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Wednesday 30 March 2016

Review: NIGHT STUDY


Night Study by Maria V. Snyder
Narrated by Gabra Zackman
Book 2 in the Soulfinders series / Book 5 in the Study series / Book 9 in The Chronicles Of Ixia series
Genre: fantasy


About Night Study:
Ever since being kidnapped from the Illiais Jungle as a child, Yelena Zaltana’s life has been fraught with peril. But the recent loss of her Soulfinding abilities has endangered her more than ever before. As she desperately searches for a way to reclaim her magic, her enemies are closing in, and neither Ixia nor Sitia are safe for her anymore. Especially since the growing discord between the two countries and the possibility of a war threatens everything Yelena holds dear. Valek is determined to protect Yelena, but he’s quickly running out of options. The Commander suspects that his loyalties are divided, and he’s been keeping secrets from Valek... secrets that put him, Yelena and all their friends in terrible danger. As they uncover the various layers of the Commander’s mysterious plans, they realise it's far more sinister than they could have ever imagined.
Source: Info in the About Night Study was from the press kit from the publicity team.

Buy Link(s):



My Thoughts:
The worldbulding and character development are still great! But the story telling style is also the same "multiple threads" chop shop which drives me up the wall. And cliffhanger ending. I reckon that this book is better read when you already are in possession of the third book of the Soulfinders series. This book is also so not good to read before Shadow Study or you will get royally lost.

I find Night Study the most emotional of all the books in any of this book's serieses. So keep a box of tissues in hand.

When the first book, Poison Study, came out some ten years ago, I remember that I loved it but naught else. So when this book mentions some past character or event which appeared or happened in previous books that I've read ten years ago, I couldn't remember him/her/it anymore, which was a bit frustrating. I should have re-read the previous books in this series before I started reading Shadow Study and this book.


Empirical Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 4.5
Character development = 4.5
Story itself = 3.5
Writing Style = 2
Ending = 3.5
World building = 5
Cover art = 3.5
Pace = 3
Plot = 3.5
Narration = 5

Overall Rating: 3.5 out of 5 cherries


Books in the Study series:
Book 1: POISON STUDY Book 1.5: ASSASSIN STUDY Book 2: MAGIC STUDY Book 3: FIRE STUDY Book 3.5: POWER STUDY Book 3.6: ICE STUDY Book 4: SHADOW STUDY Book 5: NIGHT STUDY Book 6: DAWN STUDY


About Maria V. Snyder
Maria V. Snyder
Meteorologist turned novelist, Maria's been writing fantasy and science fiction since her son was born. Maria has won numerous prizes for her writing including the Golden Leap Hall of Fame, Wirral Paperback of the Year Award, Compton Crook Award and the Salt Lake County Library Reader’s Choice Award. She’s been on the New York Times bestseller list and earned her Master’s degree in Writing from Seton Hill University. Traveling is one of her biggest distractions from writing and Maria hasn't said no to a trip yet. She has visited China, Dubai, Malaysia, Europe, Central America, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada -- all provided wonderful fodder for her stories. Maria lives in Pennsylvania with her family.
www.mariavsnyder.com | blog | facebook | facebook author page | google+ | google+ author page | instagram | goodreads


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Thank you!
Thank you to the publicity team for the review copy received.


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FTC Disclosure:
The paperback review copy of this book was received for free in exchange for an honest opinion. The audiobook copy of this book was purchased with private funds.

Tuesday 29 March 2016

That'th What I Thaid! & The Sore Prickly Bear #BookBlast & #Giveaway


The Books

The Sore Prickly Bear by Lisa Marie Schinski
Genre: Children's Picture Book


About The Sore Prickly Bear:
Fuzzy has a very bad day that keeps getting worse. He is faced with many challenges and doesn't understand why these things are happening to him. Everyone has had a bad day, week, month or even years. He will make you laugh because everyone can relate to Fuzzy in some way. Things always have a way of working out in the end and sometimes even better than it was before!
Source: Info in the About The Sore Prickly Bear was from the press kit from the publicity team.

Buy Link(s):
 

That'th What I Thaid! by Lisa Marie Schinski
Illustrated by Lauren Panco
Genre: Children's Picture Book


About That'th What I Thaid!:
Stitchie is a happy bunny that is having a hard time saying her R's and S's. She thinks her friends are making fun of her but they just laugh because they think it sounds funny. They love Stitchie, and in the end, Stitchie practices and meets the best teacher who helps her says her R's and S's perfectly. She runs into the woods to share with her friends how far she has come!!
Source: Info in the About That'th What I Thaid! was from the press kit from the publicity team.

Buy Link(s):
 

Meet The Author

About Lisa Marie Schinski:
I was born and raised in Quakertown, Pennsylvania. I currently reside in King of Prussia. I wrote the story about the Sore Prickly Bear when I was 8 years old. My teacher, Mrs. Ulrich encouraged me to write and also gave me the young author's award. I found this book after my mom passed away last year. I had a great childhood but when I wrote this book, my parents got divorced, we moved and I changed schools. A lot of changes for an 8 year old. So I guess I felt like Fuzzy.

Around October 2015, I took the book into work to show my friends because this past year and a half has been very hard for me and my family. I knew when I showed my friends, they would laugh and cry because my life was again Fuzzy's. My friends, Denice, Dee, Candace, Rick, Gina, Tara, Nancy, Tamara and Gina encouraged me to publish this book. So here I am!

I am now 46 years old. I have a great job, great friends, and great family. But there are still days that feel very bad and very unfair.

My goal for publishing this book is to help children understand that bad things happen and bad days happen. But when we have friends and family in our life to help us laugh at ourselves, we can heal and move forward. Everyone has a bad day, week, month or even years. My dream is to share this story for children to know they are not alone and everyone has a bad day.

I am so grateful for my family and friends.

​ "That'th what I thaid" was published in February 2016. Lauren Panco inspired me to write this story. It is for children who have a hard time with their R's and S's. I think many of us have! I want children to know it's ok to sound different and with practice, it changes. Don't let anyone make fun of you. We are all perfect the way we are!


Giveaway






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Monday 28 March 2016

EDGE #BookBlast & #Giveaway

Limited Edition Paranormal Boxed Set

20 New York Times, USA Today, and International Bestselling Authors.

20 of today’s most magical, sought-after titles.

Yours for only $0.99.




Twenty Edgy Young Adult & New Adult Paranormal Tales

Twenty of today’s favorite young adult and new adult authors have come together to bring you a collection packed with full-length, spellbinding reads sure to keep you keep you on the edge of your seat and up way past your bedtime!

But reader beware: These novels take everything to the edge–and not just the edge of your seat. With authors who aren’t afraid to push the boundaries, you get stories that take everything to limit, creating whimsical reads that teens can actually relate to and that adults can enjoy, too.


The Books

Limited Edition Paranormal Boxed Set: EDGE
Contributors: Riley J. Ford, Rebecca Hamilton, Apryl Baker, Angela Fristoe, April Aasheim, Angel Lawson, Katie Salidas, Sarah Dalton, Debbie Herbert, Shalini Boland, Eva Chase, Rachel McClellan, Kimberly Loth, Shannon Eckrich, H.D. Gordon, Stacy Claflin, Marissa Farrar, Cindy Thomas, Laxmi Hariharan, and JC Andrijeski
Genre: Young Adult/New Adult Paranormal Collection


About EDGE:
What’s Inside?

New York Times Bestselling Author:

Riley J Ford, INTO YOU – What if you could know exactly what your friends are thinking? High school student Winter Reynolds can, but there’s a catch… She can only read people’s thoughts when she’s kissing them.

USA Today Bestselling Authors:

Rebecca Hamilton, THE FOREVER GIRL – When a spell Sophia casts goes wrong, her personal demons get company, and the newcomers are dangerous.

JC Andrijeski, THE CULLING – Jet grew up free, hiding out on Earth after it was conquered by an alien species, but now she might learn about her alien overlords the hard way.

Apryl Baker, THE PROMISE – Armed with kick-ass shoes, can CJ save the town from a maniacal coven leader, still get Mr. Melt In Your Mouth Gorgeous, and somehow survive the darkness?

Angela Fristoe, WAKEN – If Janie hopes to survive the people of Everod, she’ll need to confront who and what she really is.

April Aasheim, THE GOOD GIRL’S GUIDE TO BECOMING A DEMON – What’s a nice girl to do when she develops horns…and a hunger?

Angel Lawson, WRAITH – Classmates think Jane Watt’s is a freak, but she knows her best friend, Evan is real and needs her, even if he’s dead.

Katie Salidas, PRETTY LITTLE WEREWOLF – This little werewolf is looking for her fur-ever home.

International Bestselling Authors:

Sarah Dalton, MARY HADES – Mary has a special relationship with the spirit world — a connection that brings her face to face with her worst nightmares…

Debbie Herbert, CHANGELING – A wannabe witch who sucks at spells must find her inner magic to nab a pixie serial killer.

Shalini Boland, HIDDEN – When Maddy inherits a mansion, she also inherits something sinister in the basement. Falling in love has never been so dangerous.

Eva Chase, CAUGHT IN THE GLOW – Assigned to protect a hot indie rocker from demons, the secret he’s keeping puts Avery’s heart and his soul on the line.

Rachel McClellan, FRACTURED LIGHT – Discovering the strength of her power may cost Llona her life.

Kimberly Loth, KISSED – Three Boys. Two Kisses. One Devastating Choice.

Shannon Eckrich, OTHER SIDE OF FOREVER – Forever is only a portal away.

H.D. Gordon, SHOOTING STARS – A tale of star-crossed lovers and magic.

Stacy Claflin, SAVED BY A VAMPIRE – A new vampire must face something more ancient, powerful, and deadly than she ever imagined…

Marissa Farrar, TWISTED DREAMS – Upon starting college, half-vampire Elizabeth hadn’t expected to happen upon a travelling carnival, or sexy, dare-devil biker.

Cindy Thomas, BECKON ME – Her heart…and her soul are on the line.

Award Winning Author:

Laxmi Hariharan, THE MANY LIVES OF RUBY IYER – To become herself, Ruby must turn her back on everything she ever knew.
Source: Info in the About EDGE was from the press kit from the publicity team.

Buy Link(s):
      iBook Buy
Pre-Order it today to save over fifty dollars from the cost of purchasing each book individually!




Giveaway

Blog Tour Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 4/5/16

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.




Wednesday 23 March 2016

Review: WINDS RISING


Winds Rising by B. A. Silverman
Book 1 of the Windriders Saga
Genre: fantasy YA
Format: ebook


About Winds Rising:
Taken in by the Patriarch of the Sleeping God sect upon the death of his mother when he was 6, Tamsen Fairchild, at 14, sees little in his future except being groomed as one of the Patriarch’s Watchers, whose sole purpose is to make sure that the Godder community adheres to the strictures of their religion -- no sounds above a whisper, and no inventions of any kind. But Tamsen yearns to make music, like the lullabies his mother used to sing. His greatest joy is to escape for a mark or two into the forest and try to imitate the music of the birds on his forbidden hand-made whistle.

An unexpected crisis takes Tamsen’s Patriarch to consult his counterpart in the river city of Savia and it is Tamsen who is chosen to accompany him. While the two religious leaders confer, Tamsen sneaks away to explore the city, where “noise” is allowed – even encouraged! But his attention is suddenly torn from the sights and sounds of the city by a wisp of – something more – something wondrous – something like, and yet unlike the lullabies he remembers and the birdsong he struggles to imitate. He is drawn forward, across an open court, unheeding of the dray that nearly knocks him down and the angry shouts of the carter, to an open doorway. As he steps through, his focus narrows until all he sees is the man at the center of a crowd and the strange instrument he holds, from which pours those amazing sounds. Compelled to capture the tones for himself, he pulls out his whistle, closes his eyes and tries to recreate them.

When the tones abruptly cease, he looks up -- and meets the eyes of the man who is about to change his life. Jon, the minstrel, is convinced that Tamsen possesses a Bardic Gift, and insists upon getting him directly to Citadel, the Magicka school in Lenhold, where his Gift can be nurtured. To avoid recapture by Tamsen’s Patriarch, Jon intends to call upon a Windrider friend to fly Tamsen there on kirback. Tamsen’s excitement is almost more than he can bear. Not only will he leave behind the intolerable restrictions of the Godders and be given the opportunity to learn how to produce the music in his heart, but he is going to fly there with a Windrider, on a magical winged beast! Surely he must be dreaming! His entire world seems to be expanding beyond his wildest hope. Little does Tamsen realize just how very large that world will be.
Source: Info in the About Winds Rising was taken from GoodREads at https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13563017-winds-rising on 27/02/2016.

Buy Link(s)


My Thoughts:
The worldbuilding is wonderful! It is intricate and stays with you long after you've read the book. And I really like sentient flying unicorns! Can't beat that! Plus the bad guys are bad and the good guys are good. Simple. Straight forward. No twisting your emotions into a pretzel. The story telling style has a middle grade tone, which I guess is kinda tolerable in YA, but the characters are growing up fast. I imagine Book 2 would no longer be YA. While the story plot ended, the book is distinctly just a first chapter of a bigger book. Meaning the book ended in a cliffhanger. Bummer! I didn't like that.

Empirical Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 4.5
Character development = 5
Story itself = 3
Writing Style = 4
Ending = 2
World building = 5
Cover art = 4.5
Pace = 4
Plot = 4.5

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 cherries


About B. A. Silverman
B. A. Silverman
B. A. Silverman doesn't do things by halves. Her fascination with fantasy, fueled by such stellar literary names as Marion Zimmer Bradley and Mercedez Lackey, soon led to a prolific outpouring of story ideas - many of which, she tells us, "thankfully never saw the light of day."

But soon, she says, "I began constructing whole worlds in my head. There was nothing to do but get them on paper." And into print, as she sold short fantasy to such magazines as Alfred Hitchcock and to the anthology "Prom Night", edited by Nancy Springer.

Two such forays into short fantasy ended up forming the basis for the intricacies of the varied geographies and civilizations that populate the landscape of her trilogy, "Windriders Saga".
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Books In The Windriders Saga:



FTC Disclosure:
This book was purchased with private funds.
No money received for this review.

 
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