Monday, 28 May 2012

Immortal Ink Publishing : Four in the Morning by Christi Goddard

 

 

Four In the Morning by Christi Goddard is now available!!









Kathleen Hayson thinks her biggest problem is her mother. The only runner up—her mouth. With a wit sharper than her mother's perfectly manicured nails, her clever remarks create more problems than they solve.
But it's not her clever remarks landing her knee-deep in trouble. This time, Josh Colby is to blame. Kathleen's former childhood friend has become the school's most stuck up jerk. Before, she'd have told him to piss off and write his own stupid letter to the town slut/minister's daughter. Now Kathleen's escalating problems at home force her to reevaluate how flexible her principles are. She agrees to write the controversial letter Josh has requested.
Enter Rigel, a smartass magical creature who invades her room one night, promises he has come to help her. When a boy Kathleen hates turns up dead and her mother goes missing, the letter becomes a key piece of police evidence – implicating Kathleen. As she fights her way out of a web of lies, the trust she has in those closest to her shatters. In the end, she's pushed to a terrible choice: who lives, and who else dies.

 

Buy this book

Credits

Cover Art Photography:Wojciech Zwoliński | http://dream-traveler.tk/

Cover Art Model:Magdalena Sosinowska | http://ms-medea.deviantart.com/

Tuesday, 22 May 2012

Virtual Book Tour - Exiled: The Never Chronicles, #1

The first day of the Exiled virtual book tour has finally arrived. I am about half way through this book and it is amazing. Check out the stops on the tour for awesome reviews, giveaways and author interviews...DO NOT forget to visit my blog on June 8th for my review...J.R.Wagner will also be stopping by for an interview!!


James has never known an ordinary life. As long as he can remember, he and his family have been on the run—moving from place to place, never settling down, never growing roots. Now, just when he’s on the brink of manhood, the very thing his family has been trying to prevent tears him from all he has ever known and thrusts him into a place where he is powerless and alone.

Bent on finding a way back, James must brave a place reserved for the worst of his kind. He quickly learns that the land itself poses a greater threat than its inhabitants and if he is to have any chance of returning, he must work with the very people he’s been raised to fear.

James has known magic since just after he was born. As a sorcerer, his skills are exceptional yet when he wakes in The Never, his abilities are gone. Armed with nothing but determination and the will to survive, he braves a land wrought with dangers, mysteries and temptations meant to ensnare both body and mind and prevent escape forever.






Pre-order your copy of Exiled from Barnes and Noble and if you're on Goodreads ENTER to win an ARC!!

Follow the tour:

Already buzzing about Exiled!

Book previews and ongoing coverage at Stone Poet: http://stonepoet.blogspot.com/

May 19
Book review at Kara Loves Reading: http://karalovesreading.blogspot.com/

May 20Book review at EK Family Books: http://ekfamilybooks.blogspot.com/

May 21
Book review and giveaway, and an author interview at Books Are Magic: http://vidya-booksaremagic.blogspot.in/

May 22
Book review at Urban Bachelorette: urbanbachelorette.com/

May 23
Book review at Hopelessly Devoted Bibliophile: http://www.hopelessbibliophile.com//
Book review at A Case of Reading Insomnia: http://acaseofreadinginsomnia.blogspot.com/

May 24
Book giveaway at Hopelessly Devoted Bibliophile: http://www.hopelessbibliophile.com//
Book review and giveaway at Word Spelunking: http://wordspelunking.blogspot.com/

May 25Book review and excerpt at Paranormal Indulgence: http://paranormalindulgence.net/
Author guest post at A Case of Reading Insomnia: http://acaseofreadinginsomnia.blogspot.com/

May 26Book review at Words May Kill You: http://wordsmaykillyou.blogspot.com/

May 28Book review at Bookchelle: http://bookchelle.com
Book review at YA Novel Reader: http://yanovelreader.com/

May 30Book review and guest post at Thinking Cat Blog: http://www.thinkingcatblog.com/

June 1Book review and author interview at The Once and Future Librarian: http://theonceandfuturelibrarian.blogspot.com/

June 4
Author interview and guest post on books, writing and reading, along with a book giveaway at Cheryl Rainfield’s blog: http://cherylrainfield.com/blog/

June 5
Book review at Daydreamers Thoughts: xxdaydreamer21xx.blogspot.com

June 7Book review at My Cute Book Shelf: http://mycutebookshelf.com/

June 8
Author interview and book giveaway at Daydreamers Thoughts: xxdaydreamer21xx.blogspot.com
Book review and author interview with Roxanne Kade: http://roxykade.blogspot.com/

June 9Book review at Book Spark: http://www.book-spark.blogspot.com/
Book review at Trisha’s Book Shelf: http://www.trishasbookshelf.blogspot.com/

June 10
Author interview at Mr. Book Wonder: http://mrbookwonder.tumblr.com/

June 11
Book review at Mr. Book Wonder: http://mrbookwonder.tumblr.com/

June 12
Book review at Behind a Million and One Pages: http://www.behindamillionandonepages.blogspot.com/

June 13
Author interview at Behind a Million and One Pages: http://www.behindamillionandonepages.blogspot.com/

June 14
Author interview and book review at Jeanz Book Read ‘N’ Review: http://jeanzbookreadnreview.blogspot.co.uk/

June 15Book review at Claire Louise Reads: http://clairelouisereads.blogspot.com.au/

June 16
Book review at JJ Reads: http://www.jjireads.com/

June 30Book review at Bitten by Book Lust: http://bittenbybooklust.blogspot.com/

Also on the tour
Book review at National Authors Examiner: www.examiner.com/authors-in-national/paige-crutcherBook review at Books and Their Wordly Realm: http://booksandtheirwordlyrealm.tumblr.com/
Book review at Electrifying Reviews: http://www.electrifyingreviews.com/
Book review at Amandalyn’s Books: http://amandalynsbooks.blogspot.com/Book review at YA Warehouse: http://yawarehouse.blogspot.com/Book review and giveaway at A Life Pixelated: http://www.jkscommunications.com/virtual-book-tour-for-jr-wagners-exiled/onclick=
Book review at Indie Reader Houston: http://indiereaderhouston.com/
Book review at Kannibal Bunny’s Lil’ Blog: http://can-uh.com/
Book review at 60-Second Reviews: http://60seckrusereviews.wordpress.com/


Review: Dark Magic by James Swain





Title: Dark Magic
Author: James Swain
Publisher: Tor/Forge
Imprint: Tor Books
Pub Date: May 22, 2012
ISBN: 9780765329943
Genre: Supernatural Thriller
Source: Netgalley











Peter Warlock is a magician with a dark secret. Every night, he amazes audiences at his private theater in New York, where he performs feats that boggle the imagination. But his day job is just a cover for his otherworldly pursuits: Peter is a member of an underground group of psychics who gaze into the future to help prevent crimes.
 
No one, not even his live-in girlfriend, knows the truth about Peter—until the séance when he foresees an unspeakable act of violence that will devastate the city. As Peter and his friends rush to prevent tragedy, Peter discovers that a shadowy cult of evil psychics, the Order of Astrum, know all about his abilities. They are hunting him and his fellow psychics down, one by one, determined to silence them forever.
 
Dark Magic is a genre-bending supernatural thriller from national bestselling novelist and real-life magician James Swain.

REVIEW

Reading this book was kind of like being on a roller coaster ride. It had its ups and it had its downs. There were times when I got bored with the book and just had to stop reading, and then there were times when I couldn't tear my eyes away from my Kindle.

I can't say I connected with any of the characters on an emotional level, and a few of them were quite forgettable, but this didn't stop me from enjoying the story. Peter Warlock's world is filled with secrets, some he hasn't even discovered yet. What I really loved about the MC is how complex he is. He is neither good nor bad, and he constantly struggles to control the darkness within himself. Normally the hero of the story is clean-cut and at times one dimensional, but Peter Warlock, on his own, was a thrilling mystery throughout the novel. We see him go from being a man with psychic abilities, to someone with a deeply rooted, dark attachment to the greatest evil.

Peter's life is pretty routine. Until one fateful night he foresees a devastating attack that will end hundreds of thousands of lives. His vision also shows him a stranger, whom he believes is the person behind the attack. Peter, and his group of psychic friends only have three days to unravel the mystery of the attack, so when the stranger from his vision walks into his life the very next day and tries to kill him, Peter is even more determined to stop his vision from becoming reality. This is where the plot really begins to thicken. Mr. Swain has a brilliant way of leading his reader down one path, only to steer them in a totally different direction, which leads to even more questions. The constant twists and turns were fantastic, and built the suspense to an entire new level.
Although the story centers around the mystery of the attack and who is behind it, there are many smaller mysteries woven into the plot.

This book is filled to the brim with suspense, and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a thrilling mystery, with a dark supernatural twist.

Dark Magic gets...



 
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Thank you to Tor/Forge for giving me the opportunity to read Dark Magic.

For more about James Swain and Dark Magic check out his website or connect with him on twitter

Friday, 18 May 2012

Review: Energy - The Awakening by M J Schutte






Title: Energy - The Awakening
Author: MJ Schutte
ASIN: B007BEDUV4 
Genre: Young Adult Adventure Fantasy
Source: Wanda's Amazing Amazon Reviewers on Facebook









As teenagers, Brighton and Lilian live quiet, peaceful and uncomplicated lives in a remote mountain village called Four Mountains. They soon discover that their friendship has developed into something deeper, but before they can explore their feelings for each other, a dark secret about Lilian’s past rips their world apart. Brighton finds himself fighting for the girl he loves as well as his own life while simultaneously discovering an even bigger secret about himself.
The two young lovers simply want to live in peace but they are constantly hunted because of their special talents.
Brighton has to overcome great odds and even death itself if he is going to save himself and Lilian from the evil determined to destroy them.

REVIEW

I have to admit that I really struggled to get into this book. The story didn't flow very well and there were moments when I wish a little more effort had been put into the editing process. Although the hiccups I noticed were very slight, they were enough to distract me from reading, and at one point I was ready to put the book down, never to pick it up again. I also felt that sections of dialogue were forced and there was that tiny annoyance of characters always refering to each other by name, even when there was no one else around...

Now I know it seems like I'm only harping on negatives, but I always strive to give my honest opinion!

I'm not saying I hated this book, it just started off as a bit of a bore. I really only got into the story a couple of chapters in, when Thomas comes to see Carmen and Brighton, and they discuss the latter's talents. I felt this was the turning point of the story and things only got better. I enjoyed the interaction between Lily and Bri. They felt like a real couple and even reminded me of a few of my married friends! Although Brighton didn't stand out as the typical drop-dead gorgeous hero, he certainly lived up to the part with his devotion and love for Lily. He was willing to die for her, literally, and he always had her best interests at heart.
Lily is a great character. She seemed a little flat at first but when she appeared later, she really had grown into a beautiful, more complex young lady.

The talent that each character has is very interesting. It was a wonderful, fresh idea and the fact that the Dark Ones are "magically" inclined but still vulnerable is a nice change because most of the time these types of characters are invincible!

Overall, this book grew into a fantastic fantasy adventure.

May I also just add that I am so happy with the cover change. The new cover for Energy just speaks so much more to what the book is about, and it has a more mystical appeal!

I give it...

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Get your copy today!!






Tuesday, 15 May 2012

Review: The Invitation by Diane Hoh






Title: The Invitation
Author: Diane Hoh
Publisher: Open Road Media
Pub Date: March 27, 2012
ISBN: 9781453248171
Genre: Juvenile Horror
Source: Netgalley









For the high schoolers of Greenhaven, Cass Rockham’s fall party is the social event of the year. Each October, students wait by their mailboxes, praying for the gilt-edged invitation that grants entry into theinner circle of the most popular crowd. And now Cass has planned her finestparty yet, with a new sauna, a hot band, and no parents for miles. But to make this party really killer, Cass tops it all off with a sinister twist.

Nerdy Sarah Drew is shocked when she and her friends receive invitations to Cass’s affair. For years she’s steered clear of the popular kids, and now they want her to come to their party? Sarah is wary, but her friends talk her into coming with them. But she regrets it quickly, for at Cass Rockham’s mansion, the only party favor is death.



REVIEW

The Invitation is an entertaining book that took me back to my high school years, when teen slasher movies were the craze. The plot was a little predictable - a group of friends, a psycho out for revenge and a few strange occurences that keep you guessing who exactly is behind everything that is happening. But there were one or two twists thrown in which really and truly surprised me.

So basically the story is about five very ordinary teens who receive invites to the party of the year. Their excitement at having been invited out-weighs their suspicions, and they go to the party. But once they arrive, it is quite clear that something is not right. Or at least only to the MC, Sarah. The house has a creepy, dim atmosphere and their hostess is a little too happy to see them all, even though she cannot remember their names. Yeah, something is definitely up!

A quick game of muscial chairs singles out each of the five friends and they find themselves becoming the entertainment. Only, this supposedly innocent turn of events soon becomes a deadly game of cat and mouse.

The idea of a "human hunt" was quite interesting, and a fresh idea. It was only once the hunt began that I really got into the book. I love mysteries, and I try to keep track of everyone's movements, hoping to figure out who the culprit is before they are actually revealed, and everytime I thought I knew who it was something would prove me wrong. When the "bad guy" was finally revealed, I felt a little disappointed. The story behind why the person was out for revenge could have been a little more scandalous, and it don't think it warranted the deadly situtations that the characters were thrown into. I mean would someone really go so far off the deep end and try kill people, if faced with the same situation? I just had a very hard time believing it!
This book also has a touch of romance, which I felt could have been left out. It just didn't have a place in the story, and it was almost as if it was added as a filler.

My verdict...


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Thank you to Open Road Media for giving me the opportunity to read and review The Invitation.


Monday, 7 May 2012

LATEST NEWS

I'm so far behind with reviews *Eek*! But I'm going to do everything in my power to post all the overdue reviews before the end of this week.

To help me out with my stack of Netgalley ARCs, I've joined Totally Bookalicious' Netgalley Month.


If you'd like to join, you have until Thursday, May 10th to sign up...so check out the Totally Bookalicious blog for more details.



In other news!!

DARK MUSE is finally here! YAY!!


Get your free copy now from Smashwords and sample some of Indie publishing's brightest up-and-coming stars!

This Indie Paranormal Sampler includes excerpts from:


Blood Warrior (The Alexa Montgomery Saga, #1) by H.D. Gordon

The Scarlet Dagger (The Red Sector Chronicles, #1) by Krystle Jones

Five (Elemental Emnity, #1) by Christie L. Rich

Her Dark Destiny (Hunters of the Dark, #1) by Dave Ferraro

Anomaly (The Tri-Realms Saga, #1) by Kristie King

Angel Evolution (The Evolution Trilogy, #1) by David Estes

Meeting Destiny (Destiny, #1) by Nancy Straight

Therian (The Bloody Crescent, #1) by Roxanne Kade

Fate Fixed (The Erris Coven, #1) by Bonnie Erina Wheeler

Bridger (Bridger #1) by Megan Curd

Beg For Mercy (Cambion, #1) by Shannon Dermott

Sweet Blood of Mine by John Corwin