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Smugglivus 2010 Guest Author (& Giveaway): Karen Mahoney

Welcome to Smugglivus 2010: Day 30

Throughout this month, we will have daily guests – authors, bloggers and publishers alike – looking back at their favorite reads of 2010, and looking forward to events and upcoming books in 2011.

Who: The very awesome Karen Mahoney, British debut author, close friend and Honorary Book Smuggler.

Recent work: The short story The Spirit Jar in the anthology Kiss Me Deadly, reviewed HERE by Ana. Her first full length novel, the excellent The Iron Witch will be published later this month.

Ladies and gents, we are proud to present you Kaz Mahoney!

Thank you, dear Book Smugglers, for having me over to help you celebrate Smugglivus. I think this is fast becoming one of my favourite annual celebrations, and I think you might need to trademark it and start producing merchandise. You could be onto a winner! 😀

2010 has brought me so many wonderful books to read and authors discovered, and it was also the year that I took a hard look at myself and my reading habits as far as the diversity of my book choices went. With the help of bloggers such as Ana and Thea of The Book Smugglers, Ari from Reading in Color and others, I’ve become more aware than ever of my choices. To be honest, I’ve always tried to read widely – and to read consciously – when it comes to books by and about POC, but 2010 is probably the year where I took that into the ‘public arena’ a little more. I hope to continue this throughout 2011 and beyond, as I have a ton of great POC books piled up next to my bed (my favourite reading spot)!

Anyway, without further delay here are my…

Favourite Books of 2010:

THE DEMON’S COVENANT by Sarah Rees Brennan

It is no secret that I loved The Demon’s Lexicon, Sarah Rees Brennan’s debut novel – it was my top read of 2009 – but could Book Two of her trilogy, The Demon’s Covenant, measure up? Would I be disappointed? The answers are: Yes, it does measure up. And no, it does not disappoint. Book two has more to get your teeth into, with multiple plot threads and shenanigans going on. This is a Good Thing. My interest never flagged and I read and read, one night staying up ’til almost 3am to finish because I had to know what happened! I admit to missing Nick as the POV character, but Mae’s voice quickly won me over – and I can see why it wouldn’t have worked to have Nick ‘narrating’ any more stories. (Have you read the first book? If you have, then you’ll know what I mean.) I loved seeing more of the Goblin Market, and we learn much more about the demons Anzu and Lianan. The magicians’ Circles are expanded upon and, really, the whole world that Sarah created in Book One just expands here – very exciting!

I absolutely CANNOT wait to read the final part of the trilogy, and it will be interesting to see how the book works from Sin’s POV. THE DEMON’S SURRENDER can’t come soon enough for me, and I’m dying to see the UK cover and compare it to the US one (above).

LIAR by Justine Larbalestier

I’m including this – although, strictly, it’s a 2009 release – because I read it in 2010 and that’s when the paperback came out (just recently). I don’t know where to start with this incredible book. I mean, seriously… how can you possibly sum up a work of genius? Okay, the answer is: I can’t. I also can’t say too much for fear of spoiling anything (and the novel will be totally spoiled if you’re not careful about what you read online before you check it out). It’s sort of a YA-detective-whodunnit-contemporary-OMGWTFBBQ!!!1! psychological thriller with an unreliable narrator. I loved Micah – her voice and intensity were beautifully rendered. And yes, I think you can love an unreliable narrator. If you read carefully, you’ll see that Justine Larbalestier gives plenty of clues throughout the text and I have a strong feeling that this is a book that will reward multiple readings (in fact, I’m tempted to make this a re-read for 2011).

I think that LIAR is the kind of novel that should be studied in schools – it is just that good and that important. Is it challenging at times? Yes. Do the twists and turns make your head spin? Sure. But is it awesome? Oh hell, yeah! *g* I still feel disappointed that such an amazing book was given such a terrible first cover (you’ll remember that it’s one of the whitewashed covers from recent years), and I hate that that detracts from the content of the book because people talk about it for the wrong reasons. Not that it’s ‘wrong’ to talk about whitewashing – I think we should talk about that – but it’s just a shame that the writing and the story can become overshadowed.

BLEEDING VIOLET by Dia Reeves

Bleeding Violet made me seriously re-evaluate all my previous 5-star ratings on Goodreads – it was just that good. Dia Reeves’ debut novel (OMG!! DEBUT novel… how is that even possible?!) is so incredible; so brave; so unique; so heartbreaking; so funny; so deceptively beautifully written; so magical; so crazy; so bizarre but real; that I can’t help but compare other paranormal debuts to it. Ana introduced me to this book – as she does so many awesome books – and I’m so glad that she did.

I’m also now thoroughly depressed, because I will never in a million years write a book this good. *shakes head*

I’d compare my reaction to Bleeding Violet as something like when I first read Jonathan Carroll at the age of 16. The top of my head came off back then, and 20 years later Dia Reeves had the same effect on me. The good news is that her sophomore novel, the brand new Slice of Cherry, measures up in terms of writing/craft, originality, and outlandish characters.

THE RED TREE by Caitlín R. Kiernan

I’m a huge fan of Caitlín R. Kiernan’s work – I even subscribe to her monthly digest of original (adult) fiction – and I highly recommend her latest novel, The Red Tree. Although the cover makes it look like an urban fantasy, it’s more of a modern gothic tale involving the haunting (or is it? *cue spooky music*) of an author called Sarah Crowe when she attempts to move on from an old girlfriend and goes to live alone in an old house in rural Rhode Island. While there, she finds an unfinished manuscript written by a parapsychologist obsessed with the old oak tree growing somewhere on the property.

The novel is told as a combination of manuscript pages, Sarah’s own journals, as well as other materials including pages of her fiction. It’s one of my favourite novels EVER, and I’d love to see more people pick it up now that it’s available in mass-market. Yes, it’s scary at times, but not in a ‘horror story’ kind of way. I found it hard to put down, and towards the end I was racing through it to find out how it ends. Also, I had a really creepy sort of experience while I was reading a section of it… See if The Red Tree works its darkly delicious magic on you, too. Oh, and there’s a cool page of ‘evidence’ to go with the book on CRK’s website.

A WILD LIGHT by Marjorie M. Liu

The third book of the ‘Hunter Kiss’ adult urban fantasy series, and I have to say that, once again, it was my favourite so far. Here we get some real answers about Maxine Kiss as she gradually loses her humanity in the face of the battle she is born to fight. I love her relationship with her soulmate, Grant – an interesting and multilayered character, rather than just eye-candy. 😉 I really admire Liu’s slow process of revelation with these books; it’s like peeling back layers one by one to reveal the true depth of this richly created world. I also have to mention ‘the boys’ – Maxine’s demon companions; her family (sort of). By day they are invulnerable tattoos on her body. By night, they peel away from her skin and fight by her side. What. A. Concept. Seriously, as a writer I love this! Especially Zee, my favourite, who is the leader of this miniature-but-deadly demonic army.

‘Armor of Roses’, a Maxine Kiss novella in INKED by Marjorie M. Liu

Probably the best urban fantasy novella I’ve read, this even beats my previous favourite (Marjorie’s novella in the WILD THING anthology; the story that introduced us to Maxine Kiss and her demonic ‘boys’). ‘Armor of Roses’ stands alone quite well, despite happening somewhere between books two and three of the series, and has a fabulous time-travel element.

MAGIC BLEEDS by Ilona Andrews

Book 4 in the continually improving Kate Daniels series, although possibly not quite as good as the near-perfect Magic Strikes (the previous book in the series), but very VERY close. Definitely one of my top reads of 2010. This is the book with the pay-off we’ve all been waiting for with Kate and Curran’s relationship, and it’s just so well written and satisfying. I simply cannot wait for the next book, MAGIC SLAYS.

Older books that I fell in love with in 2010:

THE QUEEN OF ATTOLIA by Megan Whalen Turner

Thanks – again – to Ana, I fell in love with all the books in The Queen’s Thief series, but I have a real soft spot for book two, The Queen of Attolia. I think this is where I fell in love with Eugenides, just about the same time that Megan Whalen Turner broke my heart into a thousand pieces with her incredible portrayal of one young man’s loss, loyalty and endurance. The King of Attolia comes a very close second, and I love how MWT turns everything on its head by writing almost the entire book from the POV of a brand new character. It’s a genius move – one that enables us to see Eugenides through fresh eyes – and I really can’t quite believe how well it works and just how good these books are.

I’d advise anyone who might have read the first in the series, The Thief, and felt that it was good-but-not-great to keep reading. You won’t be disappointed.

The Rachel Morgan series by Kim Harrison

Just like my experience of reading The Thief and not immediately feeling I needed to read on, something similar happened with the first of Harrison’s Rachel Morgan urban fantasy series. I liked Dead Witch Walking, but I didn’t love it. Not enough to rush straight onto the second book, anyway, back when I first read it. I’m still not sure what it is that felt… lacking… the first time I tried to read this series. It’s not that I didn’t admire Kim Harrison’s writing or her stellar worldbuilding (The Hollows is incredible!), but I couldn’t connect with something in the text – I’d be interested to go back and re-read Book One someday to see if I can figure it out.

However, I finally picked up Book Two and now I can’t stop reading! I’ve raced through the first five of Rachel’s adventures, and am trying to read the last couple so I can pick up Pale Demon this year. I don’t know what has changed, but I’m suddenly – finally – in love with Rachel Morgan and her world.

Books I should have read but still haven’t – and resolve to read in 2011:

THE NAME OF THE WIND by Patrick Rothfuss

I can’t believe that I still haven’t read this book. Not only has Ana raved about it to me for a shameful length of time without me taking action, but I actually read Pat Rothfuss’ blog and love it. This is definitely the year I read it! *makes solemn vow* And the good thing about waiting so long is that I’ll be able to go straight onto THE WISE MAN’S FEAR in March.

GRACELING and FIRE by Kristin Cashore

Another author whose blog I read regularly and love, and yet I haven’t actually read her books. I started Graceling once, a long time ago, but couldn’t get into it – though I fully admit that was probably because I was on a plane at the time and was too nervous to concentrate. 2011 is going to be my Year of Reading Kristin Cashore’s books. Does Bitterblue come out this year, too? If so, I might read all three back-to-back!

Favourite Films of 2010:

I only have two nominations in this category.

Inception is a mind-bending and mind-blowing movie all in one slick package, and fronted by probably my favourite performance by Leonardo DiCaprio. I didn’t watch many films in 2010, and I hope to see more this year, but I’m finding myself getting more satisfaction from TV shows at the moment. However, this was definitely one of the good ones – and one of the only ones I went to the cinema to see.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One is, without doubt, the best Harry Potter film to date. At least, in my opinion. 😉 The only way it can be topped is if the Deathly Hallows Part Two manages it, but I’m not sure even the true finale can beat the emotional experience that this film created for me. I loved how it seemed more like an urban fantasy story, and I really enjoyed the section of the movie where Harry and Hermione are on the run alone. There are scenes that just broke my heart and really, genuinely moved me. I fell just a little more in love with Hermione, and I think Emma Watson has grown so much as an actress. She is the heart of these stories, and I love that about them.

Favourite TV Shows of 2010:

Dexter

So I finally saw Dexter, watching all five seasons (60 episodes) back-to-back over a period of about two months. I always knew I’d love it, but I just never got started with it – and being mildly (ha!) OCD I didn’t want to watch parts of it or jump onboard partway through the run. I decided a long time ago to just wait until the majority of DVD box sets were available at reasonable prices, and then blast through the lot in one go. I am so glad I did it this way! How did people watching weekly manage to wait for each episode? I would’ve chewed off my fingers with the crazy anticipation! 😉

This is now one of my all-time favourite TV shows, and once again reminds me of how much I love Michael C. Hall (I was a huge Six Feet Under fan, back in the day), but it also introduced me to my new favourite actress: Jennifer Carpenter. She plays Dexter’s adopted sister, Debra Morgan, and I freakin’ adore her! What an amazing role she had the chance to get her teeth into. It’s going to be a long time before there’s another character in a contemporary TV series that I love quite as much as I love Deb. Strong roles for women, especially in a male-dominated police environment like Homicide = win! (Shout out for Leuitenant Maria LaGuerta, too, who I admired all the way through.)

The Vampire Diaries

It’s no surprise to see me listing this seriously sexy and well written vampire show here. Most people know how much I love TVD, and it’s honestly not just because of my huge crush on bad-boy Damon – the deliciously wicked Ian Somerhalder (though that doesn’t exactly hurt *g*). This is the standout new TV series currently running, imho, and for anyone who thinks it’s just a small-screen Twilight… please think again and give it another chance. Sure, the first few episodes of Season One weren’t anything to write home about, but it didn’t take long for the show to find its feet and pick up a tremendous pace. What. A. Show. It’s the writing I love so much – the risks that the creators take and the fact that nobody is safe! I sort of love and hate that at the same time – wondering who might die or get turned into a vampire.

The Vampire Diaries is all about the cliffhangers, and the one that we were left with between Seasons One and Two was almost unbearable. Also, right here we have a popular and commercial TV show with lots of strong female characters – something that is very welcome, especially considering how the target audience is teenage girls and young women. Way to represent! I’m proud to be the person responsible for turning Ana onto this awesome series. 😉

Bring on 2011:

So what does 2011 bring for me in terms of books I’m looking forward to reading? Too many, but here are just a few to add to the ones I’ve already mentioned above (The Demon’s Surrender by Sarah Rees Brennan, Magic Slays by Ilona Andrews):

I’m going to cheat by saying ALL of the books by my fellow Elevensies, a group of MG and YA debut novelists. That covers a whole lot of books, and you should check out the community if you’ve not done so before!

Also worthy of note this spring are two anthologies I’m particularly looking forward to:

TEETH, edited by the incomparable team of Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling and WELCOME TO BORDERTOWN, edited by Holly Black & Ellen Kushner. I love anthologies, and these two in particular stand out for me in the coming year…

A year in which we have not one, but two new Melissa Marr novels is a year to be celebrated – DARKEST MERCY, the final book in the Wicked Lovely series will soon be published, and also we have her first adult novel, GRAVEMINDER, to look forward to:

More personally…

2010 saw the release of my second short story about a teen vampire called Moth, in the KISS ME DEADLY anthology (though my story, ‘Falling to Ash,’ was practically a novella!). I also had an essay published alongside a whole host of YA authors in the Smart Pop anthology devoted to The Vampire Diaries, A VISITORS GUIDE TO MYSTIC FALLS:

In 2011 my debut novel will be released… In fact, it’s out this month as it got moved forward from February to January. Please believe me when I say that I am filled with equal parts excitement and terror. 🙂 The Iron Witch involves alchemy, dark elves, and a girl who has magical iron tattoos that give her super-strength – I had such a good time writing this story, and I really hope people enjoy it.

To celebrate the publication of THE IRON WITCH on January 20th in the UK and January 25th 2011 in the US, I’m giving away a signed copy to one commenter (open to all).

I wish all of the readers over here a Happy Smugglivus, and to Ana and Thea: thanks again for having me! Keep smuggling! *ninja*

Thank you Karen and Happy Smugglivus to you too!

As for the giveaway….

Giveaway Details:

Karen is happy to offer a signed copy of The Iron Witch to one lucky winner. All you have to do is leave a comment here – the contest is open to ALL and will run till Saturday Jan 8th 11:59pm (PST). One entry per person, please. We will randomly pick the winner and post it on our January 9th stash. Good luck!

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219 Comments

  • Mekaela
    January 3, 2011 at 12:12 am

    Can’t wait to read this 🙂

  • Lenore
    January 3, 2011 at 12:46 am

    Ok, now this is a contest I HAVE to enter! I’m so excited to read THE IRON WITCH.

  • Claudia
    January 3, 2011 at 1:04 am

    I’ve been eagerly awaiting the release of The Iron Witch. Winning it would be a huge bonus =)
    ama_bling-bling AT hotmail D0T com

  • Mieneke
    January 3, 2011 at 1:42 am

    I’ve heard so much good stuff about this novel and that cover is just to die for, so I’d love to win it!

  • Carol Thompson
    January 3, 2011 at 1:55 am

    I have read some good reviews on the book so I would love to get my hands on it.

    Thanks for the giveaway and all the best for 2011.

    Carol T

    buddytho {at} gmail DOT com

  • Iris
    January 3, 2011 at 2:24 am

    I can’t resist entering!

    And so many of your highlights are highlights of my year too: TVD, the Harry Potter movie & I am very excited about Melissa Marr’s adult book! (and also the end of the Wicked Lovely series, but since I still have to start on the second book in the series, I think others are probably more excited about it, since I still have many more great books to read in the series before I get to the end).

  • Brodie
    January 3, 2011 at 2:34 am

    I could not agree more with her on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and The Vampire Diaries!! I am a HUGE Harry Potter fanatic and the Deathly Hallows part one was absolutely amazing. Perfect in every way. I am SO pumped for part 2!

    Something else I’m pumped for this year? The Iron Witch! I am so, so, so incredibly excited to get my hands on a copy of this baby. It sounds fantastic 🙂 Thank you for the giveaway!

  • Alice
    January 3, 2011 at 3:04 am

    I’ve been following Kaz for awhile with the Deadline Dames. I’m excited for Iron Witch — would LOVE to win a copy.

    Does it help my chances if I mention my bday is Jan 9? XD

  • Rana
    January 3, 2011 at 3:10 am

    The cover is simply beautiful!
    I hope I win this! *fingers crossed*

  • Weasel of Doom
    January 3, 2011 at 3:30 am

    It sounds like an interesting book, and the cover is gorgeous.

    Thank you for the giveaway!

  • Patricia
    January 3, 2011 at 4:11 am

    Wow would love to win this one!
    Thanks for the competition!

  • Heather Holt
    January 3, 2011 at 4:17 am

    Pick me! Pick me!

  • RK Charron
    January 3, 2011 at 4:22 am

    Hi 🙂
    Thank you Karen for sharing those great reads.
    I’m looking forward to her debut novel & many more from her!
    Here’s to a wonderful 2011!
    All the best,
    RKCharron

  • Katy
    January 3, 2011 at 4:31 am

    This would be an amazing present for my birthday on Jan 8th. =D

  • Hannah
    January 3, 2011 at 4:57 am

    Wow, fabulous list of recs there! And I’m delighted how many of them I’ve not heard of! (Except in the sense that my bank balance is going to suffer over the next few weeks…)

    Thanks for holding the giveaway too, I loved the stories of Moth in Kiss Me Deadly and The Eternal Kiss so have been really looking forward to checking out more of Karen’s work. And now I can! 😀

  • Clau
    January 3, 2011 at 5:07 am

    Can’t wait to read The Iron Witch! 🙂

  • Jaime Callahan
    January 3, 2011 at 5:09 am

    Repetitive, but I can’t wait for the book either. It sounds really good.

  • Ginny
    January 3, 2011 at 5:13 am

    Can’t wait to read The Iron Witch. I loved Moth’s story in The Eternal Kiss & have Kiss Me Deadly on my (huge) TBR pile.

  • Andrea Chettle
    January 3, 2011 at 5:56 am

    I cannot wait to read The Iron Witch I wanted this book as soon as I saw the cover but when I found out a little bit more about the plot it moved right to the top of my wishlist Really crossing my fingers for this one Thanks for making it international
    😀

  • Susan Laura
    January 3, 2011 at 5:58 am

    Love new stuff! Thank you —

  • Parris
    January 3, 2011 at 6:08 am

    Oh please pick me!

  • Sabrina @ about happy books
    January 3, 2011 at 6:09 am

    Thanks for the giveaway and your amazing book recomendations, I added several of the books to my wishlist.

  • Rylie
    January 3, 2011 at 6:14 am

    I’m looking forward to reading this. Enter me, please!

  • Jenn C.
    January 3, 2011 at 6:21 am

    I would love to win this book–it sounds really good 🙂 I also love the Vampire Diaries, Harry Potter, the Queen’s Thief series (although I keep lending them out, so I never got a chance to reread them this year) and I really enjoyed the Demon’s Lexicon books, and am looking forward to the final book.

  • Allison
    January 3, 2011 at 6:50 am

    SHAME for not reading Name of the Wind yet! I am almost at the point of foaming at the mouth in scary-intense anticipation of Wise Man’s Fear.

    I’m really looking forward to Iron Witch!

  • CC
    January 3, 2011 at 6:52 am

    I would love to have this one! I have read hear short story and loved it! So, send it my way! 😉

  • Etta
    January 3, 2011 at 7:06 am

    I’ve been looking forward to The Iron Witch ever since I read a description of it many months ago, and I’m glad it’s finally coming out.

  • Sandy G
    January 3, 2011 at 7:48 am

    I would like to read The Iron Witch.

  • Stacy
    January 3, 2011 at 7:49 am

    I’ve been dying to read this book. Thanks for the chance!

  • Van P.
    January 3, 2011 at 7:53 am

    Been wanting to read this every since I heard about it!

    thanks for the giveaway.

  • Andy
    January 3, 2011 at 8:00 am

    oooooh! A signed copy of the Iron Witch? How can one possible say no? 😆

    keep hearing good things about this book. So, yeah, am very excited!

  • Lexie C.
    January 3, 2011 at 8:05 am

    😀 The Iron Witch! Plus INCEPTION (I saw Inception and things just kind of blurred for a moment. Joseph Gordon Levitt I love you).

    Lexie C.
    Lexie.Cenni(@)gmail.com

  • Amy
    January 3, 2011 at 8:15 am

    I’ve been waiting to read this book for ages! Can’t wait!

  • heather
    January 3, 2011 at 8:16 am

    i’ve heard a lot of good things about this one already and am looking forward to reading it! 🙂

  • Christine
    January 3, 2011 at 8:19 am

    Hi Kaz!
    Wow what a list of book recommendations! Some I have read (LIAR was one of my favorite books of 2009)!, some are literally on my nightstand, and others just made it to my list of books to read!

    I’d love to win a copy of THE IRON WITCH! Thanks for the chance. 😀

  • Marie
    January 3, 2011 at 8:24 am

    Great list of recommendations! Would love to read The Iron Witch!

  • Robin K
    January 3, 2011 at 8:29 am

    I would love to be entered. Thank you for the contest.

    robin [at] intensewhisper [dot] com

  • Megan
    January 3, 2011 at 8:29 am

    I bought “The Name of the Wind” for my boyfriend several years ago, but it’s still sitting on the bookshelf unread by either of us. I should probably add that to my to-read list as well!

  • Holly
    January 3, 2011 at 8:32 am

    Love the cover, love the premise. Sounds like the author is awesome, too. Enter me please. 🙂

  • Ceilidh
    January 3, 2011 at 8:52 am

    I am very much looking forward to The Iron Witch. I’m also dying to read Dia Reeves’ work. I was obsessed with really dark books when I was a teenager; the more serial killers, the better as far as I was concerned so hell yeah to more in YA

  • Karen Mahoney – Urban Fantasy Writer » Blog Archive » BEDJ #3: happy smugglivus, everybody!
    January 3, 2011 at 8:52 am

    […] There might even be a giveaway for The Iron Witch, […]

  • Sarah
    January 3, 2011 at 9:04 am

    This looks like a great book, thanks for the givaway!

  • Stephanie
    January 3, 2011 at 9:09 am

    That cover is stunning! And I’ve only heard good stuff about it, so fingers crossed!

  • Lori T
    January 3, 2011 at 9:16 am

    Iron Witch sounds really interesting and I am adding it to my need to buy list. Thanks for having such a great giveaway!
    Congrats on the release!!

  • Linda Henderson
    January 3, 2011 at 9:18 am

    I would love to read this one. Thank you for the great giveaway.

    seriousreader at live dot com

  • Erica
    January 3, 2011 at 9:19 am

    I’ve always been wanting to read this book, so thank you for this contest! =)

  • Iffath
    January 3, 2011 at 9:22 am

    Awesome post Karen!! You have just made me even more excited (if that’s possible) to read Bleeding Violet and Slice of Cherry!! TVD and Harry Potter were two of the biggest highlights of 2010, methinks 😀

    Thanks for the giveaway! x

  • Ava North
    January 3, 2011 at 9:26 am

    This is already on my TBR list… Now I just need to get it. 🙂

  • natalie23
    January 3, 2011 at 9:54 am

    I’ve been wanting to read this book ever since I first saw the cover. I love the description of it, can’t wait to read it.

  • Mary
    January 3, 2011 at 9:58 am

    That’s a great list of books you’ve got up there. I haven’t read LIAR yet but it’s on my TBR & I was lucky enough to read DARKEST MERCY–Melissa Marr is indeed a master of the written word & I can’t wait to read GRAVEMINDER.

    I’m also really looking forward to your novel! I hadn’t heard about the moved-up release date but yay! Pre-ordering it right NOW!! (Though it would be totally awesome if I won…)

    Thanks and congratulations!
    Mary
    The Book Swarm

  • Natasha A.
    January 3, 2011 at 9:59 am

    I am completely enamored with the cover of your book!!! I can’t wait to read it!

    I am also in complete agreement about Harry Potter!! Best yet! I can’t wait until July!
    Natasha A.
    natasha at likeminds dot ca

  • Donna
    January 3, 2011 at 10:00 am

    Great post! I felt the same way about Kim Harrison’s fist book. It was ok but I wasn’t rushing out to buy the next books in the series. However, when I did pick up the next books I quickly became ADDICTED! Great series.

    Thanks for the contest. 🙂

  • Amanda Lee
    January 3, 2011 at 10:02 am

    That looks like an amazing book. 🙂

  • Nadine Nys
    January 3, 2011 at 10:04 am

    Please, please, please, … pick me! I love the book cover and would so much like to read this. Thanks for the give-away. :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

  • Angie
    January 3, 2011 at 10:20 am

    Such a great roundup of your favorites from 2010, Kaz! I am so going to have to give Marjorie M. Liu’s series a shot. It sounds great. Can’t wait to read IRON WITCH. 🙂

  • CC
    January 3, 2011 at 10:23 am

    Iron tattoos, sounds interesting! I’d love to win a copy of Iron Witch.

    CC

  • Tiina
    January 3, 2011 at 10:34 am

    Thanks for the giveaway. I would love to win this.

  • Amanda Isabel
    January 3, 2011 at 10:47 am

    oMG! The first time I saw this cover I started bouncing up and down – it is so good! And then I read more and more about it, getting more and more excited – please enter me! This would be such an awesome start to the new year! Thanks so much! 🙂

    apereiraorama @ gmail.com

  • Momo
    January 3, 2011 at 10:55 am

    So many awesome debuts coming out this year! I can hardly wait for them all! The Iron Witch being one of them! I can’t wait to read this one! Thanks for the giveaway! 🙂 *fingers crossed*

  • Michelle
    January 3, 2011 at 10:58 am

    Thanks for the great post and the giveaway, Karen! I’ve been really looking forward to The Iron Witch; I love stories about the fae.

  • Cindy
    January 3, 2011 at 11:03 am

    Yay pour Vampire Diaries ! I love that show. “The iron with” sounds really interesting (if only by its title!)

  • A Rick
    January 3, 2011 at 11:05 am

    Ooh good list, love TVD & Dexter!
    I am so excited for The Iron Witch!

  • Cheri H.
    January 3, 2011 at 11:18 am

    This one’s been on my list for awhile thanks, for the giveaway!

  • Smash Attack!
    January 3, 2011 at 11:21 am

    I agree with you on Kim Harrison’s The Hollows. I wasn’t head over heels about the first book either, but a friend told me that the series got better, and it surely has. It is one of my favorite in the genre! I named my Kindle Kisten. 🙂 Inception was a friggin phenomenal movie, and HP 7.1 was deathly the best to date. SO great. And, I agree with you on TVD. I think the show is quite great.

    Thanks for the giveaway!
    SmashAttackReads at gmail dot com

  • Jenny N
    January 3, 2011 at 11:34 am

    I keep hearing about this book so hope I can win a copy.

  • Arhcadia
    January 3, 2011 at 11:45 am

    Book sounds terrific and the cover is beautiful! Thx for the contest.

  • Jen
    January 3, 2011 at 12:25 pm

    thanks for the great post! maybe i’ll have to try the rest of the attolia books — i read “the thief” and absolutely hated it. i don’t think a “twist” ending is worth sitting through ridiculous levels of boredom!

    anyways, the iron witch looks awesome and i would love to win it! thanks for the contest!

  • elaing8
    January 3, 2011 at 12:26 pm

    Thank you for the chance to win this. I can’t wait to read it.

  • Katie
    January 3, 2011 at 12:36 pm

    This is definitely on my to-read list! Thanks for the giveaway!

  • Donna S
    January 3, 2011 at 12:38 pm

    Congrats on the release!! Really looking forward to reading it.

  • Lillian Maloney
    January 3, 2011 at 12:51 pm

    Super excited by Iron Witch’s imminent release!! Sign me up!!!

  • Chrizette
    January 3, 2011 at 1:11 pm

    Please enter me – I would LOVE to read this book!

  • Teresa N
    January 3, 2011 at 1:18 pm

    Congratulations on your first novel! It sounds (and looks)very good. Can’t wait to read it 🙂

  • Poppy
    January 3, 2011 at 1:37 pm

    I’m really looking forward to THE IRON WITCH!

  • Laura
    January 3, 2011 at 1:55 pm

    I love the cover on this book! Can’t wait to pick it up. 😀

  • Sara M
    January 3, 2011 at 2:13 pm

    This is one of my most anticipated novels of 2011! I can’t wait!

  • danielle
    January 3, 2011 at 2:18 pm

    WANT
    yes please!

  • Ariana A.
    January 3, 2011 at 2:33 pm

    Sounds awesome. Lovely cover too, btw.

  • Alexis Salcido
    January 3, 2011 at 2:48 pm

    Ohmygosh. *squeels* I loved loved the first two chapters 😀 so winning this would be a dream come true!! I cannot wait to read The Iron Witch, everything it is about interests me. Plus, Kaz is just a fabulous person. I really hope I win this!! 🙂 Thanks for hosting this giveaway!

  • Sandy Jay
    January 3, 2011 at 3:31 pm

    This sounds good. Thanks for the giveaway.

  • J.
    January 3, 2011 at 3:41 pm

    Sounds like a great book!

  • Shannon S
    January 3, 2011 at 4:04 pm

    who doesn’t love elves?

  • ThisViewOfMine
    January 3, 2011 at 4:07 pm

    Loved the sample chapters so either way im SO going to read this book.

  • Samantha R.
    January 3, 2011 at 4:10 pm

    Aren’t we lucky! Thanks!

  • InnocentButler
    January 3, 2011 at 4:41 pm

    It took about half of “Dead Witch Walking” for me too–the series really picked up.

  • Kristen
    January 3, 2011 at 4:57 pm

    Yay for another fan of Megan Whalen Turner and Ilona Andrews! This also reminded me I still need to read more of the Hollows books – I also read the first one and liked it, but didn’t love it enough that I’ve read the next few books yet (even though I’d already heard they just keep getting better and better).

    Good luck with The Iron Witch!

  • Breanne M.
    January 3, 2011 at 5:48 pm

    This has been on my TBR list for ages! I can’t wait for it to be released. Thanks for the contest!

  • Scribe Kira
    January 3, 2011 at 5:52 pm

    i highly highly HIGHLY recommend graceling and fire!!! they’re two of my all-time favorite books!!!!!!=o)
    😀 😀 😀 😀 😀

  • Jo
    January 3, 2011 at 5:52 pm

    I’ve had this on my watch list for ages…..

    thank you for this post!

  • Jenny E
    January 3, 2011 at 6:39 pm

    I’m really looking forward to reading this!

  • Maureen
    January 3, 2011 at 6:47 pm

    I would love to win this book.

  • SaraC
    January 3, 2011 at 7:14 pm

    I am also so excited for the new Melissa Marr books this year!

  • meredith g
    January 3, 2011 at 7:26 pm

    This book looks so good.

  • Llehn
    January 3, 2011 at 7:36 pm

    Can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of Iron Witch!

  • Ellie
    January 3, 2011 at 7:43 pm

    Can’t wait for this book!

    Thanks for the giveaway… hope I win! ^^

  • Bethie
    January 3, 2011 at 7:48 pm

    Thanks for the giveaway. I can’t wait for The Iron Witch to be released.

  • JenM
    January 3, 2011 at 7:48 pm

    The Iron Witch sounds really interesting – dark elves, magical tattoes, it’s all good and Karen must have made a sacrifice to the cover gods to get that amazing cover. I’d love to win a copy.

  • Andrea
    January 3, 2011 at 7:55 pm

    This has been on my TBR list for a while, it looks interesting and a little dark too.

  • Victoria Zumbrum
    January 3, 2011 at 7:56 pm

    I would love to read this book. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com

  • Amy C
    January 3, 2011 at 7:56 pm

    Magical tattoos! Awesome. 🙂

  • Marie
    January 3, 2011 at 8:00 pm

    Iron Witch is going on my wishlist! But maybe I’ll get lucky here. 🙂

  • Caitlin George
    January 3, 2011 at 8:21 pm

    Yay! So glad to hear it got moved to be realeased earlier!! Thanks so much for the giveaway! 😀

  • Audra Holtwick
    January 3, 2011 at 8:38 pm

    I would love to read this book Have a great year- can’t wait for Deathly Hallows 2.

  • Lynossa
    January 3, 2011 at 8:41 pm

    I agree with Harry Potter movie; it’s the best HP movie so far! And Inception is definitely on of the best movie in 2010.

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    Lynossa(at)yahoo(dot)com

  • Kristen H.
    January 3, 2011 at 8:53 pm

    Lovely giveaway! This is one of the books I’m dying to read this year.

    I love the Rachel Morgan series by Kim Harrison as well – can’t wait for Pale Demons! 😀

    dragonzgoil at gmail dot com

  • Maryam H
    January 3, 2011 at 9:03 pm

    This looks like a great read. Thanks for the giveaway!

  • Ian
    January 3, 2011 at 9:36 pm

    Those were a great assortment of reads. My TBR list is growing.
    What I have seen talked about this book has all been highly inspiring. I cannot wait to read it.
    Thank you for putting it out there for us readers.

  • TeriC
    January 3, 2011 at 9:37 pm

    Some of these series I am reading or have read and I cannot wait for the latest releases.
    As for this title, I cannot wait to read it. Not only is there some major cover love here but the storyline sounds quite amazing. I am highly anticipating awesomeness with this book. Thanx for putting it out there for us.

  • Kaya H
    January 3, 2011 at 9:39 pm

    The Iron Witch looks amazing. Don’t we just love that cover!
    A lot of the books on that line up are already stacked in the TBR list but I did find a few that were not! Thank you!

  • Isabeleeta
    January 3, 2011 at 9:44 pm

    I don’t want to seem like I’m just on the band wagon, but many of the books you mentioned are on my to-be-read list. As for your Dexter and Inception comments, I couldn’t agree with you more. I hadn’t seen Inception in the theaters and just recently rented it. Wow, mindblowing. As for Dexter, I do chew my nails waiting for the next episode each week and each season. I hate it that we have to wait so long. Dexter is my favorite TV show along with True Blood.

  • Jaz Parks
    January 3, 2011 at 9:50 pm

    Awesome post! and thank you so much for the giveaway!

    Jaz Parks

  • Ashley Van Ette
    January 3, 2011 at 10:09 pm

    I really can’t wait to read this … I love the cover sooo much!

  • Morgan, The Peachy Librarian
    January 3, 2011 at 10:28 pm

    What beautiful cover art!
    And such a convincing sell on Bleeding Violet; I’ll be adding it to my to-read list immediately.

  • Roob
    January 3, 2011 at 10:58 pm

    I haven’t read the Name of the Wind either! I bought the book and it’s near me. I don’t like to read the series without atleast a majority of the books out. I started the October Daye series and now i’m experiencing the wait for the next book. Its terriiiblleee.

    I love the Iron Witch’s cover. Awesome! Can’t wait to read it.

  • Missie
    January 3, 2011 at 11:02 pm

    Awesome!

    Ms. Mahoney certainly knows how to share some book love.

    Thanks for the giveaway. I can’t wait to read The Iron Witch. Please enter me.

  • SGS
    January 3, 2011 at 11:34 pm

    me please!

  • Kat
    January 3, 2011 at 11:35 pm

    i want it!!!!

  • Bella F.
    January 4, 2011 at 12:13 am

    Love ur list Karen!
    I’m a huge fan of Dexter too, though I will say I still love Six Feet Under a tad bit more at this point.That could change depending on where Dex goes.

    But did you know that Michael C. Hall and Jennifer Carpenter (aka Deb and Dex, siblings) are HUSBAND and WIFE in REAL LIFE?! 😮
    I know it’s all just acting on a TV show but they’re so good at their art that for a moment when my friend told me (and after I verified online) I was horrified! LOL
    Now since then she makes fun of me for being such a TV dork 😆

    Love the look and sound of Iron Witch and cant wait to read it!

  • nix
    January 4, 2011 at 12:16 am

    Count me in! I can feel it, this book is gonna be awesome!:)

  • Kristina L.
    January 4, 2011 at 12:36 am

    I’ve seen the cover image of the Iron Witch on the Deadline Dames site for ages (silly me assumed it was already out in print!), so I’m looking forward to reading it this month. Congratulations on your debut novel, Karen!

  • maire
    January 4, 2011 at 2:46 am

    This looks interesting. Thanks for the givaway!

  • LiseO
    January 4, 2011 at 4:43 am

    the cover looks awsome! 😀

  • debp
    January 4, 2011 at 4:46 am

    I can’t wait to read it, it sounds so good.
    twoofakind12@yahoo.com

  • Mrs. DeRaps
    January 4, 2011 at 4:48 am

    I am so looking forward to this book! And, I am looking forward to reading some of the books talked about in this post–I always feel woefully behind when it comes to reading lists. SO many books–Never enough time!

    Thanks for the guest post! I love knowing what authors are interested in reading!

    mrsderaps @ hotmail . com

  • maered
    January 4, 2011 at 4:49 am

    I’d love to win. It sounds like my kind of book.

  • Jessica S.
    January 4, 2011 at 6:01 am

    Really can’t wait to read this one!!

    jessbess2505[at]yahoo[dot]com

  • Kay-c
    January 4, 2011 at 7:08 am

    yey! Thank you for the giveaway!
    I hope to set my hands on this book! 😀

  • ???
    January 4, 2011 at 7:41 am

    What happened to the joint review you two did?

  • E.J. Stevens
    January 4, 2011 at 7:42 am

    I’ve been dying to read The Iron Witch. Thanks for the wonderful giveaway!
    xx,
    E.J.
    From the Shadows
    e.j.stevens.author[at]gmail[dot]com

  • Jess (The Cozy Reader)
    January 4, 2011 at 8:17 am

    I’ve had my eye on this book for a long time. A bunch of those other books listed above I’ve read and loved! 🙂

    Hope you had a Happy New Year!

  • susan
    January 4, 2011 at 8:40 am

    I love to read and really want to check this one out.

  • vickyvak
    January 4, 2011 at 8:52 am

    I have been dying to read this book! It looks so good and the cover is gorgeous!

    vicky.vak8(at)gmail.com

  • Britney W
    January 4, 2011 at 9:17 am

    I’ve heard great things agout IRON WITCH and the cover is intriguing. I can’t wait to read it!

  • wandering-dreamer
    January 4, 2011 at 9:24 am

    I haven’t gotten around to reading Kiss Me Deadly (just didn’t sound quite like my thing) but the cover art for this new book intrigues me.

  • brit
    January 4, 2011 at 9:28 am

    I have looked forward to reading this book since I first read the summary.

  • Mia
    January 4, 2011 at 9:29 am

    I have to agree with everything you said about Liar. I recommend it Liar to anybody that’s willing to listen to me, but then they’re all “tell me about it” and I can’t say more then a few sentences because that would ruin it. Still, favorite book of 2009. I can’t wait to read what Justine Larbalestier has coming out next.

    I also can’t wait to read Iron Witch. It’s been in my TBR list at Goodreads for quite a while.

  • SlayerEm
    January 4, 2011 at 9:30 am

    Ooh,alchemy and witchcraft. Can’t wait to read it!

  • Viki S.
    January 4, 2011 at 9:39 am

    You’ve mentioned several books that I just loved especially Demon’s Lexicon/Covenant. Can’t wait for Surrender. I didn’t notice you mention Raised By Wolves. It was great too.
    Would love to win.

  • Lindsey
    January 4, 2011 at 9:43 am

    I would love to win this! It looks amazing! 😆

  • Erin
    January 4, 2011 at 9:47 am

    This release CANNOT come soon enough, so excited. I’m loving the trend of tattoos on girls being portrayed as cool and empowering, as opposed to trashy.

  • Karen Mahoney
    January 4, 2011 at 9:56 am

    I am now going to mess up Ana & Thea’s comments and the giveaway by commenting myself, but OMG you guys! SO MUCH COMMENT LOVE. Thanks for joining the Smugglivus celebrations, and I hope you enjoy meeting Donna, Navin and Xan if you pick up The Iron Witch. 🙂

    There are a few comments I’d especially love to reply to individually, but I can’t possibly reply to all so I’ll have to stay quiet (except to say that YES! I did know about Dex & Deb being married in real life *g*). But thank you, one and all.

    Cheers,
    Kaz

  • Dovile
    January 4, 2011 at 10:39 am

    I agree that the HP7 part 1 movie is one of the best ones made, although I did miss the scene with the Dursleys somewhat and I think it should have been included, also, I think the last one will be even better, it’s the end after all.

    spamscape [at] gmail [dot] com

  • Lucia Hua
    January 4, 2011 at 10:53 am

    I would love to read The Iron Witch! Please enter me! 🙂

  • Ren Irish
    January 4, 2011 at 11:02 am

    Ah! Thanks for such a great post and giveaway. I keep hearing about Iron Witch. It looks really good. (The cover is gorgeous as well). All of these books (the ones I have read so far) have been great. It seems like fiction just keeps getting better and better.
    My favorite book this year was “Ash” by Malinda Lo. I’m still working on Robin McKinley’s “Pegasus” though. <3

  • Irene
    January 4, 2011 at 11:05 am

    Wow, I’m definitely going to have to go book shopping. I love it when people recommend books to me!
    Also, I can’t wait for The Iron Witch! 🙂

  • Tanya Maxemow
    January 4, 2011 at 11:22 am

    I can’t wait to read this book!! Thanks!

  • Laura H
    January 4, 2011 at 11:41 am

    Very excited to read ‘The Iron Witch’ and it also pleases me to see so many books I love on this ‘best of’ list. Sarah Rees Brennan is FOR THE WIN!

  • Dana
    January 4, 2011 at 12:19 pm

    Thanks for the book recommendations!

  • Olivia
    January 4, 2011 at 12:22 pm

    sounds really interesting

  • Simone
    January 4, 2011 at 12:46 pm

    YEAH! I can’t wait to read Iron Witch! I need more books! :mrgreen:

  • Teawench
    January 4, 2011 at 1:08 pm

    Glad you didn’t give up on the Rachel Morgan books. My sister-in-law got me hooked now I have to read them as they come out.

  • Mel S
    January 4, 2011 at 1:19 pm

    You definietly read Graceling & Fire – fantastic books! 🙂

  • Siobhan C
    January 4, 2011 at 1:22 pm

    Thank you, your favourites of 2010 has given me some new material to read and watch for 2011. Anything mentioned that I have seen or read I love myself. Best of luck with the novel!

  • Kaitlin
    January 4, 2011 at 1:49 pm

    Now I feel the need to sit down and watch TVD.

    I can’t wait to read The Iron Witch!

  • infinitieh
    January 4, 2011 at 2:14 pm

    OMG, how did I forget “Liar”? And here I’ve been telling everyone “Half World” by Hitomi Goto was my fave read of 2010 (still up there though). I also agree on the Queen’s Thief series; it’s really good and the ending doesn’t make me want to tear my hair out – always a plus in YA books.

  • Jodie
    January 4, 2011 at 3:48 pm

    I don’t need to be entered in the giveaway but I had to stop by and say how awesome this list is. So much trippy head messing emotion contained in Liar, Inception and Bleeding Violet. Who could fail to be drawn into them?

  • Nicole D.
    January 4, 2011 at 3:49 pm

    A giveaway? YA YA:mrgreen: !!!

  • Alexandra Shostak
    January 4, 2011 at 4:47 pm

    PICK ME PICK ME PICK ME PICK ME PICK ME!!!!! (If you can imagine someone REALLY short and skinny jumping up and down in the back of a huge crowd with both hands up, that’s what I look like right now).

    I love Dexter 😀

  • A'lina
    January 4, 2011 at 5:59 pm

    Oooh I’m so excited for this book! I can’t wait to read it! Thanks for the awesome post and giveaway!

  • Lillie H.
    January 4, 2011 at 6:03 pm

    Hi Karen,

    Great 2010 list. I just discovered Ilona Andrews in the past year, and devoured the 4 Kate Daniels books. Now, I’m like, you mean I have to WAIT for Magic Slays?!

    Happy 2011 to you, and to Thea & Ana.

  • Jen
    January 4, 2011 at 7:24 pm

    Hi 😀 And thanks for this awesome contest!!

  • Elizabeth
    January 4, 2011 at 8:39 pm

    I’ve been waiting since I first saw the book cover posted here on Book Smugglers. I am such a sucker for a pretty cover and I love this one.

  • Mariska
    January 4, 2011 at 8:59 pm

    would love to win! Pick Me 🙂

  • orannia
    January 4, 2011 at 9:26 pm

    Oh, that is one fantastic list Karen! I too am hanging out for Darkest Mercy and Magic Slays! And I’d love to be included in the giveaway. And can I just say thank you for making it open everywhere…as I live at the bottom of the planet…or close to it 🙂

  • zaakirah
    January 4, 2011 at 11:28 pm

    wow, that cover is awsome
    makes me wantto read it over and over
    it sounds really intresting, hope i win!:D

  • Misha
    January 5, 2011 at 3:32 am

    The Ion witch is on my TBR for this year! I am really excited to read the book.

  • Nikki Egerton
    January 5, 2011 at 4:21 am

    Wow you have spoiled us with recommendations Karen. I would love a copy of The Iron Witch, although if I don’t win I will be buying it as soon as it comes out

    xxxx

  • Jasmine A S
    January 5, 2011 at 5:22 am

    I think it may be time for me to bite the bullet and actually read Megan Whalen Turner’s Queen’s Thief series. SInce now EVERYONE is recommending it. 😀

  • Sarah C.
    January 5, 2011 at 9:58 am

    This book looks like great fun. Thanks for the giveaway!

  • Germaine Dulac
    January 5, 2011 at 2:39 pm

    Great recommendations! Some I’ve already read, and some I’ve been dying to read for ages! Really looking forward to checking out Slice of Cherry and The Iron Witch. 🙂

  • Lisa Richards
    January 5, 2011 at 8:23 pm

    Great recommendations! Most already on my list but I did find one or two “new” ones to add.
    I follow on GFC.
    (\___/)
    (=’.’=)
    (“)_(“)

    alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
    http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com

  • Kira
    January 6, 2011 at 12:12 am

    Looking forward to reading this. Thank you for the opportunity to enter and possibly win!

  • Courtney
    January 6, 2011 at 1:30 am

    This book looks super cool!!

  • Elin - TwilightFanFic/TheThirdWife
    January 6, 2011 at 3:22 am

    I’ve wanted to read this book FOREVER!

  • Elysium
    January 6, 2011 at 3:42 am

    This sounds good! Please enter me 🙂

    crimson_haze(at)hotmail(dot)com

  • Olga
    January 6, 2011 at 5:59 am

    the cover is soooooo beautiful!!!!please enter me!!!!!!!!!!!and thank u for doing this an international one:)

    olgara18@hotmail.com

  • Becky Howell
    January 6, 2011 at 8:00 am

    Been wanting to read this! Sounds great!

  • Kjovus
    January 6, 2011 at 8:13 am

    I am really looking forward to the Iron Witch. Thanks for this!
    kjovus
    kjovus (at)gmail(dot)com

  • Lexie@BookBug
    January 6, 2011 at 9:18 am

    I can’t wait to read this book! Thanks for the giveaway!

  • Minas
    January 6, 2011 at 9:40 am

    I’m looking forward to reading this book! Thanks for the giveaway!

  • Kulsuma
    January 6, 2011 at 9:41 am

    The Iron Witch sounds awesome. I can’t wait to read it! Count me in please!:)
    k_anon[at]hotmail[dot]co[dot]uk

  • Tara K. McCann
    January 6, 2011 at 10:10 am

    I am DYING to get my hands on this book!

  • Fi-Chan
    January 6, 2011 at 10:35 am

    Oh thank you! Signed copy, and international!

  • Kristin Centorcelli
    January 6, 2011 at 11:16 am

    Would love to win a copy!!

    mybookishways@yahoo.com

  • Alyssa
    January 6, 2011 at 11:48 am

    I would really like to read this book.

  • Throuthehaze
    January 6, 2011 at 12:30 pm

    I would love to read this!
    throuthehaze at gmail dot com

  • Melissa (Books and Things)
    January 6, 2011 at 1:43 pm

    I have to look up some of those books listed. Oh and I SO want to read the Iron Witch! Thanks for the opportunity!

  • CherylS22
    January 6, 2011 at 2:27 pm

    “The Iron Witch” looks & sounds like a good read. Thanks for the chance to win a copy!

  • Giada M
    January 6, 2011 at 3:10 pm

    Thank you for posting! I really can’t wait to read the Iron Witch. It sounds fantastic! *_*

    And thank you for the awesome giveaway!!!

    Giada M.

    fabgiada (at) gmail (dot) com

  • Katie @ Novel Society
    January 6, 2011 at 3:15 pm

    I so can not wait to read this!

  • Melanie L
    January 6, 2011 at 4:12 pm

    The Iron Witch Sounds like a great book. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.

  • Vivien
    January 6, 2011 at 5:01 pm

    Cannot wait for this book!

    Vivien
    deadtossedwaves at gmail dot com

  • Nicole Zoltack
    January 6, 2011 at 5:01 pm

    The Iron Witch sounds awesome!

  • Sandy Williams
    January 6, 2011 at 5:20 pm

    I am totally going to hold you to your vow to read THE NAME OF THE WIND!

  • Laurie200
    January 6, 2011 at 5:57 pm

    What a great article. I really enjoyed your enthusiasm and you brought a lot of new books to my attention that I probably wouldn’t have ever even known about given the dearth of a real selection at my local book store. Thanks for sharing, I’m making a new TBR list! And good luck with your book, I can’t wait to read it.
    All the best,
    Laurie
    http://www.dangerousromance.onsugar.com

  • Autum Frailey
    January 6, 2011 at 6:26 pm

    OMG I have been dieing to get my hands on this book since I first heard about it. Thanks for this awesome giveaway!!!!!

    afrailey(at)hotmail(dot)com

  • Lisa
    January 6, 2011 at 7:17 pm

    can’t wait to read this book!

    jlhsperry624@hotmail.com

  • Linda L
    January 6, 2011 at 7:19 pm

    Must. Win. This. Awesome. Book. Count me in for the giveaway. 🙂

    And great suggestions! I’ll add them to my ginormous list of TBR books.

  • Jules@OneBookShy
    January 6, 2011 at 7:47 pm

    This is one of the books that is highlighted on my wish list. Would be awesome to win it!!

    Thanks for the interview and the giveaway,
    Jules
    onebookshy at yahoo dot com

  • Cathie
    January 6, 2011 at 9:21 pm

    I’d love to enter!

  • Lindsay Elizabeth
    January 6, 2011 at 10:51 pm

    Me!

  • Susan
    January 6, 2011 at 11:00 pm

    coool. :]

  • Karissa
    January 7, 2011 at 6:59 am

    This looks like a wonderful book! Thanks for hosting the giveaway!

  • Lyndsey Rushby
    January 7, 2011 at 9:24 am

    Great contest! Please enter me 😀

  • Amy S.
    January 7, 2011 at 9:26 am

    Ever since the first time I saw this book it drew me in, and then when I read the synopsis…oh I have been dying to get my hands on it!

    Thank you for the giveaway! 🙂

  • Hollie M
    January 7, 2011 at 9:38 am

    Thank you for this awesome giveaway! I have been looking forward to this book, im also glad that the cover relates to the synopsis…you don’t look at it and think “hold on a minute what’s this got to do with the book.”
    I fudging love Vampire Diaries, how can you not? Damon is yummy:P

  • Chris
    January 7, 2011 at 9:41 am

    I have been anticipating reading The Iron Witch for months. I will also have to check out Inked.

  • Ria (Tea and Tomes)
    January 7, 2011 at 9:47 am

    Ooh, totally entering this one!

  • Cindy McCune
    January 7, 2011 at 12:24 pm

    *sigh* Would love to win this 🙂

  • Eva SB
    January 7, 2011 at 1:11 pm

    This book has only recently hit my radar but I would love to read it and I love the cover art.

  • Kate EA Nash
    January 7, 2011 at 2:05 pm

    Oh, I’ve been dying for this book since I read about it a while ago! I’d love a copy! The cover is beautiful, as well.

    keanash (at) gmail.com

  • Jufuzle19
    January 7, 2011 at 2:08 pm

    eeep! I’m soo excited!

  • Stella (Ex Libris)
    January 7, 2011 at 3:26 pm

    Wow, where to begin..

    Thanks for such a great post Karen!

    I agree with what you wrote about The Hollows series: I read the 1st book, liked it, but somehow got stuck, so many friends tell me it is amazing that I will have to get to it soon and read more!

    I agree: Inception rocked! It was utterly mindblowing, loved how the viewer had to piece together the puzzle! Loved its creativity and originality! 😛

    Thank you for the great reading recommendations, wil have to check them out! 🙂

    stella.exlibris (at) gmail (dot) com

  • Jill
    January 7, 2011 at 4:01 pm

    I LOVE the cover of The Iron Witch. So very eye catching.

    themgowl at gmail.com

  • Emily B-H
    January 7, 2011 at 8:29 pm

    Those that I have read, I agree with and I now plan to use this as a reference and go out and find the ones I havent!
    And I agree with you on movies 🙂
    SO KEEN for TIW!!! Have read the first four chapters and really really loved!! Eeep!
    Emily

  • Tina
    January 7, 2011 at 8:32 pm

    I loved this post! So many of my favorite books were mentioned. I’ll definitely go check out the others I haven’t read yet.
    I’m dying to preorder my copy of Demon’s Surrender, but I’m also waiting to see what the UK cover looks like. I have the US arc of Demon’s Lexicon and the UK paperback of Demon’s Covenant… so whichever one I order, it’s not like it will mess up a set of books. So far I prefer the UK covers but since the US cover has Alan on the cover… and it’s, you know, Someone Give Him A Hug Already Alan, I may just get that one.

    Iron Witch sounds like an awesome read and I can’t wait to get a chance to read it!

  • Karen Mahoney
    January 8, 2011 at 9:11 am

    Thanks again for so many thoughtful comments – I’m amazed by the turnout!

    Also, thank you to those who said they have read the first chapters of TIW (available for free on the the Figment Fiction website) and declared them Good. I appreciate that hugely! *breathes sigh of neurotic relief* 😉

    Happy Smugglivus to all, and may The Book Smugglers continue their ninja-like takeover of the bookish world throughout the whole of the new decade!

    Kaz
    🙂

  • Sniffly Kitty
    January 8, 2011 at 10:37 am

    Thanks for the Giveaway! I’m looking forward to reading a lot of books in this post ^.^

  • diane
    January 8, 2011 at 12:12 pm

    oooo…. pick me 😆

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