Victoria Simcox's Blog, page 110

Mindwar Blog Tour & Giveaway

YA Bound Book Tours is organizing a Blog Tour for: Mindwar by Andrew Klavan . This tour will run from July 14-18.  Check out the full blog tour schedule below:

Mindwarby Andrew Klavan Release Date: 07/15/14Thomas Nelson352 pagesSummary from Goodreads: Rick Dial has the potential to be a hero. He just doesn't know it yet.

Rick's high school football team couldn't be stopped when he was leading them as their quarterback. He was going to Syracuse on a scholarship. But then his dad abandoned them and a terrible accident left him crippled.

Certain his old life is completely lost, Rick spends months hiding away in his room playing video games. He achieves the highest scores on so many games that he's approached by a government agency who claims to be trying to thwart a cyber attack on America that would destroy the technological infrastructure of the entire country. The agents say that the quick-thinking of a quarterback coupled with Nick's gaming experience make him perfect for this assignment. The problem is that there are no extra lives and this isn't just a game . . . but Rick doesn't have many other options at the moment.

Entering "The Realm" gives Rick the one thing he thought he'd never have again: a body that's as fast and as strong as he ever was before the accident. But the more time he spends in The Realm, the more questions he has. What secrets are these agents keeping from him? What really happened to his father? How many others have gone into The Realm already . . . and failed? And perhaps most important, is he the hero they think he is? Buy Links:Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo Books * The Book Depository
About the AuthorAndrew Klavan is a best-selling, award-winning thriller novelist whose books have been made into major motion pictures. He broke into the YA scene with the bestselling Homelanders series, starting with The Last Thing I Remember. He is also a screenwriter and scripted the innovative movie-in-an-app Haunting Melissa.
***Author Links***      
EXCERPT all at once, something changed. There was a faint whirring sound, nothing more than what a fly might make buzzing by your ear. He couldn’t tell if the noise was coming from outside him or from within him. But the next thing he knew, he felt a faint vibration under his skin. His vision blurred, his body started to relax.He waited—but nothing else happened. He stared up at the lid of the coffin. The lining continued to squeeze him, continued to hold him.Then, with a soft jolt, he felt the weirdest thing. Something came loose inside him. There was no other way to describe it. It was as if some inner-Rick had broken away from the Rick-body that surrounded it. The buzzing noise grew distant. The vibrations stopped. He felt the glass lid, and the dim world beyond the glass lid—felt everything, in fact, except his own heartbeat—drawing away from him into some distant darkness. Or maybe it was him falling away from the world, falling and falling, down into deep nothingness.And yet . . .And yet, as reality flew farther and farther away above him—as the nothingness filled his vision—he began to see something in the center of the blackness: a gap, an opening, a cylinder of—what was it?—of light, of being.In another moment, Rick understood what it was: it was a passageway.The cylindrical passage hung there in the blackness above him. And Rick hung there, floating free inside his own body. Somehow, he began to understand, he had to will himself through that opening. He had to make the choice to go.Rick did not know exactly how to pull that off—how to choose to enter the passage—any more than he knew exactly how to choose to lift his arm. He could just do it, that’s all. So with the darkness closing around him, he focused his mind, and willed himself into that spiraling passage of light . . .There was a swift kiss of noise, barely a noise at all: pfft! He had the bizarre sensation that he was turning into liquid, slipping through the portal like water through a straw.Then, all at once, his form congealed again. Rick found himself standing . . . somewhere . . . where?



Blog Tour Schedule: http://yaboundbooktours.blogspot.com/2014/05/blog-tour-sign-up-mindwar-by-andrew.html
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The Tesla Gate Book Blast & Giveaway

The Tesla Gate When a cosmic storm enters Earth’s atmosphere, scientists are baffled by its composition and origins, but not nearly as much as they are by the storm’s side effect – anyone who has died and chosen not to cross over is suddenly stranded here, visible, and can interact with the living. With the world thrown into chaos, Thomas Pendleton is eager to make up for many broken promises to his six-year-old son, Seth. Soon after the storm, they set out on a road trip to the National Air and Space Museum in Washington DC, completely unaware of the social and political maelstrom they’re heading into that will change their lives forever. Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Goodreads
Excerpt (The prologue) The day the storm hit, the world was changed forever. Its severity would not be measured in property damage or loss of life, although the latter could be argued. This storm’s impact turned man’s beliefs completely upside down; the social upheaval would be worse than the aftermath of any storm in history. Though this storm did not bring hurricane force winds, driving rain, cyclones or even floods, its effects would be far more subtle … but the impact every bit as palpable. This storm had unique origins and, unlike most weather events, it was not relegated to one geographic area. Indeed it covered the entire planet; no one was left unaffected. Living or dead.         Author John D. Mimms John D. Mimms is a business owner, paranormal researcher, and author. John served as the Technical Director for the Arkansas Paranormal and Anomalous Studies Team (ARPAST). During his four-year tenure with the organization, he helped supervise over 100 investigations and wrote more than sixteen technical articles. One of John's articles, titled "A Christmas Carol Debunked," was read live on Parazona Radio by Paul Bradford of Ghost Hunters International fame. John also wrote the ARPAST technical/training manual which is a comprehensive guide on equipment usage, investigation protocol, and scientific theory for paranormal research. In 2009 John decided to couple his knowledge of paranormal phenomena with his lifelong love of literary fiction. Among his titles are The Great Keep, Death Theory, and The Lemonade Girl. John is currently working on book two of The Tesla Gate trilogy. Facebook * Website * Blog * Twitter
        Blast Giveaway $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 8/7/14 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 publisher. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway -- ~Inspired Kathy~ I Am A Reader Book Blasts & Blog Tours

VORTEX Blast & Giveaway

The impossible was just the beginning. Now in their second year as superhuman government weapons-in-training at the Pentagonal Spire, Tom Raines and his friends are mid-level cadets in the elite combat corps known as the Intrasolar Forces. But as training intensifies and a moment arrives that could make or break his entire career, Tom’s loyalties are again put to the test.Encouraged to betray his ideals and friendships for the sake of his country, Tom is convinced there must be another way. And the more aware he becomes of the corruption surrounding him, the more determined he becomes to fight it, even if he sabotages his own future in the process.Drawn into a power struggle more dramatic than he has ever faced before, Tom stays a hyperintelligent step ahead of everyone, like the exceptional gamer he is—or so he believes. But when he learns that he and his friends have unwittingly made the most grievous error imaginable, Tom must find a way to outwit an enemy so nefarious that victory seems hopeless. Will his idealism and bravado cost him everything—and everyone that matters to him?Filled with action and intelligence, camaraderie and humor, the second book in S.J. Kincaid’s futuristic World War III Insignia trilogy continues to explore fascinating and timely questions about power, politics, technology, loyalty, and friendship.You can purchase  Vortex  at the following Retailers:
      About S.J. Kincaid
Website     S.J. Kincaid was born in Alabama, grew up in California, and attended high school in New Hampshire, but it was while living beside a haunted graveyard in Scotland, that she realized that she wanted to be a writer. Her debut,  Insignia , came out in July of 2012. The second book in the series, Vortex came out in July of 2013. The final book in the INSIGNIA trilogy will come out in Fall of 2014.GIVEAWAY
 1 Winner will receive an Copy of VORTEX by S.J. Kincaid
Must be 13+ to Enter
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Against the Darkness Blitz & Giveaway

Against the Darkness (Cimmerian Moon #1)by A.M. Griffin Release Date: 06/04/14
Summary from Goodreads: This one time, at band camp…aliens invaded earth. Sounds like a bad riff on an old joke, doesn’t it? Unfortunately for me and my friends, it’s all too true. I thought a mess like this only happened in the movies but, as I watch the alien ships hovering over the major cities, I suddenly realize I’m a thousand miles away from my Mom. From home. From safety.
Darkness may have fallen over the world, but I won’t let it claim me. I’ll do anything I have to get back to Michigan. Yet nothing could prepare me for what we find on our trek north from Tallahassee. There’s hardly anything the aliens haven’t bombed. Survival, at any cost, is the name of the game for the few people who haven’t been killed or captured. As if trying to stay free and alive isn’t enough, I think I just met the love of my life. And he’s just the kind of bad boy who’ll tear down the walls I’ve built around my heart—then break it.

Available from:
Amazon * Barnes & Noble

About the AuthorA.M. Griffin is a wife who rarely cooks, mother of three, dog owner (and sometimes dog owned), a daughter, sister, aunt and friend. She’s a hard worker whose two favorite outlets are reading and writing. She enjoys reading everything from mystery novels to historical romances and of course fantasy romance. She is a believer in the unbelievable, open to all possibilities from mermaids in our oceans and seas, angels in the skies and intelligent life forms in distant galaxies.
Author Links:      

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Collide Blitz and Giveaway

Collideby Christine Fonseca Release Date: 07/07/14

What if psychic warfare is real???

Christine Fonseca's latest action-packed, heart-pounding thriller COLLIDE, explores the world of psychic warfare with a new twist!
Summary from Goodreads: The most dangerous secrets are the ones that kill.

When a surprising mental breakdown draws too much attention from a secret government group call the Order, 17-year-old Dakota discovers that her so-called boring life isn’t so boring after all. Between the lies, secrets and assassins out to kill her family, Dakota discovers there’s more to paranormal activity than ghosts and cheap mind tricks. Now she must uncover the truth before a new breed of terrorism takes everything away – including her life.
Buy Links:
"Collide is a fast moving, suspenseful thriller full of twists and turns around every bend. An action packed read that will have your heart slamming in your chest and your mind racing until the end."- Brooke DelVecchio, the Cover Contessa - blogger/reviewer

About the AuthorCritically acclaimed nonfiction and YA author Christine Fonseca is dedicated to helping children of all ages find their voice in the world. In fiction, she explores the darker aspects of humanity and delivers gothic thrillers that take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions.
In addition to writing, Ms. Fonseca is a frequent presenter and trainer on subjects ranging from writing to behavior and understanding the unique needs of gifted children. She blogs regularly on many sites and participates in events throughout the country. See the News/Events page for upcoming events.

When Christine isn’t crafting her next book and working with kids, she can be found sipping too many skinny vanilla lattes at her favorite coffee house or exploring the world with her family.
Author Links:      

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Into the Blind Tour & Giveaway

Into the Blindby Helen Rena Release Date: 06/2014
Summary from Goodreads: In a world where everyone is gifted, be it in dancing, lightning-bringing, or death-giving, Ever is born…all-powerful.

For this gift, she is kidnapped and trafficked at birth. Fifteen years later, Ever still hasn’t seen even a glimmer of her powerful gift. Locked in an abandoned mall in New York City, she’s fighting to survive her captivity, her brutal guards, and the other gifted kids in her cell. She would do anything to escape.

Fox is gifted with time manipulation. Like Ever, he hasn’t come into his gift yet; like Ever, he hates the mall; and like Ever, he longs to be free. But there’s one thing he values above his freedom—it’s Ever’s love…

…yet, when the two make a desperate attempt to escape, this attempt proves so dark and twisted that it just might destroy Ever’s love for Fox.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21523811-into-the-blind?ac=1
Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/Into-Blind-Helen-Rena-ebook/dp/B00L87WBLK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404597567&sr=8-1&keywords=into+the+blind
Praise for Into the Blind: “A thrilling story…a must-read for the adventurous of heart!” —Gina Henning, author of Going Pecans
“…genuinely original and engaging…” —Jeanne Dallman, author of The Hour of Separation
“…unique voice…unique world…unique premise…” —Jon VanZile, editor of Dragon Tree Press




About the Author Helen Rena loves reading and writing novels. And short stories. And flash fiction. She has a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature, and a vast collection of books and green bottles. She is still not sure why green bottles. She lives in Southern Oregon with her husband and two children. Please visit her at helenrena.com.
Author Links: http://www.helenrena.com/ https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8074080.Helen_Rena http://www.twitter.com/helenrena123 https://www.facebook.com/helen.rena.1
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Or: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MjM0OGI5ZGJmNWUwNzllYTYzNjAyYzhhZGU0MDc0OjI4OQ==/
Blog Tour Organized by: YA Bound Book Tours

A Different Kind of Safari Book Blast & Giveaway

  
About the BookTitle: A Different Kind of Safari | Author: Helen C. Hipp | Publication Date: March 19, 2013 | Publisher: A Different Kind of Safari LLC | Pages: 32 | Recommended Ages: 5 to 10 Summary: What do you need to feel happy about being different? Based loosely on real life experiences, this heartwarming and powerful book illustrates how self-awareness, and courage help a young boy named Raymond learn the difference between seeing things as they appear to be and seeing things as they are. Feeling "different and lonely" Raymond befriends a hippo while on Safari in Africa. Unlike other grey hippos, this hippo is pink. Ray is soon carried into a world beyond labels and challenging assumptions. You will never guess what happens next!  
The Inspiration Behind the Story by Helen Hipp Inspired by real-life adventure, the story behind the story unfolded when I went on an African safari back in 2001. The trip was lead by my father whose dream was to share the safari experience with his family. Little did I know that this trip was going to incite me to write a children’s adventure book but it did. The storyline made it appearance when my family spotted a pod of hippos and one was pink! My son Ray fourteen at the time immediately named her “Rosie”. Curious and wanting to learn more about this hippo we asked the guide many questions about hippos and hippo behavior. Specifically I wanted to know why the pink hippo stood so far outside of her pod. The familiarity of the guides answer took me by surprise, he explained that “Rosie” was tolerated but not necessarily accepted by the herd because of her differences. As a parent of a child with special needs I immediately felt a strong affiliation with Rosie’s situation as did my son Ray who has experienced his own challenges with acceptance. Inspired, I decided to share the story with the world by weaving them into a children's adventure book that celebrates differences. The book is entitled “A Different Kind of Safari”. Find out what you can learn from Rosie the pink hippo, and how you can share those lessons with the children in your life.  
Book Trailer  
The Buzz About the Book"A timeless book, that will speak to everyone. To be enjoyed over and over again! A fun, yet very thought provoking story for all ages. If books had a satisfaction guarantee, this one would be on the top of the list. " ~ 5 Star Review, Adden B. Chrystie, Amazon"A Different Kind of Safari is truly a different kind of children's book! The beautiful artwork bring a very special story to life and I am excited the book is now available in audio format for an added bonus while driving kids around town! I particularly love the message of the book, which teaches us to celebrate our unique differences through Rosie the Pink Hippo rather than allow them to keep us from exploring our potentials. I highly recommend this book to all parents and special needs educators in particular. Thank you for writing this wonderful story!" ~ 5 Star Review, missladyjane, Barnes and Noble"I really enjoyed this book. The illustrations were beautiful. I found this book to be very interesting and it was written from real life experiences. A Different Kind of Safari draws you in along with Ray on his journey to find his happiness and the answers to his questions. I recommend this book to children that are of grade school age but yet many younger children may enjoy the illustrations." ~ 5 Star Review, Whittle House, Goodreads"The book has a great story. The illustrations are amazing!!!!! Get this book! All children from the young to the old will love this book. " ~ 5 Star Review, Mel, Amazon"A Different Kind of Safari is not only a good book, but a great story! It is not only for caregivers, teachers and parents, but for anyone who has ever felt out of place. A pink hippo named “Rosie” and her friend “Ray” take a journey and explore their similarities and differences on the river of life. Self- acceptance and the acceptance of others is exquisitely conveyed in a fresh, FUN way through this sweet tail. It is a prize for all libraries!" ~ 5 Star Review, Anna Wood, Barnes and Noble  PurchaseAmazon (Hardcover) | Audible (Audiobook) | Barnes and Noble  About the Author: Helen C. Hipp Helen Hipp’s experience raising a special needs child led her to an M.A. in clinical psychology and certification as a life coach. She began her career as a psychotherapist to help people find answers for their life problems. Her work eventually evolved into a coaching practice, WithinU Life Coaching , focusing on individuals with special needs and their families. Helen uses her 13+ years of counseling experience and 20+ years’ experience as a successful advocate for individuals with special needs by helping them reveal their innate ability to solve difficult situations. Her debut book " A Different Kind of Safari " puts into words the essence of Helen's teachings addressing the many questions life asks by offering up lighthearted, ever-changing perspectives that transform personal challenges into opportunities. For more information, visit the books official website and to see a picture of the real Rosie the real life pink hippo that inspired this story, go to www.adifferentkindofsafari.comWebsite | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads  * Book Blast Giveaway * Prize: $25 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice) Contest ends: August 6, 11:59 pm, 2014 Open: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Helen Hipp and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Firebird Alex Teaser Tour & Giveaway

Today we're excited to introduce you to Firebird Alex by Orren Merton.  Firebird Alex is a YA/NA urban fantasy that is available now at all online retailers.
Firebird Alex by Orren Merton
216 pages
Alex knows she’s different; other girls don’t burst into flames when they get angry. After she nearly burned the house down when she was twelve, her mother confessed that her father was a demon.
Now eighteen and mourning the death of her mother, Alex sinks inside herself until she discovers a dagger that can open a portal into her father’s realm. Although she yearns to meet her father, nothing terrifies her more. When an unknown threat from across the portal menaces her friends and her loved ones, Alex knows she must act.
Alex will do anything to save her friends—even risk appealing to her father in his strange universe of bizarre creatures, unfamiliar alliances, and unimagined power. She knows that to face a tormentor from across the portal, she’ll need to learn to fight fire with fire.
Goodreads | Amazon | B&N *********************************************
Firebird Alex: Introducing the main characters
By Orren Merton
The protagonist of Firebird Alex is—wait for it—Alex. But she’s got a cast of characters around her which contribute to her journey and to The Sedumen Chronicles as a whole. Here’s a brief introduction to the main characters:

Alexandra Gold:  Smart and compassionate, 18-year old Alex grew up with the love of a doting published poet mother, and haunted by a horrible secret: that her father was a demon. The fear that one day, despite how much she wanted to be a good person, she might turn into an evil monster kept her from wanting to associate with anyone. So when cancer killed her mother, Alex felt that the cancer had also taken her only bridge to the world around her. And yet, in the back of her mind, she knows that her mother would want her to be part of the world, and so she tries, slowly, to claw her way back.
Rachel Silver: Short and bug-eyed, 13-year old Rachel was orphaned young, but not before her mother asked Rabbi Normal Hirsch to foster her. She’s gregarious and snarky but sweet and caring to the core of her being—just the righ girl to help pull Alex out of her shell. The two girls hit it off quickly, not simply because of their mutual loss, but because of their love of gaming.
Rabbi Norman Hirsch: Father of Rachel, rabbi to Alex, and a kindly, deeply spiritual man who wants only to facilitate the enlightenment and fulfillment of everyone he can, especially wayward souls. He doesn’t have a judgmental bone in his body, which makes him the perfect for Alex, who judges herself so harshly she initially retreats from everything and everyone.
Jacob Harman: The moment 19-year-old Jake may seem like a stereotypical computer science major—tall, gawky, too thin for his own good—but he has a soulful streak, alove of cars, and will own up to the occasional foray into electronic data harvesting on the less-than-completely-legal side. For all that Jake may flirt with hacking, however, he has an unshakable sense of loyalty and a strong moral code.
Detective Hector Godinez: A lifelong friend of Rachel’s father, he repeatedly runs into Jake and Alex when the pair decide to investigate a missing persons case of his. Like most good detectives, Godinez knows far more than he lets on. Before long, he ends up being a sort of mentor to Alex, trying to pick her brain and keep her out of trouble at the same time.

                                                  ********************************
Firebird Alex: Rachel Interviews Alex
By Orren Merton
In my novel Firebird Alex, the main character is 18-year old Alexandra Gold. Early in the novel, she befriends 13-year old Rachel Silver. If Rachel were to have interviewed Alex after they’d first become friends, it would have gone like this...  Rachel: Thanks so much for agreeing to this!Alex: Sure, Rachel, you’ve been so good to me these past few weeks, I’m glad I can help you out. Just don’t...
R: I know, nothing too personal. So let’s start with your full name.
A: Alexandra Shoshana Gold.  R: Your middle name’s Shoshana? I can’t believe I didn’t know that! That’s beautiful!  A: Aw, thanks.  R: Were you named after anyone in your family?A: Not really, but kinda. My mom just wanted to call me Alex, so she named me Alexandra. And Shoshana is actually my mom’s Hebrew name. There’s no Hebrew translation of Stacy, so they just gave her that because it was pretty. She never went by it, but she liked it, so she gave it to me as a middle name.R: Now I feel bad. I’m sorry if I made you upset. I didn’t want to bring up...  A: No, it’s cool. I mean, I still think about my mom every day, she only died a month ago, you know? And your dad’s been great, taking me in and helping me get my life together. And you’ve been a massive help, Rachel. I feel like I’m finally becoming myself again for the first time since losing mom.
R: I’m so glad, Alex. And it’s been really good for me to talk, too. My mom died a long time ago, but...yeah, it’s always right there.
A: Yep.  R: Okay, so are you thinking about the future? Do you want to get a job? Go to college? Run off with Jake and have boatloads of super tall babies?
A: [laughs] Come on, Rachel! We’ve only met a couple of times. And I’m not that tall.
R: You’re tall and pretty and shut up or I’ll punch you.  A: You mean you’ll try, girlie!  R: Okay, so no babies yet. But he likes you. Maybe you could go to University of California, Irvine with him!  A: UCI is a good school. I think about it. I don’t really want to just get a job, I’d want to go to school first. I also think about...R: About what?A: Um...if you’re going to turn this in, let’s just say visiting my dad. You know, in...his place.  R: Do you think he wants to meet you?
A: I don’t know. I mean, I guess so. He left me that...um...key to his place. So he has to want to meet me, don’t you think? But I never met him, and I have no idea what he’s like, so it’s pretty scary to think about.
R: Yeah. But thinking about dinner isn’t scary at all—let’s eat!A: Okay, sounds good!
Orren Merton started writing fantasy and science fiction at an embarrassingly young age, mostly for his own amusement.  In 2001, magazines, developers, and corporations began to pay him to write and edit music software related articles, manuals, and  books. His music technology articles have appeared in magazines and online in Electronic Musician,Computer Music UK, Music Tech Magazine,MIX, Cubase.net and Gearwire.com. His music articles and reviews have been published nationally and internationally, online and off in Dark Angel, OC Weekly, and The Scene LA. His Industrial rock group Ember After released their debut album, Grasping At Straws, in 2008. Since 2010 he has written the urban fantasy novel The Deviant and the science fiction novel Skye Entity. He lives in Southern California with his family, pets, collection of sci-fi/fantasy memorabilia, and curiously large stuffed animal collection.http://orrenmerton.com Giveaway: 5 ebook copies of Firebird Alex (INT)
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 This event was organized by CBB Book Promotions.
   

Starchild Book Blast & Giveaway

About the BooksBook 1: The Age of Akra Title: Starchild: The Age of Akra (Book 1) | Author: Vacen Taylor | Publication Date: March 6, 2013 | Publisher: Odyssey Books | Pages: 135 | Recommended Ages: 10+ | Reviewed by: Renee (Mother) Summary: When Mai is chosen to take a pilgrimage to the Valley of a Thousand Thoughts to train with the oldest and wisest master of their people, an ancient prophecy is set in motion. The events to come have been predicted but are not unchangeable. When the Starchild returns to the planet of Sage, the foreknowledge of the prophecy begins to gain strength. Four children come together and become linked to the events that lie ahead. In The Age of Akra, the first stage of their journey has them facing the deadly spiderflax, only then to be confronted by a creature of the underworld, an evil Dementra called Amual. The struggle to bring peace to the world of powerful energies lies in the hands of these four children and a strange little lizard. And it will not come easy. This journey is only the beginning.  
Buzz About Book 1"The Age of Akra is a riveting, well-written, and imaginative story featuring an intricate plot and stellar cast of characters that is sure to be thoroughly enjoyed by tweens, teens, and even adults who love a great science fiction tale. This is a real page-turner and I highly recommend this book to children aged 10 and older. I just loved it and to think the author has seven books planned for the series ... I'm salivating." ~ Renee, Mother Daughter Book Reviews"What an imagination!! Absolutely fabulous. What a great read. The characters came to life so easily. Their physical descriptions have me a visual idea but their personalities evolved and developed quickly so they were my friends and heroes before very long. I cried when Mia was selected and was on the edge of my seat when it looked like Long wouldn't make it. I couldn't put it down. A very clever story with wonderful likable characters in amazing places with fascinating skills and weird animals. I went through a range is emotions with these characters where I wanted to hug them, love them, give them a good slap, protect and spend time with. I cannot wait for book 2. Highly recommend this series of books and hope they make a movie from it would be a blockbuster!!!" ~ 5 Star Review, Dannielle S., Goodreads"Masterfully told from different viewpoints, Starchild is neither a "boy" nor "girl" book, but rather an everyone book. Struggling readers will enjoy the simple truths of the characters, and more advanced readers will delight in the journey of Mai, Long, and Akra. A journey that introduces multifaceted characters, whom I hope will make an appearance in subsequent titles in The Starchild Series, because I'm already attached to them. Even the slightest of creatures was placed in Starchild with the greatest of skill, care, and thought. Outstanding job, Ms. Taylor, and I look forward to continuing my journey through the series." ~ 5 Star Review, C. Bullard, Amazon 
Purchase Book 1*Available as a 99 cent E-Book through Amazon *Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Ganxy | iTunes | The Book Depository  Book 2: The City of Souls Title: Starchild: The City of Souls (Book 2) | Author: Vacen Taylor | Publication Date:October 14, 2013 | Publisher: Odyssey Books | Pages: 137 | Recommended Ages: 10+ | Reviewed by: Renee (Mother) Summary: In The City of Souls, the pilgrimage to the Valley of a Thousand Thoughts continues. Having already triumphed against dangerous adversaries in The Age of Akra, the four children -- Mai, Long, Akra and Sahib -- now face the evil melkarie and must escape to the City of Souls. When they reach the safety of the land of Naroan, in a city hidden under a blanket of living green, the children are confronted with the challenge of locating the Singing Soul. But the underworld is searching for it too, and will do anything to stop the young pilgrims from finding it. The prophesy is at risk of being extinguished unless the children succeed in their quest.  
  Buzz About Book 2"The City of Souls is the second book in a science fiction fantasy featuring an intricate and engaging plot, well-developed characters who are faced with new challenges, a well-described setting reminiscent of Star Wars with a hint of Lord of the Rings and Indiana Jones-style action and suspense. I’m in this series for the whole haul as I feel completely invested in what happens next as the prophecy continues to roll forward. I highly recommend this book as well as the series to science fiction aficionados ages 10 years and older looking for something a little different. ~ Renee, Mother Daughter Book Reviews "The author graciously sent a signed copy of this 2nd book in her series to my daughter Emily. Emily read Vacen Taylor's first book in the Starchild series: The Age of Akra. She very much enjoyed the adventure and getting to know the characters. Emily eagerly anticipated the next book! Emily was thrilled when her copy of The City of Souls arrived and did what she could do to avoid her homework so that she could sneak and read The City of Souls. She read the book with much interest and said that she loved every bit of it. As a parent, it's a big comfort and joy to me when my kids find stories written for their enjoyment! The Starchild series captured the heart and imagination of my daughter. And she very much looks forward to book three." ~ 5 Star Review, Vonda N., Goodreads"Ms Taylor provides masterful descriptions that don't bore the reader. Thank you. I think the writing is at its best in the action, but the character building, backstory and forewarning is all there and relevant to the overall building of good storytelling. I'm assuming the introductions to some of the other multifaceted characters will have relevance in future books. I do hope so. Overall, a great read for children who are looking for something refreshingly new and unique." ~ 5 Star Review, Kirt T., Amazon 
Purchase Book 2Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iTunes | The Book Depository  About the Author: Vacen Taylor Vacen Taylor is an Australian author, writer, occasional artist and amateur photographer. She loves creating stories for children and reading to her young readers. She is a happy person with a zest for life and exploring the world at large. Vacen collects comics and loves superheroes. Her favourite superhero is Spider-Man. Vacen also believes in expressing the uniqueness of self. She has had several short stories published for adults online. Starchild is her first novel for children and is the first book in a series of seven.
Book Website | Author Website | TwitterFacebook | Goodreads | Google+ 
* Book Blast Giveaway * Prize: $25 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice) Contest ends: August 1, 11:59 pm, 2014 Open: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Vacen Taylor and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Goodbye To You Blitz & Giveaway

Goodbye To Youby A.J. MatthewsRelease Date: 07/01/14Swoon RomanceNew Adult
Summary from Goodreads:Europe? Nope. Mexico? Nope. Key West?

Not me. This summer, I'm playing nursemaid to my sister. Yeah, I know. Relatively good looking twenty-two-year-olds don't spend the summer bedside in the cancer ward, but that's the plan - until my sister threatens me with bodily harm unless I get on the plane.

That's when I met him. He likes me. Really likes me. But more than that, he loves my boobs -- like can't get enough. I have no idea how to tell him that they'll be gone soon. Courtesy of a preventative double mastectomy. Yep. That's what testing positive for the breast cancer gene mutation will do to a girl.

But don't feel sorry for me. I'm enjoying him, holding on until the last possible minute, while I muster up the strength to tell him, and watch him walk away.

Available from:
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About the AuthorI wrote my first book at six. A retelling of The Three Little Pigs, illustrated by my grandmother, the book was never picked up and was self-published instead, glued to cardboard with a cover fashioned from wallpaper scraps.
Today, I write stories featuring nice guys (or nice guys in-the-making) in between my other jobs writing research reports for a commercial real estate company, refereeing two young daughters, navigating the teen waters with a too-cute-for-his-own-good son, spoiling a neurotic cat, and making my darling, patient husband shake his head. I'm also an autism mom, chocolate enthusiast, sports-watcher, nacho-eater, and beer-drinker.

A Maryland native, I live in North Carolina now, but dreams of the beach fuel my fantasties, and my characters can often be found strolling in the sand or sailing along a coast.
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