tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40227542587315663802024-02-21T13:35:34.419+00:00The Evening eBook ReadJessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08748134238271721281noreply@blogger.comBlogger78125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022754258731566380.post-85501729321637171082014-08-14T22:22:00.000+01:002014-08-14T22:22:10.023+01:00Review, Excerpt & Giveaway: The Lost Kingdom — Stephanie Beerden<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<i>A Prophecy made long ago, announced the arrival of the new Ladies of Elements.</i><br />
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</i> <i>And now almost a millennia later, it finally came true …</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCN-_T-kzqLc7NFpF8cYsby3tMcyF8fP7bNImoteBHs_2iQ3Qu8e42-StOuiedAVKB8_xoIj89Dd-zj9qzCsIqEh-G_aRcoNOgLaUv_30fAxb23fVoVKnPcCRFcnnxzdwt9tKJYs0ssCCB/s1600/thelostkingdomcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCN-_T-kzqLc7NFpF8cYsby3tMcyF8fP7bNImoteBHs_2iQ3Qu8e42-StOuiedAVKB8_xoIj89Dd-zj9qzCsIqEh-G_aRcoNOgLaUv_30fAxb23fVoVKnPcCRFcnnxzdwt9tKJYs0ssCCB/s1600/thelostkingdomcover.jpg" height="320" width="216" /></a>All her life Arima thought she knew who and what she was. That is until the day of her sixteenth birthday came and her world is turned upside down, when she’s told she’s not a White Witch but Lady Spirit. And that she is the one that has been foretold, will unite the Five Ladies of Elements once again and save Ilendia and the Other Lands from Ahriman, the Demon King.<br />
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At first Arima refuses to accept her new fate, but when Shanums come and destroy her village and kill her loved ones, she has no choice but to flee and fall right into the destiny she never wanted. As she grudgingly starts her journey into the unknown, she is accompanied by her unicorn familiar Sirrim, Blythe, a Vampire with a dark past and Myrddin, a mysterious Ljosalfar.<br />
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And the longer her journey lasts, the more Arima begins to realise that she can’t escape her own destiny and she must learn to control her powers and learn to be a Lady for the sake of the Sisters she doesn’t know and the people of Ilendia and the Other Lands.<br />
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However, things get more complicated when Arima comes into the possession of a key. Her instincts compel her to go towards danger when she discovers that the key she holds, can unlock the legendary kingdom of Eléssima, the home of the Ladies of Elements.<br />
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She will have to make the choice to follow her instincts or stay on the path that has been laid out for her."</blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">— Official Synopsis from Good Reads</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1ue4hgGDA72JUKiOX1IIAII84sm0N1PrZCl0MtIMQhUfxjMaJXkNIz7sAcQdB-OmXl7b3TItQM4TgwU5IKDeSUXAwaMW9fZHHdrvnHKdvip2fK5PWQM-V9k-H5idq1eVMCQgFEpgR7HU/s1600/thelostkingdomblogtour.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1ue4hgGDA72JUKiOX1IIAII84sm0N1PrZCl0MtIMQhUfxjMaJXkNIz7sAcQdB-OmXl7b3TItQM4TgwU5IKDeSUXAwaMW9fZHHdrvnHKdvip2fK5PWQM-V9k-H5idq1eVMCQgFEpgR7HU/s1600/thelostkingdomblogtour.png" height="218" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Review</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png" style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png" /></a><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png" style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png" /></a><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png" style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png" /></a><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;"> </span><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlDGlQKRM4Bd3fNFczpJvwjw_UZgzsSjwKyhXjkjxpiLrI0UTSpYOy-KOyGtUfi7CuUXgR1nZQrIaZQWihSmK_0zvVNQFHw1nLWTlXO_RpkyMmhLjJNeukXoas7AopX68NU7auawJ1a2H/s1600/star_rating_empty.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlDGlQKRM4Bd3fNFczpJvwjw_UZgzsSjwKyhXjkjxpiLrI0UTSpYOy-KOyGtUfi7CuUXgR1nZQrIaZQWihSmK_0zvVNQFHw1nLWTlXO_RpkyMmhLjJNeukXoas7AopX68NU7auawJ1a2H/s1600/star_rating_empty.png" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlDGlQKRM4Bd3fNFczpJvwjw_UZgzsSjwKyhXjkjxpiLrI0UTSpYOy-KOyGtUfi7CuUXgR1nZQrIaZQWihSmK_0zvVNQFHw1nLWTlXO_RpkyMmhLjJNeukXoas7AopX68NU7auawJ1a2H/s1600/star_rating_empty.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlDGlQKRM4Bd3fNFczpJvwjw_UZgzsSjwKyhXjkjxpiLrI0UTSpYOy-KOyGtUfi7CuUXgR1nZQrIaZQWihSmK_0zvVNQFHw1nLWTlXO_RpkyMmhLjJNeukXoas7AopX68NU7auawJ1a2H/s1600/star_rating_empty.png" /></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I was given an ebook copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.</span></center>
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Arima is raised as a white witch by her white witch grandmother. She is taught numerous magical skills and even swordfighting by her grandmother’s friend. However, moments before she turns sixteen years old her grandmother tells her she is the Lady Spirit. With a daunting destiny ahead of her Arima must learn to wield her new powers as a Lady and begin her search to find her element sisters in order to unite and defeat the evil king who killed their predecessors so many years ago. She represents hope for all. Can she fulfill her destiny when danger lurks down every path?</div>
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What I expected from a book with such a plot was an enchanting, whimsical adventure, but the writing seemed clumsy to me. Having read the ebook cover to cover, I think this might be the result of it being translated into English. For me the narrative seemed to lack a real sense of flow, feeling disjointed in some places, and the dialogue felt awkward and inauthentic. This appears to be Stephanie Beerden’s first novel translated into English and while it feels like a rocky start, I did feel that the writing got better as the book went on. I hope that when the second book in the series is translated, Beerden can can bring a magical flare to her books which I am sure she is capable of.</div>
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While the writing may feel a little uneven, the story and the world built by Beerden is impressive in how expansive it is. Although I never really felt the passage of time in this book, it is said that the characters must travel weeks and even months to their destination, which helps the reader get a sense of just how big the lands are. The quest on which Arima is on is long and gruelling, and she is also on a journey of self where she must discover her own powers and train them. She learns both from other characters, books and through her own practice. She is self motivated, but learns to accept the importance of help and advice of others, and I think this makes her a very strong and well rounded female character. </div>
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Arima is also one of the few female characters in fiction worlds who does not fall in love - or even take a fancy to someone romantically. Her mind is consumed with her destiny - finding her sisters, training herself and staying alive. That is not to say she ever says or thinks explicitly that she does not have time to love, she clearly cares deeply for her friends and those who serve the Ladies, but in a purely platonic way. As the priestesses who served the previous Ladies took vows of celibacy, perhap the Ladies of Elements simply do not feel a romantic or passionate attraction for others? </div>
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The characters which Beerden has created did not always resonant with me. Our grandmother figure who loved Arima as her own apparently could not think of a better time or way to tell Arima about her true identity, though she had sixteen years to consider it. Meanwhile, our powerful antagonist’s early dialogue appears a little juvenile due to style choices with capital letters and too much punctuation used to a comical and overblown effect.</div>
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I feel the exposition was not always interwoven in the rest of the text, and because of that I feel the story was sometimes interrupted to give the reader important details to help them understand the fantasy world. While I usually don’t mind the ‘learn as you go’ style in books, I feel that when the protagonist already knows all about magic and such, the narrative needs a little break to explain to the reader what the characters already know and this slows things down. I think a way around this would be to pluck out those snippets of information and make it into a prologue which explains the prophecy about the Ladies. It would make for a more epic opening and educate the reader on what things are before they encounter them. I think that would make for a really powerful and enchanting beginning to this fantasy series. </div>
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While even now I’m not quite sure I have a firm grasp of everything within this story, I have to commend the imagination of Beerden who was unafraid to add magical unicorns and a fighting heroine in the same book. That said, the violence at the end feels much gritter than the rest of the book and the swearing seems completely out of sync with the rest of the dialogue. There are also a few references to hell, though within this book I get the impression that there is no hell, but there is a place called the chaos which serves a similar purpose.</div>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">Excerpt</b></div>
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Shortly before midnight Bryeia and Gideon called out to her and told her they would be going back home because they had something very important to tell her. The walk to Arima and Bryeia’s house was quiet and tense. It made Arima feel uneasy. Even Rowan was silent and wouldn’t even look at her. After a while, they arrived at the house. The house itself was made out of light brown wood and had a wooden roof with a layer of straw beneath it to insulate it during the winter months. The windows were a bit dirty and the door was worn, but it was home. Bryeia let everybody into the house before shutting the door securely behind her. <br />
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They entered the living room; it was cosy with a rectangular table and two chairs. A coloured carpet decorated the floor for a small coffee table, and a rocking chair stood near the window close to the broad window-sill, which had a few small pillows on it because it was Arima’s favourite spot to sit. There were several cabinets and closets against the wall; one of them was a book-case, which held several books and parchment paper, and the other was a long cabinet with closed doors. Arima immediately went to her favourite spot on the window-sill and looked at the other three people in the room, confused as to what was going on. <br />
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“Why did we leave so early, Nana?” Arima asked, feeling a bit disappointed. Bryeia and Gideon looked at each other while Rowan pushed himself against a wall and kept his gaze away from hers. <br />
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Bryeia hesitantly stepped forward and said, “Arima, there is something I must tell you. Something I am not sure will be easy to accept, but you must know that it is the truth.” <br />
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“What is, Nana?” Arima asked, confused. <br />
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Bryeia sighed and looked at Gideon , who nodded encouragingly. “Arima, you weren’t abandoned on my doorstep as a baby,” Bryeia started. “I found you in the forest sixteen years ago on the first night of spring, like today … when you fell from the heavens like a falling star.” <br />
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“What?” Arima said, looking at Bryeia with wide, unbelieving eyes. <br />
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“Arima, you are not a White Witch. I made you that way with a spell I cast on you when you were a baby, to protect you from Ahriman. But I cannot protect you any longer. At midnight tonight, the spell will break, and Ahriman will be able to find you,” Bryeia said. She took a deep breath, while taking Arima’s hands in her own and looked at the hurt and disbelief in the girl’s light-green eyes . “Arima … you … you are Lady Spirit.” </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6E3bn7IM0dw__e3UqqvkZgYmhsHhpbFKTNz8o12TwpEPxgt4NNcNlc77PCRbi0X-sEESnTxmGWJv1JD18LSB_Q3HW4ZK9NfyJkti8btRNx4XlGaVlT8iChRjpfD-GvQJFIf6tfEdFSWz2/s1600/stephaniebeerden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6E3bn7IM0dw__e3UqqvkZgYmhsHhpbFKTNz8o12TwpEPxgt4NNcNlc77PCRbi0X-sEESnTxmGWJv1JD18LSB_Q3HW4ZK9NfyJkti8btRNx4XlGaVlT8iChRjpfD-GvQJFIf6tfEdFSWz2/s1600/stephaniebeerden.jpg" /></a><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Stephanie Beerden</span></b></div>
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Stephanie Beerden was born on Friday the 13th (no joke, she really was) in a small city called Genk and has always been fascinated with the occult, magic and books.<br />
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Her childhood and teen years were filled with reading lots and lots of books and imagining what life would be like as a vampire. Until one day she decided that she wanted to try her hand at writing her own books and that was the beginning of her writing adventure.<br />
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Her first book is a YA Fantasy called De Elementen – Het Verloren Koninkrijk and after many, many trials and tribulations, one small Dutch publisher decided “Hey, let’s give this girl a shot”. Her second book De Elementen – Archandir was published in July 2013 and in April 2014, she indie-published The Lost Kingdom (The Elements Series #1), the English edition of her book. <br />
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Stephanie hopes to keep writing for as long as she can and already has several writing projects in the works for the future.</div>
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<a href="http://stephaniebeerden.com/" target="_blank">Website</a> | <a href="http://facebook.com/stephaniebeerdenauthor" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/SBeerden" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div>
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/64262925220/" id="rc-64262925220" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a></div>
<script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07820882412009230172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022754258731566380.post-67078101466564121852014-07-31T23:24:00.001+01:002014-07-31T23:24:15.192+01:00Review & Giveaway: Suburban Terrors — Pauline Montagna<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Another collection of short stories! I am really getting into this type of book. It feels pretty refreshing after reading numerous books which follow one major plot line. Perhaps we need to have more subplots in our books, with lesser characters having some action?<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Synopsis </span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIVEHnUHOYfwnRb-x5x4sDQHGn0rfP1gLWqy5ASjsTlNPHFRYtXCTRQGzuiCPKxFtH7QzSlIP7M2YxyFhfNKkLzKc6kQC6JrktkDR4BXYe96O3OHgIVgKulA-Bb1-ui3KklNfC_aeUkhWj/s1600/suburban_smashcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIVEHnUHOYfwnRb-x5x4sDQHGn0rfP1gLWqy5ASjsTlNPHFRYtXCTRQGzuiCPKxFtH7QzSlIP7M2YxyFhfNKkLzKc6kQC6JrktkDR4BXYe96O3OHgIVgKulA-Bb1-ui3KklNfC_aeUkhWj/s1600/suburban_smashcover.jpg" height="320" width="194" /></a></div>
Do we really know what secrets lurk behind the tall fences and locked doors of our city’s suburbs? </blockquote>
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Here are twelve stories that delve into that mysterious realm. You’ll find a few thrills, a touch of horror, a ghost or two… and much more. </blockquote>
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‘ …these stories are all entertaining, compelling, and enjoyable, making this the perfect book for bedtime or public transport reading. It’s a great book to have in your bag, ready for the next break in the day. Georgina Laidlaw, Australian Reader</blockquote>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Review</span></b></div>
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<br />I think there is something for everyone in this book. There's a touch of horror, mystery and crime. Some bits are odd and unlikely, others seem a lot more plausible. A few stories explore punishment or consequences of crime, while others are more detached from that topic. The variety of stories really helped make each one seem fresh and different. </center>
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I found some of the stories to be pretty down to earth despite a horror vibe and there were a few twists which are always necessary in a collection like this. While I could pick out a handful of stories which I really liked, I found the one about the struggling writer to be the most amusing. While such an ending might not be everyone's idea of a bad ending, for a writer I'm sure it's terrifying! </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Pauline Montagna</span></b></div>
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Pauline Montagna was born into an Italian family in Melbourne, Australia. After obtaining a BA in French, Italian and History, she indulged her artistic interests through amateur theatre, while developing her accounting skills through a wide variety of workplaces culminating in the Australian film industry. In her mid-thirties, Pauline returned to university and qualified as a teacher of English as Second Language, a profession she pursued while completing a Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing. She has now retired from teaching to concentrate on her writing. She has published two books, The Slave, an historical romance set in Medieval Italy and Suburban Terrors, a short story collection.<br />
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<a href="http://paulinemontagna.net/" target="_blank">Website</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pauline.montagna.1" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4670497.Pauline_Montagna" target="_blank">GoodReads</a> | <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/+PaulineMontagna/about" target="_blank">Google+</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/PaulineMontagna" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div>
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You can purchase this book as an eBook at the <a href="http://paulinemontagna.net/suburban-terrors/" target="_blank">author's website</a> or on <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/280726" target="_blank">Smash Words</a>. You can also purchase a paperback version from <a href="http://www.lulu.com/shop/pauline-montagna/suburban-terrors/paperback/product-21585125.html" target="_blank">Lulu</a>.<br />
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<script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07820882412009230172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022754258731566380.post-81053133723441375922014-07-30T23:25:00.000+01:002014-07-30T23:31:07.593+01:00Excerpt & Giveaway: The Telsa Gate — John D. Mimms<div style="text-align: center;">
Just a little follow up on The Tesla Gate. I have been reading this book (between others) and I have to say I am really enjoying it. So far I don't think the name Tesla has been mentioned despite being about half way through. That's odd. But, I really like the way the subject of death and spirits are being discussed over the course of the story. So my last post about this was just a bit of the prologue and synopsis. Today I have chosen a short bit from the book - I hope you like it!<br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/%22http://www.iamareader.com/2014/06/the-tesla-gate-blog-tour-sign-ups.html"><img alt="Tesla Gate Tour" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-25242" src="http://www.iamareader.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Tesla-Gate-Tour.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.iamareader.com/2014/06/the-tesla-gate-blog-tour-sign-ups.html" target="_blank">Tesla Gate Blog Tour Schedule</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.bookblasttours.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Tesla-Gate.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Tesla Gate" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1344" src="http://www.bookblasttours.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Tesla-Gate.jpg" height="434" width="318" /></a><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Tesla Gate</span></strong><br />
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When a cosmic storm enters Earth’s atmosphere, scientists are baffled by its composition and origins, but not nearly as much as they are by the storm’s side effect – anyone who has died and chosen not to cross over is suddenly stranded here, visible, and can interact with the living.<br />
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With the world thrown into chaos, Thomas Pendleton is eager to make up for many broken promises to his six-year-old son, Seth. Soon after the storm, they set out on a road trip to the National Air and Space Museum in Washington DC, completely unaware of the social and political maelstrom they’re heading into that will change their lives forever.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tesla-Gate-John-D-Mimms-ebook/dp/B00L5M8Z4A?tag=iaarnaw-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tesla-gate-john-d-mimms/1115916103?ean=9781624671777" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18143290-the-tesla-gate" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></div>
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<strong><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Excerpt</span></strong></strong></div>
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I passed two more rows of stones, all of which were so badly weathered that they could have been little more than smooth rocks protruding from the ground. As I approached the far wall of the little cemetery, I stopped in my tracks as a lump formed in my throat. A single headstone had caught my eye, one that was probably in the best condition of any I had seen so far. It was not the condition of the stone that got my attention; it was the name on the stone – Stan Pendleton.<br />
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I walked up and ran my hand over the smooth surface, reading the rest of the inscription. Stan was born in July of 1842 and passed away on February 3, 1884. He was a loving father and husband. That was it, nothing more.<br />
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I, at first, felt a flash of intense grief as I was reminded of a tombstone back home in Conway with the same last name, but it memorialized two names, not just one. It also displayed two epitaphs, not just one – Beloved wife, mother and friend and the other short and to the point Sweet angel. A tear streamed down my cheek as I absently knelt then sat in the grass. I pinched the bridge of my nose and wept for a few moments until the realization of where I was came back to me with a jolt. I looked around at the headstones with embarrassment, like I had just been caught weeping in a crowded room. Were any of these people around now, due to the storm? I didn’t know but I did know they definitely weren’t here, not in this sad and lonely place.<br />
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It suddenly dawned on me just how woefully inadequate the living is when it comes to memorializing our fallen friends, family and fellow people. This little cemetery was a perfect example of this shortcoming. How can a life lived be reduced to a name, dates and a clichéd sentence or two carved into a rock? A life that will gradually be forgotten as those that remember move on to receive their own carved epitaphs until presently there are none that remain who remember … or care? We leave their memory to the mercy of time and the elements until nothing is left to remind us that they once lived, once laughed and once loved, nothing but a weathered stone.<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">John D. Mimms</span></strong></div>
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<a href="http://www.bookblasttours.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/john-mimms.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="john mimms" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1345" src="http://www.bookblasttours.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/john-mimms.jpg" height="150" width="114" /></a>John D. Mimms is a business owner, paranormal researcher, and author. John served as the Technical Director for the Arkansas Paranormal and Anomalous Studies Team (ARPAST). During his four-year tenure with the organization, he helped supervise over 100 investigations and wrote more than sixteen technical articles. One of John's articles, titled "A Christmas Carol Debunked," was read live on Parazona Radio by Paul Bradford of Ghost Hunters International fame. John also wrote the ARPAST technical/training manual which is a comprehensive guide on equipment usage, investigation protocol, and scientific theory for paranormal research.<br />
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In 2009 John decided to couple his knowledge of paranormal phenomena with his lifelong love of literary fiction. Among his titles are The Great Keep, Death Theory, and The Lemonade Girl. John is currently working on book two of The Tesla Gate trilogy.<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/John-D-Mimms-Author/260039150690683" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://www.ghliterary.com/john-d-mimms/" target="_blank">Website</a> | <a href="http://johndmimms.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnDMimms" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div>
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Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from <a href="http://iamareader.com/" style="color: #a3b460;" target="_blank">I Am A Reader</a> and sponsored by the publisher. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07820882412009230172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022754258731566380.post-51504032918046399302014-07-29T23:41:00.003+01:002014-07-29T23:41:25.864+01:00Trailer Tuesday: 29/07/2014<div class="tr_bq">
I think it's pretty clear by now that I have very mixed interests in fiction. On occasion I like a bright hearted romance story, but most of the time I like things a little darker with mystery, action or fantasy playing an important role. Today I have tried to demonstrate both sides of what I like by showing two trailers I have found recently. One seem quite bright and cheerful, the other appears dark without a doubt.<br />
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<i>If you would like to see your trailer featured here, or would like to share one you found and loved, please send me a link to it via Twitter, Facebook or my contact form on my blog!</i><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Since You've Been Gone by Anouska Knight</span></b><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/5mEQb22dDWU" width="480"></iframe><br />
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<i>This is the light and bright trailer today. What caught my eye is cake. I love cake. I'm not a huge fan of baking, I enjoy it some times, but I'm no master baker. However, what I really liked about this trailer was that despite being made up of static images it still felt quite dynamic. I cannot stand trailers with static pictures and text. Often they seem like the sort of thing you could whip up in Windows Movie Maker with a few images pulled from Google. Not this trailer, though! With a fresh and clean look, a sprinkling of word play and the right lines to make you interested, this trailer pique my interest.</i></center>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Synopsis</span></b></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;">How do you learn to love again?</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;">In one tragic moment, Holly Jefferson s life as she knows it changes for ever. Now to the external world, at least she s finally getting back on her feet, running her business, Cake. Then she meets Ciaran Argyll.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;">His rich and charmed life feels a million miles from her own. However, there s more to Ciaran than the superficial world that surrounds him, and he too is wrestling with his own ghosts. Will Holly find the missing ingredient that allows her to live again and embrace an unknown and unexpected tomorrow?</span></blockquote>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18528411-since-you-ve-been-gone" target="_blank"><img alt="Good Reads" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5z8sOZq9Seqwabh1T8mpZ65EhEKRFqr23wQnd_XV-eEnr8lW1Z_vDisEBtafPn0Ht0f_W4cLjFSyiAANX2hvmwHIf6Ki6KTuBIDAy4XlIyo88PvyQGNrhpcPibOpEhqUweW3K1YF9qVw/s1600/goodreads.png" title="See it on Good Reads" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Messenger of Fear by Michael Grant</span></b><br />
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<i>Disorientated first person angles? Amnesia or ghost? Paying for misdeeds? Yes, this is what I like. Give me a nice dose of supernatural redemption any time. My favourite part of this trailer is the line about the game which you must 'Play or Pay'. Chilling.</i></center>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Synopsis</span></b></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;">I remembered my name – Mara. But, standing in that ghostly place, faced with the solemn young man in the black coat with silver skulls for buttons, I could recall nothing else about myself.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;">And then the games began.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;">The Messenger sees the darkness in young hearts, and the damage it inflicts upon the world. If they go unpunished, he offers the wicked a game. Win, and they can go free. Lose, and they will live out their greatest fear. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;">But what does any of this have to do with Mara? She is about to find out . . </span></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20419044-messenger-of-fear" target="_blank"><img alt="Good Reads" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5z8sOZq9Seqwabh1T8mpZ65EhEKRFqr23wQnd_XV-eEnr8lW1Z_vDisEBtafPn0Ht0f_W4cLjFSyiAANX2hvmwHIf6Ki6KTuBIDAy4XlIyo88PvyQGNrhpcPibOpEhqUweW3K1YF9qVw/s1600/goodreads.png" title="See it on Good Reads" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07820882412009230172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022754258731566380.post-22147226290260792492014-07-24T22:52:00.000+01:002014-07-24T22:55:42.709+01:00Review Tour: Boulton Quest Series — N. D. RichmanI have two reviews today - for <i>Brothers, Bullies and Bad Guys</i> and <i>Sinners, Survivors and Saints </i>which are book one and two in the Boulton Quest series. This series is aimed at young adults (/middle graders) with 'the reluctant reader in mind'. If you're an adult reader looking to delve into a young adult book full of action, adventure and mystery then you should check this book out as well!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Official Synopsis for <i>Brothers, Bullies and Bad Guys</i></span></b></div>
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Their parents are kidnapped in a home invasion and Christopher and Michael must unite or die in their quest to find them. Adventure turns to mystery when the brothers follow a hunch leading them over the Pacific Coast Mountains, across the ocean, and to a fortified island where they fight for their lives with tragic results.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5f20okL0e4BQIdhuH8OIOOp0fQ3HNXFWs__tKO9aHoSxnWkfXrwnJDi4ImDivDp4Q4gXDT1CSX3OA0jDo2X8sp_Msuw7h1uQSD_zxlEdIC31k0MDpccpM4_g7daUXBKz8fKj9xoiQSii/s1600/Sinners-KINDLE-198x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5f20okL0e4BQIdhuH8OIOOp0fQ3HNXFWs__tKO9aHoSxnWkfXrwnJDi4ImDivDp4Q4gXDT1CSX3OA0jDo2X8sp_Msuw7h1uQSD_zxlEdIC31k0MDpccpM4_g7daUXBKz8fKj9xoiQSii/s1600/Sinners-KINDLE-198x300.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;" width="200"><b>Official Synopsis for <i>Sinners, Survivors and Saints</i></b></span></div>
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Christopher and Michael become multi-millionaires and their greed endangers Katherine's life. While Christopher, Michael and Thomas are racing to rescue her, Robert Cain’s army steals the mysterious machine and his frightening intentions become clear. <br />
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Can Michael beat his inner demons? <br />
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Will Katherine lose the will to survive? <br />
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In this exciting sequel to Brothers, Bullies and Bad the future becomes clear, and it seems things can only get worse.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Review for <i>Brothers, Bullies and Bad Guys</i></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlDGlQKRM4Bd3fNFczpJvwjw_UZgzsSjwKyhXjkjxpiLrI0UTSpYOy-KOyGtUfi7CuUXgR1nZQrIaZQWihSmK_0zvVNQFHw1nLWTlXO_RpkyMmhLjJNeukXoas7AopX68NU7auawJ1a2H/s1600/star_rating_empty.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlDGlQKRM4Bd3fNFczpJvwjw_UZgzsSjwKyhXjkjxpiLrI0UTSpYOy-KOyGtUfi7CuUXgR1nZQrIaZQWihSmK_0zvVNQFHw1nLWTlXO_RpkyMmhLjJNeukXoas7AopX68NU7auawJ1a2H/s1600/star_rating_empty.png" /></a> </center>
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Packed full of action suitable for younger audiences, Richman does a great job at painting a vivid picture while remaining engaging. <br />
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As an older reader I feel I’m a bit better equipped to guess plots and twists because of the amount of stories I have been exposed to. The family reveal towards the end of the book was something I guessed right in the beginning, but I don’t feel it was explored that well in terms of changing family dynamics or emotions. I’m not sure this book was really concerned with exploring friendship, family and feelings. Sure, those themes arise, but they aren’t greatly elaborated or developed. I think for reluctant readers, which is the target audience for this book, that might a good thing. Some reluctant readers may consider books a place for emotions and other touchy-feely topics they are not interested in, whereas television and films offer action packed explosions, car races and fights.<br />
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This book did not contain as much action as your typical Transformer movie, but I feel there was still a lot going on. There was an explosion, cars and guns, among other things. However, Richman did a great job of not glorifying that sort of behaviour or situation. Younger readers who are more prone to action packed television might find themselves enjoy this series. <br />
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While the ages of the achievements of the characters given their young age and upbringing seem pretty unlikely (okay, it’s a story, but I still like things that seem plausible), I feel younger readers will be able to relate to the main characters based on their age and roles. Of the four children/teenagers within the book, there is only one female who serves as a light love interest and defender of her young brother. The males are more varied with one playing the role of responsible older brother, younger boy genius slash trouble maker and bullied ‘runt’. I think most people could probably place themselves into one of those categories. <br />
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The language is varied and Richman paints scenes with great detail. For readers lacking confidence, this could feel a little challenging, but that is not a bad thing. Richman does a great job of making sure every reader is pulled into the world s/he has created.<br />
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This book probably meets most, if not all, of the requirements for its target audience. There are some parts which seem completely disjointed from the rest of the story, for example the visions of the future and seeing a ghost for no apparent reason. This made me question what the purpose of those elements was. It seems to provide an easy explanation for some of the actions performed by characters, and perhaps that is the only reason they exist within the story. Or perhaps something will be revealed later on in the series which explains these occurrences. Regardless of this and the lack of exploration of a few themes I think could have been capitalised on, this book was engaging and pleasant. <br />
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<b><b><span style="font-size: large;">Review for <i>Sinners, Survivors and Saints</i></span></b></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlpEG0Q3seowA1BpIEvjFBIFlkcQ_-PmGhL8A9n75O5GGP9Suvw58PDh2FbRh5CT6ds1aR4GmdFlw5flTR39NQ12HDxTQs4aApfg4uwq4Zu3n2jMzvhxCgR8T7tfX0aCxh57WEmGzKxXaL/s1600/star_rating_half.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlpEG0Q3seowA1BpIEvjFBIFlkcQ_-PmGhL8A9n75O5GGP9Suvw58PDh2FbRh5CT6ds1aR4GmdFlw5flTR39NQ12HDxTQs4aApfg4uwq4Zu3n2jMzvhxCgR8T7tfX0aCxh57WEmGzKxXaL/s1600/star_rating_half.png" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlDGlQKRM4Bd3fNFczpJvwjw_UZgzsSjwKyhXjkjxpiLrI0UTSpYOy-KOyGtUfi7CuUXgR1nZQrIaZQWihSmK_0zvVNQFHw1nLWTlXO_RpkyMmhLjJNeukXoas7AopX68NU7auawJ1a2H/s1600/star_rating_empty.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlDGlQKRM4Bd3fNFczpJvwjw_UZgzsSjwKyhXjkjxpiLrI0UTSpYOy-KOyGtUfi7CuUXgR1nZQrIaZQWihSmK_0zvVNQFHw1nLWTlXO_RpkyMmhLjJNeukXoas7AopX68NU7auawJ1a2H/s1600/star_rating_empty.png" /></a> <br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
I feel that the majority of my review from book one applies to book two. Richman adds such detail that even those who claim not to have an imagination will be picturing the scenes within the book. </div>
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Again, the potential to explore family dynamics and the changes in relationships is not used. There is a few off handed mentions, but no real development or exploration. This makes the characters feel a little stiff, but I think this book is really written with action in mind rather than anything else.</div>
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In each book the adults, who are meant to be protecting their children, seem to get weaker and more powerless. Maybe this is just taking advantage of young people’s desires to save themselves and others without the help of adults. It is not really the kind of thing I appreciate within a story, but in this context it works and is explained. </div>
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We have the ghost popping up again for no reason that I can see, besides to service as a frail reason why some things happened as they did. I feel like this doesn’t fit with the rest of the story which seems based in the real-ish, non-paranormal and non-fantasy world. You could say there is a bit of sci-fi given the mention of a time machine, but there still isn’t an explanation for single ghost. Given the ghost is question did not receive a whole lot of attention, development or explicit connection to the characters she is visiting; I feel it’s even more odd. But, that is a very minor issue I have with the book. Perhaps younger readers are more accepting of ghosts popping up unexplained in their books.</div>
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While I like that Katherine had some chapters to herself to demonstrate some girl-power, I feel in comparison to other sections of the book it was a little dull. I did appreciate the reveal of her character background, however and maybe it was a little cliché to have her reflecting on her past when she might soon die, it was nice to know she had some depth to her character.</div>
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I think this book is as good as the first and provides a brilliant set up to a face-off with the ultimate villain. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07820882412009230172noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022754258731566380.post-34277345693891265302014-07-16T22:06:00.001+01:002014-07-16T22:06:07.782+01:00Book Tour: The Telsa Gate — John D. Mimms<a href="http://www.bookblasttours.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Tesla-Gate.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Tesla Gate" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1344" src="http://www.bookblasttours.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Tesla-Gate.jpg" height="434" width="318" /></a><br />
Who doesn't love a book which explores what happens when there are issues with the afterlife? Today I'm hopping on the book tour train to show you The Telsa Gate. I have also been provided a free copy of this book to review, so I will come back with my verdict in a few weeks!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Tesla Gate</span></b></div>
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<strong>| </strong><strong>Publication Date: </strong>February, 2014<br />
<strong>| </strong><strong>Pages: </strong>300<br />
<strong>| Genre: </strong>Sci-fi<br />
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When a cosmic storm enters Earth’s atmosphere, scientists are baffled by its composition and origins, but not nearly as much as they are by the storm’s side effect – anyone who has died and chosen not to cross over is suddenly stranded here, visible, and can interact with the living.<br />
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With the world thrown into chaos, Thomas Pendleton is eager to make up for many broken promises to his six-year-old son, Seth. Soon after the storm, they set out on a road trip to the National Air and Space Museum in Washington DC, completely unaware of the social and political maelstrom they’re heading into that will change their lives forever.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tesla-Gate-John-D-Mimms-ebook/dp/B00L5M8Z4A?tag=iaarnaw-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tesla-gate-john-d-mimms/1115916103?ean=9781624671777" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18143290-the-tesla-gate" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Excerpt (The prologue)</span></strong></div>
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The day the storm hit, the world was changed forever.<br />
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Its severity would not be measured in property damage or loss of life, although the latter could be argued. This storm’s impact turned man’s beliefs completely upside down; the social upheaval would be worse than the aftermath of any storm in history.<br />
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Though this storm did not bring hurricane force winds, driving rain, cyclones or even floods, its effects would be far more subtle … but the impact every bit as palpable. This storm had unique origins and, unlike most weather events, it was not relegated to one geographic area. Indeed it covered the entire planet; no one was left unaffected.<br />
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Living or dead.<br />
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<a href="http://www.bookblasttours.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/john-mimms.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="john mimms" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1345" src="http://www.bookblasttours.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/john-mimms.jpg" height="150" width="114" /></a><strong></strong><br />
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<strong><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">John D. Mimms</span></strong></strong></div>
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John D. Mimms is a business owner, paranormal researcher, and author. John served as the Technical Director for the Arkansas Paranormal and Anomalous Studies Team (ARPAST). During his four-year tenure with the organization, he helped supervise over 100 investigations and wrote more than sixteen technical articles. One of John's articles, titled "A Christmas Carol Debunked," was read live on Parazona Radio by Paul Bradford of Ghost Hunters International fame. John also wrote the ARPAST technical/training manual which is a comprehensive guide on equipment usage, investigation protocol, and scientific theory for paranormal research.<br />
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In 2009 John decided to couple his knowledge of paranormal phenomena with his lifelong love of literary fiction. Among his titles are The Great Keep, Death Theory, and The Lemonade Girl. John is currently working on book two of The Tesla Gate trilogy.<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/John-D-Mimms-Author/260039150690683" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://www.ghliterary.com/john-d-mimms/" target="_blank">Website</a> | <a href="http://johndmimms.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnDMimms" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.bookblasttours.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/book-blast-button.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="book blast button" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1810" src="http://www.bookblasttours.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/book-blast-button.jpg" height="112" width="220" /></a></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Blast Giveaway</span></strong></div>
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$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash</div>
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Ends 8/7/14</div>
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Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from <a href="http://iamareader.com/" style="color: #a3b460;" target="_blank">I Am A Reader</a> and sponsored by the publisher. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.</div>
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0a00961330/" id="rc-0a00961330" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a></div>
<script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07820882412009230172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022754258731566380.post-48740746385890046392014-07-07T20:00:00.000+01:002014-07-08T20:42:03.758+01:00Trailer Reveal: Restraint — Randi Cooley Wilson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3WpPb1AWZC02UXOpM40lrCMqp0C5HQ_gveY-oGvyMw8T-3vI-3TV4pxHPLtnJogyZj4v3Y0j8DdhEC7DPSYnExLU0vW8TSpWIf4nKddn2z4Ow7aFXZeYsuEYxsASnkjfhlVpHdAvDeFY/s1600/Restraint+Trailer+Reveal+Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3WpPb1AWZC02UXOpM40lrCMqp0C5HQ_gveY-oGvyMw8T-3vI-3TV4pxHPLtnJogyZj4v3Y0j8DdhEC7DPSYnExLU0vW8TSpWIf4nKddn2z4Ow7aFXZeYsuEYxsASnkjfhlVpHdAvDeFY/s1600/Restraint+Trailer+Reveal+Banner.jpg" height="171" width="400" /></a></div>
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I usually try to post book trailers on Tuesday, but today I'm taking part in a reveal so you get a trailer a day earlier! This trailer will not be winning any awards for being the most engaging, it is atmospheric thanks to the use of slow transitions, dark colours and music. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Restraint</span></b></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/dF7qwzbc14U" width="480"></iframe><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Author</b>: Randi Cooley Wilson</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Series</b>: The Revelation Series, Book 2</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Genre</b>: New Adult, Paranormal, Romance</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Published</b>: August 2014</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Official Synopsis</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglfULaX8rR5NPayGUUrA5DY6WQ97q-854utGBPtmezMzaT4to0qD2BZ4JEJLc15RvkEOqrBOK-djXH5HcoMllVhjvZOfy4ql9xXiUik7QDI0WRS0hOhLUMV2YduIrR1iv4Y9wiiHuQAKk/s1600/Restraint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglfULaX8rR5NPayGUUrA5DY6WQ97q-854utGBPtmezMzaT4to0qD2BZ4JEJLc15RvkEOqrBOK-djXH5HcoMllVhjvZOfy4ql9xXiUik7QDI0WRS0hOhLUMV2YduIrR1iv4Y9wiiHuQAKk/s1600/Restraint.jpg" height="320" width="218" /></a></div>
A FORBIDDEN LOVE WILL BECOME DEEPER.</div>
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A LOYALTY WILL BE TESTED.</div>
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AND ONLY DARKNESS WILL REMAIN.</div>
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One revelation changed everything, turning Eve Collin’s world upside down with grief and questions of identity and allegiance. Now as she flees enemies that refuse to give up, Eve must also face the mounting attraction between herself and her gargoyle protector. Will she ever truly be safe? How much will she sacrifice to survive and who will she become?</div>
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Restraint is an addictive pleasure a spellbinding continuation of Eve’s journey of self-discovery, love and sacrifice.</div>
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Readers captivated by Revelation will eagerly devour Restraint.</div>
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Restraint is volume two in The Revelation Series.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Author</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEt9p-YxbwgmGESua6s_NeTKHhQrQmT9z2D0MP6kt0GkM_TaN8YUJd4eVlS1te8YNX1xLgb0NMChkYAiaRB2D-JrRelAXG9Qt40KszRQ1RHNlfiAJmPU3gJzu-lBWmML8n0YR58QDb2cU/s1600/Randi+Cooley+Wilson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEt9p-YxbwgmGESua6s_NeTKHhQrQmT9z2D0MP6kt0GkM_TaN8YUJd4eVlS1te8YNX1xLgb0NMChkYAiaRB2D-JrRelAXG9Qt40KszRQ1RHNlfiAJmPU3gJzu-lBWmML8n0YR58QDb2cU/s1600/Randi+Cooley+Wilson.jpg" height="288" width="320" /></a></div>
Randi was born and raised in Massachusetts where she attended Bridgewater State University and graduated with a degree in Communication Studies. After graduation she moved to California where she lived happily bathed in sunshine and warm weather for fifteen years.<br />
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Randi and her husband recently moved back to Massachusetts with their daughter where she was encouraged to begin writing again.<br />
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Revelation is her first novel and The Revelations Series is her first New Adult Paranormal Romance book series.<br />
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“I’ve had a love affair with books, writing and storytelling since childhood. It has been a dream of mine to introduce this world and these characters to you. I hope I’ve done them justice.”<br />
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Randi loves to hear from readers, you can reach out to her via Twitter: R_CooleyWilson and/or Facebook: authorrandicooleywilsonJessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08748134238271721281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022754258731566380.post-75126969649862233932014-07-03T18:00:00.000+01:002014-07-03T18:00:00.595+01:00Book Tour: Destiny and Faith Go To Twincentric Academy — Teddy O'Malley<b>Mother Daughter Book Reviews is pleased to be coordinating this Book Blast on behalf of author Jourden Cleghorn who writes under the pen name of Teddy O'Malley.</b><br />
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Jourden was recently involved in a serious automobile accident resulting in severe injuries just days after her new book,<em><strong> Destiny and Faith Go To Twincentric</strong><strong> Academy,</strong></em> was published in May 2014. The indie author community has come together to support this young author/illustrator during this challenging time. Please read below to see what you can do to help in a small way.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Destiny-Faith-Go-Twincentric-Academy-ebook/dp/B00FFIWQQ8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1403221871&sr=8-1&keywords=Destiny+and+Faith+Go+To+Twincentric+Academy" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Destiny and Faith by Teddy O'Malley" class="aligncenter wp-image-19574" src="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Destiny_and_Faith_Go_To_Twincentric_Academy.jpg" height="451" width="300" /></a><br />
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<strong>| </strong><strong>Publication Date: </strong>May 11, 2014<br />
<strong>| </strong><strong>Pages: </strong>62<br />
<strong>| Recommended Ages: </strong>6 to 10<strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Summary</span></strong></div>
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Destiny and Faith are going into second grade and their mom has a great idea. She's going to send them to a school for twins! They're not sure whether to be excited or terrified. Come join them and see what happens!<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Destiny-Faith-Go-Twincentric-Academy-ebook/dp/B00FFIWQQ8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1403221871&sr=8-1&keywords=Destiny+and+Faith+Go+To+Twincentric+Academy" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Amazon" class="wp-image-16348 alignleft" src="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Amazon-Logo-Just-A-150x150.png" height="50" width="50" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22434941-destiny-and-faith-go-to-twincentric-academy?from_search=true" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Goodreads" class="wp-image-15253 alignleft" src="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Goodreads-Logo-150x150.png" height="50" width="50" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Buzz</span></b></div>
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"Anyone who's tried to buy a book or birthday card for a child who isn't white will know how few are available. Golden hair and blue eyes rule. I was delighted by Destiny and Faith, who are mixed race/bi-racial, perfect for some children very close to me. However, let me quickly say that this is a story for all children. A school for twins is such a great idea and Destiny and Faith's adventures have a universal message about friendship and learning how to get along with each other. This would also be a good book for actual twins as some of the issues that arise in twin relationships come up in the story." <em>~ 5 Star Review, Mary Josephina Cade, Amazon</em></div>
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"I just finished reading this book. I got it for my daughter and decided to read it myself. It is so ORIGINAL and totally ADORABLE! A MUST READ for young children looking to read their FIRST CHAPTER BOOK! My daughter LOVES it!! I highly recommend this book!! " <em>~ 5 Star Review, radams, Amazon</em></div>
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"A great story for young girls, with lots of fun dialogue. Accompanied throughout by black and white drawings. These capture the body language and expressions of the different characters perfectly. Looking forward to more in the Destiny and Faith series." <em>~ 5 Star Review, M.J. Kinsman, Amazon</em></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Teddy O'Malley</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEj7Ukvd5karqottPwP21hinladTmJtbawOqzNZv0N0i-DfS2TybYfgEd15BquMMSaioA3JDKFLcqvH0q0GPy5bsdre5CNFNAv37D46RRj9qMSYBddK9ldAQ4mFG7JuTvVcLIYQlI2S8iXo1UjPnU4grigfAxHJEf8bjrjEdOD6qMleRTiuHbcw0P5UbrBu8YPgtDhRxpa6pbw=" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Teddy O'Malley Author" border="0" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-19582" src="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Teddy-OMalley-Author.jpg" height="190" width="200" /></a><strong>Jourden Cleghorn</strong>, who writes and illustrates children’s books under the pen name <strong>Teddy O' Malley</strong>, was born in in Saint Louis, Missouri. She has traveled all over the United States and enjoys learning about new things and other cultures. She dreams of visiting a foreign country. She has enjoyed studying Spanish, German, and now Italian as well. Jourden paired her language skills with pictures of puppies to write <em>Tell Me How You Say Good Night</em>, a bedtime story. And a childhood friendship with a biracial girl named Hope influenced Jourden to make the Destiny and Faith characters biracial in her series about twins. Many of her books include a thread about friendship and acceptance of others. Jourden previously worked part time as a nurse assistant helping the disabled and elderly.<br />
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<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://teddyomalley.weebly.com/" target="_blank">Author Blog</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/TeddyOMalley1" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/authorteddyomalley" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7946819.Teddy_O_Malley" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></span></h3>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">How You Can Help</span></b></div>
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On Thursday, May 15, 2014, Jourden was the passenger in a small car when a much larger truck turned in front of them. She suffered severe injuries as a result of this accident including a cracked sternum, punctured lung, broken arm, and broken foot. Unforutnately, the nature and severity of Jourden's injuries have limited her ability to promote her books effectively. I was very moved when I was approached by a member of the Facebook group, "Fun-tastic Children’s Books " (of which Jourden is an active member) to help this young author. This wonderful group took it upon themselves to promote Jourden’s books on her behalf. They bought, reviewed, tweeted and shared her books throughout social media and are sponsoring (along with MDBR) the giveaway below.<br />
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If you should choose to enter the giveaway below (open worldwide), you will see an option to earn 10 extra entries in the giveaway by purchasing a copy of Teddy O'Malley's latest book, <em><strong>Destiny and Faith Go To Twincentric</strong><strong> Academy</strong></em> from Amazon for only 99 cents. I hope you will consider helping out the author in this small way.<br />
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<em><strong>Of note</strong></em>, during her recovery, Jourden found the inspiration for another children’s book. It will be about a child recovering from a car crash and having to cope with learning to write with the opposite hand, and other hardships that must be overcome during the healing process. Jourden usually writes with her right hand, but plans to illustrate the book using her left. She wants to show that hardships can be overcome if one does not give up.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>$50 Book Blast Giveaway</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Amazon-50.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Amazon $50 Gift Card" class="size-full wp-image-12268 aligncenter" src="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Amazon-50.jpg" height="183" width="275" /></a></div>
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<strong>Prize:</strong> $50 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice)<br />
<strong>Contest ends:</strong> July 30, 11:59 pm, 2014<br />
<strong>Open:</strong> Internationally<br />
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<strong>How to enter:</strong> Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.<br />
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<strong>Terms and Conditions: </strong>NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by author PJ LaRue/Fun-tastic Children’s Books and Mother Daughter Book Reviews, and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.<br />
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e6447e195/" id="rc-e6447e195" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>| Publication Date: </strong>June 1, 2014</span><br />
<strong style="font-size: small;">| </strong><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>Pages:</strong> 32</span><br />
<strong style="font-size: small;">| </strong><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>Recommended Ages: </strong>3+</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Summary</span></strong><br />
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Chester the lazy calico cat has suddenly lost his meow. He’s looking everywhere, but can’t seem to find his voice. When Chester puts himself in a frightening situation he not only finds his voice return, but he also finds his courage. This experience makes Chester appreciate things a little bit more than he had before.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cat-Who-Lost-His-Meow-ebook/dp/B00KPJ8F4O/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1403202145&sr=1-1&keywords=cat+who+lost+his+meow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Amazon" class="wp-image-16348 alignleft" src="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Amazon-Logo-Just-A-150x150.png" height="50" width="50" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Review</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlDGlQKRM4Bd3fNFczpJvwjw_UZgzsSjwKyhXjkjxpiLrI0UTSpYOy-KOyGtUfi7CuUXgR1nZQrIaZQWihSmK_0zvVNQFHw1nLWTlXO_RpkyMmhLjJNeukXoas7AopX68NU7auawJ1a2H/s1600/star_rating_empty.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlDGlQKRM4Bd3fNFczpJvwjw_UZgzsSjwKyhXjkjxpiLrI0UTSpYOy-KOyGtUfi7CuUXgR1nZQrIaZQWihSmK_0zvVNQFHw1nLWTlXO_RpkyMmhLjJNeukXoas7AopX68NU7auawJ1a2H/s1600/star_rating_empty.png" /></a> </center>
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</span> <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>I want to start off by saying I am a huge cat lover. I have also spent the last six months studying how children who are 6 - 11 years old read as I am a volunteer psychology researcher and have experience of reading with and to a wide range of ages. When I read young children’s books I look for a simple story, one or two challenging words to help expand vocabulary and a nice underlying message or moral. </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For the most part I feel like this book has a great rhythm when spoken aloud. A few tweaks with the word choices could really refine that further. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I personally like the pictures. They were bright and colourful with a brush stroke look to them. The illustrator did a great job at portraying Chester’s changing emotions during the story. Throughout, the pictures were really nice and interesting. Chester in the mailbox is perhaps my favourite though, he looks adorable!</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This book had a good message, but I feel like there were perhaps two. One about finding courage and new experiences, and the most prominent one about appreciating what you have. I’m sure older readers can help younger readers navigate both of these messages.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As a small note, I generally like to see full stops at the end of sentences, even if there is a line gap and the next sentence begins with a capital. I think that seeing punctuation might help children recognise its importance as they begin to read and write. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.</span><br />
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Angela Muse</h2>
<a href="http://4eyesbooks.com/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Angela Muse, Author" class="size-full wp-image-14776" src="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Angela-Muse.jpg" height="250" width="200" /></a><br />
<strong>Angela Muse</strong> was born in California to a military family. This meant that she got used to being the "new kid" in school every couple of years. It was hard trying to make new friends, but Angela discovered she had a knack for writing. In high school Angela began writing poetry and song lyrics. Expressing herself through writing seemed very natural. After becoming a Mom in 2003, Angela continued her storytelling to her own children. In 2009 she wrote and published her first rhyming children's book aimed at toddlers. Since then she has released several more children's picture books and released her first young adult romance series, <em><strong>The Alpha Girls</strong></em>, in 2012.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4eyesbooks.com/" target="_blank">Website</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/4eyesbooks" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3155533.Angela_Muse" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/amuse663" target="_blank">Twitter</a></h3>
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
$50 Book Blast Giveaway</h2>
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<strong>Prize:</strong> $50 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice)<br />
<strong>Contest ends:</strong> July 29, 11:59 pm, 2014<br />
<strong>Open:</strong> Internationally<br />
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<strong>Terms and Conditions: </strong>NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Angela Muse and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07820882412009230172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022754258731566380.post-42807811635104340502014-06-24T22:01:00.000+01:002014-06-28T17:53:35.500+01:00Trailer Tuesday: 24/06/2014<div class="tr_bq">
This week I have selected three dark trailers which have been tagged as sci-fi, fantasy, mystery, young adult and new adult. In all the trailers, the protagonist's are female who either do kick some butt or promise to do so in the future. I hope you enjoy them!</div>
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<i>If you would like to see your trailer featured here, or would like to share one you found and loved, please send me a link to it via Twitter, Facebook or my contact form on my blog!</i><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Carrier by Anne Tibbets</span></b><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/i0WkEt3VLOs" width="480"></iframe><br />
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<i>Punchy, emotive narration with eerie music and snappy scenes. This trailer just works for me. I'm not sure how I feel about the last line. Is she mad to think she can 'expose their lies' or does she have the skill set to change the world? I don't know, but I want to know! </i></center>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Synopsis</span></b></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;">Twenty-two -year-old Naya has spent nearly half her life as a sex slave in a government institution called The Line. When she’s kicked out after getting pregnant with twins, she’s got no way to earn a living and a horrifying choice to make: find someone to replace her, or have her babies taken in her stead.<br />
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A doctor with a history of aiding ex-Line girls, Ric Bennett, wants to help. He runs a team of rebels that can delete Naya’s records and free her forever. But when The Line sniffs out his plan, things get bloody, fast. Naya means more to them than just a chance at fresh faces—her twins are part of the government’s larger plan.<br />
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As they hide from government search parties, Ric comes to admire Naya’s quiet strength. And Naya realizes Ric might be a man she can trust. If they make it off the grid, they could build a new life. But first they’ll have to survive the long, vicious reach of The Line</span></span></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20886571-carrier" target="_blank"><img alt="Good Reads" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5z8sOZq9Seqwabh1T8mpZ65EhEKRFqr23wQnd_XV-eEnr8lW1Z_vDisEBtafPn0Ht0f_W4cLjFSyiAANX2hvmwHIf6Ki6KTuBIDAy4XlIyo88PvyQGNrhpcPibOpEhqUweW3K1YF9qVw/s1600/goodreads.png" title="See it on Good Reads" /></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00I66AA1E/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B00I66AA1E&linkCode=as2&tag=eveneboo-21" target="_blank"><img alt=" Amazon.com" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5TLMZlbeKY8E1OZwP3lPPm9zJGmuGAuBX8oPYBDTH-jOO1QWLbwLvATDBsPAnC7oFMuHZ7ix4JY-hG4fVu5bFNKDEKBzQyNaPpfZ4cd6z7btCSR-LNqBU6lmOwhK0FhWOtf_8KInXbtXu/s1600/amazon.png" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">ARV-3 by Cameo Renae</span></b><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/6keJSLhNZdk" width="480"></iframe><br />
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<i>I think this is one of the most professional trailers I have seen so far. The locations and props are superb and I appreciate the static and walkie-talkie like voice over. The creepy figure was... Well a little creepy! I loved that the last few seconds you see the protagonist overpowering it. </i></center>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Synopsis</span></b></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;">The beginning of the end. The Apocalypse.<br />
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A nuclear fallout wiped out every living thing on the planet, except for a few thousand of us who took shelter in underground bunkers across the globe. Now, after thirteen long years, we were finally able to return to the topside to begin to rebuild.<br />
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We thought we were alone. We were never more wrong.<br />
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Before the fallout, scientists had worked on creating an anti-radiation vaccine (ARV). The first two attempts failed, but despite the incomplete tests and results, the government approved and distributed the third serum to the masses in an effort to aid those who had no shelter.<br />
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It worked, keeping those who remained on the topside alive, but it also altered and mutated them. This new and infectious threat had completely outnumbered us. Now, we not only had to rebuild our planet. We would have to fight for it.<br />
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My name is Abigail Park. I’m seventeen, and this is my story.</span></span></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18629550-arv-3?ac=1" target="_blank"><img alt="Good Reads" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5z8sOZq9Seqwabh1T8mpZ65EhEKRFqr23wQnd_XV-eEnr8lW1Z_vDisEBtafPn0Ht0f_W4cLjFSyiAANX2hvmwHIf6Ki6KTuBIDAy4XlIyo88PvyQGNrhpcPibOpEhqUweW3K1YF9qVw/s1600/goodreads.png" title="See it on Good Reads" /></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00GWTXJH4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B00GWTXJH4&linkCode=as2&tag=eveneboo-21" target="_blank"><img alt=" Amazon.com" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5TLMZlbeKY8E1OZwP3lPPm9zJGmuGAuBX8oPYBDTH-jOO1QWLbwLvATDBsPAnC7oFMuHZ7ix4JY-hG4fVu5bFNKDEKBzQyNaPpfZ4cd6z7btCSR-LNqBU6lmOwhK0FhWOtf_8KInXbtXu/s1600/amazon.png" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">As Dead As It Gets by Katie Alender</span></b><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/h1oDe70Ibtc" width="480"></iframe><br />
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<i>In the beginning I wondered if this was some kind of parody (it somewhat reminded me of the videos of an awful Harry Potter fanfic), but 40 seconds in and the trailer feels a lot more serious. I love the ghost effect and the rebellious rock sound. I feel like the protagonist has a really down to earth voice and I look forward to reading this books some time.</i></center>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Synopsis</span></b></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;">It's been three months since Alexis helplessly witnessed Lydia Small's violent death, and all she wants is for her life to return to normal. <br />
But normal people don't see decaying bodies haunting photographs. Normal people don't have to deal with regular intrusions from Lydia's angry ghost, sometimes escalating to terrifying attacks.<br />
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At first, it seems that Lydia wants revenge on Alexis alone. But a girl from school disappears one night, and Alexis spots one of Lydia's signature yellow roses lying on the girl's dresser the next day. Soon, it becomes clear that several of Alexis's friends are in danger, and that she's the only person who can save them. But as she tries to intervene, Alexis realizes that her enemy is a much more powerful ghost than she's ever faced before... and that its fate is tied to hers in ways she couldn't possibly imagine.<br />
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Not even in her worst nightmares.</span></span></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12862611-as-dead-as-it-gets?ac=1" target="_blank"><img alt="Good Reads" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5z8sOZq9Seqwabh1T8mpZ65EhEKRFqr23wQnd_XV-eEnr8lW1Z_vDisEBtafPn0Ht0f_W4cLjFSyiAANX2hvmwHIf6Ki6KTuBIDAy4XlIyo88PvyQGNrhpcPibOpEhqUweW3K1YF9qVw/s1600/goodreads.png" title="See it on Good Reads" /></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1423134729/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=1423134729&linkCode=as2&tag=eveneboo-21" target="_blank"><img alt=" Amazon.com" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5TLMZlbeKY8E1OZwP3lPPm9zJGmuGAuBX8oPYBDTH-jOO1QWLbwLvATDBsPAnC7oFMuHZ7ix4JY-hG4fVu5bFNKDEKBzQyNaPpfZ4cd6z7btCSR-LNqBU6lmOwhK0FhWOtf_8KInXbtXu/s1600/amazon.png" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07820882412009230172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022754258731566380.post-46534680991637549312014-06-17T22:46:00.004+01:002014-06-28T17:54:50.898+01:00Trailer Tuesday: 17/06/2014<div class="tr_bq">
This week I tried to move away, just a little, from dark trailers. No horror book trailers this time. Instead I present a young adult romance novel, a suspense novel and and humorous non fiction book.</div>
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<i>If you would like to see your trailer featured here, or would like to share one you found and loved, please send me a link to it via Twitter, Facebook or my contact form on my blog!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Now and Forever by Susane Colasanti</span></b><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Qdx2Rgt5Ru0" width="480"></iframe><br />
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<i>The trailer looks pretty cute. I would expect a cliched young adult romance book about relationships, change and the resulting conflicts and resolution. The reviews on GoodReads make it seem like this book is pretty hit or miss with readers. </i></center>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Synopsis</span></b></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;">What if your boyfriend was the world's biggest rockstar?<br />
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Sterling is crazy in love with Ethan. Not only is he the sweetest boy she's ever met, but he's an incredibly talented guitarist, singer, and songwriter. And since forever, he's believed he has what it takes to be a star.<br />
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When Ethan becomes an overnight sensation, he's thrown head-first into the glam world of celebrity-and so is Sterling. Before she knows it, she's attending red-carpet premieres, getting free designer clothes, and flying around the country to attend Ethan's monumental sold-out concerts.<br />
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It's a dream come true...but whose dream is Sterling living? And what do you do when "forever" comes to an end?</span></span></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18350328-now-and-forever?ac=1" target="_blank"><img alt="Good Reads" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5z8sOZq9Seqwabh1T8mpZ65EhEKRFqr23wQnd_XV-eEnr8lW1Z_vDisEBtafPn0Ht0f_W4cLjFSyiAANX2hvmwHIf6Ki6KTuBIDAy4XlIyo88PvyQGNrhpcPibOpEhqUweW3K1YF9qVw/s1600/goodreads.png" title="See it on Good Reads" /></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0670014249/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=0670014249&linkCode=as2&tag=eveneboo-21%22" target="_blank"><img alt=" Amazon.com" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5TLMZlbeKY8E1OZwP3lPPm9zJGmuGAuBX8oPYBDTH-jOO1QWLbwLvATDBsPAnC7oFMuHZ7ix4JY-hG4fVu5bFNKDEKBzQyNaPpfZ4cd6z7btCSR-LNqBU6lmOwhK0FhWOtf_8KInXbtXu/s1600/amazon.png" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Good Girl by Mary Kubica </span></b><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ZjuWLHM_4GY" width="480"></iframe><br />
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<i>This well polished trailer successfully creates a very creepy feeling, perfect for a suspense novel! I found the photograph flicking to be a little boring after thirty seconds, but I was grateful things did change a few seconds after that. </i></center>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Synopsis</span></b></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;">"I've been following her for the past few days. I know where she buys her groceries, where she has her dry cleaning done, where she works. I don't know the color of her eyes or what they look like when she's scared. But I will." <br />
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Born to a prominent Chicago judge and his stifled socialite wife, Mia Dennett moves against the grain as a young inner-city art teacher. One night, Mia enters a bar to meet her on-again, off-again boyfriend. But when he doesn't show, she unwisely leaves with an enigmatic stranger. With his smooth moves and modest wit, at first Colin Thatcher seems like a safe one-night stand. But following Colin home will turn out to be the worst mistake of Mia's life. <br />
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Colin's job was to abduct Mia as part of a wild extortion plot and deliver her to his employers. But the plan takes an unexpected turn when Colin suddenly decides to hide Mia in a secluded cabin in rural Minnesota, evading the police and his deadly superiors. Mia's mother, Eve, and detective Gabe Hoffman will stop at nothing to find them, but no one could have predicted the emotional entanglements that eventually cause this family's world to shatter. <br />
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An addictively suspenseful and tautly written thriller, The Good Girl is a compulsive debut that reveals how even in the perfect family, nothing is as it seems….</span></span></blockquote>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00HVCKW4O/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B00HVCKW4O&linkCode=as2&tag=eveneboo-21" target="_blank"><img alt="Good Reads" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5z8sOZq9Seqwabh1T8mpZ65EhEKRFqr23wQnd_XV-eEnr8lW1Z_vDisEBtafPn0Ht0f_W4cLjFSyiAANX2hvmwHIf6Ki6KTuBIDAy4XlIyo88PvyQGNrhpcPibOpEhqUweW3K1YF9qVw/s1600/goodreads.png" title="See it on Good Reads" /></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00HVCKW4O/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B00HVCKW4O&linkCode=as2&tag=eveneboo-21" target="_blank"><img alt=" Amazon.com" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5TLMZlbeKY8E1OZwP3lPPm9zJGmuGAuBX8oPYBDTH-jOO1QWLbwLvATDBsPAnC7oFMuHZ7ix4JY-hG4fVu5bFNKDEKBzQyNaPpfZ4cd6z7btCSR-LNqBU6lmOwhK0FhWOtf_8KInXbtXu/s1600/amazon.png" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">This is Ridiculous This is Amazing by Jason Good</span></b><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/gxLAvhNIQ8s" width="480"></iframe><br />
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<i>After all the romantic and dark trailers, this book trailer was like a breathe of fresh air. It feels casual and brought a smile to my face. Parenthood lists aren't exactly relevant to me currently, but this trailer still made me want to take a peak at the book.</i></center>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Synopsis</span></b></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;">Blogging sensation and family man Jason Good delivers a laugh-out-loud reminder that everything is easier and more fun when approached with a sense of humor—especially parenting. Each list captures a perfect (or perfectly terrible) aspect of parenthood while wholeheartedly embracing every moment: "You Deserve a Break" offers ideas for downtime, such as giving blood and untangling cords, while "Self-Help from a Three-Year-Old" collects such wisdom as "If you fall down, stay down. Someone will pick you up eventually." Sweet, sincere, and oh-so-true, this is the ideal gift for parents who could use a laugh. And isn't that every single one of them?</span></span></blockquote>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00IJO2O2Q/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B00IJO2O2Q&linkCode=as2&tag=eveneboo-21" target="_blank"><img alt="Good Reads" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5z8sOZq9Seqwabh1T8mpZ65EhEKRFqr23wQnd_XV-eEnr8lW1Z_vDisEBtafPn0Ht0f_W4cLjFSyiAANX2hvmwHIf6Ki6KTuBIDAy4XlIyo88PvyQGNrhpcPibOpEhqUweW3K1YF9qVw/s1600/goodreads.png" title="See it on Good Reads" /></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00IJO2O2Q/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B00IJO2O2Q&linkCode=as2&tag=eveneboo-21" target="_blank"><img alt=" Amazon.com" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5TLMZlbeKY8E1OZwP3lPPm9zJGmuGAuBX8oPYBDTH-jOO1QWLbwLvATDBsPAnC7oFMuHZ7ix4JY-hG4fVu5bFNKDEKBzQyNaPpfZ4cd6z7btCSR-LNqBU6lmOwhK0FhWOtf_8KInXbtXu/s1600/amazon.png" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07820882412009230172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022754258731566380.post-12109752349632983212014-05-26T16:37:00.000+01:002014-06-28T17:55:15.455+01:00Review, Tour, Giveaway: The Only Boy — Jordan Locke<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7mClstc8btaxMUMztCnIsTGxA255-x0sv6YjS5hcB6B-ofa7QOVz5OAAw5OCWmYTHqimxmz6LZccACMzTaxfhq4nBrfFiUhCIpJFZei7aLMv2YheK_yqAXyVS0RH3d0sYisxZNgK3sG8r/s1600/theonlyboy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7mClstc8btaxMUMztCnIsTGxA255-x0sv6YjS5hcB6B-ofa7QOVz5OAAw5OCWmYTHqimxmz6LZccACMzTaxfhq4nBrfFiUhCIpJFZei7aLMv2YheK_yqAXyVS0RH3d0sYisxZNgK3sG8r/s1600/theonlyboy.jpg" width="160" /></a></div>
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If you are looking for a dystopian that is more on the pleasant side and geared towards young adults I think this fits the bill pretty well. With its fast pace and range of settings, this book kept me interested throughout.</div>
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<b>Read more to read my review, learn about the author and enter a $50 giveaway.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlDGlQKRM4Bd3fNFczpJvwjw_UZgzsSjwKyhXjkjxpiLrI0UTSpYOy-KOyGtUfi7CuUXgR1nZQrIaZQWihSmK_0zvVNQFHw1nLWTlXO_RpkyMmhLjJNeukXoas7AopX68NU7auawJ1a2H/s1600/star_rating_empty.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlDGlQKRM4Bd3fNFczpJvwjw_UZgzsSjwKyhXjkjxpiLrI0UTSpYOy-KOyGtUfi7CuUXgR1nZQrIaZQWihSmK_0zvVNQFHw1nLWTlXO_RpkyMmhLjJNeukXoas7AopX68NU7auawJ1a2H/s1600/star_rating_empty.png" /></a> </center>
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<a href="http://www.bookblasttours.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/only-boy-tou.jpg"><img alt="only boy tou" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1745" src="http://www.bookblasttours.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/only-boy-tou.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.bookblasttours.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/The-only-boy.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="The only boy" class="size-full wp-image-1691 alignleft" src="http://www.bookblasttours.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/The-only-boy.jpg" width="250" /></a><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Official </span></b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Synopsis</b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Genre:</b> YA; Sci-Fi, Dystopian </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Pages:</b> 269</span><br />
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Mary is stuck in Section One, living with three hundred women in a crumbling hospital. She wonders what life was like two centuries ago, before the Cleansing wiped out all the men. But the rules—the Matriarch's senseless rules—prevent her from exploring the vacant city to find out.</blockquote>
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Taylor's got a dangerous secret: he's a boy. His compound's been destroyed, and he's been relocated to Section One. Living under the Matriarch means giving up possessions, eating canned food and avoiding all physical contact. Baggy clothes hide his flat chest and skinny legs, but if anyone discovers what lies beneath, he'll be exiled. Maybe even executed.</blockquote>
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Mary's never seen a boy—the Matriarch cut the pictures of men from the textbooks—and she doesn't suspect Taylor's secret. If she knew, she might understand the need to stop the girls from teasing him. If she knew, she might realize why she breaks the rules, just to be near him. Then again, she might be frightened to death of him.</blockquote>
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Taylor should go. The Matriarch is watching his every move. But running means leaving Mary—and braving the land beyond the compound's boundaries.</blockquote>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00HJEH2A6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B00HJEH2A6&linkCode=as2&tag=eveneboo-21" target="_blank">Amazon UK</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=eveneboo-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B00HJEH2A6" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Only-Boy-Jordan-Locke-ebook/dp/B00HJEH2A6/" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Review</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlDGlQKRM4Bd3fNFczpJvwjw_UZgzsSjwKyhXjkjxpiLrI0UTSpYOy-KOyGtUfi7CuUXgR1nZQrIaZQWihSmK_0zvVNQFHw1nLWTlXO_RpkyMmhLjJNeukXoas7AopX68NU7auawJ1a2H/s1600/star_rating_empty.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlDGlQKRM4Bd3fNFczpJvwjw_UZgzsSjwKyhXjkjxpiLrI0UTSpYOy-KOyGtUfi7CuUXgR1nZQrIaZQWihSmK_0zvVNQFHw1nLWTlXO_RpkyMmhLjJNeukXoas7AopX68NU7auawJ1a2H/s1600/star_rating_empty.png" /></a> </center>
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The cover is gorgeous and does a good job of conveying the premise of the book. The title is a little misleading. Taylor isn’t the ‘only boy’, he is just the only one in his Section and the only one to enter Section One. But it’s punchy and sets up the background for Section One and the history of the dystopian world: there are no boys. It appears as if all male humans have been killed off due to an airborne disease, but that is just its preference, in truth the disease has also affected and killed many women. <br />
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In Section One we have a vivid picture of your typical risk taker. In a compound where no touching is allowed (it’s believed to spread the disease) a lot of warm emotions are lacking. We don’t see love – familial or romantic – and even friendships and family ties seems dull and duty bound. On the flip side, that also means there is no physical violence because that counts as touching. The Matriarch of the compound is twisted and cruel. Without a chapter told from her point of view, it is pretty difficult to know exactly why she is this way or why she made (or enforces) such strict and oppressive rules. Taylor, following the bombing of his home, comes from another Section which is run quite differently to Section One. He finds the change difficult, but he doesn’t seem to grief too much over the loss of his home, family and friends.<br />
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That leads me to the first issue I had with this book. I appreciate that fast pace. But sometimes it felt as if this book neatly skimmed over everything with a sprinkling of depth here and there for good measure. The big baddie is the Matriarch, but we don’t know enough about her to make a judgement beyond ‘your rules are wrong’ and ‘you have made evil choices. And, [spoiler alert!] towards the end Mary encounters the scientist who created a baby boy (all the children are made in a laboratory) – Taylor. Do we get to know her or her life story? Nope. I wanted to know more about these key characters. Okay, they may not be in much of the book because of their lack of interaction with the key characters, but they play a massive role in regards to why events have happened.<br />
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In regards to the main characters – Mary and Taylor – I felt ambivalent. They seem so immature in the decisions they make, but I think you could put that down to their very limited life and social experiences. I wish the characters had a little more depth to them to make them more intriguing, but as an adult reader I realise not every young adult book is going to tick that box for me. Their naivety was also a bit irksome. Why it took so long for them to realise the ‘evil Earthers’ weren’t attacking the compound is beyond me. I think the clue is in the name – Earthers. They hunt and gather. Where are they apparently getting an airplane and a bomb? <br />
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The Earthers were a wonderful addition to the plot. It made the world feel more populated and even more female dominated. The female Earthers make the final decision in regards to their lives and despite capturing and treasuring a few surviving menfolk. I think Locke did a great job at contrasting the different ways in which groups of people chose to live their lives after the disease, from the sterile Section One to the back-to-nature Earthers.<br />
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The book felt a little rosy. The love between the main characters felt too quick and too superficial. The ending was also seemed pleasing all round for the characters, on the whole. Should I put that down to it being young adult? Good reads estimates young adult to be aimed at those between 13 – 21 years old, and I would say this is probably aimed at those on the lower end. The subject matter of dystopian is often dark and emotionally exhausting, but this book felt on the lighter side of the dystopian spectrum.<br />
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Overall this is a pretty enjoyable read. The plot, environments and themes are intriguing. The pacing is steady and you never get the sense of having been in one story location or point too long. For readers who are looking for great depth in characters and plot this book might not be satisfying enough, but if you are looking for a dystopian that is more on the pleasant side and geared towards young adults I think this fits the bill pretty well.<br />
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<a href="http://www.bookblasttours.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Jordan-Locke.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Jordan Locke" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1730" src="http://www.bookblasttours.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Jordan-Locke.jpg" height="300" width="210" /></a><strong></strong><br />
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<strong><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Author</span></strong></strong></div>
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Jordan Locke lives in Connecticut with his wife, two lively daughters and a well-behaved whippet. A graphic designer by trade, his creativity spilled over into the literary world. After years of writing, reading and learning the craft, his fifth novel, The Only Boy, brought him offers of representation from two well-known agents. Now, after the dog is fed and the kids are in bed, you will find him tapping away at the keyboard.<br />
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<a href="http://www.jordanlocke.com/" target="_blank">Website</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/Jordan1Locke" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20339413-the-only-boy" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></div>
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<strong><br />
</strong> <strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Blog Tour Giveaway</span></strong><br />
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$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash<br />
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Ends 6/8/14<br />
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Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from <a href="http://iamareader.com/" target="_blank">I Am A Reader, Not A Writer</a> and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07820882412009230172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022754258731566380.post-18924742144736324842014-05-20T22:56:00.000+01:002014-06-28T17:55:23.517+01:00Trailer Tuesday: 20/05/2014<div class="tr_bq">
Two for Trailer Tuesday today! These books are rather new releases as well...</div>
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<i>If you would like to see your trailer featured here, or would like to share one you found and loved, please send me a link to it via Twitter, Facebook or my contact form on my blog!</i><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Doctor Sleep by Stephen King</span></b><br />
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<i> I love Stephen King, I find his style of writing wonderful and absorbing. And this trailer? Well, it contains all the necessary Stephen King elements. This is a sequel to The Shining!</i></center>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Synopsis</span></b></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;">On highways across America, a tribe of people called The True Knot travel in search of sustenance. They look harmless—mostly old, lots of polyester, and married to their RVs. But as Dan Torrance knows, and spunky twelve-year-old Abra Stone learns, The True Knot are quasi-immortal, living off the “steam” that children with the “shining” produce when they are slowly tortured to death.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;">Haunted by the inhabitants of the Overlook Hotel where he spent one horrific childhood year, Dan has been drifting for decades, desperate to shed his father’s legacy of despair, alcoholism, and violence. Finally, he settles in a New Hampshire town, an AA community that sustains him, and a job at a nursing home where his remnant “shining” power provides the crucial final comfort to the dying. Aided by a prescient cat, he becomes “Doctor Sleep.”</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;">Then Dan meets the evanescent Abra Stone, and it is her spectacular gift, the brightest shining ever seen, that reignites Dan’s own demons and summons him to a battle for Abra’s soul and survival. This is an epic war between good and evil, a gory, glorious story that will thrill the millions of devoted readers of </span><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;">The Shining</em><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;"> and satisfy anyone new to the territory of this icon in the King canon.</span></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16130549-doctor-sleep?from_search=true" target="_blank"><img alt="Good Reads" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5z8sOZq9Seqwabh1T8mpZ65EhEKRFqr23wQnd_XV-eEnr8lW1Z_vDisEBtafPn0Ht0f_W4cLjFSyiAANX2hvmwHIf6Ki6KTuBIDAy4XlIyo88PvyQGNrhpcPibOpEhqUweW3K1YF9qVw/s1600/goodreads.png" title="See it on Good Reads" /></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B009LOJK1Q/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B009LOJK1Q&linkCode=as2&tag=eveneboo-21" target="_blank"><img alt=" Amazon.com" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5TLMZlbeKY8E1OZwP3lPPm9zJGmuGAuBX8oPYBDTH-jOO1QWLbwLvATDBsPAnC7oFMuHZ7ix4JY-hG4fVu5bFNKDEKBzQyNaPpfZ4cd6z7btCSR-LNqBU6lmOwhK0FhWOtf_8KInXbtXu/s1600/amazon.png" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Metamorphing by Kunal Pancholi</span></b><br />
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<br /><i>Typography is something I find interesting to watch. </i></center>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Synopsis</b></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;">"28TH APRIL, 2000: Flight No. 9x4876 bound to Srinagar has crash landed into the Everest Base camp. Unconfirmed reports suggest that the flight mysteriously went off the radar for few minutes and missed its landing. All passengers are feared dead… except for three bodies that are yet to be recovered.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;">8TH DECEMBER, 2050: This, without doubt is the most gruesome murder in recent times. Early this morning, an unidentified woman was found mutilated at the western gates of the abandoned Victoria Terminus Station in Mumbai. Authorities report her head was … well … semi-decapitated and she was drained of all her blood. The shocking part - the crime scene was devoid of any signs of blood spatter…</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;">ROHAN: He was shorter than the shortest girl in school; he had to be ahead in the game! </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;">RUDRA: A man without a past, coaxed into a murder investigation; will he ever grasp the true nature of the crime?</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;">A thrilling tale about two men bound by an untraceable yet undeniable fate - One running away from his past, another unaware of his own."</span></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21949333-metamorphing?from_search=true" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5z8sOZq9Seqwabh1T8mpZ65EhEKRFqr23wQnd_XV-eEnr8lW1Z_vDisEBtafPn0Ht0f_W4cLjFSyiAANX2hvmwHIf6Ki6KTuBIDAy4XlIyo88PvyQGNrhpcPibOpEhqUweW3K1YF9qVw/s1600/goodreads.png" /></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00K2OJYCO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B00K2OJYCO&linkCode=as2&tag=eveneboo-21" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5TLMZlbeKY8E1OZwP3lPPm9zJGmuGAuBX8oPYBDTH-jOO1QWLbwLvATDBsPAnC7oFMuHZ7ix4JY-hG4fVu5bFNKDEKBzQyNaPpfZ4cd6z7btCSR-LNqBU6lmOwhK0FhWOtf_8KInXbtXu/s1600/amazon.png" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07820882412009230172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022754258731566380.post-40821004518607364472014-05-20T16:39:00.000+01:002014-06-28T17:55:30.432+01:00Tour + Giveaway: Inquisitor — R.J. Blain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOI-7muqOqsfpvn-uJ8hjEZxMHKCb4u5YwZ1L04dYfC6rgHiF_9WF379kRdskNpSVTvObpr88iwOzQvN96mxV2i4j8o6l3sGGFsWLoPyJ0YKeHTxbCKXCKjfbsVqI2XanObs0DtzzQKEKX/s1600/inquisitor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOI-7muqOqsfpvn-uJ8hjEZxMHKCb4u5YwZ1L04dYfC6rgHiF_9WF379kRdskNpSVTvObpr88iwOzQvN96mxV2i4j8o6l3sGGFsWLoPyJ0YKeHTxbCKXCKjfbsVqI2XanObs0DtzzQKEKX/s1600/inquisitor.jpg" width="160" /></a></div>
<b>Summary: </b>When Allison is asked to play Cinderella-turned-Fiancee at a Halloween ball, the last thing she expected was to be accused of murder on the same night. She has to find the killer and quick, or she'll be put to death for the crimes she didn't commit. To make matters worse, the victims are all werewolves.<br />
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On the short list of potential victims, Allison has to act fast, or the killer will have one more body to add to his little black book of corpses.<br />
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There's only one problem: One of the deaths has struck too close to home, and Allison's desire for self-preservation may very well transform into a quest for vengeance...<br />
<br />
<b>Read more for an excerpt of this book and enter a $50 giveaway.</b><br />
<b></b><br />
<br />
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<a href="http://www.bookblasttours.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/inquisitor-cover.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="inquisitor cover" class="alignleft wp-image-1701 size-full" src="http://www.bookblasttours.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/inquisitor-cover.jpg" width="250" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Official Synopsis </span></b><br />
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><br />
</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Genre:</b> Fantasy</span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Pages:</b> 478</span></div>
</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
When Allison is asked to play Cinderella-turned-Fiancee at a Halloween ball, the last thing she expected was to be accused of murder on the same night. She has to find the killer and quick, or she'll be put to death for the crimes she didn't commit. To make matters worse, the victims are all werewolves.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
On the short list of potential victims, Allison has to act fast, or the killer will have one more body to add to his little black book of corpses.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
There's only one problem: One of the deaths has struck too close to home, and Allison's desire for self-preservation may very well transform into a quest for vengeance...</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Inquisitor-RJ-Blain-ebook/dp/B00K0SDX88?tag=blasttours-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00K0SDX88/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B00K0SDX88&linkCode=as2&tag=eveneboo-21">Amazon UK</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=eveneboo-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B00K0SDX88" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Excerpt </span></strong></div>
<br />
Caroline was either the best actress I’d ever seen, or she was really dead. I crouched next to her, torn between touching her neck to feel for a pulse and running away before the sweet scent of a fresh kill overwhelmed my restraint.<br />
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A clock chimed ten. The power of the full moon slammed into me, tugging at my heart, and tightening my chest. The need to embrace my inner beast and become one with the night quickened my breath.<br />
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Scents flooded my nose. Strong perfumes mingled with cologne, and the sweat of hot, living bodies stirred my hunger. I licked my lips, and for one brief moment, imagined the salty sweetness of fresh blood on my tongue.<br />
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There was another hunter in the room with me, and they taunted me with their kill. Their prey was either dead or left to die. It was a challenge to the scavengers, to the hunters, and a warning to the prey.<br />
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“What do you think?” Mark’s mother asked.<br />
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“I think she’s an amazing actress,” I replied, careful to keep my tone light. I rose to my feet. If I grew a tail, I could only hope my gown would hide it long enough for me to slip from the party and find a place to gain control over myself.<br />
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Or complete the change and go on a rampage.<br />
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Another minute passed in silence. I shook my head. “This would be why I’m not a police officer.”<br />
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The Wicked Witch of the West giggled. I shivered at the sound. “I see. Very well, Cinderella. Shall we mingle with the other guests and learn about this terrible, terrible deed?”<br />
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“I thought this was when Mark was supposed to come rescue me from a fate worse than death,” I muttered.<br />
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Oops. So much for keeping civil. I guess it was inevitable. Bodies brought out the worst in me. Especially when the body wasn’t one of my making. To make matters worse, I couldn’t exactly raise the alarm.<br />
<br />
If I did, I’d reveal to those who knew the truth about werewolves and witches that I wasn’t just some human girl after a wealthy boy. Then the Inquisition would find silver old enough to kill me or reduce me to ashes to make certain they purged the world of one more rogue werewolf.<br />
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“Why can’t you be wealthy?” Mrs. Livingston lamented.<br />
<br />
The old woman’s question caught me by surprise. Had she heard me? Did she think it an amusing quip?<br />
<br />
Was it possible the woman actually <em>liked</em> me? Confused at the question, I answered honestly. “Ma’am, who says I’m not? I’m your son’s accountant. Do you really think he’d trust someone who didn’t have access to at least <em>some</em> money with <em>his</em> money?” I glared at the old woman. At least the brewing fight between us distracted me from Caroline’s body a little. “Don’t forget I know exactly how much he makes a year, where he transfers his funds, who owes him how much, and whom he owes. I know how much he’s paid in taxes, and I know how much I saved him last tax season.”<br />
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The witch’s mouth dropped open. “Just what—”<br />
<br />
“I paid more in taxes than he did last year. I’ll let you do the math. Unless, of course, he learned how to count from you.” I pivoted on a heel and stalked my way towards the refreshment stand.<br />
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<a href="http://www.bookblasttours.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Blain.gif" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Blain" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1702" src="http://www.bookblasttours.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Blain.gif" height="200" width="200" /></a><strong></strong><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Author</span></strong></strong></div>
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RJ Blain suffers from a Moleskine journal obsession, a pen fixation, and a terrible tendency to pun without warning.<br />
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When she isn't playing pretend, she likes to think she's a cartographer and a sumi-e painter. In reality, she herds cats and a husband. She also has a tendency to play MMOs and other computer games.<br />
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In her spare time, she daydreams about being a spy. Should that fail, her contingency plan involves tying her best of enemies to spinning wheels and quoting James Bond villains until she is satisfied.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://rjblain.com/" target="_blank">Website</a> * <a href="https://twitter.com/rj_blain" target="_blank">Twitter</a> * <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/RJ-Blain/121746651191778" target="_blank">Facebook</a> * <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/rjblain/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> * <a href="https://plus.google.com/+RJBlain-Author/posts" target="_blank">Google+</a> * <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7190903.R_J_Blain" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Blast Giveaway</span></strong></div>
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$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash</div>
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Ends 6/10/14</div>
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Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from <a href="http://iamareader.com/" style="color: #a3b460;" target="_blank">I Am A Reader, Not A Writer</a> and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.</div>
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<script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07820882412009230172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022754258731566380.post-41035079702737030832014-05-19T00:08:00.000+01:002014-06-28T17:55:34.736+01:00Review & Giveaway Tour: Other Systems — Elizabeth Guizzetti<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEido2k-wVW4C0b0vW72_Fpl5li4uSXsNte3hyJQWF17fGO2uqGjuxhVw9OLY7QIvF0x0FM3kaVSy6krN_WpRw9y6mCEl6zKjImtiXoHGINnxFcCm2_N1x38oMAV3nodHTLmBjdZ3etSwDV0/s1600/Cover_Other_Systems_blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><b><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEido2k-wVW4C0b0vW72_Fpl5li4uSXsNte3hyJQWF17fGO2uqGjuxhVw9OLY7QIvF0x0FM3kaVSy6krN_WpRw9y6mCEl6zKjImtiXoHGINnxFcCm2_N1x38oMAV3nodHTLmBjdZ3etSwDV0/s1600/Cover_Other_Systems_blog.jpg" width="160" /></b></a></div>
Overall the book was ambitious and had some intriguing ideas which may be appreciated by sci-fi fans! Unfortunately for me, and at odds with the majority, I felt this story was not exciting enough to keep me engaged for the whole length of the book. I found myself rather indifferent to the main character, Abby, and at times confused by her naivety and what I considered to be inappropriate reactions to her situation. However, the family we encounter aboard the Revelation felt much better developed, each complete with their own difficulties and back stories which come to light across the span of the book.<br />
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<b>For the synopsis, full review, a bit about the author and a giveaway read more!</b><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Official Synopsis</span></b></b></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Genre:</b> Sci-fi</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Pages:</b> 593</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Without an influx of human DNA, the utopian colony on Kipos has eleven generations before it reaches failure. Earth is over ninety light years away. Time is short.<br />
<br />
On the over-crowded Earth, many see opportunity in Kipos' need. After medical, intelligence, and physiological testing, Abby and her younger siblings, Jin and Orchid, are offered transportation. Along with 750,000 other strong young immigrants, they leave the safety of their family with the expectation of good jobs and the opportunity for higher education.<br />
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While the Earthlings travel to the new planet in stasis, the Kiposi, terrified the savages will taint their paradise, pass a series of indenture and adoption laws in order to assimilate them.<br />
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When Abby wakes up on Kipos, Jin cannot be found. Orchid is ripped from her arms as Abby is sold to a dull-eyed man with a sterilized wife. Indentured to breed, she is drugged and systematically coerced. To survive, Abby learns the differences in culture and language using the only thing that is truly hers on this new world: her analytical mind. In order to escape her captors, she joins a planetary survey team where she will discover yet another way of life.</blockquote>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Review</span></b></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlDGlQKRM4Bd3fNFczpJvwjw_UZgzsSjwKyhXjkjxpiLrI0UTSpYOy-KOyGtUfi7CuUXgR1nZQrIaZQWihSmK_0zvVNQFHw1nLWTlXO_RpkyMmhLjJNeukXoas7AopX68NU7auawJ1a2H/s1600/star_rating_empty.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlDGlQKRM4Bd3fNFczpJvwjw_UZgzsSjwKyhXjkjxpiLrI0UTSpYOy-KOyGtUfi7CuUXgR1nZQrIaZQWihSmK_0zvVNQFHw1nLWTlXO_RpkyMmhLjJNeukXoas7AopX68NU7auawJ1a2H/s1600/star_rating_empty.png" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlDGlQKRM4Bd3fNFczpJvwjw_UZgzsSjwKyhXjkjxpiLrI0UTSpYOy-KOyGtUfi7CuUXgR1nZQrIaZQWihSmK_0zvVNQFHw1nLWTlXO_RpkyMmhLjJNeukXoas7AopX68NU7auawJ1a2H/s1600/star_rating_empty.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlDGlQKRM4Bd3fNFczpJvwjw_UZgzsSjwKyhXjkjxpiLrI0UTSpYOy-KOyGtUfi7CuUXgR1nZQrIaZQWihSmK_0zvVNQFHw1nLWTlXO_RpkyMmhLjJNeukXoas7AopX68NU7auawJ1a2H/s1600/star_rating_empty.png" /></a> </center>
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I want to start off by saying that I am probably in the minority with my views on this book, at least from what I have seen on GoodReads and Amazon, so precede with that in mind.</div>
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I felt this book took an excessive amount of time setting the scene and building the sci-fi world. I understand that time needs to be spent so that the reader is not left behind or questioning what is going on, but when I am 10% through a book I do expect some action to start happening. I felt the selection of ‘Earthlings’ was just background, it didn’t feel particularly exciting. For me, the book did not really start until Abby was chosen by a male on Kipos. </div>
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While this book is spilt into parts, I feel that just helps the book feel longer. During Abby’s captivity everything felt drawn out – yet I suppose it was relatively short given the months that had past! During that time I found it difficult to become more engaged with Abby, or even find her more likable. I felt sympathy for what happened to her, but despite coming from a place which looks down on sex outside of marriage, Abby does not seem that psychologically upset by what happened. In fact it seems to spur her into entertaining thoughts of getting physical with most of the men who show her some kindness – regardless of whether or not they were ordered to look after her. It doesn’t stop there. Abby even considers that some of those men will protect her. It feels as though Abby is too naïve.</div>
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I feel like Guizzetti did a great job at weaving in complexities such as genetics, racism and aging in space. However, I think there was a lot that could have been explored in more depth. The exploration of planets felt limited to some basic data collecting. Although it would have been nice to get a better experience of the different planets, they served their purposes of demonstrating Abby’s increasing confidence and role in the crew. </div>
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What I liked most about this story was the unique family dynamics on board the ship. The family is both well functioning, in terms of everyone having their duties aboard and doing them, and yet they aren’t happy and harmonious. Each adult has their own messy background which is brought to life across the span of the book. This gives characters like Harden much greater depth than is typical with side characters or love interests. </div>
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Personally, I thought the plot was not exciting enough to fill the many pages and sometimes it felt like a struggle to reach the end. However, towards the last part of the book all sorts of drama occurred and that got me hooked once again. I think I would have enjoyed the book if Abby was just… different, a little less naïve and childish, or even not there at all. Cole and his family were the characters whom I was most interested in.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B007QQDU94/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B007QQDU94&linkCode=as2&tag=eveneboo-21">Buy from Amazon UK</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=eveneboo-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B007QQDU94" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Other-Systems-Elizabeth-Guizzetti-ebook/dp/B007QQDU94" target="_blank">Buy from Amazon.com</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUOzdiqqigBkatMVXlMf0WEx0x14q16WW_2-TljO4MsDwkgSX7bwJvz0EBO6AWj6gOWG_vo6s2xzK02OAJgFAXDBZHN41FqTtcS4G3xBq6AnakXSx3ZI2UFYQ-SJAzl_7zS50rm1mNaKLt/s1600/Author+Photo+-+Elizabeth+Guizzetti.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUOzdiqqigBkatMVXlMf0WEx0x14q16WW_2-TljO4MsDwkgSX7bwJvz0EBO6AWj6gOWG_vo6s2xzK02OAJgFAXDBZHN41FqTtcS4G3xBq6AnakXSx3ZI2UFYQ-SJAzl_7zS50rm1mNaKLt/s1600/Author+Photo+-+Elizabeth+Guizzetti.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Author</span></b></div>
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Seattle, WA – Elizabeth Guizzetti opened a new door to the science fiction genre with a character driven multi-world fiction that grabs readers’ emotions and refuses to let go. Garnering a growing and dedicated readership, Other Systems examines what an actual life of might entail if someone chooses to leave Earth and live on another planet. Hailed as both ‘thought-provoking’ and ‘emotional’, the book is resonating with readers—some who have never read science fiction before.<br />
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Inspired by NASA's Kepler mission (the search for other Earth-like planets) the novel explores the shifts in culture and belief systems, the definition of humanity, and family structure as humans for new homes. Finally it asks: Would you go?<br />
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As the author explains, her novel showcases the true power of a determined human mind. “Abby is an intelligent protagonist that grows through the course of the novel. Even though life does not turn out as planned, she uses her mind--not violence--in order to find a way out of her problems,” says Guizzetti.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Giveaway</span></b></div>
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/6289a731/" id="rc-6289a731" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07820882412009230172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022754258731566380.post-32363463193096668322014-05-16T20:49:00.000+01:002014-05-16T20:50:38.807+01:00Friday Freebies: 16/05/2014Looking for some books to read over the weekend or add to your growing to-read list? Well you're in luck. Here are some lovely looking ebook I've found today!<br />
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If you have already read any of these books feel free to comment with a review - or a link to your review - as these are all books I'm looking at reading some soon!<br />
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<i>Note: All books were free at the time of publishing this post. I cannot guarantee they will free when you look at them, so please check the price before hitting download!</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl7b92d_g_nT3fTHuEPn9x2AMniqkZRsd5su783fbxICHosKUWb81gL777fAZFj2XmvVnhqbrVK0cRuBMJL1sTucwHa_z2S75kHzQc3Q7EUShOWNbdAh9pNSkYX8BmkKC5Pk5UNjgqvVIl/s1600/41mN6zZQfqL._SX300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl7b92d_g_nT3fTHuEPn9x2AMniqkZRsd5su783fbxICHosKUWb81gL777fAZFj2XmvVnhqbrVK0cRuBMJL1sTucwHa_z2S75kHzQc3Q7EUShOWNbdAh9pNSkYX8BmkKC5Pk5UNjgqvVIl/s1600/41mN6zZQfqL._SX300_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Dust by Allison M. Dickson</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Genre:</b> Sci-fi</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Pages:</b> 17</span><br />
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"A hungry alien substance has traveled to Earth following a doomed Lunar mission, and it's consuming everything it touches, leaving behind drifts of gray death. No life form stands a chance, but Clyde Jackson is tougher than most. He's seen war and he's been in plenty of foxholes. Now he's living through the end of the world one day at a time in a panic room that has become his only refuge. It's only a matter of time before the ventilation fails, and it'll only take a single gray speck to end it all..."<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004WP2JDK/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B004WP2JDK&linkCode=as2&tag=eveneboo-21" target="_blank">Amazon UK</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=eveneboo-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B004WP2JDK" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004WP2JDK" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a></div>
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41qrb4oadKL._SX300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41qrb4oadKL._SX300_.jpg" width="200" /></a><b><span style="font-size: large;"> Girl Perfect by Jo Jenkins</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Genre:</b> YA</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Pages:</b> 103</span><br />
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Have you ever felt different?<br />
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A novel about feeling different and finding love in the unlikeliest of places.<br />
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"Elin Richards, 13, was born with a cleft lip and palate and has always felt different. Struggling day-to-day with her distinctive appearance, all Elin wants is to be like everyone else. School is a nightmarish and lonely place, and Elin only feels truly at ease when she’s riding her beloved horse, Hebe. <br />
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When Elin finally snaps and strikes a boy in her class, the consequences are far reaching. Then someone close makes a suggestion that will change Elin’s life forever.<br />
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So take a ride with Elin as she discovers that in an imperfect world true friends are closer than you might think."<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B007J2K66K/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B007J2K66K&linkCode=as2&tag=eveneboo-21" target="_blank">Amazon UK</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=eveneboo-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B007J2K66K" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007J2K66K" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Bet in the Dark by Rachel Higginson</span></b><br />
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</b></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Genre:</b> Romance / Romantic Comedy / New Adult</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Pages:</b> 285</span><br />
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</span>"All Ellie Harris wanted was a life of her own. <br />
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In a shortsighted decision, she follows her high school boyfriend to college, only to get cheated on and then dumped. And to add insult to injury, her overprotective family is suddenly clinging to her again, fighting to control every part of her life. <br />
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Bad luck follows her hasty decision and when her roommate steals her identity and leaves town, Ellie is left to clean up a gigantic mess. <br />
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Fin Hunter insists Ellie owes him seven thousand dollars from an online poker game and he won't stop until he collects it. Determined to keep her family out of her life, Ellie agrees to work for Fin in his illegal online poker operation. He’s given her six weeks to pay off the debt. <br />
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Soon sparks are flying between them and the only thing keeping her from falling for him is the debt she still owes and the money she doesn’t have. <br />
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At the end of those six weeks, Ellie will have to pay the mistaken debt or bet in the dark that her feelings for Fin will be worth more than the money."<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00D1F1DNY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B00D1F1DNY&linkCode=as2&tag=eveneboo-21" target="_blank">Amazon UK</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=eveneboo-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B00D1F1DNY" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D1F1DNY" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a></div>
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51jQcBnlirL._SX300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51jQcBnlirL._SX300_.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Suicide Vacation by Rich Allen</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Genre:</b> General Fiction / Holiday</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Pages:</b> 250</span><br />
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"Jack Holden is a big fan of the silver screen, but if Hollywood ever make a movie about his life, it will be a horror film. He's lost his job as a radio presenter, his girlfriend has dumped him and eviction from his flat seems imminent. Devoid of hope, Jack scrapes together enough money for a nostalgia fueled trip to Barcelona, with the aim of ending his life there. But, when a stranger using a tantalizing alias contacts him, telling him not to go through with it, he becomes curious.<br />
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With Jack's final scenes imminent, he realizes that he's only a player, and that someone else is in the director's chair."<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B009JVUJ34/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B009JVUJ34&linkCode=as2&tag=eveneboo-21" target="_blank">Amazon UK</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=eveneboo-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B009JVUJ34" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009JVUJ34" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07820882412009230172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022754258731566380.post-4440895879829199292014-04-24T16:18:00.002+01:002014-04-24T16:18:58.796+01:00Review: PODS — Michelle K. Pickett<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSgA8Cw1eocNonYGcKSzt3ootArvtSxo2jSHnwgZw3TVwUWlvCyEUKuhVIiTp1Ed5dX6QORnTPXrv4iRVPcdP2tHtKEhFGzX12JWMFpNWZ_0nOMoVzMmr0631rfnIX-0loEimJ67jtkihd/s1600/pods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSgA8Cw1eocNonYGcKSzt3ootArvtSxo2jSHnwgZw3TVwUWlvCyEUKuhVIiTp1Ed5dX6QORnTPXrv4iRVPcdP2tHtKEhFGzX12JWMFpNWZ_0nOMoVzMmr0631rfnIX-0loEimJ67jtkihd/s1600/pods.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
I think that young adults may like this book, along with people who like romance and rosy novels. The latter type of readers probably won’t dip into dystopian novels often, or at all, but this could be a nice way to introduce them to elements of the genre. For fans of emotionally powerful dystopian stories or sci-fi, this book might be underwhelming.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlDGlQKRM4Bd3fNFczpJvwjw_UZgzsSjwKyhXjkjxpiLrI0UTSpYOy-KOyGtUfi7CuUXgR1nZQrIaZQWihSmK_0zvVNQFHw1nLWTlXO_RpkyMmhLjJNeukXoas7AopX68NU7auawJ1a2H/s1600/star_rating_empty.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlDGlQKRM4Bd3fNFczpJvwjw_UZgzsSjwKyhXjkjxpiLrI0UTSpYOy-KOyGtUfi7CuUXgR1nZQrIaZQWihSmK_0zvVNQFHw1nLWTlXO_RpkyMmhLjJNeukXoas7AopX68NU7auawJ1a2H/s1600/star_rating_empty.png" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlDGlQKRM4Bd3fNFczpJvwjw_UZgzsSjwKyhXjkjxpiLrI0UTSpYOy-KOyGtUfi7CuUXgR1nZQrIaZQWihSmK_0zvVNQFHw1nLWTlXO_RpkyMmhLjJNeukXoas7AopX68NU7auawJ1a2H/s1600/star_rating_empty.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlDGlQKRM4Bd3fNFczpJvwjw_UZgzsSjwKyhXjkjxpiLrI0UTSpYOy-KOyGtUfi7CuUXgR1nZQrIaZQWihSmK_0zvVNQFHw1nLWTlXO_RpkyMmhLjJNeukXoas7AopX68NU7auawJ1a2H/s1600/star_rating_empty.png" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlDGlQKRM4Bd3fNFczpJvwjw_UZgzsSjwKyhXjkjxpiLrI0UTSpYOy-KOyGtUfi7CuUXgR1nZQrIaZQWihSmK_0zvVNQFHw1nLWTlXO_RpkyMmhLjJNeukXoas7AopX68NU7auawJ1a2H/s1600/star_rating_empty.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlDGlQKRM4Bd3fNFczpJvwjw_UZgzsSjwKyhXjkjxpiLrI0UTSpYOy-KOyGtUfi7CuUXgR1nZQrIaZQWihSmK_0zvVNQFHw1nLWTlXO_RpkyMmhLjJNeukXoas7AopX68NU7auawJ1a2H/s1600/star_rating_empty.png" /></a> </center>
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<b>Book Information</b><br />
Pages: 312<br />
Published: June 2013<br />
Series: Book 1 of PODs<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Good Reads </span></b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Synopsis</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSgA8Cw1eocNonYGcKSzt3ootArvtSxo2jSHnwgZw3TVwUWlvCyEUKuhVIiTp1Ed5dX6QORnTPXrv4iRVPcdP2tHtKEhFGzX12JWMFpNWZ_0nOMoVzMmr0631rfnIX-0loEimJ67jtkihd/s1600/pods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSgA8Cw1eocNonYGcKSzt3ootArvtSxo2jSHnwgZw3TVwUWlvCyEUKuhVIiTp1Ed5dX6QORnTPXrv4iRVPcdP2tHtKEhFGzX12JWMFpNWZ_0nOMoVzMmr0631rfnIX-0loEimJ67jtkihd/s1600/pods.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Seventeen-year-old Eva is a chosen one. Chosen to live, while others meet a swift and painful death from an incurable virus so lethal, a person is dead within days of symptoms emerging. In the POD system, a series of underground habitats built by the government, she waits with the other chosen for the deadly virus to claim those above. Separated from family and friends, it's in the PODs she meets David. And while true love might not conquer all, it's a balm for the broken soul.<br />
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After a year, scientists believe the population has died, and without living hosts, so has the virus. That's the theory, anyway. But when the PODs are opened, survivors find the surface holds a vicious secret. The virus mutated, infecting those left top-side and creating... monsters.<br />
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Eva and David hide from the infected in the abandoned PODs. Together they try to build a life--a new beginning. But the infected follow and are relentless in their attacks. Leaving Eva and David to fight for survival, and pray for a cure.</blockquote>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Review</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlDGlQKRM4Bd3fNFczpJvwjw_UZgzsSjwKyhXjkjxpiLrI0UTSpYOy-KOyGtUfi7CuUXgR1nZQrIaZQWihSmK_0zvVNQFHw1nLWTlXO_RpkyMmhLjJNeukXoas7AopX68NU7auawJ1a2H/s1600/star_rating_empty.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlDGlQKRM4Bd3fNFczpJvwjw_UZgzsSjwKyhXjkjxpiLrI0UTSpYOy-KOyGtUfi7CuUXgR1nZQrIaZQWihSmK_0zvVNQFHw1nLWTlXO_RpkyMmhLjJNeukXoas7AopX68NU7auawJ1a2H/s1600/star_rating_empty.png" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlDGlQKRM4Bd3fNFczpJvwjw_UZgzsSjwKyhXjkjxpiLrI0UTSpYOy-KOyGtUfi7CuUXgR1nZQrIaZQWihSmK_0zvVNQFHw1nLWTlXO_RpkyMmhLjJNeukXoas7AopX68NU7auawJ1a2H/s1600/star_rating_empty.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlDGlQKRM4Bd3fNFczpJvwjw_UZgzsSjwKyhXjkjxpiLrI0UTSpYOy-KOyGtUfi7CuUXgR1nZQrIaZQWihSmK_0zvVNQFHw1nLWTlXO_RpkyMmhLjJNeukXoas7AopX68NU7auawJ1a2H/s1600/star_rating_empty.png" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlDGlQKRM4Bd3fNFczpJvwjw_UZgzsSjwKyhXjkjxpiLrI0UTSpYOy-KOyGtUfi7CuUXgR1nZQrIaZQWihSmK_0zvVNQFHw1nLWTlXO_RpkyMmhLjJNeukXoas7AopX68NU7auawJ1a2H/s1600/star_rating_empty.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlDGlQKRM4Bd3fNFczpJvwjw_UZgzsSjwKyhXjkjxpiLrI0UTSpYOy-KOyGtUfi7CuUXgR1nZQrIaZQWihSmK_0zvVNQFHw1nLWTlXO_RpkyMmhLjJNeukXoas7AopX68NU7auawJ1a2H/s1600/star_rating_empty.png" /></a> </center>
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The cover is well put together and the synopsis is promising. I’m a fan of sci-fi and horror, so this did seem like my kind of book. The ‘monsters’ sounded a lot like an attempt to reference zombies without saying the z-word. I like zombies so I was excited.<br />
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I liked the forming of character relationships in the PODs and how well their lives were explained. The idea of being stuck in a POD which could be completely shut off from the world made me feel claustrophobic. When a POD is taken offline for the first time it definitely got an emotional reaction from me, which I think could be due to the relationship between Katie and Cameron. I felt awful for her! It was kind of a shame to leave the other characters from the POD. Perhaps this story could have been a little more interesting by flipping between a few character’s perspectives. <br />
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I think that younger readers may like this book, along with people who like romance and rosy novels. The latter type of readers probably won’t dip into dystopian novels often, or at all, but this could be a nice way to introduce them to elements of the genre. For fans of emotionally powerful dystopian stories or sci-fi, this book might be underwhelming.<br />
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I think the biggest failing of this book is the protagonist. As it is written from a first person perspective if the reader doesn’t like or feel connected to that character then things aren’t going to go well. I found Eva to be very…blunt, but not in a rational way. The opening left me with the sour impression that Eva was immature and unlikeable (‘Beanbag Guy’? How very original and clever); I don’t like that in a book unless the character grows out of it. I found her inability to learn about the virus from what people were saying in school to be shocking. Did she walk around with loud headphones on all day? End of the world things are what people buzz about, even the events (or dates) that clearly won’t be the end of the world creates excitement among young adults, teenagers and even adults. Yet somehow Eva was shielded from this. When she finally learned of the virus she just came across as having a bad attitude and being passive-aggressive. I couldn’t feel horrified with her or even pity that she was in that story because it felt like she kind of deserved it. There were some other issues I would bring up – but they are minor details and not especially important to the plot.<br />
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I also found Eva to be undeserving of her apparent intelligence. Maybe she was just a book smart, work hard kind of person. Most of the time, the high achieving people I meet have personalities to match, but there’s always an exception. The way she thinks about things and the way in which she behaves in various situations just had me thinking she was an idiot. She endangers herself and many others recklessly and without remorse.<br />
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But let’s talk about something else – the romance. I like a bit of rosy romance, I like a bit of torn apart lovers, I like a bit of family friendly romance and I like a bit of the steamy stuff. But this took the romance biscuit and left it soggy. The amount of times their kisses are described (along with David’s ‘taste’) was fine at first, teenagers are kind of passionate and some people like a lot of that stuff in their novels, but then it just got boring. Every kiss seemed like the same over-described kiss. Every time it happened I started skim reading to the next non-kissy non-touchy paragraph. By the time Eva and David started to go places I was a master at skimming over their love scenes and I really wished it would just stop.<br />
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I also found the character of Jai Li to be a little unbelievable. Despite having a social security number she doesn’t speak basic English. Perhaps worse of all, I felt the story lacked the general hopelessness and urgency of dystopian fiction. <br />
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So yes, there are some details in the plot which I think are a little absurd and I felt pretty detached from the main character. However, I thought the storyline had a lot of potential, about half way through (and the ending in particular) things seemed to be kind of rushed (besides the love scenes, which were pretty drawn out in comparison). It would have been great to have the second part of the novel extended and the harsh, dangerous and terrifying world outside the compounds really made to feel that way. It also would have been nice to have those infected with the virus made more or less human, to give them more impact.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07820882412009230172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022754258731566380.post-23042079760292718232014-04-19T10:01:00.000+01:002014-05-07T22:23:25.885+01:00Book Blast & Giveaway: Sticks N' Stones — Angela Burkhead<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sticks-n-Stones-Garden-Phea-ebook/dp/B00IB01XRU/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1396984252&sr=1-1&keywords=sticks+n+stones+and+the+garden+of+phea" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Sticks n Stones and the Garden of Phea by Angela Burkhead" class="alignleft" src="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/DSC_0195-225x300.jpg" width="200" /></a>Sticks N' Stones and the Garden of Phea is a book for young readers about bullying. I think when you are young, bullying is a pretty important thing to learn about in order to defend yourself against it and learn to cope with it. Bullying is an issue that is particularly close to my heart so I had to share this! This post features the book summary, buy link, about the author and, of course, a give away!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">About the Book</span></h2>
<strong>Publication Date:<strong> </strong> </strong>February 6, 2014<br />
<strong>Publisher: <strong> </strong> </strong>Maple Hill Publishing<br />
<strong>Pages: </strong> 152<br />
<strong>Recommended Ages: </strong>9+<strong><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sticks-n-Stones-Garden-Phea-ebook/dp/B00IB01XRU/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1396984252&sr=1-1&keywords=sticks+n+stones+and+the+garden+of+phea" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Sticks n Stones and the Garden of Phea by Angela Burkhead" class="alignleft" src="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/DSC_0195-225x300.jpg" height="300" width="225" /></a><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Summary</span></strong><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Rather than spending one more day amongst the humiliating remarks to the amusement of her fellow peers, Emily Fickeltin runs away. Or, rather, walks away. Emily is misunderstood and disliked but what seems to be every other child her age and on top of it all, she is overweight. Perfectly pleasantly plump, her mother calls her, but Emily feels far from perfect. Her attempt to escape her pain leads her to discover a hidden place with new hope for friends and acceptance. Stumbling into Phea's garden, an eccentric woman skilled in the arts of gardening and imagination, Emily finds she is not alone in her troubles. Phea and her friend rabbit have a past of their own they wish to run from and together the three battle their innermost demons as their world crumbles around them. Will they ever discover peace and acceptance? These lost and disheartened souls must find who they are before they are all lost forever.</blockquote>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sticks-n-Stones-Garden-Phea-ebook/dp/B00IB01XRU/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1396984252&sr=1-1&keywords=sticks+n+stones+and+the+garden+of+phea" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5TLMZlbeKY8E1OZwP3lPPm9zJGmuGAuBX8oPYBDTH-jOO1QWLbwLvATDBsPAnC7oFMuHZ7ix4JY-hG4fVu5bFNKDEKBzQyNaPpfZ4cd6z7btCSR-LNqBU6lmOwhK0FhWOtf_8KInXbtXu/s1600/amazon.png" /></a></div>
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">About the Author</span></h2>
<a href="http://angelaburkhead.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Angela Burkhead" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-17578" src="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Proof-300x300.jpg" height="201" width="201" /></a><strong></strong><br />
<strong>Angela Burkhead </strong>is a full time writer and a full time mom. Of the two jobs, she cannot decide which is more difficult and time consuming, but both bring the joys of fulfillment and accomplishment. She and her son currently reside in Richmond, Ky, just north of Kentucky's arts and crafts capital, Berea, Ky, where she was born and raised. Her newest book, <em><strong>Sticks n' Stones and the Garden of Phea</strong></em>, an upper middle grade/young adult fantasy novel, was published February of 2014.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7824929.Angela_Burkhead" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://angelaburkhead.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Author Blog</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/TheMsBurkhead" target="_blank">Twitter</a> </span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AngelaBurkheadAuthor?ref=hl" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://themsburkhead.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Tumblr </a> </span></h3>
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
* $25 Book Blast Giveaway *</h2>
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<strong>Prize:</strong> One winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice)<br />
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<strong>Contest ends:</strong> May 13, 11:59 pm, 2014<br />
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<strong>Open:</strong> Internationally<br />
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<strong>How to enter:</strong> Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.<br />
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<strong>Terms and Conditions: </strong>NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, David Chuka and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07820882412009230172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022754258731566380.post-27389461035813008952014-04-09T11:48:00.000+01:002014-04-09T11:48:20.590+01:00Trailer Tuesday (08/04/2014)<div class="tr_bq">
Trailer Tuesday continues (one day late, oops)! So far I have just been searching YouTube for book trailers, if there is a better place to find book trailers please let me know.</div>
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If you would like to see your trailer featured here, or would like to share one you found and loved, please send me a link to it via Twitter, Facebook or my contact form on my blog. <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Cold Calls by Charles Benoit</span></b><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/go68PuZ1ohc" width="480"></iframe><br />
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<i> I went through a lot of boring and poor quality trailers before I found this trailer. After finishing it, all I want to do is read this book!</i></center>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Summary</span></b></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"In the vein of the teen suspense classics I Know What You Did Last Summer and The Face on the Milk Carton, Cold Calls is a chilling thriller, an unsettling mystery, and a provocative exploration of bullying, culpability, and the cost of keeping secrets. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Three high school students-Eric, Shelly, and Fatima-have one thing in common: "I know your secret." Each one is blackmailed into bullying specifically targeted schoolmates by a mysterious caller who whispers from their cell phones and holds carefully guarded secrets over their heads. But how could anyone have obtained that photo, read those hidden pages, uncovered this buried past? Thrown together, the three teens join forces to find the stranger who threatens them-before time runs out and their shattering secrets are revealed . . . </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
This suspenseful, pitch-perfect mystery-thriller raises timely questions about privacy, bullying, and culpability."</blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18222846-cold-calls?from_search=true" target="_blank"><img alt="Good Reads" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5z8sOZq9Seqwabh1T8mpZ65EhEKRFqr23wQnd_XV-eEnr8lW1Z_vDisEBtafPn0Ht0f_W4cLjFSyiAANX2hvmwHIf6Ki6KTuBIDAy4XlIyo88PvyQGNrhpcPibOpEhqUweW3K1YF9qVw/s1600/goodreads.png" title="See it on Good Reads" /></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cold-Calls-Charles-Benoit-ebook/dp/B00E78IB66/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1396893588&sr=8-1&keywords=Cold+Calls+by+Charles+Benoit" target="_blank"><img alt=" Amazon.com" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5TLMZlbeKY8E1OZwP3lPPm9zJGmuGAuBX8oPYBDTH-jOO1QWLbwLvATDBsPAnC7oFMuHZ7ix4JY-hG4fVu5bFNKDEKBzQyNaPpfZ4cd6z7btCSR-LNqBU6lmOwhK0FhWOtf_8KInXbtXu/s1600/amazon.png" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau.</span></b><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/O1OpLwj_UzE" width="480"></iframe><br />
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<i> You have read The Hunger Games, now read the next step up!</i></center>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Summary</span></b> </blockquote>
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"Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Isn’t that what they say? But how close is too close when they may be one in the same?<br />
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The Seven Stages War left much of the planet a charred wasteland. The future belongs to the next generation’s chosen few who must rebuild it. But to enter this elite group, candidates must first pass The Testing—their one chance at a college education and a rewarding career.<br />
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Cia Vale is honored to be chosen as a Testing candidate; eager to prove her worthiness as a University student and future leader of the United Commonwealth. But on the eve of her departure, her father’s advice hints at a darker side to her upcoming studies--trust no one.<br />
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But surely she can trust Tomas, her handsome childhood friend who offers an alliance? Tomas, who seems to care more about her with the passing of every grueling (and deadly) day of the Testing. To survive, Cia must choose: love without truth or life without trust."</blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13326831-the-testing?from_search=true" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5z8sOZq9Seqwabh1T8mpZ65EhEKRFqr23wQnd_XV-eEnr8lW1Z_vDisEBtafPn0Ht0f_W4cLjFSyiAANX2hvmwHIf6Ki6KTuBIDAy4XlIyo88PvyQGNrhpcPibOpEhqUweW3K1YF9qVw/s1600/goodreads.png" /></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Testing-Trilogy-Joelle-Charbonneau-ebook/dp/B00E78RH52/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1396893861&sr=8-1&keywords=the+testing" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5TLMZlbeKY8E1OZwP3lPPm9zJGmuGAuBX8oPYBDTH-jOO1QWLbwLvATDBsPAnC7oFMuHZ7ix4JY-hG4fVu5bFNKDEKBzQyNaPpfZ4cd6z7btCSR-LNqBU6lmOwhK0FhWOtf_8KInXbtXu/s1600/amazon.png" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Hibernate by Elizabeth Eslami</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Summary</b></span></center>
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"Hibernate is a big-hearted and brutal story collection. In these globe-spanning stories, Elizabeth Eslami follows ordinary men and women who slowly awaken to hard choices. A fishing trip forces two Montana brothers to grow up in ways they never could have imagined. A Sudanese immigrant begins a new life with his girlfriend in America, only to find himself pulled toward his mother’s past transgressions. A group of tourists visits an Indian pueblo and realizes their tour guide isn’t at all who they expected. A shipwrecked captain and his men cling to the company of narwhals and Eskimos. And in the unforgettable title story, two lovers trade life as they’ve known it for an escape into the extraordinary. </blockquote>
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A masterful storyteller as likely to draw blood as to heal, Eslami moves her restless, resilient characters across an uneven landscape toward a hard earned place of peace."</blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18222627-hibernate?from_search=true" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5z8sOZq9Seqwabh1T8mpZ65EhEKRFqr23wQnd_XV-eEnr8lW1Z_vDisEBtafPn0Ht0f_W4cLjFSyiAANX2hvmwHIf6Ki6KTuBIDAy4XlIyo88PvyQGNrhpcPibOpEhqUweW3K1YF9qVw/s1600/goodreads.png" /></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0814251889/ref=x_gr_w_bb?ie=UTF8&tag=goodreads_uk-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0814251889&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5TLMZlbeKY8E1OZwP3lPPm9zJGmuGAuBX8oPYBDTH-jOO1QWLbwLvATDBsPAnC7oFMuHZ7ix4JY-hG4fVu5bFNKDEKBzQyNaPpfZ4cd6z7btCSR-LNqBU6lmOwhK0FhWOtf_8KInXbtXu/s1600/amazon.png" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07820882412009230172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022754258731566380.post-88924470127095962792014-04-02T13:00:00.000+01:002014-04-02T13:00:26.348+01:00Review, Tour & Giveaway: Journeys of Wonder<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgej9SXMao36xD1hqeHQm7mrnDOmbKWzVqrI-Igt_CYjpkX8UB8BWfLrdyYzroQzadS8eVaJ4jpYKE3cv4t0czMQ4nQtk5Mc_tLXYDSM2vrksajbY2B0OWR9kRFsqpYJ33YwM59exTd1vlf/s1600/journeysofwonder118888190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgej9SXMao36xD1hqeHQm7mrnDOmbKWzVqrI-Igt_CYjpkX8UB8BWfLrdyYzroQzadS8eVaJ4jpYKE3cv4t0czMQ4nQtk5Mc_tLXYDSM2vrksajbY2B0OWR9kRFsqpYJ33YwM59exTd1vlf/s1600/journeysofwonder118888190.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
Journeys of Wonder is a new anthology of genre fiction. Each volume contains 5 short stories from various authors, ranging from horror to science fiction to mystery. To date, three volumes have been published and the fourth is currently in the works.<br />
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I have read the first three volumes and I have to say it was really enjoyable. I do not often read short stories, but these had me hooked!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlDGlQKRM4Bd3fNFczpJvwjw_UZgzsSjwKyhXjkjxpiLrI0UTSpYOy-KOyGtUfi7CuUXgR1nZQrIaZQWihSmK_0zvVNQFHw1nLWTlXO_RpkyMmhLjJNeukXoas7AopX68NU7auawJ1a2H/s1600/star_rating_empty.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlDGlQKRM4Bd3fNFczpJvwjw_UZgzsSjwKyhXjkjxpiLrI0UTSpYOy-KOyGtUfi7CuUXgR1nZQrIaZQWihSmK_0zvVNQFHw1nLWTlXO_RpkyMmhLjJNeukXoas7AopX68NU7auawJ1a2H/s1600/star_rating_empty.png" /></a></center>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">My Review</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsknB1dtJM9S_dWR0jbAjD2G0dEw50p4Qy2YMZNJ2u9nY0SNtTOm5VqiXbfdQtL2QKsiLhPNDEQLjCz-9ENoIY_3-KIR2M-TS-C434Ug2873bEmKrj1Mlz-R_Tif3dP3tl9diqqDBDKn99/s1600/star_rating_full.png" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlDGlQKRM4Bd3fNFczpJvwjw_UZgzsSjwKyhXjkjxpiLrI0UTSpYOy-KOyGtUfi7CuUXgR1nZQrIaZQWihSmK_0zvVNQFHw1nLWTlXO_RpkyMmhLjJNeukXoas7AopX68NU7auawJ1a2H/s1600/star_rating_empty.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlDGlQKRM4Bd3fNFczpJvwjw_UZgzsSjwKyhXjkjxpiLrI0UTSpYOy-KOyGtUfi7CuUXgR1nZQrIaZQWihSmK_0zvVNQFHw1nLWTlXO_RpkyMmhLjJNeukXoas7AopX68NU7auawJ1a2H/s1600/star_rating_empty.png" /></a></center>
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If you are familiar with The Twilight Zone, or similar television shows, then you will have some idea of how this analogy will feel. Each short story is completely separate. Each story feels distinctly different, and if you don’t like one, there will certainly be at least one you do enjoy! I don’t often read short stories because I feel like I need more – more background, more character development, more detail on the set up or ending. While I felt each story here had the potential to be something longer, I can appreciate the power of a short story.<br />
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In volume 1 I found The Door a little… predictable, but at the same time I really enjoyed how it was written with the realisation slowly occurring. I can imagine it being turned into something a bit longer and still being just as satisfying. On the other hand, I found Afterdeath a bit… odd. It was definitely an interesting concept, and not one I have read about before. It wasn’t bad-odd, I just felt if it was longer than maybe I would have been able to grasp the ideas within the story a bit more. During the story I was a little confused and it took me some time afterwards to process what had happened.<br />
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I felt volume 2 was more intense – yes, I would probably say it was better than the first because I loved each and every story. CAL might seem a bit cliché, but it still had emotion. The Terrible, Perfect Duet was so bizarre I wasn’t sure whether I was surprised or amused! Because of that, I thought the order choice was pretty clever. I would write about each story, but in the interest of keeping this review short and sweet: each story features unique characters and interesting plot lines. If you’re going to try one of these analogies, I would recommend this one as it was my favourite!<br />
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Once again the intensity is turned up in Volume 3. Tooth and Nail and The Edge of Insanity were true gems. They nailed horror without being gruesome and gory. Those are the kind of stories that stay with you. I didn’t find the other stories as compelling, but I am certainly hooked on these anthologies!<br />
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<a href="http://s1253.photobucket.com/user/srfeike/media/1bea5eae-2445-4908-aaa8-025df864b270.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 1bea5eae-2445-4908-aaa8-025df864b270.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1253.photobucket.com/albums/hh585/srfeike/1bea5eae-2445-4908-aaa8-025df864b270.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Volume 1</span></b></div>
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<b>The Door by Ian Kezsbom:</b> Six people are stuck in a room with no memory of how they got there, while a fear of the unknown keeps them from opening the only exit they have.<br />
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<b>Blackout by Lisa Gail Green:</b> A terrifying tale of a young woman whose memory is shattered and a creepy neighbor who is not all that he seems.<br />
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<b>Infinity by Ian Kezsbom:</b> Two brothers, forced to travel through time to save the world from an unspeakable evil, have little idea of what they have actually gotten themselves into.<br />
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<b>Eye of the Wolf by Lisa Gail Green:</b> A young girl struggles against the power of the full moon as she tries to hide her deadly secret from her family.<br />
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<b>Afterdeath by Leslie S. Rose:</b> In a future where our journey beyond death is no longer a mystery, the promise of eternal love waits, unless you break the rules.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18888190-journeys-of-wonder-volume-1">Add Journeys of Wonder – Volume 1 to your Goodreads Shelf</a> </div>
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<b>Author Links</b></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6173591.Ian_Kezsbom">Ian Kezsbom</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4649678.Lisa_Gail_Green">Lisa Gail Green</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6173592.Leslie_S_Rose">Leslie S. Rose</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7415209.Deborah_D_Pasachoff">Deborah D. Pasachoff</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7415210.Matt_Filer">Matt Filer</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Volume 2</span></b></div>
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<b>CAL by Lisa Gail Green:</b> A young man challenges his father after falling in love with a cybernetic life form.<br />
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<b>The Terrible, Perfect Duet by Trysta A. Bissett:</b> Cicadas, insomnia, and high school. What could possibly be more horrifying?<br />
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<b>Helios by Leslie S. Rose:</b> As humanity flees the wrath of Earth's dying Sun, a daughter's quest to claim her birthright jeopardizes the chance to escape.<br />
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<b>Encrypted by Ian Kezsbom:</b> Spies. Codes. Murder. A thriller about a man on the run – hiding a secret that others would kill for.<br />
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<b>Lighting the Sacred Way by S.P. Sipal:</b> Set during the time of the Roman Empire, a woman tries to vanquish the evil spirit residing within her. One that arrived on the day her husband was murdered.<br />
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16095793-journeys-of-wonder-volume-2">Add Journeys of Wonder – Volume 2 to your Goodreads Shelf</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Author Links</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6173591.Ian_Kezsbom">Ian Kezsbom</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4649678.Lisa_Gail_Green">Lisa Gail Green</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6173592.Leslie_S_Rose">Leslie S. Rose</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7415209.Deborah_D_Pasachoff">Deborah D. Pasachoff</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6559860.Trysta_A_Bissett">Trysta A. Bissett</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4942722.S_P_Sipal">S.P. Sipal</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6559863.Suzanne_O_Dell">Suzanne O’Dell</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4d5LDYPadHGwIPmu-mTOlZetc5_DipY0HROSzW_P0W-zZMHFvOnQh_KmNpTXS6qUwJF4weRq4zcNMt5_n_AQC6Iu9RIdNMMiDIehT74-acRmkfi7ihrAu0gf9K6tfipGupRcNWNf1NYYW/s1600/journeysofwonder318141588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4d5LDYPadHGwIPmu-mTOlZetc5_DipY0HROSzW_P0W-zZMHFvOnQh_KmNpTXS6qUwJF4weRq4zcNMt5_n_AQC6Iu9RIdNMMiDIehT74-acRmkfi7ihrAu0gf9K6tfipGupRcNWNf1NYYW/s1600/journeysofwonder318141588.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Volume 3</span></b></div>
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<b>Tooth and Nail by Trysta A. Bissett:</b> How far would a man go to save his wife – even if she didn’t want saving?<br />
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<b>Downstage by Leslie S. Rose:</b> The Theater – a place of entertainment, intrigue, and, of course, death.<br />
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<b>The Edge of Insanity by Ian Kezsbom:</b> When the last survivors of an alien invasion have nowhere to run, they must make a stand or lose their minds.<br />
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<b>Skin on Skin by Lisa Gail Green:</b> A simple touch that reveals so much more – and becomes a curse for one young woman.<br />
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<b>Transformations by Martina A. Boone:</b> An epic archeological discovery leads to horrific consequences.<br />
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18141588-journeys-of-wonder-volume-3">Add Journeys of Wonder – Volume 3 to your Goodreads Shelf</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Author Links</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6559860.Trysta_A_Bissett">Trysta A. Bissett</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6173591.Ian_Kezsbom">Ian Kezsbom</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4649678.Lisa_Gail_Green">Lisa Gail Green</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6173592.Leslie_S_Rose">Leslie S. Rose</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7415209.Deborah_D_Pasachoff">Deborah D. Pasachoff</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7154735.Martina_A_Boone">Martina A. Boone</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7154736.Jenny_Ceja_Lee">Jenny Ceja Lee</a></div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.journeysofwonder.com/">www.journeysofwonder.com</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/journeyswonder" target="_blank">@journeyswonder</a> </b></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Fuzzbom Publishing Profile</span></b></div>
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Fuzzbom Publishing was started by Ian Kezsbom and his wife, Deborah Pasachoff. Their first books were the Journeys of Wonders anthologies, which came to life with the help of their writing partners Lisa Gail Green and Leslie S. Rose. Their first novel, The Binding Stone by Lisa Gail Green – a YA Paranormal, was published this past year to excellent reviews (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CRFBA7I).<br />
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<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Giveaway</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Win an ebook or print book (Winner’s Choice) of Journeys of Wonder – Volume 1</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/6289a722/" id="rc-6289a722" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a></div>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07820882412009230172noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022754258731566380.post-50287751041088857202014-04-01T21:57:00.002+01:002014-04-01T21:57:45.872+01:00Trailer Tuesday (01/04/2014)Trailer Tuesday continues! I'm finding that a majority of the trailers are for books from bigger publishing companies. I so rarely see a book trailer that I will be including those anyway!<br />
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If you would like to see your trailer featured here, or would like to share one you found and loved, please send me a link to it via Twitter, Facebook or my contact form on my blog. <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<center>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Deliver Me by Kate Jarvik Birch</span></b><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/We7euQexXoA" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
When I first pressed play I was sceptical. I thought it looked a little dull and cliche, but the pacing and words got to me. I have added this book to my to read list!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Xom-B by Jeremy Robinson</span></b><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/rQwJG2Daafo" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
First person robot voice over? Awesome. Zombie twist at 1:30? Even more awesome!<br />
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<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Wicked We Have Done by Sarah Harian</span></b><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/WD9kK7AJvpc" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
This trailer does not give you a whole lot of information about the book synopsis, but it certainly made me read the synopsis just to find out what was going on and why! </center>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07820882412009230172noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022754258731566380.post-57426520556671513992014-03-11T23:36:00.001+00:002014-03-11T23:36:15.888+00:00Trailer TuesdaysI thought it was about time my blog got a bit of regularity. So, every fortnight (or perhaps every week), Tuesday will be Trailer Tuesdays! I will show off some of the book trailers I have seen on the internet which seemed really intriguing. Let me know what you think of this feature!<br />
<br />
If you would like to see your trailer featured here, or would like to share one you found and loved, please send me a link to it via Twitter, Facebook or my contact form on my blog. <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
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<center>
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Few Are Angels by Inger Iversen</span></b><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/1mciYezKcSg?rel=0" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Queenie by Jacqueline Wilson</span></b><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/cd2eKFTbzXI?rel=0" width="480"></iframe><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi</span></b><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/pT1KL-wmNyU?rel=0" width="480"></iframe></center>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07820882412009230172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022754258731566380.post-35877280142831998652014-03-10T16:30:00.000+00:002014-03-10T16:30:18.089+00:00Kindle Fire (US Only) or $299 (Int) Giveaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.iamareader.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/March-2014-Kindle.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="March 2014 Kindle" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22999" src="http://www.iamareader.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/March-2014-Kindle.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
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<b>Win a Kindle Fire HDX, Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash ($229 value)</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.iamareader.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/March-2014-Kindle.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="March 2014 Kindle" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22999" src="http://www.iamareader.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/March-2014-Kindle.jpg" height="500" width="399" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Win a Kindle Fire HDX, Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash ($229 value)</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>This is a joint AUTHOR & BLOGGER GIVEAWAY EVENT!</b></div>
<br />
Bloggers & Authors have joined together and each chipped in a little money towards a Kindle Fire HDX 7".<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BWYQ9YE?tag=blasttours-20" target="_blank">All New Kindle Fire HDX 7"</a> Giveaway</span></b></div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>The winner will have the option of receiving a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BWYQ9YE?tag=blasttours" target="_blank">7" Kindle Fire HDX</a> (US Only - $229 Value)</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXsss_lFdekLfBWRdFH0YWRSr1jJMnrrZBkczGbqK51a6pBkkDBV6wtWNL_M844P8-ItHWsLtR6pFc168TCk8gTIpfn9qXRzsfEOgGu7nI_VM-9dZesK32f3CMdMq8TvYldYc3Wn5j7Ds/s1600/kindle+fire+hd.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXsss_lFdekLfBWRdFH0YWRSr1jJMnrrZBkczGbqK51a6pBkkDBV6wtWNL_M844P8-ItHWsLtR6pFc168TCk8gTIpfn9qXRzsfEOgGu7nI_VM-9dZesK32f3CMdMq8TvYldYc3Wn5j7Ds/s320/kindle+fire+hd.jpg" height="207" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Or $229 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn7-8SLIm-FeCy6DfVGICpG07eFcxi7xtgEYJWFWimLxZmWP5gW2MyO4lQFaYKn9PJNb6SkL0tFPHxVEm64htEC3zwtdNZWzS7vNazng8FBBj4Us29c-RLkbYpkK9uU7HtbNjC1KuHpLo/s1600/amazon+gift.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn7-8SLIm-FeCy6DfVGICpG07eFcxi7xtgEYJWFWimLxZmWP5gW2MyO4lQFaYKn9PJNb6SkL0tFPHxVEm64htEC3zwtdNZWzS7vNazng8FBBj4Us29c-RLkbYpkK9uU7HtbNjC1KuHpLo/s320/amazon+gift.jpg" height="203" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Or $229 in Paypal Cash (International)</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgujwV3m6BSXlpvQqrMHpzK5SzW6fCdUsKgLnolPhb2TMr7m8gwqXAFihf_o4u5HLM4Z66zp0fIEXJTubGJlcUYRtDcJC4jdyYEBSCiQ45QyXzMh5iKhHXLACqxdN9jB8XfSyFGdu5xfSY/s1600/paypal.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgujwV3m6BSXlpvQqrMHpzK5SzW6fCdUsKgLnolPhb2TMr7m8gwqXAFihf_o4u5HLM4Z66zp0fIEXJTubGJlcUYRtDcJC4jdyYEBSCiQ45QyXzMh5iKhHXLACqxdN9jB8XfSyFGdu5xfSY/s320/paypal.png" height="196" width="320" /></a></div>
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<strong>March Kindle Fire Sponsors</strong></div>
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Sign up to sponsor the next Kindle Fire Giveaway:</div>
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<strong>Giveaway Details</strong></div>
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1 winner will receive their choice of an all new Kindle Fire 7" HDX (US Only - $229 value), $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 in Paypal Cash (International).</div>
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There is a second separate giveaway for bloggers who post this giveaway on their blog. See details in the rafflecopter on how to enter to win the 2nd Kindle Fire HDX 7".</div>
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Ends 3/31/14</div>
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Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. <strong>Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded.</strong> No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from <a href="http://iamareader.com/" target="_blank">I Am A Reader</a> and sponsored by the participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.</div>
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0a00961230/" id="rc-0a00961230" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a></div>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07820882412009230172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022754258731566380.post-25778932298236478362014-03-09T20:11:00.001+00:002014-03-09T20:30:29.372+00:00Book Blast & Giveaway: The Boxcar Baby — J.L. Mulvihill<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwa6CgACqU4rl0uoxDWPO8rdAf2FvLrvyNkIJ2nCyjLb3JXqgz2U8xyeiB_lAXUE5kOXVtlNWVme9frS4jD91NT9OqIauyImYNwRMW4CdwZqTo2Hm_5lLa7ln_E7a8ByokQ-eYdBzTsi6v/s1600/Boxcar-Baby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwa6CgACqU4rl0uoxDWPO8rdAf2FvLrvyNkIJ2nCyjLb3JXqgz2U8xyeiB_lAXUE5kOXVtlNWVme9frS4jD91NT9OqIauyImYNwRMW4CdwZqTo2Hm_5lLa7ln_E7a8ByokQ-eYdBzTsi6v/s1600/Boxcar-Baby.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
Today I present to you... another giveaway! I have read the blurb of this book quite a few times, and I think it sounds like a fabulous book. It is already on my to read list!<br />
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<b>Synopsis</b>: Born in a boxcar on a train bound for Georgia. At least that is what Papa Steel always told AB'Gale. But now, fifteen years later, the man who adopted and raised her as his own is missing and it's up to AB'Gale to find him. Aided only by a motley gang of friends, AB'Gale train hops her way across the United States in a desperate attempt to find her papa and put her life and family back the way it was. Her only guide is a map given to her by a mysterious hobo, with hand written clues she found hidden in her papa's spyglass. Here is the Great American Adventure in an alternate steampunk dystopian world, where fifteen-year-old AB'Gale Steel learns that nothing is as it seems, but instead is shrouded in secrets and mysteries ... and that monsters come in all shapes and forms.<br />
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<a href="http://www.bookblasttours.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Boxcar-Baby.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Boxcar Baby" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1487" src="http://www.bookblasttours.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Boxcar-Baby.jpg" height="453" width="302" /></a><strong><span style="font-size: large;">The Boxcar Baby by J.L. Mulvihill</span></strong><br />
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Born in a boxcar on a train bound for Georgia. At least that is what Papa Steel always told AB'Gale. But now, fifteen years later, the man who adopted and raised her as his own is missing and it's up to AB'Gale to find him. Aided only by a motley gang of friends, AB'Gale train hops her way across the United States in a desperate attempt to find her papa and put her life and family back the way it was. Her only guide is a map given to her by a mysterious hobo, with hand written clues she found hidden in her papa's spyglass. Here is the Great American Adventure in an alternate steampunk dystopian world, where fifteen-year-old AB'Gale Steel learns that nothing is as it seems, but instead is shrouded in secrets and mysteries ... and that monsters come in all shapes and forms.<br />
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The Boxcar Baby is the first book of the Steel Roots series.<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Praise for The Boxcar Baby</span></strong></div>
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“Miss AB’Gale Steel, is a pure spitfire girl, full of strong-minded grit, who draws strength out of adversity, and endures hardship by bracing herself against self-pity.” – Jorie Loves a Story<br />
“One thing I really loved about this one was it was fast paced and moved quickly. Mulvihill did an amazing job making realistic characters.” – Bee’s Knees Reviews<br />
“J.L. Mulvihill is quite a talented writer and I think she has such a creative mind to come up with this Steampunk Southern American Adventure.” – Book and Movie Dimension<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Boxcar-Baby-Steel-Roots-ebook/dp/B00E4WTEP2?tag=blasttours-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a> * <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-boxcar-baby-j-l-mulvihill/1116032138?ean=2940148741633" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> * <a href="http://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/books/the-boxcar-baby/AH1uolmSW02FqLjbS5oKrg?MixID=AH1uolmSW02FqLjbS5oKrg&PageNumber=1" target="_blank">Kobo</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Boxcar Baby Excerpt</span></b></div>
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I have always loved the sound of the train whistle, especially when I hear it from far away; the moaning echo across the valley gives it a sorrowful sound like a Piper bird calling for its mate. Sometimes I can imagine the sound is a mournful spirit seeking its long lost love. Sad as it may sound, it calms me when I hear it at night and lulls me to sleep, or wakes me peacefully in the early morning. Every two weeks when I hear the train, I know it’s time for Papa to come home. But one morning about five weeks ago, Papa didn’t come home.<br />
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I’m pretty sure my Granny is going to ask me to go to New Joplan to look for Papa. I don’t really mind going to New Joplan, the city is way jigin’, but I’ve never gone to the city alone before, and I’m sure there’s creepers there. Of course Granny will have it all worked out for me to stay with a friend of hers, but I will still have to go it alone. I need to go, though, because I have to find out what happened to my Papa. We ain’t heard from him or the railroad since Papa left for work last; he usually works a few weeks on and a couple weeks off, but this time he’s been gone longer than ever.<br />
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If Papa doesn’t come back, I can’t say what will happen to Granny and me. Granny and I waited four weeks for Papa but when he still hadn’t come home we got worried. Granny decided maybe we should go on into Jasper and sell the eggs and milk like we usually do when Papa comes home. So we hitched up the ponies and loaded the cart up and head into town.<br />
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<a href="http://www.bookblasttours.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Author.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Author" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-1488" src="http://www.bookblasttours.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Author-300x266.jpg" height="266" width="300" /></a><b>Author J.L. Mulvihill:</b> Born in Hollywood and raised in San Diego, CA, J.L. Mulvihill has made Mississippi her home for the past fifteen years. Her debut novel was the young adult title The Lost Daughter of Easa, an engaing fantasy novel bordering on science-fiction with a dash of steampunk, published through Kerlak Publishing. The Boxcar Baby, the first novel of her Steel Roots Series, was released by Seventh Star Press in the summer of 2013.<br />
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J.L. also has several short fiction pieces in publication, among them "Chilled Meat", a steampunk thriller found in the Dreams of Steam II-Of Bolts and Brass, anthology (Kerlak Publishing) and "The Leprechaun’s Story", a steampunk urban Fantasy found in the anthology, Clockwork, Spells, & Magical Bells (Kerlak Publishing)<br />
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J.L. is very active with the writing community, and is the events coordinator for the Mississippi Chapter of Imagicopter known as the Magnolia-Tower. She is also a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), Gulf Coast Writers Association (GCWA), The Mississippi Writers Guild (MWG), as well as the Arts Council of Clinton, and the Clinton Ink-Slingers Writing Group.<br />
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<a href="http://www.elsielind.com/" target="_blank">Website</a> * <a href="http://jlsbooks.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> * <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mulvijen" target="_blank">Facebook</a> * <a href="https://twitter.com/@JLMulvihill" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">BookBlast Giveaway</span></strong></div>
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$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash</div>
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Ends 3/31/14</div>
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Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from <a href="http://iamareader.com/" target="_blank">I Am A Reader, Not A Writer</a> and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.<br />
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0a00961224/" id="rc-0a00961224" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a></div>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07820882412009230172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022754258731566380.post-82289978801866394042014-02-24T17:44:00.000+00:002014-02-24T17:44:16.240+00:00Cover Reveal: Retribution (Chronicles of the Irin, 1) — T.G. Ayer<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEi-7d4yFgQA8E2h_eVsVjcFewqwCBuvgDztOj0hhA3-LN2tdZZneSabRv3d-yWii_XHzXgWCMFTPHrhbSO2S4qX99TExOUiIn6gtRxqojDqHiZGa2RyEtUgLgWC8EEHar7DECCplEP1dQ/s1600/retribution.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEi-7d4yFgQA8E2h_eVsVjcFewqwCBuvgDztOj0hhA3-LN2tdZZneSabRv3d-yWii_XHzXgWCMFTPHrhbSO2S4qX99TExOUiIn6gtRxqojDqHiZGa2RyEtUgLgWC8EEHar7DECCplEP1dQ/s1600/retribution.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
Evie belongs to the Brotherhood of Irin and together with the other Nephilim of the world; she is a protector to humanity, protector against evil. But evil has found its way into the Brotherhood. Someone has murdered her guardian and Marcellus, the new Master makes demands of the warriors that go against all they stand for. Demands Evie just can’t carry out.<br />
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Evie uncovers Marcellus’ plot to collect a set of special seals, but when a high-level demon reveals the truth behind the Seals of Hades, Evie knows there is no way she can allow the Master of the Irin to get his hands on them. But will keeping the Seals from Marcellus cause her to sacrifice more that she should? Will vengeance for her guardian’s death be enough or will she need more to satisfy her Immortal soul?<br />
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<b>Title:</b> Retribution<br />
<b>Series:</b> Chronicles of the Irin #1<br />
<b>Release Date:</b> Expected 14th March 2014<br />
<b>Genre:</b> New Adult Paranormal<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEi-7d4yFgQA8E2h_eVsVjcFewqwCBuvgDztOj0hhA3-LN2tdZZneSabRv3d-yWii_XHzXgWCMFTPHrhbSO2S4qX99TExOUiIn6gtRxqojDqHiZGa2RyEtUgLgWC8EEHar7DECCplEP1dQ/s1600/retribution.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEi-7d4yFgQA8E2h_eVsVjcFewqwCBuvgDztOj0hhA3-LN2tdZZneSabRv3d-yWii_XHzXgWCMFTPHrhbSO2S4qX99TExOUiIn6gtRxqojDqHiZGa2RyEtUgLgWC8EEHar7DECCplEP1dQ/s1600/retribution.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Official Synopsis </span></b></div>
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Evie belongs to the Brotherhood of Irin and together with the other Nephilim of the world; she is a protector to humanity, protector against evil. But evil has found its way into the Brotherhood. Someone has murdered her guardian and Marcellus, the new Master makes demands of the warriors that go against all they stand for. Demands Evie just can’t carry out.<br />
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Evie uncovers Marcellus’ plot to collect a set of special seals, but when a high-level demon reveals the truth behind the Seals of Hades, Evie knows there is no way she can allow the Master of the Irin to get his hands on them. But will keeping the Seals from Marcellus cause her to sacrifice more that she should? Will vengeance for her guardian’s death be enough or will she need more to satisfy her Immortal soul?<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Author</span></b></div>
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I have been a writer from the time I was old enough to recognise that reading was a doorway into my imagination. Poetry was my first foray into the art of the written word. Books were my best friends, my escape, my haven. I am essentially a recluse but this part of my personality is impossible to practise given I have two teenage daughters, who are actually my friends, my tea-makers, my confidantes… I am blessed with a husband who has left me for golf. It’s a fair trade as I have left him for writing. We are both passionate supporters of each other's loves – it works wonderfully…<br />
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My heart is currently broken in two. One half resides in South Africa where my old roots still remain, and my heart still longs for the endless beaches and the smell of moist soil after a summer downpour. My love for Ma Afrika will never fade. The other half of me has been transplanted to the Land of the Long White Cloud. The land of the Taniwha, beautiful Maraes, and volcanoes. The land of green, pure beauty that truly inspires. And because I am so torn between these two lands – I shall forever remain cross-eyed.<br />
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<a href="http://www.tgayer.com/">Website</a> │ <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TGAyerAuthor">Facebook</a> │ <a href="http://%20twitter.com/#!/TGAyerAuthor">Twitter</a> │ <a href="http://www.%20tgayer.wordpress.com/">Word Press</a> │ <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5726831.T_G_Ayer">Good Reads</a></div>
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