Deadly Delicious release week extras!

Today we're excited to bring you the release week promo and cover reveal of the middle grade novel, Deadly Delicious by K.L. Kincy.  K.L. Kincy is a pen name for author Karen Kincy, author of young adult and adult novels.  To make things exciting we have the cover artist, Kirbi Fagan, here to tell us about the creation of the cover of Deadly Delicious!  Deadly Delicious is out now!

About the book:

Twelve-year-old Josephine DeLune can’t take the heat this sweltering summer of 1955, and she was out of the kitchen long ago. An awful cook, she ruins recipes left and right, and she certainly can’t compete with her family’s reputation for extraordinary food. Her daddy’s parents ran one of the best restaurants in all of Paris, but Josephine lives in Paris, Missouri. On her mama’s side, she’s up against a long tradition of sinfully delicious soul food. Rumor has it, her Creole ancestors cooked up some voodoo to make tasty even tastier. Josephine knows the secret ingredient: she comes from a long line of conjure witches with spellbinding culinary skills.

Disenchanted, Josephine works as a carhop at Carl and Earl’s Drive-In. Just plain old hamburgers, hot dogs, and curly fries, nothing magical about them. She’s got bigger fish to fry, though, when a grease fire erupts into a devilish creature who hisses her name with desire. Turns out he’s the Ravenous One, the granddaddy of all voodoo spirits, and he’s hungry for her soul. Josephine thinks he’s got the wrong girl—she’s no witch—but a gorgeous, dangerous night-skinned lady named Shaula sets her straight. Josephine is one of the most powerful witches alive, so overflowing with conjure that her out-of-control cooking simply catches fire. Josephine would love to laugh this off, but Shaula warns her that she must learn to master her magic before the Ravenous One devours her soul.

Spurred into action, Josephine breaks out her grandma’s old conjure cookbook and starts cooking. Nothing grand, just the usual recipes for undying friendship and revenge. But soon Josephine can’t escape the consequences of her conjure. When the people of Paris start turning into zombies with a strange fondness for cake, Josephine looks pretty responsible for their undead reawakening…

Purchase at Amazon, available now for kindle and in paperback!

Creating the Cover by Kirbi Fagan

Painting the cover for the novel started with an email. When I heard the story was set in the 1950's, I knew it would be fun project for me. I'm always eager to paint strong young girls on an adventure. The magical twist of the story was icing on the cake --- pun intended!

Starting an illustration is the most exciting part for me, it is when I feel the most creative. When you have a great story like "Deadly Delicious," feeling inspired isn't hard, the ideas flow. Below is the first scribble of Josephine, drawn while reading the manuscript.

After a many sketches, I worked with Karen (author) to find a sketch that was just right. Flash, the dog in the story, was my favorite character and I knew I had to find a place for him on the cover. 

Next, I grabbed my camera and started shooting the reference material for the painting. I photographed it all. Another illustrator even helped me out and photographed her dog at the angle I needed. Below are few shots of the zombie hands, frosting covered and all.

 

 

A screen shot of a drawing in progress, figuring out Josephine's "look."

 

 

On to the painting. I used both traditional and digital media to create the final artwork. Working digitally allows me to experiment with things I might not have the freedom to do with real paint. The traditional element allows me to create rich colors and real texture.

Now about that type... what a mess! I won't be making a career change to a cake decorator anytime soon...

At last... the cover!

For more information about myself and my work visit www.kirbiillustrations.com or tweet me @kirbifagan

 

 

About author K.L. Kincy:

K. L. Kincy (Kirkland, Washington) loves zombies, though she hopes to meet only the cake-eating kind. Deadly Delicious is her first book for children. She has a BA in Linguistics and Literature from The Evergreen State College.

K. L. Kincy also writes for teens and adults as Karen Kincy.

Find her online at:

www.karenkincy.com

www.facebook.com/KarenKincyAuthor

www.twitter.com/karenkincy

 

Giveaway:

Enter to win one paperback of Deadly Delicious by K.L. Kincy. Open to US only.

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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

Hero For Hire (Tales from Beyond the End #1)

About Hero For Hire
One day her prince would come…disguised as a zombie-killer.

Having been disgraced and tossed out by her own scientific community, Gwyn is convinced she can develop a cure for a SuperVirus that has turned the Infected into zombies. By pure luck and determination, she has survived on her own for years, but while out scavenging, a clash with the local zombies leaves her potentially infected. Now, running out of time, she needs help and takes a chance on a hero for hire.

Rafe loves the apocalypse. Since the world went to hell, everything’s come up roses for him. Having procured a mansion in the Hollywood hills, adopted a slew of homeless boys and one cantankerous but useful Doc, Mr. Charming is benefiting from the nasty zombie infestation. His job? Killing the bastards, which he considers fun anyway.

Gwyn Snow needs Rafe Charming to help retrieve her research from the Paragon Pharmaceuticals lab, also known as Zombie Central. Believing she can yet save the world, Gwyn makes Rafe question what’s right and what’s worth the fight.

CONTENT WARNING: Prince Charming, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves as you’ve never seen them before.

Get it on   itunes    Amazon

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

I decided to read this book because who can resist a fairy tale based story that is mixed with a zombie apocalypse.  I mean, isn't that set up pure book gold?!

The setting of the book should make the whole story very dramatic and serious. Authors Merissa McCain and Margaret Madigan, however, mixed the perfect blend of humor into the story so readers won't be too uptight about the dire futuristic setting. There were some scenes that had you holding your breath as characters battled zombies (what's a zombie novel without fight scenes?!), but the comic relief that came afterward allowed readers to catch their breaths before characters entered another dynamic situation.

The story provided a dual point of view that allowed readers to get in the head of Gwyn and Rafe. The story would have been lacking had the authors decided only to go with Gwyn's version of events.  Plus the story really needed it because the characters do get separated at one point and being in the head of Rafe of Gwyn really keeps the story moving and flowing well. It was a very wise decision by the authors.

My only push back to the story is why did it take Gwyn and Rafe this long to meet? I would think Gwyn would have sought help sooner than she did. I understand the circumstances behind it. She probably didn't have the opportunity until she saw the sign pointing her way to Rafe. She had to expand outward from her little hidey hole to seek supplies. If it were me, I would have tried to find somebody, anybody to help keep me company and to help watch my back. But that's a minor point. I bought into what the authors were telling, and I enjoyed their story.

The story is definitely geared to adults.  There's action, suspense, and some romance. Yes, there is a sex scene in it. It is tastefully written, but might not be appropriate for the young adult audience.

McCain and Madigan have put together a fun and entertaining story that's quick to read and very enjoyable. Don't dig for deep thoughts or themes in this one.  The plot isn't overly complex and the main characters are very fitting for the story. There aren't irrelevant characters that you have to try to keep up with. The best part was you can take their story for what it is--a futuristic version of a memorable fairy tale.  It's Snow White and the Seven Dwarves meets I am Legend.

About the authors:


Merissa McCain
My name is Merissa McCain. I grew up in the African bush, without T.V, and often without electricity. I now live in the deep South, with my very own superhero, and my three minons. Together, we attempt to take over the world. When not otherwise occupied with planning world domination, I love to read, write, drink strong coffee and eat dark chocolate--not necessarily in that order and sometimes all at once. I'm a voracious reader, and will devour any type of good fiction I can get my hands on, but I'm particularly partial to happy endings.

I write with a partner (Margaret Madigan) and on my own. We love to hear from our readers, so please shoot us an email at Merissa.mccain@gmail.com or mmadiganauthor@gmail.com.

Margaret Madigan
Hi. I'm Margaret Madigan. Or M.K.D. Bail, depending on what literary genre we're talking about. I live in the vast Northern Plains where it’s quiet and mostly empty, and very conducive to letting my imagination run wild. As a result, I have difficulty focusing on just one genre of storytelling. Of course, I love romance, so I write a lot of that, but I also write science fiction, a bit of horror, and dabble in other genres just for the fun of it.

When I’m not writing you’ll find me in a college classroom teaching English, or working as a literary agent for an amazing agency…and of course enjoying time with my family.

Giveaway:
Enter to win one of Five Digital Copies of HERO FOR HIRE & Two $10.00 Amazon, B&N or iTunes Gift Cards

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