Victoria Simcox's Blog, page 122

Yogi's Curse ~ Blog Tour & My Review

About the BookTitle: Zoe & Zak and the Yogi's Curse (Zoe & Zak Series, Book #2)Author: Lars GuignardPublishers: Fantastic PressPublication Date: September 9, 2013Pages: 340Recommended Age: 8+ Summary Zoe and Zak are back in India. Again. And this time they're attending Moonstock Himalayan Boarding School, which might seem fun except for the fact that the school itself is a little strange. Students ride elephants instead of school buses, snarling monkeys work as security guards, and angry parrots monitor the halls. And even when they manage to get used to the wildlife, the food is absolutely terrible. But living with a bunch of other kids their age can be a lot of fun, too, or at least it seems that way until Zoe's roommate goes missing. Following the directions written on a steamy bathroom mirror, Zoe and Zak fly through the clouds on their magic carpet to learn that the two of them have been chosen yet again. This time they've been asked to lift the Yogi's Curse. It's not going to be easy. Zoe and Zak don't even know what the Yogi's Curse is let alone how to lift it, but like it or not, they soon discover that a whole lot of people are depending on them. Now, if they're going to save the day, Zoe and Zak are going to have to fool the monkey guards, avoid the nasty parrots, and maybe even develop a supernatural ability or two. Because lurking beneath Moonstock is a powerful new enemy. And if Zoe and Zak can't stop him, nobody can.  
 My Review  Zak and Zoe are back together for another fun filled escapade. This time they are attending the Moonstock Himalayan Academy for Boys and Girls, high in the mountains in India. Moonstock is very different than the school they attended in America; for instance, the student’s main source of transportation is riding on elephants; parrots monitor the halls and ornery, monkey security guards keep a watchful eye over the school. These kind of strange practices are not at all what Zoe was expecting and at first she feels quite homesick; however, Zack, her best friend, is attending the school as well, which is somewhat of a comfort to her. 
At Moonstock, the boys and girls are separated, limiting Zoe and Zak’s time together. When they do see each other, usually at meal time, Zak seems preoccupied with his new past time―vloging: video blogging, though it won’t preoccupy him too long, once the real adventure starts.  
There are many kids, from all over the world, at Moonstock and it isn’t long before Zoe meets some interesting acquaintances. A few of them are, her new roommate, Anita, from England, Jill her replacement roommate from Alaska, and Amanda … well, putting it lightly she’s kind of a jerk. 
Though Zoe and Zak are getting to like the school, other than the crappy meals, strange things begin to happen. For instance, Anita disappears from the school―seemingly into thin air―and Mr. Muk is looking uncannily like the deceased Mukta, the yogi master from book 1, Ghost Leopard. 
The adventure blasts into full gear when Zoe and Zak make it their mission to break the Yogi’s curse. They sneak out of the school and ride a magic carpet (doormat) into the easterly night sky, find a glowing elephant tusk which turns out to be a telephone, (you’ll have to read the book to find out what the mysterious voice says through this telephone) get chased by birds, mean monkeys, and rack their brains to solve a mysterious riddle. 
Zoe will use her new yogi powers and Zak his dependable Stryker whip, to fight the evil forces they seem to be encountering on a regular basis.  
Like Ghost Leopard (book 1) Yogi’s Curse is filled with nonstop action from beginning to end. There is  lots of humor and a great deal of Lar’s fantastic imagination  as well as the real culture, history, and  mysterious beliefs of India described throughout the book. The story is fun and fasted paced and will keep you intrigued up until the last page. I recommend this book to tweens, teens, and adults who may  want to unleash the adventurous kid trapped somewhere inside them.  Purchase 
Amazon (Print) |Amazon (Kindle) |Amazon (Audiobook)| iTunes (Audiobook)  
The Buzz"I have a 10 year old son who is an avid reader!! He loves books, (but he's picky too) he loved Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. He was so excited to read the 2nd book in this series! When I presented him the first book he was not sure he would like it but changed his mind quickly, then when I heard about the 2nd book being released he almost jumped out of his chair! (no exaggeration) He is anxiously awaiting the 3rd book! I would say that any child who enjoys fantasy/adventure books should read this series! It is a well written page turner! It's a fun story that adults can even enjoy the storyline without getting bored! According to my son, 'every kid should read this series'. " ~ 5-Star review from SavyGreenSaver, Amazon"I loved this book, even as an adult reading it. I was completely sucked into the plot and was constantly finding myself staying up "just a little longer" to read one more chapter. Different twists and turns in the book have you constantly guessing who is behind what and who Zak and Zoe can trust. I could definitely see myself being involved in this series as a middle schooler considering how much I enjoyed it even now. Another thing I liked about it is if you missed the first book, you could still follow along with this one and not be lost." ~ 5-Star review from Staci, Amazon"Lars Guignard has done a fabulous job with this series. I loved the `Ghost Leopard' & love this one even more. For late-elementary to middle school age readers, you can't beat this series. It's fun and fast-paced. Even my picky fifth grader enjoyed every page. There are bits of magic thrown in keep the action exciting. Mr. Guignard has a brilliant imagination & readers are blessed that he's chosen to use it for YA fiction. If you've yet to read the first installment in this series, do yourself a favor and read these books back to back. Don't limit it just to kids! Adults will have a blast reading these too!" ~ 5-Star review from Liz Terek, Amazon  About The Author: Lars Guignard    Prior to writing novels, Lars Guignard wrote for film and television. As a teenager he attended boarding school in the Indian Himalayas and his experiences there provided the inspiration for the Zoe and Zak series which now include: Zoe & Zak and the Ghost Leopard,Zoe & Zak and the Yogi’s Curse, and Zoe & Zak and the Tiger Temple. He lives in the Pacific Northwest where he dodges bears and cougars while hiking & skiing the magnificent Coast Mountain Range. For news about new releases, please join his email list here: Zoe&ZakAdventures@gmail.com Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads  The Yogi's Curse Blog Tour Schedule (2013/2014)December 15Mother Daughter Book Reviews (Launch & Review)December 16Brooke Blogs (Review) December 17Houseful of Chaos (Review)December 18For the Love of Books (Review) Mary-andering Among the Pages (Review)December 19Giveaway Breaking News for Indonesia (Review)December20Fiona Ingram (Review)December 22We are the DinoFamily (Review) December 24Fantasy Fun With Kirstin Pulioff (Review) December 26Black Words - White Pages Kids (Review)December 29Victoria Simcox (Review) December 30Stitch Says (Review)December 31 Bound 4 Escape (Review) January 2The World of ContestPatti (Review) January 3Carpinello's Writing Pages (Review) Best Kids' Reads (Review)January 5Bibliothecary Prescriptions (Review)January 6 InKspired: A Blog (Review) January 7GeoLibrarian (Review)January 8Bookworm for Kids (Review)BeachBoundBooks (Review)January 9Generation iKid (Review)Kay LaLone I Love Books (Review)January 10Books, Reviews, Etc. (Review)January 11Not Your Ordinary Psychic Mom (Review)January 13Heart of a Philanthropist (Review)January 14Dalene's Book Reviews (Review)Leave No Book Behind (Review)  ** Be sure to look for the upcoming Blog Tour for Book 3 in the Zoe and Zak Series, "Tiger Temple" coming January 15, 2014. **  View more on Victoria Simcox's website » •  flag0 comments    • like  • Published on December 29, 2013 01:30 • 5 views

The Skinwalker's Apprentice Blitz & GiveawayThe Skinw...

The Skinwalker's Apprentice Blitz & Giveaway
The Skinwalker's Apprenticeby Claribel OrtegaRelease Date: 02/24/14
Summary from Goodreads:“Welcome to The Empire State, where banshees, witches, and skinwalkers wait…”

Margo Pennyfeather is being hunted. The 16-year-old witch has always been an outcast, in her home back in England, and now in the village of East Hampton New York where her family has settled. No one but her family has ever cared for Margo, but now the most important witch in the magic world wants her as an apprentice, giving her a chance to bring her family out of poverty.
Before long, Margo realizes things aren't what they seem, least of all, what kind of witch she really is. Now, the young witch must face a terrifying monster on her own, and the reverberations will reach farther than she could have ever imagined.

More than three hundred years later, in 1984 Emerald Kipp is a high school senior in New York City. A troubled teen with a rebellious streak, Emerald can't seem to figure out what to do with her life, and unfortunately for her, “witch” isn’t one of the available career choices in her guidance counselor’s office. As she struggles to figure herself out, Emerald is faced with the threat of being stuck in school and missing her final summer with her three best friends. Her last year of high school is turning out to be the worst yet, and Emerald thinks it can’t possibly get any worse. Unfortunately for her, she’s dead wrong.
And there’s something else, something far more sinister stirring in Emerald’s world, and she’ll have to believe in herself if she wants to get through it alive.

Two witches, three hundred years apart, one inescapable fate.

The Skinwalker's Apprentice is a prequel to the upcoming novel, Emerald Kipp and The Riddle of The Timekeeper, a terrifying magical scavenger hunt through the gritty streets of 1980’s New York City,set to a killer soundtrack, and perfect for fans of Harry Potter and The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Part of The Empire Witches series.

*Available February 24th, 2014 on Smashwords,iBook, Amazon, Barnes & Nobles and more!
(Pre orders available Jan. 20th)
About the AuthorClaribel Ortega is a graduate of the SUNY Purchase journalism program, and got her start writing for the school’s Independent Newspaper. There, she quickly rose the ranks from editing the student’s often times hilarious ads and ramblings on the back page of the paper to staff and feature writer.After graduation, Claribel worked as a reporter for The Rivertowns Enterprise, a local paper in lower Westchester County, New York. As a reporter, she enjoyed going to board of education meetings and texting the town mayors about the line at Starbucks.Today, Claribel works for The Combined Book Exhibit, a book marketing company in Westchester NY.She lives in New York with her really awesome boyfriend, her suspiciously intelligent yorkie Pancho Villa and is surrounded by an impenetrable fort of books she gets from her job.
“The Skinwalker’s Apprentice” is her first book, and cheese is her favorite food.
Author Links:      

***GIVEAWAY***
Prize pack: (US only)
Forever 21 Mint green Handbag Forever 21 Emerald glitter nail polish Forever 21 Cat charm bracelet Forever 21 Pink heart gold necklace iTunes Playlist of all the songs in "The Riddle of The Timekeeper" (Playlist attached) 
Bookmarks and ebook of The Skinwalker’s Apprentice


Book Blitz Organized by: Posted by VML S at 12:00 AM  Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to FacebookEvelyn BJanuary 26, 2014 at 6:12 PMThank you for this opportunity.ReplyVML SJanuary 28, 2014 at 12:00 PMYou're welcome. :)Reply

The Making of Nebraska Brown Tour & Giveaway

  The Making of Nebraska Brown The last thing eighteen-year-old Ann Leigh remembers is running from her boyfriend in a thick Nebraska cornfield. This morning she’s staring down a cool Italian sunrise, an entire continent from the life she once knew. The events of the eighteen months in between have inexplicably gone missing from her memory. All at once she’s living with Tommy, an attractive, young foreigner asking for her continued love. Though he’s vaguely familiar, she recalls a boy named Shane in America who she reluctantly agreed to marry. Juggling a new world while her old one is still M.I.A is difficult enough without the terrifying movie scenes spinning a dizzy loop in her mind: glimpses of a devastating house fire, a romance gone wrong, an unplanned pregnancy, and a fractured family – each claiming to be part of who she once was – a girl and a past somehow discarded. Ann Leigh must collect the pieces of herself to become whole again, but she doesn’t know who to trust especially when Tommy’s lies become too obvious to ignore. And above all, her heart aches to discover what became of the child she may or may not have given birth to. The Making of Nebraska Brown tells the story of one girl’s coming apart from the inside and the great lengths she’ll go to reclaim herself and find her way home. Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo Author Louise Caiola  As a young girl who spent her allowance on Nancy Drew mysteries, Louise realized that one day, she might have a story of her own to tell. Maybe even more than one story. After years focused on raising her children she eventually reconnected with her passion for creative writing. She soon began to craft a large collection of short stories which were published in the inspirational online magazine, Faithhopeandfiction.com. Shortly thereafter, she authored her first novel, Wishless, a contemporary YA, released in 2011. Louise devotes a portion of each day to honing her skills. She has several other novels currently in various stages of development. A confirmed bibliophile, Louise enjoys reading outdoors on a warm spring day and watching her pup chase leaves on a breeze. She looks forward to meeting others who share her love of the written word and invites you to visit her blog, her website and follow her on Twitter and Facebook. 
EXCERPTEven though Tommy had showed me my passaporto—an official document issued by the Italian government—I still was uncertain. It said my full name. Ana Lisa Carcossi. And it was stamped in bright red ink that glared at me, too, the same way Tommy’s mini blinds did—important ink that defied my questions. Tommy had explained that he’d brought me with him once, to the states, on a business trip to the west coast. I wasn’t convinced.The replies were succinct. Sensible. Delivered with Tommy’s calm veneer. He was a lake before daybreak. It unnerved and relaxed me at the same time. He was hypnotic, his powers stretching into the late day hours when we would find ourselves sharing a pillow. I loved his breath when he fell out, no longer conscious, the way it reminded me I wasn’t alone. Wasn’t completely terrified underneath it all.Sixty minutes idled by, and I tore myself from the sheets, still balmy from the heat of our bodies. Those muffins were begging to be eaten. I slipped a short cotton bathrobe around my shoulders, brushed my teeth, and stared into the mirror above the bathroom sink.“Ann Leigh?” I asked my reflection.She refused to answer. She just stared back at me, looking young and helpless, a tiny pink sore at the corner of her top lip, her hair running loose, dark and wild. I was more Ana Lisa than I thought. More this muddled Italian/American who was sleeping with a rich Italian living in near-poverty.
Website * Blog * Twitter * Facebook * Twitter  Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 3/16/14  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, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway Tour Schedule February 20th I Am A Reader - Guest Post b00k r3vi3ws - Spotlight The Read Things - Review Musings of Immortals - Spotlight Victoria Simcox's Blog - Spotlight February 21st Mythical Books - Spotlight Hearts & Scribbles ~ Jennifer Faye - Spotlight The Book Bag - Review Doodles, doodles everywhere - Spotlight February 22nd Bound 4 Escape - Review Kelly P's Blog - Spotlight 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too! - Spotlight February 23rd LOVE. WITHOUT YOU - Guest Post BookHounds YA - Interview Book Publicity Services - Spotlight February 24th Amethyst Daydreams - Spotlight Cassandra M's Place - Spotlight Christy's Cozy Corners - Spotlight February 25th Every Free Chance Book Reviews - Review A Touch of Book Madness - Review From the Bootheel Cotton Patch - Spotlight February 27th Book Hoarder Reviews - Review inksugar - Review Mom Loves 2 Read - Review February 28th Brooklyn Berry Designs - Review Little Miss Drama Queen - Review Vonnie's Reading Corner - Spotlight --

Keeper~Cover Reveal

I'm excited to reveal the cover for Keeper by Ingrid Seymour.  This YA fantasy is releasing as a serial novel with the following release dates:
 vol 1 - March 05
 vol 2 - April 2
 vol 3 - May 7
 vol 4 - June 4
and the Omnibus edition with all volumes releases in July.
This is the cover of the omnibus that contains all the stories that comes out in July. 

About the Book:
Greg Papilio both wants and dreads his impending metamorphosis. He’s tired of being a runt—always picked last on the basketball court—and tired of being ugly, like a caterpillar, when he could be what girls call “drop dead gorgeous.” But as much as he looks forward to the transformation, he also fears the caste it will inevitably assign to him. He doesn’t want a common caste, or one that will obliterate his freewill and make him a slave. He wants a powerful one, a cool one.

Samantha Gibson is average. She’s short and a little full around the hips—a terribly cute look for a future chef. À-la-Rachael-Ray in her old days. She’s two years away from culinary school, from her uncaring parents, and from carving a perfectly Human future. She wants independence, a career and a quiet life of her own.

Except fate couldn’t care less about what Greg and Samantha want and gives them exactly the opposite. Greg’s metamorphosis assigns him a caste that enslaves him to Samantha, while her chance to attend Le Cordon Bleu is taken away when her parents get a divorce. And fate’s cruelty doesn’t stop there. Not content with shattering their dreams, it also makes them fall in love, just to tear them apart when Samantha morphs, losing her freewill and developing a compulsion for a guy she barely knows.

Still, these misfortunes are just the tip of the iceberg, because Greg’s fate is to protect Samantha at a time when someone wants her dead. He is her Keeper and will stop at nothing to ensure her safety, even if her secret past proves deadly, even if she belongs to someone else.



AUTHOR BIO:
Ingrid Seymour loves, loves, loves to write. She's a young and new adult author. She writes in a variety of
genres including romance, urban fantasy, paranormal and horror. She loves pizza and sushi, Sunkist and gum. She believes in vampires, witches, but not zombies (uh-uh, never!) She writes to loud music, daydreams constantly and spends too much time in twitter!! Find her there? ;) Ingrid has incredible fun doing what she does, but more than anything she enjoys hearing from her readers. It's a dream come true.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Goodreads | G +

A Reign Supreme ~ Blog Tour & Giveaway

Tour Schedule A Reign Supreme by Richard Crystal When a copper deposit is discovered on the land of the Makenda tribe in eastern Kenya, a young king, Ule Samanga, is told to relocate his people to a refugee camp in Nairobi or risk imprisonment. When all appears lost, the young king discovers the existence of Curtis Jackson, a mysterious half-brother presently living in New York. Believing this unexpected news is an omen from the spirit of his ancestors, he eagerly seeks his help to save their sacred tribal homeland. A struggling mortgage broker and former jazz prodigy, Curtis initially has no interest in developing a relationship with his newly found African family. But when he’s presented with an intriguing business offer, he embarks on a journey to Africa that becomes a spiritual odyssey, changing him in ways he never imagined. In this assured debut, Richard Crystal weaves a complex story of contemporary moral imperatives conceived during Obama’s victorious election as America’s first black President. Themes of corporate malfeasance and exploitation will resonate with readers of The Constant Gardener and Blood Diamond. But beyond the various political machinations, readers will find a heartwarming story infused with the strains of Coltrane, the history of jazz and the enduring power of family.  Richard Crystal  Mr. Crystal has produced and written countless television shows and penned numerous screenplays for theatrical feature films in Hollywood. He has sung and produced four pop/jazz albums performing the classic standards he first heard as a young boy growing up in a house filled with music. A Reign Supreme is his first novel, inspired by a trip to South Africa and Botswana on his twenty-fifth wedding anniversary with his wife Fran. Website * Twitter * Facebook * PinterestPraise for A Reign Supreme:“Mr. Crystal has fashioned a tale of virtue and vice in the modern world. It deals with corporate greed, the politics of today’s African economic scene and how they test the people who have to make their living in that environment. And it’s all backed by the mellow sounds of modern jazz. I’m sure it will intrigue all.” - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, legendary basketball star, author and jazz aficionado “From the streets of New York to a remote tribal village in Kenya, A Reign Supreme is a moody, intriguing and emotional story. Our hero’s journey from teenage jazz prodigy, to a man haunted by his past, to accepting his surprising fate of heritage, is a terrific read. I’m not just Richard Crystal’s brother, I’m his fan.” - Billy Crystal, actor, comedian and writer “As you read ‘A Reign Supreme’ you will wonder if the author is a jazz musician from the streets of New York or was raised in a village in Kenya. The language of the characters is perfect and real. The descriptions of locations are both factual and extremely visual. Richard Crystal takes you on an adventure involving family loyalty, greed, life changing decisions and much, much more. Something for everyone.” - Lou Adler, award winning music and film producer, recently inducted into the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame “John Coltrane constructed his four-part magnum opus A Love Supreme as a harmonic journey meant to convey an ascendancy to spiritual enlightenment—the musical statement of one man meant to inspire and uplift all. With deep appreciation for that inspirational source, Richard Crystal has been inspired to create a story in four sections that follows that same path to a personal awakening, a return to one’s roots, and realization of one’s purpose. A Reign Supreme is a rare example of a powerful literary work drawing its spirit from a timeless musical classic, with a deft, reverential touch that avoids cliche or overstatement.” - Ashley Kahn, jazz historian and author of A Love Supreme: The Story of John Coltrane’s Signature Album and Kind of Blue – The Making of the Miles Davis Masterpiece. “In “A Reign Supreme”, Richard Crystal creates a multi-dimensional experience for the reader such as I’ve rarely experienced. Besides creating a fascinating and suspenseful plot that keeps the reader turning pages and transports him or her to Kenya with details you can taste, hear and feel so well you would swear you were there, he has, through his own musical experience, created descriptions of jazz that enables the reader to actually hear the music. It’s extraordinary.” - Andrew Neiderman, Author of The Devil’s Advocate and the worldwide V.C. Andrews literary franchise
Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo * The Book Depository  Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 3/14/14 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, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Yogi's Curse Audiobook Tour

Thanks for stopping by my tour stop on the audiobook tour for Zoe & Zak and the Yogi's Curse by Lars Guignard. This is a middle grade fantasy adventure for ages 8+.  Check out the tour page for the full list of tour stops.


Zoe & Zak and the Yogi's Curse by Lars Guignard
Read by Sonja Field
Genre: Middle Grade Magic, Fantasy Adventure. Ages 8-13
Length:  audiobook length is 7 hours 36 minutes Publication Date: November 20, 2013

Zoe and Zak are back in India. Again. And this time they’re attending Moonstock Himalayan Boarding School, which might seem fun except for the fact that the school itself is a little strange. Students ride elephants instead of school buses, snarling monkeys work as security guards, and angry parrots monitor the halls. And even when they manage to get used to the wildlife, the food is absolutely terrible. But living with a bunch of other kids their age can be a lot of fun, too, or at least it seems that way until Zoe’s roommate goes missing. Following the directions written on a steamy bathroom mirror, Zoe and Zak fly through the clouds on their magic carpet to learn that the two of them have been chosen yet again. This time they’ve been asked to lift the Yogi’s Curse. It’s not going to be easy. Zoe and Zak don’t even know what the Yogi’s Curse is let alone how to lift it, but like it or not, they soon discover that a whole lot of people are depending on them. Now, if they’re going to save the day, Zoe and Zak are going to have to fool the monkey guards, avoid the nasty parrots, and maybe even develop a supernatural ability or two. Because lurking beneath Moonstock is a powerful new enemy. And if Zoe and Zak can’t stop him, nobody can.


Yogi’s Curse Audio

Zak and Zoe are back together for another fun filled escapade. This time they are attending the Moonstock Himalayan Academy for Boys and Girls, high in the mountains in India. Moonstock is very different than the school they attended in America; for instance, the student’s main source of transportation is riding on elephants; parrots monitor the halls and ornery, monkey security guards keep a watchful eye over the school. These kind of strange practices are not at all what Zoe was expecting and at first she feels quite homesick; however, Zack, her best friend, is attending the school as well, which is somewhat of a comfort to her.
At Moonstock, the boys and girls are separated, limiting Zoe and Zak’s time together. When they do see each other, usually at meal time, Zak seems preoccupied with his new past time―vloging: video blogging, though it won’t preoccupy him too long, once the real adventure starts.
There are many kids, from all over the world, at Moonstock and it isn’t long before Zoe meets some interesting acquaintances. A few of them are, her new roommate, Anita, from England, Jill her replacement roommate from Alaska, and Amanda … well, putting it lightly she’s kind of a jerk.
Though Zoe and Zak are getting to like the school, other than the crappy meals, strange things begin to happen. For instance, Anita disappears from the school―seemingly into thin air―and Mr. Muk is looking uncannily like the deceased Mukta, the yogi master from book 1, Ghost Leopard.
The adventure blasts into full gear when Zoe and Zak make it their mission to break the Yogi’s curse. They sneak out of the school and ride a magic carpet (doormat) into the easterly night sky, find a glowing elephant tusk which turns out to be a telephone, (you’ll have to read the book to find out what the mysterious voice says through this telephone) get chased by birds, mean monkeys, and rack their brains to solve a mysterious riddle.
Zoe will use her new yogi powers and Zak his dependable Stryker whip, to fight the evil forces they seem to be encountering on a regular basis.
Like Ghost Leopard (book 1) Yogi’s Curse is filled with nonstop action from beginning to end. There is lots of humor and a great deal of Lar’s fantastic imagination as well as the real culture, history, and mysterious beliefs of India described throughout the book. The story is fun and fasted paced and will keep you intrigued up until the last page. I recommend this book to tweens, teens, and adults who may want to unleash the adventurous kid trapped somewhere inside them.
About the Audio Book: Listening to Yogi’s Curse, narrated by Sonja B'Field, was an enjoyable experience for me. I found myself getting caught up in the adventure all over again. It was like I was tagging along with Zak and Zoe through India.
If you have read the book, like I have, you’ll find that listening to the audiobook version; you’ll retain even more of the story and find yourself laughing at Lar’s very funny humor.
Another great thing about the audio book, is it’s perfect for those who don’t have much time to read or perhaps don’t like to read. You can listen just about anywhere; for instance, while you’re doing household chores, working on a hobby, in the car, or any place for that matter.


Audible |  iTunes | Amazon  | GoodReads

We want to invite all of you to ask the author and narrator your own questions on the Author's Goodreads Group and they will answer them on March 1st! 



Some things people are saying: 

"I have a 10 year old son who is an avid reader!! He loves Books,(but he's picky too) he loved Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. He was so excited to read the 2nd book in this series! When I presented him the first book he was not sure he would like it but changed his mind quickly, then when I heard about the 2nd book being released he almost jumped out of his chair! (no exaggeration) He is anxiously awaiting the 3rd book! I would say that any child who enjoys fantasy/adventure books should read this series! It is a well written page turner! It’s a fun story that adults can even enjoy the storyline without getting bored! According to my son, ‘every kid should read this series’.” 5-Star review from  savygreensaver.com

“Lars Guignard has done a fabulous job with this series. I loved the `Ghost Leopard’ & love this one even more. For late-elementary to middle school age readers, you can’t beat this series. It’s fun and fast-paced. Even my picky fifth grader enjoyed every page. There are bits of magic thrown in keep the action exciting. Mr. Guignard has a brilliant imagination & readers are blessed that he’s chosen to use it for YA fiction. If you’ve yet to read the first installment in this series, do yourself a favor and read these books back to back. Don’t limit it just to kids! Adults will have a blast reading these too!” ~ 5-Star review from Liz Terek, Amazon

"The action is non-stop and plot twists and turns keep readers hanging onto their magic carpets as they fly along with our heroes. The magicality is wonderful, using legends and fantasy elements from Indian culture and mythology. There are no instant spells ‘imported’ into the story: all the enchantment belongs firmly in India, using cultural and folkloric aspects that will no doubt get young readers interested in reading up more about the background."  5-Star review from Fiona Ingram, author of The Secret of the Sacred Scarab  

"Yogi’s Curse is a non-stop thrilling adventure featuring the ever-entertaining tweens, Zoe and Zak, now attending boarding school in India. Armed with Zoe’s growing yogi powers and Zak’s trusty whip Stryker, the duo must rely on their wits when a new evil descends on the school and students begin disappearing. Lars Guignard keeps up the pace with this second installment in the Zoe and Zak Adventure series. I recommend this series to tweens and teens who love a great adventure steeped with magic and mysticism. Ages 8+."  5-Star review from motherdaughterbookreviews.com 

 
About the Author:

Prior to writing novels, Lars Guignard wrote for film and television. As a teenager he attended boarding school in the Indian Himalayas and his experiences there provided the inspiration for the Zoe and Zak series which now include: Zoe & Zak and the Ghost Leopard and Zoe & Zak and the Yogi’s Curse and Zoe & Zak and the Tiger Temple.

He lives in the Pacific Northwest where he dodges bears and cougars while hiking & skiing the magnificent Coast Mountain Range.

For news about new releases, please join his email list here: Zoe&ZakAdventures@gmail.com

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  About the narrator:
Sonja Field combines her life-long passion for reading with her skill as an actress to bring audiobooks to life! A dynamic and versatile narrator, she has logged hundreds of hours recording textbooks with an organization called Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic. She loved recording the action-packed Zoe & Zak and the Yogi's Curse because of its wealth of colorful, quirky, and memorable characters.









Giveaway: 2 copies of Zoe & Zak and the Yogi's Curse in ebook (worldwide), paperback (US only) or audiobook (where audible.com is accessible)a Rafflecopter giveaway

 
 This tour was organized by CBB Book Promotions.
 Thanks for stopping by my tour stop on the audiobook tour for Zoe & Zak and the Yogi's Curse by Lars Guignard. This is a middle grade fantasy adventure for ages 8+. Check out the tour page for the full list of tour stops. Zoe & Zak and the Yogi's Curse by Lars Guignard Read by Sonja Field Genre: Middle Grade Magic, Fantasy Adventure. Ages 8-13 Length: audiobook length is 7 hours 36 minutes Publication Date: November 20, 2013 Zoe and Zak are back in India. Again. And this time they’re attending Moonstock Himalayan Boarding School, which might seem fun except for the fact that the school itself is a little strange. Students ride elephants instead of school buses, snarling monkeys work as security guards, and angry parrots m

Valentines Day Kindle Fire Giveaway!

Win a Kindle Fire HDX, Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash ($229 value)   This is a joint AUTHOR & BLOGGER GIVEAWAY EVENT! Bloggers & Authors have joined together and each chipped in a little money towards a Kindle Fire HDX 7" (or $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 in Paypal Cash). All New Kindle Fire HDX 7" GiveawayThe winner will have the option of receiving a 7" Kindle Fire HDX (US Only - $229 Value)   Or $229 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)   Or $229 in Paypal Cash (International)       Giveaway SponsorsI Am A Reader, Not A WriterFeed Your ReaderAuthor Clover AutreyBuried Under RomanceChosen by You Book ClubAuthor Elizabeth WoodrumAuthor Elizabeth IsaacsAuthor Fabio BuenoFae BooksGins Book Notes and DesignAuthor Inger IversenParanormal Book ClubHallowed Ink PressThe Storybook KingdomThe (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old GirlStuffed ShelvesAuggie TalkBook AngeltopiaJennifer LaurensAstraea PressAuthor Joselyn VaughnAuthor Wendy KnightRumor Has ItAuthor Sandy GreenAuthor Sherry GloagAuthor M. KircherAuthor Allan LeveroneAuthor Jo GraffordAuthor Jennifer Rae GravelyAuthor P.M. RichterAuthor Ash KraftonAuthor Rae Z. RyansI Feel the Need, The Need to ReadThe Society of YA StorytellersAuthor Laurie TreacyQuality BookWorks ServicesAuthor Diane CapriAuthor Carole LanhamBound4EscapeAuthor J.L. WeilReviews from a BookwormWhere The Broken Lie by Derek RempferBrenda Maxfield's Smart and Sassy Teen ReadsAuthor Kimber Leigh WheatonParanormal Romance Author Rebecca HamiltonBonnie Blythe's Pure RomanceBella Street Weird RomanceA Leisure MomentBea's Book NookDanielle @ Coffee and CharactersBookHoundsThe Stubby PencilFrances PauliThe Sylver LiningSweet Romance ReadsAuthor Donna FasanoOwl Always Be ReadingThe Reporter and The GirlAuthor David Michael SlaterAuthor Daniel PikeThe Late Bloomer's Book BlogAuthor Marilla MulwaneBarbara Silkstone: Second Art CafeElizabeth Parkinson Bellows  Sign up to sponsor the next Kindle Fire Giveaway: http://www.iamareader.com/category/kindle-giveaway-sign-ups   Giveaway Details 1 winner will receive their choice of an all new Kindle Fire 7" HDX (US Only - $229 value), $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 in Paypal Cash (International). There is a second separate giveaway for bloggers who post this giveaway on their blog. See details in the rafflecopter on how to enter to win the 2nd Kindle Fire HDX 7". Ends 3/16/14 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 participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Daughter Of Isis-Social Media Blitz!

  Overview
"Her mouth parted slightly, waiting for Seth to breathe life into her own body, just like in the story. She wanted him to awaken her senses."
Their worlds collide in California's high desert.The last thing Natara "Natti" Stone wants to do is to start anew at Setemple High School. She wished she had never left London. Yet the brutal murder of her maternal grandmother has made her life very complicated. The only clue related to her murder is an ancient, encrypted necklace Natti discovered after her grandmother's death. And if trying to adjust to American life is not enough, Natti is being stalked by a mysterious, charming high school senior, Seth O'Keefe, who is annoyingly persistent in his attempts at seduction.Seth O'Keefe is secretly a member of the Sons of Set, an order that worships the Egyptian god of chaos. Seth's blessing from Set, his "charm," never failed, except with one person: Natti Stone. Her ability to elude him infatuates and infuriates him, and he becomes obsessed with the chase. But the closer he gets to her, the more his emotions take a dangerous turn, and he risks breaking one of the most valued covenants of his order. The punishment for which is a fate worse than death.The adventure this unlikely couple becomes engulfed in could cost them their lives and their souls.
*Note: Content for Upper YA*






Meet the Author

During her high school years, Kelsey Ketch could always be found tucked away in a little corner of the hall or classroom, writing her fantasy worlds and creating illustrations and maps. Today is no different, except now she's writing in the break room at her office building or at the tables of the Barnes and Noble Café in Cary, North Carolina. She is also an avid reader, a part-time book blogger at Ketch's Book Nook, and lives with her two orange tabbies and awesome and humorous flat-mate. Daughter of Isis is her debut novel.
For more information, please visit her site at kelseyketch.com.
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Paris Cravings Book Blast & Giveaway

  
Paris CravingsCan life really turn on a dime,a missed bus—or a stuck pastry shop door?Chloe Dillard’s life has always been complicated. Her mother is a neurotic romance novelist and her boyfriend, Mathew, has been pressuring her to go “all the way”. But after The Worst Night of Her Life, Chloe escapes on her Senior Class trip to the swoon-worthy city of Paris which takes her mind off her troubles—temporarily. On the final leg of her dream trip, Chloe squeezes in one final run for a last-minute box of decadent pastries. Add a stuck door, subtract a broken four-inch heel from her cute strappy sandals, and Chloe ends up one stuck girl on the bakery shop floor with a sprained ankle. Rescued by the shop owner’s dreamy son with chocolate-syrup eyes, the beautiful city of Paris suddenly becomes Chloe’s personal secret adventure. And even though Jean-Paul, the oh-so-kind La Patisserie shop boy is the gentlemanly guy Chloe has always dreamed of, even he has a girlfriend. The police are tracking her down as a run-away, Mom’s having a nervous breakdown over her daughter’s “disappearance”, and Chloe’s just trying to have a Happily-Ever-After even as her dreams with Matt are swirling down the drain. Could being lost in the city of Paris be just what the doctor ordered? What’s a girl to do in the most romantic city in the world? 

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo * SmashwordsPraise for Paris Cravings: "PARIS CRAVINGS is such a fun read, I couldn't put it down! This is a humorous, delicious, and dreamy romance set in Paris about pastries, growing up, dating, and making those hard decisions about the kind of guy you want to be with, and who is best for you." ~Milyssa Rivera "Who can resist a book set in Paris amidst a Patisserie shop full of eclairs and pastries?! I'm excited this is a series, because anything with a bakery involved and I am in! Paris Cravings started out with a girl, a big box, some high heels and a mishap with a door. Insert cute worker with Hershey brown eyes, a French accent and a missing passport and you have the beginnings of romance." ~Fire & Ice Blogger Excerpt:
Dear Diary: I have a confession to make: I’ve become a total idiot over French pastries. They’re my new favorite food. My new-found edible souvenir. My new favorite sin. Drizzled chocolate, sugar-dusted raspberries, flaky crusts with perfect crimped edges. I’ll have to run a marathon when I get back home to New York just to burn off my new five pounds. French beignets are the worst temptation. Those yeasty chocolate-filled pastries call to me the way Prada handbags call to my mother from Fifth Avenue. Dunkin Donuts—so yesterday. Climbing the Eiffel tower, running through miles of hallways at the Louvre Museum, gourmet lunches on the Seine River . . . yes, those are all must-sees . . . if you don’t mind vertigo-dizzying heights and enough paintings to saturate your brain for the rest of your life. But once I discovered La Patisserie, the rest of Paris became a mere backdrop for my guilty pleasure. What’s a girl to do?
    Author Kimberley Montpetit Kimberley Montpetit once spent all her souvenir money at the La Patisserie shops when she was in Paris—on the arm of her adorable husband. The author grew up in San Francisco, another swoon-worthy city, loves all things Parisian and chocolate and lives in a small town along the Rio Grande with her family. Kimberley has won many awards for her work, including the Southwest Book Award, the Whitney Award, the Arizona/New Mexico Book Award, is a Crystal Kite Finalist (SCBWI) and included in the Bank Street College Best Books of the Year. She once stayed in a haunted castle tower room at Borthwick Castle in Scotland, sailed on the Seine in Paris, walked the beaches of Normandy, eaten in numerous French cafes, ridden a camel in Petra, Jordan, sunbathed on Waikiki, shopped the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, and spent the night in an old Communist hotel in Bulgaria. She adores all baked goodies; brownies, éclairs, donuts, tarts, and pie, and makes a lot of chocolate chip cookies while revising. Kimberley is, of course, hard at work on her next novel(s). 

Facebook * Twitter * Website BookBlast Giveaway $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 3/14/14 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, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.  
a Rafflecopter giveaway -- ~Inspired Kathy~ I Am A Reader, Not A Writer Book Blasts & Blog Tours

Tiger Temple ~ Blog Tour Review & Giveaway

About the Book Title: Zoe & Zak and the Tiger Temple (Zoe & Zak Series, Book #3)Author: Lars GuignardPublisher: Fantastic PressPublication Date: January 1, 2014Number of Pages: 267Recommended Age: 8+Summary Last semester, Zoe and Zak returned the first lost Noble Truth to its rightful home. Now, Zoe and Zak are back in India for their second semester at Moonstock Himalayan Academy. School kicks off with the Activity Week Challenge in the tiny mountain kingdom of Bhutan where the students must deliver medical supplies. Things, however, take a turn for the worse, when Zak becomes deathly ill after an encounter with a strange floating bubble. On returning to Moonstock, Zoe and Zak discover that a creature has come through the lava hole far below their dormitory. When Zoe and Zak follow the creature, they soon discover what they must do. They have been tasked with finding the second lost Noble Truth -- the Tiger Eye of Justice. Finding the Tiger Eye sounds like an impossible mission, and it's only made more confusing when Zak discovers that he has been given a supernatural power to help them with their task-- a power which Zak, for the life of him, just can't control. But he's going to have to learn how to use his new ability, because if Zoe and Zak can't find the Tiger Eye quickly, Zak's time will run out.   My ReviewThe young protagonists Zoe and Zak are back once more with new significant undertakings. Tiger Temple, the third book in the Zoe & Zak series, is the tale of another grand quest, taking place in the numinous land of India. The preteen’s mission; to find the Second Noble Truth (The tiger eye of Justice).
This story is filled with fantastic adventures such as hiking in Bhutan―a tiny mountainous country north of India near Nepal, taking a water plane to the beautiful tropical island, Andaman, playing elephant polo in a tournament, plus so much more. Then there’s the stranger and more mystical exploits, like when two silvery tigers stare up from the sea floor, but then disappear and are replaced with a glowing stone lotus flower. Or when the kids go to a lava hole and encounter a pair of scary red eyes, or go down a dark tunnel and meet up with the very stinky Monsta, who has stolen the schools toilet paper.
Like book 1 and 2, Tiger Temple is laced with all sorts of riveting events, i.e. a curse is placed on Zak when he grabs hold of a strange soap bubble; he becomes extremely ill. In order for this curse to be broken, Zoe and Zac must first free the Tiger People. While Zoe is still mastering her yogi powers, Zak learns that he has been given a powerful gift of being able to talk to animals.
Back for this 3rd installment are, the magic carpet, aka: door mat, Zaks trusty Stryker whip, Mr. Muk, Monsta, Alta, the flying elephant, Zoe and Zak’s school mates, Jill and Tuk, and more. Then there are some new characters added in, like Ganesha’s mother; Durga, and the new student, Vijay, who Zoe and Zak grow leery of.
Like Ghost Leopard and Yogi’s Curse, Tiger Temple is filled with nonstop action from beginning to end. There is lots of humor and a great deal of Lar’s creative and funny imagination as well as the real culture, history, and mysterious beliefs of India described throughout the book. The story is fun and fasted paced and will keep you intrigued up until the last page. I recommend this book to tweens, teens, and adults who still have a little bit or perhaps a lot of a kid left inside them.

Buzz About the Zoe & Zak SeriesBook 1: "Awesome! ~ I am 11 and I liked the book because I love adventures. It was a different kind of adventure from what I usually read and it was funny too. " ~ 5-Star Review from J. Olsen, Amazon Book 1: "This was a fun read. This book was like a kid's version of Indiana Jones. It's also very educational as Zoe tells you real facts about what she sees and the history. I enjoyed it immensely. If you have a 10-12 year old child that loves adventure books, this is definitely a must read. " ~ 5-Star review from Simone Lilly-Egerter, Amazon Book 1: "I'm sure this book was written for children who are around the age of the two children in the book, 11 or so. But, this 35 year old loved this book! It had action, adventure and imagination galore! It was exactly the kind of adventure that a lot of kids that age dream of." ~ 5-Star review from The Novice Christian, Amazon Book 2: "I have a 10 year old son who is an avid reader!! He loves books, (but he's picky too) he loved Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. He was so excited to read the 2nd book in this series! When I presented him the first book he was not sure he would like it but changed his mind quickly, then when I heard about the 2nd book being released he almost jumped out of his chair! (no exaggeration) He is anxiously awaiting the 3rd book! I would say that any child who enjoys fantasy/adventure books should read this series! It is a well written page turner! It's a fun story that adults can even enjoy the storyline without getting bored! According to my son, 'every kid should read this series'. " ~ 5-Star review from SavyGreenSaver, Amazon Book 2: "I loved this book, even as an adult reading it. I was completely sucked into the plot and was constantly finding myself staying up "just a little longer" to read one more chapter. Different twists and turns in the book have you constantly guessing who is behind what and who Zak and Zoe can trust. I could definitely see myself being involved in this series as a middle schooler considering how much I enjoyed it even now. Another thing I liked about it is if you missed the first book, you could still follow along with this one and not be lost." ~ 5-Star review from Staci, Amazon Book 2: "Lars Guignard has done a fabulous job with this series. I loved the `Ghost Leopard' & love this one even more. For late-elementary to middle school age readers, you can't beat this series. It's fun and fast-paced. Even my picky fifth grader enjoyed every page. There are bits of magic thrown in keep the action exciting. Mr. Guignard has a brilliant imagination & readers are blessed that he's chosen to use it for YA fiction. If you've yet to read the first installment in this series, do yourself a favor and read these books back to back. Don't limit it just to kids! Adults will have a blast reading these too!" ~ 5-Star review from Liz Terek, Amazon  
Purchase Amazon (Kindle) | Amazon (UK) | Amazon (CAN) | Amazon (AUS) 
About The Author: Lars Guignard   Lars Guignard wrote for film and television. As a teenager he attended boarding school in the Indian Himalayas and his experiences there provided the inspiration for the Zoe and Zak series which now include: Zoe & Zak and the Ghost Leopard , Zoe & Zak and the Yogi’s Curse , and Zoe & Zak and the Tiger Temple . He lives in the Pacific Northwest where he dodges bears and cougars while hiking & skiing the magnificent Coast Mountain Range. For news about new releases, please join his email list by contacting the author: Zoe&ZakAdventures@gmail.comBlog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads  Tiger Temple Blog Tour Schedule (2014)January 15Mother Daughter Book Reviews (Launch & Review)Mary-andering Among the Pages (Review)January 16Jump Into a Book (Review)January 17Brooke Blogs (Review)January 19Nik's Picks Book Reviews (Review)January 20Houseful of Chaos (Review) January 21Black Words - White Pages Kids (Review)January 22For the Love of Books (Review) January 23Fiona Ingram (Review) January 24Stitch Says (Review) January 25Just Thinking (Review) January 27Bound 4 Escape (Review) January 28Fantasy Fun With Kirstin Pulioff (Review) January 29We are the DinoFamily (Review) Cheryl Carpinello's Writing Pages (Review)January 30Pragmatic Mom (Review) January 31Giveaway Breaking News for Indonesia (Review) February 1The Dragyn's Lair (Review) February 2Kids Book Group (Review) February 3Bookworm for Kids (Review) February 4The World of ContestPatti (Review) February 5BeachBoundBooks (Review) February 6Best Kids' Reads (Review) Kay LaLone I Love Books (Review)February 7InkSpired: A Blog (Review) February 8Jemima Pett, Author (Review) February 9The Omnibus Publishing (Review)February 10Geo Librarian (Review) February 11Books, Reviews, Etc. (Review)February 12Victoria Simcox (Review) February 13Heart of a Philanthropist (Review) February 14Dalene's Book Reviews (Review)Cassandra Lost in Books (Review)  * Tiger Temple Blog Tour Giveaway *Prize: One winner will receive a $100 Amazon gift card (or PayPal cash). Contest runs: January 15 to February 21, 11:59 pm, 2014 Open: Worldwide How to enter: Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. The winners will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winners will then have 72 hours to respond. If a 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 Lars Guignard and Fantastic Press 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