S.M. McEachern's Blog, page 10
April 28, 2013
Revised Edition of Sunset Rising Available
Publishing my first novel has been an amazing experience! I had no idea what to expect when I clicked the “publish” icon in late September 2012, but what a ride it has been! I have met so many incredibly enthusiastic readers and your support has been overwhelming.
One of the truly wonderful aspects of self-publishing is the direct communication I have with readers. Your feedback has been genuinely appreciated. And on the basis of your feedback, I have made some revisions to Sunset Rising. Most are editorial revisions, however I did rewrite a few areas in order to clarify some issues that a few readers had raised.
Therefore, I want to notify anyone who has purchased Sunset Rising that a revised edition is available to download. If you obtained the book through Smashwords, it is as easy as downloading the most recent edition. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to drop me an email. I always love hearing from you!
Filed under: My Posts


April 18, 2013
Sunset Rising – Smashwords Reviews
Review by: Leah Watterson on April 10, 2013 :
I recieved this book,in exchange for a review.
I would recommend this book for everyone to read.
This is such a fabulous book ,i couldnt read it quick enough,right from the very first page,it’s full of excitement right till the end.
i definately want to read the second book!!!
Thank you very much for allowing me this free copy,it’s an amazing read,one that i would very much happy to read again!!!!
(reviewed long after purchase)
Review by: Peggy Obrien on April 03, 2013 :
What a great book. When I first heard of it as a “young adult” book I was ok to read it but thought oh here we go again. Within the first chapter I couldn’t wait to keep reading. Great beginning, reviting plot, beleivable characters, etc. My house is a mess, my work is on hold, my kids are negelected …ok they are young adults they will get over it … all because I’m reading a great book!!! The only bad part was the ending……. BECAUSE IT WAS THE ENDING I never wanted this book to end! I can’t wait for Book 2 and 3 and 4 …. this will be one series I won’t mind rereading
(reviewed long after purchase)
Review by: Alana DeVille on March 26, 2013 :
I LOVED this book. The characters were all so engaging. I too couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait for book 2 – get writing PLEASE!!
(reviewed within a month of purchase)
Review by: Julie Tolmie on March 23, 2013 :
What an amazing book! I kept wanting to turn the page to find out what happens next. I’m really looking forward to book #2!
Loved, loved, loved it!
(reviewed within a month of purchase)
Review by: Carrie Cheyne on March 19, 2013 :
I absolutely loved this book! It was so well written and kept me turning the pages to see what was going to happen next. I cannot wait for book 2 to come out so I can burn through it too! Fantastic job Susan!
(reviewed within a month of purchase)
Review by: NatashaMay on March 15, 2013 :
A really terrific read. I loved the premises for this story and how the author managed to bring the society to life. The plot was wonderful and pacing just right. I was really drawn into the book and couldn’t read fast enough to see what happened next. I was really surprised to find out what Leisel did at the wedding. She seemed manipulative from the beginning but I did not expect that. I was really glad how Jack and Sunny fell in love and that there was more to it than basic attraction. Seeing that the story had a meaningful plot and a message just made it all that more amazing. And the ending was awesome. I can’t wait to read the sequel.
(reviewed within a month of purchase)
Review by: robynn neilson on March 09, 2013 :
Loved this book. I couldn’t wait ro see what happened. The charachter development was great and now I can’t wait dor rhe nect book
(reviewed within a month of purchase)
Review by: Heather Kerr on March 08, 2013 :
My true rating 4.5/5
I loved this book, although I did find some faults. I couldn’t put the book down. It was well written and provided enough description that it put the reader right with the characters. I felt every emotion and stress that the characters were feeling. The direction the book ends up taking was amazing. Love, hate, betrayal, politics, riots, I don’t know what doesn’t happen in this book. The 300 pages flew by and I was sad when it ended. Not in the way where you’re disappointed in the book but when you’re sad that you not only finished the book and the story has ended but that you also have to wait for the next book to come out to get more of the incredible story.
I couldn’t believe how much I loved this book! I can’t wait for the second book to come out.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loved books like Divergent, Matched, Delirium, Uglies, or even Hex Hall (the last one is more based on the romantic part of the stories then the theme).
(reviewed long after purchase)
Review by: Jude Livingston on March 04, 2013 : (no rating)
WWIII has started, civilians are desperate to get a place in The Drome. They are allowed to stay if they sign a treaty which effectively makes them slave.
Three hundred years later the descents of the military (known as the Bourge) have made life for the Civilians miserable. They are culled at age 35, barely given enough water to drink or food to eat; beaten and killed when the Bourge feel they have done something wrong; young girls used as play things – an uprising is waiting for the right catalyst.
This is the tale of Sunny O’Donnell & Jack Kenner. A tale of two people from different classes forced to work together, a tale of bravery, treachery and love.
I only put this down when the real world forced me to. I can’t wait for Book 2! 4.5 stars.
(reviewed within a month of purchase)
Review by: CLaire Taylor on March 03, 2013 :
S.M. McEachern
Sunset Rising
Book 1
As a YA dystopian novel, this has got to be one of the best I’ve read, and now I can’t wait to read more. The author has managed to create a remarkable future world, where the poor are used as slaves, and the rich live a life of luxury. The president is crazy and his daughter comes up with a plan that turns Summer’s and Jack’s lives upside down, changing everything.
Incredibly well written and descriptive, this book had me completely gripped from start to finish and I had difficulty putting it down. The character development is flawless, and their strengths shine through as the book continues. This book will definitely be read time and time again.
I received an e-copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
(reviewed within a month of purchase)
Review by: Sam Jones on Feb. 17, 2013 :
This book was gifted to me by the author in exchange for an honest and fair review.
World War 3 – Military vehicles are seen disappearing into “the Dome” Civilians push their way in on foot, But only the fastest make it before the doors are closed for good. With the radiation threat on the outside there is likely to be many generations in the dome.
Forced to sign a treaty that will see the Civilians treated as slaves in the pit and culled when they reach 35. The ‘Bourge’ live the high life and use the female Urchins for their entertainment. Step out of line and a beating is expected. When Sunny is dragged from the dark pit up to the dome for the bachelor party of the man who is to marry the president’s daughter, she doesn’t expect to be drawn into an evil plot by the Bride to be.
Her life will be changed forever and the man that she is tricked into marrying will have his eyes opened to just how evil the government actually is.
I struggled to put this down.(Loved it) It has a little bit of a “Les Miserables” to it. A story where a brave girl is not scared to fight for her people. The story of Sunny O’Donnell & Jack Kenner is very inspiring. Where a ‘rich’ man is helping out the less fortunate to help them revolt against a government.
I am really looking forward to Book 2 in the series!!
I give this a rating of 5 stars.
(reviewed within a month of purchase)
Review by: Ellen Wookey on Feb. 10, 2013 :
Living in a world full of darkness, where you know your death date and fear going towards the light. This is the life Sunny lives in. History has been changed to fit to the ruling family of the dome and being called into the light often means trouble and heartache. Why would Sunny think any different? She knows the routine but when given the opportunity to save a friend from heartache and an earlier death date, she lets down her guard for a bag full of trouble.
I fell in love with the characters. You feel heartache, pain, happiness and love all at once while running from fear alongside with Sunny. Even though there was little activity my favourite characters were Summer and Crystal. There were a few lose ends (fate of a few characters) I would have loved to read at the end of Sunset Rising but I assume they will be brought forward in the books to come. I am impatiently waiting for the next installment to be released…5STARS
(reviewed the day of purchase)
Review by: Reina Sungahid on Feb. 05, 2013 :
Wow, this book was great.
Things I liked about the book:
-It’s romance and adventure together
-Jaw-dropping surprises
-The protagonists are kick-ass
-Interesting story line
-Oh, and AWESOME cover
I can’t wait for the second book!
(reviewed within a week of purchase)
Filed under: Reviews


March 20, 2013
Satellite Story #2
The second satellite story is finished! It is simply entitle Summer Nazeem and can be found here.
I wanted to make an announcement to all my incredibly supportive readers that now that Sunset Rising is gaining more circulation, it has come to my attention that there are still a few editorial errors. Although I did use an editor prior to publishing, unfortunately she and I were not a good fit. Consequently, I have had a few issues. One of the huge benefits of self-publishing is that I can go back and make things right. And an even bigger benefit is that I have made some truly wonderful, generous friends that believe enough in me to lend their support. I am overwhelmed by the time and effort they have devoted to me (Christina and Janeal!!). I thank each and every one of you for giving me your feedback. Your support really is making me a better, more critical, writer.
I am also busy writing book 2! My life has been a little crazy the last few months. My husband was deployed overseas for a year and I am settling into single parenthood. I am still hoping for a late spring release of book 2. I promise to keep you updated!
In the meantime, I hope you like Satellite Story #2: Summer Nazeem.
Filed under: My Posts, Satellite Stories


March 6, 2013
Raven’s Animated Review of Sunset Rising! So Cool!

Shelves: utopia-and-dystopia, favorites
Oh. My. God.Oh. My. God.
OH. MY. GOD.
This book. So much happens. Rebellion. Dictatorship. Murder. Betrayal. Love. I couldn’t put it down. It moved so quickly and had great suspense and questions you justhad to have the answers to.
I didn’t like Leisel from the moment we fist met her. She was just too happy and pushy to be the good guy. I didn’t have to read the summary to figure out she was going to be a bad guy. She is a good antagonist, though. She’s manipulative, bitchy, cunning…everything I don’t like about her makes her a great antagonist. I do like that she’s trying to change the rule that only men can be president, but she’s not changing it for the better. She would make no better a president than her father does. If anything, she’d be worse. At least her father doesn’t pretend to be someone’s best friend and then betray them.
I think my favorite thing about Sunny is her desire to never give up and putting the people she loves before everyone else. She agrees to Leisel’s plan to save her best friend. She risks her life just to get home and say a last goodbye. She stands up for her friends and inspires people to fight back against the injustices that have plagued them for nearly 300 years. She’s a great character and someone to look up to.
Jack is your royal pain in the butt good guy. Everyone wants to be with him. Girls swoon at his very presence. He comes from the Dome instead of the Pit and doesn’t understand what goes on down there until he runs there to hide as a fugitive with Sunny. I like Jack once he realizes how bad life in the Pit is more than when he lived in luxury up in the Dome. He understands so much more about the people who actually matter and is more than willing to help them fight. Naturally, he and Sunny fall for each other (I mean, they are married…) and I do prefer him to Sunny’s boyfriend, Reyes. He was a jerk.
The way the book started, with a nuclear holocaust, pulled me in right away. Imagine realizing the world is going to be destroyed by nuclear missiles from each country and the only refuge is a dome outside your village. The people went up to get to safety, and the military opened fire on them, gunning them down as they tried to get help. What a start. The emotion in the prose is amazing. I wish I could find more by this author. Her words are so touching. I cannot wait for the next installment!(less)
Filed under: Reviews


March 4, 2013
The Search for hot models?! Book 2 Cover.
I have begun work with Nathalia Suellen on the cover for Book 2 of the Sunset Rising series (no title yet!) and boy are we having a lot of fun! We are thinking it might be interesting to have Sunny and Jack on the cover of Book 2 so we have clocked quite a few hours online looking at some very nice models (especially hot guys!) and it occurred to me that maybe some of you who have had read Book 1 might like to get in on the search! After all its is winter and, if you’re anything like me, are suffering the winter blahs.
If you’re interested in getting in on the fun, bring us your thoughts and/or links on what you think Sunny and Jack should look like. Feel free to post links so we can follow them and have a look. Participants will get their name/email put into a draw for a free copy of Book 2 after its release. Thanks for helping!
Filed under: My Posts


Lots of Free Books: Smashwords Read an eBook Week!
Reblogged from Book Expectations:
From March 3 through March 9, 2013, Smashwords is having an incredible sale. A lot, and I do mean a lot, of books are on sale for 100%, 75%, 50% and 25% off. The 100% off section is 81 pages long! And that is with the adult filter on.
DO NOT FORGET TO ENTER THE COUPON CODE FOR EACH BOOK AND THEN CLICK…
If you love to read, check out this sale!
March 2, 2013
Smashwords eBook Reading Week – Sunset Rising on sale!
I am happy to be participating in the 5th Annual Smashwords eBook Reading Week! This means that Sunset Rising (Book 1) will be available on Smashwords during March 3 – 9 for 50% off the cover price – that’s only $1.49! There have been several 4 and 5 star reviews this week on Sunset Rising, so if you need convincing please go my Goodreads Author page and see what others are saying.
Smashwords eBook Reading Week is a great opportunity for readers and writers alike. Many authors will be offering their books at greatly discounted prices or for free. If you love to read, you won’t want to miss it! Who knows – you could find your next favourite author Click here to find out more about Smashwords eBook Reading Week.
Happy reading!
Filed under: My Posts


February 22, 2013
Sunset Rising Free on Smashwords
Since I’ve had a lot of readers ask about the free Smashwords coupon for Sunset Rising, I’ve decided to post it here: CM85F Expires: February 28, 2013
If you don’t have a Smashwords account yet, setting up one is easy and free. And the best part is you can download whatever format you need (Kindle, Kobo, Nook, iPad, etc..).
Sunset Rising is the group read this month for the Goodreads group Addicted to Novels: YA and more and will be the group read for YA Apocalyptic and Dystopian group in March. I love to hear what my readers thought of the book, so join in either of those groups (or both) and/or leave your comments here and on Smashwords. As a debut author, reviews are gold and your support means the world to me! Thank you!
Filed under: My Posts


Samantha’s Review (5 stars)
Feb 17, 13

Read from February 09 to 17, 2013
This book was gifted to me by the author in exchange for an honest and fair review.
World War 3 – Military vehicles are seen disappearing into “the Dome” Civilians push their way in on foot, But only the fastest make it before the doors are closed for good. With the radiation threat on the outside there is likely to be many generations in the dome.
Forced to sign a treaty that will see the Civilians treated as slaves in the pit and culled when they reach 35. The ‘Bourge’ live the high life and use the female Urchins for their entertainment. Step out of line and a beating is expected. When Sunny is dragged from the dark pit up to the dome for the bachelor party of the man who is to marry the president’s daughter, she doesn’t expect to be drawn into an evil plot by the Bride to be.
Her life will be changed forever and the man that she is tricked into marrying will have his eyes opened to just how evil the government actually is.
I struggled to put this down. It has a little bit of a “Les Miserables” to it. A story where a brave girl is not scared to fight for her people. The story of Sunny O’Donnell & Jack Kenner is very inspiring. Where a ‘rich’ man is helping out the less fortunate to help them revolt against a government.
I am really looking forward to Book 2 in the series!!
I give this a rating of 5 stars.
Filed under: My Posts


February 21, 2013
New Kobo Book Hub
I came across a new site dedicated to giving news on books for your Kobo: The Kobo Book Hub. It’s a great place to find free books, bargain books or just a great read for the Kobo owner. Check it out!
Filed under: My Posts

