So for today’s Book Bloggers Appreciation Week 2010 (BBAW) discussion:
Sure we’ve all read about Freedom and Mockingjay but we likely have a book we wish would get more attention by book bloggers, whether it’s a forgotten classic or under marketed contemporary fiction. This is your chance to tell the community why they should consider reading this book!
Jackie
First off, I have never heard of Freedom and the Hunger Games hasn’t interested me yet…have I driven anyone away yet? I know I’m missing something with the Hunger Games, but what is the buzz about Freedom?
Anyway, back to topic, this one is totally easy and the book, no the series, instantly came to mind. People should really be reading the Katie Chandler series by Shanna Swendson. Enchanted, Inc., Once Upon Stilettos, Damsel Under Stress and Don’t Hex with Texas were so fantastic that I went looking to see when the fifth book would be out – because there just had to be one. Imagine my horror when I found out it wasn’t going to be released because there wasn’t a publisher interested in it. I couldn’t even begin to imagine that. I mean, we have some fabulous magical characters; plot lines that are entertaining and totally believable; and a romance that is totally sweet and yet so frustrating that I couldn’t get enough of it. I’m still hoping for that fifth book because the two lovebirds totally left things unfinished, but until more people start talking about it, I won’t be getting it. (click here to see my reviews of each of these novels)
Jennifer
One book that I’ve read (and wondered why the hell everybody else hasn’t) is Pretty When She Dies: A Vampire Novel by Rhiannon Frater. This book took me on an gritty, unforgettable ride. The writing was amazing, the character’s unique and witty, and the ending took me by storm. It’s been almost ten month’s since I’ve read this book and I can still remember how it made me feel. Overall I really feel like if people are looking for a hidden gem, that Pretty When She Dies: A Vampire Novel by Rhiannon Frater is definitely it.
Lisa
I’d never forgive myself if I didn’t talk about the first UF book I read when signing on as a reviewer at Literary Escapism. Dark and Disorderly by Bernita Harris, is nothing short of amazing. It cemented my love of Urban Fantasy and shot up to the top of my
“favorite books” list. There was never a dull moment! I am literally on the edge of my seat waiting to hear when the next installment in the series will be out. If you haven’t read it, you definitely should! It is without a doubt a MUST read!
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Contest Time! I did say there were going to be daily contests and here’s the first one. Today’s giveaway is for 3 copies of Serpent Moon by CT Adams & Cathy Clamp, which means I’ll have 3 winners. All you have to do is answer a single question: What novel was completely unexpected and blew your mind? Was there one that you didn’t think you would like and ended up loving?
As always, there’s more ways of getting your name in the hat (remember, these aren’t mandatory to enter, just extra entries):
- Leave a comment answering the days questions. Yes, I’ll be asking everyone a question and it may be something inquiring minds want to know or it could be something random. I have no clue yet, but you have to answer the question in order to enter. This is mainly so I don’t see “please enter me”. That’s too easy.
- Post about the contest on your blog, social network, or anywhere you can. Digg it, stumble it, share it with the world. You just have to let me know you did it in the same post as your answer to the question.
- Introduce someone new to Literary Escapism. Get them to leave a comment any where on the site, including this contest, and they’ll get entered as well as giving you one more chance to win (they must include in the comment that you sent them).
The contest will stay open until 12 noon on September 17th, at which time I’ll determine the winner with help from the Research Randomizer and the List Randomizer. (Although honestly, winners won’t be announced until this weekend)
I have not been contacting winners, so you will need to check back to see if you’ve won.
I looked at A Year on Ladybug Farm by Donna Ball several times in the library. It’s not the type of book I usually read but I’d read several of her mysteries and liked them. When I finally read A Year on Ladybug Farm I finished it in one sitting and took the sequel out of the library. I’ve since recommeneded it to several friends who’ve also enjoyed it.
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I spent 6 months travelling around Australia and New Zealand a couople of years ago on a career break. I didn’t have access to all my usual books and authors so I started trying some different books which wouldn’t have tried otherwise and was blown away by the talented Aussie writers that had never made over to London! My favouite though was Traci HArding who wrote a fantastic trilogy which is a combination of Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Romance and Urban fantasy – The Ancient Future, An Echo in Time and Masters of Reality. I even paid extra to have these books shipped home so I could re-read later! Not enough know of them and are missing out!
I’ve not interest in reading Freedom or Mockinjay. *gasp* i know. Just purchased ebook of Pretty when She Dies. Thank Jennifer for turning me on to it. Looks good. Will have to check out Shanna’s books.
What novel was completely unexpected and blew your mind? Surprisingly I’d have to say The Mists of Avalon. Totally pulled me in and got to know the characters quite well, so much sometimes you wanted to reach through the pages and just shake them for doing something stupid.
Was there one that you didn’t think you would like and ended up loving? I’d have to say a historical fiction novel which I generally don’t read all that much – The Forgotten Legion. It was really very well written.
Most recently, a book that blew my mind was The Girl with The Dragon Tattoo. I NEVER read thrillers, mysteries, suspense – I don’t even read romantic suspense – but I loved this book. The only reason I read it was because my bookclub picked it and I put off reading it until the very last minute, so you can imagine how surprised I was at how much I liked it. Even the beginning (I’d been warned about the slow start) didn’t bother me because I love learning new things and Swedish business interests is definitely new to me.
By the way Lisa, regarding Dark and Disorderly, after I read it (loved it!) I sent an email to the author asking about a sequel. Unfortunately, she said she’s been ill and hasn’t been able to write that much, so you may have to wait awhile, but I know I’ll be buying that one if it ever comes out.
The novel that unexpectedly blew my mind was Grimspace by Ann Aguirre. I had never read any Sci Fi before, but I read so many positive reviews that I decided to give it a try and I never regreted it. The book I didn’t expect to like but then loved was Magic Study. I had read some fantasy in the past, but the blurb didn’t convince me much. As soon as I started it I knew how wrong I was.
@Spav – Totally! I’m not a huge fan of SF either, but I love Grimspace. You have read Poison Study, right? I loved Poison Study more than Magic Study, but that’s mainly because I’m in love with Valek. I so need more Valek at times. *grin*
I know very little on Freedom and while all the rave reviews on Hunger Games has peeked my interest a bit it isn’t enough that I’ve sought out the books. A series that I’ve totally Loved is Kate Perry’s Guardian’s of Destiny and book 3 is coming out this fall :)!
dugg (profile is Pamela Sinclair)
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posted to facebook profile – Pamela Sinclair
tweeted and included you in the tweet (pams00)
Pam S
pams00 @ aol.com
The one book that I didn’t expect to like but ended up really loving was Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma. I was sent a review copy and the incest aspect of the story really didn’t appeal, I wasn’t even sure about reading it but I’m so glad I did. It was one of those stories that sucks you in & has you desperately wishing for a happy ending for the characters. I’m still raving about the book weeks after finishing it :o)
What novel was completely unexpected and blew your mind?
Soulless by Gail Carriger. I read the premise, but I wasn’t totally conviced. But when I received a copy I gave it a try and I was instantly captured!
Was there one that you didn’t think you would like and ended up loving?
Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead. I read so many vampire books and the premise of this one seemed something I already read. But it is not! This series is so lovely I couldn’t stop reading the other books one after another.
Recently, it was Corralled by Lorelei James. I’ve never read erotica and thought it would be a cheesy porno type book. But it wasn’t at all. It was very well written and the back story was awesome.
Jennifer Estep’s Spider’s Bite blew me over in its originality and by its overall plot line and characters.
Freedom and Mockingjay are not books on my radar.
Aubrey
weheartreading@gmail.com
JenM: I sent her an email too, but she didn’t tell me that! That’s too bad! Hopefully she’s doing better!
No need to enter me, but I’ve heard good things about Shanna Swendson. Thanks for these recommendations!
*sigh* I am guilty of becoming borderline obsessed with The Hunger Games, and paid dearly for it with the let down I was left with:(
However, City of Ghost by Stacia Kane is one of those “took me by surprise” books, in fact the entire Downside series did that, and now my new obsession is “Downspeak”, aye? *grin*