Tuesday 31 January 2012

Legend by Marie Lu


Buddy's review
4 of 5 stars 
January 31, 2012 

This book is .. un·put·down·a·ble /ˌənˌpo͝otˈdounəbəl/ .. it pulls you into the story immediately, go on read it, I'm not going to ruin the story with my review because I want you to feel the same excitement I felt reading this book!

Ohhh OK! I will give you a few things to wet your whistle about this book:
.. A Dystopian Society set in the flooded Republic of Los Angeles 2130.
.. June (the heroine), the Republic's cream of the croup! A bad-ass chick!
.. While Day (the rogue), the Republic's worst nightmare! A bad-ass dude!
.. Day attempts to steal plague vaccinations for his family .. and in the process June's brother, Captain Metias of the Republic, is murdered .. June vows to avenge her brother's murder, and sets off to hunt Day!

I really don't want to give too much away. I hope my review is enough to peak your interest. The character development is fantastic. The book is written in a style that alternates between the two main characters (book uses different fonts to make it easy to decipher between the two narrators).

I am looking forward to book #2 (coming in the fall 2012) and a movie (predicted for 2013)

Goodreads review

Beg for Mercy by Shannon Dermott

ShyStar's review
4 of 5 stars
January 19, 2012
Beg for Mercy, in my opinion is a fantastic book. Most young adult books have an obvious love story pretty simple, other times the protagonist may be involved in a love triangle and it’s still pretty guessable which person they will end up with.
Beg for Mercy however has a love story as complicated as a tangled web. There are so many guys the main character – Mercy could end up with; this allows all types of readers to choose their favourite male character.
Also each chapter begins with Mercy’s SAT word for the day, I really liked this as it allowed me to expand on my own vocabulary.
The book can be found for as little as 77p on Amazon as an ebook, this is a BARGAIN- trust me. Its definitely worth the read, once you start the book you will be gripped. The overall concept of the story is enticing and different. I can’t wait for book 2!!


Amaranth by Rachael Wade

Sarah's review
Jan 16, 2012
4 of 5 stars

I loved this book! Its your classic paranormal romance.
Camille is 21 and went off to Paris to escape, if only for a while, her abusive relationship with her now ex-boyfriend. While there she walks, literally, into Gavin. And he is gorgeous! Two years later life is as normal. While definitely getting away from her ex, states away, she found herself yet again in the break up stage from another abusive relationship. Trying to avoid Andrew, the almost ex, she runs into Gavin at the book store she works at. As their relationship takes off, a dark secret comes out. Not only is Gavin not what he appears, but neither is everyone else she thought she knew. Camille is terrified and angry. But Camille is also in love, and can't give up her best friend Audrey. As she plunges deeper and deeper down the rabbit hole Camille is faced with all new dangerous and foreign obstacles. This book had me laughing, crying and on the edge of my seat. Can Camille get a grasp on this new reality? Will love prevail? Read on to find out! I know I can't wait until the next book.



Goodreads review

You can purchase your own copy of Amaranth at Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Smashwords.

Monday 30 January 2012

Molly Gumnut Rescues a Bandicoot by Patricia Puddle

H.H.'s review
5 of 5 stars 
January 28, 2012


I have just finished reading "Molly Gumnut Rescues a Bandicoot" by Patricia Puddle. That little girl can get herself into so much trouble! My heart ached for Molly as she tried so very hard to listen to her parents and Grandma. In her heart, she wanted Furble to be released back to his mother, but the danger to the tiny bandicoot over-rode all sense of right and wrong as Molly donned the hat as his protector.

The author easily walks you through Molly's inner torment when she can't make adults understand her motives and everything goes horribly wrong. Molly will make you shake your head in despair and swell your heart with pride for standing up for what she believes is the right thing to do.

I thoroughly enjoyed this read.


To find out more about H.H. Laura, visit her website:  www.Sensates.com


Goodreads review


You can buy your own copy of Molly Gumnut Rescues a Bandicoot from Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Smashwords.

Blood Warrior by H.D. Gordon

Sheri's review
5 of 5 stars 
January 5, 2012

Blood Warrior is the story of Alexa, a 17-year-old girl struggling to fit into her life. She has a seemingly crazy mother, a sister she would kill for, and a best friend who she knows will always be there for her.

Alexa’s life takes a crazy turn the night her home is attacked and she’s forced to run with her sister and friend Jackson, leaving her mother behind. Along the many twists and turns, Alexa comes to the realization that nothing is as it seems, even herself. Through this book we watch her inner struggle with herself as she comes to term with who she really is, as well as the outer struggles among the people who are supposed to be allies.

Blood Warrior is a captivating book. The characters are so well drawn, you cannot help but want to be happy for them, cry for them, and be upset when they are wronged. Alexa is a teenage girl who has always been a loner, never seeming to fit in, and she ends up with more attention then she ever wanted. Watching her character struggle throughout this book is heart wrenching. You cannot help but lover her and cheer her on. Nelly is such a sweet sister, and the strong bond between Alexa and Nelly is evident. Jackson…well, I love Jackson! He wears his heart on his sleeve and is so good to Alexa you cannot help but love him, too. As for Kayden…there is definitely a strong bond between Alexa and Kayden, but at this point she’s not sure she can trust him.

This book is the best .99 I have ever spent! I would have gladly paid more for it and felt it worth the money. I love the author’s writing easy writing style, the plot, and the characters. Blood Warrior was a page turner that left me wanting more. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series to see where it takes Alexa and her friends.

See my Facebook for all my reviews!


You can get your own copy of Blood Warrior from Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Smashwords.

Angel Evolution by David Estes

Loren's Review:
5 of 5 stars
January 25, 2012

I usually do not review books, but I love reading. I have just started to read angle books and I really love them and this book did not let me down. I could not put the book down; I just had to know what happened next. I am so excited that the other books in the series are already out.

So about the book, I liked how the author had a different twist with the angels and demons, they were not religious based and the angles are not good. The angles and demons have been at war with each other and each side wants to get their hands on the main character Taylor, so each side sent a guy (Gabriel and Chris) to go and get her. Taylor was a strong heroine.

Taylor and Sam (best friends) have just starting their first year of college. Taylor meets Gabriel while looking for a four leaf clover and he finds it for her. She was a little uncertain about him at first and she realizes that he looks familiar and she realized that he was in one of her dreams, though she is not sure if she could trust him. One day waiting for Gabriel, Taylor meets Chris. She knew that she should not trust him after everything that Gabriel told her about him but she did and Sam started to date him.
I was a little suspicious of Gabriel at first but he proved himself by the end. I loved Taylor and Gabriel together.

Overall I loved the book. I thought the romance was good and I love Gabriel and can’t wait to read the next two books in the series.


Goodreads review

You can buy your own copy of Angel Evolution from Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Smashwords.

Shrine of the Desert Mage by Stephen Goldin

Parsina Saga #1





Saturday 28 January 2012

Author Interview - David Estes

David Estes, author of The Evolution Trilogy, stopped by today for an interview!
Hi David! Thank you for taking time to answer some questions for us today. I know you're super busy, so we won't take up too much of your time. Let's get started!

When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?
Very good question. Because I've managed to work on so many projects in such a short time, it wasn't long after I began writing that I considered myself a writer. Although I've heard various points of view on the matter, I believe that you're a writer if you want to be a writer and are actively writing. I read somewhere that you're not really a writer until you've written one million words. By that measure I'm just half a writer at the moment, so hopefully in a year or two I will meet the criteria!

With three published books, I think you're well on your way! Of your three books do you have a favorite?
Although all three of my published books are part of the Evolution Trilogy, I do have a favorite, the third book, Archangel Evolution. Many people complain about how the 3rd or 4th book in a series let them down, or was disappointing. I know I've said that before. Well, for my trilogy I think it's the opposite. I have grown so much as a writer in 16 months that it is only natural that my later books would be better. I only hope that people cut me some slack on the imperfections of Angel Evolution and read on to the other two books in the Evolution Trilogy, which get better and better. I must admit, I have received some negative feedback amongst the positive for Angel Evolution, but for those readers that continued on and read the other two books, I eventually won them over, which makes me really happy.

How about a favorite character? Which character did you have the most fun writing?
Great question. In Angel Evolution I liked writing from Gabriel's perspective. In the first book he's such a conflicted character, who really can't decide what's right and what's wrong. I thought it was fun to start him as a pretty evil character and slowly morph him into something better (although I won't give away whether he ever makes it to the good side!)

In Demon Evolution I preferred writing Taylor's character because I think her personality picks up quite a bit. She is a sarcastic person by nature and she has quite a few zany thoughts that show her good sense of humor a bit.

Lastly, my favorite character of the whole trilogy doesn't really come out until the third book, Archangel Evolution, although he is involved in all three books. Gabriel's brother, David (named after me, but hopefully not like me at all!), is probably the most interesting (but very scary) character. I've had one of my beta readers suggest I do a spin off series that is all from David's point of view. I really hope that readers decide to read all the way through to the end of the series if only to get a chance to appreciate David. 

Why did you choose to write children's/YA novels? What appealed to you about that age group specifically?
Ahh, so many things. I guess first and foremost it's the chance to write for a young audience. I loved loved loved reading growing up, as both a child and teenager, so it is so exciting to help young adults use their imaginations while developing a love for reading. I am also so excited about what is happening within the YA genre. The interest in it has expanded across generations and so many not-so-young adults are reading YA books these days that there are really no age restrictions anymore (I know I regularly explore the YA section in the library!)

Although I am in the gender minority for authors in the genre, I feel right at home in the space. I am a bit of a romantic, and I prefer writing about younger characters, so it's a perfect fit for me!

Finally, I've never really grown up myself, always enjoying reading books across all genres and age groups, so it was just natural that I should write in such a versatile genre. 

What is your work schedule like when you're writing? Where is your favorite place to write?
Pretty crazy! Because I'm not a full-time write yet, I'm extremely busy, trying to fit writing in with my regular job, spending time with my wife, Adele, and relaxing a bit too.

Inspiration comes at so many different times and in so many different places, that I find myself writing all the time. Sometimes I may just jot down a few ideas or words on my iPhone, and other times I might write a few paragraphs. Then I can come back to these random thoughts and piece them together later. I write every single day on the way to and from work on the Manly Ferry in Sydney, Australia. The entire trip is 30 minutes so I get a solid hour of writing done while commuting. I also try to write at least an hour over lunch in my favorite cafe, GGs. But the ferry and GGs are definitely not my favorite places to write. I much prefer writing on our day bed on our balcony overlooking Manly Beach with the sun shining, a cool breeze in the air and more inspiration than I usually know what to do with. I've also recently started writing at the pool while my wife, Adele, does her laps. 

Do you ever suffer from writer's block? If so, what do you do to get over it?
To be honest, I find the writing part quite easy. I have a nutty imagination that works overtime, so I don't really get writer's block or anything like that. My wife always says how she's amazed how I can just sit down and start writing. I read the last paragraph or page that I wrote, and just get going. I don't worry too much about getting every word perfect, that's what rewriting and editing is for; rather I focus on moving the plot along, feeling the emotions of the characters, and enjoying the ride. Occasionally, I will just have a little trouble getting started at the beginning of a writing session, but it's usually because I'm not in the right state of mind. To fix it all I need to do it listen to a song I like or read a book I'm enjoying. That's it!

What authors, if any, (living or dead) would you would name as influences?
Oh, there are so many authors that I cannot possibly list them here. But at the very top of the list are authors like Dean Koontz and J.R.R Tolkien. Tolkien was my favorite author as a child, while Koontz became a favorite of mine later in life. Each of them have an uncanny ability to weave words into a book, like threads into a tapestry. I have also been inspired recently by Suzanne Collins and Amanda Hocking, who have both seemingly come out of nowhere to gain immense popularity. They are both great storytellers, which is what I hope to be.

What kind of music do you listen to when you write?
It's pretty varied. My writing playlist has anything from Gaga to Rascal Flatts to Metallica. To be honest, when I'm writing, everything else disappears, so even if I'm listening to music I don't really notice it.

Sounds like me when I'm reading! Here's one to make you think…If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in any of your books?
Tough question. Maybe. I hate to have any regrets about Angel Evolution, because it was my first book and it's what made me want to be a writer. But when I read the later books in the trilogy I realize how much I've improved and it makes me wish I knew at the beginning what I know now. I've found that for the YA genre, I prefer writing in the first person. I might have tried that with Angel Evolution. I also would have developed Taylor's character a lot more in Angel Evolution, instead of waiting until Demon Evolution for her to really come into her own. I also would have slowed down the love story a bit. I was so focused on moving the plot along and getting to the action, I skipped over the romance more than I probably should have. 

The cover of a book is what usually grabs a reader's eye first and draws them to take a closer look at the book. The artwork on all three of your books is beautiful. Who designed them for you? What is the design process like for you as the author?
Thanks so much, I love the covers too! Good story about the covers. I'm a writer, not an artist or graphic designer or photographer, and I really don't have an eye for those kinds of things. Thankfully I married someone who did!! The concepts for the covers were Adele's. Lately we had seen so many YA covers featuring female models in some kind of a beautiful setting. Adele thought we should try something a bit different, making it clear that the books were about angels and demons with a consistent theme of varying colors and types of wings on them, with mystical and intriguing backgrounds.

We hired Claudia McKinney, owner of Phatpuppy Art to bring Adele's concept to life, which she did beautifully. We found her after seeing a few amazing covers she did for Amanda Hocking.

Lastly, the finishing touches were put on the covers by our book jackets designers, our friends Tony and Claire at Winkipop Designs. They did the custom font, spine design, and dark angel symbol that's used between sections within each chapter. I'm so happy with the finished product and so thankful we had such awesome designers to help us!

Do you have any advice for budding writers?
My advice is that if you love writing then just do it. Don't worry about what people will think of it or whether anyone but your spouse, mom, or dog will like it. Do it because you love words. Even if you entertain only one person with your story, it will be well worth it; that I can promise you! 

Now here's the big question…What are you reading now?
Divergent by Veronica Roth. Depending on the project I am currently working on, I try to read books in the same genre that will help inspire me. As my current project is a YA dystopian trilogy, I thought Divergent would be the perfect accompaniment, especially because it's been compared to one of my favorite books of all time, The Hunger Games, which I hope my new trilogy will be compared to one day!!

Thank you David for opening yourself up to us today! One last question before you go. How can your readers follow you?
While I don't particularly enjoy promoting my books, I really enjoy connecting with my readers. I do it via my blog, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, LibraryThing, and Book Blogs. See below for links to where you can find me at all of those places. If you send me a message, I will respond. (I take this promise more seriously than any other!)

Like me on Facebook
Follow My Blog
Follow me on Twitter
Follow me on Goodreads
LibraryThing
Friend me on Book Blogs

Oh yeah, and my books are available on Amazon.com in print and anywhere e-books are sold (Kindle, iBooks, Nookbooks, Smashwords.com, etc.)!
Happy reading!


Where can you purchase David's Books?  Glad you asked!  Just follow the links:
 

 Angel Evolution- the first book in the young adult fantasy trilogy: The Evolution Trilogy... When Taylor meets Gabriel at college, she is in awe of the subtle glow that surrounds him. No one else, not even her best friend, seems to notice. Something about him scares her. Is all as it appears? While Taylor struggles for answers, she finds herself in the middle of a century old war centered on one miraculous revelation: evolution. 





Demon Evolution- the second book in the young adult fantasy trilogy: The Evolution Trilogy... Spreading darkness... Guilty of treason for which the penalty is death, Taylor's angel boyfriend, Gabriel, has been captured. The fate of the world sits on a knife's edge, with Taylor being the key to everything. Taylor's aura is growing stronger, but will it be enough to save Gabriel and defeat the Archangel Council.





Archangel Evolution- the third book in the young adult fantasy trilogy: The Evolution Trilogy... The battle concludes... While Taylor is still getting used to her evolution, the Archangel Council has uncovered a bold new secret, one that will allow them to finally defeat the demons. Dionysus has a new deadly apprentice, hell-bent on eradicating the human race. Can Taylor master her newfound abilities to finally end the Great War, once and for all?

Friday 27 January 2012

Molly Gumnut Rescues a Bandicoot by Patricia Puddle

Adventures Of Molly Mavis Gumnut (Volume 1)


Molly Gumnut loves her neighbour’s cat, but when she catches him attacking a baby bandicoot, she runs screaming into Mrs Wilson’s garden. After shooing the cat away, Molly rescues the injured critter and names him Furble. But when she takes him to the vet, he says she can’t keep him because bandicoots are protected native animals and must to go to a wildlife sanctuary. Molly doesn't let that stop her from keeping Furble. She informs the vet that her grandmother is a volunteer with a wildlife rescue and would gladly look after him. The vet gives in, but Molly is horrified when Grandma insists Furble will be released back to his own territory when his wounds have healed. Molly can’t let that happen, ’cause that’s where the big mean cat lives.

Well, no way will she let Tiddles hurt Furble again. She doesn't care if she gets into trouble for yelling at the neighbour, or disobeying her parents. She kidnaps the little bandicoot and takes him on a journey to find him a safer home. When things go wrong, Molly realises she’s made a bad mistake. Now Furble’s in more danger and so is Molly.

Other books by Patricia Puddle:
 
Velvet Ball and The Broken Fairy

Star-Crossed Rascals: Adventures of Rascals, Polly and Gertie

Rascals Sing at The Opera House: Adventures of Rascals, Polly and Gertie

 Visit Patricia's website for more infomation:
And don't forget to follow on Twitter



Monday 23 January 2012

Angel Evolution by David Estes

Evolution Trilogy #1

When Taylor meets Gabriel at college, she is in awe of the subtle glow that surrounds him. No one else, not even her best friend, seems to notice. Something about him scares her. Is all as it appears? While Taylor struggles for answers, she finds herself in the middle of a century old war centered on one miraculous revelation: evolution.






Visit David's website to find out more about the Evolution Trilogy:

Buy Angel Evolution here:


Saturday 21 January 2012

No Rules of Engagemet by Thomas Wilson

Alexander Hawk #1 


For eight year old orphan, Alexander Hawk, the question, "Is there other Intelligent life in the Universe?" has been answered with a resounding YES! Plucked from a correctional facility for boys because of a test he never even finished, Alexander is sent to train for combat against an alien race of Alligators which is attacking another group of aliens, the Macktonics, who have allied with United States in return for advanced technology. The United States' gathers an army of children so they will arrive at the perfect age for fighting. Alexander faces grueling training exercises as he struggles to rise to the challenge of preparing to save the placid Macktonic alien civilization from pending attack. Before his training is complete he comes face to face with the enemy. Alexander becomes student and teacher as they square off against a superior aggressor. Traveling through time portals crossing time and space to gain intelligence, and ultimately to hunt down their foe before they attack the Macktonics

Tuesday 17 January 2012

Read It & Reap - January 16

The Apocalypse Gene

 
4.18 of 5 stars 4.18  
 
 
Global pandemic is raging.

Olivya Wright-Ono's once loving home has been converted to a hospice for the dying. Her ability to see auras forces her to witness, with agonizing detail, the vibrant colors of life consumed by malignancy.

The beautiful and troubled, Mikah, is an elite Empath in the ancient Kindred clan, led by the brooding, ever-morphing, monster named Prime. Mikah has learned a terrible truth . . . the plague is linked to Kindred origins. When Olivya sees evidence of disease creeping into her mother's aura, she has no one to turn to but Mikah. Can he unearth the Kindred secrets and find a cure?

Can she trust this boy whose power allows him to manipulate her very emotions? With her mother's life, and that of the world, in the balance, Olivya and Mikah embark on a quest to stop the Pandemic, only to discover it is far, far more than a mere disease . . .

Friday 13 January 2012

Beg for Mercy by Shannon Dermott

Cambion #1


Everyone dreams of that first kiss. Of that magic moment when your lips finally meet those of that special person you’ve waited your whole life for. A little awkward, a little scary, a little hot and every bit amazing. We speculate that the whole world will shake and time will just stop. No one, however, ever imagines that kiss to bring Death himself knocking.

Sixteen year old Mercy Moore's life just got more complicated. The kiss that originally could have meant she would finally have a boyfriend now was the kiss that could have very nearly ended his life. A small detail her mother conveniently never told her will take her life for an abrupt u-turn. Dating, no love, was now completely and utterly impossible. And the boy well, that boy would never be the same.

But life, however cruel, goes on. Far too soon for her taste, Mercy finds herself at a senior party with the elite students of her school and her best friend. And of all things, playing a stupid game that could very well mean the death of someone in that small room. If it were not for her best friend, the hottest guys in school, and a small need to fit in, she may have been able to escape the disaster that was to come. Her worst nightmare, her personal curse, her very life, only gets dangerously worse

Monday 9 January 2012

Paradox: The Angels Are Here by Patti Roberts

Paradox #1


Nine hundred years ago, I died...

A little girl's world is turned upside down by a visitor,the Angel of Death. She finds herself trapped in a nightmare, consumed by her paralyzing loss and overwhelming grief. The haunting visions and untimely deaths of others are a constant reminder that life and death are only a heartbeat away.

A journey crossing Two Worlds. One Ancient - One New.

How do the heartbreaking visions experienced by a little girl fit into this Ancient World of Angels, Myth & Legend?

Where lives are bound by blood - and nothing is as it seems. In a World where there are more questions than answers. This journey will leave you wanting and have you asking... Who, When, Where?

Is your Guardian Angel From Heaven or Hell...?

Friday 6 January 2012

Blood Warrior by H.D Gordon

The Alexa Montgomery Saga #1


When her home is attacked by murderous vampires, 17-year-old Alexa is forced to leave her mother for dead in order to save her sister. She soon learns that she is the last known member of an elite race of supernatural Warriors, and is thrust into a world full of vampires and werewolves who all seem to regard her as some sort of savior. Meanwhile, Alexa battles a monster within herself that seeks to gain control; a monster that seeks blood.

The hidden city she finds herself in appears perfect, but Alexa's instincts tell her that all is not right within its walls. When she is asked to attend a school of fighters, whose exams consist of gladiator-style competitions, she must decide who she can trust among the smiling faces. And, when she meets Kayden, a vampire she feels undeniably drawn to, she must decide if she can trust herself.

Wednesday 4 January 2012

Amaranth by Rachael Wade

The Resistance Trilogy #1

An Adult Paranormal Fantasy Romance. Knowledge changes everything…

Hoodoo-influenced Southern Louisiana seems like the perfect place for Camille to escape her abusive past and dysfunctional family. She doesn’t expect to fall in love with the handsome Gavin Devereaux and plummet into the world of Amaranth, a place of exile for reformed vampires.

Wrestling to escape a deadly ex-boyfriend while giving Gavin a chance, Camille is confronted with decisions that threaten not only her life, but the lives of her inhuman friends she has come to love. Entangled in her friends’ quest for freedom, she dives into their realm and faces the threats of Amaranth’s ruler—the mother of all vampires—and her own inner demons.

Now Camille must decide whether she will derail her life and make the ultimate sacrifice for the monsters that interrupted her bumpy path back to sanity—what she still wants so desperately—or escape with Gavin before it’s too late for both of them.

Legend by Marie Lu

What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias' death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills.