King

 

King by R.J. Larson Fantasy Meets the Old Testament in a Novel That Will Reach Readers of All Ages. Against his wishes and desires, Akabe of Siphra has been chosen by his people to be King. But what does a warrior know of ruling during peacetime? Guided by the Infinite, Akabe seeks to rebuild the Temple in the city of Munra to give the sacred books of Parne a home. But dangerous factions are forming in the background. To gain the land he needs, Akabe must forsake the yearnings of his heart and instead align himself through marriage to the Thaenfall family. Meanwhile, Kien Lantec and Ela Roeh are drawn still closer together...while becoming pawns in a quest to gain power over the region. As questions of love and faith become tangled with lies and murderous plots, each must seek the Infinite to guide them through an ever more tangled web of intrigue and danger.  

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 [Akabe, Siphra's king, meets Ela of Parne.]  Her prophet’s staff in one hand, Ela stood with her two formidable chaperones just beyond the fringe of her makeshift canopied study area. Akabe eyed the prophet’s staff. The branch, Ela called it. An ordinary-seeming piece of vinewood. But he’d seen that branch glow like fiery-white metal, illuminating Ela’s dark hair and eyes with the Infinite’s power.
Healing her of fatal wounds.
Now the image of a model Siphran, Ela bowed. When she looked up at Akabe, her big brown eyes shone, serene. She appeared, for all of Munra, to be nothing more—or less—than a lovely young lady in a flowing tunic and embroidered mantle. Yet Akabe knew better than to be lulled by her delicate appearance. Strengthened by the Infinite’s Spirit, this girl felled kingdoms.
Never, for as long as he lived, did he wish to become a target of this prophet’s warnings.

Author R. J. Larson R. J. Larson is the author of numerous devotionals featured in publications such as Women's Devotional Bible and Seasons of a Woman's Heart. She lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with her husband and their two sons. Prophet marks her debut in the fantasy genre.

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Branded Tour and Review

Title: Branded

Author: Abi Ketner & Missy Kalicicki

Release Date: June 28, 2013

Genre: Mature Young Adult, Dystopian

Reveal Host: Lady Amber's Tours

Twenty years ago the Commander came into power and murdered all who opposed him. In his warped mind, the seven deadly sins were the downfall of society. He created the Hole where sinners are branded according to their sins and might survive a few years. At best.
Now LUST wraps around my neck like blue fingers strangling me. I’ve been accused of a crime I didn’t commit and now the Hole is my new home.

Darkness. Death. Violence. Pain.

Now every day is a fight for survival. But I won’t die. I won’t let them win.
The Hole can’t keep me. The Hole can’t break me.
I am more than my brand. I’m a fighter.
My name is Lexi Hamilton, and this is my story.

Review

What an intense ride!  The story starts out with a young girl getting ready to kill herself.  We find out later why.  But progresses rapidly for a fight for survival.  Branded is a dystopian novel, and if I was to tell the truth, I'd hate to have to live in that world.  Where you are guilty and can never be proven innocent.  Not a good world to live in at all.

Character creation was fairly well done!  I must be honest here and say that the main character was just a little bit of a weakling for me.  A lot of time is spent telling you how strong she is going to be, but it isn't shown very much.  Unless you count her strength at love.  She has a very strong moral compass and does stand by her own thoughts and choices. 

The concept behind the story where a person is placed in "the Hole" and "Branded" due to committing one of the seven deadly sins sucked me in.  But the story is far larger than just that.  Lies, Deception, Hidden Agenda's, and Friendship all are of equal value in this book.  And I felt that the story had a ton of potential and paths it could take.

This book is a very quick read!  It will keep you flipping pages, and it is a very rapid paced book.  The story itself progresses along fairly quickly. But I must say that even with that, I felt that the ending should have been a bit more.  I still give the book 4 stars, and I do recommend the book to anyone who likes this genre of books.  If the ending wasn't so rushed I honestly would have given it 5 stars.  But the absolute speed at which what happens, happens is just far too distracting.  And it felt a tad bit disjointed for me.

As I said all in all I give this book 4 stars and I will read the next book simply to find out what happens next with Cole and Lexi.  I do offer one little piece of advice to the Author, don't rush the endings as much because it makes it feel off, and don't say someone is something that they aren't.  Show me how strong Lexi is, don't just tell me she is strong.

Details/Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for free for my honest review.  This free book held no determination on my final review.

Purchase Link: Branded (A Sinners Series)

Abi Ketner Is a registered nurse with a passion for novels, the beaches of St. John, and her Philadelphia Phillies. A talented singer, Abi loves to go running and spend lots of time with her family. She currently resides in Lancaster, Pennsylvania with her husband, triplet daughters and two very spoiled dogs.

Melissa Kalicicki received her bachelor’s degree from Millersville University in 2003. She married, had two boys and currently lives in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Aside from reading and writing, her interests include running and mixed martial arts. She also remains an avid Cleveland sports fan.

Abi and Missy met in the summer of 1999 at college orientation and have been best friends ever since. After college, they added jobs, husbands and kids to their lives, but they still found time for their friendship. Instead of hanging out on weekends, they went to dinner once a month and reviewed books. What started out as an enjoyable hobby has now become an incredible adventure.

Links:
twitter @abiandmiss.com 

website and blog www.abiandmissy.com

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AbiandMissy

goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17402117-branded

Book Trailer

 

Chasing Invisible Tour and Review.

From award winning children's author Karen Pokras Toz comes the contemporary adult novel

Chasing Invisible

Could you handle life in the spotlight?

Julia Alexander is a quiet girl from a small town. Content to spend her days with her small group of friends and a pile of books, Julia thinks her future is set. When she unexpectedly meets Chase, a fellow college student and budding musician, she is unaware of just how drastically things are about to change. 

Suddenly thrown into the limelight, her life is no longer her own. Relentlessly followed by the paparazzi, Julia is forced to make tough decisions about fame, love, family, and relationships. But just how much will Julia have to sacrifice to become invisible...

Buy at Amazon

Review

Chasing Invisible is an interesting story.  Chase and Julia are in love, the romance between the two is slow moving but believable.  What happens next is something most people seem to forget about, the price of fame.  Chase is so involved in his career that he falls prey to everything the music industry is known for.  Meanwhile Julia is trying to have her own career and the paparazzi seem to just be everywhere and into everything.

The book itself is a slow but steady read.  There were points that for me dragged on just way too much but all in all the overall story itself was a good one.  The characters were believable and well written.  The dialogue was at times boring and at times very entertaining and interesting.  

For me I give this book 3.5 stars.  Now that does not mean I didn't enjoy it, it just means that I wouldn't re-read the book.  I liked the story, I liked the plot development, and while I hated the ending, I actually expected it.  All in all,its a very good story and I do recommended the book for someone who enjoys the slower paced stories.

Details/Disclaimers:  I received this book for my honest review. The free book held no determination on my final review.

From A Dead Sleep Tour

Publisher: BQB Publishing  (June 25, 2013)
Category: Thriller/Suspense
Tour Date: June 24th-July 19th
Available in: eBook,  398 pages

Few residents in the small, secluded mountain town of Winston, Colorado, have kind words to say about Sean Coleman. He’s a bully, a drunk, and a crime‐show–addicted, armchair detective with an overactive imagination. After a night of poor judgment, Sean finds himself the sole witness to the unusual suicide of a mysterious stranger.

With the body whisked away in the chilling rapids of a raging river, no one believes Sean’s account. Tormented over the doubts and mockery of the people of Winston, Sean embarks on a far‐reaching crusade that takes him across the country in search of the dead man’s identity and personal vindication. At the end, he hopes to find redemption and the truth—but sometimes the truth is better left unknown. There are times when the truth invites evil. There are times when the truth can get you killed.

“Some writers are thoughtful. Some have style. John Daly has both. When I read his work, it’s time well spent.” – Bernard Goldberg, New York Times bestselling author of ‘Bias‘.

Review

Wow this book will keep you on the edge of your seat.  The character is very well written and he not what you will expect.  The story takes twists and turns that you just simply won't see coming.

This is a very exciting mystery and you won't want to put it down.  And I must say again how much I liked the characters and how they develop along with the story.

John Daly's writing style is a refreshing one.  And I must say that when I finished reading this book I wanted to read more by this Author.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written mystery, full of suspense and drama.  Grab this book before it is even released.  You won't be sorry!

Details/Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for my honest review from the Author.  This free book held no determination on my final review.

About John Daly:

A lifelong Coloradoan, John Daly graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a degree in business administration and computer information systems. He spent the next fifteen years developing accounting software and Internet-based workflow collaboration solutions.

With a thirst for creative expression that went beyond the logic and absolutes of computer programming, John developed an interest in writing. His early work included newspaper editorials and film and television reviews for entertainment websites. He later became drawn toward more substantive commentary on world events. He currently writes political, cultural, and media analysis columns for the website of Bernard Goldberg, former CBSNews journalist and The New York Times bestselling author.

John felt compelled to take his writing to the next level after watching a television interview with former NFL football player, Tim Green. Inspired by Green’s career transition from a professional athlete to an accomplished author, John found the motivation to begin work on his first novel, From a Dead Sleep.

From a Dead Sleep is the story of a profoundly flawed man who witnesses a tragic event that no one else believes, and that man’s quest for the truth and redemption. The mystery novel unfolds in the dense mountain ranges of Colorado where John has spent much time camping, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors.

John lives in Greeley, Colorado, with his wife and two children. You can visit John’s website at johndalybooks.com or fromadeadsleep.com.

John on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnDalyAuthor
John on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JohnDalyBooks

Pre-order From a Dead Sleep:

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Giveaway is for one signed print copy, open to the U.S. 

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Evan Elemental Blast

 Title: Evan Elemental

Series- Evan Elemental Book # 1

By-Crystal Groszek

Publication Date- May 3, 2013

Genre- Paranormal Fiction/Romance

Seventeen-year-old Evan O’Fion has it all: excellent grades, shining extracurriculars, and a loving family that wants nothing but the best for her. The problem is, something is missing. For as long as she can remember, there’s been a hole inside of her that she can’t quite fill, not with drugs, or drinking, or mosh pits. It’s a hole too deep to fix and it’s slowly consuming her.

Dancers and Divas Review

Today I have something extra special for you.  I have my review of Passion and Pain by Kathy Petrakis.  Now I must warn you, that the review will take time to load. It IS graphic intense!  But I felt it was the best way to express how I felt for this book!  So give it time to load and ENJOY!!!!  If you love the Performing Arts as much as I do, I'm sure you will enjoy my take on this fabulous book!

First here is the Book Information!

Contains mature content - recommended for ages 15+ 

Does passion and desire guarantee success? Can friends really be trusted? Can true love be found beneath lust and deceit? 

These are questions tenacious street dancer Elena Martinez faces as she struggles to compete against the most talented students at New York’s top Performing Arts High School. Along with her best friend, the carefree and mischievous Sebastien Duval, they are determined to make center stage. 

But the singing diva Letitia has other plans. Beautiful, talented and popular, her desire for revenge could ruin everything for Elena and Sebastien. Now, they must fight against prejudice, treachery and deceit as Letitia sets out to destroy Elena’s friendships, her romance, her dignity and her dreams. Can Elena win the battle for true love, happiness and success?

Buy Link

Passion and Pain (Dancers and Divas)

Continue on for my Review: remember to allow time for it to load!

Southern Haunts: Spirits That Walk Among Us Tour and Review

From the shadowed realms of the paranormal comes 16 chilling tales that dwell in the South and South West. Resurrected in your very hands are stories that will make you laugh, ponder, and shiver as the reader is introduced to spirits that are humorous, saddened, and vengeful. From 16 authors, learn of haunted homes, buildings, landmarks and roads where restless entities from beyond the grave desire acknowledgement amongst the living. Become acquainted with the aftermath of an eclipse that awakens the dead in a Memphis cemetery, see what horrors dwell in the woods at Hell's Gate, learn the dark secrets of Sidney's Cotton, and dare to travel down Ghost Road. These and many other tales are sure to keep you awake as you are introduced to what makes the South and South West so unique.... History and GHOSTS!!!!! So, sit back, dim the lights and prepare yourself to face the spirits that walk among us

Southern Haunts: Spirits That Walk Among Us

Review

What a fun little anthology.  I personally wouldn't consider this scary by any stretch of the imagination, however it was still fun to read all these wonderful authors.  The book begins with Ghosts and continues on with so many wonderful tales that it will keep you reading.  

It has wonderful short stories within these pages, and while some are more entertaining than others, it will keep you entertained.  As someone who loves to visit spooky old houses, and who has been to some of the most haunted places in the USA, I must say this has something for everyone.

If you are looking for a deep horror then this is not the book for you.  But if you are looking for some spooky stories that would even be suitable for the younger reader then this book is perfect.  I even read a few of these out loud to my 10 year old son.  He loved them, and no nightmares from them either.

Great little shorts in a bundle.  So go grab yourself a creepy book in plenty of time for Halloween!

Details/Disclaimer: I received this book for free for an honest review.  This free book held no determination on my final review.

Hearken Tour!

Today, I have something special for you. I have a brand new book by the AMAZING Kristen Day!  Yes I know her Daughters of the Sea was "supposed" to be a trilogy but that trilogy grew and we have a new book in the series!  Yes You read correctly it isn't a trilogy it IS a SERIES!!! So here is the cover and a bit about the newest book.  I've also given you links for the first three books, yes they are that good.  And my review of them to refresh your memories about what I thought of this series...  Now I have to wait patiently for this book to get into my hands.... Yeah I know Patience and I are NOT friends... Oh Kristen I need this book ASAP!!! :)

Title-Hearken

Series-

Daughters of the Sea Series # 4

By- Kristen Day

Expected Publication Date-September 17th, 2013

Blurb-

Sometimes our souls hear what our minds and hearts refuse to accept. It will whisper its continuous cadence until we're strong enough to glimpse the truth. When the soul's whispers morph into screams, we're forced to gaze into the mirrors of time and see ourselves for who we really are. Would you be able to handle what gazes back?

Links-

Hearken on Goodreads

Forsaken (Daughters of the Sea Trilogy #1) 

Awaken (Daughters of the Sea Trilogy #2) 

Chosen (Daughters of the Sea #3)

Moonlit Tour and Review

Tour Schedule

Eighteen-year-old Tanzy Hightower knows horses, has grown up with them on Wildwood Farm. She also knows not to venture beyond the trees that line the pasture. Things happen out there that can’t be explained. Or undone. Worse, no one but she and the horses can see what lurks in the shadows of the woods.

When a moonlit ride turns into a terrifying chase, Tanzy is left to question everything, from the freak accident that killed her father to the very blood in her veins. Broken and confused, she turns to Lucas, a scarred, beautiful stranger, and to Vanessa, a charming new friend who has everything Tanzy doesn’t.

But why do they seem to know more about her than she knows herself?

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WiDo Publishing 

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Fabulous and FUN!!!!  I must say as someone who absolutely LOVES Horses, I had an immediate love for Tanzy.  Her love of horses matches my own.  Tanzy has had it rough, her mother is drinking a LOT, her father passed away, but his body has never been found.  And this is what we find out in the first chapter!

Now besides the beautiful and magnificent horses, gosh how I miss riding, we have the entire Paranormal aspect.  And boy is this one stupendous adventure!  I loved how the Author did the path that Tanzy has been a part of unknowingly of course.  And talk about you will NEVER believe who the good guys and bad guys are!  

For a first novel this not only is a wonderful piece of writing but is well developed, kept me flipping pages rapidly, and kept me up late, late, late into the night.  You never know who to put your trust in, in this book! And that is one thing I loved about this book!

Character creation is fabulous, Tanzy is a strange mix but I fell in love with her.  I kept bitching at Tanzy to stop being such a fool about certain things, I can't go into here, but suffice it to say she didn't listen.  They never do *sigh*.  

This book is a great story, an amazingly vivid writing style completes the fabulous plot.  I truly cannot wait to read more from this very talented author!  5 stars is the best I can give so that is exactly what I give this tremendous book!

Now not being known for my patience I must say here that this book DOES leave you wanting... no, no YEARNING for more!  So I must say that I truly hope that Jadie Jones gets book 2 into my greedy little hands ASAP!!!! *hint hint*  Yes I am more than willing to read and review book 2!

Details/Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review.  This free book held no determination on my final review.

 “Tanzy! Phone for you,” Dana calls from down the barn aisle.

“Who is it?” I ask as I approach her.

She shrugs. “He didn’t say. Just that it was important.”

He? What he would be calling me? The last man that called for me was a police officer who’d found my mother babbling incoherently by a water fountain in town a few months back. I hope she didn’t try to drive somewhere again. I thought I hid her keys pretty well this time.

“You got a boyfriend you need to tell me about?” Dana teases before she hands me the phone.

“Right. When have I ever had time for one of those?”

She gives me a playful swat before moving back to the center of the riding ring.

“This is Tanzy,” I say into the receiver. No one answers, but I can tell that someone is still on the other end. “Hello?”

“Be careful today,” a man’s voice whispers. The gravelly sound makes my ears hot and stirs at something under my ribs.

“What’s that supposed to mean? Who is this?”

“Just please be careful. It’s an important day,” he repeats. His deep voice is thick with urgency. “I need you to be careful. I need you…”

“Who is this?” Is this some kind of joke? The restraint it takes to keep myself from yelling makes my words come out like a growl. Immediately, the line goes dead. I glare at the beeping receiver and then hang it up.

“Who was it, Tanzy?” Dana calls from the arena.

“Wrong number. Is Molly coming for her nine o’clock lesson?” I ask, changing the subject before she can tell that I’m lying.

Georgia native Jadie Jones first began working for a horse farm at twelve years old, her love of horses matched only by her love of books. She went on to acquire a B.A. in equine business management, and worked for competitive horse farms along the east coast. The need to write followed wherever she went.

She currently coaches a hunt seat equitation team that competes in the Interscholastic Equestrian Association, and lives with her family in the foothills of north Georgia. When she's not working on the next installment of the Moonlit series, she is either in the saddle or exploring the great outdoors with her daughter. Moonlit is her first book.

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Blog Tour Giveaway 

 $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 

6/21/13 

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Playing Hooky Tour and Review

SYNOPSIS

Valentine’s Day.

And my 21st birthday.

Whoop-de-doo.

Just another college day full of classes and more homework than is humanly possible.

…until Jason, my best-friend-since-kindergarten, shows up to take me out for the day.

Like old times: the two of us on a wacky adventure, playing hooky from real life. With his lopsided grin and tickets to a circus full of misfits and monsters, he introduces me to a whole new world—one full of magic and mystery—and turns my reality upside down.

Except nothing goes as planned, and we end up running through the city to find a missing siren before someone brews a love potion with her blood.

Sirens and love potions, witches and elves, and Valentine kisses. Nothing will be the same for me again.

Review

When I started this book, I wasn't sure what to expect. But what I found was a fun filled jaunt through the paranormal. The story itself is a very quick read. The book starts out simple enough, girl (Emma) secretly in love with the boy (Jason), meanwhile boy is secretly in love with the girl.

It's Emma's Birthday, and Jason is going to take her out on her yearly birthday adventure. From here this book turns from your oh so typical romance into an adventure of hilariousness. Unicorns, Sirens, Manticores and a very magical circus all lead us into a world of the paranormal.

Now this book was fun with a capital F. But sadly I can't give it 5 stars. And I will tell you why that is, first of all the books entry into paranormal doesn't surprise Emma at all, for me that is totally unrealistic of a response to seeing real live Unicorns. I personally wouldn't accept that so quickly. But we will suspend belief for the moment that she really did respond like this. Within a chapter I knew who the culprit was who stole the Siren. AND just as I was totally absorbed in the story suspending belief and accepting that I knew who the thief was, BAM the book ended.

I never found out what Jason was, I never found out if they wind up together or not. Now mind you this is a fabulous book for what it is. I am assuming that this book is the first in a series, and I'm hoping that the next book gives me some closure. All in all, I give it 4.5 stars and I do recommend this book for a quick read and for the entertainment value.

Details/Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book for my honest review. This free book held no determination on my final review.

LINKS TO PURCHASE OR FIND THE BOOK

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Goodreads



EXCERPT

I’m left alone in the apartment’s tiny entryway with Jason.

“Emma,” he says, stepping closer, his head leaning down toward me. He is way too close, and I remember I’m not dressed.

Tall with wide shoulders, Jason is muscular from hard labor (construction and welding) and athletic adventures (kayaking and mountain biking). The perpetual scruff movie stars work hard to perfect shadows his jaw, and his tousled black hair kept short. He cuts it every week because it grows too fast, like at least a half inch a day. With the hazel green eyes and the confident grin he usually wears, he’d make any girl swoon.

Well, any girl but me. I’d more likely hit him upside the head with a broom than swoon over him.

“Coffee’s in the kitchen. I need to get dressed and showered; then we can go for pastries at the bakery around the corner.” Just off campus, there’s a scrumptious little shop, but I never have time in the mornings. I turn back to my room but then stop. “Oh, how do I need to dress for the day?”

“Sure.” He runs his hands through his hair, but his eyes are too busy following my ass to pay attention to anything I said.

“Jason.” I snap my fingers. “Up here. What do I need to wear?”

His gaze shifts to my face, and he grins, not even having the decency to flush. “Dress warm.”

Good. So we’re going to have an adventure.

AUTHOR BIO

Leaving the house to go to school, I had schoolbooks spilling out of one hand, the other holding my place in a Nancy Drew novel, and bunny slippers still on my feet. My mom was a wee bit upset.

I haven't changed much. Still always have a book (or two) in my hand or creating stories in my head, and although I don't have any bunny slippers, I love writing in my jammies and snuggly slipper socks.

When I grow up (maybe a hundred years from now), I'd like to be a superhero, but for now, saving the day, one page at a time, suits me just fine.

With my husband TJ (my own cuddly werewolf), I home-school our three girls, who keep us busy with art, science projects, books to read, dance classes, and walks about the park.

LINKS TO FIND RITA WEBB ONLINE

Blog:  http://afantasyfiction.blogspot.com

Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/ritawebb

Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/ritajwebb

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RitaJWebb