Monthly Archives: July 2017

Review of Allies, Book 3 in the Lily Singer Adventures by Lydia Sherrer

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Allies is book 3 of the Lily singer adventures and it doesn’t disappoint.  Very much a book focused on Lily, continuing on from the bombshell of John Faust and how she must regroup and deal with both coming to terms with what happened and how to stop him.  

In part one, Lily must take the olive branch offered by her estranged mother and return home.  Dealing with the fallout  to her siblings when she left, Lily is greeted both warmly and with need to make amends. With the secret out, Lily is able to learn more about her heritage and new family members, but with the shadow of John Faust looming large Lily and her mother must use magic to ward the house and family, a task which is met with a mixed response.  Armed with a new path to follow to track down the book of Morgan le Fay, Lily doesn’t realise what a dangerous path she is taking.  Does she really have time for a fledgling romance with Agent Grant and does he really have her best interests at heart?


The interlude as always brings us round to Sebastian’s underworld side, but his attempts to bring down John Faust with the aid of Tina, end in disaster and leave Lily in an even more precarious position coming into the final part.


For the final part, well – i’m going to say very little other than that you won’t be able to put it down!  

Again, I loved this book, the whole series continues to set the bar high.  Lily’s interactions with Kipling are hilarious, I have decided that I do find it extra funny as a cat owner, and often wonder what mine would say to me!   I also love how flawed Lily is in this book, she often comes across as very naive in the choices she makes – the revelations of the past and her present causing her to gently unravel as everything becomes a race against time.  Her desperation causing cracks in her resolve and lapses in judgement.  Her thoughts and feelings for Sebastian are very well played out too and i’m enjoying the tentative dynamic growing between them.  The final part is epic, brilliant sequences and lots going on in a whirlwind of action balanced against a heavy dose of peril.  There are some moments of real heartache too, so hold on tight!   I’m enjoying the little breadcrumbs here and there, of things I’m going to be keeping my eye on too!   This is another 5* read for me 🙂

Bandits Cover Reveal & Giveaway with LM Preston

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Title: Wasteland Series
Author: LM Preston
Genre: YA / Scifi / Fantasy
Publisher: Phenomenal One Press
Editor: Cindy Davis
Cover Designer: We’ve Got You Covered

Blurb:
Daniel’s father has gotten himself killed and left another mess for Daniel to clean up. To save his world from destruction, he must fight off his father’s killers while discovering a way to save his world. He wants to go it alone, but his cousin and his best friend’s sister, Jade insists on tagging along. Jade is off limits to him, but she insists on changing his mind. He hasn’t decided if loving her is worth the beating he’ll get from her brother in order to have her. Retrieving the treasure is his only choice. But in order to get it, Daniel must choose to either walk in his father’s footsteps or to re-invent himself into the one to save his world.
Blurb:
There’s nothing left for Daniel to fight for, except his father’s honor, on the brutal prison planet which holds his brother. This time, he’s going to do things right. He’ll turn his training as a famed Zukar thief into something his father will be proud of. The only thing holding him back is the loss of Jade’s love, the only girl who had the guts to put him in his place. And just one prison Warden who believes he has the power to keep Daniel away.
LM. Preston was born in Washington, DC.  She loved to create poetry and short-stories as a young girl.  A Techie and Educator for over sixteen years, she started writing science fiction under the encouragement of her husband who was a Sci-Fi buff and her four kids.  She has an obsessive desire to write and create stories of young people who overcome unbelievable odds.  She loves to write while on the porch watching her kids play or when she is traveling, which is another passion that encouraged her writing. In addition to being an author, she’s also a Moderator for Yalitchat in 2011, 2012 Vice President of Mid Atlantic Book Association and 2012 co-chair for the Maryland Writer’s Conference.
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Daniel turned his angry gaze on his younger brother. Nickel’s gray eyes filled with concern on his rounded face as he shook his head at his brother’s stupidity. He gestured in their coded sign language. “No, too many.”
Daniel’s mouth thinned. He raised his free hand to motion for his brother to stay put, and crept slowly along the wall leading to the front room. Whispered arguments had elevated into shouting. More laser fire went off, and a smoke bomb followed, filling the long hallway with thick smoke before Daniel could make his way down. Daniel held his breath and fought his way through. His eyes burned, and his lungs fought to breathe. He narrowed his eyes and felt around in front of him. With his gun at the ready, he frantically searched for his father in the dull, smoke-filled room.
“Humph! The bastards ran.”
Coughs sounded behind him. Daniel knew his brother and cousin were not far behind. The roar of an engine lit the night. He ran toward the front door to pursue the men who fled, but he tripped forward, stumbling over a firm body. He used his free hand to brace himself before falling face first on the floor. The smoke started to dissipate out of the opened door and Daniel didn’t have to look at the body to see whose it was. The punch of dread hit him dead in his chest when he pushed himself back off the slightly rounded stomach of his father’s large form.
Daniel held back a sob and swallowed. “Keep Nickel back! Keep ‘em back,” he yelled. He sat back on his knees and forced his angry eyes to land on his father.
“No!  Damn! Who-did-this?” His lips formed a scowl. Tears from the smoke and his grief fell slowly. Balling his fist, he punched down on his bent knees as grief and desolation caved in on him. Anger at his father – even dislike -didn’t take away the fact that he loved the old man and wanted him there with them. “Arghhhhhh!” His fist tightened, “I never wanted this. I’ll kill them. Why didn’t you just yell for help? I would’ve saved you,” his voice cracked. He raised his fists and pushed them against his eyes to stop his tears.
  

Rogue Release Day Blitz with Jaci Wheeler.

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Title: Rogue
Author: Jaci Wheeler
Genre: YA Dystopian
Hosted by: Lady Amber’s PR

Blurb:I’ve spent my whole life training to be in the Elite Squad, and I left it all behind without a second thought. I don’t fail. My father made sure that it wasn’t in my D.N.A. to fail. So, I will take him down. I will make him pay for his lies and deceit…but first I will get my son back, or die trying.

“Will I be able to expose Edward and the Academy? Will I be able to turn to the one person I’ve always trusted or after working in the darkness so long, is Van just as twisted as my father?
This is book two and conclusion to the Academy Series.
I have been married to my very supportive husband for 8 years and we have two amazing Autistic kids!I always dreamed of being a writer, but life got in the way. Going through my kids different therapies and special schools and one meeting after the next I needed a way to get away from it all and find my perfect Utopia! This is how the United Series was born. Writing has always been cathartic to me. Who wouldn’t want to leave their world for a while and step into a new one? I have so many stories and characters just waiting to find a place on your shelf! I’m hoping to come out with a few more Trilogies very soon. For Updates and information please go to my webpage at www.jaciwheeler.com
Author Links:
Buy Links:
Operation Child Soldier: http://amzn.to/2t3t2Wh

Review of Revelation (Book 2 in the Lily Singer Adventures) By Lydia Sherrer

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I think the Lily Singer Adventures are my new favourite series!  Following on from the aftermath of Beginnings, in Part 3, Lily is back to work at Agnes Scott College and further investigating the myriad of artefacts in the basement.  Her interest piqued by a piece of stone she can’t fathom, she decides to return home with it and back to Sir Kipling, where things take an unexpected and glorious turn.  Summoned by Madam Barrington to help strengthen wards around an ancient tablet on display in the local museum, can it be too much of coincidence that Sebastian is warned of a plot to steal such an item?  It’s a great start to Revelations, Sir Kiplings new talent is fantastic and if (like me) you’re a cat owner, it adds a bit of depth to the hilarity of the situation at times.  I love that Madam Barrington is taking more of a role in this part too, and I really felt for her in her struggles with knowing whether or not to trust Sebastian. Tina is a great new character too and the the climactic ending of this part is a massive page turner!  


The interlude again, takes you into the more darker aspect of Sebastian’s life when he’s not off adventuring with Lily.  His search to find the instigator of the theft plot places him in great danger and also gives thim the chance to be the rescuer again.  I love that he’s becoming this silent superhero, doing great deeds and then escaping into the night ❤


Part 4 see’s Lily accepting an invitation from John Faust Le Fay, the wizard from the time loop episode in Beginnings.  I think it’s fair to say that Revelations truly lives up to it’s name in this part, not only does Lily find herself catapulted into a new world – seemingly full of wonder she is also forced into the society life of the wizarding community, where things start to go amiss.  I love the transition from light to dark in this part of the story, things go crumbly for Lily very quickly, having been almost in a fairy tale bubble before.  The truth about her parents and her heritage become overwhelming and she is owed many answers by those closest to her.

These books are such a refreshing read, I love how you never get bogged down with them as they are split into 3 parts but all are still connected by a single story arc. They are both lighthearted and dark at the same time and always beautifully written with gorgeous chapter illustration.  On to book 3!

Blood Magic Pre-Order with Danielle Rose

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Title: BLOOD MAGIC
Genre: NA Urban Fantasy
Cover Art by Gwenn Danae
Cover Text by Eight Little Pages
Expected Release Date: Aug. 1st, 2017
Blurb:
Avah Taylor thought she had already faced the worst.
As her coven’s chosen one, destined to receive a power that could kill her, Avah was forced to make the ultimate sacrifice when she gave up her mortal life to become a vampire, the witches’ greatest enemy. But just when she begins to adjust to her new life, even as she falls in love with her sire, the high priestess of her new coven is seized by Rogue vampires.
Guided by Avah’s visions of the past, present, and future, Avah and the other vampires set out to rescue their priestess, but their journey leads Avah to the discovery that the conspiracy behind her power runs deeper than she ever imagined. As her visions grow increasingly terrifying, Avah begins to wonder if she may not have a future at all.
Release Party:
Danielle Rose holds a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from the University of Southern Maine. Currently residing in the Midwest, where she spends her days dreaming of warmer temperatures, when she’s not writing, she enjoys pretending she lives in California, spending an embarrassing amount of time at Hobby Lobby, and binge-watching Netflix. Visit Danielle on the Web: www.Danielle-Rose.com.
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Blood Magic (Pre-Order): http://amzn.to/2tAkZzH

Ultraxenopia Pre-Order Blitz with M.A. Phipps

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Title: Ultraxenopia
Author: M.A. Phipps
Genre: YA Dystopian Thriller
Cover Designer: Nathalia Suellen
Editor: Catherine Stovall (CLS Editing)
Expected Release Date: Aug. 1st, 2017
Blurb:
Don’t stand out. Blend in. Remain invisible. Those are the rules I lived by—the rules I thought would keep me alive.

I was wrong.

Wynter Reeves is a law-abiding citizen of the State, a willing conformist whose daily life is haunted by terrorism and oppression. With the constant threat of death hanging over her like a shadow, she forces herself to live by a strict set of rules, all in the hope of ensuring she is never noticed. However, on her twenty-first birthday, as she prepares to take the placement exam that will determine her future within society, she begins to show symptoms of a rare and debilitating illness—ultimately attracting the attention of the State. Taken into the custody of the feared research facility known as the DSD, her worst nightmare becomes reality.

Ripped away from the life she knew, Wynter is forced to become the test subject of the mysterious Dr. Richter. Through him, she learns the true and terrifying nature of her condition: a disease called Ultraxenopia.

Release Party:
M. A. PHIPPS is an American author who resides near the ocean in picturesque Cornwall with her husband, daughter, and their Jack Russell, Milo. A lover of the written word, it has always been her dream to become a published author, and it is her hope to expand into multiple genres of fiction. When she isn’t writing, you can find her counting down the days until the new season of Game of Thrones.
 
Author Links:

“This isn’t how it looks,” I stammer.

A sarcastic laugh explodes from his lungs, echoing through the otherwise soundless bar.
“Really? Because, from where I’m standing, it looks like you’re one of them.”
“I’m not.” The words sound weak and unconvincing.
He pushes the barrel of the gun against my temple, and our faces are so close now that I can feel his heated breath against my lips.
“Why should I believe you?” he growls.
I tense my jaw, spitting my next words through clenched teeth. “If I was one of them, they would already be here,” I hiss back.
The State doesn’t play games. He must know that better than anyone. They wouldn’t waste time sending in a single person when they could more efficiently get the job done by sending a whole team. If I was one of them, the Enforcers would already be here. The State wouldn’t bother with this game of charades.
His expression doesn’t change, but I can see his true reaction in his gaze—the doubt that appears there. He seems to grasp that what I’ve said makes sense, but at the same time, can’t wrap his head around any other reason why I’d be here.
He wavers, and I can feel his uncertainty in the way the point of his gun wobbles against my skin. His eyes remain fixed on mine, making my heart race even faster. I only glance away when I notice a movement to my right. Looking up, I see another man now standing beside us.
“We can’t take any chances,” the man grumbles before spitting on the floor in front of me. “We should kill her to be sure.”
A deep-rooted panic washes over me, the fear like a smoldering and inextinguishable ember. Despite everything I’ve seen, I still have my doubts as to what’s really happening, and I can’t help worrying that this won’t end well. How can it? I won’t even be given the chance to defend myself.
He presses the gun even harder against my forehead, causing me to suck in a sharp breath. Our eyes lock once again.
“How do you know my name?”
I stare at him, trying to figure out the best way to answer his question. His hazel eyes are probing, but I find myself losing focus on his expression. His face has gone hazy, the bar even darker. The nausea from before returns with a vengeance, consuming my entire body and pressing down on me with a force that threatens to pin me to the floor.
I sway, lightheaded.
A strange trickling resonates around us, the sound deafening in the hushed bar. At first, I think I’m imagining it, but then I see the alarming change in his face.
His eyebrows pull together as he looks down, and suddenly, he’s taking a reflexive step back. I follow his gaze once more, my own vision doubling as I take in the tremendous pool of red that seems to surround me.
I watch the blood as it drips from my open wrist, the bandage soaked through and unravelling from its hiding place in the no longer white sleeve.
His eyes snap back to mine, and my every movement feels delayed as I glance up to meet them. The moment I do, the images from my vision flash through my thoughts, reminding me why I’m here.
I see his face. His hazel eyes.
I see his tears.
“I’m sorry, Wynter.”
Any and all light that the bar possessed vanishes in an instant, and the pain I had managed to forget hits me all at once. I gaze at him, concentrating on his face as much as my increasing blood loss will allow. Focusing on his eyes, which continue to stare back at me.
My lips pull into a smile as the darkness rushes to overcome me.
“I saw you,” I breathe.

Review of Truth (The Geneva Project book 1) by Christina Benjamin

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As part of this weeks author spotlight I dove into the world of the Geneva Project, book one is Truth and here’s what I thought! Hullabee Island, home to the orphans of the great flood.  The children are Janes or Johns and are differentiated only by their number.  Their days are spent either learning or toiling, scouring the remains of the flood for items of value for the people of Lux, the city unblemished by the disaster.  Each day hoping to be adopted into a better life.   Our story is about Jane #65, only a baby when the flood came, she has grown up on the island under the “care” of the Grifts from the Troian Centre.  As with any teenager she has friends and enemy’s, but one day her anger gets the better of her and something unexpected happens, something that will change everything.


It’s clear that Jane #65 is special, but not alone.  As more of her fellow orphans come forward, the more the adventure grows.  There is a story, a prophecy, which just may be about to come true.


This is such a great story and I found myself pulled completely into world of the orphans and the exciting adventure that Jane #65 and her friends find themselves in.  It’s a story which is completely mapped out with it’s own mythology and it all blends seamlessly together, I loved the retelling of how the flood came to be.  The children are all great characters, all bringing a special something to the mix, especially those who are completely unaware that they are anything other than a normal child.  The Grifts are truly terrifying at times, the headmistress Greeley – reminded me so much of Miss Trunchball from Matilda, especially with the ominous Locker that the children are sent to when they misbehave.


The story does jump in appropriate age range a bit, it started off a very YA story, our protagonist is 12 years old, but grouped with the 13 year olds as she is the only one.  I really loved this as it was refreshing to have such an innocent story that was just focused on #65’s discoveries.  But it then became something slightly more .  Given #65’s age, I found that some of the thoughts and feelings she was having as the story went on were too mature, especially as the object of her thoughts is an older boy. I realise i am no longer a teenage girl, but it made me uncomfortable at times reading it and I do wonder if it really added anything to the story as it would have worked just as well without this element.  However, as the story went on I found myself forgetting about their young years and read them as the age I felt appropriate for what was happening.   

I really did enjoy reading this, I downloaded the box set on KU so have more in the story to move on to!   It is for the most part an exciting story that has tons going on with past, present and future.  Jane #65 is a great character to follow through her emotional and spiritual awakening and the ending is sublime!  This is a perfect read for around the 14 year old age range.

Rogue Pre-Order Blitz with Jaci Wheeler

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Title: Rogue
Author: Jaci Wheeler
Genre: YA Dystopian
Expected Release Date: July 23rd, 2017

Blurb:I’ve spent my whole life training to be in the Elite Squad, and I left it all behind without a second thought. I don’t fail. My father made sure that it wasn’t in my D.N.A. to fail. So, I will take him down. I will make him pay for his lies and deceit…but first I will get my son back, or die trying.

“Will I be able to expose Edward and the Academy? Will I be able to turn to the one person I’ve always trusted or after working in the darkness so long, is Van just as twisted as my father?
This is book two and conclusion to the Academy Series.
I have been married to my very supportive husband for 8 years and we have two amazing Autistic kids!I always dreamed of being a writer, but life got in the way. Going through my kids different therapies and special schools and one meeting after the next I needed a way to get away from it all and find my perfect Utopia! This is how the United Series was born. Writing has always been cathartic to me. Who wouldn’t want to leave their world for a while and step into a new one? I have so many stories and characters just waiting to find a place on your shelf! I’m hoping to come out with a few more Trilogies very soon. For Updates and information please go to my webpage at www.jaciwheeler.com
Author Links:
Buy Links:
Operation Child Soldier: http://amzn.to/2t3t2Wh
Rogue (Pre-Order): http://amzn.to/2rZBjuA

Exiled by Bethany Adams – Audiobook release!

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Exiled: A Return of the Elves Novella (Audio Version)
Series: The Return of the Elves
Author: Bethany Adams
Narrated by: Gabrielle de Cuir & Stefan Rudnicki
Genre: Fantasy Romance

| Purchase Here |


A willing exile
For a hundred years, Delbin has lived on Earth, voluntarily cut off from his birth land, Moranaia. He’s learned to hide his elven nature and use his mind magic without getting noticed – until he accidentally wields it on the Moranaian scout sent to check on him.
A hesitant ally
Though Inona has good reason to mistrust exiles, part of her job is to make sure they aren’t causing trouble. She sets out for Earth with one goal: get this annoying mission over with. But from the moment Delbin tries to use his power on her, she can tell he is different. As more of his story unfolds, she learns that some exiles might not be what they seem.
An unexpected enemy
When a rogue Moranaian prince tries to recruit Delbin, Inona’s mission becomes anything but standard. Now Delbin and Inona must work together to hunt down the prince and uncover his latest plot.
Delbin might not be able to return to Moranaia, but he’ll do anything to save it.

| About the Author |

Ever since finding a copy of The Hero and the Crown in her elementary school library, Bethany has loved fantasy. After subjecting her friends to stories scrawled in notebooks during study breaks all through high school, she decided to pursue an English degree at Middle Tennessee State University. When not writing or wrangling her two small children, Bethany enjoys reading, photography, and video games.

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Review of Hereafter (Book 4 of the Invasion Day series) by LC Morgans

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I was desperate to get my hands on this after the major cliffhanger in resonant, we soon learn that despite Greegis’ best efforts to terminate Kyra it is indeed his modifications which are her salvation, told in retrospect it’s clear from the start that this will not be so much of a continuation of Kyra’s story but that of Kronus.
I adore Kyra and could read about her all the time but it was also refreshing to see more of Kronus’s side and it opened up so much more of the story and life on Thrakor.  We have a new, powerful, female lead in the form of Gretchen.  She is a world away from Kyra but still a force to be reckoned with in her own right, humble and innocent, a chance for Kronus to do things right this time when responding to her request for help.
From the outset i’m very relieved that there was no love triangle here, I was happy that Resonant resulted in Kyra maintaining her relationship with Thrayke and I was worried that there would be a challenge for Kyra’s hand.  Whilst it’s fair to say that i’m still warming up to Gretchen, I love the change in dynamic she brings to story.
Plot wise there is a ton going on, we are introduced to new planets and races, help with finding a cure comes from an unlikely source and my mind is racing with whether there could be any backlash arising from that!  A new threat brings the chance for Kyra to get back to her old self and I can’t wait to read all about it when she does!