August 31, 2011

EPIC READ, WRITE, WORD GAME, -ATHON!

ANNOUNCING A EVENT BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE NON RELUCTANT READER AND PATO'S CAVE!
THE 2011, FIRST EVER, TRILEXITHON! Featuring all member's of Pato's Cave, where for 24 hours we stay up and read, write, and play word games. And besides being a participant I'm also doing all media for this event! Woohoo!
So, I'm doing a live stream using Ustream. The event will go live September 2nd, at 10:00am Pacific time and will end September 3rd, my birthday, at the same time. I'm also going to do a giveaway. Whoever guesses most closely the number of pages I'll be able to read receives an awesome prize that is a mystery but it will be something awesome, I can personally assure you of that! You can guess up to 9:59 am on Friday. So enter using the form, make a guess, and wait... I'll be having the webcam up so you can watch it from my blog at the time.


Over and out,

Waiting on Wednesday (2)

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill atBreak the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases I'm eagerly anticipating.

All Titles Link to their Goodreads Page

Title: Daughter of Smoke and Bone

Author: Laini Taylor

Release Date: September 27th

My thoughts: They were handing out the first couple chapters of this book at the Tattered Cover and I loved that, I can't wait for this! Luckily I'm on a ARC tour for it.

Title: Breadcrumbs

Author: Anne Ursu

Release Date: September 27th

My thoughts: I love fairy tale spin-offs and this book's cover is gorgeous! I'm on a ARC tour for this one as well.



August 30, 2011

Want to Go Private? (ARC)

I am a big "fan" (I don't know the right word to describe it) of internet safety and when I saw this book, Want to Go Private? by Sarah Darer Littman on Around the World ARC Tours (link at the end of the post) I was like, "Sign me up!" Since I was the last one on the tour I didn't get the book in until a couple days ago so the book is already out :'-(.
Summary:
Abby and Luke chat online. They’ve never met. But they are going to. Soon.

When Abby meets Luke online, she can’t believe her luck. He’s nice. He’s funny. He listens to her and he thinks she’s pretty. He even gets jealous of other guys, which is adorable. Without Luke, Abby’s not sure how she’d make it through her first year of high school. Everyone, including her mom and her best friend, Faith, tells Abby that if she just made more of an effort, she’d be having fun instead of dreading each and every day as if it’s a prison sentence. But there’s nothing fun about being the lowest link in the social food chain.

Abby knows she’s not supposed to chat with random guys online. But Luke isn’t random, and he isn’t a stranger. Best of all, he really loves her. So what if she never goes out with her friends anymore and her grades are slipping? All she needs is Luke. Luke is her secret, and she’s his — it’s perfect that way. So when Luke suggests that they meet each other in person, Abby agrees. And then she’s gone. Missing. Without a trace. And everyone is left to put together the pieces. If they don’t, they’ll never see Abby again...
This book was a emotional roller-coaster, just going to say this upfront, so if you don't like books that depress the living daylight out of you, don't read this book. I strongly advise you do though... Let's find out why, shall we?
Abby is just a normal teenage girl -- I like that because it really proves that this kind of thing can happen to anybody. Abby's struggling with the transition from middle school to high school, her parents are acting like jerks, and she's starting to grow apart from her best friend since second grade. And on top of that the loser boy she likes can't even remember her name. But when "Luke" comes into her life on a new social network and starts to chat with her, he acts like he understands her, he acts like he cares about her, which is more then she can say about her real life friends and family. So when Luke starts to become the center of her life, her grades start slipping and she spends most of her time online. She doesn't think twice about it, because Luke is like a very good tasting poison, you love it till your heart stops beating.
Then she turns into a zombie, she can't stand to be off the internet and she'll do anything for Luke. I thought since it's a YA book Littman might spare us of some of the gory details, but they're all there and I'm glad, because it makes it seem a lot more real and makes you want to do anything to prevent stuff like this from happening in the future.
For a book to be great it has to have a great villain. This book does. The way Luke is portrayed makes very believable that this loser would do such terrible deeds.
Though this book is very much of a warning to all the teens out there to be careful about what they do online, it's also a very thrilling read because the book has loads of suspense, though I was tearing my hair out the whole time and fighting the urge to yell out "Why the heck are you doing this, Abby?! You idiot!" even though I've stressed that this could happen to anyone.
The book is split into three parts, the first is from Abby's point of few, the second from Lilly, her (bratty) younger sister, Faith, her BFF, and Billy, her real-life boyfriend, and the third is told from Abby's, Faith's, and Lilly's. I really liked hearing what was going on inside her friends' and family's minds because they're the ones that are doing anything to get Abby back.
This book is a great message to everyone that I recommend parents and teens read together. This book dares to cover something that most authors don't have the guts to cover, thank god it's out there.
5/5
Book Battle Update: This is my 24th book read in the book battle, and it ends in just a couple days! Maddz has read 21 last time I checked, who will pull out on top?

Thanks to Around the World ARC Tours for letting me participate, and especially to Cindy, who's letting me keep this book! You rock, Cindy!


Teaser Tuesday 8/30

Teaser Tuesday is weekly meme hosted by Mizb at Should be Reading
  • Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!
Make sure what you share doesn't give too much away, you don't want to spoil the book for others!
This week's Teaser is from:
Juliet Immortal by Stacey Jay
And the teasers are:
1. Suddenly it's changed, electrified with danger. Romeo has arrived.
2. Still, I can't help but wonder-not for the first time-why people like Gemma are lucky enough to get soul mates. It seems like it should be a privilege reserved for people who suck less.

August 29, 2011

It's Monday! What are you Reading?


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It’s Monday! What Are You Reading This Week? This is a weekly event to list the books completed last week, the books currently being reading, and the books to be finish this week. It was created by J.Kaye’s Book Blog, but is now being hosted by Sheila from One Person’s Journey Through a World of Books so stop by and join in!
Books I Read Last Week:
Books I'm Currently Reading:
Want to go Private? by Sarah Darer Littman
Juliet Immortal by Stacey Jay
Books I Hope to Read this Week:
The Odd Job Squad by Karl Fields

What are you Reading this Week?

In my Mailbox (15)

IMM is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Sirenwhere each Sunday book bloggers share what they got in the past week.
Want to go Private? by Sarh Darer Littman
(My epic new signature).

August 26, 2011

Goliath (ARC)

Back with another ARC review from the wonderful ARC tour site, Around the World ARC Tours (Link at the end of the post) I have a review of Goliath the final book in the epic Leviathan trilogy! Summary: Alek and Deryn are on the last leg of their round-the-world quest to end World War I, reclaim Alek’s throne as prince of Austria, and finally fall in love. The first two objectives are complicated by the fact that their ship, the Leviathan, continues to detour farther away from the heart of the war (and crown). And the love thing would be a lot easier if Alek knew Deryn was a girl. (She has to pose as a boy in order to serve in the British Air Service.) And if they weren’t technically enemies.

The tension thickens as the Leviathan
steams toward New York City with a homicidal lunatic on board: secrets suddenly unravel, characters reappear, and nothing is at it seems in this thunderous conclusion to Scott Westerfeld’s brilliant trilogy.

If you're a long-time follower of the blog, then you know how much I adore this trilogy. Steampunk is becoming one of my favorite genres and I love the way Westerfeld depicts WWI as steam-powered war machines (Clankers) vs fabricated beasts (Darwinists).
The book starts with the Leviathan on the way toward Japan. On that crossing, Alek finally finds out Deryn is a girl. And then their relationship thickens and the plot builds. Alek is pretty angry at first. I would be too if my "best friend" had such a big secret. And even worse, had a crush on me. But Alek is willing to forgive and then finds out he might have some feelings for her too.
Another part of this book I adored was Westerfeld's portrayal of Nickola Tesla, yes, that Nickola Tesla. Except in this book he's a bit crazier and a little scary. And wants to end the war by destroying and in the process murder many citizens in Berlin. He thinks that if he does that then the Germans will see "This dude's not worth messing with" except it would probably go more like this "Holly cow! That dude just destroyed one of our jewel cities. Kill him on sight!" but that's Tesla for you!
I thought that all the characters in this book has developed a lot more since the first two, especially Alek and to a lesser degree Deryn. Alek finally figures out that one man can't stop a war, even if it's a war his family feud started, and Deryn realizes that she has a choice, either be with Alek or continue to serve her country. She continues to swear like no once else can!
The settings continue to evolve and amaze me in this series. For the first two books we only have seen Darwinism and Clankerism being practiced in Europe, in this one we get to see the Darwinist and Clanker powers in Asia, Mexico and the United States -- the United States being most interesting because the country is separated, half Darwinist, half Clanker.
I'm really sad to see the end to this trilogy, because it's so barking awesome (I'll be swearing like Deryn for a few weeks now) and I've loved all the characters in it, especially Bovril, the very cute Darwin creation who says words at random (or so we think).
You must read this book, case closed.
5/5
Book Battle Update: 22nd book read in the Book Battle, I heard from Maddz today and she's read 21.

Thanks so much to Around the World ARC Tours for organizing this tour!

Darth Paper Strikes Back

This book came out yesterday. I preordered from Amazon so last night I started it, and I finished it today, I loved the first book, The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger, and was totally ready for more super-silly fun!
Summary:The hilarious, clever, and much-anticipated follow-up to the breakout hit, The Strange Case of Origami Yoda.
It is a dark time at Ralph McQuarrie Middle School. After suffering several Origami Yoda–related humiliations, Harvey manages to get Dwight suspended from school for being a “troublemaker.” Origami Yoda pleads with Tommy and Kellen to save Dwight by making a new case file—one that will show how Dwight’s presence benefits McQuarrie. With the help of their friends, Tommy and Kellen record cases such as “Origami Yoda and the Pre-eaten Wiener,” “Origami Yoda and the Exploding Pizza Bagels,” and “Origami Yoda and Wonderland: The Musical.” But Harvey and his Darth Paper puppet have a secret plan that could make Dwight’s suspension permanent . . .

With his proven knack for humorously exploring the intrigues, fads, and dramas of middle school, Tom Angleberger has crafted a worthy sequel to his breakout bestseller.

I think that the characters in this book are some of the best of all time. Tommy is the character that is rather off to the side but knows what going on. Harvey is the nerdy jerk who always has to be right (sound like anyone we know, Benji?) and then there's Dwight, our hero and the super awesome creator of Origami Yoda. Though Dwight always means well he just doesn't always carry it out well.
I was really excited when I found out that the book was going to be about Origami Darth Vader! But when I started reading I was rather disappointed because this book wasn't too much about Darth Paper but more about what a awesome guy Dwight was and I really just wanted to get back to the Origami Yoda vs Darth Paper battles. Sorry Dwight, I don't like you that much, except Origami Yoda is still in it a lot and deals out some great advice, so all's well that ends well!
All of Tom Angleberger's illustrations are epic, and add a great feel to the book. I think that the illustrations have gotten better since the last book and you're able to see what they are better.
Awesome book, this is. Read it you must.
5/5
Book Battle Update: This is my 23rd book read in the book battle, Maddz has read 21.
Origami Yoda fans will be happy to know, THE END THIS IS NOT!

August 25, 2011

To Denver I must Go!

Hello wonderful readers/stalkers/ random peeps!
I leave tomorrow to Denver, Colorado for five days to visit family and of course, the bookstore The Tattered Cover:
Well, back to packing, or avoiding packing. See ya then!

Follow (my Book Blog) Friday!

Follow (my Book Blog) Friday is a weekly meme where us online book bloggers share our love of books by following each other's book blog. Epic, right? The event happens each and every Friday but many bloggers start
  1. (Required) Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Hosts {Parajunkee & Alison Can Read}
  2. (Required) Follow our Featured Bloggers - We Fancy Books& The Little Book Blog
  3. Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing. You can also grab the code if you would like to insert it into your posts.
  4. Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say "hi" in your comments and that they are now following you.
  5. Follow Follow Follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just follow a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Also, don't just follow, comment and say hi. Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don't say "HI"
  6. If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love...and the followers
  7. If you're new to the follow friday hop, comment and let me know, so I can stop by and check out your blog!
Now... the other really cool part about this meme is that the featured blogger each ask a question, for us all to answer! Yipee!

Q. In some books like the Sookie Stackhouse series the paranormal creature in question "comes out of the closet" and makes itself known to the world. Which mythical creature do you wish this would happen with in real life?

A: I think I'd like for the faeries in The Iron Fey series to come out and hang with us because though some of them are evil, they're quite awesome and it would finally stop the stupid old wive's tale that faeries are six inches tall, have wings and live in huts.

August 24, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday (4)

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill atBreak the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases I'm eagerly anticipating.

All titles link to their Goodreads Page

Palace of the Damned (The Saga of Larten Crepsley, Book Two) by Darren Shan

Release Date: September 30

My thoughts: I love, love, love, Darren Shan. He's one of the best horror authors around. Team Larten!

The Medusa Plot (The 39 Clues, Cahills vs Vespers, Book Two) by Gordon Korman

Release Date: August 30

My thoughts: I like this series though it has some major flaws. Korman is one of the best writers in the series and I'm glad we'll have more of him in this book.

The Name of the Star (Shades of London, Book One) by Maureen Johnson

Release date: September 29

My thoughts: I love a good murder mystery, and who's more famous for mysterious murders then Jack the Ripper himself? Thankfully I'm on a ARC tour for this so that cuts the waiting a bit. But still, I can't wait.

The Way We Fall

The Way we Fall by Megan Crewe

Release Date: January 24, 2012

My thoughts: I found about this on a friend's blog and the cover is so great, just like I hope this book will be!


August 23, 2011

Darth Paper Strikes Back Art Giveaway Winner!

The winner of the Darth Paper Strikes Back original art by the author, Tom Anglerberger is...
SUPER FOLDER MATHEW FROM Matt the Superfolder!
I will be sending the winner a email shortly which he will have 48 hours to reply to, if he does not get back to me by then, another winner will be chosen! Sorry to all those who didn't win but I'll have plenty more giveaways coming your way shortly.

Teaser Tuesday 8/23

Teaser Tuesday is weekly meme hosted by Mizb at Should be Reading
  • Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!
Make sure what you share doesn't give too much away, you don't want to spoil the book for others!
This week's Teaser is from:
Goliath (ARC) by Scott Westerfeld
And the teasers are:
1."Of course, who knows? We may have need of her help again."
"Are you saying I should stay friends with her?"
"Or course not. I'm saying that we can still blackmail her".
2. "So you really have become a Darwinist."
"Oh, this beast? It's a ... a perspicacious loris. 'Perspicacious' meaning 'wise or canny.'"
"Get stuffed," Bovril said, then giggled.
"And it insults people," Tesla said. "How peculiar".
Alek gave the creature a sharp look. "Bovril is usually more polite, as am I. It was an oversight to not to join you last night. We have much to discuss."

August 22, 2011

It's Monday! What are you Reading? 8/22

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It’s Monday! What Are You Reading This Week? This is a weekly event to list the books completed last week, the books currently being reading, and the books to be finish this week. It was created by J.Kaye’s Book Blog, but is now being hosted by Sheila from One Person’s Journey Through a World of Books so stop by and join in!

Books I Read Last Week:

Dark Eden by Patrick Carman

Hades (Halo trilogy, Book Two) by Alexandra Adorrnetto

Pregnant Pause by Han Nolan

Books I'm Currently Reading:

Goliath (Leviathan trilogy, Book Three) by Scott Westerfeld

Far From the War (Far From the War trilogy, Book One) by Jeffrey David Payne

Blood (Mercian trilogy, Book One) by K.G. Wignall

Books I Hope to Read this Week:

The Odd Job Squad by Karl Fields

Juliet Immortal by Stacey Jay

Darth Paper Strikes Back (An Origami Yoda Book, Book Two) by Tom Angleberger

What are you reading this week?

August 21, 2011

In my Mailbox (14)

IMM is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren where each Sunday book bloggers share what they got in the past week.

Books I received this week:
Pregnant Pause by Han Nolan

August 18, 2011

Hades (ARC)

I loved Halo by Alexandra Adornetto. It was one of the best books I've read in a long time and definitively the best paranormal romance I've ever read (Sorry Twilight, you just don't cut it anymore). When I saw it on the wonderful ARC tour site Around the World ARC Tours (link at the end of the post) I couldn't pass the chance to receive an ARC of this book!
Summary: Even the love of her boyfriend, Xavier Woods, and her archangel siblings, Gabriel and Ivy, can’t keep the angel Bethany Church from being tricked into a motorcycle ride that ends up in Hell. There, Jake Thorn bargains for Beth’s release back to Earth. But what he asks of her will destroy her, and quite possibly her loved ones as well. Can he be trusted in this wager? And what does Jake have Xavier believing about Beth’s fate that may result in an act of betrayal that will leave Bethany – and readers – wondering if Xavier is so good after all?

Like I said, I loved Halo and I was thinking it would be impossible to create a sequel that would live up to it. Boy, was I wrong!
When I first out found out that Jake Thorn, the evil villain from Halo was returning, I didn't know what to think. I thought he did a fine job progressing the story in the first book but I thought spending a whole new book with him would get a bit boring. You can imagine how thrilled I was when I found out that Bethany would be stuck with him for almost the whole book. But after spending 50 pages with Jake down in Hades I was hooked and wanted to learn more about his character (though I wasn't hooked enough to switch from Team Xavier to Team Jake).
I love the way Jake acts like all Beth's kidnapping was all right. Jake is a great villain and I was glad I got to know him better!
I was disappointed in Bethany's charachter. She has gotten a lot more boring since Halo, so maybe Jake was right, maybe "pretty boy" isn't good for her. She used to be very wise, and she still is but in this one she doesn't keep up a interesting narrative, just moans about how bad hell is for her.
I think that the way Adornetto depicted hell (or as it's elite habitats call it, Hades) was very intriguing. The demons get to dance around with the "lucky" humans all day, well the not so lucky ones get to be tortured all day and then the next day wake up and get the same exact torture repeated. I liked the way most of the members of Hell call the devil "big daddy" and though I don't like to admit it, all the demons had a great, though twisted, sense of humor.
I once again, would like to say how much respect I have for Adorrnetto. She wrote a book any author would be proud of, and at the age of 19 pulling that off is truly amazing. Her writing style has gotten so much better!
I really liked this book; it definitely does Halo justice. I can wait for the 3rd and final book in this trilogy, Heaven, to come out. But that's a while away because this book isn't even out yet. I'm going to be so sad to send this book to the next person on the tour so I'll definitely buy my own copy when the book comes out.
Hades is a awesome novel that truly has it all!
5/5
Book Battle Update: This is my 21st book read in the book battle! YAY!
Thanks to Around the World ARC Tours for letting me on this tour.
Hades will be released August 30th, preorder it on Amazon.

The Tower of Parlen Min Giveaway (Blog Tour)

Hi guys! I'm here with another giveaway! This one's for The Tower of Parlen Min ebook! Yup that's right, you can read it on your kindle, on your computer, on your nook, ect. And the best part, five people can win! It's amazing! The giveaway starts today and will end midnight, pacific time, September 1st! How do you enter? Fill out the form here!

August 17, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday (3)

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Break the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases I'm eagerly anticipating.

All titles link to their Goodreads Page

Title: Crossed

Author: Ally Condie

Release Date: November 1st

My thoughts: I was a huge fan of the first book, Matched, and luckily I'm on the ARC tour for it!

Yay! I also get to see Ally when she comes to Seattle in November, double yay!


Title: The Son of Neptune

Author: Rick Riordan

Release Date: October 1st

My thoughts: I love, love, love, anything Rick Riordan writes, and after reading the first chapter for free online I am breathless with anticipation!

Title: The Hunger Games: Official Movie Companion

Author: Scholastic

Release Date: February 1, 2012

My Thoughts: The Hunger Games is my favorite series of all time and I can't wait for the movie or this companion!

Darth Paper Strikes Back Drawing Giveaway

Hey y'all! To celebrate the release of Tom Angleberger's latest novel Darth Paper Strikes Back, Tom and I are giving away one original drawing from the book, drawn by Tom! The picture is of Tommy with a Sarlaac Tentacle around his neck. The giveaway begins today August 16th and will end next Midnight Pacific time, Tuesday, August 23, the day Darth Paper comes out! How do you enter this wonderful giveaway? Enter using the form here!

August 16, 2011

Teaser Tuesday 8/16

Teaser Tuesday is weekly meme hosted by Mizb at Should be Reading
  • Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!
Make sure what you share doesn't give too much away, you don't want to spoil the book for others!
This week's Teaser is from:
Hades (Halo, Book Two) (ARC) by Alexandra Adornetto
And the teasers are:
1. "I'm going as a naughty schoolgirl," Abigail announced.
"In other words you're going as yourself?" Molly said with a snort.
2. The Devil went down to Georgia, he was looking for a soul to steal.
He was in a bind, 'cos he was way behind; he was willin' to make a deal.
-Charlie Daniels "Devil Went Down to Georgia"

Name Change!

Hey guys! So, if you haven't noticed, my blog has changed names from Readings of Benji to The (Non) Reluctant Reader, but it will be the same blog with the same old Benji! Thanks!

August 15, 2011

Dark Eden (ARC)

Well I'm back with another review of another ARC (from Around the World ARC tours). This time it's Dark Eden by Patrick Carman, the author of the 5th book in the 39 Clues series, which is my favorite of that series.
Summary: Fifteen-year-old Will Besting is sent by his doctor to Fort Eden, an institution meant to help patients suffering from crippling phobias. Once there, Will and six other teenagers take turns in mysterious fear chambers and confront their worst nightmares—with the help of the group facilitator, Rainsford, an enigmatic guide. When the patients emerge from the chamber, they feel emboldened by the previous night's experiences. But each person soon discovers strange, unexplained aches and pains. . . . What is really happening to the seven teens trapped in this dark Eden?

Patrick Carman's Dark Eden is a provocative exploration of fear, betrayal, memory, and— ultimately—immortality.

Everyone's afraid of something, we all know that. Except what happens when their phobias get bigger and bigger and then cripple their entire life? Well, you send them to Dark Eden, a prison-like bunker in the middle of the woods of course! This book explores the same concept as The School of Fear except a lot darker, more serious, and much less funny.

The one flaw that really weighed down this book was the main character, our narrator Will. He was very boring, he would just recite everything that happened but never actually do anything, except sit in a bomb shelter eating Cliff bars. Aside from Will I didn't mind all the other characters in this book. Meresa, Will's love interest, stands out in particular. She's very thoughtful and doesn't want to be the center of attention which I guess is the perfect girl for Will, who has a phobia of being around most of his peers and hanging out in groups. The other five teens at Dark Eden weren't around enough for me to decide if I liked them or not. I also enjoyed Davis, even after we find out... (won't say anymore so not to spoil the book for anyone else).

Sound plays a big part in the book and I think that part was interesting. Will makes little audio sessions on his recorder and sometimes we get to hear them and that fascinated me. There is also a Dark Eden multimedia app where the story is told in video, sound, and text. I think that is perfect for this book and it will only be a matter of time in until we see this in the movie theaters.

Patrick Carman has a nice writing style that matches the book very well. His narrative was so suspenseful!

This story was so much to take in and I really wish Carman had made it a trilogy or longer because it's so complex. This book was a cool, suspenseful, mystery that has lots of potential.

4/5

Book Battle Update: This is my 19th book read in the book battle, Maddz has read 17!


Thanks for Around the World ARC tours for providing this ARC.

Dark Eden will be released November 1st, preorder it on Amazon.


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