Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Braving Fate by Linsey Hall

BLURB

As chaos looms, a warrior queen is reborn Bookish academic Diana Laughton has been having terrible dreams. Dreams of battle, dreams of blood… dreams so vivid she's living them day and night. When demons invade her quiet life, she wonders if she’s going mad. Or if perhaps she's remembering a past life she had no idea existed… In the midst of betrayal, he must protect her Mythean Guardian Cadan Trinovante loved and betrayed Britain's warrior queen Boudica two millennia ago. Now he’s tasked with protecting mortals whose lives affect the fate of humanity. His latest assignment is Boudica herself, reincarnated as a woman with no idea of her past or her fated future. Though in the irresistible form of Diana Laughton, it's possible Cadan has once again met his match… To succumb to seduction could prove fatal Thrown together in a shadowy world that exists alongside our own, Diana and Cadan must fight not only the demonic forces that want Diana dead, but a past and a passion that have lasted centuries. Their desire could be deadly. But as evil from the underworld unites against them, their only hope could be each other.




REVIEW 

 Braving Fate is a story of intrigue in regards to the historical, Celtic background. A romance with ties to mythology always lures me into the heart of a book. Linsey Hall shaped her plot around historical figures during a great war, creating a fiction using two primary characters from this war: Boudica and Paullinas.

It was initially the sparks between the secondary characters to grab my attention. Warren, who is somewhat of a mystery and Easha, a soulceress, are just as pleasing to read as the primary protagonists. I am actually eager to read the next book in Linsey Hall's series because it is their story. I truly enjoy the building anticipation created for these two.

The adult scenes that took place throughout the book were mind-numbing. The use of her description devised a smoldering climate of ecstasy. The romantic tension between Cadan and Diana was thoroughly satiated.
The creativity is the premise is appreciated just as much as the romance I live to love. I am personally an adventure junkie and yearned for something of a more expeditious journey. I am still happy to have been invited to enjoy this author's imagination.






Monday, November 17, 2014

Avenging Innocence by Samantha Ketteman


Book Description

December 11, 2013
In the aftermath of a devastating judgment, a mother tries to understand how justice could have failed her daughter so completely. Nightmares plague Jemma about the horrors her daughter experienced, slowly driving her to seek her own vengeance. There is nothing more beautiful or dangerous than a mother’s love for her child, and Jemma will stop at nothing to avenge her daughter’s lost innocence.




REVIEW:

It is said there is a fine line between love and hate. When that particular love runs soul deep, the hatred begat evil of lethal proportions.

Avenging Innocence is a modern day horror story unveiling the 
conspiratorial desires created by the monsters of the hush-hush 
realities of the nightmares they unleash in the lives of others. 

"Wow" was the first to leave my shocked mouth as I reached the end of this short story. I've done horror my entire life, but never have I felt the surreal thrill of it! The details are insane and absolutely perfect! The author's play-by-play descriptions are appropriate in every single context. The  of the prose is bliss in the world of the picky reader. I am an aghast and satisfied emotional wreck.

This book is by far the most emotional ride of experienced. The pain and overwhelming sadness is transferred to amazement and shock before I even realize it happens. It's an unforeseen adrenaline rush.

 After I read it, I took my own twisted pleasure in reminiscing and evaluating the awe I experienced the first time watching movies such as "Saw" and "Hannibal." There are similar situations in content matter in this book. Be warned! 

I am in love with this author and I hope to read a full length, horror novel written by her sometime in the future. I haven't read horror in a very long time. I've not read anything before this, aside from the books written by the King of horror, to illicit any desire.

5 Stars

Purchase for 99 cents or FREE for Kindle Unlimited

 






Wednesday, November 12, 2014

As Mad as a Hatter by Catherine Stovall

4 Stars

 Book Description

Publication Date: October 25, 2014

Madness is a state of frenzied or chaotic activity, and that is what you will find inside the pages of ‘As Mad as a Hatter’. Walk the path of Lady Death, feel the power of freedom, fall in love, and fear the dark corners of the room with these twelve short stories and six poems from Catherine Stovall. What will you find under the top hat?



REVIEW:

As Mad as a Hatter is an abundance of entertainment. It is compilation of eighteen, dark poems and short stories by Catherine Stovall. 

My vigor was laced with nostalgia as I clung to each word. I was reminded of autumn days writing my own stories, and now understand my mother's worries. I was reminded of Stephen King's ability to ensnare my attention with his beautifully,  insane ideas. These twisted stories are balm for my creative angst. 

I'm more amazed than ever at Catherine's ability to provoke mental imagery through the crisp articulation of her descriptions. Her material always contains a picturesque quality. The prose is always clear without lacking intellectual narrative. I am now adding all of her books to my TBR on Goodreads. I say this not only because her talent deems her worthy of Best-Seller for years to come. I sincerely enjoyed these stories and will again. 


A large percentage of insanity's presence is the cold, harshness of reality. "Drift Back Home" is filled with a variety of of experiences known to adults and couples with children who are cracking under the pressure. It's a sad tale of hopeful coincidence.  

Im not sure my husband would handle it well to know I think of the "Independence Day" story to be pure genius, no matter how sinister. The song included is one I've held close to my heart for as long as I can remember.  Relatable qualities of a story is thrilling of a familiar tone, a reminder that we are not alone. 

I loved every poem, and in every story a catalyst to assault my emotional state. 
Purchase Link

Monday, November 10, 2014

The Fall of Sky part 2 by Alexia Purdy


You can never go back. At least, that’s what they say…
Liv and Audrey Westing have found something they’ve chased their entire lives, but could never quite reach. Love. It comes with the steepest of prices. One they both know they might not be able to pay, even with their hearts. 

Jonas wants more than Liv can give. 

Saul can’t watch Audrey save her sister anymore. 

Emilio, Saul’s brother, is hiding his own secrets buried deep inside. Secrets that are the difference between life and death… 

With the Jonas’ Cartel watching their every move, Liv and Audrey know there’s no place to run anymore. No place to hide. 

Maybe the fall is worth the pain… 

THIS IS A SERIAL NOVELLA SERIES! 
THIS IS PART TWO OF FOUR. 
BOOKS ARE RELEASED EVERY THREE WEEKS.


Review:


Play with fire...

The  thrill - ride hits a straight stretch to a slower, more cumbersome pace. The "living life by the drop" lifestyle that kept the sisters running on full-throttle loses its fervor as their romantic interests ignite entirely different adventures. 

The romance in Fall of Sky part 2 is more delicious and steamy than anything ever written by this author. I wouldn't doubt reading through every line in record time just to satiate the desires this piece ignited. 

A tit for a tat and both sisters meet their match. Only, one sister, guess which one, is committing the deadliest of betrayals... 

And part 3, to be released,  is going to be witness to the "crash and burn" of everyone close at hand. I can't help but dream up the positive outcome that in no way appears feasible. I'm on the edge, ready to tip at any second,  anticipating the next set of insane obstacles. 

Both books are currently available for 99 cents!




The Fall of Sky Part 2 Purchase Link

Jared's Quest: An Unfortunate Fairy Tale Short Story





*** This short story is part of the "Once in a Lifetime Fractured Fairy Tale Set" ***

EVER WONDER WHAT JARED DOES WHEN HE’S NOT SAVING MINA GRIME’S SKIN FROM FAIRY TALE BADDIES?

Mina Grime is a Grimm, bent on sending Jared, and his Fae kind back to their own world to end the curse on her family. Jared is her Fae protector, and an all around pain in the neck. Then the wheels of fate turn on Jared, and he is given his own quest to complete, against his will.

Jared has his hands full as he tries to save a bunch of spellbound boys, capture a beautiful shape-changing Fae, and keep Mina in the dark about it. He’ll need all the help he can get, and will have to recruit one of his old Fae friends to help.



 REVIEW: 

Jared's Quest is a sweet, short story that takes place between the first and second installments of the Unfortunate Fairy Tale series. 

Jared's actions as he takes on his journey are a direct reflection of his emotional ties to Mina. It also provides insight into his personal relationship and friendship with the quick-quipped pixie, Ever, and her unseen character traits. 

Admittedly, this story raises more question's than the answers it provides. It also brings to the surface as to just how much Jared truly understands his own existence. 

Overall, it is a pleasant little read. 5 stars. 

 

Reign: An Unfortunate Fairy Tale #4




Author: Chanda Hahn
Rated: 5 Stars

Book Description

November 3, 2014
Going to the Fae plane against Jared’s orders has cost Mina dearly. Her decision haunts her as a new danger surfaces back on the human plane. The Grimms are fading from existence.
To save her family’s future, Mina Grime will have to travel to the past with the help of her Fae Godmother and a pair of magic shoes.
She must go to the Story’s very beginning, to the days before the dark prince’s reign. But can she finish her quest before her time runs out, or will she be trapped in the past forever?






 REVIEW:
 
I do not know of many authors with the ability to hold a flame to Chanda Hahn's creative talents. Reign is all the justification needed to discern the truth behind the claim. The ironies throughout this story are of epic proportions. The revelations and inventive twists are entirely awe-inspiring.

From start to finish every excerpt has purpose, creating an impeccable storyline beyond impressive praises. New elements of fairy tales and mythology keep the series fresh. The romantic underlining assault the senses and create quite the confusion as confessions old and new come to light. Putting this book down before a straight read-through would be a sin!

Evolved characters satiate the necessary growth of the adolescents throughout the continuation of the series, and reflect the changing circumstances with impeccable thoroughness. The progress of the transitions in the character development, while also including new characters, invite intriguing new perspective's. 

Other than a few spelling errors I find no flaws in these pages. I was ready for book five at the completion of book four! The ending is nothing short of torture! I'm a mess, suffering from post-traumatic book addiction. A hang-over would be welcoming. 

Purchase Links

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1qZKyRJ
iBooks: http://bit.ly/1ARxEYi
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1qVUeOh
 

Sunday, November 2, 2014

Amethyst Chronicles: Winter's Kiss by KG Stutts


BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Amethyst is a secret team of genetically enhanced humans which is Earth’s greatest defensive weapon. Leading the team of super soldiers is Ember Wilson, a tough woman with a huge chip on her shoulder. The team gets their name from the after effect of the Genesis Project which turned their eyes and even their blood purple.

For decades, Earth has been ravaged by unpredictable weather which began to cause crops to fail. Most of the planet’s food sources have deteriorated. Dr. Clayton Rudo has proclaimed he has the means to save the soil. He has created a weather machine to regulate and help replenish. But Ember knew the truth. He didn’t want to save the planet. He wanted to control it. Amethyst destroyed the machine, but was placed in stasis. Two years later, Rudo recreated the device and has frozen Washington, DC and the west coast of the United States.

General Tom Blanchard brought Amethyst out of stasis to work with an elite Air Force team, led by Major Liam Ross. Tensions between Ember and Liam rise as they butt heads. Can they work together before Earth is completely under ice?





Review:

Amethyst Chronicles is an excellent dystopian novel for the young adult audience. There are scenes of adult content, but they aren't explicit. I think it more or less depends on the parent. As a parent I would read ahead to make sure it is suitable to you for your teenager.

I did enjoy the story in general. The female protagonist is perhaps the most hardcore woman I've read about it quite a while. Her past and circumstances are what pull at my heart strings. 

Personally, add a bit more length to it, more mystery, and time on the emotional atmospheres of the character's, and I would like it even more.

If your teenager enjoys genre of the sci-fi, dystopian, categories I recommend it. ♡



TO BE RELEASED 

Saturday, November 1, 2014

I See You by Frantiska Oliver


ADULT CONTENT: 18+
RATED: 5 STARS

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

July 29, 2014 With shape-shifting abilities, Haven sets out on a path of revenge against child predators, while she searches for the monster who ripped away her innocence, murdered her trust and abused her body. Hoping one day she will come eye to eye with the man who stole from her the only thing that cannot be given back or replaced. But, when she discovers Cassidy and her mysterious Uncle Bryce, Haven’s world of secrecy is exposed. Her solitude life is challenged and the protective walls she built around her scarred heart begin to crumble. Tossing her into uncharted territory and reminding her of forgotten dreams. Struggling with the haunting memories of her past, the inability to trust and the hideous reality of abuse, Haven is thrown into a battle she never expected to fight and feelings she didn’t want to face. But, one question remains. Can a damaged shifter learn to trust and love again? Or, will it destroy what little is left of her shattered heart and allow the shadows of her past the control they relentlessly seek?








REVIEW:

☆I received this book in exchange for an honest review☆

I See You introduces an intriguing, paranormal twist on realistic monsters our society faces. Curiosity slithered into the crevasses of my mind, as I tried to discerne early - on if I could handle reading anything containing content of pedophiles.  

It contains so much more than emotional scars and explicit scenerios. The execution of the prose remolds a hushed topic into a story of heroism and fascination. I am hanging on to to the mysteries and melting at the comfort only a child's innocence can provide. I praise the author's talented ability in choosing words that bring stories to life. 

♡Twenty-seven percent into the book and I am hopelessly hooked on one mystery after another. It's not often a book can become so intense this quickly! 

♡Thirty-seven percent into the book and it is a new favorite. Romance has made an entrance. More paranormal delight, and I am utterly intoxicated. I never do a play-by-play of a book, but I sensed this book would be deserving after the first few chapters. 

♡Fifty-nine percent into the book and I am riddled with desire, with rage and pain, and with admiration at the author's ability to provoke these emotions.  Monsters are real and they do not reside in ghost stories or fairy tales. At this point,  my emotions resemble those of an adrenaline junkie. I know without a doubt, I will feel amped up long after the story is finished. 
Talent such as this fascinates me to no end. I've found the story my soul craves. 

The precision of the words chosen in each scenario are meticulous to the point of absolute perfection. I'm not sure I've ready many books containing a thoroughness of prestine objectivity. The execution of the prose is notably proficient. "I See You" is a well-versed narration entwining facts with a fictional story-line of phenomenal altitudes.  The words capturing the emotional elements of an abused person's lifestyle could not be captured more rigorously than the words confined to this particular narrative.  

Keep in mind, this is not an account of abuse. It is of the thriller/paranormal romance genre that weaves an epic storyline.There is romance, reluctance, mystery, shapeshifters, witches, and horror.

I fear ever writing a book, for the chance that it would be nowhere near as worthy as one such as this. I am impatiently waiting for the debut of the second installment. A huge thank you to the author is in order for a vigorous, new journey. This book is a reminder as to why I NEED read and write. 

***Excuse me while I read it again. ♡



Book Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awbTlaObR8I 

Purchase Links:


 

Biography

Frantiska Oliver currently resides in Texas with her husband, Billy, and their two children. Along with being a full time mom, she is also a part-time veterinary technician and will do almost anything to help an animal in need. Her love for fantasy and science fiction books inspired her to write her first debut novel, Never Forget the Past. Still to this day, when the sun sets and the stars appear, you will find her on the back porch with a notebook and pen writing about the adventures manifesting within her head.

To learn more about Frantiska, please visit www.frantiskaoliver.com