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I read Shiver last fall after Myra McEntire raved about it repeatedly. I was not disappointed. I liked it so much I bought more copies and gave them away for Christmas gifts. I told everyone I knew to read the book. Then hubby brought me Lament as a souvenir from his business trip to Seattle. I devoured that one and immediately went out to buy the sequel, Ballad.
Oh. My. (Fans herself and swoons)
Is it wrong to fall in love with a character who lives only between the covers of a book? I thought I loved Sam when I read Shiver. I thought Luke was amazing in Lament. But James? No one can compare to James. His self-deprecating wit, his intense feelings, his fierce protectiveness -- everything about him made me love him from page one. I didn't put the book down until I was done reading. And then I went back and read certain parts over again.
First of all let me say that one of the things I appreciate about all of Maggie Stiefvater's books is the fact that each one can stand on it's own. She doesn't leave you dangling off the edge of some precipice for ten months while you wait for the gods of publishing to put out the next book. She gives you a complete story. And you know what? You're still eager for the next one to come out. You're just not alternating between loving the story and hating the author for ending it badly. And that's a good thing.
Ballad is a story of love and friendship, dangerous urges and impossible choices. It is a beautifully composed ode to longing, hope, joy and love -- that just happens to include a few homicdal faeries.
Maggie was kind enough to provide an autographed copy of Ballad for me to give away here on the blog. I considered keeping it for myself. But no. Some lucky ready gets to have it instead.
If you think you have the luck of the Irish, I have only two requirements: follow this blog and leave a comment. That's it. I'll enter your name into the drawing and on March 17, someone will win a copy of this magical book. What can I say -- clovers, Irish music and homicidal faeries go together well with St. Patrick's Day ;D
Just remember this: when you read it, be prepared to fall in love.
31 Comments on A Ballad Giveaway, last added: 3/7/2010
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Wow the way you describe it sounds amazing! This is definitely on my tbr list! Thanks for the chance to win it!!
Sherry
ssalach88(at)gmail(dot)com
I've read Shiver, and have been meaning to read Maggie's other works. I'd **love** to win an autogrpahed copy of Ballad. Wow!
Thanks for this great contest!
Oooooohhhh! I want this book so bad! I loved Lament, but have been purposely NOT buying this book so that I'll spend more time getting writing done instead of reading....but if I win, then I'll take it as a sign that the faeries want me to take a break and read it!
Happy March!
Shelley
I just read that book last month. Such a great story. I love James too. I still haven't read the Shiver series. I guess I should pick that up.
Sounds like a great book, Sherrie!
I agree 100 percent. I loved James, and, in a different way, I adored the feisty, conflicted Nuala. I also am most pleased that Maggie writes each book as a complete story (I'm no fan of cliffhanger novels). Since I've read it, don't enter me in the contest. I'd like someone else to get the thrill.
I love Maggie Stiefvater! I am also part Irish, so I think that should win me two changes. Or at least a pint of Guinness.
Your opening to this post made me laugh out loud. ha!
I have this in my TBR stack, which is unusual for me (I like romance, but usually don't read or follow it too closely) .. but a pal gave it to me. It's good to hear such a raving review .. maybe I'll move it up on the list.
so, don't enter me since i have it already but thanks for the cool contest!
Oh good, I've been wanting to read Lament and Ballad. Thanks for the chance!
OMG! You have no idea... wow. WOW. I'm too excited to say more than that. WOW. :-)
What a coincidence! I have been looking for more ideas for books to read. I'm excited to check out this new author and perhaps get to own a new autographed copy of this book!
I'm excited about new characters to fall in love with :)
One of the things I really appreciated about Shiver was that it could stand alone. I was afraid that since there would be a sequel, the ending would be left open. I was so relieved when it had some actual closure! I'm glad to hear that's true of Maggie's other books too.
Okay, I have heard SO much about these books and I am dying to read one! I have an ever-growing list of reading material but this is going straight to the top.
Great review! I cannot wait to read her books. :)
i already follow you - duh everyone should!
I loved Lament!
I LOVED Shiver. I've been wanting to buy this. It's high on my TBR pile!
I'm so glad to have contributed to the creation of another Maggie fan! And regarding your opening paragraph ........
Yes.
This sounds fantastic! I just picked up Shiver and am really looking forward to reading it.
I'd love to win, Sherrie! I read and loved SHIVER. And your recommendations are great!
Wow! I have Shiver waiting on my kitchen table for me to read. But I am totally brand new to the world of Maggie Stiefvater. Now after reading your review of Ballad, I'm blown away. I want to read a book like that!
♥
I just finishes SHIVER about two weeks ago and still can't get it out of my head. I keep going back and reading the ending. Makes me cry every time. I love books that do that, especially happy tears. I'd love to win this book and read more of Maggie's words. I'm a follower and am sure I'll be back often.
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I am giving you an award on my blog tomorrow (Sat.). :-)
Please sign me up, too, although your review pretty much guarantees I'm off to buy this if I don't win. :)
See? This just shows how generous you are: you rave about how much you love this book, get a signed copy, and turn around and give it away without even keeping it for yourself.
Thank you, Sherrie, for the opportunity! You are amazing.
Oh my...you made me fall in love with it already!! :0)
Sherrie--I could have sworn that I was already a follower of your blog. I have fixed the oversight. *shaking my head*. Thanks for giving this book away--that's wonderfully generous of you!
Okay--I think I was a follower, and now I'm also following by google connect. Do I get bonus points?
Sounds lovely. Count me in!
(I saw you on Weronika's site, btw.)
Wow! This book sounds great! And I do agree - I appreciate when I don't get left hanging for the sequel. That's so annoying. Great contest!
Ooh, I have SHIVER sitting on my TBR shelf (thank you Rebecca Knight) and can not WAIT to dig in.
Ooh, another book giveaway! I want to win! I've already won a book here, though, so am I allowed to enter? My unbiased vote: yes. ;)
The books sound great! SHIVER was already on my TBR list! Watch my list grow before your eyes...Ta-da! Two more!