A to Z - A (2014)

I'm doing the A to Z Blogging Challenge this year. The basic idea is to blog nearly daily with each day representing a different letter of the alphabet. My entries will be short and book-related.  

A is for...

Antagonist!

If you've read my reviews, you know how important it is to me that I'm able to connect with one or more of the main characters. I need to understand them, care about them, preferably find some way to relate to them so I can empathize and invest in their situation.

So what about the antagonist? 

Well, lately, a lot of the books I've read have been more about personal struggle than a clear villain. And those that have had them - I'm thinking of you Full-Blood Half-Breed - have had antagonists that I want to root for, to some degree. When I'm able to empathize with the villain, I know I'm guaranteed an emotional and exciting story.

Antagonists have to be motivated by something that I can comprehend, that seems logical even if I don't agree with it on a moral/ethical level. If I can at least see their point-of-view while disagreeing with their methods, then there's so much more tension in the book.

Who are your favourite literary antagonists? 

The Ties That Bind by Constance Munday

The Basics:

The Ties That Bind by Constance Munday
Xcite Books
Erotic Romance
Published February 19, 2014
Source: Received via third party for honest review.
Amazon.ca

Why I picked up this book:

I love being asked to review books. Plus I'm still looking for great 'voluptuous' women romance/erotica.

Sunday Update - March 30, 2014

Every other Sunday I post a general news post. These might preview things I'm planning for the two weeks following (such as a new feature - On My Mind), they might reflect on books I'm looking forward to, or that I've recently heard of and want to discuss.  

I'm hooking into: 

This is a meme hosted by the Caffeinated Book Reviewer wherein everyone gets to share their news for the week. It's a great opportunity to see what's happening out there in the blogosphere, so go check out some other Sunday Posters!

Today's post is going to have a few sections:

1. What Happened?

2. COYER - March E-reader Clean-Out

3. DNF Reviews

4. Currently...

5. Year-Long Challenge Update

6. March Site Stats

7. Blogging A-Z?

Lockstep by Karl Schroeder

The Basics:
Lockstep by Karl Schroeder
Tor Books
Science Fiction
Published March 25, 2014
Source: Received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon.ca Kobo.com

Why I picked up this book:

The cover reminded me of the urban fantasy series by Rob Thurman - the same artist, I imagine. I also love and trust Tor as a publisher of fantasy and science fiction, so this seemed like a safe bet.

John Dreamer by Elise Celine

The Basics:
John Dreamer by Elise Celine
AuthorBuzz
Book One in John Dreamer Trilogy
YA, Romance
Published February 12, 2014
Source: Received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon.ca

Why I picked up this book:

The concept sounded fresh and intriguing.

Days of Blood & Starlight by Laini Taylor

The Basics:
Days of Blood & Starlight by Laini Taylor
Hachette Book Group, Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Book Two in the Daughter of Smoke and Bone series
Fantasy
Published November 6, 2012
Source: Received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Why I picked up this book:

After reading the first, I had to know what happened next.

Full Blood Half-Breed by Cleve Lamison

The Basics:

Full-Blood Half-Breed by Cleve Lamison

Hydra

Fantasy

Published March 11, 2014

Source: Received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon.ca  Kobo.com

Why I picked up this book:

I've enjoyed a number of books put out by Angry Robot in the last couple years, and I liked the idea of MMA in a fantasy setting, which is kind of how I interpreted the blurb combined with the cover.