Sam Dogra's Blog, page 10

Lisa's Summer Reads Blog Tour 2014- Sammy HK Smith

Summer Reads Blog Tour - Week SevenSammy HK Smith

Reblogged from lisawiedmeier.com. This summer she's hosting a fantastic summer reads blog tour, where authors get to share their favourite reads! So you might just find your next favourite book. She's also hosting a fab giveaway with some awesome prizes, so enter to win (link at the bottom of the post).
Week seven is already here, and it's time to introduce Sammy HK Smith! Sammy is another Authonomy friend who didn't run away when I send a friend request via Facebook! Some do you know...lol. Anyway, along with others on this Blog Tour, I've had the privilege of getting to know her and her writings. You won't want to miss out on her work and recommendations from Goodreads. Here'ssssss Sammy! 
Sammy lives and works in the sunny county of Oxfordshire in the UK with her husband, 14 cats, 2 dogs and hamster, Georgeski. When time allows, she writes. In Search of Gods and Heroes is her first book, and the first  of the Children of Nalowyn series.

Between working and writing, she studies with the Open University for her B.A in Humanties with a specialism in Classical Studies, and is currently learning (albeit slowly) Ancient Greek and Latin. She enjoys reading (obviously!), mythology, music, films, and a host of other uninteresting hobbies.

Sites: www.kristell-ink.comwww.sammyhksmith.wordpress.comwww.facebook.com/sammyhksmith www.twitter.com/sammyhksmith
In Search of Gods and HeroesBuried in the scriptures of Ibea lies a story of rivalry, betrayal, stolen love, and the bitter division of the gods into two factions. This rift forced the lesser deities to pledge their divine loyalty either to the shining Eternal Kingdom or the darkness of the Underworld.

When a demon sneaks into the mortal world and murders an innocent girl to get to her sister Chaeli, all pretence of peace between the gods is shattered. For Chaeli is no ordinary mortal, she is a demi-goddess, in hiding for centuries, even from herself. But there are two divine brothers who may have fathered her, and the fate of Ibea rests on the source of her blood.

Chaeli embarks on a journey that tests her heart, her courage, and her humanity. Her only guides are a man who died a thousand years ago in the Dragon Wars, a former assassin for the Underworld, and a changeling who prefers the form of a cat.

The lives of many others – the hideously scarred Anya and her gaoler; the enigmatic and cruel Captain Kerne; the dissolute Prince Dal; and gentle seer Hana – all become entwined. The gods will once more walk the mortal plane spreading love, luck, disease, and despair as they prepare for the final, inevitable battle.

In Search of Gods and Heroes, Book One of Children of Nalowyn, is a true epic of sweeping proportions which becomes progressively darker as the baser side of human nature is explored, the failings and ambitions of the gods is revealed, and lines between sensuality and sadism, love and lust are blurred.

http://smarturl.it/ISOGAHFoyleshttp://smarturl.it/ISOGAHAmazonUK http://smarturl.it/ISOGAHAmazonCOM http://smarturl.it/ISOGAHWaterstones http://smarturl.it/ISOGAHBarnesandNoble http://smarturl.it/ISOGAHSmashwords http://smarturl.it/ISOGAHBookDepository
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Sammy's bookshelf: summer-reads-blog-2014 Touch the Darkby Karen ChanceThis is my favourite urban fantasy series of all time. Dark, gritty, funny, and with a splash of romance. What I love is that Karen doesn't make our heroine the milquetoast MC that bumbles about needing a man to set her right. Cassie is ...tagged: summer-reads-blog-2014 Through Violet Eyesby Stephen WoodworthI picked this book up several years ago in a cheap bookstore. I didn't quite know what to expect, but after reading the novel I immediately ordered the subsequent books in the series. A paranormal mystery surrounding those with violet ey...tagged: summer-reads-blog-2014 Wit'ch Fireby James ClemensThis series ranks in my top fantasy books of all time. They're old school fantasy - good vs bad. With a strong female MC and a band of characters who are neither blank or white. James Clemens writes characters that are complex, interesti...tagged: summer-reads-blog-2014 Empire of the Savioursby A.J. DaltonA.J Dalton was (I believe) the first author to officially coin the term metaphysical fantasy - where things such as free will and destiny are swayed by external influences such as gods. Where nature nurtures and we consider more than the...tagged: summer-reads-blog-2014 Autodromeby Kim Lakin-SmithNot YA, not adult, this fits wonderfully into the NA reading genre. A perfect blend of dieselpunk, dystopia and science fiction, Autodrome is a city in the desert where racing is everything. I liken it to the pod-racing in Star Wars - th...tagged: summer-reads-blog-2014
Share book reviews and ratings with Sammy, and even join a book club on Goodreads. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Lisa's Summer Reads Blog Tour 2014- Tricia Drammeh

Summer Reads Blog Tour - Week Six Tricia DrammehReposted from Lisa Wiedmeier's blog. Remember to enter the giveaway at the link below!
Super excited to introduce you to Tricia Drammeh! Tricia is another friend that I've had the privilege of getting to know over the last several years from a site called Authonomy. It's a site where writers go to post their manuscripts and have their peers read and critique. I loved her manuscript, her style of writing from the moment I first read her work. It's really cool to be able to say "I read her original work before it was published!" And now a word from Tricia!

Hi everyone! My name is Tricia Drammeh and I'm super excited to be a part of the 2014 Summer Reads Blog Tour. I hope you all are finding lots of great books to read this summer. I know I've found a bunch and I'd love to share some with you, but first here's a little about me and my books.

Tricia Drammeh is a wife, the mother of four wonderful kids, and the author of four published novels. She currently lives in New Hampshire with her family. When she isn't writing, she can be found reading, wrangling cats, or drinking lots and lots of coffee. You can connect with Tricia by visiting her Website or following her on Facebook.  

Twenty-three-year-old Karlie is in the type of rut some people never escape from. With few friends, no boyfriend, and no plans to graduate from college any time in the immediate future, Karlie is as stuck in her ways as the elderly neighbor she spends all her time with.  When her world is invaded by two surly twins bound for criminal court, a too-good-to-be-true love interest, and a cute cop who keeps showing up at the most inopportune moments, Karlie can either fight against the changes in her life, or embrace them.Amazon USAmazon UK Ninth grade can be a nightmare when you don’t fit in at school, your crush chooses someone else, and your parents tell you they’re having a new baby. Abby was prepared for normal high school problems. She wasn’t prepared for a demon.  Abby has always been fascinated by the paranormal, but after an ill-fated séance, she discovers not all Spirits are benign. A dark entity unleashed during the summoning sets out to destroy Abby, and within days, she loses her best friend, incurs the wrath of her parents, and becomes a prisoner in her own home. With time quickly running out, she assembles an unlikely group of helpers: the most hated guy in school, a retired psychic, and the cute clerk from her favorite bookstore. Unless the demon is defeated, Abby and her new baby brother won’t stand a chance.  The Séance, a Dark Summons Novel, is a full-length Paranormal book for teens and young adults.Amazon USAmazon UK Tricia's bookshelf: summer-reads-blog-2014 Blind Sightby Nicole StoreyJordan has always known she had a destiny. She always expected to die young. When you're a seeker (or a slayer) in the Celadon Circle, you put the world's needs ahead of your own and never dare to question the Angels' orders. But, Jordan...tagged: summer-reads-blog-2014 Charlie and Pearlby Tammy RobinsonCharlie runs the local bookshop and looks after the owner who suffers from dementia. He has a close relationship with his mom, is well-liked by locals at the bar, but isn't really going anywhere with his life--until he meets Pearl. The m...tagged: summer-reads-blog-2014 Heartbreakerby J. DorothyBailey's back in town, ready to face the biggest mistake of her life. Two years ago, she left Cam brokenhearted, and though she knows she can't expect to be able to take up where they left off, she hopes she can find some peace in her ho...tagged: summer-reads-blog-2014 The Forever Girlby Rebecca HamiltonSophia has a secret she can't share. If she tells anyone about the buzzing in her head, they'll think she's crazy. And, most of the people in her small town already think she's crazy and dangerous--and possibly a murderer. She tries to c...tagged: summer-reads-blog-2014 Hold Her Downby Kathryn R. BielElizabeth has given so much of herself to others (her husband, children, students, volunteer work) that there's scarcely anything left of the "Liza" she used to be. Her husband takes her for granted. She can't say no to the constant bar...tagged: summer-reads-blog-2014
Share book reviews and ratings with Tricia, and even join a book club on Goodreads. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Azaria Locations: Ornixa Mines

My next location are the Ornixa Mines. Currently owned by the wealthy Balthanders family, this used to be the pride and joy of the lost Gladier House. A Goddess Shrine was constructed as part of the mine, and it still remains incompletely explored. Most ores and precious gems can be found here, and it's the main industry fuelling Ornixa town's economy.

Get a feel for the mines in this snippet from chapter five of The Parting (book 2) below...


Ornixa Mines by sam241 on deviantARTStock credits:
Foreground rocks
Lower rock wall
Upper rock wall
Bridge
Carts
Water: redheadstock brush set
Rafters

“You should lead, Eliza,” Adam said. “You’ll know which way to go before any of us will.”
“Right,” I said.
Accepting his torch, I headed back to the main corridor. Ryan fell behind, probably wanting to put more distance between us. Well, good luck to him. I was sick of his moping, and the less I had to see of it, the better. Thank the Goddess I still had the runes protecting me. The Binding would never let me hear the end of it otherwise.
I clambered into the ring passage. It was much narrower, and we had to stay in single file. Ominous creaks echoed above our heads, and I swallowed. I needed to relax. Adam squeezed my shoulder, and I touched his hand. At least he was being supportive, unlike His Royal Moodiness behind me. The latter’s words from the Glenford manor echoed back, and I scoffed. Ryan loved me—yeah right. How could he fathom such a concept when he was wallowing in enough self-pity to fill Lake Breska.
Rank after rank of pillars floated past, and I lost track of how much distance we covered. The silence, too, stretched on, and I licked my lips. It was making me jumpy. But I had no reason to be afraid. The mines were secured. Nobody could have followed us. It wasn’t as if I’d come alone, either. Huh, maybe this was a warning my rune protection was running out. Not a welcome thought, considering I‘d be stuck with His Highness for a while yet.
Eventually the passage branched, revealing two further exits.“We will keep a straight path,” Navinka said. It was a command, not a suggestion. Not having any reason to argue, I shrugged and kept going. I’d have to wait for the golden shimmersto appear for guidance.Despite being a ‘ring passage’, the corridor didn’t curve much. Instead crossroads dotted the path at intervals, leading to Goddess-knew-where. By the time we’d passed the fourth one, I was getting dizzy. Every entrance looked the same, and it was hard to tell whether we’d made a circle or not. And was it me, or did the walls seem to be closing in?
Before my claustrophobia took over, a triad of doorways appeared, decorated differently than before. I paused, relieved to see the marble swirls. We had to be getting closer. The middle entrance looked most promising, so I made my way towards it. At the same time, voices caught my ear. I stopped. Adam brushed against me, holding my shoulders.
“What’s up?” he asked.
“Someone’s ahead,” I said.
Frowning, Adam took the torch and strode forward. A tense silence followed, but he soon returned, smiling.
“Only some miners,” he said. “This passage cuts through the main cavern, they’re working just below us. We can still go on.” He flipped the torch back to me, his eyes full of encouragement. Taking a breath, I walked on.
Really, get a grip, Eliza.
As Adam had said, a passage wall had collapsed, revealing the main hub of the mine. Workers pushed at carts piled with stone, and a tributary of the river flowed through a manmade channel. Below us a ledge protruded, where a group of helmeted miners attacked the rock. One of the men paused to wipe his brow, and spotted us.
“Oi, you there!” he shouted. “What’re you doing in the ring passage? This area is off limits to visitors!”
He removed his helmet, revealing his matted blonde hair, and climbed the ledge. Up close, I could see grit marks on his face, and his bare arms were plastered in cuts and scratches.
“I will handle this,” Navinka murmured. She pushed in front, drawing herself to her full height. “We have been granted free access to the shrine by the relevant authorities, and as promised we have kept clear from the new annex.” She plucked a parchment from her cloak. “I trust this is proof enough?”

Lisa's Summer Reads Blog Tour 2014- Andrea Baker

Summer Reads Blog Tour - Week Five Andrea Baker
Reposted from Lisa Wiedmeier's blog. Don't forget the giveaway is still going on too so click the link at the bottom of the post!

It's week five already, and it's time to welcome Andrea Baker. I had the privilege of meeting Andrea a number of years ago on a forum, we became fast friends and have watched each other's work develop over the years. It's always amazing for me to look back and see all the changes we've been through. Take a peek at not only Andrea's reads list, but also her books. You won't be disappointed!


Andrea Baker has had ideas for stories, and poems all of her life, and as a child and teenager, many of these were written in one shape or another.   As she grew older, and graduated University, she convinced herself that writing was a childhood adventure, and something that she should have grown out of - that these daydreams belonged in the realms of childhood.  For many years she stopped herself writing - although her mind continued creating these worlds and stories, she refused to write them down. Over the last decade however, she has returned to allowing herself to develop these stories, and as a result, the Worlds Apart Series, an idea that has floated around for quite a few years now, has been created..gr_custom_container_1401438708 { /* customize your Goodreads widget container here*/ border: 1px solid gray; border-radius:10px; padding: 10px 5px 10px 5px; background-color: #FFFFFF; color: #000000; } .gr_custom_header_1401438708 { /* customize your Goodreads header here*/ border-bottom: 1px solid gray; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 5px; text-align: center; font-size: 120% } .gr_custom_each_container_1401438708 { /* customize each individual book container here */ width: 100%; clear: both; margin-bottom: 10px; overflow: auto; padding-bottom: 4px; border-bottom: 1px solid #aaa; } .gr_custom_book_container_1401438708 { /* customize your book covers here */ overflow: hidden; height: 160px; text-align: center; width: 100%; } .gr_custom_author_1401438708 { /* customize your author names here */ font-size: 10px; } .gr_custom_tags_1401438708 { /* customize your tags here */ font-size: 10px; color: gray; } .gr_custom_rating_1401438708 { /* customize your rating stars here */ float: right; }


Nightmare's are just dreams aren't they? They can't hurt you, not really... Leah's can. They're trying to tell her the truth, and won't stop until she understands. Nineteen year old Leah struggles to cope with normal life after the recent loss of her mother. Her heart-broken father decides to uproot them to Little Virginia for a fresh start, so they can bury the past behind them. At once Leah is captivated by the castle ruins near her new doorstep, and whilst exploring she comes across a mysterious stranger. Recurring nightmares long thought dead reawaken, and new strains appear in her relationship with her father. But as Leah attempts to piece together the connection between them, she will find herself thrown into dark and dangerous worlds beyond her wildest dreams... Website:  www.AndreaBakerAuthor.comFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/rose.wall.15Twitter: @RoseWall15 Blog:  www.rosewallauthor.wordpress.com Publishing Website: http://rosewallpublishing.weebly.com/Andrea's bookshelf: summer-reads-blog-2014 The Seanceby Tricia DrammehThe Séance is a story about a young girl who, like many others before, decides to try a Ouija Board, without appreciating the possible consequences. Even a smattering of appreciation however would not have led her to expect what we disc...tagged: summer-reads-blog-2014 Hooking Upby Jessica L. DegarmoI have to admit, I've come to this book pretty late. I'd read "Blood Lust"Blood Lust, so when I saw the new book "Holding On" was released, I went back to read Hooking Up, as it is the first in this story. It is a fun, somewhat poignan...tagged: summer-reads-blog-2014 Blood Brothersby Nora RobertsI'm writing this review against Book One, although I've read and loved the series. NO SPOILERS HERE I read the series back in Summer 2012, when recovering from major surgery - stuck at home and unable to drive, a friend had chosen it f...tagged: summer-reads-blog-2014 Morrigan's Crossby Nora RobertsFantastic!!! Again, although reviewed against Book One, I've read all three, and will not post spoilers. This trilogy was a turning point for me - I'd previously read literary fiction and romance, as well as the odd chick-lit that caug...tagged: summer-reads-blog-2014

Share book reviews and ratings with Andrea, and even join a book club on Goodreads. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Lisa's Summer Reads Blog Tour 2014- Will Macmillan Jones

Summer Reads Blog Tour - Week Four, Welcome Will Macmillian Jones!
Reposted from Lisa Wiedmeier's blog.

Well, week four of the Summer Reads Blog Tour brings us a dear friend and fellow author, Will Macmillian Jones. Will's the comedic act in our group with his dry sense of humor, I can't help but smile when I read his posts or chat away in a lively conversation. Will Macmillan Jones lives in Wales, a lovely green, verdant land with a rich cultural heritage. He does his best to support this heritage by drinking the local beer and shouting loud encouragement whenever International Rugby is on the TV. A fifty something lover of blues, rock and jazz he has just fulfilled a lifetime ambition by filling an entire wall of his home office with (full) bookcases. His major comic fantasy series, released by Safkhet Publishing, can be found at: www.thebannedunderground.com and information on his other work and stuff in general at : www.willmacmillanjones.com
Links:WebsiteThe Banned Underground BlogFacebookSnort & Wobbles Amazon USSnort & Wobbles Amazon UK Banned Underground Amazon USThe SatNav Doom Amazon UK .gr_custom_container_1401823368 { /* customize your Goodreads widget container here*/ border: 1px solid gray; border-radius:10px; padding: 10px 5px 10px 5px; background-color: #FFFFFF; color: #000000; width: 300px } .gr_custom_header_1401823368 { /* customize your Goodreads header here*/ border-bottom: 1px solid gray; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 5px; text-align: center; font-size: 120% } .gr_custom_each_container_1401823368 { /* customize each individual book container here */ width: 100%; clear: both; margin-bottom: 10px; overflow: auto; padding-bottom: 4px; border-bottom: 1px solid #aaa; } .gr_custom_book_container_1401823368 { /* customize your book covers here */ overflow: hidden; height: 60px; float: left; margin-right: 4px; width: 39px; } .gr_custom_author_1401823368 { /* customize your author names here */ font-size: 10px; } .gr_custom_tags_1401823368 { /* customize your tags here */ font-size: 10px; color: gray; } .gr_custom_rating_1401823368 { /* customize your rating stars here */ float: right; } Here are some of Will's favorite reads:
Will's bookshelf: summer-reads-blog-2014 A Long Way Downby Nick Hornbytagged: summer-reads-blog-2014 The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agencyby Alexander McCall Smithtagged: summer-reads-blog-2014 The Weirdstone of Brisingamenby Alan Garnertagged: summer-reads-blog-2014 The Iron Hand of Marsby Lindsey DavisThis was the first of the Falco series I came across in a bookshop, and bought it on impulse. Subsequently I've invested in all the series, but this is still perhaps my favourite. Davis' descriptions of the Ancient World are vivid and ...tagged: summer-reads-blog-2014 Sea Change: Alone Across the Atlantic in a Wooden Boatby Peter Nicholstagged: summer-reads-blog-2014

Share book reviews and ratings with Will, and even join a book club on Goodreads. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Lisa's Summer Blog Reads 2014- Will Macmillan Jones

Summer Reads Blog Tour - Week Four, Welcome Will Macmillian Jones!
Reposted from Lisa Wiedmeier's blog.

Well, week four of the Summer Reads Blog Tour brings us a dear friend and fellow author, Will Macmillian Jones. Will's the comedic act in our group with his dry sense of humor, I can't help but smile when I read his posts or chat away in a lively conversation. Will Macmillan Jones lives in Wales, a lovely green, verdant land with a rich cultural heritage. He does his best to support this heritage by drinking the local beer and shouting loud encouragement whenever International Rugby is on the TV. A fifty something lover of blues, rock and jazz he has just fulfilled a lifetime ambition by filling an entire wall of his home office with (full) bookcases. His major comic fantasy series, released by Safkhet Publishing, can be found at: www.thebannedunderground.com and information on his other work and stuff in general at : www.willmacmillanjones.com
Links:WebsiteThe Banned Underground BlogFacebookSnort & Wobbles Amazon USSnort & Wobbles Amazon UK Banned Underground Amazon USThe SatNav Doom Amazon UK .gr_custom_container_1401823368 { /* customize your Goodreads widget container here*/ border: 1px solid gray; border-radius:10px; padding: 10px 5px 10px 5px; background-color: #FFFFFF; color: #000000; width: 300px } .gr_custom_header_1401823368 { /* customize your Goodreads header here*/ border-bottom: 1px solid gray; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 5px; text-align: center; font-size: 120% } .gr_custom_each_container_1401823368 { /* customize each individual book container here */ width: 100%; clear: both; margin-bottom: 10px; overflow: auto; padding-bottom: 4px; border-bottom: 1px solid #aaa; } .gr_custom_book_container_1401823368 { /* customize your book covers here */ overflow: hidden; height: 60px; float: left; margin-right: 4px; width: 39px; } .gr_custom_author_1401823368 { /* customize your author names here */ font-size: 10px; } .gr_custom_tags_1401823368 { /* customize your tags here */ font-size: 10px; color: gray; } .gr_custom_rating_1401823368 { /* customize your rating stars here */ float: right; } Here are some of Will's favorite reads:
Will's bookshelf: summer-reads-blog-2014 A Long Way Downby Nick Hornbytagged: summer-reads-blog-2014 The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agencyby Alexander McCall Smithtagged: summer-reads-blog-2014 The Weirdstone of Brisingamenby Alan Garnertagged: summer-reads-blog-2014 The Iron Hand of Marsby Lindsey DavisThis was the first of the Falco series I came across in a bookshop, and bought it on impulse. Subsequently I've invested in all the series, but this is still perhaps my favourite. Davis' descriptions of the Ancient World are vivid and ...tagged: summer-reads-blog-2014 Sea Change: Alone Across the Atlantic in a Wooden Boatby Peter Nicholstagged: summer-reads-blog-2014

Share book reviews and ratings with Will, and even join a book club on Goodreads. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Lisa's Summer Reads Blog Tour 2014- Carrie

Summer Reads Blog Tour - Week ThreeWelcome Carrie Fetzer!
Reblogged from Lisa's Wiedmeier's post here.

This week it's our beloved Carrie's turn to share her favorite reads with you. I can't tell you how grateful I am to have her come into my life and support me the way she has. Last November, I half jokingly put it out on the page that I needed a page administrator, and our lovely Carrie messaged me! Not only did she volunteer, but she's run with it wholeheartedly. She's done an amazing job with keeping the conversation going, and filled a huge gap for me when I needed it most. This was supposed to just be a temporary position, but Carrie wanted to stay on! The best part of having her admin my page? She's become a dear friend in the process. I'm lucky to have her come into my life, thankful for all she's done and continues to do. We love you Carrie!

Don't forget to enter the giveaway at the bottom of the page too!


Hey all, it's Carrie. I'm so excited to take part in the Summer Reads Blog Tour. I love reading, it's a passion, and after finding the Timeless Series, which wasn't easy by the way because I didn't have a kindle at the time, I knew I was hooked on Lisa's work. If you think you've got CATTS bad (chronic addiction to timeless series), then I'm in the final stages that Sam posted about here! Anyway... I'm a music addict, love animals, and adore spending time with my girls and husband when I'm not working at Curves. So enough about me, listed below are the five books that I'd recommend for this summers reads. Enjoy!! .gr_custom_container_1402696490 { /* customize your Goodreads widget container here*/ border: 1px solid gray; border-radius:10px; padding: 10px 5px 10px 5px; background-color: #FFFFFF; color: #000000; } .gr_custom_header_1402696490 { /* customize your Goodreads header here*/ border-bottom: 1px solid gray; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 5px; text-align: center; font-size: 120% } .gr_custom_each_container_1402696490 { /* customize each individual book container here */ width: 100%; clear: both; margin-bottom: 10px; overflow: auto; padding-bottom: 4px; border-bottom: 1px solid #aaa; } .gr_custom_book_container_1402696490 { /* customize your book covers here */ overflow: hidden; height: 160px; float: left; margin-right: 4px; width: 98px; } .gr_custom_author_1402696490 { /* customize your author names here */ font-size: 10px; } .gr_custom_tags_1402696490 { /* customize your tags here */ font-size: 10px; color: gray; } .gr_custom_rating_1402696490 { /* customize your rating stars here */ float: right; }
Carrie's bookshelf: summer-reads-blog-2014 Forsakenby Sophia SharpIf you are looking for a good Young Adult fantacy novel this would be it. It is an easy read and keeps you intrigued. It's a good light read.tagged: summer-reads-blog-2014 Hush, Hushby Becca Fitzpatricktagged: liked-series and summer-reads-blog-2014 Fallenby Lauren Katetagged: summer-reads-blog-2014 The Perfect Gameby J. Sterlingtagged: summer-reads-blog-2014 The Hobbitby J.R.R. Tolkientagged: summer-reads-blog-2014
Share book reviews and ratings with Irishcarrie, and even join a book club on Goodreads. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Lisa's Summer Blog Reads 2014- Carrie

Summer Reads Blog Tour - Week ThreeWelcome Carrie Fetzer! This week it's our beloved Carrie's turn to share her favorite reads with you. I can't tell you how grateful I am to have her come into my life and support me the way she has. Last November, I half jokingly put it out on the page that I needed a page administrator, and our lovely Carrie messaged me! Not only did she volunteer, but she's run with it wholeheartedly. She's done an amazing job with keeping the conversation going, and filled a huge gap for me when I needed it most. This was supposed to just be a temporary position, but Carrie wanted to stay on! The best part of having her admin my page? She's become a dear friend in the process. I'm lucky to have her come into my life, thankful for all she's done and continues to do. We love you Carrie!

Don't forget to enter the giveaway at the bottom of the page too!


Hey all, it's Carrie. I'm so excited to take part in the Summer Reads Blog Tour. I love reading, it's a passion, and after finding the Timeless Series, which wasn't easy by the way because I didn't have a kindle at the time, I knew I was hooked on Lisa's work. If you think you've got CATTS bad (chronic addiction to timeless series), then I'm in the final stages that Sam posted about here! Anyway... I'm a music addict, love animals, and adore spending time with my girls and husband when I'm not working at Curves. So enough about me, listed below are the five books that I'd recommend for this summers reads. Enjoy!! .gr_custom_container_1402696490 { /* customize your Goodreads widget container here*/ border: 1px solid gray; border-radius:10px; padding: 10px 5px 10px 5px; background-color: #FFFFFF; color: #000000; } .gr_custom_header_1402696490 { /* customize your Goodreads header here*/ border-bottom: 1px solid gray; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 5px; text-align: center; font-size: 120% } .gr_custom_each_container_1402696490 { /* customize each individual book container here */ width: 100%; clear: both; margin-bottom: 10px; overflow: auto; padding-bottom: 4px; border-bottom: 1px solid #aaa; } .gr_custom_book_container_1402696490 { /* customize your book covers here */ overflow: hidden; height: 160px; float: left; margin-right: 4px; width: 98px; } .gr_custom_author_1402696490 { /* customize your author names here */ font-size: 10px; } .gr_custom_tags_1402696490 { /* customize your tags here */ font-size: 10px; color: gray; } .gr_custom_rating_1402696490 { /* customize your rating stars here */ float: right; }
Carrie's bookshelf: summer-reads-blog-2014 Forsakenby Sophia SharpIf you are looking for a good Young Adult fantacy novel this would be it. It is an easy read and keeps you intrigued. It's a good light read.tagged: summer-reads-blog-2014 Hush, Hushby Becca Fitzpatricktagged: liked-series and summer-reads-blog-2014 Fallenby Lauren Katetagged: summer-reads-blog-2014 The Perfect Gameby J. Sterlingtagged: summer-reads-blog-2014 The Hobbitby J.R.R. Tolkientagged: summer-reads-blog-2014
Share book reviews and ratings with Irishcarrie, and even join a book club on Goodreads. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Chocolate Bar Challenge

The Chocolate Bar Challenge is a blog tour in which participants choose up to eight of their favourite books and then pick the perfect chocolate to go with each of them. As I can never say no to chocolate, I was tagged by the brilliant A.F.E. Smith to indulge. Her first fantasy novel, Darkhaven, is due to be released this August. Having had the privilege of reading her draft work, you're going to be in for a real treat.

Speaking of treats, let's dig into the yumminess!

1. Sabriel

As I've mentioned this book multiple times in previous posts, you might have guessed I quite like it! This was the first YA fantasy I ever read, recommended by a friend, and I've never been able to read anything else since. The concepts were refreshing- none of that Chosen One crap, a non-orphaned FEMALE lead, a unique magic system, the beautiful Old Kingdom and Garth Nix's fun writing style make Sabriel a timeless classic for me.

We don't talk about the abhorrent sequels, though I am interested to see what Clariel will read like...

So what better chocolate to represent than the good old Cadbury's Dairy Milk? Tried and tested, it's a familiar comfort (tastes even better when you come back to England from holiday and want some real chocolate!).



2. The Gift (The Naming)



I've had a strong aversion to high fantasy for a long while, if only because of the stagnant settings, storyline and black and white morality. However, I saw this book sitting in the library and something about it just said 'go on, try me'.

I'm so glad I did! This is certainly no Lord of the Rings knock-off. Again, if you anything of Alison Croggon, she's certainly not going to sit back and the let the gender stereotypes have free reign. Our protagonist is female, and while she *is* a Chosen One (kinda), the story diverges enough to make it a thoroughly enjoyable tale. The magic system of the Bards is interesting, too, and the morality of the characters, both major and minor, is refreshingly complex and grey.

For this book, I'm going for Cadbury's Dream. Why? Because at first glance you think it's just another white chocolate brand, probably no different from the rest, and then you eat it and find yourself oh so totally wrong!



3. Faerie Wars



This book is an amazing blend of science fantasy. While I'm still not a fan of having a normal human boy as the protagonist (Pyrgus is a lot more interesting and dynamic than Henry), Faerie Wars is a great introduction to a fun series. There's magic, political intrigue, espionage, modern technology, old technology, and it all combines into a fantastic blend of action, adventure and animal rights (I'm not even kidding :P).

This book would go best with Galaxy Cookie Crumble. It combines just the right amount of cookie and chocolate, and results in a great balanced taste.



4. Dragonfly



This is a bit of a guilty pleasure for me. It was the first fantasy romance I tried, and while I love Golding's other work (like Darcie Lock and the Companions Quartet), I was a little sceptical that this would be any good, that the romance would obliterate the plot.

Thankfully I was wrong. Although the set-up isn't the most original (it's romance, I forgive that :P), the characters are well drawn and the setting and plot is immersive. Golding's writing also shines through, making this a thoroughly enjoyable read.

What else can I choose for this book but Lindt's Lindor Milk chocolate? This is pure indulgence chocolate that I can eat by the gallons, and I know it's bad for me (especially as I have diabetes in the family), but I just can't help myself...


5. Eon: Dragoneye Reborn


This was my second foray into Chinese historical fantasy (the first was also very enjoyable). Eon tells the story of, well, Eon, who's training to be a Dragoneye- someone who can wield the powers of the Zodiac Dragons. However Eon is a cripple, and also hides another secret that could be the undoing of the kingdom.

I enjoyed the characters in this book immensely, as well as all the gender roles that are played around with, and the dark political intrigue was mysterious without being boring (looking at you, Golem's Eye and Ptolemy's Gate).

For this book I'm going to go with Bounty. It's a little exotic, but has just enough of that familiar chocolate taste so you're not stranded too far from what you like.



6. Mines of the Minotaur (The Companions Quartet)



Is it cheating to have two books by the same author? But they're vastly different from each other. While Dragonfly was a fantasy romance, the Companions books are much more action-based fantasy. Following Connie as she becomes the newest member of the Society for the Protection of Mythical Creatures, we see how mythical beasts have been living in our world in secret, and the humans who are their lifelong companions who share special bonds with them.

I loved these books so much I've even done fanfiction, but Mines of the Minotaur is my favourite. It gave great character conflict and more dynamic use of Connie's powers, and a pretty epic fight at the end.

This book for me has to go with Smarties. They're plentiful and colourful, like the mythical creatures in the book, and once you stop you just can't stop til the tube is empty.


7. The Princess and the Captain

This was a hidden gem. I found it sitting in a bargain shop, and the cover and blurb caught my attention. It's actually a translation of a French author's work, but it reads perfectly fine in English, too. This follows the tale of two characters, Orpheus and Malva, from completely opposite ends of the social spectrum. Of course their stories intertwine, and what follows is a great sea-faring adventure.

I think a Freddo bar best encapsulates this novel. Cheap and cheerful, but made from quality and it doesn't make it any less as tasty.



8. Slaves of the Mastery



I LOVE this book. My favourite out of the Wind on Fire trilogy (and written by the man who wrote the script for the film Gladiator, too). I adored the concept of the Mastery, where people are made to work in what they feel they're best at, leading to a very organised and highly functioning society. The characters are at their best, as are the intriguing subplots, world-building and inter-character relationships. Can't recommend this enough!

This book is pure luxury, so I had to choose Ferrero Rocher. You just can't resist, and the variety of flavours means you're never wanting for anything, either.




So, who wants to be tagged to spread the word of chocolate? Let me know in the comments below.

Lisa's Summer Reads Blog Tour 2014- Sam Dogra

Hey everyone, this week it's my turn to feature in Lisa's Summer Reads Blog 2014! This summer, Lisa will be showcasing the top 5 favourite books of various authors, in the hopes of sharing hidden gems for new readers to get into.

See the original post here.


So you should all know me here! By day I'm a doctor, running around taking blood samples, saving lives and getting grilled by consultants. When I'm not on duty, I'm also the author of The Chronicles of Azaria Series.


It's a YA Fantasy Romance with a slight twist. The first two books, The Binding and The Parting, are available on Amazon and Smashwords. If you're looking for something outside the paranormal genre, I'd definitely recommend it (but I would say that, I wrote it!).

You can find out more about the series, including character artwork, book previews and more, by clicking on the following links:


Now, enough about me, here are my top five reads! As you might have guessed, I love fantasy, particularly Young Adult (YA). But what do I look for in a good book?
Well, it's got to have memorable, well rounded characters. I want characters I like, but who aren't perfect, and who are really put through their paces to earn their happy ending. The story's got to be strong, too, with decent world-building and plot, and of course clear, succinct and flowing writing is the icing on the cake.
See if these books catch your fancy as they did mine! .gr_custom_container_1401470544 { /* customize your Goodreads widget container here*/ border: 2px solid gray; border-radius:10px; padding: 10px 5px 10px 5px; background-color: transparent; color: #000000; } .gr_custom_header_1401470544 { /* customize your Goodreads header here*/ border-bottom: 1px solid gray; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 5px; text-align: center; font-size: 150% } .gr_custom_each_container_1401470544 { /* customize each individual book container here */ width: 100%; clear: both; margin-bottom: 10px; overflow: auto; padding-bottom: 4px; border-bottom: 1px solid #aaa; } .gr_custom_book_container_1401470544 { /* customize your book covers here */ overflow: hidden; height: 160px; float: left; margin-right: 4px; width: 98px; } .gr_custom_author_1401470544 { /* customize your author names here */ font-size: 10px; } .gr_custom_tags_1401470544 { /* customize your tags here */ font-size: 10px; color: gray; } .gr_custom_rating_1401470544 { /* customize your rating stars here */ float: right; }
Sam's bookshelf: summer-reads-blog-2014 The Binding Stone by Lisa Gail Green This book blew me away! It's been a long time since a story has had me this gripped, so well done to the author. STORY: We enter the life of the Djinni Leela, tricked into slavery along with her fellow Djinn by a man she loved. Now, awa... tagged: love-these-books and summer-reads-blog-2014 Thorn by Intisar Khanani The synopsis of this book attracted me, and I wasn't disappointed with what I found. At first I was put off by the fact it was written in present tense, but you soon get used to it. Thorn is a well-written, character-driven fantasy that... tagged: love-these-books and summer-reads-blog-2014 Bardo by Chris McKenna I first read this in its early stages, and found it amusing then. Having read the whole thing, I can honestly say it's just as good. The story follows Nikki and her trials after an accident as she has to race against time to gather her ... tagged: love-these-books and summer-reads-blog-2014 House of Silver Magic by John Booth I was attracted to this book by its blurb and was in for a pleasant surprise. House of Silver Magic is an enchanting read, with delightful characters, strong plot and intriguing world building elements. STORY: We follow the tale of the ... tagged: love-these-books and summer-reads-blog-2014 The Spirit Keeper by Melissa Luznicky Garrett I was slightly apprehensive about this title as the last book I read with native american themes was terrible.  Thankfully this book was no disappointment! Well written with charming characters and a generally strong narrative, I'm glad ... tagged: summer-reads-blog-2014

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