Monday, February 24, 2014

Fire Country birthday celebration!


Today, Fire Country by David Estes turns one year old. In the first year since Fire Country was born, so much has happened. David signed with an agent, sold more than 10,000 books, wrote five more books and published a further three). He knew he just had to celebrate and he'd love for you to be a part of it! David owes so much of his support to the blogger community, and he wants everyone to have the chance to be a part of the Fire Country Birthday Bash.

Everyone goes home a winner, simply follow the prompts below and swipe your eCopy of Fire Country from Smashwords. Read and leave a review on Amazon if you enjoyed it. Feel free to share the code with your friends, family, neighbours and literary inclined pets.
Coupon Code: WH62C
Expiration: March 1, 2014

What's a party without prizes? Yes, David is not only giving everyone a chance to download their own copy of Fire Country, book one in the Country Saga for free, but he's also giving you stuff too. You could win an Amazon giftcard open internationally, U.S residents can win a signed copy of the David Estes book of your choice, or a handful of David Estes eBooks of your choice. Awesome.

Visit David via his Blog  Facebook • Twitter and via Goodreads
Pay Perry the Prickler a visit on Twitter and Goodreads


Excerpt:
“Why would the Wilds whisper lies in my ear if they’re going to kidnap me anyway?” I ask Circ the first chance I get after leaving Veev’s tent. My voice sounds funny ’cause I’ve pinched my nose shut with my finger and thumb.

Circ laughs at my voice, and then says, “They’re not going to kidnap you, Sie.” I snort, ’cause his voice sounds even funnier with his nostrils clamped tight. My fingers come off my nose for a second and I get a whiff of the blaze pit that sits a stone’s throw to the side. Screwing up my face, I pinch harder, until it hurts. A little pain is better’n the smell.

“I don’t mean me me. I mean hypothetically speaking. If the Wilds were to try to kidnap me”—I look at Circ, trying not to laugh at the sight of his squashed nose—“or any other Youngling girl, why wouldn’t they just grab her from behind, put a hand over her mouth, and carry her away in a tugskin sack?”

“Maybe they’re all out of tugskin?” Circ says, cracking up and losing the grip on his nose. He sticks out his tongue as the foul odor sneaks up his nostrils. The tips of his moccasin-covered feet are touching mine as we sit cross-legged across from each other. We’ve sat this way since we were Totters.

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

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

Thursday, February 13, 2014

The Huntsman's Prey releases today!

About the book:
Rumors abound in Wonderland, of a dark princess named Chrysalis who bears the Moon's curse. Her beauty is beyond compare, and her madness… even greater than her father’s, The Hatter. Death follows wherever she roams, and Danika—fairy godmother of all villains—knows this task is too great for her to handle on her own. She has no choice but to seek out the one they call Huntsman, his mission is simple: Find the creature, and destroy it.

But nothing is ever so simple in Kingdom. The moment the hunter Aeric steps foot in the mad, twisted realm he's enveloped in a reality that is neither wholly true nor fantasy. The key, the Cheshire explains, to ending the madness is for one to become mad themselves. The Huntsman has one chance to figure out the riddle before the beauty destroys them all…

The long anticipated spinoff to the Bad boys series if finally here, the Dark Princess Saga begins with Hatter and Alice's daughter...

Find the book:   Goodreads   Amazon

About Author Marie Hall:
Marie loves books that make you think, or feel something. Preferably both. And while she’s a total girly girl and loves glitter and rainbows, she’s just as happy when she’s writing about the dark underbelly of society. Well, if things like zombies, and vampires, and werewolves, and mermaids existed. (Although she has it on good authority that mermaids do in fact exist, because the internet told her so.)

She’s married to the love of her life, a sexy beast of a caveman who likes to refer to himself as Big Hunk. She has two awesome kids, lives in Hawaii, loves cooking and occasionally has been known to crochet.

Connect with Marie:   Blog    Facebook     Twitter

Excerpt:
The rustling of leaves sounded like the rattling of dry bones. Trees—their trunks twisted and distorted from the magic imbued within the very soil of Wonderland—reached long, gnarly branches out toward Danika.

The stars shone a brilliant silver, winking from within the navy blue sky. A sickle shaped smile of sharp teeth gleamed from inside shadow and somewhere a voice howled. The haunting sound raised goose bumps on her arms and the fine hairs on the back of her neck.

She flew within the shelter of a hollow, staring at the ground below littered with the twisted, distorted bodies of sightless carcasses. Hundreds of dead animals, with limbs torn off and throats ripped open. A brutal slaughter that brought tears to her eyes.

It’d been eighteen years since she’d married off the last of her Bad Five, eighteen years of peace and quiet, eighteen years of being lulled into a false sense that all was well within her world.

But all was not well. She’d suspected this time was coming, had seen a glimpse of the future first time she’d laid eyes on the child. Danika had tried to deny it, tried to wish it away, to hope that desire could stop reality.

Her heart bled to hear the sounds of the lonely, constant cries shuddering through the woods. The teeth returned, floating right in front of her face.

“Cheshire?” Dragonfly wings buzzed softly behind her back.

A face materialized around the teeth, a ghostly distortion of fur and stripes. Then a body followed suit, until finally, a fluffy tabby stared back at her with eyes the color of an inkwell.

“Godmother?” His lazy drawl echoed with laughter. “What are you doing in my woods?”

She scoffed. “Your woods. You wish you fat alley cat. These woods belong to the Hatter.”

Cheshire did a strange rolling shoulder lift while he licked his paw. Danika shook her head, much as she loved Hatter, his woods were one she rarely visited and dreaded staying inside of for too long. The sensuous curl of white fog wrapped itself around the cat’s body, as if he were readying to vanish into the ether once again.

She may not like the cat, but she preferred his company to being alone in this warped portion of Kingdom.

“Have you seen the creature?” she asked quietly, heart thumping loudly as she strained to hear every creak, groan, and whistle surrounding them.

“Mmmm. I have,” he purred, long and loud and low, the rumbling vibrations of it causing his fur to stir and fluff. “Beautiful madness.”

“Where is it?” She hugged her arms to her chest, the howls had stopped, which meant it could now be anywhere. She wanted to leave, wanted to leave now.

“It? You mean she. Do you not?”

She closed her eyes. To think of it as anything other than an it would make this task impossible. Oh goddess, this wasn’t supposed to happen. Not to Alice and Hatter, they’d gone through so much, this shouldn’t have happened. How she wished she had Miriam’s wise guidance once again, her truest and best friend would have known what to do, how to fix this.

“I meant exactly what I said. Where did you see it last?” She lifted her chin, voice stern, refusing to allow an ounce of sympathy to leak into her words.

His smile stretched from ear to ear, full of nothing but sharp, little teeth that made him look frighteningly macabre. An impossibly long tongue licked at the fur around his eyes.

“Silver girds her loins, fire ripples at her feet.”

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Scream For Me releases today!

About the book:
Nothing is deeper than the desire they can’t fight—or deadlier than the evil they can’t escape.

They were only supposed to have a professional relationship, but FBI agent Kyle McKenzie has been fantasizing about his sexy partner, Cadence Hollow, from the moment they first moment. It takes the darkest case of their careers to finally bring their hidden desire bubbling to the surface. Once they’re in each other’s arms, though, they swear that nothing short of death will part them. The Night Hunter—a cunning stalker whose four-state, fifteen-year abduction spree began in Paradox, Alabama, with Kyle’s sister—may be only too happy to oblige.

In the small town, Kyle must confront the painful past he’s been hiding from Cadence. Kyle vows to put the Hunter behind bars…or in the ground. But the one thing that obsesses Kyle more than his sister’s grim fate—his furious love for Cadence—is the weapon the Hunter will use to lure his pursuers into the mouth of a murderous trap.

Find Scream for Me: Goodreads   Amazon   B&N   Books A Million   IndieBound

About author Cynthia Eden:

USA Today Best-selling author Cynthia Eden has written over twenty-five novels and novellas. She was named as a 2013 RITA® finalist for her paranormal romance, ANGEL IN CHAINS, and, in 2011, Cynthia Eden was a RITA finalist for her romantic suspense, DEADLY FEAR.

Cynthia is a southern girl who loves horror movies, chocolate, and happy endings. She has always wanted to write (don’t most authors say that?), and particularly enjoys creating stories about monsters–vampires, werewolves, and even the real-life monsters that populate her romantic suspense stories.

Cynthia’s foreign sales for her books include translations to Japan, Germany, Thailand, Greece, and Brazil. (Back in the day…) Cynthia graduated summa cum laude from the University of South Alabama where she studied Sociology (because people interest her) and Communication (because she likes to write about said people). Cynthia has worked as a college admissions counselor, a teacher, and as an editor. But now, Cynthia is thrilled to be spending her days making up stories.

Find Cynthia Eden:   Website/Blog   Twitter   FB Author Page   Goodreads

Excerpt from Scream for Me:
“We can’t do anything else out here,” she said. “Not tonight.”

She was being so careful with him. Too careful.

“Don’t,” he bit out as he stalked toward her. The others weren’t close enough to overhear, so he could lower his guard and let some of his fury out.

Cadence shook her head. “Don’t what?”

He wanted to wrap his hands around her. To pull her close.

No, I just want to touch her. To feel her.

“Don’t handle me with your damn kid gloves, Cadence.” The words were snapped. “I’m not some victim you have to coddle.”

He’d rolled up the sleeves of his dress shirt—like that had done much good. He was covered with grime and sweat and plenty of insect bites.

I fucking hate summers in the South.

Insects were chirping all around them, and he’d had to dodge snakes in the bushes for most of the evening.

“I never thought you were a victim.” Cadence turned from him and headed for the car.

She knew he’d follow her. Wasn’t he always trailing after her?

Wasn’t he the one who always kept the need in check? The desire he damn well knew they both felt.

After today—after this hell—why couldn’t they turn to each other for some comfort and release? Let that desire burst free?

Replace death with pleasure.


Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Seed of Doubt

About the book:
Caught in a murderous nightmare, businessman-turned-fugitive Connor Bryce flees across the country in a desperate attempt to evade the police, leaving his wife and son behind. With detectives in hot pursuit, Connor must try to clear his name and uncover the truth. But with a war waging in his mind, he grapples with the realization that the impossible may actually be true: there is a battle for his mind. When temptations get blurred, there are no winners.


Find the book: Goodreads   Facebook

Buy the book: Amazon Paperback   Amazon Kindle   Barnes and Noble   B&N Nook

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

Everyone has wished for something that he/she really didn't mean. Driving home from work, you might wish for a cop to pull over the rude driver that cut you off and is now driving erratically down the street (or for that driver to get into an accident). Or you might wish for something to happen to a coworker who just beat you out of a job promotion. Luckily, these things are only errant thoughts and secret wishes. In Robert C. Milton's book, Seed of Doubt, Milton creates a unique story where sometimes what you secretly desire can have unforeseen consequences.

Milton's storyline is original and refreshing. I expected this book to be your run-of-the-mill murder mystery. What I read was a pleasant surprise. There's no way I would have predicted the outcome of this book. Readers know that Bryce didn't show up at Jansen's house and kill him. Later, when he's accused of other crimes, readers know that he didn't actually do them. However, the author implies that there is a chance that his character did in fact commit these wrongs. Is it possible for someone to be innocent and guilty at the same time? In Milton's world, the answer is "yes". How is that possible? Well, you have to read the book to find out!

The writing style is natural and has the perfect mix of dialogue and description. The flow of the story is like a rollercoaster. Readers hold their breathes to see how long Bryce can evade police. Every time the police get close, you wonder, 'How is he going to get out of this?' The story quickly draws readers in and keeps their attention.

The book is very realistic. After reading it a couple nights right before going to sleep, I realized that I couldn't do that every night. I would plan to read for 10 minutes before going to bed. I'd pick up the book and read until Bryce reached a "safe point" in the story. Then I'd look at the clock and way more than 10 minutes had passed. I'd put the book away, but because you can really feel Connor's emotions--the anxiety, pressure, and feelings of being trapped--my heart rate would be elevated. I had to calm myself down before I could relax and go to sleep. Good stories tend to do that--make time disappear and let you experience another person's/character's emotions.

The story incorporates multiple points of view. Since the story entwines many characters' lives, it was smart of Milton to set the story up this way. You have Connor, the police, Connor's wife, and the Mims all with important parts to play. Readers are able to see their thoughts and motives. The depth of each character helps to make all of them feel authentic.

Connor Bryce is very frustrating in this book. At first he runs from police. Stupid man! (But then, I don't know what I'd do if I were in his shoes, so I let him off the hook.) I liked how he told his wife goodbye. Sweet man! He keeps evading police when they catch up with him. Smart man and stupid man! He starts doubting himself and believing that he actually did the things he was accused of doing. Crazy man! Then he mentally beats himself up over all of his actions and poor judgment. Harsh man! Needless to say, I felt a range of emotions for this character. Readers will be able to relate to what he goes through. After all, we have all been guilty of thinking things we'd never admit or take action on. I think he needs to show himself a bit of grace and forgiveness.

This story can be enjoyed by men or women. It has elements of suspense, action, and drama. It also has spiritual undertones to it. The religious aspects don't come across as being "preachy", but it will make readers think. It will definitely stick with readers and have them thinking about it long after the finish it.

Honestly, the first 2/3 of the book are good. The last 1/3 of the book is where it gets even better. Milton decides to give readers some theories or explanations of what is going on. The explanations are difficult for the detectives to accept, and they might be for readers too. These theories are what helps to set this book apart from other mystery books. It's also what readers will remember.

Milton provides a complete storyline that will leave readers satisfied. There are a few very minor details that I wish he would have addressed in the book. First, what happened to Trace Lasser? What are the consequences of his actions? Second, how was it possible that Connor was able to do what he did?  And third, did Connor ever do those things again?

All in all, this is an impressive piece of work from a debut author. It is one that I'd definitely recommend if you want something that will get your heart pounding and your mind racing.

About author Robert C. Milton:
A poet at heart, and influenced by the writings of Stephen Crane and C.S. Lewis, Robert Milton sheds light on the struggles of man in his debut novel, Seed of Doubt.

Born in Nashville, Tennessee, he graduated from Trevecca Nazarene University where he studied Science and Psychology. His poetry book, The Gray in Between, was self-published in 2006. Since then, he’s written two novels and is currently working on his third. An outdoor lover, he enjoys spending time hiking, fishing, and relaxing with friends and family. Robert and his wife, Lorrie Beth, currently reside in Birmingham, Alabama with their two dogs, Joey and Cooper.

Find Robert: Website  Twitter Goodreads

Giveaway:
Enter to win a signed paperback copy of Seeds of Doubt. (Open to US only.)

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Thursday, January 23, 2014

More books to read before they hit theaters

After my first post about five books turning into upcoming movies (see original post here), I decided to write about a few more books turning into upcoming movies. I know I always want to read the book before the movie, so here's your chance to do the same.

Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy #1 by Richelle Mead)
After Twilight series finished, I guess the movie industry wants to cash in on the YA vampire fad. Look for lots of teenage drama--like gossip and backstabbing, and a touch of action. It hits theaters Valentine's Day.




Heaven is for Real (by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent)
Based on a true story where a young boy died, went to heaven, then came back. Over the years, he offered insights to what he saw there. The book is a fascinating, quick read. It should be interesting to see how they make this into the movie.  Comes out Easter 2014.




The Fault in Our Stars (by John Green)
Though I generally love paranormal stories, there were so many positive reviews and comments for TFIOS, that I picked up the audiobook to read (orlisten to) it. Yes, it a serious subject matter (kids with cancer), but it is also a love story that will resonate with many readers and movie goers. Look for it in theaters June 6th. Movie Trailer hasn't been released yet, but here's the publisher's book trailer:


 
 
 Mokingjay (Hunger Games #3 by Suzanne Collins)
The Hunger Games was good, but Catching Fire was much better. The cinematography was steadier than the first book The script was very close to the book, in fact, some dialogue was the exact dialogue from the book. With the popularity of these two movies, you know Mockingjay will have to meet some high expectations. I guess that's why they are splitting Collins' third book into two different movies. Look for Mockingjay part 1 to hit theaters on November 21, 2014! Since the trailer isn't out, please enjoy the book trailer.
 


 
 

BONUS TRAILER:
In my previous post, the Divergent movie trailer hadn't been released. I linked to the book trailer. Now that the movie trailer is out, I thought I'd include it in this post. Can't wait to see it this March!



 

Friday, January 17, 2014

The Defiance (The Brilliant Darkness #2) excerpt and giveaway

DefinaceAbout THE DEFIANCE (Brilliant Darkness, Book 2):
It hasn’t been long since Fennel, a Sightless Groundling, and Peree, her Lofty Keeper, fell in love and learned the truth: the Scourge, and their world, are not what they seem.

Fenn and Peree are determined to guide their people to the protected village of Koolkuna, but first they must convince them that everything they believe is a lie. An impossible task, especially when someone seems hell-bent on trying anything–even animal sacrifice and arson–to destroy the couple’s new bond and crush the frail truce between the Groundlings and the Lofties. Not everyone wants to uproot their lives in the forest, and those who stay behind will be left terribly vulnerable.

Fenn and Peree’s resolve to be together, and the constant threat of the Scourge’s return, push both groups to the breaking point. Unable to tell friend from foe, Fenn must again decide how much she’s willing to sacrifice to ensure the future of the people of the forest.

Only this time, the price of peace may be too high to bear.


*AMAZON BIG DEAL SALE*

FROM 1/17 to 1/23 THE DEFIANCE will be just $1.99

Grab your copy on Amazon

Praise for The Defiance

“Fans of The Scourge, you will not be disappointed with this sequel. The Defiance was thrilling, romantic, and full of surprises. Loved this book!”
– Imagine a World, blog review

“I had very high hopes for this follow-up novel, and Henley DEFINITELY delivers in her sophomore release!”
– Booking It With Hayley G, blog review

Excerpt from THE DEFIANCE:
The morning passes quickly. There was more wood to move into the storeroom in the caves this morning, new stores of salt meat and dried beans to deliver, and our herbalist, Marjoram, told me she has some poultices and teas she wants me to bring in. Marj was underprepared for the accidents and illnesses resulting from such a long confinement last time. She won’t make the same mistake again.

There’s plenty of space in the storeroom—it was almost empty by the time we left the caves after the Reckoning. It’s an easy job to stow the supplies neatly along the natural stone shelves. My stomach rumbles, anticipating a midday meal, as I cross the cavern to the storeroom carrying the second-to-last load of wood. Even the lingering stench of crampberries doesn’t deter my appetite.

“Fennel.” The word whispers across the cave.

I freeze. “Who’s there?”

“Stay away from the Lofty. Groundlings and Lofties aren’t meant to be together. You’ve been warned.”

I can’t tell anything about the speaker—man, woman, their age. But quiet as the person’s words are, it’s hard to miss the implied threat. I drop most of the wood, keeping one thick log as a potential weapon. The person is between the passage out and me.

I hold the log firmly in front of me, trying to tame my wild breathing so I can hear. Fear strangles my thoughts. An indefinable amount of time passes. Finally wrestling the courage to move, I step forward, keeping the log at the ready.

And I cough.

The air is wrong, and not simply human-waste wrong. Something else. There’s light where there shouldn’t be, and . . . smoke. That’s what I’m tasting and smelling.

There’s a fire in the passageway, and it’s blocking my way out. Terror doesn’t steal through me. It rips my head off.

agAbout author A.G. Henley:
A.G. Henley is the author of the BRILLIANT DARKNESS series. The first book in the series, THE SCOURGE, was a finalist for the 2013 Next Generation Indie Book Award.

A.G. is also a clinical psychologist, which means people either tell her their life stories on airplanes, or avoid her at parties when they’ve had too much to drink. Neither of which she minds. When she’s not writing fiction or shrinking heads, she can be found herding her children and their scruffy dog, Guapo, to various activities while trying to remember whatever she’s inevitably forgotten to tell her husband. She lives in Denver, Colorado.

Find A.G. Henley:   Website  Twitter   Facebook   Pinterest   Goodreads


Giveaway:
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