Follow Friday is hosted by Rachel of Parajunkie.com and Alison of Alison Can Read If you want to join in the fun just head over the blogs mentioned above and start checking out the various answer for today's question:
Q: Activity!!! Take a picture or describe where you love to read the most....
By the dining table (lolz) so I can a snack on guapples or any fruit of the day. :D
The story so far: Step to the Sword of Light, The Relic Hunter and her Sidekick, I am here, Warrior Princess, The Canyon of Tears,Nightstorm, and The Fury of the Lost. "The Dax Encounter"
Little dust clouds swirled at every pounding footfall that came to a slow stop and a boy of twelve shouted his frustration to the air. He stopped what seemed to be a mad dash out of the nearest dwelling that looked like a piece from a children's block game on the brown plain. The City of Thess with its colorful flags waved at a distance. Dax slowed into a walk until his breathing came back normal again but continued making his way to the forest, to his secret place where he can think and possibly see the reason why his brother had to leave him.
The Whispering Forest as the old people called it wasn't really enchanted. It housed several exquisite bird and animal species and it was eagerly tended by a ranger from the city. Dax thought maybe he can hang out with his ranger friend for most of the day and not come home until it was late. He thought it was a good plan and trudged to the direction of the ranger's house.
"Malcolm! You in?" Dax called out when he neared the quaint cottage. Malcolm an animated man with traces of gray hair at the temples had retired from the Queen's service as Sword of Light bearer or as the town's people say, as the Queen's bodyguard after receiving injuries that cost his arm. He had seen the new arm. It was the gift of cybernetics but Malcolm felt that it was best for him to take his leave and lead a quieter life. The one he had turned his back when he decided to be a bearer at the prime of his youth.
Blurb:
Regina and Mr. Gold play dirty politics and take opposite sides when
Emma runs for a coveted Storybrooke public office against Sidney.
Meanwhile, back in the fairytale world that was, Rumplestiltskin tries
to track down the ultimate power source in order to help his son avert
the horrors of a meaningless war.
A swag containing 2"Masters of the Veil" can jerseys which will totally help you from getting cold fingertips when handling your favorite soda drink and signed rack cards for US/CAN winner.
2. E-book copy for International winner. Thanks to Spencer Hill Press. Kindly indicate in the comments section which your prefer: kindle, nook or pdf. I deeply apologize but .pdf format is not available for this copy. Good luck!
Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created here at The Broke and the Bookish. This was share each other's top ten lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!
I used to this so I'll try to take is up again. Since I'm from this part of the world, (see - about me on the right hand side of the blog), it's most likely that kind of typhoon will traipse around this parts. I had to rescue books when our basement was flooded in a couple of years back. :( Unfortunately, several books were destroyed.
Masters of the Veil by Daniel Cohen Publisher: Spencer Hill Press Release Date: March 01, 2012 Pages: 300
Summary: Life can't get much better for Sam Lock. Popular, good-looking, and with a future as a professional football player. every guy at Stanton High School wishes he were Sam. That is, until his championship football game, when Sam accidentally links with an ancient source of energy known as the Veil and reveals his potential to become a powerful sorcerer. Sam is whisked off to Atlas Crown, a community of sorcerers who utilize the Veil as a part of everyday life. Once there, he trains beside a mute boy who speaks through music, an eternal sage who's the eyes and ears of the Veil, and a beautiful girl who's pretty sure Sam's an idiot.As it becomes clear Sam's meant for power magic-the most feared and misunderstood form of sorcery-people beyond Atlas Crown learn of his dangerous potential. An exiled group of power sorcerers are eager to recruit Sam, believing that he is destined to help them achieve their long-held goal. If they succeed, they could bring about the downfall of not only Atlas Crown. but all humankind.
Check out the book trailer
Can you tell us about Atlas Crown?
Atlas Crown harbors the biggest and most diverse community of sorcerers in the world. It's kind of like the magical world's main hub,primary travel destination, center of commerce, and intellectual epicenter all rolled into one. One peculiar aspect of the magic in the "Masters of the Veil" world is that more the Veil is used, the more She gives. Kind of like a snowball effect. So in places - like Atlas Crown - where magic is used frequently, all sorts of magical plants, animals, objects, and ideas spring forth. So let's just say there's a lot to see and do in Atlas Crown.
From a smattering of YA fantasy books I've read, passage is granted by either some form of magical object (Auryn in Neverending Story), an ability of the person (Inkheart), the Platform 3/4 (Harry Potter) to propel a person to a different world, does Sam have to go somewhere too, to reach Atlas Crown?
After Sam's football incident, he's essentially recruited (pun intended) by a sorcerer named May, the liaison from Atlas Crown to the outside world. I don't want to give away how or why, but May brings Sam to Atlas Crown and is the first person to explain the essence of magic. I will tell you that connecting with the Veil requires something called a second-skin. A second-skin is basically a glove (although Bariv the Conduit would yell at me for calling it such) made from some magical material that has come from the Veil. You use it to "grip" the Veil, which is how sorcerers do magic.
I am also interested in your inspirations when naming your characters. How did that process come to be? Was there a character bestowed with a particular name who will become important in the series later on? (I think this will be a spoiler so maybe a yes or no will do, please?) I couldn't resist to ask but I'll understand if you can't divulge this right now. *grins*
I'm SO glad you asked that question. You're the first person to ask about names and I've been dying to talk to some reviewers about them. Names are incredibly important in the book. I do want to keep to keep things rather vague on the name front, considering I like the readers to figure out as they go along, but I'll tell you that almost every character in the book (and the entire trilogy) has a name that has some sort of meaning - at least to me. So if you care to take the time to look into the names, you might find some cool stuff. The funny thing is - and I know most writers will say this - I didn't even realize the real significance of some of the names until well after the characters has been created. I actually just realized a rather obvious connection last week and smacked myself in the forehead for not seeing earlier. (I think this calls for a follow-up question. *grins* Curious now.)
Can you tell us briefly about the baddies we will meet in the first book?
The antagonists are an exiled group of sorcerers that excel at power magic (the misunderstood branch of magic). They're known as Tembrath Elite and if I told you what they were trying to do it would ruin a few surprises, so I'll be vague yet again. :) A few things I can tell you are that all of their second-skins are made from the skins of murdered animals, which is very taboo in Atlas Crown. There are twelve of them, and they are seriously powerful.
Lastly, which sorcerer would you choose to get out of a magical jam and why?
My mind is telling me May (and those who read the book will probably agree with me) but my heart it telling me Glissandro. Glissandro is a young, lanky, mute sorcerer who talks through music. Although May would no doubt be better at getting me out of a jam, I'd love to meet Glissandro in person. He's such a great guy and he's very mysterious. Maybe if I meet him in person he'd answer some stuff that I've been dying to know.
This ends my FIRST mini-interview with author, Daniel Cohen. I hope you've enjoyed reading this as I have while I tempered down my excitement and thought of coherent questions. *chuckles* Watch out for the giveaway spot! Enter the GIVEAWAY. Good luck!
Daniel Cohen was just your average business student. Microeconomics, finance, marketing… you name it, he had to do a PowerPoint presentation on it. One dark and stormy night, he was bitten by the radioactive realization that memorizing business jargon could possibly be the most boring activity known to man.
After gaining eagle-eye vision, abs that could grate cheese, and a talent for imagining things (including his cheese-grating abs), he wrote his first novel and began his epic battle against the formidable business jargon. He continues to fight the good fight by playing saxophone and writing YA fantasy, forever hoping his Veil trilogy will help inspire others to join his cause. Where to connect: Twitter Blog Facebook Goodreads
Commentary: Another spot that I fell in love in. Everything in here is bright and airy despite being a cozy spot in the house. I like to be surrounded by windows and be able to look out at a blooming garden. The dainty looking flowers add the lightness of the room aside from the muted blues of the room. It's so relaxing to read here. The oval mirror doesn't look bulky for the room that lets your gaze just flow from every furniture in the room. How I wish I can transform my home to this. I'm also falling in love with the wicker furniture too
Original detail : Country-style conservatory
Vintage patterns work perfectly to create a country garden feel in this conservatory. Wicker is a great choice for adding a timeless, but traditional element.
Follow Friday is hosted by Rachel of Parajunkie.com and Alison of Alison Can Read If
you want to join in the fun just head over the blogs mentioned above
and start checking out the various answer for today's question:
Q: I like unique names for characters and I'm looking forward to coming up with some when I start writing. What's the most unique character name you've come across?
I think when it comes to naming a character, it should never be haphazard or just for the sake of getting it over and be done with it. You as a reader will always feel the amount of care coming from the author translated to the names she or he bestowed on the personalities that populated the created world and when you sensed that a lot of thought went through the story, you tend to like the book /the world the author presented. Names can sometimes cue the readers to a tell-tale trait of the character which adds dimension to them.
The most unique names I've come across are from the Lord of the Rings. The names don't sound or feel awkward. You can really believe these people do carry these names.
Kai slowly opened his eyes and listened to the chorus of birds chirping up and down the tree branch outside his window. He smiled with amusement as if the birds were having a heated discussion on whatever the bird topic was for the day since one particular warbler let a long chirping sound as if it was trying to put through his partner's little head that was he was saying was the truth. Of course, the low chirp belonging to his companion wasn't going to stay quiet for long. Curious, Kai stealthily approached the window and searched the branches where the birds were doing their chirping match. However, he heard a flutter of wings and rustle of leaves and soon the birds were gone. Kai shook his head and gazed down the empty plaza below. The flags of the participating provinces for the games flapped lazily as spectators began to wend their way to the city's arena just outside the walled city. In two hours, the city will hear the shouts of the spectators supporting their favorite game participant. The prize money for this event was doubled which attracted the best fighters of the neighboring lands plus a new incentive was announced that the winner will be considered in the ranks as a Sword of Light bearer and out from the group of hopefuls, their numbers will be whittled until only one will hold the title and will be city's champion.
Commentary: Yes, here's another nook that will make spend more than two hours. :D The tilted skylight offers the natural light into the room and not directly catching the sun so it won't be too warm. Since we're all for going green, this can also save on electricity in the mornings. The bamboo sofa paired with comfy cushions softens the look. I'll probably replace the throw pillows for a vibrant color though to give the room some energy. I would also replace the cabinet on the left to something different style. Other than that, a beautiful respite to retreat while reading.
Original details:
These floral fabrics and wallpapers bring the outside indoors. Substantial furniture like the rattan pieces are key for that ‘real furniture’ feel that will last all year. A natural colour palette blends with the outdoor tones.
Today's theme is vintage! The front "Introduction to Biochemistry."
This was the second oldest book in the house. I couldn't find the first one. I hope it wasn't misplaced or worst was destroyed when the basement was flooded by two previous super typhoons two or three years ago.
Follow Friday is hosted by Rachel of Parajunkie.com and Alison of Alison Can Read If you want to join in the fun just head over the blogs mentioned above and start checking out the various answer for today's question
Q: What would your prefer: reading your book over and over again until you got sick of it or reading 100s mediocre books? And why?
I would prefer reading my favorite books because I like being taken along for the adventure again and this time around imagine that I was part of the team solving some mystery, heart pounding from the thrills, swashbuckling galore in the high seas. :D
Efa did her best not focus at the spinning walls. They unwittingly found themselves inside a bewitched room but it was hard not to get nauseated from the myriad of images flashing before her eyes. The walls afire with destroyed cityscapes sprang turning into heart-wrenching scenes that continue their unwavering onslaught before Efa's eyes.
"Mother's home city on the western shore, how is this possible?" She couldn't keep the frantic tone out of her voice, recognizing the archway and spires of the city.
"This destruction has never happened yet and it was not in the histories." Eos calmly told her as he intently watched the scene dissolved into another burning city.
"You might have forgotten." Efa willed so hard that these images were false and took heart in her friend's certitude. The dizzying images started to settle. It seemed that the purpose of the room was to overwhelm them with grief and hopelessness. However, it wasn't affecting Eos so the room's attack was solely at her.
"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted here, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
From Goodreads: Life can't get much better for Sam Lock. Popular, good-looking, and with a future as a professional football player. every guy at Stanton High School wishes he were Sam. That is, until his championship football game, when Sam accidentally links with an ancient source of energy known as the Veil and reveals his potential to become a powerful sorcerer.Sam is whisked off to Atlas Crown, a community of sorcerers who utilize the Veil as a part of everyday life. Once there, he trains beside a mute boy who speaks through music, an eternal sage who's the eyes and ears of the Veil, and a beautiful girl who's pretty sure Sam's an idiot.As it becomes clear Sam's meant for power magic-the most feared and misunderstood form of sorcery-people beyond Atlas Crown learn of his dangerous potential. An exiled group of power sorcerers are eager to recruit Sam, believing that he is destined to help them achieve their long-held goal. If they succeed, they could bring about the downfall of not only Atlas Crown. but all humankind.
Inspired by the summer blockbuster directed by M.Night Shyamalan
Story by: Dave Roman and Alison Wilgus Art by Joon Choi
Based on the series Avatar: The Last Airbender Created by Michael Dante DiMartino an Bryan Konietzko. Based on the Screenplay written by M.Night Shyamalan
A Del Rey Manga Trade Paperback Original
Contents: The Last Airbender: Prequel: Zuko's Story Acknowledgement
Inspired by the summer blockbuster directed by M.Night Shyamalan
Story by: Dave Roman and Alison Wilgus
Art by Nina Matsumoto
Based on the series Avatar: The Last Airbender
Created by Michael Dante DiMartino an Bryan Konietzko. Based on the Screenplay written by M.Night Shyamalan
A Del Rey Manga Trade Paperback Original
Contents:
The Last Airbender: Prequel: Zuko's Story
Acknowledgement
Bonus Materials
Follow Friday is hosted by Rachel of Parajunkie.com and Alison of Alison Can Read If you want to join in the fun just head over the blogs mentioned above and start checking out the various answer for today's question:
Q: Define what characteristics your favorite books share. Do they have all a kick as heroine or is it the hot love interest the Alpha Male?
Well, this is going to be a different answer because my favorite books fell on TV/movie based shows such as Stargate: Atlantis books, Starfleet Academy books (in J.J. Abrams universe) and Susan Cooper's The Dark is Rising Series. The common thread of these books are they have more or less team-centric stories and loads of adventure to thrill the heart. :D
Efa gazed at the moon as it hid its silver face behind the clouds yet the tableau before her remained lighted by the vibrant moonlight lending its clear moon shine over the high pass of the mountain which she could see from her perched under the arbor Eos made for her on her birthday.
She didn't like being left alone to worry about the outcome of the trade talks with Lardon's people while Eos accompanied her father to the assembly. However, she knew that wasn't her real apprehension. She knew if things at the negotiation table went south, Eos would be able to protect her father and get him back home safe and sound but what if in the brisk winds of hot-hotheadedness and all things men like to quarrel these days, reason failed and Eos's real identity will be known. No one has seen an elf and Eos had been good at hiding his pointed ears and while he looked much fairer, she had seen people who were white as snow from the other provinces.
Efa gasped as she tried to calm her heart. She had not shared this with her father that Eos was from the Elven folk. She planned on doing it a week before they left but she kept putting it off. Surely, Eos would be mad at her for not deciding early on before the long journey. She bit her quivering lip. Eos was important in her life so why was it hard for her to tell her father?
"Calm yourself, my love"
Efa swiveled in alarm. She knew the voice came from behind her but there was no one else around. The garden hedges were short and still thin from the recent blight. In fact, Eos was the one who gave them a remedy to help the shrubs fight the disease and for now, the remedy was winning.
"Show yourself!"
"It is only a lonely friend who calls you."
"Eos?" She finally realized it was his voice. "How? "
"It will be too complicated to explain in such a long distance but when I return, I will share it with you."
"I can hear you in my mind." She was overwhelmed of this new experience and wondered if it was an ability of his folk. She began to notice how very different they were. Sadness soon began to clutch her heart but before its claws completely wrapped around it, she felt something else. Her breath caught in her lips and she sensed the warmth flooding through her until she was imagining herself in his arms and she is.
"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted here, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
From Goodreads:
In the land of Story, children go to school to learn to be characters: a perfect Hero, a trusty Sidekick, even the most dastardly Villain. They take classes on Outdoor Experiential Questing and Backstory, while adults search for full-time character work in stories written just for them.
In our world, twelve-year-old Una Fairchild has always felt invisible. But all that changes when she stumbles upon a mysterious book buried deep in the basement of her school library, opens the cover, and suddenly finds herself transported to the magical land of Story.
But Story is not a perfect fairy tale. Una’s new friend Peter warns her about the grave danger she could face if anyone discovers her true identity. The devious Tale Keeper watches her every move. And there are whispers of a deadly secret that seems to revolve around Una herself....
With the timeless appeal of books like A Wrinkle in Time and the breathtaking action of Inkheart, Storybound has all the makings of a new classic. Brimming with fantastical creatures, magical adventure, and heart-stopping twists, Storybound will leave readers wishing they too could jump through the pages into this enchanting fairy-tale world.
The Whispering Forest as the old people called it wasn't really enchanted. It housed several exquisite bird and animal species and it was eagerly tended by a ranger from the city. Dax thought maybe he can hang out with his ranger friend for most of the day and not come home until it was late. He thought it was a good plan and trudged to the direction of the ranger's house.
Masters of the Veil by Daniel Cohen
Daniel Cohen was just your average business student. Microeconomics, finance, marketing… you name it, he had to do a PowerPoint presentation on it. One dark and stormy night, he was bitten by the radioactive realization that memorizing business jargon could possibly be the most boring activity known to man. 
Join Dottie at Tink's Place for her flash fiction. Every Monday a new picture for the Monday Morning Flash Fiction Challenge comes up and if you want to join, post your FF on Friday. Check out her site for how to a participate. Enjoy!
Life can't get much better for Sam Lock. Popular, good-looking, and with a future as a professional football player. every guy at Stanton High School wishes he were Sam. That is, until his championship football game, when Sam accidentally links with an ancient source of energy known as the Veil and reveals his potential to become a powerful sorcerer.Sam is whisked off to Atlas Crown, a community of sorcerers who utilize the Veil as a part of everyday life. Once there, he trains beside a mute boy who speaks through music, an eternal sage who's the eyes and ears of the Veil, and a beautiful girl who's pretty sure Sam's an idiot.As it becomes clear Sam's meant for power magic-the most feared and misunderstood form of sorcery-people beyond Atlas Crown learn of his dangerous potential. An exiled group of power sorcerers are eager to recruit Sam, believing that he is destined to help them achieve their long-held goal. If they succeed, they could bring about the downfall of not only Atlas Crown. but all humankind.
