steampunkery & book reviews

Personal Travel No. 3 ---> Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

2012-02-08T07:00:00.000-06:00

One of the many huge sculptures within Indianapolis.

One of the few Steam Clocks in the world.

Standing proud out behind the Indiana State Museum

along the boardwalk next to the canal.

The view from my hotel room.

Traffic going past the Eiteljorg Museum.

Mad Scientist was in Indianapolis with the then Five Clans Rocket team

for Earth & Sky interactive project they had going on.

Here are a few of the team rockets that were available to view.

More outside sculptures... I love how they are dancing above the flowers.

Walking through downtown to get to the most wonderful resturatant that the Mad Scientist highly recommends! It is so good. I've been to it several times over!

Le Peep Restaurant is a stop I must make every time I drive through Indianapolis or if I'm stopping at the wonderful city itself.
Looking so yummy. This is a egg white omelet. My memories fail me now & I'm unsure of which kind. Mad Scientist happened to be driving through, headed to Florida, and timed it be park right outside at 5:45 am for 6 am open. I split the omelet with my brother. --- Their french toast is also amazing!

Thanks for stopping by Indianapolis with the Mad Scientist!

Personal Travel No. 2 ---> Venice Beach, Florida, USA

2012-02-01T11:36:00.000-06:00

A fun warm visit to the Venice Beach, Florida.

A great way to spend an evening.

Boys are always tired after a good swim.

I get a beautiful sunset.

All is fair in a day at the beach!

How wonderful did this picture turn out!

It is one of my favorite pictures!

#WhereIStand

Sort of...

Beach sunsets are always beautiful.

Push & Pull of the tide.

Brings in new sand and washes away old shells to uncover

items that have always been there. Waiting!

A whole new direction...

A whole new sight...

A whole new love...

Personal Travel No.1 ---> Longji Rice Terraces, Guangxi, China

2012-01-25T07:00:00.000-06:00

I do a fair amount of travel... local, national, & international.

The Mad Scientist needs a more proper way of keeping them in order.

I am going to start numbering my personal travel posts in hopes that I can

share in a more organized manner without many repeat pictures.

Which would hardly be horrid, expect I have millions of pictures!

Look forward to new places, random daily photos, food, ocean, weird beyond weird & hopefully some Travelling books, nooks, & Kindle pictures!

Enjoy!

As always let me know if you do enjoy and want more pictures ;)

Could you walk through this 600 year old doorway with out thinking of the

past, present & future?!?

The village in which I stayed.

Set high up in the mountains it was a sight to behold!

Can you see the mist rolling in the background?

A sort of grave marker along the trail through the rice terraces!

Locals working on their export, red chilis.

The red contrast against the green terraces is beautiful.

Bright and vivid green rice terrace!

Breathtaking!

The view from my spectacular room!

It was such a cozy room. We could hear the rosters crow

& the locals loud and crazy with their drinking games.

What's Your Status {No. 8}

2012-01-23T09:26:00.001-06:00

MeMe hosted by Zakiya @ Butterfly Feet Walking on Life

This week I finished:

Moon Called #1 of Mercy Thompson Series

You know what that means. I have officially started another series.

Where is book two? Searches!

I have that one ebook style ;)

Thanks to the lovely Jen at In the Closet with a Bibliophile.

I heart her very much & you will too!

It's been a slow week since recovery & meds didn't make for the best reading time.

If you missed the post, Mad Scientist had gallbladder surgery last Sunday :(

Finished Last Week:

Eye of the Tempest

Jane True #4

If you are curious here is my shortest review of the series,

"Jane True Rocks The Paranormal Fiction Book World!"

Pick it up, you wont be disappointed!

Death Cloud is a book about Young Sherlock Holmes & his first mystery

I found it to be a bit too dry for me :(

Between Shades of Gray was mentioned on my GoodReads group

as a great book for not only traveling to another country but as a historical fiction.

This novel about Stalin's holocaust is amazing!

5 blasts, 5 stars, 5 hearts!

Pick this one up, you will love it.

For that I need to thanks Candace from Candace's Book Blog for telling me just that!

Currently Reading:

Eat Pray Love

It is taking me a long time to chew through this novel.

However, annoying I might find her constant whine

I do enjoy the traveling.

Mad Scientist is now in Pray, Book Two.

The Cool Woman is a book I picked up at GoodWill.

Go figure. I may say I dislike taking my grandma there

But I always come away with a new book or two!

What might be next:

Fair Coin... It is a YA were the choices might not always be good!

Thanks to the lovely people at PYR!

Newest Book Review:
Tempest's Legacy by Nicole Peeler
Bite Me by Parker Blue
Newest {ARC} Book Review:

The Mephisto Covenant by Trinity Faegen

What's Your Status?

The Mad Scientist wants to know!

Or Recommend me a book!

Mini Monday {No. 1}

2012-01-21T11:35:00.000-06:00

Adult Mini's

There are so many different short stories, novellas, and quickies that I felt a need or a desire if you will to feature some of the ones that I pick up and devour in between loads of laundry, waiting for the boys to come home, in the car waiting for the gas to pump and suck my wallet dry. You name it there is a few minutes to spare in surprising situations.

I'd just like to just share that they will not always be adult Mini's.

Wicked Game, Jumping Bones, & Payback

By: Lizzie Lynn Lee

Pages: Under 30 each
Tags: Adult, Fantasy Fiction, Short Stories, Erotica

Why the Mad Scientist read this book: Mad Scientist was just in the predect mood for quick fun free ebook finds ;)

Concoction of a Review: I cannot fathom a reason why I desired these little books. I just know they were to be had, for free mind you, that I found while browsing through NookBooks available. I picked out one and then found two more by the same author. Shaking my head at the screen thinking that it is so smart baiting me so. Well, I bit and I've read them already.

Wicked Game was my favorite out of the three. It might be a bit discomforting to those that are not to found of adventures bed chamber escapades. It would say the underlying BDSM theme.

Jumping Bones had me indifferent about it. Quick and hot. Yet, it didn't seem... Real. For a short erotica story one can hardly complain when a office desk is being defiled.

Of course one could never feel bad about getting in a quick story

saving a beloved tree that someone will one day read under!

Happy Mini Monday!

From the

In which a hospital visit leads to surgery

2012-01-16T03:44:00.001-06:00

I'm currently at the hospital. *whispers* I'm sure they think I'm sleeping. Or at least think I should be. Afterall it is 3 in the morning.

Earlier yesterday morning at 6 am I came to the hospital in severe pain once again for my incepit gallbladder!! Second time in a week. It started at 4 but I was hoping the meds they prescribed would slow it down, since I had the surgery scheduled for Tuesday morning.

No such luck my body tells me. I was poked w needles 5 times to get an IV started. The 5th time they had to use a pediatric needle. Then they came in to draw blood bc they couldn't get it the first 5 times. Geez. So I got poked two more times but was able to produce enough.

After a few hours I was admitted & scheduled to have my gallbladder taken out. I was a little freaked, by the surgery that is. Everyone was so nice but I still had run away tears. I wasn't crying but I wanted to, hence a few tears escaping.

They rolled me into the surgical room. It was bright and cold. The surgical nurse broke a piece off the rolling bed, which was funny. I had to shift from the warm bed to a very cold table. They hooked me up to stuff and laid warm blankets on me to stop my teeth from chattering away. They asked me to relax and next thing I know... Wallah! I'm coming out of sleep. Asking all kinds of questions like "did I do ok?" whatever that means, of course I didn't move & apparently I was still alive. Either way the chatter kept up bc I wanted to keep myself awake since I could only flutter my eyes open for a second to know I was in, yet another room.

Long story, but here I am resting in my room sipping on cranberry juice watching the clock tick by tell I can ask for another pain pill. I've been taking the lowest does spread apart as far as I can muster. I personally don't believe in putting so many chemicals in my body.

I leave you & me w some pictures of my day.

1.) My second IV ever. But it's in. Even if it's with a tiny child size needle. No shame in that.
2.) Mad Scientist shortly after check in.
3.) The horrid frankstein thumb print left on me from the blood drawn three days prior to this visit during my first ER visit for this problem.

{iPhone4 post from the hospital}

Currently Reading {The Cool Woman by John Aubrey Anderson}

2012-01-15T01:26:00.001-06:00

I feel the need to update since the Mad Scientist has not been around. I've been having health problems. Not too many days ago I was laid up in the hospital to find out it's my gallbladder. Oh no! Even worse... I have surgery on Tuesday for the removal of my pain, I mean gallbladder!

I'm excited to get back to normal, most of all back to you. However, I'm pretty scared. Loosing an organ at 30 cannot not be good preview into my future. :(

When I can concentrate I've been reading in bed. It's nice to relax but life is passing me by.

Now onto my quote:

"Freddy... Was marked with a perpetual five o'clock shadow and a tattoo of a naked lady on his hairy little arm. His life was an uninterrupted expenditure of energy to avoid labor. The skinny Yankee fueled his pursuit of leisure with beer, Lucky Stikes by the carton, and a taste for good dope."
~~ page 9

Yes, ladies and gentlemen it is officially a military read! It's been on my shelf & at the back of my mind for too long. I'm going to try chewing this one up this week!

{iPhone4 post from bed}

Unveiled Library Special Best of 2011

2012-01-05T07:00:00.000-06:00

Just a few of the books I loved from 2011!

Series

Young Adult Suspense

Young Adult Historical

Adult Historical

Travel

A sampling of the the books the Mad Scientist is Mad in Love with!

Sorry for a bit of Random

2012-01-05T01:22:00.001-06:00

It seems to me my travel journal for my upcoming teaching adventure in Guilin has official begun.

{China Adventure 2012 - Entry 1}

I just started to search online for a plane ticket to Guilin, China for next month. Oh Poppycock!!! Prices are insane! Nearly loosing my pretty little head from shaking off the shock or to keep profanity from spewing from my lips, I'm unsure of which. However, I wouldn't doubt both would be true.

What ever shall I do? Because quit frankly I cannot afford it. Yet, we all know I'm going no matter what.

I decided that I'm intent on selling my soul to get there. Hmm... I'm not that deep. At least I think.

Soul for sale! Soul for sale! Slightly used & it's still vibrant.

I'm deeply grave to think I shall have to sell all my books to make some extra $$. Now now. Don't fret. (I'm telling myself this as well.) I have my kindle and nook, I have amazing bookish friends who lend me ebooks *winks*, & in the end it will be all worth it. *crosses fingers*

Mad Scientist is being crushed by a catch 22. Loose my personal library or go to China to teach English. I shall have to ponder another way to get a plane ticket.

Library Unveiled {No. 7}

2011-12-22T08:54:00.002-06:00

Don't know what is in your library?

Want to share your books with others?

Curious to know what is in other libraries?
Massive TBR Pile?

I am quite sure that I am not the only mad person who has spent time strolling through another virtual library or digging through my own looking for the next beloved book to dive into or add to my wondrously long wishlist.

The Mad Scientist is also quite sure that with being surrounded by many many bound books that I am in no need of desiring more on a continuous scale that borders obsession. Of course, I really do not mean that...

Library Unveiled will allow you to share your personal library, bound or virtual, with the Mad Scientist and other bloggers.

Every Thursday stop by and share books & perhaps a snippet of your thoughts or link to a review.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Beautiful Creatures Series
Yes, I do enjoy some Dark Southern Gothic!

1.) Beautiful Creatures Review
2.) Beautiful Darkness Review
3.) Beautiful Chaos Review to Come

By Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

These beauties are indeed mine.
I've read them all and enjoyed them all.
However, I must say that I think the first book was still the best!

Mad Scientist is contemplating a re-read in this coming 2012 year.

*wink*

Other Fun Posts here at Steampunkery & Book Reviews

Beautiful Creatures Movie... a fun guest post by Candace @ Candace's Book Blog
Mad Scientist on a Scientist... Liv
Travel Machine... South Carolina

As you can see I have a small weakness when it comes to a odd and dark series.

What can be found in your library?
What is on your shelf?

Library Unveiled {No. 6}

2011-12-15T07:00:00.000-06:00

Don't know what is in your library?

Want to share your books with others?

Curious to know what is in other libraries?
Massive TBR Pile?

Library Unveiled will allow you to share your personal library, bound or virtual, with the Mad Scientist and other bloggers.

Every Thursday stop by and share books & perhaps a snippet of your thoughts or link to a review.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
December TBR before January gets here Books *grin*

1.) A Clockwork Christmas By JK Coi, PG Forte, Stacy Gail, Jenny Schwartz is a bound ~~book~~ ebook (for me) of short stories of the Steampunkery type. I'm not in the Xmas mood as of yet buy I hope by the end of this I will be :)

2.) Everneath By Brodi Ashton is an ARC that happens to not only have a beautiful cover that has me deeply curious as to what all that smokish stuff is swirling such a dress. Or is it apart of the dress. I'm deeply unsure.

Alas, the beauty and intrigue is not all that matters. This book will fulfill for a read for a color challenge, that of red for this month, for one of my GoodReads Book Groups ---> One Million Pages Per Lifetime

3.) Shatter Me (Shatter Me #1) By Tahereh Mafi is a book that I am currently reading. It felt like I was reading it fast. But to my dismay I have so much more to finish. I hope more is coming. So many loved this one. The Mad Scientist has not given up, just currently dived into a different book that wont share her attention to share with this one *wink*

My Lovlies, this is what I have on my shelf and as you can see... what I hope to read before Decemeber comes to a close.

What can be found in your library?
What is on your shelf?

**Book Titles are Linked to GoodReads for your Convince.***

Teaser Tuesday that of December 13th 2011

2011-12-12T22:17:00.000-06:00

Teaser Tuesday

I do believe it is time for some good old fashion Teasing!

Book Style! The way we like it!

Currently Reading:

Becoming Marie Antoinette

By Juliet Grey

Hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Steampunkery Teaser

Have you been looking for a more sustainable to get around.

Perhaps I have the solution for you.

*grins*

As it may be a mode of transportation that could be used. I'd like to say... it looks a bit front heavy so do be careful!

SOURCE

Travel Machine {No.4}

2011-12-12T07:30:00.000-06:00

All about Travel & Books & Images in any era!
Just a bit of inspiration to get us through the week.

Books...

They transport us to places we have spent time dreaming of.

They transport us to places we have been to in a new way.

They transport us to places only our imaginations could hope to dream of.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Traveling to the inspirational images brought to me from my travels to New York City and the fantasy fiction of a world within a world....

City of Bones

By Cassandra Clare

I've been to NYC several times over the last few years. For work and for the BEA.

By foot, cruise, taxi, bus & subway. NYC has any mode of transportation you could want.

My New York City!!

1. Horse Mask can be found at the National Museum of the Native American (Smithsonian)

2. Dusk Skyline as I head over the Manhattan Bridge.

3. Time Square for all of the curious minds out there. (My least favorite place in NYC)

4. Empire State Building - Just Massive!

5. I view into Brooklyn. Under the Manhattan Bridge.

***All pictures taken with iPhone 4***

Inspirational images:

Jace

Hot!

I leave you with a Quote!

This was just a small glimpse of NYC.
Again, the Mad Scientist has hopeless amounts of pictures.

Let me know if you enjoy visiting the Travel Machine.

If you want to see more NYC from BEA
Stop by the Aftermath of BEA.

Travel is just so irresistible!

Travel Machine {No. 3}

2011-12-07T07:00:00.000-06:00

Traveling to the inspirational images brought to me from the futuristic Re Telling of Cinderella....

Cinder

By Marissa Meyer

My Beijing

I took a trip to China this year and I took a few days to power through Beijing.
Here are a few pictures from my adventure.

China Central TV Building - CCTV
This is one of the oddest skyscrapers I have ever seen!

The bean Shaped building is the Beijing Opera House!
It looks like it is floating on water. It practically is!

Emperors Summer Palace

Great Wall of China!!!

Bridge within the Emperor's Summer Palace.

Temple of Heaven

Food at the Beijing Food Market. Pick out what you want and they deep fry it.
I had Squid and Scorpion. - Dong Hua Market

I hope you have enjoyed the short journey into today's Beijing.
The Mad Scientist is clueless to how a futuristic Beijing would stand up to this but I will have to say it is one amazing place to visit!

A previous Beijing Post has been made.
Stop by if for more of this city!
I have so many pictures that I might have to make a Beijing Post. *grin*

Travel is just so irresistible!

Book Review ---> Wither by Lauren DeStefano

2011-12-06T22:30:00.000-06:00

Wither
(Chemical Garden #1)

By:  Lauren DeStefano

Published By:   Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

Published Date:  March 22nd 2011

Pages:   Hardcover 358
Read:  June 2011

Book Cover Rating: 5

First Lines:   I wait. They keep us in the dark for so long that we lose sense of our eyelids.

Concoction of a Review:

A dystopian novel like nothing the Mad Scientist has encountered. Admittedly, I had to think about this book for a bit before I could sit down and write about it. Ok... I started the review and forgot about it. So.... now I finish in a vain attempt at reviewing such a wonderful book.

Rhine lives in a world where genetic engineering has made the offspring of the "first generation" live until 25 for males and 20 for females. It is a scary time to be alive and for such a short period of time. Not only were smart enough to make a perfect being they managed to blow up the whole world. Of course, excluding North America. How original? Blah. America is so much better and humans are stupid. Not a seller for me as you can tell.

In this world young girls look over their shoulder in fear of being abducted for prostiution or to be sold off as a bride. Any reader should shiver at this idea. I did.

Rhine is a spirited soul who was tricked and captured. Waking up states away from her brother she starts to search for a way to free herself. She did not want her last four years to go by being stuck as one of a series of wives to Linden. Yes, polygamy! She is even willing to risk everything to be free. To be with her twin once again.

What would you risk to save yourself???

Here The Beautiful Cover Model fits perfect: As Kristina O'Conner...

"Eventually I realize that I am holding him just as tight as he holds on to me. And here we are: two small dying things, as the world ends around us like falling autumn leaves."

*Free ARC from NetGalley which did not impede on my Mad Review. It is completely honest and full of my thoughts on the book. *

4 Blasts ---> Most Desirable

A novel that makes you think and fear what the future may bring.

Teaser Tuesday that of December 6th 2011

2011-12-06T16:45:00.001-06:00

Teaser Tuesday

I do believe it is time for some good old fashion Teasing!

Book Style! The way we like it!

Currently Reading:

Invincible
Chronicles of Nick #2

By Sherrilyn Kenyon

Hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Steampunkery Teaser

My goodness how amazing are these!!!

I would wear these so often I would have to buy two pairs right away!

Source

Travel Machine {No.2}

2011-11-22T09:17:00.000-06:00

Harry Potter exhibit in NYC... my photo!

Traveling to the inspirational images brought to me from the magical world of...

Harry Potter

By JK Rowling

Luna Lovegood

My favorite character :)

My Harry Potter World

My Photo! Deatheaters!!

Luna's cute sun shiny dress!! My Photo!!

Inspirational Harry Potter & Luna images:

Book Review ---> Firelight by Sophie Jordan

2011-11-22T04:23:00.000-06:00

Firelight
(Firelight #1)

By: Sophie Jordan

Published By:   HarperTeen

Published Date:  September 7th 2010

Pages:   Hardcover 323
Read: September 2011

Book Cover Rating: 5

Tags:  Young Adult, Paranormal Romance, Mythology Urban Fantasy, Supernatural, Dragons, Fantasy Fiction
Why the Mad Scientist read this book: Mad Cover Love!!! Purchased all on my own. ;)

First Lines:   Gazing out at the quiet lake, I know the risk is worth it.

Concoction of a Review:

Firelight is built around the idea of beings that are decedent of dragons known as Draki. What an intriguing idea... supernatural Dragon Shifters!! There secret needs to be kept otherwise dire consequences will result. *gasps*

Draki's can shift into human form, however, depending on what type of Draki you are you may have other powers. Like creating mist. Jacinda is the first Fire Breather to be born in centuries. She has no control of her life. The pride has plans for her. Jacinda is young woman, Draki, who is stuck between who she is and who she should be.

Chapter one does its job. I was drawn in and could not let go. Jacinda was being hunted after risking the exposure of the Draki's secret. Which leads up to her mother panics and take her and her twin Tamra and moves them to the desert. Her Draki starts to wither, she risks more to keep that from happening.

Here is how I picture Jacinda: As Elena Satine...

Not another love triangle...

Except I sort of liked this one. Cassian, also a Draki is the prince of the pride. With the exception of the pride's plan of her mating with Cassian to make more fire breathers, I do believe that there is a small flame of lust between them.

The other match, Will, hunts & kills Draki's with his extended family. Forbidden love just makes it that much more interesting. *grin* Smoldering at best Will awakens Jacinda's Draki which is dangerous. She needs to learn how to control herself around him.

That is one wild range but I love both sides! The Mad Scientist is beyond curious about who will be chosen. *waggles eyebrow*

After running for my life from hunters, a girl with too much lip gloss doesn't register on my fear radar.

I can hardly smirk at the idea of Dragons any longer. I thought the world Sophie Jordan created was diverse. The ending was grand and the descriptions were vivid.

Not for everyone but the internal conflict of personal identity and purpose is something all young adults go through.

*Purchased this book for myself which did not impede on my Mad Review. It is completely honest and full of my thoughts on the book. *

4.7 Blasts ---> Most Desirable

Welcome to a new fun fantastic world of the Draki, decedents of dragons. Jacinda has a fireball attitude shooting out fire on the way to figuring out who she is.

Challenges:

Morbid Romantica - Tortured Her
111 in '11

{ARC} Book Review ---> Every Other Day by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

2011-11-20T01:49:00.000-06:00

Every Other Day

By:  Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Published By:   EgmontUSA

Published Date:  December 27th 2011

Pages:   Hardcover 352
Read:  October 2011

Book Cover Rating: 5

Tags:  Young Adult, Urban Fantasy, Supernatural, Fantasy Fiction

Why the Mad Scientist read this book: I actually thought that this was going to be a contemporary read. It did have a time glass on it... Who knows what I was thinking?

Concoction of a Review:

e-Book Love!

I just completed a book review of Bite Me which had a Vampire Hunter/Slayer now I venture not far to Demon Hunter/Slayer. Contemporary, pft we can through that out the carriage and stomp on that right away!

Slayer books need something new. This books offers up the idea of demons and such creatures as being endangered species. Just like the bald eagle they are protected by the government. What is one called when they are against government rule? Terrorist. Kali D'Angelo is just that... Every Other Day.

Here is how I picture Kali D'Angelo: As Michelle Rodriguez...

Every Other Day she switches between a crude demon killer and young girl who attends high school and tries to cope with living with only her father who is not... a mom. Kali does not understand where and why she has power to kick supernatural derriere. When she is human we get to see how shrewd and intelligence during dangerous circumstances.

I heard the telltale sound of scales scraping against metal -- a light swoosh, a tongue flickering out to taste that stale and humid air. Whatever it was, my prey was tasting for me.

As one would expect our protagonist to be a misfit at school. Yet, she is faced with a decision to save one of her school mates. Wait, she is not power vixen at the moment. Will she do the right thing and risk her life?

One of the turn offs is her down and out attitude. Sympathy was to be had at first but it would not stop. However, I admit she did end up with a great band of misfits.

Left with nothing but my own bloody fingertips, I let out a war cry of my own, raked my nails over its face, and fought like a girl.

Overall, fast paced nonstop heroine action was packed around a complex scheme.

*Free ARC from NetGalley which did not impede on my Mad Review. It is completely honest and full of my thoughts on the book. *

4 Blasts ---> Most Desirable

A fun but not original story of young supernatural gal who is trying to find her place. Nonstop action and fun fight scenes.

Challenges:

Morbid Romantica - Tortured Hero
111 in '11

What's Your Status {No. 7}

2011-11-19T07:00:00.000-06:00

MeMe hosted by Zakiya @ Butterfly Feet Walking on Life

This week I finished:

Cliff & Susan Griffith

Thanks to the lovely people at PYR!

Finished Last Week:

Tara Altebrando

Arc that I picked up at BEA 2011

Marissa Meyer

E-ARC

Currently Reading:

Laini Taylor

Thanks to Candace over at Candace's Book Blog I have a signed copy.

She was kind enough to get a copy from a signing and mail it across country for me!

Book bloggers are the most amazing friends!

Stop by her blog, it is beautiful!

What might be next:

Melissa Darnell Stephanie Chong

Thanks to NetGalley, Harlequin Teen & Mira!

Newest Book Review:
Tempest's Legacy by Nicole Peeler
Bite Me by Parker Blue
Newest {ARC} Book Review:

The Mephisto Covenant by Trinity Faegen

What's Your Status?

The Mad Scientist wants to know!

Or Recommend me a book!

.................

Morbid Romantica 2012 is in the works!

Stop by the page <3

Book Review ---> Bite Me by Parker Blue

2011-11-18T23:49:00.001-06:00

Bite Me

(Demon Underground #1)

By:  Parker Blue

Published By:   Bell Bridge Books

Published Date:  September 30th 2008

Pages:   Softcover 229
Read: October 2011

Book Cover Rating: 3

Tags:  Young Adult, Urban Fantasy, Supernatural, Demons, Fantasy Fiction, Paranormal

First Lines:   The stench of rotting garbage filled my nostrils as I scoured the dark streets of San Antonio for something to take the edge off.

Concoction of a Review:

Vampire Hunter/Slayer is not a new concept. However, I have not watched or read any of Buffy so I will not be comparing at all.

The young Val Shapiro is the vampire hunter within Bite Me who is girl who is trying to find herself among a world she does not feel apart of. One thing stands in the way... she is part demon. Lola is the other side of Val, who has to feed and she loves lust from men.

Val found a way to dampen her powers from the demon blood in slaying vampires. Using her unique status to keep her city safer. Meanwhile, it is enough to keep the sassy Lola in check. Yet, Val was still scorned by her family.

Here is how I picture Val Shapiro: As Vanessa Hudgens...

As we headed out toward the parking lot, Dan said "Why don't we take the truck? It's less conspicuous."

He had a point. With Fang sitting on the back of my motorcycle in his goggles we were more likely to draw attention than divert it.

[Fang the hellhound says] YEAH, THAT'S 'CAUSE I'M SMOKIN'!

She was used as a escape goat for things that went wrong. Continually being blamed for anything that goes wrong. Finally, she was told to stay away from her family.

What was my favorite part of the book you may ask? The Hellhound!! *gasps* Fang has his own personality who really brings some humor to the book. Their interactions cut the seriousness at times and brought a smile to my face more then once and laughing out loud.

e-Book Love!

Overall, nonstop heroine action. Great fight scenes!! Intertwine that with fun sideline characters makes it a fun book. The Mad Scientist will be looking forward to book two and three! Try Me & Fang Me!!

*Free ARC from NetGalley which did not impede on my Mad Review. It is completely honest and full of my thoughts on the book. *

4 Blasts ---> Most Desirable

A fun but not original story of young supernatural gal who is trying to find her place. Nonstop action and fun fight scenes.

Challenges:

Morbid Romantica - Tortured Hero
111 in '11

Teaser Tuesday that of Nov 15th 2011

2011-11-15T19:02:00.001-06:00

Teaser Tuesday

I do believe it is time for some good old fashion Teasing!

Book Style! The way we like it!

Currently Reading:

Vampire Empire
Book Two: The Rift Walker
By Clay & Susan Griffith

Hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

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Steampunkery Teaser

How adorable are these knit socks and heels!!

These vintage socks unbutton for a unique look :)

Source

Travel Machine {No. 1}

2011-11-14T07:30:00.000-06:00

all about Travel & Books & Images
in any era!
Just a bit of inspiration to get us through the week.

Books...

They transport us to places we have spent time dreaming of.

They transport us to places we have been to in a new way.

They transport us to places only our imaginations could hope to dream of.
.........

Show your love in any shape or form.
Video, inspirational images, a short I Love & want to visit this country/city, a picture of a place you went to and the book it correlates with.

Be creative...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My Books <3
Traveling to inspirational images brought to me due to the the world dreamed up by
Kami Garica & Margaret Stohl.

As seen in
Beautiful Creatures Beautiful Darkness

&
Beautiful Chaos

Angel Tree... Outside of Charleston.
My South Carolina

Edisto Beach! <3
Images From The Caster Chronicles

Link

Lena's Necklace

This book would be a crazy amazing movie.
The Mad Scientist is not the only one who thinks so!

{ARC} Book Review ---> The Mephisto Covenant by Trinity Faegen

2011-11-13T07:30:00.000-06:00

The Mephisto Covenant

   (The Mephisto Covenant #1)

By: Trinity Faegen

Published By:   EgmontUSA

Published Date:  September 27th 2011

Pages:   Hardcover 439
Read: October 2011

Book Cover Rating: 5

Tags:  Young Adult, Paranormal Romance, Mythology Urban Fantasy, Supernatural, Angels, Fantasy Fiction

First Lines:   Your father's ring is gone! That slime, Alex, took it - I know he did.

Concoction of a Review:

The concept of The Mephisto Covenant was intriguing to me, mythology that was built around biblical stories, mainly Adam & Eve. Which is what I loved about it! I would not be so bold to say that it might not offend Christians, alas, it my push on the boundaries. Naturally when I seen it on NetGalley I did not hesitate to request it. Mad Scientist found it to be just riveting. I could hardly put it down.

Our young innocent star of the book, Sasha, is obsessed with finding out who killed her father. She is a pure angel in human form, known as an Anabo. One of a very small number.

Jax was a treat within the inky goodness. He was not perfect by any means. Shockingly we find out that he is a tortured Son of Hell. *gasps* He meets Sasha, who can be his salvation. Literally, she may be his only chance at redeeming himself.

Here is how I picture Jax: As Alex Evans...

Twists and turns were around almost every page. Eryx, our evil doer in this lore, needs her. He has gathers devote followers by offering and giving them anything they desire. Sadly, they do not know in taking what they so desire they give up the most valuable thing they have, their soul.

I also really enjoyed the characters that played on the sidelines of the story. Chris, her cousin was a typical teen but he had a cute side to him. Jax's brother, Phoenix, was complicated, grieving, and full of fun snark. We know how I enjoy a bit of snark in my books! *grin*

He moved his head so that his lips were close to her ear. "Run, Sasha. If you can do it, run like hell and don't look back."

Overall, I believe that Trinity Faegen has an exciting new twisted series. The ever there instant attraction was there like in many young adult books, however, the entwined history of The Mephisto Covenant warranted the quick pace. The passion was intense and descriptive, surprisingly so that I was shocked to find it in a young adult book...

Be Warned!!

e-Book Love!

I'm sorry to see that so many people did not care for this book. Oddly, sometimes that is the way it goes. So many loved Fallen by Lauren Kate and I hated it. Now it is opposite.

*Free ARC from NetGalley which did not impede on my Mad Review. It is completely honest and full of my thoughts on the book and the very persistent young man inside. *

4.7 Blasts ---> Most Desirable

I oddly enjoyed this book. Mythology, a deeply tortured young man, & good vs evil!!

Challenges:

Morbid Romantica - Tortured Her

111 in '11

http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/k506/madsteampunkery/tree-of-peace-2-1.jpg

Book Review ---> Tempest's Legacy by Nicole Peeler

2011-11-12T07:00:00.000-06:00

Adult Review!!

Tempest's Legacy
Jane True #3

By: Nicole Peeler

Published By:  Orbit

Published Date: January 1st 2011

Pages: Softcover 352
Tags: Adult, Fantasy Fiction, Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, Shapeshifters, Vampires, Selkies, Mystery

Why the Mad Scientist read this book: Mad Scientist just had to find out what happened with Jane & Ryu & Anyan!

First Lines: I love it when people pre-laugh at their own jokes.

Concoction of a Review:

Nicole Peeler's Jane True Series has me on edge. I read one book one earlier this year. Jen the Bibliophile sent me book 2 & 3 because she knows my infinity for starting a series but never continuing with it. After completing Tracking the Tempest a book full of snark and supernatural hunks I quickly decided that this series would not be left unread.

**Note to self: Go buy book 4, Eye of the Tempest, soon!!!**

Tempest's Legacy jumps in shortly after Tracking the Tempest ended. Jane continues to train her offensive and defensive magical technique. Her relationship is still a ball of tension from the end of the last book. Which leads us to seeing more of Anyan. Jane's eyes start to wonder toward the Barghest. *waggles eyebrow*

Nonetheless, there is a surprising bout of news that ruffles Jane's feathers. Someone found out that supernatural females were being taken. Not kindly I might add. This horrid news includes information about someone who she most would love to meet and know more about. Dying to know who?? *grin*

The mystery takes Jane out of little ol' Rockabill, her hometown in Maine, as she tags along to figure out what exactly is going on and how to stop it. We have a mix of characters from the first book, from Ryu's Boston team & even a few brand new characters! Interactions are hilarious at best!! We are even pulled into a new area... The Borderlands!! (Many exclamation points but it truly is exciting!)

Here is how I picture Anyan: As Eric Bana...

*As previously stated!*

This book has little to no nookie in it so I was a bit disappointed in that but I'm looking forward to Anyan. *blushes*

It truly is a great series!!! Peeler's snark is completely sprinkled throughout this novel like the others, however, the demeanor is a lot darker. The events that unfold are a bit harsh and force Jane to grow even more, powerfully and emotionally. Jane True is Truly Bad A$$ in this book!

*I received this book free of charge from my sassy friend Jen! My Mad review is completely honest and full of my thoughts on the book and the very yummy men inside. *

4.78 Blasts ---> Most Desirable

For Jane True this is a story of standing up and accepting herself. Oh, there is also an incredible mystery to be had ;)

Challenges:

111 in '11

http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/k506/madsteampunkery/tree-of-peace-2-1.jpg