The Demon Trappers Daughter - Review & Giveaway

The Demon Trappers Daughter 

By Jana Oliver

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (February 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312614780

Riley Blackthorne just needs a chance to prove herself – and that’s exactly what the demons are counting on…

Seventeen-year-old Riley, the only daughter of legendary Demon Trapper, Paul Blackthorne, has always dreamed of following in her father's footsteps.  The good news is, with human society seriously disrupted by economic upheaval and Lucifer increasing the number of demons in all major cities, Atlanta’s local Trappers’ Guild needs all the help they can get – even from a girl. When she’s not keeping up with her homework or trying to manage her growing crush on fellow apprentice, Simon, Riley’s out saving distressed citizens from foul-mouthed little devils – Grade One Hellspawn only, of course, per the strict rules of the Guild. Life’s about as normal as can be for the average demon-trapping teen.

But then a Grade Five Geo-Fiend crashes Riley’s routine assignment at a library, jeopardizing her life and her chosen livelihood.  And, as if that wasn’t bad enough, sudden tragedy strikes the Trappers’ Guild, spinning Riley down a more dangerous path than she ever could have imagined. As her whole world crashes down around her, who can Riley trust with her heart – and her life?

My Review

A well written story, a bit different than any I have read recently which was a nice suprise. I enjoyed the characters very much and anything with a kick butt female is always fantastic. This book is the start of a new series which I am looking forward to continue as it comes out.

Great character development as well as action packed storyline that keeps you turning the pages. I enjoyed this book thoroughly and will recommend this book to those interested in newer storylines and urban/dark fantasy book lovers.

**Thanks to library thing early reviewers program, I have won and received two copies of this ARC, so you all get a chance to get your hands on a copy before it comes out in February.

To win a copy of this ARC, tell me if you would prefer to be a Demon Trapper- one who traps/collects demons, or a Demon Hunter- One who actually tracks and kills demons. 

Please also leave your email address so I can contact the winner. 

WOW- AMAZED!!!! Best Blog 2010 Nominee

WOW, WOW WOW!!!! I am completely in shock first of all it is Christmas Morning super early and I am catching up on my blogger stuff!

Only to find out I am in the running for Best Blog 2010!!! Excuse me a moment
SQQQQQQQQQQQQQQUUUUEAAAAAAAAAAALLLSSSS!!!!!!!

Ok, now that I have composed myself, you should all check out Natalies' site Mindful Musings and vote for the Readers Choice awards here

Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays

Wishing you all a Happy Holiday from our family to yours, may you have a safe and wonderful day!!!

Intervew & Review - W.C. Peever

1. What made you decide to go with Norse Mythology?

I love the world that the Norse God Odin created is the answer but it goes far deeper than that for me.  Tolkien used the Old Norse myths to create modern Fantasy; he literally paved the way for Percy Jackson and Harry Potter to exist.  What Tolkien failed do was tell the story of the Gods, in his books they seem to have disappeared altogether, and it always bothered me to some degree…So I took a stab at telling the story from the perspective of the 21^st century, and I fell in love with the world I created right under our noses.  There are so many possibilities to find out what happened to the Dwarves for example, I mean think of their personality and now think what would they do with the technology that we have today? 

2. Were there any previous storylines that helped formulate your ideas for this book?

I read all of the old Norse Myths to make sure I had a rich picture from which to “world build.”   Then I thought about all of the current fiction that is out there, The Inheritance Cycle, Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, and then I asked myself the question what story has yet to be told.  What I came up with was The Jumper Chronicles.

3. Out of all your character in this story, was there one that most relates to you, or a favorite?

Tillie and Bailey are both based on the two women that I have deeply loved in my life, one remains a good friend to this day and the other I married.  So one of these two girls is my favorite character, however I will not let on to which one just yet.  When I write, I tend to do so from Charlie/my perspective, and I am constantly putting my mannerisms and perspective into Charlie’s Character, so I suppose Charlie is me W.C.Peever (William Charles Peever)

4. Do you have any certain tools you use for writing, I.e. Music, motivational photos, special spots?

Post-it notes, they completely cover my walls when I am writing a novel.  They are great for organizing thoughts, reminding me of important dates, and they are really colorful!

5. What advice would you give to an inspiring writer?

Read, I know everyone says it but it is true.  You will become a better and more effect writer and editor if you read.  The more books the better, and get out of your comfort zone, read a Romance, read a Thriller…get the idea?  No one should write a book without first reading these a book from each of these Novelists.

Daniele Steele, Howard Fast, Herman Melville, J.K. Rowling, Tolkien, C.S.Lewis, Charles Dickens, Charles Darwin,  Ann Frank, Steven King, Jane Eyre, and Stephanie Meyer.  There are a tremendous amount of brilliant authors out there but if you have read a book from each of these authors you will have seen, and experienced an array of different writing styles that will help you find your own voice. 

Thank you for having me!  Book two is at the publisher now, and is in cue for editing.

As an avid reader of fantasy novels, I have certain standards, perhaps a bit high, as to the quality I expect. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality I encountered with The Jumper Chronicles. The book is geared to younger readers, late grade school to middle school level. Mr. Peever does a wonderful job of quickly engaging the reader at the beginning of the book while providing enough details so that the story moves along seamlessly, with a complete suspension of disbelief. His writing style makes it very easy for the reader to find the world plausible. The world itself is modern day with a Norse twist, something I find intriguing. I read much Greek and Roman mythology in books, it's refreshing to see something else.

The only flaw that really stood out to me, if you could call it a flaw, was a that there was a lot of parallels to Harry Potter, which if your a Potter fan, may not be a bad thing. In fact I would go so far to say that if you, or your child, likes Harry Potter, but it's still a little to advanced, this book may be just what you want.

In conclusion, I must applaud Mr. Peever for a book that in all honesty surprised me. I was not expecting a book that I couldn't put down. For that, I thank Mr. Peever for renewing my hopes of more quality Middle School level fantasy books. This is a great book and I, for one, am excited to read the rest of the series.

Update

So just a quick update as we all know the holidays can be super busy,

I have spent a lot of time reading but not so much time blogging and yes I am sorry, however, I will have a ton of reviews starting up again after the holidays.

Hope you all have a wonderful holiday season!.

Snowfall Giveaway #1

So, you all voted and with not much of a glance to the other choices you all picked a giveaway with up to 5 winners... well we just may have more it depends....

On what you ask, I have decided if I get to 500 Followers before christmas, well then ill up the amount of winners to 7.

Ok, so giveaway #1 will be a box giveaway, Medium Priority Mail box US only (don't worry International folks I know your there... and there will be great giveaways for you to!)

So for your entry you pretty much will get to choose as many books off the Grab Box list so I know what to pack in your box... There will be a form so its easy to just check them.

This will last till the 4th of December... get picking!!!!

Click Here for Entry Form