Currently Reading

Currently reading: Vulture by Bex Hogan.

Monday 27 February 2012

News: I Am Number Four Lost Files 2: Nine's Legacy Publishes Tomorrow!

If like me, you are a fan of the Lorien Legacies series by Pittacus Lore, then no doubt August seems a very, very long way away right now, The Rise of Nine just a distant sight on the horizon. Well, this might help ease the wait... A new, exclusive ebook is set to be released tomorrow and it's set to give us a bit of background to a character we met at the end of the second book (The Power of Six), Nine.

It's called The Lost Files: Nine's Legacy and is the second in a series of "Lost Files", the first of which, Six's Legacy was published last July just before the second book.

Nine's Legacy will be available tomorrow (28th February) for Kindle, and other e-readers priced just £1.49. WHAT A BARGAIN! That's $3.99 for US readers. But still. What a bargain?! I for one cannot wait!

 

Number Nine - when John frees him from his cell in the power of six, he's ferocious, reckless, and ready to fight back. But being held captive changes a person - even a Lorien. Before meeting John Smith, aka Number Four, before being held prisoner, Nine was hunting down Mogadorians in Chicago with his Cepan, Sandor. What happened there would change Nine forever. . Now you can have an exclusive look at what Nine was like before his capture, and read about his dramatic escape from his point of view.



Sunday 26 February 2012

NEW JK ROWLING BOOK!


CUE MAD SCREAMING, RUNNING AROUND, A BIT OF FLAPPING AND MAYBE EVEN A LITTLE BIT OF (EXCITED) CRYING.

Yes! JK Rowling this week announced a brand new book due for publication later on this year! 

Now, I wanted to post about this earlier in the week, when it was announced, but my laptop has been out of service this week (blooming gremlins). But in hindsight, it's a good thing. When it was first announced on Thursday, all we knew was that it was a book for adults, and that it was being published by Little Brown in both the UK and US... Ooh, and that it's going to be very different from Harry Potter. This had me excited, as I'll be honest, as much as I love Harry, I don't want a re-tread of his story. I want something completely new from Jo and the fact that it's so different is such a relief.


Rumours started to fly about when the book will actually be published. Guesses (and I suppose some calculation based on previous announcement to publication date timelines) ranged from around 6 months to late 2013! Ouch. That would be one heck of a wait. 

Then, on Friday, Jo herself took to Twitter and confirmed that it'll be out later this year! YES! YES! So, we're getting a new JK Rowling book in the next 10 months! Argh! I for one am freaking excited and cannot wait!

Sunday 19 February 2012

In My Postbox #50

In My Mailbox idea from Kristi @ The Story Siren, and all links take you to Amazon UK

Hey everyone. Hope you are all well and enjoying your weekend! Here are the books I've revieved/bought in the last 2 weeks (or is it 3 now? I'm losing count...) since the last In My Postbox! :D


(N.B. I noticed a little too late that two books in here - Geekhood and Hollow Pike have already been featured, when I thought they hadn't... Oops...)

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FOR REVIEW:

A Confusion of Princes by Gath Nix (so excited for this one - it sounds great and I am in love with the cover!!!!)
Hallowed by Cynthia Hand.
Forbidden by Ted Dekker.
Mr. Creecher by Chris Priestley.
A Midsummer Tights Dream by Louise Rennison.
Seraphina by Rachel Hartman (A LOT of buzz about this one over on Twitter. Hadn't heard of it till I got this ARC but it sounds awesome and I cannot wait to give it a go!
Unravelling by Elizabeth Norris (another one I am very excited about!)
Bracelet of Bones by Kevin Crossley-Holland.
Invincible by Sherrilyn Kenyon.

And finally something special! :D A book I have been waiting for since it was announced in December 2010... 


Gods And Warriors by Michelle Paver!

ARGH! YES! YES! JUST YES! It's real. It actually exists. It's no longer just a distant hope. It's a book and it's here!


It's not actually published until 28th August, but I've already read it and good grief is it amazing! Michelle Paver is back, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, with a colossal bang. I really cannot wait to see what  happens next. I have to give a special shout out and thank you to Rhys over at http://www.thirstforfiction.com/ for making this happen! He's awesome and you should all go check out his brilliant blog!

The book itself is signed, and me and Michelle go way back (met her the first time in 2006 and speak to her via letter and as I'm a moderator on her official website (www.jointheclan.com) and so the message makes me feel all jumpy and happy. I would share it, but I've decided that I don't want to show books that have been signed when there's a message specifically to me. I spoke to fellow bloggers about this on Twitter and feel it's personal and, I suppose selfishly, I want to keep it for me! Haha. I know it sounds dumb but hey, ho, that's how it goes! 

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BOUGHT:

The Hunger Games: The Tribute Guide - Read this, and might review it. It's basically just a load of pictures and a little bit of text, which rather than being a guide to the tributes themselves, is more of an abridged version of the book itself from Reaping to entering the arena for the Games themselves. Good, and a nice little collectable for die-hard fans, but not really anything to make a big song and dance about sadly!

The Hunger GamesCatching Fire and Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins. The adult UK editions. Black with the birds from the original US covers. Love these so freaking much and despite having the UK original paperbacks, US hardbacks and the e-books on my Kindle, these were on The Works for £1.99 but if bought all together, it came to £4.99. I'm sorry but that is a bargain I could not pass up on. They look so impressive all lined up. :D LOVE IT!

News: New John Boyne Book Due August

I loved John's last book for younger readers, Noah Barleywater Runs Away. It dealt with death in such a touching, innocent and yet realistic way and was definitely one of the best books I read in 2010. Now, he's set to release another children's/YA book. It's called The Terrible Thing That Happened To Barnaby (watch out Tom Clempson, I think someone's coming for your Award for Longest Book Title!) and it's out 2nd August, and published by the lovely folk at Doubleday/Random House. It looks like this...



And it sounds like this...

There’s nothing unusual about the Brockets. Boring, respectable and fiercely proud of it, Alistair and Eleanor Brocket turn up their noses at anyone strange or different. But from the moment Barnaby Brocket comes into the world, it’s clear he’s anything but normal. To the horror and shame of his parents, Barnaby appears to defy the laws of gravity – and floats. 
Little Barnaby is a lonely child – after all, it’s hard to make friends when you’re ten feet in the air. Desperate to please his parents, he does his best to stop floating, but he just can’t do it. Then, one fateful day, Barnaby’s mother decides enough is enough. She never asked for a weird, abnormal, floating child. She’s sick and tired of the newspapers prying and the neighbours gossiping. Barnaby has to go . . . 
Betrayed, frightened and alone, Barnaby floats into the path of a very special hot air balloon. And so begins a magical journey around the world; from South America to New York, Canada to Ireland, and even a trip into space, Barnaby meets a cast of truly extraordinary new friends and realises that nothing can make you happier than just being yourself.

Saturday 18 February 2012

News: Cover art for final Artemis Fowl released!

So, Eoin Colfer is set to finish the Artemis Fowl series later on this year (10th July, to be exact) with the publication of the seventh and final book, Artemis Fowl and the Last Guardian. I have to admit, it's been a fair few years since I last read an Artemis Fowl book. I think the last was Opal Deception? I can't quite remember! Well, now the cover art for the final volume has been released. Check it out!



What do you think?

Me, I'm not sold just yet. I like it, but there's something that just feels a little off about it. 

Wednesday 15 February 2012

IT'S MY 2ND BLOGOVERSARY!

Wow, today is my second blogoversary! Hard to think that it's 2 years ago today that I actually started Empire of Books. The time has gone freakishly, insanely fast and I can't quite believe it! I've spoken to so many amazing people, read so many amazing books and had an absolute ball! Loved every second! 

I'd like to just say thank you to everyone that has helped make EoB what it is. Everyone visiting and checking it out, the publicists, the authors themselves who are all awesome. So happy right now! I started EoB when I wasn't in a really good time in my life and since then things have gotten so much better! And I love it!

And so, to the fun bit. I am running a little competition. I say little, because I'm skint, but I'm running one anyway. I missed last years for several reasons, and so this year will not! All you have to do to win, is fill out the form below... That's it. You don't have to be a follower (although if you are, GREAT!!), you don't need to answer any questions. All you have to do is be a UK Resident (sorry to readers from overseas! Hopefully there'll be an international comp at some point!!)...

Anyway, what do you win, I hear? Well, you can pick 2 books out of ANY book that I have reviewed in the last 2 years. From Mockingjay to Dark Matter. From Torn to Angel. Any two books. That's a choice of 88 books!!! I'll work on compiling a complete list which I will send to the winner upon closing date! Closes on 1st March! So good luck, and again, thank you! :D

Tuesday 14 February 2012

News: Cover for Michelle Harrison's UNREST!

Argh! At last the cover for Unrest by The Thirteen Treasures author, Michelle Harrison has been released and it is a corker. I love how simple yet effective and creepy it is! The smoke effect looks so cool. Cannot wait to read it! It's out 26th April!


Seventeen-year-old Elliott hasn’t slept properly for months. Not since the accident that nearly killed him. Sometimes he half-wakes, paralysed, while shadowy figures move around him. Other times he is the one moving around, while his body lies asleep on the bed. His doctors say sleep paralysis and out of body experiences are harmless - but to Elliott they’re terrifying. 

Convinced that his brush with death has attracted the spirit world, Elliott secures a job at a reputedly haunted museum, determined to discover the truth. There, he meets the enigmatic Ophelia. But, as she and Elliott grow closer, Elliott draws new attention from the dead. One night, during an out of body experience, Elliott returns to bed to find his body gone. Something is occupying it, something dead that wants to live again . . . and it wants Ophelia, too . . . 

A chilling new novel for teen readers from the best-selling author of the widely-acclaimed 13 Treasures sequence.

Hollow Pike Blog Tour: Hypothetical Cast

Today, I am honoured to host the wonderful James Dawson as part of the Hollow Pike Blog Tour!! Hollow Pike is a book made of pure awesome, so without further ado, take it away James!!

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When writing a novel, I doubt anyone does so with a film adaptation in mind. But it’s a sign of the times that when I tell people I have a book coming out, the second thing they ask (after ‘what’s it about?’) is ‘when is the film coming out?’ Well at the moment, never, but you can’t help but imagine who’d play who in a film or TV adaptation. With this in mind, here is my dream cast list for the Hollow Pike saga.

Before I reel off the list, you’ll note that the main characters of Lis, Danny, Kitty, Delilah and Jack are absent. Why? I feel that, much like in Potter or Twilight, these roles are gifts to up-and-coming newcomers. I’d love to see young British talent fill the main roles. My pet hate is 28 year olds playing teenagers (a la Rizzo from Grease), so I would prefer the roles to go to actual teenage rising stars. The adult cast however, I have considered…

Sarah Harvey played by Eve Myles: The role of Lis’s half-sister needs a warm-hearted Welsh woman, and I can think of no-one better than the Torchwood actress. In fact, I could almost picture Myles when writing the scenes. Although she is supposed to be blond…‘hello, wig department?’

Ms Dandehunt played by Imelda Staunton: One of my favourite actresses, I was especially impressed by her recent turn in The Awakening. Fans of Harry Potter will know her best as Dolores Umbridge, and although Ms Dandehunt is a much cuddlier character, she does have a dark side…

Laura Rigg played by Kaya Scodelario: The Wuthering Heights actress has exactly the right look for high school bitch Laura. More than that, her beauty is intimidating, something so important for the Queen Bee of Fulton High.

Mr Gray played by Matt Smith: He’s only known as Doctor Who at the moment, but, as an actor, I think Smith is one of best British talents out there. I think he’d be note perfect as the well-meaning, floppy-haired Spanish teacher and confidant to Lis et al.

Keith Monroe played by Idris Elba: Busy, busy man, but hopefully he’d find the time to play Kitty’s domineering police-chief father. Less psychotic than Luther and he’d need to brush up on a Yorkshire accent – after The Wire shouldn’t be too hard!

Leslie Sharp as Mrs Gillespie: I would KILL for Sharp to play this role. She is outstanding in everything she does. If you haven’t seen the Doctor Who episode ‘Midnight’, do so immediately. She would NAIL the creepy wise-woman of Hollow Pike. I think she’d keep viewers on the edge of their seats!

Tom Ellis as Max Harvey: The Miranda star would be ideal for Lis’s rock-solid brother-in-law. He has just the right father-figure warmth. Plus, I would get to meet him and he is hot. Problem with that? Let’s move on…

Enough of this speculative madness. It’s up to you, the reader, to send me suggestions of who should play who in Hollow Pike. Allow your mind to create your own versions of the characters and completely disregard my list! In the early stages of cover talks, I asked that there not be a photo of Lis on the cover for this reason – so each reader can make their own Lis. I always say read the book before the film, that way, if and when a film does come out, you can bitch with your mates about how your version would have been ten times better!

Saturday 11 February 2012

News: Title and cover art for TimeRiders Book 6

Book Five in Alex Scarrow's awesome TimeRiders series was only published last week, and no sooner do we get to the Gates of Rome are we about to enter the shadowy world of Victorian London where one Jack The Ripper roams the blood stained streets! Book Six is, appropriately, called City of Shadows and is out 2nd August!


Hunted by cyborg assassins from the future, the TimeRiders must abandon New York and go on the run. They escape to Victorian London and the streets where Jack the Ripper roams. But, before they can establish their new base, they make their most shattering discovery yet - and it will change everything . . .

Cannot wait! 

Sunday 5 February 2012

In My Postbox #49


In My Mailbox idea from Kristi @ The Story Siren, and all links take you to Amazon UK.



FOR REVIEW:

Wyrmeweald: Bloodhoney by Stewart and Riddell.
Starters by Lissa Price.
Dead Rules by R. S. Russell.
Geekhood by Andy Robb.
The Last Four Things by Paul Hoffman,
Oliver Twisted by J. D. Sharpe.
Every Other Day by Jennifer Lynn Barnes.

BOUGHT:

Hollow Pike by James Dawson (finished, hardback copy - so beautiful!!).

As usual, thanks to all the awesome publicists/publishers!

Happy reading!

Saturday 4 February 2012

News: Cover revealed for The Killables!

Hodder and Stoughton are gearing up to publish what promises to be a spectacular new book from Gemma Malley, next month! It's called The Killables and it sounds a little like this:

"Everyone accepted that people were different physically. But inside? Inside, they were different too. You just had to know how to tell, what to look for. Evil has been eradicated. The City has been established. And citizens may only enter after having the 'evil' part of their brain removed. They are labelled on the System according to how 'good' they are. If they show signs of the evil emerging, they are labelled a K ...But no one knows quite what that means. Only that they disappear, never to be seen again ..."

OOH! The proof currently sits on my to read pile, and I'm actually trying to decide what to read next and now the cover has been revealed, I think it's swaying my decision. How awesome does the cover look?


Trailer: The Hunger Games Second Trailer

Every day that goes by I just get more and more excited for this movie. And now a new trailer has been revealed giving us a further glimpse into the world of Panem and The Hunger Games. Damn it looks so good! Must re-read it before I see it. Roll on 23rd March!


Thursday 2 February 2012

Guest Post: Marcus Alexander and the Keeper of the Realms


Well yesterday we had an entry from Joshua's diary from Susanne Winnacker's The Other Life, and today something just as exciting. When I received an email just before Christmas about a book called Keeper of the Realms, I did a little double take. Ooh. What an intriguing title. And upon reading further, both about the book and the author, a gentleman named Marcus Alexander, the more I knew I had to read this book! Well, now, here is Marcus to tell us a little about his awesome travelling which helped him to create the world in which his book is set...


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I'd like to say I'm a serious guy with a strong sense of discipline but the unfortunate truth is I like mischief and I can't stand staying put in one place for any length of time. The world is simply too big, it's definitely too funky and even though we're living in modern times with an expanse of media coverage there's certainly still a lot of adventure out there.

I started travelling overseas when I was sixteen; I'd sneak over to Paris or go tenting on a shoestring budget to Marseille. Eighteen saw me disappearing over to India and Nepal where I promptly got cheated by cardsharks, harassed by shysters and endured the light fingers of professional pickpockets. But nevertheless times were still sweet! I got to dangle my toes in the Ganges, walk in the shadow of Mount Everest, clamber across rumbling glaciers and run screaming from tarantulas in the jungle.

My early twenties delivered me to the Golden Triangle where I wriggled through constricting subterranean tunnels to emerge in crystal strewn caverns, crept through the tangled ruins of overgrown temples, fought in crowded stadiums and watched endless games of Tekraw.

All of this and more was born from early years of reading. It was science fiction and fantasy books that fired my passion and filled me with the need to travel. Reading about acrobatic heroes and enduring heroines was what filled me with the enthusiasm to jump into the sports of capoeira, parkour, gymnastics and snowboarding and ultimately they're what caused me to return home and put pen to paper to create the Keeper of the Realms series.

Having had my imagination kicked into overdrive through past experiences I've tried to create the kind of fantasy world that I would give an arm and a leg to walk (hobble) through. I'd like to pass on my thanks to the books that I read as a kid in the hopes that Charlie Keeper and her adventures throughout Bellania leave you, in turn, with a glimmer of excitement and a desire for travel.

Kindest of Regards,

Marcus Alexander

_

Awesome stuff. Seriously need to read this bad boy! It's currently quite high up in the reading pile and cannot wait! Marcus also sent over this awesome pic saying thank you! Cheers dude! :D THANK YOU!


The Keeper of the Realms: Crow's Revenge is out today!


Happy Publication Day To Hollow Pike!!


It's finally here! Official publication day! HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY TO JAMES DAWSON AND HIS AMAZING NEW BOOK WHICH IS TOTALLY AWESOME, HOLLOW PIKE!!!

You all need to get this book right NOW! I'm not kidding. It's so good. Surprising in so many ways, you'll be drawn right into the heart of the story! Cannot recommend it enough!

Wishing you all the very best James! :)

Wednesday 1 February 2012

Day 3 of The Other Life Blog Tour - Joshua's Diary




Today folks, something special! Day Three of The Other Life Blog Tour to celebrate the release of... well... The Other Life by Susanne Winnacker! A diary entry from Joshua! ENJOY

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1139 days since our other life ended...

Karen sent me out to search for provisions. It seemed a bit unnecessary. We’ve still got the tomatoes and peppers we’re growing, and the potatoes will be ready soon too. And if the worst comes to the worst we could butcher one of our cows or a chicken. But Karen gave me that look when I argued with her, as if she knows me better than I know myself. As if she could tell I was fishing for excuses.

I don’t mind providing for Safe-haven – it’s my duty and I never cop out. But today I wanted to go hunting. And she knew that. We’d argued about it only yesterday. “Why do you want to go on a hunt twice in only a couple of days?” she asked. “Because the cities are still full of them. They’re everywhere,” I told her, but she just smiled that serene smile. “It’s not your job to deal with Weepers. You can’t release them all. It’s running. You’re running away from something – maybe from yourself.” I wanted to shout at her then but she’s always stitching me up and taking care of me like a mother would, so I dropped it.

Of course, she didn’t give up. And this morning, I couldn’t say no in front of the others when she told me we needed food, couldn’t argue when she sent Larry with me. Because when he’s with me, there’s no chance for a little hunting trip between looking for provisions. And she knows that.

Larry is a good companion. He’s nothing like Karen – maybe that’s why she married him. He doesn’t talk too much and doesn’t insist on getting his way. Sometimes he spends hours staring out of the window without as much as a twitch. Only his eyes flicker in those moments, and you can tell that he’s looking at another place, another time.

It took us hours to find stores that hadn’t been raided yet. It’s getting more difficult. We have to drive longer distances. Some day there won’t be any stores left in the area and then we won’t have a choice but to move. Nomads again. But not yet. Today we came home with cans of beans and corn, jars of pickles and apple sauce. And Karen looked happy. I don’t think it was the food. But I don’t care.