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Monday, 25 February 2013
Morrigan by Laura DeLuca {Review & Author Interview}
Hi Everyone and welcome to my stop of the Morrigan tour. I've got Author of Morrigan, Laura DeLuca here today for an Interview and of course my review of Morrigan, so please read on and hope you enjoy my stop.
Author Interview
Luna is part of my Wiccan name. Many pagans will chose a name that they use during ritual and quite often it leaks into our everyday lives. Luna in the name I use casually. The rest of my name is only known by my coven sisters.
What has made you study wicca? Is it for the sole purpose of research or are you personally interested in the topic?
I actually started out studying Wicca as research, but the more I learned the more it called to me. I was always drawn to witchcraft, but it wasn't until I picked up a book on Wicca that I learned the earth based religion behind it. I knew it was the path I was always meant to follow. I've been practicing now for close to a decade now.
Out of all your books, which was the hardest to write and why?
My upcoming novel, Demon (Book 2 in the Dark Musicals Trilogy), was the hardest to write. It deals with rape which is a subject very close to my heart. It wasn't a story that was easy to tell, but I hope it will teach young woman that there is always hope for recovery and that they can always take back their power.
What are "must have" items that you need to have whilst writing?
New age music and incense always help get my creative juices flowing.
How do you combat writer's block?
I take a step back and take a break for a while. I'll go back and work on editing some other things. If I still have trouble, I will cast a spell and call on my patron Goddess, Brigid, and she always comes through for me.
When I was a child I also read Christopher Pike and RL Stine...you mentioned that they are your influences, along with LJ Smith...why those authors? What do you like about their work the most?
These authors loved YA before it was the trend. When I was a teenager, reading the books by these authors is what inspired me to write in the young adult genre. Their stories always held my attention. Christopher Pike was always my favorite. His books were geared to young adults, but didn't come off as childish or condescending like other books in that genre.
You have another blog "New Age Mama" can you tell us a little bit about that blog?
New Age Mama is a "mom blog". We offer reviews and giveaways for products geared toward mothers and their families. It used to be a one woman operation but since my writing career has taken off, I have brought five other ladies on board to help out.
If you were stranded on an island and could only take ONE character from one of your books, who would it be and why?
I should probably say Filtiarn from Morrigan since he was the one based on my husband...but if you want me to be honest, it would be Lord Justyn from Phantom and Demon. He is my idea of the perfect man. He's no alpha male, but he's intellect, talented and doesn't care what anyone thinks about him as long as he's happy with himself.
Your trying to recommend Morrigan to non-readers, what would you say about it?
Morrigan is a unique take on witchcraft and werewolves that will draw you into the world of Tir na NOg.
3 alternative career choices
Well, I think I already have three other careers in addition to writing. I own a restaurant, I'm a mom blogger, and the best career of all is being a mother to my four awesome kids! I am also a licensed insurance agent, but I'm hoping that is one career I have put behind me.
Do you have any upcoming projects that you can tell us about?
Demon, the second book is the Dark Musicals Trilogy will be coming out March 29th. I am also just finishing up Hyde, the third and final book in the series.
About the Author
Laura DeLuca
Laura “Luna” DeLuca lives at the beautiful Jersey shore with her husband and four children. She loves writing in the young adult genre because it keeps her young at heart. In addition to writing fiction, Laura is also the sole author of a popular review blog called New Age Mama. She is an active member of her local pagan community, and has been studying Wicca for close to eight years.
About The Book
Morrigan
by Laura DeLucaRelease Date: November 8, 2012
Publisher: Pagan Writers Press
Book Description
Shuffled from place to place in the foster system, Morrigan doesn't know the meaning of home. Plus, she is different. She has power over fire, the ability to move objects with her mind, and glimpse into the future. Just when she believes her life can’t get any stranger, she discovers her true identity.Filtiarn, a knight with a dark past and a surprising secret, has been tasked with guiding the heir of Tír na NÓg through countless perils to be returned to her family. Once Morrigan has been reunited with her mother and grandmother, their triad can save the forgotten land of magic from being devoured by an ancient evil.
Excerpt
“Guardians!” A low snarl emanated from the back of his throat. “What are you doing with Guardians?”
“Stop it! Sit down!”
Morrigan wasn’t sure who she was addressing, the man or the animals. Luckily, they both obeyed her command. She stepped in between them to avoid any further confrontations. The cats took a seat on either side her legs, but their posture hardly relaxed. They still glared warily at the newcomer, even though their hisses died down to an occasional soft growl.
“Dirty, filthy beasts!” Tiarn snarled as he climbed to his feet. “I hate Guardians.”
“They’re just little cats,” Morrigan told him. “What’s the big deal?”
“Just cats! Hah!” He was standing at a careful distance, even though they had started licking their paws nonchalantly. “They are much more than simple cats! Though even those I find distasteful.”
Morrigan narrowed her eyes. “What do you mean?”
“Never mind. It does not matter.” Tiarn dismissed her question with a wave of his hand. “They are not coming with us.
“They most certainly are coming!”
Tiarn growled again. “I beg to differ with you, Your Highness. They would only get in the way. Possibly even get killed.
”Danu raised her head from her grooming to hiss at him again, as though she had taken that last statement as a personal threat. The strange reaction of her faithful sidekicks made Morrigan wonder again just how much Tiarn could be trusted. She also wondered why, when she wasn’t sure she could trust him, she still felt the undeniable urge to wrap her arms around his neck and kiss him.
“If they stay here alone, they’ll definitely get killed or at least sent to the pound,” Morrigan told him. “I can’t let that happen. So, they’re coming. End of story.
”Tiarn’s eyes flashed dangerously, and he looked like he wanted to argue, but thought better of it. “Very well, Princess. Bring your mongrel felines. Just keep in mind that Guardians and lycans do not mix well.”
“Lycans?” Morrigan repeated.
A sick feeling started to settle in her stomach, as the truth of his words sunk in. It all started to make sense—his hairy arms and chest, his reaction to the cats, even his earlier comment about smelling her out. Her dark knight had a much darker side than she had ever seen in her dreams.
“Why yes, Your Majesty. Did you not realize? You are a witch and a sorceress. And I, your faithful traveling companion, am a lycan—a werewolf.”
Saturday, 23 February 2013
Excerpt ~ Black Moon by Jessica McQuay {Giveaway}
Black Moon
by Jessica McQuay
Series: The Paige Taylor Series #1
Release Date: October 2012
Publisher: Cambridge Press
Genre: YA/NA Paranormal Fantasy
Synopsis
"Am I losing my mind?"
Paige couldn't help but question her sanity. What other explanation could there be for her hearing a conversation held barely above a whisper in the back of a classroom full of students?
What about coming home to find one of those very classmates lying in wait in the darkness of her home, ready to attack her?
Confused, frustrated and feeling every ounce of her social ostracism, Paige confides in the one person she's always been able to count on: her mom. But when her mom reveals a deeply rooted, unbelievable family secret, Paige discovers her world is filled with more than she ever imagined possible.
A world where fairytales live alongside nightmares and secrets are the glue that binds them together. Suddenly no one is who they seem and Paige is faced with more questions than answers.
Can she survive in a world filled with creatures scarier than anything she could imagine and where deceit runs as thick as blood? Or will the truth send her over the edge?
Excerpt
“Matt, Tommy, I am thrilled to know you are finding the reading so interesting that you’re discussing it amongst yourselves. Perhaps you’d like to share your findings with the rest of the class?”“I seriously doubt Matt wants the class to know that he’s been cheating on his girlfriend Samantha by hooking up with Rachel.”Oh no. Oh no no no no no! How had I known THAT? And why, oh why, did it come from my mouth, out loud, to the entire class?I know how I knew. Matt’s voice was the one I’d heard earlier. How is that even possible?I didn’t have time to contemplate; I had a classroom full of people wondering the exact same thing judging by the looks on some of their faces.“How did you know that, Tailor?”I swung around and found myself face to face with Matt. I didn’t know if the surprise had time to register on my face before he was leaning down into it, his voice a controlled whisper. “If I find out that you’ve been spying on me, you little nobody, you will wish you never let my name touch your lips.”The hairs on my neck and arms came to life, and chills pricked along my skin. I couldn’t look away from his eyes. They’d gone black as night with the exception of the pupils which were blazing gold. My tongue wouldn’t move my mouth was so dry. I couldn’t fi nd my voice and I was starting to shiver just as Mr. O stepped between us.“Matthew, get back to your seat.”
Paperback Princess Review
Paige's world changed as she knew it, all in one day! Starting with strange lighting that seems to come out of her hand, followed by hearing classmates whispered conversation all the way from the other side of the class room, to finding a classmate ready to attack her in her own lounge room...it's fair to say it's not her ordinary school day. Her eventful day ends with an even bigger surprise when her Mother tells her a story that only comes out of fairytales, her family history! Paige must now try to digest her new life, battle through her emotions, undergo physical changes all the while watching out for weres that seem to be stalking her.
Black Moon by Jessica McQuay is the first book in the Paige Tailor series. It's a YA paranormal novel that revolves around faeries. There are heaps of other creatures mentioned and I really enjoyed the book from the time Paige and her Mother travels to Verulean, where her Mother was born, and this, for me, is where the story really begins.
The beginning of the story was slightly slow and uneventful for me as there was so many things happening that I just didn't know why they were happening. Some parts of the book I found choppy, but I'm sure McQuay will elaborate in the next books in the series. I have found some first books in a series to be like this, only for the following books to be brilliant so I won't pre-judge as most books are just introductions to the series.
Black Moon is still a fascinating and amusing read. It's quite action-packed, and I'm sure that McQuay intended for it to be a bit suspenseful and for readers to be awed as they enter a new world. The character development were fair and you can tell that there are more to them that will be revealed soon as there was a lot of questions in my mind after I finished Black Moon. However, the plot is original and concept is inventive, I only wish that it was explained more thoroughly. I will still be reading the following books in the series.
Black Moon by Jessica McQuay is the first book in the Paige Tailor series. It's a YA paranormal novel that revolves around faeries. There are heaps of other creatures mentioned and I really enjoyed the book from the time Paige and her Mother travels to Verulean, where her Mother was born, and this, for me, is where the story really begins.
The beginning of the story was slightly slow and uneventful for me as there was so many things happening that I just didn't know why they were happening. Some parts of the book I found choppy, but I'm sure McQuay will elaborate in the next books in the series. I have found some first books in a series to be like this, only for the following books to be brilliant so I won't pre-judge as most books are just introductions to the series.
Black Moon is still a fascinating and amusing read. It's quite action-packed, and I'm sure that McQuay intended for it to be a bit suspenseful and for readers to be awed as they enter a new world. The character development were fair and you can tell that there are more to them that will be revealed soon as there was a lot of questions in my mind after I finished Black Moon. However, the plot is original and concept is inventive, I only wish that it was explained more thoroughly. I will still be reading the following books in the series.
About The Author
Jessica McQuay
There were only three things Jessica loved to do growing up; reading, writing and playing music. She discovered her love for writing at a young age, when she realized she could create anything she wanted with words. Jessica lives in Sacramento, CA with her husband, four children, goldfish named Sparkle and her cat, Talula. When she isn’t working on the next Paige Tailor novel, taking her children to one activity or another, or folding the never ending laundry of a six person family, Jessica enjoys playing her clarinet in the community band or dancing like there is no tomorrow at Zumba.
~ Giveaway ~
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Release Day ~ Disconnect by Imran Siddiq
Welcome to the Release Day Blitz for Disconnect by Imran Siddiq. In honor of today's release, Goodreads is allowing readers to read the ENTIRE Disconnect novel for FREE! Read on to find the link. I've also included Disconnect's Book Trailer and of course a giveaway! So enjoy and thanks for stopping by...
About The Book
Disconnect
by Imran SiddiqSeries: Divided Worlds #1
Release Date: February 22, 2013
Publisher: Flickimp Publishing
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
Book Description
In space, love has boundaries.
Dirtying fingernails in sewers is fast approaching worthlessness for Zachary, a 16-year old Underworld scavenger. When footage of an Overworld girl, Rosa, is discovered, his intrigue heightens at why she expresses sadness with a lavish lifestyle.
In meeting Rosa, Zachary is scorned by her opinion of the deprived. She pities him and provides a means for them to communicate. With time, friendship and something he’s never felt grows; love for another human. Knowing Rosa calls him when it suits her isn’t enough; he wants to meet her, but how? Relationships in Underworld are few, let alone the impossibility with those above the ceiling.
Underworld will suffer when plans to conquer Jupiter’s moon, Europa move ahead. Worse is Rosa’s father, a disgraced Overworld ambassador, approving the plan. Zachary must defeat the prejudice of the worlds, sneak within opposing forces, lose friends and challenge Rosa’s sadness. In doing so, a twisted secret is uncovered that may devour the reason he lives; Rosa.
About the Author
Imran Siddiq
Imran Siddiq may have tried to leave Leicester a few times, but its become his place to wake up to two cats, freeze when the heating’s off and most of all, get down to writing. At a young age, his primary school teacher commented on his creativity and ability to tell stories. At the age of 29, during a night in the jungle, the bug inside awakened, and for the last 5 years he’s been sacrificing every second that he can to write. A veteran of writing festivals, a presence on Twitter and gobbling up all forms of Star Wars and Lord of the Rings, he hopes he can bring a smile to others in the same way that he had, aged 5, reading with a torch under his duvet. Imran’s preferred genre is YA Sci Fi, and he has a tendency to throw a droid in every novel.
Buy it Now
~ Giveaway ~
Release Day ~ Awakened by Inger Iversen {Giveaway}
Awakened
by Inger Iversen
Series: Few Are Angels #2
Release Date: February 22, 2013
Publisher: CreateSpace
Genre: YA Paranormal
Book Description
What must he overcome to protect her?
With no clue of what to do next and the responsibility of looking after Alex and Mia as promised, Kale is up to his ears in problems and no solutions. How will Kale save Ella, keep Alex and Mia safe, control Jace as well as control the Bloodlust that creeps beneath the surface waiting to be released? Will Kale be Ella’s savior or will he convict her to a fate worse than the one Laurent has already promised her?
What truths will she learn?
Ella knows that the choices she makes affects not only her but everyone else around her, but what about the choices made to find her? Ella learns the truth about the death of her parents, learns that the ones she thought she could trust aren’t so trustworthy after all.How will Ella handle these betrayals, and will she be able to sacrifice what is necessary to obtain eternal life?
Darke
Compassion was a sentiment I thought I’d forgotten long ago, that was until I heard Ana’s pleas to Ella. She understood nothing of Ana’s life here in this prison. Ella and Hélène were so different, but that was a long time ago.
Hélène had understood more about Laurent and the dire situation that Fate had placed her in. Ella was naïve, annoying; and I doubted her ignorance was real. Surely the Council had told her the kind of man Laurent was—the kind that took loved ones’ prisoner to guarantee fealty. His was one that few ever entered of free will, and even fewer—if any—had left him and lived.
Ana was one of the few innocents; my own hands were tainted by so much blood, my sight was red with it. She was here because of her parents—their greed for power only awarded them with death and their only child with slavery, losing even her name. Calling her Sophie was forbidden, and no other Chorý here but me had ever risked using it.
She stood in the corner shaking with fear. So beautiful and petite. With the strength of ten men and a thirst for blood, she could easily be considered a monster, but it didn’t lessen her beauty in my eyes. “Calm yourself, Ana. She will not tell him anything.”
She had felt the wrath of Laurent too many times to be calmed so readily. As soon as I uttered the words to Ana, I knew that they meant nothing.
“Let’s go.” I gently pulled her down the hall toward the double doors that led to the courtyard, to take her to the one place she often visited after a hard day. The patio was filled with foliage strong enough to face winter’s wrath. It was dark out, but the moon was high in the sky and shone brightly through the double doors.
Her eyes widened, and she pulled from my grasp.
Ana shook her head. “I can’t leave her in there, upset. I heard what you said to her. How could you?” Fear and concern filled her small face. Ana knew what it was, to be held against her will, to be hopeless and afraid. Even when she should have been angry with Ella and her assumptions, she wasn’t. She understood Ella. In a way, she and Ella were similar—only Ella’s life had an expiration date darkening it, set by Laurent.“I had to make her understand, Anastaise.” I placed my hand on her shaking shoulder. “She must be made to understand what has truly happened.”
Anastaise would hear nothing of it. I looked at her big golden eyes and had to make myself remember that she was no longer a child. She had been brought here at only fourteen, and in the four years that Laurent held her believing that she was the Arc, she’d been forced to become something she wasn’t.
Though in that time, girls her age were married and with child, she was still so innocent; and in my eyes, she’d remained that way. I did the dirty deeds that Laurent insisted she do. Anything a child like her shouldn’t have had to see or do, I shielded it from her. Maybe my shelter had weakened her in the world where she would have been forced to maim or kill. I took her sins as my own to keep her own hands clean.
“You shouldn’t have told her that. It wasn’t fair of you to do that.” Anastaise shook her head.
Her disappointment burned through me. I went to place my hand on my chest but stopped.Anastaise held her hands to her face. “You think she has no right to be angry, that she should just trust what we say to her, but why would she? How could she? We keep her here for him, and we know what he will put her through when he returns.”
The hole where my heart once belonged shuddered again.
“Darke, we the monsters she believes us to be. When will we admit that to ourselves?” She sighed heavily and headed for the door.
I stopped her. “Do you truly believe that, Sophie?” I stared at her, amazed at how little she thought of herself. Such a beautiful innocent creature she was in front of me. “Do you truly believe that you are a monster?”
She glanced away from me for a moment and then peered into my eyes, as if debating how to answer me.How could she feel that way? I had worked so hard to protect her from the dark deeds that she would’ve had to commit for Master, yet she still felt as tarnished as I was.
I looked down at her hands, smooth, pale, and clean, and then to mine—dark and calloused, they announced all my sins and the innocent lives I had taken. The ties I once had with the Council were long gone, and though I believed that they were corrupt, I still believed in their ability to protect Ella from the fate she’d been promised too long ago. I only wondered if they’d gotten my clue. Would my brother follow it and save her? Such a small slip might have gone unnoticed.
It wasn’t that I was trying to redeem myself. I had given up on that hope long ago, but if the myths were true about this Arc, her life was worth more than my own. I just hoped that they would save Anastaise, as well.
With no clue of what to do next and the responsibility of looking after Alex and Mia as promised, Kale is up to his ears in problems and no solutions. How will Kale save Ella, keep Alex and Mia safe, control Jace as well as control the Bloodlust that creeps beneath the surface waiting to be released? Will Kale be Ella’s savior or will he convict her to a fate worse than the one Laurent has already promised her?
What truths will she learn?
Ella knows that the choices she makes affects not only her but everyone else around her, but what about the choices made to find her? Ella learns the truth about the death of her parents, learns that the ones she thought she could trust aren’t so trustworthy after all.How will Ella handle these betrayals, and will she be able to sacrifice what is necessary to obtain eternal life?
Excerpt
Darke
Compassion was a sentiment I thought I’d forgotten long ago, that was until I heard Ana’s pleas to Ella. She understood nothing of Ana’s life here in this prison. Ella and Hélène were so different, but that was a long time ago.
Hélène had understood more about Laurent and the dire situation that Fate had placed her in. Ella was naïve, annoying; and I doubted her ignorance was real. Surely the Council had told her the kind of man Laurent was—the kind that took loved ones’ prisoner to guarantee fealty. His was one that few ever entered of free will, and even fewer—if any—had left him and lived.
Ana was one of the few innocents; my own hands were tainted by so much blood, my sight was red with it. She was here because of her parents—their greed for power only awarded them with death and their only child with slavery, losing even her name. Calling her Sophie was forbidden, and no other Chorý here but me had ever risked using it.
She stood in the corner shaking with fear. So beautiful and petite. With the strength of ten men and a thirst for blood, she could easily be considered a monster, but it didn’t lessen her beauty in my eyes. “Calm yourself, Ana. She will not tell him anything.”
She had felt the wrath of Laurent too many times to be calmed so readily. As soon as I uttered the words to Ana, I knew that they meant nothing.
“Let’s go.” I gently pulled her down the hall toward the double doors that led to the courtyard, to take her to the one place she often visited after a hard day. The patio was filled with foliage strong enough to face winter’s wrath. It was dark out, but the moon was high in the sky and shone brightly through the double doors.
Her eyes widened, and she pulled from my grasp.
Ana shook her head. “I can’t leave her in there, upset. I heard what you said to her. How could you?” Fear and concern filled her small face. Ana knew what it was, to be held against her will, to be hopeless and afraid. Even when she should have been angry with Ella and her assumptions, she wasn’t. She understood Ella. In a way, she and Ella were similar—only Ella’s life had an expiration date darkening it, set by Laurent.“I had to make her understand, Anastaise.” I placed my hand on her shaking shoulder. “She must be made to understand what has truly happened.”
Anastaise would hear nothing of it. I looked at her big golden eyes and had to make myself remember that she was no longer a child. She had been brought here at only fourteen, and in the four years that Laurent held her believing that she was the Arc, she’d been forced to become something she wasn’t.
Though in that time, girls her age were married and with child, she was still so innocent; and in my eyes, she’d remained that way. I did the dirty deeds that Laurent insisted she do. Anything a child like her shouldn’t have had to see or do, I shielded it from her. Maybe my shelter had weakened her in the world where she would have been forced to maim or kill. I took her sins as my own to keep her own hands clean.
“You shouldn’t have told her that. It wasn’t fair of you to do that.” Anastaise shook her head.
Her disappointment burned through me. I went to place my hand on my chest but stopped.Anastaise held her hands to her face. “You think she has no right to be angry, that she should just trust what we say to her, but why would she? How could she? We keep her here for him, and we know what he will put her through when he returns.”
The hole where my heart once belonged shuddered again.
“Darke, we the monsters she believes us to be. When will we admit that to ourselves?” She sighed heavily and headed for the door.
I stopped her. “Do you truly believe that, Sophie?” I stared at her, amazed at how little she thought of herself. Such a beautiful innocent creature she was in front of me. “Do you truly believe that you are a monster?”
She glanced away from me for a moment and then peered into my eyes, as if debating how to answer me.How could she feel that way? I had worked so hard to protect her from the dark deeds that she would’ve had to commit for Master, yet she still felt as tarnished as I was.
I looked down at her hands, smooth, pale, and clean, and then to mine—dark and calloused, they announced all my sins and the innocent lives I had taken. The ties I once had with the Council were long gone, and though I believed that they were corrupt, I still believed in their ability to protect Ella from the fate she’d been promised too long ago. I only wondered if they’d gotten my clue. Would my brother follow it and save her? Such a small slip might have gone unnoticed.
It wasn’t that I was trying to redeem myself. I had given up on that hope long ago, but if the myths were true about this Arc, her life was worth more than my own. I just hoped that they would save Anastaise, as well.
About The Author
Inger Iversen
Inger Iversen lives in Virginia Beach with her tree-hugging boyfriend Joshua and her overweight lap cat Max. When not reading or writing she spends her time watching reruns of True Blood or killing zombies in Call Of Duty.
~ Giveaway ~
Friday, 22 February 2013
Cover Reveal ~ Spirit by Shauna Granger
Spirit
by Shauna GrangerSeries: Elemental Series #5
Release Date: April 30, 2013
Genre: YA/NA Urban Fantasy
Cover Designer: Mooney Designs
Book Description
Not even a guardian angel is more powerful than Death.
Always careful to watch out for others, Shayna put too much trust her abilities to keep herself safe and has been cut down by crazed man. Now she is trapped in the land of the dead, watching as her two best friends suffer the consequences of her death; their powers are fading and soon they will too. Shayna is desperate to return to the land of the living to save them from a similar, cold fate. To save her friends Shayna must turn away from the Light and, in doing so, sacrifice her wings.
But the longer Shayna stays among the dead, the further she slips from sanity. If Shayna cannot find her way back she will be condemned and lost forever among the restless souls of the dead. With nothing left to lose, she will do whatever it takes to fight her way back, with or without her wings.
About The Author
Shauna Granger
Like so many other writers, Shauna grew up as an avid reader, it was in high school that she realized she wanted to be a writer.
Five years ago Shauna started work on her Elemental Series and released the first installment, Earth, on May 1, 2011.
When not reading and writing, Shauna enjoys cooking and playing hostess whenever she can.
Five years ago Shauna started work on her Elemental Series and released the first installment, Earth, on May 1, 2011.
When not reading and writing, Shauna enjoys cooking and playing hostess whenever she can.
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Author Interview ~ Rachel Deagan (The Prophecy)
About The Author
Rachel Deagan
Rachel grew up in small town Massachusetts where she spent most of her time writing about strange paranormal creatures instead of paying attention in class. She has always been considered the 'dreamy' one with her head in the clouds. She now lives in Nevada with her two sons, a cat, and a rat named Sam.
Did you always know you wanted to be a writer?
No. I wanted to be an actress and an Olympic Equestrian Rider first. Funny thing is, in fourth grade I wrote my first ‘book’. It was about horses. Although, the equestrian dream has fizzled over the years, I do think my love of acting helps greatly in developing and feeling out the characters I write.
What authors inspire you?
As far as authors go, I love Cassandra Claire’s flare for characterization and storytelling. Although, I didn’t start reading her work until after my first book, Caged Moon, was into the editing phase. My original inspiration stemmed mostly from Maggie Steivater’s Shiver, Melissa Marr’s Wicked Lovely Series. Julie Kagawa, and her Iron Fey Series are definitely a favorite of mine now.
Is your family supportive of your writing?
Yes, once my parents realized the seriousness of my writing, they became some of my most forefront advocates. My boys two little boys are also probably my best cheer squad.
Does your characters talk to you when you’re writing?
All the time. They never shut up and sometimes we even argue when they want to go in a direction that I hadn’t planned. This happened numerous times over the course of writing, The Prophecy. They told me to throw out my book outline numerous times. I finally gave up on that. ;)
Do you like it quiet or do you need noise when you write?
It honestly depends on my mood. Sometimes it’s hard for me to focus with music on, because I end up listening to it instead of zoning in on the writing, but sometimes it helps set the mood if I can put into the ‘background’ and focus. It can aid the emotional mood of a scene. If I do have music on, it’s usually non-vocal thematic music from movies.
Are you currently writing anything?
Yes! The Prophecy is the first book of a series. There is a book two in the works. I’m also finishing up Book two to my Caged Moon Series, which will be out shortly. Right now, we’re looking at an early April release date.
What do you do when you’re not writing?
I have two little boys that keep me pretty busy, but when I do find time to myself, I always enjoy watching a good movie/tv show. I’m hooked on The Vampire Diaries, and Supernatural. I also love reading, and have recently taken up Zumba.
Author Interview
Did you always know you wanted to be a writer?
No. I wanted to be an actress and an Olympic Equestrian Rider first. Funny thing is, in fourth grade I wrote my first ‘book’. It was about horses. Although, the equestrian dream has fizzled over the years, I do think my love of acting helps greatly in developing and feeling out the characters I write.
What authors inspire you?
As far as authors go, I love Cassandra Claire’s flare for characterization and storytelling. Although, I didn’t start reading her work until after my first book, Caged Moon, was into the editing phase. My original inspiration stemmed mostly from Maggie Steivater’s Shiver, Melissa Marr’s Wicked Lovely Series. Julie Kagawa, and her Iron Fey Series are definitely a favorite of mine now.
Is your family supportive of your writing?
Yes, once my parents realized the seriousness of my writing, they became some of my most forefront advocates. My boys two little boys are also probably my best cheer squad.
Does your characters talk to you when you’re writing?
All the time. They never shut up and sometimes we even argue when they want to go in a direction that I hadn’t planned. This happened numerous times over the course of writing, The Prophecy. They told me to throw out my book outline numerous times. I finally gave up on that. ;)
Do you like it quiet or do you need noise when you write?
It honestly depends on my mood. Sometimes it’s hard for me to focus with music on, because I end up listening to it instead of zoning in on the writing, but sometimes it helps set the mood if I can put into the ‘background’ and focus. It can aid the emotional mood of a scene. If I do have music on, it’s usually non-vocal thematic music from movies.
Are you currently writing anything?
Yes! The Prophecy is the first book of a series. There is a book two in the works. I’m also finishing up Book two to my Caged Moon Series, which will be out shortly. Right now, we’re looking at an early April release date.
What do you do when you’re not writing?
I have two little boys that keep me pretty busy, but when I do find time to myself, I always enjoy watching a good movie/tv show. I’m hooked on The Vampire Diaries, and Supernatural. I also love reading, and have recently taken up Zumba.
About The Book
The Prophecy
by Rachel Deagan
Date Published: February 8, 2013
Publisher: Phantom Horse
Genre: YA Urban Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Book Description
“The cards tell me of the children of the stars.”
Jacey thinks her life is worthless, when she finds herself in a psychiatric hospital after a failed attempt to end her life; her wounds miraculously healed. Devin, who claims to kill on touch, is also there. When Michael arrives, bearing telekinetic powers, he insists the government, and an even darker, more powerful force, wants them dead.
In a desperate attempt to escape for their lives, the three teens find they must confront an even greater adversary, themselves - and with a prophecy forced upon them, they must find a way to accept their fate, or rebel together, as one.
Excerpt
Trees swept by Devin as he ran. Their gangly tendrils grasped at his clothes, tearing scratches at his skin. He almost welcomed it. The ache to have physical contact with something, anything, burned as a residual longing deep inside of him, but that was what the men wanted. They knew his touch would kill, and he would not fall to that level.
It hurt, knowing he had to always stay away, but he refused to care. No one gave a crap about him anyway. The abuse and torture from Lament and his crew proved that was true, but they would not break him.
He would not become their weapon. They could go to hell.
The sound of footsteps moved behind him, and he quickened his pace, scrambling as best he could through the darkened branches. Sweat broke across his brow, and his lungs heaved for air. Even in the cool, night breeze, the gray tee shirt he wore clung to his chest, hot and damp. It had seemed like hours since he had broken free of Lament’s hell-hole prison of a lab, and he had no idea where he was headed. All he knew was that he had to run. He couldn’t live like that. He would not become a monster.
If only he could find a way to blend in and hide amongst the canopy of darkness, perhaps the idiots would pass him by unseen. Maybe he could be free.
He couldn’t go back. He would rather die.
~ Giveaway ~
Thursday, 21 February 2013
Review ~ Terra by Gretchen Powell {Giveaway}
A broken and desolate Earth.
A young girl struggling to survive.
A lost boy with a powerful secret.
A discovery that will change everything.
In the distant wake of a plague that has decimated the Earth's population, humanity is split in two: The rich and powerful live in skycities that float overhead, while those who remain on the ground have gathered in settlements strewn across a dying planet. Eighteen-year-old Terra Rhodon is a terrestrial--a denizen of the barren groundworld--who makes her living as a scav. Long abandoned by her father, her caregivers gone, Terra supports herself and her younger brother, Mica, by scouring the earth for discarded scraps and metals to recycle for profit. One day, while on a routine scavenging run, she discovers something that shocks her home settlement of Genesis X-16. When the value of her discovery is revealed, Terra's world is turned upside down.
A young girl struggling to survive.
A lost boy with a powerful secret.
A discovery that will change everything.
In the distant wake of a plague that has decimated the Earth's population, humanity is split in two: The rich and powerful live in skycities that float overhead, while those who remain on the ground have gathered in settlements strewn across a dying planet. Eighteen-year-old Terra Rhodon is a terrestrial--a denizen of the barren groundworld--who makes her living as a scav. Long abandoned by her father, her caregivers gone, Terra supports herself and her younger brother, Mica, by scouring the earth for discarded scraps and metals to recycle for profit. One day, while on a routine scavenging run, she discovers something that shocks her home settlement of Genesis X-16. When the value of her discovery is revealed, Terra's world is turned upside down.
Terra suddenly finds herself asking questions no one will answer. Her search for the truth leads her to Adam--a beguiling skydweller unlike any she has ever met. But Adam has secrets and a quest of his own, and with him by her side, the world Terra thought she knew begins to unravel. Soon her discoveries unearth a terrifying conspiracy that has the potential to shatter everything--a revelation that will test the bonds of loyalty, family, and love.
The first book in debut author Gretchen Powell's anticipated Terrestrials series, catapults you through a story filled with blood-pumping action, intrigue, and surprising twists that will both wrench and warm your heart. As the hidden truths of this world unfold, new dangers that loom on the horizon are sure to leave you waiting breathlessly for the sequel.
About The Book
Title: Terra
Author: Gretchen Powell
Series: Terrestrials #1
Release Date: December 12, 2012
Publisher: Hopewell Media
Paperback Princess Review
Terra is the debut YA novel of Gretchen Powell, set in a dystopian world. I'm imagining it's thousands of years into the future, the land and world as we know it is destroyed. The rich live above ground level, "sky dwellers" and the poor are left on the ground.
18 year old Terra is the carer to her younger teen brother Mica, she's a "scav", a scavenger. She scavenges daily and takes the resources that she finds to her Recycling Collection Agent where she gets points to spend on food and other necessities. At one of her hunts, Terra finds a machine that she turns in to the Agency. Before she knows it, Terra's point balance is the talk of the town.
Trying to get away from all the staring and filthy looks she's getting from her fellow townsfolk Terra goes for another hunt and whilst she's being chased by Raiders she stumbles upon a strange place, a biodome where she meets Adam...this is where Terra's life is turned upside down and her life as she knew it was changed. Unknown to Terra, her life had just become the focus of the Government and in a very bad way!
Terra is a YA dystopian novel filled with action, sci-fi, adventure and even romance! Powell's character description was great and I was invested inTerra and Mica's lives within the first few pages. I felt their loneliness and hardship before the story even got going.
Terra was the perfect protagonist, she was far from perfect and certainly had her moments, but she's real. Her raw emotions during the book was great and kept the story moving along.
Terra was action-filled and fast-paced and it's an amazing debut novel from Powell. It reminded me a little bit of Divergent by Veronica Roth. The writing itself was simple but the happenings within the story was enough to keep it's readers glued to it's pages. Definitely recommend it to those that love dystopian stories.
Loved It! A Must Read!!!
Read the First Two Chapters of Terra
About The Author
Gretchen Powell
Gretchen Powell grew up in far-off places. She is 24 years old, half-Chinese, and the owner of two adorable miniature schnauzers. They wear many sweaters.
By day, she types and types (and types and types) for personal, professional, and cathartic purposes. She is a lover of books both young and adult, but her favorite genre combines those terms.
By night, she binges on episodes of Doctor Who and sleeps fitfully.
Sometime in the mid-afternoon, she writes another blog, called "Honey, I Shrunk the Gretchen!" about food, fitness, and her life.
~ Giveaway ~
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Title: Terra
Author: Gretchen Powell
Series: Terrestrials #1
Release Date: December 12, 2012
Publisher: Hopewell Media
Paperback Princess Review
Terra is the debut YA novel of Gretchen Powell, set in a dystopian world. I'm imagining it's thousands of years into the future, the land and world as we know it is destroyed. The rich live above ground level, "sky dwellers" and the poor are left on the ground.
18 year old Terra is the carer to her younger teen brother Mica, she's a "scav", a scavenger. She scavenges daily and takes the resources that she finds to her Recycling Collection Agent where she gets points to spend on food and other necessities. At one of her hunts, Terra finds a machine that she turns in to the Agency. Before she knows it, Terra's point balance is the talk of the town.
Trying to get away from all the staring and filthy looks she's getting from her fellow townsfolk Terra goes for another hunt and whilst she's being chased by Raiders she stumbles upon a strange place, a biodome where she meets Adam...this is where Terra's life is turned upside down and her life as she knew it was changed. Unknown to Terra, her life had just become the focus of the Government and in a very bad way!
Terra is a YA dystopian novel filled with action, sci-fi, adventure and even romance! Powell's character description was great and I was invested inTerra and Mica's lives within the first few pages. I felt their loneliness and hardship before the story even got going. Terra was the perfect protagonist, she was far from perfect and certainly had her moments, but she's real. Her raw emotions during the book was great and kept the story moving along.
Terra was action-filled and fast-paced and it's an amazing debut novel from Powell. It reminded me a little bit of Divergent by Veronica Roth. The writing itself was simple but the happenings within the story was enough to keep it's readers glued to it's pages. Definitely recommend it to those that love dystopian stories.
Loved It! A Must Read!!!
Read the First Two Chapters of Terra
About The Author
Gretchen Powell
Gretchen Powell grew up in far-off places. She is 24 years old, half-Chinese, and the owner of two adorable miniature schnauzers. They wear many sweaters.
By day, she types and types (and types and types) for personal, professional, and cathartic purposes. She is a lover of books both young and adult, but her favorite genre combines those terms.
By night, she binges on episodes of Doctor Who and sleeps fitfully.
Sometime in the mid-afternoon, she writes another blog, called "Honey, I Shrunk the Gretchen!" about food, fitness, and her life.
Please follow the remaining stops, tour schedule can be found below:
By day, she types and types (and types and types) for personal, professional, and cathartic purposes. She is a lover of books both young and adult, but her favorite genre combines those terms.
By night, she binges on episodes of Doctor Who and sleeps fitfully.
Sometime in the mid-afternoon, she writes another blog, called "Honey, I Shrunk the Gretchen!" about food, fitness, and her life.
~ Giveaway ~
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Tuesday, 19 February 2013
Top Ten Tuesday #10 ~ Favorite Characters in Paranormal Genre
Today we got to pick our genre, originally I was going to choose YA but I thought that's too general so I went with Paranormal as that's mostly what I read. I've linked to reviews and any other info I have within my blog pertaining to that book. This isn't in any specific order, and it's only my fave characters with my recently read list, so not necessarily the Top Ten Favorite Characters, as I don't even know who that would be...can you believe a book blogger with no ONE specific "favorite" book and character! OMG!!!
As I typed up this post I noticed that most of my characters were females and courageous is a recurring theme. I really like women that are independent, strong and true to themselves, so apologies if my reasoning was repeated several times but that's why I'm attracted to these characters, due to these traits.
As I typed up this post I noticed that most of my characters were females and courageous is a recurring theme. I really like women that are independent, strong and true to themselves, so apologies if my reasoning was repeated several times but that's why I'm attracted to these characters, due to these traits.
Top Ten Favorite Characters in the Paranormal Genre
1. Rose Hathaway ~ Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
I liked Rose because she was an awesome best friend! I could only hope that I could have a BFF like that. There was nothing that she wouldn't do for Lissa and I really liked that quality. My Vampire Academy Review.
2. Terra Rhodon ~ Terra by Gretchen Powell
I like Terra because her first priority is her brother, Mica, I really enjoy the fact that she loves him so much that she comes second, that's unconditional love. Review will be posted up on February 21st.
3. Cate Cahill ~ Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood
Cate's the oldest of the three sisters and like Terra her first priority is her sisters. Even when they dislike what she is saying she still takes care of them, love them etc.
4. Libby ~ The Cat's Meow by Stacey Kennedy
Libby is an Enchantress and despite her powers she's down to earth. Doesn't care what the rest of her coven thinks of her, she does her job well, she's motivated, she wants to do the right thing. She's also independent and another awesome best friend! My Review of The Cat's Meow.
5. Evie ~ Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
Evie was just funny, sarcastic and spunky.
6. Zeraphina ~ Blood Song by Rhiannon Hart
Zeraphina is strong and she fights against the elements of what she is meant to be. She struggles with a dark side but she continues to fight to remain "herself" and not let the evil overtake her. She wants to do the right thing and nothing will get in her way. Australia Day Fun Quiz by Author of Blood Song and Blood Storm; Rhiannon Hart here, and the first part of her Interview here, second part of Rhiannon's Interview will be posted up within the next few days so stay tuned.
7. Esme ~ The Twilight Sage by Stephenie Meyer
I love Esme's motherly intuitiveness. She's very welcoming and she doesn't care because your "different". She really loves her children and she seems like an overall beautiful person who is family orientated, willing to do anything for the safety of her loved ones. She's kind, sweet and genuine.
8. Eve ~ Eve by Anna Carey
Eve is courageous, she fled all that she knew, the safety net that she had to find the truth and to get the chance to live the life that she wanted. At that age that's very noble. Many of us won't flee the comfort of our homes and all that we know when we don't know what we're running to. I find Eve's character to be strong, courageous and most especially resourceful. My Eve Review.
9. Beatrice Prior ~ Divergent by Veronica Roth
I liked how Beatrice never gave up and she wasn't scared to stand up for what she knew was right, despite knowing she won't be popular for her decision. For many teens, this is very courageous! Most of us when we are teens just go with the flow in fear of ostracising ourselves from our peers. My Divergent Review.
10. James ~ Ballad by Maggie Stiefvater
Last but not least is James, my only male on the list. I love how James is funny, sarcastic and cheeky. I like his one-liners and other goofy remarks. My Ballad Review.
Next week @ Top Ten Tuesday
Authors That I'd Put In My Auto-Buy List
Cover Reveal ~ Bitter Angel by Megan Hand
Bitter Angel
by Megan Hand
Release Date: April 1, 2013
Genre: NA Thriller
Cover Designer: B Design
Book Description
Torn between two realities.
A choice that will mean life or death.
She won’t know anything… until she wakes up.
College sophomore, Lila Spencer lived Friday night twice. She doesn’t know how or why, just that she did. As if she split in half and went in two different directions.
Out clubbing with her friends, Heather and Nilah, the girls rock it out and party hard. What begins as an innocent night will lead to a deadly fight for their lives, and Lila might be their only chance for survival.
In bed with her boyfriend, Jay, Lila is safe and warm as she drifts to sleep in the arms of the man she loves. Until she is sucked into a horrifying nightmare of her friends’ deaths.
As the sunlight warms her face on Saturday morning, the two scenarios collide. But there can be only one outcome. Will she wake up in her warm bed with Jay by her side, devastated and grieving for her friends? Or was she there to save them?
The answer is just the beginning.
About the Author
Megan Hand
At twelve, Megan decided to write a novel. A month later, she quit. A reading junkie by nature, she started writing again in her twenties as a way to get the voices out, because who wouldn't want to create a Real Living Person out of thin air? Megan also plays the piano and sings. She teaches little kids and takes pictures of pretty butterflies. She eats way too much chocolate, is sort of a mad scientist with her blender, and spends an unhealthy amount of time LOLing on Facebook and Twitter. She lives in Ohio with her husband and very smiley son. Bitter Angel is her first published novel.
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Monday, 18 February 2013
Review ~ Hereafter by Jennifer Snyder {Giveaway}
Today's the Release Day for Hereafter, the second part in the Reaper Novellas by Jennifer Snyder. In honor of this event, I have for your reading pleasure a review of Touch & Choice, the first story in the Reaper Novellas (pls click on the link provided for the review), a review of Hereafter, an excerpt of Hereafter, in case your still indecisive at this stage on whether this book is fantastic or not, and last but certainly not least is a giveaway. Hope you enjoy your visit and I certainly hope I entice at least one of my Readers to read this fantastic novella series.
About The Book
Title: Hereafter
Author: Jennifer Snyder
Series: Reaper Novellas #2
Release Date: February 18, 2013
In Death I could finally see the importance of Life...
After being forced to become a Reaper Council member and being torn away from the one she loves, Rowan Harper must learn to accept her altered Fate as well as her death and move on. A task easier said than done, especially when witnessing those you love suffer in the wake of your death.
When an unlikely ally provides information that could change everything, Rowen sets out on a journey through Purgatory with her beloved by her side and a nonchalant Tracker to learn the true meaning of the word sacrifice. Another task which seems easier said than done, especially with the threat of Purgatory's ability to corrupt your soul the longer you're in it's grip looming above their heads.
Paperback Princess Review
Hereafter starts where Touch left off; Rowan is now reluctantly a part of the Reaper Council. Visiting and seeing her Father in a downward spiral due to the loss of his Daughter and Wife within months of each other, unable to see Jet, seeing her best friend move on without her and the constant calls to Reaper Rulings has Rowan questioning if her seemingly lifetime position at the Reaper Council has a way out, an alternative path, another option of some sort...she wants the life that was prematurely taken away from her back!
Hereafter, was absolutely fantastic! From mid way through to the end I could not devour this book any faster than I did! It became a need to finish it, to see what happened with Rowan. The plot was absolutely amazing! The build up, the execution and the well thought out story line is not one that will be easily forgotten by most readers that enjoy this genre. I cannot begin to explain how much I loved Hereafter. After reading Touch, I had thought that the plot couldn't get much better but I was pleasantly surprised to be proven otherwise.
Jennifer Snyder wrote a fantastic novella that was fast paced but at the same time complete. I never felt like there should have been more to the story or the characters than what was presented to me. Sometimes I feel this with novellas, short stories and even first books in a series.
Rowan and Jet was so relatable and real that I enjoyed reading about them. Granted I did not like their fast-paced "love at first sight" and "I can't live without you" moments considering their short time together, but I did enjoy their relationship excluding these aspects. The secondary characters were also well written and developed, the pages where Rowan's Father made an appearance was heart breaking, and Snyder wrote the scenes so well that his emotions felt like it was tangible and lifting from the very pages of the book.
Hereafter and this novella series as a whole was an exceptionally well written and well developed story. It was thought provoking and the concept of death according to Jennifer Snyder's Reaper Novellas is so creative and so well executed that it has you thinking if this is in fact what truly happens when we die.
Hereafter, was absolutely fantastic! From mid way through to the end I could not devour this book any faster than I did! It became a need to finish it, to see what happened with Rowan. The plot was absolutely amazing! The build up, the execution and the well thought out story line is not one that will be easily forgotten by most readers that enjoy this genre. I cannot begin to explain how much I loved Hereafter. After reading Touch, I had thought that the plot couldn't get much better but I was pleasantly surprised to be proven otherwise.
Jennifer Snyder wrote a fantastic novella that was fast paced but at the same time complete. I never felt like there should have been more to the story or the characters than what was presented to me. Sometimes I feel this with novellas, short stories and even first books in a series.
Rowan and Jet was so relatable and real that I enjoyed reading about them. Granted I did not like their fast-paced "love at first sight" and "I can't live without you" moments considering their short time together, but I did enjoy their relationship excluding these aspects. The secondary characters were also well written and developed, the pages where Rowan's Father made an appearance was heart breaking, and Snyder wrote the scenes so well that his emotions felt like it was tangible and lifting from the very pages of the book.
Hereafter and this novella series as a whole was an exceptionally well written and well developed story. It was thought provoking and the concept of death according to Jennifer Snyder's Reaper Novellas is so creative and so well executed that it has you thinking if this is in fact what truly happens when we die.
Loved It! A Must Read!
Excerpt
Dread filled me.
Blackness swirled around me like a dense fog, making me lose my concentration before I could do anything more with my message. Dread turned into panic and panic turned into frustration quickly as I took one last glance at my father. I watched as he tipped back the bottle he’d held in his hand and stared at the old picture of my mother and me.
I wouldn’t get the chance to console him with my dust-written message today.
The blackness swirled around my hips moving upward, slowly encasing my shoulders in its thick fog as it formed my cloak. The tugging grew stronger with each second that passed, until I could feel the summoning of the ruling humming through my soul. It was a sensation not to be ignored, although I had tried to before. It left me feeling as though my soul were a rubber band stretched too tight, to the point of snapping, and if I didn’t close my eyes right then and release myself from my unwillingness to go, then I surly would have ripped my soul in half.
This tugging was nothing new. I knew exactly what was about to happen—I was being called to another Reaper Ruling.
About The Author
Jennifer Snyder lives in North Carolina were she spends most of her time writing young adult fiction, reading, and struggling to stay on top of housework. She is an instant coffee lover with an obsession for spiral bound notebooks and smooth writing pens. Jennifer lives with her husband and two children, who endure listening to songs that spur inspiration on repeat and tolerate her love for all paranormal, teenage-targeted TV shows.
~ Giveaway ~
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