Blog Tour: Review, Top Ten & Character Bios: The Soul Thief by Majanka Verstraete

 

The Soul Thief

(The Angel of Death Series #1)

by Majanka Verstraete

Publisher: Booktrope

Published: November 11, 2014

Genre: YA, Paranormal

 

When sixteen-year-old Riley is injured in a car crash and sees a girl stealing a boy’s soul, she’s convinced she’s hallucinating. But when she sees the same girl at the hospital later, she knows she wasn’t dreaming. That’s when Riley learns her secret heritage and who she really is: a halfling Angel of Death. Riley must come to terms with her new reality and supernatural abilities, but before she can do this, girls her age start dying in mysterious circumstances. It’s up to Riley to figure out why, what the innocent victims have in common, and what she can do to stop them.

Goodreads

Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble

Character Bios

Riley – At age sixteen, Riley has always led a normal life. That is, until she’s stuck in a car crash, meets an Angel of Death and finds out she’s a Halfling Angel herself. Now charged with having to escort the souls of the deceased to the afterlife, finding a way to control her new powers, and somehow survive high school, she has a lot on her plate. She’s brave and supportive of her friends. She loves spending time with them, and with her family, especially her little sister Cassie. She also hangs out a lot at her Grandma’s shop, Herbie’s Herbs. She’s intelligent and has a great sense of humor, but she’s struggling with her new life and what it means to be a Halfling Angel.

Leander – An immortal Guardian, he’s the Angel set up with the task to help Riley control her new powers.  The Council is wary of Halflings ever since an incident with a Halfling named Darius, now over half a millennium ago, so Leander is always watching out for Riley and making sure the Council doesn’t start seeing her as a threat. He’s struggling with his feelings for Seraphyn, an angel he’s been in love with for centuries. He’s loyal and caring, and taking his job very seriously.

Katie – Katie is one of Riley’s best friends. She’s flirty, spontaneous and outgoing, and has a positive view on life. She’s all about emotions, about doing what you want whenever you want it, and about seizing the day – carpe diem. Whenever a problem presents itself, she faces it head on, without hesitating.

Michelle – Riley’s other best friend, Michelle is a self-proclaimed geek with a love for Lord of the Rings, video games, studying, and Star Wars. Considering how their personalities clash, it’s remarkable Katie and Michelle get along at all. Michelle would do anything for her friends. She has a logical mind and knows how to stay calm in crisis situations.

Craig – The fourth member of their best friend cycle, Craig is very intuitive. He knows something is wrong before his friends even mention it to him. He’s always there for his friends, and when you don’t want to get judged, he’s the person to talk to. Sometimes he struggles with being gay – not because he’s confused about that, but because not everyone has accepted that part of him yet. But his friends and parents are okay with it, and he’s thankful because of that.

Herbie – Riley’s Grandma, Herbie, owns a shop called Herbie’s Herbs. She’s also a witch, and the only one who knew what Riley truly is, but she never told her. Riley loves her Gran, but this betrayal stung a lot and has hurt their relationship. Herbie is always ready t to help though, be it with spells or just pep talks.

Top 10 Reasons to Read The Soul Thief

1. The main character – Riley -- is awesome. She’s definitely no damsel in distress.

2. It’s not a typical YA paranormal with the focus on the love interest. The focus is on the main character and what she’s going through.

3. No insta-love.

4. It has a few twists and surprises you won’t see coming (at least I hope not!)

5. It features angels. And they’re hot.

6. The main character has an actual family who cares for her and loves her, whereas most YA novels don’t mention family, or don’t focus on them at all.

7. Riley gets to fight vampires.

8. She also gets to hang out with her friends and crack stupid jokes, and even hang on with her Grandma.

9. There is some romance though, so don’t get turned off by number two from the top tens.

10. Someone might just come by and steal your soul tonight if you don’t read it.

REVIEW

This book reminded me of why I enjoy the YA PNR genre so much. With plenty of excitement and mystery as the protagonist learned that life was not as normal as they had always believed, and as they set out to really discover themselves and their new abilities. And although this book had many of the usual cookie cutter aspects of this genre, it was also filled with enough twists and turns to keep me interested and guessing. 

I enjoyed going along for the ride as Riley learned about her new abilities and discovered more about this new existence that was suddenly thrust upon her. There were many intriguing characters in this story and I wanted to know more about them. It was great to see that Riley had a happy home life with two loving parents, even if things were a bit more complicated under the surface. 

This was an easy read that flowed well and sucked me in with each flip of the page. The ending definitely left me wanting more, and I'm eager to continue on the journey with Riley and her friends. I only hope that the conclusion she came to at the end of this book is the right one, although, I have a feeling there's plenty more adventure and chaos waiting in store for her.

 

About the Author

 

Majanka Verstraete begged her Mom to teach her how to read while she was still in kindergarten. By the time she finished fifth grade, she had read through the entire children’s section of her hometown library. She wrote her first story when she was seven years old, and hasn’t stopped writing since. With an imagination that never sleeps, and hundreds of possible book characters screaming for her attention, writing is more than a passion for her. She writes about all things supernatural for children of all ages. She’s tried to write contemporary novels before, but something paranormal always manages to crawl in. Majanka is currently studying for her Master of Laws degree, and hopes one day to be able to combine her passions for law and writing. When she’s not writing, reading or studying, she likes watching “The Vampire Diaries” and “Game of Thrones,” spending time with her friends, or playing “World of Warcraft.”

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Tour Schedule

November 12
Write Away Bliss - Schedule / Excerpt
The Musings of a Book Addict - Review
Suzy Turner, Author - Author Interview
The Best Books Ever - Character Bio, Dreamcast, Excerpt

November 13
Country Book Bumpkin - Review, Soundtrack, Excerpt
Reese's Reviews - Review, Character Bio, Dreamcast
Pinky's Favorite Reads - Top Ten, Excerpt

November 14
Indy Book Fairy - Review, Excerpt
Kimber Leigh Writes - Top Ten, Excerpt
Here is What I Read - Author Interview, Dreamcast, Soundtrack, Excerpt
Writing Belle - Character Bios

November 15
A Book Paradise - Author Interview, Soundtrack, Excerpt
Endless Reading - Review, Excerpt
The Literary Melting Pot - Review

November 16
Roxy's Reviews - Review, Character Bios, Top Ten
Real Talk, Book Talk - Dreamcast, Excerpt
Becca Anne's Book Reviews - Review, Character Bio, Dreamcast
Nerd Girl Official - Excerpt

November 17
Deal Sharing Aunt - Author Interview, Top Ten, Excerpt
Star Shadow Blog - Character Bio, Dreamcast, Soundtrack
Dystopia Capitol - Review

November 18
Kristy Centro - Character Bios
Whispered Thoughts - Character Bios, Excerpt, Soundtrack
Little Hyuts Reviews - Dreamcast

November 19
Step Into Fiction - Review, Excerpt
Behind the Pages - Author Interview, Dreamcast, Excerpt
This Redhead Loves Books - Review, Excerpt
The Avid Reader - Soundtrack, Character Bios

November 20
Tracy's Nook - Review, Character Interview
The Pleasure of Reading - Excerpt
Bex n Books - Character Bios
Becky's Barmy Book Blog - Top Ten, Excerpt

November 21
Relaxed Reads - Dreamcast
Renee Entress's Blog - Review
Books and Friendz - Character Bio, Excerpt
Pretty in Fiction - Top Ten, Excerpt
Kat's Book Promotions - Dreamcast

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blitz: Excerpt + #Giveaway: Spark by Bambi Bellamy

 

Spark by Bambi Bellamy 

Publication date: April 15th 2014
Genres: Adult, Erotica, Romance

 

WARNING: Spark contains sexy neighbors who love getting it on… with each other. Graphic language and sex scenes abound. Be advised, this is no sweet romance. Contains hard pumping and ridiculous sexual situations and scenes to make your toes curl. If you can finish Spark without getting hot and bothered, I would check for a pulse. 18+ only!

Newlyweds Violet and Hunter are new in PussyWillow Falls, and they’re loving it.

Everything is beautiful, including the people.

Things heat up FAST when Violet satisfies her husband while they both watch a menage a trois over the fence going on in their neighbors backyard.

But, when the mailman, the paper boy and all the neighbors come calling for a piece of the Violet and Hunter action, was PussyWillow Falls a swinging paradise, or a swinging hell?

 

 

 

 

EXCERPT

 

“Jack, this is Violet, one of the new neighbors from across the street,” Julia told him.

Reaching across, he grabbed my hand and leaned down and placed his lips on the back of it. My cheeks burned, and the feel of his lips on my hand was making my temperature rise by at least ten degrees. “Nice to make your acquaintance, Violet, but I'm afraid that I'm going to have to make this short and sweet, as I have to get ready for work and be on the road in less than ten minutes.”

Stripping off his boxer shorts, he stood in front of me for what felt like minutes, until he finally walked away with this huge baton swinging between his legs.

Julia slapped him on his bare ass, and then turned back to her coffee like it was no big deal. I was starting to see that Julia and her husband were very comfortable in their own skin and didn't mind public displays of affection, or nudity.

 “My apologies for my husband; he really doesn't have a shy bone in his body.”

I didn't know what to say, and the fact that I had just seen my new neighbor completely naked had taken me aback a bit. Drinking my cup of coffee, I was soon to see Jack come out in a very expensive tailored suit that probably cost more than the first car I owned.

“Wow, he really does clean up well.”

I couldn't get the image of his huge length out of my mind, and then began to play over certain images of him taking me from behind and pulling my hair at the same time.

“I know that look, and I see that my husband has made a lasting impression on you.”

There was no denying the fact that he had a massive length, and that his body was cut out of stone and doing some remarkable things to my libido, but I wasn’t going to admit that to her.

“Hey, you have nothing to worry about from me, as my husband and I have a very open relationship, and I think you know what I mean by that.”

She was actually giving me permission to fantasize about her husband Jack, and maybe even take it to another level altogether. Ever since Jamaica, I had seen sex as something that I could truly get used to having on a daily basis. Now that I have had some of the best sex of my life, I wanted to do some comparison-shopping and see what else was out there that could tickle my fancy. It's just that I didn't think I was that type of person to turn to another, especially when I had a very caring and supportive husband at home.

“No, no… looking will do just fine.” I think that she was a little disappointed at my reaction, and was hoping that she was going to be able to convince me to slide into their matrimonial bed. “Hunter isn't that type of man, and I don't think I am that type of woman.”

“Jack and I were exactly like you ten years ago, but we have since found that we like to experiment with other like-minded individuals. If you have to take a few baby steps, then I would suggest that you come over for the barbecue this weekend, and you can meet some of our neighbors and maybe see if anything else catches your attention.”

Running her hand down my arm, she was licking her lips and looking at me like she wanted to jump on top of me.

“I will talk it over with Hunter.” Pulling away from her was a little bit more difficult than I imagined, as her fingers dug into my skin, as if she desperately wanted to keep me sitting beside her and talking about the birds and the bees.

It wasn't like I was adverse to anything else, but just didn't know if I was the type of person who could find myself having sex with somebody who wasn't my husband. My parents always taught me that a marriage was built on trust and honesty, and when one person stepped out on the other, it usually meant that the relationship wasn't as strong as they both believed it be.

 

Top Ten Facts about Love

 

What is love, baby don’t hurt, don’t hurt me no more.

 

Haddaway - What Is Love

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhrBDcQq2DM

 

Love is  one of the most misunderstood, and misused concept around today. Love is hard to define. It’s an intense feeling of affection. But, what does that really mean?

 

Well, I searched and researched and found some really cool facts about love.

 

 

10. It only takes up to 4 minutes to decide whether you like someone or not

 

If you want to make a good impression on someone, you’ve only got about 4 minutes to do it. It is believed that it has far more to do with your body language, tone and speed of your voice rather than exactly what you say.

 

9. When Two Lovers Gaze At Each Others’ Eyes, Their Heart Rates Synchronize

 

Some extraordinary research has found that couples who are in love and bond in a romantic relationship synchronize their heart rates after gazing into each others’ eyes for three minutes.

 

 

8. Falling In Love Has Neurological Effects Similar To Those Of Cocaine

 

Falling in love is much like taking a dose of cocaine, as both experiences affect the brain similarly and trigger a similar sensation of euphoria. Research found that falling in love produces several euphoria-inducing chemicals that stimulate 12 areas of the brain at the same time.

 

 

7. Romantic Love Eventually Ends…Only To Be Followed By Committed Love

 

Couples at the very beginning of a romantic relationship will be very different a year later. It is estimated that romantic love, which is linked with euphoria, dependence, sweaty palms, butterflies and alike, only lasts about a year. After that first year begins the so-called “committed love” stage. The transition is linked with elevated neurotrophin protein levels in newly formed couples.

 

 

6. Thinking Of Love And Sex Influences Creativity And Concrete Thinking, Respectively

 

Research based on the construal level theory found out that reminders of love influence more abstract and creative thinking because they are associated with more distant and abstract considerations – long-term relationships, devotion, commitment and intimacy. Reminders of sex trigger concrete thinking, making a person focus more on momentary details than on long-term plans or goals.

 

5. Attachment + Caring + Intimacy = Perfect Love

 

The triangular theory of love suggest a clear formula for the components of different kinds of love. There are three kinds of love that are a product of two different pairs of basic components: romantic love = passion + intimacy, companionate love = intimacy + commitment, and fatuous love = passion + commitment. Of course, the truest and strongest of all is consummate love, which consists of all three components.

 

4. Butterflies In The Stomach Are Real And They’re Actually Caused by Adrenaline

 

When you fall for someone you probably won’t be able to avoid the butterflies flying, dancing and fooling around in your stomach. They’re caused by adrenaline, which floods your body during flight-or-fight response situations.

 

2. People Who Are In Love Have Chemical Similarities With People With OCD

 

Studies show that people at an early stage of love have lower levels of serotonin, which is associated with feelings of happiness and well-being, and higher levels of cortisol, associated with stress. This is strikingly similar to those people who have Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, which explains why we act so out of character when we fall for someone.  It works the other way around as well – people with lower levels of serotonin fall in love and get into sexual relationships quicker than others. Check out this vivacious video that explains the theory

 

1. Love Is Really All That Matters

 

A marvelous 75-year long study, which was conducted by a group of Harvard researchers, has shown that love is really all that matters. The participants’ lifelong experiences revealed that happiness and life fulfillment revolved around love or simply searching for love.

 

 

Maybe we’ve come closer to answering the question, What is Love.

 

I don’t think we’ll ever be able to truly define love, but as we live life, lets all try to experience it.

GIVEAWAY

 

Prizes - open INTL

--Kindle paperwhite