Category Archives: BOOK REVIEWS
Books I have read and want to share with you!
Shudder Blog Tour (Samantha Durante)
Haven’t read the first book in the series? Check it out on Amazon and Goodreads. Just $0.99! Check out my review as well. http://cynthiashepp.wordpress.com/2012/08/29/stitch-blog-tour-reviewgiveaway/
Shudder Synopsis
It’s only been three days, and already everything is different.
Paragon is behind her, but somehow Alessa’s life may actually have gotten worse. In a wrenching twist of fate, she traded the safety and companionship of her sister for that of her true love, losing a vital partner she’d counted on for the ordeal ahead. Her comfortable university life is but a distant memory, as she faces the prospect of surviving a bleak winter on the meager remains of a ravaged world. And if she’d thought she’d tasted fear upon seeing a ghost, she was wrong; now she’s discovering new depths of terror while being hunted by a deadly virus and a terrifying pack of superhuman creatures thirsting for blood.
And then there are the visions.
The memory-altering “stitch” unlocked something in Alessa’s mind, and now she can’t shake the constant flood of alien feelings ransacking her emotions. Haunting memories of an old flame are driving a deep and painful rift into her once-secure relationship. And a series of staggering revelations about the treacherous Engineers – and the bone-chilling deceit shrouding her world’s sorry history – will soon leave Alessa reeling…
The second installment in the electrifying Stitch Trilogy, Shudder follows Samantha Durante’s shocking and innovative debut with a heart-pounding, paranormal-dusted dystopian adventure sure to keep the pages turning.
Other Shudder Info
My Review
As most of you know, my reviews for the second book in the series is always short in case other people have not read the first but I almost don’t know where to start without giving stuff away or posting spoilers! I loved Stitch, the first book. It was blow-your-mind amazing and Shudder was exactly the same way. I was on pins and needles waiting on this book, dying to know what was going to happen to Alessa and her crew. The complexity of the plot and the dynamics have you wondering what exactly Samantha has in her mind to be able to imagine this complex world. I never one time imagined that what happens in the book could actually happen but now the idea is planted firmly in my mind. It is a little freaky. While reading the book, you will do nothing but search your mind, wondering what in the world could happen next, and you would be wrong every time. I highly recommend that if you have not read Stitch, you go grab your copy, devour it, and then grab Shudder for even more mind-blowing action. This is one series that you do not want to miss! I am already dying for the next book. I give it 5 stars!
Connect with Samantha Durante
Facebook: Stitch Trilogy | Author Samantha Durante
Goodreads: Stitch | Shudder | Author Samantha Durante
Twitter: @SamanthaDurante | Hashtag suggestions: #Stitch, #StitchTrilogy, #Shudder
LibraryThing: Stitch | Shudder | Author Samantha Durante
Shelfari: Stitch | Shudder | Author Samantha Durante
Shudder Purchase Links
Amazon (Kindle $2.99, print $9.99)
Smashwords (multiple e-book formats $2.99)
Barnes & Noble (Nook $2.99)
Also available in the iTunes store ($2.99 e-book) and wherever e-books are sold Shudder will be available on B&N Nook, iTunes, and Kobo by early July!
To follow the tour:
The tour will feature author and character interviews, reader reviews, guest posts on everything from dystopian philosophy to the writing process, and of course, lots and lots of giveaways!
For daily notification of the day’s events, Like Samantha’s or the Stitch Trilogy’s Facebook page, or follow @SamanthaDurante on Twitter.
THE SPIRAL ARM REVIEW & RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY
The Spiral Arm is a debut Novella from author Peter Boland. It is the beginning of a dystopian serial series, brought to you in episodes. For me, just that sold me on the idea. I love dystopian books and serial series, and I am a junkie for cliffhanger endings. It makes the suspense of waiting for the next one so much sweeter.
Synopsis:
Wren Harper lives on an overcrowded Earth on the brink of apocalypse. There are just too many people. The answer lies 600 light-years away on Kepler; a planet more than double the size of Earth. For decades humans have been fighting another race for its control. Earth’s armies are depleted. So now 15-year-old cadets are sent to fight, trained along the way in vast combat ships. But why has Wren been chosen? She’s small and geeky and not a fighter. Will she survive Kepler? Or will the training kill her first?
My Overview:
Wren is a fifteen-year-old insomniac and lives in a world where every bit of space is utilized. People live on the streets and in hallways and the government has built complexes with floors stacked on top of floors (I’m talking 300+ floors) with little cubicle apartments the size of bedrooms. This is due to a serious overpopulation problem on earth. To combat that problem, the people of earth have found another planet, but one that they are having to fight to control.
In this world, fifteen-year-old children are sent to war, training on spaceships on the years it takes to reach the new planet. Wren never expected to be chosen to go and yet, she finds herself aboard the spaceship, the smallest and the weakest one, and the one that a group of people bullies. Will Wren survive her training? Will she make any new friends? Or will she find herself destroyed before she even finds out why she was chosen, when usually only the biggest and bravest are?
I devoured this book in about an hour and a half. It had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. The premise was so realistic and I can just imagine it happening someday. Character development was great and Wren was an amazing main character. This is one book that you do not want to miss. The cliffhanger ending had my jaw dropping open and my fingers flying across the keyboard, begging Peter to tell me when the next episode comes out. I give this book 5 stars.
Today you have the chance to win one of three copies of The Spiral Arm via the Rafflecopter form. Good Luck!
Amazon Buy Link:
The Spiral Arm – dystopian science fiction series (episode 1, season 1)
RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY
a Rafflecopter giveaway
DOUBLE CALL FROM DESIRE Blog Tour
DOUBLE CALL FROM DESIRE by ERI NELSON
Dearhart Clan is a series of fast-paced adult books that dabble in the world of paranormal and remain in the erotic pulse of what can only be classified as a primal fantasy. If it is a typical romance you are looking for you will not find it in this series. Eri Nelson writes in a darker world where heat and need are the forefront for a slipping existence. There is not time for all the tenderness love deserves but if you are imprinted to another, you are far beyond those mortal requirements. Our author is driven by swift action packed intrigues that often leave you wanting more. As she writes, each new book into the series the number of pages might increase but the action never lets you feel the increasing distance to the final page.
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About the Author:
Eri Nelson born Erica Walcott is a Indie Author and the youngest of three in a family of five. Erica became Eri (airy) from her mother who called her that for as long as she could remember. The short take on her name took on a more solid base with the love of her life and husband, Jeff Nelson. Together they have been for the past twenty years. Within that time they were able to raise one daughter and endless amount of pets. Writing is a passion for her and an abundance of never ending joy. Only one thing tops that for Eri… and that is when a reader enjoys the read…… (More on Eri) Eri Nelson is a nontraditional indie author who manages all areas of her fiction, fantasy, paranormal, action, adventure and sometimes-erotic writing. Eri handles all the groundwork of her books, even the editing. Because of this Eri strives to improve her abilities along with trying to explain to readers her far from traditional sentence structures. However, she will openly admit that typos follow her. Join Eri and her shadowy side of writing as she takes you along to explore new desire hunger filled worlds where your mind can share in the heat of the read.
EXCERPT:
With the wind came his scent and Julia took pause in her rapid pace. Scanning the ground, she caught the backside of him. Luckily, she was downwind and went unnoticed. With all mountains’ wind, that could change within a pulse. Deciding to hesitate in her movements to look him over could be a mistake. However, by the look of the backside of him, one she would be willing to make.
He was tall, well over her five foot nine stature. Julia could always hold her own in height with the males in town. Still it was nice to see a man who could perhaps make her feel delicate if only for just a moment, if any. At the pinnacle of his stature bore the broadest shoulders she began thinking she had ever seen. Even through his, thick fall apparel she could visibly see the contours of his tapered muscles. They seemed to fight the confines of his clothes and beg to tear free. If she did not resolve what he was from his scent, she undoubtedly could see now what he was by the build of him. She and her brother were the only two she would have ever known of and even that was not until this past year. This man shared the husky form and well-muscled sculpture of her brother. Although this Werewolf would easily outweigh her brother hands down.
She should move and gain ground for her attack but as he turned scanning the land, Julia found herself still to be held in awe of him. Chiseled features trimmed with a shadowing of sandy brown scruff to match his locks of wind-tousled hair. Minus the minuscule of gray that perhaps, only their kind would be able to catch up on. Add in his amber eyes and she could feel an inner turmoil like no other. For all the great works known to the world this man would surely be seen as one of them.
As he caught site of her she knew pausing the second longer on his sun warming eyes had been her down fall. Now it was run and run faster than she had ever in her life.
Tearing through the edge of the lumberyard and entering the forest line took all the strength she could muster. He was fast, too fast, and if not for the distance that had been between them, he would have had her in no time at all.
Their veneer of humanity ran too thin and as the pain creped forward Julia knew that this Were was bringing her wolf to the forefront. With the space amid them disappearing rapidly the urge to change came on chaotically strong. Her stride was pushed to its max and her skin could no longer coil from the oncoming touch. Just as his grip clasp on her the unfurling began and Julia could no longer hold back the pain of the unseen moon’s call.
The hellish howl of a wolf withering in pain filled the tree side. It was enough to stop her once tracker and now pursuer in his tracks. Through her huffing puffs of wolf in changing form, she heard him mutter, “It can’t be?” Then it was all she could do to remain conscious before everything including the arousing male went black.
A Review of Elle Casey’s Duality, Volume 2: Euphoria
Duality, Volume 2: Euphoria
(Quick and Friendly: This is the second book in the series. You might not want to read this review if you haven’t read the first book. If you would like to read my review of the first of the series, you can find it HERE.)
Elle Casey manages to do it to me every single time I read one of her books. I open it, thinking I will just take a quick peek before I start working, and then I look up, dazed, three hours later with the last page read. The Duality series is shaping up to be one of my favorites. They are so different than her usual books, but so the same in a good way. The way that lets you know Elle wrote it, lots of smart ass comments that have you laughing out loud. I won’t go into much detail since it is the second book in the series and I would hate to ruin it for anyone, but here goes.
Duality, Volume 2: Euphoria, starts off right where the last one ended. Rae and Malcolm have realized that they cancel each other out and that they need to get Rae out of town. They get help from Jasmine, Kootch, and Jasmine’s parents, going on a road trip alone that ends up to be more than they bargained for when they do not follow the rules. Get ready for action, adventure, kidnapping, and even a little sexy time. Throw in Jasmine’s smart mouth and Kootch’s theatrics along with Malcolm’s broody sexiness and Rae’s hesitant cheerfulness, and you get a sequel that lives up to the first. I cannot wait to see where Elle takes them next! It gets 5 stars from me!
Connect with Elle:
Buy Duality Volumes One and Two on Amazon:
Duality: Vol 1, Melancholia (A New Adult Paranormal Romance)
Sun, Sand & Seances Blog Tour
Sun, Sand & Seances
Kathleen Ann Gallagher
Bobbi Collins is a caring and devoted kindergarten teacher who had her world turned upside down when her fiancé died after a lover’s quarrel. Five years later, she still struggles with acceptance. Her role as an educator fills up her week, but on weekends, Bobbi longs for something more.
When she stumbles across a newspaper ad for a psychic fair in the historic town of Cape May, New Jersey, it seems like the answer. Bobbi is determined to revive her once vibrant spirit.
Kevin Carlton a successful realtor is tired of the dating game. He doesn’t remember buying a raffle ticket, but when his co-worker announces he holds the winning number, he decides to take a chance and attend the all expense paid weekend in Cape May, at the Lady of the Sea’s Psychic Fair. Since he was a lazy and unfocused teen, with no direction, he hopes to find a spiritualist who has the ability to contact his late father. Kevin’s deepest regret is being a failure in his dad’s eyes.
Sparks fly when Bobbi and Kevin run into one another at the fair. When strange happenings occur, Bobbi rushes into her ex-boyfriends arms. She never imagined having a weekend of magic, memories, and a chance to rekindle the flame with her lost love.
Will two people who once shared something wonderful, be able to reconnect after dealing with the sudden tragedies in their lives or will it be too late? Bobbi fears someone or something wants to keep them apart.
Can the historic town of Cape May cast a spell on their hearts and allow the reunited couple to find what they both desire? How will passion survive amongst the backdrop of a town where spirits never sleep?
Excerpt:
Kevin sat and slid close to her. “Don’t be scared. Old hotels need constant repair. Try not to let all of the ghost stories get to you. It’s all in fun.”
“The stories I’ve heard sound real.”
“I think the air conditioner made the noise.” He laughed.
Bobbi grabbed the blanket from the edge of the bed and placed it around her shoulders. “Don’t you feel the cold air?”
“Did you turn it on when you came into the room?”
“No, I thought you did.”
“Now, that’s weird. I didn’t touch it.” Kevin slowly put his arm around her shoulder. With their bodies close, neither of them said another word.
The warmth of his touch calmed her nerves, and Bobbi turned to gaze into his eyes. She gasped when Kevin gave her an intense stare, and gently placed his hand on the side of her face. Her desire surfaced and the wall she’d built began to loosen. As Kevin pulled her close and nuzzled her neck, she placed her arms around his broad back. Then, when he placed his lips on hers and searched her mouth with his tongue, she whimpered and surrendered to his passionate embrace.
About the Author:
Although writing is my passion, nursing is my vocation. I work in an emergency room, and it’s been challenging, and rewarding, to be such an integral part of so many other’s daily struggles. I have a wonderful husband who always offers his support, and never complains about my crazy schedule. One of our favorite romantic getaways is Cape May, New Jersey, an old historic beach town where we take a step into the past, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. Although my children are all grown with busy lives of their own, Chaz, our Shepherd mix, still dutifully stands guard at the house. We are also blessed with three adorable grandsons.
Other interests of mine include cooking, reading, and the theater. However, spending time with my family is most important to me. Even though my life is filled with work, family, etc., my mind continues to ponder the next story or concept for a new novel.
ANTHOLOGY TAKING SUBMISSIONS!
Stalkers
A Collection of Thriller Stories
This anthology will have a main theme of Stalkers. That is about where my direction stops. It does not have to be paranormal, though it can be. The story can be a psychological thriller, horror, paranormal, suspense, action…whatever you want it to be. You can have a demon stalking someone in their dreams or a serial killer stalking prey, just to give you a couple examples. Whatever your twisted minds can come up with. I want stories that have you looking in the backseat of your car before you get in—stories that make the little hairs on the back of your neck stand up when you think someone looked at you just a little too long. Let your imaginations flow free and DELVE into the DARKER side of your mind…You know you want to.
This is an adult anthology but please…NO SEXUALLY DISTURBING scenes.
There will be more guidelines for submissions this time around. This is the 3rd anthology and we are learning as we go. Please CAREFULLY look them over and make sure that your story is formatted according to the specifications. Stories submitted that do not follow the guidelines will not be considered for the anthology.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
- The word count for stories must be AT LEAST 5,000 words but CANNOT EXCEED 12,000 words.
- Microsoft Word document is preferable over all other file types with the following specifications:
- Font: 12 pt Times New Roman
- Line Spacing: DOUBLE SPACE
- Paragraph indentations: 0.5” (page layout > first line indent) *DO NOT USE TABS*
- Margins: Normal margin settings (click on page layout > margins > normal)
- Contest runs from June 1 – August 1. All entries must be turned in on or before August 1st. NO EXCEPTIONS.
- You must sign a contract if you are chosen to be in the anthology. (If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be willing to sign the contract. Your parents will also need to be aware this anthology may contain adult content.)
- You must be a fan of http://www.facebook.com/cynthiashepp because that is where all the contest details and announcements will take place.
- There is no monetary compensation. The winners receive a paperback, pdf, and a mobi, plus lots of great exposure!
SEND ALL SUBMISSIONS TO cynthiashepp@yahoo.com with the following information:
- Subject: STALKERS
- Your story attached using the guidelines above
- A brief bio up to 100 words
- A brief dedication up to 50 words
- Two social links you wish to share (example: website/blog and Facebook links)
- One of your published books (if you have one) you wish to link to on Amazon
HAVE FUN & BE CREATIVE!
Agents of the Crown Blog Tour
Elizabeth A. Lance
Author Bio:
Elizabeth A. Lance lives with her husband, Brandon, their two teens, lovingly nicknamed Princess and The Boy, and a menagerie of crazy animals. She is the author of several short stories, the Young Adult series, Soul Mates as well as the Agents for the Crown, Regency series with Crushing Hearts & Black Butterfly Publishing. She loves to hear from her fans and can be reached a http://www.facebook.com/ElizabethAnneLance
Book 1: Courting Danger, Agents for the Crown
Ellen Montgomery wants nothing more than to live her life on her terms. However when her Father catches her riding his favorite stallion astride and in her brothers breeches no less, he decides to send Ellen to Paris for some much needed polish before the London Season. Ellen is soon fascinated with the Lords she meets, but only one makes her blood burn in more ways than one!
Christopher Fairfax, the new Earl of Durham has sworn off women, they are nothing but trouble. But he soon finds himself intrigued by his best friend’s younger sister, a wild little hellion who won’t listen to reason and won’t stay out of his head.
Ellen and Christopher both find themselves courting danger when they find a common enemy in Lord Darby, a ruthless man wanted by the crown for murder. A man determined to gain Ellen’s hand and therefore her fortune in marriage by any means necessary. Ellen and Christopher must work together to stop him before it’s too late.
Book 2: Artifice, Agents for the Crown
David Alexander Cole, the Earl of Whitborne is tired of his life as an agent, but when he meets an enchanting young miss with an unusual request he finds he cannot help but be intrigued. Miss Joanna Deville enters his life like a whirlwind and he finds himself hard pressed not to help her in her quest for love, but soon finds himself entangled in a love triangle. The game is one of deception, make a certain gentleman jealous, and catch a jewel thief in the process, but it goes awry when he finds himself falling in love with Joanna’s devastatingly beautiful best friend, Miss Arianna Channing. What’s a spy to do when confronted with such Artifice…
Arianna Channing has always been the belle of the ball. Her entourage includes all of the most eligible gentlemen, and she enjoys the power her beauty has over them, but there is one… One delectable rake with the power to make her feel something more, something real and true, but he’s embroiled in a charade of love with her best friend. How can she ever convince the rakishly handsome Lord Whitborne to quit his deception and join her in a true romance…
“Very well, my dear, you have yourself a bargain. As soon as we reach London, I shall become your Flirt. Though, I may ask for a favor in return later,” Alex replied, with a wicked grin.
Book 3: Charade, Agents for the Crown
Jessica Farrington fell in love with Lord Ashley Sinclair the moment they were reacquainted. She only wishes that he actually felt the same desire for her, as she does for him. Jessica soon finds that she must leave London when a letter arrives informing her of her father’s assassination attempt in Vienna. Her best friends join her on her journey and she realizes that Ashley will be along as well. She is secretly thrilled, for it will afford her more time in his company.
Enter Lord Knight, a handsome and romantic masked Romeo, who takes Jessica’s breath away. His late night visits to her balcony, and his stolen kisses have Jessica’s heart soaring. His dancing grey eyes and wicked smile remind her so much of her love, but are her suspicions of her amorous Romeo correct?
Join Jessica and her friends as they travel to Vienna to unmask an assassin and find her heart’s desire.
EXCERPT FROM COURTING DANGER
Ellen joined her aunt in the front hall and they walked out to their waiting carriage together.
“Will Mr. Fairfax and Jonathon be joining us this evening?”
“I fear not my dear. He and your brother have both deserted us for the gaming clubs I believe.”
Ellen was disappointed to find that he would not be joining them in their box at the Opera that evening. Ever since she had realized her true feelings for him earlier that morning, she had hoped to run into him and start repairing their relationship. “Oh. I see.”
“I am sure that we shall have a fine time without them my dear. Countess Olivia and Lord Sinclair are sure to join us.”
Ellen glanced down the street as she climbed aboard the carriage. She noticed an unfamiliar equipage parked down the block, but in the streetlight, she could not make out the crest. Something about it disturbed her, however she was unsure what. “Aunt Kate, do you know whose carriage that is?”
Kate glanced in the direction Ellen had indicated and studied the crest upon the door. “Why, if I am not mistaken, I believe that those are the Duke of Avebury’s colors, though I cannot be sure, my dear.”
Feeling worried, Ellen frowned, for the Duke lived on the opposite side of Paris. “What could he possibly be doing over here?”
“I would not worry about it, love, for if it is he, he shan’t bother us.”
They rode to the south of the city where the opera house was located. Jean opened the carriage door and helped them to descend. They entered the exquisitely decorated building and made their way through the throng of patrons to their box on the second floor. Ellen sat down in one of the front seats so that she might take everything in, and looked around in excitement. The stage, hidden by gold brocade curtains, would be easy to see from their seats. She glanced up with delight at the gorgeous tapestries hanging upon the walls. Everything looked so inviting.
Picking up her opera glasses, Ellen gazed about the room, waiting for the Opera to start. Her eyes caught on the box directly across from her and she gasped.
Christopher sat across from the Well’s box with a stunning raven-haired courtesan. At least that is what Ellen suspected her to be. The woman wore a dangerously low cut gown of ruby red silk. She had a positively gaudy diamond necklace around her throat and the seductive way she leaned into Christopher made Ellen sick with jealousy.
She felt as if she had been slapped. “How dare he!” Positive that her cheeks were as red as the Cyprian’s gown, Ellen covered them, willing herself to be calm. She turned at once to Lord Sinclair, who had just entered the box. “Lord Sinclair, how lovely it is to see you. Will you be joining us for the entire performance, Milord?”
Sinclair smiled. “If you wish, my dear Miss Montgomery, it would be my pleasure. I had hoped to be invited to sit with you for a while.” He took the seat next to her.
Ellen turned her fiery gaze back to Christopher. If he thinks I am going to behave the proper lady with him sitting with a harlot, then he has another think coming. She leaned in closer to Lord Sinclair with determination and her most charming smile. “Have you seen this opera, Milord?”
“I am afraid not, however I am told that it is quite delightful,” he answered, a roguish grin lighting his face. “You do look very lovely this evening Miss Montgomery.”
“La Sir! You will put me to the blush!” she exclaimed as she tapped him playfully with her fan, her eyes twinkling with naughtiness.
“So what has put you into such high spirits this evening?” he asked.
“Why, it is your company, of course, my Lord,” she answered with an amused smile.
“I could not possibly take all of the credit for your mood. Perhaps it is the…atmosphere.” Sinclair arched an eyebrow and cast a look across the room with a smile.
“A lady would never admit to that, Milord.” Ellen brushed her fan against her left cheek and felt her cheeks heat at his look.
Buy Links
AUTHOR LINKS
Author Facebook Page
Twitter: @ElizabethALance
FATAL BLOG TOUR & REVIEW
FATAL SYNOPSIS
Zombies eat brains: wrong.
Zombies are mindless and unthinking: nope.
Zombies are rotting bags of flesh: not necessarily.
Zombies kill humans: never… well, there is that one exception.
Grayson Patch hasn’t been human since he was seventeen years old… and that was nineteen years ago. When he rose from the dead that night, a Zombie, he had no memory of his former life, a craving for raw flesh, and only one purpose: to find a cure. He wishes only to be human again and he is promised that it is possible. But first he must find the human that can help him before he begins to decompose… and trade her life for his. As he learns more about her, he just doesn’t know if he can do it. Can he? When the cost of being human again is to become a monster?
Cori Abbot isn’t scared of Grayson. Not when there are a million other things for her to worry about. Like being the new girl in a school that is a fraction the size of her old one. Or making new friends while battling her antisocial tendencies. And then there’s the big one: dealing with the recent and sudden death of her father. Yeah, there are bigger problems than the strange, withdrawn, and consistently angry guy who seems to hate her for no apparent reason. Imagine how surprised she is to realize that the ever hostile Grayson might actually be the one who understands her the best.
MY REVIEW
This book was a totally new take on zombies and I loved it! I read it in a day (well, there was some under the covers with my kindle, barely keeping my eyes open reading going on). It was just that good though. The characters grabbed you from the first page and you are hooked. I liked that Cori and Grayson weren’t all sunshine and roses. Cori is upset over her father’s death and at a new school to boot. Grayson is a very unhappy Zombie that ignores everyone and lives in his own miserable bubble. Watching their romance unfold and watching the patience and love in which it does, was awesome. Don’t think it is all romance though… there is plenty of action and lots of interesting tidbits about Zombies and how they manage to live among us. Throw in a cast of awesome sidekick friends, a reaper, and a whole lot of lies that change everything… and you have the making of a great book. I don’t want to say too much because I do not want to spoil it! I am very impatiently waiting for the next book in the series. I urge you to run buy it while it is only $0.99! I give this 5 stars.
AUTHOR BIO
T.A. Brock lives in Oklahoma, where Zombies do not thrive. When not immersed in the world of fantasy writing, she enjoys spending time with her big girl, baby boy, and hubs. Some of her favorite things are coffee (specifically with cream, sugar, and chocolate), music (especially something with a good beat), books (especially paranormal), and Tennis. She despises raw meat and therefore is exceedingly glad she’s human.
Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/TA-Brock/116595218525559?ref=hl
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TA_Brock
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6982826.T_A_Brock
Blog: http://ta-brock.blogspot.com/
ON SALE FOR $0.99 FOR A LIMITED TIME!
BUY LINK:
Excerpt & Giveaway from Mother’s Curse (Novel Publicity Blog Tour)
Please enjoy this excerpt from the exciting and beautifully written YA fantasy, Mother’s Curse, by Thaddeus Nowak. Then read on to learn how you can win huge prizes as part of this blog tour, including a Kindle Fire, $450 in Amazon gift cards, and 5 autographed copies of each book.
Feeling slightly better for having a bit of light to keep with her, she continued down the street, occasionally looking through a window to see the remains of a room. After the third storefront she passed, she wondered at the reason all of the furniture and even drapes, carpets, and accessories had been left behind. Even in the desperate flight from Antar, people were still taking their belongings. They removed their drapes, even ones far less decorative then what Stephenie suspected were here. Why would everyone desert a city and yet leave almost everything behind as if they were simply going across town to visit a friend? She was hesitant to consider an answer. This city had been deserted and abandoned for a long time. Antar castle and city above had been there for as long as memory could recall and the original castle even before then. Had any of those above known about a city deep in the rocks under their feet, there would have been stories.
Stephenie used her stolen crystal to look into a shop that reminded her of a bakery, with a large oven in the back wall and the remains of shelves still partially attached to a side wall. The sparkle of something shiny and shaped like a pendant caught her eye. Looking closer at a mass on the floor, she paused and then stepped quickly away from the window as a shiver of fear rolled down her spine.
She closed her eyes, but the unmistakable image of a human skull laying on the floor would not leave her sight. She shivered again and looked up and down the street. Perhaps they didn’t leave.
Mustering her courage, Stephenie slowly approached the window again. She forced herself to look at the mass on the floor. Wiping away some of the dirt on the window, she could make out the arms and runners of a rocking chair mixed with what was likely clothing and the decayed bones of the person who’s head had rolled several feet away after the chair had collapsed. Bits of hair and desiccated skin clung to the skull, which was fortunately staring away from the window. The person died sitting in a chair and no one came to remove or bury the body?
Stephenie sniffed the air and thought about the strange odor she had been noticing since she had entered the city. It was a musty sweet smell. “Is this a plague city?” She felt her throat tightening with each breath and again quickly retreated from the window. She turned toward the way she had entered the city, ready to run back to the large doors and flee, but the dryness of her throat and the sound of water stopped her. If this is a plague city, then I am as good as dead and I might as well die after I’ve had something to drink.
Slowly, she turned around and continued down the street, no longer bothering to look into the store fronts. The rot and death they held did not interest her anymore.
She passed several side streets, but continued following the slowly turning main street because the sound of water was getting louder in the direction it was heading. After a short time, the street opened into another large plaza at least a hundred feet in diameter. Several streets exited the round plaza, but at the very center, lit with several points of glowing light was a fountain. Its water pushed up from a center mound and cascaded down several stone statues into a series of white marble bowls. The fountain was a dozen feet high and thirty feet across.
Drawn by thirst, Stephenie quickly reached the edge of the fountain and could feel a cool mist splashing over her. Knowing she would die slowly and painfully from whatever disease had killed the residents of this city, she did not care if the water was poison as long as it tasted fresh. Taking a small sip, she tested the flavor and found it cleaner than what she was used to in the castle. Scooping up more water with her hands, she drank deeply before noticing how dirty her hands had become. After quickly rubbing away the dirt, she moved a couple feet away and continued to drink until her stomach felt full.
Relieved of her thirst, she sat down next to the fountain and buried her face in her wet hands. She sobbed with frustration and relief in one confused wail. While she would not die of thirst, how was she going to get out and warn her father and Joshua about her mother’s betrayal? She cradled her cut arm in her lap and leaned back with her eyes closed. I’ve got light and some water, but what good would warning everyone do if I bring a plague to them? She shook her head. Damn it, why do the gods hate me so? Fundamentally, she knew her tie with Elrin, even if a result of her mother’s doing, was her real damnation. She could not bring herself to worship the demon god and she dared not seek out the other gods for fear the priests would sense her connection to Elrin.
Opening her eyes, she stared at her foot prints along the cobbled street. A lone trail to remind her that she had to do whatever it was she was going to do on her own. There was no one to help her.
She sat silently staring into the distance for some time. Then she blinked her eyes, uncertain that she was not imagining it, but after a moment, there was definitely a strange luminescence moving down the street. As it grew closer, she scrambled to her feet, recognizing the dim outlines of a human form. The apparition was moving in her direction. She quickly moved away from the fountain, but as it closed on the fountain, it appeared not to notice Stephenie at all. Instead, it held its, or her, hands as if carrying something. When it reached the fountain, it leaned over as if scooping up water.
As part of this special promotional extravaganza sponsored by Novel Publicity, the price of the Mother’s Curse and Daughter’s Justice eBook editions are just 99 cents this week. What’s more, by purchasing either or both of these fantastic books at an incredibly low price, you can enter to win many awesome prizes.
The prizes include a Kindle Fire, $450 in Amazon gift cards, and 5 autographed copies of each book.
All the info you need to win one of these amazing prizes is RIGHT HERE. Remember, winning is as easy as clicking a button or leaving a blog comment–easy to enter; easy to win!
To win the prizes:
- Get your copy for just 99 cents
- BONUS: The sequel is also discounted to 99 cents
- Enter the Rafflecopter contest below
- Visit the featured social media event
Mother’s Curse is a coming of age story about the youngest Princess of Cothel and her efforts to save her father and brother from her mother’s schemes, while at the same time, coming to terms with what it means to be a witch. Get it on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or iTunes.
Daughter’s Justice continues Stephenie’s journey of discovery, where she must overcome national opposition to her being a witch as well as lead her friends and protectors on a mission to stabilize her countries finances. Get it on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or iTunes.
Thaddeus Nowak is a writer of fantasy novels who enjoys hiking, photography, and the outdoors. Visit Ted on his website, Twitter, Facebook, or GoodReads.
Guest Post from Thaddeus Nowak & Rafflecopter Giveaway (Novel Publicity)
Please enjoy this guest post by Thaddeus Nowak, author of the exciting and beautifully written YA fantasy, Mother’s Curse, and its sequel, Daughter’s Justice. Then read on to learn how you can win huge prizes as part of this blog tour, including a Kindle Fire, $450 in Amazon gift cards, and 5 autographed copies of each book.
Why This Male Reader Loves Strong Female Characters
A Guest Post by Thaddeus Nowak
I’ve mentioned it before, but my formative childhood years were spent with the neighborhood girls. My family had the only boys for many blocks and with my closest brother being four years younger than me, the only people my age to play with were girls. I learned all about Barbie and Ken and playing house. I’m not complaining, we also romped around the woods, got covered in mud, had snowball fights, and played ball just like any group of kids would. To me, they were just my friends. There were no boys versus girls attitudes between us (that concept came later when we went to different schools and I had to make new friends). And even when faced with that concept, I always preferred to be on the girls’ team, because that’s where the girls were.
Due to those early years–to this day–I always think of women as equals, and probably superior in many cases. So when it comes to reading novels or watching movies, I have no trouble identifying with a female lead. In fact, I think female leads actually make stronger characters than their male counterparts.
What is a strong character?
To me, a strong character is one who’s personality can be felt. They may have inner fears and concerns, but they make the hard decisions and are decisive when it counts. They know what they want and actively make plans to get it. A strong character is a leader, someone the other characters look to for guidance. That is not to say they are hard-headed and stubborn; they have to be smart enough to know when they need to ask for advice and be willing to admit when they are not able to do something themselves. Delegation does not have to be a weakness–when done right it is a strength.
It may seem counter intuitive, but physical strength and prowess do not make a character strong. In fact, it can make them weaker in the long run. A bully lashing out and attacking may be able to overpower and intimidate others, but they still lack the strength of character that someone standing up to them possesses.
For male characters, physical strength and skill in combat (especially in fantasy novels) is a socially expected norm. A male character, who is not stoic in the face of danger can’t overcome his foes and has to rely upon others, is perceived as weak. The problem is, being a stoic loner often overshadows some of the character’s personality and limits how dynamic the character can be.
Whereas a female lead, while she may be physically adept, is not expected to use brute strength to overpower her foes. Society accepts the fact that she can have doubts (which are perfectly human, regardless of sex) and allows her to use her mind and intelligence to overcome obstacles. She has to decide to stand up to the stronger bully. I personally feel it makes the character richer and more balanced–more human and more like the girls I grew up with.
It’s not what’s on the outside that counts
The other reason I prefer stories with strong female protagonists is that they do not usually feature the females as window dressing–on the cover or in the story. While I have my share of traditional fantasy art hanging on my walls, my childhood influences don’t align with the concept of the half-naked damsel in distress unable to do anything for herself. Too many of the stories with male protagonists tend to have the main woman of the stories hopping along on the man’s coattails, doting on his every action. The girls I grew up with definitely did not dote; they knew what they wanted and knew how to get it. So when I read a story, I want to enjoy a little nostalgia and see women as I know they are.
As part of this special promotional extravaganza sponsored by Novel Publicity, the price of the Mother’s Curse and Daughter’s Justice eBook editions are just 99 cents this week. What’s more, by purchasing either or both of these fantastic books at an incredibly low price, you can enter to win many awesome prizes.
The prizes include a Kindle Fire, $450 in Amazon gift cards, and 5 autographed copies of each book.
All the info you need to win one of these amazing prizes is RIGHT HERE. Remember, winning is as easy as clicking a button or leaving a blog comment–easy to enter; easy to win!
To win the prizes:
- Get your copy for just 99 cents
- BONUS: The sequel is also discounted to 99 cents
- Enter the Rafflecopter contest below
- Visit the featured social media event
Mother’s Curse is a coming of age story about the youngest Princess of Cothel and her efforts to save her father and brother from her mother’s schemes, while at the same time, coming to terms with what it means to be a witch. Get it on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or iTunes.
Daughter’s Justice continues Stephenie’s journey of discovery, where she must overcome national opposition to her being a witch as well as lead her friends and protectors on a mission to stabilize her countries finances. Get it on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or iTunes.
Thaddeus Nowak is a writer of fantasy novels who enjoys hiking, photography, and the outdoors. Visit Ted on his website, Twitter, Facebook, or GoodReads.
