New All Hallows Eve Tradition

Do you dislike what Halloween has become?  Like me?

All Hallows Eve has roots from the Samhain Celtic Festival and All Saint's Day.

However, now it is all about Candy!

Especially for my boys.

How did we let this happen??

I plan on starting a new tradition, of course, these boots are following in the wonderful foot steps of a grand creative writer.

Neil Gaiman is a brilliant writer of simple prose

yet he has come up with a pleasant way of making this day about more then 

a sugar rush.

A scary literary rush is WAY better!!!

What do you think of Neil Gaiman's idea?

I felt  the gears and cogs roll around a bit under my flowery bonnet.

Which book would you like to see people give out?

*Video found @ Book Rat, a most wonderful blog I visit on a regular basis*
**Check out my review of Stardust by Neil Gaiman Here**

Book Review... Stardust dust dust

Stardust

By: Neil Gaiman
Published: September 2006 by Harper Perennial
Library Paperback 333 Pages 
Book Art: Based off the Motion Picture. I am normally a person who likes the original book art but I like how this cover shows more then just the two main characters.
Tags: Steampunk, Young Adult, Fantasy Fiction, Science Fiction, Motion Picture, Witches, Library 

Reason Why the Mad Scientist Picked Up This Book: Sometimes I read a book because it is planned... this one happened to be for a book club.

First Line:  There was once a young man who wished to gain his Heart's Desire. 

Concoction of  Review:

Neil Gaiman has a way with simple prose, bloody brilliant.  He spins together a unique world that I should not think you would want to miss. There are Steampunkery dirigible pirates, unicorns, evil witches, trees whom may talk to you, and many other magical world phenomenon that will keep your delicate fingers flipping pages. *grin* That is the way the Mad Scientist prefers it. 

Dunstan strolls the traveling market which culminates in a moment of abandon. Knocking boots results in a small bundle being pushed through the broken wall with a small name pinned to it... Tristan Thorn. How curious? *peaks eyebrow*

Young Tristan is an odd lad who wants nothing more then to woe his true love, Victoria Forester. In his quest for a sample of her lips he offers her everything under the sun. However, a lady never allows herself to be found in such a improper position with a gentleman, she politely declines his offers. Then a star falls near by which she declares that if he brings her the star she will accept is courtship proposal. Tristan is beside himself with delight and sets out on his quest for the most unusual object to win his lady loves kiss and hopefully her hand in marriage.

Tristan says farewell to his family in Wall and starts on his journey in Faerie after his Heart's request, the fallen star.

Young feet and a love sick heart fuels Tristan throughout Faerie along with a bit of good luck. He finds his fallen star, except this star is not what he thought he would find, nor I. Expecting a rock, we both gasp *gasp* when we find a beautiful young lady. This odd duo disagreed with each other to no end.  The star did not want to go with Tristan to be an object for his love, of course, that is all he wanted. *tsk tsk*  Lets just say she did not make his life easy. 

This book is not all mushy love.  Gaiman added a very interesting sub plot that intertwines pretty nicely.  The sons of Lord Stormhold were sent out on a most difficult quest, to retrieve a family amulet. The intriguing part is when the ghosts of the deceased brothers are about watching their kin kill each other off in attempt to grab ahold of the family throne.

Twisted in between these those two plots where these most wonderful witches who were searching for the star for a gruesome reason. They added a certain punch to the enchantment that already holds you.


Steampunkery Elements:  I just loved the pirates with a surprising vessel. The dirigible was a grand surprise for the Mad Scientist.  It just made me melt when I get to read about sweaty pirates sailing through the skies fishing for lighting bolts.

Motion Picture:  This book has been turned into a fantastic motion picture, although, I have not watched it as of late. The Mad Scientist did get the chance to watch the motion picture several years ago which I was sure that this brain had pushed aside all remembrance of it. Except for Michelle Pheifer looking really grotesque. But as I read the book the images of the movie came flooding back into my head. Most often that is exactly why a reader likes to read the book before watching the movie so the motion picture does not impede judgement. The Mad Scientist would have to say the movie images did not hinder this book for me in anyway, perhaps it improved it a bit. I might just have to go and borrow the movie again.

Rating:

4.34  Blasts

From start to finish Tristan's 
mission is hardly bland.

Quotes:
"I would not wish to marry someone who had already been married. It would be,' she opined, 'like having someone else break in one's own pony."

"The manly heroes of the penny dreadfuls and shilling novels never had these problems getting kissed."

"Every lover is, in his heart, a madman, and, in his head, a minstrel."

Contact Mad Scientist & Policies

Good Day to my lovely followers!

As you know I am rather new to the blog-o-sphere of this century.  With that being said this site is a work in progress.   Blog growth, learning about expectations, and watching out for what pleases you the most.  

I tried my hand at creating a letter for my Contact Policies page.  

Could you be so kind as to provide me with some feedback?  Do you like what I had to say, am I missing important information, is anything unclear, or anything else that you feel needs to be said?

I thank you most graciously in advance.

Mad Scientist

Authors/Agents/Publishers:

There will be an abundance of blushing from the Mad Scientist if you would like me to read and create a review for you.  The concoction of a review is of my own making, however, I feel a need to state that all reviews are honest theories and thoughts from my own manner.

Mad Scientist can be reached at all hours of the day including that of the past, present, & future at:

madsteampunkery@gmail.com

Futuristic contraptions are lovely.  The Mad Scientist is a PROUD owner of Nook.  It makes a long day of tinkering worth the moments of relaxing when I do not feel guilty about loss of trees for my obsession.  Yes, Obsession.

eBOOKS is my preference.  However, I do understand that ARC's are yet to be fully beautified & I will be most honored to examine the inky goodness in the early stages.

Genres of my own personal interest would include:

• Steampunk
• Paranormal Romance
• Young Adult
• Realistic Fiction
• Futuristic Fiction
• Erotica
• Dark Fantasy - including Gothic themed
• Contemporary Romance
• Science Fiction
• Neo Victorian
• Asian
• Native American
• Historical Romance

Books sent me for review will be placed at the top of the reading pile.  If there is a deadline for my work please let me know when the review is needed by.

I am also willing to do author interviews, contest/swag giveaways, and book tours.

Book Reviews include: Book name, author name, publisher, pages, ratings, book art rating, some quotes, & a honest review.

**My book reviews are also posted on Smashwords, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, as well as GoodReads & Shelfari.**

First Month Page Stats:

Pageviews today 58

Pageviews yesterday 55

Pageviews last month 909

Thank you for your interest & Have a pleasant day,

Steampunkery Female Delight

Steampunkery fashion can really delight the senses. 

You cannot merely just glance at a Steampunk costume and see all there is to see.

The Creator of such items put in a lot of time and effort into such masterpieces. 

To them I tribute this post.

Without such creative style were would the genre be?

Here are a few fashionable female items.

The great thing about this post is that all of the fashions posted here

are available for sale.

The Mad Scientist whipped up a connective link to the maker of the item.

I've added several pieces from the wide range spectrum of Steampunk.

ETSY

ETSY

ETSY

ETSY

ETSY

Folksy Shop UK!

Were there any particular pieces that intrigued you the most?

Perhaps there is something you would like to see more of?

Drop me a note so I can also become a tailor and you my model for future posts!

I can post your comment and feature you and your blog in a future post.

Garden Walk With Friends Book Hop Style

It is such a pleasant day out.

I could no longer stand the stuffy manner of the sitting room.

Nor could I spend another minute in my deep dark Laboratory! 

A lady does have to get about making appearances ever so often.

I have my pale blue parasol and a book in my arms.

Would you like to take a stroll with me through the gardens?

You will make the my day ever so pleasing.

They are so beautiful this time of the year.

The colors and sights will delight your senses.

Beaulieu Gardens, UK

What are you currently reading? Basically, what book is that?

As of late, I have been devouring Beautiful Darkness the second book of the Caster Chronicles!  It is one of the best YA series that I have read this year.
By: Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Huntington Botanical Gardens

I must mention that if you are not already signed up for the Blog Hop and Follow Friday I insist that you

visit their blogs at Crazy for Books & Parajunkee's View.

It has been a Wonderful Pleasure strolling through the garden with others who also enjoy books as much as I do.

Please do stop by anytime & I will make sure to make an appearance on your blogs as well.

Beijing Olympic Topiary Gardens

Oh, I found a most wonderful giveaway @ i swim for oceans.

There will have three (3) winners...

Donated by our very own Hachette Book Group 

Dark Song by Gail Giles
Bloodthirsty by Flynn Meaney
The Witches' Kitchen by L. Williams
The Saga of Larten Crepsley - Birth of a Killer by Darren Shan

Be sure to stop by next week to attend a ball, Friday Follow, & Book Hop!

Until Next Time,

Happy Reading!!

Steampunkery Month @ Candace's Book Blog w/Mad Scientist

November is going to be Steampunkery at Candace's Book Blog!
Are you excited?
I am!

You will find all kinds of fun goodness, Steampunk style!

Guest posts, book reviews and giveaways.  

Mad Scientist, (that is me) from Mad Steampunkery is going to be doing some guest posts and helping out, a lot! 

 I am honored!

Suzanne Lazear will be gracing us with her presence in the first Steampunk post in November and will be informing us of what, exactly, is Steampunk. 

Background is always warranted! 

November 2nd I will be introduced and perhaps you will learn more about the Mad behind the Scientist.

*Rubs Hands Evilly*

Knicker Tuesdays and will be featured, with Steampunk book teasers!

Fashionable Fridays will feature Steampunk fashions and even some how-to videos on how to make your own.
Oh yes, you shall see some of my creations!

Candace is still looking for more reviews, more guest posts, and more books for giveaway!

If you want to participate or help in some way please email Candace at

candace_redinger (at)yahoo(dot)com

or Mad Scientist at

madsteampunkery(at)gmail(dot)com

Books... The Giveaway Kind!

Give away of Breathers and Fated over at Book Rat!

If you are not a follower of this blog you simply but stop by and check it out!

The Book Rat is one of the blogs I check out every time start surfing through my dashboard!

ALSO

 

Knicker Teaser... Blameless

As a Mad Scientist... it is in the job description to light up some beakers with mysterious glowing liquid and create.  Today I am revamping the meme hosted by Lady MizB @ Should Be Reading.
Knicker Teaser is the twisted creation.  I will provide you with Steampunkery Knicker Teasers and Literary Samplings as well.

Today's Knickers are special!

Pink Ribbon Pin Ups

By Dim Horizon Studios
Featuring Jessica Patterson from Big City Burlesque and Vaudeville
All proceeds from the purchase of the pictures will be donated to  Boot Scottin' Boobies for Atlanta 2 Day Walk for Breast Cancer.
Click Here to see more pictures.

Blameless

By Gail Carriger

"Lord Maccon was built like a brick outhouse, with opinions twice as unmoving and often equally full of crap."



*This was just a utterly amazing quote I did not feel I needed to add more!*

Steampunkery Heels, Perfectly Darling

Fashion. Fashion. Fashion.
Female Steampunkery Heels

Now, we must know that I do adore fashion! 
It is absolutely unacceptable to step out the door without a proper walking dress and parasol.
Or for today... pj pants with cute penguins.
Yes, they are cute but keep them inside, PLEASE!


I leave you with a few pairs of delightful
heels that will have you wanting to leave your door step in full
female beauty!!

Sassy Brass

Steam Powered

Cute and Steamy

Steampunkerfic

Sinister Soles

Which pair of these most beautiful heels would you love to get your feet into?

Because we know I would love to have each pair of these 

Steampunkery heels for myself!

*Evil Sinister Grin*

A lady can never have enough foot wear!

Library Visit & Hop

Please, do come in.

You may give your lovely parasol to the Butler.

The library is this way.

I'm so glad you decided to come back.

It makes my day ever so more pleasant.

Ah, books are just so handsome. 

Sometimes they are even more handy then a fellow. 

*grins*
Is my library not just lovely?

Which book did I recently finish?

Guitar Girl, which is already reviewed HERE.  

*Squee*

When you read a book that you just can't get into, 

do you stick it out and keep reading or move to your next title?

OH NO!  It is not pleasant to try to mull through a book that is not extraordinary.
I declare to read only books that keep me fully engrossed in their inky goodness!

What is your reading suggestion this week?
There is a certain series that is crammed with many things of the Steampunkery sort
that I would highly recommend!
Plus reviews are coming soon!
The Parasol Protectorate Series
By: Gail Carriger
Which include as of now:
Soulless
Changeless
&
Blameless
*Heartless come out July 2011*

It has been a Wonderful Pleasure entrainting you today in my library.
I hold it dear in my heart.
But you are more then welcome to stop by anytime.

Let's gather your parasol from my butler.
Then we can fetch your carriage.

*Carriage Pulls Up*

Happy Reading
& That is that is truly a dashing Parasol!

Review... Of The Music Sort.

Guitar Girl

By: Sarra Manning
Publisher: Dutton
Hardcover 217 Pages
Book Art:  I thought the book art was simple and fresh.
Tags: Young Adult, Music, Coming of Age

Reason Why The Mad Scientist Picked Up This Book:

The book art peaked a interest while I was browsing the GoodReads swap.

First Line:  There's a stack of folders piled up on the desk in front of me.

Concoction of a Review:  

The first line was hardly what I would call gripping.  *sigh*  However, I did enjoy how Mistress Manning's prologue was what was going on to our young Rocker Molly Montgomery at the present moment, then the story proceeds as she tells us what her life was like through her year of fame.

My name is Molly Montgomery.  I'm nineteen years old, and I'm being sued for £ 5,000,000 by my former record company...

Easy Free Borders from TagBot Borders

*Gasps*  Now my gloved hands are shaking in great anticipation. I simply could not image little ol' me being sued for such a grand amount.  The premise has such great potential. Sadly the book fell a slight bit short for me.

Our narrator is Molly is a young lady of 17 along with two of her close friends, Tara and Jane, start a girl revolution band.  At first this band was just for them.  After their first unofficial gig bad boy Dean and quiet T help the girls smooth out some kinks and become apart of the band, "The Hormones".  *Hmmm* Named after the emotional problems the youth pine their problems on.*tsk tsk*

"The Hormones" finds a manager, signs on with a record company, and tours very quickly.  Molly and her band members are launched into fame full throttle.  Molly is a force who is leading the band while trying to stay on task to empower other girls who are not noticed to started their own bands.  Her parents are cautious, she has mixed up feelings for Dean *grins*, and ends up snogging the band's manager (Paul) *grins evilly*.  Although, Molly is very immature in worldly manners.  The details about the claim to fame (harsh truths) and essentially behind the scene details were pretty interesting. 


Dean Dean Dean, *shakes head* I do not think your are a chap worthy of Miss Molly.  However, I did find that the battle between the immature I like you but I should not because the manager said not to be a tad interesting.  I felt the frustration over the odd attraction that Molly was going through.  Swooning over a fellow is hardly easy.  What is a girl to do?

"The Hormones" do hit fame but with most bands it too crashed and burned.  Mistress Manning writes about a harsh novel about being a teenage rock star in a realistic manner with bold characters that do not fall into a cookie cutter backup.  The book leads into a warning to the youth showing some consequences of becoming a rock star and showing that it is not what is all cracked up to be.

Quotes:

"I wrote about what I knew.  And what I knew was that boys never fancied you back, and that working weekends in the Best Buys convenience store was slowly sucking the soul out of me, and that there wasn't a problem in the world that couldn't be helped with coprous amounts of choclate."

"I felt like I was about to go naked into battle."

I acutally had a theory that I'd sprung forth fully formed from teh froth of the ocean, but my birth certificate tended to discount that theory."

"I'm going to... actually, I don't know what I'm going to do, but it wont be pretty, and it will contain language that some people may find offensive."

  3 Blasts

A mildly entertaining book that is good for a different read but beyond that I will not find myself reading this one again.

*My next concoction of a review will be of the adult sort.*