Photo Theme: Artificial

Today's theme is Artificial. View others here.

I was simulating an outside shot something along the lines of abandoned area and she's all alone with no backup. :D Do you feel the 'artificial' terror?

Hounded Read-along Chapter 21 - 25 + epilogue

Was it still Week 4? I thought it was last week. I'm getting turn-around. '♫ Turn Around, Bright Eyes'♫ hahaha

March 30th: Chapters 21-25 + epilogue hosted by The Unread Reader

1. In a moment of anger, Atticus reveals something about himself that he usually keeps very secret, for his own benefit. Has something similar ever happened to you? Have you ever spilled a closely guarded secret in a moment of excitement or anger or absent-mindedness?

What's the saying? Secrets are bound to surface know matter how hard one tries to hide it. Call it Higher Power, Fate etc. Yeah, let's just say it was related to a family member who blurted it out and well, it didn't end well for everyone involved.


2. Atticus tells Mrs. MacDonagh, "the universe is exactly the size that your soul can encompass. Some people live in extremely small worlds, and some live in a world of infinite possibility." Then he asks her what she is going to do with the new information she has discovered. What would you do if you found out that other beings were among us? Would you deny it or embrace it?

I think it would be cool that they walked among us minus the zombies. Lolz. I'd probably stock up on all sorts of wards, garlic, silver bullets, stakes and what-nots.

3. So far, Atticus has revealed a few of his powers and has even shared some power by putting bindings on Granuaile. What do you think has been his coolest or most helpful power so far?

I like how he came about to fashioning his amulet. It seemed like so much was poured into the creation of it and I'm curious if he had to learn some bygone Druid craft to make it what it is now. 

4. Atticus gets pretty pissed when he finds out that Aenghus Óg is drawing power from the Earth and, in turn, killing it. That's when Atticus decides he must fight the old Fae for committing such a heinous offense. What is something you would fight for, even if it meant you might die trying?

Wow, this is a little heavy. Um, love I guess. *cheesy* :D

5. What did you think of the final showdown between Atticus and Aenghus Óg? Did it go down the way you expected? Was there anything about their battle that surprised you?

I knew Aenghus Og will meet his end because he was just asking for it. I actually felt the battle was spot on. It wasn't lengthy or abrupt. The intensity was there. We knew Aenghus Og's  arrogance will get the better of him. We also knew that high emotions will override one's thinking so Atticus, having lived so long  used other sword fighting techniques that served him well. I know I would. I guess I would be surprise if Aenghus Og wizened up in just fraction and changed his sword techniques then we might have all bit our nails. :D

6. What was your favorite/least favorite part of Hounded? Who was your favorite/least favorite character? 

I can't find any least part of the book really. I love the whole book which is rare. So kudos to Mr. Hearne for developing quite an intriguing story! I guess my least favorite would have to Radomila and her cohorts. 

7. What do you think is coming up next for Atticus? Will you continue reading this series, and if so, what do you hope to see happen in the next book?

Yes! I just read the snippet of Hexed at the end of the book and I want to know who was attacking him. Woah, it looked like a delayed reaction from Atticus tho. I was half expecting the amulet would somehow manifest some personal shield around him. hahaha Watching way too much sci-fi or fantasy movies. :D 

Music Monday: "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" by The Tokens

One cable channel would play this as they advertise the show "The River." Unfortunately, after the first episode,  I decided not to watch it anymore since I got a headache trying to follow the crazy camera angles that made me crossed-eyed at the end of the program. While I understand that they were depicting a docu-type kind of filming, it was a little taxing to watch. Anyway,  I usually think of Pumba and Timon whenever this song is on but now, I guess, it'll be the chilling scenes from "The River."  What do you guys think about the show?

Come join Music Monday and share your songs with us. Rules are simple. Leave ONLY the ACTUAL LINK POST here and grab the code below and place it at your blog entry. You can grab this code at LadyJava's Lounge Please note these links are STRICTLY for Music Monday participants only. All others will be deleted without prejudice.   PS: Because of spamming purposes, the linky will be closed on Thursday of each week at midnight, Malaysian Time. Thank you!

Winner of the "Masters of the Veil" By Daniel Cohen

Is 

Jules of Ultimately Charmed!

Thank you for all who have joined! Till the next giveaway! 

Follow Friday (21)

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 is the longest book you've read? What are you favorite 600+ page reads?

The longest book I'm reading is "The Angel's Game" by Carlos Ruiz Zafon that I have to get back too soon and I don't know if any of ebooks lurking in my computer could be longer. :D  My favorite would be "Count of Monte Cristo" by Alexander Dumas.

Hounded Week 4 Chapter 16 to 20

Week 4

March 23rd: Chapters 16-20 hosted by In the Closet With a Bibliophile

March 30th: Chapters 21-25 + epilogue hosted by The Unread Reader

1. Just after Atticus is shot, Oberon has to "ninja" his way out of the shop and into Hal's Beamer (with the icky air freshener). Have you ever been in a situation where you had to "ninja" your way out and try not to be discovered? If so, what happened?

When I was a kid, my cousins and I loved to play hide-and- go- seek. Well, one particular afternoon, I was feeling a little naughty that I left younger cousin alone in a room who was hiding under the table while I "ninja"-ed out of the room to secure a better hiding place. It took them hours to find me that they had to enlist their mom ( my aunt) for help. Boy, was I in hot water afterwards.

2. Atticus's main goal through a large portion of the book is not only protecting Oberon, but also protecting the sword. You are now living in a paranormal world and you need a weapon! What weapon do you choose and what can it do?
I always like to have learned archery (and no not because of certain pointy- eared elf - haha) so a bow and arrow for me. What will the bow do when arrows are fired? The arrows will have a magical resonance being attuned to the bow and that they will explode upon impact on the enemy. Any  enemy who dares to touch either the bow or the arrows will probably melt to goo too.:)

3. To recharge and heal after being shot, Atticus sleeps naked, tattoos to the earth, in a patch of grass near the Civic Center in downtown Scottsdale. Where is the weirdest place you have ever slept?

Hopefully, nowhere in the future.

4. We finally find out some very interesting information about Granuaile and I don't know about you, but I certainly wasn't expecting to find that she's sharing her head with someone else. What about you, did you expect anything along those lines? If not, what were you expecting concerning Granuaile?

I didn't expect it at all. I really thought that she was witch too.

5. Laksha is a witch, a truly evil one at that for many of the things she's done in the past. However, she's supposedly seen the error of her ways. Do you think she really has? Would you be willing to trust her? Do you think Atticus is smart to have decided to trust her to help him with the "other" witches?

From their convos, I thought Laksha was sincere to admit her mistakes and I did feel some genuineness about her helping Atticus against the "other" witches. I just hope this temporary alliance will not bite him so hard in the backside. *Cross fingers*

Music Monday: "Waiting for Daylight" by a1

Okay, this Monday feature was over at my other blog which I'm thinking of migrating other things here since I don't know what possessed me to create another blog when I could have  used Wayfarer's Way when I re-started with the blogging wave. I initially thought I can separate my other interests but it seems that I can't. They spill over there too. Passages is my second blog while the Wayfarer's Way, was my original one.

Anyway, cut history blog trivia...One of my favorite bands came to the country last month after taking a loo-ng hiatus to venture on individual projects that led them to grow further in music. '"Waiting for Daylight" was the title track off their new album.

 

Philippine Tour Edition Cd

Review will be coming up as soon as I untangle myself from the binds of their latest tunes. :D

Follow a1official via Twitter
Follow Ben Adams via Twitter
Follow Christian Ingebrigsten via Twitter
Follow Mark Read via Twitter

Check their official site where you can hear snippets of the new tracks. I tell you, you'll want to visit the site every day just to listen to the tracks. :D I was, some three years ago. haha
Buy the cd Amazon UK (contact friends or relatives residing over there and are planning to go home your way to save on costs. It'll be good a gift!)
iTunes link
Find them in Facebook

Come join Music Monday and share your songs with us. Rules are simple. Leave ONLY the ACTUAL LINK POST here and grab the code below and place it at your blog entry. You can grab this code at LadyJava's Lounge Please note these links are STRICTLY for Music Monday participants only. All others will be deleted without prejudice.   PS: Because of spamming purposes, the linky will be closed on Thursday of each week at midnight, Malaysian Time. Thank you!

Photo-Hunt: Creative

Today's theme is Creative:

This was done last year (never mind the  incorrect camera date hahaa) and I sat trying to de-stress. I used some left over clay blocks and just on a whim worked on this little guy. :D  I think the feet needs to be smaller. :D

Do check out "Masters of the Veil" giveaway  and read about Mr. Daniel Cohen's guest post too here.  

Hounded: Questions Week 3, Chapters 11-15

Week 3

Discussion Schedule:

March 16th: Chapters 11-15 hosted by Smash Attack Reads!

March 23rd: Chapters 16-20 hosted by In the Closet With a Bibliophile

March 30th: Chapters 21-25 + epilogue hosted by The Unread Reader

1. I love Leif Helgarson, Viking Vampire, Esq. I have to say that combo makes a pretty cool attorney. If you could have a paranormal/mythical beastie (or combo) covering your tuckus in court, what would you choose and why?


Wow, this is quite a hard question, the mystical character would be Medusa. The creeps would think twice to tell her lies and I think she can get the  job done equally too without resorting to lift that protective shades off her mesmerizing eyes. 

2. The police show up to question Atticus about his Irish Wolfhound, Oberon. If you could own any dog breed, what would it be and why? (P.S. Oberon is going on my list of favorite sidekicks!)


My first retriever was named Apollo and as puppy, he sure took a bite on every shoe. hahaha If I had lots of lawn space, a golden retriever because I just love how dependable-looking they are (as if I can lean on them if I'm having a bad day) and love the beautiful golden coat too. I love the energy this dog can bring. They are a handful but it will be fun. 

3. Malina Sokolowski and the other Sisters of the Three Auroras coven have my antennae up. What is your opinion of them? 


I'm still wary of them. It looks like they have their own agenda apart from the ones they let on. 


4. Brighid, goddess of poetry, fire and the forge, gave Atticus the power of Cold Iron, which can be used to fight off that nasty lilttle hellspawn. If you could wield one magical power, what would it be and why?


If I could wield a power, it would be a power like of an Elemental because you can do almost anything with that ability. 


5. The cops show up at Atticus’ shop to search for poor Oberon, who remains magically hidden throughout the ordeal. What is the one thing you would do if you could remain hidden from sight? I want to hear some good answers for this one! 


Hmm, if I were to be hidden from sight (and found myself in UK), I would leave lines to a short poem to my music crush's collectibles.  Lolz, I try to lighten up the feel here. 


Do check out "Masters of the Veil" giveaway  and read about Mr. Daniel Cohen's guest post too here.  

Covert Affairs Day

I was surprised yesterday (Tuesday) and totally didn't know there was going to be an hour Q&A with Auggie Andersion (portrayed by Christopher Gorham) over at ReallyTV in the UK but I tried my luck and sent in my questions:

 

It was a mad race! My fingers were poised but no questions came for a while then inspiration knocked and five different questions came later. I was floored that right after I tweeted, his answer came back! Thanks so much Mr. Christopher Gorham. More power to the show. If you haven't been tuning in, check your local listings for the show. 

Photo Theme: Power

Visit Keyhole Pictures for other interpretations of power. :D

This was about three or four years ago after one of the super typhoon wake has flooded the basement. The microswitch installed has gone to fritzville and now, I was tasked to replace the unit on my OWN! Exciting and nervous at the same time. Too bad I didn't have hands-free phone then (someone took it) so I heavily relied on putting to memory what my dad told me after we talked on the phone! Kids DON'T attempt to fix any kind of wiring in the house. I've done this several times and it still gets me extra cautious. The black insulated wire is directly feeding from the main of the house. Not trusting by just switching off the fuses (haha), I practically plunged the house in darkness by every circuit box I could find at the house. I donned one of those headlamps and I was feeling like I was an archaeologist.  :D

Do check out "Masters of the Veil" giveaway  and read about Mr. Daniel Cohen's guest post too here. 

Hounded: The Iron Druid Chronicles Chapter 6 - 10

Week 2:

Discussion Schedule:

March 09th: Chapters 6-10 hosted by On a Book Bender

March 16th: Chapters 11-15 hosted by Smash Attack Reads!

March 23rd: Chapters 16-20 hosted by In the Closet With a Bibliophile

March 30th: Chapters 21-25 + epilogue hosted by The Unread Reader

1. In Chapter 6, Atticus goes hunting with Oberon and Flidais. What was supposed to be a fun hunting trip turned rather disastrous. Were you expecting something like this to happen or did it catch you by surprise? Have you ever had something that should have been fun turn disastrous or nearly disastrous?

I wasn't expecting at all that Flidais would have a hold on them. I didn't take too high note when it was mentioned 'Goddess of the Hunt' earlier. That should have been a clue. :D

In real life, nothing ended up as disastrous only it turned out to be a result of a bad decision. It was last year and I missed finding where the nearest bus terminal in the city and I decided on hiring a cabbie and let's just say it racked up high fare that I thought I would end up getting stuck in the city and with my cellphone battery life dangerously low, I may not have been able to call out for friend to help me.

2. We are only briefly introduced to the witches (or, a witch) in chapter 7. What are your first impressions? How much would you trust the witches? Why?

I thought Emily was okay even if she was a brusque. Hmmm, it depends, if the witches are like The Charmed Ones (you know, the Halliwells) but returning to the book, I might not go side-by-side with them unless I have perfectly sure that my wards will help me against their tricks.

3. Oberon says, “With dogs you just go up and smell their asses and you know where you stand. It’s so much easier. Why can’t humans do that?” Do you ever wish there was an easier way to find out where you stand with someone (besides Oberon’s suggestion, of course)? In what cases would it be easier or better to hide your true feelings?

Lolz, I still don't think I'd like sniffing someone's behind. I guess for me if I wanted to know someone's feelings on where I stand, would have the trait of an empath/ telepath. 

4. Chapter 9 makes Atticus’ life much more difficult: the witches are in some way working with Aeghus Og, Bres comes after Atticus, and more trouble appears at the end of the chapter. Have you made sense of what has happened thus far? Any predictions for what might happen?

It looks like Atticus will be running up against more complications before the week ends. 

5. Atticus has had plenty of time to cultivate attitudes and ethics that would allow him to live a very long time. What do you think it is about Atticus that has allowed him to live for as long as he has?

I find him manifesting high adaptability rate as a personality trait. For me, (for some reasons I managed to cultivate these bloody walls) that when I move to a different place, I find out how hard it was to adjust to the people around me, the routine of said work place etc, which I think stemmed from living in a place for a long time and getting too comfortable. I never had problems moving around before. So for Atticus, he found the value of accepting change and embraced it.

Do check out "Masters of the Veil" giveaway  and read about Mr. Daniel Cohen's guest post too here.

Follow Friday (20)

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: Have you ever looked at the book's cover and thought, This is going to be horrible? But, was instead pleasantly surprised? Show us the cover and tell us about the book.
  

When I bought this one, I thought this will be more in the vain of trade talks and from reading books in the past using that as springboard, it was always a 50-50 chance for me to enjoy a story. Fortunately, this one even with several round table scenes between warring factions, it was treated very well. I didn't feel I was dragging a 100-pound potato bag with me. :D  

Do check out "Masters of the Veil" giveaway  and read about Mr. Daniel Cohen's guest post too here. 

Top Ten Favorite Covers

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!


My Top Ten Covers are a mix of 2012 and 2011 covers really, Oh well, in no particular order. :D 

Expected Publication :August 07, 2012 by Orbit

Comment: I haven't read steampunk books before but I couldn't resit not highlighting this cover. The lady sure looks she means business and the guy? Hmm, mild-mannered-ish yet he might be someone who holds the MMA world title. :D 

In My Mailbox (9)

n My Mailbox is hosted by Story Siren which is about book (s) received/bought this week.

This week is getting to be a bit hectic but here's what I received for review. Squee! You can check Daniel Cohen's guest post here and the giveaway. 

Book Nooks (8)

Book Nooks

*Every weekend*

Founder: Sasha Soren (Random Magic)

Show us something pretty!

Join in: Add your own Book Nooks post.

Commentary: The dark tones of several furniture here and the same color used for the frames in the room  captured my gaze. I think using contrasts highlighted the room and gave some borders whereas if everything was the same color as the couch, I think it would make the room bland and unending. Holding your gaze for this room, makes you want to take in the center piece which was the couch set and the coffee table. The dark frames also gave that feeling for distance from the outside  or gave some depth to the outside viewing. I may want to put border plants instead the long stalks of plants so as not to make it look too busy. 

Original detail: Eclectic living room conservatory

A white leather suite and coffee table are  a perfect foil to a dark timber-framed windows and walnut-look laminate flooring from Allied Carpets in this light-filled conservatory. Deep red soft furnishings add a splash of color. 

Photographer and Location: None Given

Source: House to Home 

Photo Theme: Fluffly and Drop

Today's theme is Fluffy: :D For other participants visit here:

 The thick fluffy cloud all rolled up as if  buffeted by the engines of a flying saucer entering the atmosphere. Mulder would be jumping on his toes. :D

Today theme is drop. For the rest of the entries, check it here.

Valentine gone awry

Gwen: Don't worry Ben, I'm sure Julie will come around.
Ben (as Ultimate Echo-echo): I think this balloon just shows how I'm feeling right now and I can't make it work. *sigh*

Do check out "Masters of the Veil" giveaway  and read about Mr. Daniel Cohen's guest post too here.

Hounded: The Iron Druid Read-a-Long

Main Host

Welcome to Week #1 of the Kiss Me, I'm Irish read-along!

Discussion Schedule:

March 02nd: Chapters 1-5 hosted by Geeky Blogger's Book Blog

March 09th: Chapters 6-10 hosted by On a Book Bender

March 16th: Chapters 11-15 hosted by Smash Attack Reads!

March 23rd: Chapters 16-20 hosted by In the Closet With a Bibliophile

March 30th: Chapters 21-25 + epilogue hosted by The Unread Reader

Questions:

1) Kevin Hearne had the most perfect beginning for this book:  "There are many perks to living for twenty-one centuries, and formost among them is bearing witness to the rare birth of genius."  If you were to live for centuries what do you think you would be excited to see?  

A: The classical greats: Mozart, Chopin, Beethoven to name a few, the Parthenon, Atlantis if it did exist and the day we sent man to the moon. :D

2)In the 2nd chapter we learn about the amulet and its protection powers!  Do you think having met the Morrigan and heard about Aenghus Og that it will be enough to protect Atticus?  I mean the Morrigan has a point about hot chicks coming after him and his defenses might be down! He is very male!

A: I was also thinking Atticus might need some more wards added for defense and offense. His fairy specs seemed formidable but I hope it will continue to serve him no matter how strong the next enemy will come dropping by at his home or at his store.

Blog Tag - so I got tagged :D

Rules:

1. You must put the rules
2. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post and then create ten new questions to ask people that you have tagged. 
3. Tag eleven people and link them on your post.
4. Let them know you've tagged them.

My questions came from Chandra @Unabridged Bookshelf 

Q1: If you could only choose three books to have in a deserted island with you what would they be:
A: Bible, The Locket by Richard Paul Evans (review here) and Reliquary by Martha Wells (mini-review here).

Q2: What situations or issues can you do without in a book?
A: Hmm, the seemingly contrived scenes that sends the lead protag to/will always/eventually fall for the damsel in distress and get hot and heavy in the chambers so-o quickly that makes me laugh at times.

Q3: What is the book or series that got you to start reading?
A: Nancy Drew books

Q4: What is one book you loved, that you discovered through blogging?
A: I don't know yet. I'm currently reading Solstice By P.J. Hoover and Hide 'N Go Seek By Dale Mayer and Hounded: The Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne

Q5: What is your favorite fairytale?
A: The Swan Princess

Q6: If you could change one thing about your favorite book, what would it be?
A: Well, my favorite book is presently "The Locket" by Richard Paul Evans and I guess the changes would be the same ones from what was seen in the TV movie. :D

Q7: What is your favorite supernatural creature?
A:  A Griffin :D

Q8: Can you say Rubber Baby Buggie Bumpers five times fast?
A: Not quite. :D Took me five sets to get it straight. hahah

Q9: What are you top five books being released in 2012?
A:  Cinder by Marissa Meyer, Iron Wyrm Affair by Lilith Saintcrow, Masters of the Veil by Daniel Cohen, Tricked by Kevin Hearne and The Assassination Game by Alan Gratz

Q10: You wake up to discover the Zombie Apocalypse has arrived? What do you do?
A: Call Doc Brown and hop inside his Delorean. :D

I'm tagging:
Alison @Alisoncanread
Jules@UltimatelyCharmed
Michelle@Truebookaddict
Mary@Sweepingme
Erika @One a Day Y.A.
Sam@Realm of Fiction
Primrose@Primrose Musings
Lisa@TheNocturnalLibrary
Carol@Carol'sNotebook
Dottie@Tink's Place
Kathy@Iamreader,not a writer

My questions for them:

Adding Minor characters

A simple tool to impart important information is to create a minor character to deliver it when it can’t be conveyed visually, for example. What fun is that for the audience and, moreover, for the actor portraying the role? If an actor enjoys his part, he will surely be more memorable on screen. That’s what you want." From Creating An Unforgettable Screenplay, Part 1: Making Minor Characters Count " by  Christine Autrand Mitchell  

Posted by Threelinesorless to read more about it.

Do check out "Masters of the Veil" giveaway  and read about Mr. Daniel Cohen's guest post too here.