Heidi Angell's Blog, page 18

Book Review:Blood Of Olympus By Rick Riordan

Genre:Young Adult Fantasy MythologySynopsis: Though the Greek and Roman crewmembers of the Argo II have made progress in their many quests, they still seem no closer to defeating the earth mother, Gaea. Her giants have risen—all of them, and they're stronger than ever. They must be stopped before the Feast of Spes, when Gaea plans to have two demigods sacrificed in Athens. She needs their blood—the blood of Olympus—in order to wake. The demigods are having more frequent visions of a terrible battle at Camp Half-Blood. The Roman legion from Camp Jupiter, led by Octavian, is almost within striking distance. Though it is tempting to take the Athena Parthenos to Athens to use as a secret weapon, the friends know that the huge statue belongs back on Long Island, where it might be able to stop a war between the two camps. The Athena Parthenos will go west; the Argo II will go east. The gods, still suffering from multiple personality disorder, are useless. How can a handful of young demigods hope to persevere against Gaea's army of powerful giants? As dangerous as it is to head to Athens, they have no other option. They have sacrificed too much already. And if Gaea wakes, it is game overMy Take: I enjoyed this book a lot because the Percy Jackson series and its spin off Heroes of Olympus and I enjoyed every book I've read from Rick Riordan.  I won't give you my favorite part because its a HUGE twist in the plot but my least favorite part without details is about Gaea and if I go into more detail I may spoil it so I won't do that. However one thing I liked about this book is Leo finally maybe gets a possible girlfriend! Which is honestly pretty nice considering the fact he was in a group of 7 with no girlfriend although that made him less of a target because love is a powerful force.I think that the the exposition and climax were great the wrap up was okay but I can't wait for my birthday (I might get the Son of Sobek!) I will post a review right after I finish it.I enjoyed Blood of Olympus tremendously and I can't wait to see if he decides to yet again make another spin off but combining Carter Kane and Percy Jackson after the Son Of Sobek!Until next time,Keep Reading!

Teaser Tuesday: The Yellow Hoods by Adam Dreece

Hello Lovelies,As many of you may recall, Adam Dreece has been a frequent guest on An Angell's Life. From the book review for his hi tech sci-fi novel,Man of Cloud 9 and the awesomeBook Unboxingof his beautiful hardback copy! He provided an awesomecharacter spotlight of Nico Rafaelofrom Man of Cloud 9 (which totally sold me on reading the book!) and was kind enough to join us for an interview.I've kind of become a fan and was very disappointed when I didn't get The Yellow Hoods (His Steampunk Fairy tale mashup) for Christmas. But I just found out that the box set is currently on Amazon for 99 cents!Book four in the series is $2.99andbook five is up for preorderfor 99 Cents and releases just a few days after my son's birthday!I am pretty sure I can talk the hubby into letting me buy more books (I've been put on a book buying ban until I read all the awesome books I got for Christmas) if I suggest we are getting it for Little Man for his birthday!EEEK, I am so excited to delve into this awesome series! Would it be wrong for me to read it before Little Man gets it "to make sure it's appropriate."? PS, from the reviews, and conversations with the author, I already know it is. Still... I probably should wait...Can't wait!Are you going to get this awesome deal? Let us know in the comments below!Until next time,Keep Reading!

Meet the Author Monday with Rick Amitin

Hello Lovelies,I've met a very wonderful author, Rick Amitin, who has come to share is book If I Only Had A Dad.Rick is a product of broken home(s). He was abandoned by his father and had three step-fathers by the time he was nine years of age. His relationship with his mother was strained for years until total healing and restoration took place late in life. On his own since he was 15, Rick struggled with identity, affirmation, and a sense of unworthiness. His own religious practices left him ashamed, frustrated, and troubled before discovering the Heavenly Father he never knew.Rick is raw-polish. Compassionate for the plight of the fatherless while insisting on healing your life and moving forward. Telling his own story with the warts left in leaves no questions about his commitment to moving people forward. You will laugh, cry, and gasp as you walk with Rick to a life of deep satisfaction and fulfillment. Without apology, he presents an anecdote for the pandemic of fatherlessness. Rick offers a way out of a trouble past with the proof of how he did it. Rick is passionate about assisting others in their search to make sense of their lives. He has developed a unique skillset to overcoming dysfunction, failure, and achievements leading to transformational living. Rick is creating online courses to accompany his retreats, seminars, and speaking engagements. His optimistic humor will encourage and reassure you.What is the current book you are promoting?“If Only I Had A Dad”What inspired this book?Knowing my grandson would deal with the same plight of the fatherless that I dealt with, I wanted to minimize his potential pain.That is so sweet. It does seem to be an epidemic sweeping our country. I'm sure many of my readers can relate. I know I certainly can. What is your next project?“ALTARED” My journey through religion to spirituality!How do you write your books?I think any desire to help other people comes from an intimate desire to help ourselves. I write conscious of this belief.That is a great message. What is one great lesson you have learned as a writer?Whatever you receive in life is never just for you.Rick has some great stuff going on. If you want to keep up with his projects, follow him onFacebookorTwitter. I met him when another author shared his blog post about his recent heart attack. It was clever, insightful, and beautifully poetic. I just knew I had to introduce you to him! You can find his blog on his websiteRickAmitin.comWant to readIf I Only Had A Dad? Grab it on Amazon!Until next time,Keep Reading!

Poetry Corner: Someday

I love you so, you are my life.I dream that someday I'll be your wife.I haven't met you,but I know you exist.Someday I'll find you.This dream I can't resist.I'll love you forever.I'll give you my soul.I hope we'll part never.You'll make me whole.My heart is in love,my soul's in a dream.I try not to shove,but you're further than you seem.I need you.I have no soul.I can't live without you.You make me whole.Until next time,Keep Reading!

Thoughtful Thursday: On Facebook Launch Parties

Hello Lovelies,How many of you got to attend the launch party for The Hunted?It was three days of bookish madness, and parts were absolutely awesome, parts were a little chaotic, and on occasion it was a bit stressful! I think most of the stress was backstage and the attendees mostly had a good time.But at the end of the event I was left feeling drained and a little disappointed for many reasons (not the least of which probably being that it was the end of a huge book launch push and I definitely need some time to recharge my batteries!)We had (according to Facebook, anyway) 42 interested in going, 142 who went, and 1K invited. There were times of frenetic activity and others with nary a peep. It was a lot of emotional ups and downs!And I have heard from several authors that they feel that Facebook parties are no longer a good way to meet new readers. That the effort isn't worth the conversion of new followers, fans, or sales.I am still combing through all the figures and trying to figure that out from the data, but you know what is the best data? Hearing right from the readers, YOU! I put together a poll at the end of the event and only got five people's information (not sure how many were just readers, and how many were readers/ authors.) So I am asking you guys to let me know your thoughts as well.Because at the end of the day, I don't do Facebook parties to stroke my ego as an author. I do them because as a reader I have enjoyed them. But I don't want to waste time doing events that readers don't like. The last several Facebook parties I have attended it feels like an author circle-jerk. Don't get me wrong, I love reading and I know a lot of my author friends do too, so marketing to authors has never seemed like a bad idea to me. But I want to find fun things for regular old readers too. Folks like you ;)So I would appreciate you taking five minutes to let authors know your thoughts on Facebook parties. What things do you like to see, what things don't you like to see? Or would you rather just not attend.Here is the linkto the form where you can share your thoughts.Until next time,Keep Reading!

Book Review: Melkorka by Joshua Robertson

Genre:Dark FantasySynopsis: Branimir is a slave to the mighty Highborn. Unwittingly, his masters forge a copper dagger capable of destroying the Ash Tree. Drawn along on the quest to remedy the mistake of his masters, Branimir becomes the most unlikely of heroes in an inimical world of magic and mayhem.My take:Such a short description for such an awesome book! I am loving this series so far! I cannot wait to read the next book (alas, I must because there is an arc that needs reading :( ) Branimir is the cutest darn character and I kind of adore him! Dorofej is this interesting blending of Yoda, Merlin, and your creepy senile grandfather! Two of the least likely heroes to ever cross your path, yet despite their seemingly incapacity, their moral compass guides the group to stopping an evil created by the seemingly good intentions of the Spearhead of Melkorka and his faithful sidekick Falmagon.The Svet are such a unique re-imagining of centaurs. The Vulcari are a creative take on shifters. The Bukavak are deliciously evil. And the Dyndaar Wood... Oh, I can't give the story away!The author weaves a unique world that, while similar in style and fantastical elements to much you will find in fantasy, is delightfully original in terminology and implementation! I have fallen in love with the world he has so intricately woven. The world of Aenar seamlessly envelopes the reader in a fantastical clashing of good and evil, where even the most righteous can be led astray, the most powerful can crumble, and the most humble can save the day! Eager to read the next three books in this series!Learn more atGoodreadsUntil next time,Keep Reading!

Teaser Tuesday: So Much Bookish Goodness!

Hello Lovelies,What a crazy couple of months it has been! As I come out the other end of promoting The Hunted launch (PS, if you've read it, I sure would appreciate an honest review on thesite you purchased,and/orGoodreads!) I am discovering so many awesome bookish events going on! I just had to share with all my bookish peeps!First, have you heard ofinstafreebie?It is this really neat book community that allows you to get a free e-copy of an author's book in exchange for subscribing to their newsletter. Talk about a great way to test if you like an author! I just joined, and there was this really cool group giveaway for Science Fiction and Fantasy,SFF Book Bonanza. I got 155 books free! I think I need to schedule more reading time! There are tons of books on Instafreebie, and several group deals so if you prefer a different genre, go find the genre deal for you and stock up on some books!Looking to win aGoodreads paperback giveaway? Author William Irvine is hosting a giveaway for an interesting book called The Polygamist. Set at the end of the seventies, a time when experimentation with alternative lifestyles and sexual relationships was rife, The Polygamist follows the fortunes of Omar Al Ghamdi, Saudi-born but educated in the West; a man who is the product of two irreconcilable cultures. After two decades he has come to experience philandering as increasingly superficial; but vehemently opposed to monogamous fidelity, turns to polygamy as the solution to his high turnover existence. His hope is that taking several wives will provide him with a more honest and satisfying alternative, allowing him to engage in deeper relationships whilst still giving a long enough leash to his sexuality. Having pursued his goal without compromise by entering into serial arranged marriages, he lives with his household on a remote house on Colva Beach in Goa. Does the reality live up to the dream? And, what is it like for the women? How can one man possibly satisfy multiple female partners? Written from an unashamedly male perspective, The Polygamist will appeal to those wishing to understand male sexuality and the desires that shape all of our lives and relationships.Do you like Book Parties? Author Kayla Krantz is hosting a Facebook Party to celebrate the launch of her new Witches series, The Council, on March 1st. There is an awesome lineup of authors coming out to celebrate her book release, including Joshua Robertson, Michael Dellert, and yours truly, as well as some exciting new-to-me authors such as Kade Cook, Cameron J. Quinn, Ulff Lehmann, Miranda Brock, Marketta Sowers, R.L. Weeks, Jessica Fisette, A.S. McGowan, Maya Starling, Virginia Carraway Stark, Martin Sigournay and Steven Evans! There will be fun quizzes, puzzles, games, and as always, goodies. I am really looking forward to this fun event! Make sure you hop over andclick "Going"to enjoy all the fun!Do you know of some awesome bookish fun coming up in the next couple of weeks? Email me so I can share during my next Teaser Tuesday!Until next time,Keep Reading!

Meet the Author Monday with Devorah Fox

Hello Lovelies,Whew, what a weekend! The launch party for The Hunted is all done, and the hard part is finished, so now we can get back to our regularly scheduled awesomeness! Today I have the delightful Devorah Fox."What if?" Those two words all too easily send Devorah Fox spinning into flights of fancy. Best-selling author of The Bewildering Adventures of King Bewilliam epic historical fantasy series including “The Redoubt,” voted one of 50 Self-Published Books Worth Reading 2016, and ”The Lost King,” awarded the All Authors Certificate of Excellence. She also wrote the historical thriller “Detour,” co-authored the contemporary thriller, “Naked Came the Sharks,” with Jed Donellie, contributed to “Masters of Time: a SciFi/Fantasy Time Travel Anthology,” and “Magic Unveiled: An Anthology,” and has several Mystery Mini Short Reads to her name. Born in Brooklyn, New York, she now lives in The Barefoot Palace on the Texas Gulf Coast with rescued tabby cats ... and a dragon named Inky. Visit the “Dee-Scoveries” blog atDevorahFox.comLet's jump right in! Welcome to An Angell's Life, Devorah. How are you?Busy. Too busy. Overcommitted. I’m involved in several promotions and that’s not leaving me much time to write.I completely know that feeling! I just wrapped up the launch for The Hunted and man, no time for the blog, let alone my work in progress. Can't stay away too long! What is the current book you are promoting?I’m promoting four titles, starting with “The Zen Detective,” a mystery. That was released at the veryend of December, 2016. A few months before, “Detour, A Big Rig Thriller” was released. Earlier in 2016 I released “The Redoubt,” Book Four of The Bewildering Adventures of King Bewilliam literary fantasy series. And not long after that, “Murder by the Book” a Mystery Mini, came out. It’s been a bit like having a new school year start and trying to get four kids out the door with everything they need to handle life in the big world and hoping that they’ll all make friends.Whew, you have been a busy little publishing beaver, haven't you?! I envy this woman, people! If your book were made into a movie, who would you cast?I love to play the casting game and I learn a lot when I ask readers whom they would cast. Several suggested Russell Crowe for King Bewilliam. At first that didn’t seem right but the more that I thought about it, the more that it fit, and I came to see King Bewilliam in a new light. Casting Will Mansion from “The Zen Detective” would be fun because he is extraordinarily good looking.I kind of love Russell Crowe! What is your next project?I started a new mystery last November during National Novel Writing Month, and I’m working on that. It’s a mystery that, like “The Zen Detective,” combines a crime investigation with a personal spiritual search. I’ll also be contributing Fantasy short stories to two anthologies.See, so busy! She's putting me to shame, folks. Lol.  What is one place you would like to visit and why?Chichen Itza and Tulum, Mexico. I’d like to see the ruins there. The ancient cultures of the Mayans, Incas, and Aztecs fascinate me. I almost went in 2012 so that I could be there when the world ended. I wasn’t able to make the trip so I’m glad that the world didn’t end. I would have been very disappointed to have missed that.​Oh, Chichen Itza is amazing! I went in 2007. They have an incredible night show. You should also checkout Dzibilchaltun. They are in the same area. How do you write your books?Something that I see in TV or overhear triggers an idea. I find myself thinking “What if that turned out differently?” (This happens at least once a day, so my Story Ideas file bulges). I start with an idea of who is going to be in the story and where it’s going. However, at some point the characters take over. Like actors in a stage play, they toss the script aside and make up their own lines. It’s all I can do to try to keep up. Some of my favorite characters began as scene-stealers.Ha, I can imagine that file is OVERFLOWING! What is one great lesson you have learned as a writer?Submitting work for publication and getting rejected can lead one to conclude that the writing isn’t any good. I recently self-published a previously-rejected novel and have been told it’s the best writing that I’ve done yet. I am really glad that I drummed up the courage to get it out there because people have enjoyed reading it.I completely agree! The writing industry is looking for easy wins. Most of the best books I read last year were indie published. Very few were traditionally published. I am so tired of formulaic! If you could never write again, what would you do?I might paint or do crafts, which I do in whatever spare time I have. Our local art center hosts “Whine, Wine, and Design” workshops. We socialize, eat snacks, sip BYOBeverages, and get step-by-step instruction from an acrylics artist. I’ve made six paintings. Yes, it’s a little bit “paint -by-numbers.” But it’s enough of a hint of the techniques that I would need to master that I’d enjoy taking lessons and becoming more skillful. A few years ago I did some glass-painting and etching projects and I’d like to do more of those.Sounds like fun! Tell us something unique about you:I like classic rock music. I’m a big Van Halen fan. The Sammy Hagar Van Halen, not the David Lee Roth Van Halen.Good stuff! What is your favorite word?Tumescent0-o Funny story, I just shared in a group last week how I hated that word. Lol. But it's all in context! Well, that was a ton of fun with Devorah! Want to learn more about her? Visit herwebsite!Want to keep up with all her exciting book news? Follow er onFacebook,Twitter,Google+,Youtube,Pinterest, andGoodreads. Want to know as soon as the next Devorah Fox book comes out? Follow her onAmazonandSmashwords. Want to be on her "in the know" group? Then sign up for hernewslettertoday!Until next time,Keep Reading!

Teaser Tuesday: Join The Bloody Valentine Facebook Hop!

Hello Lovelies,Happy Valentine's Day! I have a special treat. In case you don't remember, the last several years I have participated in A.F. Stewart's Bloody Valentine Hop.It is THE spot to be for those who aren't into the sappy romance of Valentine's Day. Yeah, definitely my place to be, ammiright?Last year my entry was fromHell School: Fresh Meat.The year before it was a scene fromHell Schoolas well.This year, enjoy a Sneak Peek from The Hunted:Screv startled awake from a squeal. He jumped up and could see the girl stumbling around in her tent. Moaning and sobbing followed. Screv crept over. As he came around the side of the tent he could see her struggling to get her shoes on. She froze, every muscle in her body going rigid. Screv realized she had her eyes squeezed shut.“Havoc?” she murmured.Screv’s heart broke at the terror and anguish in her voice. He thought about getting Havoc for her, but he could taste her terror. Leaving her in this state would be cruel. Almost as cruel as attacking someone and turning them into a monster.Havoc came around the other side of the tent. “What is it, Avie?” He cooed, as if talking to a startled animal.Screv watched as her eyes popped open, turning to Havoc pleading. Tears glistened on her cheeks and her eyes glistened. But there was something wrong with them, even Screv could see that. They were almost, vacant looking, though darting about as if trying to find Havoc, but failing.“Avie,” Havoc reached out and touched her shoulder. “It is all right.”“No,” she groaned. “There’s something wrong with my eyes!”“They are simply adjusting. Your fear is making the transition harder. Calm, deep breaths. Close your eyes. Shhhh.” Havoc put her shoes on her. He pulled her to her feet. “Come, we must talk.” He led her over to the fire, nodding for Screv to join.“Screvin, she is much newer than we thought. You do not understand what is happening to you, do you?” he directed the question to Avie. She shook her head, her entire body trembling.“I promise we will explain everything to you, but right now you would not be able to understand, you are too caught up in fear. Let me help you with your eyes first.”She gave a tacit nod.“Do you know about meditation?” Another quick nod. Havoc looked to Screv. “Have you ever practiced meditation?”“Not really.” Avie moaned. She’d opened her eyes again.“Shh… keep them closed. I will walk you through a guided meditation that will bring you back into focus and that focus will help your eyes. Screvin is going to join us.”Havoc sat down in front of Avie and motioned for Screv to join them. Screv sat. He and Havoc hadn’t done a guided meditation before, Havoc had only explained basic meditation and sent Screv off on his own quest.Havoc took Avie’s hands loosely in his own. “Screvin and I will close our eyes as well. Now, take a deep breath, breathe with me.”Screv quickly aligned his breathing to Havoc’s slow steady breathing. They’d been meditation together for two weeks, so it came naturally. Avie took a bit longer. Her breathing was fast and haggard at first, but it deepened and slowed, finally falling into line with Havoc and Screv.“Good,” Havoc breathed. “Keep breathing, and focus on keeping it steady. Clear your mind of fear. Clear your mind of anxiety, clear your mind of tension. Focus on breathing, and as you inhale think ‘peace’…. As you exhale think ‘ful’. Again peace… ful. Good, keep going.”As they kept breathing for several minutes, Screv could feel the tension melting away. The fear palpable on the air dissipated. He could even feel the anger seething in him, right below the surface, and linked to this girl, unraveling and sloughing off of him. He kept focusing. Peace… ful. Peace… ful.“Very good. Now, as you breathe, focus on the physical sensations you are feeling. Accept them. Note the damp grass beneath you, the tickle of the grass touching your leg. Breathe in Peace…. And out ful…. Feel your clothing resting on your body, note the feel of the cloth where it touches. Breathe in peace…. Out ful. Feel the cool breeze rifling your hair and brushing across your skin, feel the hair on your arm sensing the breeze. Breathe in peace…. Out ful. Good…. Feel the sun on your face, and the peace you are feeling. Breathe in peace… out ful. In Peace…..Out ful. In peace… out ful. ”He kept them breathing and focusing on their sensations for several more minutes. This was boring to Screv. He knew these basics already. His minded wandered and drifted.“Excellent, now… slowly open your eyes.”Screv opened his eyes and looked to Havoc and Avie. Opening her eyes, she blinked two long blinks and then a look of wonder crossed her face. She turned to look at Screv in awe.“See, you are just fine now.” Havoc patted her hand.“What happened?” She asked a hint of nerve in her voice.Havoc took a deep breath. “You will learn soon enough. Have you ever experienced this before?”She shook her head. “No… not that I can recall.”Havoc nodded. “I have some news that… may be startling. I want you to keep breathing, keep focusing on thinking “peace” on the in and “ful” on the out. Can you do that for me?”Avie nodded uncertainly. Tension formed in her brows and Havoc waited as she breathed in and out.When the crease released, Havoc began in a calm voice. “You are going through a change. It is a change that is as old as time, one that my mother and father went through, one that I went through, and one that you and Screvin are going through now. I will not honey-coat it. What you are going through is difficult, and it will only get harder.“But my mother and my father survived it. I survived it, and I will help you and Screvin survive it too.”Screv listened intently. He knew this was as much for him as it was for her. He’d never fathomed that she didn’t know what she was. How was that even possible?Havoc hesitated for a moment, watching micro expressions flashing across Avie’s face. Screv couldn’t interpret the expressions that Havoc was watching, but he could read Havoc’s compassion. Havoc’s voice broke when he spoke again. “Avie… You are becoming a Werewolf.”Avie’s eyes flew open in shock and Screv could read the horror, then disbelief, then fear that swept across her face. She rose, looking at Havoc like he was mad.“I know this is a lot to take in,” Havoc held his hands out to his sides in a calming soothing gesture.      “But I assure you that it is true. For some reason you are so afraid of what you are becoming that you are doing everything you can to block it out. When we confronted you with the attack on Screvin, your brain shut down.”Avie trembled from head to toe, shaking her head no. Screv could see she wanted to run. She was pulling away from Havoc, and Screv worked his way behind her. When she backed up into him she jumped away from him, whirling and ready to attack. He stared her down and then pulled his shirt up over his head, showing her the scars running from neck to forearm.She stared at those scratches for endless minutes, and Screv was uncomfortable. When she slowly moved up to him, still transfixed on the scars, he wanted to run. He flinched as she reached out and ran her fingers whisper soft over the scars. That touch was electric. It burned all the anger and hate right out of Screv’s soul.It affected her too. She collapsed into him sobbing. He cradled her to keep them both from falling and they both sunk to the ground. She mumbled incoherently, clinging to him. He tried to comfort her with calming strokes and pats. His throat was so tight that he couldn’t speak. His vision blurred as tears fell from his own eyes to comingle with her tears on his bare chest.They sat there like that, crying together until they were both worn out.Don't forget, The Hunted is available for preorder now through Friday for only $2.99 Saturday it will go up for $4.99, sograb your copyfrom the retailer of your choice today!There are tons of awesome bad love posts going up, so if you need some help killing the sugary sweetness coming out your ears, joinThe Bloody Valentine Facebookhop!Can't wait to do this event again next year! What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below!Until next time,Keep Reading!

Poetry Corner: Josh's Insanity

Why must you be so rash,to think my mind has went.I watch you through my lashand I feel content.I watch you boredthrough this cold blizzard.And I am abhorredas I watch you eat my gizzard.You're heart is like an icicleand I am not contented.You'll dill me like a picklebecause you think I am demented.This was a fun creative writing project. A classmate provided the rhyming words and I had to use them in the order provided. Wild ones, huh?Until Next Time,Keep Reading!