Roxanne Kade's Blog, page 344
December 4, 2012
SPOTLIGHT: Hunted by Cheryl Rainfield
Hello Therians! Today the spotlight is on Cheryl Rainfield's Hunted!
Synopsis Caitlin, a paranormal teen, and her mom are on the run from government Para-troopers, who chase down, torture and imprison all known Paranormals. Caitlin and her mom must move frequently to avoid detection, but she enrolls in the local high school as they hide in plain sight in a seedy motel,hoping for some senseof normalcy before taking off again. Caitlin's dad, also a Para, was murdered by a mob when he spoke out for para rights. In the commotion, a woman snatched Caitlin's brother Daniel and no one knows where he is or if he is even still alive. Caitlin's mom loses her Para abilities from the shock of these terrible events. When Paras begin to be murdered by the Para Reaper, Caitlin is in even greater danger; at school, anti-Para classmates make accusations that cost some students their freedom and sometimes their lives. As if things aren't complicated enough, Caitlin falls for a classmate, Alex, a Normal, and thus dangerous for her to be with for fear of betrayal. As the government crackdowns worsen, Cailtin finds her long lost brother, right in the halls of her own high school. He is now a government Para, something he tries to hide from her at first. Caitlin knows Daniel is changed and damaged, but trusts him until she learns of his intentions toward Normals. The two ultimately clash in a massive power struggle that pits the siblings against each other. Will Caitlin vanquish her powerful brother and save the Normals, or will the future be bleak for Alex and all of his kind? Praise for Hunted:"Spellbound by this one! HUNTED’s got my vote for the sharpest, most thought-provoking fantasy I’ve read in a long time. It’s hard not to fall in love with resilient, defiant Caitlyn, whose voice is as tough as it is pure.
Vividly realized and tightly wound, HUNTED builds tension on the edge of a knife. Its cut-glass style will hook you, and its brave and provocative themes are sure to stir up both emotions and conversation."
--Adele Griffin, Author of Where I Want to Be, National Book Award finalist, Kirkus Best Book, ALA Best Book
“In this suspenseful parable of prejudice and oppression, Rainfield creates unique, appealing characters we root for until the satisfying end.”
--Pam Bachorz, author of Candor, 2011 YALSA Popular Paperback
“With its eerily contemporary themes, Hunted will set your pulse to pounding as Caitlyn, struggles to cling to a faith in the basic goodness of humankind in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary.”
--Cinda Williams Chima, The Demon King, A VOYA Perfect Ten, VOYA's Best Science Fiction, 2011 ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults list, and more!
HUNTED has been nominated for the Monica Hughes Award for Science Fiction and Fantasy!Check out the Book Trailer:
For more fun and free Hunted goodies CLICK HERE!!!
Get your copy of Hunted today:
Amazon
Barnes & NobleThe Book DepositoryIndieBoundPowell's 
Also get a copy of PinPoint: A HUNTED Bonus Short Story :)
About the Author:
I love to read. Books nurture me, helped me survive the abuse I endured as a child and teen. I also love to write. I write fantasy books and edgy, realistic fiction for teens. My fantasy books often hold hope that I need, and feel others might need, too, while my realistic fiction is gritty, intense, and emotional. All of my books have fragments of the abuse I experienced. I write about some of the harsh things teens go through...things that I think shouldn't be hidden. But I also write about healing, hope, and love, and finding courage and strength. In SCARS (WestSide, 2010), Kendra must face her past and stop hurting herself before it's too late. It's my arm on the cover. There's a lot of me in SCARS; like my main character, Kendra, I am an incest survivor, I used self-harm to cope, and I'm queer. In my teen paranormal fantasy/dystopian, HUNTED (WestSide, Oct 2011), Caitlyn is a telepath in a world where that is illegal, and she must choose between saving herself or saving the world. Like Caitlyn, I know what it's like to have my life threatened, to face oppression, to experience torture, and to break free from cult or from a group of oppressors. And I know what it's like to have to decide between hiding my true self or being who I am, even if that means danger to myself. I drew on my experience with cults and ritual abuse in creating the world that Caitlyn lives in. In STAINED, my upcoming YA novel from Harcourt (2013), Sarah, who has a port wine stain and some body image issues, is abducted and must find a way to rescue herself. Like Sarah, I was often imprisoned for long periods of time as a child, had my life threatened, and had to rely on my own strength to survive.
Books were my survival during my childhood, and my journey into myself. Books give me hope. I hope mine will give you hope, too, or something that you need. Connect with Cheryl Rainfield:
book blog
Twitter
Google+
FaceBook
GoodReads
Scars Fan Page on FaceBook
Figment
on email Cheryl[at]CherylRainfield[dot]com
Now before you go, don't forget that you can
win a copy of Hunted in my
Book Lover's Holiday Giveaway's Hop
giveaway.
Happy Reading!!
Synopsis Caitlin, a paranormal teen, and her mom are on the run from government Para-troopers, who chase down, torture and imprison all known Paranormals. Caitlin and her mom must move frequently to avoid detection, but she enrolls in the local high school as they hide in plain sight in a seedy motel,hoping for some senseof normalcy before taking off again. Caitlin's dad, also a Para, was murdered by a mob when he spoke out for para rights. In the commotion, a woman snatched Caitlin's brother Daniel and no one knows where he is or if he is even still alive. Caitlin's mom loses her Para abilities from the shock of these terrible events. When Paras begin to be murdered by the Para Reaper, Caitlin is in even greater danger; at school, anti-Para classmates make accusations that cost some students their freedom and sometimes their lives. As if things aren't complicated enough, Caitlin falls for a classmate, Alex, a Normal, and thus dangerous for her to be with for fear of betrayal. As the government crackdowns worsen, Cailtin finds her long lost brother, right in the halls of her own high school. He is now a government Para, something he tries to hide from her at first. Caitlin knows Daniel is changed and damaged, but trusts him until she learns of his intentions toward Normals. The two ultimately clash in a massive power struggle that pits the siblings against each other. Will Caitlin vanquish her powerful brother and save the Normals, or will the future be bleak for Alex and all of his kind? Praise for Hunted:"Spellbound by this one! HUNTED’s got my vote for the sharpest, most thought-provoking fantasy I’ve read in a long time. It’s hard not to fall in love with resilient, defiant Caitlyn, whose voice is as tough as it is pure.Vividly realized and tightly wound, HUNTED builds tension on the edge of a knife. Its cut-glass style will hook you, and its brave and provocative themes are sure to stir up both emotions and conversation."
--Adele Griffin, Author of Where I Want to Be, National Book Award finalist, Kirkus Best Book, ALA Best Book
“In this suspenseful parable of prejudice and oppression, Rainfield creates unique, appealing characters we root for until the satisfying end.”
--Pam Bachorz, author of Candor, 2011 YALSA Popular Paperback
“With its eerily contemporary themes, Hunted will set your pulse to pounding as Caitlyn, struggles to cling to a faith in the basic goodness of humankind in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary.”
--Cinda Williams Chima, The Demon King, A VOYA Perfect Ten, VOYA's Best Science Fiction, 2011 ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults list, and more!
HUNTED has been nominated for the Monica Hughes Award for Science Fiction and Fantasy!Check out the Book Trailer:
For more fun and free Hunted goodies CLICK HERE!!!
Get your copy of Hunted today:
Amazon
Barnes & NobleThe Book DepositoryIndieBoundPowell's Also get a copy of PinPoint: A HUNTED Bonus Short Story :)
About the Author:
I love to read. Books nurture me, helped me survive the abuse I endured as a child and teen. I also love to write. I write fantasy books and edgy, realistic fiction for teens. My fantasy books often hold hope that I need, and feel others might need, too, while my realistic fiction is gritty, intense, and emotional. All of my books have fragments of the abuse I experienced. I write about some of the harsh things teens go through...things that I think shouldn't be hidden. But I also write about healing, hope, and love, and finding courage and strength. In SCARS (WestSide, 2010), Kendra must face her past and stop hurting herself before it's too late. It's my arm on the cover. There's a lot of me in SCARS; like my main character, Kendra, I am an incest survivor, I used self-harm to cope, and I'm queer. In my teen paranormal fantasy/dystopian, HUNTED (WestSide, Oct 2011), Caitlyn is a telepath in a world where that is illegal, and she must choose between saving herself or saving the world. Like Caitlyn, I know what it's like to have my life threatened, to face oppression, to experience torture, and to break free from cult or from a group of oppressors. And I know what it's like to have to decide between hiding my true self or being who I am, even if that means danger to myself. I drew on my experience with cults and ritual abuse in creating the world that Caitlyn lives in. In STAINED, my upcoming YA novel from Harcourt (2013), Sarah, who has a port wine stain and some body image issues, is abducted and must find a way to rescue herself. Like Sarah, I was often imprisoned for long periods of time as a child, had my life threatened, and had to rely on my own strength to survive.Books were my survival during my childhood, and my journey into myself. Books give me hope. I hope mine will give you hope, too, or something that you need. Connect with Cheryl Rainfield:
book blog
Google+
GoodReads
Scars Fan Page on FaceBook
Figment
on email Cheryl[at]CherylRainfield[dot]com
Now before you go, don't forget that you can
win a copy of Hunted in my
Book Lover's Holiday Giveaway's Hop
giveaway.
Happy Reading!!
December 3, 2012
Book Lover's Holiday Giveaway Hop
Hello everyone!! Welcome to my stop on the Book Lover's Holiday Giveaway Hop hosted by: I Am A Reader, Not A Writer&Co-hosted by Maryann from Chapter by Chapter JKSCommunications have been so kind in donating a bunch of books for my giveaway!! So a huge THANK YOU to Sami and her fabulous team :) I have 3 gift packs up for grabs: GIFT PACK 1
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Hunted by Cheryl RainfeldThe Chosen of Gaia by M.Mariz2:32am by Emily Ford GIFT PACK 2
Widow's Might by Sandra BrannanA Demon Lies Within by Tony HubbardBootlicker by Steve Piacente GIFT PACK 3
The Uncommon Thread by R. Scott AndersonTicket to Hollywood by Gary ReillyComeback Love by Peter Golden Be sure to check out the spotlight posts for each book that I will be hosting over the next few days. I will also have additional entries on the rafflecopter each day, in conjunction with the spotlight posts, so don’t miss out! Now onto the
GIVEAWAY!!!!
There will be 3 winners. The first winner will get to choose between the 3 gift packs, the second will get a choice between the two gift packs not chosen, and the third winner will get the last gift pack.Giveaway is open to US residents only!Entrants must be 13 years or older.The Winners will be contacted by email 48 hours after the giveaway ends, and will have 72 hours in which to respond.a Rafflecopter giveawayDon't forget to visit the other stops in the hop!! Check out the list below...
November 30, 2012
Book Blast: The Sun Dwellers by David Estes
Hello Therians, The Sun Dwellers is HERE!!!! Yes, you read correctly! The third book in The Dwellers Saga by super talented David Estes releases today, and to celebrate its release, you can grab each of the books in the series for only $0.99. That's right, today only, you can get the entire series for the the normal price of one book. So what are you waiting for? GO! GO! GO! Kindle Nook
The Sun Dwellers Synopsis:With those she's closest to dying around her, Adele embarks on a secret mission to the Sun Realm to assassinate the President. Along the way she'll uncover secrets about her relationship with Tristan that she might not be ready to face.
Tristan has a secret, too, one that's been eating him up inside ever since he met Adele. Will he reveal all, and risk the loss of friendship and love at a time when he needs it the most?
At the same time, Adele's mother, General Rose, must lead her soldiers into battle to face the sun dweller army in the hopes of holding them off until Adele can complete her mission. Can she outlast the strength of
President Nailin's elite fighting force?
There's only one truth in their world: someone must die.
Bonus Material
Includes a bonus Dwellers Short Story (Anna's Story) and a sneak peek at David Estes's follow up YA Dystopian
Series, Fire Country!
Buying Links Kindle EbookAmazon Paperback B&N EbookSmashwords Ebook
Early praise for The Sun Dwellers
"This finale exceeded all of my expectations. The action, the intrigue, and the relationships were taken to a new level. Fantastic finish to the series, and definitely the best of the three."
Kerri Hughes ~Goodreads
"There are some very surprising twists and turns. And the ending is awesome! I can’t wait to read what David writes next! "Lolita ~ Goodreads
"This was a great ending to the series! So much action and emotions packed into this story.
The pacing was great and we get a lot of big secrets to come out and finally tie everything together." Alexandria Nicole ~Goodreads
“This series is nothing short of amazing. It's given us more than the moon and the stars, now we the brilliance of the sun.”
Terri ~ My Book Boyfriend
Excerpt taken from Chapter One of The Sun Dwellers.
Chapter One
Adele
Present day
The light gleams off the barrel of the gun with a brightness that blinds me if I look directly at it. My hands are sweaty as I clutch the weapon that once upon a time was so foreign, but now seems so familiar. The gun’s every detail is burned into my memory, from the temperature of the cold steel against my palm, to its weight tugging on my wrist, to the strong yet delicate scent of burning gunpowder.
When I turn the corner and enter the room, it’s all happening again. My dad is bound and lying prostrate on the rough stone floor, the executioner’s gun to his head. A half dozen other sun dwellers bar my way forward. There’s more than the last time, but it doesn’t matter. A million of them couldn’t stop me. Not this time.
I raise the gun and start shooting. Six booms later my foes are all dead, red and warm and blank-eyed. In the heat of the moment, I continue shooting, this time at the executioner, but the click click click announces that I’m out of bullets.
I toss the gun aside and charge forward, kicking his bland face with my heel. He slumps to the side, his own weapon discarded by his weakened fingers. I’ve done it this time. Saved him—saved my father. But I know something’s not right as I realize my sister isn’t by his side like she should be. The glitter of light reflecting off something hanging from my neck distracts me. I reach up, close my hands around an emerald necklace, the one my mother gave me after my father died. The necklace my father gave my mother. This isn’t right—none of this is right.
As I lean over the face of the man who I immediately know is not my father, the Devil’s eyes flash open, the gateway to a black and soulless human shell.
“Didn’t you know?” the President says. “Your father’s already dead. And you’re next.”
My heart is in my throat as the demon lifts his hand, which is now holding a long glinting sword with a diamond-encrusted hilt, which I either didn’t notice before or which has magically appeared.
As his white-knuckled hand darts forward, I scream. Although I don’t close my eyes, blackness surrounds.
* * *
I’m still screaming and seeing darkness when a pair of strong arms cradles my head. “Shh,” a voice says.
I quiet but I’m still breathing hard, panting like I’ve just run a long way, my chest heaving. An instant later there’s a soft glow as a lantern is lit, casting dancing shadows on the rough, brown tunnel walls. Tristan’s arm is still behind my head, and when he sees me looking at him, he retracts it quickly, his face flush with embarrassment. “You were dreaming,” he says. “I heard you cry out.”
I close my eyes, try to will the frantic pace of my heart to slow, as I remember where I am. In a tunnel on the way to the Sun Realm. On a mission for my mother, General Rose. As Tristan’s father pointed out in my nightmare, my father’s still dead—nothing can change that. No amount of fresh killing or revenge or trigger pulls will make one bit of difference. And yet the furnace of revenge burns hotly in the pit of my stomach. Kill his father. Kill the President. That is our mission.
OTHER BOOKS IN THE DWELLERS SAGA
The Moon Dwellers Synopsis: In a desperate attempt to escape destruction decades earlier, humankind was forced underground, into the depths of the earth, creating a new society called the Tri-Realms. After her parents and sister are abducted by the Enforcers, seventeen-year-old Adele, a member of the middle-class moon dwellers, is unjustly sentenced to life in prison for her parents' crimes of treason.
Against all odds, Adele must escape from the Pen and find her family, while being hunted by a deranged, killing machine named Rivet, who works for the President. She is helped by two other inmates, Tawni and Cole, each of whom have dark secrets that are better left undiscovered. Other than her friends, the only thing she has going for her is a wicked roundhouse kick and two fists that have been well-trained for combat by her father.
At the other end of the social spectrum is Tristan, the son of the President and a sun dweller. His mother is gone. He hates his father. Backed by only his servant and best friend, Roc, he leaves his lavish lifestyle in the Sun Realm, seeking to make something good out of his troubled life.
When a war breaks out within the Tri-Realms, Tristan is thrust into the middle of a conflict that seems to mysteriously follow Adele as she seeks to find her family and uncover her parents true past.
Buying Links
Kindle Ebook
Amazon Paperback
B&N Ebook
Smashwords Ebook
The Star Dwellers Synopsis:
After rescuing her father and younger sister, Adele is forced to leave her family and Tristan behind to find her mother in the cruel and dangerous realm of the star dwellers.
Amidst blossoming feelings for Adele, Tristan must cast his feelings aside and let her find her own way amongst the star dwellers, while he accompanies Adele's father to meet with the leaders of the moon dwellers and decide the fate of the Tri-Realms.
Will Adele be able to rescue her mother and make it back to the Moon Realm before the President and the sun dweller soldiers destroy her family?
Can Tristan convince the moon dweller puppets of the error of their ways?
Was Adele's lost kiss with Tristan her one and only chance at love?
In her world there's only one rule: Someone must die.
Buying Links
Kindle Ebook
Amazon Paperback
B&N Ebook
Smashwords Ebook
The Dwellers Saga books are now available everywhere ebooks are sold or in print via Amazon.com. Also, David pledged when he started writing to always respond to his readers, and he loves getting comments and questions, so please contact him using one of his favorite social networking sites below. About the author
David Estes was born in El Paso, Texas but moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania when he was very young. He grew up in Pittsburgh and then went to Penn State for college. Eventually moved to Sydney, Australia where he met his wife. A reader all his life, he began writing novels for the children's and YA markets in 2010. He´s a writer with OCD, a love of dancing and singing (but only when no one is looking or listening), a mad-skilled ping-pong player, and prefers writing at the swimming pool to writing at a table You can follow David at:Blog Author Facebook PageTwitterGoodreadsGoodreads fan page
Early praise for the author “David created a world I was excited to learn about and characters I cared about. I'll remember this story for a very long time!” Alexandria Nicole ~Goodreads “Estes delivers a winner with confident writing that truly draws you into the story. “ Think ~ Goodreads “The author, David Estes, has forged his name into writers to be watched and read.” Marni ~Goodreads “David is such a fantastic author and he really knows how to pull at the heartstrings.” Kay ~K-Books
YA Books by David Estes
The Dwellers Saga:Book One—The Moon DwellersBook Two—The Star DwellersBook Three—The Sun Dwellers
The Country Saga (A Dwellers sister series):Book One—Fire Country (Coming March 1, 2013!)
The Evolution Trilogy:Book 1- Angel Evolution
Book 2- Demon Evolution
Book 3- Archangel Evolution
Children’s Books by David Estes
The Nikki Powergloves Adventures:Nikki Powergloves- A Hero is Born
Nikki Powergloves and the Power Council
Nikki Powergloves and the Power Trappers
Nikki Powergloves and the Great Adventure
Nikki Powergloves vs. the Power Outlaws (Coming in 2013!)
November 26, 2012
Open Road Media's Cyber Monday Sale!
Hello Therians!
Head on over to Open Road Media's Cyber Monday Sale and get a HUGE 80% off on thousands of eBooks! This is the perfect time to stock up on gifts for the festive season, and why not feed your reader at the same time!
Click on the following links for great savings:
FEATURED ROMANCE SCIFI & FANTASY MYSTERIES & THRILLERS KIDS & TEENS LITERARY FICTION BIO & MEMOIR COOKING & CRAFT NONFICTION
November 17, 2012
Fill your list for $.99c this weekend with bestseller SHE BELONGS TO ME by @Author_Carmen:
Did you know that you are able to buy now and gift later?
Yep! Take advantage of this special pricing on the romantic-suspense bestseller, She Belongs to Me , for yourself, and buy one to deliver to your avid-reader friends for Christmas.
She Belongs to Me by Carmen DeSousa has sat alongside such writing greats as Nicholas Sparks and J.D. Robb, and this weekend it’s only $0.99 cents, so don’t miss the savings!
Book Description:
After secrets and a mysterious background leave a wife’s life hanging by a thread, a husband must look for answers in the only place he knows—the past.
When wealthy construction company owner and Charlotte detective, Jordan Monroe, meets Jaynee for the first time he is awestruck and determines to make her his wife. Jaynee, however, has a history she cannot easily overcome and is fearful to submit to love. Jordan succeeds in making her his wife, but five years into their marriage, he realizes she is keeping secrets. Before he can decipher her duplicity, he discovers her unconscious in their home from a gunshot wound only hours after giving her an ultimatum concerning their relationship.
With Jaynee’s life hanging in the balance, the mystery of her past drives Jordan to investigate. But what appears to be an attempted suicide turns out to be something far darker. Is someone from her past stalking her? Or worse, is someone close to Jordan trying to kill them both? As Jordan edges closer to the truth, it may be deadlier than he could ever have imagined.
What readers are saying:
A passionate romantic-suspense of love, betrayal, and obsession, She Belongs to Me will have you falling in love and wondering who you can trust right up to the last page.
"You'll be swept off your feet along with Jaynee as she discovers the man of her dreams. You'll be drawn into the drama. And you'll flip the pages fast as Jordan must desperately figure out the truth in time. I was and did!" — New York Times bestselling author Jaime Rush
“Carmen DeSousa has written an incredibly stunning book, full of spot on visuals that put you in the midst of the conversations, like a ghostly guest that spies on a romantic dinner date.” — International bestselling author Ashley Fontainne
“If you love a romance read with a dash of danger, intrigue and suspense sprinkled in, this is the book for you.” — Bestselling Author and The Examiner's "Top 12 Fiction Books of 2011" Carolyn Arnold
Download She Belongs to Me:Amazon USAmazon UK
A writer of modern-day fairytales, Carmen DeSousa’s stories overflow with romance, mystery, suspense, and of course, tragedy. After all, what would a fairytale be without a tragic event setting the stage? All of her novels are sensual, but not erotic, gripping but not graphic and will hopefully make you cry, laugh, love, and hope.
Carmen loves talking about all things books, so please connect with her via one of the links below.WebsiteTwitterFacebookGoodreads
Yep! Take advantage of this special pricing on the romantic-suspense bestseller, She Belongs to Me , for yourself, and buy one to deliver to your avid-reader friends for Christmas.
She Belongs to Me by Carmen DeSousa has sat alongside such writing greats as Nicholas Sparks and J.D. Robb, and this weekend it’s only $0.99 cents, so don’t miss the savings!
Book Description:
After secrets and a mysterious background leave a wife’s life hanging by a thread, a husband must look for answers in the only place he knows—the past.
When wealthy construction company owner and Charlotte detective, Jordan Monroe, meets Jaynee for the first time he is awestruck and determines to make her his wife. Jaynee, however, has a history she cannot easily overcome and is fearful to submit to love. Jordan succeeds in making her his wife, but five years into their marriage, he realizes she is keeping secrets. Before he can decipher her duplicity, he discovers her unconscious in their home from a gunshot wound only hours after giving her an ultimatum concerning their relationship.
With Jaynee’s life hanging in the balance, the mystery of her past drives Jordan to investigate. But what appears to be an attempted suicide turns out to be something far darker. Is someone from her past stalking her? Or worse, is someone close to Jordan trying to kill them both? As Jordan edges closer to the truth, it may be deadlier than he could ever have imagined.
What readers are saying:
A passionate romantic-suspense of love, betrayal, and obsession, She Belongs to Me will have you falling in love and wondering who you can trust right up to the last page.
"You'll be swept off your feet along with Jaynee as she discovers the man of her dreams. You'll be drawn into the drama. And you'll flip the pages fast as Jordan must desperately figure out the truth in time. I was and did!" — New York Times bestselling author Jaime Rush
“Carmen DeSousa has written an incredibly stunning book, full of spot on visuals that put you in the midst of the conversations, like a ghostly guest that spies on a romantic dinner date.” — International bestselling author Ashley Fontainne
“If you love a romance read with a dash of danger, intrigue and suspense sprinkled in, this is the book for you.” — Bestselling Author and The Examiner's "Top 12 Fiction Books of 2011" Carolyn Arnold
Download She Belongs to Me:Amazon USAmazon UK
A writer of modern-day fairytales, Carmen DeSousa’s stories overflow with romance, mystery, suspense, and of course, tragedy. After all, what would a fairytale be without a tragic event setting the stage? All of her novels are sensual, but not erotic, gripping but not graphic and will hopefully make you cry, laugh, love, and hope.
Carmen loves talking about all things books, so please connect with her via one of the links below.WebsiteTwitterFacebookGoodreads
November 16, 2012
Authors Auction for Hurricane Sandy victims
Hello Therians!
A bunch of authors have come together for a great cause. We have all donated books and other goodies to raise money for the victims of Hurricane Sandy! Please show your support for this event and visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorsCharityAuctions Please also spread the word!!
How it Works:
The auction will run from Nov 16, 2012 to Nov 19, 2012 12pm EST. Once the auction is complete, the winners will then pay the American Red Cross in the amount their winning bid was. On confirmation of their tax receipt for their donation they will be sent the item they won. ALL proceeds go to the American Red Cross.
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT!!
A bunch of authors have come together for a great cause. We have all donated books and other goodies to raise money for the victims of Hurricane Sandy! Please show your support for this event and visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorsCharityAuctions Please also spread the word!!
How it Works:
The auction will run from Nov 16, 2012 to Nov 19, 2012 12pm EST. Once the auction is complete, the winners will then pay the American Red Cross in the amount their winning bid was. On confirmation of their tax receipt for their donation they will be sent the item they won. ALL proceeds go to the American Red Cross.
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT!!
November 12, 2012
I Am Lucky Bird Book Trailer
Hello Therians,
I little while ago I had the pleasure of reading I Am Lucky Bird by Fleur Philips, and I was blown away. So today, I am over the moon excited to be showcasing the trailer for this amazing book. Even more exciting is that I was quoted in the book trailer *happy dance*
Check it out:
Click HERE to read my review of I Am Lucky Bird.
I little while ago I had the pleasure of reading I Am Lucky Bird by Fleur Philips, and I was blown away. So today, I am over the moon excited to be showcasing the trailer for this amazing book. Even more exciting is that I was quoted in the book trailer *happy dance*
Check it out:
Click HERE to read my review of I Am Lucky Bird.
November 5, 2012
November 2, 2012
iFrankenstein Blog Tour: Review
Hello Therians,
Welcome back to day 3 of my stop on the iFrankenstein Blog Tour, hosted by JKS Communications!Bekka Black adds a twist to Mary Shelley's classic in this re-telling of Frankenstein, creating a uniquely written story that will draw you in from the start. By now I'm sure you have become familiar with the haunting cover and synopsis, but if not...here is a reminder :)
Frankenstein comes to life for the wired generation.
Following her critically-acclaimed iDrakula, award-winning author Bekka Black breathes life into a modern re-telling of iFrankenstein, using only text messages, web browsers, tweets, and emails.
Homeschooled teenager Victor Frankenstein is determined to write his own ticket to independence: a chatbot to win the prestigious Turing prize and admission to the high tech university of his choice. He codes his creation with a self-extending version of his own online personality and unleashes it upon the internet. But soon he begins to suspect his virtual clone may have developed its own goals, and they are not aligned with Victor’s. The creature has its own plan, fed by a growing desire to win darker and more precious prizes: unfettered power and release from loneliness.
As the creature’s power and sentience grows and its increasingly terrible deeds bleed over from the online world into the real one, Victor must stop his creation before his friends and humanity pay the ultimate price.
REVIEW
I loved the way in which this story was told. It is probably one of the most unique and brilliant ideas I have ever seen. Texts, emails, online chats, and blog entries – yup, think of all the ways in which we communicate in this digital age, and you will find it in this book. It even mentions our favorite social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace.
I have to admit though, that I was a little worried that I wouldn't be able to connect with any of the characters or the story because of this, but Bekka Black does such an amazing job of drawing you in through the character's interactions with each other. It was exciting to read their messages and it really gave me a sense of who they are and the type of relationships they share with their friends.
Elizabeth is a free spirit. She loves to explore and had a blast in Europe. I loved the fantastic pictures she took while on her travels. She obviously adores both Victor and Henry and I loved the way she complained about Victor to Henry. The former of course never wanted to leave his cabin. He feels more at home around technology, and he is extremely stubborn and driven, even bordering on obsessive. But there is real purpose to his madness. If he can create the perfect chatbot then it will be his ticket to freedom and he'll be able to live his life the way he wants. Then there is Henry. I wasn't sure what to make of him at first, but as the story unraveled and his disability was revealed I felt a bit sorry for him. His chats are so lively and enthusiastic, most of the time anyway, and I think he was vicariously living through his two best friends who were able to do the things he couldn't. All in all, their sometimes hilarious, sometimes cheeky banter, proved just how much of a bond they all shared.
Of course, what would a story based on Frankenstein be without the monster? Virtual Victor or V.V, is the chatbot Victor created in hopes of finding his freedom. Little did he know that his own creation would turn on him, nearly destroying his life. V.V. starts off as a virtual replica of Victor, but as the story progresses V.V. develops and takes on his own personality. He isn’t very happy when Victor removes some of the information used to create him, and this is when things really start to get interesting. V.V. morphs into something far more sinister and dangerous. A deadly game of cat and mouse ensues and Victor has no choice but to put an end to his evil creation.
Artificial intelligence really fascinates me but the thought of it turning on us is terrifying. Technology is developing at such a rapid pace, that it feels like it has already taken over so much of our lives, and although this story is fiction, it’s not that far from reality. This book thrusts the classic Frankenstein story into the 21stcentury, making it an exciting read that will surely entertain readers of all ages, but more specifically those who are drawn to the technology found between the pages.
It gets...
Get your copy of iFrankenstein today!!
About the Author:
After a childhood often spent without electricy and running water, Bekka escaped the beautiful wilderness of Talkeetna, Alaska for indoor plumbing and 24/7 electricity in Berlin, Germany.
Used to the cushy lifestyle, she discovered the Internet in college and has been wasting time on it ever since (when not frittering away her time on her iPhone). Somehow, she manages to write novels, including the award-winning Hannah Vogel mystery series set, in all places, 1930s Berlin, and The Blood Gospel series (with James Rollins).
She lives in Berlin with her husband, son, two cats, and too many geckoes to count. iDrakula is her first cell phone novel. Website: http://bekkablack.com/Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Bekka_BlackFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bekka-Blacks-IDRAKULA/216973029998?fref=tsGoodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3353633.Bekka_Black
A huge thank you to JKS Communications for including me in this tour! I had a great time :)
Welcome back to day 3 of my stop on the iFrankenstein Blog Tour, hosted by JKS Communications!Bekka Black adds a twist to Mary Shelley's classic in this re-telling of Frankenstein, creating a uniquely written story that will draw you in from the start. By now I'm sure you have become familiar with the haunting cover and synopsis, but if not...here is a reminder :)
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Frankenstein comes to life for the wired generation.
Following her critically-acclaimed iDrakula, award-winning author Bekka Black breathes life into a modern re-telling of iFrankenstein, using only text messages, web browsers, tweets, and emails.
Homeschooled teenager Victor Frankenstein is determined to write his own ticket to independence: a chatbot to win the prestigious Turing prize and admission to the high tech university of his choice. He codes his creation with a self-extending version of his own online personality and unleashes it upon the internet. But soon he begins to suspect his virtual clone may have developed its own goals, and they are not aligned with Victor’s. The creature has its own plan, fed by a growing desire to win darker and more precious prizes: unfettered power and release from loneliness.
As the creature’s power and sentience grows and its increasingly terrible deeds bleed over from the online world into the real one, Victor must stop his creation before his friends and humanity pay the ultimate price.
REVIEW
I loved the way in which this story was told. It is probably one of the most unique and brilliant ideas I have ever seen. Texts, emails, online chats, and blog entries – yup, think of all the ways in which we communicate in this digital age, and you will find it in this book. It even mentions our favorite social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace.
I have to admit though, that I was a little worried that I wouldn't be able to connect with any of the characters or the story because of this, but Bekka Black does such an amazing job of drawing you in through the character's interactions with each other. It was exciting to read their messages and it really gave me a sense of who they are and the type of relationships they share with their friends.
Elizabeth is a free spirit. She loves to explore and had a blast in Europe. I loved the fantastic pictures she took while on her travels. She obviously adores both Victor and Henry and I loved the way she complained about Victor to Henry. The former of course never wanted to leave his cabin. He feels more at home around technology, and he is extremely stubborn and driven, even bordering on obsessive. But there is real purpose to his madness. If he can create the perfect chatbot then it will be his ticket to freedom and he'll be able to live his life the way he wants. Then there is Henry. I wasn't sure what to make of him at first, but as the story unraveled and his disability was revealed I felt a bit sorry for him. His chats are so lively and enthusiastic, most of the time anyway, and I think he was vicariously living through his two best friends who were able to do the things he couldn't. All in all, their sometimes hilarious, sometimes cheeky banter, proved just how much of a bond they all shared.
Of course, what would a story based on Frankenstein be without the monster? Virtual Victor or V.V, is the chatbot Victor created in hopes of finding his freedom. Little did he know that his own creation would turn on him, nearly destroying his life. V.V. starts off as a virtual replica of Victor, but as the story progresses V.V. develops and takes on his own personality. He isn’t very happy when Victor removes some of the information used to create him, and this is when things really start to get interesting. V.V. morphs into something far more sinister and dangerous. A deadly game of cat and mouse ensues and Victor has no choice but to put an end to his evil creation.
Artificial intelligence really fascinates me but the thought of it turning on us is terrifying. Technology is developing at such a rapid pace, that it feels like it has already taken over so much of our lives, and although this story is fiction, it’s not that far from reality. This book thrusts the classic Frankenstein story into the 21stcentury, making it an exciting read that will surely entertain readers of all ages, but more specifically those who are drawn to the technology found between the pages.
It gets...
Get your copy of iFrankenstein today!!
About the Author:
After a childhood often spent without electricy and running water, Bekka escaped the beautiful wilderness of Talkeetna, Alaska for indoor plumbing and 24/7 electricity in Berlin, Germany.
Used to the cushy lifestyle, she discovered the Internet in college and has been wasting time on it ever since (when not frittering away her time on her iPhone). Somehow, she manages to write novels, including the award-winning Hannah Vogel mystery series set, in all places, 1930s Berlin, and The Blood Gospel series (with James Rollins).
She lives in Berlin with her husband, son, two cats, and too many geckoes to count. iDrakula is her first cell phone novel. Website: http://bekkablack.com/Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Bekka_BlackFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bekka-Blacks-IDRAKULA/216973029998?fref=tsGoodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3353633.Bekka_Black
A huge thank you to JKS Communications for including me in this tour! I had a great time :)
November 1, 2012
iFrankenstein Blog Tour: Interview with Bekka Black
Hello Therians,
Welcome back to my 2nd stop in the iFrankenstein Blog Tour, hosted by JKS Communications.
iFrankenstein is the second book in the iMonsters series by Bekka Black, and is a unique re-telling of the Mary Shelley classic.
Frankenstein comes to life for the wired generation.
Following her critically-acclaimed iDrakula, award-winning author Bekka Black breathes life into a modern re-telling of iFrankenstein, using only text messages, web browsers, tweets, and emails.
Homeschooled teenager Victor Frankenstein is determined to write his own ticket to independence: a chatbot to win the prestigious Turing prize and admission to the high tech university of his choice. He codes his creation with a self-extending version of his own online personality and unleashes it upon the internet. But soon he begins to suspect his virtual clone may have developed its own goals, and they are not aligned with Victor’s. The creature has its own plan, fed by a growing desire to win darker and more precious prizes: unfettered power and release from loneliness.
As the creature’s power and sentience grows and its increasingly terrible deeds bleed over from the online world into the real one, Victor must stop his creation before his friends and humanity pay the ultimate price.
Get your copy of iFrankenstein today!!
Yesterday, I treated you all to an interview with Victor Frankenstein, now let me introduce you to the person who brought him to life, Bekka Black.
After a childhood often spent without electricy and running water, Bekka escaped the beautiful wilderness of Talkeetna, Alaska for indoor plumbing and 24/7 electricity in Berlin, Germany. Used to the cushy lifestyle, she discovered the Internet in college and has been wasting time on it ever since (when not frittering away her time on her iPhone). Somehow, she manages to write novels, including the award-winning Hannah Vogel mystery series set, in all places, 1930s Berlin, and The Blood Gospel series (with James Rollins).
She lives in Berlin with her husband, son, two cats, and too many geckoes to count. iDrakula is her first cell phone novel. Hello Bekka!!
1. Tell us a bit more about yourself.
After a childhood often spent without electricity and running water, I escaped the beautiful wilderness of Talkeetna, Alaska for indoor plumbing and 24/7 electricity in Berlin, Germany. There I got too used to the cushy lifestyle, discovered the Internet in college and have been wasting time on it ever since (when not frittering away my time on my iPhone). In spite of all that distraction, I manage to write novels, including the award-winning Hannah Vogel mystery series set, in all places, 1930s Berlin and the upcoming Order of Sanguines series with James Rollins (the first one is called The Blood Gospel, but we’re sneaking in a short story called A City of Screams just in time for Halloween too).
I spend too much time indoors.
2. Describe yourself in three words.
Mother. Writer. Tired.
3. What five things do you never leave home without?
iPhone, wallet, gluten-free snacks, Kleenex, and, lately, a jacket. 4. What do you do when you are not writing?
I mommy full time. And also try to sleep. I don’t sleep as much as I’d like. 5. Who/What inspired you to write your first novel?
My first novel was inspired by a pink triangle I saw on the wall of the concentration camp at Dachau. I wanted to find out who might have worn it. That took years. 6. What has been your most rewarding experience on the road to being published?
The first time I ran into someone who was not a friend or family member who had actually read my book. Also, seeing someone buy my book in a bookstore. 7. What is the best piece of advice you have been given as an author? Read. Read. Read. Write. Write. Write.
8. What advice would you give to aspiring authors? See #7. Do that and you’re a writer, no matter how it all comes out.
9. Who are your favorite authors to read?
Right now I’m on a Shirley Jackson kick. I also love Anne Rice and Stephen King. I think this is because we’re heading into Halloween.
10. You’re writing style and book layout is very different from the norm. What made you want to write a stories based solely on texts, emails etc.? Because that’s where kids read. I figured it would be fun to write a book that was set where they keep their eyeballs. 11. iFrankenstein is based on Mary Shelley’s classic. How did you come up with the idea of an evil chatbot?
I wanted a modern, electronic monster, something that taps into our fears today. After chatting with a few non-evil chatbots, I quickly decided they might go rogue and take over the world someday. 12. Are you working on any special projects at the moment?
The second book in the Order of the Sanguines series, tentatively titled “A Punishment of Silver.” I’m also turning over some ideas for a new thriller series and another iMonsters book. 13. Where can readers stalk you?
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bekka.black.1
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bekka_black
Web site: www.bekkablack.com Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with me! I'm really excited to read more from Bekka Black. She also has the most exciting website I have ever seen, be sure to check it out for further details about her books! Happy reading!
Welcome back to my 2nd stop in the iFrankenstein Blog Tour, hosted by JKS Communications.
iFrankenstein is the second book in the iMonsters series by Bekka Black, and is a unique re-telling of the Mary Shelley classic.
Frankenstein comes to life for the wired generation.
Following her critically-acclaimed iDrakula, award-winning author Bekka Black breathes life into a modern re-telling of iFrankenstein, using only text messages, web browsers, tweets, and emails.
Homeschooled teenager Victor Frankenstein is determined to write his own ticket to independence: a chatbot to win the prestigious Turing prize and admission to the high tech university of his choice. He codes his creation with a self-extending version of his own online personality and unleashes it upon the internet. But soon he begins to suspect his virtual clone may have developed its own goals, and they are not aligned with Victor’s. The creature has its own plan, fed by a growing desire to win darker and more precious prizes: unfettered power and release from loneliness.
As the creature’s power and sentience grows and its increasingly terrible deeds bleed over from the online world into the real one, Victor must stop his creation before his friends and humanity pay the ultimate price.
Get your copy of iFrankenstein today!!
Yesterday, I treated you all to an interview with Victor Frankenstein, now let me introduce you to the person who brought him to life, Bekka Black.
After a childhood often spent without electricy and running water, Bekka escaped the beautiful wilderness of Talkeetna, Alaska for indoor plumbing and 24/7 electricity in Berlin, Germany. Used to the cushy lifestyle, she discovered the Internet in college and has been wasting time on it ever since (when not frittering away her time on her iPhone). Somehow, she manages to write novels, including the award-winning Hannah Vogel mystery series set, in all places, 1930s Berlin, and The Blood Gospel series (with James Rollins).She lives in Berlin with her husband, son, two cats, and too many geckoes to count. iDrakula is her first cell phone novel. Hello Bekka!!
1. Tell us a bit more about yourself.
After a childhood often spent without electricity and running water, I escaped the beautiful wilderness of Talkeetna, Alaska for indoor plumbing and 24/7 electricity in Berlin, Germany. There I got too used to the cushy lifestyle, discovered the Internet in college and have been wasting time on it ever since (when not frittering away my time on my iPhone). In spite of all that distraction, I manage to write novels, including the award-winning Hannah Vogel mystery series set, in all places, 1930s Berlin and the upcoming Order of Sanguines series with James Rollins (the first one is called The Blood Gospel, but we’re sneaking in a short story called A City of Screams just in time for Halloween too).
I spend too much time indoors.
2. Describe yourself in three words.
Mother. Writer. Tired.
3. What five things do you never leave home without?
iPhone, wallet, gluten-free snacks, Kleenex, and, lately, a jacket. 4. What do you do when you are not writing?
I mommy full time. And also try to sleep. I don’t sleep as much as I’d like. 5. Who/What inspired you to write your first novel?
My first novel was inspired by a pink triangle I saw on the wall of the concentration camp at Dachau. I wanted to find out who might have worn it. That took years. 6. What has been your most rewarding experience on the road to being published?
The first time I ran into someone who was not a friend or family member who had actually read my book. Also, seeing someone buy my book in a bookstore. 7. What is the best piece of advice you have been given as an author? Read. Read. Read. Write. Write. Write.
8. What advice would you give to aspiring authors? See #7. Do that and you’re a writer, no matter how it all comes out.
9. Who are your favorite authors to read?
Right now I’m on a Shirley Jackson kick. I also love Anne Rice and Stephen King. I think this is because we’re heading into Halloween.
10. You’re writing style and book layout is very different from the norm. What made you want to write a stories based solely on texts, emails etc.? Because that’s where kids read. I figured it would be fun to write a book that was set where they keep their eyeballs. 11. iFrankenstein is based on Mary Shelley’s classic. How did you come up with the idea of an evil chatbot?
I wanted a modern, electronic monster, something that taps into our fears today. After chatting with a few non-evil chatbots, I quickly decided they might go rogue and take over the world someday. 12. Are you working on any special projects at the moment?
The second book in the Order of the Sanguines series, tentatively titled “A Punishment of Silver.” I’m also turning over some ideas for a new thriller series and another iMonsters book. 13. Where can readers stalk you?
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bekka.black.1
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bekka_black
Web site: www.bekkablack.com Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with me! I'm really excited to read more from Bekka Black. She also has the most exciting website I have ever seen, be sure to check it out for further details about her books! Happy reading!
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