It’s my great pleasure to show you the new International covers for the Night Creatures series. Artist Jarek Kubicki has worked with us so that we could bring you his amazing work. These cover use the same images but have different titling and text. Look for the great blogger quotes from Brodie, Braiden and Danielle. Also an extra special cover quote from author Nansi Kunze on the back of Burn Bright.

Michelle

Marissa

Yes, it’s true! Jarek and I have come to an agreement over using his artwork for the international release of the Night Creatures. The images will be the same but with new text and quotes and  slightly different titling. WAIT UNTIL YOU SEE THEM!

The Austin Designworks covers will be used on the free EPILOGUE e-chapter to be released soon. And on other promo material.

So please go and check out Jarek’s website for his other wonderful artwork.

I finally got my slack behind around to reading this charming book. Actually I had to read book one, Wake, first so Lullaby would make sense. I suggest you do the same as this isn’t really a series forgiving enough to be able to pick up from anywhere. Definitely get your ducks in a row.

The story is told from 2 perspectives. Gemma is dealing with the fall out from Wake and Harper is picking up the pieces from back home (that’s as much as I can go into without massive spoilers).

There are a few things I adored about the Watersong books.

I like how Amanda Hocking approaches the idea of a family unit dealing with a loved one suffering from a brain injury. At no stage is there a truly harsh word spoken to their mother. I love how they cope in their own ways with the tragic nature of how the brain injury has affected the ‘normal’ family dynamic, and they make it work.

I found I was pleased that the character with the large tattoo on his back, Daniel, is pretty much just a regular guy. In most books I’ve read in the past, tattoos equated to a bad person. Someone who couldn’t be trusted and would sooner kick your grandmother than wish you a good morning. Daniel is a kind hearted, hard working, sweet, gentleman. Which probably more accurately represents the majority of people with tattoos.

Lastly the element of Lullaby I enjoyed the most was the road trip scene. Sure the guys were talking about Harper, but they were doing so in a respectful way. I think far too many times when two male characters are conversing about a love interest, the talk turns a tad lecherous and demeaning to the girl at the heart of their banter. Yay for women’s rights!

The one thing that had me a little ~scrunched face~ was the sudden psychic connection Harper and Gemma have for one moment in the book. I don’t recall it being there at any other stage and it was perhaps just a little too convenient to be a smooth addition to the mix. We will see how it is carried through into book 3, Tidal due out in June 2013.

This is a light read with the decent message of respecting your family, and very light on with the damsel in distress stuff. There’s romance, suspense and sirens/ evil mermaids. Sounds like the perfect summer read to me. Remember to pack it when you’re heading to the beach.

http://amandahocking.blogspot.com.au/

Paperback, 352 pages

Published December 6th 2012 by Tor (first published November 27th 2012)

ISBN 1447205731 (ISBN13: 9781447205739)

Bel:

Cover

I believe I have the US 2012 paperback. The face of a delicate young lady and a forest in glorious shades of green and cream grace this surreal looking cover. The font of the title is in a burnished gold, and I don’t know if it’s the paper or an overlay effect, but it’s dewy and shiny and it gives the cover dimension. All said and done it is extremely beautiful. I’m glad they left the visible eye on the lady as a semi regular colour rather than photo shopping it to blend in more with the back ground, making it pop.

Characters

This book took me by surprise. It’s a little bit classic literature, with gentlemen and gentlewomen, and a little bit teen drama. However, as with all good books not everyone is as they seem and just when you think you have someone sorted, they go and change on you.

Favourite

I have to say I loved Rose. Honest to a fault and though everyone takes her to be a fool, she’s got hidden depths.

Least Favourite

My goodness I could not STAND Briony. I wanted to smack her up the side of the head. But I guess the constant self-deprecating inner dialogue works for the story. I had, however, had enough by the 5th chapter.

Beginning

We are brought in on a request by Briony to be hanged for being a witch.

Storyline

The story plods along and we learn about life in Swampsea, and her budding friendship with Eldric.

Ending

Not what I was expecting, but it was enough to redeem the book from driving me completely nuts to actually liking it.

Thoughts

If you have no issue with reading a narrative told from the point of view of a truly miserable character, then you’ll love this book.

The setting was lovely and the use of old mythology brought perils for locals to be wary of.

Quote

Wine and bread. This has always seemed rather ghoulish to me, as though one were smearing the threshold with puree of Christ.

http://www.frannybillingsley.com/index.html

361 pages Paperback

Published April 12th 2012 by Speak (first published March 17th 2011)

ISBN 0142420921 (ISBN13: 9780142420928)