Sunday, August 28, 2016

Book Review: Alter of Reality




Synopsis

Sixteen year-old Madeline has struggled with epilepsy for most of her adolescent life, leaving her something of a social pariah. Things go from bad to worse when she wakes up from her first grand mal seizure in an extremely unfamiliar world but surrounded but familiar faces. Her hometown is in ruins, the aftermath of a Cold War turned hot. Thomas, the boy that stomped on her heart a year ago, and his brother Brandon have been hiding her away since the explosion that killed her parents. The Lord Commander, now running the southern territories, believes Madeline died with them and the brothers need to keep it that way. The biggest problem? The explosion happened when she was twelve.

Madeline isn’t sure what to believe. The brothers insist her memories must be of a dream life she created while in her coma. But when she returns to the reality she knows, they insist this war-torn world must be the dream. She doesn’t know if she’s truly caught in the middle of a brewing rebellion or teetering on the brink of insanity. As she finds herself flipping between the two lives, her heart becomes torn between two versions of the same boy and the lines between her realities begin to blur.

My Review


This is Alter of Reality by Mara Valderran. This book is 210 pages long.

Madeline has had epilepsy from a young age and then she started having seizures. When Madeline had a seizure she went into a different reality were everything was different and there was total war. Madeline's friend, Brandon, is the only on who knows about her "seizure dreams". She now has to save many people on one side and lose her love for everyone in the other. On the brink of insanity, she must find something to root her to the reality she is meant to be in. Is anything real? Is Madeline insane? Who will survive?

This book was INSANE(Pun intended)!!! It was kind of confusing, but the title and cover definitely make lots of sense to me now. There is only mild cussing, so this a book for most ages. I bet this was a very difficult book to write, but Mara Valderran, the author, did a fabulous job!!

WARNING!!! Ends on a cliff-hanger...

Thursday, August 25, 2016

Book Review: Underland




Synopsis

Long ago, before humans forgot them for all eternity, monsters and immortals retreated below ground to seek shelter. But what do the Greek Gods do when they're bored? They bring back the Olympic games--only a lethal version. The newest contender in these bigger, deadlier games is a young human girl they kidnapped from the streets above. For Kira Lier, it’s kill or be killed as she races against beasts she thought were just myths, to cross the finish line and win a chance to earn her freedom.

My Review


This is the first book of the Underland Series by Chanda Hahn. This is a 320 page book.

Kira Lier left her family home after lots of abuse from her stepdad. Living on the streets of Portland, she learns that the sewers of Portland aren't what they seem. After being dragged down to the sewers by some strange monster-like men, she finds that she was living under a city full of monsters. She was told that she would die and it seems that way after getting sold a slave to a man only using her as food to his warrior. Once she finds out her natural gift to lead and compassion, she is used in the games and she catches the eyes of the Underlords. And she might just be falling for a cute zeke(zombie) that wants to be at her side at all times. Will Kira survive the battles? Does the zeke want her too? Is her death inevitable? 

This book was GREAT!! The title definitely makes sense. This is a twisted Alice in Wonderland. It doesn't have any sexual content or cussing. I can't wait to read Underlords when it comes out in 2017. Great job, Chanda Hahn!! Definitely recommend this to teens/tweens and YA. There is violence, but it could be categorized as about as violent as Divergent.

Sunday, August 21, 2016

Book Review: Chasing Forgiveness - A Companion Novella




Synopsis

When terror strikes, forever altering your life, it doesn’t ask permission or forgiveness. Madeleine and Amélie’s quiet lives are ripped apart by a creature they never imagined could exist outside a horror story. Their mother is murdered, their father is missing, and the only safe haven is with a family full of secrets. But rescue comes at a price. Ripped from the light of youth, the sisters are forced into the shadows—where they meet brothers Rafe and Rowan. It’s not the time for infatuation or love, but the heart rarely listens to reason. Now, the young women have decisions to make. Will they be able to achieve their unified goal of stopping evil, or will it consume them from the inside out? They soon learn some choices can’t be undone.

My Review


This is Chasing Forgiveness, a companion novella, by Tia Silverthorne Bach. This book is 162 pages.

Madeleine and Amelia had normal lives with a normal family, or so they thought. When evil knocks on their doorstep their family is torn apart and the sisters have to fight. Awoken from the fight, the injured sisters meet Rafe and Rowan. The sisters are with what the others called a family, but they have many secrets. The sisters must live out their paranormal lives in fear and only hope that they can trust their new "family". Not only that, but love is blossoming between the sisters and Rafe and Rowan. Can the sisters trust their family? What other secrets are being hidden? Will love get in the way of survival?

This was a GREAT book!! I liked the twist of the sisters having "gifts", or powers, and Rafe's little pack. The ending was quite surprising and I found the book very hard to put down. This book doesn't have cussing and the sexual content is very fade-to-black, which means that it isn't descriptive. I would definitely recommend this book to many ages. The only thing to worry about would be violence, which it isn't horrible, but that is for the parents to determine for their kids. Great job, Tia!

Monday, August 15, 2016

Book Review: Tur - The Elsker Saga




Synopsis

Inga Andersson is the envy of every girl in Asgard. On the surface she has it all -- great friends, a job as Odin’s personal fight choreographer, and a happy ever after with her realm’s hottest assassin. But when evil invades Asgard, her perfect world comes crashing down. Someone is planning to kill off the gods, and Inga’s best friend Ull is first on their list. With the Norse apocalypse a nanosecond away, Inga has to decide how she’ll spend her final moments of freedom. Because from the moment this battle begins, Inga’s happily ever after will be nothing more than a memory.

Some things are worth fighting for.

My Review


This is a novella to The Elsker Saga by S.T. Bende. This is an 80 page book.

Inga has always believed that she had her happily ever after, aside from the fact that she never got the job of her dreams. When a new threat goes after the gods, she must protect not only her life, but also Ull's too. After being captured by giants, no one thought she would be ready for battle, but difficult measures call for difficult decisions. Will the gods trained warriors and routines be enough to save the bloodlines of the gods? Will Inga have her happily ever after? Is Inga truly ready to fight a life and death battle?

This was a good book. If you are wondering why it only has four stars and is labeled as NA, then I will tell you. :) There is more adult content, not sex, but very detailed make out sessions close to sex. Also, there is intentions behind some of their conversations, which isn't teen/tween appropriate. Other than that it is a GREAT book!! Good job, S.T. Bende.

Saturday, August 13, 2016

Book Review: Flirting with Death - The Hunted Series Short Story

 
 
Synopsis
 
Being a Reaper has its perks, but also has its downsides.

While on assignment, Evander is caught off guard by an unmarked human. Captivated he is unable to tear himself away.

This is why Reapers don’t associate with mortals.

Piper was ordinary, just a girl looking for love. All she knows is that her current boyfriend isn’t it. An unfortunate incident and a series of remarkable events turn her world upside down. But what she finds in the chaos that ensues is the last thing she ever expected—falling for the least likely candidate
 
My Review
 
 
This is a short story in The Hunted Series by Ali Winters. This short story is 27 pages long.
 
Evander always does his job quick and easy, but not his new mark. A little fiery red head named Piper changes everything. Her boyfriend is to die and she could care less, knowing that somewhere out in the world is a certain reaper that speaks the truth and pulls at her heartstrings.
 
This was a GREAT short story!! I had to make my book description short and sweet, because of the length of the book. I would really recommend reading "The Reapers" by Ali Winters before reading the short story, so you have more of a general idea of how reaping works. There is no cussing or sexual content in either of the books I mentioned, so these are for most ages. Ali Winters is a great YA Author that I would highly recommend.
 

Book Review: The Fall of Arcadia - An Arcadia Wars Novella




Synopsis

How do you win a war against an enemy you can't touch?

When a group of Arcadian explorers found clues leading to an ancient portal, they believed it would shed light on their past. None of them could have foreseen that their search for knowledge would unleash a powerful and ruthless enemy that sought to destroy everything in its path.

Stranded in a foreign country without means of communication, soulmates Samiah and Malachiax must find a way home. They embark on the most important journey of their lives, travelling through the harsh Arcadian desert where any mistake can be deadly. But the stakes are too high and there is no turning back.


My Review


This is the prequel to The Arcadian Wars Series by M.H. Soars. This book is 100 pages long.

A group of explorers, including soulmates Malachiax and Samiah, go to a foreign country seeking answers from an ancient text that could show them their pasts. What used to be curiosity became full-blown terror in an instant. On minute the explorers were celebrating their findings and the next thing they knew they were being possessed and killed by shadow wraiths that darkened their auras. Now the survivors must get back to their home to protect it from the battle raging outside their home. Making unlikely allies on the way, they learn of the horror that makes up these untouchable demons. Will they survive? Can they keep their home safe? What secrets will the survivors uncover?

This was an AMAZING book!! I loved how the author always kept me on the edge of my seat with her well-written plot. The suspense was unbearable(in a good way) and I always wanted to know what would happen next. The wraiths that are possessing the citizens kind of remind me of a virus inside a zombie. The citizens, like zombies, are crazed, apparently need speech therapy, and are trying to kill. The end was a HUGE surprise that left tears in my eyes. This book is appropriate for all ages and there is no cussing. I can't wait to read "The Prophesy of Arcadia"!! Good job, M.H. Soars for creating a magnificent series.

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Book Review: The Dimension Thieves - The Dimension Series





Synopsis

Free will was a birth right, once upon a time, but now it is a gift from the president. 
If you don’t agree, the president will have you droned.
Having erased an individual’s free will, the droned take on a robotic-like state, controlled by a broadcasted program and operating as mindless servants to society. 
Force Steele, son to one of the president’s highest ranking advisors, has vowed to eliminate Droning, especially after those closest to his heart are affected. But Force’s mission becomes impossible as the president orders the destruction of the Antidote Mechanism—the only machine that can reverse the program. 
In this gripping serial, Force partners with a shifty mechanic and a sketchy crew to travel out of their world and retrieve the parts needed to reverse the loss of humanity. They must journey across lateral dimensions, bartering, begging, and often stealing the materials they need—even from themselves—to fix their diminished society and save the people they love.

My Review


This is book on episode 1 of The Dimension Series by Misty Provencher. This book is 76 pages long.

President Baro has ultimate power over all the citizens of what used to be Earth. Now everyone is marked into categories that signify how important they are and if they should be droned. Not even the high-ranking citizens are safe anymore. President Baro has started mis-using his power to the point of mass-dronings and eliminating anyone that could stand in his way. Force and his friend, Pawl thought that if they became like their fathers, they would end the tyranny of the President, but the President is full of surprises. Force didn't know how involved his father was in all of the deaths and dronings, but he will soon find very disturbing information in the depths of his father's files. Force has to put all of his plans on hold when he finds out about his mother's problems. Will Force be able to win the President over? What is Force's father hiding? Why is Force's mother having problems?

This was a very cool book!! It was very futuristic, but civilization was on the brink of non-existing. I liked the twists at every corner, which only made the maze of the book a lot more fun to find the end. I enjoyed the side romance and I can' wait to read the next book and another of Misty Provencher's book, Cornerstone! There is only mild cussing, so this is appropriate for most ages.

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Book Review: The Shadow Queen by CJ Redwine


 

Synopsis


Lorelai Diederich, crown princess and fugitive at large, has one mission: kill the wicked queen who took both the Ravenspire throne and the life of her father. To do that, Lorelai needs to use the one weapon she and Queen Irina have in common—magic. She’ll have to be stronger, faster, and more powerful than Irina, the most dangerous sorceress Ravenspire has ever seen.
In the neighboring kingdom of Eldr, when Prince Kol’s father and older brother are killed by an invading army of magic-wielding ogres, the second-born prince is suddenly given the responsibility of saving his kingdom. To do that, Kol needs magic of his own—and the only way to get it is to make a deal with the queen of Ravenspire, promise to become her personal huntsman—and bring her Lorelai’s heart.
But Lorelai is nothing like Kol expected—beautiful, fierce, and unstoppable—and despite dark magic, Lorelai is drawn in by the passionate and troubled king. Fighting to stay one step ahead of the dragon huntsman—who she likes far more than she should—Lorelai does everything in her power to ruin the wicked queen. But Irina isn’t going down without a fight, and her final move may cost the princess the one thing she still has left to lose.


Samantha's Review
 
   
I am a big fan of fairytale adaptions and retellings, but I also get nervous because sometimes my beloved classics get torn apart and hardly resemble a fairytale anymore. Thankfully, that is not the case with Mrs. Redwine's "The Shadow Queen!"
 
I really loved how it mirrored the Snow White story while feeling like it's own story on it's own. The characters were nice, though the death of one came at a shock and really did feel as though I lost a member of my family.
I really hope she does more stories like this with other characters, but set in the same land so they all meet again.

Friday, August 5, 2016

Promo for KT Webb's books

Bio:
KT Webb is a big city girl living in small town South Dakota. Although she was born in Michigan, most of her younger years were spent between the suburbs of Chicago. Moving to South Dakota was a big change, and she never would have guessed she'd fall in love and decide to stay. She has been married to her wonderful husband since 2006 and they have two beautiful children ages 7 and 4. 
KT has been writing for as long as she can remember and always dreamed of becoming a published author. She loves to create stories that make readers look at things differently and question reality; which is probably why she tends to write paranormal or fantasy novels.
She is a firm believer in the power of redemption, second chances, and that magic surrounds us every day if we know where to look. KT is a goofy and fun-loving person and is often described as snarky, bold and brash.

The Evolved Blurb:
Thatcher Kline has a fiery personality. His life sucks and he isn't interested in talking to anyone, let alone helping them. Despite his thoughts on the matter, fate has another plan; Thatcher has a secret but when he meets a handful of others with similar secrets he's catapulted into a dangerous and ancient battle. 

The Evolved are the final descendants of the Old Immortals. Their super powers not only make them freaks but also make them the only people who can save the world. Together with their remaining ancestors they must discover who they are, the prophecies that guide their lives, and face a terrifying enemy.
Growing Hope Blurb:
Tahlia is a mystery, she has no memory of her life before she joined the Old Immortals, but they begin to remember a life before her. 

The legend is that she was locked away in the golden sphere with the evils of the world. When Pandora released the Maladies on an unsuspecting world, she also released Tahlia, the spirit of hope personified, and altered the course of humanity forever. 

Despite their still-healing wounds, the Evolved have embraced their mission. They've spent the last five years cleaning up after their battle with Absalom, but now they are discovering that new enemies are stepping out of the shadows. In order for the Maladies to drown humanity in their darkness they must first snuff out the light.
Choosing Eternity Blurb:
Nora never asked to lead an army. She never asked to risk everything to ensure the survival of the world. But, when a bloody battle is inevitable and everyone looks to her for guidance, she realizes her decision is easy.  
As they face the return of the strongest evil ever to exist, the Evolved must expose long-held secrets and forge alliances to strengthen their cause. They quickly discover this is an enemy they are not meant to fight and have to overcome the obstacles he puts in their way to keep them from bringing back the only person who can.
The final prophecies are coming to pass, death is all around them, and they face uncertainty at every turn. 


The Evolved Excerpt

Heading down the alley behind the coffee shop, Thatcher began to shudder at the chill seeping into his bones. He looked around to make sure the coast was clear before closing his eyes and focusing on the Earth’s core. He could feel the heat rising from his feel through the rest of his body. A slow smile spread across his face as he felt the warmth reach the farthest extremities of his body.

Thatcher allowed himself to sit down against the wall. He had been running for months. All he knew was he’d passed three state lines, and hadn’t eaten in days.

He broke the connection between his body and the heat source he used most often while sleeping outside. He was thankful for his ability because without it, he would have frozen to death years ago. When he was twelve, he decided to stop waiting around for a “forever family” and take matters into his own hands. That was when he started running away from every foster home Mrs. North placed him in. Since running away from Silas, he was allowing himself to think more about his past, and was starting to remember the painful event that brought him to Mrs. North in the first place.

Thatcher hadn’t had a family since he was four. His parents were the picture perfect example of a loving family; they loved each other, and they loved him. Sometimes, when he closed his eyes, he could remember bits and pieces about his life before he became a ward of the state. He could see his mother smiling at him, his father pretending not to see him behind the curtain during a game of hide and go seek. He could remember their small two-bedroom house with yellow siding and blue shutters. And he could remember the fire.

The first time Thatcher discovered his abilities, he was in his bedroom on his fourth birthday. He had tried to play with his new baseball in the house, and was in his room thinking about his actions. He’d almost broken a lamp his mother said came from her grandmother. He remembered thinking it wasn’t fair because he hadn’t even gotten any cake. And he remembered being almost asleep when he heard his parents coming down the hall. He propped himself up on his elbows, sure he was about to get a good talking to, but was greeted by his smiling parents, holding a piece of cake with a candle on top. They sang “happy birthday” to him, and he watched the flame dance in the dim light of his room.

After that, things became a blur. It was like a skipping DVD, some scenes played clearly, others repeated themselves, and still others were missing completely. He could remember thinking the flame was pretty, and he like watching it waver as his parents’ breath blew it with their song.

His next memory was of the paper plate catching on fire, his mother dropping it as she cried out in alarm. Thatcher remembered his father yelling words he’d gotten in trouble for repeating days before. He remembered the panic set in as the fire suddenly seemed to engulf the whole room. It seemed the more he panicked, the stronger the blaze became.


Book Review: Assassin's Blade - The White Mage Saga Prequel



Synopsis

Renowned for his flawless kills, the Swordsman is one of the most lethal mages on Earth. His reputation for subtlety allows him to command a high price—despite his singular rule. He does not kill innocents. Recently his employer has been a secretive group known as the Harbingers, whose latest target is not who he seems.

Known only as Hawk, the man proves to be an elusive quarry. When stalking his haunts fails the Swordsman baits a trap and settles in to wait. But this prey is also a predator, one who knows a disturbing truth. If the Swordsman believes it, his rage will see no bounds. No mage or man will deprive him of retribution, for when you betray the Swordsman . . .

You invite his blade.

My Review


This is the prequel to the White Mage Saga by Ben Hale. This book is made up of 50 pages and is 10,000 words.

The Swordsman is a well-known name that is feared and respected by many. He may be an assassin, but he lives by a code... No killing the innocent. His latest contract has put him on edge, because of the truth that his target has revealed to him. All of his doubts turn the way of vengeance as he searches for the people lying and manipulating him into killing innocent people. When blades clash, the Swordsman makes an unusual ally and discovers that a prophecy thought to be legend might actually exist and he has a part to play... Protect a VERY powerful and magical innocent.

This was a GREAT book, even though it was short. I would recommend this to anyone that likes Sci-Fi/Fantasy. What really drew me into this book when I went to UTOPiAcon was the cover. The cover had a very gamer graphic vibe and it kind of reminded me of The Assassin's Creed. This book has no cussing and is a good read for all ages. Ben Hale did a great job describing everything that was going on and I found myself a part of the book. Good job Ben Hale.. I can't wait to read more of your books!!

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Book Review: Lichgates - The Grimoire Saga




Synopsis


The final page will leave you breathless. 

When Kara Magari uncovers a secret door in the middle of the forest, she discovers (and trips through) a portal to a hidden world full of terrifying things: Ourea. She just wants to go home, but the natives have other plans for her. She clashes with immortal shapeshifters, is carried off by a dragon, nearly dies on several occasions, and somehow becomes the master of an ancient book of magic called the Grimoire. Every time she thinks she's safe, her new "friends" show their true colors. Kara needs an ally, or she might not survive Ourea's monsters. 

She drops her guard when Braeden, a native soldier with a dark secret, vows to keep her safe. And though she doesn't know it, her growing attraction to him may just be her undoing. For twelve years, Braeden Drakonin has lived a lie. The Grimoire is his one chance at redemption, and it lands in his lap when Kara Magari comes into his life. Though he begins to care for this stranded girl, there's something he wants more. He wants the Grimoire. 

Welcome to Ourea, where only the cunning survive.


My Review


This is the first book in a four book series by S.M. Boyce. This book is 402 pages long. 

After the death of Kara's mom her life starts to fall apart around her. Getting away is the only thing that helps and when she notices a mysterious gazebo in the middle of the mountains, she can't help but explore. What she finds is she has been transported to a new realm full of magic and what she thought to be a fantasy. While fighting for her life she meets her future self, the Vagabond. Kara must guard the Grimoire that many would kill to have. Kara may have some allies, but she has many more enemies. When Kara meets Braeden, her trust will be tested. Kara doesn't really know who to trust, because everyone's true intentions are being revealed and they aren't all good. All Kara wants to do is wake up and this just be a dream... Will Kara get her wish? Why is Braeden helping her? Why is she worthy of guarding the Grimoire?

This was a good fantasy book. I loved the twists and the characters were complex. It felt like there were a LOT more enemies than allies in this book, though. Having a female heroine that wasn't making the best choices in the beginning only added to her character's experience in the end. I was definitely not expecting the ending and was on the edge of my seat towards the end. This only has mild cussing and I would consider it readable to most ages. The only problem that I had with this book was how the author described some scenes. I was left really confused at a few parts, but other than that I would recommend this book!!