Review and Giveaway - Ennara and the Book of Shadows by Angela Myron

When strange accidents start happening around thirteen year-old necromancer Ennara and her
friends, she must search for the mysterious stolen artifacts causing the attacks while learning
the highest form of magic--the spells that could prevent the fruition of a terrible prophecy.

My review:

Ennara and her friends are back. A year has passed after the events in Ennara and the Fallen Druid. Ennar and Kithe are enrolled in the Acedemy (think Hogwarts), but not everyone is happy with her being there. And, things take a turn for the worse when artifacts begin disappearing and druids are being possessed.

Ennara and her friends are a year older and are having to face challenges of a different kind--including mean girls at school. And, when dangerous things begin happening around her, those people who do not want her at the Academy have a clear weapon at hand.

I enjoyed this book just as much as the last-- and there's a touch of romance blooming which makes a nice touch. I love first love stories, especially paired with action and magic, and this book has both. A third book is in the wings and I'm anxiously waiting news of when it will be out. Ms. Myron's website says it's a four book series, and I already know I'm going to be sad when it comes to an end. I love these characters! My rating: 5.

Enjoy an excerpt:

Ennara dashed through the statue’s legs to the center of the room. This would be her one
chance to get it right.

First, the Source. She focused on the clear light that was the source of all—the central
possibility that made her world and her magic.

Then, the enlightened ones. The familiar tinkling filled the air once more. The dim room
brightened slightly.

Finally, the creature before her. Kelach the Knight, a symbol of the gift of protection, twisted by
dark magic into a force of violent abandon. Ennara visualized the hero of legend, standing firm
at the tunnels of the Royal Way to ensure the people of Ililsa escaped the troll, goblin and wraith
army of the Fallen Druid Ardewynn.

A sense of peace, strength and determination settled on her. The giant statue turned and raised
his ax once more. He hesitated mid-swing. Was her meditation working? Ennara refocused,
calling on the Great Protector’s spirit.

A column of orange-red light burst into the room above her, momentarily enshrouding the statue
and herself. When it vanished, the room had shifted. She was no longer conjuring the great
protector, she was the great protector.

A deep, hearty voice filled her mind. Fear not, Ennara. Touch this damned image of my former
self. It will be freed from its dark curse.

Warm courage flooded her. Her stomach relaxed, her shoulders fell. The massive stone figure
roared as it plunged its huge angular blade down. Ennara breathed deeply into her belly. She
took a small step back and raised her hand. She lightly toughed the stone ax as it swung inches
from her face.

An orange-red shimmer crossed the stone, rippling through the statue. The monster’s fierce
expression softened, transforming once more into the courageous legendary soldier. He
seemed to regard her briefly, an intelligence crossing behind those blank eyes, and returned to
inanimate rock.

Ennara looked to her friends. She’d found the key to unlocking the spell on the statues. Now
she just had to use it on the others before it was too late.

About the Author:

Angela Myron was born in Vancouver, Canada in 1973. She grew up in the piney forests of
southern British Columbia, studying tiny blue bells, dodging hidden cacti, and creating fantasy
worlds in her back yard. She loved to imagine lands of fairies and goblins, then invite friends
over to introduce them.

Angela studied biology and professional writing at university, starting her degree at the
University of Victoria in Canada and finishing it at San Francisco State University. She wrote
grant proposals for nonprofits, technical manuals for software, and freelance journalism before
writing fiction.

www.angelamyron.com
https://www.facebook.com/myron.angela
https://twitter.com/AngelaMyron
 http://www.pinterest.com/angelamyron/
Buy links: Preorder at http://amzn.com/0692239626, http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/
ennara-and-the-book-of-shadows,https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/449530.

REVIEW: Big Honey Dog Mystery: The Curse of the Scarab by H.Y. Hanna

This review is in conjunction with a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will be awarding a $20 Amazon Gift Card and a signed copy of Curse of the Scarab to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. (US ONLY) Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Honey the Great Dane enjoyed a pretty peaceful life: walking her human, checking Peemail at the park… until the arrival of a puppy named Bean turns her life upside down. But when Bean goes missing – together with other neighbourhood pups – Honey sets out on a dangerous quest to find them. Joined by her canine friends, Honey tackles mysterious paw prints and sinister hieroglyphics as clues lead them to a deserted cemetery. But an ancient Egyptian curse has awakened and time is running out. Can Honey solve a cryptic riddle in time to save the puppies? And should she trust Max, a Pit Bull with a murky past, who is hiding secrets of his own?

Middle-grade readers and young teens will love this thrilling tale filled with suspense and humour - and adult dog lovers are sure to enjoy it to. An exciting new mystery series full of action and adventure, for dog lovers of all ages!

My review:

It's a dog's life...and you see it from the dog's eye. Welcome to a series told completely from the dog's point of view--from Honey the Great Dane's point of view. She has life pretty good until her human goes away and leaves her with a dog sitter--who has her own puppy, Bean. Life is swiftly turned a lot more exciting--and there's a mystery to solve.

I really enjoyed this short book...for an adult, it's a short read. But, it's good for all ages--and not only is there a mystery, there are some lessons to be learned as well, but the author does a great job of slipping them in seamlessly.

The book reminded me a bit of Lady and the Tramp (without the spaghetti dinner) and, since the author uses recognizable breeds it was easy to picture the action in my brain. Good job, Ms. Hanna. I'm looking forward to future books in the series. My rating? 5 stars.

And, there's exciting news about the series. Not only is Book 1 available, but Ms. Hanna released a Christmas novella featuring the same cast and it's FREE right now, so you can try out the series to see if you like it.:

Big Honey Dog Mysteries: Message in a Bauble
Christmas intrigue. Daring rescue. Serious slobber.

When Honey the Great Dane finds a hidden note inside a strange Christmas bauble, the festive season takes a sinister turn. Was the note from a trapped child? Join Honey and her canine friends as they set off on a Search & Rescue–from snowy playgrounds to eerie libraries–while they race to solve the mystery of the message in the bauble. Kids and adults alike will love this action-packed Christmas mystery filled with suspense and humour – not to mention candy canes, gingerbread cookies and lots of mince pies!

This short novella is part of the Big Honey Dog Mysteries – a fun, action-packed, mystery adventure series for kids and dogs lovers of all ages. So if you’re looking for a little mystery and adventure this holiday season and some fun & laughs with a cast of adorable canines (and maybe even a feline or two! ;-) ) – then don’t miss this heart-warming Christmas “tail”.

You can grab your copy at Amazon, Amazon UK, iTunes, Barnes and Noble, or Kobo.

About the Author:

H.Y. Hanna is Taiwanese by birth, British by education, pseudo-American by accent and currently Australian by residence! After graduating from Oxford University, she tried a variety of jobs, from advertising in London to English Language teaching in Sydney, before returning to her first love: writing. Always fascinated by dogs, she specialised as a pet writer for magazines in the UK, Australia and NZ, and has been heavily involved in training, behaviour, dog sports and photography. When she's not working on her next novel, she's usually found watching repeats of her favourite TV show, Fringe or wiping Dane slobber off the walls.

You can find out more about her (and the 'real-life Honey' who inspired the series) at: www.bighoneydogmysteries.com, where you'll also find book discussion questions and other parent/teacher resources, plus fun activity sheets and interactive puzzles.

If you'd like to be notified when the next book is released and get sneak previews, please visit www.bighoneydogmysteries.com to sign up for the Big Honey Dog Mysteries newsletter. Your email address will never be shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.

FACEBOOK PAGE
NEWSLETTER SIGNUP (or go to website)

Buy the book at Amazon, Amazon UK, iTunes, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, or Sony.

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REVIEW: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare (Mortal Instruments book one)

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
YA Paranormal
528 pages
5 Stars

When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder—much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It’s hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing—not even a smear of blood—to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary’s first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It’s also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace’s world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know...

Exotic and gritty, exhilarating and utterly gripping, Cassandra Clare’s ferociously entertaining fantasy takes readers on a wild ride that they will never want to end.

MY REVIEW

I’ve loved the Mortal Instruments from the beginning; the characters, the plot, the descriptions that Cassandra Clare uses...It gives the reader the sense that they’ve entered a whole new world that’s very real.

The plot revolves around Clarissa Fray, nicknamed “Clary”. She lives a normal life in a normal world, or so it seems. She is soon to discover a whole new world, which is what I loved: How Ms. Clare introduces Clary to the shadow world, how she depicts the shadowhunters and demons that live among us every day, under the effects of the glamor that hides them from the mundane, or mortal, sight. It’s interesting watching Clary develop under these new circumstances, being thrown into a life that she’s never even heard of or even thought to have existed. Her actions in the time depict her heart and courage, and the strength of a lion that she possesses. Occasionally, she acts impulsively and ends up endangering her friends and family, but she learns quickly how to adapt to the rules.

Jace, on the other hand, is probably one of my favorite characters in the books. His combination of annoying sarcasm and loyalty is something that I admire. As much as he makes fun of his friends, he’d give up his life for any of them. They say that humor can hide the pain: That’s Jace’s ego talking. You can see a bit of his character in the quote below:

“Have you fallen in love with the wrong person yet?'

Jace said, "Unfortunately, Lady of the Haven, my one true love remains myself."

..."At least," she said, "You don't have to worry about rejection, Jace Wayland."

"Not necessarily. I turn myself down occasionally, just to keep it interesting.”

Simon is the awkward best friend of Clary, who shows the more human side to the whole story. He’s nice, caring, and nerdy, but he’s got a big heart and does everything that he can for Clary, whether she notices his actions or not.

“Simon looked like the sort of boy who'd come over to your house to pick you up for a date and be polite to your parents and nice to your pets. Jace, on the other hand, looked like the sort of boy who'd come over to your house and burn it down for kicks.”

Magnus Bane is my other favorite character, simply because he often provides comic relief to the storyline, even if he doesn’t notice. He can be dangerous, simply being the High Warlock of Brooklyn, but it wouldn’t be the same without him.

“Magnus, standing by the door, snapped his fingers impatiently.

‘Move it along, teenagers. The only person who gets to canoodle in my bedroom is my magnificent self.’

‘Canoodle?’ repeated Clary, never having heard the word before.

‘Magnificent?’ repeated Jace, who was just being nasty. Magnus growled. The growl sounded like ‘Get out.’”

Isabelle is strong, and sticks by her friends like glue. She’s caring and funny, but if any demon or evil downworlder tried to lay a finger on her close friends and family, she’d hunt it down and kill it. She has in her possession a gold whip that curls around her arm like a bracelet: Let me just say I’ve never wanted anything like that so badly before.

Alec, her brother, is the exact opposite. Where Isabelle likes to go out and socialize, Alec likes to stay hidden. He can come across as unfriendly and hostile, but he’s got a fierce devotion to Isabelle and Jace.

Because all of these amazing people are known as Nephilim: half angel, half human, they can use the angel’s marks (runes) on their skin to heal, to induce speed, strength, love, stamina, and others such as the wedlock rune, parabati rune, and angelic power rune, all using a simple tool known as a stele. (Ste-LAY)

Their sole purpose in life is to hunt and kill demons to keep the mundane world safe. Hidden under glamors most of the time, the shadowhunters bed in the Institute, their home, which houses many rooms, books, deadly weapons, and clothes, given to them by the Clave, the head of the shadow world.

Overall, it’s a great story. I’d recommend it to anyone who loves fiction, fantasy, action, and romance.

Review: Princess Interrupted by Michael A. Rothman

BLURB:

** A prequel novel to the Prophecies series **

Arabelle's life of leisure is shattered when she's attacked by a poisonous creature that hasn't walked the land in over five centuries.

As she struggles to live with the effects of the poison, Arabelle learns that it isn't the only cause of her sleepless nights. With her gift of prophecy, her sleep is plagued with visions of assassins and monstrous foes that threaten her people and the ones she loves. Yet during the day, her visions hint of a blue-eyed boy that makes her hope for the future.

The fate of her people weighs heavily on her shoulders, and Arabelle knows she must keep a dark secret that only she can bear.

My Review:

 

 

Princess Interrupted gives us a few months, maybe a year, in Arabelle's life before she meets the Rivertons in the LORDS series. She has to handle the transition from being a little girl to growing up and handling responsibility while caring for her loved ones, and exercising her talents. She is a very well developed character, and it's interesting to look back at her life to see what she had to live through.

 

Arabelle is a very admirable character. I like to see her reaction to the curse she's been afflicted with, watching her fight, train, and protect her loved ones despite the dark clouds hanging over her head. She has a whole heart, and I hope to see that people can reflect her good image.

 

The characters come alive in many different ways; giving the reader a view of what's really running through their minds at a specific time in the story. My favorite was probably Grisham, because of his gentle attitude, and his care for other's well-being. He had a good heart, and a sound mind, and at some points, I just wanted to reach through the pages and give him a big hug.

 

I loved  the book, through and through, and I'm pleased to have finally gotten the chance to read it. I give it five out of five stars, since it lived up to all I thought I would be. It's perfect for fantasy lovers, magic, spells, heart, and more!



Review: Ennara and the Fallen Druid by Angela Myron

This review is in conjunction with the author's virtual book tour with Goddess Fish Promotions. Angela will be awarding to a randomly drawn commenter during each week on the tour, a wall calendar print from http://www.cafepress.com/ennaraswag (Items can be exchanged for other equal or lesser value items from Ennara Swag on Cafepress.), and will award a t-shirt from http://www.cafepress.com/ennaraswag to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour (US ONLY). Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Ennara and the Fallen Druid by Angela Myron
Middle Grade Fantasy
5 Stars

Eleven year-old Ennara Gaern has a serious grudge against the dragon on her right hand.

Born with a caul—a mask that foretold magical powers—she was immediately inked with the fiendish, fire-breathing tattoo that forces her to study boring texts, cover her hand continuously, and worst of all, keeps her from visiting the beautiful capital city, Dordonne. But her quiet life changes when one night she is attacked by a shadowy demon.

Tork, an old friend and wizard, is enlisted to help. But when he arrives, he informs Ennara’s parents that she is her world’s only hope of finding the legendary Sword of Gisilfrid, which is needed to destroy the curse that is creating the demons. Ennara doesn’t want to leave on the dangerous quest, but when she learns the curse threatens her world, she reluctantly agrees.

Ennara and the wizard begin a perilous journey to the Sunken City, pitting them against dangerous oceans and pirates intent on claiming Ennara’s magic as their own. With only her friends at her side, including the intelligent, aquatic cat Smoos, Ennara must defeat monsters guarding the sword and servants of the Fallen Druid. When her world is covered in darkness, will she know how to dispel the curse?

My review:

Ennara, a caul, has just discovered that there is a new creature stalking the woods - a shadowspawn. When she is attacked by this fearsome creature, she learns about their goal: they mean to destroy all good life and rule the world. She must now set off on an adventure with Tork, a wizard, Kithe, her best friend, and Gavin, seaboy, to find a way to stop these horrid creatures. Along the way, they face many difficult challenges and learn new ways to live.

I liked how headstrong and just plain strong Ennara is. I've read too many books where the heroine is dainty and delicate and unable to fend for herself, so she has to have others take care of her. Ennara has a certain air about her that gives you the motivation to persevere. The story line is just wonderful, and it never slowed, even for a minute. I have to say that this is one of the best fantasy books I've read in quite some time. Five stars for Ennara and the Fallen Druid!

I would recommend to people who like: fiction, fantasy, and magic craft.

Like many writers, I have a full life in which I juggle many duties and joys. I love to cook, garden, and play with my twins. As a mother to toddlers, I write whenever I am not helping them navigate their day--which typically means in the early mornings and early afternoons when they sleep, and sometimes when Grandma comes to visit.

I was twenty-two when writing became a passion of mine. I've been doing it in one form or another ever since. But it took me a very long time to follow my heart's desire to tell stories.

For years, I simply journaled. I delved into writing articles for newsletters and grant proposals. I settled into technical writing, often finding myself a one-person writing, editing, design, app development, and publication team. I learned the basics of journalism, and finally, when on maternity leave with my twins, I turned to writing fiction.

I am grateful for every reader I have. Writing can be a solitary pursuit, but it can also be a dialog, a meeting of the minds. I invite you to connect with me:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AngelaMyron
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myron.angela?fref=ts
Website: http://www.angelamyron.com/
Join my street team! Email me at myronangela@gmail.com to subscribe to my newsletters.

http://amzn.com/B00DD89L24

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ennara-and-the-fallen-druid-angela-myron/1115601148?ean=2940016708782&itm=1&usri=2940016708782

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/324640

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Untimed by Andy Gavin -- Book Review and Giveaway

This review is done in conjunction with the author's tour with Goddess Fish Promotions. Andy will be awarding a $20 Amazon gift card to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Untimed is an action-packed time travel novel by Andy Gavin, author of The Darkening Dream and creator of Crash Bandicoot and Jak & Daxter.

Charlie's the kind of boy that no one notices. Hell, his own mother can't remember his name. So when a mysterious clockwork man tries to kill him in modern day Philadelphia, and they tumble through a hole into 1725 London, Charlie realizes even the laws of time don't take him seriously. Still, this isn't all bad. Who needs school when you can learn about history first hand, like from Ben Franklin himself. And there's this girl... Yvaine... another time traveler. All good. Except for the rules: boys only travel into the past and girls only into the future. And the baggage: Yvaine's got a baby boy and more than her share of ex-boyfriends. Still, even if they screw up history -- like accidentally let the founding father be killed -- they can just time travel and fix it, right? But the future they return to is nothing like Charlie remembers. To set things right, he and his scrappy new girlfriend will have to race across the centuries, battling murderous machines from the future, jealous lovers, reluctant parents, and time itself.

My Review:

Poor Charlie-- he's the type of boy that nobody notices or remembers. Even his mother has to keep his name written down so she can remember what it is--to the extent that when he erased his name from the chore list, his mother did all the chores! But, he discovers there's a reason: he can travel through time.

He discovers this quite by accident--and then there's another accident and another, until suddenly Charlie has royally messed up his present and has to find a way to fix it.

Andy Gavin has taken one of my favorite sub-genres (time travel) and given it a wonderful new twist! I'm so glad this is the beginning of a new series--it's one I think any older child or youngish teen would completely enjoy! And...who knows? They might even learn a little despite themselves as Charlie and Yvaine run into historical figures. Good job, Mr. Gavin, good job!!

Enjoy the following excerpt--you'll see what I mean!

“You think me daft, do you?” the girl in the refuse pile says. “You’re from the future.”

Living the last hour in a high-budget documentary has made me a time travel believer, so I’ll take her word for it.

“How do you know?”

“Boys always be from the future. What’s me name?”

“Yvaine?” I say.

Her smile is so genuine it startles me.

“There you go. I haven’t never heared that since I was a wee bit.”

I know how she feels even if I only mostly understand what she says.

“Help a lady up, Charlie.”

I take the hand she extends, pull her upright, then kick my feet into the dirty pair of shoes I took off when I ran after her. Her scruffy outline stands out with unnatural clarity.

This cinches it. I know how to spot the historically homeless!

Dad’s history books, all his lessons, swirl in my head. He totally knew! If us extra-in-focus-no-names are time travelers, and he and Sophie have been off visiting the Crusades or whenever, why’d they wait till right before the clockwork cop showed up before trying to tell me?

“Are you from the future too?” I ask.

“You know nothin’, dinna you?” Yvaine cuffs me on the arm. “Boys are from the future, girls are from the past.”

“Where? I mean when? And when is now?”

“Let’s cosy someplace warm.” She tugs me toward the alley entrance. “We’ll be lucky not t’catch cold.”

“That’s what my mother would say.”

“I’m not your mother.”

About the Author:

Andy Gavin is an unstoppable storyteller who studied for his Ph.D. at M.I.T. and founded video game developer Naughty Dog, Inc. at the age of fifteen, serving as co-president for two decades. There he created, produced, and directed over a dozen video games, including the award winning and best selling Crash Bandicoot and Jak & Daxter franchises, selling over 40 million units worldwide. He sleeps little, reads novels and histories, watches media obsessively, travels, and of course, writes.




Find him at: http://andy-gavin-author.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andygavin
Twitter: https://twitter.com/asgavin
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/andrewgavin/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5406978.Andy_Gavin
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andy_Gavin

Untellable by Suzanne Lilly - Review tour and giveaway

This review is done in conjunction with the author's tour with Goddess Fish Promotions. Suzanne will be awarding a backlist eBook (winner's choice of Shades of the Future, Bad Hair Day, or Rapunzel's Daughters) to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour, so leave a comment and you're entered! If you want more chances to win, visit the rest of her tour stops here.

Untellable by Suzanne Lilly
Contemporary New Adult Romance
129 pages
5 stars

Aspen Dwyer, recently emancipated from foster care, is searching for a place to hide from a past with secrets too dark to share. Honey Creek, Ohio, presents itself as the best place to start a new life and stay undercover. There she meets Colton Moraine, a man with strong family ties and an even stronger sense of loyalty. His boisterous, loving family welcomes Aspen with warmth she hasn’t felt in years. She’s surprised at how quickly and deeply she falls for Colton. When a dangerous criminal comes to Honey Creek, intent on his revenge against her, Aspen must choose between two options. Should she stay and risk her life and the rejection of the people she’s grown to love? Or should she run again, and leave behind any chance of a happy future?

My Review: I've never read anything by Suzanne Lilly before this story, but after enjoying Untellable, I'm planning on rectifying that mistake. She's written a truly amazing story, populated by real characters I truly cared about.

Untellable is part of a series set in Honey Creek.  The series appears to be written by many different authors, but I'm so intrigued by, and in love with all the characters, I'm sorely tempted to pick them all up.  If they're half as good as this book, I'll enjoy every word.

Aspen is our heroine, a former foster child on her own and hiding out from her father (who is not a nice man).  While he's in jail at the start of this story, it's clear it won't be that way forever.  She's determined to make a new start in a tiny, nowhere town and equally determined to keep from letting anyone close to her again.  But, in Honey Creek, that's not an easy thing to do.  Like any small town, everyone is in everyone else's business!

Colton is a hunky fireman who likes Aspen from the moment he meets her.  He's fun, caring and doesn't take no for an answer.  While he's certainly not perfect, he is a perfect hero for Aspen.

The plot is mainly about Aspen coming out her shell and finding herself (and the courage to stand up to the man she fears).  She grows as a person, and she learns that it might be scary to fall in love, but it's not always dangerous to do so.

The story had me smiling all the way through.  It's sweet, touching, a bit scary and nerve-wracking and ultimately satisfying.  The romance is sweet, and this is a book that could be read and enjoyed by readers from the mid-teens on up.

Now enjoy an excerpt:

I hoofed it to Java City, arriving before Margot. I ordered coffee for both of us and set it on the table. My leg bounced up and down uncontrollably while I played with my locket and waited for Margot to show up.

“Nice hairdo,” Margot commented, dry as toast. I’d forgotten about the French Twist.

“Grandma Millie and I were sort of playing dress up. She did my hair and said I look like someone named Grace Kelly.”

“Hmm. I can see that.” Margot eyed me. “Do some research on Grace Kelly. I think you’ll see what she’s talking about.”

“Grandma comes up with something new every time I talk to her. She’s never dull.” I was bursting to tell Margot about the coin.

“You know, being there for her every week means more than you realize,” Margot assured me. “You listen to her. Your presence helps her, even if she sometimes seems confused.”

“I hope you’re right. Some days she totally has it together, and other days, I’m not so sure. Today was a good day.” I took a sip of coffee, smiling at Margot over the lip of the cup.

She waited. She had saintly patience. Finally, her patience ran out. “All right, Aspen, out with it. You look like the cat that caught the goldfish. What’s up?”

“Grandma gave me something today.” I leaned in and whispered, a mirror of what Grandma Millie had done with me. “A family heirloom.”

“Oh? Why are we whispering?” Margot leaned toward me. “What is it?”

“A coin.” I paused. “A very rare coin. I think this is what Rick and Mom were fighting about the night he murdered her.”

Suzanne Lilly writes lighthearted young adult stories with a splash of suspense, a flash of the unexplained, a dash of romance, and always a happy ending. Her short stories have appeared in numerous places online and in print, and she has placed and received honorable mentions in writing contests. Her debut novel was Shades of the Future in 2011 followed by Untellable in 2012. She lives in Northern California where she reads, writes, cooks, swims, and teaches elementary students.

You may find Suzanne Lilly online at these sites:

Amazon Author page: http://www.amazon.com/Suzanne-Lilly/e/B006HY79IY
Website: http://www.suzannelilly.com
Blog: http://www.teacherwriter.net
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/SuzanneLillyAuthor
Goodreads author page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5258804.Suzanne_Lilly
Twitter: @suzannelilly http://twitter.com/suzannelilly

Buy links:
Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/289280

Turquoise Morning Press: http://www.turquoisemorningpressbookstore.com/products/untellable-by-suzanne-lilly

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Untellable-Honey-Creek-Books-ebook/dp/B00BKTAXHK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361796979&sr=8-1&keywords=untellable+by+suzanne+lilly

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/untellable-suzanne-lilly/1114700545?ean=2940016203263

The Arts - Angels Track 1: Drawn to You by Janel Rodgriguez Ferrer - Review tour and Giveaway

This review is done in conjunction with the author's tour with Goddess Fish Promotions. Janel will be awarding winner's choice of a $25 gift card to iTunes (music) or, Capezio (dance), or Utrecht (art supplies) to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour, so leave your thoughts here and you're entered! If you want more chances to win, visit the rest of her tour stops here.

The Arts - Angels Track 1: Drawn to You by Janel Rodgriguez Ferrer
Contemporary YA/Middle Grade
252 pages
5 Stars

Rock Your Destiny!

Gina Santiago is a thirteen-year-old "Nuyorican" with rock star dreams, so when she's accepted into the prestigious New York Academy of Arts and Talents for art instead of music, she's crushed. To make matters worse, the student body at the Upper East Side school is divided into "schollies" (students on scholarship, like her) and "dollies" (rich kids with "dollars"). But Gina discovers that there is one thing that brings schollies and dollies-and dancers, singers, actors, artists, and musicians-together: music! Maybe she can make her dreams come true after all....

My Review: What a fun book! I really enjoyed this and am already looking forward to the next book in the series.

Middle grade school books can be so much fun and this is a great offering. If you are an adult who is looking for a quick read, or if you have a middle-grader (I would suggest this for mature 8 year olds up to about 14 or so), then I highly recommend Drawn to You.

Gina Santiago is a very talented artist and musician who receives a scholarship to the famed New York Academy of Arts and Talents---only she's disappointed when she gets in for art instead of music. There's a lot of drama in her household--her mom is against her music because Gina's father, a musician, was killed on his way to a show before Gina was born. But to Gina, her music is her life--she loves her art, but she lives for her music. The conflict between mother and daughter is very well drawn.

Thankfully, Gina has not only the support of other family members, but the new friends she meets at NYAAT. Of course, there's drama there of another sort--enough drama to carry us through a series.

Janel Rodriguez Ferrer is a name to watch out for-- and I already have her on my auto-buy list for the second book in this series!

Now enjoy an excerpt:

“You know what’s weird?” I asked, turning to Michiko. “That girl with the short hair reminds me of a girl I used to be friends with back in the third grade.”

Michiko shuddered. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

I snorted a laugh. “But it couldn’t be—”

“I sure hope you don’t mean—” Michiko said.

And together we ended, “—Willa Burch.”

Michiko gasped in horror. “No way! You were friends with—with Willa?”

“We were just little kids…. It was the third grade. She was an artist, too.”

Michiko didn’t change her expression. She still looked like was standing upwind of a garbage truck.

“Maybe I should go over and say ‘hi,’” I told Michiko. “See if she remembers me.”

Michiko actually put out her arm to stop me from going back down the stairs. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you. I doubt she’d give you the time of day. People call her ‘Willa the Witch’ these days. Let’s just continue with the tour.”

“Are you serious? She can’t be that bad.”

But just as I asked the question, I caught Willa’s reflection in the mirror.

She seemed to be looking straight at me. Did she…recognize me? I smiled at her.

Willa didn’t smile back. Instead, her face darkened and her eyes narrowed into slits. She tilted her head as if to get a better look at me.

“Come on. I’ll show you where your locker is.” Michiko was already halfway up the stairs. “You can catch up with Willa later. She might be in some of your classes. She’s an art major, too, you know.”

“All right,” I said. But as I followed Michiko, I couldn’t help but think that Willa had seen me—recognized me, even. And, the part I didn’t get? She hadn’t seemed happy about it.

Whispers in Autumn by Trisha Leigh - Virtual tour and giveaway

This review is done in conjunction with the author's tour with Goddess Fish Promotions. Trisha will be awarding two $5 Amazon Gift Cards and one $20 Gift Card GC to randomly drawn commenters during the tour, so leave your thoughts here and you're entered! If you want more chances to win, visit the rest of her tour stops here.

Whispers in Autumn by Trisha Leigh
Post-apocalyptic Young Adult
389 pages
Rated: 5 Stars

In 2015, a race of alien Others conquered Earth. They enslaved humanity not by force, but through an aggressive mind control that turned people into contented, unquestioning robots.

Except sixteen-year-old Althea isn’t content at all, and she doesn’t need the mysterious note inside her locket to tell her she’s Something Else. It also warns her to trust no one, so she hides the pieces that make her different, even though it means being alone.

Then she meets Lucas, everything changes.

Althea and Lucas are immune to the alien mind control, and together they search for the reason why. What they uncover is a stunning truth the Others never anticipated, one with the potential to free the brainwashed human race.

It’s not who they are that makes them special, but what.

And what they are is a threat. One the Others are determined to eliminate for good

My review:  First, I would be remiss if I didn't gush a bit about the cover with I love, Love, LOVE!!  Kudos to the cover designer, because I honestly asked to review this book based on the cover alone.

I am thrilled to say I loved this book as much as I did the cover. Seriously.  I could not put it down, read it while I was cooking, cleaning, eating, walking ... yes, I thought it was that good.

The author is crazy talented.  She truly paints a picture with her words and from the first line ("Before my eyelids crack open I know I’ve traveled again.") I was well and truly hooked.  Her characters, all of them, are well constructed and three dimensional -- a tough feat, really, since this is a book told in first person and frequently this means secondary characters aren't as fleshed out as readers would like. That's not the case here.  I was as interested in our protagonist, Althea, as I was in truly minor characters like Greg and Leah.  They were all unique individuals and I knew them all.

 As clearly as I saw the people, the place was equally well drawn.  From cell to home to park and even the bowling alley, a full color movie played in my head as I read.  The plot was engaging and I've already told more than one person to GET THIS BOOK.  I'm heading over to see if I can get the next book in the series (and truly hope the author is writing frantically so I won't be left hanging long -- there are four seasons, but only two books released so far).

So, yes:  I give this five stars and a very enthusiastic recommendation!

Raised by a family of ex-farmers and/or almost rock stars from Northeastern Iowa, I’ve always loved to tell stories. After graduating from Texas Christian University with a degree in Film, I began to search for a way to release the voices in my head. IWhen I attempted my first YA novel, which would become Whispers in Autumn, I was hooked. I knew then my heart lay with telling stories about and for young adults, and for anyone who loves to read and recapture those fleeting “first” moments.

My spare time is spent reviewing television and movies, spending time with my large, loud, loving family, reading any book that falls into my hands, and being dragged into the fresh air by my dogs Yoda and Jilly.

Links:
http://www.trishaleigh.com
@trishaleighkc
trishaleighkc.tumblr.com
http://pinterest.com/trishaleighkc/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/trisha.ziegenhorn
The Last Year – Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Last-Year/135691733234724

WHISPERS IN AUTUMN, my post-apocalyptic YA novel, is available for
Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Whispers-Autumn-Last-Year-ebook/dp/B008NFVDTQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1343871707&sr=8-1&keywords=whispers+in+autumn

Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/whispers-in-autumn-trisha-leigh/1112185846?ean=9781475235944

iBooks: http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/whispers-in-autumn/id547017689?ls=1

Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Whispers-in-Autumn/book-J98yTcHujkGR9kJkNbeM0A/page1.html?s=2W156r5aJUy25FwqT74Vcg&r=1

and in paperback!! http://www.amazon.com/Whispers-In-Autumn-Book-Volume/dp/1475235941/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1343916972&sr=8-2&keywords=whispers+in+autumn

Drasmyr by Matthew D. Ryan - Virtual Review Tour and Giveaway

This review is done in conjunction with the author's tour with Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will be awarding a set of metal miniatures: 3 Nosferatu Vampires (US only) to a randomly drawn commenter, so leave your thoughts here and you're entered!

Side note: This book is FREE on Amazon, BN and Smashwords

Drasmyr by Matthew D. Ryan
Paranormal, Fantasy
360 pages
Rated: 5 Stars

We vampires do not make easy prey. Our weaknesses are few, our strengths many. Fear is something we do not know, and death but a distant memory. So tread softly, pray to your god, and gird yourself with silver when the moons arise and night’s dark prince awakens. We fear not the wizard, nor the warrior, neither rogue, nor priest; our strength is timeless, drawn from darkness and we know no master save the hot lust of our unending hunger. We long for blood, your blood and no blade, nor spell, nor clever artifice, can keep us long from our prize. Feel our teeth at your throat, your life ebb from you, and know as darkness comes to claim you that the price of your folly is your everlasting soul.

***

In Drisdak, the city on the Sea of Sorrows, the citizens have much to dread. Unease and foreboding has always been associated with the local wizards guild; peasants have an innate distrust of magic and those who use it. But now, something else is on the rise. A mysterious fire at the guild has left two men dead and a third missing. A small matter, you say? Well, one of those men was the guild master, and his successor wants to know what happened to him. Enter Coragan of Esperia, the renowned bounty hunter. If anyone can unravel this mess he can. But is even he prepared to challenge the horrible evil that lurks at the heart of the mystery? An ancient vampire by the name of Lucian val Drasmyr.

My Review:  This book was a surprise from start to finish. This vampire, Lucian val Drasmyr, does not sparkle nor does he drink animal blood.  He is the originally imagined vampire of old:  murderous, bloodthirsty, with super strength and speed, ruthless and virtually immortal.  He has no redeeming qualities. We aren't meant to like him or admire him at all (and I didn't).

I wasn't certain what to expect from this, which may have been a good thing.  No preconceived notions to affect my enjoyment.  Admittedly, it was a bit confusing to jump from one point of view to another. The story is told from many:  the vampire's, a bounty hunter, a wizard and more.  But really, once I became involved (which didn't take long), it wasn't hard to keep them straight.

This isn't a "feel good" book. It's hard core fantasy, with all the action, excitement and blood.  We have castles and wizards and heroes.  It's fast paced and truly well written.  The author is skilled, and his story doesn't have any hiccups, but moves from one scene to another, easily keeping my interest.  Had I not had other obligations, I easily could have spent the entire day with this book, reading it from cover to cover.

I wouldn't recommend it for younger teens. It's complex and a bit bloody.  But older teens and adults who are fans of fantasy are sure to enjoy this from page one.  I highly recommend it.

Matthew D. Ryan is a published author living in upstate New York on the shores of Lake Champlain. He has a background in philosophy, mathematics, and computer science. He also has a black belt in the martial arts and studies yoga. He has been deeply involved in the fantasy genre for most of his life as a reader, writer, and game designer. He believes he saw the legendary Lake Champlain Monster (a.k.a Champy) once and he has a cat named Confucius.

Author’s Smashwords Page: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/matthewdryan
Author’s Book Page: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/131156
Author’s Blog: http://www.atoasttodragons.com
Author’s Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000038781652
Author’s Twitter Handle: @MatthewDRyan1
Author’s Goodreads Page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/579148.Matthew_D_Ryan
Author’s Shelfari Page: http://www.shelfari.com/matthewdryan/shelf

The book is available on Smashwords, Amazon, BN and elsewhere for free.

Review: Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan

Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan
Fantasy (Middle Grade/YA)
608 pages
Rated:  5 stars

Annabeth is terrified. Just when she’s about to be reunited with Percy—after six months of being apart, thanks to Hera—it looks like Camp Jupiter is preparing for war. As Annabeth and her friends Jason, Piper, and Leo fly in on the Argo II, she can’t blame the Roman demigods for thinking the ship is a Greek weapon. With its steaming bronze dragon masthead, Leo’s fantastical creation doesn’t appear friendly. Annabeth hopes that the sight of their praetor Jason on deck will reassure the Romans that the visitors from Camp Half-Blood are coming in peace.

And that’s only one of her worries. In her pocket Annabeth carries a gift from her mother that came with an unnerving demand: Follow the Mark of Athena. Avenge me. Annabeth already feels weighed down by the prophecy that will send seven demigods on a quest to find—and close— the Doors of Death. What more does Athena want from her?

Annabeth’s biggest fear, though, is that Percy might have changed. What if he’s now attached to Roman ways? Does he still need his old friends? As the daughter of the goddess of war and wisdom, Annabeth knows she was born to be a leader, but never again does she want to be without Seaweed Brain by her side.

Narrated by four different demigods, The Mark of Athena is an unforgettable journey across land and sea to Rome, where important discoveries, surprising sacrifices, and unspeakable horrors await. Climb aboard the Argo II, if you dare. . . .

My review: Annabeth is always the leader of the quests. Fearless, strong, unnerved, and always ready for battle. But when her mother, Athena, appears to her on a bus with a demand, she feels like her world and her sanity is collapsing around her. Her mother gives her a small coin and a prophecy known to kill: “Follow the Mark of Athena. Avenge me.”

Annabeth is terrified and scared for Percy. All she wants is to have her life come back to normal. Well, as normal as a demigod’s life can be…but she is nervous that Percy might have changed. What if he has changed to the Roman ways? Does he want to come back to Camp Half-blood? Does he even care? Her life is difficult enough, but to be rejected by Seaweed Brain would be the worst..

Frank and Hazel, the two newest demigods in the series, are hauled aboard the Argo II after a terrible mishap, and set off with the five Greeks in a hazardous journey across the seas to Rome where Annabeth must face every child of Athena’s worst fear…along the way the meet new gods and creatures and of course, fighting Gaea every step of the way.

Riorden has done an amazing job again. I had been waiting for the moment for the Romans to meet the Greeks. That was definitely my favorite part. His talents in writing made the book come alive, and it’s almost as if I am in this alternative reality with the demigods. I love his sense of humor and knowledge of Greek myths. And, like the books before it, this one ends in a literal cliffhanger…

I can't recommend this book and the series enough.