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:

$40 Amazon Gift Card (INT)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This cover reveal was organized by CBB Book Promotions.  

Earthman Jack vs. The Ghost Planet (The Earthman Jack Space Saga #1)

About the book (from Goodreads):
Jack Finnegan only has to worry about dealing with school bullies, suffering through detention with his homeroom teacher, and getting noticed by the girl of his dreams... at least until an army of evil aliens invade Earth. Suddenly, this teenage slacker finds himself at the center of a galaxy-spanning conflict - where the lives of everyone on the planet are in jeopardy, soldiers use Quantum Physics to become superheroes, and the enemy uses some mysterious form of magic to make themselves practically unstoppable.

The secret to ending the conflict and saving the universe may lie in a powerful ancient spaceship, which it seems can only be flown by Earthmen. Now, Jack and a rag-tag group of allies must overcome impossible odds, defeat an unkillable enemy, rescue the princess of the galaxy, and save the universe from a threat more terrifying than any it has ever faced.

Can this underachiever rise to the occasion and become the hero Earth needs? The fate of all life in the galaxy may rest in his hands.

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

I'll be honest, after reading the blurb, I was interested in the story, but reading the author bio, I knew I had to read this book (see bio below).  I mean, if you're that creative in you bio, then I know you should have loads of goodies in your book. In Earthman Jack vs the Ghost Planet, author Mathew Kadish didn't disappoint. It is an original story and is edited very well.

The story is told through multiple points of views. Thank goodness because many characters are split up from each other. They must overcome their own obstacles then meet back up as a group. I loved the multiple points of views-- especially the deathlord supreme's. The multiple points of views add depth to Kadish's story and really move the plot along.

The plot is well thought out. It is loaded with impossible situations that characters must overcome. As you read, you are constantly wondering how Kadish will allow his characters to escape. Many of his solutions are imaginative. They are not obvious solutions. (I mean, is there an obvious solution to escaping an alien death pit with no doors?) It is interesting to read.

The story reminds me of Men in Black meets Star Wars, but a different plot of course.  There's no "force" and there isn't much space fighting (although there is some space fighting). A lot of the story takes place on Earth, on the deathlord mothership or Ghost Planet.

This is basically a space opera, so it has lots of melodramatic adventure, while travelling (or jumping) through space. There are a lot of elements, so make sure you have plenty of time to sit down and read. The chapters are long, and it's about 564 pages. I thought I could read it in a few days, but it took me much longer than anticipated. It's worth the time, but just be prepared.

This is the first book in a series, so although this main story is resolved, there are still elements left unfinished. I think Kadish is holding Earth hostage. We have to read the rest of the series to get our planet back!

Wise advice in Earthman Jack (quotes from the book):
Kadish gives readers (and his character's) useful advice. Here are some that are noteworthy...

"Family is what you make of it. You don't have to be related to people for them to be family. They just need to love you, and you just need to love them back. It's that simple."

"There are people out there that believe life is just something that happens to them. That they have no control over the events and circumstances they find themselves in. But the truth is, we are the ones who shape the lives we live. We are the ones that allow good things and bad things happen to us. By taking responsibility for our actions, we are able to make our lives better. When we play the victim, we allow out lives to be miserable. If you can take responsibility for yourself, decide to make your life better - and take action to that effect - then you are the master of your own destiny. And when that happens, you are capable of great things."

"...Live life in fear, running away- or live fighting for something greater than self."

About author Matthew Kadish:
Matthew Kadish is an independent author and world-recognized evil genius. When he isn't writing or being evil, he enjoys relaxing at the beach and videos of puppies. Much like Scottish cuisine, most of his literary works have been based on dares. He currently lives in Las Vegas and always bets on black, because Westley Snipes has yet to steer him wrong in life. He is the most talented author ever. His mother tells him so every day.

Find Matthew  Website   Twitter  Facebook

Devour

By Andrea Heltsley

About the book (from Good Reads):
He wasn’t supposed to remember.


Callie is a royal vampire. She hunts by taking the blood from her victims and erases their memories afterwards. She goes undetected until a victim named Chase approaches her with all his memories intact. He is intrigued and attracted. She is terrified.  What happens when a human mixes with the immortal world? Chaos.

Callie’s 18th birthday has passed and she is coming out at the annual blood ball. Will she find a mate or will she suffer the repercussions of her indiscretion? She is brought to the Vampire council and they must decide what to do with Chase. Do they kill him, or turn him to protect their secret?

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

The summary drew me in and made me want to read the book.  Royal vampires, a possible love triangle, and a mortal that finds out about the paranormal world. This story could have gone several different directions. There could have been action, romance, betrayal, lots of drama and more. Heltsley took a more traditional route though. She amped up the romance portion and played down the action. It made for a decent story.

Heltsley's writing style is easy to read. She does a good job of letting readers know everything Callie is feeling. There's love for Cody and stress/worry over what she and her family are going to do with Chase.

I really like that Heltsley gave Callie a good friend, Jane. She's someone who doesn't mind helping her friend out of a bind.  Plus she doesn't judge Callie.  But then again who wouldn't mind taking over your best friend's HOT snack! You can tell that Jane plays an important part if Callie's life.  I wouldn't mind reading about what happened once Chase was changed from Jane's perspective.

Only thing that bothered me was how quickly Callie and Cody jumped into being "married".  Heltsley does a good job explaining that they are true mates, but it still seemed so fast.  Callie went from being adamantly against finding a mate to quickly picking Cody and starting the process that night.  Even though they knew each other for years, there was no dating. Heltsley tried explaining it-- that Callie wanted to make her parents proud, and the only way to get herself out of the Chase situation was to find a mate. I guess I would have tried to find another alternative, and since Callie isn't like me, I found it difficult to buy into her mindset.

There wasn't too much romance.  There was a lot of kissing and a bit of exploring, but even when they  consummated their marriage, Heltsley discreetly wrote about what happened.  Nothing too naughty.  It won't make your face blush. Very appropriate for the young adult audience.

Readers who love a good vampire story will enjoy Devour.  If you enjoy romance, then you will like this too.

The False Prince

By Jennifer Nielsen

The False Prince is the first book in the Ascendance trilogy. I picked up the audiobook to listen to as I traveled for work. Narrators can help or hurt an author’s story, and luckily this narrator did a wonderful job bringing Jennifer Nielsen’s characters to life. He enhanced an already great story.

After the royal family is killed, a nobleman, Connor, creates a plan to find the king’s long lost son to prevent civil war in the kingdom. Instead of finding the real prince who everyone assumes is dead, he recruits four orphan boys who are trained and who must compete for the chance to impersonate the prince. One boy, Sage, is defiant and constantly rebels against Connor’s wishes. He knows that Connor only wants to control the fake prince. Sage doesn’t want to be a puppet, but his other option is to be killed. In Connor’s world everyone has secrets, but one secret will change everything Connor has worked toward.

Nielsen does a wonderful job setting up Connor’s false prince plan. She does an even better job using Sage to point out any flaws in the plan. It seems Sage is always one move ahead in every aspect of the story. He’s a character that knows the rules of the game, but chooses to play by his own rules.

The story line isn’t exactly sequential. Nielsen leaves gaps in the storyline and later goes back and fills them in. At first it was a little jarring. I wondered why she didn’t let readers in on information while it was occurring (examples: sword, knife, rock), but later in the story Nielsen reveals more background information about certain characters and her reasoning falls into place.

Nielsen’s writing is both simple and complex at the same time. Her style is very natural and easy, but her plot line is more intricate. She peels back the layers of Sage’s personality and life a little at a time and allows readers to better understand Sage. She also patiently sets up the story for her plot twist. Will some readers figure it out, yes, but others will be caught way off guard.

At times I loved and hated Sage. His arrogance and indifference were a bit off putting. Thankfully he has several redeeming qualities. He has a compassionate heart and honors his promises. He doesn’t take kindly to cruelty. Readers will be rooting for him to win and become the prince.

The False Prince is a wonderful family story that kids and adult can enjoy. It is a brilliantly written story filled with deceit, action, and danger. Readers who liked The Beyonders series by Brandon Mull will definitely want to read The False Prince.

I definitely want to check out the sequel, The Runaway King, when it comes out March 2013.

Check out the book trailer!