Monday, June 10, 2013

Hamlet On the Green Review!! (September 2012)

I saw this production of "Hamlet" a while ago ("Hamlet" is my favorite play EVER!) and I never put the post up. There was a lot of stuff going on. I just found this review. This was published in Pace's English Department Newsletter. It's a review of the production of "Hamlet" that the Globe Theatre put on on the lawn outside of Miller Hall. I'll include a couple of pictures as well. Here it is!

Hamlet On The Green

The weekend of September 28th 2012 is sure to be the highlight of any English majors’ semester. Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre came to the Pleasantville campus to put on a production of "Hamlet, Prince of Denmark". There were performances Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Several of the English majors attended two or three performances. Personally, I could not get enough of this production. Reading the words on the page is one thing. Seeing them acted out right in front of you is another.

The production, directed by Dominic Dromgoole and Bill Buckhurst, kept the set to a bare minimum. Thus allowing the audience to focus in on the words and the story. The simple wooden stage was outside on the Miller Lawn and even the weather seemed to be getting into the show. During Friday’s performance, at some of the most somber moments a light drizzle would start to fall.


 "Hamlet" has it’s share of somber moments to be sure. What I was pleasantly surprised at was the amount of comedy they managed to bring to the play. For instance, King Cladius, played by Dickon Tyrell, tripped over Rosencrantz and Guildenstern’s names more than once. Despite this play’s somber themes it had a vibrancy to it. Much of it was brought to the play by Hamlet himself, played by Michael Benz. Hamlet had a boyish charm and energy. During his most touching lines he’d often include a youthful smirk, engendering even more sympathy for this poor young man on the stage. This production was wonderful and I would be happy to see it again. 

Pictures:


Hamlet with Yorick's skull.


Hamlet at Ophelia's grave.


Hamlet and Laertes dual. 


Hamlet dying. :(


After the play was over. The cast danced. Here is Hamlet and Ophelia. 


The whole cast dancing.


Michael Benz (who played Hamlet) gets a standing ovation. 


Me after getting Michael Benz's (Hamlet's) autograph after the show. 

I hope you enjoyed this post! It was a wonderful time and a wonderful production! Out of the three times they put on this production I saw it twice! I hope you go read or see some Shakespeare (Hamlet, perhaps?) very soon!

<3 Amanda Leigh

Sunday, June 9, 2013

My Life Story in 250 Words or Less

This blog is mostly about books and writing, but I saw someone I know participated in the event Blog Every Day in May. Which was hosted by Story of My Life. I didn't have time to blog every day in May but I wanted to put up one of  the challenges. Also, I want to start talking more about my life on this blog  And to start that off, this challenge is. . . My Life Story in 250 Words or less.

Whew! My life story in 250 words or less! Here we go!


My Life Story in 250 Words or Less

I seemed like a healthy baby. I weighed 18 pounds at 3 months. Then I started losing weight. I showed other symptoms. After 2 weeks in the hospital I was diagnosed with Nephropathic Cystinosis at 9 months. The doctors told my parents I wouldn't live to my sixteenth birthday.

I was a happy child. I couldn't play the way the other children did so I found my own way. I made up stories. Whether it be with my dolls or reciting the stories to my mom (and then me drawing the pictures), that was my playtime. That and my mother read to me often. At eight I decided I wanted to be an author. I was in the hospital a lot as a child. I was lucky to find friends who understood.

 Two years of high school are a blank to me because of all the pain medicine I took. I had major corrective surgeries on my legs those two years. Against all odds I made it to sixteen. That was a big celebration.   

I went to Pace University and was in the hospital several times during college as well. Summer 2012 I  published my first book. That December was my worst hospital stay. Tetany, hallucinations. . .After I got out I met someone who completely understood. He has Cystinosis too. He’s now my boyfriend. I graduated college in May. Again, against all odds. I’m 22 years old now. Six years older than doctors thought I would ever be.        

<3 Amanda Leigh

Friday, June 7, 2013

Cover Reveal ~ Of Darkness and Crowns by Trisha Wolfe!!

Of Darkness and Crowns (Goddess Wars #2)
Release Date: September 1, 2013
Cover artist: Steven Novak
Cover Reveal Organized by: YA Bound Book Tours


***WARNING: MAJOR SPOILERS IF YOU HAVEN’T READ BOOK ONE***



Summary from Goodreads:
The moon goddess has taken up residency within Prince Caben, darkening his mind and soul. Now he hunts the very women he sacrificed his life to save, his conflicting desires for love and power raging a battle within him. Kaliope possesses the key to setting Bale free, and Caben will stop at nothing to see his goddess restored. Even if that means destroying the kingdom he’s sworn to protect, and the infuriating woman who torments his thoughts.


Kaliope, now the leader to the newly formed Nactue Guard, has vowed to save Caben. But with a traitor lurking among her people, and powers she’s unable to fully control, Kaliope’s mission becomes shrouded with doubt. Her new role as watcher over Caben’s kingdom brings a burden she’s unable to bear alone, and appointing the right person in charge of the prince’s affairs has turned a kingdom against the Nactue leader. Saving her stubborn, willful prince from the darkness overtaking him will be the battle of her life, and she needs people she can trust by her side. But bad blood between members of the Nactue obscure Kaliope’s journey, while her feelings for Caben cloud her judgment.

When the time comes to do what she must to destroy the goddess of chaos, will she be able to if it means losing Caben forever?

Book two of the Goddess Wars is told in dual point of view from Kaliope and Caben. New Adult Dark Fantasy, intended for readers 17 years of age and older. 

***Excerpt (Caben’s POV)***

The Crusher grinds to a halt. I’m propelled forward, and my head smacks the low-hanging ceiling of the front compartment.

“Damn, you fool!” I palm my throbbing forehead, eyeing the driver of the Crusher—the machines I now call by their Otherworlder name.

“Sorry, my liege,” he says, backing against his seat, farther away from the glowing ribbons circling my fingers. 

Ignoring him, I study the luminous white—like the surface of the moon—crawling beneath my skin, and marvel at the power. My power. Had I possessed it that day the Cavan Army forced me from my home, they never could have done so easily. But then, I never would have obtained this power. Ironic.

 “Just drive,” I tell him. I take a seat on the front bench, away from the foul stench emanating from the back compartment—our diversion tactic that will gain me entry into my palace, where I know she’s being kept.

The glow beneath my skin illuminates brighter, reminding me of her skin. I curl my fingers into a tight ball.

The battle up ahead is only part of my plan, one that I know Kaliope will fall for. I need the reserves away from the palace. Then we’ll take care of her Nactue once we’re inside. My back molars clamp down hard at the thought of her—a mix of something like fire and nausea invading my stomach.

At one time, I felt things for the black-haired beauty. I chuckle to myself. Well, at least my groin did. Just thinking of her body makes me ache, and I have to adjust myself. But that was when I was weak, when I only thought and felt with that weakness. As much as I hated my father for thinking me too feeble to rule, he was right. I was pathetic.

Bale freed me. Released the part of me that I kept buried, locked away deep down, and I no longer fear anything. I think of everything that once made me shudder or quake with dread and laugh. It’s so simple.

Without fear, there is only freedom.

Power.

And if I free Bale completely, releasing her from within my being and making her corporeal, she’ll bestow me with even more power. I don’t care what the dark goddess does or where she goes once I restore Empress Iana’s relic. I don’t give a damn what happens to the maggoty Otherworlders or their realm.

I just want her out of my mind. And I want the power.

Then I’ll set my sights on Perinya, and on gaining what’s mine.

A deep cackle fills my head, deep and sultry.

“Quiet, woman.” I roll my eyes. We’ve come to a compromise, the goddess and I, that she may remain within my mind, but she’s to keep quiet. I got tired of her constant lectures and angry rants about her sisters. She does stay silent…for the most part. But the sooner I get her out of my head, the better.

Having a woman fill your thoughts is a weakness in itself. A sudden flash of a smiling, laughing Kal blurs my vision, and I shake my head.

There’s only one way to rid my thoughts of that woman.

Kill her.

“Burrow, leach,” I command the driver. “We’re coming up on the battle. Go underground.”

“Yes, my liege.”

Tonight, I plot. Find a way into the capital of Perinya and into my home. And then take back what’s mine. The goddess can have what she wants. I’m only interested in claiming what’s mine.

No one will ever take anything away from me again.

Don’t get in my way, Kal.

I shake my head harder, trying to quiet the pesky thoughts that always spring up when I think of her. Something left over from before—a residual feeling, an effect she has on me.

It won’t be there much longer. I smile, and Bale laughs.


***

Of Silver and Beasts (Goddess Wars #1)
Release Date:  April 19th 2013

Summary from Goodreads:
In the sand-covered queendom of Cavan, the goddess once saved a young Kaliope’s life, preventing the mercury her father attempted to hide in her blood from reaching her heart. Now, a cybernetic clamp filters it, but the silver streaks swirling faintly beneath her skin are a constant reminder that she’s different.

When nineteen-year-old Kaliope is chosen as head of the Nactue Guard, she becomes the sworn protector to her empress. In the midst of an invasion on a neighboring land, Kaliope is placed in charge of guarding Prince Caben, the last heir to his kingdom. But when they’re attacked by the feared Otherworlders, Caben and Kaliope are abducted and taken below to a realm where they must fight for their life in a caged arena.

Kaliope struggles to protect her princely charge, keeping him and herself alive while battling inhumanly opponents, and trying to save the stolen, sacred relic that will restore her empress’s life force and all of Cavan. And if she can somehow awaken the goddess within her, she may save what’s most important.

New Adult Dark Fantasy: Intended for readers 17 years of age and older.

Of Silver and Beasts is on sale right now for only $.99.  Get your copy here:
 photo B6096376-6C81-4465-8935-CE890C777EB9-1855-000001A1E900B890_zps5affbed6.jpg  photo 111AD205-AA04-4F9E-A0F4-C1264C4E9F30-1855-000001A1E8CEB6D7_zps9b730b94.jpg  photo KoboIcon_zps515cdc1a.jpg

Where to find Trisha:

***Bonus Material***
Don’t miss out on the bonus scene of Astarte’s WrathBath Scene in Xarion’s POV

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Book of the Month! (#1)

You would think I would start out Book of the Month with one of my favorite books, but I couldn't decide between them. So we will have a different book this month. And that is. . .



Speak by Laurie Halse Handerson

GoodReads Blurb:
Since the beginning of the school year, high school freshman Melinda has found that it's been getting harder and harder for her to speak out loud: "My throat is always sore, my lips raw.... Every time I try to talk to my parents or a teacher, I sputter or freeze.... It's like I have some kind of spastic laryngitis." What could have caused Melinda to suddenly fall mute? Could it be due to the fact that no one at school is speaking to her because she called the cops and got everyone busted at the seniors' big end-of-summer party? Or maybe it's because her parents' only form of communication is Post-It notes written on their way out the door to their nine-to-whenever jobs. While Melinda is bothered by these things, deep down she knows the real reason why she's been struck mute: Andy Evans. He's a senior at Melinda's high school, and Melinda hasn't been able to speak clearly since the Incident with him at the senior party last August.

Laurie Halse Anderson's first novel is a stunning and sympathetic tribute to the teenage outcast. After reading Speak, it will be hard for any teen to look at the class scapegoat again without a measure of compassion and understanding for that person--who may be screaming beneath the silence. (Ages 13 and older) --Jennifer Hubert

My Semi-Quick Opinion:
In 10th grade on a trip to Barnes and Noble I was standing in the aisles and not one book was drawing me in. So I turned the girl next to me (who was about my age) and asked her if she had any recommendations. She immediately took the book Speak off of the shelf and handed it o me. Something along the lines of "This book is amazing." crossed her lips. So I decided to buy it. I read it soon after that and that girl was right. It was amazing. It was real and raw and beautiful and poignant. I consider this book a must read. If you haven't read it already, I highly suggest you do. But be prepared for some heavy content. And again, it's advised that you do not read this if you are 13 or younger. But if you are older than 13, definitely go out and read this as soon as you possibly can!

<3 Amanda Leigh

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Starting New Features on the Blog!

I've been thinking lately about starting new features on my blog. And participating in others' features. So, I believe it was last night, I came up with ideas for a couple of my own features. Of course, I wanted to start them right then and there, but it was getting past my bedtime. :) So I would have to save the announcement for tomorrow - today that is. Let me begin by listing the features others have started (intentionally or unintentionally) that I will be participating in.

1. SWOON Thursday (started by YA Bound)

This is a feature where if the book you're reading has any "swoon-worthy" moments, you post that moment on your blog. (They also do this over on Twitter. But there it has 140 characters or less, so on your blog you can post the longer version.) I've participated in this a couple of times and I'm going to start participating more. How Often? - Whenever there is a Swoon Worthy moment I feel like posting. On Thursdays. Provided I remember.

2. Waiting On Wednesday (started by Breaking the Spine)

In this feature you post a book that you are eagerly awaiting. :) Pretty simple. But fun. :) How often? - Whenever there is a book I cannot wait to read. On Wednesdays.

3. Teaser Tuesday (started by Should Be Reading)

In Teaser Tuesday you open the book you're reading and post one or two teaser sentences (but keep them spoiler free.)  How Often? - When I'm reading a new book and a Tuesday rolls around. 

4. In My Mailbox (started by Book Journey)

In My Mailbox is a feature where you show the books you got recently (or not so recently). How Often? - Whenever I feel like posting new books I got. On Sundays.

5. It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (started by Book Journey)

This is a feature where you post the book you are currently reading. Some blogs I've seen also include   the book(s) they've just finished and the book(s) they're going to read next. How Often? - When I'm reading a new book and a Monday rolls around.

6. Saturday Snapshot (started by At Home With Books now hosted by West Metro Mommy)

Here, you post pictures from your week, your life, etc. How Often? - One of those "when-I-feel-like-posting-one" features.

6. Random Book Fact (started by Book Rants)

In this feature you posted a random fact about a book or author. On Book Rants these are sometimes made up. I haven't yet decided if I'm going to do that yet. If I do, the post will also say "Can you spot the fake fact?" How Often? - This one will be one of those "when-I-feel-like-posting-one" features.

7. Favorite Book Quotes (started by Book Rants)

This one you just post your favorite book quotes. The way I'll be doing this is either posting from the book I'm currently reading, have just finished or a book I've finished in the past that has quotes that I love. How Often? - When I a reading a book that has great quotes I want to share or I feel like sharing quotes from books I've read in the past.

8. Book of the Month (started by ME :) - {inspired by a blog I ran across but I can't find it :( }

In this feature I've started I will spotlight a book each month that I think was beautiful, poignant, raw, gritty, "real", spine tinglingly possible, or just simply amazing. Feel free to join in! I'll find a way you can link yours to mine! How Often - I'm thinking maybe the first week of each month.

9. Character of the Month (started by ME :)

Here, I'll highlight and talk about a character I love. Characters are often what keep me reading, so they're very close to my heart and it makes sense I would spotlight characters. Again, feel free to join in! I'll find a way to link your posts to mine! How Often? - I'm thinking maybe the third week of each month.

Here they are! So what do you think of the features I'll try to be participating in and the ones I'm starting? Let me know! :)


<3 Amanda Leigh

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Characters That Inspire(d) Me to Read!

I got this idea while watching a BookTube video from a new channel I subscribed to called Jesse the Reader. So thank you Jesse the Reader for giving me this idea! These characters will be from books and television shows. 



1. Hermione Granger (from the Harry Potter book - and movie - series by J. K. Rowling!)

Hermione was awesome. Period. And I think reading was a big part of that. I once read an interview where J. K. Rowling said she loved writing Hermione because when someone asked her how she knew something it could just be "I read it in a book." Or they would just assume she read it somewhere. Reading is a great way to gain knowledge and Hermione certainly did this. My mom would often say I reminded her of Hermione and that was largely because Hermione was always reading!




2. Rory Gilmore (from Gilmore Girls - one of my favorite shows!)

Rory ALWAYS had a book with her! Or something to read! At a school dance she brought the fiction issue of The New Yorker (I believe it was The New Yorker) with her! Again, my mom compares me to her all the time. There were also other similarities. Mainly reading though. She especially loved to read classics, I noticed. Which drove me to read classics. She is definitely part of my reading inspiration!




3. James "Sawyer" Ford (from Lost - my all time favorite show!!)

Sawyer is a bad boy. That is for sure. He can also be a jerk and a pain-in-the-you-know-what but he does have more to him and his character develops (but that is for a different blog post.) One of the most unexpected things you find out about Sawyer - it was certainly unexpected to me - is that Sawyer is a bookworm. And I LOVE that! It is such an unexpected element I think! And he reads a lot on the island! I would love to read everything Sawyer read on the island in my life! that's a good challenge! A couple of the books he read that I decided to read because I saw Sawyer reading them (hey, I love his character) are Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume (no, I have not read this The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand (I've read something by her before and was thinking of reading this, but this cinched it) and Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck (Sawyer's favorite book). The fact that someone who you would never expect to be a reader is an avid reader is certainly an inspiration to read!




4. Desmond David Hume (also from Lost!)

Desmond love to read too! There were a lot of books in that hatch! (I'm not telling you what 'the hatch' is). His favorite author was Charles Dickens! He was saving one of Charles Dickens' books - I believe it was Our Mutual Friend - to read before he died. Which, about this,  I agree with the person who said "Nice thought. If you know when you're gonna die." I've only read one of Charles Dickens' books. That was Great Expectations (which I loved!) but I have wanted to read more and Desmond just inspired me even more to do that!



5. Schuyler Van Alen (from the Blue Bloods book series by Melissa De La Cruz!)

I really love the Blue Bloods series by Melissa De La Cruz. In this series, Schuyler Van Alen really loves to read. She was alone a lot and her books kept her company. This reminds me of myself too. My books kept me company, they were my friends too. Seeing that we share that and that she loves to read too makes her another character that inspires me to read!

What about you? Do any characters inspire you to read? Who are they? Have you not thought about it yet? Think about and let me know in the comments! :) I would love to hear which characters inspire you to read! 

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Cover Reveal ~ Angels of the Knights by Valerie Zambito

Angels of the Knights - Nikki (Book 3)
Coming Soon!

Summary not available yet...
***

Angels of the Knights - Fallon 

Summary from Goodreads:
When Fallon Angell died at the age of sixteen, her life changed forever.

The hallowed world of Emperica is everything she had ever hoped for as a mortal—immeasurable beauty, unconditional love and light. But, with affection for humankind still burning within her, she joins the Knight Caste to train as an angel warrior. As a Knight, she will give up her wings and return to the place that killed her to use her unique powers to search out and destroy the evil Kjin that roam the earth. As a Knight, she will stop at nothing to protect the mortals in her care.


The elders warn her that the path she chose will be a solitary one. That she will not have the same bond with humans as she once did. But, as far as she knows, the elders had never met Kade Royce.

When her duties place her in the path of this handsome former cop, emotions buried long ago rise to the surface and she is powerless to ignore the depth of her feelings for this young man. She knows instinctively that she has found what most people search their entire lives for.

Ignoring the risks, she invites him into her world of danger, but soon their lives collide with explosive consequence. As a result, Fallon realizes with heartbreaking despair that she can no longer hide from the painful truth. In order for Kade to live, she must destroy him.


E-book is currently free!
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Angels of the Knights - Blane 
(Angels of the Knights #2)

Summary from Goodreads:
Once the hunter, now the hunted. As the war with the Kjin rages, Blane Romero must lead the Paladin Knights against their mortal enemy while trying to protect the young, Juliet Hunter, who unwittingly finds herself entangled in their sinister schemes. Juliet cares only about shielding her young sisters from harm, but finds herself drawn to the enigmatic man who offers her much more than either he or she was prepared for.

Ostracized by the families they loved, Blane and Juliet find they have more in common than they thought as they battle demons both real and personal to stay together. But, will it be enough when the powerful Cesar Grant decides he wants Juliet for his own?

Book Two in the Angels of the Knights paranormal fantasy series.



Buy Links:
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About the Author
Thank you for visiting my Goodread's profile. I am Valerie Zambito, and I live in upstate New York with my husband and three sons. After having been involved in a busy sales career for fifteen years, a great love of world building, character creation, and all things magic led to the publication of my first adult epic fantasy series, ISLAND SHIFTERS, in October of 2011. Since then, I have added two additional books to this series and wrote the first book in a new teen paranormal series called ANGELS OF THE KNIGHTS.

My reading preference is fantasy as well and I devour in copious amounts. In my opinion, there’s nothing like it! Great fantasy grants us entry into a world beyond our own that is filled with adventure, mystery and danger. How exciting to enjoy a front row seat to human struggles of epic proportions. Struggles that tug at our heartstrings and elicit real emotion.

I gravitate to fantasy with heroic elements. I like strong, confident men who never back down from a fight against evil. The kind who will not hesitate to throw himself between a woman and a fire-breathing dragon. I like strong women, too. The kind who will appreciate the offer, but is more inclined to push the man out of the way and take care of the dragon herself. ;)

***GIVEAWAY***
(1) Print or e-book copies of books 1 & 2 in this series plus $25 Amazon Gift Card
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal Organized by: