The Ocean at the End of the Lane: A Novel

Title: The Ocean at the End of the Lane: A Novel
Author: Neil Gaiman
Genre:  Fantasy
Publisher:  HarperCollins Publishers
Publish Date:  June 18, 2013
Pages:  Kindle edition, 259
ISBN:  0062278592
Obtained:  Bought at bookstore.
Synopsis: ( obtained from amazon) A brilliantly imaginative and poignant fairy tale from the modern master of wonder and terror, The Ocean at the End of the Lane is Neil Gaiman’s first new novel for adults since his #1New York Times bestseller Anansi Boys.

This bewitching and harrowing tale of mystery and survival, and memory and magic, makes the impossible all too real...

I am Pusheen the cat

Title: I am Pusheen the cat
Author:  Claire Belton
Genre:  Comics and Graphics
Publisher:  Touchstone
Publish Date:  October 29th, 2013
Pages:  192 pages (Kindle edition)
ISBN:  9781476747019
Obtained:  Review copy from Netgallery
Synopsis:  *Obtained from Netgallery*
Who is Pusheen? This collection of oh-so-cute kitty comics—featuring the chubby, tubby tabby who has taken the Internet by storm—will fill you in on all the basics.

Things you should know about Pusheen.

Birthday: February 18

Sex: Female

Where she lives: In the house, on the couch, underfoot

Her favorite pastime: Blogging, sleeping

Her best feature: Her toe beans

Her favorite food: All of them

Pusheen is a pleasantly plump cat who has warmed hearts and tickled funny bones of millions worldwide with her signature GIF animated bops, bounces, and tail wiggles. Now, Pusheen is ready to make the leap from digital to print in her first comic collection! Learn what makes her purr and find out why millions of people have already fallen in love with this naughty, adorable kitty. Featuring some of the most popular stories from Pusheen’s Tumblr and Facebook pages (plus a healthy serving of never-before-seen material), I Am Pusheen the Cat is a treat for cat lovers and comics fans alike.

The Legend of Korra: The Art of the Animated Series Book One: Air

Title: The Legend of Korra: The Art of the Animated Series Book One: Air
Author: Micheal Dante Dimartino and Bryan Konietzko
Genre:  Comics and Grahpics
Publisher:  Dark horse Comics
Publish Date:  August 1, 2013
Pages: (Kindle Edition) 144 pages
ISBN:  B00D9DCSKU
Obtained:  Obtained from Netgalley
Synopsis: (obtained from Netgalley) Go behind the scenes of the animated series The Legend of Korra — created by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko — the smash-hit sequel to their blockbuster show Avatar: The Last Airbender!
This handsome hardcover contains hundreds of pieces of never-before-seen artwork created during the development of Season 1 of the show.
With captions from Michael and Bryan throughout, this is an intimate look inside the creative process that brought the mystical world of bending and a new generation of heroes to life!

It's a Catastrophe

Title:  It’s a Catastrophe
Author:  Sibel Hodge
Genre:  Teens and YA
Publisher:  Wonder Women Publishing Limited
Publish Date:  November 9, 2012
Pages:  *kindle edition* 296 pages
ISBN:  1480289035
Obtained:  Review copy from Netgallery
Synopsis: *obtained from Netgallery*
For Disney story lovers everywhere!

Think Cats & Dogs meets Toy Story...

Warning! Contains fur-raising adventure, wacky characters, laugh out loud comedy, and heart-warming drama.

The cats at Briarswood Cottage are lucky. After being rescued from the local Cats' Home by Ma Katz, they live out their days in luxury under the watchful eye of Buster, the mogfather. But all that's about to change...

When the local mayor announces that the cat population is spreading a deadly disease, their lives are in mortal danger. There's no time to paws! Somehow, Ma's moggies have to organize all the neighbourhood cats to unite as one, getting their claws stuck in to prove their innocence and save each other from certain death.

Can they put aside jealous rivalry and tomcat turf wars to work together as a team and save catkind from extinction?

The How-to Handbook

Title:  The How- To Handbook
Author:  Martin Oliver and Alexandra Johnson
Genre:  non fiction
Publisher:  Zest Books
Publish Date:  April 23, 2013
Pages: physical book:  128 pages
ISBN:  193697634X
Obtained:  review copy from Librarything
Synopsis: (Obtained from Amazon.) Whether you plan on spending your life playing sports, serving clients, running businesses, or flying to the moon, there are certain things that everyone just has to know how to do: unjamming a jar, for instance, fixing a flat tire, and removing a particularly embarrassing stain. They may seem simple in retrospect, but you don’t have to turn all your laundry pink more than once before you learn that it’s best just to get things right the first time. The How-To Handbook packs over 50 essential life skills into one handy reference book, and uses dozens of illustrations to show readers the very best ways to:
Thread a needle
Pitch a tent
Tie a tie
Treat a bee sting
Chop an onion…and much, much more!

The Woken Gods

Title:  The Woken Gods
Author:  Gwenda Bond
Genre:  Sci Fi & Fantasy
Publisher:  Angry Robot
Publish Date:  September 3, 2013
Pages:  Kindle edition:  384 pages
ISBN:  9781908844262
Obtained:  Review copy from Netgallery
Synopsis: *obtained from Netgallery*
Five years ago, the gods of ancient mythology awoke around the world.

This morning, Kyra Locke is late for school.

Seventeen-year-old Kyra lives in a transformed Washington, D.C., home to the embassies of divine pantheons and the mysterious Society of the Sun. But when rebellious Kyra encounters two trickster gods on her way back from school, one offering a threat and the other a warning, it turns out her life isn’t what it seems. She escapes with the aid of Osborne “Oz” Spencer, an intriguing Society field operative, only to discover that her scholar father has disappeared with a dangerous relic. The Society needs it, and they don’t care that she knows nothing about her father’s secrets.

Now Kyra must depend on her wits and the suspect help of scary gods, her estranged oracle mother, and, of course, Oz–whose first allegiance is to the Society. She has no choice if she’s going to recover the missing relic and save her father. And if she doesn’t? Well, that may just mean the end of the world as she knows it.

From the author of Blackwood comes a fresh, thrilling urban fantasy that will appeal to fans of Neil Gaiman, Cassandra Clare, and Rick Riordan.

Marvel 1602: Spider-Man

Title: Marvel 1602: Spider-Man
Author:  Jeff Parker
Illustrator: Ramon Rosanas
Genre:  Comics and Graphics
Publisher:  Marvel
Publish Date:  May 26 2010
Pages:  Hardcover:  120
ISBN:  978-0785146032
Obtained:  Bought from Newbury Comics
Synopsis:  *Obtained from Amazon* A return to the acclaimed universe created by Neil Gaiman and Andy Kubert kicks off as The Spider has reached manhood in the New World! The young nation has grown peacefully, but Norman Osbourne's treachery finds a way to spoil the peace and put Peter's life on a new course - back to Europe. Jeff Parker [Agents of Atlas] joins artist Ramon Rosanas to begin the final story of the 1602 saga! Collects Spider-Man 1602 #1-5.

Live To Write Another Day: A Survival Guide for Screenwriters and Creative Storytellers

Title:  Live To Write Another Day: A Survival Guide for Screenwriters and Creative Storytellers

Author:  Dean Orion

Genre:  Nonfiction

Publisher:  Sky Father Media

Publish Date:  April 11 2013

Pages:  Kindle edition: 204

ISBN:  9780989059312

Obtained:  Review copy from Netgallery

Synopsis: *Obtained from Netgallery*

Crafting a well-written story has always been a monumental task, even for the most talented of writers, and enduring the many harsh realities of doing it for a living can be equally painful.  Using a mix of practical techniques and common sense, “Live To Write Another Day, A Survival Guide for Screenwriters and Creative Storytellers,” demonstrates how writers can solve creative problems in their work and at the same time reduce the stress and anxiety that often comes along with the job.

The author, Dean Orion, draws on his more than 20 years as a “writer in the trenches” of the entertainment industry to explain how he has created original stories for theater, television, videogames and theme park experiences.  The book features a step-by-step walk thru of the process of creating original stories, both “on spec” and “for hire,” as well as helpful hands-on checklists at the end of each chapter, and an intriguing afterword about the future of storytelling.

Written in a conversational style, “Live To Write Another Day, A Survival Guide for Screenwriters and Creative Storytellers,” is both a tell-it-like-it-is approach to demystifying the nuts-and-bolts mechanics of storytelling and an inspirational, heartfelt primer on what it takes to be a professional creative writer.

Ex-mas

Title: Ex-mas

Author:  Kate Brian

Genre:  Young Adults

Publisher:  Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Publish Date:  October 6, 2009

Pages:  Kindle Edition: 224

ISBN:  978-1416991519

Obtained:  Bought from Amazon.

Synopsis: *Obtained from Amazon*

Seventeen-year-old Lila Beckwith's parents just left for vacation, and Lila's all set to throw the holiday party of the season. But when her Christmas-obsessed little brother, Cooper, discovers that global warming is melting the North Pole, he and his best friend, Tyler, take off on a runaway mission to save Santa.

Lila has to get Cooper safely home before her parents get back on Christmas Eve. But the only person who can help her is Tyler's older brother, Beau -- a.k.a. Lila's musician, anti-everything ex-boyfriend.

It'll take more than a Christmas miracle for Lila and Beau to overcome their differences and find their fugitive brothers. But could a journey destined for disaster help these polar opposites fall in love...all over again?

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Volume 2

Title: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Volume 2

Author:  Heather Nuhfer

Genre:  Comics and Graphics

Publisher:  IDW Publishing

Publish Date:  September 24 2013

Pages:  Paperback:  104 pages

ISBN:  9781613777602

Obtained:  Review copy from Netgallery

Synopsis:  *Obtained from Netgallery*

Get ready for another unforgettable adventure in the land of Equestria!

Twilight Sparkle and gang are confronted with a perilous new danger in the form of a long-unseen enemy!

DC Super-Pets Character Encyclopedia

Title: DC Super-Pets Character Encyclopedia

Author: Steve Korte

Illustrator: Art Baltazar

Genre:  Comics and Graphics

Publisher:  Picture Window Books

Publish Date:  September 2, 2013

Pages:  128 paperback

ISBN:  9781404882973

Obtained:  Review copy from Netgallery

Synopsis:  *Obtained from Netgallery*

Every super hero needs a Super-Pet! This illustrated encyclopedia features in-depth profiles, stats, and history about the DC Super-Pets and their owners. From SUPERMAN'S loyal dog, KRYPTO, to BATMAN'S heroic hound, ACE, this guide to the Worlds Greatest Pets has more than 200 DC characters, including many never-before-seen pets, all illustrated in Art Baltazars Eisner Award-winning style! With an introduction by legendary creator Geoff Johns, the DC Super-Pets Character Encyclopedia is sure to please comic book lovers young and old.

Blowing the Dust Off

It's been awhile folks. For a while things had been busy. Personal growth, all that. But this post isn't about that. This post is to let everyone know that I will be returning to this blog. So expect reviews soon.

Sorry I Barfed on Your Bed (and Other Heartwarming Letters From Kitty)

Title: Sorry I Barfed on Your Bed (and Other Heartwarming Letters From Kitty)

Author: Jeremy Greenberg

Genre: Home and Garden

Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing

Publish Date: April 2, 2013

Pages: 64

ISBN: 9781449427047

Obtained:  Review copy obtained from Netgallery

Synopsis:  *obtained from amazon.com*

The cat's answer to Sorry I Pooped in Your Shoe, Sorry I Barfed on Your Bed is a hilarious collection of full-color photos and letters of excuses and suggestions from cats to the people who love them—no matter what bad thing they’ve done!

Inside Sorry I Barfed on Your Bed, writer and comedian Jeremy Greenberg presents a collection of laugh-out-loud letters and photographs that offer a cat's eye view on common feline vs. human cohabitation conundrums. It's the perfect gift for crazy cat lovers and anyone who appreciates hilarious (and so true!) insights into cat—and human—nature, including:

Your cat sits on your laptop not just for warmth or attention, but to prevent you from interacting with the outside world. After all, isn’t the main reason to have a cat so you don’t have to waste time developing normal human relationships?

If you spent a third of your life licking yourself, you too would occasionally forget to stick your tongue back in your face.

Eating grass has medicinal purposes, and most cats believe grass should be legalized.

The cat feels bad about barfing on your bed…because now it must get to up to go sleep on your clean laundry instead.

Born to Blog: Building Your Blog for Personal and Business Success One Post at a Time.

Title: Born to Blog: Building Your Blog for Personal and Business Success One Post at a Time.

Author:  Mark Schaefer, Stanford Smith

Genre:  Non Fiction

Publisher:  McGraw-Hill Professional

Publish Date:  February 26^th, 2013

Pages:  144 pages

ISBN:  9780071811163

Obtained:  Review copy obtained from Netgallery

Synopsis:  *obtained from Netgallery*

Launch a business and ignite a movement with a powerhouse blog!

Born to Blog is filled with practical, street-smart techniques and ideas to help you create and manage a winning business blog. Learn how to attract a loyal following, promote your blog, and write powerful content that generates new business.

Reading Links

There’s more to me then reviewing books. I also share interesting links about books or book related kickstarter projects.  Here are some links of interest….

Superheros: Rich Horton

Title: Superheros

Author:  Edited by Rich Horton

Genre: Sci Fi and Fantasy

Publisher: Prime Books

Publish Date: February 27, 2013

Pages: 384 (paperback)

ISBN: 9781607013808

Obtained:  Review copy obtained from Netgallery

Synopsis:  Superheroes: modern gods and goddesses, remote, revered, but like the pantheon of heroes and heroines of ancient myth, great power tempered with flaws.

And now, find within these pages tales by gifted and award-winning authors who move superheroes from the four-color panels of comic books to fiction... reminding every adult of the child within, who ever wanted to wear a cape and cowl!

A Gentlewoman's Chronicles: Micheal Coorlim

Title: A Gentlewomans’s Chronicles

Author:  Michael Coorlim

Genre:  Action/Adventure (Steampunk)

Publisher: Pomoconsumption Press

Publish Date: October 30^th, 2012.

Pages: 115 (pdf)

ASIN: B009YZ9CMO

Obtained:  Review copy obtained from Librarything.

Synopsis:  Chronicles of a Gentlewoman is an action-packed thriller series following Aldora Fiske's adventures in an alternate history Victorian steampunk world. This collection of three novelletes takes her all the way from London, to the jungles of Mexico, to the Ottoman Empire.