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Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Goddess Interrupted (Goddess Test #2) by Aimee Carter





Kate Winters has won immortality. But if she wants a life with Henry in the Underworld, she'll have to fight for it.Becoming immortal wasn't supposed to be the easy part. Though Kate is about to be crowned Queen of the Underworld, she's as isolated as ever. And despite her growing love for Henry, ruler of the Underworld, he's becoming ever more distant and secretive. Then, in the midst of Kate's coronation, Henry is abducted by the only being powerful enough to kill him: the King of the Titans.As the other gods prepare for a war that could end them all, it is up to Kate to save Henry from the depths of Tartarus. But in order to navigate the endless caverns of the Underworld, Kate must enlist the help of the one person who is the greatest threat to her future.Henry's first wife, Persephone.

Where to get more info:
Aimee Carter (Author):

Kathryn's Review
Received from Netgalley

I am so captivated by this series.  Goddess Test was amazing and then I open up Goddess Interrupted and BAM….blown away again with the phenomenal writing and world that Aimee Carter has developed.  I am so thrilled that book 2 has offered us so much more insight in to the world of Henry and Kate.  We get to learn so much about the history of our mythological gods and goddesses as well as get to know them personally.  The twists that Aimee Carter has added to these tales wraps you in these pages and keeps you tucked in snug and tight so that when you finish this book, you are plagued with feeling lost because I now have to wait til the next book to get more of these fabulous characters.
I am enthralled in which Aimee Carter has evoked such strong emotions from me.  I LOVE Kate.  There were moments when she gets under my skin and I feel so much of her heartache and insecurities and within those moments in this book, I physically ached for her.  I was so worried in which way things were going to go….I was hoping so badly for one route to happen and all I can say is....I am not disappointed.  And then there is Henry.  I was pissed at him a good bit of the time throughout this book. There were things I felt should not have happened....but, it did, hence my feelings for Kate....but, are you wondering now.... Does he redeem himself?  You will have to read it and find out….
Anyways, if you are looking for a series that entices you with mythological legends, provides romance, mystery and intrigue, and something that once you open it you won’t put down, then Goddess Interrupted is the book for you. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!


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Monday, March 19, 2012

Interview with cast of The Grey Wolves by Quinn Loftis


 














Hello everyone!  Welcome to TSK TSK What to Read!  I have had the opportunity to read a great series called The Grey Wolves by Quinn Loftis.  The first book in this fantastic series is called Prince of Wolves, followed by Blood Rites, and the third being Just One Drop.  I am eagerly awaiting book four, Out of the Dark, but here is a little insight in to that world.
The Grey Wolves is an action packed, fast paced series, that displays loyal friendships, snarky humor, great romance, and for you ladies, some hot guys...Quinn Loftis has created a world that you find yourself totally immersed in, emotionally attached, and physically aching for more...So, who are The Grey Wolves?  To truly understand them, you are definitely going to need to read the books, but here is a brief interview through written correspondence that I had the privilege of getting to know them a little more.
So, without further adieu....Here is the cast of The Grey Wolves series....We have Jacque, Sally, Jen, Fane, and Decebel.  I hope you enjoy learning a little more about them and find yourself as intrigued by them as I am.

And the questions begin:

1.  Since music seems to be such a bog part of your lives, what would be your favorite musician/band and favorite song right now?

Jacque: As you always know my taste in music and songs change according to my moods.  That said, there is a lot going on in the Romanian pack.  The stuff has hit the fan, so as of right now my favorite band is Florence and the Machine, and the song Shake It Out.  I mean the line "it's always darkest before the dawn" yeah, that's where we are right now.

Jen: I know what y'all are thinking...E.T.  right....nope.  Sorry to disappoint, but my favorite band is Evanescence, but right now I have two favorite songs.  I'm sure you guys can figure out why, I mean, I'm kind of in a tight spot. Jason Mraz - I Won't Give Up and Leona Lewis - Bleeding Love. If you haven't heard them, stop reading this and go listen to them.  When you guys get to Dec's answer, don't tease him about his girly handwriting, that's my job.

Sally: I'm pretty simple, I looooove Jason Walker, and his song Down is my fav.  See, simple.

Fane:  Pearl Jam.  Favorite song right now, well as my mate said, it's pretty dark right now, so the song that keeps going through my head is 30 Seconds to Mars' Hurricane.

Decebel: I can tell you that right now the song I'm playing as I lay at night, unable to sleep is Won't Turn Back by Need To Breathe.  Jennifer, it's not girly handwriting.  I learned to write in the 1800's when neat handwriting was necessary.

(I sooo wanted you guys to see Decebel's handwriting, but blogger was being a bugger...)

2.  What is your most treasured possession?

Jacque:   That's an easy one, the ring that Fane gave me at our bonding ceremony.

Jen: It's not a what, it's a who....

Sally: A locket my great grandmother gave me.  I left it back in the states.  I was worried I'd lose it.  It's been passed down for generations.

Fane: Jacquelyn gave me the paper her vows were written on after our bonding ceremony.  That paper, with her words, promises engraved on my heart.  That is my most treasured possession.

Decebel: The saved text messages on my phone from when I was separated from Jennifer during the gathering.

3.  What is something that you have learned that you hated?

Jacque: I'm thinking you mean that something that was a hard lesson.  One of those, yeah I get it, but I don't have to like it things.  For me, it would be knowing my mother lied to me.  I understand why sh kept my father's secret and I might have done the same thing in her shoes.  But, that doesn't make it any easier to deal with.

Jen: That it is possible for Jennifer Adams to need a guy, and not just any guy, a fur ball!  I mean seriously, what the hell is that all about?  I'm just saying...

Sally: I'm responsible for the health and well being of a pack of werewolves. I mean, gypsy blood? Really? You may say...but Sally, that's so cool...but all I can this is what if I mess up?  What if I can't do enough and something happens to someone I love?  Sorry, I didn't mean for this to turn in to a counseling session...

Fane: I can't always protect Jacquelyn.  I can't put her in a bubble and keep all the evil things from the one person in my life that I live and die for.  As Jen would say, it sucks serious moth balls.  I asked her why moth balls and her reply was, "Go suck some moth balls, then see if need to ask me again."

Decebel: I learned I hadn't been able to protect my mate.  No words describe what it feels like to lose the other half of your soul.

4.  Who do you consider your hero?

Jacque: My mom.  She loved a man that she knew could never truly be hers.  But she loved him anyways.  SHe told me once that to love guarantees pain at some time in your life and pain helps us grow and change.  But to never love, to never experience the joy and pain that come with love guarantees stagnancy.  She asked, "do you know what stagnancy is, how it is defined?" My answer, to not move.  She said, "Nope, it's worse than that kiddo.  Stagnancy means unmoving, foul or stale, not developing, inactive.  That is what happens to a person who doesn't take a risk on love."
Man, my mom is one smart cookie. :)

Jen: My hero's actually.  My two best friends.  Who else would put up with me?

Sally: I don't want to say this person's name because their ego doesn't need stroking.  But my hero is someone I love dearly and is all the things I wish I could be.  Bold, sexy, assertive, confident, completely comfortable in their own skin.  I wish I could not care about others opinions and just be.  That's what this person does.

Fane: My father.  The example he sets in how he loves his luna and his pack is unmatched by any other Alpha.  I would do well to be half as good as him.

Decebel: My mate.  I've never met someone so pig headed and stubborn.  She's mine.  Every ounce of fierce, loyalty, deep love, fervent determination, unwavering faithfulness, mine.  She chose me.  How can she not be my hero?

5.  Favorite superhero and why?

Jacque: Batman....He's HOT!
Jen:  Wolverine, duh, he's hotter!!

Sally:   Does James Bond count as a super hero?  If so, he's the hottest!!

Fane:  Wonder Woman...she's hot (two can play at this game, mate!)

Decebel: (Good call Fane) She-Ra....she's smokin'!!!

Jen: Whoa, whoa....hold the train...Wonder Woman and She-Ra? Really? Are you two blind?  I mean at least Cat Woman has a whip and depending on the comic book edition and if you're lucky... a tail.  Geez, I'm embarrassed.  Wonder Woman and She-Ra...you might as well have said Judy Jetson.  Okay, sorry to interrupt the interview, I'm done now...

Question for Decebel:  What annoys you more than anything about Jen?

Decebel:   She's stubborn and she's stubborn.  Did I mention she is stubborn?
Question for Fane:  What do you think of Jacque's friends?  How much has changed in your opinion from day 1 until now?

Fane:  I think that Jacquelyn's friends are amazing.  She is lucky to have them and I'm lucky to have gained them as friends through her.  Jacquelyn has grown as a person and a mate.  She's beginning to realize who she is and who she wants to be.  I feel so blessed to get to start our journey together so young.

Question for Jacque:  What would you say is your happiest moment?

Jacque: Jen would tell you it is the day I met her.  Granted, when she walked up to me in first grade and said. "You will sit here by me because I am your new best friend." I mean, seriously, how could that not be my happiest moment, but, really...my happiest moment....the night Fane and I bonded. I won't repeat the things he whispered that night, but that night was the happiest moment ever.
Question for Jen:  What kind of things embarrass you?

Jen: What does embarrass mean?  Oh, alright...things that embarrass me, well singing Katy Perry's E.T. while in the shower, smashed on my butt...wait it gets better....improvising words with werewolf body parts....wait for it....while the werewolf I am pining after listens....oh, oh and then running out butt-ass naked in front of said werewolf.  Yeah, think that covers it...
Question for Sally: What do you value in your friends?

Sally:  Loyalty and honesty.  And the ability to sit up all night and eat raw cookie dough watching chick flicks or horror flicks....depends on the events of the week that determine the movie genre.
I definitely want to say a huge "THANK YOU" to Quinn Loftis for giving us a chance to get to know this fabulous cast of The Grey Wolves....

If you want to know more about this amazing series...Check out these sites:




Sunday, March 18, 2012

Scorched Skies (Fire Spirits #2) by Samantha Young

FEAR THE HEAT...

The White King has crossed the line, sounded the horn, sent out the wolves.

When blood is shed and life is lost the reality of Ari’s position as both hunter and prey finally sets in. It seems her father will stop at nothing to force her will to his own and distracted by Charlie’s latest mistake and her seemingly misguided attraction to Jai, Ari never thought to fear anyone else but the Jinn King.

Blindsided and attacked, Ari learns a new wolf has joined the hunt. A dark sorcerer believes he knows a way to bleed the power of the Seal and wield it as his own, and he is even less patient than The White King.

The War for the Seal has only just begun… and it’s time for Ari to turn it on its head.
It’s time for Ari to stop acting like the hunted.

It’s time for Ari to become the hunter.

Where to find more info:
Samantha Young (author):  http://www.samanthayoungbooks.com/ 


Shelley's Review
This stunning sequel takes off at a run and sets your heart racing and sputtering at the stealth in which Samantha nails us with her first devastating blow. Ari's heart is once again broken and she's forced to go on the run to hide from her pursuers.
With the White King, among others, seeking to control Ari and the power of the Seal; it's a war against time, unlimited powers and unseen enemies. Betrayals and manipulations make it hard for Ari and Jai...and Charlie, to know who to trust or where to turn.
I did promise you heartache. And there is plenty. But there is also hope in unexpected alliances and new found friendships. Events change quickly and drastically, but Scorched Skies shows Ari and her entourage with more cunning, resourcefulness and confidence that only comes from personal growth and the best of training. Some very mature decisions are made amid the chaos as more doubts are raised and others are laid to rest. Realizations, denials and fears are met with new strength and reinforced bonds. That's not to say that those bonds are not challenged by those who will not stop until they have Ari and the Seal in their possession.
This story is as much about the growth among each of the characters as it is about the fate of one girl and the Seal of Solomon. Charlie must come to terms with his power, his need for revenge and his ties to Ari. Jai struggles with his honor and obligations to his family and the Jinn and his true feelings. Ari, well, she's got a lot to sort through and much more to learn.
Along with Ari, we get a deeper look into her history, the mythology of the first Jinn, Azazil, Lilif, mother of the Kings and how it ties back to Jai and his family. The delivery of the facts and discoveries is clever and ignites your need to know more about this fascinating race and the innate behaviors that drive them and future destinies.
Scorched Skies is as full of emotion and action as Smokeless Fire, but what's great about this sequel is getting to know Ari, Charlie and Jai that much better, watching them open up to possibilities and see the truth that lays in their hearts.
There are enough twists and turns to keep you on edge, fully engaged and turning the page anticipating what's next. Of course you never really see what's coming. That's the beauty of this story. Just when you think the crew might catch a break, find a resolution or have a chance to explore their relationships further...well, you can never really let your guard down, can you, Ari? That's usually when all hell breaks loose. And of course you have to end with a good cliffhanger. Which Sam does. I'm now dying for the release of Borrowed Ember. I have to know where this is going, where it all ends and if Ari and Jai find their happy ever after. They do, don't they?? You'll just have to wait (impatiently) with me and see.




  
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Thursday, March 15, 2012

Interview with Cast of Fire Spirits series by Samantha Young



 

Hi everyone! Welcome back to the blog. It's an exciting week for fans of Samantha Young and her Fire Spirits series. With the early release of Scorched Skies, the Jinn lovers frenzy is in full effect.
We were lucky enough to have the stars; Ari, Charlie and Jai, literally "pop" in to chat with us a bit. Hopefully we can get some inside information before they head off to who knows where in a puff of smoke. Well, that's not exactly how they disappear. *wink*
So, without futher adieu, welcome to Tsk Tsk What to Read?...
Thanks so much for joining us today guys! It's great to meet you! Feel free to conjure any snacks or refreshments you may desire. Our fridge is stocked full just for you. We know you're very busy so we'll get right to asking the "burning" questions...

Ari, the journey to your destiny has been quite frightening at times and certainly challenging. What is the biggest lesson you've learned this far? The biggest surprise in the world of the Jinn? What do you miss the most about your "old" life?

I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned so far is that,no matter how much I want to rely on myself and not on others,I’m not going to make it through this without a little (or in some cases A LOT) help from my friends. As for the biggest surprise [Ari snorts] I don’t know if I can choose one. It’s been surprise,after surprise,after surprise. I guess,though,discovering I’m the Seal takes the cake. That’s one surprise I could have done without.

Jai, what do you like about your job as a guardian? What do you dislike?
And while we're on the subject of your assignment...have you had feelings for a charge before? How do you plan to fight the feelings you have for Ari? Do you truly think you can?

There’s nothing about being a guardian I dislike. It’s an honor to guard Importants and I take that duty very seriously.

And I don’t think we know each other well enough to discuss Ari.


Charlie, don't look so shocked and surprised. It's totally obvious. And that brings us to your first question. Ari has been there for you through thick and thin. Stayed by your side when everyone else left you to your misery. You treated her pretty badly, which you justify. More or less. Do you think you are deserving of her love and loyalty? Do you really want her? Or has she become a means to an end?

OK,that was harsh. I don’t think I’m awake enough for this crap. [Charlie sighs]. I know I’ve messed things up with Ari,I don’t need the reminder. And just for the record,of course I really want her. Ari isn’t a game. And when this is all over,when I can finally put Mikey to rest,I’m going to try my best to deserve her.
We did say we'd get right to it. We don't mess around here. Please, have some fruit...*shoves tray of fresh exotic fruits in the boys faces to fend off "death stares"*...did it get cold in here?

Ari, since we've nailed the guys to the wall, indulge us with your gut responses to this query...
What are three things you like about Charlie? AND three things you like about Jai?

Uh… tell you now?In front of them?[Ari shifts uncomfortably] OK… Charlie is funny, loyal,and protective. Jai is… is… well,he really listens when I talk,and he makes me feel safe. And um… he has nice eyes.

Let's ask Charlie another toughie, shall we? Charlie? About the little deal you made with "you know who"...do you think you might regret it later? Aren't you afraid of what might be asked of you in return?

As I’ve already assured Jai,I know what I’m doing. Yeah,there is going to be consequences but I’ve already come to terms with the fact that anything will be worth it as long as it means avenging Mikey’s murder.

Jai, where is your favorite place to travel? And your favorite mode of travel?

I don’t really travel to sightsee,I’m always on a job. As for my favorite mode of travel… the Peripatos is practical and the most efficient,but personally I like driving.

For both Ari and Jai, what is your favorite power? Have you regretted using your powers at any time?

Ari: I’ve found telepathy really useful but conjuring stuff is really fun. As long as you’re fully aware of the consequences [shoots a pointed look at Jai]. As for regret… yes… you could say I’ve regretted using my power… [trails off into stubborn silence]

Jai: [Shoots Ari a somewhat suspicious look before turning to answer] I don’t have a favorite power. And no. I don’t do regret.


Charlie, do you think you'll be able to stay straight now that you've got a new lease on life, so to speak?

I admit I partied hard a while back but that’s over now. I have to stay focused for revenge’s sake and also for Ari. She needs me.

Jai, do you only read Sci-fi or are you open to other genres? Is Orson Scott Card your favorite author?

I like some Stephen King every now and then but yeah,Sci-fi. And yes,Orson is pretty good.

Ari, besides Metric (love them), what else is on your ipod playlist?

Oh gosh,a lot. Hmm… most recently Lana Del Ray,The Naked and the Famous. I also love Arcade Fire,Florence + the Machine, Silversun Pickups,Uh Huh Her… I could go on and on…

A question for all of you...what's your favorite way to spend your downtime?

Ari: Not fleeing from psychotic Jinn people.

Charlie: I second that.

Jai: Reading. [Turns to Charlie] Don’t think I didn’t notice you looking at me when the term ‘psychotic Jinn people’ was used.


Ari: [Sighs wearily shooting Charlie a look] I was talking about The White King and DalĂ­. I wasn’t talking about Jai.

Charlie: Yeah me too. I wasn’t talking about Jai at all.

Jai: You’re a dick.

[Ari clamps a hand over Charlie’s mouth before he can respond]


Jai, would you consider protecting Ari your most important assignment, ever?

Absolutely.

How important is it to you to rebuild your families? Ari, do you think you can have a relationship with Derek, your father for all intents and purposes? Charlie, will you try to get your parents back to life too? And jai, do you want or care if your father ever respects and truly accepts you as his son?

Ari: I had hoped we could. But everything’s changed now.

Charlie: I have a lot to do once I get justice for Mike’s murder,and trying to get my parents back on track is one of them.

Jai: Who wrote these questions? I didn’t agree to these kinds of questions?

Charlie: Dude,you can’t answer a simple question?

Jai: [Glares at him] There’s nothing simple about that question.


Ari, will you search for your mother?

You know that’s always there at the back of my mind. I sometimes get flashes of that purple vase in The White King’s home. I don’t know what the future holds but I think if I ever got the opportunity I’d try to free her. I have a lot of questions for her.
What do you each of you really hope to accomplish now that you are all in the middle of the war for the Seal?

Charlie: Staying alive.

Ari: I second that.

Jai: Keeping Ari alive.


Well, we really hit you hard with the inqueries. We hope it didn't feel like an interrogation. We just really want to know what makes y'all tick. That said, we'll turn it over to you..
Is the anything you really want your fans to hear straight from the source? Any thoughts you'd like to leave us with?

Sam: There are many twists and turns in the road ahead for Ari,Jai and Charlie. Nothing in the world of the Jinn is straightforward. There are many mysteries,shady characters and yes,shocks,still to come.
Thanks again for joining us. We so appreciate you being here...

And just like that, *poof* they're outta here! Thanks everyone!  We hope you enjoyed the crew as much as we did!

Especially big thanks to Sam for allowing us this indulgence.

As always, happy reading!
Tsk Tsk What to Read?



Now on to some good stuff!!  A fantastic giveaway...Enter in with the rafflecopter below to get an ecopy of Smokeless Fire and a print copy of Scorched Skies...
Giveaway ends March 23rd, 2012.

Smokeless Fire by Samantha Young


For the last two years Ari’s life has been anything but normal and on her 18th birthday, when her friends surprise her with a gimmick genie claiming to grant wishes, Ari discovers the truth. The tragic and strange occurrences surrounding her 16th birthday were not coincidental and her life is never going to be the same again.

Ari’s real parents are not normal. They are not loving. They are not human.

They are myth.

They are Smokeless Fire.

They are Jinn.

Where to find more info:
Samantha Young (author):  http://www.samanthayoungbooks.com/  


Shelley's Review 




  Wow! Without a doubt, a 5 flame read. Rather appropriate for our storyline. Don't you think? Smokeless Fire was a crash course in Jinn mythology for me. Having grown up with I Dream of Jennie, I've never been interested in "genies" much, but this story changed that. I had no idea there were so many castes among the Jinn or that the mythology was so rich. It was fascinating and I was immediately immersed in it. Thank you, Samantha Young for opening my eyes to this magickal, mystical realm.
  The world building is surreal in it's complexity. Well thought out and a wonderful blend of olde world imagery and beliefs along side a very real modern day suburban society. The Fire Spirits characters are riveting, emotionally charged, endearing and easy to fall in love with. The twists on Ari's destiny are a delightful and intriguing compilation of myth and legend. Sam's knowledge of mythology is evident in everything she writes, but the way in which she incorporates folklore with the perceived truths in this chronicle creates a unique take that is pure Samantha Young, fantasy writer and is once again enticing and enthralling.
  Ari is somewhat naive about her life and those that surround her, but she is still strong, self reliant and very likable. She's very much an average (but very attractive) teen living in very non-average circumstances. Her thoughts and actions are wrought with a sad awareness waiting to overflow. She's on the verge of awakening to a world she's not prepared for. She clings to childhood friendships to preserve her fragile existence and her never ending attempts at saving her best friend from himself. Her relationships are shaky at best and based on untruths and unrevealed secrets.
  Charlie is the epitome of a grieving brother; lost and bent on revenge. His struggles are real and tear at your heart and leave your stomach in knots. You are compelled to endure his pain along with him. Even as he is acting out. You cannot help but want for him the resolution he seeks, yet you yearn for him to be okay, to turn around from his depression and reckless ways. To be Ari's childhood love again and not just a faded memory or broken dream.
And then there is Jai...what can i say about Jai. Beautiful, mysterious, all business? Yes, on the surface, but he is so much more. His own troubled life collides with Ari's as he attempts to protect her and keep his growing feelings for her at bay. He is the irresistible and ever reluctant hero. He's only doing his job after all...albeit the most important one of his life.
  Overall, Smokeless Fire was a fast paced read that kept me engulfed in it's spell from start to finish. Filled with a well crafted love triangle, surprises, flamboyant characters and laced with music, the story had me mesmerized. I felt a connection with each of the leads and a strong need to follow them through their treacherous journey. In the next installment, which I've already started and am also loving, Sam is sure to grant us more twists and turns and heartache. You know there will be heartache. No one can be trusted and certainly, no one is safe in the the world of the Fire Spirits...Be careful what you wish for
.




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Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Asylum by K A Tucker



Tucked away in Sofie's wintery asylum with no hope of release for years, Evangeline must come to terms with her situation: the curse still plagues her, she's now hunted by a
two thousand-year-old vampire, and the guy she's in love with tried to kill her.
Plus, she's locked up with a cranky Max and the Forero kids—two people everyone
seems to prefer dead over alive. Things aren't looking good.

Meanwhile, back in Manhattan, Sofie struggles to keep forty trapped and bloodthirsty Ratheus vampires at bay and a desperate Viggo from killing Evangeline's friends, all
while hints stir outside the walls of the NYC vampire asylum of a war brewing
between the Sentinel and the witches.

Is there any hope for Evangeline and Caden? Can Sofie control the rival powers? Is the fate of
Earth predestined? Find out in Book 2 of the Causal Enchantment series, a sequel to ANATHEMA.



Where to find more info:
Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12253483-asylum
K. A Tucker (author):  

Kathryn's Review




Asylum picks up where Anathema left us and man, so many things happen during this book that I am sitting here shaking my head wondering "when will I get my hands on the next one?"....
Evangeline is such a great character that you love reading about her. Also in this book, we have alternating POVs and are allowed the chance to know more about Sofie. It is so amazing to learn all that she has done for the events to come to where they are in Asylum. Plus, all the other little secrets that come out during Asylum; I was so taken aback and surprised at how some of the characters have changed. But within those changes the love of one couple remains and my heart filled with joy near the end of the book...Of course, I am am now aching for the next installment...
Asylum offers a reader so much that I definitely recommend this series to anyone!!! Action, intrigue, love, suspense, and of course, vampires...This is a definite MUST READ!!!


=SCORCHER