MySpace & BlogSpot - Important Note

Kids, I'm stepping out of using MySpace and BlogSpot for blogging. I'll still have my accounts so I can read other people's stuff, but I won't be posting my own content.

May sure you change your subscriptions to http://tezmilleroz.wordpress.com or http://tezmilleroz.livejournal.com My LiveJournal will have a lot of Friends Only posts, and you can only comment there if you have an LJ account. My WordPress acts as a website, and a hub for all my book reviews, news, cover art, author interviews, purchasing links, etc.

I'm leaving MySpace and BlogSpot because my accounts there don't get as much traffic as the others, I don't like the comments system (LJ will always be #1 in that respect), and it's tiresome to copy and paste everything. Anyone can comment on my WordPress, whether you have a WordPress account or not.

Sorry if this inconveniences you. Feel free to email me at TezMillerOz at gmail dot com if you need to discuss anything.

Thanks for everything, and have a lovely day! :-)

Tez Miller
Blogger, Reader, Reviewer, Interviewer & Promoter of the urban fantasy genre
http://tezmilleroz.wordpress.com

When the Cats Take Over

Your Score: 50/50 - Who knows?

Chances of becoming someone's kittylitter: 52%

You scored kinda in the middle, and I have no idea what the cats plan to do with you. Sorry, but my cat/adviser fell asleep back on question four and I've been winging it ever since. You might become kitty litter, then again, you may be left to roam the back alleys, looking for small rodents to eat behind the trash cans. At least you'll be surprised, whatever happens.

(If you like learning stuff, check out A Brief History of House Cats at smithsonianmagazine.com!)

Link: The When the Cats Take Over Test written by rrr99 on OkCupid Free Online Dating, home of the The Dating Persona Test View My Profile(rrr99)

Your Say

I often undertake long, repetitive tasks. And I'm an obsessive list-maker. This means I spend a lot of time doing stuff that most people usually wouldn't bother. But hopefully the things I do can benefit you.

My latest obsessive task is organising and setting up more links on my WordPress, which at times is more of a website than a blog for me. You'll notice on the right sidebar people divided into categories. (Authors, Reviewers, Publishers. Please note that I've only listed the authors and publishers who've given me ARCs or finished copies. And the reviewers are those who've linked to my site - or write for, in the case of Flames Rising.)

I've also decided to make use of Amazon Associates and have linked to books I've reviewed, and books I want to read that I don't own. (I specify that, because I have unread books on my shelf that I hope to get to ASAP. I've just got four library books to read first.) Please note that it doesn't include every single title - but shows the ones I really want and are listed on Amazon.

So now it's your turn to suggest other things I could do, or what you'd like to see. Or what you'd like to see less of. More book reviews and author interviews? More promo without reviews or interviews? More/less cover art? More obsessive lists (please specify)? Less/more Manny with/without books? More daily life and less book stuff?

Also, it's kind of a pain in the arse to keep updating four blogs. I'm thinking of cutting my MySpace and BlogSpot (just keep them for reading other people's stuff), and making my WordPress for book stuff, and my LiveJournal for personal stuff. But before I do any of that, please let me know which of my blogs you primarily read.

And I'd like some technical assistance, if you can help. You know how on some people's LJ entries it says: "Originally posted at [blank]. You may comment here or there"? I want to do that. But how? Does it involve importing, exporting, clients, paid accounts? I've tried to read the info at LJ and WordPress, but it's just not making sense to my tiny brain.

Also, let me know if you've linked to my WordPress, so I can link to your website. Thanks, y'all.

Now for what I won't do. Contests and giveaways aren't possible right now because of my financial situation. And I won't report news that other people have reported, and I won't link to other people's reviews and such, because I really want to concentrate on my own content. And there's no point linking to all that stuff, when other people do that on their blogs. I figure people come to me because of something I may have that others may not. Willing to be honest? Lively personality (when I'm in a decent mood, that is)? What keeps you coming back to my blog when you could easily unsubscribe?

Okay, enough self-indulgent fishing for compliments. Just a quick reminder that since it's nearing the end of the month/beginning of the next, a lot of book releases are afoot. Be sure to check May 2008 Releases and June 2008 Releases for anything you may have forgotten. For an extensive list of all the books I want to read from the past, present and future, check my Reading Wishlist. I alter it slightly almost daily with new release dates and titles, as well as deleting titles I've already read.

If you can't tell by my blathering, it's close to bedtime. Sleep well, y'all!

P.S. Yes, I have noticed my tendency of saying "y'all" a lot recently. I'm not going Southern; just expanding my vocabulary ;-)

Cat with Books

Manny got caught in the rain. I had to dry him off with a towel, then he went to cuddle up on the couch, and thus I brought out the books and the camera. He wasn't interested in the literature; just wanted to nap. Pictured with Marjorie M. Liu's The Last Twilight, and Rachel Caine's Ill Wind (yes, that's the library's barcode at the top).

Eurovision 2008

I watched the contest last night, and have made some notes. I've put them behind a cut on LJ, so don't click on the link unless you want spoilers: http://tezmilleroz.livejournal.com/115989.html

[REVIEW] Personal Demon - Kelley Armstrong

Personal Demon - Kelley Armstrong "...gobsmacked me with its brilliance and sheer originality...It really justifies the author as my favourite." Buy

Cover Art for Jennifer Rardin's ONE MORE BITE

Cover art for Jennifer Rardin's One More Bite (5th January 2009). Buy

Record Breaking

(Images taken from here and here respectively.)

Cover art for Suzanne McLeod's The Sweet Scent of Blood (11th September 2008). Buy

More pre-order links for A. J. Menden's Phenomenal Girl 5 (October 2008) are appearing: Amazon, Amazon CA, Amazon UK, Target and Chapters CA.

From J. A. Konrath: "Reviewers are people. Meet them. Be nice to them. Chances are they'll remember you, and you'll have a better shot at being reviewed than the thousands of authors they don't know." He's right - the more you pay attention to me, the more likely I'll pay attention to you. Fickle, I know, but that's how I operate ;-)

If you shorten Madison Square Garden's name, it becomes MSG. This made me chuckle.

And thanks to everyone who visited my WordPress on Thursday 22nd May 2008 (aka yesterday). My highest amount of page views in a day set a new record: 169. For that I thank my review of Laurell K. Hamilton's Blood Noir, Jenna Maclaine's guest blog, and my review of Stephenie Meyer's The Host which consistently gets a lot of page visits every day.

[GUEST BLOGGER] Jenna Maclaine

Jenna Maclaine is the author of the upcoming paranormal novels Wages of Sin and Grave Sins. She'll also have contributions in The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance and Strange Brew. Read Jenna's guest blog about her path to publication here.

Meet Jenna Maclaine

(Images from here, here, here and here respectively.)

Jenna Maclaine's path to publication is unusual, and her guest blog will focus on that. In this pre-post, here's her publishing schedule:

The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance (28th July 2008) - features Jenna's short story The Righteous
Paranormal romance is a supernatural force to be reckoned with. Packed with a menagerie of werewolves, shape-shifters, and assorted demons, its undisputed king is none other than our favorite centuries-old bloodsucker—the vampire. Let the biggest and brightest names in the paranormal romance business show you the bewildering array of complex vampire codes of conduct, dark ritual, and dating practices, as they chat up the locals and engage in the most erotic encounters you will sink your teeth into this side of un-Death. These ain't your mother's vampires! In a quickly expanding genre, here are 30 short stories of hot blood and inhuman passions.
Buy

Wages of Sin (29th July 2008)
Dulcinea Craven descends from a long line of witches, and she has just inherited wild, untrained magical powers that she has no idea how to control. Now a ruthless vampire and an age-old demon are determined to enslave Cin and steal her power for their own. Her only hope is The Righteous, a band of warrior vampires who slay the rogue undead. Among them is Michael, a fierce swordsman who inflames Cin's most primal hungers. Showing her a sensual pleasure beyond anything in the mortal realm, she must choose between the human existence she has always known, and immortality as a vampire - a new life filled with forbidden urges, dark yearning, and unearthly passions...
Buy

Grave Sins (February 2009)

Strange Brew (June/July/August 2009) - features a short story from Cin's world.

Relevant Links
http://jennamaclaine.com/
http://www.myspace.com/jennamaclaine

[REVIEW] Blood Noir - Laurell K. Hamilton

Blood Noir - Laurell K. Hamilton "The relationships between Jason, Anita, the Schuylers and the Summerlands' various guards and spin doctors is really quite interesting – sometimes it's understandable why the author is a bestseller." Buy

Happy Birthday, Jes Battis & Jackson Pearce

(Images taken from here and here respectively.)

Today is May 21st, the birthday of Jes Battis [author of Night Child (27th May 2008)] and Jackson Pearce [author of As You Wish (sometime in 2009)]. Help them celebrate by purchasing Night Child and...sending Jackson more lambies/goats (sorry, we can't pre-order your book yet) ;-)

And gear up for the release of A. J. Menden's Phenomenal Girl 5 (8th November 2008) by purchasing an Elite Hands of Justice top, mug, bag, sticker and/or button. See what's for sale here. (I like the Raglan top and the mug the best.)

My reading order has changed because while at the library to collect my reservation...I brought some other books home too. Oops. But I just grabbed what I saw on the trolleys; I didn't take my list and look up the catalogue.

Nose isn't as runny, but it's blocked up so I'm breathing through my mouth. Yeah, I'm now one of those creepy heavy breathers.

From http://www.allthetests.com/tests/smart.php3: Congratulations! You got a score of 6! Your Rating: Normal Intelligence

Sneaky Villain NinjaTez

First, shame on Metlink Melbourne for not having the ad on their website, so I had to photograph the newspaper. If you can't read the type, here's the text advertising night buses:

The buses now run later at night,
To take you home under the moonlight.
You'll be safe from vampires, werewolves
And other strange creatures.
An anti-occult force field is one of
The buses' new features.

Holy Feck, dude! I couldn't have made this shizz up. Then again, I only take the bus during the day and in the suburbs. Night in the city must be a different thing altogether. And who's not to say that "vampires, werewolves and other strange creatures" wouldn't ride the bus? Actually, now that I think of it, vampires are usually so up themselves that they wouldn't dare take public transport.

Oh, and in that picture...is that a mummy? Or a mummy zombie? Enlighten me, Wise Ones!

To borrow a phrase from Stephanie, EmoCat is being emo today. And wouldn't face the correct way on the couch, thus you'll see my thumb in one of the photos, holding the book up. Anyway, that's Manny with Michelle Maddox's Countdown (29th July 2008) [and Michelle Rowen's Lady and the Vamp (1st April 2008) promo card],Gena Showalter's Awaken Me Darkly (31st May 2005) [includes thumb], and Vicki Pettersson's The Scent of Shadows (27th February 2007, or 2nd June 2008, or 1st August 2008 - North America, UK, and Australia respectively). Not even booky goodness can cheer EmoCat today.

What someone typed into Google to find my WordPress: do afl players shave their legs? Answer: Probably. Like they wax/shave their chests. I think.





Take the Villain quiz.

[REVIEW] Biting the Bullet - Jennifer Rardin

Biting the Bullet - Jennifer Rardin "I have much respect for the author featuring some creatures not usually found in current fiction. Top marks for originality..." Buy

Cat with Books

I woke Manny up from his nap for these, which could explain why he's the most alert in the first one, and then got sleepy again. His reactions:

Laurell K. Hamilton's Blood Noir: Worth a sniff.

Jeaniene Frost's One Foot in the Grave: Cuddle up with on the couch.

Jeaniene Frost's Halfway to the Grave and One Foot in the Grave: Shouldn't call your character Cat if she's not actually a feline *grumpy face*

Having never read any of these books yet, I can't confirm or deny the plausibility of ReviewerCat's views.

What Your Taste in Music Says About You

Your musical tastes are energetic and rhythmic. You are full of energy and can be quite talkative. You are forward thinking and open minded. You despise conservatism of any sort. You are intense, detail oriented, and motivated. You are an ambitious person, though your ambition is anything but conventional.

What Does Your Taste in Music Say About You?

LOLuf

It had to be done. The cat is Guinevere Anastasia Battis, flatmate of Jes Battis. The regal lady of the house tolerated being photographed with her flatmate's first novel, Night Child (27th May 2008). And yes, there will be a sequel - currently titled Hextacy, but that could change. Release date unknown.

It's been raining over the weekend here in Melbourne. Manny's been outside and got rained on, both Saturday and Sunday. Had to be towel-dried, and then used the heating vent as a blow-dryer. Currently having naptime on the couch. During the week, though, I'll have to perk him up so he can be photographed with a new book that arrived on Friday.

Reading schedule has changed again, due to the new book's arrival. Conducted another interview. Am currently in the process of changing my book newsletters and blogs from my old address to my proper one. Am up to L authors.

Sore throat began on Friday night. Still here. Listened to Madonna's Hard Candy again this morning, and I still love it.

Happy Birthday, Karen E. Taylor

Today, May 17, is the birthday of Karen E. Taylor, author of Twelve Steps from Darkness (27th April 2007). Have a good one, lass :-)

Be sure to check this out, before the bloke takes the page down. Theo Black, previous web designer of Jeaniene Frost's, Melissa Marr's and Vicki Pettersson's, has lashed out at his former clients. Let it never be said that men don't bitch as much as women ;-) Dear oh dear. For the record, I want DreamForge Media to design my site, if ever I can afford to pay someone.

Anyway, you may know that Mr Black is the spouse of Ms Holly Black. Will this cause a rift in the urban fantasy community? We shall see. Just goes to show that high school never ends.

A. J. Menden's Website is GO!

Jes Battis has received an author copy (or author copies???) of his first novel, Night Child (27th May 2008). Visit his blog to see it posing with resident regal cat Guinevere. (She seems to tolerate it, which is good news.)

A. J. Menden's website is now open. It even includes the copy for her first novel, Phenomenal Girl 5 (8th November 2008):

Lainey Livingston has just been made a member of the Elite Hands of Justice, the world's premiere cadre of superheroes. Her work with the Red Knights and the Power Squad was impressive; her apprehension stats are above normal, and her great strength and ability to fly are equally remarkable. But no one gets a free pass to active duty, and Lainey's next test is going to be her hardest. She's to train with the Reincarnist.

Robert Elliot, the Reincarnist. A magician who has lived multiple lifetimes, he's the smartest man in the world — and Lainey's last obstacle. He was personally responsible for seeing Pushstar wash out. But his eyes are the softest, kindest that Lainey has ever seen, and he's just the sort to knock her for a loop. Lesson #1: Romantic entanglements among crime fighters are super exploitable, and falling in love with a man who "can't die" is like waving a red flag at a bull. Especially not when the most fiendish plot ever is about to break over Megalopolis like a wave of fire.

If you shop at Chapters (a Canadian bookseller), you can pre-order the book here.

Devon Monk's Magic to the Bone (November 2008) cover has been updated with blurbs from Patricia Briggs and Rachel Vincent.

Nicked from A. J. Menden:

Superhero Team Quiz LiveJournal Username Your Primary Super Power Energy Control (ex. Fire, Cold, Electricity, etc)High Tech Devices / ArmorIntangibilityKung FuMagicMatter Manipulation/TransmutationProbability Control/ LuckPsionics(Mental Powers)Shape shiftingSuper Human Intellect/DeductionSuper SpeedSuperhuman Physical AbilityTantric YogaWeather ControlZapping (eye beams, sonic scream, etc) Cape? CapeHalf CapeCape AND Cowl/HoodFeather BoaNO CAPES!! Identitiy Public, my real identity is commonly known.I have no identity other than my superheroic one.I keep my real identity hidden from most.No one but I knows my real identity. Origin Accident Involving Blowup DollAlien Abduction/ExperimentationAlien HeredityBitten by Radioactive CreatureBlessed by / Champion of Divine Power(s)Constructed (Robot, Replicant, etc)CursedGovernment/Military ProjectGranted Item/Weapon of Cosmic PowerIntense TrainingMassive Amounts of Lethal RadiationMutantSelf ExperimentationSheer Inner Badass NatureToxic Chemical AccidentYou�re just that wealthy/influential Location of Head Quarters �School� For the GiftedArtificial IslandCrystalline Fortress in the ArcticFashionable Hair SalonFloating CitadelGovernment FacilityHippie Co-OpMoonbaseNight ClubNo permanent HQ, We�re organized in cellsOrbiting SatelliteOstentatious Complex DowntownRefurbished House or BrownstoneRental in a Trailer ParkSecret CaveStarshipTempleUndersea ComplexYour Mom�s Basement Primary Costume/Uniform Colors Why are you a Superhero? BoredCommanded/Ordained by the DivineDestinyDutyFlip of the CoinI can get away with beating people upI can get away with wearing this outfitI get sooo much tail being a SuperheroI prefer �Vigilante�I�m paid a sh*tload of cashIt beats the hell out of Tech SupportIt�s my fetishIt�s my way of defying my dark destinyIt�s the right thing to doMerchandizingMy deeply messed up backgroundMy friends wouldn�t go for being villainsSuperhero? I�m a spy for the badguys!With Great Power, comes Great Responsibility Your Superheroic Codename The veteran grim member of the team onlylive_twice The sexist and crass but annoyingly effective one chloe_saunders The bright-eyed novice or sidekick mikko1283 The teammate that will eventually go evil or insan persephone_qd The inept yet determined/reoccurring supervillain mistful The sinister Arch-Villain and team's greatest foe lixia84 The perky civilian that keeps getting kidnapped vpettersson How often does your team actually 'save the day'? 72% This Fun Quiz created by Shannon at BlogQuiz.Net

Free Daily Horoscopes at DailyHoroscopes.Biz

Cover Art for Keri Arthur's HEARTS IN DARKNESS

The UK edition of Keri Arthur's Hearts in Darkness. With a blurb by Harriet Klausner. We've discussed Ms Klausner's reviewing style. Personally, I'd be tempted not to buy a book with her blurb on it. Your thoughts?

Favour: For a job I might apply for, I need to submit my "major clips". Basically, what are your favourite reviews that I've written? Regardless of whether you liked the book or not, but rather what you thought of the review itself. Links to my book reviews are here. Thanks if you can help.

Saundra Mitchell's Shadowed Summer is now available for pre-order at Amazon and Amazon CA (no word about UK).

Thanks to the authors who've sent me books to review that I haven't got to yet. Thanks for your patience and understanding:

Marta Acosta's Midnight Brunch
Adrian Phoenix's A Rush of Wings
Rachel Vincent's Rogue
Esri Rose's Bound to Love Her

WordPress: I want to make it so that commenters can be notified when I've replied to their comment. How do I do that? Thanks if you can help.

Jodi Picoult in Melbourne

I don't know which of Allen & Unwin (publisher) and Angus & Robertson (bookseller) is to blame. Arrived in line at Angus & Robertson in Melbourne (360 Bourke St) an hour early. Was informed that Ms Picoult would only be signing the new book, Change of Heart. None of us in queue was told this on the phone when we called, and we'd brought about two books each from home (we weren't going to bring out the whole backlist; just our most favourites). So of course we all had to fork out for the newy (many thanks to my sister who bought it for me).

We were told to write our name on a Post-It to stick on the title page, so Ms Jodi would know how to spell our names. She even asked me what mine is short for. Bless our Aussie way of shortening names to as small amount of syllables as possible because we're so lazy... ;-)

Anyway, we soon were told that we could line up again with any other books we'd brought and another photo. Which we did, because the line moved along really fast: no stopping to discuss her novels with her. But we've read her books, we swear! So theoretically we needn't have bought the newy after all as she was cool enough to sign her backlist. Maybe Allen & Unwin or Angus & Robertson had overestimated the crowd numbers.

Nevertheless, the photo at the beginning of this entry is my photographic evidence. Ms Jodi has a better hairstyle than me, but mine's a better colour (have never coloured it and don't intend to in the near future) ;-) We're both leaning to the left, though I was probably supposed to lean inward...but we all know that I'm wonky/lopsided/imbalanced/unbalanced ;-)

So tell me about your book signing experiences. Is it normal that you have to buy the new book if you want something signed? Or is this just some weirdo Australian thing because rarely does an international author sign in Melbourne? Or was this just a one-off?

And now onto the rest of my day. I didn't buy any more books, but I did photograph some so you have proof that your books are on Australian shelves. If yours isn't in my photos, I most likely didn't see it. I normally crop out as much of the background as I can, but this time I left some bits so you can see your shelf neighbours:

Angus & Robertson (Melbourne)
Gwen Hunter's Shadow Valley

Borders (Melbourne Central)
Mario Acevedo's The Nymphos of Rocky Flats and X-Rated Bloodsuckers and Jennifer Armintrout's Possession
Jeanne C. Stein's Blood Drive
Mark Del Franco's Unshapely Things and Unquiet Dreams
Laura Anne Gilman's Staying Dead (mysteriously shelved in the A section. As far as I know, Anne is not part of her surname; Gilman is)
Ilona Andrews' Magic Bites
Eve Kenin's Driven
Jeaniene Frost's Halfway to the Grave
Marianne Mancusi's Moongazer
Liz Maverick's Wired
Naomi Bellis' Step into Darkness
Jennifer Armintrout's Ashes to Ashes
Anya Bast's Witch Fire and Naomi Bellis' Step into Darkness (yeah, you get a second photo ;-) )

Feel free to share the photos with the authors; I couldn't be bothered emailing the links. (It's been a long day.)

Memoir
Host of CBS's Late Late Show, Craig Ferguson's American on Purpose, about living the American dream as he journeys from a small town in Scotland to the entertainment capital of the world, stumbling long the way through several attempts to make his mark, written "in the hope that it will inspire other alcoholic punk rock drummers from Scotland to find their true place in US late night television," to Michael Morrison at Harper, with David Hirshey editing, for publication in fall 2009, by Richard Abate at Endeavor (world English).

If you're a Scottish musician, you move to Australia (Jimmy Barnes, part of AC/DC, that Colin guy from Men at Work, etc). And Scottish comedian Billy Connolly did marry an Aussie... Come on, Scots - you know you belong in Oz; not the US... ;-)

[REVIEW] Another One Bites the Dust - Jennifer Rardin

Another One Bites the Dust - Jennifer Rardin "Ever experience blackouts, and regain consciousness to find yourself holding a gun to your own head? This makes for fascinating reading..."

Look Who's Coming to Melbourne :-)

From RachelCohn.com (updated 12th May 2008): Upcoming Appearances: MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA: August 25-28, 2008: Melbourne Writers' Festival

Yayayayayay! :-)

Do You See What I See?

When I first saw the cover of Marta Acosta's Midnight Brunch at Casa Dracula, I thought it seemed familiar. Sure enough, when I whipped out Keri Arthur's Embraced by Darkness and compared the two...I'm sure that's the same photo, though mirrored. Or at least a different photo from the same shoot, with the same models. Never mind that Riley Jenson is a redheaded Australian and Milagros de los Santos is a raven-haired Latina hottie...

Your say: Am I onto something, or am I still as dim as I've always been? You can answer "yes" to both ;-)

Your Linguistic Profile:

40% General American English 30% Yankee 20% Dixie 5% Upper Midwestern 0% Midwestern

What Kind of American English Do You Speak?

What is the four wheeled contraption you push around your groceries in? My answer was "trolley", but that's not an option in this quiz. And...wait, does my score only equal up to 95%? Where's the other 5%?

June 2008 Releases

Have you got your May shopping list sorted? (If not, check May 2008 Releases.) Good. Now to sort out June. Authors, titles, series, publishers, release dates, editions, formats, cover art and summaries: June 2008 Releases.

Cover Art for L. A. Banks' BITE THE BULLET

Bite the Bullet, the second novel in the Crimson Moon series. Due to be released 30th September 2008.

[REVIEW] Once Bitten, Twice Shy - Jennifer Rardin

Once Bitten, Twice Shy - Jennifer Rardin "An urban fantasy featuring the CIA and a sense of humour... Quite interesting. Indeed, Chapter Twenty is memorable, so keep your eye out for that... Jennifer Rardin is an author to watch."

You Know What Really Grinds My Gears?

Got a BookMooch alert for a book I really wanted, and the sender was willing to post worldwide - huzzah! So I sent my request, but then I saw something along the lines of: Reserved for [NAME]. If you're not her, please don't mooch from me.

That really grinds my gears. If you're going to gift a specific person, don't do it in a public forum such as BookMooch. Because you're just leading the rest of us on, thinking we may have a chance to score a free book. But obviously it was done through BookMooch so the sender could get the points, and we could all pretend that it's a regular Mooch, but it's not.

In short, if you only want to give a book to a certain person, don't do it via BookMooch. Please.

P.S. My Reading Wishlist has been updated with work-in-progress titles from Jenna Black, Jim Butcher and Rachel Vincent.

Fonzarelli Child

ReviewerCat: There's something more interesting out the window (note the psycho eyes). Either that, or he doesn't like magic.
ReviewerCat: Books cost $3.99 these days?! Only in America. We have to pay at least $15 here in Oz. Doesn't exactly inspire you to get off the couch, eh?
ReviewerCat: Bloody hefty. I can tell you that book is physically awkward to read, particularly from about 100 pages from the end. Fabulous book, and I don't regret reading it...but the webbing between my left thumb and index finger suffered.

From here. Rhea went to Wisconsin, and brought home this hideous/hilarious mug for her husband. Imagine waking up to bovine teats with your morning beverage. *shudder*
From here. Richelle came across this Security Check at Ticketmaster. That's creepy. *shudder*
From here. I'm convinced there's something somewhat Fonzie about the infant second from the left, who may or may not be zombie writer and Reluctant Adult Mark Henry. That child seems to be saying "Eeeeeeeeeehhhhhhhhh".

Australian Prohibited and Restricted Imports
Erasers - novelty (only bring serious erasers - stationery isn't allowed to have sense of humour if you've purchased it somewhere other than in Oz)
Pornography and other objectionable material (support Australia's porn publications and shop local)

The aforementioned Mr Mark Henry brought up the topic: "What does your To-Be-Read pile say about you?" Let's have a looksy at mine (which only includes books currently on my shelf):

Mario Acevedo: The Nymphos of Rocky Flats; X-Rated Bloodsuckers
Marta Acosta: Midnight Brunch
Kelley Armstrong: Exit Strategy
Keri Arthur: Embraced by Darkness; The Darkest Kiss
Jenna Black: The Devil You Know
Marie Brennan: Doppelganger; Warrior and Witch
Jaci Burton: Surviving Demon Island; Riding Wild
Mark Del Franco: Unshapely Things; Unquiet Dreams
Jeaniene Frost: Halfway to the Grave
Yasmine Galenorn: Darkling
Kim Harrison: Every Which Way But Dead; A Fistful of Charms; For a Few Demons More
Megan Hart: Broken; Tempted
Tanya Huff: Blood Trail; Blood Pact
Faith Hunter: Bloodring; Seraphs
Jackie Kessler: The Road to Hell
Caitlin Kittredge: Night Life
Maria Lima: Matters of the Blood
Liz Maverick: The Shadow Runners
Richelle Mead: Succubus Blues; Vampire Academy
Vicki Pettersson: The Scent of Shadows; The Taste of Night
Adrian Phoenix: A Rush of Wings
Jodi Picoult: The Pact
Jennifer Rardin: Once Bitten Twice Shy; Another One Bites the Dust; Biting the Bullet
Kat Richardson: Greywalker
Esri Rose: Bound to Love Her
M. J. Rose: Lying in Bed; The Venus Fix
Lilith Saintcrow: Working for the Devil; Dead Man Rising; The Devil's Right Hand; Saint City Sinners
Lisa Shearin: Magic Lost Trouble Found
Jeanne C. Stein: The Becoming; Blood Drive; The Watcher
Rachel Vincent: Rogue

I acquired these:
-Gift/contest/review from authors
-From publishers
-Gifts from friends
-BookMooch
-Bought (from eBay/instore)

If you like guessing games, you can try figuring out how I got what ;-)

And a final thanks to everyone who visited my WordPress on Wednesday 7th May, when I got 158 page visits - my highest ever :-)

[REVIEW] Witch Blood - Anya Bast

Witch Blood - Anya Bast "A step up from its predecessor...Anya Bast is doing what all authors should be doing: improving with each novel. I'm really looking forward to reading The Chosen Sin, future Elemental Witches instalments and whatever else the author has in store for us."

[INTERVIEW] Eve Kenin

Interview with Eve Kenin Eve Kenin (aka Eve Silver), author of futuristic novels Driven and Hidden, and I chat about the future, Canada, science, snow, and more.

Cover Art for Kelley Armstrong, Jennifer Estep, Charlaine Harris & John Ajvide Lindqvist

Left to right: Kelley Armstrong's The Summoning (UK), Jennifer Estep's Jinx, Charlaine Harris's From Dead to Worse (UK) and John Ajvide Lindqvist's Handling the Undead. That last one is a zombie novel, so that should fill the zombie void in your reading schedule.

My Reading Wishlist has been updated with some new titles, and new release dates, thanks to this afternoon's investigation.

Prince

For Kim: Atria has announced publication this fall of pop star Prince's 21 NIGHTS, a multi-media volume promising a glimpse into his life, lyrics, and mystique, constructed as a photographic essay with never-before-published images by Randee St. Nicholas that flows from his 21 concerts in 21 nights in London last year--also featuring "Indigo Nights," a CD of Prince's "speak-easy, after-hours, raw, live after-show sessions of pure unadulterated jams."

What someone typed into Google to get to my WordPress: i love tez I'd prefer it if you didn't love me. By all means like, respect and admire me. But don't love me - that's just creepy ;-)

[REVIEW] Witch Fire - Anya Bast

Witch Fire - Anya Bast "The author has some interesting ideas, and I look forward to learning more about the elements and what they do...The world-building is interesting enough that I'm already reading the sequel."

Quick Update

Cover art for Justine Larbalestier's How to Ditch a Fairy.

I was right: Jaye Wells is a new League member, along with Caitlin Kittredge and Jackie Kessler.

Are You a Dumb American?

League News: Jill Myles has left the League. Still no word of the League News Proper or Jaye Wells' news. They said they'd announce on Monday - US time, obviously (it's 10:18AM on Monday where I live).

You Are Not a Dumb American

You got 8/10 correct. You know a good deal about American history, but there's some basic facts you have wrong. Time to go back to history class!

Are You a Dumb American?

8/10 is pretty good for someone who's not American - and even by American standards, I'm not dumb. Ha! We never got taught American history or government in school, so obviously what I know, I found out by myself.

I did this a few books ago, but Liviania just tagged me:

1. Pick up the nearest book.
2. Open to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the next three sentences.

He twined a hand to the nape of her neck, the other to the small of her back, and pulled her flush against his chest as he kissed her. His tongue burrowed past her lips, possessing her mouth. His hand at the small of her back dropped to cup her ass, then slid between her cheeks where he delved his fingers deep inside her and stroked.
--Anya Bast: Witch Fire

Why Do I Review?

You can tell by my reviewing style that I'm not a professional or an intellectual, and nor do I pretend to be. These so-called "reviews" are actually just sharing my thoughts. Oftentimes I don't describe the plot, but rather my reaction. I have no target audience. If it's helpful to someone, that's a bonus.

But if I had to choose a target audience, it would be the book-buying public in general. After all, we can't afford to buy every book in whatever genre ever published. But I like to think that I provide enough information for you to decide whether a certain book is worth your time, and if it is should you fork out dosh for it, or borrow it from the library or a friend.

In otherwise, I don't write "kiss-ass articles in People magazine", as I like to quote the head of Lucy Liu from a particular Futurama episode. And I accept that not everyone shares my point of view. In fact, with some particular books, no one shares my point of view. That's okay. We're all entitled to our opinions.

But there are times when it sucks to be a reviewer, even more so to be a film reviewer (which I'm not). See, there's this situation I call "Attack of the Fangirlies", when people write just to let you know that you're wrong in every way in this particular review.

I've also had people write to me saying they don't understand why I read books if I don't enjoy them. Which is a stupid question, because the answer should be obvious: I'm waiting to be wrong. I'm waiting for authors to prove that their books are worthy of my time, attention, respect and admiration. Even with books that totally don't work for me, I can usually find one good thing about it. If I didn't like the characters, I liked the world-building, etc.

In a certain Family Guy episode, there's a flashback to Meg as a kid performing in a school play. Quoth Peter: "I'm very aware I'm watching a play right now." I do find myself in situations where I'm very aware I'm reading a book. Meaning I'm just not connecting. The characters are annoying/boring, the plotting is too done-before/farfetched, whatever.

"But, Tezzy," you may say, "this is urban fantasy - you have to suspend your disbelief somewhat." I do, but I have my limits. For example, I can believe reading shapeshifters if they were caused by a virus or blood-mixing, but I can't believe if it was caused by magic. But I can believe it was caused by magic if it's such good writing that hey - I'm no longer aware I'm reading a book.

So why do I bother finishing a book if I don't give it five stars? Well, at least I gave it a chance. I waited for the whole book to be absolutely wowed, and I wasn't. Put simply: if I actually finish a book, the lowest score it will get is three stars. Any lower than that, and I wouldn't have finished it at all. I also don't do half stars: it's three, four or five. Most rate a four. Some really good ones that blow me away or really affect me get five. For the three ones, I just couldn't get into it.

But back to R. J. Anderson's original question that spawned this post: why shouldn't authors respond to positive reviews? Only a segment of authors have responded to my reviews. Usually with a "thank you for reviewing". Is bad publicity good publicity? Even if critics universally pan a film, it'll probably still get on the box office charts somewhere. Even if you don't like a book, if you at least mention it you are doing your job by making people aware of the book's existence. They might be tempted to read to see if they agree or don't agree with your opinion. Or they're simply curious. But the most important thing is that they know the book exists if they ever want to chase it up.

And I guess, in the end, that's what reviewing is about: promotion, but with an opinion.

What about interviews? Mine tend to be focused on the person rather than the books, mostly because I may not have read the books, and thus can't target my questioning. But what I like most about my interviewing style is that I make it clear that they're not just authors - they're people, too. And I feel free to have a sense of humour and ask silly questions, because at least I may be asking questions that not every other interviewer has asked them.

At the end of the day, this is why I have a presence on the Internet: to make people aware of stuff they may not have heard of, but mostly to provide something to smile and laugh about. My favourite personality trait is my sense of humour. I try to use it whenever I can. Not everyone appreciates it at times, but that's okay. Because at least I tried. And when I tell people "have a lovely day", I actually mean it. Even if I can't be happy, I still want you to be happy enough for the both of us.

I appreciate my readers, even if they don't always appreciate what I have to say.

Have a lovely day! :-)

[REVIEW] You Know Where to Find Me - Rachel Cohn

You Know Where to Find Me "This is intense, emotional stuff, with characters I wish I'd had in my life...Thought-provoking, emotionally draining and forces (unintentionally or otherwise) readers to undertake personal reflection...Powerful and memorable in a way that very few novels are – put simply: a must-read."

Speculating, Or "Taking a Specky" (in a non-AFL kind of way)

I read spec fiction so it makes sense that I, too, speculate: I predict that Jaye Wells will be the newest League member.

Evidence (possibly circumstantial)
-Ilona Andrews has left the League, leaving a vacant spot for someone else, possibly female.
-The League has announced a "NEW League" will be coming on Monday. This may mean that they may no longer be the League of Reluctant Adults, but another form of League.
-Jaye blogged that she's just received good news.
-Jaye teamed up to do critiques with Stacia Kane, while the other Leaguers were otherwise absent.

We'll find out if I'm correct or not on Monday. Stay tuned.

Meanwhile, some unexpected promotion came today in the form of Gwen Hunter and Faith Hunter (who are incidentally the same person). Thanks, lass :-) Wouldn't call myself a "good" reviewer, but I am honest and try to bring smiles and laughter into people's lives. Expect a new review today or tomorrow (I've got 60 pages left to read), though it's not one by either Ms Hunters.

Also, hot on the heels of interviewing Jes Battis, I've sent interview questions off to another Canadian. No mention of Vancouverines this time (sorry, readers). (NOTE TO SELF: "Vancouverines" would make a great term for British Columbian werewolves.)

And thanks to everyone who visited my WordPress yesterday (Friday 2nd May 2008), officially giving me 123 page visits - my highest ever! May you find reasons to return, and have a lovely day! :-)

[REVIEW] Ashes to Ashes - Jennifer Armintrout

Ashes to Ashes - Jennifer Armintrout "Plenty of vomit and severed digits to satisfy gore fans, witticisms to appease the humorous and alternate history for those not impressed with the real world."

Cover Art for Jocelynn Drake's NIGHTWALKER

Cover art for Jocelynn Drake's Nightwalker, due to be released 1st August (though some say 29th July). Me want! But I talked to someone at Harper Australia, and it seems that they haven't or won't be publishing works by Jocelynn Drake and Jeaniene Frost. Have UK rights not yet been sold? Good news is that Orbit Australia will be publishing Jenna Black, Patricia Briggs and Kat Richardson. I think.

Thanks

Yesterday (Thursday 1st May 2008) my WordPress received its highest amount of page visits: 120. Thanks to all who visited - it means a lot that you're interested in my opinions.

I'm currently working on better organising the categories and tags, but this will be a long ongoing project.

Thanks for everything, and have a lovely day! :-)

Cleveland

There'll be a 13-episode spinoff of Family Guy entitled Cleveland. Find out the few details here. (Thanks to PerezHilton.com for the link.)

You Should Visit Argentina

Cowboys, European food, beaches, and skiing. This country is like no other! Learn to tango, hike across Patagonia, eat at fine restaurants... you'll never be bored.

What Latin American Country Should You Visit?

They're gauchos, not cowboys. I think.

The 7 Books I Read in April

Ilona Andrews: Magic Bites: I'll have to re-read this at some stage because I don't remember a lot of the first half. While I was reading, I liked it fine, but my concentration was atrocious, and I was never in a hurry to get back to it. I had a lot of personal stuff going on, which probably affected my reading.

Kate Daniels might be what's known as a "man with boobs" – basically a female with personality traits more commonly associated with men. She's sharp-shootin' and straight-talkin', never without her trusty saber named Slayer (compensating for something?). Because this alternate reality Atlanta involves a lot of magic, it left me confused. What kind of magical abilities does Kate have? Without her weapon, would she survive? Am I supposed to want her to get together with Curran? (I don't.) Because there's a lot I don't remember/don't understand, I can't give much of a review. Sorry, readers, maybe next time.

Ilona Andrews: Magic Burns

Anya Bast, Jodi Lynn Copeland, Lauren Dane & Kit Tunstall: What Happens in Vegas...: This anthology contains four novellas set in the infamous Las Vegas. I was expecting an erotica collection, so I was somewhat disappointed to read that they were more like erotic romances – but to each your own. Not a fan of romances, this obviously clouded my perception of these stories:

Jodi Lynn Copeland: Hot for You: Too much focus on the romance, and the author needs to find a synonym for cream. Otherwise fine.

Lauren Dane: Stripped: Characters pissed me off (so he's rich and she's not – get over it already!), and far too much romance – the most romancey story in the collection. Don't think I'll be reading more.

Kit Tunstall: Red-Handed: Ah, now this was a lot better, definitely in the top two.

Anya Bast: The Deal: Also in the top two. And it actually mentioned a Vegas wedding, complete with Elvis impersonator/Justice of the Peace.

I think what really pissed me off was that none of the characters were flawed; everyone was beautiful and kind-hearted... I need characters I can believe and relate to, and thus flaws are a must. Do I believe that romance novels give women unrealistic ideas of love? Unfortunately, I do. More erotica, less romance – it'll make for better fiction in my opinion.

Patrice Michelle: Insurrection

Stephenie Meyer: The Host (no longer under embargo, so you can read my review now)

Taryn Blackthorne: Even for Me

Eve Kenin: Hidden