Blogger Talk: Novel Exposed: Discussion Post & Giveaway for A Temptation of Angels

Today Lisa (A Life Bound By Books) and I have shared with you our interview with A Temptation of Angels author Michelle Zink and some of our favorite quotes from the book. Now, we are doing an open discussion of the book where we share some of our thoughts and give readers a chance to join in and link up their review of A Temptation of Angels.

Discussion for A Temptation of Angels

A Temptation of Angels has some very strong personalities, what was your first impression of the main characters in the story?

I really like Helen immediately because she had amazing strength. I can't imagine going through what she had and it was amazing to see how she carried on. Then of course, there's Griffin who was a very nice surprise. His kindness was exactly what Helen needed and I think he was able to keep her focused on something positive. Raum was a shock for me (in a good way). I was surprised I like him so much. What about you?

I loved Helen right from the start also. I think she was incredible and I loved how the further you read the more she found her voice. She wanted to always stand on her own two feet when she could have let others take care of her. I loved that about her. And Griffin was such a support to her when she needed it most. She was able to open up to him when with everyone else she felt she needed to be stronger then she might have been. I liked that with Griffin we were able to see a softer side to her after all she's been through. And then Raum... wow, I can't wait to read more about him. Such a mystery. I wanted more of him in the story. Let's just say that when he appeared in the story I was a tad thrilled.

Yeah, I was so excited when Michelle said that we would be seeing more of him! I really want to read more of this story. I don't get to read a lot of books with that setting, or time period, so it was a nice change. But now I just need MORE!

Speaking of setting and time period, Michelle did a wonderful job of both, don't you think? What was your favorite part of both?

I remember reading Prophecy of the Sisters, Michelle's other series, and just being blown away by her writing. She really has a knack for writing some brilliant descriptions. It always flows so well and you can really visualize the setting. I loved how dark and spooky she made the streets. I also loved how you could really get the "historical" feeling when hearing about Helen's surroundings and even what she wore.

The descriptions were brilliant! I could visualize the streets and even the light and dark. It was easy to imagine what could or might be lurking in both places and for an author to make the light creepy... wow. HUGE props to her! I really had such an easy time with the time period due to the flow of writing and how I was so drawn into the story. Period pieces usually are hard for me to read, I can sometimes get bored easily, but not with Michelle's writing.

True. I think that's why I normally shy away from historical settings. Michelle mentioned that the next novel will be companion to this one. Are you sad that it isn't a sequel?

Really, I'm not sad, because she hinted that Raum's story isn't over and since I was most intrigued by him, I'm hoping that the next book he's a much larger part of the story? I'm excited to see what the companion book is all about. Are you?

Same. I honestly thought there would be a sequel so I was a little sad that the story would be changing next time, but I'm super excited to see what she does with this. And, to see more of Raum. I know his story is far from over but I do hope we get to see more of the characters from this book as well. I'd really miss Helen! She's a great character.

What did you guys think? Please leave us (spoiler-free) comments and we invite others to reply and join in. If you haven't read the book yet, just tell us what really makes you want to read it. 
 

Prize: 

• 1 winner will receive a finished copy of A Temptation of Angels and a $25 Gift Card!
• 1 other winner will receive an ARC of A Temptation of Angels.

Rules:

• You must be at least 13 to enter. 
• Name and email must be provided and counts as 1 entry.
• Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
• Contest is US/CA Only and ends May 14th.
• Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
• The form must be filled out to enter.  

You will find this form on A Life Bound By Books as well. PLEASE only fill it out ONCE!  

 

We wanted to do this feature as a way to promote a new release and get people involved in discussing the book. One of the best ways to find out about a book is to read the reviews. 

 

We would love you to join the discussion about the book. Leave comments, tell us what you thought, tell us why you want to read it, or ask questions. PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE SPOILERS! We don't want to ruin it for others, but we'd love to see what everyone thought of the story. 

Blogger Talk: Interview & Quotes for A Temptation of Angels by Michelle Zink

April's author and book have been a fantastic pick! Lisa (A Life Bound By Books) and I have been excited to share this interview and quotes with you. So, lets get right to it!

Title: A Temptation of Angels
Author: Michelle Zink
Publisher: Dial Books, 435 Pages, (March 20th, 2012)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | The Book Depository

Synopsis: Even angels make mistakes in this page-turning epic romance

When her parents are murdered before her eyes, sixteen-year-old Helen Cartwright finds herself launched into an underground London where a mysterious organization called the Dictata controls the balance of good and evil. Helen learns that she is one of three remaining angelic descendants charged with protecting the world's past, present, and future. Unbeknownst to her, she has been trained her whole life to accept this responsibility. Now, as she finds herself torn between the angelic brothers protecting her and the devastatingly handsome childhood friend who wants to destroy her, she must prepare to be brave, to be hunted, and above all to be strong, because temptation will be hard to resist, even for an angel.

Michelle Zink masterfully weaves historical fantasy with paranormal romance to create a gripping tale of love and betrayal.

Interview:

1. Was A Temptation of Angels more, or less, difficult than writing Prophecy of the Sisters?

Honestly, it was just... different. With Prophecy, I had a three-book story arc. Pacing that correctly was always at the forefront of my mind, because I wanted the series to get better and better rather than peter out toward the end. But writing Temptation as a stand-alone was also a challenge, because I had to tell the whole story in one book when my inclination is always to dig deeper. Both stories have heavy psychological undertones, though, and getting that right is always a challenge.

2. Could you share with us one thing about the main characters from A Temptation of Angels that we don't know but should?

While Helen comes to love one man by the end of the book, she values her independence and has no intention of marrying and living a traditional life at the close of TEMPTATION.

Griffin is every bit as strong as Darius but defers to his older brother because he knows Darius needs the illusion of control to feel safe.

Darius keep everyone at a distance - everyone except Anna - because he's afraid to be as vulnerable and wounded as he was after the execution of his parents

Raum's story is far from over.... Dun-dun-DUHN!

3. Since A Temptation of Angels is set in historic London, I'd suspect that research was one of the more interesting, if not highly entertaining, aspects behind writing this book. What was the most fascinating thing you found during your research that you just KNEW you had to include in the book?

There really wasn't anything. The historical research in my stories so far has always taken a back seat to the story itself. In fact, I remain surprised when anyone refers to my work as historical fiction, because I see my books as fantasies that happen to be set in the past rather then historical fiction. I don't know how to clarify the differences, except to say that for me, the story and unique world of that story always comes first. I never want that to be bogged down by too much historical detail.

4. I love everything about England. Do you have a favorite place you've had a chance to visit while there? And is there one placing in the UK you have yet to see and are most excited to visit one day?

Believe it or not, I've never actually been. As a single mother to four teenagers, the luxury of in-person research is often lost to me. I have to read a lot, talk to lots of people, and use GoogleEarth quite often! My first stop in England would be the henges, though, starting with Avebury since it plays such a prominent part in the Prophecy series.

5. There are a few handsome males in this book. Can you give us 3 words that you would use to describe each one?

Darius - sarcastic, protective, harsh.

Griffin - kind, strong, loyal.

Raum - conflicted, independent, lonely.

6. What was both the easiest and hardest part in writing A Temptation of Angels?

The easiest was setting and era. Writing Gothic fiction is second-nature for me.There is nothing I love writing  more than flickering candles, lamplight, creaking floors, and shadowed streets. The hardest part was developing the unique weaponry and mode of travel. I wanted the Keepers to have their own set of tools and wanted to give the world an edgy, Gothic James Bond atmosphere. But that required the invention of several new things. It was a fun challenge, though! I enjoyed pushing myself to create this Gothic/Thriller/Steampunk hybrid.

Quotes from A Temptation of Angels:

Some of Michelle's Favorite Quotes -

"I'm not very good with anything physical..." she began as they turned down a hallway she had never seen.
He flashed her a grin while they walked. "I find that hard to believe."

His muscled back rippled as he reached blindly for a towel on the washstand. She felt something inside her shake loose and expand, spreading like a hot wind through her veins as he stood, his broad shoulders and back fully revealed in the glow of the fire.

At first, his lips lingered gently on hers. She wasn't sure what to do. What came next. But it didn't matter. Even this was enough, and she stood as still as she could, not wanting the moment to end. Wanting his mouth on hers forever. The the passion between them erupted, and all at once, his mouth opened on hers and she fell into the warmth of this kiss.

She entered the ruined parlor, and for a moment, it was just as it was. There was Father with his paper, grumbling about the state of affairs. Mother was at the piano, playing so beautifully it made Helen's heart ache. She turned in a circle, taking it all in. Remembering.

Was it really as simple as that? Could she give herself the benediction of forgiveness that she had given Raum? She didn't know the answer. But as she leaned on tiptoe to kiss Raum's cheek, she knew she would try. She would try to remember the girl from the garden and her friend Raum. Their innocence and kindness to one another in the giving of small trinkets and simple friendship.

She would remember it all and grant that love and acceptance to those around her.

And maybe, just maybe, to herself.

A couple of Lisa's favorite quotes -

"It's all right." Griffin's voice came from her right, and she flinched at the feel of his hand on hers. "Trust me."
His voice was gentle, and when she looked into his eyes, instinctively, she did trust him. -- pg. 58

"Don't mind him." Griffin followed his brother with Helen in tow. "You'll get used to it."
 "I highly doubt that," she said. "And for the record, I have crossed a street before. All by myself, too." -- pg. 71

"Your eyes... I've only seen color like that once before, but... it cannot be." Something feel from his hand with a clatter as he backed away, into the shadows, shaking his head.
"It's you."
He turned and ran. -- Pg. 125

A couple of my favorite quotes -

"Even in the dark, Helen saw tenderness in her mother's eyes as she reached out, pulling Helen roughly in her body. In her mother's hair, Helen smelled roses from the garden, and on the fine surface of her mother's skin, the books to which her head was always bent. They were a memory all their own" -- p. 4

"His pain collided with her own until all she heard was the unspoken message in his statement. She swallowed her despair. She was not ready to consider her parents lost. Hope they were still alive was all she had left" -- p. 33

"She had to suppress the urge to protest. She did not want to work with something so sharp and dangerous. Now, as they made their way through the kitchen, she wanted to apologize in advance for the fiasco what would surely be her training with the sickle. "I'm not very good with anything physical..." she began as they turned down a hallway she had never seen. He flashed her a grin as they walked. "I find that hard to believe." " p. 144

Find Michelle Online:

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook




A Temptation of Angels Book Trailer:

We wanted to do this feature as a way to promote a new release and get people involved in discussing the book. One of the best ways to find out about a book is to read the reviews.

Please feel free to link your review of A TEMPTATION OF ANGELS that has been posted on your blog or Goodreads.

Rules: Please post ONLY your review of A TEMPTATION OF ANGELS.
Please provide the direct link in the linky.
You can include your rating of the book.

Example of link: Confessions of a Bookaholic - A Temptation of Angels Review (4 stars)

Team Dauntless: Street Team Wrap-Up Post

Hey everyone. We wanted to do a wrap-up post to thank everyone for all your hard work. You have blogged, vlogged, facebooked, and tweeted about our team, changed your avatars to Dauntless buttons, added the buttons to your pages, shared your fears and accomplishments, and truly showed your Dauntless pride! 

We cannot thank you enough for your effort. You all went above and beyond to help us out and it was so incredible to have so much support. 

We will post the Street Team winners on the 1st.

Now, it's time to share more answers to the question "Why do you want to join the Dauntless faction"

Dauntless are the brave, they don't let anything define them! They are free and determined. I want to join the Dauntless faction because I am free and determined and this is where i belong!
- Book Sisterhood

I wish to join the Dauntless faction because it feels like I would belong there. <3
- Carina's Books

 In Diveregent, I related most towards the dauntless faction I try to as determined as possible, sometimes it can even be a bad thing. I am impulsive like the dauntless of the book.
- Danasquare

 I want to be Dauntless because I believe courage and bravery are the most important qualities a person can have! It's not always easy to be courageous; in fact, it's one of the hardest things for a person to do. I admire bravery more than anything else in the world.
Also, I really like ziplines!
- Freeverse

I have become fearless in the face of being a single parent. I have faced a parents worse fear in seeing my son be treated as the "second-best" to his fathers DOG. To seeing him take all his daily medications without so much as one complaint. (What a trooper). I am lucky enough to know he is smart and more intuitive then I ever was at his age.
I have been able to stand up to his father and say, "Hey! That's not how you treat your kid! Get your act in gear and man up." I've faced him in court and maintained my dignity and in the face of loss and also in keeping calm when I have also been victorious.
I am a mother and I stand up for what I believe is right, even in front of many.
- Picked by Poison

To be brave and face all fears is what everyone should strive for! Who better than to FIGHT for what is right than the DAUNTLESS?!
- Booksforme2

Because I value bravery and courage. Plus Dauntless is just awesome! What other reason should there be?
- Sam C. 

I want to join team dauntless because I want to be brave. I might not be all the way but I want to be free and dauntless will push me to be how I want to be.
- Jennifer Lee

I'd rather be brave and do something than sit in an Ivory Tower like the Erudite. I would rather fight than be passive and always give myself to others like Abnegation. I would rather be able to lie when I need to as opposed to Candor, and I would like the option of defending myself as opposed to doing nothing with Amity.
- Birth of a New Witch

I want to join DAUNTLESS because I enjoy the rush and excitement of taking risks and facing my fears.
- Doodle's Book Blog

I want to join the Dauntless because I want to do things that I never thought I could do and be a part of something strong.
- Em and Em's Reviews

I want to join Dauntless because they believe in freedom from fear, and I'm sick of being afraid. I hate being scared or cowardly, it makes me feel weak and useless, and helpless.
I also want to join Dauntless because I believe in shouting for those who can only whisper, in the courage that drives one person to stand up for another. I believe in action, and I believe in ordinary acts of bravery.
I want to be brave. I want to face my fears and laugh and conquer them. I'm sick of sitting idly by and watching while others act, while others are brave. I want to join then. I WILL join them. Even the thought of Dauntless makes me brave. Dauntless has quite literally changed my life. Since choosing Dauntless, I have become more confident, bolder, less afraid. I know where I belong, and, sure Erudite has a pull for me, but I do not belong with them. I belong among the bold and brave. I belong in a place where I am free from the fear that has tied me down for years. I believe in realizing the extent to which fear rules us, and denying it the chance to change my decisions and control my life.
I believe that no other virtue is more important than bravery.
- Shout for Those Who Can Only Whisper

Besides the fact that Tris and Four are members, the Dauntless are brave and determined, which is what I am. I have had to be brave and strong to deal with my medical problems, so clearly Dauntless is where I belong.
- Shooting Stars Mag

I love the idea of Dauntless, this team seems to encompass many values found in the others teams, but makes those values "their own."
- Live to Read

I admire people who are brave and willing to do what must be done to accomplish great things. I want to be more brave and courageous in my actions.
- Hope Love Happy Endings

Divergent and Dauntless has saved me from going crazy, and this fandom tooootally needs to be bigger than it is because it was such a deserving book.
- Divergent for Life

Something exciting is always happening. It is challenging. You fight for your place. Its YOU who gets to decide. That's why i want to join Dauntless.
- Nic

Because I abide by the Team Motto.
- Reviewing Shelf

Because its the best team ever! :)
- Monica

We stand up and face our fears. We never back down, no matter what. A person can be truthful or smart or charitable, but it takes real courage and determination to face the worst of the days. And that's what Dauntless is about.
- Raven Fic

Dauntless is by far the best faction! I've always had a thirst for adventure and to be carefree and strong so Dauntless is the best faction for that! =]
- Booktastic Reviews

 I am Dauntless! Nothing will stop me from standing up for what I believe in!
- Words from the Tampa Bookworm

Why? Hmm......well, I'll start out with this. At first, I thought I was Erudite because I like reading about things, but then, I analized myself, and I can't say I like the fact that's all they ever do. I like adventure and risk, even if I still can't do some of them because I'm underage. (Which sucks). Anyway, what I'm saying is, that I value bravery a bit more than knowledge, both are important, but I feel that anyone can have knowledge, no matter what it is. Dauntless is a faction that promotes bravery, which is something not everyone has. I feel that with Dauntless, I can more so face my fears and kick butt while doing so.
Plus, I can't be selfless, I'm not a fan of total peace, and I can't only tell the truth. : )
There you have it.
- Reading in Paradise

Because I am Dauntless! =)
- Orchid

Because I'm fearless, strong, determined! I have the strenght to be in this faction! #TEAMDAUNTLESS TILL DEATH!
- Trayche

I am fearless! I also love Divergent!
- Diana

Because it is the best faction!! I am brave and fearless. Team Dauntless is where I belong. Faction Before Blood!!
- Book Loving Mom

Because I AM DAUNTLESS
- F. 

I want to join Dauntless because I believe everything I do in my life makes.me not only strong but brave too.
- Dee

It suits me well or at least better than anywhere else
- Taylor

Because of my obsession of divergent (soon to be insurgent also!), tris, four/tobias, and most of all because i am totally DAUNTLESS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Jenna

I want to be a part if the Dauntless faction because I want to be with othets who share my respect for bravery and fearlesness and are both of those qualities :).
- Halee

This faction is the most powerful in the sense that they're fit in their minds and bodies. They're poweful in multiple aspects, while other factions are solely based on one. I want this faction to make me well-rounded and able to defend the people of my faction and those inside the city.
- Maela

“We believe in ordinary acts of bravery, in the courage that drives one person to stand up for another.” Need I say more?
- Thoughts of the Chronically Indecisive

I'm fearless, and LOVE to take risks!
- Just a Girl Geek

Cuz we all need to let go and face our fears, no matter how large or small
- Heather

Because being on the street team is the next best thing to actually being in the Dauntless faction! Not to mention being as close as possible to Four...
- Christa

Because Dauntless is in my blood.
-Kayla

Because I was raised not to be afraid. To be strong and fearless. If I lived in Tris and Four's world I would absolutely be Dauntless! Go team Dauntless!!!
- Book Addictions by Christina

Bravery is something to value. I LOVE Four which is just one fabulous reason to join!
- Nocturne Romance Reads

Cauz I can stop a blackwidow spider with one stomp.
- The Optimistic Pessimist

I want to join the DAUNTLESS faction because I believe courage and standing up for the things you believe in is most important. You have to not be afraid to change the world for the BETTER and save it from the worse. I do not believe violence is DAUNTLESS but rather being able to change the world without it. I am strong. I am courageous. I AM DAUNTLESS.
- Sophie

 Tattoos
- Colleen

Because I wish that I could be so brave IRL, lol. Also, there's FOUR. My heart has always been drawn to Dauntless. FACTION BEFORE BLOOD!
- Book Breather

Life is too short to let fear overcome your chance to be brave and truly live.
- Cupcake Girly

Because I AM Dauntless =]
- The Consumption of Books

Dauntless has always seemed like the most exciting faction to me. To be honest, I've never really been very into the other factions. I always wanted to learn more about Dauntless and was kind of sad when I never really did. :( Plus, I work part-time in an independent bookstore (Next Chapter Bookshop) so I would love to give people even more reasons to buy Divergent.
- Zoey's Uncreatively Titled Blog

Because they fight their fears. They have courage.
- My Life is a Fairy Tale

Because I am not afraid to take risks, to enjoy life, and to face the world and stand up to what I believe in. How more dauntless can one get? ;)
- Maji Bookshelf

They say the Dauntless are brave and bold.They say the Dauntless are not afraid of heights and have few fears. Well, I want to show them that, though I may have fears, they won't be a problem when the time comes for me to be the bravest person on earth.
- Melissa

Because I believe that everyone needs a little bravery in their everyday life. There's a quote by Winston Churchill: "You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life." Standing up for your beliefs is something that takes guts to do, and guts are exactly what Dauntless has to offer.
- Brave New Shelf

I choose Dauntless because I believe that selflessness, knowledge, peace and kindness are worthless if you don't have the courage to stand up for your convictions and for others when it comes to the test.
- Songs and Stories

Above all else bravery is the quality that I value most in myself. I also want to see that quality strengthened even further. That is why I want to join the Dauntless faction!
- The Hapa Chick

It's SO obvious that this the best faction of them all. Tris was in that faction too so it has to be DAUNTLESS :)
- Mina

The Dauntless are fearless. They love to challenge themselves, and have a streak of adventure. But at the same time they are loyal, fierce and strong, and that is what makes you Dauntless!
- The Girl in a Cafe

I love that the Dauntless are so fearless and brave. I also love that Dauntless is somewhat intertwined with Abnegation. The Dauntless seem to have lots of fun and seem to care a lot about one another.
- Reviews from the Hammock

I want to join because in Divergent the Dauntless are strong and unforgiving. Also, they jump on trains! Don't you tell me that's not cool.
- Tara

Because i believe in bravery and the freedom to choose my own destiny.
- Fatoch

Everything worth having is worth fighting for. You can hope you don't have to fight, but you have an obligation to be ready.
- Claire G. 

Because I like to think of myself as brave.
- Srvaid

Because Dauntless is fearless, their badassery is just soo..inpiring. And the fact it can kill you is just...WOW. Dauntless also is far from perfect, but out imperfections let us rise.
- Kandee

I want to join the Dauntless faction because I love what Dauntless stands for. Like the manifesto says I believe in facing my fears, and in ordinary acts of bravery. I believe that if people were brave enough to speak their minds, the world would be a scarier, but better place. Out of all my friends, I was always the one who seeked adrenaline, the one who was not afraid, the one that was always the first person to go on the tallest and scariest roller coaster. Ever since Veronica Roth came out with the Dauntless manifesto, I stood by it.
- Nancy

I would love too join the Dauntless faction because being dauntless is about being fearless, brave and courages. I believe I am all of those and would support the faction at all costs.
- Ashleigh

I was born Dauntless. Trust me. (Or ask my Dad--I'm 1/2 of him).
- Nicole

My reason for joining undaunted is: i wanted to be surrounded with like minded people. i believe in justice. i believe in courage. i believe there is no point in limiting life. no point in silence.
- Travis

I want to be brave, courageous, determined, and strong. Thought at first people might not think I am that but deep down inside, I am brave, courageous, determined, and strong!
- FireStarBooks

I am a brave, courageous person and will fight for what I believe is right.
- Vicky's Volume's

Because I love taking new risks, and because it's the closest place to Four. (;
- Christa

Bravery is only as good as the fears one stands up to. I don't want to be fearless. I want to be brave.
- Eldabee

Because recently my life has been full of challenges and I've had to take crucial and important decisions with no fears. Specially if I have to protect my family. That's how I noticed I can be Dauntless.
Well, there's also the test, of course xD It confirmed I'm Dauntless all the way!
- Librarian Mouse

To be brave is to be strong, loyal, and face your fears. This is a constant struggle for those who face it head on and what i try and do everyday. Being dauntless means being able to protect not just yourself but all those you love and to be able to help those you don't know. This is what i strive to do.
- K.D. G.

Being Dauntless, in my opinion, means something beyond just having courage and no fear. You can be courageous, but now what? What you do with that courage is what really matters. That courage should be used to correct the unbalanced, unfair, corrupt world we live in. Tris inspired me to be Dauntless. I FELT it when she came to that revelation. I decided to stand up for the little guys. In my life, I've displayed Dauntless qualities. Recently, the Board of Education and High School administrators in my town have committed an injustice. Currently, I, along with my senior class, are fighting against that injustice. I am living a Dauntless life. I already am Dauntless.
- Amy B. 

Why do I want to join Dauntless?? Here's why:
1) Tris and Four!!!!!!!!!
2) In a hypothetical, unrealistic situation where they are cut off from all their sources and forced to live on their own, the Dauntless will survive.
3) They're cool and badass.
4) If you were to throw this faction into the Hunger Games, it'd be one heck of a show. They'd definitely be the ones to beat.
5) They're cool.
6 This is probably the only faction where training involves a paintball fight.
7) Probably the most fun to join. And they're all physically fit.
8) You can get tattoos and battlescars and stuff.
9) Even the name "Dauntless" sounds awesome.
10) They're cool.
- Anna V.

There is nothing more important than bravery. It leads us to stand up for what is right when no one else will. It allows us to be ourselves and defend ourselves. To be Dauntless means to be free. Plus, they clearly have the most fun.
- Not So Epic A.M.Y.- A

I wanted to join dauntless to remind me that to truely live you must be brave. You must let go of your fears to make way for experiences. You must find the strength and the courage to build yourself up again when you are knocked down. And you must grasp every opportunity as it comes to you or risk never getting the chance to again.
- Mischievous Pixie

I need to face my fears!
- Amy's Book Den

I've always wanted to be brave.
- Farin

I've always felt like I fit in with the Dauntless! I've been slowly overcoming some of my fears and I want to continue to be brave and overcome the rest of them! And not to mention, The DAUNTLESS ROCK! :)
- Hope, Faith, and Books

Dauntless are brave and not afraid to fight for what is right. They live on the edge and experience life to the fullest.
- Lai

I love adventure. I love risk. Sitting in one place isn't me, I want action.
- Anastasia

Because I believe in ordinary acts of bravery, in the courage that drives on person to stand up for another.
- The Maniacal Bookworm

I admire the bravery in this faction. Not only that, though I firmly believe in fighting for what you believe in, no matter what the cost may be.
- Geraldine

I want to stand up for other people, I want to be braver. Only the Dauntless faction can give me that!
- Isabella C. 

I have vowed to be in the Dauntless faction because this is the faction I belong in! I like to believe I'm a thrill seeker but I know I'm not - I want to be and I want to be able to face my fears. Having that courage will allow me to take risks and maybe one day be as brave as Tris and Four. They risk their very lives for what's important to them; be it friends, family, or love, and I want to be in a faction that promotes that type of bravery. I am ready to be Dauntless!!
P.S. So when is knife practice?
- The Bookworm is Here!

I want to join Dauntless because they are brave and exciting.
- Page Turner

They are brave people. Willing to do what needs to be done. They can do big things and understand whats important. Plus they are super cool!
- R. Mae

Well hells bells! Why wouldn't I? Slight addiction to tattoos? Check. Willingly jumps out of perfectly good airplanes? Check. Been known to have a problem with 'following the rules?' Check. Busts out in mama bear mode when someone I care about is being brought down? Check. Dauntless is to push the boundaries of WHO you are and WHAT you are willing to do to get what you want/need. Dauntless is to lead, not to follow. Dauntless is to DO when others say it can't be DONE. Dauntless is -- ME.
- Panic Written

Who wouldn't want to be Dauntless!!!!!!!!!!! Like its the best faction out there! :)
- Yasmine

I want to join cause I have very few fears, I love archery and things that gt my pulse going. I find life boring without things that scare me so im always bored. I am good with knives and a bow, I am decent with guns. This also seems fun
- Nitro

The Dauntless faction represents not only fearlessness, but bravery and selflessness. All of these things are important to me as I continue to grow in my life and in the book worlds created by many wonderful writers. The least I can do to represent how important Divergent has been in my life is to join TEAM DAUNTLESS!
- Miranda B. 

I believe that Justice must be served in any way possible, and bravery is one of the most important traits, for how would anything ever have been done without someone being brave, taking a risk? Everyone is weak, but we can be strong if we believe, are brave, and take those chances.
- Rachel M. 

It's where I belong!
- Ciji

I am in Dauntless because i will be brave and strong no matter what comes my way.
- Kendra

Because cowards can not be tolerated. because there needs to be justice, and i will fight till the end to see that justice is served. because i will fight for my brothers and sisters just as they will fight for me. because you don't always know where you stand until you know that you wont run away, and this is where i make my stand this is where i make my choice to stand shoulder to shoulder with my Dauntless brothers and sisters and prove there is nothing to fear, except fear itself.
- Mohawk

Why I want to join:
1. Because I believe that justice is more important than peace
2. Because I want to be free from fear
3. Because I believe in ordinary acts of bravery
4. And in Tris's words, "It was just because of the food." :)
- The Journey of a Young Writer

I personally love Dauntless. The strong, the brave, and the AMAZING all join together in one fabulous faction. I love to think that I'm all of the above. And the other factions? Well, they're going down. DAUNTLESS ALL THE WAY!
- My Adventures in Wonderland

I am brave like the Dauntless. I am the kind of person who takes things head on and not care what happens.
- Cole R.

 Thanks again for helping #TEAMDAUNTLESS for #DivergentNation!

Review: Bite Club by Rachel Caine

Bite Club by Rachel Caine
Publisher: NAL Hardcover (May 3rd, 2011)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Hardback: 340 pages
Series: The Morganville Vampires, #10
Rating: 4 of 5 stars

After discovering that vampires populate her town, college student Claire Danvers knows that the undead just want to live their lives. But someone else wants them to get ready to rumble.

There's a new extreme sport getting picked up on the Internet: bare—knuckle fights pitting captured vampires against each other—or humans. Tracking the remote signal leads Claire—accompanied by her friends and frenemies—to discover that what started as an online brawl will soon threaten everyone in Morganville..

Review:

Rachel Caine is one of the few authors who can keep a series interesting after so many books. I would give anything for this series to be a tv show. Wouldn't that be perfect!? In Bite Club there is a new activity in Morganville and Shane can't wait to get involved, but once he does, he doesn't want to let go. He gets obsessed with the idea of fighting vampires. 

Soon, Shane is going against Michael, Eve, and even Claire. They are surprised by his actions and try to find out what exactly is the purpose of this new fighting between humans and vampires. We have seen in the past that Shane has anger issues and thinks he can tackle anything. But this time his anger is out of control. He is struggling to deal with the things going on around him and the things that still haunt him from his past. Unlike with the other books, Bite Club gives us a chance to see from his POV. This was a perfect addition to this story because he was a central character and we really needed to see what was going on in his mind. 

Then Claire becomes determined to find out who is behind the fighting ring and what their plans are. With the support of Eve she goes on a mission to find out what's going on. 

Myrnin is as great and eccentric as he's always been. He plays a big part in this book as well so it was nice to get to know him even better. He's still one of my all-time favorite characters! Claire really shows even more maturity and strength in this book. It's really obvious how much older she is now. She is very capable of taking care of herself and as we see in this book, Shane doesn't need to worry about keeping an eye on her. She's really able to take charge and get things done on her own. 

Rachel Caine has created such a brilliant series that never fails to keep me at the edge of my seat. Her creative story lines and engaging characters make me feel like I am a resident of Morganville myself! If you haven't picked up the Morganville Vampires series yet, do it! I guarantee it will be a series you won't be able to stop reading till the very last word.

Recommended: People looking for a long paranormal series. Perfect for people who enjoy watching characters mature and change over time. Morganville will grab you and refuse to let go!

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12 Days of Morganville Madness: Interview & Giveaway for Bite Club by Rachel Caine

I am so happy to be part of the 12 days of Morganville Madness tour! The Morganville series by Rachel Caine was one of the first I picked up, and even after a few years, I still find myself hooked to this series. I am featuring the 10th book in this incredible series, Bite Club, and Rachel is here to tell us a little about it. Be sure to sign up below for a SIGNED copy of Bite Club and a Black Dawn bookmark.

Tour Stop #10 – BITE CLUB 

1. What kicked off the concept for this book?

You know, it seemed pretty obvious to me that Shane had anger issues to work through, and that he’d jump at the opportunity to join up with people who promised to provide a way to fight vampires. And that it would go badly, somehow.

2. Which character do I think stood out in this book, and why?

I think this was Shane’s book, through and through; it was also the first time I ventured into his point of view, because I knew that what he was going through wouldn’t be nearly as understandable if we just say what Claire saw. We needed to feel how he felt about it. And luckily, he had a lot to say.

3. Five things I loved about writing this book:

A. Changing POV. After 8 books written exclusively from Claire’s POV, this was a great way to break free and experiment.

B. This was a seriously dramatic turn of events – Shane, suddenly beginning to turn on his friends, and lose control of his temper. And his friends doubting him.

C. Fencing! I love fencing.

D. I really enjoyed finally pitting Shane and Claire against Bishop in a cage match.

E. Oh, hey, Mr. Bishop! Where you been?

4. Five things I didn't love about writing this book

A. Mr. Bishop. Man, that guy is no fun to write.

B. Shane’s descent into Angry Shane was difficult for me, since it contrasted so sharply with his usually snarky, funny tone in my head.

C. It’s surprisingly difficult to write a bunch of ‘roided-up angry people in groups, too. I just don’t know that many of them in real life.

D. I wanted more fencing. MORE.

E. There is no E.

5. If I could do this book over, what would I do differently, and why?

I would probably make Michael a little edgier, but I was intending to save that for the future.

6. Favorite quoted passage from the book

Myrnin sent a message through the portal -- well, more of a rock with a note tied to it, which rolled across the floor and scared Eve into a scream before the portal snapped shut.

Eve kicked the rock resentfully with her thick black boots and glared at it, then the wall. Claire, who was coming down the steps, gave her a what-the-hell kind of look.

"Your boss," Eve said, and reached down to grab the rock, "needs to figure out texting. Seriously. Who does this? Is he actually from the Stone Age?

7. What I learned from this book

I need to go to the gym more. A lot more.

 

8. Fun research moment

I ended up Googling all kinds of strange stuff for some reason, including fencing videos, which rekindled my love of movies with swords. Win!

Short Review

I wanted to share a short version of my review. The full review will be posted later today.


I'm not sure how Rachel Caine is able to keep this story flowing so well. There are so many series out there that seem to lose their spark after a few books. That is not the case with the Morganville series! The characters are so spectacular that you can't help but want to know what will happen to them next.  Claire continues to change and grow, and the rest of the Glass House is just so darn entertaining that it makes you wish they were part of your group of friends. Yes, even though Michael is a vampire :).

 

Bite Club by Rachel Caine
Publisher: NAL Hardcover (May 3rd, 2011)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Hardback: 340 pages
Series: The Morganville Vampires, #10

After discovering that vampires populate her town, college student Claire Danvers knows that the undead just want to live their lives. But someone else wants them to get ready to rumble.

There's a new extreme sport getting picked up on the Internet: bare—knuckle fights pitting captured vampires against each other—or humans. Tracking the remote signal leads Claire—accompanied by her friends and frenemies—to discover that what started as an online brawl will soon threaten everyone in Morganville..

Prize: 

• 1 winner will receive a SIGNED copy of Bite Club by Rachel Caine.

Rules:

• You must be at least 13 (or have permission) to enter. 
• Name and email must be provided.
• Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
• Contest is US only and ends May 13th.
• Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
• The form must be filled out to enter.

Website    |    Twitter    |    Goodreads   |    LiveJournal 

 Amazon    |    The Book Depository    |    Barnes & Noble Next Tour Stops 

April 30: LAST BREATH (Book 11)

http://www.literaladdiction.com/

MAY 1: BLACK DAWN (Book 12)

http://mundiemoms.blogspot.com/