We Fancy Books

[Review] Vengeance Born by Kylie Griffin

2012-06-02T22:33:00.000+08:00

Vengeance Born
by Kylie Griffin
Series: The Light Blade #1
Published: February 7, 2012
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Source: Author
Format: ARC
Genre: Paranormal Romance

Synopsis

There is no mercy in the demon realm. No escape. In this place of desperation and conflict, anyone who is not pure bred is virtually powerless. Until an unlikely champion is born...

Annika, half-blood daughter of the Na'Reish King, longs for more than her tormented life among her father's people. Conceived in hatred and bred as a tool of retribution, she's gifted with a special talent that can heal as well as destroy...

With the Na'Reish vastly outnumbering them, Kalan, a Light Blade warrior, knows the future of humankind depends on him alone. Incursions into human territory and raids for blood-slaves by the Na'Reish Horde have increased. As Chosen-leader, he faces the task of stopping the demons-and convincing the Council of aging Light Blade warriors that change is necessary for survival.

When Annika learns Kalan is a prisoner in her father's dungeon, her dream of escape seems within reach. She agrees to free him in exchange for his protection once they reach human territory. Now, marked for death for helping him, Annika must learn to trust Kalan as they face not only the perilous journey to the border but enemies within the Council-and discover a shocking truth that could throw the human race into civil war...

Review

Would you trust a person who was born to kill your kind? Will you trust a demon because she saved your life? A journey of trust, love and acceptance Kylie Griffin will hold you into your seat gasping for more!

From the very start of this novel I was really intrigued by the premise of this book. It got me awhile before I finish it because I don’t really want to end the novel so soon. It was an awesome read. A story back up with a great characters; I was totally in it!

The journey of Annika; a half-blood daughter of the Na’Reish King (Demon King) and Kalan a Light Blade warrior who was born to kill the Demon kind was an outstanding read! I was thrilled with the how Kylie has build this great story. I think the concept was really typical but it was told with a great voice. I was ecstatic on reading the journey of Annika and Kalan because you can feel the tensions as well as their attraction for each other. I rarely read Paranormal Romance but I think it’s safe to say that this is a great start of a wonderful series.

Character wise I was delighted on how each character developed throughout the book. Annika’s attitude toward Kalan was very instinctual and vice versa. They learned to trust each other toward their journey and thus they got to know each other more. Kalan is a very noble person, he believes in what he think is right and fights for it. Both character evolved as the stake got higher. Their attraction grows throughout the book which was big plus. Amidst the growing tension between the Light Blade Council and their love for each other it only proves that love prevails.

I can give the cover an A+ for the awesome! I love how the model has a pouch that quite essential for the Annika. I’m not really sure of the medallion but I think it’s definitely there. The tag line “Her lineage is both a blessing and a curse” is definitely eye catching and makes you want to get it.

Overall I was totally entertained and I cannot wait to read the next one. I recommend this to everyone who wants to read a Paranormal book but doesn’t know where to start. I suggest you start with this one. It’s a great start of an epic series you won’t get disappointed. Vengeance Born has the right mix of Paranormal and Romance it and that I think you will surely enjoy!

Ratings

I got this book from the author in exchange for an honest review it has no way affected my review of the book.

About the Author

Kylie Griffin’s obsession with all things paranormal/fantasy started at an early age, when she used to imagine the jacaranda tree in her front yard was a spaceship used to defend the world from invading enemies. Writing stories seemed a natural extension to her childhood adventures.

Today, she’s a primary school teacher sharing her love for the written word with young children. In her spare time, she writes and reads all things paranormal.

Kylie lives in a small rural village in outback New South Wales, Australia, where she volunteers in a number of emergency service organizations in her local community. Visit her website at www.kyliegriffin.com

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Random Act of Kindness - June

2012-06-02T21:16:00.002+08:00

I'm joining RAK this month! What is RAK? It means Random Act of Kindness and it's hosted by the lovely girls over at Book Soul Mates. I haven't join for quite sometime and decided to join since I'm feeling kind lately. If you want to join RAK you can sign up here

If you feel kind this month you kind our wishlist here

Here are some recommendations for you if you feel like doing us a RAK

Of Poseidon by Anna Banks

Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer

Spellbound by Rachel Hawkins

Legend by Marie Lue

To make it really RANDOM I'll be using this Random Number Generator to pick my RAK recipient!

If you are a RAK participant link up your sign up post on the linky list

I'll pick via the Random Number Generator one or two lucky participant

COMPLETE RULES RE-CAP:
Please read carefully & follow all rules! Thank you!

Please sign-up each month that you can participate (and by participate, we mean give as well as receive).

Show off your participation by grabbing our RAK button (code is in the right sidebar).

Create a wish list (on Amazon, Goodreads, or your blog, etc) and post it in the Google Doc located in each R.A.K post for the month.

If you choose to do a R.A.K for someone, check out their wish list and contact that blogger directly for their information.

Once you receive a RAK, send us an our new email to [rakbybooksoulmates@gmail.com] so that we can update the Google Doc. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU SEND EMAILS TO THIS ADDRESS!

E-book participation is limited to files being gifted directly to a person from the e-book store. Amazon's Kindle Store is set up to allow this, as well as the Kobo store and we believe Barnes & Noble with Nook as well.

At the end of the month, SHOW US YOUR R.A.K by making a "RAK Wrap-Up" post. This post should include who you SENT gifts to as well who you RECEIVED gifts from :)

OPEN TO EVERYONE including all our International brethren!
Remember, there's always the Book Depository and they offer FREE shipping!

Easy peezy!!

[Review] Sebastian and the Afterlife by William J. Barry

2012-06-01T19:00:00.000+08:00

Sebastian and the Afterlife
by William J. Barry
Published: February 23, 2011
Publisher: The Writer's Coffee Shop
Source: Author
Format: Paperback
Genre: Young Adult

Synopsis

Sebastian awakes to find himself in a mystical realm somewhere between the living and the dead. Unspeakable dangers lurk in this realm. The Grim Reaper and his loyal agents work to maintain the law, as the threat of soul pirates (the wicked harvesters of spirit energy) has been on the rise. The infamous leader of the pirates, Axis Red, has a treacherous plan to take over the realm and set himself as the supreme authority.

While Sebastian and his new-found friends learn to cope with the wonders and perils of this strange spirit realm, Sebastian finds himself longing for his lost love Sarah, who is still alive in the mortal world. Some things are forbidden; some lines cannot be crossed. What will Sebastian risk to be close to her again? Join them on the journey of a lifetime and beyond

Review

Who would’ve thought there’s a place between death and afterlife? (And a school we can go to, even!)

Who would've thought that the creepy Grim Reaper rules that place?

And who would’ve thought that a place filled with dead people would be also full of blasting energies?

Hah! Nope, I never really thought of those… until I read this book. It introduced me to ‘the place between places’ a.k.a Sapentia, where one’s dead soul would go to after his life on earth ends, and meet Grim Reaper who’s waiting patiently by the Archway which leads people to the afterlife. Yes, he carries his large scythe with him; no, he does not scare people out of their guts. He stands by the large gateway and guide souls whether they are ready to go or if they still have unfinished businesses on earth.Enter Sebastian, our main teen protagonist who just permanently exited the mortal realm and just found himself in Sapentia stuck with troubles of leaving his family behind, and the love of his life, Sarah. Tangle him up with his fellow newbies --a word geek buddy named Jack, and two chics named Onyx, you’re resident pretty perfectionist, and you’re ever sweet pumpkin Patricia, who both have hots for our Sebastian. Together they go to Sapentia and learn to untangle the must-avoided energy cocoon traps, travel everywhere using a compass, meet the ever famous agents of the Reaper, point out the traitors and pirates, discover their unfinished earthly missions and save the entire spirit realm!

Reading this book feels like being transported into a place where somehow you’re familiarized of hearing, but never really imagined of putting yourself into, considering of our scary notions of death and afterlife. What I like about it is that though it is described with a scary “no-day, all-night” with haunted forests, caves, and schools kind of setting, it was all interesting. Add up the quirky characters that made everything in the book glow. Also, one of the factors that made me turn the book pages rapidly is the way the author intertwined the doings of the protagonists from the spirit world to the lives of their beloved mortals here in earth. It made me think that maybe sometimes, our loved once who had passed away are our safety nets who guide us away from troubles and the ones that urge us to take chances and consider possibilities. Yep, it is also packed with moral lessons hidden in the actions of the characters, and realizations that its future readers might internalize. I must say this book is an out-of-this-world read!

Ratings

I got this book from the author in exchange for an honest review it has no way affected my review of the book.

Book Trailer

About the Author

I was born in Newton, New Jersey, but moved to Florida and then Georgia at a young age.

Growing up I attended a private Christian school (predominantly catholic) in Augusta, Georgia, for elementary through high school.

Ever since I was in grade school, I wrote stories to pass the time. At the age of 12 I started taking classical guitar followed by classical voice lessons at the local college. I continued to write short stories on occasion. In the 10th grade I checked out a book of Edgar Allan Poe’s complete works from the school library. His pages were full of inspiration for me and to this day he is still my favorite author.

Website | Blog | Twitter | Goodreads

[Cover Reveal] The Collector by Victoria Scott

2012-06-01T05:05:00.000+08:00

When I receive this from my email I was totally squeeing! I'm here to bring you this awesome and definitely HOT cover of The Collector by Victoria Scott! Big Thanks to Victoria and Heather of Entangled Publishing for letting us be part of the cover reveal.

The Collector

by Victoria Scott

Expected publication: March 2013 by Entangled Teen

The cover is a bad-ass, just reading the synopsis oh yes this is definitely Dante Walker here. It definitely fit what was described on the synopsis plus with that short blurb "He makes good girls... BAD." It's enough to sell me this book. and it's blurbed by Mary Lindsey, how awesome is that? This is definitely a must wait. Make sure to add this on your 2013 TBR list cause Dante is coming out March next year!

Make sure you grab the Countdown Widget

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE COVER? SHARE US YOUR THOUGHTS.

About The Collector

Dante Walker is flippin’ awesome, and he knows it. His good looks, killer charm, and stellar confidence has made him one of hell’s best—a soul collector. His job is simple, weed through humanity and label those round rears with a big red good or bad stamp. Old Saint Nick gets the good guys, and he gets the fun ones. Bag-and-tag.

Sealing souls is nothing personal. Dante’s an equal opportunity collector and doesn’t want it any other way. But he’ll have to adjust, because Boss Man has given him a new assignment:

Collect Charlie Cooper’s soul within 10 days.

Dante doesn’t know why Boss Man wants Charlie, nor does he care. This assignment means only one thing to him, and that’s a permanent ticket out of hell. But after Dante meets the quirky, Nerd Alert chick he’s come to collect—he realizes this assignment will test his abilities as a collector, and uncover emotions deeply buried.

About the Author

Victoria Scott is a YA writer with a die-hard affection for dark and humorous books. Her work is represented by the fabulous Laurie McLean of Larsen-Pomada literary agency. She has a master’s degree in marketing, and is a member of the Writers’ League of Texas and Teen Shiver.

Her first YA book, THE COLLECTOR, will be published by Entangled Teen in 2013. And her short story, FOUR HOUSES, is available now through Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

She currently lives in Dallas with her husband, Ryan.

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter

[Review] My Soul To Lose by Rachel Vincent

2012-05-30T04:00:00.000+08:00

My Soul To Lose
by Rachel Vincent
Series: Soul Screamer 0.5
Published: July 1, 2009
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Source: Bought
Format: Kindle Copy
Genre: Young Adult / Fantasy

Synopsis

It was supposed to be a fun day, shopping at the mall with her best friend. Then the panic attack started and Kaylee Cavanaugh finds herself screaming, unable to stop. Her secret fears are exposed and it's the worst day of her life.

Until she wakes up in the psychiatric unit.

She tries to convince everyone she's fine--despite the shadows she sees forming around another patient and the urge to scream which comes burbling up again and again. Everyone thinks she's crazy. Everyone except Lydia, that is. Another patient with some special abilities....

"An eBook exclusive prequel to Rachel Vincent's SOUL SCREAMERS series."

Review

I decided to read My Soul To Lose because I recently got the first book of the Souls Screamer Series. I was contemplating on joining the Soul Screamer Reading Challenge so I decided to read the short prequel first so I could get a grasp what the novel is all about and whether I’ll like it or not.

After reading it, I can say that I did LIKE it but then I have so many questions and left me wanting for more. In this short prequel we met Kaylee Cavanaugh and her best friend Emma. Kaylee was a very normal teenager, she has a best friend and of course teenage dilemmas. Talk about plotting revenge with the help of the best friend. Everything was fine until she had this weird feeling. Her panic attack started happening and she started seeing this black figure and then she started screaming. When she woke up she was in the Mental Health Centre.

I have to commend Vincent for the vivid writing. I imagined Kaylee hysterical and screaming. I was caught with the moment and ask myself what just happened? The aftermath of the commotion got me angry with Aunt Val and the whole situation. The ending had me so many questions. Questions that I think only the first book will answer.

Nothing much to entice me but my questions are burning for answers. I hope to read the next book to know more!

Favorite Quotes:

“I was seconds from losing control over the scream building inside me, and once it broke free, I wouldn’t be able to make it stop unless I could get away.”

“Dr. Nelson: “Do you have any family history of mental instability?” Me: “Yes. My cousin thinks she’s twenty-one. My aunt thinks she’s eighteen. I’d call them both mentally unstable.”

Have you read the series? What do you think about it? Should I continue the challenge and continue reading the series? Share your thought!

You can download My Soul To Lose for FREE here
Read my Soul Screamer Participation Post here

Ratings

About the Author

Rachel Vincent is the author of the Shifters series, from Mira books. Stray, Rogue, Pride, Prey, Shift, and Alpha are available in the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia, and are being published in Turkey, Norway, Sweden, Finland, India, France, and Italy.

Also, look for the Soul Screamers books, Rachel’s young adult series! My Soul to Take, My Soul to Save, My Soul to Keep, My Soul To Steal, and If I Die are available now, and Before I Wake will be on the shelf in the US and Canada on June 26, 2012. The Soul Screamers series is also being published in the UK, Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, India, Vietnam, Thailand, and Spain.

Rachel’s new adult series Unbound debuted with Blood Bound on August 23, 2011 in the US and the UK, to be followed by Shadow Bound on May 22, 2012.

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[Book Blast] Betrayed by Ednah Walters + Amazon GC G!veaway

2012-05-29T11:30:00.000+08:00

Betrayed
by Ednah Walters
Published: June 5, 2012
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Genre: Paranormal Romance

Synopsis:

Lil isn't just an average teenager. She's one of the Nephilim--the descendants of humans and angels--which gives her some serious psi skills and a mission for redemption. Just when Lil thinks she's found a balance between her normal life with human friends and her training to become a Guardian, she's warned that someone close to her will betray her. When the boy she loves starts acting strangely and one of her human friends acquires a supernatural ability, Lil begins to realize that someone is manipulating the people she loves... and won't stop until she's been lured to the dark side.

Starred Reviews

Ednah Walters has captivated me once again with her amazing characters and wonderful storytelling. With even more action, heartache, trouble, mayhem, betrayal, and angst than Awakened, Betrayed has definitely exceeded my expectations! - Shari

2 words, baby: Utter brilliance.This book takes all angelic novels a whole league up, and it was more than i expected after reading AWAKENED and more. Seriously people, you have got to read this or you're really missing out on life. - Cyp

After reading Awakened I was eager to dive into Betrayed and it didn't disapppoint.In fact I think this book is even better than the first book. What I loved the most was the fact I was kept guessing of who done it's or who is behind this or that. I normally can figure or nearly figure out who it is but this one I for the life of me figure who the traitor was or why her friends were now acting so strangely and very rude. - Donna Newman

Read what Era has to say on Awakened

Book Trailer

About the Author

I grew up reading Nancy Drew and Hardy boys mysteries and fell in love with books

I enjoy good love stories, tingly mysteries and epic adventures. When I finished my college and decided to be a stay-at-home mother, I devoured books like they were going out of production, until reading just wasn't enough. So I started to write.

I've written picture books (unpublished), contemporary and romantic suspense (under the pen name E. B. Walters), and finally YA fantasy (as Ednah Walters).

AWAKENED (2010) is the prequel to the YA series about the Nephilim, The Guardian Legacy series. BETRAYED(book # 1) is now available wherever books are sold, HUNTED(book # 2) will be released in February 2013 and FORGOTTEN(later in the year 2013).

My adult contemporary with or without suspense is about a west coast Irish-American family series. I've published four Fitzgerald books: SLOW BURN (April 5th 2011), MINE UNTIL DAWN (June 29th 2011), KISS ME CRAZY (Sept 25th 2011) and DANGEROUS LOVE (Jan 29th 2012)

When I'm not writing, I do things with my family, five children and my darling husband of 18 years. I live in a picturesque valley in northern Utah, the setting for my YA series.

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The E-Book Nation Infographics

2012-05-28T00:28:00.000+08:00

ePublishing is really popular these days with the ever growing technology that we have people who reads eBooks is definitely getting high over the years. Here's a cool infographics for you:

Brought to you by: OnlineUniversities.com

"Americans prefer e-books when they want a book quickly and are on the move, but they say printed books are better when it comes to reading with children and sharing"

eBooks are definitely a go to when you're on the go, as much as eBooks are getting popular you can never really replace the enjoyment of a real book. Both have their perks but I think in terms of accessibility I would definitely go for eBooks.

Do you read eBooks? What eReader/s do you own? Do you think that eBooks will replace the customary books we have today? Share us your thoughts.

credits to Reading Diva

[Book Spotlight] Feeding the Urge by Jeffrey Kosh

2012-05-27T05:30:00.000+08:00

Book Spotlight

Feeding the Urge
by Jeffrey Kosh
Published: January 26, 2012
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre:Horror

Synopsis

In Prosperity Glades, a small town on the shores of Lake Okeechobee, you can run across Dr. Axel J. Hyde, the County’s Assistant Medical Examiner. He’s an eye-catching man, yet hides a dark secret from the age of ten. He’s a remorseless murderer with a weird twist: a ‘Rider’ urges him to hunt and dismember ‘people who feeds on fear’. Sexual killers, rapists, pedophiles - none escape his cold fury. However, when someone begins ‘poaching’ into his territory, Axel is caught between the urge to find and kill this kindred soul or greet another of his ‘species’. Is the Rider a real spiritual entity or just the product of a kid’s scarred psyche? Do you dare to find out?

Feeding the Urge is a novel exploring a traumatized man’s inner struggle between feelings and urges. It is Will alone stronger than Demons?

If you enjoyed Showtime’s Dexter or Thomas Harris’ Hannibal, Feeding the Urge can be a pleasant alternative to the modern horror genre of zombies and vampires. Jeffrey Kosh’s debut novel was the first set in the fictional town of Prosperity Glades, and established the setting for his successive short stories collection ‘Spirits and Thought Forms: Tales from Prosperity Glades.

What People Are Saying

“This book has so much going on within the pages that once you start it you will never have to worry about your mind wondering off in a different direction. In the beginning it is a story about Dr. Axel Hyde but it becomes so much more. There are so many different stories within this book it is crazy, but it all works and flows so well together.
This book does have some very adult situations and it does have some very taboo subject matter that a lot of people my want to turn away from the book but I can assure you that this book is very well thought out and written in a way that some of the subject matter is never to overwhelming. The characters are so well written that it is very easy for them to become real in your mind. You are able to feel the pain and hate and fear of each and everyone of them and that is what made this book so amazing for me.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves a good captivating read and as much as you wouldn't think it being in a book like this, there is a bit of romance and a hot and steamy part.” – Jenn

“Riveting-fascinating-delightful! Like Dexter's Dark Passenger, but with more flavor, spiritual horror, and metaphysical impetus, for fast pace, graphic horror, and good characterizations, "Feeding the Urge" is nearly unbeatable. The author's own brand of metaphysics blends with Native American traditions and modern psychology to create an inimitable backdrop to this novel. The descriptive settings of South Florida imagery, its flora and fauna, are very well done and propel readers into the story's suspension of disbelief.
Author Kosh knows how to reach inside his characters and pull their internal selves out into the open. What he does with Axel Hyde, and with Cheri, is incredible. Mr. Kosh juggles a large character set, and manages to delineate each one, mixing first person point of view (Axel Hyde) with third-person for other characters. Still, the story runs smoothly because the reader is enrapt with the action and with the characters' plights.” – Mallory Anne Forbes

“Mr. Kosh doesn't just tell you a story, he takes you on an adventure. He straps you in and takes you through the swamps from one moment to the next keeping you on tenterhooks just longing for the next reveal. Feeding the Urge is one of his many amazing works. I loved it, and you will too!” – Jaime Johnesee (Author of Oh, the Horror!)

Excerpt

She felt his lewd hands on her, followed by his foul, stale breath on her face. And instinctively reacted. Fast, very fast. Her left hand struck the man’s neck at the Adam’s apple, sending him backward with pain and surprise. The punch was followed by a kick with the point of her right boot, between Jay’s legs, with a lightning elbow strike to his nose. In less than five seconds Jay Fraser was down, his face a mix of running blood, dead leaves, dirt, and mucus. She came slowly, but resolute toward him, her beautiful hips moving with the grace of a wild animal in the hunt, her blue-green eyes transfixing him, shining like gems in the darkness of the abandoned campground. For the first time in his life, Jay was really scared by a woman. She could feel it, and she smirked.

“Look what you did to me!” Jay cried out, trying to convey a sense of threat in his words, but ending to sound more like a scared boy, in his trembling voice.

What in hell was this woman up to? What did she want from him?

He had met her at the Roughhouse, the biker’s watering hole of the town. She had appeared suddenly from nothing, turning the heads of local customers, distracting them from their beverages for the first time in the evening.

An angel out of Hell, the woman was tall, sporting a wonderful developed body under her tight, denim clothes. The skin as pale as the moonlight, her eyes the color of the sea, Jay could not believe himself when she came straight to his table, sitting in front of him with a smiling face.

She had beautiful flowing night-black hair, running down to her waist, which seemed to have a life of their own, when she sat down, running left and right at her shoulders. Black jeans, black duster with silver medallions, black cowboy boots and hat over long black hair. Except for the silver highlights of her accessories, and her skin, everything was black on that woman. The body moved with arrogant grace, swinging an ass you could bounce a quarter off, and yet something was oddly chilling about her. Maybe it was her smile, or her jewel-like eyes. She said she was looking for company, and she had chosen him.

They had some rounds of beer, Jay could not remember how many, then she was on him, never too close, never too far, teasing him in a way Jay Fraser, the leader of local Aryan Brotherhood Bikers, had never experienced with a mysterious gal like that.

Jay was 55 by now, originally sent down for grand theft auto, he had quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. Having taken an early beating on entering prison society, he had had his revenge by slipping ground glass into his would-be oppressor's food in the cafeteria. As the prisoner choked out, coughing up blood, all eyes had turned to Jay who calmly drank a toast to the dying con.

From that point on, no one wanted to mess with him. Jay was then quickly accepted into the Aryan Brotherhood gang in the prison, rising through its ranks through a process of political deals and violent takeover. When he had finished his stretch, he was considered one of the gang's rising stars. The reason the gang was in town was the senior members of the Aryan Brotherhood had spotted the chance to capture new market for drugs that opened with the construction of the prison.

The task of smuggling in narcotics and looking after the interests of the cons was given to Jay. He was ideally suited for this job. Unlike most of the Brotherhood's members, he relied on brain rather than raw brawn. However, that night, he had fell in the trap of this predatory woman like a 16 years boy would fall in the clutches of an expert hooker.

“Look at me, Jay...” She whispered, while extracting the wicked blade from under the jacket. Jay saw the gleaming of metal in the moonlight, and reacted in the only way, he knew; by entering combat mode. An adrenaline surge flowed in his body, subduing the pain, and giving him the strength to regain his feet.

Too late!

The She-devil was already on him, plunging the knife’ sharp point toward his neck.

Jay instinctively raised his left arm upward, trying to deflect the lethal strike, but the blade carved into the top of his shoulder in a downward stabbing motion, catching between the bones of Jay’ shoulder and arm and wrenching it out of alignment. Blood flowed profusely from the deep wound, bathing the swampy, putrid, overgrown ground. He reacted with blind fury, mixed with fear, swung a balled up fist which smashed into her lip, crushing it against her teeth and splitting it open, making the woman drool blood. Jay smiled amidst his own bloody face, while preparing himself for a second strike, enjoying the small victory he had achieved.

Nobody was going to off him, especially a broad!

Reversed, the blade stabbed up into his stomach and carved up towards his sternum before being pulled free, Jay’s entrails exposed to the air as blood coursed down into his lap. Fraser couldn’t believe it, the girl had acted fast, allowing herself to be hit, luring again him into a trap, as a way to gain a clear spot to slice into his abdomen. He staggered backward, gazing with shock at his dark blood, flowing copiously from the jagged, irregular, slash in his belly. Then, raised his eyes in time to see the smiling monster, which had been a gorgeous woman, lift her left leg, smashing it into the side of his jaw, grinding Jay’s teeth against each other and snapping his head violently to one side. The man staggered again, spitting out splintered fragments of a shattered tooth. A second blow, so fast Jay believed someone else had struck him out of nowhere, caught him in the knee, dislocating it with a crunch, and sending the man kissing the ground.

Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00748C43C

Lulu link: http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/JeffreyKosh

Smashwords link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/151935

Available in paperback, Kindle, Nook, iTunes, Kobo, Diesel, Sony, and Baker-Taylor formats.

About the Author

Jeffrey Kosh is the pen name of an American horror author now living in Thailand. He had various art experiences, before discovering his love for writing fiction. His various careers have led him to travel extensively worldwide, developing a passion for photography, wildlife, history, and popular folklore. All these things heavy influenced his writing style. Extroverted in public, he is very private in his work, preferring complete isolation to ‘tune’ his mind to the ‘Great Tales Radio’. He believes stories are already out there, waiting to be put on paper. Jeff currently lives in Ao Nang, with his wife and the mandatory three cats. Plus a lot of geckos.

He loves kayaking, horseback riding, hiking, and never relaxes ...

Blog | Facebook | Facebook | Goodreads

Soul Screamers Reading Challenge

2012-05-26T17:18:00.001+08:00

I'm a Participant of the Souls Screamer Reading Challenge!

Did you guys know that Rachel @ Fiktshun is doing a Soul Screamers Reading Challenge? It actually started January and will end June but I believe in the saying "better late than never" so I'm joining the challenge on the its last few days. I've been wanting to read the Soul Screamers Series by Rachel Vincent but it's just recently that I got a copy so I'm starting this now. Can't wait to share my thoughts on the series. I hear nothing but good things about it especially about this "Tod Hudson"? If you guys were around in the YA Crush Tourney, I think you know who I'm talking about? I have no clue whatsoever about the series and all I know is that there's a Grim Reaper involved, well this is kind of pre-empting my reading pleasure but then I shall give it a try. I'm starting with the Prequel: My Soul To Lose and then the first book My Soul To Take I hope to add more if I have time and if I like how the story goes.

If you guys are interested to join the challenge know more about it here

[Blog Tour] Pretty Amy by Lisa Burstein - Interview and G!veaway

2012-05-25T10:00:00.000+08:00

I'm part of the Pretty Amy Blog Tour and today I bring you an Interview with none other than Lisa Burstein today we talk about her journey to publication and more about her book Pretty Amy. So with out further I do, here's Lisa Burstein.

Author Interview with Lisa Burstein

Thank you Lisa for dropping by the blog, How are you doing today?

Good :)

To start of let’s talk about your journey to publication. How it all started? Was it a rough road? Tell us about it.

Rough, yeah and long. For this book it actually happened fairly quickly within 6-8 months I had an agent and contract, but I've been trying to get published for eight years. I had another agent and two other books that I wrote before I got one published.

When did you realize that you have the passion for writing?

Second grade. I tell this story on my website, but it's true. My first short story was a Thanksgiving tale from the point of view of the turkey from freezer to oven to plate. I wrote it in second grade and my teacher went nuts for it, because it was so different from what anyone else did. Her approval of my creativity was the start, for sure. But I went to college for writing and also to grad school, so I really, really wanted to make it my career. It still isn't my full-time career, but I'm so glad I have the opportunity to share my work with others.

Let’s talk about your debut novel, who/what inspired you in writing Pretty Amy?

I was arrested during my senior year of high school, not for the same reason Amy was, but that was where the kernel came from. I also knew I wanted to write a "shocking" book from a teenage girl's point of view. I feel like you can get away with your character being a murderer, or a jerk, or just a smart ass more easily if your book isn't contemporary and I wanted to try to break that mold with PRETTY AMY. I also wanted to write a contemporary YA book that was about what real teens go through. I feel like teenage girl's lives are complex and I hoped to show that in PRETTY AMY.

What message do you want to convey in writing this novel?

I write YA because I felt like I still had all these things to say from when I was a teenager that I never got a chance to say. I also feel like teens need books in a way adults don't. At least I know I did, I looked to books to help me make sense of what I was feeling. I guess I hope teens will use PRETTY AMY in the same way.I was a lot like Amy. Just like her I had such a desire to belong, to fit in, to have people who understood me. I wanted that so badly and I guess I never felt like adults understood that. It was most of the reason I wrote PRETTY AMY. If I'd had it when I was in high school I feel like I would have been able to understand my feelings better. I wouldn't have felt so alone. That feeling was something I never admitted to anyone, not even my friends and I want to let teens know it's okay to feel lonely even surrounded by friends and family.

What do you think is the edge of Pretty Amy among other novels?

I think it's edgy because it's true. One of the things I pride myself on in my writing is not holding back. I say things that make people uncomfortable, but I think that's what writing it about.

Any last message you want to tell our readers? Please invite them to read Pretty Amy!

Just that I hope they enjoy reading PRETTY AMY as much as I enjoyed writing it.

About the Book

Pretty Amy

by Lisa Burstein

Published: May 8, 2012

Publisher: Entangled Publishing

Genre: Contemporary YA

Synopsis

“A coming-of-age story without the comfort of padding…a relatable and compelling character [with] a lot of wonderful snark.” —New York Journal of Books
Amy is fine living in the shadows of beautiful Lila and uber-cool Cassie, because at least she’s somewhat beautiful and uber-cool by association. But when their dates stand them up for prom, and the girls take matters into their own hands—earning them a night in jail outfitted in satin, stilettos, and Spanx—Amy discovers even a prom spent in handcuffs might be better than the humiliating “rehabilitation techniques” now filling up her summer. Worse, with Lila and Cassie parentally banned, Amy feels like she has nothing—like she is nothing.

Navigating unlikely alliances with her new coworker, two very different boys, and possibly even her parents, Amy struggles to decide if it’s worth being a best friend when it makes you a public enemy. Bringing readers along on an often hilarious and heartwarming journey, Amy finds that maybe getting a life only happens once you think your life is over.

About the Author

Lisa Burstein is a tea seller by day and a writer by night. She received her MFA in Fiction from the Inland Northwest Center for Writers at Eastern Washington University and is glad to finally have it be worth more than the paper it was printed on. She lives in Portland, Oregon with her very patient husband, a neurotic dog and two cats. Pretty Amy is her first novel. She never went to her senior prom.

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Giveaway

Want a chance to read Pretty Amy by Lisa Burstein? Here's your chance to win an eBook of Pretty Amy! There's also a Giveaway running on Goodreads check it out here.
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[Review] Pretty Amy by Lisa Burstein

2012-05-25T02:00:00.001+08:00

Pretty Amy

by Lisa Burstein

Published: May 8, 2012

Publisher: Entangled Publishing

Genre: Contemporary YA

Synopsis

“A coming-of-age story without the comfort of padding…a relatable and compelling character [with] a lot of wonderful snark.” —New York Journal of Books
Amy is fine living in the shadows of beautiful Lila and uber-cool Cassie, because at least she’s somewhat beautiful and uber-cool by association. But when their dates stand them up for prom, and the girls take matters into their own hands—earning them a night in jail outfitted in satin, stilettos, and Spanx—Amy discovers even a prom spent in handcuffs might be better than the humiliating “rehabilitation techniques” now filling up her summer. Worse, with Lila and Cassie parentally banned, Amy feels like she has nothing—like she is nothing.

Navigating unlikely alliances with her new coworker, two very different boys, and possibly even her parents, Amy struggles to decide if it’s worth being a best friend when it makes you a public enemy. Bringing readers along on an often hilarious and heartwarming journey, Amy finds that maybe getting a life only happens once you think your life is over.

Review

Reading this book had me on a whirlwind of emotions, the fact that this book is very moving and touching makes me want to cry. I’m such a cry baby when it comes to tear jerker books this one almost made me cry. Pretty Amy is a very realistic novel about lives up and down, realizations that will entice readers even after reading it.

My first impression about this book is that “it’s very disturbing”. The main character is suffering major teen issues which I think is very common nowadays. Reading this book is an eye opener on how teens are like these days. Having major family and friend issues along with heavy profanity this book is quite a shock to me. It has a realistic take on how life is at present times and I think the author did an excellent job telling the story.

I can commend the Lisa for having such great characters. They are unique in their own way and very significant throughout the whole story. Amy the protagonist is a character that you’ll be able to relate to with her story. Her story is quite tragic but in spite the hardship she learned from her mistake and raise above it. What she went through was very difficult and that had me feel for her character. I learned a lot reading this novel. Especially being a strong person. This is a very inspiring novel for teens and teens alike.

If you are looking for a poignant and realistic novel you are definitely looking for the right book. I would recommend this to readers who are looking for a new breath of YA Contemporary. I did say that I find it disturbing and I think it’s very different from your normal read.

Favorite Quote:

“That’s the way you’re presenting yourself. Silent, sullen, misunderstood. Without words, you are the very rebellious teenage girl in the world.”

Ratings

I got this book in participation of the Blog Tour and has no way affected my review of the book.

About the Author

Lisa Burstein is a tea seller by day and a writer by night. She received her MFA in Fiction from the Inland Northwest Center for Writers at Eastern Washington University and is glad to finally have it be worth more than the paper it was printed on. She lives in Portland, Oregon with her very patient husband, a neurotic dog and two cats. Pretty Amy is her first novel. She never went to her senior prom.

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Make sure to check out my Interview with Lisa and get a chance to win an eBook of Pretty Amy!

[Book Blast] Masters of the Veil by Daniel Cohen + 100 GC G!veaway

2012-05-24T11:30:00.000+08:00

Masters of the Veil
by Daniel A. Cohen
Published: March 1, 2012
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Genre: Fantasy

Synopsis

Life can't get much better for Sam Lock. Popular, good-looking, and with a future as a professional football player. every guy at Stanton High School wishes he were Sam. That is, until his championship football game, when Sam accidentally links with an ancient source of energy known as the Veil and reveals his potential to become a powerful sorcerer. Sam is whisked off to Atlas Crown, a community of sorcerers who utilize the Veil as a part of everyday life. Once there, he trains beside a mute boy who speaks through music, an eternal sage who's the eyes and ears of the Veil, and a beautiful girl who's pretty sure Sam's an idiot. As it becomes clear Sam's meant for power magic-the most feared and misunderstood form of sorcery-people beyond Atlas Crown learn of his dangerous potential. An exiled group of power sorcerers are eager to recruit Sam, believing that he is destined to help them achieve their long-held goal. If they succeed, they could bring about the downfall of not only Atlas Crown. but all humankind.

Author's Top Ten Books That Inspired You Being A Writer

10. ENDER’S GAME, by Orson Scott Card

My first foray into science fiction. I think I was in middle school when my friend Seth recommended this book to me. It literally blew my mind. And after I read the companion book, ENDER’S SHADOW, my love for books was solidified. I even wrote a song about it.

9. ENDER’S SHADOW, by Orson Scott Card

Haha, I had to. It taught me that the same story can have many different sides. Important life lesson.

8. CITY OF THIEVES, by David Benioff

This is a story that stays with you long after you finish the book. And jus FYI, if any of you are fans of the new HBO series, “Game of Thrones,” Benioff is one of the head writers.

7. ON WRITING, by Steven King

If you are thinking about diving into the mind-twisting endeavor that is writing, please read this book. Even if you hate King’s writing, the guy’s half autobiography/ half how-to is one of the best pieces on the craft.

6. THE HITCHHIKER’S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY, by Douglas Adams

Taught me that books can be so very, very funny… also not to panic.

5. ANGELS AND DEMONS, by Dan Brown

I got swept up in Brown’s writing when I was younger. This particular adventure made me question the very fabric of society. It showed me that important secrets can be stowed in plain sight, and that treasured beliefs don’t have to be fact.
And it was friggin sweet.

4. RELIC, By Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child

Preston and Child’s books might not be the height of literary accomplishment, but boy can they be fun. I read all of their books when I was younger and I became super intrigued with the paranormal. Their work deeply inspired my first book, “The Ancillary’s Mark.”

3. THE ALCHEMIST, by Paulo Coelho

This book is like an earthquake. It’s a powerful guide to life disguised as a simple tale, and without any warning it can rock your world.

2. THE NAME OF THE WIND, by Patrick Rothfuss

So to be fair, I was already a writer when I read this book. But it inspires my current writing. Rothfuss is one of my greatest literary heros. He makes magic almost too real.

1. HARRY POTTER!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was the same age as Harry growing up. We adventured together. We grew together.

I LOVE these books. They made me want to do magic. But since I couldn’t, I created my own. They’re why I write fantasy.

Starred Reviews

I absolutely adored Masters of the Veil. It is a unique and creative read in today's sometimes overwhelming YA market. Daniel is taking JK Rowling's lead and putting a whole new twist on fantasy. I love that this book starts in Texas...being a Texas girl myself. When you combine Texas and Football...well, you can't go wrong. Then you throw in a heaping spoonful of magic and POW...you have the makings for an extraordinary novel. Congrats Daniel...you brought your A game. Ok...enough fan-girling. Let me tell you a little about this book. - Kristin (Better Read Than Dead)

As I reflect on the fun read I just completed a few minutes ago, two elements of this inaugural volume of the Veil series stand out: How excited many of my friends will be to find a fun read that they will feel good about handing to their kids, and how truly original the world-building is. - Reading Lark

This is a great start to the Veil Trilogy! A funny, imaginative, and delightful read! I'm delighted that we were able to get this manuscript for Spencer Hill Press. The main character, Sam, is like an American Harry Potter. Check it out--you won't be disappointed! - Kate Kaynak

Book Trailer

About the Author

Daniel A. Cohen was just your average business student. Microeconomics, finance, marketing… you name it, he had to do a PowerPoint presentation on it. One dark and stormy night, he was bitten by the radioactive realization that memorizing business jargon could possibly be the most boring activity known to man.

After gaining eagle-eye vision, abs that could grate cheese, and a talent for imagining things (including his cheese-grating abs), he wrote his first novel and began his epic battle against the formidable business jargon. He continues to fight the good fight by playing saxophone and writing YA fantasy, forever hoping his Veil trilogy will help inspire others to join his cause.

Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Giveaway

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[Book Spotlight] Wings of Hope by Hillary E. Peak

2012-05-24T07:00:00.000+08:00

Book Spotlight

Wings of Hope
by Hillary E. Peak
Published: CreateSpace
Publisher: December 9, 2011
Genre: Literary Fiction

Synopsis

The bond of a father and daughter is special. When Jules father asks her to come be stay with him because he's terminally ill, she goes for the remarkable opportunity to really know her father. She never dreamed he had liberated a concentration camp, dealt cards to Bugsy Siegel or saved the life of a Black Panther. Wings of Hope takes you on a road trip through the memories of a man making peace with his life through his conversations with his daughter. Teaching her that death is sometimes the most heartbreakingly beautiful part of life. Hope is the last gift of a father to his daughter--the power to reach for her dreams.

One Question Interview

"What do you think the readers would like about Wings of Hope?"

Because all of us deal with loss at some point in our lives, everyone can relate to Wings of Hope. Additionally, almost all of us would like time to say goodbye to our loved ones and have time to ask the questions we have before they are gone, this book is a tribute to those desires in all of us.

Starred Reviews

This novel will connect with anyone who has lost someone they loved and realized later that there were things left unsaid or questions unanswered. Jules has the opportunity that most people don't have, and that is to sit down with a dying relative and spend quality time and to have those conversations that we don't usually get around to having in our day-to-day lives. It was a wonderful novel that I read in on sitting. I could not put it down. If you are an emotional reader, you will want to have a box of tissues handy. But hang in there, because the understanding that Jules acquires is worth the emotion. - TAMMY

This story really resonated with me. I connected with Jules from page one and laughed and cried along with her during the story. I am coming to the age where the roles between parent and child are beginning to reverse. I have already seen a little bit of it with helping my parents with their computers and cell phones, but I know the day is coming when it will be me taking care of them rather than them taking care of me. It is hard for me to imagine my fiercely independent parents as needing to be taken care of, but they are getting older and that day will come sooner than I want. - Mindy

Wings of Hope is beautifully written story that will pull at your heart strings. A terminally ill father writes to his daughter and requests that she come home and stay with him through his final days. The father and daughter go on a journey of self-discovery that binds them together through the power of love, hope, life lessons, dreams followed, choices made, and that even death could be a heartbreakingly beautiful life experience. - Kathleen Higgins-Anderson

About the Author

Who am I?
Author (but government lawyer by day)
I’m a recovering idealist. I became a lawyer to change the world and am still somewhat shocked that didn’t occur. Now, my goal is to retire from practicing law and write novels that people love.
I started with topics I knew–shared experiences of hating my job, searching for something more meaningful and losing a loved one.
I’m moving on to writing legal thrillers. My first one will be out before the end of 2012!

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Waiting on Wednesday #25

2012-05-23T19:21:00.003+08:00

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

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

I have three beauties for your this week and I cannot explain how I'm totally eager to read these books. First up is Cold Fury, the synopsis says it all. I love action packed novels and I think this one is totally jammed with it! This book doesn't come out till last week of July make sure to check it out! Next up is The Best Night of Your (Pathetic) Life, I think this one is really good alliance, scavenger hunt? One week before graduation? Sounds FUN to me! This comes July 5th and is just around the corner so you don't have to wait any longer! Make sure to check this one out. Last book for this week is Monstrous Beauty, I rarely read mermaid books and I think I cannot let this one pass. Looking forward on reading this one when it comes out. This one doesn't come out till September so lets wait together XD

Cold Fury
by T.M Goeglein

Expected publication: July 24th 2012 by Putnam Juvenile

Jason Bourne meets The Sopranos in this breathtaking adventure

Sara Jane Rispoli is a normal sixteen-year-old coping with school and a budding romance--until her parents and brother are kidnapped and she discovers her family is deeply embedded in the Chicago Outfit (aka the mob).

Now on the run from a masked assassin, rogue cops and her turncoat uncle, Sara Jane is chased and attacked at every turn, fighting back with cold fury as she searches for her family. It's a quest that takes her through concealed doors and forgotten speakeasies--a city hiding in plain sight. Though armed with a .45 and 96K in cash, an old tattered notebook might be her best defense--hidden in its pages the secret to "ultimate power." It's why she's being pursued, why her family was taken, and could be the key to saving all of their lives.

Action packed, with fresh, cinematic writing, Cold Fury is a riveting and imaginative adventure readers will devour.

The Best Night of Your (Pathetic) Life
by Tara Altebrando

Expected publication: July 5th 2012 by Dutton Juvenile

An all-day scavenger hunt in the name of eternal small-town glory

With only a week until graduation, there's one last thing Mary and her friends must do together: participate in the Oyster Point High Official Unofficial Senior Week Scavenger Hunt. And Mary is determined to win.

Mary lost her spot at Georgetown to self-professed "it" bully Jake Barbone, and she's not about to lose again. But everyone is racing for the finish line with complicated motives, and the team's all-night adventure becomes all-night drama as shifting alliances, flared tempers, and crushing crushes take over. As the items and points pile up, Mary and her team must reinvent their strategy--and themselves--in order to win.

Monstrous Beauty
by Elizabeth Fama

Expected publication: September 4th 2012 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)

Fierce, seductive mermaid Syrenka falls in love with Ezra, a young naturalist. When she abandons her life underwater for a chance at happiness on land, she is unaware that this decision comes with horrific and deadly consequences. Almost one hundred forty years later, seventeen-year-old Hester meets a mysterious stranger named Ezra and feels overwhelmingly, inexplicably drawn to him. For generations, love has resulted in death for the women in her family. Is it an undiagnosed genetic defect . . . or a curse?

With Ezra’s help, Hester investigates her family’s strange, sad history. The answers she seeks are waiting in the graveyard, the crypt, and at the bottom of the ocean—but powerful forces will do anything to keep her from uncovering her connection to Syrenka and to the tragedy of so long ago.

WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

LEAVE US A LINK SO WE COULD CHECK IT OUT!

[Guest Post] Let's Set the World on Fire by Pandora Poikilos

2012-05-22T15:00:00.000+08:00

Let's Set the World on Fire

What and who are the true measures of Indie publishing success?

By Pandora Poikilos

Deep within each of us, there is a burning desire to leave an immortal mark of ourselves for future generations. Writers are no different. Most of us look forward to the day when our books will outlive us and 1000 or 1 million, if someone in 2055 is reading our books, then our work is done.

So, writing isn't all about the money. But let's be honest, we all want to be paid writers. We don't want to slog at one job when our heart and soul is set on writing. But can it be as successful as some people say it is? Newsflash - you're the only person who can answer that question.

First, how badly do you want it?

As a teenager, I knew I wanted to write, all my life. I got a scholarship for my degree, worked part time all through university and then applied for the journalism internship of a lifetime. But I got sidetracked. Life stepped in. I was diagnosed with IIH (Intracrannial Hypertension). Medical bills piled up, writing took a backseat. Then in 2010, I had my VP shunt surgery. I felt alone, and caved in so I picked up a pen. The words came and so did the books.

Bottomline - don't wait for things to go your way so you can write. Write now, and keep writing. One hour a day, 30 minutes a day. Something is better than nothing. If you want something badly enough, you will find a way. Yes, I've sold close 120,000 books but I've also worked as a cashier, a typist, a proofreader and sold handmade jewellery at a flea market among other things to get to where I am. Frequent Traveller was finished with me dictating and Peas writing for me. He was my eyes when I couldn’t see. If I can do it, so can you. Success is the destination you reach when you know where you're going. But it's your journey so guess who has the answer about your success?

Build bridges, don't burn them

A few weeks ago, fellow author Paul Rega was doing a promo for his book, he asked if I could help him send out some tweets. I did. Last week when Peas and I launched our recipe book, he returned the favour. He is one of the many authors I know who has helped me on my journey.

Bottomline - Don't harass people into buying or reading your book. Don't expect your book to sell because you purchased one advertising campaign. A fruit tree doesn't grow and yield fruit overnight. Plan, work, tweak, adjust, talk to other writers, connect, build relationships ... books are forever. Learn what works for you. It'll take time and patience but again how badly do you want this to work?

Stay away from negativity

As readers or writers, it is extremely easy to be negative about someone else's work. "This is how it should be" and "that is how it shouldn't be" Yes, for spelling, grammar and punctuation, there are only so many acceptable variations but ideas ... these are the very essence that signifies who a person is. In all my more than 30 years, I have slept through every Star Wars movie I have ever seen. I cannot name ten differences between Star Trek and Star Wars because it almost feels the same to me. How I can hear the gasps of shock. But yes, neither appealed to me. I had an elder brother who tried to educate me, and many friends and at least one ex-boyfriend who failed miserably. It just never sank in. Imagine me telling George Lucas or George Roddenberry that their shows were the worst thing ever.

Bottomline - Just because you don't like an idea, that doesn't make it the worst book written. If you can't say something nice, then don't say anything at all. Strangely enough, negativity has a way of coming back to you one way or another. If you must point out flaws then be constructive, not negative. On the other end, when you have received a negative review, don't get your knickers in a twist. Some people think it is essential to throw pebbles in your shoes. Ask yourself three questions - Did you give it your all? Did you give it your best? How could you have done it differently? Not all of us write to be loved, sometimes a story needs to be and told it shall be.

But my publisher said ...

As the process of self-publishing becomes more accessible, numerous people are seen to take advantage of this situation and not in a good way. Take for example Publisher X. A few weeks ago this publisher swapped Author A's book on Amazon. Publisher X used the same cover and author’s name but changed the synopsis to erotic content. Overnight, reviewers found themselves linked to a book they had never reviewed and wouldn’t want to review. The author was bad-mouthed and all promotional work for her book seemed to be flushed down the toilet. Drama nobody needed. This was the same publisher that publicly shamed one of his authors over the Thanksgiving holiday to the point she filed a restraining order against him. There are also numerous 'independent' publishers who use this status to sidetrack royalty issues and treat an author's book like it's the least important thing in the world. Their excuses are endless - not enough funds, not enough manpower, they know the industry better. But again, it’s your book and it’s your story. How do you want it to be remembered?

Bottomline - Yes, it isn't easy to do book cover design, editing, formatting and marketing on your own. Most times, it is impossible. But publishers aren't the only people who can help you. There are numerous freelancers who are good at what they do. Do a bit of research. Join some writing groups. Ask around. Yes, it'll take time and yes, it'll cost you money. But put some cash aside, do it step by step. A little hardship in the beginning saves you from a lot of unnecessary drama later on.

Be creative

When I was a freelance reporter, my interview request for one particular personality was repeatedly rejected. I was distraught. A quote from him was crucial to add credibility to the article. My editor wasn’t at all sympathetic and only told me that there's more than one way to skin a cat. So I kept trying, and he finally agreed to meet me at the airport before a flight to South Africa. I had 30 minutes to ask him at least 10 questions.

Bottomline - things aren't going to fall from the sky and into your lap. Sales will slow down. Things can and will go wrong. Be creative. There's always one more road to take. Writing is a journey, no one said it'll be an easy, straight road. Sales are low? Organize a book tour, put together a twitter campaign, work on book store appearances, look at sites like eReader News and Kindle Nation. Possibilities are endless and there are people who can help you. So, again how badly do you want this to work?

I wish you success and perseverance. You and I separately are just one different book but together and in the words of the band Fun, "Let's set the world on fire, we can burn brighter than the sun.

About the Author

Pandora Poikilos has been writing for more than 10 years for various media which include newspapers, radio, television and various websites.

A social media enthusiast who is passionate about blogging and finding her way around the virtual world, she wills away time in the real world by reading, writing and people watching.

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Books by Pandora

Game of Thrones, iPad and a Cookbook G!veaway

2012-05-21T21:00:00.000+08:00

If you haven't heard yet The Book Depository is having this awesome competition where you can win a Shiny New iPad, All 5 Books of The Game of Thrones Series by George R.R. Martin plus a DVD Boxset and Red Hot Chili Cookbook!

You can enter The Game of Thrones and Red Hot Chili Cookbook till May 28th Monday and till June 11th for the iPad!

May the odds be in your favor and win these giveaways!

There is also a few Giveaway happening on the blog at the moment. You can Win The Summer of No Regret and While He Was Away, The Lesser Evil, Dark Waters and Mrs. Tuesdays Departure! I hope you can drop by and enter the giveaways.

If you want some Kindle Deals get some of them here

Happy Reading!

[Book Spotlight] Mrs. Tuesdays's Departure by Suzanne E. Anderson

2012-05-21T08:30:00.000+08:00

Book Spotlight

Mrs. Tuesday's Departure
by Suzanne E. Anderson
Published: February 7, 2012
Publisher: Henry and George Press
Genre: Religious / Historical Fiction

Synopsis:

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for…

Hungary's fragile alliance with Germany kept Natalie, a renowned children’s book author, and her family out of harm's way for most of the war. Now as the Führer's desperation grows during the waning years of the conflict, so does its threat. Natalie's younger sister, Ilona, married a Jewish man, putting both her and her young daughter, Mila, in peril; Natalie's twin sister, Anna, is losing her already tenuous hold on reality. As the streets of Budapest thrum with the pounding boots of Nazi soldiers, danger creeps to the doorstep where Natalie shields them all.

Ilona and her husband take the last two tickets to safety for themselves, abandoning Natalie to protect Anna and Mila from the encroaching danger. Anna's paranoid explosion at a university where was once a professor, sparked by delusions over an imagined love triangle, threatens their only other chance for escape. Ultimately, Natalie is presented with a choice no one should ever have to make; which of her family will she save?

An inspirational story of faith and family, strength and weakness, and the ultimate triumph of love over hate. Mrs. Tuesday’s Departure demonstrates the power of faith to light even the most harrowing darkness.

... faith is the evidence of things not seen.

Genre - Religious / Historical Fiction

Rating - PG

More details about the author

Connect with Suzanne Anderson on

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Check out where this author will be talking about her latest release!

Giveaway

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[Blog Tour] Swipe by Evan Angler

2012-05-20T15:48:00.000+08:00

Today is my Tour Stop for the Swipe Blog Tour hosted by YA Bound, I bring you today Evan Angler's Top Ten Book Picks!

Author's Top Ten (Evan Angler’s top ten book picks)

It’s too hard just to list my top ten--there are so many pre-Unity books that captured my imagination as a kid and stuck with me over the years. I loved the emotional punch of Katherine Paterson’s Bridge to Terabithia, the creativity of Roald Dahl’s Matilda, the wordplay of Douglas Adams’s The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, the genre-defining sci-fi of Ray Bradbury’s The Martian Chronicles, the epic fantasy of C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia (particularly The Magician’s Nephew), and the rich themes of classics like William Golding’s Lord of the Flies, Lois Lowry’s The Giver, George Orwell’s 1984, and John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men. Other particular young adult/middle grade favorites are Louis Sachar's Holes, Patricia C. Wrede's Dealing with Dragons, and Nancy Farmer's The Ear the Eye and the Arm. I wouldn’t feel right putting any of these books into a ranking--they are each so different from one another!--and I realize I haven’t quite narrowed them down to ten...but to this day I really feel you can’t go wrong with any of them.

About the Book

Swipe

by Evan Angler

Published: May 1, 2012

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Genre: Middle Grade / Science Fiction

Synopsis

Everyone gets the Mark. It gives all the benefits of citizenship. Yet if getting the Mark is such a good thing, then why does it feel so wrong?

Set in a future North America that is struggling to recover after famine and global war, Swipe follows the lives of three kids caught in the middle of a conflict they didn’t even know existed. United under a charismatic leader, every citizen of the American Union is required to get the Mark on their 13th birthday in order to gain the benefits of citizenship.

The Mark is a tattoo that must be swiped by special scanners for everything from employment to transportation to shopping. It’s almost Logan Langly’s 13th birthday and he knows he should be excited about getting the Mark, but he hasn’t been able to shake the feeling he’s being watched. Not since his sister went to get her Mark five years ago . . . and never came back.

When Logan and his friends discover the truth behind the Mark, will they ever be able to go back to being normal teenagers? Find out in the first book of this exciting series that is Left Behind meets Matched for middle-grade readers.

About the Author

Evan Angler is safe, for now. He lives without the Mark, evading DOME and writing in the shadows of Beacon.

As a kid he was quiet and well-behaved, having grown up in a town not unlike Spokie, where he enjoyed music, drawing, hover-dodge, astrophysics, hiking, virtual reality . . .

None of that matters now.

Evan Angler is the author of SWIPE. But if anyone asks, you know nothing about it, and you didn't hear anything from him. Don't make eye contact if you see him. Don't call his name out loud. He's in enough trouble already.

And so are you, if you've read his books.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Thomas Nelson Fiction

[Book Spotlight] Dark Waters by Shannon Mayer + G!veaway

2012-05-20T05:00:00.000+08:00

Book Spotlight

Dark Waters
by Shannon Mayer
Published: December 28, 2011
Publisher: Self Published
Genre: Urban Fantasy / Paranormal Romance

Synopsis:

The bonds of family are stretched to the breaking point as legendary monsters, a deadly prophecy, and soul swallowing fears threaten to destroy them. Magic, secrets, sensuality and mind numbing terror all rolled into one to keep the pages flying.

Two sisters, one of them kidnapped + Two gorgeous men.

+ A legendary prophecy =

Monsters, magic, deception and sensuality.

Be prepared to dive into Dark Waters!

What the readers have said

"Right from the beginning this story explodes."
Author of the Vicarage Bench Series, Mimi Barbour

" . . don't expect to be lulled to sleep, this story doesn't stop moving. As fast as it is happening for our protagonist, Quinn, is as fast as Mayer takes us along for the ride."
Kriss Morton, Reader

"The premise is an interesting mix of original and classic . . . the familial bonds and an emerging love triangle are really what drive the story and give it more dimension. Highly recommend!"
Author of The Slave Girl Chronicles, JC Andrijeski

"Whoop, Whoop I loved it! Strong characters, Strong plot, great action. I think I may have found Ms. Mayer's M.O. . . this book is a real page turner."
Amber Spedding (Reader)

Buy Now @ Amazon

Genre - Urban Fantasy

Rating - PG

More details about the author

Connect with Shannon Mayer on Twitter & Facebook

Blog http://shannonmayer.blogspot.com/

Check out where this author will be talking about her latest release!

Giveaway

Want a chance to read Dark Waters? Enter for a chance to win Dark Waters eBook!

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Waiting on Wednesday #24

2012-05-17T00:06:00.000+08:00

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

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

Nerve
by Jeanne Ryan

Expected publication: September 13th 2012 by Dial Books

A high-stakes online game of dares turns deadly

When Vee is picked to be a player in NERVE, an anonymous game of dares broadcast live online, she discovers that the game knows her. They tempt her with prizes taken from her ThisIsMe page and team her up with the perfect boy, sizzling-hot Ian. At first it's exhilarating--Vee and Ian's fans cheer them on to riskier dares with higher stakes. But the game takes a twisted turn when they're directed to a secret location with five other players for the Grand Prize round. Suddenly they're playing all or nothing, with their lives on the line. Just how far will Vee go before she loses NERVE?

Debut author Jeanne Ryan delivers an un-putdownable suspense thriller.

Gravity
by Melissa West

Expected publication: October 16th 2012 by Entangled Publishing, LLC

In the future, only one rule will matter: Don’t. Ever. Peek.

Seventeen-year-old Ari Alexander just broke that rule and saw the last person she expected hovering above her bed--arrogant Jackson Locke, the most popular boy in her school. She expects instant execution or some kind of freak alien punishment, but instead, Jackson issues a challenge: help him, or everyone on Earth will die.

Ari knows she should report him, but everything about Jackson makes her question what she’s been taught about his kind. And against her instincts, she’s falling for him. But Ari isn’t just any girl, and Jackson wants more than her attention. She’s a military legacy who’s been trained by her father and exposed to war strategies and societal information no one can know--especially an alien spy, like Jackson. Giving Jackson the information he needs will betray her father and her country, but keeping silent will start a war.

Luminosity
by Stephanie Thomas

Expected publication: November 13th 2012 by Entangled Teen

My name is Beatrice. When I was born, I was blessed with the Sight. I was immediately removed from my parents and enrolled in the Institution. At the age of twelve, I had my first true vision, earning my raven’s wings. And when I turned seventeen, one of my visions came true. Things haven’t been the same since.

The Institution depends on me to keep the City safe from our enemy, the Dreamcatchers, but I’m finding it harder to do while keeping a secret from everyone, including my best friend Gabe. It is a secret that could put us all in danger. A secret that could kill me and everyone close to me.

The enemy has been coming to me in my dreams, and I think I'm falling in love with him. He says they're coming. He says they're angry. And I think I've already helped them win.

WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

LEAVE US A LINK SO WE COULD CHECK IT OUT!

The Near Witch Paperback Release + The Ash-Born Boy by Victoria Schwab

2012-05-15T19:48:00.000+08:00

Let's all greet Victoria Schwab a
Happy Release Day to The Near Witch Paperback!

It's out in Paperback today! If you haven't got a chance to grab a copy, maybe it's time to get it now!

But wait there's more, you can read "The Ash-Born Boy" over at Disney*Hyperion's website!

So, what IS "The Ash-Born Boy"?

It's a free story Victoria wrote as a thank-you to her fans, and she wrote it to answer ONE question: "Who was Cole before he came to Near?"

Now, if you've already read THE NEAR WITCH, "The Ash-Born Boy" is guaranteed to change the way you see Cole.

And if you haven't read THE NEAR WITCH yet, don't worry, "The Ash-Born Boy" won't spoil anything!

So basically, either way, you should go read Cole's story ;)

And if you want to wait and read THE NEAR WITCH first, don't worry! Cole's story will stay up on Disney*Hyperion's website, and if it ever comes down, Victoria will carve out a space for it on her own site. It will always be available somewhere, and it will always be free.

And!

Cole's story isn't the only goodie to go along with the paperback release. In the back of the paperback itself, you'll find the first chapter of Victoria's new book, THE ARCHIVED, which doesn't come out until January!

So what are you waiting for?

Help Victoria celebrate today by taking a look at "The Ash-Born Boy," and don't forget to buy/order/pick up your own paperback copy of THE NEAR WITCH!

If you haven't heard of The Near Witch before here's the synopsis

The Near Witch
by Victoria Schwab
Published: August 2, 2011
Publisher: Hyperion Books CH
Genre: Young Adult / Fantasy

Synopsis

The Near Witch is only an old story told to frighten children.

If the wind calls at night, you must not listen.
The wind is lonely, and always looking for company.
And there are no strangers in the town of Near.

These are the truths that Lexi has heard all her life.

But when an actual stranger—a boy who seems to fade like smoke—appears outside her home on the moor at night, she knows that at least one of these sayings is no longer true.

The next night, the children of Near start disappearing from their beds, and the mysterious boy falls under suspicion. Still, he insists on helping Lexi search for them. Something tells her she can trust him.

As the hunt for the children intensifies, so does Lexi's need to know—about the witch that just might be more than a bedtime story, about the wind that seems to speak through the walls at night, and about the history of this nameless boy.

Praise for The Near Witch

I found this to be a very entertaining book. I thought the author did an amazing job of creating a sense of atmosphere. You are very quickly pulled into this book, and you feel a sense of urgency for the characters. I loved that the story was as simple as it appeared. This book does a great job of showing what people can do when they feel threatened and scared.- L_Manning

While I was reading this book, I could not believe that this was Victoria Schwab's debut novel. The writing was so professional. It was very original and fresh as well, yet it rang of familierness. I forgot that I was reading a book, for I felt swept into the events in the town of Near as though I was witnessing them myself. The suspense in this book was perfection, never seeming to dry up, but never overwhelming the story either. - Harpreet Singh

Schwab’s writing is lyrical and was my favourite aspect of the book. With her words, the town of Near and the surrounding moor come alive and you can picture the hills bathed in moonlight, the grass gently blowing, and the wind whispering its enchanting song. - A Canadian Girl

The Near Witch Opening: Read by Victoria Schwab

About the Author

Victoria is the product of a British mother, a Beverly Hills father, and a southern upbringing. Because of this, she has been known to say "tom-ah-toes," "like," and "y'all."

She also tells stories.

She loves fairy tales, and folklore, and stories that make her wonder if the world is really as it seems.

Website | Blog | Twitter | Tumblr | Goodreads

PS. I used the Paperback cover of The Near Witch, there's a slight difference between the Hardcover and the Paperback. If you have keen eyes can you find the difference?

[Book Spotlight] Shadow on the Wall by Pavarti K. Tyler

2012-05-14T09:52:00.000+08:00

Today I bring you a Book Spotlight and an very short interview with Pavarti, author of Shadow on the Wall. I've been hearing nothing but good things about this book especially the Thought Provoking part. I'm really intrigued if I'll have the same opinion about it. Lets get to know more about the book and what people are saying about. Lets also know what inspired the author on writing the book!

Shadow on the Wall
by Pavarti K. Tyler
Published: May 1, 2012
Publisher: Fighting Monkey Press
Genre: Fantasy

Synopsis

Recai Osman: Muslim, philosopher, billionaire and Superhero?

Controversial and daring, Shadow on the Wall details the transformation of Recai Osman from complicated man to Superhero. Forced to witness the cruelty of the Morality Police in his home city of Elih, Turkey, Recai is called upon by the power of the desert to be the vehicle of change. Does he have the strength to answer Allah's call or will his dark past and self doubt stand in his way?

Pulling on his faith in Allah, the friendship of a Jewish father-figure and a deeply held belief that his people deserve better, Recai Osman must become The SandStorm.

In the tradition of books by Margaret Atwood and Salman Rushdie, Shadow on the Wall tackles issues of religion, gender, corruption and the basic human condition. Beautiful and challenging, this is not a book to miss.

Starred Reviews

I haven't read a book this good in a very long time. Touted as Book 1 of a new series, I sincerely hope there are many more to come. I believe the author has a real passion for the premise of the series. - Jana Davis

Tyler gives us a triumph in feminist literature, while supplying a believable ‘superhero’. Recai possesses no overt unearthly powers, but instead relies on his faith in knowing of what is right and wrong. - Jaime (Twisting the Lens)

This is a thought-provoking book. Recai is the main character and an unusual one at that. He stands to be very wealthy as the heir to a huge company. He hasn't fully taken his destiny into his hands yet, but his time is coming. The reader will get the feel that something important will happen very soon. - Krystal

Book Trailer

Author Interview

1. What inspired you in writing Shadow on the Wall?

Initially, it was a challenge given out by a friend of mine for someone to write a Middle Eastern Superhero story. It was a meme for his blog and after writing non-stop for 3 days I realized there was more here then just a goof. I certainly hope those who read Shadow on the Wall will enjoy the story, but I wrote this story not only to entertain but to inspire examination of the world around us. Our civilization is at a breaking point. People are taking sides and oppression is closing in on all of us. From religion to politics to the general cultural climate it seems everyone is on high alert. In my experience though, people – average, everyday people – are not so different from each other. Perhaps writing such a dark story is my call to action; this is the nightmare waiting for us at the end of the tunnel. What will it take for each of us to stand up for what we believe in? Recai has a calling, a mission. He is given his path. We are not. When faced with a choice between oppression and freedom, between standing up for someone else or sitting back and watching the sky fall, what will you do? Will you choose to live like Maryam, seeing the good in people and finding a way to make the world better? I hope so.

2. When did you realize that you have a talent in writing?

September 2nd 1986... Or I have no idea, it's definitely one of those two though.

3. If you could describe your book in three words what would that be?

Controversial, Thought-Provoking, Humanist

4. If you could make one influential person to read your book, who would that be and why?

I've already had this dream come true :) Dr Naif Al-Mutawa of the99.org agreed to read it after I befriended him on Facebook. He not only read it but publicly recommended it on his page saying: "I received a copy of Pavarti K Tyler‘s new book entitled “Shadow on the Wall” to review. What I will say to you is this. Buy it. Read it. It was wonderful. Not only was it a page turner that I read in one sitting (something I have not done in a few years), the story lines were well constructed and the dots all amazingly connected. Well done!"

I couldn't be more thrilled and I hope you all go check out his work, the first comic in his series is free to read online.

About the Author

Pavarti K Tyler is an artist, wife, mother and number cruncher. She graduated Smith College in 1999 with a degree in Theatre. After graduation, she moved to New York, where she worked as a Dramaturge, Assistant Director and Production Manager on productions both on and off Broadway.

Later, Pavarti went to work in the finance industry as a freelance accountant for several international law firms. She now operates her own accounting firm in the Washington DC area, where she lives with her husband, two daughters and two terrible dogs. When not preparing taxes, she is busy penning her next novel.

Author of many short stories, Pavarti spans genres from Horror and Erotica all the way to Fantasy. Currently Pavarti is hard at work preparing for the release of her upcoming novel Shadow on the Wall, a Muslim Superhero Literary Fiction.

What do you think of Shadow on the Wall?

It's now available on Amazon so make sure you grab a copy!

There's also an International Giveaway of Shadow on the Wall happening right now on Goodreads!

Enter here for a chance.

Streamline Blog Tour - Creating Chemistry by Jennifer Lane

2012-05-11T06:00:00.000+08:00

I was part of the Streamline Cover Reveal a few months ago and now I'm part of the Streamline Blog Tour hosted by AToMR Book Blog Tours, today I was supposed to post a review of Streamline but the review copy was sent really late so I was not able to post a review. Alas! I have a Guest Post for you by Jennifer Lane about Creating Chemistry and a Giveaway so you could read it yourself!

Creating Chemistry by Jennifer Lane

To me, chemistry is mostly about physical attraction but there’s also an element of emotional attraction. Since I’m a big psychology nerd, I think about psychological research when it comes to chemistry.

One well-known aspect of attraction is pheromones, so I make sure to play up my romantic characters digging each others’ scents. Leo smells like soap and chlorine, and Audrey smells like coconut and chlorine. Who knew chlorine could be such an aphrodisiac? ☺

There’s also a psychological theory of attraction called the Imago theory. According to this theory, we seek romantic partners representing parents/caregivers with whom we have unfinished business. These partners might be the exact same or exact opposite of our parents. (Why do you think the words “partners” and “parents” are so similar? LOL) we’re trying to heal and grow by resolving the conflict we had with our parents through our relationship with our partners.

I hope I’ve written good chemistry between Leo and Audrey. Audrey is the opposite of Leo’s father in that she never criticizes him. Instead, sees the good in him and praises him all the time. Through his relationship with Audrey, Leo begins to heal his abysmal self-esteem. Audrey’s kindness is similar to his mother’s, but Leo’s mother has been largely absent since her accident so it feels good to Leo that Audrey needs him.

Audrey feels attracted to Leo because he’s similar to her father—he’s an honorable man. He’s also prone to addictions.

Chemistry is also about nicknames and inside jokes. I used the nicknames McSailor and Bonnie in my adult romantic suspense The Conduct Series. In Streamline, the male swimmers tease each other by feminizing their names: Leo becomes Leopatra, Eric becomes Erica, and Alex becomes Alexis.

Very interesting question that was fun to explore. What does chemistry mean to you?

About the Book

Streamline
by Jennifer Lane
Published: March 27, 2012
Publisher: Omnific Publishing
Genre: Young Adult

Synopsis:

Seems like Leo Scott has it all: looks, brains, and athletic talent. He’s captain of his high school swim team with a bright future in college and beyond. But Leo has secrets. His mother’s crippling car accident has devastated his family and left Leo to deal with his father’s abuse, battered and alone.

Leo’s girlfriend Audrey Rose is poised for her own share of success. As one of Florida’s top high school swimmers, Audrey dreams of college swimming stardom. But there’s an obstacle to her glorious rise to the top. Her number-one supporter--her father--is in prison for murder.

Part murder mystery, part tale of young love in a military family, this gripping story takes readers on a journey from Pensacola to Annapolis. Leo and Audrey must band together to rise above the adversity they encounter and find their true selves in the process. When everything’s on the line . . . streamline.

Starred Reviews

This book is PACKED! So much happens! This is not your average teen-angst story. There is NEVER a dull moment. While the numerous topics covered in this book, from abuse to addition to murder and more, are incredibly heavy and intense, the author has done a beautiful job exploring the effects of each with grace and detail. - Britney

This review is so hard for me to write. To be honest, and this is a little embarrassing, I'm tearing up just thinking about it STREAMLINE. It has been enlightening and thought-provoking, to say the very least. So I'm not going to recap the synopsis. I'm not going to dissect the characters. I just want to touch on the impact of STREAMLINE. - Andrea Thompson

Another great book by Jennifer Lane. It kept me guessing the whole time. I thought for sure I knew who the real murderer was, but it turned out I was completely wrong. When it was finally revealed I couldn't believe it, but it all makes sense. - Victoria Lyons

Book Trailer

About the Author

People fascinate the psychologist/author (psycho author) known as Jennifer Lane. Her therapy clients talk to her all day long about their dreams and secrets, and her characters tell her their stories at night. Jen delights in peeling away the layers to scrutinize their psyches and emotions. But please rest assured, dear reader, she isn’t psychoanalyzing you right now. She’s already got too many voices in her head!

Stories of redemption interest Jen the most, especially the healing power of love and empathy. She is the author of The Conduct Series—-romantic suspense for adult readers—-and is currently at work on the third and final installment: On Best Behavior. Streamline is her first foray into writing for young adults, but she’s found this sort of writing even more fun. A former college swimmer, Jen was able to put a lot of her own experiences into this book.

Whether writing or reading, Jen loves stories that make her laugh and cry. In her spare time she enjoys exercising, attending book club, and hanging out with her sisters and their families in Chicago and Hilton Head.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Goodreads

Other Books by Jennifer

Giveaway

Want a chance to read Streamline? Enter the giveaway for a chance to win Streamline eBook

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*Jennifer is hosting another giveaway on her blog! Make sure you enter for a chance to win $20 Gift Card of Choice here

Happy Mother's Day - Kindle Fire Giveaway

2012-05-10T14:37:00.001+08:00

Orangeberry Book Tours
Happy Mother's Day Kindle Fire Giveaway
May 10th to 17th

A swirl of recipes from around the world,
a love story that spans for decades,
a family at the crossroads of life
and so much more ...

This Mother's day,
the authors from Orangberry Book Tours
are sponsoring a host of freebies
and a Kindle Fire giveaway.

To the special women in our lives,
to the bloggers who help us on our journey
and to the readers who make it possible to
share our stories ... we thank you.

Sponsored by :
Bruno McGrath - Elevenses from Around the World
David M. Brown - Fezariu's Epiphany
Pandora Poikilos - Excuse Me, My Brains Have Stepped Out & Frequent Traveller
Perry Martin - Pretty Flamingo
Shannon Mayer - Ingredients of a Cauldron
Stephanie Abbott - Past Lives #1 Rachel
Suzanne Anderson - Mrs. Tuesday's Departure
Terri Giuliano Long - In Leah's Wake

35 Winners!
1 x Grand Prize = 1 Kindle Fire and 1 copy of all 9 ebooks
9 x 1 copy of all 9 ebooks
25 x 1 copy of any three ebooks

Giveaway Details:
The prize will be sent as an Amazon.com Kindle Fire Gift Card. You must live in the US or have an Amazon.com account to redeem the gift card.
Ends May 17th

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[Guest Post] Writers Who Write About Their Writing by Shane W. Smith + G!veaway

2012-05-07T13:00:00.000+08:00

Guest Post: Writers Who Write About Their Writing by Shane W. Smith

Here are some thoughts that suggest that writers are not, as people tend to believe, the best people to talk about their work.

In fact, after reading this, you might come to believe that they are the worst possible choice.

1. I’m not qualified to talk about my book

In How to Talk About Books You Haven’t Read, Pierre Bayard notes that:

[Paul]Valery posited that despite appearances, an author is in no position to explain his own work. The work is the product of a creative process that occurs in the writer but transcends him, and it is unfair to reduce it to that act of creation. To understand a text, therefore, there is little point in gathering information about the author, since in the final analysis he serves it only as a temporary shelter. (Bayard, p 16)

I have discovered that this is, to at least some extent true, as the conscious effort of creation is tremendously supplemented by a myriad of subconscious influences that I cannot even identify, let alone qualify or quantify. While, for example, The Lesser Evil is not by any means a deeply subtle text, I can but presume that similar principles are at work here.

2. My book becomes your book

Bayard goes on to describe

an experience familiar to all writers, in which they realise that what is said about their books does not correspond to what they believe they have written. Every writer who has conversed at any length with an attentive reader, or read an article of any length about himself, has had the uncanny experience of discovering the absence of any connection between what he meant to accomplish and what has been grasped of it. There is nothing astonishing in this disjuncture; since their inner books differ by definition, the one the reader has superimposed on the book is unlikely to seem familiar to the writer. (Bayard, p 97-8)

There’s a lot to say on this.

The first and most obvious conclusion that one can grasp from this statement is that by talking about their work, an author is pre-loading their text with extra meaning, colouring the reader’s experience in a certain way, coming closer to ensuring that the reader has the experience the author intended.

Even for the author, I don’t believe that this situation is ideal. Being very new to the prospect of having an audience for my work, I can’t say from experience how it feels to have someone read something into your work that you didn’t realise was there … but it sounds very exciting, not something to be feared or avoided.

Of course, I can imagine circumstances where a universal reading experience would be the ideal, especially in the realm of non-fiction, and also in fictional texts where the author is championing a cause or point of view.

The second conclusion I draw from this has to do with the author’s level of control. Anyone who writes a book is a control freak … on the page, if not in the real world as well. It seems to me that letting go of that book, sending it out into the world to make something of itself would not be too different from releasing a carefully-moulded child in the same way.

Parting thoughts:

The reluctance of an author to relinquish the right of reading to the reader can, in my opinion, damage his/her book’s impact upon its audience. Take everything I say about my work with a grain of salt.

That said, you should probably check out The Lesser Evil, as (I think) it’s a powerful and exciting graphic novel that explores what it’s like to have a dream, and what that dream can end up costing... regardless of whether it comes true. (Feel free to apply any of the above principles while reading it to debunk this byline!)

About the Book

The Lesser Evil
by Shane W. Smith
Published: August 24, 2011
Publisher: Zeta Comics

Synopsis

Stanley Myres, Chancellor of the galactic Senate...Elam Padakan, Overlord of exiled superpower Padakan House...Young Ross Tillman, a student on Messar...When civil war erupts on Messar, these three men aredrawn into the conflict. And as their paths begin to intersectand tangle together, they come to realise that the galaxyhas very different plans for all of their dreams.The Lesser Evil is a graphic novel that examines what itmeans to have a dream... and what that dream can end upcosting, regardless of whether it comes true.

Starred Reviews

I don't usually read graphic novels but I found this very enjoyable. It had a good storyline. The only downside was some of the pictures were hard to see as they were quite dark. I will definatly check out the next one. - Becky

I have to admit this was somthing very different for me, not only was it my first graphic novel, I'm not the biggest Sci-Fi fan when it comes to books. But that being said, I actually quite enjoyed this. I found it a quick and easy read, fast paced and action packed. - Emma

There are 3 things I loved about this book. (1) It's got great writing, which is rare even for Graphic Novels that aspire to be "literary". (2) I read Lesser Evil while also reading Game of Thrones and I got into how much the Lesser Evil also cared about its characters' inner lives and how they thought and felt about the messes they made. It's Epic but deeply personal. And (3) the author did the book himself with 3D animation software, which kind of blew my mind that a writer can create a comic book without being able to draw. - Robert Simon

About the Author

Shane W. Smith was born in 1985. For quite a long time after this, nothing much happened. Then he got used to writing about himself in third person for bios like this. Before The Lesser Evil, his proudest professional moment was getting a comic book entitled Academaesthetics published in an A-ranked academic journal. His family makes up the remainder of his proud moments.

Shane has a Bachelor Degree in Creative Writing, with First Class Honours, and believes that analysing stories to find out what makes them work is the best possible use of his brain power.

His first book, a sci-fi graphic novel entitled The Lesser Evil (ISBN 978-0986842856) was published by Zeta Comics in August 2011.

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Giveaway

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