Review: Asunder by Jodi Meadows

Written By: Kellie - Jan• 29•13

asunder by jodi meadows

Publisher: Katherine Tegan Books
Publish Date: January 29th, 2012
Source: ARC from Publisher
Goodreads

Rating 4/5 Newsouls

Synopsis: DARKSOULS
Ana has always been the only one. Asunder. Apart. But after Templedark, when many residents of Heart were lost forever, some hold Ana responsible for the darksouls–and the newsouls who may be born in their place.

SHADOWS
Many are afraid of Ana’s presence, a constant reminder of unstoppable changes and the unknown. When sylph begin behaving differently toward her and people turn violent, Ana must learn to stand up not only for herself but for those who cannot stand up for themselves.

LOVE
Ana was told that nosouls can’t love. But newsouls? More than anything, she wants to live and love as an equal among the citizens of Heart, but even when Sam professes his deepest feelings, it seems impossible to overcome a lifetime of rejection.

In this second book in the Incarnate trilogy, Ana discovers the truth about reincarnation and will have to find a way to embrace love and make her young life meaningful. Once again, Jodi Meadows explores the extraordinary beauty and shadowed depths of the soul in a story equal parts epic romance and captivating fantasy. -Goodreads

Review: I was sooo beyond excited when I received this ARC in the mail from the beautiful people over at Harper Collins Canada. I loved Incarnate, and was thrilled to get an early peak at Ana’s next adventures in Heart. We jump in a fair stretch of time after the big, world changing event of the last book, but things are pretty much the same. Ana’s place within her society is still up in the air, and she’s definitely not at the top of the trust tower.

Quick recap (no spoilers). The Incarnate series is the story of Ana, a newsoul born into a world where the same 5000 people are continuously reincarnated. They also happen to live in a high-fantasy world with dragons and centaurs. Seriously, does that not sound awesome?!

The damaged, unsure Ana of the first book is gone by the time Asunder begins, but Ana still has quite a bit of character growth throughout this book, and it makes for an interesting read. She’s got a purpose now, and people in her life who really care about her, and as usual, that makes all the difference. I won’t give too much away though. Read it!

As much as I love Ana (and Sam), it’s the world building that really makes this series stand out. Asunder goes deeper into Heart’s history and mythology, but there is clearly still a lot going on that we aren’t aware of yet. I love seeing all the pieces come together. The mystery of the slyph is definitely a highlight though. Have I mentioned you should read this book?

My only knock against it, is that it took awhile to bring me back into the world, and get the story moving. Never to the point where I was tempted to give up, but with such a vibrant universe, it should be easy to fall back in after being away for a year or so.

Overall, Asunder is a great read and one I would highly recommend. If nothing else you should pick up this series by Jodi Meadows just so you can highlight these beautiful covers on your shelves.

Buy Asunder by Jodi Meadows
@Indigo (CA) @Amazon (CA) @Amazon (US) @The Book Depository

Second Opinions
@The Non Reluctant Reader
@Uniquely Moi Books
@BookNook

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YA Giveaway Hop- Mortality & End Dayz

Written By: Kellie - Jan• 28•13

ya hop

 

 

 

 

 

Will YA books still be the genre to watch in 2013? Who knows?! For now, we’re ringing in the new year by giving away a YA book to one lucky follower. Be sure to check out the linky list below for the chance to win some other great prizes (or click on the banner above).

I chose Incarnate by Jodi Meadows as first prize because it was one of my favorite reads of 2012, and it’s sequel comes out tomorrow! Yay!

Incarnate by Jodi Meadows

Prizes
1st Prize – PB copy of Incarnate by Jodi Meadows, and a digital copy of Mortality by Kellie Sheridan when they are released next month.
(Incarnate can be swapped out for a book of equal or lesser value from The Book Depository)

2nd Prize- 5 winners will receive a digital copy of Mortality by Kellie Sheridan when they are released next month

 

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
  Linky Code

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Cover Reveal: The Fallen Stars by Stephanie Keyes

Written By: Kellie - Jan• 28•13

The Fallen Stars by Stephanie Keyes (1)

“Imaginative and fast-paced. Couldn’t put it down!” – E.G. Foley, New York Times Bestselling author of The Gryphon Chronicles

“This well-written and intriguing fantasy was a delight to read. I can’t wait to read the second novel in this series!” – Linn B. Halton, author Never Alone on The Star Child by Stephanie Keyes

When all is lost, he will have to make the ultimate decision.

Kellen St. James was just your average seventeen-year-old prodigy, until he eighty-sixed the Lord of Faerie and proposed to a Celtic goddess. Now everything in Kellen’s life gets turned upside-down when Calienta, Kellen, and friend, Gabriel Stewart, find themselves on the run from a seriously irritated group of faeries. The worst part? They have zero idea why.

Suddenly, Kellen finds himself stuck in the middle of another prophecy that questions everything about him including where his loyalties lie. Plus, Calienta’s more than a bit different; she’s making choices that he doesn’t understand. And Gabe, his best friend? He’s started doing all sorts of freaky things that make Kellen question who he really is.

Kellen and Calienta will fight to stay together and keep the hidden part of the prophecy from becoming reality.

When the ultimate power is within reach, which side will he choose?

Release Date: 12-April-2013, Genre: YA Paranormal Romance

Sounds good? If you liked Twilight by Stephanie Meyer, Need by Carrie Jones, or Fallen by Lauren Kate, you will love this book!

About the author:

Stephanie Keyes has been addicted to Fantasy since she discovered T.H. White as a child and started drumming up incredible journeys in her head. Today, she’s still doing the same thing, except now she puts those ideas down on paper.

Keyes is the author of The Star Child YA Fantasyseries, which currently includes The Star Child and The Fallen Stars. She is currently hard at work on the third book in the trilogy.When she’s not writing Stephanie is also a graphic designer, presenter, teacher, musician, avid reader, and Mom to two little boys who constantly keep her on her toes. In addition, she’s best friend to her incredible husband of eleven years.

 

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Review: Out of Sight, Out of Mind by Marilyn Kaye

Written By: Kellie - Jan• 26•13

out of sight, out of mind by marilyn kaye

Publisher: Kingfisher
Publish Date: February 22nd, 2009
Source: Purchased
Goodreads

Rating: 2/5 Talented Tweens

Synopsis: Thirteen year old Queen-of-mean Amanda Beeson, wakes up one morning in the wrong body. She’s become lonely, unfashionable Tracey Devon – one of Amanda’s targets for bullying. Amanda discovers that Tracey, ignored at home and at school, has the ability to turn invisible. Amanda sets out to rescue her one-time victim from obscurity – as well as rescuing herself from Tracey’s life. -Goodreads

Review: In spite of how much the ‘gifted kids at a special school’ thing  has been done, I’m still a fan. I picked up Out of Sight, Out of Mind by Marilyn Kaye on a whim, and while it was a quick read, I have to suggest giving this one a pass.

Not only were there no original concepts here, but the main character was entirely unlikeable. She was the epitome of a stuck-up, popular girl that no one actually liked, and didn’t learn much at all by the end of the book. I wasn’t rooting for her at all.

The writing was strong, but the middle-grade voice wasn’t for me. I didn’t realize it wasn’t YA when I bought it online (when you see the size of the book in person, it’s pretty obvious), and that too might have altered my decision to buy.

Out of Sight, Out of Mind might work as a setup for this series, but as a standalone it didn’t do much for me. I don’t want to say too much against it as this book was a bit of an unusual choice for me and probably shouldn’t be rated on the same scale. Needless to say, I won’t be continuing with the series.

Buy Out of Sight, Out of Mind by Marilyn Kaye
@Amazon (US) @Amazon (CAN) @The Book Depository

Second Opinions:
@Your Average Bookworm
@Reading Junky
@Mostly Reviews

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Were(cat) Wednesday: Rogue by Rachel Vincent

Written By: Kellie - Jan• 23•13

rogue by rachel vincent

Series: Shifters, #2
Publisher: Mira Books
Publish Date: April 1st, 2008
Source: Purchased
Goodreads

Rating: 4.5/5 – Still in love with this series.

Synopsis: Okay, so cats don’t always land on their feet. 

I know that better than most. Since rejoining the Pride, I’ve made big decisions and even bigger mistakes: the kind paid for with innocent lives. As the first and only female enforcer, I have plenty to prove to my father, the Pride, and myself. And with murdered toms turning up in our territory, I’m working harder than ever, though I always find the energy for a little after-hours recreation with Marc, my partner both on- and off-duty.

But not all of my mistakes are behind me. We’re beginning to suspect that the dead are connected to a rash of missing human women and that they can all be laid at my feet–two or four, take your pick. And one horrible indiscretion may yet cost me more than I can bear… -Goodreads

Thoughts: I have really enjoyed rereading this series so far as it’s a lot of fun watching Faythe’s journey. She’s grown a lot between the beginning of book one and the end of book two, but the end of this book makes it pretty clear she’s going to have a lot more to face from here on out. I think that’s part of why I love these books (and Faythe) so much. Sometimes we’re forced to grow up faster than we’d like, and it’s never a pleasant ride.

I really, really love these characters. While I generally love the pack dynamic of werewolf books, I love Faythe’s pride of werecats so much more. Not only is there a house full of hunk-tastic young men living on Faythe’s property, but both of her parents are fiercely protective and incredibly dynamic. Rachel Vincent does a great job of making every character seem important.

So, in book two, Faythe is now a full on enforcer. She and Marc are on the job when some suspicious events start to unfold, leading to the plot of this book, but also adding a piece to the puzzle of the series as a whole. Once again, the way females are treated (within Faythe’s world, although you can definitely make a big picture argument here) is at the forefront, and Rachel Vincent offers some really thought-provoking insights, all hidden within a kick-ass story.

A lot of this book takes place on the ranch where Faythe and her pride lives, so this book is going to give you a better insight into the werecat world than Stray did. Some of it you’ll love, other parts will have you shaking your fist… which is difficult to do while keeping your book open to the right page.

Faythe’s relationship with Marc has always been a bit of a question mark for me. I’m enjoying the fact that this series doesn’t focus on a typical will they-wont they relationship, instead we’re constantly dealing with ‘how’s Faythe going to screw it up this time’? After book one, Faythe and Marc’s relationship was relatively stable, but these kids still have a lot of stuff to work through, and at times it can be a little bit frustrating. I doubt I’d be able to put up with either of these personalities in a relationship, so that probably means they’re perfect for each other.

The book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, with just a hint of what’s to come. Overall, this was a pretty great read, and I look forward to (re)reading Pride.

Buy Rogue by Rachel Vincent
@Amazon (US) @Amazon (CAN) @The Book Depository

Second Opinions:
@My Not So Vacant Shelf
@Dear Author
@Full Moon Bites

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Blog Tour: Mourning Cloak by Rabia Gale

Written By: Kellie - Jan• 21•13

MOURNING CLOAK BY RABIA GALE

mourning_large

SYNOPSIS

Kato Vorsok is a man deserted by his god. A failed hero living in exile, he wants nothing to do with his old life.

Until the night he encounters a wounded mourning cloak—a demon that can walk through walls, dissolve into mist, and spear a man’s heart with a fingernail.

She calls him by name. She knows his past. She needs his help.

And she is his key to redemption.

Mourning Cloak is a fantasy novella.

CREATING THE COVER

***
Dive into photo stock sites. Prepare for bleeding eyeballs. Don’t settle for good enough.

The collaboration between a self-published author and her cover designer (in my case, the fabulous Ravven) is an exhaustive, involved process. And for the cover of Mourning Cloak, I had a tricky subject in Flutter, the titular character. No longer human, changed into a demon that can dissolve through walls, Flutter’s a falling-apart wreck trying to hold on to her to self-identity. I really wanted to get across her otherworldliness and the dissolution that characterizes her physical and emotional states. This meant that both Ravven and I spent a lot of time combing through stock sites until we found the Perfect Model.

I don’t regret a single minute of it. Because when I look at my book cover, I see Flutter.

***

BUY MOURNING CLOAK
@Smashwords
@Amazon (US)
@Amazon (CA)
@Barnes & Noble
@Kobo

MORE LINKS
@Twitter
@Goodreads
@Rabia’s Website

TOUR STOPS
January 21st- You are here!
January 22nd- Paranormal Book Club
January 23rd- Tammy’s Tea Time
January 24th- Willing to see less
January 26th- Diary of a Book Addict
January 27th- Sarah Elizabeth’s Bookshelf
January 28th- Feeling Fictional

Posted in Fantasy Books , , , | 1 Comment »

Spencer Hill Sunday: Spencer Hill Press 2013 – Part 2

Written By: Kellie - Jan• 20•13

Without further ado… more great tiles coming from Spencer Hill Press in 2013!

Click on the cover image to add each book to Goodreads

breaking glass by lisa amowitzBreaking Glass by Lisa Amowitz

Release Date: July 9th, 2013

Synopsis: On the night seventeen-year-old Jeremy Glass winds up in the hospital with a broken leg and a blood alcohol level well above the legal limit, his secret crush, Susannah, disappears. When he begins receiving messages from her from beyond the grave, hes not sure whether they’re real or if he’s losing his grip on reality. Clue by clue, he gets closer to unraveling the mystery, and soon realizes he must discover the truth or become the next victim himself.

Why I’m excited: I love a good mystery, and Breaking Glass sounds like a fantastic story.

 

 

blood bound by keshia swain

Blood Bound by Keshia Swain

Release Date: September 10th, 2013

Synopsis: Starting college a year early is hard. Starting fae college and learning to protect the world from the Unseelie is harder.
Brielle Reed has always been an over-achiever, but this time she may have bitten off more than she can chew. Between her crash course in fae politics, struggles to control her new mind-reading ability, training sessions with the demanding Dr. Schwartz, and discoveries about the father who is still a mystery to her, Brielle finds herself longing for a chance at a normal life.
But she may not get that chance. Or chance at a life at all, for that matter.

Why I’m excited: A touch of NA with a college setting, plus a fae element to the school (Hogwarts: the college years).

the dollhouse asylum by mary gray

The Dollhouse Asylum by Keshia Swain

Release Date: October 22nd, 2013

Synopsis: A virus that had once been contained has returned, and soon no place will be left untouched by its destruction. But when Cheyenne wakes up in Elysian Fields–a subdivision cut off from the world and its monster-creating virus–she is thrilled to have a chance at survival.

At first, Elysian Fields,with its beautiful houses and manicured lawns, is perfect. Teo Richardson, the older man who stole Cheyenne’s heart, built it so they could be together. But when Teo tells Cheyenne there are tests that she and seven other couples must pass to be worthy of salvation, Cheyenne begins to question the perfection of his world.

The people they were before are gone. Cheyenne is now “Persephone,” and each couple has been re-named to reflect the most tragic romances ever told. Everyone is fighting to pass the test, to remain in Elysian Fields. Teo dresses them up, tells them when to move and how to act, and in order to pass the test, they must play along.

If they play it right, then they’ll be safe.

But if they play it wrong, they’ll die.

Why I’m excited: First of all, I love this cover! Secondly, anything to do with a mega-virus, and I’m in. The Dollhouse Asylum sounds amazing and I can’t wait to get my hands on an ARC.

fireblood by trisha wolfe

Fireblood by Keshia Swain

Release Date: October 2013

Synopsis: To save a kingdom, Zara must choose between a prince who could be the answer and a rising rebellion that threatens to take control.

When Zara Dane is chosen to marry Prince Sebastian Hart, son of the man who ordered her father’s capture, Zara knows she must fight to save everything she loves from ruin.

Being betrothed to the prince means a life trapped behind the towering stone walls of the Camelot-forged realm. Under the watchful eye of the prince’s first knight, Sir Devlan Capra, changing her future becomes difficult.

When an unlikely rebel reveals the truth about the deadly secrets that fuel King Hart’s twisted world, Zara’s path to rescue her father becomes clouded by deception. The Rebels clear her path by forcing Zara’s hand with an ultimatum: sway Prince Sebastian to join the Rebels, convincing him of his father’s evil nature, or they will take him out.

But Zara is uncertain about a future under the Rebels’ command and where the prince’s heart truly lies. She must decide who to trust, what to believe, and what she’s truly fighting for before the king destroys all of Karm, including her heart.

whisper falls by elizabeth langstonWhisper Falls by Elizabeth Langston
Release Date: November 2013
Synopsis: While training for a mountain bike race, high-school senior Mark Lewis spots a mysterious girl dressed in odd clothing, standing behind a waterfall in the woods near his North Carolina home. When she comments on the strange machine that he rides, he suspects something isn’t right. When Susanna claims to be an indentured servant from 1796, he wonders if she’s crazy. Yet he feels compelled to find out more.

Mark enters a ‘long-distance’ relationship with Susanna through the shimmering–and temperamental–barrier of Whisper Falls. Curious about her world, Mark combs through history to learn about the brutal life she’s trapped in. But knowledge can be dangerous. Soon he must choose between the risk of changing history or dooming the girl he can’t stop thinking about to a lifetime of misery.

Why I’m excited: I love a good mystery, and Breaking Glass sounds like a fantastic story.

 

 

 

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Review: APE- How to publish a book

Written By: Kellie - Jan• 19•13

APE

Source: Net Galley
Goodreads

Synopsis: In 2011 the publisher of one of my books Enchantment, could not fill an order for 500 ebook copies of the book. Because of this experience, I self-published my next book, What the Plus!, and learned first-hand that self-publishing is a complex, confusing, and idiosyncratic process. As Steve Jobs said, “There must be a better way.”

With Shawn Welch, a tech wizard, I wrote APE to help people take control of their writing careers. APE’s thesis is powerful yet simple: filling the roles of Author, Publisher and Entrepreneur yields results that rival traditional publishing. We call this “artisanal publishing”–that is, when writers who love their craft control the publishing process and produce high-quality books.

APE is 300 pages of tactical and practical inspiration. People who want a hype-filled, get-rich-quick book should look elsewhere. On the other hand, if they want a comprehensive and realistic guide to self-publishing,APE is the answer. -Goodreads

Review: I’ve been on a bit of a self-publishing kick recently, trying to learn as much as I can before my first novel comes out in March. So while this isn’t the type of book you’ll usually find here, it was still an interesting read and something I’d recommend picking up if you’re remotely interested in the growing world of self publishing.

A lot of the information within the book is stuff you can probably find online, but Guy Kawasaki and Shawn Welch did offer up some interesting input that I’ll be incorporating into my own self-pub battle plan (yeah, I’ve got one of those). APE (Author, Publisher, Entrepreneur) is a solid introduction to this brave new publishing world and covers a lot of the areas authors considering going this route should become well versed in.

Posted in Other Books , , , , | 1 Comment »

Double Cover Reveal with Rhiannon Paille

Written By: Kellie - Jan• 17•13

justice by rhiannon paille

Justice by Rhiannon Paille (The Ferryman and the Flame #2) — January 22nd 2013
How far would you go to destroy yourself?Krishani always knew he would have to go to the Lands of Men, but he never thought it would be like this. Enemies everywhere, an ancestor he can’t respect, elders he can’t trust, a curse he can’t stop and friends he can’t help but hate. Desperate to end the pain, he sets out on a quest to find the other Flames and face the enemy that took everything from him.

JUSTICE: Art by Marc Wolfe (www.marcwolfeart.com) / Typography by Frankie Rose

 

blood & gold by rhiannon paille

Blood & Gold (The Ferryman and the Flame #2.5) by Rhiannon Paille – June 2013
This is JUSTICE from the villain’s POV.The Daed are pawns to one of the most powerful members of the Valtanyana. Crestaos is insane, his hunger for the Flames insatiable. The closer the Daed get to achieving his goal, the more expendable they become.

 
BLOOD & GOLD: Art by Paragraphic Designs / Typography by Rhiannon Paille
xpresso
AUTHOR BIO
Rhiannon Paille
Rhi was never a normal girl. Her life was an urban fantasy wrapped in a paranormal romance and served with a side of horror. To escape her everyday weirdness she began writing fantasy. She studied at U of Sedona and MIMT, obtaining a PhD in Metaphysical Science and Parapsychology. She’s married to a chef/comic book shop owner and has a fondness for architecture. She frequents twitter and facebook, but if you really want to get to know her you should visit her site: www.yafantasyauthor.com
Author Links:
Posted in Fun Stuff & Promos | 1 Comment »

Cover Reveal: Bewitched by Mark Jay Harris

Written By: Kellie - Jan• 15•13

bewitched by mark jay harris

About Bewitched by Mark Jay Harris (Release date: March 4th, 2013)

“Bewitched is spell-binding! A highly-unique page-turner that hooks you from the first paragraph. With complex characters and unexpected twists and turns, Harris delivers and leaves you hoping for more!” – Stephanie Keyes, author, The Star Child series

Synopsis: Is it love or is it witchcraft? He’ll never find out if he kills her first.

The first time Darren saw Samantha, she was floating above his high school gymnasium during a basketball game, invisible to everyone but him. Next time he sees her, she’s sitting in front of him in class, wowing his friends and causing unexplainable things to happen that only he seems to notice. But things really get strange (and complicated) when his dying grandfather tells him that he is part of an ancient order, the “Pessum Ire,” whose duty is to destroy witches. What does he do now, since he’s almost positive Samantha is a witch…and he’s crushing on her pretty hard?

 

MarkJHarris - AuthorAbout the Author:

Mark Harris lives in Smithfield Utah, a small town located in a beautiful valley in Northern Utah. His wife, Shaundale, and he have four terrific children, two girls and two boys and a fifth one due to arrive in November of 2012. Mark has taught English and Special Education and currently works from home teaching English to people from all over the world. Writing has always been his true passion since he was a grade schooler writing about mushrooms. “Bewitched” will be his debut novel. He has two others underway and will soon start on the sequel to “Bewitched,” called “The Return of the Familiar.” He hopes you enjoy his work because he is working on several series geared toward younger audiences.

You can find Mark on: www.markjayharrisauthor.com

Posted in Fun Stuff & Promos , , | 2 Comments »
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