Review and Giveaway: Simon's Cat by Simon Tofield

Simon's Cat
by Simon Tofield
Grand Central Publishing (September 24, 2009) ~ 240 pages
Entertainment / Humor

Edition Reviewed / Special Thanks: Paperback review copy courtesy of Hachette Book Group ~ I do not receive additional compensation for posting my review ~

Perfect for : Personal enjoyment, Gift for a fan of comics, Coffee Table book

In a nutshell: I am one of those people who enjoy looking up things on YouTube when I'm stuck trying to figure out some craft, cooking project, movie clip, etc. I had no idea that Simon's Cat originated on YouTube, and that it has a huge following of fans (25 million fans on YouTube seems huge to me!), so was amazed when I picked up this book and found a little more about it.

First off, let me say that this is a fun and humorous book, done in black/white/gray tones, in a comic strip type style. The situations that Simon Tofield has created for Simon and his cat are so funny - one of the first drawings had me laughing: it was Simon in bed, trying to sleep, with his cat on top of the covers, comfortably spread out on about 90% of the bed sleeping VERY nicely (while Simon is desperately trying not to fall out of the bed, and seems to be wide awake). :) Anyone who has slept with a pet in their bed has got to get a kick out of this one.

Really, I could go on and on here. There are so many silly situations that Simon's Cat has created, gotten into, is about to do, etc, that the book will entertain fans of comics for quite some time. Plus, if you ever get bored, pull out some crayons or colored pencils and color away! I've enjoyed picking up the book during spare moments and flipping through so I can laugh for a few moments. This is also a great book to keep on the coffee table, as I've had multiple guests comment on how fun it is to look through.

Illustrations: Fun pen/ink drawings in black/white/gray tones
Story-Line: N/A ~ humorous, comic book style pictures
Readability: enjoy all the drawings! Other than the copyright and acknowledgement pages, there really isn't anything to read.
Overall: A very entertaining book of Simon (character) and his cat, who seems to always be causing trouble Garfield style :)

From the Publisher's Site:
Simon Tofield's animations have taken YouTube by storm. Now, the feline Internet phenomenon makes his way onto the page in this first-ever book based on the popular animated series. SIMON'S CAT depicts and exaggerates the hilarious relationship between a man and his cat. The daily escapades of this adorable pet, which always involve demanding more food, and his exasperated but doting owner come to life through Tofield's charming and hilarious illustrations.

Video / Excerpt:

About the Author: (from the publisher's site)
Simon Tofield is an award-winning animator who lives in London.

Giveaway Details ~ 5 Winners:
1. Leave a comment here telling me your favorite place to read the comics/funnies/humorous books and include your email if it is not in your profile (1 entry)
2. Post a link to the giveaway on your blog and/or Facebook and report it here (1 entry)
3. Become a follower (link is on the right hand sidebar) and leave a comment here (or "remind" me you are already a follower so I know you want to be included in this giveaway) (1 entry)
4. Fave Wendi's Book Corner on Technorati by following the link on the right hand sidebar just above Followers (1 entry)

The drawing will be held October 31st-ish. Winners (5): I will send you an email, please reply with your address so I can forward your contact information to the publisher!

This giveaway is open to residents within the United States and Canada, no PO Boxes.

~ Wendi

Review and Giveaway: Kitty Raises Hell by Carrie Vaughn

Title: Kitty Raises Hell (Kitty Norville, Book 6)
Author: Carrie Vaughn
Pages: 336
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (March 1, 2009)
Genre: Fiction / Fantasy / Vampire / Werewolf
Edition: Paperback - many thanks to the publisher (Hachette Book Group) for sending me a copy to review





Perfect for : Personal reading, anyone who likes vampire or werewolf stories

In a nutshell: In Kitty Raises Hell, what happened in Vegas DIDN'T stay in Vegas! After surviving a gun convention teaming with were-wolf hunters toting silver bullets, and a near were-wolf sacrifice by the followers of Tiamat, something has followed Kitty and Ben back to Denver and it looks like it is out for revenge - with fire and brimstone! When the thing that followed them back starts attacking members of the pack, Kitty goes to Rick for help, and when a mysterious vampire comes to Denver claiming to be able to get rid of the menace, Rick says NO! Add in a group of paranormal investigators from a national tv show, and you've got an action packed story that promises to take you to new heights in the supernatural realm.

Extended Review:
Characters: The main characters are back: Kitty, Ben, Cormac, Rick and Odysseus Grant. We also meet Roman, a vampire trying to get his foot into Denver, and Gary, Jules and Tina, the paranormal investigators from the hit tv show Paradox PI.

Story-Line: The story is really a continuation of book 5, and is full of surprises. In Kitty Raises Hell, Kitty now has a husband, is one of the pack alphas in Denver, her popularity continues to grow, and she is gaining more friends she can approach for help, and she is going to need it! I'm really glad that Carrie Vaughn decided to build on the relationship between Rick and Kitty - they are there to help each other when it really counts, and I hope that continues in future books!

Readability: A fun and easy read.

Overall: I loved this book and highly recommend the series to anyone who is a fan of were-wolves, vampires and the supernatural. I also recommend this series to those who want to give this type of genre a try.

From Amazon:
Sometimes what happens in Vegas doesn't stay in Vegas.

Kitty and Ben flee The City That Never Sleeps, thinking they were finished with the dangers there, but the sadistic cult of lycanthropes and their vampire priestess have laid a curse on Kitty in revenge for her disrupting their rituals. Starting at the next full moon, danger and destruction the form of fire strikes Kitty and the pack of werewolves she's sworn to protect.

She enlists the help of a group of TV paranormal investigators - one of whom has real psychic abilities - to help her get to the bottom of the curse that's been laid on her. Rick, the Master vampire of Denver, believes a deeper plot lies behind the curse, and he and Kitty argue about whether or not to accept the help of a professional demon hunter - and vampire - named Roman, who arrives a little too conveniently in the nick of time.

Unable to rely on Rick, and unwilling to accept Roman's offer of help for a price, Kitty and her band of allies, including Vegas magician Odysseus Grant and Kitty's own radio audience, mount a trap for the supernatural being behind the curse, a destructive force summoned by the vengeful cult, a supernatural being that none of them ever thought to face.

First Paragraph:
I had to admit, this was pretty cool.

About the Author: (from the publisher's site)
Carrie Vaughn had the nomadic childhood of the typical Air Force brat, with stops in California, Florida, North Dakota, Maryland, and Colorado. She holds a Masters in English Literature and collects hobbies-fencing and sewing are currently high on the list. She lives in Boulder, Colorado.

If you have reviewed this book and would like me to add a link to your review, please include a link in your comment!

Giveaway Details: (for more detail, visit here)
Comment on this review and you will be entered to win a copy of the book - you CAN leave a comment on all six reviews (one posted each day through March 30th) to earn an entry for each of the books. Please make sure I have a way to contact you in the event that you win!! The GRAND PRIZE winner will be drawn from among the entries on all six reviews!! This giveaway is part of a Hachette Book Group (thank you Hachette!!), and to participate, you must be a resident of the United States or Canada, no PO Boxes.

Review and Giveaway: Kitty and the Dead Man's Hand by Carrie Vaughn

Title: Kitty and the Dead Man's Hand (Kitty Norville, Book 5)
Author: Carrie Vaughn
Pages: 320
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (February 1, 2009)
Genre: Fiction / Fantasy / Vampire / Werewolf
Edition: Paperback - many thanks to the publisher (Hachette Book Group) for sending me a copy to review





Perfect for : Personal reading, anyone who likes vampire or werewolf stories

In a nutshell: Book 5 of the Kitty Norville series finds Kitty and Ben the alphas of the Denver pack, and working together with Rick, who is now the Vampire Master of the city. It also finds the pair taking their relationship to the next level - marriage - in Vegas!! What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas - right? Well, Kitty agrees to do the first real KNOB televised show from Vegas prior to her marriage. When she and Ben arrive at their hotel, they find that there is a gun show convention complete with silver bullet-toting hunters of the supernatural! Add to that a strange lycanthrope (were-animal) show where the performers try to dazzle Kitty for unknown reasons of their own. Supernatural trouble tends to gravitate toward Kitty, and Vegas is no exception - both Kitty and Ben run into trouble, and make new friends along the way. Another GREAT book in the series!

Extended Review:
Characters: The main characters remain the same: Kitty, Ben, Cormac and Rick. This book also sees the introduction of Dom, the vampire Master of Vegas, Balthasar, the lead of the lycanthrope pack, and Odysseus Grant, a talented magician with supernatural ties of his own.

Story-Line: The story continues, shedding some light on Vegas as only a pair of were-wolves can. Kitty and Ben are there to get hitched, and everything seems to be working against them! They do manage to tie-the-knot, but not without the help of some new friends.

Readability: A fun and easy read.

Overall: Another great book by Carrie Vaughn, continuing the story of Kitty and Ben, which brings a new set of challenges, supernatural problems, and even a few new friends. I loved this book and highly recommend the series to anyone who is a fan of were-wolves, vampires and the supernatural. I also recommend this series to those who want to give this type of genre a try.

From Amazon:
HONEYMOON IN VEGAS?
Already the alpha pair of Denver's werewolf pack, Kitty and Ben now plan to tie the knot human-style by eloping to Vegas. Kitty is looking forward to sipping fru-fru drinks by the pool and doing her popular radio show on live TV, but her hotel is stocked with werewolf-hating bounty hunters. Elsewhere on the Strip an old-school magician might be wielding the real thing; the vampire community is harboring a dark secret; and the irresistible star of a suspicious animal act is determined to seduce Kitty. Sin City has never been so wild, and this werewolf has never had to fight harder to save not only her wedding, but her very life.

First Paragraph:
This was embarrassing. I never thought I'd become such a victim of tradition. Yet here I was, looking at the gowns in a bridal magazine.

About the Author: (from the publisher's site)
Carrie Vaughn had the nomadic childhood of the typical Air Force brat, with stops in California, Florida, North Dakota, Maryland, and Colorado. She holds a Masters in English Literature and collects hobbies-fencing and sewing are currently high on the list. She lives in Boulder, Colorado.

If you have reviewed this book and would like me to add a link to your review, please include a link in your comment!

Giveaway Details: (for more detail, visit here)
Comment on this review and you will be entered to win a copy of the book - you CAN leave a comment on all six reviews (one posted each day through March 30th) to earn an entry for each of the books. Please make sure I have a way to contact you in the event that you win!! The GRAND PRIZE winner will be drawn from among the entries on all six reviews!! This giveaway is part of a Hachette Book Group (thank you Hachette!!), and to participate, you must be a resident of the United States or Canada, no PO Boxes.

Review and Giveaway: Kitty and the Silver Bullet by Carrie Vaughn

Title: Kitty and the Silver Bullet (Kitty Norville, Book 4)
Author: Carrie Vaughn
Pages: 352
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (January 1, 2008)
Genre: Fiction / Fantasy / Vampire / Werewolf
Edition: Paperback - many thanks to the publisher (Hachette Book Group) for sending me a copy to review





Perfect for : Personal reading, anyone who likes vampire or werewolf stories

In a nutshell: In Kitty and the Silver Bullet (Book 4 of the series), Carrie Vaughn introduces politics of the supernatural kind into Kitty's life. Personal reasons compel Kitty and Ben to return to Denver, where Carl and Meg are still the alphas of the local pack, and will see their return as a challenge to their authority. Rick, the vampire who has always been seen at the edges of things with Arturo steps up to take over as the Vampire Master of Denver, but he needs the support of Kitty and the Denver pack in order to be successful. He promises to support Kitty and Ben in taking over the pack if they will be there when he makes his move. I simply love that Carrie Vaughn continues to add new (and interesting) twists and layers to her books. This book will keep you entertained!!

Extended Review: I absolutely loved the new level that Carrie Vaughn brought this story to. I never saw the vampire politics and The Long Game coming, and I must say it has made the overall story even more intriguing. The interaction between Kitty and Rick is great, and I can't help but think that Rick is going to be in the story for the long-haul, which makes me excited.

Characters: The story continues with a focus on Kitty, Cormac and Ben. In this book, Rick becomes another central character, while Carl and Meg ultimately receive a lesser role.

Story-Line: This is another well-developed and fast-paced book that is sure to keep the readers interest. I really like how Ms. Vaughn has added the political play involving both Kitty and Rick to the story, adding a larger overall plot to the series.

Readability: Fun, easy, entertaining, intriguing - I could go on here!

Overall: This is my favorite book so far. Carrie Vaughn has included enough information in each book so that they could stand alone, but I think that reading them in order adds so much to the story as an entirety.

From Amazon:
Kitty's radio show is as popular as ever and she has a boyfriend who actually seems to understand her. Can she finally settle down to a normal life? Not if this is just the calm before the storm. When her mother falls ill, Kitty rushes back to Denver--and right back to the abusive pack of werewolves she escaped a year ago. To make matters worse, a war is brewing between the city's two oldest vampires, threatening the whole supernatural community. Though she wants to stay neutral, Kitty is again drawn into a world of politics and violence. To protect her family, her lover, and herself, she'll have to choose sides. And maybe become what she hates--a killer.

First Paragraph:
I hated the smell of this place: concrete and institutional. Antiseptic. But all the cleaning in the world couldn't cover up the unhappiness, the sourness, the faint smell of urine. The faint smell of urine.

[Note: I've got to step in here and add that the book opens with Kitty and Ben visiting Cormac in jail, where he has ended up after saving their lives (along with a few others) in Kitty Takes a Holiday.]

About the Author: (from the publisher's site)
Carrie Vaughn had the nomadic childhood of the typical Air Force brat, with stops in California, Florida, North Dakota, Maryland, and Colorado. She holds a Masters in English Literature and collects hobbies-fencing and sewing are currently high on the list. She lives in Boulder, Colorado.

If you have reviewed this book and would like me to add a link to your review, please include a link in your comment!

Giveaway Details: (for more detail, visit here)
Comment on this review and you will be entered to win a copy of the book - you CAN leave a comment on all six reviews (one posted each day through March 30th) to earn an entry for each of the books. Please make sure I have a way to contact you in the event that you win!! The GRAND PRIZE winner will be drawn from among the entries on all six reviews!! This giveaway is part of a Hachette Book Group (thank you Hachette!!), and to participate, you must be a resident of the United States or Canada, no PO Boxes.

Review and Giveaway: Kitty Takes a Holiday by Carrie Vaughn

Title: Kitty Takes A Holiday (Kitty Norville, Book 3)
Author: Carrie Vaughn
Pages: 336
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (April 1, 2007)
Genre: Fiction / Fantasy / Vampire / Werewolf
Edition: Paperback - many thanks to the publisher (Hachette Book Group) for sending me a copy to review





Perfect for : Personal reading, anyone who likes vampire or werewolf stories

In a nutshell: In Kitty Takes A Holiday (Book 3 of the series), Carrie Vaughn shows readers that there are still more supernatural and magical things to explore in Kitty's world. Kitty is trying to mind her own business, writing her memoir in a quiet cabin in Colorado, when someone decides to try to scare her away from the quiet community. Out of the blue, Cormac shows up with an injured Ben (Kitty's lawyer), asking for Kitty's help. During a job Ben was helping Cormac with, Ben was bitten by a were-wolf, and now Ben must find a way to survive. Throughout these events, Kitty's quiet life is altered, and she finds herself becoming the alpha of a pack, made up of her and Ben. Those who enjoyed the first two books won't be disappointed with this book, but rather will learn about blood curses and skin-walkers.

Extended Review: Kitty Norville has taken some time away from hosting The Midnight Hour to write a memoir after being exposed as a were-wolf on national television. Her life is altered as Cormac shows up on her doorstep with an injured Ben in tow. She helps Ben as he heals and comes to terms with his new life, and they must find out who someone is trying to scare Kitty away.

Characters: The story continues with a focus on Kitty, Cormac and Ben. Other local characters are added throughout the story. Each character has been written and introduced in a manner that makes them seem so real and believable.

Story-Line: This is another well-developed and fast-paced book that is sure to keep the readers interest. I really like how Ms. Vaughn has added new supernatural elements to each story to continually add new layers to the books.

Readability: A fun and easy read.

Overall: Another great addition to the Kitty Norville series! Fans of the first two books are sure to love this one while continuing to learn more about curses and skin-walkers. If you haven't read any books about were-wolves and vampires, give this series a try. I have been very pleasantly surprised at how much I am enjoying them!!

From Amazon:
After getting caught turning wolf on national television, Kitty retreats to a mountain cabin to recover and write her memoirs. But this is Kitty, so trouble is never far behind, and instead of Walden Pond, she gets Evil Dead. When werewolf hunter Cormac shows up with an injured Ben O'Farrell, Kitty's lawyer, slung over his shoulder, and a wolf-like creature with glowing red eyes starts sniffing around the cabin, Kitty wonders if any of them will get out of these woods alive...

First Paragraph:
She runs for the joy of it, because she can, her strides stretching to cover a dozen feet every time she leaps. Her mouth is open to taste the air, which is sharp with cold. The month turns, and the swelling moon paints the night sky silver, lighting up patches of snow scattered throughout the woods. Not yet full moon, a rare moment to be set free before her time, but the other half of her being has no reason to lock her away. She is alone, but she is free, and so she runs.

About the Author: (from the publisher's site)
Carrie Vaughn had the nomadic childhood of the typical Air Force brat, with stops in California, Florida, North Dakota, Maryland, and Colorado. She holds a Masters in English Literature and collects hobbies-fencing and sewing are currently high on the list. She lives in Boulder, Colorado.

If you have reviewed this book and would like me to add a link to your review, please include a link in your comment!

Giveaway Details: (for more detail, visit here)
Comment on this review and you will be entered to win a copy of the book - you CAN leave a comment on all six reviews (one posted each day through March 30th) to earn an entry for each of the books. Please make sure I have a way to contact you in the event that you win!! The GRAND PRIZE winner will be drawn from among the entries on all six reviews!! This giveaway is part of a Hachette Book Group (thank you Hachette!!), and to participate, you must be a resident of the United States or Canada, no PO Boxes.

Review and Giveaway: Kitty Goes To Washington by Carrie Vaughn

Title: Kitty Goes to Washington (Kitty Norville, Book 2)
Author: Carrie Vaughn
Pages: 360
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (July 1, 2006)
Genre: Fiction / Fantasy / Vampire / Werewolf
Edition: Paperback - many thanks to the publisher (Hachette Book Group) for sending me a copy to review





Perfect for : Personal reading, anyone who likes vampire or werewolf stories

In a nutshell: In Kitty Goes to Washington, Carrie Vaughn has continued adding dimensions to Kitty's life as new characters and places are introduced to the series (there are currently six books available). Book two finds Kitty wandering the United States as she broadcasts her show from different radio stations each week as a result of leaving Carl's pack. She is also called to a hearing in the Senate that is looking into recent research regarding supernatural beings. Her life is abruptly changed as she goes from behind the mike to being in front of cameras. She becomes a recognizable figure, which brings with it supporters as well as those who don't like her. While staying in Washington D.C., she is invited to stay with the area's vampire mistress, and she meets a group of lycanthropes (were-animals) without a pack or pack alpha. With a little help, Kitty also finds out the truth about Elijah Smith and his followers.

Extended Review: Kitty Norville continues to host The Midnight Hour remotely, even going as far as televising a show from a silver-lined cell while she is held against her will during a full moon.

Without a pack of her own, Kitty must carefully choose her friends and allies as she explores Washington D.C. and waits to testify in front of the Senate.

Characters: Old favorites return in the form of Kitty, Cormac and Ben. We are also introduced to Alette, the vampire mistress of the city and her companion Leo, as well as Luis, a were-jaguar. At the forefront of the Senate hearings is Senator Duke and Dr. Flemming.

Story-Line: This is another well-developed and fast-paced book that is sure to keep the readers interest.

Readability: A fun and easy read.

Overall: A great sequel to Kitty and The Midnight Hour! Fans of the first book are sure to love this one while continuing to learn more about were-animals and vampires.

From Amazon:
Celebrity werewolf and late-night radio host Kitty Norville prefers to be heard and not seen. So when she's invited to testify at a Senate hearing on behalf of supernaturals, and her face gets plastered on national TV, she inherits a new set of friends, and enemies, including the vampire mistress of the city; an über-hot Brazilian were-jaguar; and a Bible-thumping senator who wants to expose Kitty as a monster. Kitty quickly learns that in this city of dirty politicians and backstabbing pundits, everyone's itching for a fight.

First Paragraph:
We have Beth from Tampa on the line. Hello.

About the Author: (from the publisher's site)
Carrie Vaughn had the nomadic childhood of the typical Air Force brat, with stops in California, Florida, North Dakota, Maryland, and Colorado. She holds a Masters in English Literature and collects hobbies-fencing and sewing are currently high on the list. She lives in Boulder, Colorado.

If you have reviewed this book and would like me to add a link to your review, please include a link in your comment!

Giveaway Details: (for more detail, visit here)
Comment on this review and you will be entered to win a copy of the book - you CAN leave a comment on all six reviews (one posted each day through March 30th) to earn an entry for each of the books. Please make sure I have a way to contact you in the event that you win!! The GRAND PRIZE winner will be drawn from among the entries on all six reviews!! This giveaway is part of a Hachette Book Group (thank you Hachette!!), and to participate, you must be a resident of the United States or Canada, no PO Boxes.