f0zKg0J4zFLYz-Yq0aednQVqREE Once Upon a Prologue: September 2011
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Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Review: The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab

The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab
Published: 08.02.2011
Pages: 288
Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Further info: Goodreads | Amazon
Find the author online: site | blog | twitter


The Near Witch is only an old story told to frighten children.

If the wind calls at night, you must not listen. The wind is lonely, and always looking for company.

And there are no strangers in the town of Near.


These are the truths that Lexi has heard all her life. But when an actual stranger—a boy who seems to fade like smoke—appears outside her home on the moor at night, she knows that at least one of these sayings is no longer true.

The next night, the children of Near start disappearing from their beds, and the mysterious boy falls under suspicion. Still, he insists on helping Lexi search for them. Something tells her she can trust him.

As the hunt for the children intensifies, so does Lexi’s need to know—about the witch that just might be more than a bedtime story, about the wind that seems to speak through the walls at night, and about the history of this nameless boy.

Part fairy tale, part love story, Victoria Schwab’s debut novel is entirely original yet achingly familiar: a song you heard long ago, a whisper carried by the wind, and a dream you won’t soon forget. 




My Review



Sixteen year old Lexi Harris lives in the small town of Near - a town on the edge of the moor that could be anywhere and nowhere.  The Near Witch starts us out by slipping unobtrusively into her life, introducing us to headstrong Lexi, who is caught between trying to be the person who family wants her to be, and assuming the responsibility of taking care of her mother and younger sister, Wren, after her father's death.  Victoria Schwab then propels the story forward when a stranger appears in the anachronistic town of Near, stirring everyone's suspicions.  Near, it seems, has always been just what it is: a place where everyone knows one another, where an outsider is unheard of.  When the first child disappears shortly after the stranger's appearance, everyone except Lexi leaps to the conclusion that "the stranger" is to blame.

This is where the story really picks up, and Victoria introduces us to the colorful and vivid cast of characters who inhabit the town: her mother, who is more of a ghost than a person since Lexi's father's death, the Thorne sisters, Magda and Dreska (who were by far the most fascinating additions to the story), Otto, Lexi's uncle, Tyler, her would-be suitor, and her best friend Helena, among others.  Victoria does a very solid job of inter-weaving all these characters into the story, and fleshes them out well for the most part, although I think there were a few whom I wish she had devoted more attention to, especially Tyler, who sometimes seems a little flat. 

Nevertheless, the story holds up to the premise, as Lexi and Cole, as she names the stranger, begin a frustrating quest for the town's missing children.  I was immediately just as drawn to Cole as Lexi was, and just as loathe to suspect him of any wrong-doings.  As the clock ticked away, narrowing Lexi's chances of locating the children before her uncle's suspicions fasten on Cole, my heart definitely pounded at the delicious sense of mystery Schwab creates.  I enjoyed Lexi and Cole's interactions, as well as their connection.  The bond they develop is actually one of my favorite things about this book, as well as the fact that thankfully, there is no love triangle, and what romance there is is given time to flourish and grow, though it never overshadows the looming mystery of the whearabouts of the missing children.

The climax of the book was pretty much what I imagined it would be, and yet, in no way was it disappointing.  I did feel like it was all wrapped up just a little too quickly (ie with only about ten pages to spare), but it was very spooky really, which I loved.  This book was part historical fiction (I say that because with Near, while it wasn't geographically or historically pinpointed, I got the sense we were reading about "the old days,"), part folk lore, part scary story, and part romance.  I also loved the author's writing style - very dreamy and whimsical, very lilting, I do wish it had been a bit longer, so that Victoria could have spent more time on Lexi's relationship with her father, and possibly also the Thorne sisters too, but overall The Near Witch was a fantastic read, definitely one everyone should have on their bookshelves!
  

Memorable Quote


If the moor wind ever sings, you musn't listen, not with all of your ears.  Use only the edges.  Listen the way you'd look out of the corners of your eyes.  The wind is lonely, and always looking for company.

Monday, September 26, 2011

Once Upon a Prologue Giveaway: Falling Into Books Blog Hop

Falling Into Books Blog Hop


{ ++ } This week, I am thrilled to be one of the blogs participating in the Falling Into Books Blog Hop, hosted graciously by Michelle at Oh! For the Love of Books.  Many in the blogging community are going back to school, be it any various institution, so Michelle decided why not put together a giveaway to ease y'all back into the backpack-and-books thing?  Plus...who doesn't love a giveway?!

Head on over to Michelle's blog for the links to all the other awesome blogs participating, but first check out my giveaway below for all the details on how to enter!  From what I've heard from the other bloggers, there are some awesome books up for grabs.

{ ++  } The Hop is open from September 26 - September 30.  A winner will be picked from each blog's individual giveaway on October 1, 2011.  Being a GFC follower to enter my giveaway is NOT required, just encouraged.  : ) 


Up for Grabs...



Hourglass by Myra McEntire 

Why this book: First off, read my review here.  Then the only other thing you need to know is: this book is awesome.  One of the very few books I have ever rated 5 stars!  Myra has a way of telling a story that feels so genuine, and so many aspects of her book were very refreshing!


Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Top Ten Tuesday - #4

{ ++ } Hosted by the girls over at The Broke and the Bookish, this meme features a different theme every week, and hey, it's Tuesday - we've got the rest of the week ahead of us.  We all need a little fun, and who doesn't love the challenge of ranking their top 10 anything...especially when it comes to books?!




Top Ten... Books I Feel Like Everyone Has Read But Me





{ 1 } Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins  | This book looks absolutely amazing, and I've had so many recs from various friends, that I bought the book a couple of months ago.  I just haven't actually started it yet...

 { 2 } The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross  |  Another one that seems, from the little bits I've peeked at, like it's going to be awesome.  I've seen a LOT of book bloggers talking about it, so I know I need to get to it. 


{ 3 } City of Bones by Cassandra Clare  |  I feel like this series has gotten so much hype that the book, for me, can't possibly live up to it!  I think that, more than anything is why I haven't read this one, because the plot seems like something I'd really enjoy, otherwise.  I stayed away from Harry Potter for the first four books, because of the hype, but was glad when I finally read it, so, hmmm....

{ 4 } If I Stay by Gayle Forman  |  I've actually read a little bit of this book, and it just seems so heart-achingly sad/beautiful.  I think I just haven't been in the mood for it yet, like I keep thinking I'll read it some dark, stormy night!

{ 5 } Matched by Ally Condie  | I have no reason/excuse why I haven't read this one!  I guess I was still riding a Hunger Games high when this one came out maybe, I don't remember.  Hmm.  I probably ought to buy it....

{ 6 } Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh  | Even my best friend keeps telling me to read this book, and series. 


{ 7 } Shiver by Maggie Steifvater  |  I've seen this book, and the trilogy, reviewed everywhere.  I was initially waiting until all three books were out to start this one, but now, I just think it's because my TBR has gotten so out of hand. 

{ 8 } Divergent by Veronica Roth  |  In my defense, I'm pretty sure I was living under a rock when this book was published.  I saw it on book shelves but didn't really know what it was about.  Once I realized it was a dystopian, I bought a copy at the urging of a good friend, and am definitely planning to read it soon.

{ 9 } Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost  |  I swear I own this book!  I actually am spazzy!excited to start it soon-ish, and have forced myself to stop buying so many books in order to work on whittling down my TBR so I CAN get to books like this one.

{ 10 } Juliet Immortal by Stacey Jay  |  I finally bought this book about a week ago and B&N.  I was hesitant to read it at first, but once I actually read the synopisis to get a better understanding of what it was about, and peeked at a couple pages, I bought it and bumped it WAY up on my TBR!

Sunday, September 18, 2011

In My Mailbox - #11

{ ++ } Kristi at The Story Siren hosts this weekly meme which gives bloggers a chance to highlight the books we bought, checked out, won, or otherwise procured over the last week.  And whether I've came into money (brb, laughing forever) or only had the goods to splurge on a book or two, they all deserve some love.

{ ++ } This is my IMM for the past two weeks!  : ) 







In My Mailbox: 09.18.2011




For Review:



Take This Regret by Amy Lichtenhan
Futher info: Goodreads | Amazon
Find the author online: site | twitter 
(This book was sent to me via a PDF file by the author for review.)

The Pledge by Kimberly Derting
Further info: Goodreads | Amazon
Find the author online: site | blog
(This book was sent to me via an e-Galley by the publisher for review.)

Purchased




The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
Further info: Goodreads Amazon
Find the author online: Goodreads page
Why this book:  I am fascinated by the meanings of various flowers, plus the premise of this book really grabbed me.

Juliet Immortal by Stacey Jay
Further info: Goodreads | Amazon
Find the author online: site | blog
Why this book: At first I wasn't sure about the premise, but after I read a couple pages, I was hooked!  I'm looking forward to seeing Romeo and Juliet explored in a totally new light. 

The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab
Further info: Goodreads | Amazon
Find the author online: site | blog
Why this book: I read the synopsis and knew I had to read it: it is scary, mysterious, and a folk tale all in one.

Envy by J.R. Ward
Further info: Goodreads | Amazon
Find the author online: site | facebook  (she posts regularly!)
Why this book: This is the 3rd book in her Fallen Angels series, which is already pretty fab! 

Succubus Blues by Richelle Mead
Further info: Goodreads | Amazon
Find the author online: site | twitter
Why this book: I wanted to try Mead's adult PNR and I've heard this series is awesome!


Until We Meet Again




{ ++ } What did you guys get good this week?  Make me jealous!  :)

Friday, September 16, 2011

Follow Friday - #17 + Book Blogger Hop - #15


{ ++ } Follow Me Friday, aka "Follow My Book Blog" is probably the coolest meme I've come across in awhile.  It's hosted over at Parajunkee's View and also now at Alison Can Read, and us amazing book-a-holics get the chance to answer a reading-related question, as well as make new friends over the weekend.  It's a great way to kick off said weekend, and a really fun and easy way of stealing our way into the hearts of fellow book blogger's.

{ ++ } Each week, Rachel and Alison each feature one lucky blogger and the feature this week is Alaiel @ Librarian Mouse (SUPER cute design); Alison's is Cristina @ Alaskan Book Cafe.  Everyone please head on over to their blogs, follow, and show them some love!  It's a huge honor (I think!) to be featured.





Question of the Week



Q. It's that pesky magic book fairy again! She has another wish: What imaginary book world would you like to make a reality?

{ ++ } Wow.  So MANY places immediately come to mind, like Hogwarts!  Or the world of the Black Dagger Brotherhood (which is more a subculture than a new world) or Terry Brook's magic kingdom of Landover, or Panem to fight against the Capitol in the Hunger Games.  But I think I'm gonna have to go with the 'verse Robert Jordan created for his Wheel of Time series.  I think I would fit in well with the Aiel.  :)



{ ++ } Hosted by Jennifer at Crazy-for-Books, what better way to allow us book bloggers to mix and mingle than a bit of a reading-related social?  Every week she hosts this event, where we can throw our names in the hat so to speak, and hopefully end up with a few new friends who share our interests and our love (and in my case, obsession) of books.  It's also a party and it's all in fun!


Question of the Week


Q: As a book blogger, how do you introduce yourself in your profile? 
 
{ ++ } Awesome question!  My profile is done in the same format here, on LiveJournal, Twitter, Goodreads, and Facebook, with just a few additions/variations.  I list a few quirks/traits about myself and a few interests, so anyone who stumbles across me in any of the above places will have an idea of who I am.  And then of course I have an "about me" page where I go more in depth.  I think our profiles are an awesome way of doing a mini-introduction to the online world, and are especially important for us as book bloggers. 

I'll end with my Blogger profile.  : )

whimsical. dreamer. always learning. probably should have been british, with my love of tea & sense of humor. sci/fi fanatic. hopeful. romantic. music geek. lost to reveries.

I'm 26 years old, and a little more girly and Southern than I'd like to admit. I work at Lowes and spend way too much time reading, or writing in the 'verse my best friend and I created together, where I probably juggle more characters than I should. I love my friends fiercely, and they stick by me despite my oddities. I love my life, and am generally a happy and positive-thinking person.
 
 

Until We Meet Again

 
{ ++ } I am headed back to work (early) tomorrow after a week's vacation.  So I will be around some tomorrow evening hopping around to visit everyone.  Until then...take care, and read lots.  

Cover + Blurb Reveal: Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Cover Reveal: Obsidian



{ ++ } I am thrilled to bring to y'all's attention the cover and official blurb/synopsis for Jennifer L Armentrout's upcoming release, Obsidian.  It is the first book in her Lux series and from just the little taste I've seen already, it looks to be another fascinating read from this talented lady.  So without further delay...


Starting over sucks.
When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I’d pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, outhouses, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring. Until I spotted my hot neighbor with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something…unexpected happens.

The hot alien living next door marked me.

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and the mark he left on me has me lit up like Las Vegas strip to the bad guys. The only way I'm getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades. If I don't kill him first, that is.

And then things got really bad…





Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Expected publication: 12.06.2011 (Entangled)
Further info: Goodreads | Amazon
Find the author online: twitter | blog


Countdown Widget:

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Teaser Tuesday - #14: The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab

{ ++ } Miz B over at Should Be Reading hosts this weekly meme, where us book lovers get a chance to spotlight our currently-reading and basically...do a little teasing.  : ) The rules are simple: 

  • Grab your current read.
  • Open to a random page.  (Full disclosure: I actually go hunting for a good teaser.  heehee.)
  • Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page.  (Um.  Sometimes I post more than 2 sentences.  hee.)
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
  • Share the title & author, too, so that other participants can add the book to their to-reads if they like your teaser.
 Otto says nothing, only grabs me and spins me back past the sisters' house and onto the path home.  His sudden silence worries me more than any amount of shouting.  He pushes me ahead of him like a prisoner, and it takes all my will to not look back. ( - page 127)


    The Near Witch is only an old story told to frighten children.

    If the wind calls at night, you must not listen. The wind is lonely, and always looking for company.

    And there are no strangers in the town of Near.


    These are the truths that Lexi has heard all her life. 

    But when an actual stranger—a boy who seems to fade like smoke—appears outside her home on the moor at night, she knows that at least one of these sayings is no longer true.
    The next night, the children of Near start disappearing from their beds, and the mysterious boy falls under suspicion. Still, he insists on helping Lexi search for them. Something tells her she can trust him.

    As the hunt for the children intensifies, so does Lexi’s need to know—about the witch that just might be more than a bedtime story, about the wind that seems to speak through the walls at night, and about the history of this nameless boy.

    Part fairy tale, part love story, Victoria Schwab’s debut novel is entirely original yet achingly familiar: a song you heard long ago, a whisper carried by the wind, and a dream you won’t soon forget. 


    The Near Witch by Victoria Scwab
    Published: 08.22.2011 (Hyperion)
    Further info: Goodreads | Amazon

    Wednesday, September 7, 2011

    "Why I Love" Wednesday - #1

    { ++ } Why I Love Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by the fabulous Alexis at Reflections of a Book Aholic.  (If you don't know her, go follow her blog, mm'kay?!)  Each week Alexis picks a topic for book bloggers to highlight.  The only rule?  Show some MASSIVE love to the recipient of her weekly topic. 




    {Why I Love...} A book crush



    Confession time: I have way too many fictional boyfriends.

    But there are two who tie for first in my heart, my little fangirl heart, and so tonight, I am going to talk about none other than Finnick Odair.  *gasps*  What?  You don't know who Finnick is?   (Be careful, there ARE some spoilers there.)  Finnick is my favorite character from Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games trilogy.  Finnick appears in both the second and third books in the trilogy, and though I'm not sure if I can put into words my love for him, I'm going to try. 

    Finnick is a person who, when he loves, loves deeply.  His character goes through a lot, and at times I wondered if he could be trusted, but when he proves his loyalty, it doesn't waver.  At his core, Finnick has a lot more depth and heart than he shows the rest of the world.  He's a little bit mischievous and a bit tormented, and not at all anything like the persona he presents to the rest of the world. 

    I won't say a lot about his role in the books, since I'm hoping anyone reading this who hasn't read the series will decide to do so (THG is so so close to my heart.)  But, Finnick, you crazy boy.  I also really really adored the romance the author spun in for him - not that in this series there's a whole lot of time/room for romance - but to me, Finnick's relationship with Annie was one of the best things about the series.

    Waiting on Wednesday - #14: The Gathering Storm by Robin Bridges

    {++ }  This weekly event/feature is graciously hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine.  You know that feeling you get when you're browsing upcoming books on Goodreads or Amazon and one strikes your fancy?  Maybe you squee.  Maybe you giggle to yourself.  Maybe you bounce in your seat.  We all get excited (I do a combination of all three of the previous choices...) about new books, be it a favorite author you're familiar with, or someone whose work you'll be reading for the first time.  Jill's meme gives us the chance to spotlight what we are anxiously awaiting this week.


    St. Petersburg, Russia, 1888. As she attends a whirl of glittering balls, royal debutante Katerina Alexandrovna, Duchess of Oldenburg, tries to hide a dark secret: she can raise the dead. No one knows. Not her family. Not the girls at her finishing school. Not the tsar or anyone in her aristocratic circle. Katerina considers her talent a curse, not a gift. But when she uses her special skill to protect a member of the Imperial Family, she finds herself caught in a web of intrigue. 


    An evil presence is growing within Europe's royal bloodlines—and those aligned with the darkness threaten to topple the tsar. Suddenly Katerina's strength as a necromancer attracts attention from unwelcome sources . . . including two young men—George Alexandrovich, the tsar's standoffish middle son, who needs Katerina's help to safeguard Russia, even if he's repelled by her secret, and the dashing Prince Danilo, heir to the throne of Montenegro, to whom Katerina feels inexplicably drawn. 

    The time has come for Katerina to embrace her power, but which side will she choose—and to whom will she give her heart?


    The Gathering Storm by Robin Bridges
    Expected publication: 01.12.2012
    Further info: Goodreads | Amazon
    Find the author online: Site | Twitter


    Why This Book?


    Romanov history and that whole era just fascinates me, for some reason.  And the whole thought of a girl living in those times that's a necromancer sounds really awesome!

    Sunday, September 4, 2011

    HALF BLOOD ARC Winner!



    { ++ } Congratulations to Layen - she is the winner of my FIRST EVER Giveaway - my ARC of Jennifer Armentrout's Half-Blood!  YAY!  *throws confetti*  I have notified her by e-mail and will be sending out the prize shortly. 

    { ++ } I want to send out a truly heart-felt "thank you" to everyone - every single one of you - who entered my giveaway, and blogged or tweeted about it.  You guys made my first giveaway successful and I appreciate each of you.  Since my blog surpassed 200 followers this weekend, I will be putting together another one soon!  (When money allows. ;) )

    { ++ } Everyone have a good holiday tomorrow, and thank you for stopping by!

    Saturday, September 3, 2011

    Reminder: HALF BLOOD ARC Giveaway!



    { ++ } Hey Blog peeps, just wanted to remind everyone if you have not already to check out my ARC giveaway of Jennifer Armentrout's Half-Blood.  There's about one day left to enter the giveaway for a chance to win!  The link is at the top of my blog, so please head on over to enter.  : )

    Thursday, September 1, 2011

    Follow Me Friday - #17: The One Where I'm Featured



    { ++ } Follow Me Friday, aka "Follow My Book Blog" is probably the coolest meme I've come across in awhile.  It's hosted over at Parajunkee's View and also now at Alison Can Read, and us amazing book-a-holics get the chance to answer a reading-related question, as well as make new friends over the weekend.  It's a great way to kick off said weekend, and a really fun and easy way of stealing our way into the hearts of fellow book blogger's.

    { ++ } Each week, Rachel and Alison each feature one lucky blogger and the feature this week is Lisa @ Lisa Loves Literature; Alison's is, well, me!  *grins* I'm all a-flutter over this  and couldn't be more excited.  Everyone please head on over to Lisa's blog, follow, and show her some love!  It's a huge honor (I think!) to be featured.


    Question of the Week



    If you could change the ending of any book (or series), which book would you choose? Why and to what?
    { ++ } Okay, I'm gonna just go with the first answer that came to mind as soon as I read this question: Twilight.  Edward and Bella's relationship was really sweet, but I was always pulling for Jake.  I really feel like he could offer Bella more, although she knew she wanted her life with Edward.  I feel like Jacob connected with her, and never even considered her changing in any way - he loved her, flaws, quirks, and all, like she loved him. 

    And while there were some parts in Breaking Dawn I liked, what I - didn't - like (among many other things) was that I feel like Edward and Bella's "happily ever after" came way too easy, without any struggle at all, and wasn't really true to life.  I also just couldn't wrap my head around most of the arcs in the story.  Plus my heart just absolutely broke over Jacob/Bella, especially over how I feel like Jacob's entire character was altered in Breaking Dawn.  I won't say TOO much for those who may not have read the series, but I just, I'm really passionate about this series and this pairing, and well, I guess I tend to gravitate toward the doomed ships.  :(

    I would also change the end of Jodi Picoult's Mercy.  The book has two endings: the one Jodi wrote, and the one in my head.  I know that I interpret the book ending an entirely different way than most people do, and I'm okay with that. I can dream about it having the ending I saw for the characters.  : ) 

    And in light of the fact that The Hunger Games trilogy has taken over my life, I would change the ending of Mockingjay in a few ways.  The movies are absolutely going to break my heart, as will the books when  I re-read, and I may have to imagine my own ending this time around. 

    Until We Meet Again




    { ++ } I want to wish everyone a very happy/fun weekend.  I am going to be out tomorrow but I will definitely be around some on Saturday and on Sunday to visit everyone's blogs.  If you are posting here, please link me to your Follow Friday post!  And if you are a new follower...welcome!  And to my current followers  - love you guys!  TGIF!