Feed by M.T. Anderson

Ttile: Feed

Author: M.T. Anderson

Summary: Titus is a regular teenager, in a world where regular people have mini-computers surgically wired into their brains. Great for reference and learning, but full of advertising, its sets intellect back. He meets a girl, Violet, and after a troubling encounter with a hacker, they decide to fight the feed.

Thoughts: This is a dystopian future novel, which of course earns it some brownie points. Major ew factor however as a few characters skin starts falling off. I found the story very interesting, and I particularly liked the pages of adverts popping up through out the book. Violet is a great character, Titus is OK (although I had trouble identifying with him), but his friends are not the nicest, as they bully Violet for making an intelligent comment. I found parts of the book very slow and clipped however the pacing was a bit slow throughout the first bit of the novel. Its also a really great statement about corperate power. Its more of an interesting book than it is a magical one.

Cover: The cover is really interesting, looking at it closely the back of Titus's head looks a bit like a fingerprint. 

Rating: 3 stars

PS: I've been out for school stuff the past while but after my class trip (for the next 5 days), I should be caught up. 

Lovely Tags (Awards and Meme-type things)

Ok, its awards time!

Book people tend to be really lovely so this has been spreading like wildfire.

The Lovely Award!

It's from Liyana, Donna, and H!

All of whom are of course lovely!

It goes to 15 bloggers that are fun and that are recently discovered (within the past couple weeks for me)!

I'm going to pick a few (sorry) ^_^

 Cinnamon

 Jessica Marie

 Bookworm

Vbb32

And next I've gotten The Let's Be Friends Award from  Jessica Marie, who I would love to be friends with. ^_^

Also I think this is a really lovely idea for an award.

"Blogs that received the Let’s Be Friends Award are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers."

Some people I would like to befriend are

 

Q

Words Speak Volumes

Jackie, Tatianna, Michelle, Angelina and Jessica

Chelsie

Beth and Nathan 

Also another one of these from Bookworm. Thanks!

Also I've been tagged by Priya.

"All the meme requires you to do is to take a picture of yourself immediately without fixing your hair, changing your clothes, etc."

Taken on Earth Day, when I was tagged:

I tag anyone who wants to do this.

Friday Fives - Dragons

This week I'm counting down the Top 5 Dragons (both the creature and people with the title)

5. Madison Moss (The Dragon Heir by Cinda Williams Chima)

Madison is an art student from Ohio. She stays with her Aunt at Legend's. She is a descendant of the Dragon who the Warriors, Enchanters, Wizards, and Seers first obtained their powers from. She absorbs the magic of others (lacking her own). Madison is integral to the final outcome being the only one who is able to use the magical Dragon Heart. In Dragon Heir the spunky Madison heads back to the hills, and to her family where the town knows her as a witch.

4.  Norbert (Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling)

A Norwegian Ridgeback who was hatched from an egg by Hagrid (of course). While incredibly vicious Norbert is also stunningly cute! Unfortunately Malfoy rendered it necessary for Norbert to be sent to be raised by Ron's brother, Charlie.

3. Liam Ironarm - The Shang Dragon (Lioness Rampant by Tamora Pierce)

Liam was a Shang warrior (trained by Wildcat). Skilled in both hand-to-hand combat and use of weapons Liam was the oldest Dragon in over 40 years (most wouldn't live past 40). He was first introduced to Alanna and Coram by saying "Red-heads have to stick together". Eventually he accompanies them on the quest for the Dominion Jewel and back to the palace for the final battle against Roger. He eventually ends his relationship with Alanna due to his fear of magic and all who wield it. 

2. Fwup (Pure Dead Series by Debi Gliori)

Fwup, a teenage dragon, is one of the creatures of the Strega-Borgia. She is usually seen with Sab (a griffin), Knot (a yeti), and Tock (a vegetarian crocodile). This series is known for being both odd and extremely funny. Fwup eventually discovers she is female and is intent upon making up for lost time.

1. Saphira (Eragon by Christopher Paolini) 

Saphira is the dragon hatched by Eragon, from the egg stolen from Galbatorix by the Varden (notably Brom and Jeod). She was guarded by Arya until being sent to the Spine for Eragon to find. She is incredibly clever and has a slightly wry sense of humor. It is later revealed that she is the only female dragon left. 

Readers' Choice 

Let me know your favorite Dragon in the comments. ^_^

Odd Google Results

For the Lulz these two kept popping up when I googled the images.

Smeargol from LOTR 

(although I love that dragon firework)

Jar Jar Binks from Star Wars (the prequel set)

(Who is actually a Gungan)

Bloodhound by Tamora Pierce

Title: Blood Hound

Author: Tamora Pierce 

Series: Tortall Lengend / Provest's Dog

Summary: Our terrier Beka Cooper takes on a new role. This time as a Bloodhound on a hunt. She follows the scent of colemonging  (counterfeiting) to a new city (Port Caynn), with a new partner, new allies and new friends. She also has a new Rogue to contend with, one who is a lot less hospitable than her own. 

Thoughts: The diary style in this is fabulous, there are even paw prints (from Pounce) to make it look more realistic (although I don't like the cross-outs then spell-rights). Bloodhound is also excellent for details. Slang, political structure, and all other logistics are planned and detailed (with a super-handy reference guide in the back). Pierce has created an entire world, and throwing the reader into it, explains it beautifully. We can know Tortall as well as our own country.  Beka is also the idea protagonist; smart, strong, shy. Taken away from the usual cast of characters for most of the book, the new characters take an interesting turn. Beka keeps her stern-but-kind mentor however nearly everyone else mainly featured is new (even a new pet!). A charming new "friend" and a new cast of rogue drag Beka away from her usual routine as facets of her we hadn't seen before come out. However for devoted fans the usual whip back in for a very satisfying ending. 

Cover: I really like the illustration but they've stuck the blue bands across the top and bottom (under the lettering), I would have preferred it treated like the first 0ne (they cut out the pigeons). Nice colour though, and Beka lacks the demon eyes this time. I also really like the metallic sheen to the covers.

Rating: 5 stars

PS: Stop by randombuzzers.com to see Tammy answer fan questions!

Challenge:  7/26 Pierce books read

Friday Fives - Detective Types

Today the theme for Friday Fives is Top Five Detective Types (anyone who solves the mystery/crime.)

5. Suze - from the Mediator series by Meg Cabot, Suze can talk to ghosts. Most of the ones she sees are not yet at peace. A surprising amount of them have been murdered and she needs to find out who has done it before they off her. Not only is she stunningly resourceful, she also performs some incredibly awesome exorcisms. 
4. Nancy Drew - Nancy Drew is the original teenage detective (trumping both Donna Parker and Trixie Belson). She just wants to help. Nancy often inadvertently discovers a crime/conspiracy and with the help of cousins Bess and George she always solves the case. We also have her to thank for inspiring other teen mystery novels (Claudia Kishi, that's you!). 

3. Harriet the Spy - Harriet is the best spy ever, observing everything she notices about people in her journal (some of them not very nice).  She also has a spy route where she checks up on the most interesting people once a day (a bachelor with 26 cats, a rich couple with an ugly statue, a depressed divorcee, and of course an Italian family who run a grocery store). Harriet wants to figure out everything about everyone (future House maybe?) and eventually has a feud with the spy catchers club after they read her journal.

2. Beka Cooper - Beka Cooper is a Provest's Dog (think medieval cop) and once she sinks her teeth into something, she won't let go. Beka obsessively records everything about the victims of two of  the districts' most notorious serial killers. She also talks to Pigeons, and has the sight. She is accompanied by rogues, mages, other puppies, and her fair but stern mentors. And it's by Tamora Pierce!

1. Sherlock Holmes - Sherlock Holmes is the greatest investigative mind ever. Accompanied by his sidekick Watson, he solves crimes with his keen observations. He also is knowledgeable about chemistry and botany (poisons) and sensational literature. His only vice is his drug addiction.

Let me know your favorite detectives. 

BTW Readers Choice for Top Wizard is Gandalf ^_^

Blog Awards!

I've got a few to put up ^_^

Firstly from Christina (who is a fabulous commenter!).  

Plus one from Liyana Thanks <3

"This award goes to awesome people who make the time to comment on other's posts."

The panda is so cute! The lovely people I choose as super - awesome commenters are ... 

1. Steph

2. Amber and Cheryl

3. Cecilia

4. Alea

5. Lenore

I've also got something from Steph ^_^

"The Rules:
1) Put the logo on your blog/post.2) Nominate up to 9 blogs which allur

e, amuse, bewitch, impress or inspire you.
3) Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
4) Let them know that they have been splashed by commenting on their blog.
5) Remember to link to the person from whom your received your Splash award.
6) Have F~U~N"

My choices are ...

1. Iryna

2. Amy

3. Liyana

4. Donna

5. Michelle

Also I'm done nominations for these but I got another couple

From the lovely Iryna 

And from Liyana

Terrior by Tamora Pierce

Title: Terrior

Author: Tamora Pierce

Series: The Legend of Beka Cooper / Provest's Dog

Summary: Going back 200 years before the Song of the Lioness series, we visit George Cooper's ancesstress, 16 year old Beka Cooper is a puppy (rookie) for the Provest's gaurd (sorta like a medieval cop). She manages to get into the slums of Tortall, where she grew up. Paired with two of the best Dogs and a group of rogue friends she sets out to uncover the two biggest serial killers preying on the people of the slums. Once she has a case in her teeth, she won't let it go, becoming the terrior among puppies.

Thoughts: The story was lovely. Set back in the realm of Tortall (we see some things that will be familiar to readers of the Lioness quartet). We get a look outside of the Knights, and nobility into the life of the commoners. This book also had really great dog or slum slang Incorporated into it. I really liked the characters; we get all the Pierce usuals, a tough but fair mentor, a rougish friend/love interest, and our brave heroine. All have their own unique traits especially Beka who takes a step away from the usual bluntness by being painfully shy. I actually really hate diary format, but it was handled really well, without getting in the way of telling the story at all. There are a few excerpts from others diaries at the beginning, which were fine except one which had spelling errors that were supposed to be in keeping with the characters education. 

Cover: I really like the cover. Its lovely, and has a great coppery tone to it. Beka also looks really strong.

Rating: 4.5 stars

PS: First of my Tamora Pierce challenge. I've finished five by now. The new book in the trilogy Bloodhound is coming out and Pierce will answer reader questions here so ask away. ^_^