Mundie Moms

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Book Review (Adult Book): Once Burned by Jeaniene Frost


Yes, you read that right, this is a review for an adult book. NO, I'm not going to be reviewing adult books on a regular bases, but every now and then (once in a blue moon), you may find a review for an adult book on here. 

Published by: Avon (Harper Collins)
Released on: June 26th, 2012
Source: purchased
4 stars: I Enjoyed It
Purchase from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BooksAMillion | Powells | IndieBound | iTunes

She's a mortal with dark powers...


After a tragic accident scarred her body and destroyed her dreams, Leila never imagined that the worst was still to come: terrifying powers that let her channel electricity and learn a person's darkest secrets through a single touch. Leila is doomed to a life of solitude...until creatures of the night kidnap her, forcing her to reach out with a telepathic distress call to the world's most infamous vampire...

He's the Prince of Night...

Vlad Tepesh inspired the greatest vampire legend of all—but whatever you do, don't call him Dracula. Vlad's ability to control fire makes him one of the most feared vampires in existence, but his enemies have found a new weapon against him—a beautiful mortal with powers to match his own. When Vlad and Leila meet, however, passion ignites between them, threatening to consume them both. It will take everything that they are to stop an enemy intent on bringing them down in flames -quoted from Goodreads

I've read part of Jeaniene's Night Huntress series, and being that Vlad is a character from that series I was intrigued with wanting to read more about him. And, well that's face it that synopsis alone sold me on picking up this book. Talk about an electrifying romance! Vlad is definitely one of those characters that one, you don't cross and two, who could make you cower in the corner. There's something about him that also draws you to him like a moth to a flame. He's a character who has this commanding presence both in the vampire world and through out history. I loved that it took a fire cracker like Leila to get under his skin, in a good way. The fact that there was not an insta-love between these two made me enjoy the book that much more exciting, and addicting. There's a big difference between chemistry and attraction vs an insta-love and this book definitely has a lot of that first element. It was well written and executed, but once these two got together, holy crap the fire works ignited. 

Being that this is an adult book you can definitely expect to find a few sex scenes and some minor language in this book. I know that seems silly to mention, because that's expected, but I don't want someone reading this thinking that it's the kind that you'd find in a YA book, because this is truly an adult/romance book. Aside from the hot romance, there's also a great paranormal story with an alluring historical twist on Vlad, and a breathtaking setting. I'm a huge suckers for romance, and paranormal elements and Jeaniene delivered both of these to me on a silver platter. I don't know which I enjoyed more, the romance/character chemistry or the history, and paranormal elements to this story. 

The characters themselves were well written, especially Vlad. Leila for me was a little bit harder to really like. I mean, I liked her, I just didn't like being in her head for the entire story. I wanted a bit more from Vlad, but I won't complain too much, because I did get a few glimpses into his past via one of Leila's unique abilities. I also loved Bones and Cat's cameo in the story! I loved these two from the Night Huntress series, and it was great to see them appear in this book. 

This is one action packed, sizzling summer read that Frost fans will devour. There's plenty of danger, romance and that little bit of humor I've come to except and enjoy in Jeaniene's books. Once Burned has all the makings for a series fans won't get enough of. There's something about Vlad that will leave you wanting more. This book's ending will definitely leave fans wishing that Vlad's sequel was already out, instead of having to wait another year. *Being that this is an adult book I'd definitely recommend it to mature, older readers. There's a few sex scenes, and a few uses of the f word and mentions of sex in this book. 


* Side NoteMundie Moms is strictly a YA book review site, but every now and then I do branch out and read adult books, though I don't post my reviews on here, just like I don't post my reviews for other books I read outside the YA scene on here. When I say every now and then, that really translates into rarely, but again, I do get into those moods where I want to sit down with an adult book.

TMI Movie Stuff



Cassie has always done an amazing job at answering fan questions and lately she's answered a lot of TMI movie news questions. Today she posted a series of questions from fans and her answers. This post is quoted directly from her tumblr post today.

sharetheindie asked:
Have you cast someone to be simon? If so, who is it? And if you guys haven’t cast anybody yet, Freddie Highmore comes to my mind whenever i’m reading the series. Just an afterthought. :P
Simon’s not cast; don’t look out for Simon casting till mid-July, because of Reasons. (They are good Reasons.) I always think of Freddie Highmore as Jared/Simon from Holly’sSpiderwick Chronicles. That’s just my brain though. I’ve no idea actually if the casting people have discussed him.
esperenia asked:
I love the thought of David Tennant as Hodge or even Luke, but what do you think of Jennifer Love Hewitt for Jocelyn or as Maryse?  
David Tennant love for the win of course. I think it’s interesting how people visualize the adults. JLH is only 32 I believe - very young to have a teenage daughter. And people are often surprised to remember that Jocelyn, Hodge, Luke, and Valentine are all basically the same age. Late thirties. Valentine’s a little older at around forty and I think of the Lightwood parents as being around that age too. 
ilovestv asked:
David Tennant as Hodge is perfect! Which brings the question have they cast Hodge? Or are the still working on that?
Hodge isn’t cast. The only person who is cast but the information isn’t public is Alec. Otherwise, if it isn’t here, you can assume that character isn’t cast.
So I was just wondering if Max was going to be in the City of Bones movie? Because I know that he doesn’t come in until the second book, but I just wasn’t sure how different the movies would be from the books in that sense. Also, Max is (*cough cough* was) one of my favorite characters so I was just wondering if he’s going to be in the first movie or if he doesn’t come in until the second one. Thanks!
No, he’s not.  I love Max too, but sticking to the book is probably the best move. I mean I sent Max off for the first book so there wouldn’t be a little kid around who had no parents to watch him (leaving him to the tender mercies of his demented older siblings) and I think that problem would extend to the film too.
averysbooknook asked:
I read somewhere that filming for City of Bones is going to start mid-August in Toronto. Do you think that you will join the cast/ crew at any time while they are in Toronto (can you say impromptu book signing ;) “
Hee. *Imagines signing books randomly on the lot* They’ve been really great about extending me an invitation to visit the set, so I think it depends on their shooting schedule, and my schedule, whether I visit the set in Toronto or when they’re filming in New York. I’ll keep you posted.


I have no idea. I am waiting for a phone call that I have no idea when will come, because that phone call itself is waiting on “scheduling issues.” There is no possible way I could know or even guess how long it will take some scheduling issues whose details I wot not of to work themselves out and then for someone to remember to call me. :)

Clockwork Princess Snippets


Cassie has treated fans to two Clockwork Princess Snippets today!!


Tessa craned her head back to look at Will. “You know that feeling,” she said, “when you are reading a book, and you know that it is going to be a tragedy; you can feel the cold and darkness coming, see the net drawing tight around the characters who live and breathe on the pages. But you are tied to the story as if being dragged behind a carriage and you cannot let go or turn the course aside.” His blue eyes were dark with understanding — of course Will would understand — and she hurried on. “I feel now as if the same is happening, only not to characters on a page but to my own beloved friends and companions. I do not want to sit by while tragedy comes for us. I would turn it aside, only I struggle to discover how that might be done.”

“You fear for Jem,” Will said.
“Yes,” she said. “And I fear for you, too.”
“No,” Will said, hoarsely. “Don’t waste that on me, Tess.”

*********

The second one a Gideon & Sophie Teaser:
Gideon touched her cheek, lightly, with the tips of his fingers. “Did you know your name means ‘wisdom’? It was very well-given.”

What do you guys think? March can't get her fast enough!

COLS LIVE Author Chat with Cassandra Clare on Thursday 6/28

*Thank you to everyone who joined the chat tonight and for your patience about our re-schedule. Cassie had a family emergency right as the chat started and was unable to make it. We are rescheduling the chat for a later date. I'll post that info when I know more a the coming week or so. 

Want to discuss some a lot of COLS spoilers!? Then join us TONIGHT when we talk all things COLS related with Cassie Clare!



There's been a few slight changes made to the chat room I use for all of our chats, and that does effect tonight's chat a little bit. Please be sure to read the highlight PLEAsE READ section to find out more info.

This chat will start at 8 pm CST/ 9 pm EST and it will be a SPOILER chat for City of Lost Souls only. If we have time, we will definitely ask her a few questions of Clockwork Princess. If you've not yet read COLS, or won't be able to join us tonight, our transcript will remain on the blog, and linked on the forum.

Don't forget to sign up for an email reminder for the chat!



*Our chat will start at 8 pm CST/ 9 pm EST. 

** PLEASE READ: Due to the restrictions from Cover It Live's site upgrade, they've enforced the number of clicks allowed per chat, meaning only 25 fans will be allowed to be on the chat.  Don't worry, everyone will be able to read the chat transcript as it's happen live! The only difference is you won't be able to log on to the chat to do so. No one will miss out on the live chat. Because of this, I will NOT be starting opening the chat until 5 mins before it's suppose to start.

This will be run like any other chat, but the only difference is no more than 25 people are allowed to signed into the chat. I know, it's extremely frustrating to me, but at this time there's nothing I can do about it. I would like to reiterate that everyone will be able to read the transcript live here on the blog. 

* Why are we not allowing questions? Each of my chats with Cassie have over 1,000 readers on, as you can imagine it was extremely crazy with trying to go through all the questions fans had for Cassie. In order for us to run the chat smoothly, we won't be taking any questions during the chat.

-Fans are welcome to leave comments below in the comment section, but I can not guarantee those questions will be asked during the chat. If I run out of questions from the ones submitted, and time permitting, I will submit some of the questions below during the chat.


* To join, hit join and enter a screen name.

* As always, this chat is moderated, meaning your questions/comments will not post automatically and to make is easier for Cassie to read our questions, I won't be submitting every comment made. Please know that even though you can't see the comments, both myself and Cassie can see them.

*Thank you and we look forward to chatting with everyone this week!

**No part of this chat is allowed to be used with out our permission**

This post will continue to be updated and moved on the blog.

Dust Girl Blog Tour: Interview with Author Sarah Zettel

I'm thrilled to have author Sarah Zettel on Mundie Moms today. Her book, Dust Girl was released by Random House yesterday here in the US. You can read my review for Dust Girl here. Recently I had the chance to talk to Sarah about her book, her cover and books that influenced her. 



I was really fascinated by the mix of faerie lore and historical references you used in Dust Girl. Did you find it hard to merge the two together?

Actually, no.  As in all other cultures, American history and American folklore are tied tightly together.  The tall tales, the ghost stories, the local legends are highly evocative of time and place, so presenting them as a part of each other felt very natural.

Callie is a really resilient character. What's one of the things that impressed you the most with her character growth?

That in the end she wouldn't take anything from anybody.  She gets scared, she doubts herself, but when push comes to shove, she stands up for herself, and for what she knows to be right.  I tried a couple of times to push her too far, but she would not budge.

One of the things I enjoyed about Dust Girl is the cast of characters who come into Callie's life. I liked the fact it was often times hard to determine who's trust worthy and who's not. Which of your secondary characters surprised you in terms of the role they played in the story/Callie's life?

Shake.  I had absolutely _no_ idea when he first turned up in that juke joint what was going to happen with him.  I quite literally had to rewrite all three books to accomodate him.


I love that Callie's character is mixed race. I feel that mixed race isn't something that's found that often in YA books. I mentioned something in my review about the cover, and while I liked the model I didn't feel she fit Callie in the story, but the more I think about the cover and the model, the more I realize I could be off base with what I said. The model very well could be of mix race like Callie is, and could be the Callie you envisioned. What are your thoughts on your cover and do you feel the cover is a good representation of Callie? 

I'm glad you've brought this up.  It's important we continue to look critically at how the media presents characters of minority or non-European-based culture and heritage, and of course, the "media" includes book covers.   Callie's heritage, is, as you point out, pretty complicated.  Her mother Margaret is a white human woman, but her father, while he looks like an African American man, is actually an Unseelie fairy.  So Callie is part African American, part European American, and also part human and part fairy.  When I was forming Callie as a character in my mind, very early on I started picturing her as looking like a young Lena Horne, who was one of the all time great jazz singers.  Horne's version of "Stormy Weather" is definitive, and so I sort of had her in the back of my mind when I was seeing Callie both emotionally and physically walking into the storm.  This is probably corny, but it is true.  Given that was my personal model, I think the cover succeeds quite well.

What were some of your favorite books to read growing up?

How much room have you got?  I grew up on a pretty steady and indiscriminate diet of old science fiction and fantasy.  I learned to read out of the Wizard of Oz, and tore through all the L. Frank Baum books.  There was Ray Bradbury, Ursula K. Le Guin, Medelaine L'Engle, Susan Cooper's Dark is Rising series, Andre Norton, C.S. Lewis (die-hard Narnia fan here), JRR Tolkien, CL Moore, Lord Dunsany, Manly Wade Wellman, Isaac Asimov.  I could go on, and on, and on some more.

Is there a book you've read as an adult that you wished you had as a teen?

I would have absolutely murdered for the bredth, depth and variety of books currently available on the YA shelves. The writing, the range of subjects and characters are so much better than what I grew up with.  It's fantastic.  I hope this doesn't sound like a cop out but if I'm going to narrow it down, I think it'd have to be the Harry Potter series.  I adored them for their own sake, but also, those books thew open the doors to a whole new realm of stories and writing for tweens and teens.  


Thank you Sarah for stopping by Mundie Moms today!

About The Book:

Published by: Random House Kids
To Be Released on: June 26th, 2012
Order from: Random House | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Callie LeRoux lives in Slow Run, Kansas, helping her mother run their small hotel and trying not to think about the father she’s never met. Lately all of her energy is spent battling the constant storms plaguing the Dust Bowl and their effects on her health. Callie is left alone when her mother goes missing in a dust storm. Her only hope comes from a mysterious man offering a few clues about her destiny and the path she must take to find her parents in "the golden hills of the west": California. 

Along the way she meets Jack, a young hobo boy who is happy to keep her company — there are dangerous, desperate people at every turn. And there’s also an otherworldly threat to Callie. Warring fae factions, attached to the creative communities of American society, are very much aware of the role this half-mortal, half-fae teenage girl plays in their fate.quoted from Goodreads


About The Author

Sarah Zettel is an award-winning science fiction and fantasy author and one of the founding members of Book View Cafe. She has written fourteen novels and a roughly equal number of short stories over the past ten years in addition to practicing tai chi, learning to fiddle, marrying a rocket scientist and raising a rapidly growing son. She is very tired right now.

You can visit Sarah via her Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Giveaway:

Thank you to Random House I have one copy of Dust Girl to giveaway! To enter, please fill out the form below. US residents only, and standard MM giveaway rules apply. 

Thoughtful Thursday: Movie Adaptations

I'm not always a huge fan of books being made into movies. Sure it's awesome to see your favorite fictional characters brought to life on the big screen, but for sometimes it can also a bit cringe worthy, because for the most part it's impossible for movies to bring to life everything I love about a book. I feel like the movie rarely does the book justice, but there's been a few movies who have exceeded all my expectations and have done the book justice. Here are a few of my personal favorite classic movie adaptations. In no order:

1. Gone With The Wind- Oh the chemistry these two have seriously comes to life perfectly in this movie. Everything about this movie brought the book to life beautifully.

2. Pride & Prejudice- (the vision w/ Colin Firth)- This is one of my all time favorite movie adaptations. This scene makes me laugh every time I see it (enjoy Sophie! *snickers).


3. The Princess Bride- this is one of my all time favorite movies. I thought the movie did the book justice in bringing to life everything I enjoyed about the book. 


Hopefully I'll be adding The Mortal Instruments movie to my list of favorite movie adaptations next year *crosses fingers* What are some of your favorite movie adaptations?

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