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She reads books as one would breathe air, to fill up and live.
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Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic Publisher: Cosmic Entanglement Media Publication Date: October 15, 2018 Pages: 328 Add to GoodReads Buy: Amazon Like a worn-out watch, human existence had wound to a stop. When the end came, there were no wars, no zombies, no demons—just a former professor turned stay-at-home dad, and his little girl. Ryan Sharpe woke from forced cryogenic sleep with only his two-year-old daughter and a world- shattering mystery for company. The great city he once called home, St Louis, is a rusty wasteland, ruined by time, overflowing with wild animals, unspeakable danger, and countless questions. For a man who struggled with identity after leaving his job so his estranged wife could follow her life’s work, becoming the primary role model for their child while he floundered with life, the challenges aren’t only outside. In this alien place, ill-equipped as he is, Ryan must adapt or die for his child’s sake, but is survival enough? Ryan must return to where it all began, to his wife’s workplace at Universal Biological Laboratories. Why did everyone suddenly die? Are they the only ones left? 4.75 Stars I received this eBook from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.This was such a ride for me. At first, I wasn't sure about the story despite my love for post-apocalyptic survival stories. It didn't seem that the father in the story was going to ever figure out how to survive in this new, animal run kingdom. He was pretty hopeless at some parts. There was one part of the story that changed it all for me: the lion. Heart strings tugged and full out, unabashed bawling on my couch. In that moment, this book single-handedly became one of THOSE books. It would take me days to recover! Even now, the heart breaks thinking about that part. Be well, my tender, sensitive heart! Recommendation: Don't give up! Give this a chance, because it might become one of those books for you too! A native to the Magic City, J. Fitzpatrick Mauldin has always lived with one foot in a world of steel and concrete, another in that of imagination and futurism. He is the product of a micro-biologist father and engineer grandfather, both obsessed with history, who have always challenged him to think harder. J. Fitzpatrick Mauldin has lived many lives from electronic music producer and DJ during the early 2000s to an entrepreneur in promotional products, and is now an administrator for one of the world’s largest real estate brands. He is married with a book addicted wife and has a mad genius daughter, the latter of which might one-day rule the world. Aside from the madness of the day to day, he dreams of returning to his second home in the Pacific Northwest, where he can continue to write his own brand of sci-fi and fantasy which teeters upon the edge of hard science and speculation. Connect with J. Fitzpatrick Mauldin
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Genre: Thriller, Short Story, Anthology Publication Date: January 2018 Pages: 33 Format: Mobi Add to GoodReads Buy: Amazon A short collection of horror, mystery, and crime stories. I received this ebook from the Author in exchange for an honest review.Unfortunately, I was pretty torn about this book. While the stories are definitely decently written, I had a hard time distinguishing them as short stories because they seemed to skip and end too quickly. However, the first story was very heart breaking, so maybe I was hung up on that (book hangover situation), but even going back to it as a refresher, I still just did not connect with the story. Regardless, it's still written well and while it isn't my cuppa tea, doesn't mean it won't be a cuppa tea for others. Tommye is a writer, currently studying for his MA in Creative Writing. His primary passion is in fantasy and science fiction novels and is inspired by writers such as Robert Jordan, J.R.R. Tolkien and Trudi Canavan. Connect with TommyeGenre: Horror, Thriller, Novella Publisher: Black Hill Press Publication Date: November 11, 2015 Pages: 120 Format: Mobi Add to GoodReads Buy: Amazon SynopsisAn isolated religious cult has reportedly been consuming meat while the rest of the planet has been forced to live a life without it. Presuming this sect has resorted to cannibalism, two agents from an organization known simply as The Agency are dispatched to investigate. Will they find evidence of humans eating one another? Or is something even stranger taking place? “In the tradition of Serling and Bradbury, A Stalled Ox is a gruesome, yet beautiful story that wraps a complex morality tale in an engaging and fast-paced horror story with a touch of espionage. Crafting a world where no one is truly innocent, Moses invites the reader to follow Agent Howard Harrington as he discovers what true evil is.” Rating4.75 Stars ReviewI received this eBook from the Author in exchange for an honest review. Don't let the synopsis of this story fool you, it's vague for a reason. Behind the vagueness is a really awesome story, but shh, I didn't tell you that! This is a dystopian world where meat is non-existent. However, a cult claims to be consuming meat. Howard, a detective and his partner Linda are sent to investigate the cult and its Leader, who calls himself "God", ironically. Howard has proven, in the past, not to have had the best track record. He's very reactive to what is around him, which isn't a bad thing per say. But he lets his emotions get out control. However Linda is definitely more level-headed, which evens out Howard's unpredictability. But even she falls for the excitement of the Cult and its claims, so Howard remains the most clear-headed throughout. The other main character would be the cult leader, the aforementioned "God." Like most cult leaders, he is charismatic enough to pull a congregation of followers into the hundreds. But he's also crazy, cruel and very violent which makes him unpredictable. Eventually we learn the secrets of the church and it's mystery as to how it's obtaining meat. This story, no pun intended, is raw, visceral and yet it is very intriguing. Once it picks up, though. It was a bit of a slow start for me. But it takes you on one helluva Dystopian Carnival of Horrors ride. About the AuthorDean Moses was born in England in February of 1991. At the age of nineteen he moved to New York City, where he hoped to fulfill two of his longtime dreams: marry the love of his life and become an author. For the past five years he has written for newspapers, including the New York Amsterdam News and the Spring Creek Sun, as well as transcribed for the New York Times’ Lens Blog. He is the author of A Stalled Ox from 1888's Black Hill Press. Dean currently resides in Queens, New York with his wife and three cats. Connect with DeanGenre: Fantasy Publisher: KDP Publishing Date: June 4, 2018 Pages: 465 Format: Paperback Add to Goodreads Buy: Amazon SynopsisThe natural world was dead. Archaic gods and legends withered away, forgotten by mankind in their lust for industrial advancement. The Time Fathers of Panagea kept their divisions’ times in check, but they couldn’t keep the land from crumbling beneath their feet. Nicholai Addihein rules the Southeastern division’s world of coal, steam, and iron. An impulsive decision soon bucks him from his status as a respected leader when he stops his division’s time to save his love, Lilac, from an untimely death. He finds committing the ultimate taboo comes with the ultimate punishment: the Time Fathers want him killed, and the already fragile earth deteriorates even faster, leaving millions dead. Falling from grace lands Nicholai in the company of Captain Kazuaki Hidataka and his crew of outcasts. While safe from the Time Fathers at sea, Nicholai is at the mercy of the captain and his crew. But when a discovery unveils the existence of the last Earth Mother, Umbriel, and the foundation of lies in which the Time Fathers are built, an uprising begins. Through bloodshed and revolution, there is no good or bad: only doing what one thinks is right. The Tree That Grew Through Iron showcases the intricate balance of mankind’s relationship with his environment, and himself. RatingReviewI received this Book from the Author in Exchange for an Honest Review.This has been one of my most favourite reads, ever. To say I devoured the book would be an understatement. I had to convince myself to slow down and live life outside of the book but it didn't stop me from thinking about it! I think that hardest part of reading this novel was knowing that the path that we, as a general population, and our political leaders are on the same path that those of the dead world of Panagea's world. A world dominated by men who make the rules and hold the reigns tightly, despite the obvious balance of the world being out and the citizens are dying. Nicholai He broke all the rules to save the love of his life. Stopping the Southeastern division's time in order to find a way to save her. He clearly grew up not knowing really how to survive the outside world. But his knowledge of how division's work and the behaviour of the leaders came quite in handy for him. He was quite lucky to find Kazuaki Hidataka and his crew. A group absolutely willing to do what it takes to overthrow the leaders. What they find is the hope to restore Panagea to its former glory. This was a phenomenal epic fantasy full of monsters, myths, spells and the battle to restore a dying world. This, for sure, has become a favourite that I will recommend over and over! About the AuthorMcKenzie Austin has always enjoyed her relationship with the creative arts. Like any whirlwind romance, she finds the ebbs and flows of the artistic process as challenging as they are rewarding. A tattoo artist by trade, McK is intimately familiar with the art world. Writing has always been the most ambitious undertaking, however, as her inherent demand for quality often keeps her from publishing her works. She resides with her family in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and hopes to publish a follow up to The Tree That Grew Through Iron in the future. Contact McKenzieGenre: Historical Fiction, Mystery Publisher: SeaMonkey Ink Publication Date: August 14, 2012 Pages: 208 Format: ePub Add to Goodreads Buy on: Amazon, Kobo Synopsis Did the Amarna line really end with King Tut's Death? Ancient Egypt. 1324 BC. The last living male descendant of the Amarna line, Pharaoh Tutankhamun, has died suddenly under mysterious circumstances. His wife, Queen Ankhesenamen, is left without a male heir. The ambitious vipers Ay and Horemheb are nipping at her heels in their bid to seize power. Queen Ankhe has but one hope to maintain her hold on the throne - an alliance with the Hittites. With Ay and Horemheb watching her every move, there is only one person she can trust to save her and her line - a girl, a slave - Ida. Review I received this eBook from the author in exchange for an honest review. Oh how I love historical fiction! Ida I wasn't so sure about Ida at first. I knew she was meant to be a slave but she was pretty dang bossy for a slave. She was rough and harsh. She seemed very unwilling to be a slave girl born with nobility in her blood. Eventually though, life tamed her a bit. She became head slave and a beloved friend of the Queen Ankhesenamun and childhood friend of Pharaoh Tutankhamun, and eventually his forbidden and secret love. Quite an admirable feat for this woman to bear and live with. The moment that Ida chose to be Tut's wife of his heart, her life was set for an entirely new path. All the supporting characters played their parts well for Ida's story to flourish. I enjoyed the happiness that Pharaoh Tutankhamun before his unfortunate death at such a young age, the secret that Ida carried to as much safety as she could muster, and the eventual just desserts for the scheming Queen Ankhe. This is a short, sweet historical fiction with a lovely touch of romance with one of Ancient Egypt's most famous Pharaoh's. About the Author Grea Alexander is a female writer of African American, Native American and French descent who does not write her profiles in the 3rd person. Born and raised in Houston, TX, I have successfully wormed my way across many a border and have, in effect, managed to infect all that I survey with my particular brand of grea-ness. My books are very character-driven with a focus on flawed, dynamic, culturally-diverse characters and strong, smart female protagonists. Connect with Grea
Genre: Novella, Urban Fantasy, Young Adult Publication Date: October 25, 2016 Pages: 136 Format: ePub Add to Goodreads Synopsis I should've let him drown. That's what any normal Mer would have done. Of course, if I was like the rest, I wouldn't have been lurking around that party yacht, trying to catch a glimpse of the humans. My people will kill me if they find out--literally--but I can't help going back every time he shows up. And he's offering me everything I've ever wanted: A chance to see land. Those stormy blue eyes don't hurt, either. Now I have to decide. Is it worth risking everything I've ever known, everything I've ever believed, to follow my heart? How can I say yes? But how can I possibly say no? Includes Legend of the Mer, the creation short story that started it all. Readers of clean young adult fiction will enjoy this modern sweet romance with all the charm of The Little Mermaid. Where to Buy My Rating Review I received this eBook from the author in exchange for an honest review. This was a decent retelling of the Little Mermaid (Disney, not the Brother's Grimm). Skye, too, couldn't let Vince drown. Rescuing him thrust her into his world and him into her world. Sometimes it takes living in one another's "shoes" to really understand what each other's life is about. Skye is bright, intelligent and compassionate. When she should have done as she had been taught, she found her humanity and saved the boy. Trading places taught Skye the lessons she needed to go on in life. Vince is a rich, spoiled party boy slowly dying. Although he clearly had friends, he was very lonely and I feel like Skye was one of his first true friends. However the romantic interest between Skye and Vince was really quite bland. I know this was a clean romance, but there was no spark there. It was a little too innocent for my liking, I feel. But for those who enjoy a clean romantic fantasy read, this is a decent enough one. About the Author Angel Leya focuses on creating clean young adult fiction with a touch of magic and romance. It also happens to be what she enjoys reading, and she blogs regularly about her latest reads. With a tendency towards writing different shades of fantasy and light sci-fi, her stories are intended to transport readers into worlds of possibility and wonder. When not writing, you can find her daydreaming about her stories and searching for her own adventures. Feel free to drop her a line any time. She hopes you enjoy her fiction as much as she enjoys writing it! Connect with Angel
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Romance Publisher: DysCovered Publishing Publication Date: August 25, 2015 Pages: 192 Format: ePub Add to GoodReads Synopsis Two teens discover the government is staging terrorist attacks to exploit and control the public in Tracy Lawson’s eerily believable YA debut novel. In an alternate reality version of 2034, terrorist attacks on American soil continue after the events of 9/11. The Office of Civilian Safety and Defense, created in 2019 to oversee domestic security, rises to unprecedented heights of power by exploiting the people’s overriding fear of terrorism. When Tommy Bailey and Careen Catecher meet during one of the bogus terrorist attacks, they discover the OCSD’s darkest secret: an antidote distributed by the government to “protect” people from the effects of imaginary toxins in the air is really being used to lull them into a state of submission. Tommy and Careen face a difficult choice: stay quiet about what they know—or risk their safety and anonymity to join an underground rebel group that’s determined to break the OCSD’s grip on the nation. Counteract explores the nature of power and the consequences and difficulties created when government attempts to control minute details of citizens’ daily existence. "Tracy Lawson's novel asks an even more disturbing question--what if the real culprit was someone or something we trusted? I thought The Hunger Games might be the Millennial generation's version of George Orwell's 1984. Now, I think Counteract and the Resistance Series are more primed to take that spot."--SR Staley, author of St. Nic, Inc., and the Tortuga Bay series. Where to Buy My Rating 4.75 Stars Review I received this eBook from the author in exchange for an honest review. 9/11 was possibly one of the scariest times in the Western world. I don't think we ever would have thought things would end up the way it had. But could you imagine a world where the fear of terrorists completely changed how the United States of America functions, right down to continuously creating fear of terrorists? Oh, wait, parts of that is already happening. This is eerily familiar, almost creepy how familiar this is to what is currently happening all over the world. The Office of Civilian Safety and Defense was created to keep civilians safe from the on-going threat of terrorism. But it functions in a way that what you eat, drink, listen to, watch and so on is determined by the OCSD. Keeping the people ignorant and the people's fear high. Careen As a lead character, she is admirable. Careen is smart, enough to know that the antidote wasn't really right as it makes her feel silly and loses hours. She's independent enough to try to fight it. Questioning the motives of the OCSD is brave, especially as people who speak out are often detained. Tommy He was tough to read about, having to grieve the loss of his family and be contained to his house with a broken leg. The antidote became more of an escape for him from his reality, even though Careen's presence makes him question what really happened to his parents, what the antidote does and what the OCSD is up to. So with the chaos of the end of the book, it will be interesting to see if Careen and Tommy have what it takes to bring down the OCSD. If you enjoy dystopian, young adult, new adult genres, this might be a very good read for you. About the Author Once upon a time, Tracy Lawson was a little girl with a big imagination who was obsessed with telling stories. Her interests in dance, theatre, and other forms of make-believe led to a twenty-year career in the performing arts, where “work” meant she got to do things like tap dance and choreograph musicals. A mid-life career change has yielded six books–a four-volume series of thrillers for young adults, and two nonfiction history books based on the lives of her pioneer ancestors. Tracy, who is married with one grown daughter and two spoiled cats, splits her time between Dallas, Texas and Columbus, Ohio. Connect with Tracy
With 2018 ending soon, I thought I would touch on some of my favourite books that I read this year. Some of these books are also review books and I haven't gotten to their reviews yet. I'm still working on that and digging out my inspiration. Those are coming, bit by bit. As always, your patience is appreciated.
2018 Favourite Books
As I said, a couple will be review books that have had reviews done or are awaiting reviews. I will write a little blurb as to why I enjoyed it so much and why I'd recommend it, even if I haven't reviewed it.
The One Unspoken by Sarah Bryant
I'm still recovering from this book, even though I read it earlier in the year. 1841 with a forbidden love between a white woman and a freed slave's son. It was a beautiful tale with so many emotions right from the get go.
The Girl with All the Gifts by M.R. Carey
This was one of the rare times that both the book and the movie were absolutely awesome. While the zombie genre is quite overdone and it's tough to dig out new ways to spruce up the genre, this book manages to do it with ease. Graveminder by Melissa Marr The world building in this story was so inventive. It pulled you in immediately. I loved the idea of a grave minder helping a mortician with the fantasy element of keeping the dead in the ground. The Martian by Andy Weir As terrifying as the thought is to be left behind on an alien planet with dwindling food and no access to be able to tell NASA what is going on with you. But Mark Watney had to be one of the most likable characters. His sense of humour made him seem more human and I enjoyed every time he defied the experts and did things that would have probably killed him any other time. It was great. These were my 5 star reads, but many others also hit the mark of being pretty dang good. It was a good year for reading for me. I hope if you haven't read these books and that you're looking to something new to read that you give one of these reads a chance. About the Book Is it ever too late for happily ever after? Callahan is one of the hottest guys to move into Harper’s Corner in a long time, partly because he’s also a complete mystery. He keeps to himself and leads a quiet life, rumors swirl around that he used to be in the military...but no one knows where he came from, or what brought him to their small town. When Stevie’s parents have a health crisis, she’s forced to take leave from her very New York existence: including a high-powered job at a big publishing house and explosive sex life with her wealthy, handsome and appropriately pretentious boyfriend, to step in and ensure the preservation of the family’s longstanding bookstore. With the first order of business being to fire Callahan, the unqualified shop assistant her dad hired. Though as many women from Harper’s Corner can tell you, things change when you come back home. So firing this attractive, brooding, secretive man turns out to be much harder than she originally planned… And when his past comes back to challenge him, he can’t keep hiding from what happened. I invite you to tuck into another Harper’s Corner story about finding love when you least expect it…once upon a time in a bookstore… Where to Buy About the Author I’ve worked in publishing for twenty years and I sincerely love books and authors. I started this journey with my own books planning to write just one, and then well – all I can say is the stories kept coming. My original series The Publicist, follows Kate, Mac, Nick, Vivienne and a host of other awesome characters as they make their lives in New York, amidst the chaos that publishing often brings with it. I am now exploring a fictional small town called Harper’s Corner. This series is so fun, because there are so many characters in this town, from sexy firemen and hot Army guys, to an awesome group of women that I affectionally call “the coven.” These books will explore each of these characters, and their journey to finding the loves of their lives. I love writing, and I love reading and if I’m not actively writing a book, I’m probably dreaming of what I’ll write next. Please feel free to email me at [email protected] with your thoughts on any of my books. Connect with Christina
Title: Defensive Play Series: A Boys on the Brink Novella Author: Jamie Deacon Publisher: Beaten Track Publishing Cover Artist: Natasha Snow Release Date: November 30, 2018 Genre: Gay YA Sports Romance Length: 21,500 words Add to GoodReads About the Book One glance is all it takes to bring his defences crashing down… Seventeen-year-old Davey has never made friends easily. Shy, geeky, crippled with social anxiety, he feels isolated from his peers, and only his position as defender for the school football team fills the void of loneliness. On the pitch, his deft footwork has earned him the respect and acceptance of his squad, though at a price. Desperate to hold onto this camaraderie, Davey conceals the truth from everyone, even his own family. Then, during the annual Brookshire football tournament, his eyes meet those of a rival player across the field and a spark flares between them, one neither boy can deny. Adam is everything Davey longs to be—confident, popular, comfortable with his sexuality. Davey aches to explore their connection, to discover where it might lead, but how can he follow his heart and risk rejection by his teammates, the closest thing to friends he has ever known? Excerpt The rain has stopped. A soft mist hangs in the air, turning the distant streetlights a hazy orange. After the stuffiness of the clubhouse, the night is bitterly cold and I pull on my sweatshirt against the chill. I sit on the steps overlooking the car park, heedless of the damp that seeps through my jeans. Elbows on knees, I rest my chin in my hands and close my eyes, attempting to clear my mind. I don’t want to think anymore. I just want to sit with nothing but the dark and the quiet for company. I haven’t been hunched there long when the door opens, ejecting a stream of warmth and thumping bass. I glance behind me, although I know who it will be. My body goes still. Adam lets the door swing shut and, just like that, we’re alone. He doesn’t seem surprised to find me on the steps. Perhaps he saw me leave. Has he followed me? My insides clench. What if Adam thinks I did it deliberately, that I meant to lure him out here. Maybe I had. Maybe, deep down, a part of me hoped Adam might come, even while the rest of me prayed he wouldn’t. This time, when our gazes connect, there’s no one to see, no football match to act as a buffer. I drink him in. Even in the faint glow filtering through the frosted pane in the door, his eyes are a vivid blue. “Hey,” Adam says. Such a simple word that expresses so much. There’s recognition there, like we’re childhood friends meeting after years apart, but uncertainty, too. He has a nice voice, I register through my turbulent thoughts—warm and slightly husky. “Hey.” My reply emerges somewhere between a croak and a squeak. Cringing, I stare down at my feet. “It’s Davey, right?” I fling him a startled look. Had this boy—this confident, gorgeous boy—actually gone to the trouble of finding out my name? One side of Adam’s mouth lifts in a crooked smile. “Well, I had to know who the lunatic was who almost took my leg off.” “God.” I bury my face in my hands. Of course Adam was going to ask about me after what happened on the pitch. “I’m so sorry.” He laughs and nudges my thigh with the toe of his trainer. “I’m kidding. Seriously, you did us a favour.” I dare a peep at him, unable to rid myself of the thought that he has pursued me out here to take the piss. That wouldn’t be anything new, after all. “It’s true.” Adam crouches on the step beside me, his expression amused but without malice. “Rob warned me about you. He said the rest of your defence was pretty solid, but probably weren’t quick enough to catch me. You were the real threat.” I grimace. “I’m guessing he wasn’t expecting me to take you out quite so spectacularly, though.” “Funnily enough, that wasn’t included in the pep talk. Still, I should be thanking you. You made our job a whole lot easier.” “Don’t remind me. You should’ve heard the guys after the match. I’ll never hear the end of it.” Adam laughs again, and I can’t hold back a smile. Here I am, having an actual conversation with an amazing-looking boy—a boy who’d caught me checking him out, no less—and I’m not making an ass of myself. The door behind us bursts open and several guys spill out. I tense, guard raised. Will they think it odd us sitting out here alone? I scan their faces, but none are from Farnstead. A moment later, they barrel down the steps without giving either of us a second look and head for one of the cars parked nearby. As they pile in and the engine growls to life, I exhale, shoulders slumping. I can feel Adam studying me and keep my gaze lowered. “You’re not out,” he says, “are you?” “What?” My entire body goes rigid. He knows. I’d already guessed as much, but suspecting it is one thing; being confronted with the indisputable truth sends me spiralling back into panic mode. Why had he really followed me out here? I’d thought…been sure I’d read something in his eyes when they locked with mine, but what if I’m wrong? Do I truly believe someone like Adam, someone popular and self-assured, would have sought me out? Unless… I see again the Brookminster players in their huddle, sniggering, moments after Adam caught me staring. I’d reassured myself they weren’t laughing about me, but perhaps my fears had been well founded. The cold certainty settles like a snowball in my gut. I’d given myself away, and now the other lads have sent Adam out here to chat me up, trick me into an admission I won’t be able to take back. For all I know, his mates are somewhere close by as we speak, listening in. “Hey.” Adam extends his palms in what is probably supposed to be a calming gesture. “It’s all right. I know and it’s all right.” “You don’t know anything,” I snap. The instinct for self-preservation, to keep my protective wall intact at any cost, propels me to my feet. “You hear me? You don’t know anything about me.” Before he can respond, I’m down the steps and sprinting into the darkness, phone already out to call my parents. All I want is to go home, crawl into bed, and forget today ever happened. Purchase Your Copy! About the Author Jamie lives in a tranquil spot close to the River Thames in Berkshire, England, and has always been just a little out of place—the only redhead in a family of brunettes; an introvert far more at ease with dogs than with people; a connoisseur of simple pleasures in a society intent on the quest for wealth and fame. Despite an outward cynicism, Jamie is a romantic at heart, and, when not immersed in a book, can mostly be found writing emotional stories where young men from all walks of life are forced to navigate the sometimes painful reality of growing up, coming out, and falling in love. Connect with Jamie Giveaway To celebrate the release of Defensive Play, Jamie Deacon is giving away a $10 Amazon Gift Card. For your chance to win, simply enter via the Rafflecopter below. The giveaway is open to entrants world wide, and closes at midnight EST on Friday December 7, 2018.
Good luck! Enter to Win Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy Publisher: Inkitt Publication Date: November 27, 2017 Pages: 208 Format: ePub Add to GoodReads About the Book
Evil comes in all shapes and sizes. It's up to three kids, brought together by extraordinary circumstances, to save their school from a monster hiding in plain sight...before it finds them.
When Theo Aldrige loses his family in a gruesome murder, he sinks into a bottomless pit of depression. After a failed suicide attempt, he meets Sally and Reuben - classmates of his who are also in dire straits. Sally is dying of a rare disease that steals her sleep, and Reuben is struggling to relate to the people around him while hiding the darkness of his home life. One day, the three unintentionally discover that they've acquired powers that seem to fix their worst flaws. Where did these abilities come from? And how do they control their newfound powers without being exposed? While trying to make sense of these changes, the new friends come across a disturbing secret in their very own high school. A force of destruction that only Theo, Sally, and Reuben can stop. Where to Buy
Rating
Review
I received this eBook from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I was thoroughly impressed by this story. The novel was written well. Although the concept of the story was not new, the author handled that well and managed to put a new spin on the idea. It was awesome. I also enjoyed the unique characters and how each managed to connect with each other, the blossoming friendships and the realization how much they needed each other.
Sally She seemed like the invisible girl. Quiet, kept to herself. Having spent a better part of her life trying to avoid the spotlight while suffering from an inability to sleep. She also tried to avoid the spotlight due to bullying. But I enjoyed watching her blossom, start to trust Theo and Reuben. It's like her new magical skill woke up the real Sally. Reuben He is a loner and a troublemaker. Which is interesting because troublemakers like to draw attention to themselves, and rarely are loners because of it. He had this larger than life personality. But oh man, once you find out what his home life was like, it was no wonder he struggled so much. Theo Oh man, Theo. He was the most broken. A former jock with all the glory. Losing his family wrenched all of that out of his hands. He battled so much depression and even contemplated suicide while living with his foster family. My heart broke for him. Jane Although Jane isn't a part of the group with Reuben, Theo and Sally, she's also going through her own changes. She's even more of a ghost than Sally, which means very few people would notice any changes about her. Not-Jane then comes along and livens things up for her. It will be interesting to see how these two fair with the other three in the future. So I definitely recommend giving this a chance. Hopefully it garners the same interest that I had in it. About the Author
McKenzie Rae is the author of the book Dysfunctional: Origins. She attended the University of Minnesota where she received a Bachelor of Science in technical writing, however, she's been writing fiction and telling stories since she was a kid. Currently, she works as a software system tester and uses her spare time to continue writing fiction. Origins is her first published novel, with many more novels waiting in the wings. McKenzie lives in a Twin Cities suburb in Minnesota surrounded by family, friends, and her cat.
Connect with McKenzie
About the Book
Germany, 1954. Jozef grows up in a happy household – so it seems. But his father Gerhard still harbours disturbing National Socialism ideals, while mother Catharina is quietly broken. She cannot feign happiness for much longer and rediscovers love elsewhere. Jozef is uncertain and alone. Who is he? Are Gerhard and Catharina his real parents?
A dark mystery gradually unfolds, revealing an inescapable truth the entire nation is afraid to confront. But Jozef is determined to find out about the past and a horror is finally unmasked which continues to question our idea of what, in the last hour, makes each of us human. A terrifying and heartbreaking story. Where to Buy
Interview
Who or what inspired your novel?
GB: One person, Juliet – my wife. She is the most amazing, most kind and warm person I have ever met. She has a spinal cord injury from a car accident and naturally got me interested in disability rights and how they are behind civil and gay rights as effective movements and forces of real change today. The stories I could tell you about a lack of disabled rights here in the UK – through my shared experiences with Juliet - would take your breath away. Equally, I think attitudes are changing and have changed. People are more understanding and tolerant. The big thing for me maybe now would be the commercial world and big business has to adapt to make places – shops, hotels, restaurants – much, much more accessible. Access, even in a brand new hotel say, is often quite poor and unacceptable for the higher premium they force disabled people to pay. It’s a quiet scandal in this country no-one is really addressing. What would you say is the genre of your novel? GB: Historical fiction. How did you develop your plot and characters? GB: I had the plot in the back of my mind for a while. Then it all just came together in a moment when I wasn’t consciously thinking about it. I knew then where I was starting from and where I wanted to end. The rest I honestly didn’t really think through, which was naïve and foolish. I just went for it. I read a lovely quote – I can’t remember by who now – that all a writer can do is follow his lead characters and try and keep up. I felt like that a lot of the time. The plot just grew organically while I was writing. I was very, very lucky I didn’t really go off piste. Who or what inspired your protagonist? GB: Apologies! I am very politely not going to answer that one. All I will add is that I believe in leaving mystery to the reader. People can read what they want into things. As a reader and viewer, that’s how I like to be treated, so I in A Quiet Genocide I am returning that courtesy. Who or what inspired your antagonist? GB: I can honestly answer this question and say nobody. Who then? I don’t really know – subconsciously then a complete mix of lots and lots of characters from lots of books and films and dramas I have read and watched over the years. What was the most difficult part to write in the book? GB: The climax, certainly – creating that drama and fitting finale, and ending the race, so to speak after all the build-up of pace and events throughout the second half of the story. Lots of intense writing and then forensic sharpening up of chapters afterwards. The final scene itself – and the final punchline to the plot - came very quickly and naturally though, conversely. Maybe I had earned that bit of luck. What was your favourite part of your book to write? GB: The middle part of the story where Jozef, the main character leaves home and tries to find his feet at university. I just enjoyed writing it. It felt good; it felt like my story was really working. I was happy in that flow.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?
GB: I studied modern history at university [in Dundee, Scotland] and got a first job in regional newspapers, as a trainee reporter in Lincolnshire about an hour from where I grew up. It was a tiny weekly paper with only five reporters – and four of us were trainees on terrible money. But it was great fun; really exciting; I loved it. Everyone did a bit of everything really. I used to do court reporting in the week, which was in on old converted church, so the press bench really was a bench and an old pew. You had a numb bum by lunch! I also reported on football, my love at the weekend. It was a special time, looking back. Who or what inspired you to be an author? GB: My inspiration to become an author really came from a sheer of love of writing and of writing for people potentially interested in the stories I had to tell. If I had to name one person it would be my English teacher from my teenage years at school, Mr Roger Staniforth. A fantastic man and mentor, who – 100 per cent – is embodied in the character Herr Slupski in A Quiet Genocide. Are you a full time or a part time writer? If part time, what do you do besides write? GB: I am very much a part-time author. Full-time, I work in content and communications for a company in finance in Berkshire, west of London. What are you currently reading? GB: I am currently reading Savage Continent, a wonderful and breathtakingly comprehensive history of mainland Europe in the immediate aftermath of the Second World War. It is by Keith Lowe. Keith’s history – of how whole communities and places had literally disappeared by 1945 – inspired the front cover of A Quiet Genocide. That idea and image of total absence and decay of things we have left unattended. What are some of your favourite books or authors? GB: There is a theme here. I love Catch-22 by Joseph Heller and Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut. Pioneers and titans really of 20th century literature. Their work is fearless and immensely moving, in a way that can inspire and change the way you view history. What are your future projects, if any? GB: None at present. I just need that seed of an idea though and that deep urge to follow it, and I might be very quickly away again! What is your preferred method for readers to get in touch with you and your books? GB: You can contact me on Twitter @GlennMBryant. Or I am very happy for people to email me at [email protected] Do you have any advice for aspiring authors? GB: Never. Ever. Give up. You are good enough; your ideas are good idea; your writing is good enough. You never know when that breakthrough will come. About the Book
Strafe Rocknus has suffered hard losses in his life, but now things are looking up for the college graduate.
He has a sizzling girlfriend, good friends and a bright career ahead of him. But one day, Strafe awakes in a mysterious cavern, discovers an ancient artifact, and unwittingly ignites a war that spans two worlds: his own, and one he never knew existed. With the abyss of the unknown before him, Strafe enters the swirling darkness. Desperate, he must navigate a new and hostile world on the brink of catastrophe, and learn the truth of who he is, while facing a darkness with the power to destroy everything Strafe has ever cared about. Soon, he will discover that his greatest strength comes from those he fights for. Where to Buy
About the Book
Strafe and his friends have become the most wanted fugitives in the world. They have no other choice but travel to Crotona, to convince Eternia’s leaders of their innocence before they are hunted down.
But first, they need to stop the Senti from gaining the powerful Guardian Key. Guided by a mysterious visitor in his dreams, Strafe and the group press on, despite the danger. But even with their new-found powers, will it be enough to take down their ruthless adversary? As tensions in the realm reach a boiling point, lives are on the line at every moment. Strafe is getting closer to freeing his family and getting back home, but it will only come with great sacrifice. He will face the greatest challenges of his life, and fight against not only an enemy, but an ideal. Strafe must rely on his friends and instincts to guide him. His fate is in his own hands... but he doesn't have to fight alone. Where to BuyCover Reveal
Available late 2019/Early 2020 on Amazon!
About the Book
How do you deal with pain that nobody can see?
Strafe, Yessa, and Zixin have returned to Earth. Strafe believes he has found peace, but the battle to save his family has just begun. Zixin’s nightmarish past has left him in a fragile mental and physical state. The scars of his past continue to haunt him. When Strafe sees the self-harm beginning, he knows he can’t save Zixin alone. A mysterious group offers help, but it doesn’t come without a sacrifice. The abduction of Yessa's parents forces her to decide whether to stay with Strafe or go find them. She finds a possible solution to find her parents by joining the new Space Force branch of the military. She is torn between those she loves. Leaving could mean the end of her and Strafe. Unknown to Strafe and Yessa, something has followed them back to Earth. It is hunting them. Its thirst for blood and death is abhorrent. It leaves no survivors in its wake. It wants revenge. Strafe will fight not only to save his family, but to stop this new hunter from taking everything away he cherishes. The Venerate Saga continues! About the Author
Troy Dukart is the author of the Venerate Saga series (The Venerate Order, The Venerate Redemption, and the upcoming The Venerate Salvation. Troy grew up outside of Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is a graduate of the University of Minnesota: Twin Cities. Troy is recognized by Toastmasters International as an Advanced Communicator Silver and Advanced Leader Bronze. He's lived in Japan as well as California. He loves to travel. He currently lives in Minneapolis. Make sure to stop by his website and sign-up for the newsletter to stay in the know!
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Contest
First 400 to get 10 friends to sign-up will get a FREE paperback, Advanced Reader Copy of my new book!
Viral Campaign launching in November 1st - December 1st, 2018! Sign-up on this website: [Enter the Contest] How to win:
Check out www.venerateorder.com for more details! Publisher: Solstice Shadows Publishing Publication Date: May 30, 2018 Pages: 400 Add to Goodreads About the Book
Enter the Other World at your own risk…
What if you found out that you weren’t exactly…human? Myah Sullivan is suddenly living that nightmare. There are Others in the world, dangerous, supernatural creatures that make her mind spin and cause her to question the reality she’s always known. Oliver King is her savior, a vampire who tries to show her the way. Through her journey she learns far more than she ever thought she would about herself, and about the past. Soon, she discovers that there is so much more to meeting Oliver than mere happenstance. Can Myah accept her new reality, or will she retreat into that normal, safe world she once thought was her own? Where to BuyInterview
L: Who or what inspired your novel?
ML: In many ways, Blood Instincts is about accepting yourself, even if there are parts that you weren't aware of at first. I just thought that...well, what if the character found out one day that she was different from other people? What if it was a big secret, something fascinating yet dangerous? How would she cope with that newfound knowledge? And so, the second book of the Blood at First Sight Series was born. L: What would you say is the genre of your novel? ML: This is a paranormal romance/urban fantasy with a slightly futuristic angle. L: Why did you pick this/these genre(s)? ML: Are you kidding? I love paranormal anything! Sign me up! I think I was a goner for supernatural stories from childhood, when my grandma told us ghost stories by the campfire. But mainly, I really fell in love with the genre when I first read The Silver Kiss by Annette Curtis Klause at the age of thirteen. That seriously blew my mind, and I was hooked on paranormal romance, even if it was a YA story. L: How did you develop your plot and characters? ML: As with any book I write, I develop both during the writing process. Random scenes come to me, and the details just fill themselves in over time. I also write a major outline to help me along the way. When I'm done writing a novel or story, though, I work on a full character worksheet, defining even more about the individual, and I start to add in those elements wherever necessary. L: Who or what inspired your protagonist? ML: I've known a lot of family members who are extremely practical, and aren't so open-minded about life. You could say that Myah is a blend of all of them, with a touch of putting myself in her shoes. L: Who or what inspired your antagonist? ML: The unsavory characters and elements in the story just came from my imagination. I tried to create people or aspects that would be off-putting enough to the heroine, things that might deter her from delving into the new world she found. L: What was the most difficult part to write in the book? ML: I think when any awakening occurs for a character, whether it's redemption from past mistakes, or learning some strange things about yourself, it can be a challenge to convey it well enough so that anyone can grasp what you're trying to express. L: What was your favourite part of your book to write? ML: I don't want to give much away, but it was a lot of fun to bring new creatures into this part of the series, to describe them and imagine the wonder a character might experience. L: Are you a full time or a part time writer? If part time, what do you do besides write? ML: For now, I write part time. The rest of the time I am not only doing the business side of being an author, but I also host three blogs.
L: Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?
ML: I am from a small town in the Midwest, particularly a little spot in Indiana. I was raised in a Victorian era farmhouse, and was the youngest of three kids. Our parents thought it would be cute to give us all 'M' names. Needless to say, all of my teachers compared me to my siblings. I spent a big part of my teenage years trying to establish my identity. To form my own opinions and be...well, me. Pretty much from the age of nine, I knew that I wanted to be a writer; furthermore, that I wanted to get published. Not for fame or anything, but simply because I had all of these stories in my head that had to be put on paper. In college, I pursued a Creative Writing degree. I loved taking all the workshops and helping my fellow writers improve their work. Of course, so many of them, including my professors, taught me a lot too! L: Who or what inspired you to be an author? ML: I think some of it came from the fact that I'm a bibliophile. I all but consumed books as a child, and that continued on into adulthood. I knew I wanted to be close to literature in some way, either through writing books or owning a bookstore. Eventually, it just made sense to write. L: What are you currently reading? ML: This time I grabbed a book from my TBR pile, an older title and a novella collection by Nora Roberts. It's called Winner Takes All. L: What are some of your favourite books or authors? ML: I love the Black Dagger Brotherhood Series by J.R. Ward. Chloe Neill's Chicagoland Vampires is a close second. I also have a weakness for any romantic magical tales, historical romance and most types of contemporary romance. Now and then, I find an indie author that is quite enjoyable. L: What are your future projects, if any? ML: OMG...there so many! Don't get me started on the nearly 125 works in progress I have going. Beyond the five series already established on the market, I have plans for six other series and many standalones. First and foremost, though, I am working on a romantic comedy novel which will be part one of a six-book series. L: Do you have any advice for aspiring authors? ML: Hang in there. I know the journey is tough, and it seems incredibly daunting. Persistence and perseverance has always been my motto, and I hope it helps you too! L: What is your preferred method for readers to get in touch with you and your books? ML: Readers can contact me through my website or blogs, private message on Facebook, send a tweet on Twitter, or tag me on Google+. Publisher: Amazon Publication Date: May 26, 2018 Pages: 392 Add to Goodreads About the Book
A mysterious elderly stranger offers Colin Brayton, a bookstore owner, the job of appraising old books at a desolate colonial plantation. While working on the books, Colin stumbles across a series of diaries written in the late 1770s by fourteen-year-old Kate Dibble that chronicle an alien visitation.
Colin attempts to navigate a delicate balance between solving the mystery of the diary and simmering tensions with the beautiful, but aloof caretaker, Madeline Prentice. The strained relationship reaches a boiling point as a thunderstorm descends over the desolate property and prevents them from leaving. A malicious winged being emerges from the storm and demands the presence of The Ancient One in three days. When the diary hints of a buried spaceship, Colin and Maddy must put aside their differences to find the ship for their safety, and solve the mystery of the diary that hints at who The Ancient One is before the being seals their fate. Where to Buy
About the Author
Ever since he began writing at the age of 10 in the basement of his parent's home, Glenn has been winning awards. Glenn wrote a short story in high school about talking houses that earned him first place where he won a pocket dictionary. Later he wrote a conspiracy novel about a secret formula hidden inside of Rubik's cube. The novel went nowhere but only whetted Glenn's appetite to write more.
At Gallaudet, Glenn churned out countless short stories of horror and science fiction for the University newspaper, "The Buff and Blue." He went on to win the Mac Dougall Creative writing competition and the Lillian Gourley Rakon Creative Writing Awards. Taking a stab at screenwriting while in college, his first script, "Wrath of the Dragon," was a finalist at the 1988 Nissan Focus Screenplay competition sponsored by Columbia Pictures. His screenplay, "The Alien Diaries" was a finalist during Amazon's monthly screenwriting competition. Connect with Glenn
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