Review: Towering by Alex Flinn

Towering by Alex Flinn
Release Date ~ 5/14/13 (Today!)
Format ~ ARC
Publisher ~ HarperTeen
Source ~ ALA Midwinter

Rachel is trapped in a tower, held hostage by a woman she’s always called Mama. Her golden hair is growing rapidly, and to pass the time, she watches the snow fall and sings songs from her childhood, hoping someone, anyone, will hear her.

Wyatt needs time to reflect or, better yet, forget about what happened to his best friend, Tyler. That’s why he’s been shipped off to the Adirondacks in the dead of winter to live with the oldest lady in town. Either that, or no one he knows ever wants to see him again.
Dani disappeared seventeen years ago without a trace, but she left behind a journal that’s never been read, not even by her overbearing mother…until now.

A #1 New York Times bestselling author, Alex Flinn knows her fairy tales, and Towering is her most mind-bending interpretation yet. Dark and mysterious, this reimagining of Rapunzel will have readers on the edge of their seats wondering where Alex will take them next!

Say what you want about Alex Flinn, but the thing that you always get from her is a fun read. No, she doesn't write the best books ever, but she writes some damn entertaining ones. And like her earlier novel Beastly, Towering is just as engrossing. Granted, the writing style isn't genius. It still makes for fun, if typical, YA paranormal fare.

Towering is very loosely (and I mean very loosely) based on the story of Rapunzel. Unlike Beastly and other Flinn works, she doesn't hesitate from completely rearranging the story into something that is hardly recognizable as the source material.

I thought the character development Flinn created was admirable, and I thought, though a little sappy, Wyatt and Rachel were the most adorable couple. They were just so cute together, you couldn't resist rooting for them. As per usual in Flinn's works, the male protagonist Wyatt is definitely a damaged good, and Rachel is a naive little girl who lives up in a tower. Goody. You don't know how fun it is to read about someone who has been completely without technology get their hands on an iPhone for the first time.

I thought the setting Flinn depicted was really beautiful. A backwater upstate New York town that gets a lot of snow was a really original idea, and was carried out nicely, and played well for a town that harbors a lot of secrets.

Towering, though not mind-blowing, is definitely a quick, entertaining read.

I'm Back, This Time For Real

Okay, remember that post, like a month or two ago that said I was coming back to the blogging world. Yeah, what happened to that comeback? Well, I'm here now. I'm back. The last time, my hours had almost doubled, and I need to take a break. But I'm here now, and I'm not going anywhere. I can't say anything about long term, but for now, the NRR is here.

I'm Back Folks!

Well, after my month long blogging hiatus I'm ready to return to the blogging community, and I'm confident The Non Reluctant Reader will only get better. To those who have stuck with me through my hiatus, I thank you.
Cheers, and I can't wait for you to see what's in store here on The Non Reluctant Reader!

The Immortal Circus Blog Tour Week Ten: Giveaway

Welcome to the tenth and final week of A.R. Kahler's The Immortal Circus blog tour!

Murdered contortionists aren’t exactly what Vivienne signed up for when she ran away to join the circus. But like most things under the big top, nothing is what it seems. With a past she can't quite remember, Vivienne finds that running away forever might not be as appealing as it once sounded—especially not when she realizes the devilishly attractive ringleader Mab is the Faerie Queen of legend…and that she and the rest of the troupe are locked in an age-old rivalry between the otherworldly Courts.

Aided by her friends Kingston—a feisty stage magician whose magic is quickly stealing her heart—and his smart-ass assistant Melody, Vivienne finds herself racing against the clock to discover the culprit behind a series of deaths that should be impossible. However, the answer she seeks might reveal more about her own bloody past—and future—than she bargains for.

The show's just beginning. 

Step right up…

Guest Post

Loves,
For once, I agree with our Summer King.
The war is coming. And the fates of our worlds do hang in the balance.

But he is also very, very wrong.
The winning side has already been chosen, for I have not one ace up my sleeve, but two. And Oberon? What does he have? A Jack? Pitiful. This is a war he can not win, and to dare attack me is foolish at best. He is about to sacrifice his son at the altar of my revenge. Willingly. Gladly.

And I will take my tribute.

You have a choice: Die, or serve your Queen.
I hope you see how simple this choice is.

For the Summer King and I, we will always be at war. We will never stop.
But only because I will never stop winning.

Kisses.
Mab

Giveaway

This tour comes with a giveaway! Enter after the page break!

The Immortal Circus Blog Tour Week Nine: Review and Teaser

Welcome to the ninth week of The Immortal Circus by A.R. Kahler

The Immortal Circus by A.R. Kahler
Release Date ~ 12/4/12
Format ~ Kindle Serial
Publisher ~ 47North

Murdered contortionists aren’t exactly what Vivienne signed up for when she ran away to join the circus. But like most things under the big top, nothing is what it seems. With a past she can't quite remember, Vivienne finds that running away forever might not be as appealing as it once sounded—especially not when she realizes the devilishly attractive ringleader Mab is the Faerie Queen of legend…and that she and the rest of the troupe are locked in an age-old rivalry between the otherworldly Courts.
Aided by her friends Kingston—a feisty stage magician whose magic is quickly stealing her heart—and his smart-ass assistant Melody, Vivienne finds herself racing against the clock to discover the culprit behind a series of deaths that should be impossible. However, the answer she seeks might reveal more about her own bloody past—and future—than she bargains for.
The show's just beginning.

Step right up…

Review

In the fifth and final installment of The Immortal Circus, A.R. Kahler wraps up this serial quite nicely. It wasn't a jaw-dropping, life changing conclusion, but it was a good, strong ending to this serial. 

Throughout the serial, we witness a lot of character transformation in Vivienne and the other characters. Despite some of the characters not being the most likable ones you'll ever read about, they're all still relatable to.

The setting in The Immortal Circus is really entertaining and cool. It's kind of freak show, part fairy realm, and it feels like you're there with the characters.

As you can probably tell by the length of this review, there's not a lot I can say about this episode without spoiling anything, it is the last episode in the serial after all. But seriously, The Immortal Circus is one serial worth checking out.

Teaser

“I want you to understand that my intentions were never to hurt people. I just wanted freedom. This was the only way.”
“If you’ve been changing the contracts,” I say, “why not just change yours? End your contract early? Why kill everyone?”
“You saw what happened when Paul’s contract finished early. Time is a force no magic can change. I couldn’t take the chance that the same would happen to me. No, the only sure way to be free was to end the circus. Then, I wouldn’t be dodging a contract. The contract would simply no longer exist.”

Giveaway

This tour comes with a giveaway! Enter after the page break!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wings of Tavea Blog Tour: Excerpt

Welcome to my stop on the Wings of Tavea by Devri Walls blog tour

Kiora thought she had never heard a lie until she was sixteen. But she was wrong. Her entire existence was based on nothing but. She thought that evil did not exist. Lie. That magic was not real. Lie. And that the land of Meros was all there was. One more lie.
With Aleric telling her that evil is knocking on the door and that she is the only one who can stop them she has a choice to make. Refuse, or start the wildest most painful ride of her life.
She reluctantly dips her toe into her new existence of magic and threads, dragons and shapeshifters, and the person who wants to take control of it all: the evil Dralazar.

However, this journey was never meant to be hers alone. She will be accompanied by a Protector. To her disbelief, and utter irritation they name the hotheaded, stubborn, non -magical, (albeit gorgeous) Prince Emane. They will have to trust each other with their lives, but right now Kiora would settle for a non hostile conversation.

And now it comes down to this, If you had never heard a lie, would you know when you heard one? Is knowing good from evil innate? Kiora finds herself having to decide who lives and who dies on those very questions.

Kiora is rapidly learning that evil and lies come in shades of black and white and swirling greys, but nothing could have prepared her for the shock of leaving Meros.
Kiora and her protector Emane step through the pass into a world they never knew existed but were always meant to save, only to find it far worse than they could have ever imagined. Good has been forced into hiding for its own survival, while the rest of the land bows to the Shadow, a force that pushes any remaining thoughts of Dralazar from Kiora’s mind. This land is full of new creatures, each more dangerous than the last. Her visions have taken on a deadly twist, and magic, or what comes of it, was never so real. And then there is Alcander: a Tavean, their guide, and an entirely different kind of trouble.

Excerpt 

Emane dropped onto the bed, breathing hard. Kiora was slammed with wall upon
wall of anger rolling off him.
She sat down gently next to him, taking his hand in hers. “It’s all right,” Kiora whispered, running her thumb over the back of Emane’s hand.
“No, it’s not all right!” Emane yelled, jerking his hand out of her grasp. “This place is . . . I don't know. They are not telling us something. And he—” Emane flung his arm at the door Alcander had exited from, “is the most arrogant, pompous, self centered—” Emane stood, pacing around the room, neatly avoiding Drustan who was still standing in the middle of the floor. “He treats me like a piece of garbage that needs to be disposed of. Witow.” He spat. “I hate that word. I have hated it from the moment I heard it. The way they say it, they might as well say worthless.”
“The word actually stems from the word ‘without,’” Drustan corrected calmly.
“Drustan,” Emane roared, whirling on him. “You are no better than he is half the
time.”
Drustan opened his mouth but shut it again after Kiora shook her head at him. Clearing his throat, he said, “Perhaps I should go and let you two talk.”
“Thank you,” Emane yelled at the morphing Drustan. A small bird flew out the
door. “Why, Kiora?” Emane asked. “Why am I the Protector? There is not a single person that understands it.”
“Emane, stop,” Kiora said gently. “It doesn't matter what they think.”
“Easy for you to say, you are the Solus. Alcander was falling all over you when he figured out who you were.”
Kiora clasped her fingers in her lap. “And you would rather he bowed to you?”
“No. Just a little respect would be nice.” Emane ground his teeth, looking away from her. “You wouldn't understand."
“You don't think so?”
Emane set his jaw, staring forward.
“You forget I am the girl that had visions of people dying. I was treated as worthless by the people that mattered most to me.”
Emane’s face softened, his eyes closing. “Kiora, I'm sorry. I didn't—”
“No, its ok,” she said. “You are used to people respecting you because of who you are. Nobody got to know you before they bowed. It is hard for you to have to prove yourself, I understand.”
His waves of anger lessened in intensity. Going to her, Emane pulled her up and into his chest. “I am sorry, I shouldn't have gotten so angry.”
“You have a right to be angry. He does treat you horribly.” Kiora leaned her head against him. “I am sure Alcander will come around though. He will see who you are. Everybody else has.”
Emane placed one finger gently under Kiora’s chin. Leaning down he kissed her lightly on the lips. She trembled. His kisses were better than magic. He kissed her harder this time, pulling her into him, and her magic roared in response. Ever since the change she could not feel pleasure, at least not the kind she felt while kissing him, and keep her magic under control at the same time. Wrapping her hands around the back of his head she kissed him back, fiercely pushing at the rising magic. But when his lips began moving down her neck, her focus was torn between her magic and the softness of his lips brushing against her skin.
“Emane, stop, I can’t hold it,” Kiora gasped.
He moaned in frustration and kissed her neck one more time. It was one time too many. The bubble of magic rising within her exploded out of control. It picked Emane up
and sent him flying across the room. He slammed into the wall. The wall shook under the impact. Emane fell to the ground, limp.
“Emane!” Kiora ran over to him, sliding across the floor. “Emane!” she cried, lifting his head into her lap. “I'm sorry. I am so sorry!” Running her fingers through his hair she whimpered, “Please wake up, please.” Tears began rolling down her cheeks. He was breathing, but unconscious. Kiora yelled out the open door. “Drustan! Help!” Leaning down over Emane she kissed him on the forehead. “Please wake up, Emane, please."
A shadow blocked the door like a dark cloud. “What happened?” a voice demanded.
Kiora looked up, startled. “Alcander.”
Alcander evaluated the situation, his eyes sliding over Emane. “What happened?” he repeated.
“It was me,” Kiora said, wiping at her face. “It was an accident. Please, can you help him?”
“I can’t. I will get someone who can.” Alcander quickly walked out. Within a few minutes Lomay hobbled into the room.
“What happened?”
“It was an accident,” Kiora said. “I hit him with magic. I didn’t mean to.”
Lomay's eyebrows rose. “Interesting accident.” Crouching slowly beside her,
Lomay felt Emane's neck for his pulse. “He is just unconscious.” Lomay looked up at Kiora. “I could bring him out of it, but he might be enjoying the rest.”
“Please, wake him up. I have to make sure he's all right.”
“Would you like to tell me what happened?”
She glanced at Alcander, who had followed Lomay back. He was looking at her with an odd expression on his face.
“No, not right now.”
“I see. Perhaps later then.” Kiora could have sworn she saw a smile play at the edge of Lomay’s mouth. “Very well, if you are sure.” Lomay touched Emane’s forehead.
Blinking, Emane looked up. “Welcome back,” Lomay said, before winking at Kiora. Groaning, Lomay pushed himself to his feet. “See you at dinner," he said cheerfully as he hobbled out of the room. Alcander turned, silently following Lomay out the door.
Emane moaned and rubbed his head. “What happened?”
“I'm sorry.” Kiora said, gently pushing his hair back off his forehead. “I lost control of my magic. When you kiss me . . . I lose control.”
“Why am I so cursed?” Emane moaned.
“I know, I'm sorry. You can’t even kiss me!”
“No, it’s not that. Well, partially that,” he amended. “But why was I cursed to be
such an unbelievable kisser?”
“Emane!”
He sat up rubbing his head. “No, really. If I wasn't so blasted good at it, maybe this wouldn't happen.” Emane smirked.
“I cannot believe you are making jokes about this,” Kiora said, dropping back onto her heels. “I could have killed you.”
“It was worth it.” He dropped against the wall with a satisfied look on his face.
She rolled her eyes, pushed herself to her feet, and offered Emane her hand. “Come on, you are going to lay down before dinner.”
“Will you lay with me?” he asked, stumbling forward as she pulled him up.
“No,” Kiora said, putting her hands on her hips. “You obviously didn't learn your lesson the last time, and you are dumb enough to try it again.”
“I told you, it was worth it.” Emane grinned as he lay back on his bed.
“You really did hit your head hard.”
“Not hard enough to forget that kiss,” he said, placing his arms behind his head
and crossing one ankle over the other.
“You are ridiculous.” Kiora sighed, her cheeks flushing.
“I know,” he mumbled. Closing his eyes, Emane drifted to sleep, murmuring
something about it not being fair.

 FOLLOW THIS TOUR!

Review: City of a Thousand Dolls by Miriam Forster

City of a Thousand Dolls by Miriam Forster
Release Date ~ 2/5/2013
Format ~ ARC
Publisher ~ HaprerTeen
Source ~ Publisher

An exotic treat set in an entirely original, fantastical world brimming with deadly mystery, forbidden romance, and heart-stopping adventure.
Nisha was abandoned at the gates of the City of a Thousand Dolls when she was just a child. Now sixteen, she lives on the grounds of the isolated estate, where orphan girls apprentice as musicians, healers, courtesans, and, if the rumors are true, assassins. Nisha makes her way as Matron’s assistant, her closest companions the mysterious cats that trail her shadow. Only when she begins a forbidden flirtation with the city’s handsome young courier does she let herself imagine a life outside the walls. Until one by one, girls around her start to die.
Before she becomes the next victim, Nisha decides to uncover the secrets that surround the girls’ deaths. But by getting involved, Nisha jeopardizes not only her own future in the City of a Thousand Dolls—but her own life.

 City of a Thousand Dolls is an entertaining, fast-paced, exciting read riding the high fantasy wave, tough it does suffer from a few

  In City of a Thousand Dolls, Nisha, the heroine of the story, is a character that takes you a while to warm up to. In fact, some might not be able to warm up to her at all, because she is a character you can often be annoyed with, although at the end of the novel I liked her, she is definitely a hit or miss character.

  Forster creates a really excellent, unique mythology where you don't really no what to expect from it.  It's so original and different, even for high fantasy. It's built up very elaborately and extraordinarily. I's layered, developed, and very, very interesting.

  When it comes to pacing, Forster is a genius.  There is hardly ever a dull moment in it and there's plenty for everyone... romance, action, betrayal... when it comes to keeping an audience entertained, few can do it better than Meriam Forster.

Despite a few flaws, City of a Thousand is still an entertaining, enjoyable read.

Interview with Kristin Halbrook, Author Of Nobody But Us And A Giveaway

Hey guys! Today I'm pleased to welcome Kristin Halbrook, author of Nobody But Us!

~~~

Nobody But Us by Kristin Halbrook

Release Date ~ 1/29/13

Publisher ~ HarperTeen

Bonnie and Clyde meets IF I STAY in this addictively heart-wrenching story of two desperate teenagers on the run from their pasts.
They’re young. They’re in love. They’re on the run.
Zoe wants to save Will as much as Will wants to save Zoe. When Will turns eighteen, they decide to run away together. But they never expected their escape to be so fraught with danger....
When the whole world is after you, sometimes it seems like you can’t run fast enough.
Nobody But Us, told in alternating perspectives from Will and Zoe, is an unflinching novel, in turns heartbreaking and hopeful, about survival, choices, and love...and how having love doesn’t always mean that you get a happy ending. Described as “beautiful, heartbreaking, and exhilarating” by Kody Keplinger, author of The DUFF, Nobody But Us will prove irresistible to fans of Nina Lacour, Jenny Han, and Sara Zarr.

Interview

Hey Kristin!

First of all, a big thank you to Benji for featuring me! He's one of my favorite bloggers. Just check out his About Me page if you need proof why. :)

Does the content in Nobody But Us draw from life experience at all?

I have never run away with my boyfriend at the age of 15, nor have I committed the crimes my characters did. So in that sense, no, Nobody Buy Us doesn't draw from life experience. But in other way, it does. Knowing people who have struggled under a system that didn't serve them, or creating voices that are reminiscent of people I know in real life, or writing the setting because I have, actually, driven several parts of the route Will and Zoe take are things that I drew upon to make the story more realistic.

Did you ever get emotional while writing scenes from Nobody But Us?

Definitely! ALL THE FEELS. I've laughed at something Will has said or felt frustrated at knowing what a consequence should be realistically, even though I didn't want to write it that way. And yes, I've teared up. The worst was when I was working on a scene and listening to the playlist at the same time and the emotions from book and music combined to make me a blubbering mess. There are still songs on the playlist that make me teary, even when the book is nowhere near me.

How did you celebrate the release of Nobody But Us?

Release say itself was kind of weird, lol. I woke up to a lot of good thoughts in my email inbox, on my facebook pages and in my twitter feed. It was intense, overwhelming and really amazing. It was also a quiet day in every other respect. The bigger celebration comes this weekend during my launch party and hanging out with friends and family afterwards. I'm looking forward to it!

How has your life changed after the book deal?

It's been really good in so many ways. Most notably, the book deal allowed me to cut back on other work so that I had more time to write.

What projects are you working on now?

I always have lots (too many? lol) projects going at once. I'm working on my next contemporary, about a girl desperate to cut all ties to her town--and the people who hate her--before graduating high school and have started yet another contemporary that takes me back to dual narrative. I'm also putting some revision touches on a gothic retelling of an old French tale and on a middle grade magical realism. I'm even toying with the idea of a picture book. So yeah, lots of things going on!

Describe Nobody But Us in three words. GO!

Raw, unflinching realism.

Giveaway

I have two signed ARCs of Nobody But Us to give to two lucky winners! Terms and conditions and entry can be found after the page break!

The Immortal Circus Blog Tour Week Eight: Guest Post

Welcome to the eighth week of The Immortal Circus by A.R. Kahler

The Immortal Circus by A.R. Kahler

Release Date ~ 12/4/12

Publisher ~ 47North

Murdered contortionists aren’t exactly what Vivienne signed up for when she ran away to join the circus. But like most things under the big top, nothing is what it seems. With a past she can't quite remember, Vivienne finds that running away forever might not be as appealing as it once sounded—especially not when she realizes the devilishly attractive ringleader Mab is the Faerie Queen of legend…and that she and the rest of the troupe are locked in an age-old rivalry between the otherworldly Courts.
Aided by her friends Kingston—a feisty stage magician whose magic is quickly stealing her heart—and his smart-ass assistant Melody, Vivienne finds herself racing against the clock to discover the culprit behind a series of deaths that should be impossible. However, the answer she seeks might reveal more about her own bloody past—and future—than she bargains for.
The show's just beginning.

Step right up…

My my, loves, what harsh words from the Summer King! 

I cannot for the life of me understand his anger. I was perfectly within my rights when I...disposed...of his herald. He should know first hand that if one does not wish to get bitten, one should not tempt the serpent.

No matter. His wrath does not scare me any more than the metaphorical snake. For I am Queen Mab. And no man shall subdue my rule.

He wishes for war? So be it. Our war is what makes my life so much fun.

Let us gather arms, loves. Order your copy of THE IMMORTAL CIRCUS. Spread the beautiful banner of Winter, tweet under our hashtags #ImmortalCirus #WinterVictory. Show your support and enter to win the greatest battle your world has seen. We have two weeks left to pave the road to victory. 

And I assure you, a glorious victory it shall be.

So long as you're on the correct side.

Kisses,
Mab

Giveaway

This tour comes with a giveaway! Enter after the page break!

Review: Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer
Release Date ~ 2/5/13
Format ~ ARC
Publisher ~ Feiwel and Friends
Source ~ Swapped

Cinder returns in the second thrilling installment of the New York Times-bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She’s trying to break out of prison—even though if she succeeds, she’ll be the Commonwealth’s most wanted fugitive.
Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit’s grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn’t know about her grandmother and the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother’s whereabouts, she has no choice but to trust him, though he clearly has a few dark secrets of his own.
As Scarlet and Wolf work to unravel one mystery, they find another when they cross paths with Cinder. Together, they must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen who will do anything to make Prince Kai her husband, her king, her prisoner.

 I don't even know where to begin about Scarlet. Ever since Cinder I've known Marissa Meyer is a really brilliant author, and Scarlet delivers one hundred percent. The characters and plot continue to evolve and new plot lines begin to pop up.

In Scarlet, another leading protagonist appears in the form of Scarlet, a french girl who's grandmother is missing and the police have done pretty much nothing about it. She's a very fierce heroine and decides to take matters into her own hands and hunt her grandmother down. Accompanied by the mysterious street fighter, Wolf, they track her down on a journey that takes them across France and is eventually entwined with the story of the main character from the first book, Lihn Cinder. Though I missed having Cinder as the only narrator, Scarlet makes a likable protagonist herself.

The action intensifies and everything gets a lot more brutal in Scarlet than it was in Cinder. All the stakes are higher and there is an overall sense that the series has gone in a darker direction. Though Cinder was an amazing read, it was lighter and the stakes weren't quite so big, however, Scarlet really ups the game.

The ending of Scarlet is one that has you so eager to read the next book it's not even funny. The next months will be pure agony because I don't think I will be able to wait that long to see what happens to Cinder, Scarlet, and the gang. The Lunar war has intensified and I cannot wait to see which direction Marissa Meyer takes this story in.

Scarlet was a near-perfect second novel that, in my humble opinion, will set the bar for second books this year.

Review: Nobody But Us by Kristin Halbrook

Nobody But Us by Kristin Halbrook
Release Date ~ 1/29/13 (TODAY!)
Format ~ ARC
Publisher ~ HarperTeen
Source ~ Publisher

Purchase

Bonnie and Clyde meets IF I STAY in this addictively heart-wrenching story of two desperate teenagers on the run from their pasts.
They’re young. They’re in love. They’re on the run.
Zoe wants to save Will as much as Will wants to save Zoe. When Will turns eighteen, they decide to run away together. But they never expected their escape to be so fraught with danger....
When the whole world is after you, sometimes it seems like you can’t run fast enough.
Nobody But Us, told in alternating perspectives from Will and Zoe, is an unflinching novel, in turns heartbreaking and hopeful, about survival, choices, and love...and how having love doesn’t always mean that you get a happy ending. Described as “beautiful, heartbreaking, and exhilarating” by Kody Keplinger, author of The DUFF, Nobody But Us will prove irresistible to fans of Nina Lacour, Jenny Han, and Sara Zarr.

 Though it's no secret I prefer genre books, a contemporary novel can be just as powerful as any genre novel... and Nobody But Us totally delivers. It's hard to handle, it's raw emotion, it's a true work of art.

Zoe and Will are both the most endearing, vulnerable characters that you can't but want to help. They've both lived very, very unemployable lives. With Will growing up in the foster care system and Zoe suffering from an abusive, drunk father since her mother died, it's no wonder they ditch town the second they get the chance. And although you so want them to get the f**k away from their shitty lives in small town South Dakota, you know that something's not going to go right. This book is probably the best example of "you can't run away from your problems" you'll ever read.

Nobody But Us takes you on a true emotional whirlwind that will have you crying, sometimes laughing, and often wanting to punch things - in the best way. When I finished finished the novel, I couldn't decide if I wanted to punch Kristin Halbrook or bow down to her. She creates characters and a story that leaves you hanging on every word. It's a beautiful and scary portrait of the what the world is really like. Because Halbrook doesn't sugarcoat a thing, and she doesn't hold back. She takes risks, but when has someone ever written something amazing by playing it safe?

Nobody But Us is a novel that connects to you on a deeper level. It draws you in and makes you reflect on your own life - in my opinion, the highest achievement a book can ever make. A true gem.

Review: Asunder by Jodi Meadows

Asunder by Jodi Meadows
Release Date ~ 1/29/2013
Format ~ ARC
Publisher ~ Katherine Tegen Books
Source ~ Publisher

Purchase

DARKSOULS
Ana has always been the only one. Asunder. Apart. But after Templedark, when many residents of Heart were lost forever, some hold Ana responsible for the darksouls–and the newsouls who may be born in their place.
SHADOWS
Many are afraid of Ana’s presence, a constant reminder of unstoppable changes and the unknown. When sylph begin behaving differently toward her and people turn violent, Ana must learn to stand up not only for herself but for those who cannot stand up for themselves.
LOVE
Ana was told that nosouls can’t love. But newsouls? More than anything, she wants to live and love as an equal among the citizens of Heart, but even when Sam professes his deepest feelings, it seems impossible to overcome a lifetime of rejection.
In this second book in the Incarnate trilogy, Ana discovers the truth about reincarnation and will have to find a way to embrace love and make her young life meaningful. Once again, Jodi Meadows explores the extraordinary beauty and shadowed depths of the soul in a story equal parts epic romance and captivating fantasy.

   Though the first book in this trilogy, Incarnate was really good, it wasn't quite a five star read. However, Jodi Meadows ups her game considerably in Asunder. There are higher stakes, heightened action scenes, and worthy character development.

  The first thing that struck me as an improvement since Incarnate was that I liked Ana a lot more in this book. In Incarnate I found her as endearing but kind of annoying, and in Asunder, she didn't annoy me nearly as much, and I grew to appreciate her more as a character.

   Jodi Meadows has an EPIC writing style that keeps your heart racing and has you on the edge of your seat  the entire  time. It's a very a very tense way of writing that can be nerve raking, but it's perfect for this novel, as there's an intense atmosphere to it almost the entire time.

   I think Jodi Meadows has created almost a civil rights story in Asunder. The overall feeling of Asunder are the new souls that are popping up in the world, mostly Anna, fighting for the right to be treated like normal citizens. Though it may be subtle, Anna might even be a kind-of MLK figure in this world.

   This book has ending that KILLS YOU. It's not a cliffhanger, but here is what I was like when I read the last page:

Yep. 

   Asunder was a very, very strong second novel. I need the final book stat!

The Immortal Circus Blog Tour Week Eight: Review and Teaser

Welcome to week eight of The Immortal Circus by A.R. Kahler blog tour

Episode Four

The Immortal Circus by A.R. Kahler

Release Date ~ 12/4/12

Publisher ~ 47North

Murdered contortionists aren’t exactly what Vivienne signed up for when she ran away to join the circus. But like most things under the big top, nothing is what it seems. With a past she can't quite remember, Vivienne finds that running away forever might not be as appealing as it once sounded—especially not when she realizes the devilishly attractive ringleader Mab is the Faerie Queen of legend…and that she and the rest of the troupe are locked in an age-old rivalry between the otherworldly Courts.
Aided by her friends Kingston—a feisty stage magician whose magic is quickly stealing her heart—and his smart-ass assistant Melody, Vivienne finds herself racing against the clock to discover the culprit behind a series of deaths that should be impossible. However, the answer she seeks might reveal more about her own bloody past—and future—than she bargains for.
The show's just beginning.

Step right up…

Review

   Despite a rocky episode in episode three, A.R. Kahler gets The Immortal Circus back on the right track. The characters continue to evolve and the plot thickens heavily, gearing up for the final episode.

  The action intensifies in this episode and there is a lot of suspense throughout. I loved the heightened intensity and it really enhanced the tone of the novel.

   

   The characters continue to develop thoroughly with plenty of interesting character twists and really enjoyable characters that keep you guessing.

   The plot continues to thicken and evolve, and although since it's the fourth episode there's not a lot I can without spoiling it, for I can say this: this serial is one hot item!

Teaser

How are you feeling?” I ask.
“Meh,” Mel says with a shrug of her shoulders. We start walking toward the pie cart. “Still feel like I’ve been run over by a truck a few hundred times, but it’s better than before.”
She pours herself a cup of water from one of the Gatorade containers when we hit the pie cart, offering me one as well.
“Any plans for the day?” she asks, sitting back on a wooden table still littered with a few bowls of half-eaten cereal.
“Juggling practice,” I say. The words feel like a death sentence. “What about you?”Her grin widens. “There’s a swimming hole nearby. An honest-to-God swimming hole with rope swings and tetanus and everything. I think a couple of us are heading over after lunch.”

Giveaway

This tour comes with a giveaway! Enter after the page break!

Waiting on Wednesday: Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine

Siege and Storm (The Grisha #2) by Leigh Bardugo

Release Date ~ 6/4/2013 

Publisher ~ Henry and Holt

Add it on Goodreads

Darkness never dies.
Hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Fold, Alina must try to make a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land, all while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. But she can't outrun her past or her destiny for long.
The Darkling has emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan that will test the very boundaries of the natural world. With the help of a notorious privateer, Alina returns to the country she abandoned, determined to fight the forces gathering against Ravka. But as her power grows, Alina slips deeper into the Darkling's game of forbidden magic, and farther away from Mal. Somehow, she will have to choose between her country, her power, and the love she always thought would guide her--or risk losing everything to the  oncoming storm.

   The first book in this trilogy, Shadow and Bone was knock-your-socks-off amazing and so unique, and I got the pleasure to meet Leigh Bardugo, who was very awesome. I cannot wait for this book! Alina was a great main character, very kickass, and I can't wait to see where she ends up in Siege and Storm. And Mal, I hope Mal is doing okay too! Simply put, I need this book stat!

Meet me at ALA Midwinter!

Hey guys! This weekend is ALA Midwinter Meeting in Seattle, and I'm attending along with my partner in crime, Rachel from Beauty and the Bookshelf. I'll be at the YA Highway Meet-Up on Friday night and in the conference hall from Friday to Sunday! Come up and say hello! Tweet me (@NonReluctant) if you're going to and want to have a meal or hang out with us!

(Rachel and I do love our scarves.)

Review: The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd

The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd
Release Date ~ 1/29/13
Format ~ ARC
Publisher ~ Balzer + Bray (HarperCollins)
Source ~ Publisher

In the darkest places, even love is deadly.
Sixteen-year-old Juliet Moreau has built a life for herself in London—working as a maid, attending church on Sundays, and trying not to think about the scandal that ruined her life. After all, no one ever proved the rumors about her father's gruesome experiments. But when she learns he is alive and continuing his work on a remote tropical island, she is determined to find out if the accusations are true.
Accompanied by her father's handsome young assistant, Montgomery, and an enigmatic castaway, Edward—both of whom she is deeply drawn to—Juliet travels to the island, only to discover the depths of her father's madness: He has experimented on animals so that they resemble, speak, and behave as humans. And worse, one of the creatures has turned violent and is killing the island's inhabitants. Torn between horror and scientific curiosity, Juliet knows she must end her father's dangerous experiments and escape her jungle prison before it's too late. Yet as the island falls into chaos, she discovers the extent of her father's genius—and madness—in her own blood.
Inspired by H. G. Wells's classic The Island of Dr. Moreau, The Madman's Daughter is a dark and breathless Gothic thriller about the secrets we'll do anything to know and the truths we'll go to any lengths to protect.

   I started The Madman's Daughter at around ten o'clock one night, coming in without any hugely high expectations, and ended up finishing the 420 page novel at around midnight the same evening. Needless to say, I devoured this thrilling retelling of The Island of Doctor Moreau. It has all the key ingredients of a great young adult novel. And it even had a love triangle I could kind of stomach, which is surprising.

   The main character, Juliet, has gone from riches to rags ever since a scandal involving her science genius father, went public and he fled down. Shortly after, her mother died. So, as you can tell, she isn't have the best of times at the moment. When she has a chance encounter with Montgomery, her father's servant and finds out her father is alive, she journeys to the mysterious island where he's doing some pretty ghastly experiments.

   Juliet was a character that you really want to have a better life, and not have some crazy mad genius as a father. You grow attached to her throughout the book and really feel her emotions. Shepherd does a brilliant job of putting you in her shoes and reading the novel through her eyes.

   YA horror is hard to find, but The Madman's Daughter is young adult horror at its best. It's creepy, it's thrilling, it's suspenseful, and sometimes it's even a little cringe worthy. All of those add up to a brilliantly delivered retelling.

   Megan Shepherd's The Madman's Daughter is truly a special book. A must buy for Gothic YA fans, and for readers is general.

Cover Comments:

This cover is so Gothic and haunting and gorgeous. It matches the feel of the novel perfectly. 

 

Movie Review: Silver Linings Playbook

Silver Lining Playbook
Release Date ~ 11/16/12
Director ~ David O'Russell
Starring ~ Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert DeNiro
Written By ~ David O'Russell (Screenplay), Mathew Quick (Novel)

After a stint in a mental institution, former teacher Pat Solitano moves back in with his parents and tries to reconcile with his ex-wife. Things get more challenging when Pat meets Tiffany, a mysterious girl with problems of her own.

 Silver Linings Playbook, like the book, is a brilliant, heartfelt, deep, and witty film. Like all great pieces of art, it makes you reflect on your own life.

My first order of business in this review is to remark on the genius acting by both Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence, the latter who one a golden globe for this. After Hunger Games, I had a lot of respect for Lawrence, but after Silver Linings Playbook, I have a new found appreciation for her as a deeper, maturer, more adult actress. This is her first real role playing a "adult" character, and she has completely reinvented herself. Unlike when I see actors like Daniel Radcliffe, when I saw Jennifer Lawrence in this film, I didn't think "That's Katniss!" I saw her as the character she was portraying, Tiffany, a slightly crazy, troubled young widow with terrible socials skills. I feel like this is Jennifer all grown up, and I really like what I see. In fact, I might of even liked her more then in Hunger Games. This girl has more going for her then just the blockbuster franchise, and while I'll continue to love them, I hope she continues to do projects like this one as well.

I was also seriously impressed by Bradley Cooper as well.  He's used to playing the brooding, perfect guy that has women swooning over him, and I felt like this role pushed him to step out of his comfort zone and really put more emotion into his acting. Though Lawrence outshines him a bit in this movie, I still have a new found respect for him as well. He took a risk and performed well in that risk.

Though it wasn't one hundred percent the same as the book, and O'Russell did change some things, some drastically, it was faithful in the message trying to be presented and in the characters. Honestly, if  you're one of those asinine people who throw a fit if everything isn't exactly word for word, you're going to be disappointed, and then the world is going to have to listen to you rant about it on twitter. So if you're one of those people, it's not going to live up to your expectations, just stay home and do us all a favor.

This movie, like the novel, is pure brilliance, with characters that you can't help but love and situations we can all relate to, Silver Linings Playbook is well worth it.

Review: Splintered by A.G. Howard

Splintered by A.G. Howard
Release Date ~ 1/1/2013
Format ~ ARC
Publisher ~ Amulet
Source ~ Gifted

Purchase

This stunning debut captures the grotesque madness of a mystical under-land, as well as a girl’s pangs of first love and independence. Alyssa Gardner hears the whispers of bugs and flowers—precisely the affliction that landed her mother in a mental hospital years before. This family curse stretches back to her ancestor Alice Liddell, the real-life inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Alyssa might be crazy, but she manages to keep it together. For now.
When her mother’s mental health takes a turn for the worse, Alyssa learns that what she thought was fiction is based in terrifying reality. The real Wonderland is a place far darker and more twisted than Lewis Carroll ever let on. There, Alyssa must pass a series of tests, including draining an ocean of Alice’s tears, waking the slumbering tea party, and subduing a vicious bandersnatch, to fix Alice’s mistakes and save her family. She must also decide whom to trust: Jeb, her gorgeous best friend and secret crush, or the sexy but suspicious Morpheus, her guide through Wonderland, who may have dark motives of his own.

  

   Splintered is your classic case of amazing synopsis but a mediocre (at best) delivery. I know the entire book blogging community is in awe of this novel,  and if you asked me after a hundred pages, I would of been one of those people, but now after the entire novel,  I have to say I can't agree with them.

   The thing that kind of killed Splintered for me was how it was an idea so original and unique, but how over the course of the novel, Howard was able to turn it into your typical young adult paranormal/fantasy novel. Which isn't bad in some cases, but I really expected more from this book, and it felt flat.

The setting was pretty unique - which I liked. The setting was probably the only thing that lived up to expectation. It was weird and wacky, the way any Alice novel should be. Like I said, the rest on the other hand was a total drag.

 The characters were okay, but like most things in this book, mediocre at best. I didn't really feel any emotion towards them, which is never good. My favorite part of reading a novel is becoming emotionally invested in a character, and  Splintered failed to deliver that for me.

  Splintered had potential, but sadly did not deliver.

The Immortal Circus Blog Tour Week Seven: Guest Post

Welcome to the seventh week of The Immortal Circus by A.R. Kahler blog tour!

The Immortal Circus by A.R. Kahler

Release Date ~ 12/4/12

Publisher ~ 47North

Murdered contortionists aren’t exactly what Vivienne signed up for when she ran away to join the circus. But like most things under the big top, nothing is what it seems. With a past she can't quite remember, Vivienne finds that running away forever might not be as appealing as it once sounded—especially not when she realizes the devilishly attractive ringleader Mab is the Faerie Queen of legend…and that she and the rest of the troupe are locked in an age-old rivalry between the otherworldly Courts.
Aided by her friends Kingston—a feisty stage magician whose magic is quickly stealing her heart—and his smart-ass assistant Melody, Vivienne finds herself racing against the clock to discover the culprit behind a series of deaths that should be impossible. However, the answer she seeks might reveal more about her own bloody past—and future—than she bargains for.
The show's just beginning.

Step right up…

 Guest Post

Winter

Oh loves, he's at it again, isn't he?

Trying to slander my name, trying to tarnish all the good I'm doing in the world. No matter. As I said, I refuse to resort to his petty games. I am a woman of good character, not some twisted evildoer as he would have you believe. I could rant about the harshness of the male ego in its relationship to women but...I shan't.

Instead, I've asked Kingston to the stage for his personal rebuttal to Oberon's charges. Which, of course, are ludicrous at best. I'm hoping Kingston would share his more human side with you, and show you just how misleading Oberon's statements are.

Until next week.
Kisses,
Mab

*

Hey guys, Kingston here.

I hate to say it, but the old guy's nailed it on the head. I mean, we do run a business that pretty much screws them over, and it is run by criminals and outlaws. Which, in my opinion, is pretty damn awesome. What he doesn't mention is the fact that most of the outlaws are running from his Court and his insane rules and judgments. So...take it with a grain of salt, would you?

Mab wanted me to show my human side. So here goes.

I like dark coffee and long walks or dances on the beach. Thunderstorms turn me on. I've got a soft spot for cinnamon rolls and cheesy pop music (Mab said I should share that, so I've created a playlist and linked it below). I keep active and work out at least three hours a day. I volunteer at food shelters when I get the chance.

In addition to my performing roles, I act as the company medic and peacekeeper. I'm kind of the go-to guy for everything that doesn't immediately require Mab's attention. In other words, I'm pretty much responsible for everyone's well-being. And I do that job with care.

As for his claims...yeh, I'm guilty of witchcraft. Surprise.

Murder?

Well, that's one of those questions you should only ask if you really, truly, want to know...

Peace.
-K

Here's the playlist:
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLv1slzpyrUxdZVWIEEAMyP7zIfBhwRQHC

Giveaway

The tour comes with a giveaway! Details after the page break!

Two Year Blogoversary Day Two: Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi

Yesterday, January 11th was my two year blogoversary, so here at The Non Reluctant Reader, starting yesterday, there is a week long giveaway celebration, with each day holding a new giveaway... today is dedicated to my book blogging best friends.

~~~

    Though the list of bloggers I could thank would be a novel by itself, I'm going to keep it fairly brief and just thank the ones that mean the absolute most.

    Let's start with my number one book blogging best friend, Monica from Cover Analysis. I've known Monica for just about a year now, and she and I already argue like an old, crotchety married couple. We have an amazing, sarcastic, abusive relationship. Check out our foreplay on Twitter sometime, I'm sure you'll get a hoot at our insults going back and forth.

   Then let's continue to one of the biggest book bloggers out there who has helped my blog receive a lot of exposure, Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer! Thanks doll!

   All my local friends: Kristina, Rachel, Sarah, and Anna! You guys always make events fun!

Giveaway

Enter after the page break!

Two Year Blogaversary Celebration Day One: Nobody But Us and The Madman's Daughter

Hello! Well guess what? Today is my 2nd Blogaversary!

    Wow. Just wow. If you told me two years ago that The Non Reluctant Reader was going to blossom into what it's become today I would of laughed in your face. I couldn't believe it when I passed 30 followers. Today my follower count is well over 3,000. And it's all thanks to you guys. So for the next seven days here on The Non Reluctant Reader I'm doing seven giveaways to thank you all - my magical darling readers. And each giveaway is going to come with a post from me reflecting on these two years.

Schedule:

January 11: Starting Post (This post)

January 12: My Best Blogging Friends

January 13: Authors Who Deserve A Special "Thank You"

January 14: Some of my Best Blogging Experiences

January 15: The Non Reluctant Reader: The Top Five Posts Ever Posted

January 16: A Thank You To You

January 17: Looking to the Future

Today's Giveaway

Nobody but Us by Kristin Halbrook SIGNED 

The Madman's Daughter by Mefan Shepherd

Enter after the page break!

The Immortal Circus Blog Tour Week Five: Teaser

Welcome to the fifth week of The Immortal Circus blog tour!

The Immortal Circus by A.R. Kahler
Release Date ~ 12/4/12
Publisher ~ 47North

Murdered contortionists aren’t exactly what Vivienne signed up for when she ran away to join the circus. But like most things under the big top, nothing is what it seems. With a past she can't quite remember, Vivienne finds that running away forever might not be as appealing as it once sounded—especially not when she realizes the devilishly attractive ringleader Mab is the Faerie Queen of legend…and that she and the rest of the troupe are locked in an age-old rivalry between the otherworldly Courts.
Aided by her friends Kingston—a feisty stage magician whose magic is quickly stealing her heart—and his smart-ass assistant Melody, Vivienne finds herself racing against the clock to discover the culprit behind a series of deaths that should be impossible. However, the answer she seeks might reveal more about her own bloody past—and future—than she bargains for.
The show's just beginning.

Step right up…

Teaser

Kingston is standing in the sand, barefoot and wearing a pair of dark cargo shorts and nothing else. There aren’t any fireworks.
He’s dancing along to the music, his eyes closed or half-lidded, the sweat making his body shine. His feet trace circles in the sand and his arms sweep around. One hand reaches out, stretching to the lake, and curls of light snake from his forearm and flare over the ground. He looks different, somehow. His hair is matted, sand is covering his bare calves. And that’s when I realize what’s different. His tattoo is moving.

Giveaway

The blog tour comes with a giveaway! Enter after the page break!

Top Ten Bookish Goals of 2013

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and The Bookish

Top Ten Bookish Goals of 2013

1. Spend less time networking - more time reading. (Read my full post about that HERE)

2. Read The Great Gatsby

3. Read at least 100 books

4. Read at least 40,000 pages

5. Reread Les Miserables (one of the few books I like to reread)

6. Finish The Song of Ice And Fire Series

7. Write at least 90 reviews

8. Buy at least one book on total impulse

9. Go to at least 15 book signings. 

10. Read at least five books that have been on my TBR pile for more then two years.

Ten Book Theme Songs - Dystopian Edition

Hey guys! Well... I was trying to decide to come up with a post subject and I brainstormed a few ideas and one that really stood out to me was 'Book Theme Songs', taking ten books and picking theme songs for them. So I decided I could do different genre/subject editions, so we're starting off with...

Ten Dystopian Theme Songs

10. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: 'The Cave' by Mumford and Sons

9. Divergent by Veronica Roth: 'Radioactive' by Imagine Dragons

8. Cinder by Marissa Meyer: 'Human' by The Killers

7. Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi: 'How Far We've Come' by Matchbox Twenty

6. Possession by Elana Johnson: 'It Doesn't Mean A Thing' by The Airborne Toxic Event

5. Delirium by Lauren Oliver: 'Be Still My Heart' by The Postal Service

4. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins: 'Grapevine Fires' by Death Cab for Cutie

3.  Reached by Ally Condie: 'The Story' by Brandi Carlile

2. Far From The War by Jeffrey David Payne: 'Sail' by AWOLNATION

1. Matched by Ally Condie: 'Only The Young' by Brandon Flowers

The Immortal Circus Blog Tour Week Four Stop: Guest Post

Welcome to the fourth week of The Immortal Circus Blog Tour

The Immortal Circus by A.R. Kahler

Murdered contortionists aren’t exactly what Vivienne signed up for when she ran away to join the circus. But like most things under the big top, nothing is what it seems. With a past she can't quite remember, Vivienne finds that running away forever might not be as appealing as it once sounded—especially not when she realizes the devilishly attractive ringleader Mab is the Faerie Queen of legend…and that she and the rest of the troupe are locked in an age-old rivalry between the otherworldly Courts.
Aided by her friends Kingston—a feisty stage magician whose magic is quickly stealing her heart—and his smart-ass assistant Melody, Vivienne finds herself racing against the clock to discover the culprit behind a series of deaths that should be impossible. However, the answer she seeks might reveal more about her own bloody past—and future—than she bargains for.
The show's just beginning.

Step right up…

Guest Post: What the Circus Does At New Year's

 Hello lovelies!

I hope your New Year's celebrations were just as lavish as my own. We threw a veryspecial Tapis Noir that evening. The guests and entertainment were positively delectable.

Today, I thought it would be fun to describe what goes on behind the scenes in our little travelling show. Here's a play-by-play of what you could expect to encounter at any given time on a show day.

6:30 AM – The day begins! Our dedicated chefs begin cooking in the pie cart. Expect to hear very loud pop music over the sound of crackling bacon.
7:15 AM – Breakfast is served. Get there quick—the coffee is always the first thing to go. We replenish as fast as we can, though.
9:00 AM – Morning warmup/conditioning. We often have guest artists come and share their training tips. Why, just last week we had a Mongolian contortionist trainer lead the troupe in intensive flexibility exercises.
10:30 AM – Morning rehearsals. Depending on the day, this might be a full run-through of the show or just fine-tuning individual acts.
12:15 PM – Lunch in served. Our chefs never seem to stop working, and they serve delicious feasts. Yesterday was Moroccan couscous with a full mezze platter, along with seared tuna and lemon-garlic asparagus. Delicious!
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM – Free time. Some performers decide to take the afternoon to venture into town. Others stay on site to relax, read, or—for the truly dedicated—practice.
4:15 PM – Evening rehearsal. This time is reserved for group act practice and individual training. We expect the best of our performers, which means they must constantly strive to better their technique.
5:30 PM – Dinner. Another feast befitting a king! Just make sure not to eat too much as...
6:30 PM – Warm up. A brief chance to work off any spare indulgences from the day. Our chefs make a mean chocolate chip cookie.
7:00 PM – Show time! Our shows run an hour and a half, back to back, with only thirty minutes in between.  Which means:
9:00 PM – Show two! Nothing is as magical as a glowing circus tent under the stars.
After the final show, many of our performers take a break for showers or journey into town to visit a  local pub. Campfires, music, and story-telling abound on-site, and we often retire early. After all, the whole cycle begins anew bright and early the next day.
But that, my dears, is show business!
And what a business it is.

Care to join?

There's  a giveaway going on with the tour! Enter after the page break!