Mundie Moms

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Lemniscate Book Trailer

We really enjoyed Jennifer Murgia's Angel Star and we're looking forward to her sequel, Lemniscate, which will be released in March of 2011.

For Teagan, these last few months have been heaven on earth—especially now that Garreth, her boyfriend and guardian angel, is earthbound. But perhaps Garreth is becoming a little more “human” than either of them expected.

Now, Teagan must realize that her world is once again about to shift, as she questions the faith she held in others against those once considered enemies.

In this continuation of Angel Star, Lemniscate will draw you even deeper into the world of dark and light as Teagan realizes the angel who could possibly save them all is the one angel she feared the most.


What do you guys think? You can find our more about Jennifer's books by visiting her site here

Fantastic Tween Reads from Mundie Kids




By Derek Benz & J.S. Lewis
Published by Little Brown Kids
Released on June 7th, 2010
Ages 9-12
Source- J.S. Lewis & Little Brown
5 Stars- Highly Recommend

A year ago, the Grey Griffins were just regular kids from Avalon, Minnesota. That was before they learned about the existence of evil fairies, werewolves, and other things that go bump in the night. Now they are monster-hunters, celebrated heroes, and allies to the legendary Templar knights---but even heroes have to go to school.

When the Griffins enroll at Iron Bridge Academy, a school to train young recruits in the fight against the forces of evil, they find themselves at the center of a whole new adventure. The Clockwork King, a Templar foe from days past, has returned to finish the plan he set in motion decades ago. A plot to steal the souls of changelings---humans infused with fairy blood and supernatural abilities---in order to power his army of clockwork war machines (from the inside over).

The Brimstone Key is a fabulous book where mythological creatures meet the modern day world. This awesome "steampunk for kids" is set in Avalon, MN, but also in area that exists between the human world and in a world where changelings, fairies, werwolves (just to name a few) and a whole lot more live. Let me just say, I would go visit Iron Bridge Academy in a heart beat.

You can read more of my review here:
AND enter to win a copy here:




By Mark A Cooper

Published By Source Books
Released September 2010
Source: The Publisher
Ages 11 years old & up
5 stars- An Awesome Read

Tormented by his mother's death....
Taken for granted by his father.....
Trained in deadly martial arts.....

Jason Steed is looking for a place to call home. He finds what he's looking for in the Sea Cadets0an elite group of British youngsters being groomed for lifelong service in the military. But when a routine training exercise goes awry, Jason finds himself in the middle of a secret mission. The future of the world hangs in the balance...and Jason might be the only one who can save it.

This is a brilliant read! I felt a wide range of emotion while reading this action packed book. Mark does a such a great job at showing both Jason's life now in the present, and his life growing up, and it sets the tone for the resilient young man he really is. It also show cases the broken and then on the mend relationship he has with his father,
Lieutenant Commander Steed of the HMS ARK Royal, based out of London, England.

You can read more of my review here





By Michael Grant
Published By Harper Collins Children
Released on August 24th, 2010
Ages 9-12
Source- The Publisher
4.5 Stars- A Wonderful New Read


Twelve-year-old Mack MacAvoy suffers from a serious case of mediumness. Medium looks. Medium grades. Medium parents who barely notice him. With a list of phobias that could make anyone crazy, Mack never would have guessed that he is destined for a more-than-medium life.

And then, one day, something incredibly strange happens to Mack. A three-thousand-year-old man named Grimluk appears in the boys’ bathroom to deliver some startling news: Mack is one of the Magnificent Twelve, called the Magnifica in ancient times, whatever that means. An evil force is on its way, and it’s up to Mack to track down eleven other twelve-year-olds in order to stop it. He must travel across the world to battle the wicked Pale Queen’s dangerous daughter, Ereskigal—also known as Risky. But Risky sounds a little scary, and Mack doesn’t want to be a hero. Will he answer the call? (quoted from the book's jacket).

This is a brilliantly written, laugh out, adventure that is sure to be a must have for many middle school age readers. Mack's voice is one of wit, and laugh out loud sarcasm, as he comes to terms with being a leader of the Magnificent 12. The only problem is, he's got to find the other 11. If that wasn't bad enough, this true to life character knows how to work his away around the bullies who target him at school, but if he thought his life was weird, it's not until he saves the life of Stefan, does this "captain" of all bullies now become an allie on his quest to stop the unimaginable and save the world. The unthinkable happens more than once to Mack.

You can read more of the review and enter to win a SIGNED copy of the book here

Torment Winners!!

Happy Halloween! We hope everyone is having a wonderful and safe weekend.

CONGRATULATIONS to the following WINNERS from our Torment by Lauren Kate giveaway:

#101- Heather McCorkle
#74- Linda Henderson
#204- Sarah Knowles

Thank you to everyone who entered. We'd like to thank Random House Kids for allowing us to host such a fun giveaway.

All winners have been contacted. We have more giveaways going on right now here on our site and on Mundie Kids. Just look under Current Giveaways on our right hand side bar.

Saturday, October 30, 2010

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren. It's a post where we share the books we've received this past week for review, borrowed from friends or the library, received as a gift, bought, or received to giveaway. This week I've combined our MM's and Mundie Kids books.

For Review:

* Girl's Best Friend by Leslie Margolis, published & received from Bloomsbury Kids, released on August 24th, 2010 (for Mundie Kids).

* Second Hand Charm by Julie Berry, published & received from Bloomsbury Teen, released on October 12th, 2010.

* Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys, published by Philomel Books, received from Penguin, to be released on March 22nd, 2011 (go here to read more about this moving, historical fiction http://www.betweenshadesofgray.com/)

* Gentleman by Michael Northrop, published & received by Scholastic, released on April 15th, 2009.

* The Good Neighbors, Book Three- Kind by Holly Black & Ted Naifeh, published & received by Scholastic, released on October 1st, 2010

* Truth with a Capital T by Bethany Hegedus, published by Delacorte Press/Random House Kids, received from Bethany Hegedus, released on October 12th, 2010 (for Mundie Kids).

Bought:

* Once A Witch by Carolyn MacCullough (I will be donating my copy to the MO School District Book Drop we're hosting with Christine Johnson http://tinyurl.com/25ynm5v)

Won/Gifted:

* Won from Andrea Cremer: Laurie Halse Anderson prize pack! I'm so excited about these.
- Twisted
- Speak
- Wintergirls
* Gifted from S- Once Upon A Witch by Carolyn MacCullough (get minds think a like) lol

Thank you to Bloomsbury, Penguin, Scholastic, Bethany Hegedus, Andrea Cremer, and Sophie for this weeks wonderful reads.

What goodies did you receive this week?

Book Review- The Mark

By M.R. Bunderson
Published by Cedar Fort
Released on March 8th, 2010
Source- The Author
3.5 stars- I liked it

She's had it forever. A tiny mark on her hand. No big deal, right? But when Tori discovers that her ordinary freckle is really some kind of microscopic tattoo, she doesn't know what to think, especially after meeting Eric, a guy she feels strangely connected to--and not just because he has a mark too.

All too soon, Tori and Eric realize that their marks are only the first clue to a mystery that will change everything. And with each new discovery, Tori finds herself pulled deeper and deeper into a world she could never have imagined(quoted from Goodreads).

The Mark is a good, clean cut fantasy read, with mystery and romance. It follows the story of Tori and 4 other teenagers all brought together by their strange colored eyes, mysterious birthmarks and the strong connection to each other. This connection leads them to discover who they really are and where they came from, an elite and highly sophisticate society hidden away from the rest of the world for centuries.

I liked Tori's voice and how relatable she is. I really liked getting to know her wonderful best friend, as Shae was her voice of reason more than once. Then I met Eric, someone Tori felt an immediate connection with. I'll admit, that cliche bothered me with the story, but it also made sense, because of Tori's special ability. I don't want to say too much, as it will giveaway part of the plot. While Eric, Tori, Shae & Amanda are seniors, Miles is a college freshman and then there's the mysterious Sebastian. Five of the teens all have a special ability and connection. I liked that each of them has an unique ability which helps them on their journey to find the hidden land they were born in. Eric and Tori's instant connection made for a very strong relationship. Where Tori feels connections, Eric is a protector. Eric's ability comes in handy not just for Tori, but for the team, as someone is trying to stop them from discovering the truth into who they really are.

It took me awhile to really connect with The Mark and I'm not really sure why. Maybe it's because I wasn't whisked away into the story right away, or at times I felt the romance was a little too intense for two teens who just met. I did like that The Mark has a great history, a lush and vivid setting where the kids come from, and it's also set in urban America, where 4 of the 5 kids live. Each of the characters have real, relatable chemistry, and when they discover the truth about their past, they make responsible choices about their futures. The pace was a little slower than what I'm used to reading, but it fit with the plot, as Tori and her friends are trying to uncover the mystery of who they really are and where they came from. Had that been rushed, but it wouldn't have seemed very realistic.

I would recommend this books to fans of fantasy, who love a mystery, mixed in with a great romance and a fantastic cast of characters. I would definitely pick up a sequel to this story if there is one, as the ending is both satisfying and open to continue the story.

You can find out more about The Mark by visiting M.R. Bunderon's site here http://mrbunderson.blogspot.com/
and follow her on twittter at @mbunderson

The Halloween Giveaway Winner Is......

Our giveaway winner is........

#160-Jennelle Stepanski

Congratulations!!!!

You have won:
*a SIGNED published book of Zombies vs Unicorns, along with a Team Unicorn and a Team Zombie button.
* an ARC of Crusade by Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie
* a published copy of Holly Black & Ted Naifeh's The Good Neighbors, Book 3-Kind

Thank you to everyone who entered. We still have some great giveaways going on here and on Mundie Kids.

Friday, October 29, 2010

Book Review- The Good Neighbors Book 3- Kind

By Holly Black & Ted Naifeh
Published by Scholastic
Released on October 1st, 2010
Source- The Publisher
3.5 stars- I liked it

After bidding their time for ages, the faeries have taken control of our world.

Fey and mortals may not be good neighbors after all.

Rue's world is fragmenting. The fey have taken over her city and pushing the humans aside. Her grandfather is gone. Her faeries Mother is triumphant. Her human father is despondent. And her boyfriend? He would rather be eaten alive by mergirls than be with Rue.

Tensions between the humans and the faeries is growing, and Rue feels pulled in both directions. In some ways, she feels like her place is in the human world- with her friends, her father, and the humans who want to protect themselves. But then there's her fey half-her beautiful, dangerous mother, the faerie realm, and her kinship with the natural world. Can Rue fix the rift between the fey and the humans? Or does she have the courage to continue her grandfather's interrupted plan?

In the third and final volume of The Good Neighbors, Eisner Award nominees Holly Black and Ted Naifeh weave a masterful concoction of fantasy and the unexpected (quoted from the book's inside jacket).

If you're a fan of The Good Neighbors series, than you'll be pleasantly surprised with the unexpected twists that Holly and Ted throw into Kind. I enjoyed the unexpected in this series and the ending was just that. Holly and Ted put a unique spin on the faerie world, deliver answers you may have had in the other two books, and finish the series with an ending fit for the series. If you're a fan of Holly's faeries, I recommend picking this book up.

Be sure to enter our Halloween Giveaway here, http://tinyurl.com/25h5olf for your chance to win your own copy!!

Vampires, Werewolves, Unicorns, Zombies & Faeries OH MY!


Today is the last day to enter our Halloween Giveaway!! Since it's Friday and I was feeling like our giveaway was missing something, I've also included a brand new published copy of Holly Black's The Good Neighbors, Book 3- Kind. You can't celebrate Halloween without evil faeries (I'm just saying).

Be sure to go HERE to enter - http://tinyurl.com/25h5olf The Giveaway ends tonight at midnight!!
In addition to Holly's Good Neighbors books, here's what else we're giving away:
*a SIGNED published book of Zombies vs Unicorns, along with a Team Unicorn and a Team Zombie button.
* an ARC of Crusade by Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie

Good luck to everyone!!

Giveaway & Author Interview with Grey Griffins: The Clockwork Chronicles Book 1: The Brimstone Key, co-Author J.S. Lewis

Today over on Mundie Kids we have an awesome giveaway & interview with author J.S. Lewis, who co-wrote a great news series called Grey Griffins The Clockwork Chronicles, Book 1 is called The Brimstone Key.

Here's a little bit about the series:

A brand new adventure starring The Grey Griffins!
Max---the leader
Natalia---the brains
Ernie---the changeling
Harley---the muscle

A year ago, the Grey Griffins were just regular kids from Avalon, Minnesota. That was before they learned about the existence of evil fairies, werewolves, and other things that go bump in the night. Now they are monster-hunters, celebrated heroes, and allies to the legendary Templar knights---but even heroes have to go to school.

When the Griffins enroll at Iron Bridge Academy, a school to train young recruits in the fight against the forces of evil, they find themselves at the center of a whole new adventure. The Clockwork King, a Templar foe from days past, has returned to finish the plan he set in motion decades ago. A plot to steal the souls of changelings---humans infused with fairy blood and supernatural abilities---in order to power his army of clockwork war machines. (quoted from Goodreads)

We'll be sharing our review tomorrow on this great new series... think Steampunk for kids! Head over here http://tinyurl.com/2apt3ck to read our interview and enter to win a published copy of the book and some great Brimstone Key posters!

Jace NEEDS our help!

(picture taken from Literary Crush A Thon's site)

We need to keep Jace at #1 in the Literary Crush-A-Thon!!

What's a Crush-A-Thon? Bookcrush-A-Thon is a fangirly celebration for the best part of every YA book... the totally dreamy fictional guy who could never exist in real life! (quoted from their site).

Jace isn't the only one who needs votes, so do Will and Jem. Hop on over to the Literary Crush-A-Thon site here http://bit.ly/crQkFU to cast your vote!!

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