April 3, 2015

Book Review: Wizzywig

Katie April 3, 2015 0Comment

Wizzywig is based on WYSIWYG – What You See Is What You Get.  It is about a kid named Kevin who is picked on a lot by his classmates but has a very clever way of thinking. He is able to outsmart adults and get free bus rides, free pizza and is pretty tech savvy too.  He and a friend figure out how to make free long distance calls and end up accidentally creating a computer virus.

This is a comic book based on stories from real life hackers.  I was only able to read an excerpt of this book in order to write this review, but as someone who is into software (though I’d rather use any skills I have for good rather than bad) I found it to be interesting and have added it to my Amazon wishlist.

Kevin eventually ends up spending time in jail – but I wasn’t able to get far enough in the book yet to figure out exactly what ended up happening that he got caught for – but the list of charges against him is plenty!

I received a free e-copy of an excerpt of this book in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

They say “What You See Is What You Get”… but Kevin “Boingthump” Phenicle could always see more than most people. In the world of phone phreaks, hackers, and scammers, he’s a legend. His exploits are hotly debated: could he really get free long-distance calls by whistling into a pay phone? Did his video-game piracy scheme accidentally trigger the first computer virus? And did he really dodge the FBI by using their own wiretapping software against them? Is he even a real person? And if he’s ever caught, what would happen to a geek like him in federal prison?

Inspired by the incredible stories of real-life hackers, Wizzygig is the thrilling tale of a master manipulator — his journey from precocious child scammer to federally-wanted fugitive, and beyond. In a world transformed by social networks and data leaks, Ed Piskor’s debut graphic novel reminds us how much power can rest in the hands of an audacious kid with a keyboard.

Book Review: Zoo Orchestra

Katie April 3, 2015 0Comment

Zoo Orchestra is a book made up of a series of paintings of zoo animals playing various instruments that you’d find in an orchestra.  First is the painting, then the name of the painting (typically the animal and the instrument names) and then there is a small write up about the instrument, a small write up about the animal and a song that you can listen to if you would like to hear the instrument better.  The paintings are adorable and I enjoyed the little bit of back story on the instruments and animals throughout – this easily could have been just a picture book but I liked that you could learn a lot from it as well.

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review, I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

Everyone is invited to the Zoo Orchestra!

Enter the delightful world of the Zoo Orchestra, where animals embody the instruments they masterfully play.

The fanciful sounds of the clarinet are played by the angelic pig, who, like his instrument, has a circular snout perfect for making all kinds of sounds.

The gravity-defying squirrel uses a piccolo to whistle out tunes; its pocket-size is very much the large bass players’ envy!

Don’t forget the gentle koala, whose rich-sounding viola is an important addition to every orchestra.

The gravity-defying squirrel uses a piccolo to whistle out tunes; its pocket-size is very much the large bass players’ envy!

Author Manuel Díaz combines his own imaginative paintings with the knowledge and experience as a concert viola player to present a world where any age of reader can learn about the world of classical music. Zoo Orchestra uses humor, imagination, and original art to create a magical symphony of animals that all audiences will enjoy!

Book Review: All Fired Up

Katie April 3, 2015 0Comment

All Fired Up is about the band Black Halo and specifically Ash and his girlfriend Ginny who he is trying to keep a secret. This is the second book in a series. I didn’t read the first one but I didn’t find that I had any trouble because of it (the first was about bandmate Xane and his girlfriend Dani).

I love Rock Star romance novels, but this one took me a bit longer to get through than usual, but I can’t really put my finger on why.  The scenes between Ash and Ginny were great but I think I could have done without all the drama between the band members (and Ash probably could too).  It just seemed like too forced that everything was setting up for Ash and Ginny to fail.

I give it 3/5 stars. I wasn’t a fan of the lack of an end either – but that was probably because it had to set you up for the next book in the series.

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review, I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

All Fired Up is the follow-up to New York Times & USA TodayBestselling Author Madelynne Ellis’ scorching rock star romance novel, All Night Long.

Ginny Walters always knew her weakness for bad boys would get her into trouble. Her one night stand with Black Halo’s lead guitarist, Ash Gore, was only supposed to be a fun, not the prelude to the sort of relationship that’d scorch holes in her heart as well as her bed sheets. She’d be the happiest woman in the world if Ash wasn’t so determined to keep their connection off radar.

Ash Gore knows girlfriends are bad news for bands, which is why he’s resolved to keep his attachment to Ginny a secret. He and the guys have enough on their stages as they try to piece themselves back together after the band’s split. But when new drummer, Iain Willows, starts taking an active interest in Ginny, tensions quickly mount. Soon, Ash is not only at risk of losing Ginny, but everything he holds dearest—including life itself.

Book Review: Sext Based Adventures

Katie April 3, 2015 0Comment

Sext Based Adventures is about Chris – who makes a female avatar in the World of Warcraft game in an effort to mix things up. He ends up meeting another female, Jessica, and the two hit it off in the game… if you know what I mean.  They end up exchanging emails as well as meeting up each week for WOW and when one email is tagged with a location, Jessica asks Chris (or as she knows him, Christina) if he’d like to meet up.  Chris confesses he is in fact a guy, Chris, not Christina, and Jessica confesses that she is actually Jason!  The two end up meeting up and hitting it off.

This was a short book, only 34 pages, and incredibly realistic since everyone can lie about who they are online.  I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

Chris thought he was done with his gaming days. He’d deleted his account, gone back to his day job, and put his fantasy world days behind him… but couldn’t resist the urge to return. This time, however, he decided to play as a woman—a persona he maintains even when he makes friends with Jessica.

When Jessica offers online sex, Chris still cannot bring himself to confess his secret. As their relationship turns serious, still he cannot admit to the ruse. Then Jessica proposes they meet offline, and Chris is finally forced to confront the questions and choices he’s been avoiding…