FBF Book Spotlight: Alienation by Jon S. Lewis

Alienation (C.H.A.O.S. #2)
by Jon S. Lewis
Published January 3rd 2012 by Thomas Nelson Publishers

The invasion was only the beginning . . .

After his parents were killed in a car accident, Colt McAllister was drawn into a world he thought only existed in comic books-one where mind control, jet packs, and flying motorcycles don't even scratch the surface.

Along with his best friends Oz and Danielle, Colt is now training at the secret Central Headquarters Against the Occult and Supernatural academy. But strange accidents seem to follow him. . . even with the security of the school grounds. What first seems random soon turns deadly. But who is targeting Colt?

As the alien invasions increase in frequency and force, C.H.A.O.S resources are taxed to the limit and they're forced to utilize the new recruits. In the midst of battle, Colt will discover some startling revelations . . . about himself, his friendship with Oz, and why he has been chosen to defeat this alien attack against earth.

5 Signed Copies will be given away on Friday, February 3, 2012!

http://teens.freebookfriday.com/2012/01/alienation-by-jon-s-lewis.html 

What is FBF?

It's simple. Every Friday, Free Book Friday gives away free books!

That's right. Each week, FBF features a new author with an exclusive author interview podcast or written Q&A and host a drawing to win free signed copies of his/her book.

All you have to do to enter to win each week is sign up using the entry form on the left sidebar. Winners are chosen at random and posted on the site every Friday morning. Hence the name, "Free Book Friday!" 

Review: Drink, Slay, Love by Sarah Beth Durst

Title: Drink, Slay, Love
Author: Sarah Beth Durst
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Supernatural Fiction
Elements: Vampires, Unicorns
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books, Simon and Schuster Inc.
Format: Hardcover, 386 Pages
ISBN: 978-1-4424-2373-2
Release Date: September 13, 2011
Source: Borrowed from Wentworth Library
Rating: 4/5

Tagline(s): ~NONE~

Summary: Pearl is a sixteen-year-old vampire, fond of blood, allergic to sunlight, and mostly evil...until the night a sparkly unicorn stabs her through the heart with his horn. Oops.

Her Family think she was attacked by a vampire hunter (because, obviously, unicorns don't exist) and they're shocked she survived. They're even more shocked when Pearl discovers she can now withstand the sun. But they quickly find a way to make use of her new talent. The vampire king of New England has chosen Pearl's Family to host his feast. If Pearl enrolls in high school, she can make lots of human friends and lure then to the king's feast--as the entrees.

The only problem? Pearl's starting to feel the twinges of a conscience. How can she serve up her new friends--especially the cute guy who makes her fangs ache--to be slaughtered? Then again, she's definitely dead if she lets down her Family. What's a sunlight-loving vampire to do?

Review:

Pearl is a vampire who sees humans as only a food source to be tapped then forgotten until she's hungry again. All that changes one night when Pearl takes her dinner out back of the Dairy Hut and ends up being staked by a unicorn instead. Yes, a unicorn. Pearl can't believe it, either. She also didn't expect to still be alive and resistant to the sun.

What's worse is she's having the beginnings of a conscience. When Pearl's parents insist she go to high school to find a food source for the vampire king of New England's Fealty Ceremony, she never thought she'd start caring for the humans. Especially the luminous-eyed Evan and "Miss Perky" Bethany. When you're a vampire and your "food" becomes your "friend," disaster is just after sunset.

Pearl Sange is a sixteen-year-old vampire who likes her blood sweet, so she visits Brad at the Dairy Hut every once in a while for some ice cream and a quick sip. But everything changes when Mr. Sparkly-and-Pointy stakes her with his horn. She's not only still alive, but resistant to the sun. She's awestruck the first time she sees the sun and how it shines and reflects. Though she loves being able to go out in the sun during the day, she absolutely hates the inconvenient feelings she's having as a result of her impalement. As Pearl changes (in many different ways) she's torn between loyalty to her Family and her new friends.

I didn't know what to expect when I first started reading Drink, Slay, Love. I thought the story would be a lot darker than it turned out to be. There are the cruel, evil vampires and their macabre world, but on the other side there's the unicorns and their world of light and love. And Pearl has one foot on each side, straddling both worlds.

The story is a lot more humorous that I expected, too. I love how sarcastic and witty Pearl is, as well as her I'm-not-a-damsel-in-distress, I-can-take-care-of-myself attitude. And let's not forget the rest of the cast of characters. There's the dangerously hot Jadrien, sparkly luminous-eyed Evan, "Miss Perky" Bethany, the bumbling idiots Matt and Zeke, and a whole assortment of other characters that make this book work.

Everything from the unique vampire society and culture, unicorn mythology, literary quotations, and multi-dimensional characters, combine to make a humorous vampire story that's not afraid to show its dark side.

Excerpt (Pages 127-128):

Last period of the day was new: gym class. According to her trusty schedule, she had it twice a week, and it was her only class that didn't include Evan, which was a relief. For forty-seven minutes, she wouldn't have to worry about his scent causing her fangs to poke out. She didn't know why he, out of all the humans, had such an effect on her, but it was annoying. She should be functioning at peak concentration, but he and his luminous eyes kept distracting her. First opportunity I have, she thought, I'll bite him.

About this Author:

Sarah Beth Durst is the author of Drink, Slay, Love (coming Sept 2011), Enchanted Ivy, and Ice from Simon & Schuster, as well as Into the Wild and its sequel Out of the Wild from Penguin Young Readers. She has been writing fantasy stories since she was ten years old and holds an English degree from Princeton University, where she spent four years studying English, writing about dragons, and wondering what the campus gargoyles would say if they could talk. Sarah lives in Stony Brook, New York, with her husband and children. For more information, visit her at www.sarahbethdurst.com.

Original Review Post: 
http://zodiacbookreviews.blogspot.com/2012/01/review-excerpt-drink-slay-love-by-sarah.html

SWOON Thursday (#8): A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies

Hosted by YA Bound

From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON. What got your heart pounding, your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering. Shout it out on Twitter with the hashtag #YABound, post it here in the comments, or grab the adorable button above and share it on your blog! We want to know :-)

Here's mine:

Then all of a sudden he'd taken two giant steps toward me, and before I knew it, had taken my face into his hands and the rest of me into the darkness of his wings, and he was kissing me and I was kissing him and we were kissing each other in my little bedroom, in my little, house, in my little town, while the mountains soared into the sky.

I could sense the earth rumbling quietly beneath us. Something was moving, but all I knew right then was that it wasn't dangerous.

For now, there was only Asher.

- A Beautiful Dark SWOON #YABound

Waiting on Wednesday (#8): Tempted by Blood by Laurie London

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's eagerly anticipated release is:

Tempted by Blood (Sweetblood #3)
by Laurie London
Expected publication: February 21st 2012 by HQN Books

Deep within the forests of the Pacific Northwest, the battle for supremacy rages on between two Vampire coalitions:

Guardian enforcers sworn to protect humanity, and Darkbloods, rogues who kill like their ancient ancestors….

He might be known for his effortless charm, but Guardian Jackson Foss is hiding a terrible secret. For months, he has battled the emergence of his dark nature—deadly urges that threaten to consume him. And those cravings only intensify when he meets Arianna Wells, the human he's been assigned to protect. Smart and perceptive, Arianna doesn't seem like a dangerous temptress. Yet she awakens in Jackson an unstoppable need that, if left unchecked, will brand him a traitor…a crime punishable by death.

But soon their bond may be Arianna's only hope. For stalking her in the shadows is a merciless enemy—one who will stop at nothing to claim her completely….

I recently finished the first book in the Sweetblood series, Bonded by Blood, and I absolutely loved it. I'm excited to start the second book, Embraced by Blood, and I can't wait for the release of the third book. First we read about Dominic and Mackenzie, then Alfonso and Lily, and now Jackson and Arianna. And lets not forget the novellas in this series Hidden by Blood and Enchanted by Blood (which is in the A Vampire for Christmas anthology). I just love the whole world of this series and the characters that live in it.

#FEARTHEREAPER: Countdown to Wings of the Wicked Week 7

This time we are counting down the release of WINGS OF WICKED!

The first chapter of Wings will be in the ANGELFIRE paperback out January 17 along with an exclusive scene from Will's POV involving, Ragnuk, Bastian, Ivar, Geir, and Cadan.....

So much excitement!

In the Fear the Reaper tradition, Courtney will be giving away a book and posting a song from the WINGS OF THE WICKED playlist each week, but because some of these songs are massively spoilery, she'll let the lyrics speak for themselves and she will say nothing about what the song means in relation to Wings. These songs will be posted chronologically with their scenes in the book You will have to find out for yourself!

Be sure to check out the Wings of the Wicked soundtrack

to hear songs for the book that she wrote herself!

CD's will be handed out on the Dark Days of Supernatural Tour in February!

Week 7

Song: Save Me by Burn Halo

Cadan's song!! Eeeeee!!!!

CLICK HERE: So head over to Courtney's blog to enter the contest for ANGELFIRE and WINGS OF THE WICKED and listen to the seventh song!

Please vote for ANGELFIRE in

the Best of 2011 Debuts Awards!!

Best Paranormal Debut

Favorite Character

Favorite Couple

If we win a category, Courtney's got an awesome THANK YOU gift

planned! Check it out!!!!

Review: Snow in Summer by Jane Yolen

Title: Snow in Summer: The Tale of an American Snow White
Author: Jane Yolen
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Fairy Tale Retellings
Elements: Magic
Publisher: Philomel Books, Penguin Group
Format: Hardcover, 243 Pages
ISBN: 978-0-399-25663-9
Release Date: November 10, 2011
Source: Borrowed from Wentworth Library
Rating: 3.5/5

Tagline(s): Fairest of Them All

Summary: With her black hair, red lips, and lily-white skin, Summer is as beautiful as her father's garden. And her life in the mountains of West Virginia seems like a fairy tale; her parents sing and dance with her, Cousin Nancy dotes on her, and she is about to get a new baby brother.

But when the baby dies soon after he's born, taking Summer's mama with him, Summer's fairy-tale life turns grim. Things get even worse when her father marries a woman who brings poison and a magical mirror into Summer's world. Stepmama puts up a pretty face, but Summer suspects she's up to no good. Is Summer powerless to stop her?

Master storyteller Jane Yolen crafts a brand-new Snow White tale filled with magic and intrigue, set during the early twentieth century in Appalachia, that will be hard to forget.

Review:

Snow in Summer takes place in West Virginia's Appalachian Mountains during the 1940's. Jane Yolen re-tells the fairy tale of Snow White in a more modern time that we're familiar with.

Summer's life was like a fairy tale until the day her mother and baby brother died and her father retreated into himself from heartache. Then Summer's father starts visiting her mother's grave every night after dinner and she hopes it's a sign that her father is coming back to her. What she didn't expect was for her father to walk down the mountain one day from visiting her mother with a woman on his arm. Summer and Cousin Nancy quickly realize that Summer's father is besotted and under the woman's spell. With no defense against the woman's magic, Summer is easily beguiled by her. Unable to please the woman who becomes her stepmother, Summer is hunted by the man her stepmother hired to kill her. She is able to escape and finds safety in the mountains with six German jewel mining brothers. But she can't escape her stepmother that easily.

Snow in Summer is an innocent girl who has a big name to live up to. She loves fairy tales and believes in True Love. And she knows evil when she sees it. She's called Summer by her family and friends, but Snow by her stepmother. With her mother gone and her father lost in heartache, Summer quickly grows really close to Cousin Nancy. But when she's beguiled by the woman who would become her stepmother, she desperately wants a mother's love and tries her hardest to get her stepmother to love her. But when she realizes that her stepmother can't love her and she sees how evil her stepmother really is, she tries to escape. When she is being hunted by the man that her stepmother hired to kill her, she finds a safe haven with six German miners in the mountains. She finds happiness there, but she knows she must always be careful in case her stepmother finds her.

I like how Jane Yolen stays with the main elements of the Snow White tale, but adds a few unique touches all her own. I also like the heroines name. It shows the two sides of the story. Snow (which she's called by her stepmother) shows the cold and oppressive side of the story. When the heroine is trapped by her stepmother. And Summer is the warm and hopeful side of the story. Where True Love is found and good always wins.

Quote: After all, it was True Love from the very first moment we met. the best kind, born out of adversity and hard work and destined to last happily ever after. Of that we are both absolutely certain. - Page 243

About this Author:

Yolen was born at Beth Israel Hospital, the first child of Isabel Berlin and Will Hyatt Yolen. She and her family moved to California when she was young but returned to New York a few years later. After her younger brother was born, her father joined the army and served on the European front during WWII. Yolen spent her childhood taking piano lessons, ballet dancing and writing a neighborhood newspaper with her brother. Yolen spent her teen years in Westport, Connecticut, and became involved in choir, basketball, debate, language clubs and the school paper. She graduated from Smith College with several publications in literary magazines already to her name.

In 1962, Yolen married David Stemple. They had three children together and six grandchildren. Stemple passed away in 2006 from cancer. Yolen now divides her time between her homes in Western Massachusetts and Scotland.

Yolen has written over 280 books, including picture books, books of poetry, science fiction, fantasy, historical fiction and more. Her books are part of the core curriculum for schools across the country and have been translated into several languages.

Teaser Tuesday (#8): A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies

 

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• 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!

My Teaser:

"You mean my powers will decide who I get to fly off into the sunset with? What if I don't want to go with either one of you?"

"You have a choice only if you have powers associated with both the light and the dark," Devin said, his voice losing some of its cool detachment. 

- A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies, Page 304

Year of the Dragon: Books with Dragons

Since I made a post about the Chinese New Year, which is today, and the Dragon zodiac, I thought that I'd make a post featuring books with Dragons in them (since this IS a book blog).  ~ Christina :)

Chinese New Year: Year of the Dragon

Chinese New Year is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays. In China, it is known as "Spring Festival," the literal translation of the Chinese name 春節 (Pinyin: Chūnjié), since the spring season in Chinese calendar starts with lichun, the first solar term in a Chinese calendar year. It marks the end of the winter season, analogous to the Western carnival. The festival begins on the first day of the first month (Chinese: 正月; pinyin: Zhēngyuè) in the traditional Chinese calendar and ends with Lantern Festival which is on the 15th day. Chinese New Year's Eve, a day where Chinese families gather for their annual reunion dinner, is known as Chúxī (除夕) or "Eve of the Passing Year." Because the Chinese calendar is lunisolar, the Chinese New Year is often referred to as the "Lunar New Year".

Chinese New Year is the longest and most important festivity in the Chinese calendar. The origin of Chinese New Year is itself centuries old and gains significance because of several myths and traditions. Chinese New Year is celebrated in countries and territories with significant Chinese populations, such as Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, and also in Chinatowns elsewhere. Chinese New Year is considered a major holiday for the Chinese and has had influence on the lunar new year celebrations of its geographic neighbors. These include Korean (Seollal), Bhutanese (Losar), and Vietnamese cultures.

Within China, regional customs and traditions concerning the celebration of the Chinese new year vary widely. People will pour out their money to buy presents, decoration, material, food, and clothing. It is also the tradition that every family thoroughly cleans the house to sweep away any ill-fortune in hopes to make way for good incoming luck. Windows and doors will be decorated with red colour paper-cuts and couplets with popular themes of "good fortune" or "happiness", "wealth", and "longevity". On the Eve of Chinese New Year, supper is a feast with families. Food will include such items as pigs, ducks, chicken and sweet delicacies. The family will end the night with firecrackers. Early the next morning, children will greet their parents by wishing them a healthy and happy new year, and receive money in red paper envelopes. The Chinese New Year tradition is to reconcile, forget all grudges and sincerely wish peace and happiness for everyone.

Although the Chinese calendar traditionally does not use continuously numbered years, outside China its years are often numbered from the reign of the Yellow Emperor. But at least three different years numbered 1 are now used by various scholars, making the year beginning in AD 2012 the "Chinese Year" 4710, 4709, or 4649.

Animal	Branch	New Year dates
鼠 Shǔ Rat	子 Zǐ	February 19, 1996	February 7, 2008	January 25, 2020
牛 Niú Ox	丑 Chǒu	February 7, 1997	January 26, 2009	February 12, 2021
虎 Hǔ Tiger	寅 Yín	January 28, 1998	February 14, 2010	February 1, 2022
兔 Tù Rabbit	卯 Mǎo	February 16, 1999	February 3, 2011	January 22, 2023
龍 Lóng Dragon	辰 Chén	February 5, 2000	January 23, 2012	February 10, 2024
蛇 Shé Snake	巳 Sì	January 24, 2001	February 10, 2013	January 29, 2025
馬 Mǎ Horse	午 Wǔ	February 12, 2002	January 31, 2014	February 17, 2026
羊 Yáng Goat	未 Wèi	February 1, 2003	February 19, 2015	February 7, 2027
猴 Hóu Monkey	申 Shēn	January 22, 2004	February 8, 2016	January 27, 2028
雞 Jī Rooster	酉 Yǒu	February 9, 2005	January 28, 2017	February 13, 2029
狗 Gǒu Dog	戌 Xū	January 29, 2006	February 16, 2018	February 3, 2030
豬 Zhū Pig	亥 Hài	February 18, 2007	February 5, 2019	January 23, 2031

The Dragon (simplified Chinese: 龙; traditional Chinese: 龍), is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac and Mongolian zodiac related to the Chinese calendar and Mongolian calendar, and the only animal that is legendary. The Year of the Dragon is associated with the earthly branch symbol 辰 and is considered the luckiest year in the Chinese Zodiac.

Years and the Five Elements

Persons born within these date ranges can be said to have been born in the "Year of the Dragon," while also bearing the following elemental sign:

• 16 February 1904 – 3 February 1905: Wood Dragon
• 3 February 1916 – 22 January 1917: Fire Dragon
• 23 January 1928 – 9 February 1929: Earth Dragon
• 8 February 1940 – 26 January 1941: Metal Dragon
• 27 January 1952 – 13 February 1953: Water Dragon
• 13 February 1964 – 1 February 1965: Wood Dragon
• 31 January 1976 – 17 February 1977: Fire Dragon
• 17 February 1988 – 5 February 1989: Earth Dragon
• 5 February 2000 – 23 January 2001: Metal Dragon
• 23 January 2012 – 9 February 2013: Water Dragon
• 10 February 2024 – 28 January 2025: Wood Dragon

Traditional Dragon Attributes and Associations

Attribute
Zodiac Location	5th
Ruling hours	7am-10am
Direction	East-southeast
Motto	“I Reign”[2]
Season and month	dry, january
Fixed element	Water
Stem	Positive
Lunar Month Dates	April 5 – May 4
Birthstone	Ruby
Colors	Red
Roughly equivalent western sign	Aries
Polarity	Yang
Food	Wheat, poultry
Ruling Countries	China,  United Kingdom,  Denmark  Iran,  Japan,  Bulgaria,  Vietnam,  Mongolia

Dragon Personality

Dragon – 龍 / 龙 (辰) (Yang, 1st Trine, Fixed Element Wood): Magnanimous, stately, vigorous, strong, self-assured, proud, noble, direct, dignified, eccentric, intellectual, fiery, passionate, decisive, pioneering, artistic, generous, loyal. Can be tactless, arrogant, imperious, tyrannical, demanding, intolerant, dogmatic, violent, impetuous, brash.

Dragon Horoscope

The Dragon personality The Dragon is a creature of myth and legend. A symbol of good fortune and sign of intense power, the Oriental Dragon is regarded as a divine beast - the reverse of the malicious monster that Westerners felt necessary to find and slay. In Eastern philosophy, the Dragon is said to be a deliverer of good fortune and a master of authority. Therefore, those people born in Dragon years are to be honored and respected.

Years of the Dragon

Fifth in the cycle, Dragon Years follow the Rabbit and recur every twelfth year. The Chinese New Year does not fall on a specific date, so it is essential to check the calendar to find the exact date on which each Dragon Year actually begins

1904 * 1916 * 1928 * 1940 * 1952 * 1964 * 1976 * 1988 * 2000

THE SIGN OF THE DRAGON

The key to the Dragon personality is that Dragons are the free spirits of the Zodiac. Conformation is a Dragon's curse. Rules and regulations are made for other people. Restrictions blow out the creative spark that is ready to flame into life. Dragons must be free and uninhibited. The Dragon is a beautiful creature, colorful and flamboyant. An extroverted bundle of energy, gifted and utterly irrepressible, everything Dragons do is on a grand scale - big ideas, ornate gestures, extreme ambitions. However, this behavior is natural and isn't meant for show. Because they are confident, fearless in the face of challenge, they are almost inevitably successful. Dragons usually make it to the top. However, Dragon people be aware of their natures. Too much enthusiasm can leave them tired and unfulfilled. Even though they are willing to aid when necessary, their pride can often impede them from accepting the same kind of help from others. Dragons' generous personalities give them the ability to attract friends, but they can be rather solitary people at heart. A Dragon's self-sufficiency can mean that he or she has no need for close bonds with other people.

DRAGON FACTS:

People born in the Year of the Dragon share certain characteristics. The Dragon sign is an abbreviated way of characterizing that individual's personality. Following are features associated with the sign of the Dragon.

Fifth in order, Chinese name-LONG, sign of luck
Hour-7am-8:59 a.m. Month-April
Western Counterpart-Aries

CHARACTERISTICS

* Innovative
* Enterprising
* Flexible
* Self-assured
* Brave
* Passionate
* Conceited
* Tactless
* Scrutinizing
* Unanticipated
* Quick-tempered

IN YOUR ELEMENT

The characteristics of the Dragon Sign are tempered by one of the five Chinese elements of Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth overlaying a 5-year cycle of characteristics on the original 12-year cycle.

THE METAL DRAGON 1940 AND 2000

Truthful but extreme, courageous but unyielding, Metal Dragons have a strength similar to the Dragon fire. Metal Dragons succeed through determination. They are mighty and respect people who stand up to them. In troubled times, these Dragons make great allies, but become ferocious challengers. Metal Dragons can often calm others through their forceful personalities. They seek action, and things are never better than when they are defending a thought or belief about which they have complete faith. Metal Dragons like to lead, and have an affect that makes others want to follow them. Yet even if they attract no support they will fight alone.

THE WATER DRAGON 1952 AND 2012

Water has a calming effect on the Dragon's fearless temperament. Water allows the Dragon to re-direct its enthusiasm, and makes him more perceptive of others. These Dragons are better equipped to take a step back to re-evaluate a situation because they understand the art of patience and do not desire the spotlight like other Dragons. Therefore, they make smart decisions and are able to see eye-to-eye with other people. However, their actions can go wrong if they do not research or if they do not finish one project before starting another.

THE WOOD DRAGON 1904 AND 1964

Wood has a modifying influence and brings creativity to this sign. Questioning and liberal, Wood Dragons enjoy talking about original ideas and are open to other points of view. They are innovative, imaginative practical and appreciate art in each of its forms. Generally less pretentious than other Dragons, Wood Dragons have an ability to get along with other people. They have the essentials to build a prosperous and happy life for themselves. Still, Wood Dragons are outspoken and at times a bit pushy to quell everyone, even in the most friendly quarrel.

THE FIRE DRAGON 1916 AND 1976

The Fire Dragon is a powerful force to be reckoned with. This is a Dragon doubled! The Fire Dragon can move from calm and collected to combustible in a matter of seconds. In some ways the Fire Dragon is his or her own worst enemy. These Dragons cannot help feeling they are valuable and all-knowing. When they are right their vehemence and vigor is an asset to the cause, and though they value objectivity, they do not always employ the best decision-making measures, and sometimes jump to the wrong conclusion. They also suffer from recklessness and quick tempers. Yet, when they do keep their temper, emotions, and rivaling spirit under control, they emanate a commanding influence on other people.

THE EARTH DRAGON 1928 AND 1988

Earth Dragons make great managers because they are practical, levelheaded and demonstrate a knack for organizing. They still have the need to dictate and be admired, but they are affable, congenial and supportive. Compared to other Dragons, Earth Dragons are less likely to breathe fire at the least irritation. They will work diligently to complete their life goals. The Earth element adds a greater portion of self-control to the Dragon's personality and usually the Earth Dragon is deserving of the respect he or she desires. These Dragons take their life and romantic responsibilities quite seriously.

HEALTH AND HOME

HEALTH

Dragons take thrilling risks and burn the candle at both ends so they are fortunate to be blessed with good health. Among the most hearty of the Animal signs, they can suffer bad health as a result of stress. Symptoms of their personalities often stem from emotional outbursts and can range from tension headaches to depression to hypertension. Dragons can remedy these problems by maintaining their cool, implementing a routine in their daily lives, and utilizing exercises such as yoga or tai kwon do that soothe the mind and spirit as well as tone the body.

AT HOME WITH THE DRAGON

Not the most domesticated of the Animal signs, Dragons and may be more content out and about rather than at home. Nevertheless, with their imagination and artistic sense, they can enjoy decorating their home or anywhere else where their extravagance can be expressed.. A Dragon's home should be as large and majestic as his personality, providing space for the fiery temperament or emotional eruptions that accompany their character.

CAREER AND FINANCE

THE DRAGON AT WORK

The Dragon's originality is the most impressive and outstanding of all his characteristics. The Dragon is quite imaginative and always able to see new paths where others may run into brick walls. Dragons are very adaptable and are fit for various occupations, especially if those occupations allow him to take the limelight. In any of these occupational situations, the Dragons will take a radical approach. Dragons work hard, but would rather give orders than receive them. They should avoid jobs that encompass too much routine, and should move toward jobs in which their self-reliance can be an asset.

FINANCE AND THE DRAGON

Dragons like to spend money and are charitable themselves as well as with others. They do not know the meaning of the word "accumulate," and making money does not intrigue them as it may others. Many Dragons will take big chances with their finances, sometimes betting on their shirt and losing it right off of their backs. Yet, they were born with the Midas Touch, and it very rare that a Dragon remains poor for long. Dragons will always be straightforward in financial dealings and can always be trusted.

DRAGON CAREERS

Those born in the Year of the Dragon also share the same kinds of goals and objectives in life. The occupations best suited for the Dragon are listed below:

DRAGONS MAKE EXCELLENT:

* Computer analysts
* Inventors
* Engineers
* Architects
* Lawyers
* Philosophers
* Psychoanalysts
* Brokers
* Managers
* Salepeople
* PR People
* Advertising agents
* Officers in the armed forces
* Campaigners
* Politicians

CONGENIAL BUSINESS PARTNERS

Whether Dragons are compatible with their business partners depends on whether their signs are harmonious or antagonistic to each that of their partners. Considering the congruity of the components of their own characters and the characters of their business colleagues can also be very useful.

Dogs Ruled by: Benefit from: Are Antagonistic to:

Metal Earth Snakes Fire Tigers

Water Metal Monkeys Earth Sheep

Wood Water Roosters Metal Oxen

Fire Wood Rats Water Rabbits

Earth Fire Dragons Wood Horses

Leisurely activities and pleasures

LIKES AND DISLIKES

Since Dragons are born under the same Animal sign, they often share likes and dislikes. Following are similar likes and dislikes of the Dragon personality:

Color Preference: Greenish-Blue

Gems and Stones: Opal, Sapphire, Amber

Suitable Gifts: Tarot cards, camera, a copy of the I Ching, mirror, a family crest, mobile phone

Hobbies and Pastimes: Computer programming, public speaking, fossil hunting, astrology

Dragons Dislike: Taking orders, unnecessary bureaucracy, discounted ideas, people who don't give 100%

THE DRAGON ON VACATION

Dragons are attracted by the bizarre. No self-respecting Dragon desires to walk in a tourist's footsteps. Instead, they take a lot of gratification in finding hidden destinations, or, closer to home, locations off the beaten track. But Dragons also need thrills, which they might find by taking an unplanned winter break to go skiing or a spontaneous rock climbing trip in the spring. They may even test their bravery by daring to ride the highest roller coaster in the world. Dragons are also sentimental at heart, so conquering their childhood haunts, or taking a second honeymoon would bring immense pleasure too.

FRIENDS AND ENEMIES

Dragons are usually popular people, but because of their personalities, they seem to gather as much criticism as they do esteem. Due to their tumultuous temperaments, Dragons are not the most sensitive friends to those in need of a shoulder to cry on. Those who truly know the Dragon know he is a loving soul who will become your best ally in times of need. Once the dynamic Dragon has given his friendship, he will not let his friends down and will never falter in his allegiance to his companions. To a Dragon, a friend is a friend for a lifetime. Incredibly honest, Dragons are known for sincerity and are trusting souls. Because of this honesty, Dragons don't realize others may not demonstrate or uphold the same codes of ethics. Making the discovery that they placed their trust in someone who is dishonest makes the Dragon person quite sad, yet much more perceptive for future encounters.

Compatible Friends

Best Friends: Rats and Monkeys

Mortal Enemy: Dogs

DRAGON PARENTS AND BABIES

Because people born in the year of the Dragon are so working on furthering their careers, they usually Put off having and raising children until later than many of the other Chinese horoscope signs. Parenting doesn't come very naturally easily to the Dragon. However, when Dragons do become parents, they approach it with the same enthusiasm as other endeavors. They are proud parents and tend to boast about the accomplishments and good looks of their children.

DRAGON INFANT AND CHILD

Dog children are creative, able to entertain themselves for hours on end. They don’t mind playing by themselves, often inventing games and puzzles while doing so. They are responsible children who love to take on and complete as many tasks as possible for it gives them a sense of accomplishment.

Dragons, noted for their benevolence, tend to shower their children with toys and spending money. It has been remarked that they substitute material things for quality time with their children. Even so, Dragons take parenting seriously and are quite protective of their children's welfare. Should anything upset them, or should anyone wrong them, the Dragon will prepare to fight and avenge the people who have hurt or belittled their offspring.

DRAGON PARENT/CHILD KINSHIPS

Like their adult counterparts, children born in the Year of the Dragon have vivid personalities and are independent from birth. Noisy and active, parents should stimulate their imaginations as soon as possible. Their imagination and inquisitive natures can be troublesome for the Dragon child and can often land them in a heap of trouble at school which can cause teachers and other parents to deem them troublemakers or naughty. Sometimes Dragon children are loners who daydream and drift to into their own world of make-believe. Either way, Dragon children demand careful attention and special handling in order to bring out the best in them. Their creativity and talents must be encouraged, even if it means spending extra time in certain school subjects in order to help them master the subject. .

DRAGON PARENT/CHILD RELATIONSHIPS

Some parents immediately click with their children and others find they will never have a close relationship, no matter how hard they try to make it happen. Following are the compatibility ratings between Dragon parents and their children.

Dragons with	Under the same roof	Compatibility Rating
Rat	take pride in each other	****
Ox	not much understanding	*
Tiger	Many Thrills	***
Rabbit	Contesting Viewpoints	*
Dragon	Like Mother like Daughter	****
Snake	Little problems	****
Horse	Different Attitudes	**
Sheep	To Delicate	*
Monkey	Mutually Satisfying	****
Rooster	few clashes of temperament	***
Dog	Problems arise	*
Pig	get along, but hard work	**
* Uphill Struggle **Some Complications	***easy bonding ****on the same wavelength

LOVERS AND SPOUSES

Negatively, Dragons are egotistical and love to be the center of attention. Modesty is not one of his assets. Add to that the Dragon temper and you have a bossy, dominating and authoritative being. They hate solicited advice and can be hopelessly tactless and insensitive to their lovers.


THE DRAGON IN LOVE

IRRESISTIBLE ATTRACTION

People love Dragons so much because they are generous, charismatic, irresistible, and so brave that standing beside them banishes fear. They generate excitement and turn heads anywhere they go. They are free-spirited and impulsive and can help others achieve their dreams. Others love to be around Dragons because they have a way of making people feel better. Dragons are quick to fall in love, but do not surrender their independence easily leaving most of them to live life by themselves. Yet, an smart, witty, and funny companion may intrigue the Dragon long enough to make him want to get married. And once the Dragon becomes committed, he is unlikely to ever leave.

THE DRAGON LOVE PARTNER

It takes someone with thick skin who is easygoing to be a Dragon's partner, because, despite their sentimental characters, they can be moody, and insensitive. Many people will want to run when the Dragon's temper is provoked. Chinese horoscopes are very specific about which partnerships have the potential to be successful in love and in business. Yet, though destiny can point us in the right direction, we must still make all efforts to maintain loving relationships. Following is a brief description of how a Dragon will affect a relationship with other Animal signs.

PARTNERS IN LOVE

Dragon*Rat

A brilliant relationship-plenty of love, mental sensitivity and understanding. Tipped for happiness.

Dragon*Ox

When it comes to being obstinate, Dragons have met their match in the Ox. The give and take essential for a happy marriage is lacking in this partnership

Dragon*Tiger

A gutsy combination full of gusto to fuel passions

Dragon*Rabbit

Your obstacles will either unite or divide you

Dragon*Dragon

If you learn to share the spotlight, you can accomplish anything together

Dragon*Snake

Clever, crafty and quick-witted-you fit together like pieces of a puzzle.

Dragon*Horse

You share a powerful sexual chemistry.

Dragon*Sheep

Despite the sexual attraction, eventually you'll find too many differences to overcome.

Dragon*Monkey

You share opinions and goals that destine you for happiness.

Dragon*Dog

A truly tumultuous affair-not recommended for peace of mind.

Dragon*Pig

A caring and deeply affectionate relationship.

Dragon*Rooster

You make a beautiful couple, but your egotism blinds you.

EAST MEETS WEST

ARIES DRAGON

Aries Dragons tend to have good luck. With a passionate drive they fill their days to the brim with activity. They are upwardly mobile people so they usually get what they want.

LIBRAN DRAGON

The Libran Dragon is a chic creature, quite cultured and cultivated. Charm is this Dragon's greatest asset and is a magnetic force that causes people to flock to him. The Libran Dragon fair person and is a champion of the people.

TAUREAN DRAGON

Taurus brings the Dragon back down from the clouds and adds a purposeful strength to his character. Taurean Dragons will work consistently to achieve material comforts and high standards of living essential to their well-being.

SCORPIO DRAGON

Eccentric and exotic, Scorpio Dragons are mighty people with legendary zest and enthusiasm, and incredibly passionate emotions. They throw themselves into everything they do. When they fall in love it is completely and exclusively and they expect the same treatment of their partners.

GEMINI DRAGON

These are life's performers, taking pleasure in the company of others. Gemini Dragons can accomplish several tasks at once and are able to juggle many conversations successfully. However, taking on anything in depth is not really their style.

SAGITARRIAN DRAGON

Open and straightforward, the Sagittarian Dragon's honor is well-intentioned, although it can sometimes be insensitive. Extemporaneous and careless, this Dragon's abundant fervor sweeps everyone along. They have a charming outlook on life.

CANCERIAN DRAGON

Cancer Dragons have polished tastes and are generally an artist of some sort. Their homes act as show- cases of these artistic talents. These are less self-indulged characters and are caring, tender, individuals. For them a tight-knit relationship and established home are necessary for happiness.

CAPRICORN DRAGON

These Dragons are pragmatic, determined and modest, with a driving craving for achievement. They will work long hours to make a slow climb to the top. For them, passion and romance come second, but once committed, they are responsible partners.

LEONINE DRAGON

The Lion is King of the Western zodiac and the Dragon is the sign of the Emperor. Leo Dragons have an innate sense of royalty; thus they are born leaders. They are flashy and like to show-off, but their kindness and zest for life make them fascinating.

AQUARIAN DRAGON

Impractical and atypical, these Dragons are intrigued by the shock of the new. Most importantly, they are intellectuals, very individualistic and original, born ahead of their time. Receptive and open-minded, they are held in high regard by all.


VIRGO DRAGON

Status and title matter a lot to the Virgo Dragon, and he is prepared to work diligently to achieve them. These organized and productive people carefully plan each aspect of their lives and leave nothing to chance. The Dragon's capricious characteristics are calmed and the Virgo Dragon has a streamlined, efficient outlook on life.

PISCEAN DRAGON

With Piscean tenderness added to Dragon brashness, these individuals are still vivid and impassioned, but. less self-involved and more responsive to the needs of others. However, the Dragon motivation is still there, hidden underneath that seemingly tranquil surface.

Hunger Games Photo: Katniss and Peeta Set the Games on Fire

From Entertainment Weekly:

In this exclusive photo from the moments just before their introduction, Cinna (Lenny Kravitz) readies a final flaming flourish to Peeta and Katniss’s black costumes. “This is one of those moments where Cinna’s character syncs up with the creativity of our costume designer Judianna Makovsky,” says Ross. (Makovsky earned Oscar nominations for her work on Ross’ previous movies Pleasantville and Seabiscuit.) “What Cinna was trying to do was create something that came out of District 12, out of a coal mining world, with a fresh, bold look to it. So Judianna went to this wonderful black reflective material that glistened like coal or graphite and would obviously work well in the Tribute parade where Katniss becomes the Girl on Fire.”

FBF Book Spotlight: Life Eternal by Yvonne Woon

Life Eternal (Dead Beautiful #2)

byYvonne Woon

Expected publication: January 24th 2012 by Disney-Hyperion                     

Renée Winters has changed. When she looks in the mirror, a beautiful girl with an older, sadder face stares back. Her condition has doctors mystified, but Renée can never reveal the truth: she died last May, and was brought back to life by the kiss of her Undead soul mate, Dante Berlin.

Now, her separation from Dante becomes almost unbearable. His second life is close to an end, and each passing day means one less that she will spend with the boy who shares her soul.

Just when Renée has almost given up hope, she learns of the Nine Sisters—brilliant scholars who, according to legend, found a way to cheat death. She can’t shake the feeling that they are somehow connected to her dreams, strange visions that hint at a discovery so powerful, and so dangerous, that some will stop at nothing to protect it.

Renée thought she knew the truth about life and death. But there is a secret woven through history that holds the only hope for Dante and Renée. Unless they find answers soon, their time together is doomed to be cut short.

5 Signed Copies will be given away on Friday, January 27, 2012!

http://teens.freebookfriday.com/2012/01/life-eternal-dead-beautiful-novel-by.html

What is FBF?

It's simple. Every Friday, Free Book Friday gives away free books!

That's right. Each week, FBF features a new author with an exclusive author interview podcast or written Q&A and host a drawing to win free signed copies of his/her book.

All you have to do to enter to win each week is sign up using the entry form on the left sidebar. Winners are chosen at random and posted on the site every Friday morning. Hence the name, "Free Book Friday!"  

Waiting on Wednesday (#7): Brave New Love: 15 Dystopian Tales of Desire

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's eagerly anticipated release is:

Brave New Love: 15 Dystopian Tales of Desire

by Paula Guran (Editor), Jeanne Du Prau, William Sleator, Carrie Ryan, Diana Peterfreund, Carrie Vaughn, Elizabeth Bear, Jesse Karp, Kiera Cass, Seth Cadin, Nina Kiriki Hoffman, Steve Berman, John Shirley, Amanda Downum

Expected publication: February 14th 2012 by Running Press Kids

Young love has always had its challenges, but even so, the world falling apart at its seams is a pretty big obstacle. This stellar collection dystopian tales explores survival of the fittest in terms of love, passion, and humanity. When the survival of the human race is at stake, what will it take for the bond between two people to hold strong together?

Featuring some of the most well known and best-selling names of the dystopian genre, as well as the hottest up-and-coming authors, this anthology includes works from Jeanne Du Prau (City of Ember), Carrie Ryan (The Forest of Hands and Teeth), Diana Peterfreund (Rampant), Jesse Karp (Those That Wake), Kiera Cass (The Selection), Andrew Smith, and William Sleator (The Boy Who Wouldn't Die).

Help Stop SOPA! Protest Government Sanctioned Censorship!!

 

PROTECT IP / SOPA Breaks The Internet from Fight for the Future on Vimeo.

Stop American Censorship

On Wednesday Jan. 18th thousands of sites will go dark to protest SOPA & PIPA, two US bills racing through Congress that threaten prosperity, online security, and freedom of expression.

#FEARTHEREAPER: Countdown to Wings of the Wicked Week 6

This time we are counting down the release of WINGS OF WICKED!

The first chapter of Wings will be in the ANGELFIRE paperback out January 17 along with an exclusive scene from Will's POV involving, Ragnuk, Bastian, Ivar, Geir, and Cadan.....

So much excitement!

In the Fear the Reaper tradition, Courtney will be giving away a book and posting a song from the WINGS OF THE WICKED playlist each week, but because some of these songs are massively spoilery, she'll let the lyrics speak for themselves and she will say nothing about what the song means in relation to Wings. These songs will be posted chronologically with their scenes in the book You will have to find out for yourself!

Be sure to check out the Wings of the Wicked soundtrack

to hear songs for the book that she wrote herself!

CD's will be handed out on the Dark Days of Supernatural Tour in February!

Week 6

Song: Prodigal by OneRepublic

CLICK HERE: So head over to Courtney's blog to enter the contest for an ARC of EVERNEATH by Brodi Ashton and listen to the sixth song!

Teaser Tuesday (#7): Drink, Slay, Love by Sarah Beth Durst

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• 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!

My Teaser:

"And you?" Evan's brother Marcus asked. "Are you with the vampires or the humans?" He fingered his wrist, and Pearl thought of Evan's swordlike horn. She tensed, calculating the distance to the exit.

- Drink, Slay, Love by Sarah Beth Durst, Page 299

Versatile Blogger Nomination & Nominees

I was totally struck speechless by this Versatile Blogger Nomination from S.E. Lane at Writing Belle. Thank you so much for the nomination! :)

So here's what you should do if you're nominated for the Versatile Blogger Award:

1. Nominate 15 fellow bloggers for The Versatile Blogger Award.
2. Add an image of the Versatile Blogger Award.

3. In the same post, thank the blogger who nominated you in a post with a link back to their blog.
4. In the same post, share 7 completely random pieces of information about yourself.
5. In the same post, include this set of rules.
6. Inform each nominated blogger of their nomination by posting a comment on each of their blogs.

 

Here are 7 random things about me:

 

1. I'm terrified of those little birds that like to kamikaze attack you from underneath cars in parking lots.

2. When I was a little kid I never really liked to read, and now look: I have a book blog and love reading. Ironic...

3. The only constellation I can find in the sky is Orion. I can't even tell the difference between the Big and Little Dippers when I actually see them.

4. I once saw a Harvest Moon that was so big and orange that I thought something bad was going to happen. Bad as in end-of-the-world bad, although I was like 8 at the time.

5. I don't like the snow because everything gets all wet and soggy (and I live in Minnesota, land of snow and potholes).

6. I have an obsession with making lists. Even for things that don't need a list or seem totally unimportant.

7. I played volleyball in middle school, but no one believed me when I said that I was on the team. 

 

Here are my fifteen nominees for the Most Versatile Blogger Award:

1. ~LoveYAlit~
2. WondrousReadings
3. What's Beyond Forks?
4. UNITED BY BOOKS
5. The Qwillery
6. The More the Merrier!
7. The Cait Files
8. The Bookish Babes
9. Much Loved Books
10. Writing Belle
11. Joyous Reads
12. Jen Ryland/YA Romantics
13. GreenBeanTeenQueen
14. Ds Bookworld
15. Book ♥ Soulmates

If you are nominated, please pass your own nominations along!

Review: Purpose by Kristie Cook

Title: Purpose
Series: Soul Savers #2
Author: Kristie Cook
Genre: Young Adult (Older Teen) Fiction, Supernatural Fiction
Elements: Angels, Demons, Vampires, Warlocks, Shapeshifters
Publisher: Ang'dora Productions
Format: Kindle Edition eBook
ISBN-13: 978-0984562138
Release Date: August 7, 2011
Source: Author {Kristie Cook}
Rating: 5/5

Tagline(s): Defending souls is her purpose...but can she save her own?

Summary: Lost in despair, Alexis teeters on the edge of an abyss, her lifeline of hope fraying into a thin thread. If it snaps, she'll plunge into complete darkness. With the help of her son and her writing, she's been able to hold on. Until now. Erratic impulses, disturbing delusions and her own demonic blood threaten her sanity. When she's forced to choose between hanging onto hope or letting go to serve her Amadis purposes, she faces a decision with inconceivable sacrifices.

Alexis runs to the one place she thinks will provide answers, only to find herself at the center of another battle of good versus evil, not only with the Daemoni, not only within herself...but also against the worst opponent imaginable. But even if she wins, what will she lose?

Review:

Purpose is even better than the book that came before it! If I could give this book an infinite rating, I would. In Promise, Kristie Cook showed us the joy and happiness of first and true love. But in Purpose, she shows us the opposite; the heartache and despair left behind when that love and hope is taken away.

It's been seven years since the Daemoni attack that took Tristan away from Alexis. It's unknown whether he's alive or dead. The only things keeping Alexis from plunging head-first into darkness are her son Dorian, her writing, and the thin ray of hope that Tristan is still alive; but that hope is dwindling.

When the Daemoni threaten to take away the only things left in her life that are keeping her going, Alexis travels to the one place she believes still holds a strong connection to her lost love. With the Ang'dora fast approaching, the battle of good versus evil not only against the Daemoni but within her own mind, and a battle against the one opponent she could never kill, Alexis will have to find the strength to save herself and those she loves.

As I said in my review for Promise, I love how Kristie makes her characters so real, but it's the emotion of the characters and the story that stands out the most. I don't think I've ever read a book or series that made me feel as much as this one does. The emotion rolls right off the pages and wash over you. There is no way you could feel nothing while reading this book.

In Purpose, Alexis is lost in the despair and heartache of Tristan's absence. Hanging on the edge of sanity, her mind has fractured to help cope with the loss: there's Almost Alexis who is close but not quite Real Alexis, Foggy Alexis who keeps her in a state of numbness, Swirly Alexis who mixes fact and fiction, Psycho Alexis who lashes out at the slightest provocation, and then there's Evil Alexis who is her own Daemoni side whispering evil in her ear. If not for Dorian and her writing, she would surely have given up hope. But now with the added threat of the Daemoni, as well as the Amadis, threatening to take that hope away permanently, Alexis is more determined than ever to hang on no matter what. So she travels to Florida where the beach house Tristan built her is located, hoping that their happy memories will help strengthen her resolve. While there she makes an unexpected and unbelievable discovery, comes into her powers as the goes through the Ang'dora, and once again has to battle the Daemoni.

Her son, Dorian, is such an adorably sweet little boy. Already coming into his father's warrior strength, and possessing his mother's fierce protectiveness, Dorian is wise beyond his six years of age. He also holds Alexis' great capacity to love. Having never met Tristan, and because of Alexis making sure that Dorian knows who his father is and that he is loved by Tristan, Dorian is able to love and miss this father. That love causes him to get into numerous fights at school when the other kids say horrible things about Tristan. As a very young boy he has a strength of character that I can't help but admire.

There is so much more I would love to say about Purpose, but I really don't want to give anything away and spoil the story for anyone else. Where Promise ended bitter-sweetly, Purpose finishes on a much better note. I'll leave this review with this thought: The best kind of true love is born from adversity and hard work and is fated to last forever.

About this Author:

Kristie Cook is a lifelong writer in various genres, from marketing communications to fantasy fiction. Besides writing, she enjoys reading, cooking, traveling and riding on the back of a motorcycle. She has lived in ten states, but currently calls Southwest Florida home with her husband, three teenage sons, a beagle and a puggle. She can be found at www.KristieCook.com.