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    Book Smuggler Specialties

    We do at least two of these conversational-style joint reviews a month
    ------------------------------------
    Interviews with authors whose books we have reviewed
    ------------------------------------
    Authors whose books we have reviewed talk about their writing inspirations and influences
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    Reviews of books that have made it to the big screen
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    Monthly feature in which we "dare" guest reviewers to read & review books outside of their comfort zones
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    Feature in which each Smuggler reads and reviews a book that the other has already reviewed
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    Weekly feature in which each Smuggler discloses upcoming titles they cannot wait to read
    ------------------------------------
    Feature in which we ask the often controversial question: Do Covers Matter?
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    Reviews by Rating

    Rating System

    10 One of the best books I have ever read
    9 Damn near perfection
    8 Excellent
    7 Very good
    6 Good, recommend with reservations
    5 Meh, take it or leave it
    4 Bad, but not without some merit
    3 Horrible, barely readable
    2 Complete waste of time
    1 One of the worst books I have ever read; I want my money (and a few hours of my life) back
    0 Did not finish


Smugglers Stash

Another Sunday, another stash! (No football though)

News, News, News

frozen-blood fourtold

We have just learned that Joel Sutherland and Mike Stone have BOTH made the preliminary ballot for the Bram Stoker Award!!!!!! Joel’s debut novel Frozen Blood (our review HERE; interview with Joel HERE) has gotten a nod in the “Superior Achievement in a First Novel” catergory, while Mike’s collection Fourtold (our review HERE; interview with Mike HERE) has been honored in the “Superior Achievement in a Collection” category.

We have read, reviewed and loved both works and are so thrilled that Joel and Mike’s talent are being recognized by the horror community. A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO BOTH OF YOU! And we will keep our fingers crossed that you will both make the final ballot and officially become nominees.

For anyone (especially active HWA members) who might be interested in reading Frozen Blood or Fourtold for consideration, please check out Joel’s and Mike’s blogs.

Speaking of authors, The Deadline Dames website & blog is now up and running! Noted urban fantasy, paranormal romance and YA authors Rachel Vincent, Devon Monk, Jackie Kessler, Jenna Black, Keri Arthur, Lilith Saintcrow, Rinda Elliot, Toni Andres, and our very own Karen Mahoney make up the femme fatale team that runs the blog. They offer awesome giveaways, writerly advice, and just some damn insightful commentary on writing and publishing in general. Make sure to stop by and say hi to the Dames.

In book news, information about the sequel to the smash hit dystopian YA novel The Hunger Games has been officially released! Catching Fire will be in stores on September 8, 2009–and apparently it’s gonna be a doozy. If anyone’s planning on attending BookExpo America in NY this May, ARCs will be handed out!

catching-fire

We loved The Hunger Games and eagerly await the release of Catching Fire this fall.

This Week on The Book Smugglers:

We have got a helluva week planned for you–are you ready?

talk-me-down

On Monday, Ana and Katie (aka Bubbles and Blossum) team up for another Powerpuff Review–Victoria Dahl’s contemporary romance, Talk Me Down. Will they love it or hate it? Will they agree? We shall see.

sandman-1

On Wednesday, we bring you yet another Guest Dare! Graeme of Graeme’s Fantasy Book Review will be here, giving us his review of Sandman Vol. 1: Preludes and Nocturnes by Neil Gaiman! (Yes, we realize this will be the third review for Preludes and Nocturnes on The Book Smugglers…if you read the Sandman, you will understand the obsession!).

briar-king

There’s a twist though! Graeme graciously accepted our Dare, but then he turned around and Dared us back (that dirty rat)! So, on Wednesday while Graeme’s over here, we will be over at his blog giving our joint review of fantasy novel The Briar King by Greg Keyes! Make sure to stop by and say hi to us.

magic-knot

On Thursday, Ana will have an early ARC review for The Magic Knot by Helen Scott Taylor.

But the really big news is…

The Big Cheese:

You may have recalled that in last week’s stash, we alluded to a certain established, popular author. On Friday, Thea will have her review of Bone Crossed by Patricia Briggs! That’s not all though–we will also be giving away ONE copy of the book (the giveaway will run for the weekend).

bone-crossed

But wait–that’s STILL not all. The review and giveaway marks just the beginning of our Patricia Briggs coverage. On February 8th, Thea will hold an in-person interview with Patricia Briggs herself–and we’ll have another giveaway (details to be announced)! So stay tuned dudes.

Also, Patricia will be on tour during February, promoting Bone Crossed! If you can, try to check her out at a city near you!

February 3
University Books
7:00PM
Seattle, Washington

February 4
Third Place Books
7:00PM
Lake Forest Park, Washington

February 5
Powell’s Books (Beaverton Store)
7:00PM
Portland, Oregon

February 6
Borderlands Books
7:00PM
San Francisco, California

February 7
Mysterious Galaxy Books
2:00PM
San Diego, California

February 8
Barnes & Noble (Bella Terra)
2:00PM
Huntington Beach, California

February 9
Borders (Waters Place)
7:00PM
Ann Arbor, Michigan

And that’s all folks!

spiderman

~Your friendly neighborhood Book Smugglers.


15 Comments so far
Leave a comment

  • Comment by Michael StoneNo Gravatar on January 25, 2009 at 5:03 am

    Thanks for the congrats, guys!

    1   


  • Pingback by Smugglers Stash on January 25, 2009 at 7:42 am

    [...] Random Feed wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptAnother Sunday, another stash! (No football though) News, News, News We have just learned that Joel Sutherland and Mike Stone have BOTH made the preliminary ballot for the Bram Stoker Award!!!!!! Joel’s debut novel Frozen Blood (our review HERE; interview with Joel HERE) has gotten a nod in the “Superior Achievement in a First Novel” catergory, while Mike’s collection Fourtold (our review HERE; interview with Mike HERE) has been honored in the “Superior Achievement in a Collection” categor [...]

    2   


  • Comment by KMontNo Gravatar on January 25, 2009 at 8:22 am

    I had a feeling it would be Briggs! Very cool. I didn’t want to look at that tour schedule though. Yes, I’m pouting. No one ever makes it to my neck of the woods. :(

    Looking forward to all the Smuggler goodies this week. :)

    3   


  • Comment by katiebabsNo Gravatar on January 25, 2009 at 10:50 am

    Oh no the pressure is on to deliver another wonderful Puff review! 8O

    4   


  • Comment by TheaNo Gravatar on January 25, 2009 at 11:19 am

    Mike–Our pleasure! We’re so very excited for you and Joel, and we’ll be keeping our fingers crossed for you! :D

    Kmont–Awww. You know what sucks? Even though I’m in LA (one of the largest, most important cities in the US), it’s rare that authors come here on their book tours. It’s always San Diego, or San Francisco. :evil: Bizarre. This time I totally lucked out! I’m really nervous/excited for the PB interview!

    Katie–It’s on like Donkey Kong. :twisted:

    5   


  • Comment by KrisNo Gravatar on January 25, 2009 at 1:21 pm

    8O Catching. Fire. 8O

    6   


  • Comment by ChristineNo Gravatar on January 25, 2009 at 1:58 pm

    If anyone’s planning on attending BookExpo America in NY this May, ARCs will be handed out!

    YAY!!! I wasn’t planning to attend… but I am NOW! I’m going to find out more info about the Expo. Hopefully it’s not the same weekend in May that I’m taking a gaggle of 10 year olds camping… or the same weekend as the big dance recital. LOL!

    I’m looking forward to Ana’s review of The Magic Knot. That’s one I’ve been debating about picking up.

    And Bone Crossed??! Green with envy that you’ve read it already, but excited to read your thoughts on it.

    7   


  • Comment by Joel A. SutherlandNo Gravatar on January 25, 2009 at 2:37 pm

    It’s a great feeling knowing The Book Smugglers are rooting for Mike and I. Thanks so much, guys!

    8   


  • Comment by oranniaNo Gravatar on January 25, 2009 at 2:48 pm

    Am so looking forward to the Talk Me Down review – no pressure guys :)

    And a review of Bone Crossed! *bounce bounce* Am SO excited about this book it isn’t funny! And YAH for all those people who get to meet Patty! Until Patty ventures below the Equator I will just have to live vicariously :)

    9   


  • Comment by TiahNo Gravatar on January 25, 2009 at 3:00 pm

    Phew, I got tired just reading all of this awesomeness! Can’t wait for the interview, I love author interviews!

    10   


  • Comment by AngieNo Gravatar on January 25, 2009 at 9:22 pm

    You guys continue to be awesomely awesome. Can’t wait for the Briggs interview!

    11   


  • Comment by AymlessNo Gravatar on January 26, 2009 at 9:56 pm

    Wheee! Can’t wait… way maybe I should the Mercy books I already have… oh the choices and decision.

    8O

    12   


  • Comment by Bridget LockeNo Gravatar on January 26, 2009 at 10:21 pm

    Patricia Briggs is coming to my fair city! Whoot! The day AFTER her book comes out. *sigh*

    But, she’s coming to Portland! *happy dance*

    13   


  • Comment by Karen MahoneyNo Gravatar on January 27, 2009 at 1:18 am

    Hey! I meant to say, THANKS for giving the Dames a shout out. You rock!! :)

    Also, I love that pic of Spidey… *steals*

    14   


  • Comment by Alma HudsonNo Gravatar on January 27, 2009 at 8:27 pm

    I would like to suggest my book, Checkered Fences, for reading. It’s an adult fiction based upon my life growing up in the 60’s & 70’s, political and social changes at that time, and an interracial relationship. I wrote it with the election of our first black president in mind and recent political & social changes. My website is http://www.eloquentbooks.com/CheckeredFences.html. I would like to hear from you what your feeling are about my book.
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    CHECKERED FENCES

    A Fictional Novel of Social Significance Set During the Turbulent 1970s

    Checkered Fences is a novel of remarkable insight and a tribute to our world’s changing social and political climate.

    Author Alma Hudson’s novel brings racial issues to the forefront with delicate balance and thoughtful compassion.

    Diane Jones, an African-American 18-year old honors student takes a job as a nanny to a prestigious white family, Jerry and Ann Shaw, before entering college. It’s the late 1970s in California and while racial issues are coming to the forefront, Diane comes face to face with those issues. She quickly becomes a respected friend and member of their blended family, paying special attention to their eight-year old son, Chad, Ann’s son from a previous marriage. The Shaw’s eldest son, David returns home for the summer and an immediate attraction sparks between Diane and David. They began a secretive love affair.

    Can Diane’s proud, traditional family accept a white man as Diane’s love interest? Will the Shaw family value her as David’s potential partner? As their love affair blossoms, Diane and David make their relationship public.

    This story of an interracial love during the turbulent 70s deftly explores the ugly racism that propelled our nation’s conscious to change toward a more diversified culture. Written with sophisticated realism, Hudson’s novel stands out as a literary piece of significance during our present-day political climate.

    Publisher’s website: http://www.eloquentbooks.com/CheckeredFences.html

    About the Author:

    Alma Hudson works in legal management and is actively involved in community and environmental issues. Ms. Hudson has an Associate’s and Bachelor of Arts Degree and lives with her two children and husband, Eugene in Lancaster, California. Checkered Fences is her first novel.

    For media inquiries, appearances, or other publicity — please contact:
    Ellen Green — PressManager@aegpublishinggroup.com

    AEG Publishing Group, Inc.
    845 Third Avenue, 6th floor-6016 – New York, NY 10022
    http://www.Strategicbookpublishing.comhttp://www.EloquentBooks.comhttp://www.StrategicBookMarketing.com
    1-888-808-6190 – Corporate Office
    ###

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      We are two completely obsessed, sad, sick addicts when it comes to books. Faced with threats and cynicisms from our significant others and because of the massive amounts of time and money we spend at Amazon.com, we resorted to getting books delivered to our offices and then smuggling them into our homes (in huge handbags) to avoid detection. Here we found a perfect outlet for our obsession! Reviews, recommendations, and other ponderings are our specialty.

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