Nightborn (Thrones & Bones #2)

 Two weeks until Nightborn releases on July 14th! That's enough time to check out the first book, Frostborn, before picking up the sequel. Check out my review of the book below.

About the book:
From the author of "Frostborn" comes Book 2 in the acclaimed Thrones and Bones fantasy-adventure trilogy for fans of Lloyd Alexander and Brandon Mull. 

Karn Korlundsson is a gamer. "Not" a riddle solver. But in order to rescue his best friend, Thianna Frostborn, he will need to travel to the faraway city of Castlebriar (by wyvern), learn how to play a new board game called Charioteers (not a problem), decipher the Riddle of the Horn, and tangle with mysterious elves. 

Meet Desstra. She's in training to join the Underhand--the elite agents of the dark elves. When she crosses paths with Karn, she is not all that she appears to be. 

Everyone is chasing after the horn of Osius, an ancient artifact with the power to change the world. The lengths to which Karn will go in the name of friendship will be sorely tested. Who knew that solving a riddle could be so deadly? 

The novel includes instructions for playing the board game Charioteers. Visit ThronesandBones.com for additional games, maps, character profiles, and more!

Find it on:   Goodreads  Amazon   Barnes & Noble

Review:
I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

After reading Frostborn, the first Thrones and Bones book, I knew that I had to read Nightborn, the second book in the series. Lou Anders' world intrigued me, and I wanted to see where he would take readers next. Luckily for me, the publisher sent me a copy to review. (Click here to see my thoughts about Frostborn)

Readers can enjoy the second book in the series without reading the first book, but I wouldn't recommend it. Lou Anders sets the foundation of Karn and Thianna's friendship in the first book, and it is the main reason Karn is so adamant about saving his friend, especially since Thianna is very different from Karn.

Nightborn takes readers further away from Karn's home. We discover more of Anders' world, and see different cultures incorporated into the storyline. Readers also learn more of the world's history. There is even a timeline in the back of the book that breaks down the history.

The story opens up with new characters, and an interesting twist to the capture the flag game. Readers learn that this is the "final exam" for the characters, and Dessetra is not going to lose! When graduation comes, she is forced to go on a special mission before truly graduating and joining the Underhand. Karn, on the other hand, is adjusting to his new normal. He's now a local celebrity after the events that happened in Frostborn, and he is stepping up to be hauld of the farm. Too bad he is taken and forced on a mission to retrieve a special item and find his friend Thianna.

Just like in the first book, Karn and Thianna have "bad guys" that they have to defend themselves from. Anders again incorporates mythical characters, this time elves, as key characters in the story. But this time, the dark elves are going after the same horn that Karn and Thianna are.
  
Desstra was my favorite character in the story. She is cunning, and the way she thinks is similar to Karn's way of thinking. Unlike her counterpart, Tanthal who uses the people around him and isn't afraid to hurt or kill them, Desstra shows compassion and mercy. Desstra isn't perfect though. She befriends and then betrays Karn. But when Tanthal tells her that she has to kill him, she finally does what is right, even if it means giving up on her lifelong dream. I look forward to reading about her in the third book and seeing how Anders continues to shape her character.

The story is wrapped up completely by the end of the book, just like in the first book. It ends with the characters setting out to explore more of the world. Thianna hasn't found out the history of her mother, after all. Now she has a worthy travel companion. I am interested to see how important Karn's role will be in the third installment.

Anders created another board game, Charioteers, for Nightborn. Just as he did in Frostborn, instructions, pictures, and rules are included in the back of the book. Readers can create their own board and play just as the characters do.

All in all, Nightborn is an adventurous story that is fun to read. It is perfect for middle graders, teens, and even adults. There is action and mystery.  It shows how true friendship is meant to be.

About author Lou Anders:

Lou Anders's research on Norse mythology while writing Frostborn turned into a love affair with Viking culture and a first visit to Norway. He hopes the series will appeal to boys and girls equally.

Anders is the recipient of a Hugo Award for editing and a Chesley Award for art direction. He has published over 500 articles and stories on science fiction and fantasy television and literature.

Frostborn, which Publishers Weekly described as “thoroughly enjoyable” (starred review), is his first middle grade novel. A prolific speaker, Anders regularly attends writing conventions around the country. He and his family reside in Birmingham, Alabama. 

You can visit Anders online at louanders.com and ThronesandBones.com, on Facebook, and on Twitter at @ThronesandBones



 

Guardians of Terath: Seeking Sorrow cover reveal & giveaway!

Welcome to the cover reveal for Guardians of Terath: Seeking Sorrow by Zen DiPietro! This is a modern fantasy with sci-fi and romantic elements. It is being published by Soul Mate Publishing on March 25 and will be available for preorder on March 14th.

About Guardians of Terath: Seeking Sorrow:
 An earth-like world of high-tech humans faces the reality that their world is not as safe as they thought it was. Five people are thrown together to quietly get to the bottom of an unfathomable mana event that must stay quiet. If the population of Terath becomes aware of the truth, it will spark a civil war. That war would pit the majority of the population against the powerful minority with the ability to harness and manipulate mana. The resulting cataclysm would decimate the population and tear apart the foundation of society.

The five people chosen for this must reconsider everything they thought they knew about mana, even as they learn to trust one another’s abilities. They must embrace everything they never wanted in order to prevent the devastation of their world. One of them will be forever changed. Love will be denied, badassery will be unleashed, and Terath will never be the same. 

Even success comes at a price.

Find it on Goodreads

About author Zen DiPietro:
 Zen DiPietro is a lifelong bookworm, a fantasy/sci-fi writer, a dancer, and a mom of two. Also red-haired, left-handed, and a vegetarian geek. Absolutely terrible at conforming. Particular loves include badass heroines, Star Trek, British accents, baba ganoush, and the smell of Band-Aids. Writing reviews, author interviews, and fun stuff at www.womenofbadassery.com. Very active on Facebook, Twitter (@ZenDiPietro), and Pinterest. You can also find her on Goodreads.

Giveaway:

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Chasing the Prophecy (Beyonders #3)

About Chasing the Prophecy (from Goodreads):
Jason and Rachel were not born in Lyrian. They did not grow up in Lyrian. But after all of the battles and losses, the triumphs and adventures, and most of all, the friendships forged in this fantastical world, Lyrian has become home to them in a way they never could have imagined.

And so, armed now with the prophecy of a dying oracle, they have gone on their separate quests—each surrounded by brave and powerful allies—knowing that the chance for success is slim. But Jason and Rachel are ready at last to become the heroes Lyrian needs, no matter the cost

Review:
This series epitomizes why I sometimes read children's books. It is definitely a story that adults can enjoy (if you can get past how Jason "finds" Lyrian). It is an adventure story that is fast paced. The dialogue is realistic and not "dumbed down" for kids. Just as many adults have enjoyed the Harry Potter series (J.K. Rowling), His Dark Materials series (Philip Pullman), or even The Hobbit (J.R.R. Tolkein), they can also easily fall in love with The Beyonders series.

One reason that this series is so amazing is because of the world that Mull creates.  It is very detailed with the terrain and the various races/species. It is very well thought out and realistic. Mull has the perfect amount of description so readers can easily see his world.The main characters travel throughout the world and interact with different species such as the Displacers, Amar Kabal, Giants (or half giant),

One of the characters that Mull creates that I loved (and hated) is Ferrin. From the moment readers first meet him, you see that he is very charming and can be a bit manipulative. Ferrin has always been the wild card throughout the series. Can we trust him or will he betray us? Ferrin has always looked out for himself and jumps on opportunities where he can benefit. His "friendship" with Jason and Rachel makes him second guess his reasoning and actions. All throughout this book readers continue to wonder which side he is truly on.  With bigger stakes, his actions have a greater impact. Just wait until Ferrin's final scene in the book.  It will have you biting you nails.  He definitely has the power to influence whether Galloran or Maldor will succeed.

I'm pretty decent at figuring out plot twists, but there was so much going on in this book that I had no clue what would happen.  It made the whole story fun. So many unknown factors in Lyrian help shape the story.  Because readers don't know Lyrian history, there's no way we can figure out all of the prophecies in the book.  I love it!

I'm upset that the story has ended.  Mull creates a vivid world with so many different peoples. I loved the different characteristics of each race/species.  The story has a good ending, but I want more of this world.  Hopefully Mull can write a spin off series the features the offspring of Rachel and/or Jason.

About author Brandon Mull:

Brandon Mull is the author of the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling Beyonders and Fablehaven series. Brandon resides in a happy little valley near the mouth of a canyon with his wife and four children. He spent two years living in the Atacama Desert of Northern Chile where he learned Spanish and juggling. He once won a pudding eating contest in the park behind his grandma’s house, earning a gold medal.

Find Brandon Mull: Website   Twitter   Facebook

Eon's Door

About the book (from Goodreads):
The Dark Forest is moving and a horde of bloodthirsty monsters is on the hunt. For the peaceful denizens of Erla, time is running out.

Two thousand years after three clans flee the world of humans through Eon's Door to find sanctuary in a realm called Erla, a prophecy left to them by the ancient race that created the tree portal is coming true. A trusted sage has stolen the portal's key and is using the awesome power that separated the worlds to tear apart the very soul of Nature. The key must be taken back and Eon's Door closed--before it's too late.

Hope lies with a "child of doubt" from the world the clans left behind and the courageous young Erlan who's been sent to find him. Together they must retrieve the key to Eon's Door. It won't be easy; abominations of beasts and trees stand between them and their goal. Even worse, the sage knows the prophecy and is waiting for them.

EON'S DOOR is a fantasy adventure recommended for readers age 12 and up

Review:
I received a free copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

I was eager to begin this story. As a lover of fantasy novels, this held the promise of everything I enjoy reading--a new world, new creatures, quests, and special talents (telepathy). McKenney thought through each of these elements and the result is a wonderful adventure story for kids and teens.

Before the story begins, McKenney provides a map of the Erlan world as well as a list and description of the main characters. This really helps readers to understand the new setting and to keep track of which main characters are part of which clan. Each clan can communicate with different parts of nature--either animals, trees/plants, water/aquatic life, or all three.

McKenney has the ability to paint with his words and allows readers to "see" his world clearly. Characters and landscapes are brought to life. He creates an epic style story where characters must travel to far off places while braving dangerous creatures so they can retreive an artifact--in this case a key-- in order to defeat an evil foe.

Althouh the story is geared to kids/teens (one of the main characters is 12 years old), I would recommend it to older teens due to McKenney's complex writing style and vivid descriptions. Adults will also get a lot out of the story. Fans of J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings series will probably enjoy this story.

About author J.G. McKenney:

For his critically acclaimed breakthrough novel, EON'S DOOR, J.G. (John) McKenney received the 2012 Reader Views Reviewers Choice Award, and was also a finalist for the Eric Hoffer Award. John's fascination with fantasy and adventure began at a young age when he discovered works like THE HOBBIT and THE CALL OF THE WILD. That early love of reading has matured into a need to tell stories that transport readers into worlds full of wonder and enchantment.

Find J.G. McKenney:   Website   Goodreads

The Windgate (The School of Ministry #1)

About the book:
TO CHOOSE, IS FATE!

A young man named Ziv struggles to find his place in life after both of his parents are murdered. Orphaned and alone by the age of six, he bounces in and out of foster homes hopeless and afraid, wondering if he will ever find a path to happiness. He resolves to accept a life of depravity, until one day he discovers he possesses the gift of sight: to see creatures from the afterlife, but not angels...demons!

Ziv is recruited by The School of Ministry, a secret society that promises to help him find his best friend Stephanie, who has gone missing. But there is one catch: he must agree to join them in their quest to eradicate evil and protect the weak. Ziv learns that he is a "Conduit," which allow him to cross over into the spirit world and transcend time itself. When he is partnered with two other young men who have similar gifts, the unlikely trio is trained in the mastery of weapons and the art of Shouting, during treacherous challenges of the tortuous Quad in preparation for their mission: to secure the Windgate. Ziv becomes entrenched in a quest of identity, love, and will, until comes face to face with pure evil itself--Akabod, the spiritual prodigal son to the School of Ministry and a master of talents.

Find it:   Barnes & Noble   Amazon

Review:
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I love how this book mixes the paranormal aspect with christian faith. Some Christian books don't mix well with the paranormal and fantasy type stories that I enjoy, but this one does. It has a good plot line that's original and is filled with lots of obstacles that the main characters must face.

There were a few scenes in the book that needed a little polishing. Some of the transitions from one bit of action to another wasn't smooth. I'd have to flip back and check how they got from point A to point B. For example, they were out of the country on a mission in one scene, then they are entering the facility a couple sentences later. Hardly a mention of the journey back. Luckily, this only happens a handful of times throughout the book.

I enjoyed reading the Quad scenes. (The quad is sort of like a fear landscape that's in the Divergent books, but not quite as taylored to each individual.) The initiates must enter the Quad and go through a series of tests. Some tests range from choosing a weapon (easy) to getting out of a flame filled room (much harder). The tests get more difficult each time an initiate enters the Quad. I enjoyed seeing Cosby's creativity come through during these scenes.

The book has a lot of action mixed all throughout it. The initiates must pass many tests. Some are on location at the facility (like the Quad), but others are off location. The initiates travel quite a bit, and come face to face with various demons. Cosby doesn't go into much detail about what the demons look like, but focuses more on their abilities. I like this because it lets my imagination fill in the blanks.

The main character, Ziv, has a lot of anger in him. Many of his actions (or reactions)stem from his anger. I liked how the author allows Ziv to recognize this and try to do something about it. He has several chances to let go of his anger, but he chooses to hang on to it because his anger is part of him. It's what he relies on to get him through tough times. However, he learns that his anger can be a bit of a distraction that could get him killed. He has to decide if it is worth keeping or if he can finally let it go.

This book is told from Ziv's point of view. Readers will be able to really get to know what motivates him and how he deals with this transition in his life. Ziv interacts with Francis, Jaythan, Mr. C, and Miss Evans, but I want to know more about what's in their heads too. This isn't a criticism at all. Those chatacters all seem to have a little something that they are hiding, and I want to know what they are thinking instead of waiting on when/if their secerets are revealed.

If you want a paranormal book with Christian undertones, then I would recommend this book to you. There's a lot of action and adventure and just a touch of romance that is perfect for teens and adults.

About author Braxton Cosby:

Multi-Award-Wining Author Braxton A. Cosby is a dreamer who evolved from concepts on pen and paper to pixels and keyboards. He tells stories that evoke emotions and stimulate thought. Protostar: Book 1 The Star-Crossed Saga and The School of Ministry: The Windgate are currently two Young Adult series he created. Braxton lives in Georgia with his wife, three children and a troop of crazy African Cichlids

www.braxtoncosby.com www.cosbysconer.com

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Excerpt:
Mr. C. takes a deep breath and spits it out. "It is Stephanie. She's here. We found her."
Time seems to stand still as Stephanie's name rang through my eardrums. My heart rate increases.

"She…Stephanie's here? Well, where is she? When can I see her?" I head toward the door.

"She's safe." Maxwell halts me. "She's being detained in one of the fifth floor containment units where she will be under close surveillance. She is not to come out until we have assured our own safety."

My voice cracks. "What do you mean detained? Is Stephanie considered a threat?"

"She was picked up by one of our scout teams in the northeast. We think she may be involved in witchcraft."

I lean back in my chair, snickering. "Witchcraft? Come on. You've got to be kidding me, right?"

"We would certainly hope not," he warns, not sounding the least bit confident. "But there is only one way to be sure. We have to put her through the Purge."

"No," I scream, as my heart pounds against my chest wall.

"It's the only way to be sure, son." Mr. C. places his hand on my shoulder.

I drop my head, struggling to hold back the tears welling up in my eyelids. "Can I see her?"

"No!" Maxwell's tone scorches my ears. "Unequivocally—no! Not under any circumstances. She must go through the Purge first. Then there will be time to visit her. If she survives, that is."

I storm to the window and look down at the cross. My mind drifts to thoughts of freedom, away from this place: just me and Stephanie, all alone. This is what I came here for—to free her. My hands fist at my sides. She can't go through the Purge. All I want is for things to go right for once in my life. But it hasn't and never will if I don't start dictating back. I didn't want any of this for her. I didn't ask for my family to be torn apart. I didn't ask to be born an orphan. Yet, for some reason, I continue to be a doormat.

I want more than this!

"Ziv," Mr. C. says.

If only I could see her again. Her eyes would tell me the truth.

"Dr. Ethridge will be conducting the interrogation. She will be in the best care. You have my word on that."

A surge of heat pours through my stomach and I ask, "Is that the complete truth?"

"Yes," Maxwell warns, "and don't question the authority at hand. Be mindful to stay in your place."

"Fifth floor, huh?" The words spill from my mouth.

I face Mr. C. and Maxwell, who stand blocking the door. A heap of air gusts from my mouth and I shout, "Sit Down!"
My voice, covered in thunder, explodes throughout the room and bounces off the walls. A small vase on the table shatters, sending ceramic shards everywhere. Mr. C. and Maxwell tremble and collapse to the floor, landing on their backsides before crossing their legs.

I storm past them.

Maxwell reaches out a hand and sarcastically utters, "Nice…technique!"

Breaking to the back corridors, I run to avoid guards. I know I only have a few seconds to spare before Maxwell and Mr. C. are back on their feet. The elevators would be too slow, so I take the stairs, skipping multiple steps as I float down, using the handrails to propel me. The jolts of my knee joints are barely noticeable as I land and quickly pounce to the next level below. As I reach level five, the alarm blares overhead, along with an unfamiliar announcement about some code that I haven't invested enough time in to recognize. I race past a crowd of onlookers before they can identify me, bumping a young man off his feet as I turn the corner and head toward the detainment room.

I fling the doors open, where a pack of burly built men stand waiting for me. They are unarmed, but more than husky enough to take me out with one or two well-placed punches.

Then I would not see her again, wasting this adrenaline filled romp.

"Stand down sir," one of the men yells, pointing a weighty fist at me.

The air is pregnant with potential. I bite down on my bottom lip, straining to hide a smile.

Steady, the words pour out, "Don't you mean," and I shout, "Sit Down!"

All five men stagger and fall to the ground, one at a time like dominoes. I step over them, lifting the set of keys from one of their hands, while I whistle. Pressing forward, I reach the room and insert the key. The swooshes in my chest have suddenly merged, creating one large rhythmic pulsation as I anticipate seeing Stephanie again. I open the door and there she sits, alone on a bench with her head in her hands.

She looks up at me and asks, "Ziv, is that you?"

Her mouth seems to move in slow motion and her voice travels through the air in asynchronous fashion.

"Yes, it's me!" I slam the door behind me.

Thoughts of hugging her transform my brisk walk into a run as I pull her close. The softness of her body is pure kryptonite to me and I melt away like ice. Time stands still as my heart stops and my emotions freeze. I'm not quite sure if it's the safe or something else at work, but my fear and doubt have completely left me. Nothing else matters at this moment—nothing but Stephanie. All those words of truth and trust have been cast aside as well. And it's going to take a miracle to bring them back.

The Wolf's Cry cover reveal

I'm excited to help reveal the cover of The Wolf's Cry by Natalie Crown. This is a YA Fantasy/Alternate World book that releases January 2014. This is the first book in the The Semei Trilogy.

About the Book:

She is his weakness.

And she will ruin everything.

Kammy Helseth's idea of adventure never amounted to more than getting a boat across to the mainland and finally escaping to London. That was until she stumbled through the mouth of the forest into a world beneath our own, the world of the Semei.

Her only wish is to find her way home but when Jamie, her best friend, is taken into this new world of shapeshifters and Crystals she has no choice but to stand up to her fear and to remain beneath the surface. Hunted by Bagor, King of Alashdial, and those that are loyal to him, Kammy finds herself in the company of a group of outlaws led by Jad, a Prince with a bitter past and a similarly bitter demeanour.

They overcome age-old prejudice to find a way to work together. But Bagor knows a secret about the Crystals that threatens to change everything. Kammy and Jad must find a way to thwart the king and to save Jamie, but that is just the beginning. For Kammy is in possession of a Key and the fate of countless lives, both human and Semei, may rest in her hands.

Find the book on Goodreads 

About author Natalie Crown:
I grew up in a village called Swilland, in the countryside of Suffolk, England. There wasn't much around, other than farms and fields, but for the most part I loved it, and I still do. I’m a passionate person by nature. I don’t just LIKE things, I LOVE things. Whether it’s a book, a film, or a sports team. Once I decide to enjoy something, I enjoy it to the MAX.

I’m a terrible cook. I prioritise essential social media work over keeping my flat tidy, because I know best.

Onto my love of reading and, consequently, writing - it was my dad that played a big role in encouraging me to read. He didn't push me towards books necessarily; he simply read a lot himself. Then I would pick up his books and read them after him. I was reading high and epic fantasy from a very young age. I guess that might explain why I have always loved adventure stories with magic and intrigue and princes and princesses in.

I was aware that I wanted to ‘be a writer’ from a very young age. I was convinced I would be the first best seller that hadn't reached double figures in age yet! I wrote about the Danshees, furry creatures that lived through a mirror. I wrote about a Sand Bottle that transported a boy into a world of magic. I wrote about a sick girl finding a music boy that healed her, but transported her back in time. (Wow, I always have loved alternate universes…)

When I was eight I wrote my first novel called The Land of No Return. Despite the title, I am determined to return to it one day. I feel like I owe it to my past self. So, as you can see, I have always been writing. There have been times when I have gone weeks without scratching down a word. Then there are days where I churn out multiple chapters and only my body’s silly desire for sleep and/or food can stop me.

I write because I enjoy it. I write fantasy because I enjoy it. I try my hardest to put something of myself into my writing. I like to think my characters have depth, I like to think that my fantasy worlds reflect upon the real world in some way. You guys will be the judge of that but even if you don't agree I know that I at least try and I can do no more than that.

These days I live in North London and I love it. I work full time and London is a hectic city. Juggling work, writing and a social life is tough but nobody is forcing me to do it so I can't complain. The dream is that writing will be my career one day but it doesn't matter if I never quite make it. I love writing too much to ever pack it in.

I am desperate to get a dog. My mum suspects I miss my cats at home more than I miss her. I am a devout Arsenal/Ferrari/Rafael Nadal fan. I get all mad when confronted with a case of social injustice and then I get all mad when people take the fight for social justice too far. I mostly keep those thoughts to myself and simmer with rage. I watch good TV and bad TV, because I can. What I can’t do is enjoy bad books (subjective opinion of course). I just can’t.

Find Natalie Crown:  Website/Blog    Tumblr   Facebook   Twitter   Goodreads

Giveaway:

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Five Books Turned into Movies Releasing Soon

I love book trailers.  I'll check out book trailers before, during, or after I read a book.  I want to see how the author and publisher view the book.  But even better than book trailers are when they are turned into movies! Most readers wait in eager anticipation of who is selected as the main character, and may even go to midnight screenings just to make sure that the movie holds its own against the book.  (And of course discuss the alterations the movie had that wasn't in the book.) A few movies are coming out within the next few months that I'm looking forward to. Have you read the books? If not, then there is still time! What are your thoughts on these trailers?

The Sea of Monsters (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #2 by Rick Riordan) 
The first Percy Jackson movie was HORRIBLE!!!  It never matched the book. Even worse, it left out the bad guy, and didn't set the film up for the rest of the series. It would be as if the first Harry Potter film were made without the mention of Lord Voldemort.  You can't do that!  Especially when you have a reader fan base. I was surprised to find out that they made the second Percy Jackson movie.  They have a lot of catching up to do. I hope it is better than the first movie.  Needless to say, I won't be watching this at any midnight premier on August 7, 2013!

City of Bones (Mortal Instruments #1 by Cassandra Clare)
This is the first movie in the Mortal Instruments series that is geared to young adults. There will be so many supernatural elements to this film, that I can't wait to see what these creatures will look like.  There will be a ton of action, probably a bit of violence, and a hint of romance. Hopefully it will hold its own against the book. I'm looking forward to this when it hits theaters on August 23, 2013.

Catching Fire (The Hunger Games #2 by Suzanne Collins)
After the success of The Hunger Games, the sequel, Catching Fire, is sure to be just as popular.  I love the curve ball in the second book that has the main characters facing the games' drama all over again. Just hope that the cinematography is better than the first one.  The camera was all over the place in the first movie. Still, I'm eager to see how close to the book they are going to keep this-- and if it will have the same cliff hanger ending that will have fans screaming for the third movie. Are you ready for November 22, 2013 to get here?  I know I am!

The Maze Runner (Maze Runner #1 by James Dashner)
It is still too early for the official movie trailer to be released for this movie, so I have embeded the book trailer for you. This is the Hunger Games meets Lord of the Flies. I'm eager to see how they generate the creatures of the maze and if they will sound like they do in the book.  I don't think the movie will be as scary as the book is, but it will still have fans on the edge of their seats! Look for this one when it releases on February 14, 2014, but you might not want to take a date to this one. It isn't romantic.

Divergent (Divergent #1 by Veronica Roth)
The third book in this book series isn't even out, and the movie for the first book has already begun filming.  Yes, the books are that good!  It's a dystopian novel/movie that is set in futuristic Chicago. There will be tons of action and drama.  There's also a touch of romance.  This will be much anticipated, and will attract the same fan base as the Hunger Games. See my review of the book here. Yes, this will be one that I will want to see at the midnight showing when it releases on March 21, 2014!

Prophecy of the Most Beautiful (Oracle of Delphi #1)

By Diantha Jones

About the book:
She has a destiny so great that even the gods fear her.

Constant hallucinations and the frequent conversations with the voices in her head, have earned eighteen-year-old Chloe Clever the not-so-coveted title of "Whack Job" in her home town of Adel, Georgia. With the onslaught of prescription medications and therapists threatening to push her over the edge, she wishes for a life far away from the one she has, a life where she is destined to be more than the butt of everyone's jokes and mockery.

Be careful what you wish for has never rung more true.

After living through an attack from her worst nightmare, she awakens to find herself far from home, surrounded by glorious riches and servants…and a few demigods who enjoy killing things. Upon learning that her favorite rockstar is an Olympian god, she is thrust into her new life as the Oracle of Delphi, the prophesier of the future, and the great Pythia that the gods have been anxiously awaiting to arrive for centuries. Setting out to fulfill the prophecy she has been given and to keep her family safe from a demigod Princess that wants her dead, Chloe learns of how great she is to become, all the while fighting mythical monsters, evading divine assassins and trying to outwit the ever-cunning Greek gods who harbor secrets of their own. In the hopes of discovering the Most Beautiful and the truth of her destiny, she strives to uncover the mysteries of the demigod Prince who has sworn to protect her with his life…and threatens to win her heart in the process.

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Review:
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

After reading the synopsis of this book, I was eager to start reading it.  I enjoy reading about the Greek Gods because the story can go in any direction.  Diantha Jones took the typical mythology story and put a nice spin on it by telling it from the Oracles' point of view.

The story is very easy to read with natural dialogue and a plot line that flows well. It is enjoyable to read and isn't bogged down with symbolism. It is a very fun and quick read.

Jones takes readers through many different realms and locations. It's fun to discover different areas of her world. I love that the characters had to travel through these realms to fulfill the prophecy, and that any God could interfere and take the plot line on an unexpected journey.

The plot line has characters trying to solve a prophecy.  I loved it when Jones revealed what the prophecy meant.  I was kicking myself in the butt because the answer is so obvious! I'm good at guessing plot lines (Oh, my husband hates watching movies with me because of this!), but I didn't figure out the solution.  Good job Diantha Jones.  I will say, that some astute reader might be able to figure out what the prophecy means.

The only issue I had with the story are the names of several characters.  They were very simplistic and distracted me from the story.  The main character is Chloe Clever, but other characters include Haley Havoc, Twinklewink,  Mystic Mayhem, Dropper, Crystal Chaos and others.

I really want to know Strafford's story.  I want to know what he did to disgrace himself.  Luckily Diantha Jones has given readers his back story in another book. I'm also looking forward to him restoring that honor and pride in future books.  He's a character that I will need to keep my eye on.

This book is geared to young adult readers.  Younger teens, older teens and even adults can enjoy this story.  Readers who enjoy mythology with a hint of romance and some action will enjoy Prophecy of the Most Beautiful.

Giveaway:
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Prophecy of the Author's Genius Contest
Solve the prophecy, win a $25 Amazon Giftcard (must guess the classic book title and author)

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About Author Diantha Jones:

Diantha Jones was born the day thousands of turkeys sacrificed their lives to fill millions of American bellies on November 22 which also happened to be Thanksgiving Day (Her mother says she owes her a turkey). She is a Journalism graduate who wants to be a career novelist (of books, not Facebook posts). When not writing or working, she is reading on her Nook, being hypnotized by Netflix or on a mission to procure french fries.

The Oracle of Delphi fantasy series is her first series. She is also the author of Mythos: Stories from Olympus, a companion series, and there is another fantasy series in the works. She also writes (new) adult fantasy/paranormal romance under the name A. Star. Invasion (An Alien Romance) is her first title released under this pen name. Future releases under A. Star include, the Love & Steampunk series, the Purr, Inc. stories, and more.

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Tour Schedule:
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Seeds of Rebellion (Beyonders #2)

By Brandon Mull

From Goodreads:
After the cliffhanger ending of A World Without Heroes, Jason is back in the world he’s always known—yet for all his efforts to get home, he finds himself itching to return to Lyrian. Jason knows that the shocking truth he learned from Maldor is precious information that all of his friends in Lyrian, including Rachel, need if they have any hope of surviving and defeating the evil emperor.

Meanwhile, Rachel and the others have discovered new enemies—as well as new abilities that could turn the tide of the entire quest. And as soon as Jason succeeds in crossing over to Lyrian, he’s in more danger than ever. Once the group reunites, they strive to convince their most-needed ally to join the war and form a rebellion strong enough to triumph over Maldor. At the center of it all, Jason and Rachel realize what roles they’re meant to play—and the answers are as surprising as they are gripping.

Review:
The first book of the Beyonders introduces you to the world of Lyrian. This second book takes place a few months after the first book ended. Readers are thrust back into the vivid world Mull has created where Jason meets up with some old friends before making many new allies.

In the first book readers know about Jason’s quest right off, but the second book takes much longer to establish what plan/quest the characters will undertake. The result is another tour through Lyrian. Readers get to revisit some places that were in the first book but are also taken to many new places. Readers also learn of the various peoples living in Lyrian and their special abilities. I love how thoroughly Mull thinks through his world.

The book ends with the oracle answering questions each character has, and a prophecy that sets the stage for the third book. It will play an important part in guiding the characters' actions in the third book. Luckily, the third book is out.  You'll definitely want to pick it up as soon as you can to finish the trilogy. Will Jason and his team overcome Maldor?

This book is filled with adventure and a bit of danger. If you like the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan, then the Beyonders series by Brandon Mull is a must read!