Today, my Wordless Wednesday feature is "WoW" or Waiting on Wednesday, a weekly blog link-up hosted by Breaking the Spine.
Title:Dauntless (Valiant Hearts #1) Author: Dina L. Sleiman Publication Date: March3, 2015 - Bethany House Publishing
About the Book:
"Born a baron's daughter, Lady Merry Ellison is now an enemy of the throne after her father's failed assassination attempt upon the king. Bold and uniquely skilled, she is willing to go to any lengths to protect the orphaned children of her former village--a group that becomes known as 'The Ghosts of Farthingale Forest.' Merry finds her charge more difficult as their growing notoriety brings increasing trouble their way.
Timothy Grey, ninth child of the Baron of Greyham, longs to perform some feat so legendary that he will rise from obscurity and earn a title of his own. When the Ghosts of Farthingale Forest are spotted in Wyndeshire, where he serves as assistant to the local earl, he might have found his chance. But when he comes face-to-face with the leader of the thieves, he's forced to reexamine everything he's known."
Why I'm "WoW" about Dauntless:
Because in my humble opinion, there is never enough medieval-styled worlds in Christian YA. =P According to her blog, Sleiman was inspired to write this book when watching BBC's Robin Hood series. Her publisher's book announcement called the protagonist, Merry, " ... a stong heroine in the tradition of Katniss Everdeen and Tris Prior." Perhaps to be taken with a grain of salt, but I'm definitely sold by the book cover alone --it's gorgeous! I may have to put Merry on my list of characters costumes to recreate ... *wink*
Also, that title! Anyway ... I can't wait until I get my copy! Curious to learn more? You can read an excerpt here.
Are there any book releases you can't wait for? What do you think about Dauntless?
“Growing up, goody-two-shoes Kirra Jacobs and
trouble-maker Reef McKenna were always at odds. Now as they work
search-and-rescue together for Alaska’s arduous Iditarod race, a growing
attraction seems to be forcing aside old arguments. Then Reef catches Kirra
sneaking from camp in the middle of the night. Kirra’s uncle, a musher in the race, has disappeared.
Kirra and Reef quickly track the man, but what they discover is harrowing:
Frank’s daughter has been kidnapped. Kirra and Reef, along with the entire
McKenna family, are thrown into a race to stop a shadowy villain who is not
only threatening a girl’s life –but appears willing to unleash one of the
largest disasters Alaska has ever seen.”
The Artist Librarian Review:
If you read Dani Pettrey’s previous novel, Silenced,
you probably got a hint of who the protagonists of this final book would be. Their scenes together left me eagerly waiting for Kirra
and Reef’s story!
It’s almost fitting that the youngest McKenna son
closes out the Alaskan courage series. Sabotaged really showcases Reef’s growth
throughout the series from being a somewhat reckless, aspiring extreme sports
athlete (whose dramatic appearance in Shattered was the catalyst of book 2), to
a reformed (but still heart-stopping) hero.Losing his parents at a young age may have temporarily led Reef to
isolate himself from God and his family, but I think Reef’s protective,
gentlemanly tendencies would make both his parents and big brother Cole proud.They taught him well and his life is a testimony to how God can work in a person's life.
My favorite Alaskan Courage books featured
protagonists who grew up together or knew each other from childhood (e.g. Submerged
and Shattered), so I had a feeling I was going to like Sabotaged.Kirra Jacobs is a juxtaposition of strength
and vulnerability.The secret burden she
carried was heartbreaking as a reader to realize as I unraveled hints that lead
up to a quiet climax and a turning point in Kirra and Reef’s relationship.I give Pettrey credit for tackling such a difficult
subject. Though I still like to imagine a conversation in which Kirra is
encouraged to go to the authorities, in the end, I thought the resolution to
that portion of the story was satisfying.
As Reef and Kirra dig into her uncle’s and cousin’s pasts, it seems that there’s more to Frank and Meg than what they appear on the
surface. Who is the behind Meg's kidnapping and what is he using Frank for? The entire McKenna family will have to assist Reef and Kirra to find out ...
I've been following this series since it debuted in 2012, so it's bittersweet to say good-bye to the McKennas. Pettrey is a worthy successor to the paths paved by Dee Henderson's O'Malley series for Christian fiction. Sabotaged features all the suspense, mystery, and romance Dani Pettrey fans will enjoy.
Do you read a lot of Romantic Suspense? What do you like about the
genre? What authors or books would you recommend and why?
About the Author:
"Dani Pettrey is a wife, home-schooling mom, and the acclaimed author of the romantic suspense series Alaskan Courage, which includes her bestselling novels Submerged, Shattered, Stranded, Silenced, and her latest release, Sabotaged. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail biting suspense, the deepening of her characters’ faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland, where they enjoy time with their daughters, son-in-law, and super-adorable grandson."
[Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this
title from the author.No compensation
was received and the opinions expressed are my own.]
GIVEAWAY! Bethany House Publishing has graciously offered a chance for one of my readers to win a paperback copy of Sabotaged! (U.S.A. residents, 18 years and older only.) The
drawing will be held March 1, 2015 and the winner will have 24
hours to respond to the email. Enter via the Rafflecopter widget
below (please read the full terms and conditions there). If you have trouble, contact me and I will enter you manually.
With the 87th Academy Award winners announced yesterday, I thought I'd go over the animated feature films nominated for the Oscars and other awards over the last quarter. I meant to get this out before the Oscars were revealed, but long story short, I accidentally erased my blog post (note to self, always write up in a word processor first)! *facepalm* So without further adieu ... Oscars - Best Animated Feature Film: Big Hero 6 - Walt Disney Animation Studio
--So, I admit, the Berkian (How to Train Your Dragon fan) in me was disappointed that Big Hero 6 took home the Oscar, but I am eager to get my hands on "BH6" (especially now that it won the Academy Award). After checking out this interview with Disney Animation Studios Chief Technology Officer, Andy Hendrickson talking about new graphics technology developed for BH6, I'm curious to see how "this film is more complex than our [Disney's] last three films combined."
The Boxtrolls - Focus Features/Laika
--I just saw The Boxtrolls (the first stop-motioned animated film I've seen in recent memory) last week and I ended up enjoying it much more than I thought I would! I was particularly intrigued by their combination of traditional techniques and new technology (e.g. lasercutting, using 3D printing to create the puppets, using CGI animation with stop-motion, etc.) Note: the DVD version contains roughly 45 minutes of behind the scenes extras and featurettes --much better than other bigger studios have provided on their DVDs *cough*Disney'sFrozen*cough*DreamWork'sTheCroods*cough* Check out one of the featurettes on the costume design below:
How to Train Your Dragon 2 - DreamWorks Animation SKG
--For me, HTTYD2 definitely lived up to the hype: --dramatic, emotional,
more mature storyline, raised stakes, a shocking twist, amazing
animation (I think the snow and ice environments rivaled or were better
than Frozen's), beautiful lighting, wonderful
voice acting ... Of
course it wasn't perfect: there were a couple plot threads that I feel
could have gotten expanded upon if they had more time. They tried to do a lot (maybe too much?) and perhaps that's where Big Hero 6 topped them ... As with Disney Animation and BH6, DreamWorks Animation also developed new animation technology and HTTYD2 was their first film to be completely created with it. Called Apollo, it received the juried Ub Iwerks Award from the International Animated Film Society this January "for technical advancement that has made a significant impact on the art or industry of animation."
Song of the Sea - GKIDS/Cartoon Saloon
--An Irish animated film by Tomm Moore, co-founder of Cartoon Saloon. His previous work, The Secret of the Kells, also was nominated for best animated feature. I never really paid attention to international animation until now, so this was new to me. It looks very beautiful, almost like the illustrations from a picture book. I'm glad that there are still animation companies creating feature films that have that traditional, 2D style ... Check out the trailer below:
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya - GKIDS/Studio Ghibli Kaguya-hime no Monogatari or The Tale of the Princess Kaguya is a Japanese animated film by Isao Takahata. He is known as the co-founder of Studio Ghibli (with the famed Hayao Miyazaki). Based on the 10th century Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, I was stuck by the lovely pen and ink strokes that evoke Asian brush paintings. Truly looks like a work of art and I can't wait to see it. See the official English dubbed trailer below: 72nd Golden Globes - Best Animated Feature Film
--Along with Big Hero 6, The Boxtrolls, and How to Train Your Dragon 2 (which won the award), the Golden Globes also nominated these two animated films: The Book of Life - Reel FX Animation Studios/Twentieth Century Fox
--Produced by Guillermo del Toro (best known to me for the slightly dark, fairy tale inspired film Pan's Labyrinth). Like The Boxtrolls, the quirky, stylized art makes it stand out from the other animated films this year. It's very unique and distinctive, though it seems to be aiming at the kids audience by being comedic. Another film I've yet to check out.
The Lego Movie - Warner Bros. Pictures--So I was a bit surprised at people saying The LEGO Movie was snubbed by not being nominated for the Oscars. I had previously dismissed this film as one aimed at kids by using juvenile humor and ... well, it's LEGO. Obviously this was just a hour and a half long commercial for their toys, right? (Just kidding.) However, I've found that quite a few adults and film critics enjoyed this film. Also, the animation is supposed to be pretty good as well, so ... I'll be giving it a shot when I have the time.
Do you have any favorite animated films from 2014? Have you watched any of the animated films mentioned here? Any of the movies here catch your eye? Why?
Another indie Christian/faith-based film heads to movie theaters this Friday: Old Fashioned(PG-13) releases just in time for Valentine’s Day. I admit, I have a love/hate relationship with Christian/faith-based films, since I've only seen a few with writing that didn't make me cringe or think, "tv film quality." --However, with time, I think the industry will grow and the writing and acting will catch up like their cinematography has begun to. Ten years in the making, I'm particularly intrigued with Old Fashioned's synopsis:
"A former frat boy and a free-spirited woman together attempt the impossible: an 'old-fashioned' courtship in contemporary America."
A romantic-drama, OLD FASHIONED
centers on Clay Walsh, a former frat boy who gives up his reckless
carousing and now runs an antique shop in a small Midwestern college
town. There, he has become notorious for his lofty and outdated theories
on love and romance as well as for his devout belief in God. When
Amber Hewson, a free-spirited young woman with a restless soul, drifts
into the area and rents the apartment above his shop, she finds herself
surprisingly drawn to his strong faith and noble ideas, which are new
and intriguing to her. And Clay, though he tries to fight and deny it,
simply cannot resist being attracted to her spontaneous and passionate
embrace of life. Ultimately, Clay must step out from behind his
relational theories and Amber must overcome her own fears and deep
wounds as the two of them, together, attempt the impossible: an
"old-fashioned" and God-honoring courtship in contemporary America. -
See more at:
http://www.oldfashionedmovie.com/synopsis#sthash.DPisKhNW.dpuf
A romantic-drama, OLD FASHIONED
centers on Clay Walsh, a former frat boy who gives up his reckless
carousing and now runs an antique shop in a small Midwestern college
town. There, he has become notorious for his lofty and outdated theories
on love and romance as well as for his devout belief in God. When
Amber Hewson, a free-spirited young woman with a restless soul, drifts
into the area and rents the apartment above his shop, she finds herself
surprisingly drawn to his strong faith and noble ideas, which are new
and intriguing to her. And Clay, though he tries to fight and deny it,
simply cannot resist being attracted to her spontaneous and passionate
embrace of life. Ultimately, Clay must step out from behind his
relational theories and Amber must overcome her own fears and deep
wounds as the two of them, together, attempt the impossible: an
"old-fashioned" and God-honoring courtship in contemporary America. -
See more at:
http://www.oldfashionedmovie.com/synopsis#sthash.16tho2qK.dpuf
A romantic-drama, OLD FASHIONED
centers on Clay Walsh, a former frat boy who gives up his reckless
carousing and now runs an antique shop in a small Midwestern college
town. There, he has become notorious for his lofty and outdated theories
on love and romance as well as for his devout belief in God. When
Amber Hewson, a free-spirited young woman with a restless soul, drifts
into the area and rents the apartment above his shop, she finds herself
surprisingly drawn to his strong faith and noble ideas, which are new
and intriguing to her. And Clay, though he tries to fight and deny it,
simply cannot resist being attracted to her spontaneous and passionate
embrace of life. Ultimately, Clay must step out from behind his
relational theories and Amber must overcome her own fears and deep
wounds as the two of them, together, attempt the impossible: an
"old-fashioned" and God-honoring courtship in contemporary America. -
See more at:
http://www.oldfashionedmovie.com/synopsis#sthash.16tho2qK.dpuf
A romantic-drama, OLD FASHIONED
centers on Clay Walsh, a former frat boy who gives up his reckless
carousing and now runs an antique shop in a small Midwestern college
town. There, he has become notorious for his lofty and outdated theories
on love and romance as well as for his devout belief in God. When
Amber Hewson, a free-spirited young woman with a restless soul, drifts
into the area and rents the apartment above his shop, she finds herself
surprisingly drawn to his strong faith and noble ideas, which are new
and intriguing to her. And Clay, though he tries to fight and deny it,
simply cannot resist being attracted to her spontaneous and passionate
embrace of life. Ultimately, Clay must step out from behind his
relational theories and Amber must overcome her own fears and deep
wounds as the two of them, together, attempt the impossible: an
"old-fashioned" and God-honoring courtship in contemporary America. -
See more at:
http://www.oldfashionedmovie.com/synopsis#sthash.16tho2qK.dpuf
In my circle of friends, we've talked about how our ideas and convictions about courtship and dating have changed since our teenage years and I've slowing been shifting my ideals from literally "true love waits" to something more like Phylicia Delta's (I highly recommend looking at her well-written blog).
Director Rik Swaltzwater purposefully delayed the film's release in order to open alongside with 50 Shades of Grey (the rated R film adaptation of E.L. Jame's erotica novel). A brilliant marketing strategy on their part --it's definitely gotten them some national press. So as not to leave out the other films coming out this week, I'll mention The Last Five Years (a PG-13 film adaptation of the off-Broadway musical) and Kingsman: The Secret Service (Colin Firth's R-rated spy comedy that is an adaptation of the comic book). Anyway, for this week's Wordless Wednesday, check out Old Fashion's official trailer below:
Do you have a favorite "faith-based" film? Will you be checking out any of these movies this week?
Kini Zamora sketching, Jan. 31, 2015 (c.) The Artist Librarian
This past week I got to see Kini Zamora, one of the fashion designers featured on season 13 of Project Runway. Unfortunately, I missed his talk/lecture, but I did get there in time to listen to some Q&A with the audience and see him sketch a gown design inspired by the audience (the suggested theme was "ocean"). You can see the finished sketch at the end of this post.
The art geek in me was not surprised to see that he was using Prismacolor markers (supposedly one of the best brands for art markers out there). Ah, someday I'll have to try those out ...
I only caught a couple of episodes from season 13, as I haven't followed Project Runway for several years. However, what struck me was his impeccable construction and quality in the clothes he created. How about you? Are you interested in fashion design? Have you watched Project Runway?
Kini Zamora with finished design, Jan. 31, 2015 (c.) The Artist Librarian
Hi, I'm Jen, The Artist Librarian. An artist librarian isn't really a profession, but a term I made up to describe my art background and job as a public librarian. Reading and art have been my two life-long loves, so why not combine them? More
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