Emma Michaels's Blog, page 20

15 Winter Reads Blast and Giveaway

 

Sit back, relax in your favorite reading chair and enjoy 15 Winter Reads from 15 bestselling YA authors. There is something to delight every reader in this box set – paranormal romance, futuristic sci-fi, historical, time travel, and contemporary. Many of the Indelibles have given you access to both the first and second books in their series – you’ll be reading well into the New Year!

LIMITED TIME BOX SET – from 15 bestselling YA authors

ON SALE 12/29 – 1/11 for just $1.99
Amazon * Barnes & Noble
15 Winter Reads includes:

 

The Iron Butterfly by Chanda Hahn

Escaping an experimental prison, Thalia tries to hide her past and her gifts, from her friends. But her past isn’t always easy to escape, especially when it hunts you down.

Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads * Website

 

Tremble (Celestra Series) by Addison Moore

Sixteen year-old, Skyla Messenger is a dead girl walking. When her newly remarried mother moves the family to Paragon Island, to a house that is rumored to be haunted, Skyla finds refuge in Logan Oliver, a boy who shares her unique ability to read minds.

Blog * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads

 

Exiled by RaShelle Workman

Venus wakes to find herself no longer on her home planet of Kelari, but on Earth with a week to get back or she’ll die.

Twitter * Facebook * Blog * Goodreads * Wattpad

Dragonfly by Leigh Talbert Moore

Gossip Girl meets VC Andrews in this contemporary family saga. Love, lies, and betrayal become the new normal when Anna enters the world of Jack and Lucy Kyser.

Amazon * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads * Pinterest

 

Open Minds and Closed Hearts by Susan Kaye Quinn

When everyone reads minds, a secret is a dangerous thing to keep.

Blog * Twitter * Facebook * Wattpad * Goodreads

 

Untraceable by S.R. Johannes

When Grace’s forest ranger dad disappears on patrol, she fights town authorities, tribal officials, & nature to prove he’s alive. Torn between a new hot boy and cute ex, she heads into the wilderness to find her dad. Soon, she is caught in a web of conspiracy, deception, and murder.

Twitter * Facebook * Blog * Goodreads

 

How to Date an Alien and How to Break Up With an Alien by Magan Vernon

Alex Bianchi takes an internship at an alien operations center to pad her college applications but doesn’t plan on falling in love with one of its residents. But as Alex’s senior year progresses, everything changes and she can’t figure out if it is interstellar or if it is just time to break up with an alien.

Twitter * Facebook * Website * Goodreads

 

Flutter of Luv by L.M. Preston

Dawn, the neighborhood tomboy, is happy to be her best friend’s shadow. Acceptance comes from playing football after school with the guys on the block while hiding safely behind her glasses, braces, and boyish ways. But Tony moves in, becomes the star Running Back on her school’s football team, and changes her world and her view of herself forever.

Twitter * Facebook * Blog * Goodreads

 

Watched by Cindy M. Hogan

It takes more than a school trip to change Christy’s life. It takes murder.

Blog * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads

 

 

Clockwise and ClockwiseR by Elle Strauss

A follow up to Clockwise, Casey and Nate travel back in time and race against the clock to rescue Casey’s rebellious brother Tim from frontline battle in America’s civil war.

Website * Blog * Twitter * Facebook * Wattpad * Goodreads

 

 

[image error]Glimpse (Zellie Wells #1) and Glimmer (Zellie Wells #2) by Stacey Wallace Benefiel

While working together to figure out what their shared vision means, Zellie discovers that Benjamin is a worthy friend and mentor. If only he could keep his hands off of her – if only she wanted him to…

Blog * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads

 

A Spy Like Me by Laura Pauling

After dodging bullets on a first date, Savvy must decide how far she’ll go to protect the ones she loves.

Blog * Twitter * Goodreads

 

Grasping At Eternity by Karen Amanda Hooper

An eternal soul mate, a supernatural family who has known her for centuries, and lifetimes of erased memories: this is Maryah Woodsen’s life. She just doesn’t know it yet.

Twitter * Facebook * Blog * Goodreads

 

Lacrimosa by Christine Fonseca

In the world of angels and demons, one thing is clear – some sacrifices should never be made. Even for love.

Twitter * Facebook * Blog * Google * Goodreads * Pinterest

 

The Secret of Spruce Knoll by Heather McCorkle

The town of Spruce Knoll hides many secrets—and many dangers, among them are that the untimely death of Eren’s parents was no accident and that she is far more than she realizes.

Blog * Twitter * Facebook * Wattpad * Goodreads

 

Giveaway Details

$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 1/11/14

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 authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Dead space or drop dead beautiful?

In art class as a child I was not considered very talented. I only drew or painted because it was what I felt and normally kept my projects a secret. I remember once a teacher saw one of my paintings and told me that white could only ever be ‘dead space’. I do not happen to agree that white is only ever dead space and decided to go ahead and show why. Each of these covers has strategic use of whites or light grays. If you are a creative type, go with what you feel, break the rules and have fun doing it! I know it has made my life much more exciting!

Here is a toast to breaking the rules!

 

Reaper’s Return Book Recommendation!

Reaper's Return by Ren Cummins
Series: Chronicles of Aesirium #1
Published by Talaria Press on March 10th 2011
Genres: Middle-Grade Fiction, Science Fiction, Steampunk, Young Adult
Pages: 304
Format: Audiobook
Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Goodreads

What if Death wore a pretty black dress?


Everyone in Oldtown had heard talk of the Reapers. Even though nobody had seen one in years, everyone whispered the tales: flying from rooftop to rooftop, stealing the souls of the unwary, letting their undead beasts hunt through the streets for any member of the community too reckless or fearless to heed the nightly curfew ... mysterious and terrifying, most feared to even mention them by name, lest they appear and gather your spirit away.


For 11-year-old Romany, her greatest fears were less about the mythological Reapers and more about surviving a miserable life

inside of Oldtown's solitary orphanage. Her stark white hair made her an obvious target for the bullies, and the cruel nickname of "Ratgirl" had followed her for years. But if Rom thought her troubles were behind her, being struck dead by a bolt of lightning would only open the door to an entire life of new ones.

First on the list? Finding out that she herself...is a Reaper.

Normally when I read an e-book and listen to an audio book I have a set preference between the two. In this case I enjoyed both equally. The audio book has a brilliant narrator who seamlessly transformed this singularly unique novel. Neither version outshines the other and I was easily able to switch between the two without hesitation. Not to mention the narrator’s voice is striking and captivating without being a distraction from what is happening in the story.

I would say this novel can reach out to middle grade through adults with a steampunk flair, compelling story line and a full range of emotions. So many novels have a few emotions surrounding a story line but this fast paced adventure has, well, for lack of a better explanation, “ALL THE FEELZ”. This imaginative story features Romany and Kari who both have distinctive personalities that complement one another. They navigate through what must be the most imaginative world I can remember reading about, a unique blend of steampunk and sci-fi that reminded me of my manga/anime days. I could imagine this being turned into an anime. The scenes played out in my mind almost as thought it had been written like an anime; full of action, emotion and of course crazy amazing mech.

 Overall, the author still has room to grow but his imagination it’s already out of this world! A full 5 stars for enraptured me in this vibrant tale. I would heartily recommend this novel to anyone looking for a step away from the usual. Don’t let the summary for this novel fool you, this book is a breed apart.

Website | Twitter | GoodReads | Facebook

I write. I’m a writer, perhaps much the way my act of breathing makes me a breather. Wait, that’s a poor example.

I began with sketching, but my love of music and math turned me into a musician, and from there prose and poetry fashioned me into a writer. My first series, the young adult (steampunk) fantasy series “CHRONICLES OF AESIRIUM” about a young girl who becomes an angel of death, marked my work as a light hearted and optimistic look into death and darkness, but I’m sure that’s just the lip of the rabbit hole.

I also helped found Talaria Press, a loosely affiliated gang of misfits whose work can be found at www.talariapress.com

- come join the parade, there’s space enough for all.

It’s a Firefly Night Book Recommendation!

It's a Firefly Night by Betsy Snyder, Dianne Ochiltree
Published by Blue Apple Books on May 14th 2013
Pages: 32
Format: eBook
Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Goodreads

"One, two, three, four, five. My jar's like a light bulb that's just come alive." The lilting verses in this concept book chronicle a girl's capture and release of ten fireflies. Kid-readers will count up and down along with the song-like text. Interesting information about fireflies is included in the book's final spread, adding a touch of accessible nonfiction to this charming not-just-for-bedtime offering.

 Of all the picture books I have read over the last few years this one is my favorite. The writing is lyrical, the illustrations are phenomenal and the story itself is heart warming. It transports you into the life of this wonderful young girl who looks at the world with innocence and wonder as she watches the fireflies and adventures outside with her father. Unlike many novels for younger children it doesn’t focus on what she wants, what she is being told to do or other common themes in picture books. Instead it gives you a bigger picture, it makes you feel like you are out in that wonderful firefly night with her and exploring as you very carefully capture fireflies, only to let them go again because they belong to the night and another firefly night will come.

The illustrations by Betsy Snyder really bring the story Dianne Ochiltree wrote to life. It was reminiscent of The Very Hungry Caterpillar to me but with more whimsy and finesse. Each image had just the right focus with unique perspectives such as seeing more from the firefly’s point of view than the girl’s. The style is relatable for a child - the kind of illustrations I could imagine having copied onto a wall of a child’s room. This wonderful young girl happily adventuring with the smiling pup running ahead and beautiful touches in the background from bird houses to flowers.

Simply magical! Anyone looking for a last minute Christmas gift should pick up this treasure. It is a real treat. Amazing 5 star picture book I would pick up for any child. If you get this book you are getting more than a picture book, you are getting an experience and a wonderful but subtle lesson for a all ages.

 

Dianne Ochiltree is a nationally recognized author of books for the very young.  Her books have been featured on recommended lists, translated to foreign language editions, released in audio versions and selected for use in lesson plans by teachers nationwide.  Her picture book, LULL-A-BYE, LITTLE ONE, has been a selection in the Dollywood Foundation’s childhood literacy initiative,  Imagination Library, since 2007.  Her  picture book, MOLLY BY GOLLY! THE LEGEND OF MOLLY WILLIAMS  AMERICA’S FIRST FEMALE FIREFIGHTER, received the Florida Book Awards Bronze Medal in the Children’s Literature category in 2012.  Her latest picture book, IT’S A FIREFLY NIGHT encourages an appreciation for the natural world while celebrating a special daddy-and-daughter bond—and there’s counting, too! Dianne lives in Sarasota, Florida, where she writes, draws, teaches yoga, and goes on therapy dog visits with her furry girlfriend, Sally.   For more information about her books, go to www.ochiltreebooks.com

Check out the illustrator, Betsy Snyder’s wonderful blog with information about her amazing creations!

http://betsysnyder.blogspot.com/

 

Jedi Academy Book Recommnedation

Jedi Academy by Jeffrey Brown
Published by Scholastic on August 27th 20
Pages: 160
Format: Paperback
Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Goodreads

New York Times bestselling author/illustrator Jeffrey Brown takes readers to a middle school in a galaxy far, far away...


This incredible, original story captures all of the humor, awkwardness, fun, and frustrations of middle school--all told through one boy's comics, journal entries, letters, doodles, and newspaper clippings. The setting? A galaxy far, far away...


Roan's one dream is to leave home and attend Pilot Academy like his older brother, father, and grandfather. But just as Roan is mysteriously denied entrance to Pilot School, he is invited to attend Jedi Academy--a school that he didn't apply to and only recruits children when they are just a few years old. That is, until now...


This inventive novel follows Roan's first year at Jedi Academy where, under the tutelage of Master Yoda, he learns that he possesses more strength and potential than he could have ever dreamed. Oh, and he learns other important things too--like how to make a baking soda volcano, fence with a lightsaber, slow dance with a girl, and lift boulders with the Force.

Okay, let me start out by explaining that I absolutely love Star Wars and while I enjoyed the movies I am more interested in the extended universe i.e. the books, games and MMORPG. So this book caught my eye first for the Star Wars factor and then because the concept and execution seemed really well done. I grabbed this book at BEA and read it the night of (if I remember correctly). I am not as good with dates as I am with words which is why when I say “just one more page” it ends up meaning ‘let me sit here and finish the entire book’.

The concept was adorable and the facts were on par but more than that I think it is really the kind of book that is perfect for boys (and girls) between 7-13 who have a love of the movies but haven’t managed to connect with books yet which is a market that I don’t see much of most of the time. But hey, even as a 23 year old girl I found myself giggling, especially whenever Yoda came into things. Some of my favorite parts were the weird things Yoda said.

Such a wonderful book and a great extension of the Star Wars universe for the younger crowd. Overall I would say perfect for the 7-13 age range or readers who are a bit younger with a higher reading level. It has a bit of a comic book feel but is more literature than comic and has wonderful illustrations that stay true to the character’s authentic voice.

Overall, a 5 out of 5 I would highly recommend, especially if you have a special Jedi in training you are looking to buy a present for!

A Blue Winter Cover Love!

 

Ahhh, the weather is getting colder and it has put me in a blue mood.

No, not a down hearted mood, just crazy creative blue.

These blue books gave me a lot of inspiration!

Check these beauties out!

 

Insanity Book Blitz!

Insanity by Cameron Jace
Publication date: December 20th 2013
Genres: Fantasy, New Adult, Paranormal

GoodReads | Amazon (Will be found here on release day)

After accidentally killing everyone in her class, Alice Wonder is now a patient in the Radcliffe Lunatic Asylum. No one doubts her insanity. Only a hookah-smoking professor believes otherwise; that he can prove her sanity by decoding Lewis Carroll’s paintings, photographs, and find Wonderland’s real whereabouts. Professor Caterpillar persuades the asylum that Alice can save lives and catch the wonderland monsters now reincarnated in modern day criminals. In order to do so, Alice leads a double life: an Oxford university student by day, a mad girl in an asylum by night. The line between sanity and insanity thins when she meets Jack Diamond, an arrogant college student who believes that nonsense is an actual science.

 


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Wonderlander, Neverlander, Unicorn-chaser, enchanter, musician, survived a coma, & totally awesome. Sometimes I tell stories. Always luv the little monsters. I write young adult paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and science fiction mostly. The Grimm Diaries series is a seven book saga that deals with retellings of fairy tales from a young adult POV – it connects most of the fairy tales together and claims to be the truth about fairy tales. I live in San Francisco and seriously think circles are way cooler than triangles.

The writing on the wall says it’s January 14th. I am not sure what year. I haven’t been sure of many things lately, but I’m wondering if it’s my handwriting I’m looking at.

There is an strange key drawn underneath the date. It’s carved with a sharp object, probably a broken mirror. I couldn’t have written this. I’m terrified of mirrors. They love to call it Catoptrophobia around here.

Unlike regular patients in the asylum, my room is windowless, stripped down to a single mattress in the middle, a sink, and bucket for peeing–or puking–when necessary. The tiles on the floor are black-and-white squares, like a chessboard. I never step on black. Always white. Again, I’m not sure why.

The walls are smeared with a greasy pale green everywhere. I wonder if it’s the previous patient’s brains spattered all over from shock therapy. In the Radcliffe Lunatic Asylum, politely known as the Warneford hospital, the doctors have a sweet spot for shock therapy. They love watching patients with bulging eyes and shivering limbs begging for relief from the electricity. It makes me question who is really mad in here.

It’s been a while since I was sent to shock therapy myself. Dr. Tom Truckle, my supervising physician, said I don’t need it anymore, particularly after I stopped mentioning Wonderland. He told me that I used to talk about it all the time; a dangerous place I claim I have been whisked away to when my elder sister lost me at the age of seven.

Truth is, I don’t remember this Wonderland they are talking about. I don’t even know why I am here. My oldest vivid memory is from a week ago. Before that, it’s all a purple haze.

I have only one friend in this asylum. It’s not a doctor or a nurse. And it’s not a human. It doesn’t hate, envy, or point a finger at you. My friend is an orange flower I keep in a pot; a Tiger Lily I can’t live without. I keep it safe next to a small crack in the wall where a single sun ray sneaks through for only ten minutes a day. It might not be enough light to grow a flower, but my Tiger Lily is a tough girl.

Each day, I save half of the water they give me for my flower. As for me, better thirsty than mad.

My orange flower is also my personal rain check for my sanity. If I talk to her and she doesn’t reply, I know I am not hallucinating. If it talks back to me, all kinds of nonsense starts to happen. Insanity prevails. There must be a reason why I am here. It doesn’t mean I will easily give in to such a fate.

“Alice Pleasance Wonder. Are you ready?” the nurse knocks with her electric prod on my steel door. Her name is Waltraud Wagner. She is German. Everything she says sounds like a threat and smells like smoke. My fellow mad people say she is a Nazi; that she used to kill her own patients back in Germany. “Get avay vrom za dor. I an coming in,” she demands.

Listening to the rattling of her large keychain, my heart pounds in my chest. The turn of the key makes me want to swallow. When the door opens, all I can think of is choking her before she begins to hurt me. Sadly, her neck is too thick for my nimble hands. I stare at her almost-square figure for a moment. Everything about her is four sizes too big, all except her feet, which are as small as mine. My sympathies, little feet.

“Time for your daily ten-minute break,” she approaches me with a straitjacket, a devilish grin on her face. I never get out. My ward is underground, and I take my break in another empty ward upstairs, where patients love to play soccer with a hedgehog’s head.

A big muscled warden stands behind Watlraud. Thomas Ogier. He is bald, has an angry-red face and a silver tooth he likes to flash whenever he sees me. His biceps are the size of my head. I have a hard time believing he has ever been a 4-pound baby.

“Slide your arms into the jacket,” Waltraud demands in her German accent, a cigarette puckered between her lips. “Slow and easy, Alice,” she nods at warden Ogier, in case I misbehave.

I comply obediently and stretch out my arms for her to do whatever she wants. Waltraud twists my right arm slightly and checks the tattoo on my arm. It’s the only tattoo I have. It’s a handwritten sentence that looks like a thin arm band from afar. Waltraud feels the need to read it allowed, “’I can’t go back to yesterday because I was a different person then.’” I was told I have written it myself while still believing in Wonderland. “That Alice in Wonderland has really messed with your head.” She puffs smoke into my face as she mocks me.

The tattoo and Waltraud’s mocking is the least of my concerns right now. I let her tie me, and while she does, I close my eyes. I imagine I am a sixteenth century princess, some kind of a lucky Cinderella, being squeezed into a corset by my chain smoking servant in a fairy tale castle above ground, just about to go meet my Prince Charming. Such imagery always helps me breathe. I once heard that it was hope that saves the day, not sanity. I need to cool down before I begin my grand escape.

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Ondine Book Blitz

Ondine by Emma Raveling  (Ondine Quartet 0.5)
Publication date: December 19, 2013
Genres: Urban Fantasy, Young Adult

Amazon (on day of release) | Goodreads

“I shouldn’t get involved.”

Rebellious and headstrong, sixteen-year-old Kendra Irisavie doesn’t have much respect for authority. An ondine with the powerful gift of Virtue, she uses her tough attitude and Empath magic to navigate through high school and keep others away.

Because being an ondine also means keeping secrets.

Kendra and her mother are Rogue water elementals in the middle of an ancient war. They hide among humans, their survival constantly threatened by monstrous Aquidae demons.

Along with a rigorous training regimen to mold Kendra into a lethal fighter, her mother has instituted four rules to keep her safe.

Trust no one. Relationships are weaknesses. Emotional attachments are dangerous. Be responsible only for yourself.

But when Kendra witnesses a classmate in trouble, she intervenes and her decision to break the rules comes at a price.

Sometimes, humans could be more dangerous than demons.

Ondine is a short prequel novella for the young adult urban / paranormal fantasy series, the Ondine Quartet.

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I’m a fantasy writer who lives a slightly eccentric life with my accommodating husband and our charming, neurotic dog. I’m currently working on the Ondine Quartet, a young adult urban fantasy/paranormal series featuring a kick-ass heroine, powerful magic, and the complex world of water elementals.
I have a weird love of spreadsheets and organizational tools because they give me the illusion that I am somehow in control of the chaos that is my life. I adore beautiful art such as painting and sculpture, classical music, lyrical writing, and great graphic design. My all-time favorite books (as of this writing) are Immortality by Milan Kundera, 100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Beloved by Toni Morrison, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, and The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka.

Afternoon sunlight drenched the wood, heat seeping through my jeans and warming the back of my legs.

Rui’s icy voice sliced through the delicate spring air. “I need you to get the money from him.”

Potheads occupied the narrow recess beside the stairs while the cheerleaders and athletes took the table farthest from the building door.

They weren’t getting involved.

Neither was the Student Council group gathered along the west side.

I’d managed to follow her rules for the four months we’d been in L.A. The championship tournament was in two hours and she’d be seriously pissed if my performance wasn’t better than the last one.

I needed to concentrate on my own shit, not get involved in anyone else’s.

Troy’s fear ratcheted up another notch and the hot spike of emotion raked against my insides.

“I—I don’t know him that w-well…”

“That’s a problem.” Rui adopted an expression of mock concern and pulled out a cigarette. “‘Cause your dad owes mine a lot of money.”

Empath magic reached inside him, sensing clumps of frustration and rage, hardened over the years.

“It’s just me and my mom,” Troy said in a desperate voice. “I don’t see him that often —“

Mistake one.

“Often?” Rui’s voice rumbled with the dark glee of a predator who’d spotted its prey. “So you do see him.”

“N..no.” Troy’s eyes darted around the courtyard.

Don’t, don’t…

Wide eyes locked on to me. Great.

“What do you mean, no?”

“I m-m-mean…” He stumbled over the words. “S-sometimes I do, but…”

Mistake two.

“Then you can get the money from him, right?” Rui lit his cigarette. Troy flinched at the click of the lighter. “I don’t think your old man would like it if my father got his hands on you.”

Troy swallowed, his gaze flickering toward me again.

Sasha followed his line of sight. “You thinkin’ a chick’s gonna help you?”

Rui slowly turned. Black hair, dark eyes set against olive skin. Cold, grim awareness etched into his face, creating an impression of severe superiority.

The things he’d seen and experienced exceeded your worst nightmares and he wanted you to know it.

Rui flicked his cigarette, ash landing a foot away from me.

“She’s not bad, Troy. Don’t think she’s your type, though.”

I suppressed a sigh and stood. Might as well get this over with.

“You don’t know my type, Vergara.”

A flicker of surprise in those dead eyes. “You know my name. I’m flattered.”

“Don’t be.” I strode over and leaned against the metal railing of the stairs. “You just have a rep of being an asshole.”

Kane stepped forward, body tense. Rui’s arm shot out and stopped him.

“You’re that junior.” A ring of smoke gently swirled around his face. “Transferred here a few months ago. Kendra, right?”

Empath detected a quick shift. Irritation and anger smoothly transformed to calculating curiosity. The unusual degree of control set off my internal alarms.

I shouldn’t underestimate him.

Cutless Cover Reveal!

Cutlass by Ashley Nixon  (Cutlass Series #1)
Publication date: April 23rd 2014
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult
Goodreads

Notorious pirate Barren Reed has one thing on his mind: Revenge against the man who killed his father. So kidnapping his enemy’s fiancé seems a perfect plan…until he actually does it.

Larkin Lee is more than a pretty face and fiancé to a powerful man. Her fierce personality is enough to make any pirate want to push her overboard.

But when the King of the Orient comes to Barren with a task—to find the Bloodstone, a powerful gem thought only to exist in legend, Barren sees another opportunity to destroy his enemy. Together, Barren, Larkin and a crew of pirates set off to find the stone, only to discover it caused the death of Barren’s own mother and Larkin’s, too. As his strongest allies turn into his greatest enemies, and the life of the girl he kidnapped becomes more important than he ever dreamed, Barren’s quest for revenge becomes a fight to save the Orient.

 

 GoodReads | Website | Facebook | Twitter

Ashley was born and raised in Oklahoma, where the wind really does sweep down the plains, and horses and carriages aren’t used as much as she’d like. When she’s not writing, she’s hard at work on her Master’s degree in Library Science and Information Technology, working out, or pretending she’s Sherlock Holmes. Her obsession with writing began after reading the Lord of the Rings in the eighth grade. Since then, she’s loved everything Fantasy–resulting in an unhealthy obsession with the ‘geek’ tab on Pinterest, where all things awesome go.

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The Balborite Curse Blast and Giveaway!

The Balborite Curse

The Balborite Curse is the fourth book in Kristian Alva’s bestselling Dragon Stones Saga.

After five years of fragile peace, things are changing rapidly. The dwarf kingdom is crumbling into civil war in the midst of the worst clan schism in a thousand years. With the clans weakened by infighting, the entire dwarf kingdom is vulnerable to attack.

Tallin Arai, the dragon rider, must leave the desert and the city he loves when someone puts a bounty on his head. He suspects the Balborites–a fanatic cult that trains deadly mageborn assassins. He sets out on a journey to save the dwarves from civil war and stop the Balborite assassins once and for all. Is Tallin strong enough to save them all?

Barnes & Noble * Amazon

 

 

 

Author Kristian Alva

Kristian Alva was born into a family of writers and teachers. She worked as a staff writer and a ghostwriter before publishing her own manuscripts. She now writes young adult and middle-grade fantasy full-time. She currently lives in California with her husband and sons. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading all genres, especially epic fantasy.

 

Website * Blog * Facebook

BookBlast $50 Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 1/5/14

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.

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