cross her master, but she refuses to let the man she loves lose his soul. They haven't even had a chance to start a life together.

Sam's soul is on the line. Meira's will be too if she's caught, but that's a risk she's willing to take.

Click here to read my review of The Harbinger.