M2B :) By Micheal McLean

31 Dec, 2010 by in michael mcLean, mission to be happy 12 comments

Mission To Be Happy
By Michael McLean
Hardcover, 96 pages
Published February 24th 2010
by Deseret Book Company
ISBN 1606412035
3.5 stars

Summary: Michael uses twelve new songs as a framework for his quest for happiness. “And I’m not talking about any phony baloney, fake- grinning, pretend sort of happy,” he writes. “I’m not talking about a once- in- awhile or a just- won- a- car- on- The- Price- Is- Right kind of happy. I’m talking about the real deal.” Inviting readers to join him on his mission, Michael includes a CD with all the songs in the back of the book.

I grew up on Michael McLean’s songs and he was one of my favorite artists of my youth. So, I was curious when I saw his new release book and CD on the shelves at Deseret Book. He has bravely admitted a struggle with chemical depression and comes out to tackle anxiety/ the blues in a light hearted upbeat way. I am thrilled that someone as prominent as he would share his thoughts in this format. The book includes a full length CD of original songs as well as a journal in the back to record unexpected joys. On a personal level the new songs weren’t my favorite of his, but the song “Sick and Tired” is a wonderful expression of what those suffering may feel. His prose is uplifting and encouraging, thoughts personal and down to earth. This easy to read book is a pick me up. And, we give a huge thumbs up for Michael’s honesty.

We are giving away a hardback copy with CD to our readers. Simply comment below to enter. Giveaway is International and ends January 31, 2011.

Happy New Year Winners!

31 Dec, 2010 by in contest winners 1 comment

Congratulations to PringlesPalo who won a signed copy of Hanging by The Thread
http://fireandicereads.com/2010/11/hanging-by-thread-giveaway.html

Amy from Library Ninja who won a signed copy of Human Blend http://fireandicereads.com/2010/12/book-review-human-blend-by-lori.html

Elin who won an ARC of The Jumper Chronicles http://fireandicereads.com/2010/12/teaser-giveaway-jumper-chronicles.html

and Onge who won a PDF file of Shades of Aatlantis http://fireandicereads.com/2010/11/shades-of-atlantis-by-carol-oates.html

Send us your mailing address and email address for PDF’s and we will zip off your prizes!

Happy New Year!! Welcome to all of our new followers and twitter peeps. I was surprised with a NOOK yesterday to read PDF’s and EGalley’s. Woot Woot! We’ve read and reviewed 138 books this year. What’s on your reading list for 2011?
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Book Review- The False Princess

30 Dec, 2010 by in book review, YA fiction 12 comments

The False Princess
by Eilis O’Neal
Hardcover, 336 pages
Expected publication: January 25th 2011
by EgmontUSA
4.5 stars

Summary: Princess and heir to the throne of Thorvaldor, Nalia’s led a privileged life at court. But everything changes when it’s revealed, just after her sixteenth birthday, that she is a false princess, a stand-in for the real Nalia, who has been hidden away for her protection. Cast out with little more than the clothes on her back, the girl now called Sinda must leave behind the city of Vivaskari, her best friend, Keirnan, and the only life she’s ever known.

Sinda is sent to live with her only surviving relative, an aunt who is a dyer in a distant village. She is a cold, scornful woman with little patience for her newfound niece, and Sinda proves inept at even the simplest tasks. But when Sinda discovers that magic runs through her veins – long-suppressed, dangerous magic that she must learn to control – she realizes that she can never learn to be a simple village girl.

Returning to Vivaskari for answers, Sinda finds her purpose as a wizard scribe, rediscovers the boy who saw her all along, and uncovers a secret that could change the course of Thorvaldor’s history, forever.

A dazzling first novel, The False Princess is an engrossing fantasy full of mystery, action, and romance.

The False Princess was a pleasant surprise for me. I picked it up expecting just a fairy tale and finished it thinking, “I REALLY like this book.” Eilis O’Neal is a strong storyteller. First off, I’m glad the cover image for the final book is different from the first ARC cover which I didn’t care for much. This one is much more appealing. (My copy looks similiar to the CD cover image) Despite my initial hesitation, once I got past the first page of The False Princess I did not put it down.

The fantasy begins with Nalia, princess of Thorvaldor and her childhood friend Kiernan seeking for a hidden gate in the surrounding palace walls. Nalia is sixteen, quick to trip over herself, shy and some what quiet. Kiernan, her sidekick is a tease, quick witted and constantly happy. The two are inseparable. That is,until, the King and Queen make an announcement that Nalia is not really the princess but merely a stand in- an imposter, switched at birth. Nalia’s role was to protect the real princess who lies hidden away to avoid a prophecy that she would be killed. Now Nalia must step down from her acting role and become nothing more than a mere commoner, Sinda Azaway.

Sinda is pushed from King’s court to live with her aunt in the tiny village of Treb. Her one living relative is cold without affection for Sinda. Feeling completely alone, Sinda turns to a local boy Tyr with his “unruffled smoothness and silky voice.” All the while Sinda has two new emotions raging inside of her. A force welling up that she does not understand a longing for what she left behind in the city…Kiernan. If he is truly just a friend why did she feel so conflicted?

“But Kiernan and I weren’t like that, I thought, confused. We were just…friends, even if we had been friends so long that neither of us could remember a time when we weren’t. Even if we were so close we could sometimes finish each other’s sentences or say a joke in the instant before the other did,. Even if, every time I thought of living a life without him it was like stepping of into darkness with no lantern and no chance of very finding one again.” p. 49

Sinda’s inner conflict plus a breach of trust by village boy Tyr lead her back into the city of her royal upbringing- Vivanskari. There a dangerous plot to usurp the King’s power and crown yet another false princess are unfurling. Who is the real heir to the throne? Can Sinda resolve her feelings of inadequacy to save her kingdom?

There are so many twists that you’ll be reeling trying to keep all of characters straight. The one constant through the plot is Kiernan. He is a ray of sunshine. He stays with Sinda through all of her travels and is faithful to the end. I thought the plot was well paced and characters were interesting. Though I will say so many Princesses left little room for fully developed personas. I at times had a hard time identifying with Sinda because of her constant lack of confidence and blindness to Kiernan’s feelings. Her doubtful thoughts became a bit repetitive for me hence the 4.5 stars.

Overall, thought I was moved by O’Neal’s writing and the sweet spark of romance that develops. The False Princess is a winning pick for tween and teens who read fantasy. It’s a good match for readers who enjoyed Shannon Hale, Brightly Woven by Alex Bracken and The Secondhand Charm by Julie Berry. I will be picking up anything else written by Eilis O’Neal and will pass this book on to my children. Thanks to Egmont for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Visit the author and read more about The False Princess online at http://www.eilisoneal.com/

Book Review and Giveaway- The Ancillary’s Mark

30 Dec, 2010 by in book review 30 comments

The Ancillary’s Mark
By Daniel A. Cohen
Paperback, 246 pages
Published November 4th 2010
by Black Rose Writing
ISBN 1935605763
3 stars

Summary: The legend of the Ancillary flower has existed for centuries. Foretold to bring out the limitless potential of its bearer, the flower and the legend have been forgotten by many. Recently, strange events in a shrouded Tibetan town have sparked rumors among those who still believe. Jacob Deer is a quirky young man, bound for college, with an eccentric old librarian for a best friend, an obsession with sitting down in elevators, and a strange birthmark on his hand that’s shaped mysteriously like the markings on the Ancillary’s petals. When Jacob’s mentor Mr. Maddock reveals to him his connection with the legendary Ancillary, it sets in motion a series of events that sends Jacob and friends across the world. Alongside an alluring young woman, a marine-reject, and a Tibetan kid obsessed with comic books, Jacob must face off against a vengeful maniac for the fate of the flower, the legend, and all mankind.

I really wanted to like this book more than I did but for some reason I just couldn’t connect with it. The first few chapters were interesitng as we are introduced to main character quirky Jacob. He strikes me as a bit of a social misfit…super intelligent maybe with a touch of Asperger’s. He is born with a mark on his hand that is much more than just a birthmark. The plot picks up as he and three others take of in an unlicensed airplane headed for Tibet to find a magical flower. Here’s where I started to have a hard time. Evil antagonist Marrow is also on the trail for the flower and after the first couple of chapters dedicated to his point of view, I skipped right over his sections. Marrow’s plot line was too violent and graphic for me. As for setting, I was also expecting more of the traditional Tibet I have come to love through photography and lore, but that was gone, as the small village they visit has been technologically advanced.

I really enjoyed Sophie, the female protagonist and the idea of her old librarian grandfather Mr. Maddock. I found myself wishing more of the world building was done in Cob’s hometown with his childhood father-figure. All in all The Ancillary’s Mark didn’t come alive for me but it may for you!

Here are some other reader’s positive opinions of The Ancillary’s Mark on Goodreads.

The author Daniel A. Cohen is super nice and I’d like to give others the opportunity to read his book. So, I am giving away my author signed copy – it’s been read once with little wear. Simply comment below to enter. Giveaway ends January 29, 2011 and is open internationally.

The Lost Saint Launch Party

29 Dec, 2010 by in the king's english, the lost saint 6 comments


Stacks of The Lost Saint ready for check out at King’s English


Bree reading to the audience

Bloggers Cranberry Fries, JenniElyse and Catie S

Answering audience questions

Me with local authors Nichole Giles, Windy Aphayrath and Elana Johnson


Bree siging our ARCs

Copies of The Dark Divine, the first in her trilogy


Me with Brittany, two TwilightMOMS


Last night author Bree Despain and The King’s English bookstore kicked off The Lost Saint with questions and answers, book signings and blue iced sugar cookies. I have to day Bree’s covers are some of my very favorites.


The theme of her launch speech was “sequels are hard.” She spent four years working on The Dark Divine and originally it was written as a tragedy with no ending for a second book. She had only four moths to write the second in the trilogy. The front cover of The Dark Divine was originally something completely different with a girl’s face silhouetted with a moon. Her editor spent three days looking for a new image after no one liked the first cover. The photo for the covers was taken by an Argentine photographer who is up and coming in modern photography. There were only three photos in the series and the third is not usable. So, a new set will be taken for cover three. Bree is hoping the theme for book four will be emerald green.

Bree uses music and writing classes to inspire her book which are currently optioned or a movie. As well, fellow YA writer Sara Zarr was instrumental in supporting her during the process of book two along with her husband and critique group. (who were on hand with TLS blue streaks in their hair)

Here’s some footage of Bree’s speech from my jumpy phone hands

Also, we picked up two bottles of The Lost Saint blue nail polish and some bookmarks to give away to our readers. The nail polish is open to US addresses only as it cannot be shipped outside the United States. The bookmarks are up for grabs internationally. To enter to win fill out this form. Giveway ends January 4, 2011.

Book Review- Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers

28 Dec, 2010 by in personal demons 11 comments

Personal Demons
By: Lisa Desrochers
Published by: Tor Teen
Paperback, 384 pages
Published September 14, 2010
ISBN 0765328089
4.5 stars

Book summary Frannie Cavanaugh is a good Catholic girl with a bit of a wicked streak. She’s spent years keeping everyone at a distance—even her closest friends—and it seems her senior year will be more of the same…until Luc Cain enrolls in her class. No one knows where he came from, but Frannie can’t seem to stay away from him. What she doesn’t know is that Luc works in Acquisitions—for Hell—and she possesses a unique skill set that has the King of Hell tingling with anticipation. All Luc has to do is get her to sin, and he’s as tempting as they come. Frannie doesn’t stand a chance.

Unfortunately for Luc, Heaven has other plans, and the angel, Gabe, is going to do whatever it takes to make sure that Luc doesn’t get what he came for. And it isn’t long before they find themselves fighting for more than just her soul.

But if Luc fails, there will be Hell to pay…for all of them.

After seeing Personal Demons on our list of books for the Best I’ve Read 2010 I figured it was high time I check out Lisa’s series. I was thrilled when Tor Teen sent me a copy for review because I devoured this book. It’s the classic good versus evil, two forces fighting against each other for rights to tag the soul of a girl. Frannie is not just anyone…she has the power to change both heaven and earth. Lisa Desrochers uses all of your senses to pull you to her characters hook , line and sinker. First on the scene at Hades High is Luc, bad boy who’s voice is sticky sweet like honey, is hot to the touch and smells like Cinnamon. He has full reign of his intended target, Frannie, until Gabe shows up to counteract Luc’s evil plan.

Gabe is the left hand of angel Gabriel, he smells like snow and summer and makes Frannie feel enveloped in love. How are we to choose between to polar opposites? Luc is cultured with Dante’s Purgatorio and Inferno plus he has the ability to smell other’s emotions. Black Pepper for fury, grapefruit for fear, anise for envy, rose for sadness and chocolate for love. This was one of my favorite concepts in Personal Demons. Gabe on the other hand, is willing to give up his wings for Frannie, promises he will always be there and has the capacity to help her forgive herself.

I have to say I fell for both forces for different reasons and in the end I wished Gabe had a more definitive role in Frannie’s heart. I will be reading he second in the series, Orignial Sin which is scheduled to be released by Tor om July 5, 2011 with fingers crossed for Gabe.

Lisa Desrochers ties in literature, music and art to culture readers. As well she pushes the imporatance of a pure soul, the sway of personal intent and the vital role of forgiveness in our lives. I appreciated Frannie’s parents and grandfather. They are solid and protective, and are present. My only distraction was the overuse of the word ’cause in Frannie’s self-talk and the constant barrage of physical seduction used by Luc. I personally like the audio book cover better than the paperback, but the tattoo effect on the inside and outside of the paperback is beautiful.

While the theme of Heaven’s angels is one I ‘ve read previously, I enjoyed Lisa’s spin on things. (You may also like The Fallen series by Lauren Kate, The Heavenly Series by Jennifer Laurens and Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick.) Lisa Desrochers does enough to set her book apart as original and gain a spot in my heart as one of my favorites this year. It’s content would be better for readers over age 16.

Visit Lisa Desrocher’s website at http://lisadesrochers.blogspot.com/ for more information and to view trailers from each character. I along with Gabe and Luc had fun immersing myself in The Fray, Mozart and Vivaldi while reading and was excited she has a play list posted on her blog. Here’s to book two…can’t wait!

Tor Teen has generously donated one paperback copy of Personal Demons to our blog followers! Simply fill out this form to enter. Giveaway January 28, 2011 and is open internationally.

Contest Winners

27 Dec, 2010 by in Uncategorized Leave a comment

Congrats to Greenray who won our Forgive My Fins giveaway: Blue Sand Dollar necklace http://fireandicereads.com/2010/11/blue-sandollar-necklace-giveaway.html

Malkatz who won the Beautiful Sailor Necklace http://fireandicereads.com/2010/11/colorful-sailor-necklace-giveaway.html

and Wolfsrain who won the Mermaid Bookmark from Etsy seller Waterwaif http://fireandicereads.com/2010/11/mermaid-bookmark-giveaway.html

Please send me your mailing address!

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The Lost Saint ARC Giveaway Winners

23 Dec, 2010 by in the Dark Divine, the lost saint Leave a comment

Congratulations to our TLS contest winners. T.V. & Book Addict won first place: a hardcover signed The Dark Divine, an ARC of The Lost Saint and a bottle of TLS blue nail polish

Denisemadness won second place: an ARC of The Lost Saint and a bottle of TLS nail polish.

Please email us your mailing address and we will send off your prizes.

Thanks so much to EgmontUSA for contributing our ARCS and nail polish! Bree Despain’s book #2 The Lost Saint comes out December 28, 2010! Head on over to her site to see the newly released teaser trailer. The countdown is on…

Waiting on Wednesday-Possession

22 Dec, 2010 by in Possession, simon schuster 8 comments

Our Waiting on Wednesday is by one of our favorite local authors, Elana Johnson. We met at the Provo Library Teen Book Fest, standing in line for Scott Westerfeld’s book signing and it has been non-stop fun ever since. Her book Possession has an amazing cover…can NOT wait to get my hands on one!

Possession
By Elana Johnson
publication: June 7th 2011
by Simon & Schuster
ISBN 139781442417618

Summary: Girls don’t walk with boys, and they never even think about kissing them. But no one makes Vi want to break the Rules more than Zenn…and since the Thinkers have chosen him as Vi’s future match, how much trouble can one kiss cause? The Thinkers may have brainwashed the rest of the population, but Vi is determined to think for herself.

But the Thinkers are unusually persuasive, and they’re set on convincing Vi to become one of them…starting by brainwashing Zenn. Vi can’t leave Zenn in the Thinkers’ hands, but she’s wary of joining the rebellion, especially since that means teaming up with Jag. Jag is egotistical, charismatic, and dangerous–everything Zenn’s not. Vi can’t quite trust Jag and can’t quite resist him, but she also can’t give up on Zenn. This is a game of control or be controlled. And Vi has no choice but to play.

Elana lives and teaches elementary school in central Utah. She maintains a personal writing blog and contributes to a debut YA science fiction/dystopian blog, both of which can be found through http://elanajohnson.com/. Follow @ElanaJ on twitter.