Follow Friday (23)

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This week question is: 

What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get your hands on any particular book? 

I wouldn't call it crazy really. You see I have a thing for book covers. If I buy a book and then another version is released with a better cover, I'll try to buy it. The problem with this is that usually the covers I like better are UK editions! So I end up wasting this ridiculous amount of money on shipping just to get the cover I love...Okay, so maybe it's a little crazy. I've done this with the following books (US version left, UK version right):

Hmm I just noticed that I always go for the cover that has the characters in it. Interesting.

Review: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

The Night Circus

Author: Erin Morgenstern

Publisher: Doubleday, 2011

Genre: I'll call this…Magical Romance

Buy: Amazon ♥ B&N ♥ TBD

Overview

          The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night. 

          But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway—a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them, this is a game in which only one can be left standing, and the circus is but the stage for a remarkable battle of imagination and will. Despite themselves, however, Celia and Marco tumble headfirst into love—a deep, magical love that makes the lights flicker and the room grow warm whenever they so much as brush hands. 

          True love or not, the game must play out, and the fates of everyone involved, from the cast of extraordinary circus per­formers to the patrons, hang in the balance, suspended as precariously as the daring acrobats overhead.

Review: Roderick Blackwood and The Demon Stone by Ralph Rathbone

Roderick Blackwood 

and The Demon Stone

Author: Ralph Rathbone

Publisher: Bubbling Philtre Books, 2011

Genre: Urban Fantasy/ Demons

Buy: Amazon

Overview

When magician Roderick Blackwood puts on a show of his magical abilities for his friend, he attracts the attention of a demon named Belzial. Belzial forces him to go on a quest for a magical stone which was stolen by a rogue sorcerer. Roderick must face-off against many magical creatures and dangerous supernatural situations on his journey, and as his quest progresses, he comes to learn a shocking truth about himself and his place in the world.

My Review:

          Roderick Blackwood gets in a whole lot of trouble when, during a demon summoning performance for a friend, he catches a higher demon's attention. He is forced to do a favor for the demon, and in return he'll get to keep the powerful demon stone. Roderick's adventure is fun and witty. This arrogant mage will have to face demons, defend friends, and learn the shocking truth of his existence. 

          Roderick Blackwood and The Demon Stone is very fast paced, and yet I never felt at a loss for descriptions or other things. The dialogue is fun and clever, and it makes the characters become alive in the pages. There is never a dull moment with Roderick, lots of action involved in his quest. Some scary scenes too since we're dealing with bloodthirsty demons. 

          Overall a rather quick but enjoyable read. Well written, with plenty of interesting characters, you'll want to read this short fantasy novella.

*I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review*

Favorite Quotes:

"My dear Edward, the job of scaring a half-wit witless requires only fifty percent of the normal effort," said Roderick.