Book Review: The Summer Prince

The Summer Prince

Author:  Alaya Dawn Johnson
Publisher:  Arthur A. Levin
Publish Date: March 1, 2013

Book Rating 5/5
Amazon /  Goodreads / NPR

Publisher's Description 

A heart-stopping story of love, death, technology, and art set amid the tropics of a futuristic Brazil.

The lush city of Palmares Três shimmers with tech and tradition, with screaming gossip casters and practiced politicians. In the midst of this vibrant metropolis, June Costa creates art that’s sure to make her legendary. But her dreams of fame become something more when she meets Enki, the bold new Summer King. The whole city falls in love with him (including June’s best friend, Gil). But June sees more to Enki than amber eyes and a lethal samba. She sees a fellow artist.

Together, June and Enki will stage explosive, dramatic projects that Palmares Três will never forget. They will add fuel to a growing rebellion against the government’s strict limits on new tech. And June will fall deeply, unfortunately in love with Enki. Because like all Summer Kings before him, Enki is destined to die.

Pulsing with the beat of futuristic Brazil, burning with the passions of its characters, and overflowing with ideas, this fiery novel will leave you eager for more from Alaya Dawn Johnson.

Book Review

Book Recevied : Bought

Why I Picked it up: I read the review for this book at NPR. Then I went to my bookstore and read the first few pages. After going back and forth to the bookstore over the next few days. I bought the book. I finished it in one night. The culture of Palmares Três is rich and lush in imagery and life.  The characters move and dance off the pages. 

Why I finished it: I want more. I do not know if there will be more. THere has been some room left open for a squeal  I hope she writes one.   

Who I would give it to: Jess, she would devour this book form cover to cover. 

Book Review: Shades of Milk and Honey

Shades of Milk and Honey 

Author: Mary Robinette Kowal
Publisher:  Tor Books
Publish Date: August 3rd 2012
Series: Glamourist Histories #1
Book Rating 4/5

Amazon /  Goodreads / The Book Depository

Publisher's Description 

Shades of Milk and Honey is an intimate portrait of Jane Ellsworth, a woman ahead of her time in a version of Regency England where the manipulation of glamour is considered an essential skill for a lady of quality. But despite the prevalence of magic in everyday life, other aspects of Dorchester’s society are not that different: Jane and her sister Melody’s lives still revolve around vying for the attentions of eligible men.

Jane resists this fate, and rightly so: while her skill with glamour is remarkable, it is her sister who is fair of face, and therefore wins the lion’s share of the attention. At the ripe old age of twenty-eight, Jane has resigned herself to being invisible forever. But when her family’s honor is threatened, she finds that she must push her skills to the limit in order to set things right–and, in the process, accidentally wanders into a love story of her own.

Book received:  Rented 

Why I Picked it up: The cover of the sequel, Glamour in Glass, caught my eye one day when I was browsing in the library.

Why I finished it:  I enjoyed the book and the strong women in the book. They were reminiscent of Jane Austin’s women who tried to remain true to themselves in the face of society.

Who I would give it to: I would give it to, my co-worker who loves Jane Austin novels. They would become immersed the details of the everyday life, form the painting, sewing, dancing and magic. 

Shakespeare's Birthday (black and white)

Today was a good day. I used yesterday's outfit as a springboard for today's. Same basic pieces but a blank and whit printed top. Also chainmail pearl necklace. Today is Shakespeare's Birthday . Happy Birthday to the Bard on the Avon. It is also World Book Night. this year I was able to participate as a giver. So, that means i had out twenty books to strangers.People who viewed themselves as non-readers or light readers. After, picking up my books at the local library I took them out in to the world. I was giving out Code Name Verity. 

This is a wonderful book. The books are special in that they are printed with new covers just for this one night. These books are not to bought or sold only to be given. It is great. Today I was able to twenty random acts of kindness. I even had a couple people said I made there day, which in turn made mine. 

Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún

Pants JC Penny, Top and Sweater New York and Company 

Earth Day

Happy Earth Day!!! Today was a lovely almost rainy day. Perfect to garden or go outside and read. A last, there was work and exams. Yay, one final down, one more to go. So, for Earth day I went planted some seeds. It was on a whim, so there are no pictures. I also turned off everything in house and unplugged everything. Just for an hour. I went outside, with all the pollen and enjoyed the beauty of the Earth. This lovely planet that we have been gifted.  What did you do for Earth Day? 

Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún

Pants JC Penny, Top and Sweater New York and Company 
Necklace you can find similar at here and here

A cup of tea

It is late. The day is done and tomorrow we do it all again. Life, feels like it s dragging on, and dragging us with it. Our hearts feel heavy and burned. But we can open them up. Open them up to care. To care and to let go. Something’s can not be changed. They are as, they are. Be accepting and tolerant. Be strong and kind. Kindness is strength. You need to know yourself. To know your own person and what can allow, while still being accepting of others. This dose not mean, you allow for other to hurt you or abuse you or use you. Deception happens. It happens when we trust. When we open ourselves up to others. But understand, life can be very lonely, take a chance and learn. The people that are meant to be in your life will come to you and never leave. We chose to care. Caring is wondering. Ego can sometimes times get in the way of caring. Let go of ego. Care for others. Fix problems. Let things get better. Life goes on. It dose not stand still. Move, let go. Enjoy it all. BREATH. Care about those who care form you. The others who take up space in your mind. Who live in your head and heart rent free. The ones that poison you, with every breath you take. Evict them. Evict them for head and your heart. Evict those who despise you. Who hurt you! Give them their notice and let your loved ones in.  The ones who love you. The people who matter. 

Love them. Love them and fill your soul with love. Until it is brimming over. Until it shins from your fingertips. 

Love, Love, Love! Love yourself. Fill everyday. Every moment that you can with incandescent Love. 

Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún

Easter baskets

Easter baskets and Easter Morning, just seem to go hand in hand. So I was given a a cute little Easter basket.I had a lot of  foot products from Avon. I also received a bunny from build a bear.

 Once I removed the cup there  was chocolate. Chocolate!  along with a magic wand.
Really Easter bunny!? Halloween chocolate. Well I hope it is still good. More chocolate for me.

Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún

Loot Crate

During a very busy day a wonderful package arrived in the mail. Our first Loot Crate. It is a monthly service like Glossy Box or other monthly box subscriptions. This one is tailored more to the geeks and gamers.

It was dragons this month. Above are a few of the cool things we received. The guys really enjoyed it. I was hoping to hide it until Easter, but they got to the door before me. Ah well. Almost. I am just pleased that they enjoyed it so much. I am wondering what next month will bring. As for myself after looking at the past crates I was a little disappointed. Loot Crate is starting to have many different items made of them, so I am not sure about the cost of each item. There were two exclusive pieces so that was nice, but it did not have the variety that I was expecting to receive in the box. The nord form the new Elder Scrolls Online was nice, we also received John Snow.

Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún