Samantha Cook's Blog, page 15
June 22, 2015
Book Review: Witch Hunter
Witch Hunter by Virginia
Boecker4 Stars
Verdict: Brilliant opening followed by lots of long conversations, a few odd moments peppered with action, and then an epic end. Review done.
Elizabeth Grey is one of the king's best witch hunters, devoted to rooting out witchcraft and doling out justice. But when she's accused of being a witch herself, Elizabeth is arrested and sentenced to burn at the
Boecker4 Stars
Verdict: Brilliant opening followed by lots of long conversations, a few odd moments peppered with action, and then an epic end. Review done.
Elizabeth Grey is one of the king's best witch hunters, devoted to rooting out witchcraft and doling out justice. But when she's accused of being a witch herself, Elizabeth is arrested and sentenced to burn at the
June 3, 2015
Book Review: Such A Secret Place
Such A Secret Place by Cortney Pearson
3 Stars
Verdict: Brilliant but inconsistent fantasy concept.
Raids splatter across the news--Arcaian soldiers are stealing magic left and right, using it against the people they steal it from.
When sixteen-year-old Ambry Csille's brother gets taken in one of these raids, her utter fear and panic should be enough to invoke tears in any normal world.
3 Stars
Verdict: Brilliant but inconsistent fantasy concept.
Raids splatter across the news--Arcaian soldiers are stealing magic left and right, using it against the people they steal it from.
When sixteen-year-old Ambry Csille's brother gets taken in one of these raids, her utter fear and panic should be enough to invoke tears in any normal world.
May 25, 2015
SP Book Review: Frostbitten
Frostbitten by Heather Beck
4 stars
Verdict: If you can get into it, you won’t want to put it down.
Great beauty hides dark secrets...
Seventeen-year-old Anastasia Lockhart has never led an easy life, but when she starts getting into serious trouble, she’s sent to live with her grandparents in Cedar Falls. The small, picturesque town hasn’t changed since she visited four years ago, with one
4 stars
Verdict: If you can get into it, you won’t want to put it down.
Great beauty hides dark secrets...
Seventeen-year-old Anastasia Lockhart has never led an easy life, but when she starts getting into serious trouble, she’s sent to live with her grandparents in Cedar Falls. The small, picturesque town hasn’t changed since she visited four years ago, with one
May 22, 2015
What I learned from Nest Pitch 2015
Nest Pitch has taught me so much writing. Here are a few thing's I learned from polishing up my first 300 words and taking part in the Nest Pitch:
Your openings matters a lot. If your story kicks off in chapter two, or only grabs a reader's attention half way through chapter one, then you might be giving potential readers too much time to put the book down.
Show. If you're cramming ideas in
Your openings matters a lot. If your story kicks off in chapter two, or only grabs a reader's attention half way through chapter one, then you might be giving potential readers too much time to put the book down.
Show. If you're cramming ideas in
May 19, 2015
Hidden Gem Awards: Meet the Winner
Introducing the winner of Scookie Review's Hidden Gem Awards, Jason P Crawford, and his supernatural novel, Chain of Prophecy!
How does it feel to win the Hidden Gem Awards?
Fantastic! I really didn’t think I had a chance at it when I got a good look at the competition. I watched the final countdown with my heart in my throat…for five days!
What inspired you to write Chains of Prophecy?
How does it feel to win the Hidden Gem Awards?
Fantastic! I really didn’t think I had a chance at it when I got a good look at the competition. I watched the final countdown with my heart in my throat…for five days!
What inspired you to write Chains of Prophecy?
May 16, 2015
Nest Pitch Results: The Clearing
Nest Pitch is over, and wow, I really wasn't expected the results. I'm ecstatic to announce that Team Sugar Rush cleared up the contest!
Not only did I receive four agent requests, I got to meet loads of lovely, supportive authors. Can't wait to read all your books, guys.
If you'd like to read the opening 300 words of THE CLEARING, here's a link to the blog of my wonderful mentor, Louise
Not only did I receive four agent requests, I got to meet loads of lovely, supportive authors. Can't wait to read all your books, guys.
If you'd like to read the opening 300 words of THE CLEARING, here's a link to the blog of my wonderful mentor, Louise
May 14, 2015
Hidden Gem Awards: Round Up
The contest is over, and congratulations to the winner, Jason P. Crawford. I will be posting up an author interview about The Chains of Prophecy within the next month!
Here are my thoughts for the next contest. Feel free to comment below if you have any ideas, opinions, or musings.
A Few Alterations
So that the whole process is a little quicker, I will only select three top entries to read.
Here are my thoughts for the next contest. Feel free to comment below if you have any ideas, opinions, or musings.
A Few Alterations
So that the whole process is a little quicker, I will only select three top entries to read.
May 11, 2015
Hidden Gem Awards: 1st Place
#1
The Chains of Prophecy
Jason P. Crawford
When Samuel Buckland discovers he's descended of a powerful bloodline, he must first battle with his lack of faith before he faces evil in the form of a vicious yet smooth-talking politician.
This book takes no time in getting started, which is probably because Samuel is a character who likes to take action. Some of the side characters also
The Chains of Prophecy
Jason P. Crawford
When Samuel Buckland discovers he's descended of a powerful bloodline, he must first battle with his lack of faith before he faces evil in the form of a vicious yet smooth-talking politician.
This book takes no time in getting started, which is probably because Samuel is a character who likes to take action. Some of the side characters also
May 10, 2015
Hidden Gem Awards: 2nd Place
#2
Bloodline
Tara Ellis
A meteor shower is followed by an infectious disease, one that seems to changing everyone around Alex into emotionless aliens. Alex always knew her father’s death was suspicious, but now solving the clues he left behind for her seems to be the key to reversing the disease.
The mystery behind the disease is well thought out. I loved the hieroglyphics sketched into
Bloodline
Tara Ellis
A meteor shower is followed by an infectious disease, one that seems to changing everyone around Alex into emotionless aliens. Alex always knew her father’s death was suspicious, but now solving the clues he left behind for her seems to be the key to reversing the disease.
The mystery behind the disease is well thought out. I loved the hieroglyphics sketched into
May 9, 2015
Hidden Gem Awards: 3rd Place
#3
The Scary Girls
J.D. Kaplan
Trick needs a new band, preferably one where the lead singer doesn't make out with his girlfriend. That's when he meets the Scary Girls: three beautiful, mysterious, and talented musicians whom Trick instantly clicks with. He soon finds himself playing extraordinary music as well as bumping into otherworldly beings that have him questioning who, or what
The Scary Girls
J.D. Kaplan
Trick needs a new band, preferably one where the lead singer doesn't make out with his girlfriend. That's when he meets the Scary Girls: three beautiful, mysterious, and talented musicians whom Trick instantly clicks with. He soon finds himself playing extraordinary music as well as bumping into otherworldly beings that have him questioning who, or what
