Review: Sleeping Beauty Vampire Slayer by. Maureen McGowan

Title: Sleeping Beauty, Vampire Slayer
Author: Maureen McGowan
Publication Date: April 1, 2011
Pages: 320 
Genre: Paranormal
Rating:  

Synopsis from Goodreads: In this thrilling story full of adventure and romance, Sleeping Beauty is more than just a lonely princess waiting for her prince—she's a brave, tenacious girl who never backs down from a challenge. With vampire-slaying talents that she practices in secret, Sleeping Beauty puts her courage to the test in the dark of night, fighting evil as she searches for a way to break the spell that has cut her off from her family. In a special twist, readers have the opportunity to make key decisions for Sleeping Beauty and decide where she goes next—but no matter the choice; the result is a story unlike any fairy tale you've ever read! Sleeping Beauty: Vampire Slayer is an entirely new type of fairy tale–one that will keep today's kids guessing and offer them hours of magical fun.

Review: Reading the original tale of sleeping beauty was not as much fun as reading Sleeping Beauty, Vampire Slayer. This book definitely introduces some cool and definitely intriguing concepts to the story of Sleeping Beauty, completely transforming the traditional fairy tale into Maureen's own creation of kick-butt heroines and romance! 

The book starts off with Lucette (sleeping beauty) being cursed by the Vampire Queen at birth. The curse states that if Lucette ever pricks her finger, she will never be able to wake up while the sun is up and every other person in her village will not be awake during the night, so she will be alone in the dark all of her life. But the fairy queen states that the curse can be lifted if after her 16th birthday, Lucette finds her true love. I thought this sounded like a very interesting plot. Especially since the village where they live has so many vampires, I knew that aspect was going to come into play. There were a lot of interesting ideas that were introduced throughout the book. And the interesting thing about this books is that Maureen has written it in a "pick your plot" kind of format. Meaning for most of the big decisions than Lucette has to make in the books, you get to choose which route she takes. I thought this was pretty interesting, but I also felt that I couldn't get to know Lucette better as a character because of it. I was making the decisions which was fun since the plot plays out how I want it to, but at the same time, not how the characters intended, so that part was a little iffy on my part, but since I went back and read the routes that I didn't originally pick, it was still fun to read about.

The characters to me were, pretty much, unmemorable. First lets begin with Lucette's parents (which I believe have somewhat of a verbally abusive relationship). I understand that there were trying to protect their child, but at times I felt that they were more of depriving and trying to control Lucette than "protecting her". And Lucette herself seemed to be sort of idle. Sure she wasn't the damsel in distressed type, but I also felt that she didn't think much for herself in the beginning of the book, good thing she really bucked up and become a more dominant main character in the rest of the books. Now the male characters in my opinion left a lot to be desired. They both start to play more prominent roles in the end of the book and I was glad that the character Alex was re-introduced. I really enjoyed his character at times, and thought he had a quick wit to him that brightened up the book and the fact that he was a vampire didn't hurt either. Tristan was also reintroduced in the beginning of the book and he fell a little flat to me. But of course, in order to break her curse, Lucette was going to have to make a choice between them.

All in all, I thought that this was an interesting book to read, mainly for the fact that it was sort of like reading 2 books in one. Of course the end result is going to be the same, its fun to read through all of the different ways the possibly get there. The plot idea was very interesting in this book, and though the characters were not my favorite parts of this book, the plot and the fact that this was a "pick your own adventure" book make up for it.


Recommendations: If you are in need for a new kind of book, I definitely recommend this one.
Overall: 3/5 Stars

Characters: 2/5
Plot: 3/5
Originality: 3/5
Entertainment: 3/5
Ending: 3/5
Writing Style: 2/5
Cover: 4/5

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Maureen McGowan Blog Tour Interview!!!

Hello guys, long time no chat. Today Maureen McGowan is visiting Black and Blue Ink as a part of her blog tour promoting her two new books Sleeping Beauty: Vampire Slayer, and Cinderella: Ninja Warrior. She is here talking about her writing career and these two new books that are probably a little different from the books you guys have read before... You can read a review of Cinderella: Ninja Warrior here, and Sleeping Beauty: Vampire Slayer here. Here's the interview!

Q: Hello Maureen, first off we would like to know, why choose fairy tales to recreate into Young Adult books.
A: Fairy tale adaptations actually chose me, but I LOVED the idea. A freelance editor came to me with the chance to write a proposal for the series. The only requirement was that the books include a choose-your-own-adventure element.
As soon as I started to brainstorm ways to make the classic stories more action packed and relevant to modern readers, I was hooked.

Q: Were Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty among your favorite fairy tales as a child?
A: When I was a child, I found fairy tales with witches very scary, so I mostly remember Sleeping Beauty being terrifying. Clearly I was a big ‘fraidy cat. And although I think everyone relates to the Cinderella story in some ways, (the idea of feeling oppressed as a child, and the chance to be dressed in magic clothes and swept away from your problems), I don’t remember loving the Cinderella story, either. Even as a kid I didn’t understand why she didn’t fight back or leave her stepmother. And I didn’t like the idea that the prince only fell in love with her because she was pretty and had a nice dress on—then needed a shoe to recognize her the next day.
In Cinderella: Ninja Warrior and Sleeping Beauty: Vampire Slayer, I set out to “fix” some of those problems. And I’ve clearly gotten over my witch phobia because I made my villains even meaner and scarier.

Q: Where did you get the idea for “pick your route”  plot kind of books?
A: As I mentioned above, the idea was actually brought to me, and to be honest, I’m not sure I would have chosen to do it, otherwise. But once I started to plan the books, I liked the idea. 
As a writer, and in life, we’re faced with decisions every day. And they aren’t necessarily right or wrong, just different. It was fun to think about how the same character’s story would unfold differently based on her choices.

Q: When you read, do you prefer, or would you prefer to read books that have the type of “pick you route” plot as your books do?
A: I haven’t read many, to be honest. I did look at a few after I was asked to write the Twisted Tales series, and although I thought they were fun, I didn’t like the “wrong choice—you die!”, or “you dummy, why did you agree to date him!” dead ends included in the books I sampled. I figured if my main character was smart, that she could get out of any trouble her decisions got her in to.

Q: What was your inspiration to write these books?
A: Mainly, I wanted to make the heroines stronger and the stories more exciting. I wanted heroines who could fight for themselves. I love the romance elements in fairy tales, but I didn’t want the books to be about the princes saving the girls. I wanted the girls to save themselves—and fall in love with their princes.

Q: Was Is important to you to change up the traditional fairy tale heroines or did you want to keep it somewhat the same?
A: The only elements I wanted to keep were the happily-ever-after endings. I think fairy tales promise happy endings to the reader and I wanted to deliver on that promise. So, while both Cinderella: Ninja Warrior and Sleeping Beauty: Vampire Slayer have other themes, both also contain the themes of good triumphing over evil and the magic of finding true love.

Q:   Is there something you cannot begin writing without or something that keeps you going while writing?
A: I need to set goals for myself. And keeping track of my word count keeps me going. Also my fabulous critique partners. I’m not sure I’d get anything done without their support.

Q: What is your favorite part of being a writer?
A: I like making things up for a living. Creating characters and stories out of nothing, some days feels like pure magic.

Q: What are you favorite writers and/or books?
A: I have so many I could barely list them, but current writers in the YA realm whom I love are Carrie Ryan in the dark and twisty department and Eileen Cook in the light and hilarious department.

Q: Anything else you want your readers to know about you and your book???
A: While I think both of the stories include heroines who are better role models for modern girls than those of the traditional fairy tales, by no means are these “message” or “issue” books. If you pick up Cinderella: Ninja Warrior, or Sleeping Beauty: Vampire Slayer, most of all you’ll have a fast, fun read.

I’d also like to invite readers to contact me. You can e-mail me through my website, or follow me on Twitter @MaureenMcGowan or on Facebook at facebook.com/MaureenMcGowanBooks.

Thanks so much for having me!




Maureen McGowan's two books Sleeping Beauty: Vampire Slayer, and Cinderella: Ninja Warrior can be purchased at fine retailers everywhere. 

Barnes and Noble
The Book Depository 

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Review: Manifest by. Artist Arthur

Title: Manifest (Mystyx #1)
Author: Artist Arthur
Publication Date: August 1, 2010
Pages: 256 
Genre: Paranormal
Rating: 

Synopsis from Goodreads: When fifteen-year-old Krystal Bentley moves to Lincoln, Connecticut, her mom's hometown, she assumes her biggest drama will be adjusting to the burbs after living in New York City. But Lincoln is nothing like Krystal imagined. The weirdness begins when Ricky Watson starts confiding in her. He's cute, funny, a good listener—and everything she'd ever want—except that he was killed nearly a year ago. Krystal's ghost-whispering talents soon lead other "freaks" to her door—Sasha, a rich girl who can literally disappear, and Jake, who moves objects with his mind. All three share a distinctive birthmark in the shape of an M and, fittingly, call themselves the Mystyx. They set out to learn what really happened to Ricky, only to realize that they aren't the only ones with mysterious powers. But if Krystal succeeds in finding out the truth about Ricky's death, will she lose him for good?

Review: Manifest, the first book in the Mystyx series, was an interesting introduction to a new series as well as a an exciting “who done it'” mystery that just keeps building and building until you have a whole list of who could be the killer.

First off let me say that I had high hopes for this book. And those hopes rested mostly on the characters that I thought would have something that made them stand out from the usually generic personalities of YA characters. Some passed those expectations and some didn’t. First off, Krystal is not your everyday character, and I liked that. Sure some may say she has a little bit of an attitude, but to expect her to be thinking about rainbows and the schools “hottest guy” every second is unrealistic. Her life has taken a turn for the unfavorable, so of course a little attitude is going to come off now and then, and going through life thinking you are a delusion ghost seeing crazy can’t help either. And as far as the other characters go…ehh. Meaning that I didn’t really find anything altogether that unique or memorable about them They all seemed to be fillers just so the plot could go a little smoother. Ricky at times proved to be a breath of fresh air, but his character too seemed a little in the background.

The plot in this book was one that grabbed my attention. It begins with Krystal meeting Ricky, the ghost in her bedroom, and then, after much negotiating, trying to figure out who killed him and clear the name of his friends. She finally succumbs to helping to try and figure out his killer when other complications come to surface. Like Ricky’s also dead girlfriend who doesn’t want to tell anyone what happened to her, even though it could probably help figure out who killed Ricky. And then Krystal starts talking to two kids from school, Sasha and Jake, and finds out that they are bear the same birthmark and have similar powers, and as they all group together to try to figure out Ricky’s killer, they learn very interesting things about their powers and their origins.

Figuring out who killed Ricky was a highlight because the plot kept on building and building. It wasn’t a mystery book where you just try to figure out who killed him from the beginning and that’s it, there are so many pieces to the puzzle that you have to try to put together and make a connection with before you can even barely narrow your suspects list. The mystery in this just got better and better

In the end, it is a book that I did enjoy. I would have loved to see Krystal’s romance blossom and be a bigger part of the story, but hey, that’s what a sequel is for!

Recommendations: If you are in need for a good mystery, this one is for you!

Overall: 3/5 Stars

Characters: 2/5
Plot: 3/5
Originality: 4/5
Entertainment: 4/5
Ending: 3/5
Writing Style: 3/5
Cover:  5/5

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Review: Betrayals by. Lili St. Crow

 Title: Betrayals (Strange Angels #2)
Author: Lili St. Crow
Publication Date: November 17, 2009
Pages: 296 
Genre: Paranormal
 Rating: 

 

 

Synopsis from Goodreads: She’s no angel . . .Poor Dru Anderson. Her parents are long gone, her best friend is a werewolf, and she’s just learned that the blood flowing through her veins isn’t entirely human. (So what else is new?) Now Dru is stuck at a secret New England School for other teens like her, and there’s a big problem— she’s the only girl in the place. A school full of cute boys wouldn’t be so bad, but Dru’s killer instinct says that one of them wants her dead. And with all eyes on her, discovering a traitor within the Order could mean a lot more than social suicide. . . Can Dru survive long enough to find out who has betrayed her trust—and maybe even her heart?

Review: First order of business: Team Graves! Now that that is out of the way I can get on with the review. To put it simply, this book is a bone-fide work of awesomeness. Seriously, I find it amazing what Lili St. Crow is able to do with the plot and the different characters she throws into the mix. And not to mention fit in not only a romance but a love triangle!

Yes, of course the plot and the mystery is what makes up every great paranormal read, and this book was no exception by far. It was one of those books that doesn't need to have a million different directions and things going on for you to be totally engaged. Dru goes from the whole "life on my own take no prisoners lifestyle" to something completely different learning that you are the only ultra special svetocha  in the world. Yep, imagine being told that you are and have been all your life a part of the very group of night crawlers that you have been hunting and killing since you were 3. But oh wait, you're precious, that's what they keep on telling her. Well, Dru doesn't feel very precious being thrown into an all boys delinquent school and being followed and told NOTHING at all about her circumstances. But that's okay, apparently everybody thinks Dru is a little too precious to know why she is so precious, why she is wanted dead, and why no one wants to tell her anything. But then again, if you were stuck in a delinquent male boarding school in hiding from a deranged 1 million year old vampire who wants your blood for power while the only two people in the world that you trust seem to be deserting you, you wouldn't want the details either would you...oh wait, of course you would!

Best part by far was the great range and distinctness of the characters. The new characters mixed in great with the book. But of course I couldn't forget my favorite character good o' Graves. All of my favorite parts of the books are the parts when he's featured. Though I was annoyed by him in the beginning when it seemed he and Dru were drifting apart, he quickly made up for it. And then there's Christopher, some exciting news about him is revealed and he still remains the mystery he was in the first book, but Dru has a few more leads into her getting to know what he's really all about!

I have to give Ms. Lili St. Crow props for busting out an engaging and exciting sequel to her equally fantastic Strange Angels. I can't wait for what the series has in store next!!!



Recommendations: If you read the first book do not do what I did I keep this book collecting dust in that TBR pile. It is an immediate must read!!!

Overall: 5/5 Stars!

Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Originality: 4/5
Entertainment: 5/5
Ending: 4/5
Writing Style: 5/5
Cover:  4/5

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Monday's Question of the Day: Female vs. Male Perspective

Do you prefer Female or Male Perspective?

I am really 50 50 on this one. I mean a large large majority (95%) of the books I read are written from a female point of view (with the exception of the books that are written in both perspectives). And its not like perspective is really something that is going to make me choose one book over another but I think there is just something different about reading a book from a girls POV. Maybe its because I feel like I can relate more to the characters, but I sort of think it is because (this is just my opinion of course) girls in general have a very different way of seeing certain topics and adjusting their heads accordingly to different situations (if that makes sense?). The way a girl would see a situation in a book can be a 180 degree turn from the way a guy would see it. I mean I have yet to even come close to deciphering the male mind and though great books like Beautiful Creatures that are written in male POV makes me want to check out some more books like that, books with a a girls POV have me questioning the judgment of the character a little less since I guess I "know where they are coming from". The female mind spectrum is light-years away from the males, but really I think I like both perspectives equally...almost!

What do you guys think about the two perspectives? Do you have a preference, or are you indifferent to the whole discussion lol? Let us know!!!  

 

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