Mundie Moms

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Book Review: Tiger's Quest

Published by Splinter
Released on June 7th, 2011
Source- Book from publisher for review
4.5 stars- A Fabulous Sequel!

Kelsey Hayes is no ordinary college freshman. In fact, the eighteen-year-old girl has just returned from India, where she risked her life—and her heart—to rescue a handsome Indian prince from a terrible curse. Back home in Oregon, Kelsey is determined to move on, despite the lingering feelings she has for the man she left behind. She meets Li, a completely average guy who offers the promise of an ordinary, curse-free life. But just when Kelsey is ready to move on, Ren reenters her life, on a quest to reclaim her heart. Danger threatens their newly rekindled love and to save him, Kelsey must journey with someone else—a man who wants her for himself. The saga begun in Tiger’s Curse continues in Tiger’s Quest, as Kelsey finds herself in an epic battle between good and evil. From the shores of the Pacific Northwest to the jungles of India, the mountains of Nepal and Tibet, and the mystical realm of Shangri-la, this suspenseful tale of love, sacrifice, and redemption is not to be missed

Everything about Colleen's writing is captivating. From her vividly detailed settings, to her in depth characters, the action and heart pounding adventure, the alluring mythology and the wonderful romance, Tiger's Quest is a sequel that has it all.

I loved being swept back into Colleen's world. The story picks up right where it left off, but this time there's a lot more twists, heartache, suspense and an ending that's a killer. Kelsey herself has to deal with her fair share of unfortunate events, and even though I was a bit frustrated with some of the things she does in the story, I still admire her for all she has to endure. She's a strong character who's journey to break an ancient curse is full of danger, adventure and in the end makes her a more determined person.

This time around I found myself really torn between the two brothers. I absolutely loved Ren and Kelsey in Tiger's Quest and the direction their relationship takes, but when Kelsey's life is threatened Ren turns to his brother Kishan for help. Let me just say, each brother has something to offer to not just Kelsey, but to the story. Ren is the romantic and Kishan is the brutally honest, upfront brother. What I admired about both of them is seeing their more vulnerable side when they're alone with Kelsey. I loved how fiercely protective they are of her, especially with everything that is going on. I loved the way in which Colleen has developed both Ren and Kishan. They've both strong, independent characters who are dependent on the love of one girl. This is definitely a very well written, well developed, realistic love triangle. Though both brothers are often times at odd with each other, it wasn't hard to see the unspeakable brotherly love they have for each other.

The most memorizing aspects of the story are Colleen's rich detail to history, her mythology and her breath taking settings. From the beautiful lush green hills of Oregon, to the jungles of India and mountains in Tibet, every where the story took me to came alive. I loved this journey. I am huge fan of the love story that is at the heart of this series. In this sequel I really liked how Colleen handled some of the more realistic cultural differences between Ren and Kelsey's relationship, and her worries. It made the story that much more realistic, and I'm a sucker for a well written love story, which this is. At the heart of this story is a lesson about true love. Unconditional, non judgmental love that includes sacrifice, trust, friendship and more.

This is a wonderful series and one I highly recommend. It's not often I can sit and read book that completely grabs my attention emotionally and in the end leaves me in complete shock over the events that just happened. I can honestly say that November's release for book three, Tiger's Voyage can't get here fast enough. On a side note I want to mention the covers. I love that each cover in the series has featured one of the brothers in his tiger form, which is very fitting for each book and the book's story.

Hourglass Blog Tour: Character Interview & Giveaway

If you haven't already picked up Hourglass you're missing out on meeting some fantastic characters. My favorite character from Myra's debut book is Kaleb, whom we have visiting with us today.

Thank you for being with us today Kaleb. How would you describe yourself in three words or less?
Do you really think three words could cover it, Katie?

*laughs* Good point. You'd definitely need more than three words. What were your first impressions or should I say coherent thoughts about Emerson when you first met her?
She reminded me of a broken China doll that's been glued back together. Beautiful, with cracks you can only see if you look really closely. She has a really good heart. And she's super cute.

What is one thing you admire about both Michael and Emerson?
That they're down for each other. They definitely have each other's backs. They remind me of my parents. I'm not sure how relationships like that happen, but I wouldn't mind finding one myself.

I have no doubt that you'll find a relationship like that. If there was one paranormal power you could have, what would it be and why?
The paranormal power to make my paranormal power go away.

I love the fact that you can cook. What's your favorite thing to cook?
Cajun food. I like it spicy. ;)

*coughs* I'm sure you do. I have to ask (for the single ladies who will read this), what's your ideal date? Would you date older women? (opps sorry I don't know how that last question popped in there).
Ideal date ....... A moonlit drive, maybe with a stop at the lake to look out over the water. Have you ever heard of submarine races? And as for older women, I don't kiss and tell.

I'm pretty you'll have a lot more girls lining up to go a date with you after they read that answer. If there was one thing you could change about yourself, what would it be & why?
I wouldn't be living my life without my mom.

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Thank you Kaleb for being with us today!

Don't miss the rest of the Hourglass Blog Tour stops, and you can read my 5 star review here.

Don't forget to enter to win an ARC of Hourglass!!! To enter, please fill out the form below:
* Open to all followers worldwide
* You must be 13 yrs & older to enter
* 1 entry, per person/per email (more than one will result in all your entries being deleted)
* This giveaway ends on July 1st, 2011




Waiting on Wednesday- Fins Are Forever

Published by Harper Teen
To Be Released on June 28th, 2011

On Lily Sanderson’s eighteenth birthday she’ll become just a girl—still a mergirl, true, but signing the renunciation will ink Princess Waterlily of Thalassinia out of existence. That leaves plain old Lily living on land, dating the boy she loves, and trying to master this being-human thing once and for all.

Now that Lily and Quince are together, mer bond or not, she’s almost content to give up her place in the royal succession of Thalassinia. But just when she thinks she has everything figured out, the waves start to get rough. Lily’s father sends a certain whirlpool-stirring cousin to stay with her on land. What did Doe do to get herself exiled from Thalassinia and stuck in terraped form, when everyone knows how much she hates humans? And why why why is she batting her eyelashes at Lily’s former crush, Brody?

The seafoam on the raging surf comes when a merboy from Lily’s past shows up—Tellin asks Lily for something that clouds her view of the horizon. There’s a future with Quince on land, her loyalty to the kingdom in the sea, and Lily tossing on the waves in the middle. Will she find a way to reconcile her love, her duty, and her own dreams?

This book is on my list for Must Have Summer Time Reads. It's one of those books that seems perfectly fitting to read by the pool, to take to the beach or just lounge around with in the comforts of your air conditioned house. With mermaids, a love triangle, a great mythology, all make this sound like the perfect summer read to me. I'm looking forward to diving right into this book when it's out next week.

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