Christmas Cleaning

As you can see, my sidebar is somewhat less frightening than usual (aka: all of 2008). In honor of the soon to be ushered in new year, I have cleared up some space for challenges, contests, new links, new widgets, and all sorts of other fexcellent sidebar fillers. You may have even noticed the new quote widget from goodreads, which is my new best friend, next to Meds.

So if, whilst trolling the blogs, you see any challenges for the new year, an A-Z or 100+ or anything at all, just comment! I would lovelovelove if you would do so.

Preparing a Resolutions List,
Aella

So I Missed the Maelstrom...

Charybdis was a good time. Really. Like going to amusement parks is a good time. Or nano-festing is a good time. Or herding unicorns is a good time. But, like amusement parks, nano-festing, and herding unicorns, it is best for some things to come to an end before you suffer boredom, confusion, or severe injuries.

I missed the Maelstrom immensely, the posting format, the user-friendly sidebar skillz, the blogger community. Medeia explains the more complex issues surrounding our switch (other than my few months of emo-wordpressage) on her own blog. Good thing she is immensely more eloquent than I or we would be stuck in quite the cyber-lurch.

So in the words of a wise man. "And we're good. And we're dancing. And we're back!"

Until soon,
Aella Siofra

Ze End

This blog will self-destruct in 3 days.

3...



2....




1........

OH. NO.

I have looked at the A-Z challenge once more and have hit a serious road block. The authors list. *cue scary music*. So I have decided to bring it to all of you incredible people who go out of your way to read this blog. Help.

If anyone has any suggestions for the following letters, could they please let me know in comments? Grazi.

K: *edit* Now Complete! Thank you to commenter "grey" for suggesting Annette Curtis Klause. I shot over to the library and picked up her new book, entitled Freaks, as soon as I could. Be expecting a review on that one. Thanks to Mrs. Magoo for her suggestion as well!

U:

X:

Y:

Especially X.

Thanks everyone!

Contest!

Maw Books Blog is having an amazing contest. You can win pretty much anything Twilight themed, plus pins, a shirt, and a copy of the Host. Does it get any more fawesome than that (oops. Just read a Westerfeld book)? Sadly, the contest ends on the 30th, so you'll have to hurry on over. Everyone check it out:

Here.

Best of luck to you all!

Ze Memez! Zey Are ATTACKING!

I have been tagged by the ever-wonderful chicas of Plenty of Paper! and Reader Rabbit 2 of Reader Rabbit! and Ink Mage of Magic of Ink! Wow. I feel really loved! Anyway. I have copied the rules and questions from Reader Rabbit and here goes:


Rules: Link to the person that tagged you, post the rules somewhere in your meme, answer the questions, tag six people in your post, let the tagees know they’ve been chosen by leaving a comment on their blog, let the tagger know your entry is posted.

1. Who’s your all-time favorite author, and why?

My all time favorite (modern) author is probably Cornelia Funke (so many to choose from). I first picked up one of her books in fourth grade (Random Aella Fact: I used to hate reading. Beyond that. DESPISE.) and have been a freaky fan ever since.

But. My all time favorite author of all time is Lewis Carroll. Need I say more?

2. Who was your first favorite author, and why? Do you still consider him or her among your favorites?

My first favorite author was Louis Sachar. Oh, Holes, I owe so much to thee. And although he is not among my favorites today, his books hold a special shelf in my heart *sniff*

3. Who’s the most recent addition to your list of favorite authors, and why?

The most recent addition to my list of favorite authors is Maureen Johnson. A blogger named Reese (The Magnificent) was the first to tell/force me to read her work. I tore through everything she'd written (novel-wise) in two weeks.

4. If someone asked you who your favorite authors were right now, which authors would first pop out of your mouth? Are there any you’d add on a moment of further reflection?

Lewis Carroll, Cornelia Funke, Libba Bray, Scott Westerfeld, JRR Tolkien, Jaclyn Moriarty, John Green, Kenneth Oppel, Philip Reeve, Tamora Pierce, Conor Kostick (...whew...). After contemplation, I would probably add Frances Hardinger, Frank Beddor, Cory Doctorow, and Robert Ende.

The end.

I'm fairly certain that most people have been tagged. So. I shall break the rules and throw this meme to anyone who wants to do it. Tell them Aella sent you :)

In Pursuit of Odyssey,
Me!

Cover News

I was so thrilled about these three covers that I couldn't wait to show them! Is anyone else extremely excited for these books (ridiculous question)?

Cover A:
August 2nd! Can you hear my fan-girlish screams?


Cover B:
According to Cassandra Clare's MySpace post, this might not be a final cover. But I like it nonetheless. I hope the final choice isn't much different!

Plus: Check out the first chapter of City of Glass here

Okay. Just a quick note on the Inkdeath cover before I lose my ability to type (due to my jumping up and down in the computer chair). I have lost yet another bet. I had a deal going with a good friend of mine that the third Inkworld book would be green themed. Unfortunately, I have lost. On the same exact color that lost me my Inheritance Trilogy bet. Purple for Inkdeath and Gold for Brisingr. Who woulda thunk it? All the same, I really love it and have started my countdown until OCTOBER 7th! And as the snaps of information fly around the internet, I'm dying to get my hands on it. 656 pages? 656 pages! That's 122 pages longer than the first book!

Oops. Sorry. I'll stop raving now. I hope you enjoyed the covers.

Scavenging for Inkdeath News,

A New Challenge...

Can you hear my defeated sigh? I try and try to stay away from signing up for more challenges, but I just...can't...help myself. And this new one looks really great. Check it out everyone. My progress will be up on the sidebar soon (aaaahh... the eternal sidebar...).

"It's the End of the World" Challenge

Object: Read at least three books about the end of the world
Where: Becky's Book Reviews
The Rules: Check 'em out here

BONUS! A very cool banner

Happy Challenging,

Same Meme as Below: Take 2

I have already accomplished this meme, but have been tagged once again by a different person (The brilliant, organic, brilliantly organic African Bookworm). You can see the rules on the previous post, so I'm just going to go ahead and meme away. Who knows. Maybe this time I'll even tag someone...

I am currently reading Abhorsen by Garth Nix and Page 123: Lines 5,6,7,8 says....

"A black and tan dog not much bigger than a terrier, with huge feathery wings growing out of its shoulders.
At least it's a different dream, part of him thought. He had to be almost awake, and this was one of those dream fragments that precede total wakefulness, where reality and fantasy mix. It was his tent, he knew, but an owl and a winged dog!"

Waitwaitwait. I know that describes the Disreputable Dog, but since when did she/he wings? And who is Nick (I just read around those few lines to get some context)? Sorry to cut a post short everyone, but I must now read on and figure out how and when this happened.

I be taggzing...

1. Ink Mage (The Magic of Ink)
2. Tyto Alba (The Magic of Ink)
3. Jory (Jane & Jory Book Reviews)
4. Jane (Jane & Jory Book Reviews)
5. Courtney (Once Upon a Bookshelf)

Go to. Go to.

Best of luck in all your meme-ing delights.

Memified!

So here goes. Yet another meme. This time I have been tagged by the delightful and made-of-awesome Heather of Plenty of Paper Reviews! On to the rules, which have been copy and pasted directly from the POP blog.

1. Pick up the nearest book.
2. Open to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the next three sentences.
5. Tag 5 people and comment the person who tagged you once you've posted your 3 sentences.

Excellent. Well I have but one book near me (a opposed to Medeia ). Okay, on to the meme.. If I Should Die Before I Wake by Han Nolan says...

" I saw each day pass much the same as the last: hunger, death, new rules, new jokes, less food, and hot summer nights spent outside in the yard, gathered around the well, talking until dawn. Nothing surprised me anymore, nothing scared me , except deportation orders. Where were they sending those people they rounded up by the hundreds, even thousands, and shipped off to trains? Everyone had their guess, their story to tell, but no one knew for sure..."

That is incredibly sad. Holocaust books are so difficult to read sometimes. Agreed?

I tag... no one. But if you see this meme and would like to do it than do so and comment in the place set aside.

Subdued,

A New Contest!

The Fabulous Nicole B. of WORD for Teens is having a contest and giving away a signed copy of Keri Mikulski's book Screwball! The rules are below (copy and pasted directly from the blog linked above- so when it says "me" that's the contest hostess herself speaking):

Rules

• You must be a United States or Canadian citizen to enter.
• Post a comment on my blog to win with your name, your email address and what you would name a softball team if you had the chance. I'm currently going for the Wicked Witches, but that's just me. The most creative name will win.
  
• If you blog about the contest and tell me, you'll get an extra two entries!

Doesn't it sound fawesome? Haha. That's a great word. So GO! Enter the contest! And best of luck to all.

In Pursuit of Odyssey,

I Takz Quiz...

I took a quiz recently on Blog Things (in a state of profound boredom) and this was my result!

Your Personality is Very Rare (ENFJ)

Your personality type is dramatic, expressive, proud, and demanding. Only about 4% of all people have your personality, including 5% of all women and 2% of all men You are Extroverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Judging.

How Rare Is Your Personality?

Isn't that exciting? I certainly thought so. But then again, everyone likes to be told they're unique in a good way, right? Perhaps I shall embark on more of these quizzes. I don't think they ever end. They just sort of... are. All the same, they are a great deal of fun.

On a side note, it would be lovely if some people would comment for Medeia's sake. She went through a dreadful ordeal of demonic dentistry recently and is recovering admirably. All the same, I'm sure some lines from you marvelous folk (in the comments or the c-box) will make her feel even better. The best I could do was bring her an orange creamsicle from my own personal stash (did you know that there is such a thing as Orange Creamsicle perfume oil? Scroll down a bit on the linked page and you'll see it). That particular dessert has curative powers.




In Pursuit of Odyssey (and ice cream),

The Myspace

The Maelstrom is working on connecting with all you awesome readers. So we have started a myspace where you can friend (if you have an account this is), comment, and cyber dance with us! At this little hidey-hole of internet networking-dom you'll be able to check our release calendar (May is a busy month in the publishing world this year) and follow some Maelstrom events as they occur. Who knows? Contests and challenges may perhaps loom in the future. And go see others' profiles too. There are already some fantastic authors who have become even more awesome in our word-struck eyes by friending us (us? really? W00T!) So head over and tell us what you think! The "Charybdis Calling" awaits (if you know what that alludes to then comment in the C-Box)!

Always in Pursuit of Odyssey,

National Poetry Month

According to the giant banners going up around the library, April is national poetry month. I am intrigued by what this may mean for the book-blog-o-spere, for many bloggers seem to be quite the writing-types in their own respect. So I challenge you. Write a poem and post it on your blog. When you have, leave a comment or post something in the C-Box. That way people can link to your awesome and spread the word on their own blogs. This isn't a meme. Just a suggestion. I'd love to see what everyone does with it.

My own poetry (hahaha... if you can call it that) can be found on my Deviant-art. There are some short stories too, but I'll try to post a poem a week in honor of this month.

If you'd like to see how your state is doing in the way of rhyme and reason (bad pun intended), you can check it out on this spiffy map over at Poets.org.

Cheerz!

I Don't Know What to Post About...

Science class is a plague in some parts of the world. And science homework is the way it transmits its deadly poison. Ugh... So I have decided to make a list of things I do to procrastinate.

• Read- alot. everything. anything. all I see. all I can get my hands on. EXCEPT the text book.
• Write- same as above, but this time excepting homework.
• Journal- when I'm really desperate. The longest I've ever kept one is 5 days. Isn't that just a little sad?
  
• Dance- Horridly, around and around the homework in a complex display of risky footwork. One of these days/dance routines, I just know the papers will burst into flames.
• Drench My System in Music- The miracle worker of nature...
• Play Solitaire- Once I was addicted to that game, but as I realized that I would never be any better at shuffling I quit my obsessive gear of play.
• Make Lists- *sob*
• Youtube- I am a self professed viral video supporter.
  
• Bloggify the Cyberverse- as you can see, my new biggest hobby has become one of my new biggest procrastination vices. But I'm sure many of you understand. Right? Riiiight?

So, seeing as the papers have not yet burst into flames I should probably tackle them. However loathsome the task may be. But before I die, I mean, go.... I have just observed I didn't really mention books at all in this post. And that is why you're here, right? For book stuff? So...um....errr..... READ THE SABRIEL SERIES BY GARTH NIX!!! Medeia recommended them and now I'm somewhere between hooked and feverish. And, have you heard? There are two more Old Kingdom books to be scheduled in 2011 and 2012! Follow the link and hunt the site to found out anything more.

Discoverer of Tangent-Blog Remedies,

Another One?

Another meme? I am feeling quite the celebrity and I certainly hope that I haven't bored you all with my responses. So here's one more. Just one. For today. Observe the rigorous rules below.

1. Copy and paste the questions, then fill in your answers. Post this on your blog, livejournal, etc. There’s a catch, though. You have to change/add a question from the meme you were tagged with.
2. Post the rules.
3. Link to the person who tagged you.
4. Tag 3 people, by commenting on their blog.
5. Link back to the original (http://www.maelstrommedeia.blogspot.com) to see how much it has mutated.

1.) If you could change your name, what would you change it to?

Artemis... something. Artemis Something (working last name)

2.) What insane thing have you done to procrastinate (anything)?

RP-ed. When I had no idea what I was doing. Apparently, when RP-ing, you do not interrupt people who are sharing an intense cyber moment with exclamations of "Aella enters the clearing, carrying a pina colada and a violin, which seemingly plays on its own as it dangles from her hand." I was putting off science work and the things I had completed so far were drastically tainting my discernment.

3.) Are there any songs that get stuck in your head really easily? How do you get them out?

White Houses by Vanessa Carlton. My only escape is very loud ska or very loud Irish punk. Without them I am lost in a cacophony of "'Cuz when she dances, she goes and goes."

4.) If you could be (or are) a mythical creature, what would it be (or what are you)?

A Werewolf. But then again. I'm not so sure those can be considered mythical.

5.) What do colors taste like?

Granola

6.) Name three (or more if you like) fawesome words.

Frore, Magnificent, Indubitably, Terrorize

So concludes this odyssey into the inner workings of Aella Siofra. But if you want to see some serious follow up, I now tag: Nicole B. of WORD For Teens, Reeve Xanda of Ink Waz Silver, and the Story Siren. Good luck to you all.

In Pursuit of Odyssey,

A Meme for Me

Apparently I was memed and I didn't even know until today. My invitation into this was from that most excellent of bloggers Nicole b. of WORD for Teens. So. Here are the rules of my meme-age (shamelessly borrowed from WORD's rule list):

1. you link back to the person who tagged you. (Done.)
   
2. post these rules on your blog. (Check.)
   
3. share six unimportant things about yourself.
4. tag six random people at the end of your entry.
5. let the tagged people know by leaving a comment on their blogs.

Next step. Six unimportant things.

1. I am slightly obsessed with abandoned places. Houses, amusement parks (if you follow the link-scroll down a bit), cities, anything. Its an odd thing to be interested in, because when I was little I used to have a recurring dream of being trapped in a theme park at night and there was no one around at all... except of course for the giant rats.
2. One of my favorite past-times is laughing at books for parents on their children (ex: What Your Teen is Really Thinking). I simply find them very humorous at times.
3. I have broken all of my toes. All 10 of them. And in various different ways (none on purpose).
4. I despise the noise that vacuums make. I'm not necessarily afraid of it. I simply can't listen to it. Usually I'll go for a walk or hide in my MP3 player until its over.
5. I am a connoisseur de Alice. Alice in Wonderland that is, as well as Through The Looking Glass. I have all sorts of books on Lewis Carroll, I've seen the play, and the fan-fics and Aella-born spoofs abound.
   
6. Lastly, I can Muppet Treasure Island all the way from the beginning without missing a line. So there.

Now that I have revealed my inner-most soul, I shall list the victims of my meme tagging. I tag Aislinn Ai Nyx of the cousins, Heather and Caroline of Plenty of Paper, Bee of booknerd, The Book Whisperer, and, of course, Medeia Senka of our very own Maelstrom *wild cheers from a far off crowd*. This is all very exciting. I will be on the lookout to see if the Tagged will respond.

Running from Vacuum Noises,

Library Conversations

I spend a good deal of time at the local library, lounging in uncomfortable chairs that are just big enough to be awkward and just small enough to forbid any range of movement for someone over the height over 5' 1". But the biggest problem with these chairs is that they act as obstructions should you ever be trying to discreetly sprint away from the "Fine Police". But that's a little off topic.

Have you ever been sitting in a library (or on a bench, or a train, etc.) when you realize that the person next to you has acquired a strange spinal position to observe the title of whatever you're reading? Of course, you politely lift the cover a bit so they can see without risking paralysis. There is nodding. And mutterings of good author that...ooh...ah... And then... silence. A long and drawn out space completely devoid of sound. And then one person breaks it.

Person 1: I read a book by that author once, can't remember the title though. Hmm... Well, either way, it was really good.
You: Oh. Well. That's interesting. Was it... (pull title out of air)?
Person 1: No.
You: Oh.

Painful gap of empty air ensues

But sometimes there are great conversations to be had in libraries. I've discovered all sorts of titles and authors through aimless book chat. Once or twice I have joined in a heated quality control debate about some novel or other.

*same scenario*

Person 1: Ugh. How can you stand that? I never like that author.
You: Have you even read this?
Person 1: No.
You: Well, there you have it.

Aggravated huff

Has anyone experienced either of those situations? Was it awkward or enlightening or mildly amusing?

Intrigued and Engaging in Heated Debate,

Never Again to Sing Before Breakfast...

In response to the fabulous Medeia I have decided to make all of ye a list. Not just any list, but a list of things that bring bad luck. Bad fortune of the worst order, a year or more of luck-based doom. To bring you this information I set out on a great quest (2 cups of highly caffeinated tea, one site, and enough downward scrolling to make the tip of my right-index finger shiny). And here they are: 8 somewhat intriguing things that bring destiny to its knees.

• 5-leafed clover
• Putting a hat on a bed
• Crossed knives
• To pass someone on the stairs
• Cutting your nails on a Friday (HA! Take that universe! I bite my nails!)
• Getting out of bed left foot first
• Sitting on a table unless one foot is touching the ground
• And, of course, reading a Gossip/It Girl novel at any time in between Saturday and Saturday…

Unfortunately, I have fulfilled nearly half of the above listed myself. Or perhaps even more. And after some hasty calculations I realize that I have approximately...275 years of bad luck purgatory. I suppose I should be looking for the new moon over my right shoulder or something.

In honor of erm…yesterday… what kind of bad luck symbols/occurrences have you heard of? Or even an odd experience with Lady Fate herself? Fascinate us, I pray you.

Walking Backwards,

1 Day Refund

It is a habit of mine to wait until the last minute to do everything. This spread-the-word activity is (sadly) no different.

So. Over at the Story Siren, a splendid book-blog of challenge taking and book giving glory there is a contest. A contest for THREE WHOLE BOOKS!!! Note that these are whole books as opposed to ones with the pages torn out. They are for the Fire/Poison/Magic Study Series by Maria V. Snyder. For all the details you must go off in pursuit of the shiny grey link. Oh. And just a quick note. This contest ends tomorrow at midnight. Yes. Yes. I can hear your protests. "Aella! Why must you put such important things off until the very last minute?" And I have no answer but to hang my head in shame.

But to make it up to you, I am now engaging in another spread the word activity. 3 Cheerz for dual-postage and space conservation! This one is another book give away, but at the Page Flipper. This is also a laudable blog with many the intriguing review. 6 Books all of which are described ever so eloquently at the linked blog:

• Tweak by Nic Sheff
• Here, There Be Dragons by James A. Owen and its sequel, In Search for the Red Dragon
• Three Little Words by Ashley Rhodes-Courter
• Fake Boyfriend by Kate Brian
• and The Unspoken by Thomas Fahy

Bloggers will enter. But who will win? Simply observe the details and act upon the directions. And this time I've given fair warning. 31 days worth actually. The entire challenge is simpler than chick lit and far less painful.

Support the literary realms and its "dauntless crusaders" (time for another round of Name That Movie) in these splendid challenges and my hopes for success to all.

Holding Blog-Banners on Street Corners,

The Deep Questions in Life...

What Be Your Nerd Type? Your Result: Literature Nerd Does sitting by a nice cozy fire, with a cup of hot tea/chocolate, and a book you can read for hours even when your eyes grow red and dry and you look sort of scary sitting there with your insomniac appearance? Then you fit this category perfectly! You love the power of the written word and it's eloquence; and you may like to read/write poetry or novels. You contribute to the smart people of today's society, however you can probably be overly-critical of works. It's okay. I understand.
Drama Nerd
Musician
Social Nerd
Anime Nerd
Artistic Nerd
Gamer/Computer Nerd
Science/Math Nerd
What Be Your Nerd Type? Quizzes for MySpace

Woah... Totally didn't see that result coming. And the secretary says: sarcasm duly noted. This quiz was surprisingly enjoyable. I discovered it whilst trolling for book-blogs. There are quite a few questions, but I suppose that is merely to allow for a more "accurate" result.

But it got me thinking. Do you think this quiz, or any other that categorizes, is manipulative and promoting stereotypes? Just pondering as I really can't make up my mind. Comment away. What is your opinion?

Warning: Do Not Read This Book...

So, in preparation for last night, Medeia and I stalked the local library for Holly Black books. The Spiderwick Chronicles to be exact. And then, as a reward for our "efforts" we went to see the movie. Despite the irritating green line projected down the middle of the screen by faulty equipment for the duration of the film, I must say that it was greatly enjoyed. And I don't know how it happened.

Seeing as I tend to be something of a purist in book to movie transitions I was shocked by how much I liked Spiderwick. Although the first half was accurate enough, the second took great liberties with the plot, building on the events in the very short books. But the dialogue was humorous, intelligent, sometimes even snarky and the characters turned out to be well acted. Freddie Highmore, a young English actor, played both of the Grace twins wonderfully, adopting completely different persona whenever he made the switch. And Mallory was noteworthy as well (note* expect swords and plenty of green blood). Happily, even through the big screen portrayal, the essence of the books remained. The fantastical and borderline macabre sensations from the works of Holly Black's incredible talent were maintained and worked upon to make a film that the target audience could enjoy as well as the older set (leaning, but not catering, to a younger crowd).

Not to mention that the creatures looked as if they had come from the Field Guide itself. There were griffins, sprites, rock trolls, goblins, griffins, flower fey, brownies, boggarts, griffins *blithers for another hour or so*. Even Mulgarath, the ogre, closely followed the illustrations of the honorable Mr. Diterlizzi and was suitably fearsome.

To say the least, Medeia and I's conversation while leaving the theater went something like...

M: And did you see...
A: I know and then the sword *jabs air* in that part...
M: That was brilliant! And the rock troll...
A: And HOGSQUEAL!!
M&A: *burst into laughter*
Father Siofra: *odd look*

So go see it, but with an open mind. There might be room for compromise in novelty cases after all.


Bewildered and Searching the Sky for Griffins,
Aella Siofra

Meme-ing Me!

Which book do you irrationally cringe away from reading, despite seeing only positive reviews? Honestly?
Harry Potter, actually. I should probably pack up and leave town to avoid pitchfork-wielding fans at this point. It’s not that I dislike the books so very much, but I don’t think they come up to the bar people project them to be even with.

If you could bring three characters to life for a social event (afternoon tea, a night of clubbing, perhaps a world cruise), who would they be and what would the event be?
*Ponder* For a night of clubbing (something I’ve never done) I would have to raise Loor from the Pendragon series, Alianne from the Trickster’s Choice/Trickster’s Queen set, and Jacky from the Bloody Jack series. That would be very...exciting.

(Borrowing shamelessly from the Thursday Next series by Jasper Fforde): you are told you can’t die until you read the most boring novel on the planet. While this immortality is great for a while, eventually you realize it’s past time to die. Which book would you expect to get you a nice grave?

Without a doubt, A String in the Harp by Nancy Bond. Every time I try to read it it’s like an out of body experience. My entire brain goes into an impermeable lockdown as to maintain any semblance of mental activity.

Come on, we’ve all been there. Which book have you pretended, or at least hinted, that you’ve read, when in fact you’ve been nowhere near it?
Actually. I’m not sure I have been there. The answer is It by Stephen King. I can’t even look at it. Clowns have been my worst fear for years. Some kid asked me if I was scared of them and I became defensive, saying stupidly, “Pshaw, no. I’ve read It.” Settled his fears, but the karma just might kill me.

As an addition to the last question, has there been a book that you really thought you had read, only to realise when you read a review about it/go to ‘reread’ it that you haven’t? Which book?
No. I almost always remember what I read.

You’re interviewing for the post of Official Book Advisor to some VIP (who’s not a big reader). What’s the first book you’d recommend and why? (If you feel like you’d have to know the person, go ahead and personalise the VIP.)
Oh dear. It really depends. Lets say the VIP is female. I would suggest something intense like Cut by Patricia McKormick or Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. Most people like those and they’re short and moving. I’m reading Catalyst right now actually.

A good fairy comes and grants you one wish: you will have perfect reading comprehension in the foreign language of your choice. Which language do you go with?
Japanese. Have the animes I love are in Japanese with English subtitles, but their mangas don’t come in English at all.

A mischievious fairy comes and says that you must choose one book that you will reread once a year for the rest of your life (you can read other books as well). Which book would you pick?
Inkheart by Cornelia Funke. I do that anyway.

I know that the book blogging community, and its various challenges, have pushed my reading borders. What’s one bookish thing you ‘discovered’ from book blogging (maybe a new genre, or author, or new appreciation for cover art—anything)?
Definitely a new appreciation for cover art. This has actually been instilled in me by my co-blogger Medeia Senka. Her artist’s eye could kill you in a rage.

That good fairy is back for one final visit. Now, she’s granting you your dream library! Describe it. Is everything leatherbound? Is it full of first edition hardcovers? Pristine trade paperbacks? Perhaps a few favourite authors have inscribed their works? Go ahead—let your imagination run free.
Oh. My. Tempests. My dream library would be behind a wall in a castle on the sea. Of course I would live in this great stone work of art. But you wouldn’t know the library existed. It would be secreted behind two-inch thick walls and reached only by daring to walk the ledge so far above sheer cliffs and pull a gargoyles right ear. This would then open a passageway. You would traverse this with a dimly flickering torch and then you’d enter through the door, ouroboros marked. Inside you would have to touch the torch to a wall ravine and then the flames would encircle the library to a never-ending ceiling, reached only by the ladders that slid along great walls. Books of all kinds would grace the walls. Everything from sea-logs, or an original scripted work of the Brothers Grimm, to Alex Rider novels or mangas. Perfect hardcover without the dreadful ‘80s first print artwork and a plethora of things I have yet to read. My secret fantasy. It gives me warm fuzzy feelings and the musty scent of old books in my nose just to think it.

I was memed by Ink Mage at http://www.inkmagic.blogspot.com. What fun! It was very nice to know someone wanted to hear my answers *hugs self* I have memed Twyla Lee Nyx, Medeia Senka (must I really link that for you), Bibliovore, and the mahvelous macabre of Sera Zane.

Cheerz and Feeling Loved,
*Aella Siofra*

Awesome - Zing

Another challenge, I say!! Somebody stop me. Medeia has signed up for this one too. As I understand it you are to read 52 books in the time that passes during 2008. One title for each letter of the alphabet and one author as well. Very cool and Neanderthal simple. So follow the black and pink link (failed Wizard of Oz theme) and find something that's interesting to read. Chances are that either the title or author's name starts with a letter. My list and progress will be viewable on the side once I start making progress and I hope to see yours on your own individual progresses in net-pursuit (blogs, livejournals, etc.). And expect some reviews *cough, cough* 52 *cough, cough* from the Maelstrom we call home.

Hunting Down a Dictionary and Ransacking the Local Library,
*Aella Siofra*

Challenge

I lurve challenges. Don't you? Doesn't everybody? All the same, I have been click-crazy all day and have joined three challenges *blush*. But I'll post about only the first on this particular fine evening.
So. The YA Challenge 2008. It's an awareness and inspiration thing. People tend to read more if they are lured to do so. And that's what this is all about. You sign up at the site, pick 12 books, post about them and review them as you go. Very, very simple. Just read those selected and you're all set. And it is a cause of sorts. And in the name of pursuit of odyssey, go forth and read.
Here's my 12. Hold me to 'em.

2008 YA Book Challenge

1. The Book of Mordred by Vivian Vande Velde
2. The Dark Elf Trilogy by RA Salvatore
3. Birdwing by Rafe Martin
4. The Shamer’s Daughter by Lene Kaaberbol
5. Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier
6. King Dork by Frank Portman
7. Sabriel Series by Garth Nix
8. If I Should Die Before I Wake by Han Nolan
9. Over A Thousand Hills I Walk With You by Hanna Jansen
10. City of Flowers by Mary Hoffman
11. Tunnels by Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams
12. Flora Segunda: Being the Magickal Mishaps of a Girl With (and so on) by Ysabeau S. Wilce

Feeling gladiator-like and reading numero uno,
*Aella Siofra*

The 1,000

We may not be from Sparta, but we still have 1,000 views!!! *cheering from a far-off crowd*. And all I have to say is this... Yay! So cheers and Auld Lang Syne and all that good stuff, because its like a new year at Maelstrom. Okay. Not really. But we're still pretty excited. So thank you to all contributors of hit-countage. This is a proud moment in our history. And we hope for a 1,000 more!! (or 2 or 3...or 300)

With confetti and hooligans (the good kind) in the streets,

*Aella Siofra*
and ~Medeia Senka~

Snow + Fireplace = Cheesy Post

I have discovered that there is nothing like sitting next to a fireplace as it snows rabidly outside your window. Of course, this picture wouldn’t be complete without a few *cough* dozen *cough* books at your side and a mug of mint hot cocoa consisting mainly of rapidly melting whipped cream (personal preference). Now, I understand that this may seem frightfully similar to most settings for either dreadful Christmas specials shown on family channels or to “The Shining” (rarely shown on family channels), but it is worth the sentimentality. So here’s my list of six books that are great for next-to-fireplace reading (not necessarily all top 5 list of Aella Siofra AGGH-this-is-the-19^th-time-I’ve-read-this material).

1. Poison by Chris Wooding

• Glorious macabre. It’s just to great to be reading about bone witches and fairytale non-conformists as banshee winds scream outside

2. Fly By Night by Frances Hardinge

• Political intrigue and stuffs. Very good for intensity.

3. The Bloody Jack Series by LA Meyer

• Piratical, hilarious, and full of banditry. Need I say more?

4. Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury

• More remnants of my nail-biting shelf. It took me three years to read this, but as I look back it’s not too scary. But Ray Bradbury + evil carnivals of doom = awesome at any age.

5. Anything (As in- in general or whatever you can steal from the library- not a book title) by Eva Ibbotson

• Connect with your inner child... before it’s too late

6. Airborn by Kenneth Oppel

• Set up is reminiscent of 19th century airships. A bit like Treasure Island with a female protagonist added in for a sterling display of sheer awesome

So, whether your house looks like an arctic hazard right now or you live in a place where no one has even heard of a snow day, tell us your biggest chimney corner choices. They don’t necessarily have to be your favorite books, just something that is ideal for such flicker-lighted moments.

Feeling heinously sappy and eying logs for spider holes,

*Aella Siofra*

E-Books

Yesterday as I was calmly waltzing through the internet for no apparent reason I came across a fascinating device known as the Kindle on Amazon. Apparently you can download novels onto this invention and read them simply by clicking a button to move you along. Fascinating. But it also struck me as impersonal and cold.

Now. E-books. Are they a fate or a release? I’m inclined to believe the former. While some may delight in staring at a screen (such as on a Kindle) for hours and soaking in the advantage of good writing I have found that it is harmful to the retinas. I enjoy leafing through pages, knowing from experience how many of them are left, sensing how close I am to a climactic battle *cough, cough Cry of the Icemark*. Call me crazy, but I also get pleasure from the smell of old book shops (unless they are occupied by scary old book-sellers). Is there soon to be an end to that familiar sensation of turning pages and seeing that tomato sauce you spilled on page 126 last time you read the novel in your hands? Or is this simply a wonderful new invention that marks the end of a “dark age” in reading and the beginning of literary progress?

Pondering and Halting Technological Advancement,

Aella Siofra

We have decided...

To give you a poll!! After all 10 of your brilliant suggestion we have narrowed it down to our favorite four. Two of which did not exist in the comments. Kind of.

So hear goes! In your typing fingertips lies the fate of the Maelstrom rating system. And the winner could win *gameshow voice*...

Our undying gratitude.

Choose wisely as to prevent world-wide cataclysmic events,
*Aella Siofra*