Want to Review Books?
Sometimes folks are curious where I get so many free books to review. Some of my sources are private memberships, like the ACFW writers’ e-loop and the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance. Both of those, as well as Christian Science Fiction Fantasy Blog Tour only offer selected inspirational titles.
Recently a new friend invited me to NetGalley, which is a digital review site with nearly forty publishers onboard. Some large, small small, some fiction, some not, some specifically Christian, many not.The beauty here is that you can download the galleys of the books and read them on your computer, Sony Reader, Nook, Kindle, or other devices. Caveat: not all publishers offer all their galleys in multiple formats. The one book I decided to start with isn’t available for iPhone; ie: the Kindle app for iPhone cannot be used.
The book I’m reading now is Tyger Tyger by Kersten Hamilton, which doesn’t release until November 2010. Meanwhile, the publisher, Clarion, is trying to build some momentum and expectation for this YA fantasy novel. Here’s the blurb:
Teagan Wylltson’s best friend, Abby, dreams that horrifying creatures–goblins, shape-shifters, and beings of unearthly beauty but terrible cruelty–are hunting Teagan. Abby is always coming up with crazy stuff, though, so Teagan isn’t worried. Her life isn’t in danger. In fact, it’s perfect. She’s on track for a college scholarship. She has a great job. She’s focused on school, work, and her future. No boys, no heartaches, no problems.
Until Finn Mac Cumhaill arrives. Finn’s a bit on the unearthly beautiful side himself. He has a killer accent and a knee-weakening smile. And either he’s crazy or he’s been haunting Abby’s dreams, because he’s talking about goblins, too . . . and about being The Mac Cumhaill, born to fight all goblin-kind. Finn knows a thing or two about fighting. Which is a very good thing, because this time, Abby’s right. The goblins are coming.
So far I’ve only read the first couple of chapters, but I think I’m going to love it. You’ll see a review up sometime! Meanwhile, NetGalley is a site you may enjoy poking around. You might want to sign up to review books for them. You can also follow them on Twitter as @NetGalley.
Hi, Valerie! Looks like a fun book ~ am looking forward to your review. Also, thank you so much for the tip on NetGalley. I just joined and have already requested some galleys. I actually meant to ask for only one or two but ended up requesting about 10. I kept finding more that sounded really interesting. I'm a glutton for books.
Ten requests! You are going to be a busy lady! But at least there aren't time limits on most of them.
Just last night I was wondering when publishers were going to start offering books and ARCs in ebook format for review purposes. Thanks for sharing this.
Patricia, I've been asking for digital arcs or review copies for awhile now. Sadly, not every book I get for review deserves a place on my keeper or loaner shelves. This way I figure I can always make the purchase if it seems like I ought to own it!