Fool for Books Giveaway Hop: Warm Bodies (a novel) ~ by Isaac Marion

 

This hop is closed however the book is still available to win!  (See the form at the bottom of this post).

The Fool For Books Giveaway Hop ~ April 1st to 2nd. It is a two day hop in honor of the fool.

We have one book on offer since this hop is so short. It is the soon to be released  Warm Bodies: a novel ~ by Isaac Marion. We have one copy for US|Canada only.

Initially released in the UK this book is being published in a variety of languages all over the planet, and is a romance story about a zombie!

Here’s the publisher’s blurb: 

R is a young man with an existential crisis--he is a zombie. He has no memories, no identity, and no pulse, but he has dreams. His ability to connect with the outside world is limited to a few grunted syllables, but his inner life is deep, full of wonder and longing.

After experiencing a teenage boy's memories while consuming his brain, R makes an unexpected choice that begins a tense, awkward, and strangely sweet relationship with the victim's human girlfriend. Julie is a blast of color in the otherwise dreary and gray landscape that surrounds R. His choice to protect her will transform not only R, but his fellow Dead, and perhaps their whole lifeless world.

Hardcover: 256 pages; Atria (April 26, 2011) for US|Canada  - available in UK.  

Bio:  Isaac Marion was born in northwestern Washington in 1981 and has lived in and around Seattle his whole life installing heating ducts, guarding power plants, delivering deathbeds to Hospice patients, and supervising parental visits for foster children. He is not married, has no children, and did not go to college or win any prizes. Warm Bodies is his first novel.  Websites: Formspring; Facebook; Twitter; Burning Building

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Contest Info:

The contest this book is for US and Canada only.  To enter please fill out the form below. You do not need to be a reader/follower to enter. You must leave your email in the form below.

For optional extra points  ~ you can do any, all or none of the below for 1 entry point each:

1. Be a subscriber of Layers of Thought – Google or Facebook. (I need to be able to see you!  For Facebook to get our blog updates in your feed - add me as a friend otherwise it does not count).
2. Friend on Twitter (I will follow back).

Contest ends Monday April 25th, 2011 at 12 pm US Pacific time. Winner will be posted and notified on Monday May 9th, 2011.  

(Please note - You may have to link to the blog to access the giveaway form if you are viewing this post in email or in Google Reader).

 

We use random.org to determine our winners. If you have a question or a concern (a typo or bad link or a problem with this form) please email me via my profile – Shellie. 

This hop is now closed. Stay tuned for our next hop, just in time for some real hopping ~ for Easter. We have four books on offer for this ginormous giveaway extravaganza!

April is National Poetry Month ~ Celebrate at Savvy Verse and Wit!

 

 

Serena @ Savvy Verse & Wit is hosting a month long event during April for National Poetry Month. She has a variety of events in store and is looking for authors, publishers, and bloggers to participate.

National Poetry Month celebrates this shorter more concise form of writing, which offers quicker access to emotions and subconscious processes – a very different experience compared to reading a novel.

This event is for anyone who loves poetry, wants to learn more, and/or is interested in participating for this month long extravaganza. For additional info about national events check out Poet.org. There you will find information about “poem in your pocket day”, a “poetry read-a-thon”, and more.

Join in, find a poetry book, read a bit, write some of your own, check out the events, sign up to participate, and help spread the work by grabbing a badge (right click and save picture as) and then by posting it on your blog or website and linking back to Savvy Verse & Wit.

With a high impact theme including Spring images - I have had a blast by helping out and creating these badges for the event. Which badge will you choose?

Release Day: Dark Jenny ~ by Alex Bledsoe

 

Its release day for  Dark Jenny ~ by Alex Bledsoe  US|UK|Canada.  It’s the third in a series but also a stand alone.

About:    For twenty-five gold pieces a day, plus expenses, Eddie LaCrosse will take on most any case. But the unexpected delivery of a coffin in the dead of winter forces LaCrosse to look back at a bygone chapter in his past—and the premeditated murder of a dream.

Powerful nobles all too eager to pin the murder on Eddie himself, he must untangle a tangled web of palace intrigues, buried secrets, and bewitching women—before the entire kingdom erupts into civil war. 

Murder, mystery, and magic—just another day on the job for Eddie LaCrosse.

Paperback: 352 pages; Tor Books; First Edition edition (March 29, 2011) ~  Tor is hosting a giveaway on Goodreads for this book. Link to enter!

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The Sword-Edged Blonde ~ US|UK|Canada. This is the first in the series and is also available in ebook format for 2.99 for a short time.

About:   It should have been a case like any other: a missing princess, a king willing to pay in gold for her return. But before he realizes it, sword jockey Eddie LaCrosse is swept up in a web of mystery and deceit involving a brutally murdered royal heir, a queen accused of an unspeakable crime, and the tragic past he thought he’d left behind.

A tour-de-force foray into a realm of action, intrigue, and murder.  ~   Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages; Tor Fantasy; Reprint edition (June 30, 2009)

Burn Me Deadly ~ US|UK|Canada.

About:   An all-new tale of mean streets and medieval intrigue. Eddie LaCrosse, a freelance sword jockey who, for twenty-five gold pieces a day, is on his way back from a routine investigation when his horse almost runs down a half-naked blonde in serious trouble. Against his better judgment, he promises to protect the frightened young woman, only to find himself waylaid by unknown assailants and left for dead beside her mutilated body.

As bodies pile up, attracting the unwelcome attention of the king’s guards, Eddie must use all his wits if he hopes to survive . . .     Hardcover: 320 pages; Tor Books; 1 edition (November 10, 2009)

Bio: Alex Bledsoe grew up in west Tennessee an hour north of Graceland and twenty minutes from Nutbush. But now lives in a Wisconsin town famous for trolls and mustard. Connect with him via Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace, and his blog.

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You have to like a book with a cover like this; and that the author lives in a town that’s known for trolls. Very cool…..don’t you just love trolls?

Although its Tuesday and just another regular week day,  the good news is - we are coming to one of our favorite days of the year – April Fools Day! 

Most importantly is that the Fool for Books Giveaway Hop (April 1-2) will be live for 2 days starting late evening of March 31st. There are 230 or so blogs linking their giveaways, so mark your calendars to win books and bookish stuff – but don’t forget to wear your “silly hats” to help you get into the spirit of things!

Incoming Book Previews ~ March 28, 2011

 

Incoming Book Previews ~ This is our “whenever we can get to it” feature; our pile of incoming books up for review. This “little” collection includes shortened publisher’s snippets about each, so you can get a gist and see if one or more of the books may be of interest for you. Also there are purchasing links - if your purse allows or if you are so inclined. Several will be up for giveaway so please stay tuned!

The biggest and best question of the day is:  Which book would you read first?

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The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making ~ by Catherynne M. Valente (illustrated by Ana Juan) pre-purchasing - US|UK|Canada.

Twelve-year-old September lives in Omaha, and used to have an ordinary life, until her father went to war and her mother went to work. One day, September is met at her kitchen window by a Green Wind (taking the form of a gentleman in a green jacket), who invites her on an adventure, implying that her help is needed in Fairyland.     Young Adult; Hardcover: 256 pages; Feiwel & Friends (May 10, 2011)

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Willy ~ by Robert Dunbar   US|UK|Canada.

In an isolated school for boys with emotional problems, a disturbed adolescent struggles against a mire of ignorance and oppression. Then he meets Willy ... and the other boy – charismatic and strange – saves him. Or damns him.   ~   Paperback: 272 pages; Uninvited Books (January 24, 2011)

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Warm Bodies ~ by Isaac Marion   pre-purchase for US|Canada  - available in UK.

R is a young man with an existential crisis--he is a zombie. He has no memories, no identity, and no pulse, but he has dreams. His ability to connect with the outside world is limited to a few grunted syllables, but his inner life is deep, full of wonder and longing.  ~   Hardcover: 256 pages; Atria (April 26, 2011)

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Dark Jenny ~ by Alex Bledsoe  pre-purchase US|UK|Canada.

For twenty-five gold pieces a day, plus expenses, Eddie LaCrosse will take on most any case. But the unexpected delivery of a coffin in the dead of winter forces LaCrosse to look back at a bygone chapter in his past—and the premeditated murder of a dream. He must untangle a tangled web of palace intrigues, buried secrets, and bewitching women—before the entire kingdom erupts into civil war.  ~   Paperback: 352 pages; Tor Books; First Edition edition (March 29, 2011)

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Pink Noise: a posthuman tale ~ by Leonid Korogodski   US|UK|Canada. 

One of the best brain doctors of his time, Nathi lost his own brain five centuries ago when he became a posthuman. He is called upon to save a comatose girl. The damage is extensive, so he decides to map his own mind into her brain in order to replace the damaged part. But something unexpected waits for him within the Girl's brain. She is a carrier of a Wish Fairy, an enigmatic sentient cyber being whose only purpose is to kill the Wish, a virus used by the ruling cyber Wizard Orders to enslave all posthuman minds"including Nathi's. ~  Hardcover: 192 pages; Silverberry Press (August 29, 2010)

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Write More Good: An Absolutely Phony Guide ~ by The Bureau Chiefs   pre-purchase US|UK|Canada.

It’s time to face up to reality: Writing clearly, checking facts, and correcting typos are dying arts. Whether you’re a jaded producer of media or a nitpicking consumer of it, this book will help you to embrace, not resist, the lowering of standards for the written word!

Part dictionary, part journalism textbook, part grammar and writing manual, Write More Good is a “comprehensive” “guide” to today’s “media,” in all its ambulance-chasing, story-fabricating, money-hemorrhaging glory.  ~  Paperback: 272 pages; Three Rivers Press (April 5, 2011)

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Galore ~  by Michael Crummey   pre-purchase US|UK available in Canada.

When a whale beaches itself on the shore of the remote coastal town of Paradise Deep, the last thing any of the townspeople expect to find inside it is a man, silent and reeking of fish, but remarkably alive.  ~  Paperback: 352 pages; Other Press (March 29, 2011)

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 The A-Men ~ by John Trevillian  US|UK|Canada.

Jack is a man with no memory, awakening in a dark and dangerous metropolis on the eve of its destruction. The only clue to his former life: a handwritten note in the pages of a book of faerie tales entitled Forevermore.  ~  Hardcover: 410 pages; Troubador Publishing Ltd (November 24, 2010)

The A-Men Return ~ by John Trevillian  US|UK|Canada.

Four years have passed since the destruction of the Phoenix Tower and with it the infamous A-Men. The once-great Dead City is now a no-go zone; abandoned and forgotten. Living in this nightmarish underworld Jack is a twisted shadow of his former self, a lone survivor in a world of warring ganglords and their crazed disciples. Yet something is stirring in the sanctuary of the near-space starstations.  ~   Hardcover: 432 pages; Troubador Publishing Ltd (February 11, 2011)

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Contra Alliance: Shadows of the Past (The Contra Alliance Trilogy, Book One)  ~ by Tom Kolega US|UK|Canada.

The year is 2035. America's preeminence has withered. Global warming, scarce resources, and conflict have pushed the world to its breaking point. Throughout the increasing turmoil, a rogue group called The Revolution has risen to prominence seeking domination over humanity. Shadows of the Past explores the covert faction of extraordinary messengers racing to save Earth. Legends of the past and visions of the future collide when a long-dormant evil resurfaces to challenge the most powerful space alliance in the universe. The course of human history irrevocably alters, setting the world on an unforeseen path.  ~   Hardcover: 376 pages; BCH Fulfillment & Distribution; (January 1, 2010)

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A colorful bunch with some enticing covers. Until our next teetering pile o’ books - Happy Monday!

Review: The Oracle of Stamboul (a novel) ~ by Michael David Lukas

 

The Oracle of Stamboul ~ by Michael David Lukas (reviewed by Shellie)

A poetic page turning historical début with an unusual and precocious young girl as the main character. All set in an exotic, magical, yet politically volatile country and time.

About:  When Eleanor Cohen is born there are auspicious signs that she is not your normal child. She is to be a prodigy with gifts of memory, languages, extreme intelligence and something which is just a tad mystical. Set in the late 1800s in what is now Turkey, 8 year old Eleanor finds herself in Stamboul within the struggling Ottoman empire, after a decision to follow her father. As the fates conspire she is linked to the king - Sultan Abdulhamid II - and becomes his advisor for a short time during the ill fated years of his declining empire.

Thoughts:  This was such a lovely read with my very favorite type of female character, one who is strong, brave and kind. Yet Eleanor is also beyond brilliant. Endearingly she makes a few girlish decisions creating a wonderfully realistic and exceedingly likeable character.

As a historical fiction novel, it is light enough to appeal to those who are not so historically inclined (like myself). I would even recommend the book to young adult readers due to its wonderful character and easy to read lyrical writing style. For those that enjoy history, also mentioned are classic texts which are significant to the political choices made within the novel, making it of particular interest.

As Lukas’s first novel, The Oracle of Stamboul is complex yet easy to read. His descriptions are sensual but there is no sex in this story, and many volatile elements are just alluded to. This combination gives the novel a very strong appeal -it’s a rare combination in my experience and leads me to think that Lucas is an extraordinary writer. He took six years to complete this story and it shows.

In my opinion this book is rated 4.5 stars since it doesn’t get much better - a lyrical historical novel with mystical yet realistic threads. I am wondering when we will see his next book? Hopefully it won’t be another six years.

Hardcover: 304 pages; Harper (February 8, 2011) US|UK|Canada. For more about the author and his writing link to David Michael Lucas’s blog.

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This book review is part of a tour hosted by TLC. TLC is a book tour blog which hosts reviews and more by bloggers for author’s and their books. The badge to your right links to the host’s dedicated page for this book. There you will find links for additional reviews; below are some examples:

• Monday, March 14th: Like Fire
• Wednesday, March 16th: The Whimsical Cottage
• Monday, March 21st: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom
• Thursday, March 24th: Janet Boyer Blog

Thank you to Trish for including Layers of Thought in this tour, and to Harper Books for the copy for review.

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Some relevant historical data for the novel compiled from various Wikipedia posts:

Set in what is now Turkey, Stamboul is considered the the old city of Istanbul. Until 1928 the town was called "Constantinople" and "Stamboul" - meaning the Old Town (the historical peninsula). It was named Byzantium during antiquity, and became known as Constantinople when it was the second capital of the Roman Empire under Constantine I (330).

It is located on the Strait of Bosphorus, which separates Asia from Europe, and connects the Black Sea to the Marmara Sea, making it an area of great cultural and religious diversity and a valuable trade port. Today the modern city is much larger and covers both European and Asian sides of the Bosphorus. (You can see from the red bit in the map above its location and hence its importance).

A key character in the novel is Sultan Abdülhamid II. He was born September 21 or 22, 1842 and died February 10, 1918. He was the 34th sultan of the Ottoman Empire and became the sultan on August 31, 1876. Being of Islamic beliefs he had 14 wives and a large number of children.

Of interest for the setting of The Oracle of Stamboul is the beginning of the dissolution of Abdulhamid's rule. This was in part due to the Russian’s declaration of war on April 24, 1877 that culminated in a Russian victory in February 1878.  During the ensuing difficulties Abdulhamid did not receive any help from the British or German/Austrians, as the Russian chancellor Prince Gorchakov had effectively purchased Austrian neutrality, and the British were sensitive to reports of Ottoman brutality in a Bulgarian uprising.

Sultan Abdülhamid II oversaw a period of decline in the power and extent of the Empire, ruling until he was deposed on April 27 1909. He was the last Ottoman Sultan to rule with absolute power, and was eventually succeeded by his brother.

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I’m hoping you enjoyed my journey into 19th century foreign history. Considering that I am inept at any sort of history, I learned quite a bit creating this informational snippet. Thanks for reading.