Friday, December 28, 2012

Shadeskin Review

Title: Shadeskin

Author: by Jason Craft , B.L. White, Amanda White

Publish Date: Published May 14th 2012 by Supremacy Press



Synopsis:
Lurking beneath the veil of reality, a supernatural war threatens to consume the city of Shreveport, Louisiana. The Illumin, messengers of light, strive to protect the city's human inhabitants from the vicious Shades. Banished from their natural world, the Shades carve out a restless existence among us. The powerful Raven family stands between the warring Shades and Illumin, struggling to maintain a delicate balance while ensuring that everyone else remains unaware. In the nearby town of Wheelbarrow Creek, an Aztec relic makes its way into Matthew Gillard’s hands, unlocking an evil with the power to bring back the dead. Impossible to control, the relic bends him to its will. Now Raven, Shade, and Illumin hunt after this newfound threat. Shadeskin is an urban fantasy anthology born from the minds of three authors. The five stories contained within build a world of light and shadow ready for the daring reader to explore.


Shadeskin is an intense read about the battle between Light and Dark and those caught between.

 The Illumin is the light force brought to protect the humans from that Shades of darkness. The Raven family is the ones that make the weapons for the Illumin to help them defeat the Shades.

 Matt is a human that stumbles upon an Aztec relic that holds an incredible dark force. Matt has no clue what horror and chaos he is about to unleash to the world.

 Shadeskin is a powerful read, five stories written by three authors. Each story forces you deeper into the plot. With new characters introduced in each story, it is fascinating to watch how everything intertwines together and comes to the dramatic conclusion. Even though it is an intense read about light and dark, the humans bring in a little humor at times.

 I really enjoyed this group of stories, and feel honored to be asked to review it. I am completely amazed how these three authors came together to write these stories and how they flowed from one to another. It is an awesome read with TONS of action!!


My Over All Rating:


Thursday, December 20, 2012

Check out this giveaway by Cheryl Rainfield

Check out this Giveaway for Parallel Visions by Cheryl Rainfield







In Parallel Visions, Kate sees visions of the future--but only when she has an asthma attack. To save her sister being beaten and a suicidal classmate, she must trigger more visions--but that could kill her!

Parallel Visions deals with feeling different, domestic violence, attempted suicide, LGBT bullying, and asthma, all woven into fantasy. 



Parallel Visions is only $2.99 in ebook form on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Kobo, and $7.99 print.

To Enter the contest to win A Kindle Fire, Nook, or Kobo go HERE

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

There Comes A Prophet Blog Tour and Giveaway





Title: There Comes A Prophet

 Author: David Litwack

Publish Date: Published July 9th 2012 by Double Dragon Publishing


Synopsis:
Who among us will cast aside a comfortable existence and risk death to follow a dream? A world kept peaceful for a thousand years by the magic of the ruling vicars. But a threat lurks from a violent past. Wizards from the darkness have hidden their sorcery in a place called the keep and left a trail of clues that have never been solved. Nathaniel has grown up longing for more but unwilling to challenge the vicars. Until his friend Thomas is taken for a teaching, the mysterious coming-of-age ritual. Thomas returns but with his dreams ripped away. When Orah is taken next, Nathaniel tries to rescue her and ends up in the prisons of Temple City. There he meets the first keeper of the ancient clues. But when he seeks the keep, what he finds is not magic at all. If he reveals the truth, the words of the book of light might come to pass: “If there comes among you a prophet saying ‘Let us return to the darkness,’ you shall stone him, because he has sought to thrust you away from the light.”


There Comes A Prophet is an incredible Dystopia read!!

 The Vicars are in charge of the children of the light. Keeping the peace for a thousand years, they strive to keep the darkness at bay, however, are they really keeping the people safe? When the children become of age, a few are chosen for a teaching, that will change their lives forever and provoke the fear to keep the other citizens in line. This happened to Thomas. Nathaniel and Orah watch their childhood friend change because of this teaching.

 When Orah is chosen, Nathaniel decides to trade himself for her place. As the Vicars are deciding what to do, Nathaniel meets a prisoner who is in the next cell who has been there for 20 years. When this prisoner finds out what Nathaniel is doing, he decides he is worthy of the Keeper Secret. As Thomas, Orah and Nathaniel escape to find all the clues of the keepers, they find an adventure they never expected and the truth of the darkness.

 I SO loved this book. I loved how the clues of the Keepers where found and the destination it lead them to. I quickly fell for the three main characters and their friendship, and how they worked together through the chaos. Through all the obstacles they went through, they had a faith that they could do right by the people they wanted to protect. This story is an incredible read. It shows if you believe, you can make a difference. The truth of what they find will leave you wanting more. Read it! It’s good!!


My Over All Rating:



About the Author


Author Bio:
The urge to write first struck when working on a newsletter at a youth encampment in the woods of northern Maine. It may have been the night when lightning flashed at sunset followed by northern lights rippling after dark. Or maybe it was the newsletter's editor, a girl with eyes the color of the ocean. But he was inspired to write about the blurry line between reality and the fantastic.

Using two fingers and lots of white-out, he religiously typed five pages a day throughout college and well into his twenties. Then life intervened. He paused to raise two sons and pursue a career, in the process becoming a well-known entrepreneur in the software industry, founding several successful companies. When he found time again to daydream, the urge to write returned. There Comes a Prophet is his first novel in this new stage of life.

David and his wife split their time between Cape Cod, Florida and anywhere else that catches their fancy. He no longer limits himself to five pages a day and is thankful every keystroke for the invention of the word processor.


You can find more about the Author at these locations:

You can find the author and all links:
GIVEAWAY!!!

Enter a chance to win an Ecopy of There Comes A Prophet!!  You will LOVE this story!!




a Rafflecopter giveaway

Don't Forget to Check out the rest of the Tour!!


12/3
Words Escape Me - Review
&
Read, Write, Sleep, Eat! - Review and Guest Post

12/4

12/6

12/7
&
Fiction Fervor - Review
&

12/8

12/10
Comfort Books - Interview
&
 Ensconced in YA - Review and Interview

12/11
Supernatural Snark - Excerpt

12/12

12/13

12/14
Jean Book Nerd - Review and Guest Post 

12/17
The Book Babe - Top Ten Songs 
&
Nawanda Files - Interview 

12/18
Steampunkery and Book Reviews - Review and Teaser Quotes

12/19
&

12/20

12/21
Indie Book Blog - Guest Post


Tuesday, December 18, 2012

The Warlock's Curse Blog Tour









Title: The Warlock’s Curse

Author: M.K. Hobson

Publish Date: Published October 31st 2012 by Demimonde


Synopsis:
THE YEAR IS 1910. Eighteen-year-old Will Edwards has landed a prestigious apprenticeship at Detroit’s Tesla Industries, the most advanced scientific research center in the United States. It’s a plum prize for a young man who dreams of a career in the new science of Otherwhere Engineering. But his father doesn’t want him to go. And he won’t tell him why. Determined to get there by any means necessary, Will finds unexpected support along the way. His old friend Jenny Hansen—daughter of a San Francisco timber baron—is eager to help him for reasons of her own. And so is his estranged brother Ben, who he hasn’t seen in over ten years. But running away turns out to be the easy part. On the first full moon after his eighteenth birthday, Will is stricken by a powerful magic—a devastating curse laid upon his ancestors by the malevolent sangrimancer Aebedel Cowdray. Will must find a way to control the magic that possesses him—or the vengeful warlock’s spirit will destroy everything and everyone he loves.
The Warlock’s Curse has ingenious creativity in imagination intertwining magic with a devastating time in world history.

 Will is devastated when his father refuses to let him take the apprenticeship with Telsa Industries. His father declines to give him a good reason.

 At Thanksgiving, Will’s old friend, Jenny, makes him an offer he cannot refuse. They devise a plan to run away together so he can accept his apprenticeship. However, Jenny is secretive on her reasons for leaving her father’s household.

 As Will takes his new job, Jenny is hard at work on helping Will patent his invention before Telsa gets their hands on it. However, as the full moon approaches, Will starts to feel more agitated and begins to break rules issued by Telsa Industries. There was a time when magic was the way of life. However, the black flu changed that. There are now the “old users” and the generation after magic.

 The Warlock’s Curse has many twists that unfold at the end where you finally discover the reason for Will’s father to deny him the apprenticeship. Jenny has her own struggles with trying to do what she thinks is right. The action picks up towards the end, and leaves you mystified with all the revelations! I really enjoyed this book and hope you do too!
My Over All Rating:


You can check out the author at these places!!

Twitter: mkhobson
Book trailer: http://youtu.be/oyrYAfu8IMg

And Purchase the book at Amazon HERE


Monday, December 17, 2012

Uprising Blog Tour Review and Giveaway

Title: Uprising

Author: Dawn Jayne

Publish Date: Published November 2012 by Time and Tide Publishing

 Synopsis:
Heralds are the most powerful of all angels, secretive and feared, created for a single purpose. Only those most courageous and worthy earn a place within the elite choir, and only by breaking ancient oaths held sacred can the honor be stripped. It's a punishment that hasn't been imposed in over two-thousand years, until a single reckless act sets off a firestorm, threatening to consume all creation. Rise Hawke never suspected she'd been marked to play a role in the deadly events unfolding in the spiritual realm. Independent and resistant to authority, she isn't thrilled when she meets Dominik, an angel with new wings, an old grudge, and a mysterious agenda he's determined to impose. Vowing to uncover the secrets kept from her, Rise soon learns that knowing what you are isn't nearly as dangerous as discovering why. Hunted by those who want to destroy her, and controlled by those who would see her fulfill her purpose, she is forced into a brutal battle set in motion long before she was ever born. It soon becomes clear that what one angel will risk to earn the title of Herald, is matched only by what another will do to keep it.

Uprising is far from your average Angel story.

 Uprising was totally not what I expected. I was intrigued by the type of angels involved, and how they somewhat got along with each other. Each choir has their own purpose, and that truly was a shocker to me. I love how a story can totally throw you off balance to the unexpected!

 Rise was raised by a father with a stiff hand, literally. She has difficulty trusting which makes her very independent. Little does Rise know, this will help her with the destiny that has been bestowed upon her. I wanted to feel sorry for her at times, but realized that through her own will power, she overcame her domestic obstacles.

 Dominik, having just received his wings, is given a mission that should have been given to a more advanced angel. Dominik shows complete courage and strength, and his devotion is extraordinary.

 Uprising moves fast....so fast, I never saw the most integrate twist in the plot coming. NEVER. And I was totally floored by it in a good way. At that point, I honestly said out loud, “You have got to be kidding me!” Nope, never saw it. The little plots going on at the same time collided dramatically. It was a fascinating read and I highly recommend it!

My Over All Rating:


Uprising Blurb (book 1 Fires of Providence Series):
  

"Uprising"
Book 1 in Fires of Providence Series

BUY LINKS
Time and Tide Publishing / Amazon / Barnes & Noble


Excerpt:
Chapter One

Tyre


Tyre suspected the young woman would hold a grudge against him. Not because he was going to kill her—she’d thank him for that later—but because of the sex. He knew he took things a bit too far this time, but curiosity got the better of him. With any luck, the inevitable reprimand would be light, but it was hard to tell these days. Being an angel was getting tricky.

The girl, Katie Theresa Connors, had an Irish name and features to match, with pale skin and a mop of red hair. The
Catholic School uniform completed the look, though it was currently in a state of disarray.

“I’m never going to get all these wrinkles out,” she said. Her attempts to smooth the knee-length plaid skirt bunching around her waist were proving troublesome in the confines of the car. She finally gave up and started to work on the white blouse.

“I hope my roommate’s asleep when I get back.” She buttoned up, then readjusted her little cross necklace. “She has such a big mouth; the whole senior class will know.” Katie re-wrapped a blue scarf around her neck, arranging it with practiced hands until it was a fluffy bow. She looked around, felt under her bottom, and patted around on the floorboard.
Tyre picked up the small handbag from where it had fallen between his feet, and held it up by the strap.

“Thanks.” She pulled out a tube of lipstick, dotted on some color and blended it with her finger before adding a touch of gloss.
Tyre knew it was bubblegum flavored; the taste still lingered on his lips. He couldn’t say he cared for it.

Katie made a few last adjustments to her hair and looked with satisfaction at her reflection in the little mirror before flipping up the visor. She favored
Tyre with a brilliant smile.

“So, do I still look like a girl who snuck out of a hotel to have sex with a complete stranger?” She stretched across the seat and kissed him.

“Yes, you do,”
Tyre said. She giggled, but he wasn’t joking. “And all things considered, we’re hardly strangers.” He winked. She blushed and bit her bottom lip, probably thinking he was being flirtatious instead of literal.

Tyre chuckled. He was getting tremendous amusement at her expense tonight, in several ways. Though Katie had tried to put on a show of innocence, he knew their tryst hadn’t been the girl’s first. He was aware her history and it was nothing short of scandalous. With a recently deceased mother and a father working two jobs to keep his children in private school, Katie had tried to find respite from grief and loneliness. She’d discovered the allure of cads, and there had been quite a few. Tyre couldn’t begrudge her the small comfort, especially since her desperate need for intimacy—even the illusion—had served him quite well. He turned the keys in the ignition and adjusted the rearview mirror which had been knocked out of place during the somewhat awkward liaison.

“You were right about the monuments,” Katie said. “They were amazing at night. I’m glad you invited me.”

“I’m glad you accepted. Though I admit, I was surprised; I tend to intimidate. The scars didn’t frighten you?”

“Not much,” Katie said with a shrug. “I kind of like the one around your eye. I had fun tonight. I hope you did, too.”

Tyre knew she wasn’t talking about the Washington D.C. scenery. “It was a unique experience, one I may remember with fondness.” He didn’t mention he had other feelings as well, ones not as noble. The girl had given him problems in the past, and he considered his motivations held a touch of malevolence. Why he was risking himself to save her again was vexing. It had been quite a hassle this time, too, which reminded him...

“Why didn’t you leave the hotel last night?” he asked, switching on the headlights and maneuvering through the darkened parking lot.

“What are you talking about?”

Tyre pulled into sparse traffic and headed for the interstate. “Last night, at nine fifteen, you were going to leave the hotel and start walking North on the highway, toward the entertainment plaza. You dressed in an ill-fitting purple skirt, applied far too much make-up, and styled your hair in a way you thought appeared exotic, but simply looked unkempt. Then, after such woeful efforts, you failed to depart. Why is that?”

Katie puffed out an angry breath.
Tyre knew she was taken aback by his recitation of private moments, and perhaps his opinion on her fashion sense.

“How did you know that?” she demanded, but then leaned closer. “Are you psychic?” Her eyes lit at the idea, any offense apparently forgotten.

“Not by your definition of the word, but I am a good listener. You must’ve mentioned it at some point.”
Tyre shrugged as if the answer were of no consequence, though he wanted to wring the truth from the girl. “I was just curious as to why your plans changed.” He presented her with an endearing smile. He could be charming when he wished.

Katie slapped a hand over her face and looked out the window at the passing trees. “I swear, I don’t remember saying any of that. I can’t believe I told you about the hair! I ramble sometimes.”

Tyre agreed, but didn’t say so. There was no need for rudeness, after all.

“Sister Bernard was on patrol,” Katie said. “She pulled a chair out of her room and sat at the end of the hall all night, reading. She wouldn’t let anyone get by, not even to get a snack from the vending machine. The other chaperones trusted us, but Sister B is insane.”

“Afraid one of her girls would sneak out and engage in sinful acts? You’re right. Insanity.”

Katie giggled, and
Tyre shook his head. He should’ve guessed one of the clergy caused all the trouble. He did appreciate the irony, though. He pulled up the sleeve on his jacket and glanced at the thick, metal bracelet on his wrist, often mistaken for a timepiece. It glowed brightly and Tyre frowned. He’d been out too long and needed to hurry things up.

“Cool watch,” Katie commented, leaning over to get a better look. “That’s a Yin-Yang symbol on the face, right? Where did you get it?”

“It’s called a taijitu,”
Tyre said, explaining the black and white symmetrical pattern of the design. “It was issued at work.”

Katie turned in the seat and curled one leg up so she could fully face him. “Where do you work?”

“That’s a complicated question. Let’s just say it’s a large organization, and I’m part of a rather select group.”

“What do you do?”

Tyre pinched the bridge of his nose and squeezed his eyes shut. He had no desire to engage in the infamous post-coital chitchat, but since she’d been accommodating earlier, he decided to indulge her.

“I travel,” he said. “I’ve done a little of everything, but on this trip I’m in Collections.”

“I bet you get to go all over the world. I’m jealous. I’ve never even been on a plane. I think flying would be amazing.”

“It is.”
Tyre was pleased to say something truthful. He merged onto the interstate and picked up speed. There wasn’t much traffic at this late hour, as was his plan; he didn’t want or need an audience tonight. He accelerated further, and the engine of the car struggled to keep up. He should’ve stolen one with more power, but he’d been in a time crunch.

“Hey, I think you missed the exit.” Katie pointed as they passed by a ramp.

“So I did. We appear to have something in common now.”

“You’re going too fast.” Katie turned back around and buckled her seat belt.

Tyre knew she was beginning to realize something was out of place. He was a little relieved; she’d been far too trusting until this point, and though it had been useful to him, he still found her casual acceptance a curious thing. He normally encountered fear, or at least suspicion, and employed unique, even brutal, methods to gain compliance. He decided to think on the matter later, put the girl’s odd behavior from his mind, and pushed on the gas again.

Katie tensed, grabbing hold of the dash for security. “You need to slow down. I mean it, Dominik, I’m getting scared.”

Tyre forgot about that particular deception; there were so many tonight it was hard to keep up. “That’s not my name, by the way.” He reached across the seat and shook her hand. “Tyre. Pleased to meet you.”

“What?” She lost some color. “You lied to me?”

He knew this would soon be least of her issues with him.

“So, your name is…
Tyre?” Her voice held a touch of anger. “Like a teardrop?”

“Like the Phoenician city, if you must make a comparison. I thought you might prefer the name Dominik.” He didn’t tell her why; she’d get the joke soon enough. “But, you’re right to be upset, and I’m going to make it up to you. Watch me.”

Tyre made sure Katie’s eyes were on him, and called upon one of his more theatrical abilities. He shivered; within seconds, his black hair turned to blonde, his green eyes to brown, and he altered his height to give himself more length. He added a full beard, but it was too itchy; he removed it and flashed a grin at his passenger.

Katie’s eyes went wide, her mouth fell open and she screamed in terror.

Tyre placed a finger to his ear and cringed. The girl had impressive volume. With his increased height, his knees pressed against the dash under the steering wheel, so he reached to the lever underneath the seat and slammed it back as far as it would go. Katie continued testing her lung capacity, and in such confined quarters, it needed to cease.

“You don’t like blondes?”
Tyre asked. “Neither do I. How about this one, then?” He shivered again, changing his hairstyle to a long, reddish-brown. He switched up his skin tone and swapped his eye color to a bright blue. He peeked in the rearview mirror to make sure he’d gotten the costume correct and grunted in satisfaction. He thought Katie would, under different circumstances, appreciate the look. Most women did.

The terrified girl grabbed her silver cross necklace and pushed her back against the door, getting as far away from him as she could. Her trembling shook the seats.

“What are you?” she demanded. “What do you want?”

Tyre considered the questions. There was no reason he had to lie to her at this point, and he’d grown tired of the charade anyway. He cocked an eyebrow. “I’m the angel who’s going to save your soul. Again.”

“You’re insane,” Katie whispered and started rummaging through the glove box, her hands shaking as she dumped paperwork and other items all over.
Tyre guessed she was looking for something to use as a weapon, so he allowed her to continue; it would earn him a few moments of quiet and nothing in the car could harm him.

He hit the accelerator and tested the steering capabilities. It was almost time for the big finish, and he wanted no mistakes.
Tyre started weaving from one lane to another, relishing the adrenaline rush. He laughed until a pair of taillights came up fast on the right. “There might be witnesses.” He turned to Katie. “This could be a problem. Try to act natural, will you?”

 “Witnesses?” Katie repeated, looking back and forth between
Tyre and the road. The broken yellow lines whipped by so fast they appeared almost solid. She started to cry, but then she, too, spotted the other vehicle. She seized the manual handle controlling the windows and cranked as fast as she could, calling out for assistance.

“Brilliant.” He cast a sideways look to the girl. “Well, there’s no way to avoid them now, is there?” He reached over and grabbed her hand. “Wave. Be polite.” He waggled her wrist, making her hand dance. “Say farewell.”

“No,” Katie screamed, “please!” She tried to pull her arm free as they passed a station wagon with brown side panels. The driver and the woman beside him shot angry glances at the speeding car, but a boy with big dark eyes pressed his face to the window and waved back.

Tyre kept up the assault on the car’s engine. He realized he hadn’t switched his appearance since the last wardrobe change, and breathed in relief as he regained his familiar form. He turned his attention back to his terrified passenger. “I know you’re upset now, but you’ll thank me for this later.” He patted her knee.

Katie grabbed the cross around her neck again, clutching it like an anchor in a storm. She started to rock back and forth in the seat, praying. She rattled off words without a breath. “Our father who art in heaven hallowed be thy name thy kingdom come thy will be done…”

“The Lord’s prayer,”
Tyre said. “Excellent choice. Very popular.”

“…on earth as it is in heaven…” She stopped, sobs catching in her throat as the car switched lanes, coming dangerously close to the guardrail.

Tyre stole a peek at her. “Keep going, you were doing so well. Give us this day…” He waved his hand as though helping a child with the alphabet. The car was almost at maximum speed now.

Katie’s chin quivered, and she could barely squeak out the words. “Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us…”

“That would be me, right?” The little arrow on the speedometer bounced around, having reached its limit.

“…and lead us not into temptation...”

“But deliver us from evil!”
Tyre roared the last words along with her, then twisted the steering wheel hard to the right. Katie wailed as the car lurched, slammed into the guardrail and flipped end over end. Metal twisted and cracked, tires catapulted into the air, and glass shattered with the multiple impacts before the car came to rest, upside down, against an enormous oak.

The crash was devastating, as intended, and
Tyre was pleased with his work. He stood a short distance away, having vacated the doomed vehicle before things got too ugly. His massive black wings, the mark of his elite choir, the Heralds, were now in full array. It was a tremendous relief; keeping wings tucked for too long was uncomfortable. They’d started to cramp.

He watched as the only remaining tire still attached to the car continued to spin. The final blow of the crash had been delivered with such force it split the trunk of an ancient tree, and
Tyre shook his head in regret. He hated destruction of the environment.


About the Author:
Dawn Jayne is a lifelong Hoosier. She attended Purdue University before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. She met her husband, Todd, in Okinawa and enjoys reminding him she held a higher rank for a while.
When she's not writing, Dawn takes classes in religious and spiritual studies, rearranges furniture, and spends as much time as she can with her teenage kids. She loves midnight movies, hates wearing shoes, and is terrified of giant sunflowers. Her new favorite hobby is motorcycle rides with Todd.
Dawn lives with her family in Indianapolis. www.dawnjayne.com
Confusing



Where you can stalk Dawn:

My Publisher: www.timeandtidepublishing.com 

The Tour


Nov 30 Tina Carreiro
Dec 3    I Read Indie 
Dec 4   Tich Brewster
Dec 14  Ever and Ever Sight 
Dec 18  Sassy Book Lovers 
Dec 21    Dawn Jayne


Prize PACKS

•    2 Winners will receive one autograph copy of Uprising, and random SWAG.
•     5 Winners will receive an Ecopy of Uprising and random SWAG.


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Thursday, December 13, 2012

End of the World Giveaway Hop


Thanks to I am a Reader, Not a Writer  and  My Life With Books for hosting this giveaway!


12/21/12 
The Mayan Calendar Ends!
Does it mean the end of the World? 
Probably not but just in case...

Which books would you save if the world was coming to an end? 



I sure hope it's not the End of the World!

For my giveaway, I am offering Modified by C.A. Kunz for US only, and for the international giveaway, $15 to Book Depository.!!  Please fill out the rafflecopters!




Synopsis

What would you sacrifice to save the one’s you love? To save the one who holds your heart? To save the world?

Kenley Grayson is all too familiar with these questions.

After Earth is thrust into its first intergalactic war with an unknown race called the Bringers, our military forces begin to suffer heavy losses. Desperate for a solution, the Allied Federation issues a worldwide draft for every able seventeen year old to enlist. As Kenley turns seventeen, she finds herself thrown into the very war that took her older brother’s life.

This year’s draft is a little different than in the past though. A new program, known as the Magnus Project, has been introduced, and only the best and brightest qualify. Kenley is amongst a select few whom are chosen to join this elite group of soldiers, and as a part of this project, undergoes a modification procedure that leaves her and her peers endowed with powers beyond their wildest dreams.

As Earth continues in its struggle against the Bringers, Kenley is transported to a high-tech training facility, the Magnus Academy, to prepare for the major battle that lies ahead. It’s here that she meets the California heartthrob, and son of a legendary war hero, Landon Shaw. As unexpected feelings toward Landon begin to develop, Kenley wonders if this is the right time or place for romance to bloom, especially when those feelings start to interfere with her training.

With the weight of the world on her shoulders, Kenley is constantly reminded of how important she and the rest of the Magnus cadets are to the fate of humanity. She is one of the Modified, Earth’s last line of defense against utter destruction.

This is one of my Favorite Dystopia books of the year!!




a Rafflecopter giveaway

And for the International giveway, $15 US funds to The Book Depository!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

NOW, Follow the rest of the HOP!!  Good Luck!!  And I hope we all survive!!


Friday, November 30, 2012

Sheltered by Debra Chapoton Review

Title: Sheltered

 Author: Debra Chapoton

Publish Date: Published October 2012 by Big Pine Lodge Books


Synopsis:
Living together unsupervised, five troubled teens confront demonic forces and are compelled to deal with their problems in distinctly different ways. Paranormal meets psycho meets Goth in this story of a supernatural haunting and budding love. High school junior, Ben, hacks into his step-father's real estate holdings and provides rooms in an old two-story house to various outcasts: the schizophrenic kid, the angry Goth girl, and the homeless girl who worships him. When Megan needs a place to live she comes to the rooming house with a different set of problems and the ability to confuse and attract Ben. One by one strange and mysterious occurrences stretch the teens’ beliefs in the supernatural. How they deal with demons, real and imagined, has tragic as well as redeeming consequences.

Sheltered has so many unexpected twists it harnesses your attention in utter awe. 

 Ben is on a mission to help others. He has dreams, and expects his experiment to help him get there. However, with the group of misfits that he has gathered for the boarding house, he finds he may have bit off more than he can chew. 

 The newest member, Megan, moves into a boarding house, wanting to better her life. She soon learns that each resident of the house has issues of their own to deal with. 

 However, the mental issues of the residents isn’t the only thing going on in the house. Strange things start to happen, and Megan is on a mission to get the answers. 

 WOW, this book was totally not what I expected in such a good way! I thought it would be a story about this group of kids trying to live together and get past their issues, and then POW!! The paranormal twist is thrown in and makes the whole plot take on a whole new direction. Ben has a heart of gold, he really cares about everyone and does his best to help, but yet he is still just a teenage boy himself. As the story progresses, you learn more about each character. Also, clues start to gather on what is going on in the house. My heart really went out to each character, and can see each one existing today. I really enjoyed this book, give it a try!
My Over All Rating:


You can buy Sheltered on AMAZON HERE

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Wildflower Blog Tour

Title: Wildflower

Author: Amy Maurer Jones

Publish Date: Published May 28th 2012

Synopsis:
Love can be tragic. 
17th Century America: 
A Shaman’s daughter falls in love with an Englishman, only her hand has been promised to a warrior. 
Tears fall. Promises are broken. Rage is unleashed. Souls are bound or shattered. 
Present Day: 
Laney Stillwater dreams about a boy she has never met, but she longs for the attention of the ever popular and gorgeous, Jordan Stone. 
Time tempts change. Destined souls awaken. Love gets a second chance. 
Souls are bound or shattered. What will destiny offer this time? Reconciliation or more despair?
Laney has a deep culture and heritage, she is part Wamponoag. 

 Laney, however, is unsure of what kind of relationship she has with Jordan. He is like a light bulb turning on and off with how he might feel for her. Until, one day, Joshua, walks in: the new boy at school. She is astounded that he is the same boy in her dreams. 

 Wildflower is a unique story about Indian culture and heritage, and how soul mates can never be torn apart. The story travels back and forth between current Massachusetts and the land as it was when first settled by the English. Laney learns through her dreams the intense bond that she holds with her soul mate. Each dream brings you closer to the conclusion of Wildflower and Joshua and their destiny. 

 The reincarnation twist goes even farther than Laney and Joshua. Laney soon discovers her shaman gifts and taps into them. 

 I absolutely loved this story. Being American Indian descent myself, I felt drawn to this story in an emotional way. The plot is packed with mystery, friendship, loyalty…very difficult to put down. Laney’s high school experiences were right on, with what happens today in the real world. The thought of a love bond surviving through the centuries of time is mesmerizing. It’s an incredible read and will keep you on pins and needles to find out what happens next!
My Over All Rating: 





Chapter 2:

Fall 2011
Chapter Two

Jordan



I shuffled my feet more quickly as the late bell rang for class. The obnoxiously, blaring sound was a rude reminder of my inability to get to class on time. Fortunately, I had Mr. Falls for calculus this period and he would, no doubt, be attempting to flirt with Ms. Warner, the algebra teacher, in the hallway just outside the classroom. As I rounded the corner I confirmed my suspicions were correct, raced through the door and slid into my seat before Mr. Falls had the slightest clue.

“Pushing it a little close again aren’t we, Laney?” I heard a friendly voice tease as I settled into my seat.

I only smiled in return, guilty as charged. My junior year at Plymouth North High School isn’t panning out so great, not that I’d expected it to. No, I’m pretty much ignored by my peers and most of my teachers. It’s not so much that I’m disliked, I’m just, well, not the norm. I’m not rich, so I can’t claim any trust fund baby attention. My parents, Shane and Andrea Stillwater, are hardworking, middle-class folk. My mom is an accountant and my dad is the art teacher here at Plymouth North and, sadly, the only teacher in the school who acknowledges my efforts. I have no exceptional athletic abilities. In fact, I’m pretty pathetic with any sport that requires the manipulation of a ball, which is pretty much every sport. I’m just an average student, so you won’t find my name on the principal’s list. Not that I’m complaining, I don’t mind being average and blending into the drab beige walls of Plymouth North. In fact, I prefer it that way. Unfortunately, I’m not quite average or normal enough. You see, my mom is White but my dad is Native American and apparently, at Plymouth North, the in-crowd prefers a pure pedigree. In their eyes, I’m a freak. My people believe physical wellness and spiritual wellness are connected. By alleviating injury or sickness affecting the soul, you may restore the physical body to balance and wholeness. If I get sick my dad takes me to see my grandfather, our tribe’s shaman, and he heals me with his spiritual gifts. Needless to say, my peers find my tribe’s beliefs and practices to be a bit odd, so I’ve been labeled as the weird witch of the North, North Plymouth, that is. I’m not bitter, though… OK, I’m a little bitter, but I don’t feel sorry for myself because that’s just pathetic and I am not pathetic.

So, what motivates me not to jump off a cliff, you wonder? Well, first of all, my parents are pretty great. Yeah, I know, this is not exactly a normal sentiment for a teenager, but they don’t really bug me that much. Second, I’m pretty good at finding distractions. I love to draw and ride horses. When I get bored I can draw myself into a world that is much more interesting than my own or head out to my grandfather’s ranch and hit the trails with Bunny, my favorite quarter horse. Third, Carly Higgins, my best friend since kindergarten. Carly can always makes me laugh, even when I feel like crying. Last, but not least, Jordan Stone, a super-hot guy. We have English and Spanish together, and he sits right behind me in both classes. We talk and flirt and joke around and it subdues the monotony a little bit.

“So, do we have any plans for the weekend yet?” the friendly voice whispered as Mr. Falls entered the classroom three minutes after the bell finished ringing.

“I don’t know, Carly. I’m still kind of bummed about the last one,” I complained.

“All the more reason to put yourself back out there!” she encouraged, forever the optimist.

“Miss Higgins, do you wish to address the class this morning?” Mr. Falls interrupted.

“No, sir…” Carly frowned.

Mr. Falls nodded an unspoken warning to Carly and me and began his lesson. I was off the hook for now.



The day continued in its usual monotonous manner until fourth period English class. Jordan Stone is in this class.

“How’s it going, Stillwater?” Jordan smiled as he loped into the room and slung his book bag to the side of his painfully uncomfortable metal-and-wooden desk behind mine. He was dressed in worn blue jeans and a black T-shirt. His blond hair was tousled on top of his head from the recent sprint from his previous class. It still looked good. No, more like perfect. His green eyes pierced through me as his dimpled and gleaming white grin took my breath away. OK, stupid, it’s time to say something. What was it that he just asked me? Crap!

“Um, hey, I didn’t see you at Jessica Jacob’s party last weekend. Did you find something better to do?” I teased awkwardly, at a loss for words.

Jordan laughed, not missing a beat. I have no doubt he realizes that he drives me crazy. This can’t be healthy; still, I persist, being the masochist to love that I am.

“Nah, we heard it was gonna be lame so we crashed Gracie’s place instead. Her parents were out of town,” he replied nonchalantly.

Great! My favorite person, Gracie Henderson, Little Miss Perfect, weaseled her way into Jordan’s weekend effectively canceling me out. Gracie’s been getting one up on me more often than I care to admit these days.

“Oh, um, well, how was that?” I asked tightly, not wanting to show my annoyance and not really wanting to hear his reply.

“Awesome!” he nodded enthusiastically. “Everyone was there. Why didn’t you come? I missed you,” he said sincerely.

OK, this is an improvement. He noticed that I wasn’t there. Maybe he was looking for me. Maybe he had wished that I had been there. I looked up to see that he was staring at me and it finally dawned on me that he was waiting for my reply.

I straightened up and snapped out of my trance.

“Oh, well, you know, I didn’t want to let Jessica down. It was her birthday and all.” I explained lamely, not wanting to admit that I had not been invited, would never be invited, to a party being thrown by the one person who seems to hate me more than anyone else in the entire world.

I’ve often wondered what Gracie has against me. For the life of me I can’t come up with a single reason. I’ve never done anything to her. Actually, that’s a lie. I know exactly why Gracie doesn’t like me, but it would not be politically correct to voice my opinion on this matter. I am, after all, already the underdog here. My father isn’t white, and this fact doesn’t sit well with some people. It really sucks and I wish everyone would just grow up and get over it. Well, no use crying about it, I guess. It won’t change anything.

Just as the bell was about to ring, the devil herself sashayed into the classroom.

“Hi, Jordan!” she squealed. “It was so great that you could make it to my party last Saturday. It was so much fun, wasn’t it? I mean, everyone who was anyone was there, right?” she droned on.

Don’t think I didn’t catch that last jab either. She eyed me meaningfully when she uttered it so sweetly.

“Oh yeah, man! Your party totally rocked.” Jordan nodded. “Let me know when you decide to play host again.” He winked before he shifted around in his seat to face Laura Rice. “Hey Laura,” he whispered, “did you finish you’re calculus homework last night? Can I copy it?” he grinned mischievously.

“Sure thing, Jordan.” She agreed easily, pulling her homework from her bag.

I bet Jordan has yet to do a single calculus assignment this year. As Jordan smiled at Laura, or her homework, Gracie’s expression fell. Her glance drifted to Laura and conformed into a scowl. Laura remained oblivious, still entranced by Jordan’s charms. Dang! Gracie must have it bad for Jordan to be jealous of Snora- Laura. We’re talking major borefest personality. Get a grip, Gracie!

OK, I know, that was mean, and being mean isn’t usually my style. Maybe Laura isn’t so bad, maybe she’s just shy. She’s good at calculus. There, I said something nice about her, so why do I still feel like a total hag? I don’t mean to be cruel; it’s just that Gracie always makes me feel like a loser. She thinks she’s better than me, so much so that sometimes I begin to feel like she might be right. She really gets under my skin, you know?

“So, Laney, how was Jessica’s party?” Gracie turned her venom on me.

Sure, her voice was friendly enough but her eyes held the paralyzing and hypnotic stare of a cobra ready to strike.

“Oh, it was great!” I smiled cheerfully.

I lied. Gracie rolled her eyes.

“Well, I heard it sucked!” she hissed, no longer attempting to hide her malice.

On that note, we all shifted uncomfortably in our seats and focused our attention toward the English teacher who was beginning the day’s lecture. Yet again, I was saved by the institution of public education.

After English class Jordan walked with me to our Spanish classroom. During our stroll he remained unusually quiet for about half the distance.

“So, Laney, do you have plans for this weekend?” Jordan voiced shyly.

OMG! He was asking me out! OK, take deep breaths and don’t pass out.

“Um, no?” I responded awkwardly.

I was completely caught off guard by his inquiry.

”Oh, well um, how would you feel about going to see a movie with me?” he continued.

“Great! What movie?” I agreed with out hesitation.

Only then did I realize that perhaps I shouldn’t sound so eager. My doubt was immediately remedied, however. As soon as my words were uttered, I observed Jordan’s shoulders and gait relax and return to his normal easy posture.

“Really?” Jordan breathed with relief and surprise.

“Um… Yeah, what movie?” I persisted, entirely surprised and thrilled by his reaction.

Surely, he knew I would say yes. What idiot wouldn’t?

“Awe, wow! I totally thought you would say no.” He continued to confound me with his delusional response. “I mean, I’m totally psyched that you want to go out with me. I’m just surprised, I guess,” he jabbered on, finally explaining his uncharacteristic behavior.

“Why?” I wondered.

“Because you never do.” He shrugged.

I raised another clueless eyebrow at him.

“You never say yes when guys ask you out,” he clarified.

“So, what, is this like an experiment or something?” I worried.

Get the freaky Indian girl to go out with you! Were they taking bets? Was money exchanged?

“No, I promise it’s not like that at all. I really like you, Laney. The truth is I’ve wanted to ask you out for a long time, but I didn’t because all the guys said you would say no. I was too chicken. You know, afraid of rejection?” he admitted sheepishly. I smiled, both satisfied and flattered by his response. Jordan immediately relaxed again and ran his fingers through his golden locks. “So, why do you always say no… to the other guys, I mean?” he wondered.

“Because I think they’re a bunch of creeps.” I answered honestly.

It’s true. Most boys at Plymouth North find me to be more than easy on the eyes, but I’m not easy, and I know their intentions don’t progress beyond their hormonally-driven male instincts. What I mean to say is, none of them would take me home to meet their mothers, if you can catch my drift. The sad fact is, my caramel complexion would not be overlooked or accepted.

Jordan’s shocked expression was so comical I couldn’t help but burst into laughter. At my knowing reaction he quickly and ever so smoothly collected himself.

“You’re a handful, aren’t you?” he chuckled.

“Maybe…” I said coyly.

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THE TOUR SCHEDULE

Nov 13- Globug and Hootie Need a Book<http://globugandhootie.blogspot.com/> and Books Complete Me<http://www.bookscompleteme.com/>

Nov 14- A Diary of a Book Addict

Nov 16- Britt Reads Indie

Nov 19-  I Read Indie

Nov 20- The Autumn Review

Nov 21- Live to Read

Nov 22- My Pathway to Books

Nov 23- Wrathsqueen's Books

Nov 26- An Owl's Book Nook &  Literati Literature Lovers

Nov 27- Fantasy Book Chic

Nov 28- Kimberly's Cozy Korner

Nov 29- Intoxicated by Books & Insane About Books

Nov 30- Amy Jones Young Adult Fantasy Fiction