Emma Michaels's Blog, page 4
November 16, 2014
A Tale of Light and Shadows Tour!
A Tale of Light and Shadow by Jacob Gowans Published by Shadow Mountain on September 9th 2014
Genres: Fantasy
Pages: 400
Format: Hardcover
Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Goodreads
Enter Atolas, a world where swords and daggers both extend life and end it, where magic is feared by all but a few, and where feuds and friendships influence kingdoms and courtships. Henry and Isabelle have secretly sworn to marry despite his lowly station. Though Henry is but a carpenter, his devotion drives him to commit an unthinkable act that may cost both of them their lives. At the same time, a secret, dark prophecy has set in motion events that will affect not only them, but the thrones of rulers throughout all of Atolas, threatening to eclipse the world in shadow. But all is not lost while hope remains in the guise of an unlikely hero and the strength of friendship.
When I started reading A Tale of Light and Shadow the writing style felt familiar to me. So I searched through my blogging archives, perfectly sure I knew this style, and low and behold I found the link. In 2011 I reviewed Jacob’s first novel Psion Beta! It came flooding back to me. It was a phenomenal dystopian with militaristic elements but realistic and loveable characters. It was my favorite for a while there and somehow while waiting for book two I lost track. So happy to have a series to return to but in the mean time I turned back to A Tale of Light and Shadow.
I won’t be forgetting Jacob again anytime soon. This novel was a phenomenal read filled with adventure and genuine characters with legitimate struggles through an amazing fantasy world. Unforgettable in every way and with a hook that keeps you engaged and twists that leave you breathlessly flipping pages at three in the morning. The pacing was wonderful and I loved that it wasn’t the kind of cookie cutter novel that has just one villain; as with real life there are many obstacles to face and many people who presented those obstacles, quite a few of whom I loved to hate as they got under my skin and helped further the conflict. There were heroes with traits normally attributed to the lost and villains with traits normally attributes to a hero. Every convention was flipped on its head yet it fit the fantasy genre perfectly.
Simply unforgettable, un-put-down-able, and a one of a kind read!
Jacob Gowans is a dentist currently working in Utah. He is husband to a beautiful wife, and father to four cute children. He shuns all pets. When not working or writing, he enjoys watching sports, reading, running, acting, listening to a variety of music, kissing his wife, internet shopping, and chasing his kids around the house. He is passionate about board games, both old and new. Psion Beta was his first novel, followed by Psion Gamma, Psion Delta, and Psion Alpha. He is currently working on books in both the Psion series and his new series, A Tale of Light and Shadow, published by Shadow Mountain Publishing. He is also planning Unknown and Super Six, two more series.
To see my review from 2011 of Psion Beta stop by this link here:
http://emmamichaels.com/2011/05/review-psion-beta-by-jacob-gowans.html
About Emma Michaels
Emma Michaels is the bestselling author of the Society of Feathers series. As an avid reader she started her book blog in 2009 (www.EmmaMichaels.com) and over the years has received numerous short story publications in addition to her full length novels. Working to help Indies and small presses from around the world she has received the nickname ‘The Mad Hatter’ for her versatility in graphic design, publishing, marketing, and blogging.
November 15, 2014
On the Isle of Sound and Wonder Tour!
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Find Grauer on the web: Facebook | Twitter | Amazon | Goodreads | Pinterest
About Emma Michaels
Emma Michaels is a cover artist, blogger, author, and director at Hallowed Ink Press. Growing up her library card was her best friend and books were her home. Her love of blogging started when she created a book blog in 2009 which gave her the courage to submit her own novels to publishers and the rest, as they say, is history.
November 13, 2014
Cover Love: Simplistic Style
Having fun with plain tones like whites and tans can be just as interesting as having an abundance of color, if not more striking. I love the way the yellows pop on The Jewel (Amy Ewing) and In Ecstasy (Kate McCaffrey). The reds and blues in Red Queen (Victoria Aveyard) and Cry Blue Murder (Kim Kane and Marion Roberts) pulled me right in. With Soulprint (Megan Miranda), No Parking at the End Times (Bryan Bliss), and The Memory Key (Liana Liu) the beautifully complimentary fonts catch your eye right where it matters, the title. An amazing batch of beautiful examples of just how complex and planned something ‘simple’ can be.
About Emma Michaels
Emma Michaels is a cover artist, blogger, author, and director at Hallowed Ink Press. Growing up her library card was her best friend and books were her home. Her love of blogging started when she created a book blog in 2009 which gave her the courage to submit her own novels to publishers and the rest, as they say, is history.
November 9, 2014
Project to Published: Facebook Hosting Styles and Examples
After receiving so much positive feedback from my last post on Facebook Party Tips and Tricks I’ve decided to revisit the topic with some common post types and examples for people who are unfamiliar or new to Facebook release parties or book related events. Here are what I consider the common post types. I like to separate them into three basic party style categories though I encourage people to mix and match to find their own style:
Trying to attract new readers – This party type can have a large variety of participation styles but generally has basic plugs to Facebook like pages, Twitter handles, Blogs, Websites and of course purchase links. The games/giveaways are normally things anyone can be a part of. For instance, a game would not feature a question only a reader could answer because the goal of the party would ultimately be to get a person to purchase the novel if they haven’t won a copy by the end of the night.
Most common post types:
Head over to ___ Page and like it for a change to win _____.
Change your profile picture to ____ for the next ____ minutes for a chance to win ____.
Follow @________ for a chance to win ______.
Catering to current readers – This party type normally features many questions/games only readers will understand or be able to participate in and normally features a Q&A of some sort. It can be very entertaining for readers but its exclusive nature is a double edged sword. Many times if an attendee was interested in the novel but felt ‘out of the loop’ it can be frustrating and cause them to be dissuaded from purchasing unless those participating are emotionally invested enough to create sufficient hype. If done well these can be a wonderful treat and help give extra content to readers, if done poorly they dissuade possible readers.
Most common post types:
These questions tend to be very specific to the story. For example:
(To audience) In _____ this very specific character _____ did _______. Tell us what ___ __ ___ for a chance to win ____. (Important note: Please don’t offer the novel as the prize considering they obviously already read it if they were able to get the answer right.)
Q&A such as: (To author) What was your inspiration for ______?
The Crowd Pleaser – This category focuses on joy and normally has the best overall outcome. While type #1 can seem a bit preachy and type #2 is a catch 22 this type centers on the attendees having fun and that normally manages to result in both expanding your social network and creating hype that can translate to purchases either during the party or down the road. This type normally features plenty of games, memes, good music and an overall party ‘vibe’.
Most common post types:
Flash Giveaways
Share your favorite party music with us for a chance to win _______. (Youtube links are then given in comments. Many times this party type will have someone dedicated to posting Youtube videos every once in a while as the ‘DJ’.)
Let’s get the laughter going and post some of our favorite memes. One lucky commenter will win prize pack ____. Commenter/Winner will be chosen by Random.org.
Caption this picture for a chance to win _______.
November 8, 2014
Curiosity and Cover Love!
There’s just something beautiful about this set of six. I am not even sure what made me group them like this but they all seem to touch the same part of my heart, igniting my curiosity. Thief’s Covenant (Ari Marmell), Sister Missing (Sophie McKenzie), and Rain (Amanda Sun) caught my attention with their clever use of blank space in the canvas. Memoirs of a Geisha (Arthur Golden) and Shadows of the Moon (Zoë Marriott) caught me with the beautifully emotive faces and complimentary designs. Last but not least The Dead and Buried (Kim Harrington) caught me with its beautiful color usage and simple symbolism. Short but sweet, this week’s theme seems to be curiosity. Covers that somehow manage to give you that ‘I want to know more’ feel that is so sought after.
About Emma Michaels
Emma Michaels is a cover artist, blogger, author, and director at Hallowed Ink Press. Growing up her library card was her best friend and books were her home. Her love of blogging started when she created a book blog in 2009 which gave her the courage to submit her own novels to publishers and the rest, as they say, is history.
November 7, 2014
Fairy Tale Christmas Recommendation!
Fairy Tale Christmas by Michael McLean, Scott McLean Published by Shadow Mountain on September 30th 2014
Genres: Fantasy, Humor, Middle-Grade Fiction
Pages: 176
Format: Hardcover
Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Goodreads
Santa Claus has been trapped in a snow globe! Behind the plot are an evil queen, a wicked stepmother, a sorceress, a beanstalk giant, and, of course, the mischievous Rumpelstiltskin. They have a plan that will erase the term “Happily Ever After” from our storybooks forever. And it’s going to take more than a brave prince to save Santa and bring Christmas to all the children of the world. Fairy Tale Christmas reminds us all that there is good in everyone and that the magic of Christmas can soften any heart. Ages 7-11.
As a fan of The Forgotten Carols I jumped at the chance to review this novel while keeping in mind it was a very different genre/style. As I’ve mentioned in past reviews I am not someone who gets into the Christmas spirit easily but I seem to be on a winning streak. My expectations were set high knowing who this duo was. The Forgotten Carols has been a family tradition on Christmas Eve night for a few years now and hits home every time. I was not disappointed. In fact I was flabbergasted by how fantastic this middle-grade read was. It has that sweep you off your feet style laced with humor that all ages can appreciate. I would love to see this become a classic for this niche market like Hogfather by Terry Pratchett. Something anyone and everyone can enjoy and find happiness in.
It’s unusual to find villains not only lovable but endearing. The little details in this book add a touch of something special right from the beginning. The style itself could be the hook if it weren’t that the unusual start will reel you in on its own. The style is exceptional and flows well throughout the novel, keeping great pacing. It’s been a while since I’ve startled my family with laughter while reading but I couldn’t contain myself. I ended up reading parts of it aloud and we all agreed that it was a must read. As soon as I put it down on the shelf I noticed another family member pick it up, wanting to experience it for themselves. Considering none of us are under 20 and a few of them/us can take advantage of the senior discounts it shows the vast age range this story can cater to.
Fantastic read for all ages and one I would highly recommend to start off the Christmas season!
About Emma Michaels
Emma Michaels is a cover artist, blogger, author, and director at Hallowed Ink Press. Growing up her library card was her best friend and books were her home. Her love of blogging started when she created a book blog in 2009 which gave her the courage to submit her own novels to publishers and the rest, as they say, is history.
November 6, 2014
Snapped Book Blitz!
SNAPPED by Ketley Allison
(The Snapped Series, #1)
Publication date: November 1st 2014
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance
“We have someone who saw you struggling with the deceased before using that knife. Your best friend, and our eye witness.”
In nine weeks Charlie Miller’s life goes from high-rolling perfection to a crypt of sin. All it takes is one night, one blade, and her boyfriend, best friend and new friends all either end up as suspects or dead.
Nate Westcott, a pierced, tattooed, charismatic lawyer, is a man she can’t have—but a seductive danger she can’t ignore. He’s cocky, infuriating, brilliant and wrong, yet he makes her question whether she really is the good girl she wants to be or more like the selfish killer everyone thinks she is.
And her body wants him in ways she’s not supposed to crave.
As the weeks close in, cracks start forming in her everyday world of pro football golden boys, law school domination and New York City nightlife. Everyone she cares about is at risk because one of them doesn’t love Charlie back. In fact, they want her out of the way. Disposed of. Set up.
One more step, and all Charlie has to do is fall through.
Week 1 starts now.
WHO WILL SNAP?
Snapped is Ketley’s New Adult Contemporary series with all the romance you’d expect, but the killer—and lovers—that you don’t.
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22438058-snapped?ac=1
Purchase:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O08P6MA/ref=x_gr_w_bb?ie=UTF8&tag=httpwwwgoodco-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00O08P6MA&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2
Ketley Allison began her career by writing books as birthday presents for her friends (with her friend as the main character and opposite a super sexy lead, of course) before ending it in order to walk down a path she thought she was supposed to follow.The writing bug never left her–and, in fact, would often bleed into the official papers she was supposed to write–so now Ketley’s putting down her suit and finally following her dream. While her friends are no longer the stars of her books, she still throws in bits and pieces of them into each and every one of her characters.
As a result, her books tend to focus a lot on friendships as well as love, because let’s be honest, friends are what really get you through–especially when your epic love turns into epic heartbreak.
Learn more about Ketley by visiting her website at www.ketleyallison.com
Author links:
http://ketleyallison.com/
https://twitter.com/KetleyAllison
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7190347.Ketley_Allison
About Emma Michaels
Emma Michaels is a cover artist, blogger, author, and director at Hallowed Ink Press. Growing up her library card was her best friend and books were her home. Her love of blogging started when she created a book blog in 2009 which gave her the courage to submit her own novels to publishers and the rest, as they say, is history.
1st Christmas Recommendation of the year (God Bless Us, Every One)!
God Bless Us, Every One by Brandon Dorman, John Rhys-Davies Published by Shadow Mountain on September 30, 2014
Pages: 32
Format: Hardcover
Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Goodreads
Illustrated by Brandon Dorman
As Charles Dickens dipped his pen and began to write the classic tale A Christmas Carol in the autumn of 1843, the spirit of the story captured his heart and mind in an extraordinary way. Dwindling sales of his previous books had resulted in a desperate financial situation for Dickens, who had used much of his income to support worthy causes and needy family members. But the book which he had intended as a quick solution to his problems turned out to be much, much more. This beautifully illustrated volume tells the story behind the writing of Dickens’s most famous work and reveals how he discovered the spirit of Christmas for himself—with a little help from his own literary characters.
Originally presented by acclaimed British actor John Rhys-Davies at the Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s 2013 Christmas concert, the book also includes a DVD with footage from the event.
This is the kind of book you get in the mail and even a plain orange-tan envelope becomes Christmas wrapping paper. The illustrations were so beautiful I was struck by the way it got me right into the spirit of things. I’m not normally the kind of person who gets into Christmas stories so easily or finds herself full of that warm and fuzzy feeling, that even reading a new book I’ve never had the pleasure of experiencing before, filled me with nostalgia. I ended up reading the hardback before checking out the absolutely amazing disc that came with it and featured captivating narration from John Rhys-Davies and beautiful music. I’ve been a fan of The Christmas Carol since before I could remember and this hardcover and disc paring offers a unique and beautiful experience. Beautifully done and a perfect first Christmas read of the year!
About Emma Michaels
Emma Michaels is a cover artist, blogger, author, and director at Hallowed Ink Press. Growing up her library card was her best friend and books were her home. Her love of blogging started when she created a book blog in 2009 which gave her the courage to submit her own novels to publishers and the rest, as they say, is history.
November 5, 2014
Ticker Book Recommendation!
Ticker by Lisa Mantchev Published by Skyscape on December 1st 2014
Genres: Mystery, Steampunk, Suspense, Young Adult
Pages: 273
Format: eBook
Amazon • Goodreads
A girl with a clockwork heart must make every second count.
When Penny Farthing nearly dies, brilliant surgeon Calvin Warwick manages to implant a brass “Ticker” in her chest, transforming her into the first of the Augmented. But soon it’s discovered that Warwick killed dozens of people as he strove to perfect another improved Ticker for Penny, and he’s put on trial for mass murder.
On the last day of Warwick’s trial, the Farthings’ factory is bombed, Penny’s parents disappear, and Penny and her brother, Nic, receive a ransom note demanding all of their Augmentation research if they want to see their parents again. Is someone trying to destroy the Farthings...or is the motive more sinister?
Desperate to reunite their family and rescue their research, Penny and her brother recruit fiery baker Violet Nesselrode, gentleman-about-town Sebastian Stirling, and Marcus Kingsley, a young army general who has his own reasons for wanting to lift the veil between this world and the next. Wagers are placed, friends are lost, romance stages an ambush, and time is running out for the girl with the clockwork heart.
If I hadn’t already been in love with steampunk before reading Ticker I would be now. With a girl who has a clockwork heart and a title like ‘Ticker’ the play on words was just too delicious to resist. I had high expectations, especially being a Lisa Mantchev fan, and my expectations were not only met – they were exceeded. I connected with Penny right away. I don’t know if I have the words to explain it but there was that rare affinity a person sometimes feels for a character once in a blue moon. The potent world building only helped reel me in further until I found myself falling into a story that has so much going for it, you start accepting excellence in stride. Not bothering to pause to soak in the awesome because it would mean a moment’s hesitation and you need to know what happens next.
I could go on for days but when it comes down to it, this is a story that needs to be experienced. Take a chance and dive in, you won’t regret it.
If you want a chance to win a customized Ticker Kindle Paperwhite check out my post from earlier this week!
http://emmamichaels.com/2014/11/the-epic-ticker-giveaway-and-interview.html
Lisa Mantchev is a temporally-displaced Capricorn who casts her spells from an ancient tree in the Pacific Northwest . She is best known as the author of the young adult fantasy trilogy, The Théâtre Illuminata. Published by Feiwel & Friends (Macmillan,) the series includes the Andre Norton and Mythopoeic awards-nominated EYES LIKE STARS (2009), PERCHANCE TO DREAM (2010), and SO SILVER BRIGHT (2011.)
About Emma Michaels
Emma Michaels is a cover artist, blogger, author, and director at Hallowed Ink Press. Growing up her library card was her best friend and books were her home. Her love of blogging started when she created a book blog in 2009 which gave her the courage to submit her own novels to publishers and the rest, as they say, is history.
November 4, 2014
Illusion Book Blitz and Giveaway!
Illusion by S.M. Boyce
(The Grimoire Saga #4)
Publication date: November 4th 2014
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult
The final chapter in the war for Ourea ends with blood.
Kara Magari is an icon. A hero. The people love her. The royalty tolerates her. She has everything—an army, allies, and a close circle of chosen family. They believe she will end the war, and they shouldn’t. She’s as scared as they are. She just can’t show it.
The war she accidentally started ends with a final battle that will either save or enslave her people. She will do anything to win—until she learns the cost of victory.
Braeden Drakonin is afraid of what he’ll become when he takes over his father’s kingdom—that much authority can change a man. But his father has already tried to kill him more than once, and it’s time to end his reign. Braeden’s armies are ready. His strategy is foolproof. His generals are waiting for the order to attack. It’s only in the final seconds before the battle begins that he realizes he missed one crucial detail—the traitor.
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17202329-illusion?ac=1
Purchase:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Illusion-Book-Four-Grimoire-Saga-ebook/dp/B00N73HJ8I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1414765378&sr=8-1&keywords=Illusion+boyce
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/illusion-sm-boyce/1120652049?ean=2940046350661
AUTHOR BIO:
S. M. Boyce is a lifelong writer with a knack for finding adventure and magic.
If you would like to receive an email alert when Boyce’s next book is released, sign up here: http://www.smboyce.com/newsletter/ (Your email address will never be shared, and you can unsubscribe at any time.)
Word-of-mouth is crucial for any author to succeed. If you enjoyed this novel, please consider leaving a review at Amazon, even if it’s only a line or two. Your review will make all the difference and is hugely appreciated.
Author links:
http://www.smboyce.com/
https://www.facebook.com/thesmboyce
https://twitter.com/thesmboyce
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5280531.S_M_Boyce
About Emma Michaels
Emma Michaels is a cover artist, blogger, author, and director at Hallowed Ink Press. Growing up her library card was her best friend and books were her home. Her love of blogging started when she created a book blog in 2009 which gave her the courage to submit her own novels to publishers and the rest, as they say, is history.
