A. Renee Hunt's Blog, page 60

Making Social Media Changes...

     This is the month that leads to change.  Please 'click' on Read More...      Yup, I've made my decision; I am getting rid of Facebook Pages.  I tried so hard to keep it and I have about two thousands followers that I'll be letting go, but it's just not working out for me.  I thought about ditching Google+ too, but my Youtube is linked to it.  That sucks, but I'll hang in there.  But Facebook Pages has been a journey like vertigo.  It's too much to deal with and their dizzying nag of paying money to be seen has pushed me to the brink.

     As of the 25th, I will make my final post.  It will then be gone.  I will stick with Instagram (THE best media platform out there), my website will be pumped up and looking better, and Tumblr, Google+, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Twitter will remain.  I'll also make a dive into SnapChat, but I have my doubts on that one.  I'm just looking to spend more time and money on the things that work for me and assist in growing my friend-base, connections and possible book sales.  I know you all understand.  Heck- many of you barely use your FB so I don't feel bad.  

     Facebook will go back to being a personal page for me.  If you'd like to friend me there, please do!  (Alyssa Hunt) - you can't miss me.  There'll more than likely be a cover photo of some place in London!  lol  I share a few family tidbits, my love for London, tea and other activities, so look for me.
​Cheers!

The Night of Elisa, an Illustrated Graphic Novel, by Isis Sousa

     If you've been following my blog postings for any length of time, you know I adore entering giveaways for books, especially on Goodreads.com.  One day, I found this lovely: The Night of Elisa, and knew I had to have it!  So I skipped entering the giveaway and contacted Isis Sousa, the author and illustrator.  Thankfully, she agreed to send me a copy.      The story, set back in the 1800's, tells of Elisa, the main character who doesn't seem to thrive in this world, but in another.  A place world called Duskland, set near the North Pole,in a perpetual state of never-ending sunset.  It's a place where dead people go...

     Without giving away SPOILERS, the lovely Elisa has issues.  She's gifted with a talent that's more of a curse.  She has the ability to drift from one world into another.  In one,  she's tormented by a cruel husband, and in the other she's deathly ill and surrounded by strange people.  One is a set of conjoined twins, another is a moody scientist and doctor... and the other is mysteriously handsome, gentle and kind..  It's not until she finds her Aunt Berenice that she discovers what she is and an explanation for what she can do.  Given a purpose (her own possible murder),  she finds herself on a mission to either stay alive or stay in a world where she feels he doesn't belong.  Can she decide which world she's truly destined for?

     I was taken with this haunting, Victorian tale because of the mystery.  Sousa's style of writing was aged in a way that gave the book a classic feel.  Fluid and simple descriptions made for an easy, YA read, but kept you with just enough interest to care and want to know what would happen to all involved.  From what I read on the author, she explained her trials and errors due to intentions of never being  an author.  Everything on The Night of Elisa came to her from a dream so she followed those influences.  There's a section at the back of the book where she offered info on herself, character sketches and backgrounds.    

     The story is precious and moves similar to a graphic novel.  I adored every piece, wondering what the next illustration would offer.  You find yourself transported by the decorative filigree along the edges (layout), as well as the story itself.  I am so grateful to Isis Sousa, for sharing her fantastic book, The Night of Elisa.  Grab it anywhere where amazing books are sold!  I'm off to the next read!

Beyond: A Ghost Story by Graham McNamee

      So my reading practices keep me entertained.  I usually read three books at one time.  I have a physical book that takes me from mornings to around 6pm.  I then climb into an ebook from there till I fall asleep.  In-between those times, while walking, cooking or whatever, I listen to an ebook.  That's always been my way of doing things.  Well, with Beyond: A Ghost Story, by Graham McNamee, I cheated.  I read this all the way through!

     The story is about a girl who can't seem to escape death.  She was born dead (resuscitated) and throughout her life she's encountered strange incidences and accidents that should have taken her from this world- yet somehow she manages to survive!  Now she thinks something's actually causing these happenings.  Something that wants her dead... and to stay dead.
(Original photo from http://paranormalhorror.com, edited by me.)      I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this book.  It's a YA tale that compels you reading.  From the first chapter, to the ending, I held tight for the ride, enjoying each mystery and reality in between.  Jane was realistic, though I think some of the police snooping, for her age, was unreal.  Other than that- it was a great book.

     Her stalker, shadow ghost, was pretty cool too.  There interaction between Jane and her shadow, and later with Lexi was likable and made  the story feel real.  It even kept me thrown off  on who the villain really was.  I loved that, because it kept me guessing until further in to the story.

​     Has it been done before?  Yes.  Will you still enjoy it? Should you purchase a copy?  Yes!  Try it out.  I think you'll be pleased with Graham McNamee's style of writing, the way the story flows and how close to a true teenager this story relates.  Beyond was a youthful thrill that anyone could read and offer up four or more stars.  Next...

Punderdome, the game, by Crown Publishing

     I've I'd never been given a game to review before.  One of the groups I review for offered it up, so I thought: Why not?  Oh, it's also based off of a real game show.

     The object of the game is to win the Mystery Envelope prize by being the one to obtain ten cards.  You have to answer with puns.  Sounds like fun, as long as you know many, many, many puns!  I don't know that many off the top of my head- they usually come to me on accident!  Which is why it's good the game offered cues- almost like jokes, to bring them to mind.  It was rather fun.
​ The Game Provides:
100 White Cards
100 Green Cards
1 Just for Pun! Card
2 Mystery Envelopes
1 Large pad of Mystery Envelope prizes
2 Small pads You Must Provide:
A Timer
Pencil/Pen
The Mystery Envelope Prizes!      It's a fun game and we had a bit of a blast.  Sadly, my 11-year old doesn't know many puns (though he did get many correct) but when he's a bit older, it'll be an excellent family game to add to our Game Night!  I didn't know how to rank it, but I guess 4 out of 5 would be fair.  
Ratings: 

The Remnant by Monte Wolverton

     As soon as I read the blurb on The Remnant, by Monte Wolverton, I knew I wanted to read it!  I signed up for the book tour and dived right in.  This book instantly put me in mind of Left Behind but it carries its own style and dystopian/post-apocalyptic feel.  It drew me in and I was hungry, but a couple issues hung me up.  

     To be placed in concentration camps for carrying your faith is a huge deal, but that's what Grant had to live with.  When the world fell apart, there was no great rapturing and all was left in chaos under an governmental, iron fist.  When Grant and his team of escapees run, seeking sanctuary with a Christian group, going by the remnant of a piece of bible.  The escapees soon find out, all Christians aren't who they say they are.  

     The story is powerful and saddening at the same time, and left me with the thoughts of another book to follow.  I found the story to be written rather well, but there were a cluster of grammatical errors.  I was able to overlook them, and they didn't hurt the story, but they were very distracting.  I just wish, with a story like this one, it was cleaned up better.  The other issue was overkill on backstories.  I like the extra information but sometimes, enough is too much..  It was a cool story but just a little overdone.

     You may enjoy this Christian, dystopian fiction.  It's a fast read with barely any dry spots.  On to the next read!

The Devourers by Indra Das

     This review is going to be very short.  Not because it wasn't a good book, but because it was a very strange book.  The Devourers , by Indra Das was emotional, strange, sexual, vicious and more.

     The tale, taken from Indian folklore, gives you werewolves and magical culture, but it also talked a lot of about elimination: Like #1 & #2.  It was kinda nasty and just got on my nerves.  I really thought this book was going to bring Indian culture to life, but all it did was rape, and bring sex to the forefront like a savage, erotic novel.  I wasn't pleased.  But there was a lot of gore- which is right up my alley, so I wasn't too harsh on the rating.  LOL

     On to the next read!

Glitch, a short story by Hugh Howey

     What do you do when your robot, the one you created, becomes sentient?  When it removes its arms or backs away from you and you don't know why- how do you respond?  Could it be because it's ensuring your protection or it's own?  That's what Glitch, by Hugh Howey, is about.  

     In the story, a team is working to make money for a company that cares for nothing but making more money.  Sadly, it's also at the cost of a robot which may be becoming human- or human-like.  Howey is an author I've read before, but I liked this so much more.  Honestly, I think this could have become an excellent novel!  

     The story is on Samantha and Peter wanted to have Max, their robot entered into the Gladiator Nationals- a competition for a military contract.  Max the robot, doesn't want to fight, so he removed his appendages.  Were his actions to prevent competition or was there another reason?  You have to read it to find out.  The story is about 5k long, so it's a fast read, but you'll enjoy it.

​     I'm on to the next read.  I am grateful for my friend who referred to this tale.  Cheers!

On the Evening of Thanksgiving!

     If your family's like my family, it's now time to Chill!  The food's been eaten and our bellies are hard at work, digesting it all.  But me- I'm reading and editing.  

     My mom and I baked a huge 26-lb. turkey, made mac & cheese bites, a bacon Caesar salad,  dressing, gravy, roasted potatoes and more!  It was delicious and there is so much left over.  But I didn't just cook, eat and sleep.  I was a busy girl.

     I went back into Puddle, my first ebook short, published as an Indie author.  I'm so proud of this story.  I finished editing and had my mom reread it before reading again.   It's going to my editor and then it'll be uploaded for not just a second edition but for physical copies as On-Demand orders through CreateSpace.com!  My book will become a real life, true blue book in someone's hand!

     To have  Puddle  in my hand will truly be a feat for me.  When I decided to go Indie, I started off with an ebook short story.  It was easy and I had fun with it, but I didn't have a physical copy.  I was afraid, after being burned with my very first novel, then my novella.  I wanted to do something different and learn a great deal, which is why I feel I'm ready for my current, WIP novel, The Malevolent Soul (NaNoWriMo novel).

     I hope you stick with me and check out my up-coming goal achievement.  I also hope your Thanksgiving was filled with family blessings and really, really tasty!  See you tomorrow and have a fantastic evening! 

Litfuse Publicity Group Book Tours: Trust My Heart by Carol J. Post

     Whenever I get my hands on a romance title, I worry that it's going to be the same ol' thing.  Girl meets boy- acts shy.  Boy meets girl, acts like he doesn't care.  Both deny feelings and become annoying before a happy ending.  That wasn't the case with this one.  Well, maybe it was... a little- but it was good!

​     Trust My Heart, by Carol J. Post is about Jami Carlisle, returning home from college and ready to step into a full-fledged commitment with her long-time beau, Robert.  The problem is, there are no sparks, no fireworks and no true love.  Yeah, sure he's her best friend, but why can't she feel what she thinks she's supposed to feel with him?  When she begins working for the local paper, and is given an opportunity to interview the sole beneficiary of the McAllister estate, she can't let it get away!  

     Grant McAllister's got a fractured heart.  Unwanted by the woman (his grandmother) who left him anything, the last thing he expected was to have everything bequeathed to him.  He's survived a busted marriage and is so not interested in a relationship.  He's a polite but rigid and yet Jami comes into his life and things begin to change.  .  Somehow Jami is able to discover things about his family he never knew.  She may also help him change his outlook on life.

     This novel is Christian themed, so it's clean, comforting and not preachy.  You love getting to know the well-developed characters and not just some perfect folks (although Jami did come off pretty near flawless), in a small town that makes things work out for the Happy Ever After.  The story is fast-paced and you end up loving it so much, you don't want to turn the final page.  I loved it and if you've been with me a while  you know how I am about romance!  I will definitely pick up more by Carol J. Post.  Trust My Heart is a winner for my bookshelves.
"On to the next read!"

Phantasia, Book One: Into the Rain by M. U. Riyadad

     If you enjoy science fiction with a heavy technological, yet magical feel- Phantasia, by M. U. Riyadad is for you!

     I found this book on Goodreads and thought I'd go for it.  He sent it out like, the very next day!  I was so excited- especially since I LOVE big books.  Stuffed with near 500-pages, this book takes you on a journey like no other.

     Phantasia Book one: Into the Rain is about a young man and his friends who are faced with a life of aliens.  The world is nothing like before, where you're pretty much raised to fight.  Red, the main character wants to go to specialized training with his friends.  This training: WEAPON, is for the elite, which Red and his team feels they're made for.  But there's so much more!  Especially when it comes to the Xenocites- I offer up no SPOILERS!  If you want more on that, you'll have to get your own copy.  I promise you, you won't feel cheated.  This is an epic story.        I enjoyed this book and will consider purchasing the rest of the books in the series (The Rising Tide and Eyes of Light). The story is very well written and you won't be bored at all.  The characters are perfectly developed, the story feels.