Fiction Fascination

Swirls by F.A. Hershey - Blog Tour

2012-02-02T08:48:00.001Z

Author Bio

Of Italian background, I was born and raised in Brazil and had strong influences from my grandmother, who had always been an avid reader herself, and who first introduced me to the path of literature.

I created a lifetime bond with my great-grandmother, who gave me my first insights into philosophy (though neither of us knew at the time that there was a name for it).

The first book that made me officially an obsessive reader is called “My sweet orange tree” by Jose Mauro de Vasconcelos.

After that, I could not put a book down.

I only started writing when I came to London in 2003. Ever since High School back in Brazil, I’ve loved studying English like nothing else. But when I came to live in England there was that “click”, and I thought: why not?

I’m also studying for a BA Hons Degree in English Language and Literature (what a surprise…), while looking after my 6-year-old son, and my dear husband who always supports my ideals.

Swirls (outsiders #1) Description

Sixteen-year-old Julia finds herself leaving her London life behind to move with her parents to the Amazon jungle.

A native descendant, she becomes familiarized with her own roots for the first time in her life. However, she never imagines she is about to discover much more than her own past but also just how crowded our little planet is...

This is a present time sci-fi/ fantasy story about trust, friendship, love and self-discovery.

This book falls into the category of YA fiction, though not unsuitable for younger readers

My Review

Swirls for me was such an interesting novel, I was intrigued with where the storyline was going to take me from the start of the book, I was not disappointed F.A. Hershey has written an amazing start to what I hope will be a interesting series. Special thanks to F.A. Hershey for the review copy.

Julia is the main character in the book, she is 17 and is a really intelligent down to earth teenager. Her father tells her that they are moving to Brazil, beside the Amazon Rainforest. She doesn't want to go and neither does her mother but in the end they have to as her dad has secured a good job over there.

Julia has roots roots in the Kanuayed Tribe, her grandmother grew up and lived there for a long time. She has heard some stories of the Tribe from her grandmother and is excited to learn more. She leaves with her family to their new life in Brazil. On the plane journey Julia has another nightmare, she also sees a cute guy who catches her eye, sitting right behind her on the plane.

When she arrives at the place they are staying, she meets a girls who works there called Halola and the pair form an instant friendship. Haolola takes Julia under her wing, she invites her to come meet some of her family who live in the jungle. Julia is only to happy to tag along, she is very interested about where she is descended from and her Gran would want her too.

Julia and Halola track into the jungle with a guide Halola's distant cousin, Nathanual. When they get to where the tribe lives, Yoji the tribe leader welcomes Julia with open arms and introduces her to the rest of the tribe.

Yoji makes some shocking revelations to Julia, she is stunned but probably not as shocked as she should be. Gabrial, the cute guy who she seen on the plane, is also there with the tribe, which Julia thinks is very strange. Turns out Julia has been gifted with a very important role, which Halola also will also play a big part in. I am trying to be very careful as I don't want to spoil this amazing story for anyone. The ending is a complete shocker, I can't believe everything has had to go through, the deceit of someone she trusted is very hard to take. It left my dying to read the next in the series THREADS.

I loved all the wonderful descriptors F.A. Hershey has used to describe the jungle, I am a big fan of reading about the Amazon Rainforest and F.A. Hershey has delivered for me. I also loved reading about the tribe culture, the regular everyday life in a tribe. The storyline was very interesting and I was fully engaged from the start. The title Swirls is very vague if you haven't read the book, it gives nothing away and you don't know what to expect.

Julia went through so much in this book, she learnt so much about herself, was very excepting and dealt with everything very well. she is likeable and relate-able and I loved reading her journey.

Halola is a fun, bubbly, loyal, interesting character and is also a great friend to have.

My favourite character has to be Damien, he is sexy, smart, interesting and best of all mysterious. I knew there was something about him from the start. I really hope we get to read alot more about him in further books.

4/5 stars

Carly :)

Guest Post from F.A. Hershey

Source: Unknown

Content: Secretly taped conversation between author F. A. Hershey and Swirls heroine Julia Ixel White in the middle of the Kanuayed tribe clearing, both sitting at the author’s desk.

F. A. Hershey: Any first impressions you want to share? [Author is talking about Julia’s first visit to the Kanuayed community].

Julia: Awesome. Just, amazing. I was positively shocked by the reception that was waiting for me here, and Yoji, the leader, nice touch. He is the most amazing person I met in the forest, well, after Lola. Though what’s the deal with Gabriel and Yoji, if you don’t mind my asking?

F. A. Hershey: Why on earth do you think I would tell you that?

Julia: Just give a heads up, will you? I just don’t want to get disappointed, you know. He seems fine to me, but he’s just too... mysterious and gorgeous for his own good. But then, so is Yoji....

F. A. Hershey: I know.

Julia: I noticed the look Yoji gave him, you know, I’m not stupid. What’s the deal with these guys?

F. A. Hershey: All in good time, Julia. All in good time. And don’t worry, you have found yourself a pair of very dedicated... individuals.

Julia: Individuals... you hesitated.

F. A. Hershey: Why don’t you just go back to Lola and let me write? You’ll need your sleep anyway.

Julia: [exhaled in frustration] Fine. Have you got some insect repellent, by any chance? You’d think being a native from this place the mosquitoes would leave me alone!

F. A. Hershey: [starts typing and ignores Julia]

Julia: Fine. Whatever, I hope you know what you’re doing.

F. A. Hershey: I don’t, but I’m sure you do.

Julia: At least tell me one thing. It’s harmless, and I promise I will leave you alone if you tell me.

F. A. Hershey: [stops typing and look at Julia over the rim of her glasses]

Julia: Will I have a blissfully dreamless sleep tonight?

F. A Hershey: [chuckles] I wouldn’t count on it.

Julia: Thank you very much. [Stomps away towards the base of the tree house]

Giveaway

Now for the giveaway folks, F.A. Hershey has been kind enough to to give two lucky winners an e-copy of Swirls, below is the rafflecopter, you know the drill. Competition ends on 9th Feb. This giveaway is open to everyone. Good Luck :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Time Will Come (4)

2012-02-02T08:35:00.000Z

The Time Will Come -

Every Thursday l am going to list a book which l really want to read/keep meaning to get to. These are mostly books which have been on my shelf for awhile now but don't have to be, maybe you got it two weeks ago and really want to read it! Time Will Come is a weekly meme, hosted by Books for Company.

Want to join in?

- Pick a book you have been meaning to read

- Do a post telling us about the book

- Link the post up in the linky over at Books for Company.

- Visit the other blogs that are participating!

City Of Bones (Mortal Instruments )

By Cassandra Clare

Paperback, 445 pages

Published 2007 by Walker Books Ltd

From Goodreads

When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder -- much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing -- not even a smear of blood -- to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know. . . .

Exotic and gritty, exhilarating and utterly gripping, Cassandra Clare's ferociously entertaining fantasy takes readers on a wild ride that they will never want to end.

Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

2012-02-01T15:05:00.000Z

WORLDS KEPT THEM APART.

DESTINY BROUGHT THEM TOGETHER.

Aria has lived her whole life in the protected dome of Reverie. Her entire world confined to its spaces, she's never thought to dream of what lies beyond its doors. So when her mother goes missing, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland long enough to find her are slim.

Then Aria meets an outsider named Perry. He's searching for someone too. He's also wild - a savage - but might be her best hope at staying alive.

If they can survive, they are each other's best hope for finding

Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Atom (7 Feb 2012)

My Review

I loved Under The Never Sky, I really won't be able to praise it enough. It was beautifully written and read like a dream. The storyline is so intriguing, I was glued to the pages from start to finish. The main characters are very interesting and are both very different. A big thank-you to Atom Books for sending me a review copy of this fantastic book.

The story follows main character Aria, who lives with her mum in the safety of the protected domes in Reverie. The domes are very small and hold alot of people, everyone has a smarteye that allows them to enter different realms, to do whatever they like. Aria's mum is a scientist and her work is top secret, she is currently working away in another dome called Bliss. Aria starts to worry when the connection with her mother in Bliss goes down.

Aria and some friends get into some trouble messing around with fire in in one of the sectors of the dome. She is rescued by an outsider, a savage, who has somehow managed to find his way into the dome. Aria recorded everything that happened on her smarteye, which the outsider took with him when he fled.

Aria is dropped off on the outside, in the middle of the wastelands, because she knows too much. Aria knows she needs to find her mother. She meets the same outsider who rescued her, his name is Perry, he is also searching for someone, his nephew (Talon). He takes her along with him because she might have information on how he can get his nephew back. The pair are disgusted by each other at first. Aria likes to chat alot and Perry is the strong silent type. They head off together on their mission, hoping to find the two people they are desperately searching for.

They meet lots of trouble on the way and are always in dangers path. We meet lots of interesting characters throughout the book and Aria makes some shocking revelations. Can Aria find her mother? Will Perry ever get Talon back? Well you will have to read it and find out, I don't want to spoil anything.

I just loved the ending and it has set everything up brilliantly for any future books. I am dying to read more from this wonderful world Veronica Rossi has created.

The chemistry between Aria and Perry was electric. Will they won't they the whole way through. The future technology is also so interesting to read about.

My favourite character has to be:

Perry- Of course, he is strong, fearless, wild, rough and ready and mysterious, all plus factors for me. I especially loved when he started looking at Aria as a young woman instead of just a dweller.

Under The Never Sky was a fast paced, gripping, realistic, futuristic read that I thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish. I will definitely be keeping my eye out for more from Veronica Rossi. Put Under The Never Sky on your wishlist today, I promise you won't be disappointed.

A five star read

Carly :)

Waiting on Wednesday (8)

2012-02-01T07:51:00.000Z

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Once Burned (A Night Prince novel)

By Jeaniene Frost

Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages

Publisher: Avon Books

Expected Publication: 26 Jun 2012

Book Description

She’s a mortal with dark powers…

After a tragic accident scarred her body and destroyed her dreams, Leila never imagined that the worst was still to come: terrifying powers that let her channel electricity and learn a person’s
darkest secrets through a single touch. Leila is doomed to a life of solitude…until creatures of the night kidnap her, forcing her to reach out with a telepathic distress call to the world’s most infamous vampire…

He’s the Prince of Night…

Vlad Tepesh inspired the greatest vampire legend of all—but whatever you do, don’t call him Dracula. Vlad’s ability to control fire makes him one of the most feared vampires in existence, but his enemies have found a new weapon against him – a beautiful mortal with powers to match his own. When Vlad and Leila meet, however, passion ignites between them, threatening to consume them both. It will take everything that they are to stop an enemy intent on bringing them down in flames.

What's your "waiting on" pick this week?

Beautiful Chaos by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

2012-01-31T10:53:00.000Z

From Goodreads:

Ethan Wate thought he was getting used to the strange, impossible events happening in Gatlin, his small Southern town. But now that Ethan and Lena have returned home, strange and impossible have taken on new meanings. Swarms of locusts, record-breaking heat, and devastating storms ravage Gatlin as Ethan and Lena struggle to understand the impact of Lena's Claiming. Even Lena's family of powerful Supernaturals is affected - and their abilities begin to dangerously misfire. As time passes, one question becomes clear: What - or who - will need to be sacrificed to save Gatlin?

For Ethan, the chaos is a frightening but welcome distraction. He's being haunted in his dreams again, but this time it isn't by Lena - and whatever is haunting him is following him out of his dreams and into his everyday life. Even worse, Ethan is gradually losing pieces of himself - forgetting names, phone numbers, even memories. He doesn't know why, and most days he's too afraid to ask.
Sometimes there isn't just one answer or one choice. Sometimes there's no going back. And this time there won't be a happy ending.

Paperback, 518 pages

Published October 18th 2011 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

My Review

The Caster Chronicles are one of my favourite series of all time, then I read Beautiful Chaos and fell in love all over again with the whole world. I love all the characters, and I really care what happens to nearly each and every one of them. The plot-line was beautifully written and engaging from start to finish, and WOW what a cliffhanger at the end, I need another fix soon.

The story follows on where Beautiful Darkness leaves off. Lena and Ethan are trying to deal with the aftermath that the missing John Breed has left in his wake. Lena is still struggling to control her supernatural powers. They all start to school, which is you can imagine is eventful with Riley starting too. Link is getting all the attention from all the girls, which is going to cause World War 3 where Riley is concerned.

Everything is dying in Gatlin with the scorching heat and everyone's powers are out of wack, it is all a fallout of Lena breaking the balance. Amma has went off the deep end, she is using darker methods to ensure something, but as always there is a price to be paid.

Ethan has been hearing his shadow song again, he needs to figure out what it means and fast if he hopes to save the town and the ones he loves.

This book is so full of ups and downs and twists and turns, I was happy and teary throughout. The story develops so well and Lena really comes into her own. We get to hear from the darker characters more and get a bit more back story about some of them. Lena and Ethan's love has also developed, they are a joy to read about. I still can't get over the ending, I definitely have a love-hate relationship with the cliffhanger.

All I can say is what a fantastic read, I am so excited for the next, definitely a pre-order. There is not one thing about Beautiful Chaos that I didn't like. If you haven't already read The Caster Chronicles, you are seriously missing out, Go pick them up now. :)

I love all the characters but some of my favourites are:

Amma - Gosh, I love this woman, she makes me laugh so much, I wouldn't cross her, she is one fearsome lady.

Mercy, Prue and Grace - I love reading about their old fashioned way of doing things and the way they all bicker among each other. And of course their pronunciation of some words make me laugh out loud.

A five star read

Carly :)

Teaser Tuesdays (8)

2012-01-31T00:27:00.001Z

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

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 that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My Teaser:

The Path by H.K Savage

Page 3 1

'Provided he wasn't doing it on purpose and didn't know that it was dark magick, someone would would explain to him how to live under the radar. He would also be given the choice of working with a trainer based in the area to educate him on how to wield his talents, or he would be brought back to Veritas to face his punishment for using magick for dark purposes as well as risking exposure to the regulars.'

Book Description From Goodreads:

Magick is real. And there is a secret world complete with its own agency, Veritas, to control those who would wield their power over “regulars”, or threaten the secrecy that keeps them all safe from the persecution that nearly destroyed them. For Cassie, a mixed blood witch, it’s the only world she’s ever known though she’s never embraced her role as agent for Veritas. For Drew, a witch born to a non-magickal family, it answers so many of his questions. It is also the cause of so much loss and pain. And now, as he and Cassie attempt to find his missing brother, rumored to be working with a rogue witch and cult leader, it threatens to take the last of his family. Or will magick save it?

Paperback, 360 pages

Expected publication: March 25th 2012 by Staccato Publishing

What's your teaser this Tuesday?

Interview with Felicia Rogers

2012-01-30T12:04:00.000Z

Author Bio

Felicia Rogers, born and raised in the southern part of the United States, is a Christian wife and mother. She is just your average, ordinary woman, with a side interest-- writing. For eleven years, every waking moment of her life was consumed with changing diapers, wiping noses, and kissing scrapes. But now that her children have grown and she enjoys a modicum of freedom, in addition to taking care of hearth and home, she writes! She enjoys adding a flavor of realism and humor to her all too real romance stories. For what is love without a little laughter?

The Perfect Rose

From Amazon:

Abandoned by his wife and left to raise a child alone, Caleb Reed falls short of the ideal work-from-home dad. He needs a woman to help him, in every sense of the word. At the suggestion of a friend, Caleb agrees to hire Ariel Lauren on a trial basis.

As an orphan, Ariel has more issues than just how to make it on her on. Yes, she needs the money that Caleb offers her, but more than anything she finds she desires his love. One calamity after another befalls her and jeopardizes her new job and her chance at having a family. But through it all, Caleb is by her side, his gruff exterior threatening to melt in the face of their shared attraction. Will they decide to continue life alone or will the magic of Valentine's Day bring them together?

The Key

A teenage girl suffering from a family tragedy, Maddie Clevenger is oblivious to the ancient mystery surrounding her. She's young and incredibly unlucky, in life and in love. She should be enjoying her senior year of high school, but instead she is tormented by a reoccurring nightmare and a very real stalker. But all that changes when Chase Donovan, an Air Force brat with a protective streak, shows up at school. Will Chase be the key to helping her solve her stalker problem? Will he be the key to solving the mystery surrounding her family's past?

Interview

First off a big Hello and welcome to Felicia Rogers who was kind enough to do an interview.

Tell us a little bit about The Key?

The Key is my first full length novel. It is a YA paranormal suspense infused with romance. Maddie Clevenger has lost everyone that she loves. Chase Donovan has a huge, close family. They both have an unusual family
history that melds there futures together.

Tell us a little bit about The Perfect Rose?

The Perfect Rose is the only romance I’ve written without suspense. Originally written for a contest, this story was restricted in word length. When I decided to go with another story, I shelved this one. This story is about a girl who doesn’t know her family, who meets a father and son in need of a caregiver. Over the course of time the father, Caleb, and the woman, Ariel, fall in love. Caleb, having been hurt in the past, finds it hard to give into his feelings at first but Ariel continues to push her way into his heart.

They are both so different, which was your favourite to write?

They are very different. As far as picking my favorite to write, that’s a hard one. I love writing suspense and mystery and trying to keep the reader guessing until the end, like in the The Key. But I also enjoyed writing about Ariel. She is an orphan, who is never adopted and afraid of love. This reminded me of my grandmother. She was lucky enough to find a wonderful family as a child. But this is not the case with Ariel. I guess you could say I enjoyed writing both but in different ways.

Where do some of your ideas come from?

My ideas come from everywhere! I love to hike so I use woodsy places I’ve been to describe places in The Key. I used my grandmother’s adoption and a friend’s gifted son, for The Perfect Rose. In my novel Love Octagon I use every family experience imaginable.

Tell us a little bit about your writing process?

I normally write the first story on paper, then type it in to the computer, then re-read it to edit. I do a lot of brainstorming around my table with my husband, or on the phone with my friend, Kim.

Are you working on any writing at the minute?

Yes. I’m working on a story set in South Africa. Since it is suspense I’m afraid I can’t say more.

Out of all your books, who is your favourite character an why?

My favorite character has to be Bruce Malone. He’s a lawyer in The Painted Lady. He’s sensitive, sweet, protective, the ultimate modern day knight.

What authors inspire you?

That would be Francine Rivers and her story of going from secular romance writing to inspirational writing.

What are your top 5 all-time favourite books?

#1 Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White which was the first novel I ever read.
#2 Twilight Series by Stephanie Meyer which I consider the ultimate romance
#3 Any of Lynn Kurland’s historical time travel books
#4 A. D. Chronicle series by Brock and Bodie Thoene
#5 The Russians series by Judith Pella and Michael Phillips

When you are not busy writing, what do you enjoy doing?

I enjoy reading, hiking, crocheting, and spending time with my family.

Where can people find you? and your works?

People can find my books at all major ebook sellers. Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, Fictionwise, Astraea Press, and Solstice Publishing

Website: www.feliciarogersauthor.webs.com
Email: feliciarogersauthor@yahoo.com
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/feliciarogers
Facebook: www.facebook.com/feliciarogersauthor

Is there anything else you would like to add to your readers?

I would like to thank Carly for allowing me to drop by and get to know you. I hope all of you will take the time to search my myriad of works, I’m sure there is something for all of you.

Thanks so much for taking the time out for an interview, Felicia. :)

The Apocalypse Gene by Suki Michelle and Carlyle Clark

2012-01-29T21:18:00.000Z

From Amazon:

Global pandemic is raging. Olivya Wright-Ono's once loving home has been converted to a hospice for the dying. Her ability to see auras forces her to witness, with agonizing detail, the vibrant colors of life consumed by malignancy. The beautiful and troubled, Mikah, is an elite Empath in the ancient Kindred clan, led by the brooding, ever-morphing, monster named Prime. Mikah has learned a terrible truth . . . the plague is linked to Kindred origins. When Olivya sees evidence of disease creeping into her mother's aura, she has no one to turn to but Mikah. Can he unearth the Kindred secrets and find a cure? Can she trust this boy whose power allows him to manipulate her very emotions? With her mother's life, and that of the world, in the balance, Olivya and Mikah embark on a quest to stop the Pandemic, only to discover it is far, far more than a mere disease . . .

Paperback: 238 pages
Publisher: Parker Publishing Inc. (July 30, 2011)
Genre: YA/dystopia/fantasy

My Review

The Apocalypse Gene fits in to lots of different genres and is so different from all the other dystopian titles out there. The authors have taken things to another level and the descriptions are vivid. Special thanks to Suki Michelle and Carlyle Clark for sending me over a review copy.

There are two main characters in this book, Olivya and Mikah. Olivya lives with her mum, their home now turned into a hospice. With most of the population riddled with cancer, with no cures, hospices are the only businesses doing well in society.

Olivya is really good natured, smart, funny and she helps her mum out whenever possible. She goes to cyber school in a place called Cy-chi and has spent a long time perfecting her Holo-sim, trying to make it like her as much as possible. In Cy-chi she meets a guy called Mikah, she really likes him. Olivya also has a talent, she sees peoples auras, all the wonderful colours, peoples intentions, but she can also see the dark colours of sickness creeping into the sick.

Mikah is part of an ancient Kindred clan, he is an Empath. The leader of the Kindred Clan has many names, he is known by Mikah as Prime. Prime is a freakishly scary, ever morphing figure, who the rest of the clan respect and look up to, but Mikah is terrified of him. When Mikah suggests to Olivya that they meet up for real that night, Olivya says yes but she will have to sneak out when her mother is sleeping. The pair agree to meet that night in the zoo.

Olivya runs into some problems on the way, she is attacked by a group of Doom Criers. Someone comes to her aid, they move like lightening and have what she describes as 'Othercolour' in their aura, at first she thinks it is the monster, Prime that Mikah spoke of, But shockingly it turns out to be Mikah. Mikah tells Olivya everything about the kindred and what he knows of Prime. The pair have an instant connection and seem to really like each other.

Olivya makes it back to the hospice but is caught by her mother, she gets all her privileges taken away, no internet, which means no talking to Mikah. That's when she sees the dark grey colour of sickness creeping into her mums aura. Olivya knows she must do something, she can't loose her mum too.

Everything really picks up pace from here on in. Mikah has to go through some serious stuff with the Kindred and he also makes some shocking revelations. Olivya and Mikah's futures are intertwined, Olivya has a mission that she will need Mikah if she hopes to complete, to try and save mankind and stop the pandemic forever.

To be completely honest I was a little bit confused at times throughout the book. And I found I enjoyed Olivya's story more than Mikah's. The storyline is really fast-paced and action packed, it reads brilliantly for the most part. I was laughing out loud in places and was interested from start to finish.

The ending wrapped things up really well and as a whole I really enjoyed the book. I would really like to read more about the world, so I really hope there is a sequel.

My favourite characters have to be:

The Holo-sims: Avyilo and Hakim. Especially Avilyo, She is wild, wacky, brave, and has some serious attitude. The pair work really well together.

The Neo-Twins, Ash and Kaiman, the ultimate double act. They are sly, sneaky, and fearsome. The pair are very intriguing.

If you haven't picked up The Apocalypse Gene already, but enjoy dystopia titles, then this is definitely the one for you.

3.5/5 stars

Carly :)

On My Wishlist (#7)

2012-01-28T09:25:00.000Z

On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by Book Chick City and runs every Saturday. It's where we list all the books we desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming. It's also an event that you can join in with too .

Carly's Wishlist

Abandon

By Meg Cabot

I have seen Abandon around for a while now, I am dying to pick it up and read it. I have read lots of mixed reviews on it, but I still want to read it for myself. The cover is to die for, I really hope I get it soon.

From Amazon:

The first book in the brand-new dark and dangerously seductive trilogy from bestselling teen author Meg Cabot.

Last year, Pierce died - just for a moment. And when she was in the space between life and death, she met John: tall dark and terrifying, it’s his job to usher souls from one realm to the next. There’s a fierce attraction between them, but Pierce knows that if she allows herself to fall for John she will be doomed to a life of shadows and loneliness in the underworld. But now things are getting dangerous for her, and her only hope is to do exactly what John says . . .

Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books (2 Sep 2011)

What's on your wishlist this week?

On The Cover (4)

2012-01-27T15:00:00.000Z

On The Cover is a feature I am going to do every Friday, Where I pick one book cover that sticks out, is really interesting or just plain beautiful. I think the cover of a book is very important, it's the first thing a person sees, and some of the time it's the reason why a person will pick a book up and read the back. I will just pick a book that catches my eye from throughout the week. Feel free to share with me your favourite book covers.

My Pick This Week:

Haunting Violet

by Alyxandra Harvey

From Amazon:

Violet Willoughby doesn't believe in ghosts, especially since her mother has worked as a fraudulent medium for a decade. Violet has taken part in enough of her mother's tricks to feel more than a little jaded about anyhting supernatural. The ghosts, however, believe in Violet and she's been seeing them everywhere. One ghost in particular needs Violet to use her emerging gift to solve her murder ...and prevent the ghost's twin sister from suffering the same fate.

Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC (4 July 2011)

Have you seen any beautiful covers on your travels this week?

Guest Post from Terri Giuliano Long to celebrate the launch of the UK edition of In Leah’s Wake

2012-01-26T09:35:00.001Z

AUTHOR BIO

Terri Giuliano Long is the bestselling author of the award-winning novel In Leah’s Wake. Her life outside of books is devoted to her family. In her free time, she enjoys walking, traveling, and listening to music. True to her Italian-American heritage, she’s an enthusiastic cook. In an alternate reality, she might be an international food writer. She lives with her family on the East Coast and teaches at Boston College. In Leah’s Wake is her debut novel.

Website: www.tglong.com
Blog: www.tglong.com/blog
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tglong
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tglongwrites

An Ode to Bloggers

Last May, a month or so after I began marketing my novel, In Leah’s Wake, a former agent told me that I would never sell 500 books. A rookie, I had no idea what to expect. When I published the novel, I’d dreamed of selling a 3,000 – 5,000 books, hoping healthy sales numbers would attract the attention of an agent or traditional publishing house for my next novel.

The agent had left New York, but she’d been in the business for a long time, and her words stung. I hung up the phone, heartbroken, depressed. Had I not been in the midst of my first blog tour, I might have pulled my novel off the market that day.

Determined to see the tour through, I soldiered on. On the tour, I met wonderful, caring people, book bloggers, whose kindness buoyed and sustained me.

Over the next few months, In Leah’s Wake appeared on hundreds of blogs. Bloggers opened their hearts and spread the word about this quiet literary novel. In August, In Leah’s Wake hit the Barnes & Noble and Amazon charts. Now, seven months after my talk with that agent, the book has been in the Amazon top 200 for over five months, and we’ve sold just shy of 80,000 copies.

Book bloggers rock! I don’t know how to say it any better. Book bloggers are the fairy godmothers and godfathers of the literary world. They invest their talent, their energy, and their time into reviewing and promoting books – and keeping dreams alive.

Even today, traditional media refuse to recognize or review indie books. In this very real sense, book bloggers are the heart and soul of the indie revolution. Their vision, their energy, and their determination have enabled this amazing populist movement to take hold.

Today, we have the great good fortune of hearing the funny, poignant, intelligent voices of new authors from around the world - voices that, just a few years ago, might have been silenced by the gatekeepers of the old guard. These voices reach into hearts and minds, forging connections, uniting us in a community of readers and writers, searching for and finding, through words, the better part of ourselves. Because, truly, at heart, this is what reading and writing is all about.

Here’s to you, book bloggers! You are and always will be my heroes!

This week, Terri and Inspired Quill Press (paperback edition), launch a newly edited edition of In Leah’s Wake. The newly edited novel features a new chapter and several new scenes, adding new connections and insights, and tightens the book, cutting 60 pages – all while maintaining the integrity of the original edition.

For more information, please visit her website: www.tglong.com/blog or any of these retailer sales. (Your local library or bookstore can also order the book through major distribution channels.)

Amazon Kindle

Amazon Paperback

Barnes & Noble

Indie Bound

BOOK INFORMATION:

IN LEAH’S WAKE
Terri Giuliano Long
Pages: 368
Format: Paperback, Kindle
ISBN: 1456310542
Publisher: CreateSpace/Inspired Quill Press
Website: www.tglong.com

***Newly edited by Sara-Jayne Slack, Inspired Quill Press***

The Tylers have a perfect life—beautiful home, established careers, two sweet and talented daughters. Their eldest daughter, Leah, an exceptional soccer player, is on track for a prestigious scholarship. Their youngest, Justine—more responsible than seems possible for her 12 years—just wants her sister’s approval. With Leah nearing the end of high school and Justine a seemingly “together” kid, the parents are set to enjoy a peaceful life…until everything goes wrong. Can this family survive in Leah’s wake?

Margot Livesey, award-winning author of Banishing Verona, calls In Leah's Wake "a beautifully written and absorbing novel."

When happens when love just isn't enough?

Recipient of the CTRR Award for excellence
2011 Book Bundlz Book Pick
Book Bundlz 2011 Favorites, First Place

Praise for In Leah’s Wake

"Sometimes scary, sometimes sad, and always tender."
Susan Straight, National Book Award finalist, author Take One Candle Light A Room

"In Leah's Wake is a beautifully written and absorbing novel."
Margot Livesey, Award-winning author of Banishing Verona

“Pulled me right along as I continued to make comparisons to my own life.”
Jennifer Donovan, 5 Minutes for Books, Top 50 Book Blog

“An incredibly strong debut, this book is fantastic on many fronts.”
Naomi Blackburn, Founder Sisterhood of the Traveling Book

The Time Will Come (3)

2012-01-26T09:30:00.000Z

The Time Will Come -

Want to join in?

- Pick a book you have been meaning to read

- Do a post telling us about the book

- Link the post up in the linky over at Books for Company.

- Visit the other blogs that are participating!

Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires 1)

By Rachel Caine

Paperback, 348 pages

Published (first published October 1st 2006)

Genre: YA/paranormal

From Goodreads :

It's a small college town filled with quirky characters. But when the sun goes down, the bad comes out. Because in Morganville, there is an evil that lurks in the darkest shadows - one that will spill out into the bright light of day.

Claire Danvers has had enough of her nightmarish dorm situation. The popular girls never let her forget just where she ranks on the school's social scene: somewhere less than zero. And Claire really doesn't have the right connections - to the undead who run the town.
When Claire heads off campus, the imposing old house where she finds a room may not be much better. Hew new roommates don't show many signs of life. But they'll have Claire's back when the town's deepest secrets come crawling out, hungry for fresh blood...

Waiting on Wednesday (7)

2012-01-25T07:46:00.000Z

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

The Secret Circle: The Divide

By L.J. Smith

Expected Publication: 20 Mar 2012

Publisher: HarperCollins

Book Description:

Keep your enemies close. . . .

For the first time since moving to New Salem, Cassie Blake feels normal. She's dating her soul mate Adam and making new friends in town. But between the secret coven of witches she belongs to and the incredible power she holds within her, Cassie is leading a far from ordinary life. When tragedy strikes the Circle, Cassie realizes being extraordinary can be a curse.

The Circle is being hunted by an unknown enemy—and anyone could be the next victim. As they struggle to protect themselves, alliances are formed and relationships are tested. No one knows who to trust or who to fear. Will Cassie be able to save the Circle . . . and herself? Or will her choices break it apart forever?

What's your "waiting on" pick this week?

Teaser Tuesdays (7)

2012-01-24T08:22:00.000Z

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

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 that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My Teaser:

Page 70 of Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

She'd heard of the flocks of crows that picked living people to pieces, and Aether storms that behaved like predators. But the worst death in the Death Shop, she decided, was rotting alone.

Book Description From Goodreads:

What's your teaser this Tuesday?

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

2012-01-23T16:32:00.001Z

From Goodreads:

Vladimir’s Academy isn’t just any boarding school—it’s a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They’ve been on the run, but now they’re being dragged back to St. Vladimir’s—the very place where they’re most in danger. . . .
Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy’s ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi—the world’s fiercest and most dangerous vampires—make Lissa one of them forever...

Paperback, 332 pages

Published May 26th 2009 by Razorbill (Penguin) (first published August 16th 2007)

Genre: YA/Paranormal

My Review:

I loved Vampire Academy so much, I really wish I would of read it sooner, I have been seriously missing out. I fell in love with the in-depth characters from the start and couldn't turn the pages fast enough.

Lissa Dragomir is a princess and mortal vampire(Moroi), Lissa and the rest of her race need to be protected at all costs, from the deadly Strigori (immortal vampires) who crave their blood. Rose Hathaway is Lissa's bodyguard and best-friend, she would do anything to keep Lissa safe. The girls have lifelong friends and have a fantastic friendship.

Rose is a Dhampir, Dhampir's are all trained at the academy to be the guardians of the Moroi. Rose takes Lissa out of the academy, for her own safety. They get along brilliantly until they get captured by guardians (led by Dimitri) and taken back to the academy.

The girls soon find out they need to watch each others backs, someone has it in fore Lissa, sinister things start to happen to her.

Dimitri is giving Rose extra training classes, to try and make up for the training she missed. Dimitri is swoon worthy and Rose starts to fall hard for him. He is alot older than Rose and her mentor, so not not exactly the best feelings to have.

The ending is fantastic, I loved it so much. I was definitely not expecting what happened, at all. Everything is now set up nicely, for what I hope will be amazing things to come in future books. I love the whole world Richelle Mead has created here, I am now a fan of the series an I cannot wait to get my hands on Frostbite, the next in the series.

My Favourite characters have to be:

Rose- She is one of the most in-depth characters I have ever had the pleasure of reading about. I love her attitude, she is fun, witty, fierce, loyal, has a great sense of humour and most importantly is a great friend.

Lissa- is so intriguing to read about, she has a completely different nature to Rose. She is quiet and shy but also has a dark side, lurking inside, looking to come out. She is going to be so powerful and I cannot wait to read how her strange abilities develop.

Of course Dimitri has to get a mention, he is dark, mysterious, powerful and did I mention HOT.? I really hope there is alot more to come from him, the sexual tension between Rose and him was killing me lol ;)

A five star read

Carly :)

Curbchek by Zach Fortier

2012-01-21T10:18:00.000Z

From Goodreads:

Curbchek is the story of a damaged cop, Zach Fortier. Fortier worked in the police department for the city where he grew up. One foot in the world of the cops, courts and legal system. The other in the world of gangs, drugs, thugs and street violence. Where the laws and rules are made by the strongest, the schemers and the most brutal. Read about the transformation of Fortier from a green rookie to a damaged paranoid veteran seeing danger in every situation. Follow along as he walks this tight rope. Trying to make difference, breaking the laws he promised to enforce. This is a story of law and order uncensored.

Paperback, 231 pages

Published August 30th 2011

My Review:

Curbchek is such an interesting read, it is a detailed account of police calls handled by Zach Fortier. It is told from Zach's point of view, his voice comes across strong and commands your attention from start to finish.

Zach is brutally honest at all times and he thinks outside the box when doing his job. Being from Northern Ireland myself, the way things are done in America are completely different from here, which makes it all the more interesting for me.

I have always had an interest in what goes on behind the scenes of a police force, and Zach has delivered brilliantly.

Curbchek doesn't read in story form, more like very short stories from all different times and dates in Zach's career as a police officer. It reads well, gritty, realistic with no bullshit.

Some of the cases were shocking, sick and hard to believe a person could do to another human being. And some of the cases were laugh out loud funny, I think Zach found a balance for the different things he put in the book.

Zach was the kind of police man that is hard to come by, he wasn't afraid to make the hard decisions that others wouldn't, he made a stand for what he thought was right even if others didn't agree with his way of thinking. The main thing was, he listened to the public.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Curbchek, it is so different from anything I would usually pick up. Special thanks to Zach Fortier for sending me over a review copy. I'm excited to read Street Creds, Zach's next instalment.

4/5 Stars

Carly :)

On My Wishlist (#6)

2012-01-21T09:09:00.000Z

Carly's Wishlist

I love Gena Showalter, but haven't yet read her Alien Huntress series. I really hope I get this one soon. I have read her Atlantis series and loved them, these are supposed to be even better, so I have heard. :)

Enslave ME Sweetly (Alien Huntress Novels)

By Gena Showalter

From Amazon:

Eden Black walks among humans, protecting them from the murderous evil of other-worlders who abduct and enslave. And though she appears to be human herself, Eden is an alien, a Raka, distinguished by her golden hair and skin, and gifted with the ominous ability to kill without remorse -- and with total accuracy. That is, until the fateful night she has one shot to eliminate her target, a human slaver -- and misses.

"Failure" is not in Eden's vocabulary. Neither is "partner" -- but that's what she is forcibly assigned after recovering from her disastrous mission. A sexy, steely-nerved human agent, Lucius Adaire enjoys nothing more than sparking the fury -- and rousing the desire -- of the fiery female assassin too proud to admit defeat. Locked in an assignment they cannot afford to lose, Lucius and Eden find themselves bound in two high-stakes, heart-pounding games: the sensual web of kill or be killed, and the erotic dance of seduction.

Paperback: 384 pages

Publisher: Downtown Press (2 May 2006)

Genre: Paranormal/Romance/fantasy

What's on your wishlist this week?

On The Cover (3)

2012-01-20T08:06:00.000Z

Bound (Book#1 Arelia LaRue)

by Kira Saito

From Amazon:

Sixteen year old Arelia LaRue lives in New Orleans where the music is loud, voodoo queens inhabit every street corner, and the ghosts are alive and well. Despite her surroundings, all she wants is to help her Grand-mere Bea pay the rent and save up for college.

When her best friend Sabrina convinces her to take a well-paying summer job at the infamous Darkwood plantation, owned by the wealthy LaPlante family, Arelia agrees.

However, at Darkwood strange things start to happen, and gorgeous Lucus LaPlante insists that he needs her help. Soon, the powers that Arelia has been denying all her life, come out to play and she discovers mysteries about herself that she could have never imagined.

Bound is roughly 55,000 words or 220 print pages. Look for Punished Book #2 in the Arelia LaRue Series, coming very soon!

Have you seen any beautiful covers on your travels this week?

The Time Will Come (#2)

2012-01-19T09:53:00.000Z

The Time Will Come -

Want to join in?

- Pick a book you have been meaning to read

- Do a post telling us about the book

- Link the post up in the linky over at Books for Company.

- Visit the other blogs that are participating!

Jinx by Meg Cabot

Hardcover, 272 pages

Published August 1st 2007 by HarperTeen

I bought Jinx a very long time ago, on sale for a complete bargain in The Works, for can you believe 99p!! I just haven't gotten round to reading it, but I'm sure I will soon. Have you read it? What did you think?

From Goodreads:

It's not easy being Jinx.

Jean Honeychurch hates her boring name (not Jean Marie, or Jeanette, just . . . Jean). What's worse? Her all-too-appropriate nickname, Jinx. Misfortune seems to follow her everywhere she goes even to New York City, where Jinx has moved to get away from the huge mess she caused in her small hometown. Her aunt and uncle welcome her to their Manhattan town house, but her beautiful cousin Tory isn't so thrilled. . . .

In fact, Tory is hiding a dangerous secret one that could put them all in danger. Soon Jinx realizes it isn't just bad luck she's been running from . . . and that the curse she has lived under since the day she was born may be the only thing that can save her life.

Future King by Larry Pontius

2012-01-18T19:02:00.000Z

From Goodreads:

Set in the day after tomorrow, Future King brings to life the legend that King Arthur will return from Avalon when England needs him.

Paperback, 308 pages

Published August 30th 2011 by CreateSpace

__________________________________________________________________

Future King is a very interesting read, it is superbly written and the plot-line has plenty of twists and turns. I really did enjoy reading Future King, special thanks to Larry Pontius for sending me over a review copy.

The storyline brings an old legend (which is very real) into the modern day world, which I think is genius. The legend says 'When England needs him most King Arthur will return from Avalon.' Well England is definitely in a crisis, King Charles refuses prime minster Saxton, when he asks him to sign The Emergency Powers Act, from then things go downhill for the royal family.

Saxton has all the military and lots of important people in his pocket, so together they they set their previously discussed plan into motion. King Charles, The Queen Consort Camilla, Prince William and Katherine are all kidnapped, only Prince Harry manages to escape.

The story follows Prince Harry's adventures, to escape and evade those who are desperately trying to seek him out. He meets a lady called Vivian in McDonald's, who recognizes who he is. Together they set off in her mini Cooper with a man they just met, who just so happens to be called Merlyn. They all head off (on Merlyn's direction) to pick up a man named Arthur.

Everything picks up pace from here on in and the storyline progresses brilliantly. The strange little band of people with Prince Harry, get the unlikely aid of some very old retired veterans, who I loved reading about, they are brave, courageous and were laugh out loud funny, they were all arguing with each other and pulling rank.

The ending of the book was also fantastic, I loved the way everyone pulled together for the one common goal. Larry Pontius put a little bit in at the end of the book, telling us what happens to each key person after the story, which I am so glad he did as it would of annoyed me not knowing lol

Camilla's character is brilliant, one of my favourites in the book. She is fun, very intelligent and had a great sense of humour, which to me is the opposite of the way I imagine the real Camilla to me in real life.

All in all a very interesting twist on an old legend in the modern world. I would definitely recommend future king.

The only one thing for me, there were so many names and rank of people from the military, I found it hard to remember who everyone was, but that is probably just me, I am terrible with lots of names and places.

4/5 Stars

Carly :)

Waiting on Wednesday (6)

2012-01-18T08:18:00.000Z

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Lover Reborn: Black Dagger Brotherhood Series: book 10
By J.R.Ward
Expected Publication: 27 Mar 2012
Publisher: Piatkus
Genre: Paranormal/Romance

From Goodreads::

In the darkest corners of the night in Caldwell, New York, a conflict like no other rages. The city is home to a band of brothers born to defend their race: the warrior vampires of the Black Dagger Brotherhood.Now back in the Brotherhood – and unrecognisable as the vampire leader he once was – Tohrment is physically emaciated and heartbroken beyond despair. When he begins to see his beloved in his dreams – trapped in a cold, isolating netherworld – Tohr turns to a self-serving fallen angel in hopes of saving the one he has lost.

When he’s told he must learn to love another to free his former mate, Tohr knows they are all doomed…Except then a female with a shadowed history begins to get through to him. Against the backdrop of the raging war with the lessers, and with a new clan of vampires vying for the Blind King’s throne, Tohr struggles between the buried past, and a very hot, passion-filled future… but can his heart let go and set all of them free?

What's your "waiting on" pick this week?

Teaser Tuesdays (6)

2012-01-17T08:45:00.000Z

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

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 that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My Teaser:

Beautiful Chaos (Caster Chronicles #3)

By Margaret Stohl & Kami Garcia

In Gatlin,it's funny how the good things are all tied up with the bad. Sometimes it's hard to tell which is which. But either way, you end up taking sugar with your salt and your kicks with your kisses, as Amma would say. - Page 1 of Beautiful Chaos by Margaret Stohl and Kami Garcia.

I added three sentences, as I thought it made more sense, I just loved the opening of this book :)

What's your teaser this Tuesday?

Interview with Eve Langlais and giveaway

2012-01-16T12:45:00.003Z

First off a big Hello and welcome Eve, thanks for stopping by Fiction Fascination and taking the time out to do an interview. Eve will also be giving away one e-book copy of her novel Delicate Freakn' Flower to one lucky winner.

A Little Bit About The Author

I'm writing romance the way I like it--hot with a touch of paranormal fun. I enjoy reading and writing stories that push the envelope of what we consider normal, and I love to push boundaries--and in some cases totally smash them. I tend to have alot of sexual tension in my tales as I think all torrid love affairs start with a tingle in our tummies. My heroes are very male, you could even say border line chest thumping at times. So if you want a truly sensitive man, I am not for you. But that said, my men will do almost anything for the one they love. Even babysit.

For more on me and my work please see my website

http://www.evelanglais.com

Title: Delicate Freakn' Flower (Freakn' Shifters #1)
Author: Eve Langlais
Date Published: July 1st 2011
Publisher: Self Published
Genre: Paranormal /Romance/ Erotica

Not suitable for younger readers.

From Goodreads:

Dammit, just how many toes was she going to have to stomp on before people realized she was a Delicate Freakn’ Flower?

Naomi doesn’t want to follow tradition and settle down with a violence-loving, chest thumping shapeshifter. She grew up in a household with five, testosterone laden brothers where none of the dishes ever matched, the ugly-as-sin furniture could withstand any catastrophe, and where crazy glue was bought by the case.

When fate—with a snicker—makes her meet not one, but two mates, Naomi digs her heels in and refuses to do what her wolf—and her body—demands. No way is she voluntarily allowing herself to get hitched to a pair of dumbass—totally hot and muscled—lacrosse players.

Can Ethan, the towering Kodiak bear, and Javier, the sexy, tanned jaguar convince this she-wolf that life with them won’t be all chaos? And can this delicate freakn’ flower unbend her prejudices enough to recognize she needs a pair of men who can handle her thorns—and her passion?

Warning: this is a hot threesome story where all the focus is on her with pleasurable consequences.

Interview

Tell us a little bit about Delicate Freakn' Flower?

Delicate Freakn' Flower came about because of my love of lacrosse. It is a fast paced sport requiring athleticism and speed, a perfect sport in other words for nimble shapeshifters. But that was just the first part of my brainstorm. I thought wouldn't it be funny if a woman who hated sports was fated to be a mate to not one but two jocks? Add in an ornery nature, a rollicking family, and a delicate flower who ain't so freakn' delicate, and we ended up with Delicate Freakn' Flower, a humorous yet romantic ride.

You have so many wonderful titles, which one is your favourite?

That is getting harder all the time, because I now have a few. My Princess Of Hell series will always be at the top of my list because my visiom of Hell and Satan crack me up. Bunny & The Bear, just because it's a hoot. And then, my alien stories because I just know there is life out there. Really, there is!

When did you start writing? what age?

I wrote during my creative writing classes for school and totally enjoyed it. Then I graduated, entered the real world and didn't write again until I was 35 years old. My first piece, Take A Chance was accepted in 2009 and published the following summer. But by that time I was on a roll, writing like a mad woman. I discovered I loved putting my stories into words everyone could read and I haven't stopped since.

are you working on any writing at the minute?

I'm always working. lol. Right now I'm swinging back and forth between an alien piece, a cyborg one and fleshing out the storylines for a few sequels.

What's the best thing about being an author?

Knowing I'm not the only one who enjoys my warped sense of humor.

And the worst?

Knowing some people don't get my warped sense of humor :(

Tell us about some of your favourite authors?

I love Gena Showalter, Laurann Dohner and Kaitlyn O'Connor.

Tell us a little bit about some of your up and coming books?

Most recently Taming Her Wolf released, a story about a vampiress who thinks she can tame a captured Lycan but finds herself falling in love instead. Then there's Claiming Her Geeks, an AllRomance.com exclusive about an alpha female who can't help wanting two weak, yet smart, wolves. I love a story with a bit of role reversal lol.

What inspires you to write?

Just about anything. A certain word. Song. Totally abstract concept that hits me out of the blue. My husband just shakes my head when I suddenly spout off some new idea while cooking dinner lol.

How long does it usually take you to write a book?

Depends on the length. I write 10 to 20 thousand words a week. So a novella will take 2-4 weeks while a longer novel length is 4-6.

Tell us us top five all time favourite books?

Gena Showalter's Lord series. I could read those over and over, the men are so delicious.

What do you like to get up to in your spare time?

I love to play videogames. My newest favorite is Skylanders which I play with my son or youngest daughter. I can't wait until we get some more characters so we can unlock some new locations :) I've also discovered Keflings. My little one plays with me and we giggle every time we make the keflings (our minions) take on a new task.

Where can your readers find you? and your books?

I post all the links to purchase my books on my site http://www.EveLanglais.com . You will also find news on my current books, upcoming releases and see some truly drool worthy covers. You can also friend me on Facebook. I love meeting new readers :)

Is there anything else you would like to say to your readers?

If you do pick up one of my book then I hope you have a great time reading it. I love nothing more than having one of my stories suck you in and spit you out wearing a smile.

Thanks for taking the time to interview me and for those who took the time to read it, an even bigger thank you :)

Thanks so much Eve :)

Giveaway

No for a chance for one lucky person to win a copy of Delicate Freakn' Flower. Fill out the Rafflecopter. Ends on the 30th Jan 2012. Eve will contact the winner via e-mail with their e-copy. Good Luck. :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Neverdark by C.S. Einfeld

2012-01-16T08:01:00.000Z

From Goodreads:

The Faeries of Southnut are in big trouble. Lord Darkwater is up to no good.

The White Castle of Doru is under attack by the greatest army Princess Fiera's ever seen. Lord Darkwater is poised to crush her tiny kingdom unless the king gives Fiera up to become his wife.

Well, fffungus! She's having none of that!

The race is on for Fiera to outwit Lord Darkwater's Dragonfly Riders, Bat Brigades, and even a giant, faerie-eating Spider to save herself and, before it's too late, her whole world.

Paperback, 260 pages

Published December 9th 2011 by Goethe Books (first published November 17th 2011)

Genre: Tween/fantasy

__________________________________________________________________

From the minute I picked up this fantastic little book, I was entranced. I posted up the prologue here, because I loved it so much. I am so glad I got to read this amazing adventure story, a special thanks to C.S. Einfeld, who was kind enough to send me review copy.

The story starts in the kingdom of Southnut, Princess Feira is having a tantrum. Her father King Utor Goldenoak has informed her that she is to marry Lord Darkwater. This is the last thing in Great Oak that Feira wants to do.

Lady Gooseberry, has always looked after Feira, since her mum has not yet awakened from her sleep, that all mothers have, they don't awaken until their children's wings harden (when they reach maturity). Lady Gooseberry tells Feira the whole sorry story about Lord Darkwater, and she must leave immediately to seek out the aid of Old Mother Oak.

You see Lord Darkwater is not a very nice faerie at all, he has been rigging up nearly all of the great oak tree, to extract the Oak syrup that all the faeries live off. The Oak syrup is running out fast and the tree is dying, some of the animals are already leaving. Lady Gooseberry says Fiera must seek out old Mother Oak and ask her for help. She sends Fiera off in secret, with her adorable little firefly Sparky, on their dangerous adventure to the top of the Great Oak.

Fiera's journey is full of adventure and danger, she makes lots of friends easily with her kind and loving nature. She is courageous and smart and is a real joy to read about.

But can Fiera make it to the top of Great Oak? Can she seek out the Old Mother Oak and save the tree, the animals and her people in time? Well I don't want to give anything away, so I won't say any-more, You will have to pick up this amazing little book and find out.

Neverdark was a breath of fresh air for me, really beautifully written. I really enjoyed it and will definitely go back and read it again. The illustrations were a lovely addition to the book, Great job to Aaron Einfeld. My daughter couldn't believe my book had illustrations and I ended up having to tell her all about them. C.S. Einfeld has brought something unique to the table, I really can't praise Neverdark enough. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more books from C.S. Einfeld.

A five star read

Carly :)

Wyndano's Cloak by A.R. Silverberry

2012-01-14T11:05:00.001Z

From Goodreads:

Jen has settled into a peaceful life when a terrifying event awakens old fears—of being homeless and alone, of a danger horrible enough to destroy her family and shatter her world forever. She is certain that Naryfel, a shadowy figure from her past, has returned and is concentrating the full force of her hate on Jen's family. But how will she strike? A knife in the dark? An attack from her legions? Or with the dark arts and twisted creatures she commands with sinister cunning? Wyndano's Cloak may be Jen's only hope. If she can only trust that she has what it takes to use it. A tale of madness, friendship, and courage, Wyndano's Cloak reveals the transformative power of love and forgiveness, and the terrible consequences of denying who you really are

Hardcover, 424 pages

Published March 15th 2010 by Tree Tunnel Press

Genre: YA/ fantasy

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Wyndano's Cloak is a truly epic fantasy read. It took me quite some time to read, as it took me a while to get engaged in the storyline. I am so glad I got to read Wyndano's Cloak, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this amazing adventure story. Special thanks to A.R. Silverberry for sending me the review copy.

The storyline follows Jen, a princess of Aerdem, and Bit a common girl who is engaged to Dash, Jen's brother, prince and air to the throne. Jen is a strong and intelligent girl, she was sent to the plain world when she was young, because her mother thought it would be best for her own safety. She only returned to Aerdem and her family a couple of years ago. Bit is a quiet, timid girl, who was found as a child wandering outside Aerdem. She was taken in and worked as a servant, until Dash and her fell in love.

**SOME SPOILERS AHEAD**

Naryfel, a dangerous master of disguises, the queens evil sister, has made a comeback. Jen and her mother are kidnapped and Dash and the king are unconscious, with vines wrapped around their necks, which are continuously tightening.

Jen manages to escape with the help of a boy named blue. Jen is wary of Blue, but goes with him all the same. They follow Naryfel in the hopes of rescuing Jen's mother. They get captured and Blue shows his worth to Jen, she realises she can't do this without him.

Bit and Petunia (Pet is the counts daughter) travel to the plain world (with great difficulty) to try and seek the aid of the doctor they have heard so much about from Jen's stories of the plain world. They hope that the doctor will be able to help get the things wrapped around Dash and the kings neck off, before it's too late.

When they get to the plain world they realise something has gone wrong and they have no way of getting back to their own world. They are captured by the horrible Miss Drath, an evil, money grabbing woman who owns the children's orphanage. The two girls get closer, they learn so much about themselves and they form an amazing friendship. They get the aid from a little old lady, to escape to the doctor, she says she knows how to get them home to Aerdem.

The ending of this book is amazing, what a surprise, everything was thought out wonderfully, it all fits together perfectly. A.R. Silverberry has wrote an enchanting story, with strong, courageous heroines and treacherous dark characters. The thing I liked the most was the trust and new friendships these young people earned, and of course the adventure and danger that lurked around every corner.

My favourite characters were:

Petunia- I think she went on the biggest journey, and learned most about herself, and when the time came she choose friendship. She is also intelligent, fun and has a good heart. She had me laughing throughout.

Blue- I was intrigued by Blue from when he first appeared to rescue Jen. I didn't trust him either at the start, but I loved his sneaky nature. I would love to have Blue as a friend.

The only thing for me was getting engaged in the story at the start, but when I did I devoured the rest of book. The cloak was another, with the title Wyndano's Cloak, I thought it would of made more of an appearance in the story, but sadly the magical cloak wasn't in the book that much.

Overall an amazing read, I will definitely be looking out for more for A.R. Silverberry.

4/5 stars

Carly :)