Who reads fantasy fiction?

I'm curious as to which of my bloggy followers read fantasy fiction? Is anyone interested in reading and reviewing a new book?*


Teel McClanahan is looking for some press / reviews of his newest release: Lost and Not Found, Director's Cut.

You know how movie directors will occasionally re-release the movie with all the bits they actually wanted to put in, in the order they wanted the scenes shown....and it completely changes the movie? Think of this novel that way. It was originally released as Lost and Not Found, which is still available, but this version is much closer to the way Teel intended it to be.  Hey, you could probably even ask him a question or two about that yourself. ;) 

Here's the link to his blog post where he asks for blogger help. You should check out his book page, and then drop him a line if you would like to read it.

* This is me shamelessly pimping books for my husband

Where I've been...

This month has been incredibly busy, which is odd because I've managed to find plenty of time to read, but not to review.  I've seen a few movies (so not taken with Kick Ass...but The Losers is awesome!), watched some t.v., attended prom, been strangely social with friends (I'm usually a homebody), and have plotted several different ways to torture my h.s. seniors who aren't passing but still think they are going to graduate (aka harassing them until they get everything turned in).  Although, that isn't what this is about...this about the books I've been reading.


1. Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith

I started this one but was unable to finish. However, unlike the other G-S mash-up I attempted to read (Pride and Prejudice and Zombies) I didn't set this novel aside due to horrible writing. G-S seems much more able to mimic the historical autobiography/journal style than he was at matching Jane Austen's writing style.  Instead, I had to set it aside because my reading tastes just weren't wanting this style of novel and it was due back at the library. So instead of forcing myself through it, I returned it, and will finish it at a later date.










2. Lost and Not Found - Director's Cut by Teel McClanahan III

This is a revamped, remodeled, written exactly how the author originally wanted the story to go version of the book. There is another version, simply titled Lost and Not Found, which is interesting, but not as good as the director's cut. Teel (who is also my husband) decided that he had be trying too hard to put conflict into the story. So he scraped the first part and stuck to the love story. This is a tale about love. Long lasting, never ending, fantasy love.  If you haven't tried it yet...or are just looking for a sweet, feel good, love story....this is the one for you.







3.  Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld

I'm knee deep into this one and loving it! This is my first foray into the world of steam punk novels. I'm quite taken. I'll let you know how I feel about it, in more depth, when I've finished.














I'll get back to writing proper reviews when the craziness slows down, I promise. Thank you for not abandoning me. :)

The Twilight Gospel

*Source: Sent to me, for free, from LitFuse Group in exchange for my honest review and participation in the blog tour.*

You've read the novels, yes? Now what are you to do, as a responsible reader, if you want to get something more out of the Twilight series beyond a teen Romeo and Juliet like vampire fantasy? Mr. Roberts tackles this exact idea.

So often popular books and movies get dismissed as being poor moral influences on our young readers. Sometimes parents, educators, and clergy will even try to ban or forbid certain texts.....usually only with limited success. Mr. Roberts does, with this novel, something I wish more people would do. Instead of dismissing or banning the book he takes a closer look at both the postives and negatives in order to spark thought and discussion.

This book is a mere 155 pages....practically a pamphalet when compared to the novels it is discussing. However, the author is able to touch on a variety of topics. He tackles some of the obvious plot points....vampires....sex, but also many topics that are not usually pointed to.

Discussion Points / Chapters

1. Forgiveness

2. Loving Your Neighbor

3. Violence

4. Sacrifice

5. The Unborn

6. Money

7. Sex

8. Power

Overall: This is not an in depth study of the Twilight novels. It is a good solid conversation starter for parents. I wouldn't recommend just handing this book to a young Twilight fan, but it does give the grown-ups in their live an idea of where to start the conversation.

Other reviews and blog tour participants: http://www.litfusegroup.com/Blog-Tours/the-twilight-gospel-by-dave-roberts.html

A Contest!

Be sure to TWEET This to be entered for a chance to win a $50 gift card to Amazon.com!

TWEET THIS: Understand cultural and Biblical insights surrounding The Twilight Saga by reading #TheTwilightGospel. Please RT! http://ow.ly/1vjc6

(Or anything about it, but must use hashtag #thetwilightgospel to be entered)