THE ROYAL ORDER OF FIGHTING DRAGONS by Dan Elish Official Nerd Blast

NERD BLAST LINK 

SYNOPSIS

Born to... Fight?

Ike Rupert Hollingsberry is haunted by the past because complete strangers won’t let him forget that his famous father died on the set of The Fighting Dragons, a cult favorite that still has people talking. But when he’s attacked by a large locust, like the one that killed his dad, Ike is helped by the geekiest nerd of all, Elmira Hand. Killing the giant locust is only the beginning of the surprises in store for Ike as he is whisked away from New York City to an isolated Florida compound to assume his role as the next in line to lead the Royal Order of Fighting Dragons—that are NOT supposed to exist—and learns his dad’s death was a cover-up for a far greater purpose…  

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY

Praise for THE ROYAL ORDER OF FIGHTING DRAGONS

"…a fast-paced, entertaining story with appealing characters, a healthy dose of action, and a dash of humor." ―Publishers Weekly

EXCERPT

The best was yet to come. To his left, Ike saw Alexandro give Kansas City a small pinch. The dragon released a blast of fire that left a trail of smoke one hundred feet long. Ike smiled. What was he waiting for? He gave Detroit a pinch of his own and the dragon let loose a whoosh of flame that spiraled a good two hundred feet into the sky. As the fire blew out of his mouth, the beast jolted forward so powerfully Ike had to squeeze hard with his legs to keep from falling off.

“Yee-haw,” Ike cried.

“Quite a kickback, eh?” Alexandro yelled.

“Sure is,” Ike called.

“Take that, locusts!” Lucinda exclaimed.

Again, Pittsburgh proved female dragons were every bit as powerful as their male counterparts, letting fly a gust of flame that spiraled out a good two hundred feet in no more than two seconds.
Finally, it was Seattle’s turn.

“Death to the bugs,” Elmira called.

With a powerful whoosh, her dragon proved that he had the goods as well.
“Who is the best Order, eh?” Alexandro cried, whooshing by Ike.

“The Tenth Order,” Ike replied.

“You’re bloody well right it is.”

Ike laughed. The next thing he knew, the dragons were swooping this way and that, weaving in and out and around each other, flaming at anything and everything.
Suddenly there was a stealth military helicopter flying soundlessly by their side. A soldier was at the controls and another was leaning out the side with a camera.

“Hey,” he called to Ike. “Over here.”

Ike grinned widely. Holding the reins with one hand, he reached for his sword and pressed the button, exposing the blade and waving it over his head.

“I love it,” the photographer yelled.

Suddenly, Ike loved it, too. All of it. The dragons. His new friends. The thrill of standing up for himself as the rightful leader. Even the prospect of being on TV. Being “the next in line” wasn’t half bad. He retracted the sword’s blade, tucked it back in his belt, and swooped below the helicopter as the dragon let loose a thunderous blast of fire. Once he had gotten his shot, the cameraman gave Ike a thumbs up but then pointed back toward the Order.

Ike looked back over his shoulder. These dragons were even faster than he thought. After what had felt like a short ride, the Order was already a distant dot of green in the middle of a vast swath of brown. The cameraman held up six fingers. Ike understood. At the six mile radius of the no-radar zone, he tugged on the left rein, bringing the dragon on a slow arc back toward the Order.

But there was a problem. Kansas City and Pittsburgh hadn’t gotten the message. Instead of slowing down to turn back, the two dragons thundered forward, gaining speed.

“You think you can outrace me, mi compadre, eh?”

“Sure do, mate,” Lucinda cried. She was holding onto her hat with one hand and the reins with the other. “This dragon of mine’s got raw power.”

“Raw power? Your dragon? He is slower than my nonna—and she uses a walker.”

“Pittsburgh is a she. And she’ll destroy your mangy beast any day of the week.”

“Hey,” Ike yelled. “Stop.”

In a blur of light lavender and dark red, Kansas City and then Pittsburgh rocketed by.
“Wait. The no-radar zone.”

It was too late. Before Ike could stop him, Detroit had wheeled around. Flapping his mighty wings like mad, he accelerated rapidly away from the Order.

The race was on.

Copyright © 2018 by Dan Elish

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dan Elish is the author of nine novels, including The School for the Insanely Gifted, The Worldwide Dessert Contest, and Born Too Short: Confessions of an 8th Grade Basket Case (Simon & Schuster), which was named a New York Public Library "Book for the Teenage" and a "Young Adult Choice for the International Reading Association.”

Dan co-wrote the book for the Broadway musical 13with music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown, which premiered on Broadway in 2008 and is slated to be a movie by CBS Films. Dan is also a TV writer who has worked on shows such as Cyberchase (PBS) and Jo-Jo’s Circus (Disney). Dan has received fellowships and scholarships to the Bread Loaf and Sewanee Writers’ Conferences and is represented by Matt Bialer at Greenburger Associates. He lives in New York with his wife and children.  

PHOTO CONTENT FROM DAN ELISH

WEBSITE: http://www.danelish.com/
GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/102471.Dan_Elish
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/dan.elish
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/danelish22/

--Giveaway is open to International. | Must be 13+ to Enter

- 1 Winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card.

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The Field by Ian Dawson Review

Published July 4th 2018 by BookBaby

Synopsis

When fourteen-year-old Daniel Robinson is abducted during a game of hide-and-seek, his focus switches from enjoying his summer vacation to simply staying alive. He must find the courage and strength to escape his captors and get home, no matter what it takes. Will he survive? Or is this a nightmare that's too real to escape?

As Daniel finds himself at the mercy of his captors, his best friend Kyle sets out to bring him back to safety. With nothing but teenage instincts to guide him, Kyle's quest could result in a happy ending—or in tragedy.

In his first novel, author Ian Dawson draws from his real-life experiences to create an action-adventure story about unconditional friendship, courage, and determination.

My Review

INTENSE read from the first to the last page. A toe-curling read that will shock your mind, break your emotions, and compel you to open your eyes.

Daniel and Kyle are your typical young teenage boys, going on adventures together, expanding their imaginations, along with their typical guy talk and learning about puberty.

Until one adventure goes wrong, Daniel is kidnapped by an insane bully, and he learns more about himself in one night than he ever will for the rest of his life. Survival instincts kick in, and he knows he has to do something, anything to survive. Kyle is distraught, lying to parents to cover for Daniel, and searching frantically for his best friend. In the end, Daniel an Kyle escape as heroes.

You need to read this book to discover the intensity of it. It's difficult to review without giving away any spoilers. The toxic friendship of Austin and James will baffle your mind, Austin being of pure evil, and James knowing right from wrong, however utterly controlled  by Austin who threatens his safety.

As a mother, when I first starting reading this story, I didn't know if I could handle the torture and pain...it is in fact, every parent's nightmare for their children. However, I had to keep reading, I had to know the outcome. And as I kept reading, I couldn't put it down. 

I would recommend this book. I honestly think it could help open young adults eyes to the relationships they have in their lives.

AND I would recommend reading a book from cover to cover. Many authors put vital information that could be helpful. So check this out at the end.

Resources (from the author)

If you suspect a friend or family member has been abducted, don't act on your own. Contact your local authorities or The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at

http://www.missingkids.com

or call 1-800-843-5678

If you are in a toxic friendship or relationship and need to talk to someone, contact Crisis Text Line at 741741 int he US, or contact your local authorities.

There is help out there. Get it

About the Author

Ian Dawson has been writing his entire life. He started when he was a kid writing puppet shows to perform for his friends and family, then started writing and drawing comic strips as well. Ian has always enjoyed writing stories that are entertaining and fun, which led him to get his BA in Dramatic Art at UC Davis where he wrote and directed a popular comedy play and a variety of short films. Ian also wrote a play that was produced through Sacramento State University and worked at the Sacramento Educational Cable Consortium and Davis Media Access writing and producing content.

Ian later moved to Los Angeles to work on his Masters in Screenwriting at Cal State Northridge. While there he wrote a number of screenplays and interned at Lionsgate and Paramount Pictures. Ian has written educational/training videos for American Eagle Outfitters and Ralphs Grocery Company.

After working on it for 15 years, Ian finally published his first novel, The Field, which he is excited and proud to present to readers all around the world.

Ian loves to read, write, hang out with friends, travel, cook, and try new things. He also loves writing comedy and making others laugh. He currently lives in Los Angeles, California.

Twenty-five years ago author Ian Dawson was kidnapped by two older teen boys in a field behind his home in Redding, California. They held him captive for several hours and assaulted him before finally setting him free. This traumatic experience became the inspiration behind his debut YA thriller novel, The Field (BookBaby, Sept. 28, 2018). 

Gratitude Giveaway HOP

Thank you so much to BookHounds for hosting this Giveaway HOP...and THANK YOU to all who visit my blog!

I am offering on my BLOG, $25 to Amazon or The Book Depository for your choice of books.

I know on my link is says US, however I am offering this to International too!!  Hopefully I can get that changed. If you are international and TBD ships to you, you may enter!!

Please don't forget to visit all the blogs for More Giveaways!!

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JACLYN AND THE BEANSTALK by Mary Ting Official Trailer Blast and Giveaway

 NERD BLAST LINK 

SYNOPSIS

What fate awaits a girl who hears monsters at night…

Sixteen-year-old Jaclyn looks up to her father. An honest man who once fought for the king, he now teaches Jaclyn how to use her wits—and her sword.

But he has a secret. And his secret may have a connection to the one thing Jaclyn is hiding from him.   

Upon hearing “monsters” are terrorizing the small villages around Black Mountain, Jaclyn’s father and his friends head out to hunt them … but they don’t return.

Armed only with her sword and three magic beans—a gift from a mysterious old woman—Jaclyn sets out for Black Mountain to save her father. 

On her climb, one bean drops and grows into a beanstalk, catching her when she falls.

She isn’t the only one that takes the ride. Jack, her childhood friend and secret crush, is following her. 

Jaclyn and Jack will have to work together to save not only their fathers, but the townspeople the beasts plan to lay waste to before it’s too late.  

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY

Praise for JACLYN AND THE BEANSTALK

A mash-up of "Jack and the Beanstalk" and "Lord of the Rings" ... RECOMMENDED ―School Library Journal

"Keenly descriptive and eloquently written with touches of sixteenth-century language, the story takes the reader into the world of monsters controlled by a diabolical villain, and into a land of mystery and magic beans." ―Readers' Favorite Review

"Mary Ting managed to surprise me at every turn, even though I must have read this story a million times as a kid. The most impressive surprise was the creation of a girl protagonist who is so much better than the original Jack. Then she brings in the boy, Jack, as the love interest. Sheer genius and a great idea. The writing is great. The plot is good, and the various themes woven throughout the story make it a very compelling tale." ―Readers' Favorite Review

Mary Ting writes with an adventurous heart, a clever pen, introducing young readers to a classic that meets fantasy, shedding light on the family devotion and a love story that buds to completion by the end. This short novel comes as a highly recommended read for parents and young adults that prefer fantasy fiction with a Christian-based theme and a creative perspective. Mary Ting is one of those writers to notice and watch. ―Kingdom's Review  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mary Ting is an international bestselling, award-winning author. She writes soulful, spellbinding stories that excite the imagination and captivate readers around the world. Her books span a wide range of genres, and her storytelling talents have earned a devoted legion of fans, as well as garnered critical praise.

Becoming an author happened by chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother, and inspired by a dream she had in high school. After realizing she wanted to become a full-time author, Mary retired from teaching after twenty years. She also had the privilege of touring with the Magic Johnson Foundation to promote literacy and her children’s chapter book: No Bullies Allowed.

Mary resides in Southern California with her husband, two children, and two little dogs, Mochi and Mocha. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Being a huge Twilight fan, Mary was inspired to make book-themed jewelry and occasionally gives it away as prizes to her fans.  

PHOTO CONTENT FROM MARY TING

WEBSITE: http://www.tangledtalesofting.com/
TWITTER: @MaryTing
GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4388953.Mary_Ting
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMaryTing
INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/authormaryting

--Giveaway is open to International. | Must be 13+ to Enter

- 1 Winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card.

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Spotlight: Where Dragonwoofs Sleep and The Fading Creeps by A.J. Massey

Synopsis

A normal eighth-grader by day, thirteen-year-old Ben awakens one night in a fantastical dream world where snow burns, the sun disappears and reappears without warning, and magic is addictive.

But the mysterious realm of Meridia is disappearing, eaten by a phenomena called the Fading. Joined by Avery, Marcus, and three dog-like dragonwoofs, Ben journeys across monster-infested oceans and sun-scorched mountains to retrieve the sphinx’s head, the key to saving the world and every astonishing creature that inhabits it. 

But not everyone wants them to succeed. Soon, they find themselves pursued by the Sovereign and his generals, whose armies will stop at nothing to perpetuate the Fading and its consumption of the land.

Advance Praise for Where Dragonwoofs Sleep and the Fading Creeps:

"Hints of beloved fantasy throwbacks and tons of excitingly one-of-a-kind ideas coalesce into an impressive, unmissable fantasy adventure in WHERE DRAGONWOOFS SLEEP AND THE FADING CREEPS." - IndieReader ★★★★★ (4.7)

"This novel is the enchanting offspring of The Neverending Story and Alice in Wonderland. [...] A charming read with a satisfying plot twist and heartwarming conclusion." - The Booklife Prize by Publishers Weekly 

"Where Dragonwoofs Sleep and the Fading Creeps is one of the finer works of epic fantasy I’ve come across in some time, and it’s most highly recommended." - Readers' Favorite ★★★★★

"Combining the fundamental challenges of growing up with the universal battle of good and evil doesn’t always work in literature, but Massey delivers a powerful and entertaining story with his debut work of fantasy." - Self-Publishing Review ★★★★½

Where Dragonwoofs Sleep and the Fading Creeps is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other major retailers. Find A.J. Massey on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram,Goodreads, and at www.dragonwoofs.com. 

About the Author

A.J. Massey writes thrilling fantasy novels for young teens and adults. His first book, Where Dragonwoofs Sleep and the Fading Creeps, blends shared dream worlds with middle school, and was influenced by his favorite childhood movies of the 80s, Labyrinth and The Neverending Story. 

Massey studied at the University of Hawaii where he earned his business degree. He was also a former infantry medic in the U.S. Army, and worked as a project manager at several companies, including The Boeing Company and DirectTV. He now works as a Program Manager at a major video game company. He currently lives in Southern California with his wife, Katie, and pet dragonwoofs, Abby and Peanut.

Select Few by Marit Weisenberg Offical Blog Tour, Review and Giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE: 

Series: The Select (Book 2)
Hardcover: 384 pages
Publisher: Charlesbridge Teen (October 9, 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9781580898294
ISBN-13: 978-1580898294

Praise for SELECT FEW

“...mixing mystery with science fiction with a heaping dose of romance." ―Kirkus Reviews

"...a page-turning adventure." ―School Library Connection

After rejecting the cult-like influence of her father's family, Julia moves into a fancy hotel in downtown Austin. But she finds herself alone except for her boyfriend, John--and her fears. Once again she's suppressing her abilities, afraid her family will come for John when they find out he's been developing abilities of his own in her presence. The FBI is also keeping a close eye on Julia hoping she can lead them to her father, Novak, as he's wanted for questioning in his former assistant's death.

With tensions high, Julia and John agree to go separate ways for the summer, paving the way for Julia to reunite with Angus, fellow outcast. Together they set out on a road trip to California to find Julia's mom and a way into Novak's secret underground world. Along the way Julia will learn the Puri perhaps aren't the only humans evolving into something different. . . and that maybe she's the leader her people have needed all along.

You can purchase Select Few at the following Retailers:

       

My Review

Select Few is the sequel to Select, a story about a special species of Humans who have a long and tormenting history, forcing the clan to move to protect themselves from the eye of society. However with Julia's strong courage and drive to have a normal life, she leaves to find a life of her own....hopefully with the love of her life, John.

As Julia tries to suppress her abilities, she finds it difficult to handle it's effects. Still dealing with being questioned by the FBI, she learns about her mother, and decides to find her on her journey to California where her and John will meet to start their new life.

This leads to an adventure she never anticipated, with the clan hovering in the shadows without her knowledge. Even if she thought she was free, she never really will be.

This is a fast story that I fell in love with from the very beginning with Select.  I couldn't put it down.  Little clues come slowly together to reveal the secrets Julia's father has been hiding from her and the younger generation.  All the characters have a huge impact to the story, and it's easy to fall into deep to discover more about their personalities. I loved the storyline, exactly what I enjoy to escape into another world. It's a read I highly recommend!!

Photo Content from Marit Weisenberg

Marit Weisenberg received her BA in English from Bowdoin College and her Master’s Degree from UCLA's school of Theater, Film and Television. She has worked in film and television development at Warner Brothers, Universal, and Disney. She lives in Austin with her husband and two daughters.

Marit’s debut YA novel was Select, and she worked on the first draft of the book over the course of eighteen months during Amanda Eyre Ward’s class ‘Write a Novel in a Year.’ As of now, there are two books in The Select series.

*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*

--Giveaway is open to International. | Must be 13+ to Enter

-  5 Winners will receive a Signed Copy of Select Few (Select #2) by Marit Weisenberg.

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WEEK ONE

OCTOBER 29th MONDAY The Avid Reader EXCERPT

OCTOBER 30th TUESDAY BookHounds YA INTERVIEW

OCTOBER 31st WEDNESDAY Sabrina's Paranormal Palace REVIEW

OCTOBER 31st WEDNESDAY Cover2CoverBlog TENS LIST

NOVEMBER 1st THURSDAY TTC Books and More GUEST POST 

NOVEMBER 2nd FRIDAY Movies, Shows & Books EXCERPT

NOVEMBER 2nd FRIDAY Nay's Pink Bookshelf REVIEW

WEEK TWO

NOVEMBER 5th MONDAY A Dream Within A Dream EXCERPT

NOVEMBER 6th TUESDAY JeanBookNerd INTERVIEW 

NOVEMBER 6th TUESDAY Ink & Stone REVIEW

NOVEMBER 7th WEDNESDAY Crossroad Reviews REVIEW

NOVEMBER 8th THURSDAY Oh Hey! Book INTERVIEW

NOVEMBER 8th THURSDAY Insane About Books REVIEW

NOVEMBER 9th FRIDAY RhythmicBooktrovert TENS LIST

Mini Review: Select by Marit Weisenberg Review

Synopsis

Coming from a race of highly-evolved humans, Julia Jaynes has the perfect life. The perfect family. The perfect destiny. But there’s something rotten beneath the surface—dangerous secrets her father is keeping; abilities she was never meant to have; and an elite society of people determined to keep their talents hidden and who care nothing for the rest of humanity. So when Julia accidentally disrupts the Jaynes’ delicate anonymity, she’s banished to the one place meant to make her feel inferior: public high school. 

Julia’s goal is to lay low and blend in. Then she meets him—John Ford, tennis prodigy, all-around good guy. When Julia discovers a knack for reading his mind, and also manipulating his life, school suddenly becomes a temporary escape from the cold grip of her manipulative father. But as Julia’s powers over John grow, so do her feelings. For the first time in her life, Julia begins to develop a sense of self, to question her restrictive upbringing and her family prejudices. She must decide: can a perfect love be worth more than a perfect life?

My Review

LOVED LOVED LOVED this book!

I was so absorbed with this story, It was over and I was like, NO!!  Give me more!!  And yes, I got more with the second installment, Select Few.

I fell in love with the characters, the plot, and the whole concept of another Human species.  Julia has a lot to deal with.  Always living on the edge of humanity, never really fitting in with them, or her own cult like family that is keeping secrets from the younger generation. Lies are discovered, loyalty is threatened, and respect is broken.

You have to try this book. It is a fast read, full of the "IT" factor that I search for to take me away from reality.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Marit Weisenberg received her BA in English from Bowdoin College and her Master’s Degree from UCLA's school of Theater, Film and Television. She has worked in film and television development at Warner Brothers, Universal, and Disney. She lives in Austin with her husband and two daughters.

Marit’s debut YA novel was Select, and she worked on the first draft of the book over the course of eighteen months during Amanda Eyre Ward’s class ‘Write a Novel in a Year.’ As of now, there are two books in The Select series.