The High Druid's Blade by Terry Brooks

I'm embarrassed to say that this is the first Terry Brooks novel that I have read. However I'm definitely hooked! The High Druid's Blade is an intriguing, action-filled novel that you are sure to love. When Paxon's sister is kidnapped by the notorious Arcannen he must go to her rescue not once but twice. Could a pittance of a gambling debt really be Arcannen's motivation or something far more sinister? Arcannen is the dastardly villain you'll love to hate and Paxon is the unskilled but motivated hero who dreams of a life outside of the family business.  Full terrific action, twists and characters The High Druid's Blade is sure to be a favorite and I can't wait for the next installment.

Roses are Red by James Patterson

Few people have such insight into the humanity and inhumanity as James Patterson. In yet another awesome Alex Cross novel Patterson manages to keep the excitement and action going while still showing the daily dramas of the detective's life and loves. Detective Cross is easily one of the most endearing characters in the thriller genre and Roses are Red, though not the latest in the series, is a fabulous addition to the series. Alex is confronted not only with young Alex's mother leaving but with a perplexing string of bank robberies where hostages are murdered for no apparent reason. The Mastermind, as the man behind it all likes to be called, is a vicious psychopath... or is he? Full of misdirection and action you will love Roses are Red.

Scribd - new ebook service that's like Netflix

Thought I'd pass this along in case anyone is interested in ebooks. www.scribd.com has a 30 day trial. It's an ebook service sort of like Netflix for movies. You pay $8.99 for a subscription and can read unlimited books from the subscription service (note that not all books available are subscription books and there are fees for the ones that aren't)  The books DO NOT download to your tablet, iphone or computer but instead you read them directly from the site. I'm not sure if I like it or not yet. I'll keep ya posted.

The Companions by R.A. Salvatore

The Companions is a new spin on the classic epic fantasy. When Breunor, King of the Dwarves, is killed in battle he finds himself surprised, if not angry, to be in the realm of the Goddess Mielikki whom he does not worship. More surprising is that his long departed daughter Catti-brie is there as well. She informs him that along with another friend, Regis, they must return to the mortal world to save the people that they love. Catti-brie is a mesmerizing character that you will love to follow the exploits of along with her companions who have been scattered to the winds to be reborn. Will Catti-brie and Regis survive their harrowing childhoods? Will Breunor move past being a pawn in Mielikki's plans? Will all three of them survive their journeys, escape their enemies to meet up again as planned?? If you love a novel full of dwarves, halflings, dark elves and vampire dwarves - yes I said vampire dwarves; you'll love The Companions.

Quote from Innocence by Dean Koontz

LInk to teaser trailer for Innocence by Dean Koontz

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPiQXmBiZ68&list=PLSt8mu1taNYBYxixBTGbN2H1M0LVkxxiu&index=2

Poe by J.Lincoln Fenn

Don't let the title fool you Poe isn't about Edgar but I think he would have enjoyed this work. It is instead a supernatural/occult thriller that is genuinely different from anything I have read before. The reluctant hero is D. Peters, an obituary writer for a small town newspaper who bumbles through life after the death of his parents. When his boss decides that he should write an article about a haunted mansion on the outskirts of town his life changes forever. He nearly dies, hell he's almost autopsied! Things just get stranger with each passing day along with his complicated relationship with his new girlfriend Lisa who also has a strange family history. A mysterious ring that once belonged to his father and a grimoire that he stumbles upon help to put the pieces together as to what his father really did before his sudden death and what Dimitri must do to stop the horrific murders that are plaguing his town.
I loved this novel and look forward to seeing more from Mr. Fenn. Not only was Poe a great supernatural mystery but it was liberally peppered with humorous moments to allow your heart to stop racing for a moment. 5 out of 5 stars.

If you have a special need child in your life you could win some goodies for them. Personally I'd love to have one of those Pea Pods!

Check out this great post by Toys are Tools! Jenn writes about the basics of Executive Functioning. The best part is you can WIN a fantastic collection of products (worth over 400+)

One of which is Abilitations very own Pea Pod!
http://www.toysaretools.com/2013/10/executive-functioning.html

Win the first 5 books of The Hollows by Kim Harrison

http://harpervoyagerbooks.com/sweepstakes-us/

The Serpent of Venice by Christopher Moore

This is a hilarious reworking of Othello and The Merchant of Venice with a little Poe thrown in for good measure. Pocket is a fool, well not a fool in the usual sense but a jester you could say. He wears his motley proudly and finds himself at the heart of a murder plot in which he is the star. After being rescued by a mysterious sea creature he sets out to undo the men who plotted his murder and that of his beloved queen. Oh and he has to rescue his idiot apprentice and his monkey as well. Of course he needs an accomplice and that void is filled by a young Jewish girl named Jessica whom he promptly corrupts. I give it 5 out of 5 stars and I also suggest that you check out the first novel featuring Pocket which is entitled Fool.
WARNING side effects of reading this book may include but are not excluded to: Bouts of uncontrolled bawdiness and the need to shout Fuckstockings at random times. As well as uncontrollable urges to hit people with a walking stick that is adorned with a fool's head.

Wormholes by Dennis Meredith

This was an interesting look at the possibility of wormholes and what the hell kind of catastrophes they may cause. The characters are fun and you really want Gerald to succeed at convincing the scientific community that he is right about the strange phenomenon that is destroying the Earth. When team up with Dacey, a geologist, they become an unstoppable couple that is determined to save us all by capturing the wormholes. Of course corporate greed and the like stir-up trouble from time to time. Will they capture a wormhole and what could it be used for? Find out in this fast-paced and easy to understand work of fiction.

Empress of the Night by Eva Stachniak

Empress of the Night is a often heart-wrenching look at what life might have been like for Catherine the Great. As a young girl she is sent off to marry a boy who has no interest in her at all even risking his family's position by not even trying to create an heir. The torment of a young girl who was never really loved by anyone not even her overbearing mother. BUT from the ashes of naivete she rises to become a powerful Empress and learns to use those around her just as she was used. This is a high quality work of historical fiction that will having you worrying oven what will happen next to Catherine. Will she succeed? Will she be overthrown? Will her son's true parentage be discovered? I enjoyed this book it was well told with an engaging heroine in Catherine and plenty of unseemly courtiers to despise. 4 out of 5 stars.

Free ebook version of The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory when you sign up for Simon & Schuster's newsletter.

Simon & Schuster are offering a free ebook version of The Other Boleyn Girl when you sign up to their newsletter. Here's the link: http://bit.ly/17o2QlR.

Win one of ten copies of The Shadowhunter's Codex from Simonteen's Pulseit

Today's the day: @[351263854375:274:Cassandra Clare] & Joshua Lewis' #ShadowhuntersCodex is available now! Celebrate today's release with a chance to win a ...copy & re-reading all the sneak peeks! Enter to win a copy:  http://bit.ly/codexsweeps

The Daylight War (Book 3 of the Demon Cycle) by Peter V. Brett

Peter V. Brett's The Demon Cycle series is astoundingly full of original concepts and non-stop action. The Daylight War continues this tradition as Arlen and Jardir continue to butt heads. The Warded Man just wants to help the people alongside his love Renna - he does not consider himself the Deliverer even if everyone else keeps insisting that he is. He discovers a scary new breed of demon that can control not only the minds of other demons but of people as well. Jardir continues to move forward in his Daylight War but has his sights set on making Leesha one of his many wives when she travels to try and make peace with him to save Deliverer's Hollow, her home. War rages on not only between humans and demons but between Leesha, Jardir and his jealous wife.
Full of action that climaxes in a cliff-hanger ending that will leave you breathless the Daylight War awesome. You will be biting your nails with nervous energy waiting for the next installment.The Demon Cycle is a must for all epic fantasy fans!
  5 out of 5 stars!!

The Desert Spear (Book 2 of the Demon Cycle) by Peter V. Brett

In this second installment of the Demon Cycle you get more of Jardir's background. How he came to believe himself to be the Deliverer and the influence of his powerful and influential wife. You will get more information on how he and Arlen became friends and just what life in Krasian is like. Every night the chosen men, Sharum, battle demons in an arena they have made. They do not believe in hiding indoors - that is for women and children.
Jardir crown himself, with the help of the spear that he stole from Arlen, the Shar'Dama Ka or deliverer and set out across the lands to gather troops and conquer lands in the name of his Daylight War.
There is a new breed of demon never before seen and both Arlen (the warded man) and Jardir will be push to their limits to overcome its influence.

Full of action from beginning to end The Desert Spear is a must, especially is you have read The Warded Man. 5 out of 5 stars.

The Warded Man (book 1 of the Demon Cycle) by Peter V. Brett

This is one of my favorite series and I can't wait for the fourth installment. I usually have a hard time describing it but I'll do my best. At one time mankind was in a battle with demons for control of the night. Eventually we developed battle wards and such and were able to beat-back the demon scourge enough that they ceased coming to our world. People became complacent and forgot the battle wards.
Unfortunately the demons didn't forget and after the numbers had increased they returned to slaughter mankind.
Most people cowered in fear, hiding behind protection wards at night but when one young boy - Arlen- witnesses his mother's mutilation and subsequent death due in part to his father's inaction and fear things change. He sets out on a journey to find people who battle the demons not just hide from them and his life is changed forever.
He becomes a man, the warded man and to many the Deliverer though it is a title he does not relish. In desperation after being betrayed by a friend and let for dead in the desert he wards his body to survive.

But there is a Krasian man who was once his Arlen's friend who fancies himself the Deliverer. He sets out to conquer, for what he thinks is the good of man, the other kingdoms for soldiers in his war against the demons.
Together with Leesha, a young healer and Rojer man who uses a fiddle to sooth the savage demons; Arlen must teach others to take back the night and control of their lives.

This is the debut novel of Peter V. Brett and it is a magnificent one. He is one of my favorite authors and his Demon Cycle series is worth every penny you will spend!

Tor books is giving away awesome Ender's Game swag!!

Tor Books

Enter our Enderverse Sweepstakes for a chance to win a signed, limited edition leatherbound of ENDER'S SHADOW, plus ENDER'S GAME swag!

Tor and Forge Books: Enderverse Sweepstakes

us.macmillan.com

Sign up to receive emailed news about Orson Scott Card’s titles and events and you’ll be entered for a chance to win this collection:

Only a few days remain to enter!

October Grab Bag Sweepstakes

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Shared Content from Tor/Forge

30 day free trial of audible books. I'm posting this offer because one of the books available in the link is a favorite of mine; The Name of the Wind.

30 Day Free Trial Offer*

Listen to the best-selling 'The Name of the Win' by Patrick Rothfuss.

Try Audible with a free audiobook today: http://bit.ly/Audible_Patrick_Rothfuss

Thought those of you who are starting your Christmas shopping might be interested in these book related games

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_7?url=search-alias%3Dtoys-and-games&field-keywords=bookopoly&sprefix=bookopo%2Caps%2C445

Bookopoly , Book Lover's Memory, etc.

For those of you who may wonder about the simplicity of my reviews.

I'm trying to keep my reviews at a level that all readers can enjoy. I have found that when you use a lot of flowery language you will lose some people who would otherwise have liked the novel. Just because a person doesn't know what dystopian means doesn't necessarily mean that they wouldn't understand and enjoy the novel. Sometimes reviews are so convoluted that the average reader then thinks the book is 'over their head' when in fact it is not.
I would love your feedback if you think that my reviews are not complex enough, if I don't give enough detail or am I giving away too much.

The Winds of Purgatory by Rex A. Ewing

This is a novel about the collapse of civilization due to an oil crisis with a twist. Somehow a bacteria called Tar Baby is released into the environment and systematically destroys the world's oil supply by causing it to bind up to the point of being tar-like. Since we are so dependent upon it the world quickly spirals into chaos and the population dies out in dramatic fashion. What survivors remain must deal with dwindling supplies, very corrupt government officials (what remains of the internet is under total government control and law enforcement is often on-the-take). Carlos is a man with a secret - a secret that a witch wants and kills him in an attempt to procure. His son whom he placed up for adoption after his wife's death comes to Purgatory to claim his inheritance and his father's problems. His father's enemies lie in wait for him to discover what they want so they can steal it for themselves and not only must he protect himself but his father's ward, a young woman named Jennifer who has lived on his father's property most of her life.
I found this novel to be interesting but not the type of novel that I can't wait to get back to. It has interesting ideas and is ambitious. I give it 3 out of 5 stars.

Patrick Rothfuss has a great website with items for sale based on his and sometimes other authors works. The proceeds go to his charity, World Builders, and they donate it to Heifer International

http://thetinkerspacks.bigcartel.com/product/2014-calendar-combination-pack

Currently there is a sale to get both the highly coveted Fantasy calendar and the Heifer International calendar as a combo. There is jewelry, t-shirts and lots of signed books by Pat and other authors so check it out!!

The Republic of Thieves (Gentleman Bastard #3) by Scott Lynch

This is the tale of Locke's life as a street urchin thieving and deceiving to stay alive to his adult life doing the same. Its a great read full of interesting characters that challenges the concepts of right and wrong. The Gentlemen Bastard thieve and plot to survive but live by a code of honor. They feel themselves to  be justified in what they do though society feels differently. Circumstances sometimes dictate re-evaluating your beliefs and doing what you must to survive including playing in politics for pay. It really is a great book as well as a great series that pretty much everyone would enjoy. I feel that my review isn't doing it nearly enough justice. 5 out of 5 stars.

Applications open for World Book Night 2014

http://www.us.worldbooknight.org/

World Book Night is  a non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging people to read. Every year on a special night in April thousands of volunteers hand out books to those who either do not read or rarely do so. You can sign-up to be a Giver at the above link. You will be sent (to the library or book store of your choice for you to pick up) 20 books to give out on this special night. You get to pick from 35 titles but they cannot guarantee your choice. Have fun and help spread literacy in your area!

John Grisham giveaway

John Grisham

WIN the complete Grisham library, all 28 hardcovers published by Doubleday, personally autographed by John Grisham.

Enter to WIN

sycamorerow.shopigniter.com

Enter for a chance to win the complete Grisham library: all 28 hardcovers published by Doubleday, personally autographed by John Grisham.

Book Fetish Quartly giveaway

Book Riot

Our new Quarterly subscription box brings awesome books and Book Fetish items right to your door!

Enter this giveaway to win the Book Fetish item of your choice: http://ow.ly/q5UI4

Kind of Kin by Rilla Askew

This novel tackles the emotional issue of immigration reform in a thoughtful and heart-wrenching way. When a young boy's grandfather is arrested on suspicion of helping to smuggle illegals he must cope not only with the prejudices of the people around him but that of his own family. When he sees that the legal system isn't interested in the truth he sets out to help his grandfather and along the way ends up helping his long lost sister who has married a man that has been deported even though he was gainfully employed and not bothering a soul.
This is an exciting, emotional roller coaster ride of a novel. 5 out of 5 stars all the way.

The Almond Tree by Michelle Cohen Corasanti

The Almond Tree is a gripping novel about the not so black and white takeover of Palestine to become Israel. It is an eye-opening account (though fictional) of just what took place when Israel took over and how the Palestinians had land, business' and loved ones ripped away from them for no reason other than not being Israeli. Ichmad is a young boy of much promise whose family is torn apart when his father's orchards and home are taken from him to give to others for no reason at all. They are forced to live in a home that is too small for them but his father remains optimistic even after he is jailed for years without being charged. Now, his family lives in a tent and Ichmad and his brother must work for less pay then others because of their heritage in order to keep their mother and sister alive. As they grow Ichmad goes to school in hopes of improving his families lives while his brother grows dangerously bitter.
I loved this novel. Five out of five enthusiastic stars.

Tor/Forge Grab Bag Sweepstakes

October Grab Bag Sweepstakes

pages.mail.macmillan.com

Shared Content from Tor/Forge

Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson

First off I'll admit that I'm bias, I love Brandon Sanderson's work. Warbreaker is a novel of class-warfare, crooked governments(lead by Gods and their priests mind you) with two great heroines who go from princess' to revolutionaries. In this world there is BioChromatic magic called Breathe and it is used to animate objects and to prolong life. People who die heroically (or so the folklore goes) return as Gods known as the Returned thought not all Returned become Gods. They have to have a Breathe (taken from others) every week in order to stay alive so most die within the week. Breathes must be given willing. In Idris, home of the princess' Vivenna and Siri, there religion forbids the use of Breathe for it is considered to be a person's very soul. Their country does not get along with home of the Gods, Hallandren and feeling that war is eminent is everywhere. The King of Idris must send a daughter (as part of a treaty from 20 years past) to marry the God King in order to avoid this war. He sends the wrong daughter for reasons unknown to everyone. Siri discovers a plot to cover-up the truth about the God King and her sister Vivenna travels to Hallandren to save her sister but ends up becoming the master mind of a revolution gone wrong.
As always Sanderson gives us a novel that is purely his imagination and more original than most novels these days. The story is full of twists and turns (I know that term is overused by it really is the case in this novel) and edge-of-your-seat moments. I give it 5 out of 5 stars!

Divergent by Veronica Roth

So I figured since Divergent is going to be a movie that I would review it. Normally I avoid teeny bopper type books because I usually find them annoyingly silly, especially when the lead is a teen girl. Anyway, I enjoyed Divergent and the proof of that is in the fact that it only took me two days to read. Its an easy read so you or your teen can easily enjoy it in a minimal amount of time. If you like The Hunger Games you'll like Divergent better. The teens in this book are more realistic and relatable I feel and the story more genuine. It's a Dystopian novel where the people are divided into five factions which determines what they will do in life. If you can't pass the initiation process for the faction that you choose than you become factionless (homeless and impoverished).
The centers on a strong heroine named Beatrice who is from a faction called Abnegation; it is a faction of selflessness and service but Beatrice decides that it is not right for her. When she goes to take her aptitude test she finds out that she is Divergent (she doesn't fit into one or two factions like most people) This fact puts her very life in danger as she struggles to fit in with her new faction (much to her parents dismay she does not choose Abnegation but Dauntless) While working against preconceived prejudices about her former faction and her own weaknesses and doubts she discovers a horrifying plot that she must stop for the good of all the factions. I enjoyed Divergent though it isn't in my top 20 books it certainly deserves at least 3 1.2 stars.

Walden Pond Press giveaway

Walden Pond Press

What would you do with $300 worth of books?

LAST CHANCE: Enter The Real Boy sweepstakes to win a $300 bookstore gift card!: http://snapp.to/GAEXyl

Every month Penguin Books gives you a chance to win ARC copies of their latest books

Early Access to the Hottest New Penguin Books | First to Read

www.firsttoread.com

First to Read members have the chance be the first to read the hottest upcoming Penguin books across all genres months before they hit the shelves. Join today!

Every month Penguin Books gives you a chance to win ARC copies of their latest books

Early Access to the Hottest New Penguin Books | First to Read

www.firsttoread.com

First to Read members have the chance be the first to read the hottest upcoming Penguin books across all genres months before they hit the shelves. Join today!

Tor giveaway : ARC of J.A. Souders' REVELATIONS

http://torforgeblog.com/2013/10/16/waiting-on-wednesday-revelations-sweepstakes/

Stole this from Random House's Facebook page. I thought you might find it interesting.

Random House Reader's Circle

Business Insider rounded up the most famous book set in every state in America. Do you agree with your state?

http://www.businessinsider.com/most-famous-book-set-in-every-state-2013-10?op=1

I don't agree with Pennsylvania's book; The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. There are many Stephen King books that take place in Derry, PA and I would think that those would be more popular.

What I'm currently reading..stay tuned for the review in a few days!

The Republic of Thieves (Gentleman Bastard, #3)

Just started reading

Innocence by Dean Koontz

Innocence isn't what you typically expect from Dean Koontz, its better. Its a gentle love story wrapped up with tragedy, mystery and a touch of supernatural spices. Addison's life was traumatic right from the start - the midwife tried to smother him. Many years later his mother, unable to cope any longer with raising him sent him out into the world with a backpack full of food and little else. All he knew was that in order to survive he couldn't be seen, people always tried to kill him if they saw his face. Alone and afraid he makes his way to the city where being at the wrong place at the wrong time nearly costs him his life until a man such as himself intervenes and takes him to sanctuary beneath the bowels of the city. He learns to accept that people will always react negatively to him until one day he meets a girl that isn't like the others - a pseudo Goth girl named Gwen. Gwen has a dark past as well along with a crimpling social phobia that keeps her locked away and in fear of being touched. They come together just in time to save Gwen's life and the lives of others such as themselves before the world changes forever.
I really enjoyed this book, it is far different from the usual Koontz novels. The book will keep you guessing as to why people want to kill him. What makes him so frightening to others? Why is Gwen so scared of people? What is so special about both of them?

Innocence goes on sale December 2013 but can be pre-ordered from Amazon.

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

Patrick Rothfuss' debut novel is a spellbinding romp through a world that is easy to loose yourself in. Young Kvothe's life is turned upside down when his entire family is killed by forces that most believe to be myth. With the knowledge he has gained from his father and an arcanast that traveled with his family troupe he sets out to discover the truth of their murders and himself.  He works hard to put himself through the University both by making arcane items to sell and through his musical talent. His spellbinding intelligence and wit combine to allow him to become the first person to enter the University at such a tender age and his quick rise through the ranks creates many enemies. The story is narrated by the now adult Kvothe living as an innkeeper under the name of Kote because - well he's made a lot of enemies. The world that Mr. Rothfuss has created it richly imagined with magnificent characters, creatures and places. I loved this book and have read no less than three times.

Review of The Heavens Rise by Christopher Rice

The Heavens Rise is the first novel by Christopher Rice (son of Ann Rice - of whom I'm sure you all have heard) that I have had the pleasure of reading. It is a supernatural thriller set in the coastal communities of Louisiana. The story centers around the aftermath of a local families mysterious disappearance and the subsequent attempted suicide of Marshall, a boy who was obsessed with the family's daughter, Nikki. Nikki's boyfriend Anthem and their best friend Ben never give up hope of her returning but must continue on with their lives just the same. Eight years later, strange things begin to happen in the area beginning with animals dying horribly outside of Marshall's (who is in a coma from his suicide attempt) hospital room. People connected to the DeLongpre family are dying and it's up to Ben (who is now a journalist) and Anthem ( a riverboat captain) to solve the mystery and stop the gruesome killings.
I enjoyed this book and found it engrossingly entertaining. I recommend it to anyone even if they are not usually fans of supernatural fiction.

The Heavens Rise goes on sale October 15, 2013