Review Carnival

Koda Kumi JAPONESQUE review

2012-02-06T21:01:00.000-08:00

JAPONESQUE is Koda Kumi's tenth studio album. It reached #1 on oricon in its first week and sold 92,000 copies. It has a japanese theme, though hardly any of the tracks sounds japanese. I am only reviewing the tracks not the interludes.

1. So Nice feat Mr. Blistah- Koda starts the album with this interesting and catchy track. It has arabian instruments and sounds like a mix of Amai Wana and Candy ft. Blistah. A strong track, it somehow draws you in. Kumi's voice is sultry on this one, which adds a nice touch. She looks gorgeous in the pv.

Rating-4.5/5

2. Boom Boom boys- A rock track. Not a particularly good one though. It seems to go in no particular direction and appears to have been cut-paste from various sources.

Rating-3/5

3. VIP ft. T-PAIN- There is hardly any difference between the orignal VIP and this one except it includes rapping by T-PAIN. A catchy dance track, thought she has done better ones in the past.

Rating-3/5

4. Slow ft. Omarion- A sleek r&b ballad, the chorus cathes on pretty fast. I found myself humming this song not before long. It is like PASS ON BY from her Dejavu album. The promotional video features her in a black dress, singing in front of a fountain.

Rating-4/5

5. Brave- A pop ballad, though it sounds more like soft pop. I liked it more when she used to do piano ballads like Yume no uta, ai no uta and moon, crying. It is an above average track, I guess.

Rating-3.5/5

6. Everyday- A below average pop track.

Rating-2/5

7. IN THE AIR- This was on her 4 times single. A slow pop track that really doesn't deserve to be on this album and was a filler in the single, too. The quality of her pop tracks and ballads is really going downhill.

Rating-1/5

8. You are not alone ~acoustic version~- When is she going to stop torturing the listeners with sub-standard poppish ballads? Her powerful voice and amazing vocal delivery are the only things that saves this track from being a filler.

Rating-3/5

9. ESCALATE- Finally! A real dance track. A bit dark sounding and full of electric guitars, this is what Koda kumi does best.

Rating-4/5

10. Love me Back- I heard this first on Nazotoki. The chorus is fine, but when you join in the verse and the 'diamonds and sapphires and you oh my' part, it starts sounding like a disjointed mess. No wonder the single didn't sell. There is a lack of continuity and connection. Still, not really bad and a little funny.

Rating-3.5/5

11. No Man's Land- I'm not really a fan of the rap. Otherwise, a rockish track with strong vocals and a catchy enough melody.

Rating- 3/5

12. Ai wo tomenaide- Her voice is full of emotion, but the tune seems to be a mass manufactured acoustic ballad in the style of suki de, suki de, suki de.

Rating-3/5

13. KO-SO-KO-SO- A really outstanding track. I loved it as a single and love it even more on the album. It has a mysterious tune. It's a mix of rock, pop, r&b and dance. It's really easy to get hooked on to this track.

Rating-4.5/5

14. Lay Down- A eurodance track. More like something you would hear on an album by a western artist. A reasonable good track with catchy beats and electronic sounds.

Rating-3/5

15. Love technique- A pinku-diva type of song. The song sounds sugary and average, but Kumi's vocals sound too artificial. She's trying to be too cute here and it's not working. This is really quite a so-so track which I would skip.

Rating-2/5

16. Poppin Love cocktail ft. TEEDA- A high-energy track. It sounds full of optimism and the upbeat arrangement adds to its energy even more. Her voice is very powerful. A great pop track.

Rating-4/5

17. All for you- This is a song for her fans. She looks simple but stunning in the video. With a simple guitar accompaniment and heartfelt vocals, it is the perfect ending for this album.

Rating-4/5

There were a lot of different genres on this album. It pales in comparison with her earlier works, though. Her quality has been on a downward trend recently, especially the quality of her ballads. There were a few good tracks on this album (mostly single tracks), but overall it is not a great album. The music videos and worth watching.

The tracks sound so manufactured, written without any feeling, just to produce a hit record. The first week sales were pretty low by her standards, so let's see what this album does.

Pros
Amazing cover
Versatility
Catchy dance tracks'

Cons
Quality of songwriting of album tracks is not very high

Overall rating-4/5

NOTE- All images were screenshoted by me from youtube except the covers.

Ayaka The Beginning review

2012-02-06T20:02:00.000-08:00

Finally after a three and a half year hiatus, ayaka is back to the j-pop scene. Her third original album, The beginning was released through her independent record label Astation. This album brings out a different side of ayaka. All of the tracks except Hello are written (both music and lyrics) by ayaka alone. We get to see a more personal side of her on this album. The lyrical themes revolve around love. One thing about this album anyone would notice right away is that unlike Sing to the Sky or First Message, there are very few guitar pop tracks. Instead, most of the album consists of slow ballads, with piano accompaniment. I don't know, but I am a ballad lover, so I have no hesitation saying that even though this album has no single tracks, it is her best work to date.

Just listening to the album is so magical it makes you feel at ease. The first week sales are much lower than her previous albums at roughly 100,000. Probably because this is an independent release, ayaka didn't have too many resources to promote it because this album deserves higher sales.

1. Hajimari no toki- A beautiful ballad with a sad undertone. The chorus is a bit weak but overall, the sorrowful mood of the song is carried well by the piano and strings. Ayaka's voice seems a bit airy at first, but it is probably for a soft effect. A track you will want to keep listening to.

Rating-4.5/5

2. Hello- This is probably one of the few upbeat pop tracks on the album. Right from the start, ayaka belts out the notes with the power and confidence she is known for. A rock-pop track. She perfomed this live on some music show to promote the album.

Rating-3/5

3. Akai sora- This one's a lot like Mahotsukai no shiwaza from her previous album. It starts of slowly with jazzy piano. Ayaka sound cute and playful. It's an easy listening track that somehow gives you a feeling of satisfaction.

Rating-4/5

4. The beginning- Another ballad. Stars off with light piano and ayaka singing softly. She conveys emotions wonderfully in this song. There is a sequence of aahs in the song which are extremely catchy and make it sound gospel-ish. The chorus has ayaka doing what she does best- belting out with power. A good power ballad.

Rating-4/5

5. HIKARI-A rock ballad with guitars and all. Nothing extraordinary. Probably one of the weaker tracks on the album.

Rating-3/5

6. Sora yo onegai- A very soft and emotional ballad. It reminds me of konya hoshi mo dakarete... from her Sing to the Sky album. They sound quite similar. This song can really calm anyone's soul.

Rating-4.6/5

7. Tsunagaru kokoro- A cheerful track which stars with a lot of clapping. There are no amazing notes here, but it is sugary and bittersweet. A nice change.

Rating-3.5/5

8. THIS IS THE TIME- A mysterious sounding track, much darker than its predecessors on the album. Ayaka's voice is powerful at every note. It sounds a bit rockish. Ayaka's voice is a perfect fit for this kind of song.

Rating-4.5/5

9. Soko Made Aruite Yuku yo- It is a piano ballad, like many of the tracks on this album. It sounds like the kind of stuff that would play in the background of a drama when the protagonists are reminescing about their past. It has a feeling of longing. I love how ayaka doesn't try to show off her vocal potential but creates a mood with the softness and gentleness of her voice.

Rating-4/5

10. Egao no canvas- The thing about the album is that each track is carrying foward the theme of the album which is easy listening (I am guessing). They are all very nice and relaxing but there is hardly any difference in their arrangement or lyrical content, so I can't really write much about them. This is yet another pleasent track, though bland in comparison to others on this album.

Rating-2.5/5

11. Magic Mind- A standard ayaka pop track.

12. Kimi e- Sounds more like something Kobukuro would do, rather than ayaka. It has a country-ish feel.

13. Yasashii Ao- Ayaka ends th album with a ballad. The chrorus is powerful and magnificent. It gradually builds up from a breathy and weak verse to an epic chorus. A great way to end this amazing album.

Rating-4.5/5

I think each and every track would make a great addition to any drama. They seem to be written for being played behind a touching drama scene.

This album doesn't have the versatility of First Message or Sing to the Sky, but it is good at what it does. I have always been wanting ayaka to make a ballad-heavy album and looks like she did just that.

Definitely worth listening to on days you're down.

Pros
Ballads are beautiful
Ayaka's vocals seem to have improved
There is thematic consistency in the album
No filler tracks. They are all worth listening to.

Cons
Horrible cover (umbrella? What was she thinking?)
All tracks have identical arrangements

Overall rating-4.5/5

NOTE- images taken from various sources. do not belong to me.

Best Romance Novels (I read in the past months)

2012-02-05T20:01:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I'm still feeling lazy to start making a lot of different posts, so I am going to condense it all into one post and write an article on the best romances. The books are not in order of preference.

1. Gypsy Lord by Kat Martin- After reading formulaic romances about dukes, this one's like a breath of fresh hair. The hero is dark and brooding (like romance heroes usually are) and also a gypsy. There are plenty of tension and interesting scenes in the book and it will keep you reading. The heroine is quite strong too, but the book tends to stretch at the end, even though there is no real dispute left to be resolved.

Good if you are looking for something unique or different within the genre.

Rating- 4/5

2. Until You by judith McNaught- Another book by one of my favorite romance writers. However, that will not stop me for saying honestly that this was one of her most disappointing works. Everything was as expected; there were no unexpected twists or plot devices. The romance was standard, it became harder and harder to believe as the pages went by, that there was anything genuine about the love. There seemed to be so special bond between the characters and the predictable protagonists took the fun out of this work, which could have been great, since the idea was good.

rating-2.5/5

3. Paradise by Judith McNaught- This one's a brilliant work. The beginning seemed to be a bit boring, but by the sixtieth page or so, the story was starting to shape up pretty well. The relationship is one of the best and most believable ones. There were misunderstandings, since it is one of Judith McNaught's most favorite plot devices, but everything seemed to hold together. Their romance as youngsters was a particularly nice way of starting the story, without being too sugary.

A classic work by one of the best writers in the genre.

Rating-4.5/5

4. Remember When- It's story was much like paradise, about a high-born,rich girl falling in love with a boy who is not-so rich, but twenty years later becomes a CEO of a huge multinational firm....you know the rest. But this kind of plot works like a charm. It never gets boring. This novel seemed like an attempt to recreate the magic of Paradise, but fell short. Probably because the characters weren't so three-dimensional, and the book didn't have enough tension to keep it going. No misunderstandings, either. But it's a decent read, especially if you don't compare it with Paradise.

Rating-4/5

5. Manhunting by Jennifer Laurens- This is the first book that I've read by Jennifer Laurens. She has a different style than other writers. Her stories are light-hearted and funny, not intense. It falls a little short of my expectations, but neverthless, you could enjoy it if you like romantic comedies. The premise is catchy enough: A woman in her thirties wants to settle down and find the perfect guy who is driven, ambitious and will build a business empire with her. She vacations in a place where rich people seem to gather but ends up falling in love with a guy who's just the opposite of her Mr. Perfect. The guy was really a different sort of romantic interest- he's not insanely rich, powerful or a larger than life alpha male.

Different, but good. Better than Bet Me by the same author. I don't know, it never really sucked me in.

Rating-3.7/5

6. Smooth Talking Stranger by Lisa Kleypas- First contemporary novel by Lisa that I've read and she doesn't disappoint (at least not completely). The premise is a mish-mash of cliched and original- a woman stuck with the newborn child of her sister-has no idea who the father is-based on questionable evidence decides it is multi-millionaire Jack Travis- a hare-brained scheme to make him accept responsibility lands her in the arms of the male lead. If you like these kind of novels, you will enjoy smooth talking stranger, but the heroine is a little insipid and the book lacks the depth and intensity of her historicals.

Rating-4/5

7. The Handmaiden's Necklace by Kat Martin- Five years ago Rafael, Duke of the Sheffield, believed he was betrayed by the woman he loved and the pain haunts him still. When Rafe discovers that he was cruelly tricked, and that Danielle Duval was never unfaithful, he's desperate to win her back. But Dani is already on a steamer bound for America to marry another man. Impulsively, Rafe follows her and, trapping her in a compromising situation, quickly makes her his wife. (Taken from author website)

I think it's easy to get used to Kat Martin's writing style. I find her historicals to be pretty good. This one is part of a trilogy about a necklace that can bring extreme happiness or extreme sorrow. The secondary romance between Danielle's maid (well, she wasn't exactly a maid, but I forgot the correct term) and a guy they meet in America is as well developed as the main storyline. In fact it snatches away the spotlight from the main story, because the characters take too long to decide what they want.

Rating-4/5

8. It Had to be You by Susan Elizabeth Phillips- The Windy City definitely isn't ready for Phoebe Somerville, the outrageous York knockout who’s taking over their home town team. And Phoebe is definitely not prepared for the Stars' head coach Dan Calebow, a sexist jock taskmaster with a one-track mind. The Chicago Stars are about to take the field...and they’re not the only ones playing for keeps. (Taken from author website)

Good book, better than many of its contemporaries out there. I liked Nobody's baby but mine better because it had unique characters and a good secondary romance, too. It was also quite touching. This one's good too, just more of the expected variety.

9. A Season of Eden by JM Warwick- I don't know whether it is alright to be featuring a YA novel on this list, but Season of Eden is an interesting book, even though it didn't develop quite the way I imaxgined it to.
The author could have done wonderful things with a plot like this, but it seemed to fall short. I am just a little bit disappointed.

Rating-3.5/5

10. Practice makes Perfect bu Julie James- A lighthearted battle of the sexes kind of novel. The setting is a legal firm, which adds a lot of tension. Both the protagonists are trying to make partner but only one can. Their rivalry is funny to read. Well-written. Enjoyed this book.

Rating-4.5/5

So there you have it. Ten books reviewed in one post.

2012-02-05T05:49:00.001-08:00

Hi guys, it's been a long time since anything's been posted on Review Carnival. But rest assured, I have been doing a lot of reading, watching and playing all these months. Thinsg have been kind of hectic. I'll slowly start posting all the stuff I've read in the recent months. I also have a great interview with a mega-famous romance author planned so stay tuned!

7 Keys to Memorable Characters- August Fahren

2011-11-04T04:54:00.000-07:00

Here's the ultimate post for all writers who always dreamt of creating the perfect characters but never could and all those bloggers and readers who secretly wish to write bestsellers. Creating memorable characters is the key to a successful book. Bizzaro author August Fahren shares some of his secrets to creating memorable characters. He has written the bizzaro fairytale Thursday Thistle which was released on September 1st, 2011 and topped out at an Amazon bestseller ranking of 1,851 in the Kindle store making it the number one bestseller in the fairy tales category, eighth in the dark fantasy category, and eighteenth in the mythology category. Thus surpassing both Stephen King’s The Dark Tower V (Wolves of the Calla) and Charlaine Harris’s Sookie Stackhouse 8-copy Boxed Set (Sookie Stackhouse/True Blood) for a short time. Here are the keys:

Characters. Memorable characters. People always want to know how did you ever come up with such an imaginative character?

There is a lot of advice out there, mostly bad, and I floundered for years with an obsession of cataloging every little detail of a character’s life. All the books said this was how it was done and all I ended up with were pages and pages of unimportant information. Honestly, did I need to know who a character’s grandfather was or what they were likely to eat for breakfast? No. Real life isn’t that way, nor should it be. You see the problem I ended up having was after I knew absolutely everything about my character they ceased to be interesting (which will come out in your writing and bore your readers) and it made me feel like I was locked into this sort of justification for every little move my character wanted to make.

So, how do we set about creating memorable characters?

We create memorable characters by identifying and filling out seven key areas to create a character, which is both interesting and relatable.

7 Keys to Memorable Characters:

1. Mystery & Essence

2. Motivation – Important shaping events

3. Deepest Secret(s) – Vulnerabilities

4. Expression

5. Appearance

6. Labels & Naming

7. History Lessons

Mystery & Essence:

The first step to creating a character is to cultivate mystery. Mystery is the cornerstone of any great character. It’s what we don’t know about our characters and our ability to leave our characters slightly undefined only to find they later surprise us with what’s possible. It’s that indefinable something that is hinted at, yet never fully revealed. It’s the broad strokes that create the essence of our characters.

Take a moment and think about your friends, or even your best friend, and tell me what their grandparent’s first jobs were or their mother’s middle name. If you’re like me you’re probably scratching your head right now. Does this make you any less of a friend? Does it impact your “knowing” them or lessen your ability to describe them to another person? Not really. See, unimportant details. Now, think about your friend again and pick out those three or four things that set them apart from everyone out there, their quintessential core, their essence. Maybe when eating at a restaurant they turn their French fries into little people only to relish in biting their tiny heads off. Maybe they have a certain way of pronouncing words, catch phrases, or speaking in general that sets them apart. Whatever it is those are the important details to convey to your reader.

Motivation:

Now, you have the beginnings of an interesting character readers will want to know more about, but the essence of a character means little if you’re unable to fit that character within the framework of your story. So, you move on to their motivations. How they approach the world based on one or two events throughout their life, which shaped who they are today. Essentially, what we’re talking about here is decision making. Why your character will choose one thing, person, or action over another. Creating a plausible explanation for your character’s behavior makes them more believable.

After you’ve given your character a guiding principle to the way they approach life, mystery, and have captured their essence you will have a solid character. However, you will have a character that may or may not resonate with your reader. If you fail to create a character people can relate to, or at least understand, you can have the most interesting character in the world, but readers will not be moved. What’s worse is they will be quick to dismiss your whole story.

Have you ever read fiction for younger readers and noticed most of the time the main character is an orphan with evil caretakers? Or the main character is awkward, unattractive, and secretly destined for great things? The reason these themes crop up time and again is because they are part of the universal condition. Kids are still growing and developing. They grapple with appearance, identity, and fitting in. They don’t get along with their parents from time to time and sometimes even secretly wish these people weren’t their real family. So, when you create a character your readers can relate to in some small way and you’ve taken a big step towards creating a memorable and likeable character.

Deepest Secret(s):

Speaking of secrets this is a way to sidestep all the problems of creating another cliché character background. Look deeply into your character and pull out those secrets they would only confide to their closest friend, family, or not even to themselves. This is the good stuff. Everyone has shortcomings, failures, fantasies and dark desires. When you create vulnerabilities in your characters it makes them more human. More real. Not to mention it can create situations where your character has to overcome obstacles within your story to grow or learn something new about who they really are.

Since I specialize in weird fiction my character’s secrets tend to revolve around obscure philias, which serve to both inform and goes to the root of humanity, sexual desire. In Thursday Thistle, Thursday enjoys formicophilia (being crawled on by insects, specifically crickets). Which you might be surprised to learn isn’t anything new. In modern times a Buddhist monk made headlines for enjoying the sensation of ants crawling on and biting/stinging him. Cleopatra is credited with inventing the vibrator when she took a gourd and filled it with buzzing bees.

When you say to yourself, “I didn’t know about THAT,” and see that even though this character has something incredibly weird about their personality you can still relate to them you know it’s okay to be weird. I’m weird, you’re weird—We are all weird in our own way. That’s interesting.

Expression:

Another way characters can be memorable is by the method they use to express themselves. In my forthcoming book Vegan Zombie & The Storks one of my main characters goes by the nickname Blue, on account of her hair (and sometimes her mood). She’s a kick ass roller derby dame and exotic dancer whose mode of expression is to flashing her chest in greeting. Why? Who knows, only Blue knows, but what I do know is you’re speculating about the reason and thus it has become interesting.

Appearance:

Playing with your character’s appearance can be a very simple, yet effective tool for revealing more about their personality. Is your character a reserved person who always buttons their shirts to the collar and is never seen wearing the slightest wrinkly garment? Does your character have a Mohawk and two lip rings? These things say volumes and can be toyed with throughout the story to show how your character has grown or changed simply by shifting the way they present themselves to the world.

Labels & Naming:

Creating labels for your characters or giving added meaning to your character by the name you give to your character can add depth. It serves as a sort of mental shorthand to get your readers to envision your characters more easily. If I say to you, “Cowboy” or “Goth” an image immediately pops into your head. An image you can then refine with your own specifics to take it away from the stereotype and into the realm of the unique.

Giving your character a meaningful name is a subtle way of reinforcing your character. For example Sophia means wisdom. In my book Thursday Thistle is half Indian and half Jewish, but her name isn’t particularly suited to either race. So, why did I give her that name? Well, Thursday is the fourth day of the week signifying her importance at the bottom of her family (after her father and two step sisters). It is also the fifth day of the week in the Judeo-Christian calendar and hints at another based on the princesses in the story named after the days of the week. Thursday comes from Thunor’s day so named for Thor the god of Thunder, which reinforces Thursday’s proclivity to sudden outbursts. Her surname Thistle speaks even more to her personality of beauty combined with a prickly nature (based on her past experiences). Symbolically the thistle also serves as a symbol of nobility of both character and birth and is relevant to the plot of the story.

History Lessons:

All of this brings me to the seventh and final key to creating memorable characters, which can be summed up as history lessons. Read a lot of both fiction and non-fiction. You will read fiction to learn what works, what doesn’t, and the subtly of the inner monolog of your characters. While reading non-fiction will give you the tool to hit upon interesting topics that bring a certain extra something to your stories like my study of philias and language origins.

Watch a lot of movies, not only from Hollywood, but also independent films from all genres and countries. A romantic comedy in Hollywood is vastly different than a romantic comedy from Korea. Both have merits. Twilight, 30 Days of Night, Interview with a Vampire, Thirst, and Let the Right One In all feature vampires, but they are all vastly different takes on the same creature.

Most writers think ill of movies over the written word, but what they fail to grasp is that by studying movies it shows you how to make your characters work in a visual sense when you strip away most of their inner monolog. Which is important of course because if your reader can’t see your characters in their mind’s eye then they are less likely to be able to relate to them in general.

Lastly, travel a lot and meet people from all walks of life. This is sort of like your Ace in the hole. I fancy myself as a personality collector for a few reasons, but one of them is so I don’t have to work as hard when I create characters. When you’ve met someone like Blue in Western Pennsylvania (Yes, she’s based on an amalgamation of people I’ve known), or a gathering of people trapped in the 80’s, mullets and all, from the Midwest, or even a pimp from the South transported to the Pacific Northwest struggling with is stable of back talking little people then your job is much, much easier. Listening to vernacular and having conversations with people from a number of backgrounds will sharpen your dialog skills and breath life into your characters, which after all is what we’re all after anyway—life.

To purchase author August V Fahren's latest novel, visit: http://www.amazon.com/Thursday-Thistle-Fairy-Tale-ebook/dp/B005EH5W7U

Book Giveaway- Stealing Kevin's Heart

2011-10-11T04:56:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to be announcing the first book giveaway on Review Carnival. One lucky winner stands a chance of winning win a copy of YA novel 'Stealing Kevin's Heart' by author M. Scott Carter. To know more about the novel and the author, visit the previous post which was an author interview of M. Scott Carter.

Details:

The giveaway ends on 31th November, 2011.
Only one entry per contestant.
Open to residents of USA only.

Conditions:

To be entered in the giveaway, you just have to be a follower of Review Carnival.

Write your name and e mail below this post to be entered in the giveaway.

All the best!!

Author Interview- M. Scott Carter

2011-10-11T04:22:00.000-07:00

It has been a long time since I posted something on review carnival. Today, I bring you a very special interview with debut author Kevin Richards. Hope you enjoy!

Trivia questions:

Favourite colour: Dark Green and Cobalt Blue
Favourite book: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer / A Confederacy of Dunces / The Hound of the Baskervilles.
Favourite song: Have far too many favorites to list one, but there is a song that always reminded me of the girl who got away: “Don't You Forget About Me” by Simple Minds
Zodiac sign: Taurus
Place of your dreams: A large cabin in Vermont or Maine.
Favourite author: Mark Twain, John Kennedy Toole, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle—the guys who wrote my favorite books.
Your motto: Never, never give up.

Now the serious questions:

How does it feel to finally publish your debut YA novel?
I am elated. This is something I’ve worked my whole life for and seeing it become a reality is very moving. It’s actually hard to put into words.

Tell us a little bit about your story?
In Stealing Kevin’s Heart, Alex’s best friend Kevin is killed during a motorcycle race. Alex is blamed for Kevin’s death and falls into a year-long depression. On the verge of suicide, Alex’s parents send him away to a camp for troubled youths in the wilds of southeastern Oklahoma, where he meets Rachel, a beautiful Texan, who has survived a heart transplant. The two of them become best friends, and when Rachel is almost raped, Alex saves her. They end up falling in love, and the story ends with a nice plot twist that I'm not going to tell you, but would rather you discover for yourself.

What inspired you to write this book?
I’m not sure. I woke from a very deep sleep one night, and the story was in my head.

Was it hard to complete the book and find a publisher?
Yes. My collection of rejection letters is big.

Any roadblocks you want to share to inspire our readers?
Don’t accept “no.” Keep trying. Publishing is about persistence. If you want it bad enough and you don't give up, it will happen.

Any message you want to give fans and readers?
I’m very grateful for those people who read and buy my books. I consider it a honor that people would invest their money and their time in a story by me.

Here are a few places (links) where you can but author M Scott Carter's debut novel:

Stealing Kevin's Heart - Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Stealing-Kevins-Heart-Scott-Carter/dp/1937054055/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1318016528&sr=1-1

Stealing Kevin's Heart - BN.com

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/stealing-kevins-heart-m-scott-carter/1031193448

Stay tuned for a free giveaway of this fabulous new release.

Mind over Mind by Karina Fabian book tour

2011-09-17T01:07:00.000-07:00

It's the first time I'm hosting a book tour on Review Carnival. This is to promote Karina Fabian's hot new release- Mind Over Mind. Here's some important info for those of you who are intrigued by this new release. Title: Mind Over Mind Author: Karina Fabian ISBN: 978-1897942369 Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/Mind-Over-Karina-L-Fabian/dp/1897942362 Kindle Link: http://www.amazon.com/Mind-Over-ebook/dp/B005D94LI0 Back Cover Blurb/summary: Deryl Stephen’s uncontrollable telepathic abilities have landed him in a mental health institution, where no one believes in his powers. But when Joshua Lawson, a student of neuro linguistic programming, takes part in a summer internship, he takes the unique step of accepting Deryl’s reality and teaches him to work with it. As Deryl learns control, he finds his next challenge is to face the aliens who have been contacting him psychically for years—aliens who would use him to further their cause in an interplanetary war. Karina has been very kind to do a post on What characters can't do. This is a great post for those looking to be authors or wanting to write something themselves. Here are tips from a master!

What Can't Your Character Do? By Karina Fabian The comment sighed at me from the sidebar: Is there anything this guy can't do? This guy is too perfect; give him some flaws. All Joshua was doing was making eggs. Really nice, fluffy scrambled eggs, sure, but that's actually the one meal he can do well. But, on top of the good looks, the talent, the intelligence, and the chivalrous attitude, fluffy eggs pushed my editor over the edge--and rightly so. We were a third of the way through Mind Over Mind, and Joshua hadn't done anything badly yet. Where were the flaws? It's easy to fall in love with our character and to want to show him in the best light--or even to set him up as Mr. Fabulous before showing the chinks in the armor. Sometimes, the other characters need to see him that way--but not the readers. Readers don't sympathize with a Mary Sue--they just get annoyed by him, as my editor was during what should have been a romantic breakfast. In order to prevent that, we need to make sure we know what they can't do--and introduce the flaws early on that the character is approachable as well as wonderful. It doesn't have to be drastic, either. In Joshua's case, I brought in some of his arrogance and immaturity. I also got rid of the expansive description of the eggs. (If he'd cooked something else badly elsewhere in the book, I could have kept that, but it never came up again, so better to leave it more "normal.") The next time you read about your character and think about how wonderful he is, stop yourself and ask--is there anything your character can't do? Be sure he's got his tarnish as well as his polish. It makes him all the more loveable.

Ouran High school host club anime review

2011-09-04T05:14:00.000-07:00

Ouran High school host club is a 26 episode series about a host club in Ouran High, a school for the ultra-rich and elite. The members of the club are Tamaki Suou (the prince type), Honey senpai (the cute type), Hikaru and Kaoru Hitachiin (the naughty type twins), Kyouya Ootori (the cool type) Takashi Morinozuka (the strong, silent type).

The host club members are all very popular in the school. Haruhi Fujioka is a relatively poor and tomboyish student with excellent grades who joins Ouran in her first year of high school. There she mistakenly stumbles across the host club room and breaks an expensive vase. She is given a choice either to repay the money or work as a host. Since she doesn't have money, she agrees to be a host. The problem? She's a girl. The solution? They disguise her as a boy. This plot sounds like a cross-breed of Hana Yori Dango and Hana Kimi, and drew me to watch the anime instantly.

Hence the series starts. The first two three episodes are extremely good. There is plenty of hilarity. The following episodes start to become monotonous and cliched, with the characters being very stereotypical and having a cardboard-cutout personality.

Haruhi's character is the best because she is so realistic and three-dimensional. Honey was cute, too. The series should probably be awarded the anime with the best eye candy in history. Everything, from the guys to the roses (loved how there was a different color for each one), to the school and costumes was done with excellent aesthetics. It's a treat for the eyes.

Around the sixteenth episode is when things start to pick up and you start realizing that something good is going to be coming your way. Each character gets an episode which makes their personlaity more three-dimensional. The characters also start to bond really well during this time, especially with Haruhi. These episodes were great and finally broke the characters away from their stereotypes.

The last few episodes build the mystery by revealing Tamaki's secret past, difficult roadblocks and a mountain of problems for the host club. The last episode was tear-jerking but the series has a happy ending. I felt totally great watching this series.

Although there are quite a lot of filler episodes in the beginning, I kinda expected it because the manga is still running and the anime makers didn't have a whole lot of material to put into the series.

When I started watching Ouran, I expected a silly, shallow, rather underwhelming series, the way the episodes were moving. But this is surely a series worth watching, even though it is a bit of a late starter.

Ratings-

Characters-4.5
Plot-3
Animation-4.6
Visuals-5

Pros- Extremely beautiful visuals
The characters actually develop
The last few episodes are very suspenseful and addictive
Great ending

Cons- Too many filler episodes in the beginning

I realize that the manga is still going. The anime has inspired me to read the manga so that I can know how the story develops further.

Midnight Secretary manga review

2011-08-31T09:08:00.000-07:00

Midnight Secretary is a supernatural romance manga series by Ohmi Tomu that was serialized in the manga magazine Petit Comic since 2006, with the 34th and final chapter published in the May 2009 issue.[1] The serial chapters were collected in seven shinshobon volumes by Shogakukan.

Midnight Secretary follows the relationship between Kaya Satozuka, a private secretary, and her boss, Director Kyouhei Touma of the Touma Company, who is a vampire.

Considered to be the "perfect secretary" yet constantly criticized for her ultra-conservative dress style by her boss, Director Kyouhei Touma of the Touma Company, Kaya lives a normal life until she finds out that her employer is actually a vampire. Despite uncovering his identity, she dedicates herself to serving the Director to the best of her abilities. The early part of the story focuses on the trials and tribulations of Kaya's increasingly hectic workload, then shifts to the developing personal relationship between her and the Director. (from wikipedia.org)

Midnight Secretary really draws you in with the first few chapters. The secretary-boss romance is a much used romantic plot and adding supernatural only spices it up. There is an atmosphere of mystery and suspense. The romantic tension is built up nvery early in the book.

The director is much like the male lead from other josei manga (like Hapi Mari)- good-looking, rich, CEO of a huge company, with family wealth and a past which troubles him (when will mangakas stop using this plot device?)

The heroine is sincere, hardworking, efficient and loyal. Her personality was very boring. She seemed to be too perfect to be real and very submissive. There was no struggle for her in falling in love. She lacked the 'spirit' of many of the more interesting and energetic protagonists.

This manga is strictly for those above 18 and they will enjoy the passion and intensity contained within the columes of this manga.

Towards the ending, it becomes boring, predictable and too 'normal'. But for a quick read, Midnight Secretary is a great series.

Ratings-

Story-4
Style-4.3
Visuals-4.7
Characters-3
Development-3.2

Pros
Excellent illustrations
Unique mixing of genres (supernatural-office romance)

Cons
Characters were not very remarkable/memorable
Virtually no development of Kaya's character

It's your Biz book review by Susan Solovic

2011-08-31T08:46:00.000-07:00

It's Your Biz is a book by Susan Solovic aimed at guiding start-up small business owners through the process of creating and managing a business. Now it is one of the numerous books available for startups. So why should you buy it?

For starters, I didn't like the chapter on qualities an entrepreneur. there is no such thing as entrepreneurial personality. Everyone can fit into some kind of business and all business don't involve equal amounts of risk-taking, aggression or persuasiveness/public speaking.

The author does a very good job of thoroughly explaining the legal aspects of starting a business which should be a valuable thing for those starting a new business. Contracts are also touched upon.

The section on partners had a partner qualities matching table where you can decide on which qualities for a business you have and then look for a partner with complementary strengths. I wanted to post a picture of that table but I have not received permission as yet from AMACOM press.

On the whole the book was much easier to read that many other startup business books. It wasn't filled with cliched motivational fluff that leaves you wondering what you should actually do but rather had concrete technical knowledge presented in a systematic way.

It is best for small businesses but big businesses can also benefit from it as all big businesses were once small.

Ratings (out of 5)

Style-3.4
Content-4

Pros
Focuses on problems faced by small businesses
Contains accurate and relevant technical data and practical steps to take

Cons
A lot of sections seemed like introductions/incomplete. I couldn't gather what I was supposed to do about that particular area after reading it.
Pages in the beginning wasted on qualities of an entrepreneur
Not too many examples

NOTE- I received a review copy from the publisher

Best j-pop song lyrics

2011-08-06T02:31:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time since there has been any j-pop related article on Review Carnival. I have been listening to quite a few songs these days. I have compiled a list of j-pop songs based on deep, meaningful and heart-warming lyrics. These are only my personal preferences. Here's the list (in no particular order)-

1. Tokyo by YUI- Tokyo is a mellow and contemplative song with some very philosophical lyrics. The melody is haunting and nostalgic. I fell in love with it in the first listen.

FAVORITE LINES (with english translation)-
Kotae wo sagasu no wa mou yameta
Machigai darake de ii
I have stopped looking for answers
It's okay to keep making mistakes

Tadashi koto bakari erabenai
Sore kurai wakateru
I can't always choose the right things
That much I know

2. Sen no Kaze ni Natte (I am the thousand winds that blow) - This beautiful operatic ballad has already been reviewed on Review Carnival. Just to remind you of the beautiful lyrics

FAVORITE LINES- I like all the lines, but here are some of teh more beautiful ones.

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there I did not sleep

I am in the thousand winds that blow
I am the diamond glints on snow
I am the sunlight that ripens grain
I am the gentle autmn rain

.....Do not stand at my grave and cry
I am not there, I did not die

3. Brave Heart by Miyazaki Ayumi- This was used in Digimon. The lyrics are all about never giving up. The song is very energetic, too. Hard-core digimon fams might recognize it as the first season evolution/battle song.

FAVORITE LINES (Translation by Animelyrics.net)-

Not every day is sunny, so sometimes
Even though a cold rain is falling, just open your umbrella

4. I Wish by Ai Maeda- Another digimon song, this time the ending of the first season. I am sure a lot of people remember this song. It is a slow pop ballad.

FAVORITE LINES (trabslation from Anime lyrics)-

When I wish on a star, with my pride on the wind
I'll surely be able to see a tomorrow that can't be erased by today...

I'm shivering with the cold, so I cover my arms with a jacket
Before I know it, it becomes transparent
And turns into hope

5. Konayuki (Powder snow) by Remioromen- This is a wonderful rock ballad. The lead singer's voice conveys the raw emotion flawlessly, even though it is a bit flat at times.

FAVORITE LINES-

If we can't be honest with each other
Both happiness and sadness are empty

6. Decision by Ayumi Hamasaki- I could personally relate to the lyrics which are about independence and accepting oneself. The song is also a very aggressive, rock-opera track.

FAVORITE LINES (translation by Kiwi Musume)-

Yes, I'm going
Not turning back, not running away
I'll walk with my head up
I wonder if one day
You'll realize
That I have no choice
But to keep being myself

7. Sakura no Ki no Narou (I want to become a Charry tree) by AKB48- It's probably the most heartfelt song AKB48 has prodced till date. It's about friendship. The song is a slow piano/strings ballad. The chorus feel provided by the multiple voices is unique.

FAVORITE LINES (translation by kiwi-musume)-

Come back alone sometimes
To the empty schoolyard
You’ll be able to meet
The shining person you were
The day you graduated

If your heart ever loses its way,
I'll be standing here, showing you where love is

Even when all my flowers have fallen
My branches will be outstretched, waiting for you

8. Sekai ni Hitotsu Dake no Hana (The only flower of it's kind in the world) by SMAP- THis is a classic optimistic Johnny song by legendary group SMAP.

FAVORITE LINES (translation from kiwi-musume)-

You don’t need to be number one
You’re special, the only one of you, to begin with

There are people whose smiles are strained
Because they’re completely lost
But it doesn’t matter
Because every flower that’s worked so hard to grow is beautiful

9. Eternal Snow by Changin my Life- Myself is a sad-sounding acoustic/strings/piano ballad used in Full Moon wo Sagashite. It has a unique wintry feel to it.

FAVORUTE LINES-

The feeling of falling in love with someone- I never wanted to know that feeling

Like the slowly falling snow, my feelings are piling up
Higher and Higher

10. To Mother by YUI- This is YUI's first song in which she plays the piano. It was release don Mother's Day.

FAVORITE LINES-

Sadness, somehow becomes warmer
When we cuddle up together

Hapiness, it's probably
Because I had you

Book Review- Notorious by Nicola Cornick

2011-08-05T06:39:00.000-07:00

Notorious is a regency novel by British author Nicola Cornick.

The story follows the romance between a hired matchbreaker, Susanna Burney and fortune hunting rake James Devlin. Susanna is hired by influential people who want to break matches. James Devlin is a fortune hunter after his defence career is over. He is not from a very influential family therefore, settles in an engagement with an heiress. Susanna and Devlin share a bond- they used to be married until she left abruptly and never came back for nine years. The fire is rekindled when they meet again in the beginning of the story.

The pairing was okay. Susanna has a strong character but Devlin is much like all romance heros. Susanna's occupation seemed interesting in the beginning. Delvin falls short of the perfect hero in terms of financial status but this might have been purposely chosen for uniqueness. It is hard to believe that such hard circumstances bred an arrogant person like him. The characters are comparatively realistic.

The writer's style is fluid and to the point. The dialogues are crisp. However, the story feels like a modern story that has been adapted to regency era.

The story starts well. Susanna's secrets come out steadily, keeping in pace with the story. The chemistry was good but the attraction was more physical than emotional- not enough to convince that it could last for a lifetime.
Emma's sidestory was interesting especially the first time she meets Tom Bradshaw. He seemed like a perfect hero until the end when this facade fell apart. The book cover was rich and regency looking with a nice texture. The synopsis is addictive.

Overall, I would say the book reads much like any other Harlequin or Mills and Boon in the market (probably keeping with the demands of the publishing industry), although it is a HQN single title book. The book could've been longer and the romance could have been more emotional. An average read- a good way to pass time.

Pros

Story (plot)
Packaging
Side story/ side characters

Cons

Sterotypical
Too 'modern' to be a historical novel

Note- Review copy was provided by the author.

Book review- Silk is for Seduction by Loretta Chase

2011-08-05T05:32:00.000-07:00

NOTE- I received a review copy of this book from the author's publicist. Despite this, I will strive to give an unbiased review.

Brilliant and ambitious dressmaker Marcelline Noirot is London's rising star. And who better to benefit from her talent than the worst-dressed lady in London; the Duke of Clevedon's intended bride? Winning the future duchess's patronage means prestige and fortune for Marcelline and her family. To get to the lady, though, Marcelline must win over Clevedon, whose standards are as high as his morals are...not.

The prize seems well worth the risk. This time, though, Marcelline's met her match. Clevedon can design a seduction as irresistible as her dresses; and what begins as a flicker of desire between two of the most passionately stubborn charmers in London soon ignites into a delicious inferno . . .and a blazing scandal.

And now both their futures hang by a thread of silk…

Silk is for seduction is the first book in Loretta Chase's Dressmaker series. It features a protagonist with alebit odd occupation- dressmaker. Marcelline's character is strong, shrewd and much more ambitious than most romance novel heroines. She even uses the hero for her own benefit initially (before she falls in love with him), but this part of her personality is not offensive. It is rather interesting because it is so refreshing to see such a bold and aggressive woman in the historical period in which the novel is set. She also has a young daughter and is not inexperienced.

The hero is pretty much like all the other dukes out there in every other romance novel.

The romance develops slowly but surely. The kisses and love scenes were convincing enough, but everything else was not. There is no connection at the mental level between the characters, so their romance apppears very 'one-dimensional'. While they are a passionate couple, it doesn't seem as if their romance will last long just based on good looks and chemistry.

Overall, a good book if you are a seasoned historical romance fan or are looking for something with a slight twist.

Pros
Strong female lead
Unique profession
Gives a glimpse into the world of dressmakers
Descriptions of a lot of beautiful dresses are good

Cons
A bit too long
Generic male lead

Subscribe to Newsletter

2011-07-30T07:58:00.000-07:00

Dear readers,

We decided to start a monthly Review Carnival Newsletter to make sure all of you stay updated. To subscribe to this newsletter, click the following link:
http://tinyletter.com/bestcritic

Review Carnival Newsletter is a great way to know about upcoming projects, our views on current reviews, giveaways etc. We are experimenting with this currently. The first newsletter will arrive in August. We will make a post about that.
Also, we will be finding ways to put a permanent subscription link on the blog somehow. Till then, please be patient and bear with us.

You comments and suggestions are welcome.

Please subscribe :)

Thanking you,
bestcritic

Book review- Art of the Start by Guy Kawasaki

2011-07-30T01:28:00.000-07:00

Art of the Start is a book by venture capitalist and Apple evangelist Guy Kawasaki of Garage Technology Ventures.

The book aims to educate start-up entrepreneurs on how to raise capital, recruit people, bootstrap, partnering, writing a business plan and other facets of business.

Guy's writing style is very humorous and makes the book a fun read instead of a technical one. Too many technical terms are avoided. While the book tries to cover everything about a startup, it is heavily focused on raising Venture and Angel capital. At least one topic relating to venture capital finds a way into every chapter.

This is also probably the strongest part of the book because being a venture capitalist himself, Guy can easily point out the mistakes that most start-ups make from the point of view of a venture capitalist. He also lists many things to avoid while giving a pitch about a possible business venture.

This book is not as 'well-rounded' as I would have liked it to be. Venture capital and pitching-related topics are explained in greater detail and cover more pages than other chapters. The chapter on bootstrapping was really funny and the first few chapters were good. Rainmaking, marketing and branding were not very thoroughly explained.

One of the best things about this book was that it does not say that you need ....(fill with words like ambition, great vision, determination etc.) qualities to succeed as a businessperson. All people are different and go into business for different reasons, so they will obviously have very different qualities and these will reflect in their businesses (Ex. Apple and Wal-Mart/ Steve Jobs and Sam Wlaton were very different people)

Of course, one needs determination and effort to succeed in a business, but doesn't one need that to succeed in anything? I feel making an elaborate list of such qualities is not very useful, but many books still do this.

Overall, the book was an informative read. It is probably most useful for high-tech startups or entrepreneurs starting businesses that need a lot of venture capital. It is not aimed at small businesses or micro-enterprises.

If you're looking for ways to raise finance, this is the book to read.

Ratings

Content-3
Style-4.3

Pros

Gives an 'insider persepective' on raising capital and business.
Well written and organised.

Cons

Not enough focus on marketing and the legal issues that plague a start-up.
Not very useful for small-business owners.

Author interview- Nicola Cornick

2011-07-08T23:26:00.000-07:00

Hi, everyone. I am interviewing USA bestselling Historical romance writer Nicola Cornick today.

Originally from the North of England, Nicola now lives in the Oxfordshire countryside with her husband and a menagerie of cats and dogs. Genealogy is one of her passions and she has traced her family tree back to the sixteenth century by way of various poets, pirates and a link to the Earldom of Halifax.

Since the pub

lication of her first Regency romance by Harlequin Mills & Boon in 1998, Nicola has become a USA Today, Borders and UK Bookscan bestselling author as well as being shortlisted twice for both the US Romance Writers of America RITA award and the UK Romantic Novelists' Association Romance Prize. Nicola now writes for Harlequin HQN Books in the US and MIRA in the UK. (from her website)

TRIVIA

Favorite color- Blue
Zodiac sign- Leo
Favorite author- Mary Stewart
Favorite book/books- Frenchman’s Creek by Daphne Du Maurier and This Rough Magic by Mary Stewart
Place of your dreams- Wester Ross, Scotland
Your motto- To thine own self be true
Describe yourself in one word- Loyal.

The real questions:

RC- Why did you decide to start writing romance?

Ans- I started to write historical romance in my late teens because I enjoyed reading it very much. When I ran out of romance books to borrow from the library I thought I would try to write one myself. Historical romance particularly appealed to me because I love history so much and romance was a natural genre for me because I love happy endings!

RC- Describe 3 qualities you would want your dream character (romance novel hero and heroine) to have.

Ans- My dream characters need to have integrity, courage and a good sense of humour plus quite a few other qualities besides!

RC- Tell us something about your books.

Ans- I write historical romance set in the Regency period and I love setting my books against unusual historical backgrounds. My heroines are strong women doing things that challenge the conventions of the era and my heroes are resourceful men of honour.

RC- What is the most difficult/easiest part of writing historical romance?

Ans- Interesting question! I find some books are easier to write than others. Some flow, others are more of a struggle. It’s not always easy to apply myself when the going gets tough. That’s something I find difficult about writing. What’s easy about writing historical romance – not much, though I do find it easy to get lost in my research and to fall in love with my characters!

RC- What is the daily life/schedule of a writer like?

Ans. I think different writers have different schedules depending on what suits them best. I start work early because I’m a morning person and spend the first half of the day writing. In the afternoon I will deal with emails, write blogs and do any other non-writing work. If I need a break I will go out for a walk in the countryside. I find it very refreshing to be out in the open air and often I have my best story ideas when I am out walking.

RC- What message would you like to give your fans?

Ans. I’d like to thank them very much! Writing can be a very solitary job and it is wonderfully encouraging to hear from readers and to know that they enjoy my books. I appreciate it so much!

To find out more about Nicola and her books, visit-

Her latest novel Notorious will hit bookstores in August.

Author Interview- Alretha Thomas

2011-06-26T01:00:00.000-07:00

I have a new interview for all of you today. I am interviewing women's fiction author Alretha Thomas.

TRIVIA

Favorite color- Pink
Favorite author-Terry McMillan
Favorite book/books- "Waiting to Exhale" by Terry McMillan, "The Color Purple" by Alice Walker, "What You Owe Me" by the late Bebe Moore Campbell, "She's Come Undone" by Wally Lamb, and "Angela's Ashes" by Frank McCourt, to name a few.
Zodiac sign-Libra
Place of your dreams-In my car on my two-hour commute home every day.
Your motto- Do what you love and the money will eventually follow!

The serious questions

1. Is the life of a writer as you imagined it to be?

Ans. I never imagined what a writer's life would be like. I've always envisioned what I wanted my life to be like as a writer. My dream is to be well off, free from the 9-5 grind, writing books, plays, having my books optioned for movies, and being apart of those movies as a producer. I saw myself being apart of every aspect of the movie making process, from casting to the red carpet premiere. I also saw myself being interviewed by Oprah Winfrey, Entertainment tonight, and all the other entertainment shows. Am I there yet? No. But I'm having a ball getting there.

2. What genre do you write and why?

Ans. I write fiction geared toward women. This genre allows me the freedom to use my imagination and to tap into incidents in my life that have impacted me most and that most women can relate to. For instance, my current novel "Dancing Her Dreams Away" involves the protaganist Shelia getting a job in dance hall at night so she can audition during the day. I did the same twenty-five years ago.

3. What inspires you the most?

Ans. My inner life. I have so many stories buried within that I have to give birth to. So far I've had two children. My debut novel "Daughter Denied" and my current novel "Dancing Her Dreams Away."

4. What kind of characters/setttings do you like?

Ans. I like characters who are flawed but that a reader can relate to and feel empathy for. I like modern day settings. Mainly Los Angeles and San Francisco. I grew up in those cities.

5. As a reader, would you prefer to read comedy, romance or sci-fi/fantasy?

Ans. (The one which is the closest to your interests) I prefer romance.

6. Have you ever suffered the dreaded writer's block?

Ans. How do you deal with it? I have never suffered from writer's block. Stories just pour out of me. However, I have a very strenuous editing process.

7. What message would you like to give your fans?

Ans. Thank you so much for your ongoing support. I would be nothing without you!

Here are some sites where you can find out more about her-

www.Dancingherdreamsaway.com

www.Daughterdenied.com

Synopsis

Shelia King needs to keep her days open for auditions. With eviction looming, she scrambles to find a night job and convinces the owner of a hostess club to hire her. When her agent pitches a topless role, Shelia, fearing her grandmother's disapproval, declines. But after considerable thought, she agrees to meet the producer. Gregory is rich, suave, and ridiculously fine. Shelia shapes plans to win the role and his heart. She gets both, works hard to give an Oscar worthy performance, but when the movie wraps, nothing can prepare her for the revelations about Greg’s past and the aftermath of a dream gone awry.

Book review- Mistress of Pleasure by Delilah Marvelle

2011-06-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

Mistress of Pleasure is a historical romance debut novel by Delilah Marvelle. It tells the story of Maybelle- the granddaughter of a French courtesan whose grandmother runs the famous 'School of Gallantry' where men are schooled in the art of pleasure.

Granddaughter of a renowned courtesan, Maybelle de Maitenon has no interest in her grandmother's school in London where gentlemen receive instruction - in the art of seduction. Her only desire in life is to remain independent, free from men and that shackles of marriage. But when Maybelle lays eyes on Edmund Worthington, the Duke of Rutherford, at a soiree, and hears of his scandalous reputation, she decides he's the perfect person for her to have a tryst with no strings attached...

Unbridled passion has again muddied Edmund Worthington's family name. After his very public dalliance with the strikingly beautiful and sensual Maybelle, his mother insists he marry her. But much to the Duke's surprise, Maybelle scoffs at his proposal. Never has he encountered such a brazen - and maddeningly irresistible - woman. But when Maybelle's grandmother falls ill, forcing Maybelle to take over the operation of her school, Edmund devises a plan to make her his. He enrols in the school, where no lone other than Maybelle must give him expert lessons in carnal pleasure. (from Amazon.com)

The best thing about this book was that the female lead was not a lady of good breeding but a rather unusual character. She likes to read Volatire. Maybelle is also not like the usual timid/meek female protagonists in many other historical romances. Her character was one of the strongest in the book.

It is quite obvious right from the start that she and the Duke are made for each other. Both of them are very passionate and will give everything for love, but like all other romance protagonists, deny it to their last breath.

Unlike Maybelle, though the Duke's character is very stereotypical. The scandalous past of his father seems like a half-hearted attempt to make him stand out among the tons of other troubled, good-looking and haunted dukes who populate so many historical romances. Even then, there is nothing wrong with him, only that he is too predictable at times. But sometimes, he might surprise you.

The real good thing about this book was the extra characters- especially Maybelle's grandmother, the Duke's mother and most definitely all the gentlemen in the School of Gallantry. I would have liked to read a story featuring each of them. They were in fact, more interesting that the protagonists!

Overall, a good book if you love the Historical romance genre or are looking for a read that will put you in the mood for love.

Ratings

Plot-4.1
Characters-4.5
Style-4
Book cover-4.6

Pros- Nice cover
Interesting characters
Strong female lead
It's a quick read

Cons- Hero is a little predictable
Could have been longer

Book review- Married by Morning by Lisa Kleypas

2011-06-17T01:48:00.000-07:00

I read this book a long time ago but didn't have time to review it.

This book is a part of Lisa Keypas' Hathaway series which centres around five Hathaway siblings who come into limelight after Leo, the eldest sibling inherits the title of a Viscount. It follows the love life of each of the siblings. Leo's book is the fourth one although he is the eldest.
Lisa Kleypas' books have some of the nicest trailers. You should go and watch them on youtube if you have the time.

Married by Morning centres around Leo, the eldest Hathaway sibling with the title of a Viscount who has just recovered from the death of his love after indulging in self destruction for a long time. Catharine Marks is a governess who tutors his sisters Poppy and Beatrix. She is unusually sharp tongued for one- she is always cutting Leo's statements, arguing and critisizing him. She is sick of Leo's rakish ways and hates him. However, this unlikely couple begins to fall in love.

Out of all the books in the series, this is clearly my favourite. Every romance writer has an obligatory governess novel in his/her list of novels. This one was quite interesting. Catharine Marks is a strong heroine who is determined not to fall for Leo. Leo is persistent and has a good sense of humour.

The heroine's character shows inconsistency after she falls on love but Leo's character is consistent. He is a classic alpha male however, Catharine Marks' strong character balances his. The plotting is good although it could've been cut short by avoiding some scenes. Catharine has some secrets which slowly reveal themselves through the course of the story. There is a lot of humour and wit in their arguments.

Overall, an entertaining romance novel. The pacing is good, characters are interesting and the plot is strong.

Pros
Characters
Pacing
Plot

Cons
Predictable

Book Review- Arabella by Georgette Heyer

2011-06-17T01:32:00.000-07:00

I went on a romance novel rampage and ended up reading more than twenty five romance novels in a month. Now, I am trying to remember all of them and review them. I'll start with the latest.

Arabella is a historical romance novel by Georgette Heyer, a popular romance novelist noted for her precise historical details and clean romances. I tried reading April Lady by her long time ago and fell asleep before I could get to the second chapter. After someone recommended her to me, I decided to try another book of hers. Arabella had glowing reviews on amazon.com so I decided to read this one.

Arabella is the daughter of a clerk who gets the chance of a lifetime to go to London for her debut. Her godmother sends a letter to her saying she is willing to house her and help her make her debut. On the way to London, her carriage meets with an accident and she lands in Mr. Beaumaris' house who thinks she is a fortune hunter staging an accident to get him to marry her. Arabella lies that she is a very wealthy heiress who is sick of being courted for fortune and therefore, has come to London where people do not know her. In time, Mr. Beaumaris falls for her unique charm and compassionate nature.

Her style is pretty much like authors of that time eg: Barbara Cartland but contains more detail. I am used to reading old novels like these with more description than dialogue so, I found it good. One of the good things that should be noted is her historical detail. Most writers these days just write contemporary romances in historical settings but in her novel you can truly see how English society was at that time. Her dialogues when compared to dialogues of recent historical romances are much more genuine. At that time, people spend more time in formalities than actual talk.

The characters are quite typical of the victorian era but contain some uniqueness. The hero is an alpha hero but more realistic. The supporting characters are not very interesting (except the dog). The hero shows some sense of humour in the form of monologues with the dog. The name of the novel and the protagonist is exotic. The ending appeared a bit rushed though (especially the last two pages).

Overall, a good read. The story is more or less consistent with genuine victorian feel. The initial part can however, be boring or too long but if you endure it, the rest of the story is good.

Plot- 3.5/5
Characters-4/5
Development- 4.3/5
Dialogue- 4.2/5
Style- 4/5

Pros
Genuine historical feel
Characters
Romantic development
Well researched

Cons
Too much description
Slow in the beginning

Book Review- Perfect Scandal by Delilah Marvelle

2011-06-17T00:50:00.000-07:00

I interviewed Delilah Marvelle a few days ago (or weeks). Today, I am reviewing a book by her. It is a part of her Scandal series and is called 'The perfect scandal'.

It is the story of the fourth Marquis of Moreland and author of 'How to avoid a scandal', a prim and proper gentleman who finds himself falling for his mysterious neighbour Countess Zosia who daringly proposes marriage when she finds him staring at her window one night. He later discovers that Zosia has a secret past which could change their lives.

The book can easily be categorised as historical romance. Delilah has a unique style of writing. All of her chapters begin with an amusing extract from 'How to avoid a scandal' a book written by the hero of the story. I have seen this pattern being followed in her debut novel 'Mistress of Scandal' too. This gives her writing style a unique twist. The plot was okay for a romance novel.

The characters seem to depart from the traditional style. The hero and heroine both have their weaknesses. He is a masochist while she is crippled. However, her handicap doesn't seem to be very important during the story. She wants to dedicate her life to feeing Poland from Russia, a dream her mother had too. Character development is evident in the story which is one of the good things about the story. However, the heroine is a little overbearing- she has a better title and is stronger (emotionally) than the hero. The supporting characters are strong and sometimes one seems to like the more than the protagonists.

Overall, a nice book. If you're looking for a historical romance with a unique twist or different characters (not the alpha hero and weak or seemingly strong heroine) this book is a very good read. I also loved the texture, colour and design of the cover. It is very well designed considering its target audience.

Pros
Writing Style
Cover and packaging
Characters

Cons
A little slow in the beginning

Manga review- Kaichou wa Maid-sama

2011-06-12T03:19:00.000-07:00

Kaichou wa maid-sama is probably the first unfinished manga that I am reviewing on Review Carnival. Since a lot of mangas are just not ending, I have decided to review them in parts. This review is for all chapters upto Chapter 70.

Kaichou wa maid-sama (The President is a Maid!) is a shojo manga series by Fujiwara Hiro which tells the story of Ayuzawa Misaki- a hyper charged, 'perfect' girl and Usui Takumi- a mysterious and quiet guy who discovers Ayuzawa's biggest secret- that she is a maid in a maid cafe. He however, agrees to tell it to no one, without asking for anything in return. Even at this point, Maid-sama distinguishes itself from other mangas where mostly the discovery of such a secret leads to instant romance or a master-slave relationship which eventually develops into romance.

(Summary from Mangafox.com) Once an all boys school, Seika High, a renowned school full of reckless and filthy students, has recently become a co-ed school. However, with the female population still remaining a minority even after the change over the recent years, Ayuzawa Misaki takes it into her own hands to reform the school and allow a chance for the girls to feel safer in the rough environment.

Training, studying and even becoming the first female student council president of the school, Misaki has gained a reputation, among the male students body as an uptight boy-hating demon dictator and as a shining hope for the teachers and fellow female students. However, despite her tough-as-nails appearance, she secretly works part-time at a maid cafe in order to support her family. Unfortunately, her secret is soon revealed when the somewhat impassive Usui Takumi, a popular boy at school, nonchalantly discovers her in a maid uniform after school.

One of the best things about this manga was that it is the heroine who is 'perfect', not the hero. Ayuzawa is not your typical soft-spoken, eternally klutzy and awkward progtagonist. She is strong, always comes first in the school exams, knows martial arts, studies hard and also works part-time because her family is poor! The romance develops very, very slowly. Even when they kiss, they go back to being 'just classmates' in teh chapters after that, which was a bit disappointing.

But this slow development makes the romance more believable. Usui is a very quiet, mysterious, good-looking (a shojo manga wouldn't be complete without this!) guy, who always comes second to Ayuzawa in school. He id not competitive at all, though. He just observes things and doesn't talk much. His character is actually very interesting, changing multiple times througout the story. He goes from reserved, to bold, to knight-in-shining-armour to lover to rich boy from old family and much more throughout the course of the manga. He actually starts liking Ayuzawa much before she starts liking him.

Ayuzawa, on the other hand, doesn't really change significantly. The manga is very interesting and well-written, with wondeful visuals. Later in the series, Usui's mysterious past provides a much needed change of mood from school-life.

This manga is a must-read for those looking for something different in the shojo world. A word of caution- this starts out as a very stereotypical shojo manga but gradually you will find that it is a masterpiece in itself.

Fujiawara-san has been liberal in throwing in eye candy scenes and plot twists with equal ease. I am really looking foward to reading the rest of this manga!

Ratings

Characters-4.2
Illustrations-4.5
Story-4
Plot-4.3
Dialogue-4.3
Development-4.3

Pros- Strong female lead.
Good art
Interesting twists and sub-plots
Likeable characters
Good pacing

Cons- The male lead started out unusal but became 'perfect prince' by half of the series.
Boring initially/ too stereotypical initially

Book Review- Aron White- Shrouded Path

2011-06-12T01:35:00.000-07:00

It has been a long time since I reviewed a book. I have a young adult wuxia novel today. It is called Shrouded Path by Aron White. It is the first of the 'The Doorway Cycle' series.

I have never heard of western writers experimenting with chinese wuxia novels earlier. I guess that gives the book unique twist.

The book follows the adventures of Jun who is seperated from his father in the beginning of the novel. The novel follows his life as he searches for his father. He gets together with his friend and seeks jutice from the corrupt governer of Kunming who is connected to his father's disappearance.

The novel is rather short and reads more like a slice-of-life story than an action novel. The novel goes all the way from Jun's father's disappearance to his kung fu training and return to Kunming.
There are essential 'chinese' elements like village, dragon, kung fu and rice. However, this makes the novel rather stereotypical. There is more conversation than action and the novel doesn't 'take off' until the end by when it is too late. The action is more realistic than what we see in Hollywood films but not as exciting. One more thing that made the novel a little boring was the lack of 'high' stakes.

The climax (if there was one) didn't have the desired effect because the story didn't build up step by step. I am used to watching Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee kung fu action movies with high entertainment value and unrealistic stunts so I probably didn't like the realistic action without any 'wow' factor. Someone else could have a different opinion on this but since the novel is aimed at young adults who like quick and entertaining books, it could've used faster pacing. Also, action looks better on screen.

The book started well (initial chapter) and ended well (final chapter) but the rest of it was not so 'well'. The novel ends with a cliffhanger leaving the reader wanting more in the next book.

Overall, good for someone willing to try something new. However, be warned that the story progresses slowly.

Pros
Unique genre
Writing style

Cons
Pacing
Unconvincing action
Does not live upto expectations of non-native Chinese for whom Wuxia means Jackie Chan movies with unrealistic stunts
Cover

Note: Review copy was provided by the author.

You can purchase the book at amazon.com or Barnes&Noble bookstore.
Here's a link to the author's site: http://aron-white.blogspot.com/2011/02/shrouded-path-arons-whites-new-novel.html

Author Interview with Historical Romance writer Delilah Marvelle

2011-05-29T21:32:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time since I interviewed someone on Review Carnival. To make up for the lost time, I have a really interesting guest this time- historical romance author Delilah Marvelle. Her Scandal series is fabulous and she's working on a new series. Be sure to check out her books on www.DelilahMarvelle.com

Here's the interview-
RC- Why did you decide to write Historical romance?

DM- I've been writing for a VERY VERY long time. Since I was about 8 years old. I was always that kid that wanted to rewrite every story that didn't end the way I wanted it to. I always wanted a happily ever after, which lent to the whole idea of fairy tales and romance. I totally rewrote stories like Peter Pan. In my version, he went home with Wendy and they grew up and had kids together, lol.

When I read Jane Eyre in high school, I fell in love with historicals and knew that was what I wanted to write. When I read Judith McNaught based off of a recommendation by some random woman in the library, that's when I devoured more and fell madly and lustfully in love with the sweeping romance and everything in between. That's what I've been writing ever since. For me, digging into the facets of history and creating a relationship between a man and a woman during a time when women had very few rights and men held all the power lent to stories and conflict galore. I adore the challenge of writing about a relationship set in history and doubt if I'll ever write anything else.

RC- What traits do you think make a good/strong romance novel hero/heroine?

DM- What I think makes for a good/strong hero and heroine would have to be honesty, passion, and the willingness for the characters to go against the world around them in the name of everything they believe in. Because the world isn't always right and the heart is what ends up beating for those who are true to it.

RC- Historical romance must be a tough genre to write due to the amount of research involved. How do you research on the speech patterns (like the kind of words used, level of formality), clothes they wore, social views on things at that time?

DM- I more or less stick to one era and one era only when I write, because there is just SO much to learn about one given era, I couldn't even begin to veer off the path by learning anything beyond 1828-1831. It would be like wanting to learn six more languages. It's overwhelming. But it's a passion that arose from reading books of that era, collecting out of print books and constantly researching the era and finding anything and everything interesting. From the clothes to the furniture to the food they were eating, everything comes together to create a world that feels real to me. The more I research, the more I find that the people back then weren't any different from the people of today. Their environment is what made them different from us. Because people back then still ate, slept, drank, had sex, had fun, joked, worked, and did everything we did. They just carried it out in different manners and a mindset that was created by the mores of their time.

RC-Is the life of a writer what you imagined it to be like?

DM- Ha. No and no. It's a lot harder than I imagined it would ever be. And I'm not talking about the writing aspect of it. The writing comes easily and naturally enough to me. It's the time and all that is expected of me. From both my agent/editor/publisher and then my readers/fans and then from reviewers and bloggers and then keeping up with hundreds of emails that I get every day and then trying to blog, twitter and facebook on top of it, all while traveling and signing books and ensuring I don't let my family feel neglected. I really never expected it to involve this much time. I always thought, I write a book, I edit it the way my publisher wants and I'm done. Not so. The internet has definitely changed the interfacing between readers and authors in a BIG way. I think Hemingway would have shot himself much earlier in his career if he were writing today, lol.

RC- (Okay this one is out of sheer curiosity) Are the people on your book covers real people or painted?

DM- The people are in fact real. Either taken from stock photos or done with a photo shoot that is coordinated by the Cover Art Department of my publisher. I think it's AWESOME. Because I could actually go and technically meet my own characters!

RC-What are your hobbies other than writing?

DM- I love to run, hike, do Tae Kwon Do, read and above all...I love to cook. I'm actually a chef by trade and so it's my second love I dive into when I have extra time.

RC- Tell us something about your books.

DM- My books are what you call historical romance on crack. For many years readers have gotten used to reading a sterilized version of romance, due to what publishers would or would not allow due to taboo. Because of that, I think a lot of readers have gotten used to drinking the kool-aid they were being offered and when something other than kool-aid is being offered, they have a tendency to immediately dislike it. That's where I come in, lol. I like the idea of reintroducing a sliver of reality into not only romance but the historical aspect of romance that people think doesn't exist due to the books they have read or the movies they've watched. I love writing about characters that are not only set within a time that would never accept them for who and what they are, but that they are flawed and have to redeem themselves not only in eyes of the person they love but within their own eyes. It makes that redemption so much sweeter and so much lovelier and real. I'm not all doom and gloom, though, I'm all about twisted humor and twisted versions of fairy tales.

RC-What message would you like to give your fans?

DM- I would like to tell my fans THANK YOU. I wouldn't be where I'm at without them and I'm pouring my heart into the pages of every book I write just for them. They mean so much to me.

Thank you so much for the interview, Delilah. You can buy her books on Amazon.com. Please leave your comments for her.

Book review- Six Frames by Edward De Bono

2011-05-28T23:38:00.000-07:00

Six thinking frames (I am going to refer to it as that. It's name is Six Frames:For thinking about information) is a non-fiction, self-help kind of book by Edward De Bono- a very famous writer in his niche. It is something along the lines of Six Thinking Hats (reviewed earlier) and Six Thinking Medals.

Six thinking frames aims to organize thoughts, which admittedly, is a difficult task. Edward urges people in organizations, homes etc. to think of a particular idea or thing in certain ways. What I could gather was, that the writer wants us to see everything in six different ways using the six different frames. They are- Square, Triangle, Circle, Diamond, Heart and Rectangle.

Each frame has certain qualities associated with it, which you must use when you think about something using that frame. The author probably things of frames like thinking caps of different shapes. 'Put on your triangle thinking cap/frame' is what he means.

The book aims to create efficiet thoughts and promote thinking differently among people, which is the major theme in many of his books.

While all the principles were nice, it is very difficult and time consuming to apply them to real life. It is best left as a theory of thinking.

Style-2.4

Pros- If used, the thinking frames can really help in thinking well

Cons- The writing style is too boring/dry.

Book review- Dreaming of You by Lisa Kleypas

2011-05-28T23:27:00.000-07:00

These days, I'm really into books by Lisa Kleypas, and romances, in general.

Dreaming of You is a wonderful book by her about novelist Sara Fielding, who wants to research about casinos (or whatever they were called in historical England) for her new book. She has already written a controversial bestseller, which is the talk among the ton. During her vvisit to London, she saves a mysterious man- Derek Craven, who turns out to be the owner of the most fashionable club in London- Craven's. She manages to get his permission to research his club. Slowly, a relationship develops between them....

In Lisa's usual style, it is highly passionate with a tortured, troubled alpha hero (I'd really like to see some beta heroes in this genre) and the stereotypical strong-willed, high-class working woman.

The heroes, are much like many of the tortured alpha heroes/spunky heroines in many romance novels, especially Lisa Kleypas'.

It is a great read if you are the fan of this genre, or a good place to start reading historical romance. But for me, who has read so many of them, it was a repetitive book. That doesn't mean it wasn't good, though. The scenes were almost perfect, but I already knew what was going to happen before even getting to that part.

But I guess, that happens when you overread a genre so much. I am really going to try getting into contemporary romances from now on. Any good authors that you can suggest me?

Story- 4.1
Plot-3.2
Style-4.2
Characters-3

Pros- The hero is not a duke/marquis/earl/viscount, so you can get a glimpse into the life of someone who is not from the nobility in historical England.
Independent female lead

Cons- Despite having intriguing characters, it plays out exactly like Lisa's other novels with less engaging characters (Ex. Scandal in Spring)
Not groundbreaking, in fact is like a repetition of some of her other works. Now, I know that this novel was written before many of her other works, but I read them all before this, so this is my viewpoint.

I would recommend this book more to those starting to read this genre rather than experienced fans. But for Kleypas fans, it is as entertaining as any of her other books. It is by no means, a mediocre or bad book, though.

Character Interview- Abby from Family Ties by ottilie Weber

2011-04-19T19:30:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time since I last posted something on Review Carnival. Today, I have another interesting character interview of Abby- the protagonist of Ottilie Weber's new Young Adult book- Family Ties. You can purchase the book by clicking on the following link- http://www.amazon.com/Family-Ties-Ottilie-Weber/dp/0982981694/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1302752810&sr=1-1

So, it's great to have you here, Abby.

RC- What kind of person would you describe yourself as?

Abby- I would describe myself as a sarcastic human being, who does not hold back on their thoughts. I see no reason to hold back what I’m thinking and I don’t let what others think get to me, I know who I am and I’m proud of it.

RC-What are your favorite things (to do, eat, see etc.)? What are your least favorite?

Abby- Favorite: Wit! I truly enjoy using wit against people. I like hanging out with my friends, not too long ago Cory, Zoey, Danielle and I went bowling making a fools out of ourselves! Then there is eating ice cream and Oreos while walking on the boardwalk, in addition to watching movies curled on the couch with my friend Cory. My weapon of choice outside my words is shoes, when one is small it is fun to surprise others!

Least favorite: I do not care for people who are arrogant. I’m not sure what gives them the right to think they are higher then someone else. Currently I’m at war with my front gate, my Dad keeps putting off fixing it, my bruised feet is evidence of that! People tend to rub me the wrong way. I do not like nuts in my brownies or cookies. I do not like when people touch my hair, it is a curly mess that must at all times be tied back.

RC-Tell us about your dreams.

Abby- I just want to be able to graduate my small town high school and be able to travel the world to get out of this town. Well leave the area without having to be kidnapped. I do want to go to college, but I haven’t figure out what I want to major in yet, it’s kind of a big deal to pick what I want to do for the rest of my life. I figured I’ll live for each moment.

RC- If you had three wishes, what would you wish for?
Abby- 1. That all skirts and dresses were burned!
2. That my parents were not so overbearing.
3. My last wish would be for endless supplies of Oreos!

Abby decided she did not want to sit still long enough to get a picture of her done.

So I hope you all enjoyed the interview.

Book Review- Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki

2011-03-27T23:17:00.000-07:00

Rich dad, Poor dad is a book on financial literacy by multimillionaire Robert T. Kiyosaki. The book contrasts the thinking style of the Rich and the poor (this term is used throughout the book to actually refer to the middle class). The middle class tell their kids to study, get good grades and get a good job but even after having well-paying, secure jobs, they are stuck in a web of debts, taxes, mortgages and other liabilities. The rich, on the other hand, accumulate assets which will continue to produce income.

The author describes his own childhood expreience in the first few chapters where his father (a PhD) wanted him to study, get good grades etc. However, his father was always short of money and struggled financially. He contrasts this with his friend's father, who dropped out in eighth grade and died a billionaire.

The book is about all the lessons he learnt from this man.

It first criticizes the education system for teaching kids nothing about money or how to manage it (which is very true). Then he explains what assets and liabilities are and how to accumulate assets.

The book is on the whole, very useful in learning about money and how to accumulate wealth. I would anyone struggling with financial difficulties to read it.

Ratings
Content- 4
Style-4.5

Pros

It is very easy to understand
The author uses personal examples which make things clearer
Not too many technical words.

Cons
The concept of assets and liabilities is repeated in virtually every single chapter.
Towards the end, it gets a bit boring.

Blogger Interview- Glenda Cates

2011-03-19T20:33:00.000-07:00

Another blogger interview today! This time it is blogger Glenda Cates who writes reviews and other interesting stuff on her blog

Here is the interview-

Favorite color- Purple
Favorite author- Danielle Steele
Favorite book- The Bible
Zodiac sign- Sagatarius
Your motto- Beleive and Never give up.
City of your dreams- Maui in Hawii

1. When did you start blogging?
Christmas of 2010

2. What do you love about blogging?
That I can share my thoughts with others while meeting new people.

3. Tell us about your blog. My Blog is a site where I share stories of my son and my family and friends. The businesses I am in as well as the Reviews and Giveaways I host.

4. Would you like to read comedy, romance or science fiction/fantasy (which of these is closest to you interests?)
Romance but I am learning to branch out and read all types of books.

5. Your favorite books, authors.
Danielle Steele as well as Debbie Macomber and her Cedar Cove series

6. Make a question up yourself and answer it.
If you had the chance to work with any Author who would you choose and why?
I would pick Danielle Steele as I lost a child and I know she has too and we could share stories and maybe work together to comfort others who have as well.

Thank you so much for sharing your experience, Glenda and all the best for your blog.

Relaxing jpop songs

2011-03-19T03:37:00.000-07:00

So, I decided to another random article on relaxing jpop songs. Here are some songs that calm my nerves when I need to calm down. Please do not hesitate to post your favourites in the comments.

Maaya Sakamoto- Universe

Maaya Sakamoto's songs can easily be classified as easy listening. Everywhere, kazemachi jet, universe, no fear aisuru koto, platinum.....the list goes on and on. Her voice is soothing and her songs contain strings that give an etheral atmosphere. If you're looking for easy listening songs, Maaya Sakamoto should definitely be on your list.
Universe starts of slowly and picks up with an orchestra in the chorus. The emotions of lonliness, searching and sleep can easily be associated with the song. One of the truly wonderful relaxing songs.

4.8/5

Miki Imai- Pride

Miki Imai is another singer who sings easy listening. Her songs Piece of my wish, ruby, goodbye yesterday, haru no hi, miss you should definitely be tried too. Pride is one of her best selling singles. There is a choir singing in the beginning. Miki Imai takes it from there. The songs doesn't have a prominent chorus but can be enjoyed anyways.

4.6/5

Yui Makino- Tsuki no shijima

Yui Makino has a typical childish, anime singer voice. Many of her songs feature in animes. Tsuki no shijima really stands out in her discography despite the weak chorus because of the calming effect and arrangement. Her other songs like amrita, jasmine, euphoria, undine etc. are also relaxing.

4.6/5

Kanon- Wings to fly ~Tsubasa wo kudasai~

Kanon is one of the rare classical crossover singers in the jpop scene. She is best known for singing Brand new breeze for the la corda anime which I reviewed earlier. Her voice is very uplifting and emotional. She is a soprano so her voice sounds a bit like Sarah Brightman, Hayley Westenra and other classical singers. Wings to fly is a cover of Akai Tori's tusbasa wo kudasai. Kanon has done a wonderful job here.

4.6/5

Sia- Hoshi wo kazoeru yori mo

All those Bokura ga Ita fans might recognize this song. Hoshi wo kazoeru yori mo starts with a touching piano prelude. Sia's airy voice remains same throughout the song. I didn't like Sia's voice very much but the song is great.

4.6/5

Mai Kuraki- I Sing a song for you

Mai Kuraki's ballads like Ashita e kakeru hashi, kaze no la la la, like a star in the night, can't forget your love etc. are relaxing too but I Sing a song for you stands out among them. It is a typical ballad with piano in the background and Mai vocals.

4.5/5

To cut the article short, I have reviewed only one song by each artist. The other songs I have mentioned (by the same artist) are wonderful too and worth a try. Many anime songs fit under relaxing because anime singers usually don't have very powerful voices which reduce the song's water like qualities. Mebae drive, Rythem's songs, Chihiro Onistuka's songs, Akanishi Jin's eternal, Mizu no Akashi, Fields of hope, Shonen Jidai, Yumi Matsutoya's songs etc. fit in the category too. Feel free to suggest any relaxing songs you like.

Character interview of Sed Lionheart from Rock Hard

2011-03-18T02:37:00.000-07:00

I am really excited today because I am doing the first character interview of Review Carnival. And my guest today is none other than.....Sedric Lionheart who is the lead singer of the uber-cool rock band 'Sinners' in Olivia Cunning's new erotic romance series Sinner on Tour.

To find out more about Olivia and the Sinners (there is a book for each band member) visit www.oliviacunning.com. The first book featuring guitarist Bryan is already available in bookstores and Rock Hard featuring Sed will go on sale in April 2011.

So here's Sed

Allow me to introduce Sedric “Sed” Lionheart, the lead singer of the sensational rock band, Sinners.
Thanks for having me. Is this a book blog?

Yes, but it’s also about music and other things.
Oh. I was wondering why you invited me here. I don’t read much, but music is my life.

You are the lead character in a book. Rock Hard by Olivia Cunning.
I haven’t read it.

Here's the band together- group photo!

Do you mind if I ask you some questions?
That’s what I’m here for.

Favorite band- I don’t have a favorite band. We’re opening for Exodus End in Las Vegas soon. They’re awesome.
Favorite music genre- Hard rock and metal
First love- Music. Or did you mean a girl?
Zodiac- Leo
Favorite place- On stage
Qualities admired in a woman- smart, sexy, caring, and I love a woman with a temper
Biggest secret- I have dimples (I hate them)
Your motto- Anything for a fan.

What made you decide you wanted to be a singer?
I wasn’t good at anything else. Honestly, it’s my only talent. I didn’t even know that’s what I wanted to do until I used a fake ID to get into some crappy little bar in Los Angeles. On stage, was some unknown band called Crysys made up of a bunch of punk teenagers, like myself. They were amazing. I’d never heard a more sensual sound. Sometimes you just know that you were meant to do something. You feel it in your gut. I knew instantly that these guys were going somewhere and I had to be a part of it.
Unfortunately, they already had a singer and I don’t play an instrument. A little violin, but nothing that would get me into a band with that kind of raw talent. I’m still not sure how I convinced Eric to give up singing to become Sinners’ drummer. I tend to be a little pushy, I suppose.
So we rearranged the band a little. They hadn’t found a permanent drummer, so the guy helping them out—he was in a different band—stepped aside. Eric Sticks, who had been their singer and bassist, became the drummer. Since you can’t drum and play bass at the same time, Eric got a friend of his, Jon Mallory, to join as our new bassists. The guitarists Brian Sinclair and Trey Mills stayed on. They’re the heart of the group. We had to keep them together. And I sang. We changed the name of the band to Sinners and became an instant failure. We didn’t let that stop us. I believed in the group. They believed in the group. We never let ourselves quit or lose our vision, even when it looked like we’d never catch a break. When we finally hit it big, we didn’t stop and rest on our laurels, we kept pushing, growing, evolving.
Sorry, I think I lost sight of the question there. You can probably tell I’m passionate about this band, our music.

So how long has Sinners been together?
Ten years now. We starved for the first eight.

I thought Jace Seymour was your bassist. Who is Jon Mallory?
Jace has been with the band for two years. Jon Mallory was forced to quit for personal reasons.

Which would be?
Personal.

Okay. Touchy subject. What is your favorite song to sing and why?
My favorite song to perform live is Twisted. It really pumps up the crowd. I love the crowd. I also like Goodbye Is Not Forever. That’s our ballad. More singing, less screaming. Did I mention Sinners is a metal band?

Do you have any pre-show rituals?
I chew red licorice. It keeps my throat and cords pliable. I do a lot of screaming during a live show. If I’m not careful, I could damage my throat.

When you aren't touring, what do you like to do in your free time?
Workout. Write music. Swim in the ocean. Shoot pool. Watch a game and have a beer with my buds. Play beach volleyball. Sex—that’s my favorite pastime.

What's your favorite position?
That’s a tough one. There are so many great positions. Quarterback. Running back. Linebacker. I can’t choose just one. Or were you talking about some other type of position?

Never mind. Are you close to your other band mates?
They’re my best friends. I’d die for any one of them. Even Eric. Because we tour so much, we practically live on top of each other ten months out of the year. If we didn’t get along well, we’d end up killing each other.

How do you keep in such great physical condition while on tour?
It isn’t nutrition. We don’t eat healthy when we’re on tour. I do have a weight set in the equipment truck. I work out with free weights at least an hour a day. I also do a lot of sit-ups, pull-ups, push-ups on the bus. Wanna feel my abs? They’re rock hard.

Is that why this book you’re in is called Rock Hard?
What do you think?

What singers do you look up to?
Axl Rose, Freddie Mercury, Maximilian Richardson, and Luciano Pavarotti

What do you do with the bras women throw at you on stage?
The roadies have made a giant slingshot out of them. We use it to fling pies at cars when we get bored on the tour bus.
Really?
*lol* No, not really. The roadies collect them after the shows. I don’t know what they do with them. Sorry, ladies. We don’t sleep with them under our pillows or anything. The roadies might.

Over the past couple of years, you’ve gotten the reputation of being quite a playboy. It’s said you go through women like most men go through socks. Any chance that you’ll settle down?
Yeah, sure. If I found the right woman. I thought I found her once, but she left me to go to law school. I must have been wrong about her.

So what’s next for Sinners?
We’ve started working on our next album. Amazing stuff on this one. It should be out later this year. We’re still touring and promoting our last album, Shattered, so if we stop in your town, you should come out and see our show. I guarantee you’ll have a great time.

Thank you, Sed, for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk to us.
Anything for a fan.

Isn't he sweet? I'm so glad I got the opportunity to interview him. Want to find out more about this upcoming superstar? Go to http://www.oliviacunning.com/fun%20stuff.html and read excerpts, short stories and participate in fun contests.

Author Interview- Kate Evangelista

2011-03-11T20:49:00.000-08:00

Today I have a very special author interview for all the readers of Review Carnival. A few days ago, I stumbled upon a great blog called the Coffee Bar. It was a very unique blog which featured the first three chapters, theme song and character images of author Kate Evangleista's novel Taste. As soon as I started reading the first chapter, I was hooked to the story. So I suggest, if you have some time, head over to to get a taste of her paranormal young adult novel Taste!

Here is the interview

Favorite color- burgundy
Favorite author- Lisa Kleypas
Favorite book- Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman
Zodiac sign- Taurus
Place of your dreams- Ireland
Your motto- The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.
- Eleanor Roosevelt

1. What prompted you to write Young Adult Fiction?

The teen years can be the most tumultuous and yet magical years of someone's life. So many things can happen. The belief in the fantastic is still strong. And the first touch of romance blooms. I love working with story lines that involve teens, which is why I stayed within YA.

2. What kind of characters/settings do you like?

When I start a novel, many of my characters are already fully formed, so I don't necessarily lean towards one kind or the other. In terms of setting, I've realized that most of my works in progress tend to be a little darker, even my more humorous scenes tend to lean on the darker side. I don't why. I'm usually a cheery person.

3. Which character do you think is the most unique in Taste? Which character is your favorite?

Great question! It's split. The most unique character in Taste is actually someone called Yana. She's introduced further into the book. My favorite character is Yuri. He's just so damaged. I want to hug him and never let go. I guess it also helps that he looks so much like Alex Pettyfer.

4. Do you ever suffer from writer's block? How do you deal with it?

I've never really had a case of writer's block. More like an initial hesitation, which is usually brought on by personal doubts. I say this because the characters dictate the story. They whisper it to me. Once I feel confident in the story they tell, I sit down and write. That's everyday. I don't let a day go by without writing something, even if it's just a paragraph.

(NOTE- This is not the official cover. It is just a stand in)

5. What other books/stories are you currently working on?

I'm actually writing one about Reapers. And this time around, it's actually writing itself. I already know how it ends. I just have to fill in the blanks in between. Something to keep myself busy while Taste is finding a home.

6. What message would you like to give your fans?

I want to say: Thank you! Your support and encouragement mean so much to me. I smile every time I receive an email from a reader who enjoyed the chapters up on The Coffee Bar.

And: Spread the word. The more readers who know about Taste, the better

To stay updated about the release of her novel Taste, follow her on twitter- or visit her website

Thank you so much for the interview, Kate and hope Taste become a huge phenomenon!

Book review- Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

2011-03-04T01:23:00.000-08:00

This book is a timeless classic by motivational writer Napoleon Hill. It has sold more than 10 million copies to date. I came across this book on a site which helps entrepreneurs. It was voted as one of the book all entrepreneurs should read. I am not an entrepreneur but a title like Think and Grow Rich has the potential to trap anyone into reading the book.

I had expected the book to be of a technical nature, describing stock markets, how to invest in shares, what exactly venture capitalists are (I still don't know) and such things. But the book is on a completely different plane. It is mainly spiritual and motivational in nature with occult added in for a good measure.

The closest comparisons to this book are the Monk who Sold his Ferrari and The Alchemist. But those two books focus on finding one's spiritual side and applying it mainly in context of personal life, relationships, self-discovery etc.

Think and Grow Rich teaches principles which can also be applied to love, relationships, generall happiness but in the book the author describes how to use them to accumulate wealth. I was hooked into the book once I started reading it, but the latter part of the book was not as splendid as its start. Nevertheless, I still found valuable advice in this book.

Many of the principles explained in this book might sound like esoteric nonsense to those not accustomed to reading such books. I agree that the book does not really talk about things like shares, how to start you own business and such thinsg in an easy, practical way. In fact, it has no such information. It is also difficult to agree with all the principles in the book.

One of the most annoying part about the book was that it has more history than a high school History textbook. The Independence of America, the Great Depression of 1930 etc. are described in great detail. Henry Ford, Thomas Edison and Andrew Carnegie are given as real-life examples for every principle that the author describes.

The book has thirteen principles which if applied properly can make you rich. It is a very good book if you need a motivational push to start your dream business or have an 'etrepreneurial state of mind'. One of the biggest drawbacks of this book is that Hill's writing style is not as interesting and easily understood as Linda Goodman's. For a book so complex, good writing is a must to be able to convey the message properly to the readers.

The thing that struck me the most about this book was its startling similarity to the Secret by Rhonda Bryne. the philosophy of both is the same- Your thoughts should be positive and whatever you earnestly want, the universe will give it to you.

Rating
Style-4.2

Pros

Makes you feel good and gives you confidence
Many examples and short stories about real people add fun
Many of these principles can be applied in other spheres of life, too.

Cons

Too much history and too many boring facts
Has no practical information on how to go about starting a business

Book review- Seduce me at Sunrise by Lisa Kleypas

2011-03-04T01:01:00.000-08:00

Seduce Me at Sunrise is the second book in the Hathways series. It potrays the romance of Winnifred- the frailest of the Hathway sisters who suffers from lung problems and Kev Merripen- a gypsy who was adopted by the Hathway family.

The story begins with Winnifred leaving home and going to France to seek medical help for her problem. Kev has always been in love with Win, but he is afriad of hurting her because he was raised as a fighter in his tribe and is afraid that he still harbours violent tendencies. He thinks their relationship cannot work out. Win loves him and pleads him to admit that he loves her, if he wants to stop her from going to France, but he doesn't. She leaves.

The rest of the story shows how their relationship sparks off again when Win comes back from France. Kev is unable to reject her for long. The book also throws light on Kev's mysterious past. Cam is actually is brother! (Sorry for spoiling the fun but I am sure many of you already suspected it). I was surprised that Kev was the ELDER brother and Cam was the YOUNGER brother. Cam alwasy seemed more reasonable and logical, and I had expected him to be older.

More revealations are in store at the end of the book, too. Reading Seduce me at Sunrise after Mine Till Midnight wasn't a great idea because of how similar they are. Still, Cam's character is much better than Kev's. Kev tries to hard to deny his feelings which got on my nerves after a while.

There is also a villian in this story (not too hard to guess who it is once you start reading the book). Still the book was above average. If I was giving stars, I would give it three.

Ratings
Story-4
Plot-4
Style-4.3
Characters-4.2

Pros

Interesting facts about the past of Cam and Kev are revealed.
Win is a strong heroine who is not afraid to get what she wants
Happy ending

Cons

Kev's brooding

Book Review- Mine Till Midnight by Lisa Kleypas

2011-03-04T00:50:00.000-08:00

I have wanted to read this book for a long time and I finally did. As I said in my review of Love in the Afternoon by Lisa Kleypas, I had grown to like Cam's character a lot.

Mine Till Midnight is the first book in the Hathaways series and centres around the romance of Amelia- the eldest girl in the Hathway family which has suddenly come into the possession of a viscountancy (i hope this word is right). Her brother Leo lost his fiancee Laura to the scarlet fever a few months ago and tries to drown his sorrows by drinking, gambling and frequenting taverns. Being the eldest sister, she is worried about his safety and tries to get him back.

During her search, she meets Cam Rohan- a half gypsy who works at a gambling house. He helps her in looking for her brother and then kisses her goodbye. She continues to meet him even after she moves to the Ramsay estate in Hampshire which has been inherited by Leo.

Their romance develops here. Cam is very possessive, calm, exotic, passionate and helpful. Amelia is responsible, sensible and not afraid to take risks.

The best thing about this book was the absence of prudish parents or relatives. Leo is very open minded and doesn't even oppose much to Amelia marrying a gypsy and also lets Cam take care of his estate.

The book was overall well written and since the main character was a gypsy, it added an element of exoticism and a little taboo to the book which worked to its advantage, aking it stand out and not appear like other historical romances.

Ratings
Characters- 4.5
Story-4
Plot-4
Style-4.3

Pros

A 'taboo' element which adds to the books uniqueness
Good male lead
Interesting characters

Cons

Amelia is a bit boring for a main character and very 'two-dimensional' She seems like a paper cutout, not like a real person.
The use of Christopher Frost (Amelia's ex lover) as a villian was very predictable and detracted from the plot.

Best J-pop power Ballads

2011-02-26T21:14:00.000-08:00

It's been a long time since anything about j-pop has appeared on Review Carnival. Here is a special post featuring the songs I think are the best power ballads in j-pop history. Of course, I have not listened to every single power ballad, so if you like any song, please suggest it to me. These are in no particular order of preference.

FEMALE SINGERS

1. Everything bu MISIA- MISIA has one of the most powerful voices in the j-pop industry and Everything is her major hit. It sold more than 1 million copies when it was released. It is a ballad with a wintry feel and MISIA's powerful voice and belting carry it our perfectly. No one could have sung this song better.
Rating-4.7

2. HEAVEN by Ayumi Hamasaki- Ayumi has produced many power ballads before and after this but I think Heaven is a unique song. It is soothing, beautiful and powerful at the same time. It's lyrics are also very deep and meaningful. Ayumi manages to sound relaxed and powerful at the same time, giving this song an edge over her other power ballads. Other great power ballads by her are Together When, Song for XX and Wishing (an album track on her first album).
Rating-4.6

3. Anata no Kiss wo Kazoemashou by Yuki Koyanagi- Yuki Koyanagi is a hardcore belter and her voice sounds much like Whitney Houston and MISIA. Anata no kiss wo kazoemashou is her best selling song which sold more than 7,00,000+ copies. It is a christmas ballad and her powerful voice makes every word special. A song definitely worth listening to.
Rating- 4.5

4. Aitakute Ima by MISIA- Among MISIA's recent releases, Aitakute Ima has the quality that her previous hits did. Personally, I feel this song is even better than Everything because it shows off MISIA's vocal potential more. Other MISIA songs that are also good are Ginga, Wasurenai Hibi (she uses her whistle register in this one) and Tobikatta Wasureta Chiisana Tori.
Rating-4.6

5. Be Alive by Yuki Koyanagi- No power ballads list would be complete without this one. This song is pure power and nothing else. Yuki's voice doesn't falter even for a single instant and despite the heavy screaming and belting, the song sounds pleasent enough. REMAIN is also a ballad worth listening to.
Rating- 4.2

6. LIAR and Nanpasen by Akina Nakamori- The most depressing and deep song of the 80s, it was widely praised and cemented Akina's status as of the most powerful singers in the 80s (Nanpasen). It is very different from the ballads produced these days, but once you listen to it, you will fall in love with it. LIAR makes you fell sad and almost cry due to its powerful emotion. Akina wrote this when her boyfriend Masahiko Kando cheated on her (I guess it was this one). Akina also has sung other ballads like Mizu ni Sashita Hana, Days and Second Love.
Rating-5 and 4.8

7. Cosmos by Momoe Yamaguchi- I have probably mentioned many times that Momoe is one of my favorite singers. Her voice is incomparable to anyone else. Cosmos is her best ballad. It sounds very modern for the 70s. What sets Momoe's voice apart from other singers is not raw power but pure emotion. You can hear feeling in every word. A masterpiece. It requires a few listens to appreciate, though
Rating- 4.9

8. Anata ni Aitakute by Seiko Matsuda- Seiko's self-penned ballad and also her biggest hit, Anata ni Aitakute sounds like a pure love ballad due to Seiko's cute sounding powerful voice.
Rating- 4.7

9. I believe by Ayaka- We all know how great Ayaka's voice is. I believe is a ballad- ayaka's debut single. I know many people think Mikazuki and Jewlery Day were more powerful but I believe's dark atmosphere and arrangement featuring heavy strings has made me like this song more. It's lyrics are also very inspiring. She looks so cute on the cover!
Rating-4.5

10. Chikai by Ayaka Hirahara- One Ayaka after another! Ayaka Hirahara's voice is more airy and sounds a bit (a bit) operatic. That does not mean it's high pitched or anything. Her way of saying words is a bit operatic sounding. Chikai starts off slow and then explodes in the chorus. Jupiter is also a wonderful power ballad by her. Most of her songs are ballads, so if you love ballads as much as I do, try out her songs.
Rating- 4.4

11. Rose ~Melody in the Sky~ by Mai Kuraki- This is an album track on her second album. It is completely in english, but very different from Mai's other ballads. It has very soft background instrumentation so Mai's voice has a chance to display it's potential.
Rating- 4.3

12. First Love and Eternally by Utada Hikaru- First Love is probably the most listened to song in Utada's discography. It is a song that has no equals. It MADE me an Utada fan. Eternally is also a very good ballad complete with strings and all, but sounds like a Final Fantasy theme.
Rating- 5 and 4.3

13. Tsubasa wo Hirogete by ZARD- This was the ending for some detective Conan movie I watched (maybe the seventh?) It caught me off guard at the end of the movie. No song has impressed me so much in its first listen. ZARD is no longer producing songs because she died in 2007 (so sad) but you can listen to the numerous songs she produced during her long career in the j-pop industry.
Rating- 4.7

13. Ai no Uta and Yume no Uta by Koda Kumi- Koda Kumi had produced a never ending list of ballads in her career but these two are the most powerful. Her other ballads are also worth checking out though.
rating- 4.7 and 4.6

14. Mienai Hoshi by Mika Nakashima- Yuki no Hana is more popular but I like Mienai Hoshi more. It has real power. Her ballads are usually jazzy and easy listening but Mienai Hoshi shows what she is capable of.
Rating- 4.6

MALE SINGERS

1. Last Song by Gackt- I think this is the best song Gackt has ever done. It is a complete package of emotion, power, beautiful lyrics and a great voice. It starts off with a guitar intro and Gackt almost mumbling the verse. I feel that the verse could have been clearer than it was. But the chorus makes up for it.
Rating- 4.7

2. Konayuki by Remioromen- I never stopped listening to this song after the first listen. It is very addictive. Listen to it with the video and English subtitles and it is a song you will never forget. If you like Konayuki, you might also like Akanezora and Sakura by them.
Rating- 4.9

3. Forbidden Lover by Larc~en~Ciel- I am not sure this can be classified as a balld but sound pretty balladish to me. Larc~en~ciel always produces quality songs but they outdid themselves on this one. ken's flawless compostition and hyde's voice make this song something extraordinary.
Rating-4.7

4. Junigatsu no Love Song by Gackt- Gackt is called the Mariah Carey of the j-pop world with good reason! He demonstrates his high range in this song, which is a christmas ballad.
Rating-4.6

5. Itsuka no Merry Christmas by B'z- B'z is the higest selling artist in Japanese pop history but i feel their ballads are very underrated. Itsuka no merry christmas was not even a single, even though it is such a good song. It starts with fragile sounding music box which makes it truly christmassy. This song has been covered by all the who's who of the j-pop world including Ayumi Hamasaki, Gackt and Namie Amuro.
Rating-4.9

6. Sen no Kaze ni Natte- I reviewed the single earlier on Review Carnival and gave it glowing reviews. My opinion on this song has not changed. Akikawa Masfumi is probably trained in opera because he sounds very classical. But don't underestimate this song. It is based on a poem.
Rating- 4.6

7. One Love by Arashi- Just because they are an idol group doesn't mean they don't produce any power ballads! I think One Love is a very optimistic ballad. I could have a soft spot for this song because I saw the HYD movie (HINT:HINT)in which it was featured.
Rating- 4.5

8. Squall by Fukuyama Masaharu- Sakurazaka may be his best selling song but I like Squall more. He initially composed this for Eiko Matsumoto but he does a much better version on his own. Other ballads by him are Saiai, Hatsu koi (great one!) and many more...
Rating-4.7

9. Anata To by Kobukuro x Ayaka- This was a collboration songs between Ayaka and Kobukuro. It's very relaxing but because of being sung by some of the greatest voices in j-pop, it involuntarily becomes a power ballad. They also did Winding Road together but it was more poppish.
Rating- 4.5

10. Wine Red no Kokoro by Anzen Chitai and Koji Tamaki- The song sounds very minor. It was composed by Yosui Inoue. Anzen Chitai's version is more rockish while Koji Tamaki (he's the lead singer of Anzen Chitai, by the way), is jazzy. Both versions are very good. Koda Kumi covered this song on her covers album.

11. Hitomi wo Tojite by Ken Hirai- His highest selling single and for good reason. It is a very generic ballad but Ken's voice saves it from being 'just another ballad'.
Rating- 4

12. Only Human by K- This is a very sad sounding song used as the edning theme for one of the saddest dramas of all time 1 Litre of tears. K's voice is quite high for a male, but that's what is so unique about him. He sings almost acapella in the beginning.

Phew! Involuntarily, this post has ended up being one of the longest on Review Carnival (the longest, perhaps?). I hope you all enjoyed it and comment about your favorite songs so that I can add them too!

The Time Traveller's Decision by Kelvin O Ralph

2011-02-26T19:29:00.000-08:00

Today, I want to tell everyone about a new book- The Time Traveller's Decision by Kelvin O Ralph. I had originally intended to review this book, but couldn't find time, so I hope that any one of you who decides to read it reviews it on your blog/goodreads page etc.

Why follow the heart, when it leads you to a dead end?

Lucas Taylor is an undergraduate at the University of Wolverhampton, UK.
Although, he's studying Computer Science, he has a profound passion for writing and reading, and hopes to beome an author one day. On his eighteenth birthday, Lucas is given a priceless gift - the ability to time travel. However, his journeys to the future interferes with his social life, causing him to misinterpret their meanings.

While aspiring to become an author, Lucas has an unknown emotional feeling towards his ex-schoolmate, Carla Benton. He believes he's in love, even though he hardly sees her.

While aspiring to be an author, he meets Trisha Harris Bartlett, and his life takes a U turn.

REVIEWS

“For a short story, it flowed really well, and I felt the characters come alive. The romance got hotter as it went along. I enjoyed it.” - Freda's Voice

2. "Your words flow beautifully. I really do feel like I can feel what Lucas is going through. You did a nice job" - Ariwriter [inkpop]

3. "I think it flowed nicely, especially since you've got quite a unique writing style where you've got a simple, yet good structure to the story." M.D Karmel [inkpop]

Where to find it:
Smashwords - Amazon Kindle - Undergoing Publishing Process
Freado -

Book review- Lisa Kleypas Love in the Afternoon

2011-02-23T03:24:00.000-08:00

It's been a long time since I reviewed a book. But I am back to reviewing now. Love in the Afternoon, like most other novels reviewed is a historical romance by New York Times bestselling writer Lisa Kleypas. It is the last book in her Hathaways series. I haven't read any of the other books, but I do plan to read them.

Captain Christopher Phelan has been corresponding with the beautiful golden-haired Prudence Mercer while he was away fighting in the Crimean War. What he doesn't know, however, is that the woman who wrote to him is actually Prudence's best friend, Beatrix Hathaway.

Upon his return home to Hampshire, it becomes clear that Christopher's experiences in war have changed him. In this scene, Beatrix and Christopher argue over the dog he brought back with him, a regimental mascot named Albert . . .

The book starts out very interesting. It is not like usual romances where the hero and heroine meet each other, fall in love at first sight etc... The exchange of letters helps build a relationship. Betrix is an intellectual which I liked very much and she comes from an unconventional family. She loves and takes care of abandoned animals. It is her passion.

Captian Phelan is however, not so likeable. He seems very dominating, rude and harsh (not to mention anti-feminist who expects Beatrix to behave conventionally). The Phelan of the letters seems weaker and somehow nicer than the person he becomes after the end of the war when he comes back home. The excuse that he is used to seeing blood and is feeling guilty about the people he killed seems a poor excuse for his behaviour.

Overall, a new type of historical romance for me. I suggest that you try it, but don't expect anything spectacular. It has its good points, but is overall an average book. The Hathaways seem very interesting (especially Cam and Leo) so I think I will be reading more of this series.

Story-3
Plot-3.2
Characters-3.9
Style-4.5

Pros
Nice cover (at least the version I read had a nice one, which is pictured above)
Strong female lead character
Exchange of letters is intriguing

Cons
Un-likeable male lead
A bit stereotypical

Blogger Interview-

2011-02-18T21:28:00.000-08:00

Another interview for you all, and this time, it is a blogger interview. I am interviewing Leanne Bell who writes her thoughts about books on her blog . Here is more about her-

TRIVIA

Favorite color- Red
Favorite author- Cassandra Clare
Favorite book- Probably City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
Zodiac sign- Aquarius/Capricorn - I was born on the cusp
Your motto- Erm...don't have one
City of your dreams- A fictional one known as Idris :-) lol

1. When did you start blogging?

Ans. 2010, so I'm pretty recent and still learning how to blog properly :-D

2. What do you love about blogging?

Ans. Sharing my reviews, info and various other opinions about books, as well as occasionally babbling a load of nonsense :-)

3. Tell us about your blog.

Ans. It's a place i review the books i read, list upcoming released and even write the odd random feature. A wonderful place for book-a-holics. I'm also hoping to include some interviews with authors very soon!

4. Would you like to read comedy, romance or science fiction/fantasy (which of these is closest to you interests?)

Ans. Science-fiction/Fantasy - I love to escape to places, and those that are made up are often the best ones

5. Your favorite books, authors.

Ans. Mortal Instruments series, The Iron Fey Series, Before I Die by Jenny Downham, Thirteen reasons why by Jay Asher, Wintercraft by Jenna Burtenshaw and so many other's I can't possibly name them all (so don't be offended if your not on here!)

6. My question? How many books do You read on average in a year?

Ans. Probably around a hundred, but it depends on how busy I've been and how the year has gone!

Thanks for the interview Leanne and I hope you all enjoyed it.

Author Interview- Kris Saknussemm

2011-02-17T21:49:00.000-08:00

We have a new author today. He is Kris Saknussemm- the writer of Zanesville and Private Midnight- a bestseller in France. His latest book is Enigmatic plot.

Review of Enigmatic Plot by Kirkus-

Ripe with symbolism, conspiratorial metaphors and fabulist intents, Saknussemm's third novel (Private Midnight, 2009, etc.) is an allegorical American frontier experience.
It's the 1840s, and Hephaestus Sitturd, son of an itinerant Baptist preacher and a half-Shawnee woman, marries Rapture Meadhorn, whose escaped slave grandfather was a Creole Gullah from the Carolina sea islands. Rapture is an herbalist and healer, valued in the wilderness community of Zanesville, Ohio, but Hephaestus is a tinkerer, intent on building a Time Ark to confront the end-of-the-world prophecies of one William Miller. To the pair is born Lloyd Meadhorn Sitturd, a preternatural genius. At age six, he speaks multiple languages, solves complicated mathematical problems and constructs assorted airships. Dogged by debts and persecuted by bigots, the trio sets out for Amarillo to join Micah Jefferson Sitturd, Hephaestus' half brother, a former Texas Ranger. And thus begins a trek, not Pilgrim's Progress, not an Odyssey, but rather a tropological literary journey down the Ohio to Porkopolis (Cincinnati), across to St. Louis and up the Missouri to Independence. Along the way Lloyd meets Henri St. Ives, a gambler with a fantastical mechanical hand, Professor Mulrooney, married to identical twins who serve as assistants in his traveling medicine show, Urim and Thurimmun, microcephalics deposited in Illinois by a tornado, an underground oracle, and possible agents of the Spirosians and the Vardogers, two secret societies. There's time for Lloyd to fall in love with Hattie, a runaway slave, and attempt interpretation of the scripture of the Quists, a persecuted religious sect. Despite the fabulist plot, Saknussemm's imagination and narrative skills hold the adventure together. Written in connected sequences, the book opens with a surrealistic prologue set in 1869. A young lieutenant on a Great Plains mapping mission observes a man mounted on a mule holding a white gyrfalcon. Is it Lloyd? Readers can only imagine, for the book ends as the Sitturd party sets out from Independence toward Texas.
Manifest Destiny meets magic realism.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

FAVORITE COLOR: Sulfur yellow.
FAVORITE AUTHOR: Herman Melville, Franz Kafka, Phillip K. Dick, Walker Percy, William Burroughs.
FAVORITE BOOKS: Gulliver’s Travels, Tristram Shandy, Moby-Dick, The Castle, The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch, The Moviegoer, Cities of the Red Night.
ZODIAC SIGN: Cancer.
PLACE OF MY DREAMS: Antarctica (haven’t been)…Papua New Guinea (know well).
My Motto: “At the first sign of doubt, let alone failure, always become more ambitious.”

SERIOUS QUESTIONS

1. Is the life of a writer how you imagined it to be?

The life of a writer is much harder than I imagined, given so much initial success and strong reviews. It’s becoming harder for everyone.

2. What genre do you write? Why?

My work is generally classed as Speculative Fiction…somewhere between the genres of fantasy and science fiction and traditional literary fiction. I consciously try to blur those boundaries because I believe they are blurred in life as well as in publishing.

3. What kind of characters do you like?

I’m inspired by all strenuous or subtle efforts of the imagination, but I particularly appreciate artists and thinkers who reveal previously hidden relationships and connections—who make me reconsider. I believe in a constant process of re-evaluation of assumptions.

4. What kind of settings do you enjoy?

I can enjoy grandiose and bizarre imaginative settings as well as highly “realistic” ones. I’m always looking for that “trap door” moment when character and setting merge into drama and uncertainty.

5. Which genre out of comedy, sci-fi/fantasy and romance is your favorite?

I’m highly suspicious of anyone who doesn’t enjoy finely wrought comedy in any form. Just as I am wary of those who don’t enjoy erotica well done. My own work seeks to incorporate both into a nominally science fiction/fantasy frame, but with literary and philosophical edgings that I hope lift my writing beyond the easily categorized.

6. Have you ever suffered from writer's block? How do you deal with it?

My experience of writer’s block has all to do with too many ideas—too much freight for the tracks I’d laid in the moment to bear. I’ve never felt stumped. I have indeed felt overwhelmed and confused.

7. What message would you like to give your fans?

The message I would give to fans is thank you—for making my work, the essential part of how I see myself—a part of their lives in some way.

Author Interview- James Steele

2011-02-15T06:59:00.000-08:00

So many interviews coming! Here is another one. I am interviewing James Steele, who is also published by the New Bizzaro Author series. James Steele is a writer in Ohio. He is often asked to sum up his
life’s story in a single paragraph. James is very depressed by how
easy this is.

He has been published in the Magazine of Bizarro Fiction (issue 3),
Anthrozine (issue 18), Different Worlds Different Skins v.2, Roar v.3,
and Planet Magazine. His bizarre action/comedy novel, “Felix and the
Sacred Thor,” is published through Eraserhead Press.

His blog is http://daydreamingintext.blogspot.com/

TRIVIA

Favorite color- no preference; I am racially neutral
Favorite author- none yet
Favorite book/books- 1984, for the best world building I've ever read
Zodiac sign- Cancer
Place of your dreams- places without snow
Your motto- Don't wanna miss anything by not trying.

The serious questions

1. Is the life of a writer as you imagined it to be?

Ans. So far it's no different than I expected, except now that I have
something published I'm thinking about sales more and writing less.
Occupational hazard I suppose. It's still like I've had two jobs for
some ten years now. One for which I am paid, but do little that's
productive or beneficial to society. The other for which I am not
paid (very much), and am productively contributing to society every
time I do it! The twisted logic of this paradox is a constant source
of inspiration.

2. What genre do you write and why?

Ans. I write in any genre that allows me to build a unique, alternate
world. That's what interests me the most.

3. What inspires you the most?

Ans. The real world. The longer I live in it, the more I ask "is this it?"
So i write about things that have as little to do with reality as
possible. There's a name for that; I just know it.

4. What kind of characters/settings do you like?

Ans. I prefer to build new worlds instead of telling stories in the real
one. I also prefer characters who are as far from human as possible.
For me, these are the two most interesting elements in reading and
writing because they push you to see things from a perspective that is
unlike anything you're used to. You can't take anything for granted.
You must enter the world on its terms, understand the characters on
their terms, not yours.

5. As a reader, would you prefer to read comedy, romance or
sci-fi/fantasy? (The one which is the closest to your interests)

Ans. I prefer sci-fi and fantasy, but if either can incorporate comedy or
romance, that's ok, too. Really, anything can work if done correctly.

6. Have you ever suffered the dreaded writer's block? How do you deal with it?

Ans. I'm often faced with a problem that overwhelms me, but it's always
something I can solve by taking a day or two off and giving it some
thought. Is that writer's block? I don't call it that because
there's always a solution.

7. What message would you like to give you fans?

Ans. Is anybody out there?

To purchase his book visit the Amazon page-

Author Interview- Kirk Jones

2011-02-12T22:57:00.000-08:00

Hey, everyone, a new interview today, too. And can you belive it that he is the husband of the author I interviewed yesterday? That is so amazing! I feel so privileged to interview both of them together.

Kirk Jones is part of the 2010 New Bizarro Author Series. He lives in Northern New York with his wife and daughter and instructs humanities for the SUNY system. His first book, Uncle Sam's Carnival of Copulating Inanimals, is available on Amazon and Barnes&Noble.Here is the amazon.com link-
Visit his blog to get updates-

TRIVIA

Favorite Color: Blue, probably. To paraphrase Father Ted, it has sort of a calming effect.
Favorite Author: Philip K. Dick. His later work is filled with great concepts. His early work is light and fun.
Favorite books: I like Mao II by Don DeLillo. It really captures the experience of a writer who is published for the first time.
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Place of your dreams: probably right where I am right now.
Your motto: Don't ever live by a single motto.

INTERVIEW

1. Is the life of a writer as you imagined it to be?

Ans. Yes and no. I've been writing for school papers and small lit journals for almost a decade now. The personal satisfaction of seeing my work in print always sufficed. Now that I have a book published, I have an obligation to my work as a writer that I didn't have before. NBAS is a testing ground for new authors. We have a series of challenges, including selling 200 copies of our book. If we succeed we get a contract with our press. They are incredibly helpful and it really has been more like being a part of a family. Eraserhead Press is a publisher with a very supportive community. So while life as a writer isn't always what I imagined it to be, in almost all ways it is better.

2. What genre do you write and why?

Ans. Eraserhead Press publishes a genre (some refer to it as a sub genre) called bizarro fiction. I love it because bizarro elements can be incorporated into almost any other genre, resulting in bizarro horror, bizarro science fiction, bizarro humor, and just pure bizarro. It's perfect for authors still experimenting with voice and genre.

3. What inspires you the most?

Ans. Everything in life: the good and the bad.

4. What kind of characters/settings do you like?

Ans. I really enjoy reading about and writing about characters who are somewhat out of place in their environment. An example would be Lane Meyer from the film Better off Dead. He's just trying to make sense of the world, and everyone else around him is so abnormal. His reaction to the environment amplifies their strangeness, and really makes me empathize with his disposition.

5. As a reader, would you prefer to read comedy, romance or sci-fi/fantasy?

Ans. Whew. I like science fiction and comedy the most.

6. Have you ever suffered the dreaded writer's block? How do you deal with it?

Ans. I have not suffered the dreaded writer's block. Laziness is probably my biggest problem. I'd rather think about plot and character development instead of actually writing the story. As a result, I'm never short for ideas, but I really should get on the ball and write more often.

7. What message would you like to give your fans?

Ans. My fans are awesome. They've been incredibly supportive. I try to make connections with people on the fence about bizarro fiction. Don't let the first bizarro book you read influence your overall perception of the genre. There are so many different approaches to bizarro that there is literally something for everyone. The titles and descriptions are meant to appeal to the fan base that has already been established, so if the titles or descriptions interest a prospective reader, they should check it out because they might find there's a lot more going on than the bizarro elements highlighted in the descriptions.

RC- Thank you for the interview.

Author Interview- Amanda Von Hoffmann

2011-02-12T00:10:00.000-08:00

Today, I am interviewing author Amanda Von Hoffmann who writes Young Adult fiction. Amanda Von Hoffmann was born in San Bernardino, California. When she was four years old, her family moved to a tiny town in New York so far north that Canada was practically in her backyard. She spent much of her childhood reading, playing Nintendo and making up stories. She attended a local college, and in 2004 she graduated from SUNY Potsdam with a M.A. in English and Communications. Currently she works at a public library where she is happily surrounded by books and people that love books as much as she does. She is a mother, daydreamer, gamer geek and coffee addict. Behind Green Glass is her first published novel. You can find more information about her at

Here latest book is Behind Green Glass. Here is a little about it-

Isolde is a shy and artistic sixteen-year-old who moves into a house rumored to be haunted. When she discovers a shard of green glass, a new world opens for her. Through the glass she sees Lyric, who mistakenly believes that he is a ghost, and other ethereally beautiful creatures. As their mystery unfolds, Isolde learns that they are not ghosts, but The Forgotten Ones, fairies cast out of their realm, labeled imperfect for their physical and mental differences. Isolde's friendship with Lyric and The Forgotten Ones teaches her that sometimes our imperfections can also be our greatest strengths.

Buy the book on Amazon.com-

TRIVIA

Favorite color- Green
Favorite author- Margaret Atwood or Juliet Marillier
Favorite book/books- Catcher in the Rye, Daughter of the Forest, Anne of Green Gables, The Hunger Games Trilogy...I love so many books for different reasons.
Zodiac sign- Leo
Place of your dreams- A place near the ocean with plenty of seafood and coffee nearby.
Your motto- Don’t take yourself too seriously. If you laugh at yourself, you can view others as laughing with you instead of at you. Humility is healthy.

The serious questions

1. Is the life of a writer as you imagined it to be?

Ans. Not entirely. Writers do a lot more networking than I realized before I was published. I’m shy, so this can be challenging. I’m getting better at it, and meeting a lot of great new people in the process.

2. What genre do you write and why?

Ans. YA fantasy. I read YA fantasy, and I’ve been inspired by authors like Juliet Marillier, L.A. Meyer and Libba Bray. Teen characters can have a lot of adventures, and I prefer to imagine a world where magic is possible.

3. What inspires you the most?

Ans. Books and nature. I live in a rural area that is so beautiful it practically begs to be written about.

4. What kind of characters/settings do you like?

Ans. I like quirky characters--people that are flawed but still wonderful. Lately, I like steampunk settings. I'm captivated by a world that is both sci-fi and historic.

5. As a reader, would you prefer to read comedy, romance or sci-fi/fantasy? (The one which is the closest to your interests)

Ans. Sci-fi/fantasy with a little romance mixed in.

6. Have you ever suffered the dreaded writer's block? How do you deal with it?

Ans. Yes. I have suffered from writer’s block, but more often I struggle to find time to write. Being a responsible adult is time-consuming!

7. What message would you like to give you fans?

Ans. Don’t limit your imagination, and read what you like instead of what other people tell you to read.

Thank you Amanda for sharing your valuable writing experiences.

Author Interview- Mo Stegall

2011-02-10T19:54:00.000-08:00

Hello, everyone. After a short break, here is another interview. This time I am interview author Mo Stegall. Clients call him "The Treasure Hunter" because of his ability to empower people to discover their inner jewels and gems. He is author of the best selling empowerment book Against All Odds I Can Be: 10 Steps To Revolutionize Your Destiny. He is considered one of the nation's leading authorities on empowerment and is sincerely committed to e ncouraging and equipping audiences to revolutionize their destiny. His deepest passion and desire is personal growth and development and to sanction others to achieve greatness. He has appeared in and on UPN, NBC, CBS, WTVI, BET, Radio Disney, Upscale Magazine, Jet, Entertainment Weekly, Atlanta Journal Constitution, The Atlanta Voice, CW Network, The Mother Love Show, LA Talk Radio, Mike Dresser Show and Rolling Out Magazine. He is a popular conference speaker, event emcee and college lecturer.

To know more about his books visit

His latest book is out now.
Against All Odds I Can Be is the empowering best-selling book by Mo Stegall. Against All Odds I Can Be was voted #1 Hot New Release by Amazon and named One of the Most Inspiring and Powerful Books released last year by Celebrity Magazine.

But Against All Odds I Can Be is more than a book: it's truly a guide to both changing and getting the most out of your life. In these uncertain times of economic disparity, emotional discomfort and despondency, the need for motivation and empowerment is paramount. Almost everywhere you turn, in every walk of life and in every community, people are feeling immovable, or overwhelmed and are in search of possibility and direction.

Stegall shows individuals the importance of self-discovery, how to maneuver through adverse situations, and gives practical steps to achieving life goals. It offers proportional doses of Vitamin E, which stands for EMPOWERMENT.

TRIVIA

Favorite color- Blue
Favorite author- TD Jakes
Favorite book- 8 Steps to Create the Life You Want by Dr. Creflo Dollar
Zodiac sign- Leo
Your motto- "Doing Nothing Changes Absolutely Nothing...But Doing Something Changes Everything"-Mo Stegall
City of your dreams- Paris, France

Now the real questions-

1. Is the life of a writer what you imagined it to be?

Ans. I never imagine being a writer and so I would have to say that it is an amazing journey.

2. What genre do you write and why?

Ans. Self-Help/Motivation/Empowerment I am what they call a TREASURE HUNTER and sincerely enjoy helping others discover their hidden jewels and gems.

3. Out of comedy, romance and sci-fi/fantasy, which genre are you most likely to read?

Ans.Comedy

4. Have you ever suffered from the dreaded writer's block? How did you deal with it?

Ans. Yes and I learned that I could get more done doing nothing sometime than doing something all the time....writers block to me is my mind saying it needs a break

6. What kind of characters/settings do you like the most?

Ans. Those with a story a real life story.

7. What message would you like to give your fans?

Ans. In life we often won't get what we deserve yet we will get what we are prepared for....we must go after the things we want and desire or we may spend the rest of our lives settling for what we can get....Against All Odds I Can Be Victorious and So Can You!

Author Interview- Karina Fabian

2011-02-04T04:17:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone, here is an author interview for you all. This time, our author is Karina Fabian who writes science fiction and christian books.

TRIVIA

Favorite color- Don’t really have one.
Favorite author- Terry Pratchett
Favorite book- Don’t have one.
Zodiac sign- Aries
Your motto- Fiction, Faith and Fun!
City of your dreams- One with great mountain views, just about whatever I need within a short drive, friendly people and addresses that make sense. So almost the city I live in now. Layton’s street system is weird.

Now the real questions

RC- First of all, thank you very much for doing this interview with Review Carnival. We are really honoured. The first questions is: When did you decide that you wanted to be a writer? Is the life of a writer like you had imagined it to be?

Ans. It’s a cliché, but I’ve always wanted to be a writer. However, I first started working to make that dream a reality in 1995 when I was out of the Air Force (still in the Reserves) and the mother of toddlers. I needed an outlet and hoped to make a little money on the side.

I didn’t really know what to expect, but it’s certainly not been what I could have anticipated. Most of my good friends have come from writing, and doing work via the Internet has become such a big part of my life. I’m also working with a lot of small press publishers rather than an agent or one or two big publishers like I’d thought I would. However, I’m also writing a huge variety of stuff—from devotionals to science fiction to horror. I’d still love to get an agent or better yet a contract with a big publisher, but I’m pleased with how my career is progressing.

RC- Who has influenced you/your writing style/choice of genres the most?

Ans. As far as authors, the fantasy/comedy writers: Douglas Adams, Terry Pratchett, Piers Anthony. However, I find my husband and friends really have a say in content. We start talking about something and Light Bulb! Story idea. Also, when I’m stuck, I turn to Rob and he always has the perfect response. I am blessed to be married to a brilliant, creative man.

RC- Fantasy and Sci-fi are genres that require a lot of imagination. How do you get so many ideas? Do you ever have the dreaded writer's block? How do you deal with it?

Ans. I honestly don’t understand how people can NOT get ideas. The world is full of them. For me, the problem is selecting which idea to tackle first. When I have writers’ block, it’s really because some aspect of the story intimidates me or because something else in my life is affecting my confidence. Then the only answer is to sit at the computer, give myself permission to write crapola and start writing. Usually, it ends up pretty good, after all, and I can always edit the rough bits once it’s out of my skull and on the computer screen.

RC- What kind of characters/settings do you like the most?

Ans. Depends on the story, really. I have a cynical dragon who’s a noir-style detective that is a blast to write.. He has the best voice, loves punning (in multiple languages, at the same time), and has a wonderful, superior view that gets him in trouble. He’s perfect for my comedy mysteries. (DragonEye, PI novels and stories: www.dragoneyepi.net) Then I have Neeta, who is an exterminator. Yeah, she specializes in zombie extermination, but otherwise, she’s quite ordinary—problems with romance, a bit of a clean freak, prone to self-doubt. She’s the main character in Neeta Lyffe, Zombie Exterminator (www.zombiedeathextreme.com) I also have a very troubled psychic who has a hard time coping with his abilities and has spent most of his teen years in an asylum. He’s great for using all those awful middle school experiences as fiction fodder! (Mind Over Mind comes out in September from DragonMoon.) wonderful nun who operates on a whole different plane of consciousness it seems. Remember how River in Firefly would say things that don’t make sense because she was four steps ahead of the crew? That’s Sister Ann, but with religious overtones. Ann’s also an engineering genius, but has a hard time just relating to people on a casual level. She is a challenge to write, because she quotes saints and engineering manuals a lot. She’s in a WIP called Discovery.

RC- Thanks for being with us and giving so much of your time. The last question is: What message would you like to convey to your fans?

Ans. Tell your friends? LOL. Seriously, though, I love reader feedback. You can keep up with what I’m doing at www.fabianspace.blogspot.com. Each Thursday, I blog about my writing experiences of the week. I usually include a lesson learned, as well. My books are listed at www.fabianspace.com. I’m also on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/karina.fabian. So please, check out my stuff and if you enjoy it, let me know.

I do send out autographed bookplates to people who ask, as well!

Thanks so much for hosting me!

Blogger interview- Andrainea Silverlite

2011-01-28T19:53:00.000-08:00

We have another blogger to interview today. Her name is Andrainea Silverlite. She is a blogger who is currently working on her debut novel.She laos writes paranormal romance reviews on her blog Androlie Writes . To find out more, visit her blog http://thechosendarkness.blogspot.com

Here is her interview

TRIVIA
Favorite color- All shades of blue
Favorite author- Tough question! Right now it would have to be Caris Roane!
Favorite book- Ascension
Zodiac sign- Aquarius
Your motto- I have the perseverance to stand tall in the face of adversity!
City of your dreams- Chicago

1. When did you start blogging?
Ans. Oh dear, if I can remember! I think around 2000 or 2001.

2. What do you love about blogging?

Ans. Books mainly. However, I have been known to blog about anything that strikes my fancy!

3. Tell us about your blog.

Ans. Well, I try to find books others would be interested in. Such as Paranormal Romance novels. I know there is a large love of this genre and I try to find books most would over look.Whether it be for Kindle or paperback.

4. Would you like to read comedy, romance or science fiction/fantasy
(which of these is closest to you interests?)

Ans. Romance. However, I have been known to read a little bit of SciFi and Fantasy. -_^

5. Your favorite books, authors. -

Ans. To many to name, but here is a few off the top of my head: Ascension by Caris Roane, Dark Ecstasy by Gena Showalter, and The Dark Prince by Christine Feehan.

6. Who has inspired you the most?

Ans. A lot of authors have inspired me to actually write. I don't
know if I will ever been in the 'author' category, but they have
inspired me to do something I love. My grandmother is another person.
She has shown me I have to have grit in order to survive this world.
My father who has shown me not to take crap from others. My mother who
has shown it is okay to be a little crazy.

Thanks you so much for the interview and I hope everyone enjoyed it.

Blogger interview- Jennifer K of Clean Romance Reviews

2011-01-27T03:48:00.000-08:00

Hello, everyone. This is the first blogger interview on Review Carnival and I am really excited. Our blogger is Jennifer who writes clean romance reviews on her blog-

TRIVIA
Favorite color- blue and brown
Favorite author- Georgette Heyer
Favorite book- wow, so hard to choose.....The Grand Sophy by Georgette Heyer
Zodiac sign- Leo
Your motto- It is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness. OR Health nuts are going to feel really silly one day, lying in a hospital, dying of nothing.
City of your dreams- Edinburg, Scotland

1. When did you start blogging?

Ans. October 2010

2. What do you love about blogging?

Ans. I love being able to share my experiences of books with others and help them find those that will interest them.

3. Tell us about your blog.

Ans. http://cleanromancereviews.blogspot.com I do book reviews on romance novels that are clean. I do modern, historic, sci-fi, fantasy, time travel, whatever - as long as it doesn't have sex, I'll review it. I like to include a favorite quote from the book, the summary, my opinion and a link to the book on Amazon. That way you can buy the book if you want, or at least see what the cover looks like if you'd prefer to try to find it at your local library.

4. Would you like to read comedy, romance or science fiction/fantasy (which of these is closest to you interests?)

Ans. ROMANCE. Anything in any other genre that has romance in it. Anything that is nothing but a romance. Anything with a hint of romance where guys and girls end up with each other.

5. Your favorite books, authors.

Ans. Books: The Grand Sophy - Georgette Heyer, Enchantment - Orson Scott Card, 12 Days of Christmas - Regina Scott, The Host - Stephenie Meyer, Harry Potter series - J.K. Rowling, Fablehaven series - Brandon Mull, Wizard's First Rule - Terry Goodkind

6. Have you ever thought of writing yourself?

Ans. Yes, I am currently in the (very slow) process of writing my own novel. I hope to someday have it published, but for now, I have to finish it first.

Thank you for sharing your experiences, Jennifer. I hope you all were able to know more about the life of a blogger. See you next time!

Book review- Fess Up, Jessup by KP Wee

2011-01-27T02:54:00.000-08:00

Fess Up, Jessup and other stories is a an ebook by KP Wee. It consists of three short stories- Fess Up, Jessup, Mission at the J and Catching Eva.

The first one describes the romantic relationship between English teacher Jessup and his twenty one-year old Korean student Hye Yeong. Jessup is not your idealistic romance novel hero, but a cunning and realistic man. The ending was very surprising and unexpected. Jessup is kicked out of the public school system because he gets a tenth grade girl pregnant.

The love between Jessup and Hye Yeong is very shallow and superficial but this is integral to the plot. He has his eyes on her family's hotel and money while she is fascinated by him, being so young. Many other characters come into the story. This one was more of a thriller with a great surprise element. It deceived me into believing that it was romance story. It suddenly changed colors in the final pages. This is a very different kind of story, one that you should give a try.

Catching Eva is the shortest and most interesting story in this book. It is also a thriller with romance elements, but it has significantly more thriller elements than Fess Up, Jess Up. It is about misunderstandings that kill people and the love of a call centre supervisor with a girl named Eva. Like the other stories, it manages to catch the reader by surprise the reader at the end.

Mission at the J was a reasonably good story, but I felt not as good as the other two.

Overall, Fess Up Jessup, is for those of you who enjoy thrillers. All of these stories start out as romances, but they are not typically romances. If you like unexpcted endings, hidden plots and surprises, Fess Up, Jess Up and other stories is a great book to read.

On thing about this book that I felt was a bit negative was its name. Fess Up, Jess Up hardly sounds like the title of a thriller novel. Catching Eva and other stories would have been a much, much better title. It sounds more intriguing.

Also, the cover art could have been better. The pencils and pencil holder don't really relate to the book so well. More aesthetics could have been used. The use of an interplay of red and black would have been especially good, since it is a thriller novel.

But the content of the book is very good and something that is very unique and one would not come across so often.

Ratings (out of 5)
Story-4.3
Characters-4
Plot-4.5
Style-3
Cover-1

Author Interview- Renee Hand

2011-01-25T19:40:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone, we are already on our second author interview! That is really amazing. This time, I am interviewing author Renee Hand.

Renee Hand writes because it is a passion in her heart. She is a homeschool parent and likes to create books that educate and inspire the children of today. She was born in Michigan and still lives there with her husband and two children. She has a degree in Zoology with a minor in Chemistry. Renee is the author of the amazing mystery series known as the Crypto-Capers Series that encourages children to read by incorporating several topics of interest. The reader participates into the story by solving cryptograms and puzzles to solve the case. She is also the author of the Joe-Joe Nut and Biscuit Bill Series, which focuses on animal detectives. This series is a great way to teach children about animals in a fun and interesting way that captures the reader's attention and yet fills them with knowledge they will be learning about in school. All books are great to use in a classroom setting to supplement various topics or to just enjoy. Renee is an award-winning author, receiving awards such as a Best Book Award, a National Literary Award and a Preferred Choice award for her children's series and adult books. She has just recently won a Seal of Excellence award in Storytelling for her Joe-Joe Nut and Biscuit Bill Series. She has been writing for over twenty years and when she is not spending time with her family or participating in author events, she is coaching and playing tennis, as well as doing research for her books and many other things that keep her busy. Not quite sure what a cryptogram is and want to learn more? Visit the author's website at www.reneeahand.com to learn about cryptograms and how to solve the ones that are in the books.

Here is the interview-

TRIVIA

Favorite color- Fuschia
Favorite author-Gaston Leroux
Favorite book- Mystery of the Yellow Room
Zodiac sign- Virgo
Your motto-Keep moving forward
City of your dreams-Rome

Here are the more serious ones-

1. Is the life of a writer what you imagined it to be?

Ans.Yes, and no. When I first became an author 5 years ago I thought that as soon as your book was in print that you automatically sold thousands of them. That is certainly not true. You sell thousands of them if you work your butt off, which I have throughout the years. Books don't sell themselves, thats the honest truth. It has always been a lot of hard work but I love being an author and I love talking with children about my books. It's lots of fun.

2. What genre do you write and why?

Ans. Children's. I write in this genre because I think it makes the greatest impact on children. I write mysteries and I want them to, not just be entertained, but think about what is going on and learn something about it. I am all about education.

3. Out of comedy, romance and sci-fi/fantasy, which genre are you most likely to read? (Closest to your tastes)

Ans.Suspense Romance

4. Have you ever suffered from the dreaded writer's block? How did you deal with it?

Ans. Sure, at one time or another. I deal with it by taking breaks from my work and doing other things. I like to also do research. Eventually it works itself out.

6. What kind of characters/settings do you like the most?

Ans.I like characters who are strong, not physically, but emotionally strong. I want them to be hardworking, determined, yet caring.

7. What message would you like to give your fans?

Ans. What you will find in all of my mystery books is suspense and adventure, you will also be challenged. My books are interactive and fun. They challenge the reader into thinking about what is going on and to encourage them to ask why things happen. In that you will find the truth. They are also science and history based, and the settings are real places, which enhance the experience.

To know more about her and her wonderful books, visit- www.reneeahand.com
http://thecryptocapersseries.blogspot.com

Author Interview- Ottilie Weber

2011-01-24T02:15:00.000-08:00

It is January 2011 now and I decided to start the year by doing something good- promoting authors and bloggers and their websites. So here is the first author who answered the interview questions- Ottilie Weber. Review Carnival is really thankful to her for taking out time to talk to us.

In a fantastical land where the weather is always changing, not too far from the beach and the moon is high in a freckling sky Ottilie lives. This land is call New Jersey where she has lived her whole life and she mostly grew up in Wall Township. Ottilie is currently studying History Education at The College of New Jersey. Writing helps as a procrastination tool and a savior to her sanity. Ottilie has major support from her caring, supportive family along with her loveable, insane friends.

Here is about her new book End of The Line

Asteroids came crushing down at Earth at unbelievable speeds, killing off most of the world as a group of six children ranging from six to seventeen stick together to survive lead by Lauren and Aaron. Even though the two didn’t know each other at school they stay together to find food, shelter, and cover from Dean Manson, a free man from prison who seeks revenge on Aaron. As the two try to stay alive, and hide from this powerful man, many things come their way, starvation, illness and even falling in love with each other as the two try their best to deny it. It is when Dean Manson finally figures out how to get back at Aaron is their emotions finally clear...

Family Ties (coming out April 2011, don't have a cover yet)

Abby was raised with not nursery rhythms by Mother Goose, Fairy Tales, or Asepses Fables, but narratives of her Great Grandmother, Emma. Emma has the dream life that got past down to the family as a story or so Abby thought. During one of the hottest summers in a long time in New Jersey Abby and her best friend Cory are working at a restaurant in town while their peers go to the beach to have fun. All the two do is work and Abby keeps thinking she rather be doing something bigger then her town and be out of the sight of her overprotective family. Abby learns after she is kidnapped that she has to be careful for what she wishes for, because it might come in a form she may not be expecting…

TRIVIA

Favorite color- Purple! Purple has probably been the top color for years, but Green and Blue aren’t far behind!

Favorite author- Ah!! Only one?! Uh…Laura Faria Stolarz

Favorite book/books- Haha wow yikes where to begin, Project 17, Tithe, This Lullaby, Deception Point just to name a few….

Zodiac sign- Sagittarius!!

Place of your dreams- The beach, I don’t care if it sunny or if it is night, the beach is ever calming to me. It is beautiful and I just love it.

Your motto- As long as you are yourself, what does it matter to others.

The serious questions

1. Is the life of a writer as you imagined it to be?

Ans. Yes and no. I knew there would be a lot of waiting, which is another reason I wanted to start young. I never really thought out the marketing part (the naïve part of me!) so that was a little more of a slap of reality then anything else. Otherwise the writing part is fun and I am meeting some other fun authors who are giving me so advice. I have loved the people I’ve been talking to so it helps. Sometimes school gets in the way of writing, but that had to come in mind when I’m still in college.

2. What genre do you write and why?

Ans. I write for Young Adults, but I wrote just about most of my writing when I was in High School myself and I could relate, because that’s what I was going through. I’m in college, publishing those works and still writing new ones because I love the situations, the characters, and the all around spunk and growth that the characters makes the genre so much fun to write.

3. What inspires you the most?

Ans. People, love, random situations all help me want to write. I enjoy the ability to get my overactive imagination to run free.

4. What kind of characters/settings do you like?

Ans. Fun spunky characters, those are different from each other and their interactions! Call it my inner Sagittarius, but the fire characters is probably more fun the writing the plot at times. Settings that can be fun for me, beach, I try not to shove it down everyone’s throat in all my stories, but it’s in some.

5. As a reader, would you prefer to read comedy, romance or sci-fi/fantasy? (The one which is the closest to your interests).

Ans.I like to read a little of everything. I like to read stuff that has a little wit in them, and a little romance I’m pretty good. I read fantasy, sci-fi, fairy tales redone, suspense; I’m pretty willing to read almost everything.

6. Have you ever suffered the dreaded writer's block? How do you deal with it?

Ans.I have and probably will deal with that vial thing forever, I really don’t think there is a way for a person to avoid it and have a creative passion. I have started over 30 stories, so I have to hope if I have a road block with one story that I can hopefully work on another one. Sometimes watching “Shakespeare in Love” or “Alex and Emma” help get the creative juices flowing or reading makes me want to write myself.

7. What message would you like to give you fans?

Ans. Never give up on your dreams, if they mean something to you the dream matters so you should fight for them. That love and hope are key factors in life and will take you far with what you have in store with your future.

You can find more information about her at: http://ottilieweber.blogspot.com

Thanks again to Ottilie and hope you enjoyed the interview.

Inviting all authors/bloggers for interview

2011-01-22T20:45:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone,

Review Carnival is sponsoring a grand scheme wherby we will post the interview of every author/blogger who answers the following questions satisfactorily and e-mails the answers to elementswater13@yahoo.com. Traditionally published authors of all genres are welcome. Please attach your photo, bio, links you would like to be included in the post and photo of your book covers (at least 1) with the answers.

All bloggers who review books are welcome too. I might also consider those who write blogs related to beauty or fashion or review fashion products. Bloggers please include link to your blog, photo of you (optional), a pic of your blog (required) and your e-mail ID along with the answers to the questions for bloggers.

Everyone PLEASE include your E-MAIL and PLEASE FOLLOW ME ON Google Connect to validate your entries. Thank you.

Here are the questions for AUTHORS

Favorite color-
Favorite author-
Favorite book-
Zodiac sign-
Your motto-
City of your dreams-

Here are the more serious ones-

1. Is the life of a writer what you imagined it to be?

2. What genre do you write and why?

3. Out of comedy, romance and sci-fi/fantasy, which genre are you most likely to read? (Closest to your tastes)

4. Have you ever suffered from the dreaded writer's block? How did you deal with it?

6. What kind of characters/settings do you like the most?

7. What message would you like to give your fans?

Here are the questions for BLOGGERS

Favorite color-
Favorite author-
Favorite book-
Zodiac sign-
Your motto-
City of your dreams-

1. When did you start blogging?

2. What do you love about blogging?

3. Tell us about your blog.

4. Would you like to read comedy, romance or science fiction/fantasy (which of these is closest to you interests?)

5. Your favorite books, authors.

6. Make a question up yourself and answer it.

Again, please e-mail your answers to elementswater13@yahoo.com.

Book review- Lady Sophia's Lover by Lisa Kleypas

2011-01-19T03:02:00.000-08:00

It's been a long time since the last book was reviewed on Review Carnival. I have recently started reading more of Lisa Kleypas. I already read and reviewed her book Someone to Watch over me which is the first book in the Bow Street Runner series. Lady Sophia's Lover is the next book of the series. It depicts the love relationship between Sir Ross- the chief majistrate of Bow Street and Sophia- a viscount's daughter who is poor and comes to work for him.

Their attraction is apparent from the very first page. This book was even better than Someone to Watch over me. The love is more well-rounded. There are also many thriller elements in this book like the previous one and it gets very intersting towards the end. Sir Ross is more like a conventional romance novel hero- rich, good looks, aristocratic family, noble blood, macho than Morgan Grant from Someone to Watch Over Me which made this more generic. But apart from that, this was another wonderful novel in the Bow Street Runner series. I already started reading the last book Worth Any Price and it looks interesting.

Rating

Plot-4.2
Characters-3.9
Story-4
Style- 4.5

Jpop Review- Wedding Songs

2011-01-08T07:25:00.000-08:00

I decided to another random jpop songs review. This time it'll be wedding songs.

Can you celebrate?
A multi-million selling hit wedding song by jpop queen Namie Amuro is a gospel wedding ballad. Namie Amuro's vocals do not shine but carry off the song pretty well. It is composed by Tetsuya Komuro and like most of his ballads features backing vocals and has a gospel and R&B feel to it. It is a pleasant song and can be heard many times. What doesn't make sense to me is the lyrics. Sometimes lyrics of TK songs are bizarre. It was the theme to the hit drama Virgin Road.
4.5/5

Wedding Bell
This is a song by the famous jpop kawaii duo Puffy. It starts with gospel style back vocals and progresses to a kawaii pop tune. Puffy sings it well. The song is quite unique for a wedding song. A variety of unique instruments back the song. Puffy sand a duet with SMAP. I heard that version and fell in love with the song.
4.6/5

Everything
Sung by Misia, Everything was the theme to Yamato Nadeshiko which I reviewed earlier. It has the wintry, wedding song feel although it technically cannot be called a wedding song. It sold over million copies and with reason. Misia belts her heart out in this powerful ballad. From the very first word, the listener knows this song is something special. It is the second highest selling single by a female singer the first being Can You Celebrate?
4.7/5

Say Yes

Say Yes by jpop duo Chage and Aska seems to be the most popular wedding song in Japan (it is the highest selling). It was the theme song of the drama 101st marriage proposal which was a romantic drama with an incredibly high viewership. Say Yes is the song that gave the drama its special touch. Say Yes is one of the best jpop songs ever recorded and one of the best selling too. It is definitely Chage and Aska at their best. It sounds like a wedding song with bells and chimes. The melody is strong and the vocals are good. Defintely one of the best wedding songs in the world.
4.8/5

Love Love Love
Sung by DCT, it remains one of the most popular wedding songs. It starts peacefully with interesting instruments and carries on peacefully until it reaches its climax near the end with back vocals at their loudest and Miwa belting. It is quite a pleasant song which was the theme to Aishiteru to itte kure. DCT did a duet with BOA on Bokura no Ongaku. It has a wintry feel. The lyrics are simple but meaningful.
4.5/5

Kimi wo Sagashiteta ~The Wedding Song~
Keeping to Chemistry's style, Kimi wo Sagashiteta is a gospel wedding ballad accompanied by Chemistry's masculine vocals. The song keeps rising in power and volume as it proceeds. Back vocals are prominent in the song. It is a classic but enjoyable wedding song.
Note- The video embeded is not the official MV.
4.4/5

One Love
It became a hit single for Arashi. It was featured in HYD - The movie. One Love is an uptempo wedding song that is special because it holds meaning in the context of HYD. Instruments used in One Love are unique and the theme and PV are nice. The only thing that is not perfect in this song is Arashi's vocals which seems shallow at times.
Note- Video is not the official MV.
4.5/5

Judith McNaught- Once and Always review

2010-12-23T21:01:00.000-08:00

Judith McNaught is one of my favorite writers of historical romances. I don't like her contemporary romances all that much (I have read Paradise and Double Standards).

Once and Always is a historical romance- one genre where she is at her best.

Across the vast ocean sailed Victoria Seaton, a free-spirited American beauty left suddenly orphaned and alone. Eager to claim her long-lost heritage, she was amazed at the formal elegance of Wakefield, the sumptuous English estate of her distant cousin...the notorious Lord Jason Fielding. Sought after at plays, operas, and balls by London's most fashionable ladies, Jason remained a mystery to Victoria. Bewildered by his arrogant demeanor, yet drawn to his panther-like grace, she came to sense the searingly painful memories that smoldered in the depths of his jade-green eyes.
Unable to resist her spitfire charm, Jason gathered her at last into his powerful arms, ravishing her lips with his kisses, arousing in her a sweet, insistent hunger. Wed in desire, they were enfolded in a fierce, consuming joy, free at last from the past's cruel grasp. Then, in a moment of blinding anguish, Victoria discovered the shocking treachery that lay at the heart of their love...a love she had dreamed would triumph...Once And Always. (taken from mcnaughtized.com)

Victoria is the classic Judith McNaught historical heroine- she has spirit, vitality, energy and is innocent. Jason Fielding is the typical historical romance hero- dashing, playboy, a bad past, cold on the outside, rich with good title. I am unable to understand why every one of Judith McNaught's heroes are so perfect (rich with good looks and good title).

Neverthless, the book is quite good. It resembles her book Something Wonderful which I read just recently. Both the heroes are somewhat similar.

Overal, the book had almost all the ingredients of a successful romance novel- good characters, interesting plot and lots and lots of emotion. Definitely wroth reading. It is sad that Judith McNaught writes novels so slowly. We never have enough to read!

Ratings-

Characters-4.5
Story-4
Style-4.6
Plot-4

Overall- 4.3

Lisa Kleypas- Someone to watch over me review

2010-12-23T20:40:00.000-08:00

I decided to read this book by Lisa Kleypas after reading good reviews of her other books. It is a historical romance- a genre that I seem to read a lot these days.

She couldn't remember who she was...
A temptingly beautiful woman awakens in a stranger's bed, rescued from the icy waters of the Thames, her memory gone. Told that she is Vivien Rose Duvall, one of London's most scandalous beauties, she finds herself under the protection of enigmatic, charming Grant Morgan. Her life is in his hands. Deep in her heart, she knows he has mistaken her for someone else...
He was the only man she could trust.
As one of London's most eligible and unattainable catches, Grant Morgan is a man who has known every kind of woman. And the one in his arms now seems so innocent, so vulnerable, that he can't help but be enchanted. And as his love for this mysterious beauty grows, he's determined to unravel the secrets of her past and discover the truth -- no matter what. (Taken from official website)

The more historical romances I read, the more convinced I become that they are similar to each other. Lisa Kleypas is just as good as other historical romance writers, in fact if I judge her on the basis of this book, she is very good.

The characters are good and much like stereotypical historical romance characters. the hero is strong and mysterious with a bad past, the heroine is naive. But Lisa gives it a twist through the amnesia plot. The explanation is quite good and real and even unexpected (you can read and find out).
One more thing that was unique was that the hero was not a duke, viscount or marquess or in fact any titled person. Historical romances are usually populated by rich and titled heroes. This book is unconventional in that respect because the hero is a Bow Street Runner (which, according to what I gathered was something like a government detective)

This book is part of the Bow Runner series. I am in the process of reading the second book in this series. I have been reading a lot of series these days (Malory Family by Johanna Lindsey and Once and Always by Judith McNaught which I don't exactly know is part of which series. I will review those books also.)

Overall, the book was not long so it was a quick read. She didn't bore, either and I would definitely recommend you to read this book, especially if you have not read any other book by her like me.

Ratings
Story-4
Plot-4.3
Characters-3.2
Style-3.9

Overall- 4

Author Interview- KP Wee

2010-12-18T23:39:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone. It's already December and the new year will be starting soon. I have with me today, K.P. Wee, author of Fess Up, Jessup (which I will be reviewing shortly) and other books. This is the author interview of the month December.

KP Wee is a teacher and market researcher in Vancouver, Canada. He enjoys writing, hockey, and baseball.

While he has written short stories in the psychological fiction genre, he much prefers chick lit and sports biographies.

KP has previously published "Showing Their Scales." He began writing because he often had to write stories as lessons for his students, and he realized, "Hey, writing is fun. I can do it. I can write stories and try and get them published." And that's how it all began.

TRIVIA-

Favorite color- Blue
Favorite author- Camy Tang.
Favorite book- Zodiac sign- Scorpio
Your motto- Don’t Say I Can’t. It’s the motto of my favorite athlete, Tom Candiotti, and it’s something that I firmly believe in.

Here is the interview:

RC- Is the life of a writer what you imagined it to be?
KP Wee- Not necessarily. I think as a writer, it’s not solely about writing. You need to think about things like marketing, having a blog or website that promote your books, and you need to come up with interesting content on your blog to get people to come back and check your site out. There are things like Twitter and Facebook too. If you don’t have those things, you’re not going to be successful. So essentially, it’s not what I imagined it to be – you have to basically worry about the business side of it, the marketing and promoting aspect of things. So, it’s kind of like running a business as well as being able to write.

Also, there’s a fair amount of research to be done. You want to get your facts straight. You want to make sure what you write about makes sense. For instance, if your character is a teacher, you better make sure you can portray his or her occupation in a story in a realistic way. Even the lingo he or she uses, you have to get that right. I once had to interview people in the engineering and marketing professions to determine if those occupations were suitable for my main character! There are all these types of details you need to be sure about before you can use them in your stories.

RC- What genre do you write and why?

KP Wee- I’ve written psychological fiction – I enjoy writing stories where you expect the unexpected. You see perhaps the bad guys getting what they want, or someone getting back at others for revenge, for instance. My philosophy when I began writing was that we’ve seen enough books were the good guys win, the bad guys lose, and everyone’s happy at the end. I stayed away from those kinds of endings because I wanted to be different. I liken my stories to those you see from the TV series, "Tales from the Crypt," where there isn’t a happy ending but perhaps a tragic and even violent one to certain characters. That was my genre, at least when I first started writing. My first published book, "Showing Their Scales: Three Tales of Lies, Lust, and Deception" was exactly like that. "Fess Up, Jessup!" is a little different in that you do see a bit of justice, so to speak, by the end of the stories.

More recently, I’ve been working on chick lit, realizing it’s not always about what I want to write. It’s more about what people want to read. Statistics do show that women tend to read more than men do, so the reality is to write what women want to read about. It’s been quite an adjustment, for sure, going from one extreme of violence and revenge to a genre where the heroine gets what she wants at the end.

RC-What quality do you think is essential for becoming a good writer?

KP Wee-I believe you need to do a lot of research. You need to be creative. You need to get inside the heads of your characters and think like they do, and be able to convey that in the story. You need to describe things well. You need to get the lingo right. Basically, you need to have a strong understanding of how people think, how to make your characters compelling, and you need to be creative and funny. You need to incorporate all that into your writing and if you think about it, it’s not an easy task to accomplish.

RC-Who are your favorite authors?

KP Wee-When I was younger, I enjoyed mystery novels. I would always pick up novels by Agatha Christie and other detective/mystery authors. As I have gradually tried to write chick lit, I’ve tried to read novels written by chick lit authors. I find Camy Tang’s novels to be funny.

RC-Have you ever suffered from the dreaded writer's block? How did you deal with it?

KP Wee-I wouldn’t say I’ve had writer’s block. What I do have is too many ideas, and I would try to set one story aside if I don’t feel motivated to write it, and move on to the next one. I think the biggest enemy I have isn’t writer’s block, but a lack of time. Being employed full-time doesn’t help with my writing, because there have been times when I return home and do not feel motivated enough to spend a few hours writing.

RC- What message would you like to give your fans?

KP Wee-I would say, "Never give up." No matter what people may say or what negativity you may hear about what you can't do, always believe in yourself, try your best, and maybe you CAN do it. Having the proper attitude and the willingness to try goes a long way.

RC- That was so inspiring! Thank you so much for doing this interview with us. You can learn more about SP Wee by visiting his website http://kpwee-author.blogspot.com/

You can read more about his book Fess Up, Jessup on its Smashwords.com page and also buy it there- http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/30976

Book Review- Barbara Cartland- Hungry for Love

2010-12-15T02:50:00.000-08:00

Just as the title suggests 'Hungry for Love' is a romance novel by Barbara Cartland that focuses on food. It is not something expected of Barbara Cartland.

The story follows Araminta (a strange but cute name), a poor girl who is a great. After her parents die, she is forced to cook to earn a living because she has not got any other skills. Her influential uncle helps here by placing a bet worth a lot on money on her. She is hired by a Marquis who is willing to pay lavishly to hire her. She amazes everyone including the royalty with her delicious and exotic food. She however, does not get to see the Marquis during their initial meeting. Someone who attends the party takes her to a restaurant and tries to take advantage when the Marquis rescues her. They eventually fall in love and strive towards one of Barbara Cartland's specialities- a happy ending.

The 'gourmet' twist to the novel made it interesting. Romantic development was slow but satisfactory. The name of the protagonist is unusual. The names of many exotic dishes are mentioned during the novel which sometimes make your mouth water.
The story has a complex plot for a novel of that length. The romance was great as expected from Barbara Cartland.

The cover was good with a nice colour scheme and apt title.

Overall, an above average-average book from Barbara Cartland which is a good way to pass time.

Pros

Cover
Idea
Story

Cons

Weak female lead
Typical male lead

Book Review- Barbara Cartland- Who can deny love?

2010-12-15T02:35:00.000-08:00

Who Can Deny Love? is one of the seven hundred+ books written by the 'True Queen of Romance', Barbara Cartland.

The story is a unique one for Barbara Cartland who experiments with a woman of higher family rank falling in lvoe with a man of lower family rank.
The heroine of the story forges paintings for a living. Her mother, a duchess married a painter because she loved him. They found it hard to pay for her mother's needs after she fell ill due to which she later died. Now, the heroine forges paintings to make a living.
The hero, a marquis comes across one of her forged paintings of herself when he meets his friend, the prince who loves to invest in paintings. On coming to know that the painting is a fake, he demands the address of the forger from the company that sold the painting and hence lands up in the hreoine's house. She is a dead ringer of the woman in the painting. The marquis begans visiting her frequently and they fall in love. Towards the end, she goes back to her father (a duke) without informing the Marquis. He accidentally discovers her and pleads her father to give him permission to marry his daughter. He refuses because the Marquis' reputation as a flirt preceeds him. In the end, he gains the Duke's trust and they marry.

The painting/art angle to the story was unsual. The heroine was shy and introverted while the hero was frank and open. Characterisation was not all that great but she filled a lot of stuff into a 160 page story. The story has more twists than any of her other novels I have read. It has two parts- one before her disappearance and the second after the Marquis finds her. In case all these titles seem alien to you, you can google it. A Duke is the highest rank that can be obtained by a commoner.

The story's flow was good. It was boring initially but the end covered up for it.

Overall, one of Barbara Cartlands's better novels. She has experimented a bit here with great results. The title like most of her book titles contains the word 'love'.

Pros

Story
Characters

Cons

Cover
Boring initially

Book Review- Judith Mcnaught- A Kingdom of Dreams

2010-12-15T02:12:00.000-08:00

A Kingdom of Dreams is a prequel or sequel (it is supposed to be first in the series but was written after Whitney, my love) to her smash hit Whitney, my love. It narrates the love story of the first Duke of Clarymore who is referred to many times during Whitney, my love.

The story is a little different from other novels of Judith Mcnaught. It is set in the fourteenth or fifteenth century unlike her other novels which are set in eighteenth and nineteenth century.
It narrates the story of a proud scottish girl, Jenny Merrick who is the daughter of her tribe's leader. Her town is going to be attacked by 'The Wolf' a dreaded english commander of troops. Jenny and her sister are captured by The Wolf's (Royce Westmoreland) troops and imprisoned. It is in the camp of the english army that Jenny falls in love with the Wolf (who later becomes the Duke of Claymore). Later, she is forced to marry him and reluctantly agrees. They evetually fall deeper in love and conquer their differences.

The story has a dark atmosphere because it is set is medieval times. The male character was a little unconventional (even though he was a Duke) because he wasn't spending his time courting ladies at high end parties. He was rotting in camps trying to conquer lands. Jenny is a little bit stronger than other heroines of Judith Mcnaught because she is stronger physically than mentally and is famous for her troublesome nature. She is sent to be a nun at the church but later comes back.

There is some humour in the story which diverts attention from the dark atmosphere. There is war going on all the time and most of Jenny's love happens in the camp so, the atmosphere tends to be a little depressing. The love is quite slow. The book begins well with Jenny complaining of the hostile atmosphere before her marriage but later slows down (and is a bit boring) as Jenny narrates her adventures before the marriage.

I felt the end was a little abrupt. Their love could have been given more time to develop after they arrive at Royce's house. While there was all the romantic development that was needed, the story could've dragged a little more. It felt a little incomplete (even with the happy ending).

The hero and heroine were equally strong in the book unlike many of her other books where the heroines try to show they're smart by showing intellect with no success.

Overall, this books was not as great as her classics but is one of the good romance novels written by Judith Mcnaught. My only complaints were the abrupt ending and depressing atmosphere. There are no balls or social gatherings- only wars. The story is set in medieval times with more of knights and wars than balls and parties.

Overall rating- 4.1/5

Pros

Hero
Heroine
Strong side characters
Title
Cover

Cons

Abrupt ending
Dark tone

Book Review- Judith Mcnaught- Something Wonderful

2010-12-15T01:49:00.000-08:00

Judith Mcnaught is a multi million selling writer of a string of romance novels. I have reviewed two of her books earlier. I started reading her because a friend recommended her books and I got addicted immediately. I read her historical novel Something Wonderful last week. It is a 'historical romance'- the genre Judith Mcnaught is famous for.

It revolves around the life of Alexandra, a seventeen year old girl whose father dies. Her father was accused of bigamy and her mother spends her life depressed over marrying someone like Alexandra's father. Alexandra is very smart with a great interest in philosophy. Her grandfather teaches her about various philosiphical writers and texts. While going to visit her friend one day, Alexandra saves a man from bandits. He takes her to an inn. When he takes her back home, there are rumours that the two are in love because they were seen together. Concerned about Alexandra's reputation, her mother forces the man to marry her. The man turns out to be the Duke of Hawthorne who is a famous lady killer. He plans to leave Alexandra to rot in his country house. But they eventually fall in love. A few days after marriage, Jordan (the duke) drowns in the sea. Alexandra goes into mourning. After a year, he returns and tells he was imrpisoned, not killed. However, now Alexandra knows of his way with women and wants to run from him because he is a reckless flirt. The story progresses furthur with twists and turns and as expected of Judith Mcnaught, has a happy ending.

This book was a step down from the last book I read- Whitney, my love. With every consequent book, I feel Judith Mcnaught's style is getting repetitive (Law of diminishing marginal utility). A repetitive feature I noticed was that all her heros are Dukes (with the exception of Until you's hero who is an Earl).

After reading four books by her, I now know every move she is going to make. All her heroines are similar but not identical like heros.

The book was quite long but not as long as Whitney, my love. I found Almost Heaven her best so far. The after marriage plot was unusual.

If it is your first or second book by Judith Mcnaught, you'd probably like it.
The romance is great, as usual. That's where Judith Mcnaught gets ahead of her contemporaries. Her books are full of spontaneous feelings of love.

Overall, an average historical romance. It is a little above average because it comes from Judith Mcnaught.

Overall rating- 3.8/5

Pros

Romance
Cover

Cons

Predictable

Free book giveaway- Roses of Doom by S.P. Wish

2010-12-02T06:24:00.000-08:00

It's already December and time for christmas. Why not spice up your christmas with this new, free ebook? December's free ebook is Roses of Doom by S.P. Wish. It is a horror/thriller/children's book and it is available for free on Smashwords.com. Here is the link- http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/30899

Here is a short summary of the book-

When horror strikes, black roses are left behind........

A school camping trip leads quirky middle schooler Mizu, her smart brother Kaji and her friends Akumu and Seiya to a strange mansion in the mysterious Greenfire forest. Mizu's best friend mysteriously disappears and reappears, Mizu finds old newspapers which are two hundred years old. From these, she manages to unearth a centuries old intrigue.....one with deadly consequences on the present. Who is behind these mysterious happenings?

You can also view the book trailer on youtube at- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAFInpvLYoE

Enjoy the ebook!

Author interview- Mindy Klasky

2010-11-23T07:42:00.000-08:00

Welcome everyone! This is the second author interview on Review Carnival. This time, I will be interviewing author Mindy Klasky whose works include the As You Wish series, Jane Madison series, The Glasswrights series and others.

Mindy Klasky learned to read when her parents shoved a book in her hands and told her that she could travel anywhere in the world through stories. She never forgot that advice.
Mindy’s travels took her through multiple careers. After graduating from Princeton University, Mindy considered becoming a professional stage manager or a rabbi. Ultimately, though, she settled on being a lawyer, working as a litigator at a large Washington firm. When she realized that lawyering kept her from writing (and dating and sleeping and otherwise living a normal life), Mindy became a librarian, managing large law firm libraries. Mindy now writes full time. (taken from the official website)

Now here's the interview

TRIVIA

Favorite color- Blue

Favorite author- This changes, with my mood, with the weather, with whatever I happen to be reading!

Favorite book- The Lord of the Rings is the book that most influenced my life, because it was the one that first got me to think about writing, and storytelling, and becoming a full-time writer

Zodiac sign- Libra

Your motto- “Thou mayest” (from Steinbeck’s East of Eden)

City of your dreams- Florence, Italy (where I traveled on my honeymoon!)

INTERVIEW

RC- First of all, thank you very much for doing this interview with Review Carnival. We are really honoured. The first questions is: When did you decide that you wanted to be a writer? Is the life of a writer like you had imagined it to be?

Ans. My first major writing project (aside from short stories for class) was an attempt at writing a sequel to The Lord of the Rings, which my best friend and I decided to write over spring break when we were in eighth grade. (We didn’t finish, even though we spent both weekends and the entire week of vacation on the project!) That experienced whetted my appetite for writing. When I was in law school, I returned to writing fantasy novels (as a break from the tedium in some of my classes). Writing full time has been better than I ever imagined it – for the first time, ever, I have time to develop all (or at least, most) of the stories in my head!

RC- Who has influenced you/your writing style/choice of genres the most?

Ans. I bounce between genres, mostly between traditional fantasy and romance (with a fantasy element). For my romantic fantasy novels, I was most influenced by Helen Fielding’s Bridget Jones’s Diary – because of its light tone, its realistic depiction of a frustrated singleton, and its literary references.

RC- Do you ever have the dreaded writer's block? How do you deal with it?

Ans. I don’t have writers’ block, per se – I always have ideas for my stories, and the ability to put them in a computer file. I do sometimes suffer from laziness and/or distraction – where I just don’t feel like writing. The best solution for that, at least in my case, is to make myself sit down and start writing. After the first 10 minutes, I’m over “the hump” and able to continue working.

RC- What kind of characters/settings do you like the most?

Ans. I enjoy writing about young women who discover their inner strengths. Sometimes, in my more serious traditional fantasy novels, this discovery is literally and figuratively painful. In my lighter romantic fantasy novels, my characters don’t suffer as much – but they do discover how they can best be strong, independent women.

RC- Thanks for being with us and giving so much of your time. The last question is: What message would you like to convey to your fans?

Ans. I very much enjoy being in touch with my readers. I welcome people to stop by website – http://www.mindyklasky.com/ – and to join in on my blog posts with comments and discussion! Thanks so much for the opportunity to visit here!

Manga review- Spicy Pink

2010-11-17T01:15:00.000-08:00

Spicy Pink is a josei manga by Wataru Yoshizumi. It is only two volumes long. I finished reading it within two hours.

Spicy Pink tells the story of Sakura, a shoujo mangaka who meets a rude, plastic surgeon in a doctors and mangakas gokon. They start out with an informal relationship that later progresses to liking. But both of them have had past relationships that make their way into their lives again.

The manga was too short to be of any value. This manga has the same problem that persists with other Wataru Yoshizumi's mangas- it's very light and shallow. She could've increased the depth at least for a josei. I have mentioned this many times in her manga reviews- Relationships in her manga are not serious. The same problem persists with this manga. It was tolerable with Ultra Maniac and Mint na Bokura since they focused on sibling relationship and friendship. But Spicy Pink is the story of a twenty six year old and thirty year old who meet in a gokon. There's no scope for a shallow relationship here.

The manga had conflicts but these were not satisfatorily solved. The manga focused more on her friendship and work than romance. All the romantic conclusion is crammed into the last chapter. It was too short to make anything happen. Even in the end, the protagonist remarks she doesn't know how long the relationship will work out but she wants to make the most out of it while it is still going well. This is what I say when I mean problem. The romance is not deep and passionate or fulfilling. Even Sakura's friend who had a worse relationship got married.
While it is true that in reality many romantic relationships end in dating, in mangas, people expect some fantasy. Even if it is josei and supposed to be realistic, she should have at least carried on the romance well while it was lasting. They rarely meet up and most of the time the femlae protagonist is busy in friends and work.

It is okay for a manga you'd finish in one hour and be happy that you've read manga but there are better one shots and short mangas out there. Skip this one.

Characters-3/5
Story-3.5/5
Art-3.8/5
Overall-3.4/5

Pros

Art
Idea
Cover

Cons

Shallow romance
Not a good ending
Too short
Unresolved conflicts
No comedy or seriousness

J-Drama review- Seigi no Mikata

2010-11-15T19:32:00.000-08:00

Seigi no Mikata (正義の味方^?, Ally of Justice) is a story first published by Shueisha as a manga, and then made into a short-running TV drama in 2008 by Nihon Television, directed by Satoru Nakajima. The story is about a 15-year-old girl named Yoko, who is being tormented by her older sister Makiko. Only Yoko and her parents know her sister's true nature, while other people are fooled by her unbelievable good luck.

15-year-old Yoko is constantly tormented by her self-centered and fiendish older sister Makiko, who works for a government office after having graduated from a famous university. But despite her ill nature, Makiko's actions tend to somehow make things better for those around her, causing others to praise her as an "ally of justice."

Because of her sister's attitude, Yoko longs to be free. She decides to get her sister married so she will move out. However her plan backfires. There is also a boy called Riku who always teases her because he has a major crush on her. He becomes one of her closest confidants.

Makiko eventually reveals her true nature to her husband, Naoki, who decides to get a divorce.

Meanwhile a close friend of Riku's, Chika, tells Yoko that he is about to move away. Her friends attempt to get Yoko to confess through a live T.V. program, but her sister storms in and starts yelling at her, right before Yoko confessed and when she (Makiko) is taken away by security.

A few days, Naoki and his parents arrive to talk with Makiko. As the divorce is about to be finalized,
Makiko tells everyone that she is pregnant. The series ends with Yoko finally talking to Riku before he went to Osaka and Makiko giving birth to a baby. Yoko is the one left caring for it.

Now for the review- It was an okay drama. What was good was that the story was interesting. The younger sister's characters and romance and quite good though her love became a disappointment in the end. The character of the elder sister's husband was also very nice and polar opposite of the elder sister's character.

The biggest problem with this series was the elder sister. Her personality was extremely unlikeable and at times, she feels more like a villian than a heroine. The fact that Yamada Yu did her role made matters worse. Yamada Yu is not visually pleasing as one might have expected the elder sister to be. She is totally stone-faced except for some fake and childish expressions she shows in the series. I still cannnot believe that Yamada Yu won an award for this.

The younger sister blames her older sister for her misfortunes but it really is her fault for listening to her older sister like a puppy. The older sister once doesn't say very harsh words or threaten her. There was virtually no comedy in the drama. If the drama makers were relying on the cruelty of the elder sister to make the viewes laugh, they have failed terribly.

A drama worth skipping and I am not sure why I ended up watching it.

Pros- Everyone except Yamada Yu acts well
Mother-in-law brings much needed variety to this show
Riku and Yoko's romance

Cons- Yamada Yu's poor acting and lack of visual apppeal
Boring storyline which becomes extremely repetitive and predictable
Weakness of the younger sister

Book review- Edward de Bono- Six Thinking Hats

2010-11-14T00:17:00.000-08:00

Edward de Bono is a famous thinker, author and physician who is credited with inventing the tern 'Lateral thinking'. His books mostly revolve around thinking processes, patterns and methods. He developed the six hats thinking method which has been very successful. It is used in board meetings and schools to promote fruitful thinking and get maximum results in minimum time.

This is the first time I read a book of this nature (non fiction and thinking). Other non-fiction books I read were all the books by Linda Goodman. This is quite different from those. The review might be a little biased because I am not used to reading such books.

The six thinking hats are six ways of thinking about the same thing. They prevent argument and save time. Edaward de Bono explains in the beginning how the six hats method has helped reduced time alloted to board meetings and solve problems quickly with effective results. Here is a summary of the six hats.

White hat- It is a way of thinking objectively- merely stating facts without bringing in emotions.
Red hat- Considered a pair with white hat. It is thinking on basis of feelings.
Black hat- It is counting the cons and negetive aspects of things. It is used for caution. This hat is often overused.
Yellow hat- The opposite of black hat. It is seeing the brighter side of things- counting pros. However, it can sometimes be unrealistic.
Green hat- Green means fertile land. It signifies the growth of ideas.
Blue hat- Like the blue sky that covers us all below it, a blue hat thinker is mostly the manager or the head of the meeting who triggers all kinds of thinking.

The books is factual and theoritical in nature. CEOs and other managers and office employees might find it useful. Though these methods of thinking are interesting, the book focuses more on applying these in board room meetings, schools etc. rather than encouraging individuals to use these hats in appropriate situations. Like a white hat view, the book states facts- the qualities of each of the hats. It doesn't bias the reader or help in using these in daily life. Even the examples in the book are taken from board room meetings.
It is a little disappionting that the book endorses this method only for CEOs. Common people can benefit a lot by using these hats. The book however doesn't speak about the micro level.

The book also talks about how ego gets in the way of parallel thinking, another concept brought out by Edward de Bono.

While the six hats thinking method was interesting, it really didn't help much. As an individual, I found no use of reading the book. It is focused on boardroom meetings and gatherings where decision making is required. Though it is a nice way of decision making, the author could not tell what use it has for an ordinary person who doesn't atttend board meetings.

Overall, a rather theoritical book. It states facts objectively. It is about Edward de Bono's new method- something like a textbook with examples. It is rather short- around 180 pages with lots of spacing and big print. I really don't know how to give a score to this book because I usually read fiction and the non fiction I read is completely different from this book. I'll leave the score upto you.

Pros

Creative idea
Cover
Detailed explanation

Cons

Of no use to an individual
Theoritical
Does not teach to use principles in real life situations-impractical
Contains references to previous books

Drama review- Hotaru no Hikari season 1&2

2010-11-09T06:13:00.000-08:00

Hotaru no Hikari is a popular drama starring actress Ayase Haruka and actor Naohito Fujiki in the main roles. It is based on a popular josei manga of the same name. It has a second season too.

Ayase Haruka starring as Amemiya Hotaru is an average office lady with a decent amount of elegance. She works very hard at office and most of of co workers consider her a mature and elegant lady. But when Hotaru gets home, she changes into her jerseys, sits on the porch and drinks beer from cans. Furthurmore, she keeps her house in a terrible mess, sleeps wrapped in newspapers and eats preserved food. Her lifestyle undergoes some change when her manager (bucho) movies into the house with her. The house is the manager's father's property. Bucho (manager) is in the process of divorcing his wife but does not tell Hotaru about this. They make a cohabitation treaty and decide to stay together. Hotaru can be her true himono onna (dried fish woman) self with bucho. She also develops a liking for Teshima who wroks with her. The manager helps her make her way to his heart which trying desperately to hide the secret of their staying together.

The drama has lots of comedy with Ayase Haruka doing goofy expressions. Ayase Haruka is at her best here. Her acting skills fitted very well into the character. I saw Naohito Fujiki's G@me earlier in which his acting disappointed me. Here however, he shows me a completely different side. His acting is just as good as Ayase Haruka if not better. The characters fit well together. Even if the pairing didn't have much chemistry, it went on well. The house and many other backdrops are beautiful.

Most actors and actresses act well in the series. The comedy is refreshing with a unique storyline. Hotaru's personality is unique and even though different from Bucho's, it fits well with him. Ayase Haruka is mostly kawaii (cute) with a sweetened voice and lots of clumsiness and comic dialogues. Her monologues are entertaining. Along with the protagonist's romance, the side characters' romance stories go on as well. In the first season it is Yuuka and in the second it is Yamada nee san.

The second season focuses on Hotaru's marriage. She comes back from Hong Kong after three years. During these years, she never once phoned or wrote to Bucho. He is angry in the beginning but towards the end of the first episode, proposes marriage. However, Hotaru doesn't know what marriage should be like. In this season Yamada, Hotaru's senior and Seichi's Takano's friend get married after a rocky relationship. There are new characters in the second season with Yamada, Takano and his friend being the only ones from the previous season. Hotaru faces many difficulties and Takano even withdraws his proposal for marriage. But in the end, they get married.

The second season was as good as the first one. Both had the same problem- They beat around the bush too much. In the first season, Hotaru was busy with Teshima and confessed to Bucho only in the last scene of the last episode. Much like that, in this season too she focuses on work and daily life and gets married only in the last episode.

The second season had more merits than the first one. While the first season is entertaining, it is disappointing since Hotaru beats around the bush and never confesses to Takano. In the second season however, their romantic relationship is given more importance. They clear hurdles and progress together. Takano manages to pick up some of Hotaru's habits like sleeping on the porch with newspapers in place of bedsheets. In the end, he leaves for Taiwan but Hotaru doesn't accompany him. He comes back and gives her the marriage paper after one year but she leaves it in her room and the cat poops on it. She promises to bring another one the following day. The drama ends at that but it didn't leave any ambiguous ending. Knowing Hotaru, she'll probably get another marriage paper and of she fails Takano is there for her.

The music for both the season was horrible. The first theme was Yokogao by aiko and the seocond one was Kimi ga iru by Ikimonogakari. I couldn't even hear the second one, it was hardply featured. The first one though genric was played in the last scenes of the first episode so, it has some sentimental value. But overall, the songs were terrible.

The first season is more or less incomplete without the second season that is why I watched them continuously. The first season ends with confession and leaves a question about their future together in the viewers mind. If you want to complete the journey and be satisfied, I recommend the second season too. The pros for the second season are much like the cons. Hotaru remains a himono oonna with too many monologues and clumsiness till the end. Her senior Yamada says it is okay to be a himono onna as long as she remains cute. Even though after the second season, you feel like you've got an overdose of Hotaru, it is still fun watching.

Overall, one of the best romantic comedy dramas. I enjoyed the comedy. The romance was quite slow but okay. The actors and actresses acted well with proper script, direction, story and backdrops. I have started to like josei dramas. Nodame Cantabile, Kimi wa petto, Hotaru no hikari, Gokusen and many other wonderful dramas have been adapted from josei mangas. Viva josei manga!

Characters-4.5/5
Story-4.2/5
Acting-4.5/5
Script- 4.3/5
Music-3/5
Overall-4.4/5

Pros

Entertaining
Comedy
Characterisation and development
Acting
Backdrops
Second season that completes the story
Ending

Cons

Might get repetitive after the second season
Beats around the bush too much especially in the first season

Book review- Sophie Kinsella Dreamworld of a Shopaholic

2010-11-09T03:05:00.000-08:00

The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic is the first book in the acclaimed Shopaholic series by Sophie Kinsella. It is about a financial journalist, rebecca Bloomwood who is a shopaholic. She is obsessed about buying clothes, makeup and shoes the point that she lands in financial troubles when her Switch card is frozen and her VISA ooverdraft is long due. She is in a sea of debts but still cannot her urges to shop. She ends up lying to others and making excuses to herself.

The book is written in the witty and humorous style of Kinsella. The character of Rebecca is quite unrealistic. I have never seen anyone so obsessed with shopping and spending money despite the knowledge of debts. The fact that she is twenty-five makes it harder to believe her complete lack of sense. She behaves like a child (running away from an interview when she doesn't understand Finnish, saying things she doesn't want to say on impulse, making up completely fictional and often fantastic-sounding diseases to avoid meetings with her bank manager)

Her attempts to cut back or make more money are also futile. She tries to woo a millionarire bachelor despite having nothing in common.

I am a very frugal person and I found it impossible to relate to the character of Rebecca. I didn't enjoy this book as much as her previous book The Undomestic Goddess. The letters before each chapter are good jokes in thelselves. One thing that is not lacking in this book is hilarity. It is an easy read but unnecessarily long. Some of the events could have been easily cut without making a difference to the overall quality of the book.

Pros- Original idea
Humorous writing style

Cons- Main character is hard to relate to
A bit too shallow in the love department
Unnecessarily long

Hope that the future installments of the series are better.

Drama Review- Nobuta wo produce

2010-11-06T02:48:00.000-07:00

Nobuko Kotani is a shy, reclusive girl who doesn't fit into her school. Her fringe is forever covering her eyes and she has no social skills. To make matters worse, she is picked on by other students. Shuji is a teenager who is searching for the meaning of youth and teenage life. He is pretty popular but thinks of it as shallow. He wants to make the most out of his teenage life. Akira, is Shuji's sidekick who gets along with everyone except Shuji. Shuji finds his optimism irritating and his habit of poking his nose into everything quite annoying. When the boys set their eyes on Nobuko Kotani referred to as Nobuta (pig), they decide to reform her and make her the most popular girl in school. The decide to produce her (like a music producer) to make an image for her and make her popular. Nobuko has no problem and she decides to ride along. Shuji however, doesn't want to be seen with Nobuta fearing that he might lose his popularity. Shuji and Akira give her lessons on the terrace.

The drama is basically a friendship and youth drama. Kamenashi Kazuya didn't act too well and there wasn't much acting to do in Maki's role. Yamashita Tomoshisa was the only one who acted well because his character was significantly different from the other two. While producing Nobuta, Shuji and Akira become close friends. Nobuta becomes more sociable and starts cutting her fringe. There are some common teenage problems like popularity, bullying, jealousy etc. depicted in the drama.

In the end, Shuji leaves school because his father is moving to Tokyo. Akira and Nobuta are left behind. Nobuta tells Akira to follow him to Tokyo because Shuji and Akira are best friends and need to be together. She becomes popular in school and says she can manage on her own. Akira obeys her and Shuji and Akira end up in the same school in the end. Nobuta remains in the same school but makes friends and remembers Shuji and Akira occassionally.

The drama was mediocre at best in my opinion. It is not much different from all the youth dramas out there. My boss, my hero is a much better version of Nobuta wo produce. It had an all star cast therefore, received good viewership ratings. Most actors despite being famous didn't act well.

The theme song, Seishun Amigo sung by Kamenashi Kazuya and Yamashita Tomoshisa sold over a million. The B sides Kizuna and Colourful were insert songs of Gokusen 2 and Dragon Zakura respectively in which the actors had main roles. Due to over promotion, the single sold well. The theme song is not very prominent in the drama.

Story-3.5/5
Characters-3.6/5
Acting-3.5/5
Script-4/5
Music-3.4/5
Overall-3.5/5

Pros

Yamashita Tomoshisa
Theme
All star cast

Cons

Acting
Stereotypical
Boring at some points because of bad acting and dull characters
Ending

Drama review- Atashinchi no danshi

2010-11-06T02:29:00.000-07:00

Atashinchi no danshi is a drama starring popular actress Maki Horikita. It had around 10% viewership.

Maki Horikita is a poor girl who lives in temporary tents with other poor people stealing food and visiting cybercafes. Her father abandoned her while she was young and left her a huge debt to pay. She is frequently hounded by loan sharks. One day, while running from creditors, she reaches an abandoned construction site where a rich man lands from his private jet and pays her loan. In exchange, she has to be his wife until his death after two months. Believing that this shouldn't be hard, she agrees. Only after his death does she discover that the contract she signed is ten feet long with many more details. He had adopted six sons each with a different personality. Maki Horikita's job includes looking after these rebellious youngsters, forcing them to eat together at the table, get along with each other, stamp their fingers, play games and discover the treasure that is hidden in Trick heart castle which is where they live.

One striking feature about this drama is the beautiful backdrops. Trick Heart castle's interiors as well as exteriors are eye candy. Almost all actors are good looking which makes this drama a visual treat. Since the director is the same person who directed Hana Kimi also starring Maki, the backdrops, style and everything is similar to it but inferior in a sense. The script is okay but Maki Horikita's acting is stiff.

The story progresses quite well with each member's family background, past experiences and interests being shown. Sho, has a son. The kid is supersmart and the oldest one was a biker. They learn to work with each other despite differences and make a loving family. Maki faces challenges but she overcomes these. Some sons stay with her just for the inheritance but later, they become attached to each other.

In the end, the siblings discover that Chisato is not their mother but the real daughter of the president and the marriage contract is fake. Many propose to her but she rejects. In a sense, she is their sister (step sister). The vice president decides to takeover the trick heart castle and capture the treasure. Chisato and the six men discover the treasure just in time. The treasure is a room full of gold biscuits and a story book which tells the touching story of seven knights who prevented the take over of Trick heart castle and discovered the most precious treasure called 'family'. The vice president, defeated by the president's foresight, gives up on the treasure. All the seven siblings go their seperate ways. Soem go back to their original parents with only Chisato remaining in the castle. Later, they all come back because they have become attached to their family.

It is a modern day Kamen Rider with a family twist. The ending especially was a little childish. The drama is a family drama.

Overall, okay for light entertainment but don't expect anything great and groundbreaking. A good drama for families to watch especially those with teenage kids.

Acting-3.6/5
Backdrops-4.4/5
Script-4/5
Characters-4/5
Story-4.2/5
Overall-4/5

Pros

Ending
Beautiful scenes
Theme
Characters

Cons

Maki Horikita's acting
Stereotypical family drama
Childish and inconsistent

J-Drama review- Celeb to Binbo Taro

2010-11-05T22:36:00.000-07:00

Taro Sato (Yusuke Kamiji) has been poor all his life. Since the death of his wife, his situation has become even more desperate as he has to raise his three kids by himself and has no real marketable skills. So when he applies for a job that he doesn't expect to get, as a chauffeur to a rich young woman, he's surprised when he does. His employer is Alice (Aya Ueto), your usual spoiled rich kid. Her father is a hotel magnate and her mother a popular actress. She's never wanted for anything her whole life and expects to get everything she wants. She and Taro have nothing in common, and, at least in the beginning, all they do is get on each other's nerves.

The drama stars Ueto Aya who is a very popular actress in Japan though I find her acting mediocre and Yusuke Kamiji, who is the guy you can see with Ayumi Hamasaki in her tours.

The drama is okay. It has an interesting start. The events take make unexpected turns. The last few episodes are especially good. The transformation of Alice from a selfish, rich, spoilt girl to a humble and caring person shows that every one can change. The drama was nothing spectacular. It had its share of good scenes and its share of boring scenes. The excessive potrayl of Taro's poverty was not so good. I mean, we know he is poor, no need to overemphasize it. The realtionship of Alice and Gotoda is one of the focal points of this story. The addition of friendly and caring side characters gives this drama a good atmosphere and makes it more watchable.

I would not strongly recommend watching this drama if you are looking for something great. It is actually mediocre. If you find yourself genuinely interested in the story or want to see Aya Ueto in many beautiful dresses, watch this drama.

Ratings
Plot-4
Characters-2
Actors-2.5
Script-3
Direction-3

Pros- Good character development
Eye candy settings and dresses

Cons- Cliched plot
Mediocre acting
Somewhat disappointing since it doesn't go where it seemed to be going

J-dorama review- Kimi Hanin Janai yo Ne?

2010-11-05T22:23:00.000-07:00

Morita Sakura is a peculiar "freeter" (freelance part-timer) who dreams of becoming a mystery novel writer. While switching between various jobs throughout the series, she also becomes an assistant to Officer Udagawa, a detective who discovers her excellent memory and reasoning skills. On the other hand, Udagawa (who has just joined the police ranks through his father's connections) is fairly inept and has a tendency to fall in love with female suspects.

Kimi Hanin Janai yo ne stars Kaname Jun who has acted in popular dramas before and Kanjiya Shihori who is also quite famous in the acting world.

The drama started out well. The fact that Morita Sakura is an aspiring novelist whose novels are always rejected by the editor, provided an interesting change from the usual detectives. Udagawa does have some sense but he usually is unable to get enough proof to prove his point. His character seems rather unrealistic at times, especially the fact that he is so gullible. The two make a terrible team, with Sakura doing everything and Udagawa present there just as her sidekick.

The first epiosde was somewhat good but the subsequent episodes were just copies of the first. The person Udagawa falls in love with always turns out to be thr criminal which was very annoying. Since the criminal is revealed within the first few minutes of the episode, there is not much left to find out. As a viewer, I found this a serious flaw. The mysteries are not complex like the ones in Galileo or Detective Conan. I could solve these mysteries easily.

Kimi Hanin Janai yo Ne? is a drama worth skipping. As a mystery drama it gets no points. The criminals are obvious, how they did it is too easy to figure out, the motives of all the criminals are pathetically weak and the characters are pretty boring. There is an attempt to spruce up the plot by using fragments of memory that Sakura cannot remember. It succesfully builds towards a climax but ends in an anti-climax in the last episode. The ending, though happy, was thoroughly disappointing.

A true waste of time.

Ratings
Plot-3
Script-3
Actors-4
Characters-2
Direction-3

Pros- Started off well
Unusual occupation (aspiring novelist) for a detective story

Cons- Kaname Jun does not act well
Unrealistic characters
All criminals have extremely weak motives
Not much suspense
It is neither mentally or emotionaly satisfying

Movie Review- Yellow tears

2010-11-05T05:01:00.000-07:00

Yellow tears is a movie starring all the five members of Arashi as the main characters. It is based on the manga 'The young ones' by Shinji Nagashima.

The story follows the experiences of four friends- a manga artist (Ninomiya Kaunari), an author (Sho Sakurai), A singer/composer (Aiba Masaki) and a painter (Ohno Satoshi) who decide to spend the summer of 1963 together in Ninomiya's house. All four have it hard trying to break into the artistic world. Ninomiya wants to write literary manga for children which is constantly rejected by his editor who thinks it won't sell. Sho Sakurai can't write a good novel. Aiba Masaki enters singing contests but can't seem to win and Ohno Satoshi paints well but is dissuaded by a tragic incident. All four of them decide to live at Ninomiya's house in the summer while trying to follow their dreams. They have to pawn the guitar, fountain pen, painting and clothes to eat. It follows the hardships of their life.

Ninomiya Kazunari gets the main role. Sho Sakurai, Aiba Masaki and Ohno Satoshi have a lot of role too. I was disappointed to know that Matsumoto Jun is only a side character. Kashii Yu is another side character who is Aiba Masaki's lover in the beginning but gets married to Matsujun in the end.

The series is realistic and I should warn viewers that the ending is not good. It maintains a lull and peaceful atmosphere, much like a lullaby. It vibrates with 1960s elements. I was surprised to see Arashi starring in a realistic and old movie like this. The songs resemble Kyu Sakamoto's style. Only enka was missing from the movie. There is nothing comic or modern about this movie at all. Its the kind of film you'd expect Hibari Misora not Arashi to act in.

Most of the series follows the protagonist's struggles and conflicts with reality. One thing I noticed was that none of the protagonists had any sense of business, commerciality or promotion. The singer just composed songs without thinking about recording deals, the painter paints without thinking of selling paintings or holding exhibitions and the author gets nowhere near completing his novel etc. Such poverty according to me is unrealistic but since the protagonists are not enterprising and cannot think of business, it is only obvious that they remain poor. The movie is rather pessimistic.

Aiba Masaki falls in love with Kashii Yu but later falls out of it. Ninomiya's ex girlfriend marries another man, the waitress Sho had a crush on marries someone in her home town. Most of the time, the protagonists live in poverty, trying to freeload on each other. However, their friendship is quite deep and they never blame each other. They decide to get serious in the middle of the movie but in the end, they give up on their dreams. Sho's favourite french novelist's saying- 'Life never deceives man. Life has never deceived man.' appears many times in the movie. Matsumoto Jun is a part timer who helps these four artists occassionally. He appears rarely in the movie.

Spoilers- In the end, they end up going their seperate ways after Ninomiya's mother dies and the others write him a touching letter. Shinkasen arrives in Japan and Olympics is hosted. A year later, they have a meeting in the 'ship' (a cafe). Sakurai Sho becomes a door to door salesman, Ohno Satoshi becomes a club manager in Alaska, Aiba Masaki becomes a construction worker and Nonomiya is the only one who follows his dream and continues to create manga he likes. The series was quite pessimistic. It is hard to believe that none of them succeeded especially after the writer shows their dedication to their craft.

Overall, a very realistic/pessimistic movie. Fans of Honey and clover might like it. It is rather oldish and viewers might find it hard to relate to a 1963 movie. Shinji Nagashima's works are based on the hard life of mangakas. He was Osamu Tezuka's assistant at one time. The movie is sleep inducing (boring) and very slow moving. The ending just put me off. Next time I hope Arashi acts in something better which does justice to their acting skills.

Characters- 4/5
Acting-3.4/5
Script- 3.5/5
Story- 3.6/5
Overall-3.7/5

Pros

Realistic Characters
Unique story
Theme

Cons

Ending
Boring/hard to relate to
Slow paced
Matsumoto Jun had very little role
No good songs
Pessimistic

Drama Review- Yukan Club

2010-11-05T01:31:00.000-07:00

Yukan Club is a popular shoujo manga and one of the best selling shoujos. It has not been liscenced but a drama adaptation was made. An anime was also created.
I started reading the manga but the illustrations are bad and all the chapters have not been scanned. Therefore, I decided to watch the drama.
The drama stars Kat tun's Akanishi Jin and Taguchi Junnosuke. Actresses Minami and Kashii Yu also act in the drama. Popular model Emi Suzuki of chinese origin acted in the drama too. It had around 12% ratings. Not too high. Akanishi Jin, Kashii Yu and Junnosuke Taguchi won awards for their performance in the drama.

The drama is about the life of six elites- son of the chief police inspector (Akanishi Jin), daughter of a single jewellery designer mother (Emi Suzuki), son of a hospital owner (Yokoyama Yu), daughtr of the Kenbishi corporarion's owner (Minami), son of the Swedish ambassador (Taguchi Junnosuke) and daughter of a popular artist and tea ceremony queen (Kashii Yu) who form a club to solve mysteries in the free time called Yukan Club (Leisure club).

Compared to dumb rich people like Tsukasa of HYD, these six are pretty smart. They solve complicated mysteries for killing time and sometimes to help people. Each have their own strenghts, weaknesses and motives.

The series incorporates supernatural elements with ghosts appearing in two episodes of the 10 episode drama. There is very little romance in the series and it is shallow. It is mainly a mystery series. The idea of six rich elites solving mysteries was unique. The mysteries are more of thrillers since they don't require much logic. Each character has a unique personality that somehow fits into mystery solving.

The mysteries are more realistic and do not seem to be cooked up just for the sake of the detectives solving them (unlike mystery mangas like Case closed, Kindaichi and Poirot). They are common issues like corruption, kidnapping, gambling etc. which are seen in society.

The members of the club with exception of one or two are generally bad at studying. They are the student council because they are popular in school. They have a private room with the sign 'Yukan Club' outside the door. The school somewhat looks like Trick heart castle from Atashinchi no danshi. The settings and backdrops were very beautiful and like Atashinchi no danshi. I think both dramas were shot in the same studio.

The script was decent and most characters acted well except Emi Suzuki who was stiff. The supporting characters were just as strong as the main characters. Chief inspector Tokimune and Kenbishi chairman Mansaku and his wife were among the most amusing side characters. The mysteries with the exception of the last one were not very serious and were there just to pass time.

Kat tun recorded the song 'Keep the faith' for the drama which became a #1 hit. The song plays only during the ending or some important scene. The series has a lot of comedy. It is light hearted.

Overall, a good drama for teens to watch. Good for light entertainment otherwise but nothing memorable. The series never gets serious. I want to read the manga. I hope it is liscenced soon. The story is a break from monotonous detectives, private eyes, love dramas and soap operas.

Acting- 4.3/5
Cast-3.2/5
Story-4.4/5
Backgrounds-4.4/5
Characters- 4.5/5
Overall-4.2/5

Pros

Acting
Unique Story
Characters
Backgrounds

Cons

Nothing memorable
The theme song didn't fit well
Some actors were stiff
Worse than the manga (from what I heard)

Japanese Movie review- Swing Girls

2010-11-04T19:40:00.000-07:00

Set in present-day Japan, Swing Girls is the story of girls who meet and are deeply fascinated by jazz. The heroine is a very typical Japanese teenager. Her character is suggestive of the hidden problem of today children. She lacks any special interests or motivation and dislikes making any effort. But when she discovers jazz, she discovers something she can be absorbed in and begins to transform herself. At first, she is not able to even make a noise. But she and her friends practice and come to be able to play their instruments. They slowly come to be fond of jazz and take part in a music competition.

Swing Girls was quite popular in Japan when it was released. It stars Juri Ueno, Kanjiya Shiori, Hiraoka Yuta, Motokariya Yuika and Yukari Toyoshima.

When I started watching the movie, I was immediately hooked to it. The goofy personalities of the characters is lovable. The way everything goes wrong in the beginning when the girls go to deliver lunches to the brass band is also hilarious. But the real fun starts after that, when they practice for the brass band. One of them blows bubbles with the trumpet instead of playing it! Through practice and hard work, they start showing some promise, but when the band returns, they have to give up. Undettered, Juri Uueno decides that she will make her own jazz Big Band.

The best thing about this movie was the comedy. You can't watch this movie without laughing all the time. The humour was what I loved the most about this movie and what kept me watching. The actors don't act too well which was one weak point. I have seen better from Juri Ueno in Nodame Cantabille. The actor (Hiraoka Yuta) seems too lost throughout the movie. I guess it is because this movie was a very early work of many of these artists and they have become better now.

The jazz instrumentals that they play in the end are quite nice and I love their body language which makes jazz seem more interesting. Their interpretation of jazz as loud and cheerful opposed to slow and melancholy shows the energy of youth.

Overall a great movie to watch and well worth its popularity.

Ratting

Characters-4
Acting-3
Cast-3.5
Direction-4
Script-4.7
Plot-4.3

Overall-4.2

Pros- Humour
Interesting characters

Cons- Poor acting

IMPORTANT NOTICE

2010-11-04T00:31:00.000-07:00

Review Carnival will no longer feature reviews on anime and games. It was getting too overwhelming to review so many things. The blog will now review books, manga, j dramas/movies and j pop only. Though know that some of you will be disappointed, it was necessary to do this. Review Carnival now is more focused than before and I think that is a good thing. Author interviews and free ebook giveaways will still be featured. The games and animes already reviewed will not be deleted and can be found in the archives.

Thank you for your time and support.

Bestcritic

Movie Review- G@me

2010-11-01T09:20:00.000-07:00

G@me is a 2003 thriller film starring Yukie Nakama and Naohito Fujiki as the protagonists. The movie received generally positive feedback. It was based on a thriller novel by Keigo Higashino.

The story revolves around the kidnapping of Yukie Nakama who is the daughter of Katsuragi, the famous vice president of Mikado beer. Naohito Fujiki is an employee in an advertising firm who is given the responsibility of designing a promotion plan for a new variety of beer produced by Mikado. Katsuragi coldly disapproves of his plan. To take revenge, Naohito plans to kidnap his daughter whom he sees sneaking out of the house that night. Yukie Nakama plays along because she wants the money.

The film is categorised as thriller and lives up to it. There are a lot of romantic elements in the story. There are several sub plots woven into the movie and it always has some shocking relevation to make. The whole kidnapping and sub plots are treated as games.
Just when the movie seems to be coming to an end, another shocking fact is revealed. However, due to Naohito Fujiki's stoic acting, nothing makes an impact. Yukie Nakama acts well for the role but this is not one of her great projects. The story (plot) is good. Katsuragi is clearly the best actor because he acts like he should.

The romance seems a little fake especially at the beginning. Yukie Nakama looks good, as always. I am a fan of Yukie Nakama and I saw the movie because she is acting in it. The movie is not very long (around 112 min.). The plot is what keeps the movie going. Still, the impact of twists and turns was minimised.

Another problem was the greatest problem faced by japanese movies- ambiguous ending. These kinds of endings work well for horror not for romance. Just when everything seems to be right, the ending suddenly takes a turn for the worse and Naohito Fujiki says 'game over'. It really annoyed me to see a stupid end like this to their romance. The romance is an important element of the storyline.

Overall, this movie was nothign great or even good. Okay for light entertainment but nothing more. The cast is what made this movie sell.

Acting- 3.9/5
Story-4.2/5
Music- 3/5
Characters- 4/5
Overall-3.5/5

Read free books online- 16 Harlequin FREE romances

2010-11-01T02:37:00.000-07:00

To celebrate sixty years of its existence, romance publisher Harlequin is offering 16 romance novels from different ranges completely FREE on their website. These include paranormal, modern, hisorical and French romances. Visit their site and download them:

http://harlequincelebrates.com/