WWW Wednesdays is a weekly bookish meme formally hosted by MizB of A Daily Rhythm, and revived by Sam of Taking on a World of Words. This meme consists of answering the following three questions:
What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?
►What am I currently reading?◄
I am currently re-reading the sixth book in the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling. I forgot how much I enjoyed learning about Voldemort’s past in this one. Not looking forward to the ending though…*tears up*
►What did I recently finish reading?◄
I finished up the fifth Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenixby J.K. Rowling, last week. This is the book where everything really starts going downhill. Does anyone else miss the days of innocence back when they were merely trying to kill off a basilisk? xD
Hi Meredith! Thanks for having us on your blog today. My name is Keira Gillett and this is part two of three of an interview series with Eoghan Kerrigan, the illustrator of Zaria Fierce and the Secret of Gloomwood Forest. Read the first part at Creatyve Books. Learn more about the book in this quick one minute book trailer:
Keira Gillett (Author): What is your favorite part of being an illustrator?
Eoghan Kerrigan (Illustrator): Drawing in itself is fun, and being able to draw the things that only exist in your head is very satisfying.
Keira: What’s the most important part of your job as an illustrator? What aspect of it means the most?
Eoghan: I think being able to share your imagination and inspire other artists to do the same is very important.
Eoghan: You promised me I’d get to draw trolls, which are one of my most favourite subjects to draw.
Keira: Yay! And your trolls are how I found you on Deviant Art. What is your favorite illustration for the book and why?
Eoghan: Hmm, I’m pleased with quite a few of them, such as Norwick carrying Zaria and Geirr, but I’ve grown to like the portrait of Kafirr the troll king. I had drawn a near finished version beforehand, but I didn’t like how it turned out so I started on a new one, which was much more subtle and handsome in his own way. I’m not sure if that was your intent though.
Keira: I know! It would be hard to pick a favorite for me too. When I saw Norwick I was over the moon ecstatic. It took me seeing your drawing to realize that I had described how his wings attached to his body was wrong (and probably impossible) so I rewrote the passage. That’s the power of your art! Do you have a favorite character in the story to draw? If you do, which character and why?
Eoghan: I had a lot of fun designing and drawing Olaf. I like drawing disheveled creatures with gnarly teeth and spindly proportions.
Keira: Hehe. Olaf is phenomenal (and Jorkden, Kafirr, Mangus, Yorgish, and Groul.) Your trolls are fun and so full of personality. I am so happy you joined me for Zaria’s adventures to Gloomwood Forest. It’s been such a blast to see how you brought the story alive visually.
Book Blurb
“Come here Princess, and let me eat you.”
On her birthday, Zaria Fierce finds her usual path to school blocked by an ugly river-troll. At first she’s surprised and curious, but then Olaf threatens to eat her, which is an act Zaria could not in good conscience consent to, so Zaria counteroffers. A deal is struck and she goes to school, but Zaria is about to learn the hard way that one does not trick a river-troll and expect to win.
See if you’re eligible to get a free copy of the audio book here.
Reviews:
Are you in the mood for an old fashioned magical jaunt? Zaria Fierce and the Secret of Gloomwood Forest by Keira Gillett is a classic “perilous adventure” book for middle grade readers. 4 Stars – Jennifer Bardsley, The YA Gal
I really enjoyed Zaria’s story. It reminded me a lot of Percy Jackson series… Middle school children will absolutely like this one! 4 Stars – Anjie Basi, Love Thy Shelf
This book will have young listeners hooked right from the start. In fact, if parents are planning a driving holiday this summer, I highly recommend purchasing this audiobook. It will definitely keep the kids entertained while traveling. Michele Carpenter’s narration is terrific. 5 Stars – Amie Gaudet, Amie’s Book Reviews
Excerpt:
Geirr stooped to pick up some decent-sized sticks, and Zaria bent to grab a few too. They talked amicably and walked, stretching their legs, until they were too burdened by their loads to keep going.
“My arms are going to collapse,” Zaria huffed. Her breath fogged around her face, covering and then revealing a well-pinked nose and cheeks. “Let’s head back to camp.”
“Sounds good to me,” Geirr said and turned around to do just that. Zaria followed and collided into him, dropping her load of kindling all over the ground.
“Hey!” she exclaimed, as she went to gather them. “Why did you stop?”
“I don’t think we’re going to find camp,” Geirr said, worrying his lip. He juggled his armful of wood and pointed haphazardly forward. “It’s like pea soup.”
Zaria looked up from playing fifty-two pickup and saw what worried Geirr. In front of them was a wall of fog, thick, viscous, and impossible to see through. She gulped and carefully set down the pile she’d been working to gather again. Was it her imagination or did the fog seem to be breathing? It crept closer in stages. Not fast enough that she saw it while looking directly at it, but if she looked away and back, it most definitely moved.
“Uh, Geirr,” Zaria said, slowly gaining her feet. “I think we should move and fast.”
Geirr looked at her puzzled. “I don’t think fast is an option here. Now if you pick up your stack and stick near me maybe we can Marco Polo our way back to the others.”
“Geirr,” Zaria hissed, her voice ratcheting higher. “The fog is moving.” He didn’t look impressed. The breathing sounds from within the fog grew louder, distressing Zaria. “No seriously, it’s moving like it’s alive.”
Geirr looked back again and stared hard, trying to penetrate the fog with his gaze alone. Zaria started to ease away, firewood forgotten.
“Come on, Geirr, we have to move. Can’t you hear the breathing?”
See if you’re eligible to get a free copy of the audio book here.
Author Bio: Keira Gillett is a technical publications librarian, book blogger, world traveler, artist, and now author. She graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in Drawing and Painting. From an early age her mother instilled a love of the written word, as such she has always been a big reader. Her first book, Zaria Fierce and the Secret of Gloomwood Forest, is about a young girl who must complete a quest to save her friend from a nasty river-troll.
Illustrator Bio: Eoghan Kerrigan is an illustrator from Kildare, Ireland who draws primarily fantasy characters and creatures. He studied illustration in Ballyfermot College of Further Education and has produced work for various independent projects. He has two cats and a soft spot for trolls.
WWW Wednesdays is a weekly bookish meme formally hosted by MizB of A Daily Rhythm, and revived by Sam of Taking on a World of Words. This meme consists of answering the following three questions:
【“Welcome to the Ministry of Magic. Please state your name and business.”
“Er…” said Mr. Weasley, clearly uncertain whether he should talk into the receiver or not; he compromised by holding the mouthpiece to his ear, “Arthur Weasley, Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office, here to escort Harry Potter, who has been asked to attend a disciplinary hearing….”】
Hello all! Three posts in one day. I think that’s a record for me. Anyway, I’ve been wanting to do a post like this for awhile now, but I just haven’t gotten around to it. I’ve seen a couple others do it and thought it’d be neat to talk a bit about the TV shows and stuff I’m currently watching so that I can discuss the shows with other people that are also watching them! Whoo! Here we go then.
On-Going TV Shows That I’m Currently Watching:
Royal Pains. I’ve been watching this show ever since it started airing. I’m usually not a fan of doctor-type shows, since I don’t like the whole hospital atmosphere, but I really really enjoy this one. Probably because it rarely takes place in an actual hospital.
Yes, I watch Teen Wolf. What can I say? I love werewolves.
Melissa and Joey. I watched the ABC Family movie Melissa Joan Hart and Joey Lawrence starred in, My Fake Fiance, and when I saw they were staring in a show together I had to watch it.
Baby Daddy. Again, this starred Jean-Luc Bilodeau, who also starred in ABC Family’s show Kyle XY, so I wanted to check this one out too.
I’ve been wanting to watch Supernatural for awhile now, and finally started it last year. I’ve only watched the first four seasons, but I’m steadily catching up. It’s amazing.
GAH! I love love love this show! <3 Still need to watch the 10th season though…
Completed TV Shows That I’m Currently Watching:
I’ve also been plugging away at Friends. I’ve seen a few episodes here and there but wanted to start watching them in order, cause I’m special like that, so yeah. Working on it.
On-Going TV Shows That I’m Currently Caught Up On:
Fairy tales coming to life, yo.
Who doesn’t want to know? ;D
Gotta keep up with the Marvel Universe.
Haven’t read the books. Probably never will, honestly. I’m too invested in the show and I heard it’s quite different.
Spin-off of The Vampire Diaries. I was actually enjoying this one more than the one above this past season.
Stephen Amell is smoking hot. And he takes his shirt off a lot in this show. But beyond that, the show itself is also amazing.
Spin-off of Arrow. Great characters in this one as well, and it’s more on the humorous side.
Reign is more entertainment than actual history, but it’s still fun to watch.
Once again, fairy tales! Definitely darker than Once Upon a Time. I just caught up on this one and SHIT WENT DOWN. Someone please talk to me if they’ve watched it and are also caught up. PLEASE!
Anime That I’m Currently Watching:
I’m still working on Hunter x Hunter. I got distracted with everything else I’ve been watching so I put this one on hold for a bit. Still am in love with it, and will hopefully catch up soon.
I’m on the second season of Durarara!! It’s currently airing and I think I’m only one episode behind…
Honestly, I didn’t think I would ever get into a sports anime, but Kuroko’s Basketball is definitely one of my favorite anime’s now. I’m currently still catching up on the third season.
I was planning on watching Attack on Titan eventually, but my co-worker and I got bored at work and began watching this whenever work slows down. I’m loving the story so far. I wasn’t a huge fan of the main characters at first, but they’re growing on me now, and some of the ones introduced later on are definitely more likable.
And that about wraps that up! Yes, I watch waaaaay too many shows. I know. But as I mentioned earlier, if you happen to watch any of these and would like to discuss them, that’d be awesome! :D
A big thanks to Analee from Book Snacks for nominating me for the Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award! She is one of my favorite bloggers so please go check hers out if you haven’t already! :)
The Rules:
Thank the blogger that nominated you and link their website.
Insert the award logo in your blog post.
Answer the ten questions that were provided by the nominator.
Nominate ten bloggers.
Create ten new questions for your nominees.
Questions from Analee:
1. What is your favorite book cover? Why?
Ermm….this is tough. I do like the Sookie Stackhouse series covers, because they’re fun and cartoon-ish looking. The Mortal Instruments are awesome-looking as well, but I used them in a different tag so I was trying to pick out something different.
2. What is your least favorite book you read this year?
ProbablyBlue is for Nightmares by Laurie Faria Stolaz. I just couldn’t get into it. The plot was…decent, but I couldn’t relate to any of the characters.
3. What makes you love a book?
The characters. I mean, of course I love a great plot, but if said great plot is lacking in amazing characters than it really just takes the joy out of the whole story. I generally get attached to characters pretty easily, so if I read a book where I’m not loving any of the characters it’s a bit of a turn-off.
4. Do you snack while reading? If so, what do you snack on?
Not normally. I usually read with both hands on the book so that limits my ‘snacking-while-reading’ ability. If I am eating something I’ll usually be watching TV instead.
5. What is the longest time you’ve gone without reading?
Hmmm, honestly I’m not sure. I’m usually always reading one book or another, even if it takes me awhile to complete it. I occasionally get into slumps when I’m more concerned with playing video games, hanging out with friends, or catching up on TV shows, but I can’t give an exact amount of time I’ve gone without reading.
6. What is your favorite film adaptation of a book?
The Hunger Games. I think they did a pretty awesome job with those movies.
7. What is the largest amount of money you have ever spent on books at one time?
Gah….how am I supposed to remember that??? xD Seriously, I have no idea.
8. Which books have you re-read many times?
The first couple of Harry Potter books. I’ve read the last few only a few times – actually I’ve only read the seventh one once – but that’s why I’m currently re-reading them!
9. Which book character would you want as your significant other? Why?
Ughhhh….hmmm….gahhhh….errrrg….can you tell I’m having trouble with this question? I’m going to have to say Harry Dresden from The Dresden Files series, by Jim Butcher. For those of you who have been reading my blog, I tend to mention this series a lot and there’s a reason for that. Harry Dresden is an AMAZING main character and I love him. But not in a creepy way…of course. But yeah, he’s so sarcastic and nerdy and amusing and you would never be bored around this man. He does have quite a bit of emotional baggage…but who doesn’t? So yeah. I pick him.
10. Which book character do you think is most like you? What character would you most like to be?
That’s cheating Analee! That’s two different questions in one! xD I can’t really think of one that’s most like me…but the character I would most like to be would probably be Karrin Murphy, one of the other main characters in the Dresden Files series. She’s pretty much a bad-ass with a smart mouth and a unique sense of humor.
My Questions:
What is one of the more embarrassing television shows you’ve watched? (Don’t be shy!)
Who is your favorite ‘side-kick’ or ‘best friend’ in a book series? (ex. Ron Weasley)
If you were in a book series and, unfortunately, didn’t make it till the end of the book, which book villain would you want to have helped you ‘kick the bucket’?
Any exciting plans this summer?
What is the best book you’ve read so far this year?
If you were a part of the wizarding world of Harry Potter, what kind of wand would you have? (ex. holly and phoenix feather, eleven inches) (Here’s a link to help you out)
Favorite flavor of gum?
What’s the longest book you’ve ever read?
Favorite classic Disney movie? (If you’ve never watched any, favorite childhood movie?)
What is the newest book you’ve read and what are your thoughts on it?
Soooo, pretty much anyone else I want to nominate has been nominated before. So I don’t want to make people do this post all over again. HOWEVER, if you’ve already been nominated, or even if you haven’t, please consider answering the questions I’ve chosen in a comment below! I would love to read them! <3
I just want to say a quick sorry that things have been slow on my end recently. Last week was busier than usual so I didn’t even get a chance to post for Teaser Tuesday or WWW Wednesday… D; But, things have calmed down a bit so I’m working on book reviews, since this isn’t the only one I have to do, and a few other things as well. So expect a bombard of posts from me in the next couple of days!
NOTE: I received a free digital copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Goodreads Synopsis:
On her birthday, Zaria Fierce finds her usual path to school blocked by an ugly river-troll. At first she’s surprised and curious, but then Olaf threatens to eat her, which is an act Zaria could not in good conscience consent to, so Zaria counteroffers. A deal is struck and she goes to school, but Zaria is about to learn the hard way that one does not trick a river-troll and expect to win.
This review will be on Zaria Fierce and the Secret of Gloomwood Forestby Keira Gillett. After reading the review on this book by Analee @ Book Snacks, I added this book to my TBR list on Goodreads. I have to say I was quite surprised when Keira sent me a message on Goodreads, asking if I’d like to read her book in exchange for a review. This was the first time an author has approached me so I was definitely excited, if not a bit nervous! But anyway, on to the actual review!
My Rating:
4/5 stars
The plot in this story focuses on 13-year-old Zaria as she travels far from home in order to rescue her best friend, Christoffer, from a river-troll. Accompanied by three of Christoffer’s other friends, she runs into all sorts of mystical creatures she never knew existed. The story is fast-paced and filled to the brim with action. If you’re looking for an action-packed adventure dipped in fantasy, look no further. This book kept me on my toes with its many cliffhangers and plot twists; it was quite hard to put down at times. Plus, I’m all about fantasy stories and this one definitely wasn’t lacking in that department.
As for characters, Zaria was a fantastic main one. She was a bit more timid at first, but as the story went on she opened up and became more confidant in herself. She knows how to think on her feet in difficult situations and shows empathy towards others while her companions don’t. The three boys that joined her on her quest are also enjoyable, having accepted her as part of the group and always doing their best to keep each other safe. However, I do wish there was a bit more distinction between them. All three of their personalities seemed rather similar so that sometimes I wasn’t able to tell who was saying what during conversations, unless it stated who was talking.
Gillett’s writing style was superb. It flowed well, was descriptive in all of the right places, and her use of dialogue was great. Although at times I felt like the way the kids spoke was slightly odd. Maybe because I wasn’t that mature at thirteen? xD Also, there was one part where I felt it might not have been entirely realistic. MINOR SPOILER AHEAD. At one point the group was being chased but then had to stop and fight, having been given weapons by an older character. They were able to use the weapons a bit too well, in my opinion. If, having never used one before, someone had handed me a bow and arrow at thirteen I wouldn’t have been any help at all. That’s just my opinion. However, they didn’t have any time to sit there and learn how to use the weapons, so I suppose it’s understandable in that situation. SPOILER ENDED.
Overall, this was a fantastic read with likable characters and an engaging story line. I am most definitely looking forward to reading the second book in this series. There is going to be one, I hope! Otherwise I would be very sad. If you’re looking for a fun, easy read filled with fantasy check out Zaria Fierce and the Secret of Gloomwood Forest!
Another tag! Bet you can’t guess who tagged me? (That was sarcasm, btw…) As usual, it was my dear Emily! I do enjoy book tags…I just have a bad habit of not completing them in a decent amount of time from when I was tagged. Because she tagged me…three weeks ago, I believe? Heh…heh…
1. How do you find out about new books to read?
Mainly Goodreads, but after I started blogging it’s been more common for me to find books from other bloggers. Occasionally one will be recommended by a friend. If you’ve ever been to Barnes & Noble, you know how you get that little piece of paper after buying a book that gives you a few recommendations? Yeah, I would usually look up those too. If I hadn’t already owned/read them.
2. How did you get into reading?
Honestly I’m not quite sure. I remember reading books ever since I learned to read. My mom’s a big reader too, so maybe that had something to do with it.
3. How has your taste in books changed as you’ve gotten older?
Instead of reading solely middle-grade and young adult books, I’ve branched out to adult fiction, including murder mystery and the occasional romance book. I don’t mind books with more adult-themes now, as long as the plot and characters are good I’ll probably read anything. However, I still steer mainly toward fantasy-related plots.
4. How often do you buy books?
Not very often. The library is my best friend. I do usually wander into a used bookstore a few times a month, but I don’t always buy something. I have a list and if I don’t find a book on that list I don’t buy anything. There’s too much I own that I still haven’t read to continually be buying more books.
5. How did you get into Book reviewing? Emily! I believe I was stalking her Goodreads (we’ve known each other for a long time so it’s not creepy…right? RIGHT?!) and saw that she had joined a group of book bloggers…or something like that. And so I found her blog and began reading it. I mentioned it to her and she peer pressured me into starting my own. I wasn’t sure at first…cause I never really reviewed books before. Even on Goodreads I would simply rate them with the stars, not actually write a review. But I’m glad I decided to participate to be a part of the book blogging community. I’ve met some awesome people along the way and I am even more involved with books than I was before.
6. How do you react when you don’t like the end of a book?
I usually think about how it could have ended better, then I get over it. Sometimes I talk to myself…mostly it sounds something like, “Are you serious?! That’s stupid!” And, like Emily, I do a fair share of sighing.
7. How often do you take a “sneak peak” at the end of a book to see if there is a happy ending?
Once again, like Emily, I don’t do this to necessarily look for a happy ending, most of the time I’m just looking to see how many pages there are until I’m finished or something like that. Then I’ll see a spoiler phrase and kick myself later for it.
8. Who are you going to tag? Anyone who wishes to participate! :)
Also, I wanted to say a quick thank you to all of my followers! I now have over 50. I’m honestly shocked because I feel like I’m just rambling half the time…and who wants to read my rambling? But I guess some people like that? Either way “THANK YOU!” And know that I really appreciate it! :)
WWW Wednesdays is a weekly bookish meme formally hosted by MizB of A Daily Rhythm, and revived by Sam of Taking on a World of Words. This meme consists of answering the following three questions:
What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?
►What am I currently reading?◄
Anything Could Happen by Will Walton. I just started this book this morning. As I mentioned in my WWW post last week, I had put this book on hold at the library awhile ago and it finally came in. So I’m putting a slight pause on my re-reading of the Harry Potter series to read this book. It’s been pretty good so far. However, I feel that I enjoyed Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli more. Although my opinion might change, since I still have to finish this book, but those are where my thoughts are steering at the moment.
►What did I recently finish reading?◄
I just finished up re-reading the fourth book in the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fireby J.K. Rowling last night. I forgot how much happens in this book. But, as usual, it was amazingly awesome and I am looking forward to re-reading the fifth one.
All 'Bout Them Books and Stuff 