Posts Tagged: Egmont

Scones and Sensibility Gift Pack

31 May, 2010 by in scones and sensibility 8 comments

Saturday we kicked off our ARC tour of the book “Scones and Sensibility” by Lindsay Eland and it’s first stop is Greece! To celebrate we are giving away a gift pack of yummy homemade scones and raspberry jam from Etsy seller Indelisa.

Stylish. Delicious!

Description
This gift pack comes with a batch of freshly made cream scones (6-8, depending on how they are cut), a Fancy half-pint of delectable Raspberry Jam, as pictured in the listing, and your personalized note card.

All orders that include baked goods are made the same day they are shipped and will be sent flat-rate priority, so everything arrives fresh in 2-3 days.

Thank you! Couture Jam is made with fresh, organic fruit either picked by us or sourced from local farms because we think great fruit makes the greatest tasting jams!


To Enter to Win
: leave your name and email address below
+3 for each retweet @fireicephotos
+3 for hearting her esty shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/Indelisa
+3 for telling us your favorite bakery is and what treat you order
+5 for posting this contest on your blog or sidebar
Contest ends June 30th and is open to U.S. residents only
(due to the perishable nature of the food)

Book Review- Raised by Wolves

27 May, 2010 by in raised by wolves 4 comments

published June 8th 2010 by EgmontUSA (first published 2010)
details Hardcover, 432 pages
characters Bryn, Chase
isbn 1606840592 (isbn13: 9781606840597)
4 stars

Synopsis From Goodreads…Adopted by the Alpha of a werewolf pack after a rogue wolf brutally killed her parents right before her eyes, fifteen-year-old Bryn knows only pack life, and the rigid social hierarchy that controls it. That doesn’t mean that she’s averse to breaking a rule or two.

But when her curiosity gets the better of her and she discovers Chase, a new teen locked in a cage in her guardian’s basement, and witnesses him turn into a wolf before her eyes, the horrific memories of her parents’ murders return. Bryn becomes obsessed with getting her questions answered, and Chase is the only one who can provide the information she needs.

But in her drive to find the truth, will Bryn push too far beyond the constraints of the pack, forcing her to leave behind her friends, her family, and the identity that she’s shaped

I just finished this book last night after three days of straight reading. It’s a long and in-depth look at one humans’ experience being raised as an orphaned teenager by an alpha and his pack of wolves. Bryn is a scrappy headstrong girl who is looking for answers after her parents were killed by “the big bad wolf” of her nightmares. Along comes Chase, a boy who shares her past and some secrets of his own. What is the pull that draws them together and why does he feel so familiar? She will risk her life and lifelong loyalties to find out. As the story unravels it is evident both Chase and Bryn, the whole pack as well as countless others are in danger. Can they stop the attacks before it is too late?
Raised by Wolves is a breath of fresh air to YA fiction and is psychologically interesting. I appreciate that it’s free from swearing and adult situations. I personally wanted to know more about Chase and “get inside” his head to hear his thoughts of Bryn. I kept waiting for the full story behind his past and more interaction between the two main protagonists. Pack supervision and alpha power keep them removed from each other for most of the book. The villain is truly creepy and Jennifer Lynn Barnes makes him the most real character of all. He truly made my skin crawl in the last chapters.

Come out come out wherever you are
and pick up “Raised By Wolves” for a thrilling and suspenseful paranormal read. Four stars…
Email us if you are interersted in joining the ARC tour which kicks off today!

Teaser Tuesday- Raised By Wolves

25 May, 2010 by in raised by wolves, Teaser Tuesday Leave a comment

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly book meme
hosted by Miz B. of Should Be Reading.

This is how it works:
Grab a book that you are currently reading
Turn to any page and grab two teaser sentences from that page
Make sure it’s not a spoiler in case anyone wants to read the book
Include the author and name of the book

“He paused and the silence tickled my mind,

the chill in my spine climbing its way to the hairs on the back of my neck.
Before I loved cars, Yeats, having a bedroom that locked from the inside, and you.”
p.149 Raised By Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Contact us via email at fireandice.heather@gmail.com if you are interested in reading and reviewing this book as a part of our ARC tour.

Book Review-Scones and Sensibility

22 May, 2010 by in scones and sensibility 2 comments

published December 22nd 2009
by EgmontUSA
details Hardcover, 256 pages
Grade 5–7
isbn 1606840258
4 stars

Synopsis from Goodreads…”Polly Madassa is convinced she was born for a more romantic time. A time when Elizabeth Bennet and Anne of Green Gables walked along the moors and beaches of the beautiful land, a time where a distinguished gentleman called upon a lady of quality and true love was born in the locked eyes of two young lovers.

But alas, she was not.

This, however, does not stop our young heroine from finding romance wherever she can conjure it up. So while Polly is burdened with a summer job of delivering baked goods from her parents bakery (how quaint!) to the people in her small beach town, she finds a way to force…um…encourage romance to blossom. She is determined to bring lovers, young and old, together…whether they want to be or not.”

I am a huge Jane Austen junkie who could spend hours watching the old Pride and Prejudice (with Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy) so this book was right up my ally. The main matchmaker is 12 year old little sister and faithful friend, Polly. Let me tell you she is a piece of work. She will only speak in “Austen”esque vernacular befitting of a fine English young lady. Polly spends her summer delivering baked goods on bicycle to her parent’s bakery customers while keeping her eye out for perfect matches for three of her friends in desperate need of her help.

Needless to say her plans go incredibly awry, yet Polly simply will not give up her pre– mediated fairy tale ending. I found myself relating to Polly as the hopeless and dramatic romantic pre-teen who sees the world through rose colored glasses. Readers will laugh at all the quirky things Polly does and says as well as the messes she gets into. Scones and Sensibility is a super read for middle grades and moms alike! I gave it four stars and let me say this…don’t read it while hungry, there’s lots of talk of bakery goodies 🙂


Send us an email if you would like to read Scones and Sensibility as a part of our ARC tour.

In My Mailbox #11 & ARC Tours

21 May, 2010 by in scott westerfield, shadow hills 3 comments

So, my internet has been down for the last two days and I am BEHIND. Nightmare! Luckily Mr. Mailbox scored!!! And I got this huge box of books. Squee

Blue is For Nightmares by Laurie Stolarz-currently reading
Specials by Scott Westerfield– bought for giveaway
Uglies by Scott Westerfield-bought for giveaway
The 39 Clues #3– bought for giveaway
The Boy Who Could Fly by James Norcliffe– ARC from Publisher
The Tension of Opposites by Kristine McBride-ARC from Publisher
Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes-ARC from Publisher
Siren by Tricia Rayburn-ARC from Publisher
Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus-ARC from Publisher
YAY!!!! We are starting ARC tours on all of the new titles. If you are interested in reading and reviewing any of these titles, email me at fireandice.heather@gmail.com You must be willing to read and mail to another person, post a written review and forward us the link. Other ARCS on tour right now are Brightly Woven, The Cinderella Society, The Golden Spiral and The Mark. Email us for more info. THANKS.

Book Review -The Jaguar Stones #1 Middleworld

18 May, 2010 by in ARC tour, Middleworld 2 comments


published April 27th 2010 by EgmontUSA
(first published October 5th 2007)
details Library Binding, 416 pages
isbn 1606840932
3.5 stars

Synopsis from Goodreads “In the ancient city of Itzamna, Lord Six-Rabbit wakes up screaming. A great warrior king of the mighty Maya, he has dreamed he was a lowly, flea-bitten monkey. How could this be? Was this some sorcery sent by his half-brother, Tzelok, the evil priest?

1200 years later, in Boston, Massachusetts, 14-year-old Max Murphy is looking forward to a family vacation. But his parents, both archaeologists and Maya experts, announce a change in plan. They must leave immediately for a dig in San Xavier, the tiny Central American country where his father grew up. Max will go to summer camp. Max is furious. He’s always suspected that his parents cared more about the Ancient May than about him and this proves it. When he’s mysteriously summoned to San Xavier, he thinks they’ve had a change of heart. But he’s met at the airport by one of their colleagues, who explains that his parents have gone missing at the remote Maya temple of Ix Chel. He also tells Max the legend of The Jaguar Stones, the five sacred stones of Middleworld (the Maya name for the world of men) which enabled Ancient May kings to wield the powers of living gods.

And so begins Max Murphy’s wild adventure in the tropical rainforests of San Xavier. During his journey, he will unlock ancient secrets and meet strangers who are connected to him in ways he could never have imagined. For fate has delivered a challenge of epic proportions to this papered teenager. Can Max rescue his parents from the Maya Underworld and save the world from the Lords of Death, who now control the power of the Jaguar Stones in their villainous hands? The scene is set for a roller-coaster ride of suspense and terror, as the good guys and the bad guys face off against a background of haunted temples, zombie armies and and human sacrifice.

This book was donated as an advanced reader copy from Egmont publishing, and I will say I love the cover. I think it pulls readers in with the rich detail and Mayan stone skulls in the water waves. Jaguar Stones book #1 reminded me a lot of Indiana Jones for middle grade readers.The first chapters revisit a lot of Mayan history and culture and the characters are mysterious and adventurous. I really enjoyed Max’s short stay a the “banana factory” and discoveries in the secret room.
I had a hard time with the main male Max and his spoiled attitude as well was hoping the relationship between him and his female sidekick would have had more lead up and development. I found myself annoyed with some of the dialogue between the two main heroes because of Max’s attitude and her nickname for him, “Hup.”
That being said, though, I do think it is a great read for middle grades and one which will feed your child’s imagination. There are black and white illustrations scattered through the book which I really think add to the story. “Middleworld” is free of any swearing or mature situations which as a mom I truly appreciate. It is a fun book with loads of potential as an interesting series! And it will leave you wanting to learn more about ancient history which is a gift. Thanks so much to the publishers for letting me get a sneak peek. It is available on the shelves now! Please eamil me with your mailing address if you are interested in reading Middleworld as a part of our ARC tour and be sure to enter the Jaguar Stone earring contest below!

In My Mailbox: Past Two Weeks

18 Apr, 2010 by in ARC tour, mundie moms 3 comments

Inside Out by Maria V Snyder- ARC tour book from MundieMoms-for review,
currently reading
The Dark Hills Divide by Patrick Carman
The Sea Of Monsters by Rick Riordan
The Lightening Thief by Rick Riordan
Sweep #9 Strife by Cate Tiernan, read
Sweep #8 Changeling by Cate Tiernan, read

Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus ARC tour read, reviewed
Sweep #7 The Calling by Cate Tiernan, read
The Jaguar Stones Book One Middle World- by J&BVoelkel-ARC from Egmont
Valient by Holly Black
The Pirate Primer by George Choundas
Sand and Foam by Kahlil Gibran
The Lost Files of Nancy Drew by Grosset and Dunlap

As always please email me or comment below if you are in the US or Canada and are interested in borrowing any of these books 🙂 “Shadow Hills” and “Inside Out” are part of book tours I am not personally hosting, sorry 🙁

The Cinderella Society by Kay Cassidy

18 Mar, 2010 by in book review 7 comments


To be published April 13th 2010 by Egmont USA

details Hardcover, 320 pages

url http://www.kaycassidy.com/books/tcs/

isbn 1606840622 (isbn13: 9781606840627)

4.5 stars

When the Prom Queen becomes your fairy godmother…

Sixteen year old outsider, Jess Parker, gets the chance of a lifetime: an invitation to join a secret society of popular girls dedicated to defeating the mean girls of the world. The Cinderella Society guides all new recruits through its top secret ultimate life makeover. It’s all part of preparing them to face down the Wickeds and win. Determined not to let the Cindys down, Jess dives in with a passion. Finally, a chance to belong and show the world what she’s made of.

… be careful what you wish for.

Jess’s transformation wins her the heart of her dream crush and a shot at uber-popularity. Until the Wickeds–led by Jess’s arch enemy–begin targeting innocent girls in their war against the Cindys, and Jess discovers the real force behind her exclusive society. It’s a high stakes battle of good vs. evil, and the Cindys in power need Jess on special assignment. When the mission threatens to destroy her dream life come true, Jess is forced to choose between living a fairy tale and honoring the Sisterhood… and herself.What’s a girl to do when the glass slipper fits, but she doesn’t want to wear it anymore?

I received an advanced reader copy of this book in a package from Egmont USA, and I have to admit it blew me away! Kay’s writing had me hooked from the beginning with wise and witty one liners…perfect gems of sentences that got me laughing! As I read further I saw the underlying theme of being the best you can be, lifting others up, service and seeking for excellence as a woman. The Cinderella Society is about much more than a makeover or the right clothes; it’s about the war between good and evil.
Jess, the main heroine, is in the process of discovering who she is. She has self-doubts but reaches beyond herself in the end. And her fairy tale crush…well, he is swoon worthy! The chemistry between Jess and Ryan is irresistible and by the end of the book I wanted more! The only little qualm I had with the book was the insertion of the “F’ word. It seemed so out of place to me because the rest of the book is entirely without swearing. Hopefully it gets mysteriously left out of the final copies 😉 All in all an amazing read, would recommend it! 4.5 stars!
Please comment below and email me your street address to fireandice.heather@gmail.com if you want to join the ARC tour for this book:

Teaser Tuesday-Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken

09 Mar, 2010 by in Uncategorized 4 comments

This is a weekly book meme
hosted by Miz B. of Should Be Reading.

This is how it works:
Grab a book that you are currently reading
Turn to any page and grab two teaser sentences from that page
Make sure it’s not a spoiler in case anyone wants to read the book
Include the author and name of the book


“His back was to me, but I saw how he brought his knees to his chest and pressed his face down hard against them. Something inside me lurched at the sight, and eventually I got up to wrap his grey blanket around him…” p. 53
Brightly Woven, Alexandra Bracken

Author Spotlight: Anastasia Hopcus

15 Feb, 2010 by in shadow hills 2 comments


Anastasia Hopcus wrote her first book in the 2nd grade.It was entitled Frederick the Friendly French Ferret and was seven pages long. During high school she wrote numerous short stories and started (but never finished) three screenplays, all as an alternative to doing actual school work. At the very wise age of twelve her career ambition was to drive a Mack truck, but when that didn’t pan out, she tried acting, bartending, and being a receptionist in a dojo before finally returning to writing. Anastasia loves horror movies, Joss Whedon, obsessing over music, and British accents. She lives in Austin, Texas and her debut young adult novel is out Summer 2010 from Egmont. Taken from her website:

Kibbles and Bits of Writing
Gingerbread House
Silver coin streets glimmer

first sprinkling, now pouring

oil slick rainbows drain off

swirling colors bleeding into gutters

StreetSweeperSpring is barreling through

Still our clean slate has dirt underneath

debris trapped in ice

obscured by layers upon layers of resurfaced fresh starts

the bread crumbs lie frozen and buried

Here is a little toddler of a teaser from Shadow Hills. No full chapters yet. I’d say this just meets the minimum requirements to qualify as a paragraph.

The campus lay before me, pristine and untouched by the terror I was experiencing tonight. The school had dorms filled with people who would hear me scream, which made it my best option. The quickest path was through the graveyard, so, already gasping for breath, I took off at a sprint, bearing down on the old cemetery.

Become a fan on Goodreads
Visit her livejournal page
twitter @anastasiahopcus
Pre-order her book and enter her contest in the post below