Sage Nestler's Blog, page 48
February 24, 2017
ShelfJoy Review
Hello, Everyone!
I wanted to share with you today a neat tool that I came across in the bookish world called ShelfJoy! ShelfJoy is a website filled with different bookshelves created by bibliophiles based on their favorite reads, and books that you should know about. The best part about this website is that you can search specifically for books under a certain theme or topic, and the database will create matches for you based on your interests! I love how ShelfJoy is essentially a virtual library, and there are many different book reviewers and book enthusiasts available to help you find your next favorite read. They are even available to talk to on Facebook messenger if you have any questions, concerns or want to know more about the different shelves and how the website is run.
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Once you begin looking through the different bookshelves on the website, you are able to learn more about the people who created the different shelves and why they chose the books that they did. Each book is also linked to the Amazon purchase page where you can buy the book, or you can add the book to your own personal reading list! One of my favorite parts about the different bookshelves and book selections is that the creator of the shelf can apply different emotions to the books chosen to let the reader know how the book made them feel. Readers can then also add emotions to the book once they read it, and this is great if you are looking for a book that will make you feel a certain way.
[image error]Here is an example of one of the shelves on ShelfJoy
[image error]This picture shows how emotions are attached to the different book choices
ShelfJoy is an invaluable resource for bibliophiles looking to connect with other readers or those who are looking for their next read. It is highly interactive with different links to social media, and you might even meet someone who has the same reading tastes that you do! I highly suggest taking a look at this website to see what new books you might find, as well as what new friends you might meet. You can create your own account through Twitter, and this will help you to begin creating your own bookshelves nad helping others find books that they might not otherwise know about! You can never go wrong with a good, book centered community.
Much love,
Ashley
February 23, 2017
Box Review: BookLoot “Twisted Wishes” Box
BookLoot is a young adult monthly book subscription box that sends out boxes centered on a certain theme each month. Each box comes with one newly released young adult novel, 3 – 4 bookish accessories, and a short story that BookLoot personally publishes from a user submitted story. Since I am a book box owner myself, I was super excited to receive this box! I personally love how they send out different genres to spice up the reader’s bookish life, and I was excited to find out that they do help writers publish their short stories through their box. Since I work exclusively with indie authors, I was so happy to see that they really put a lot of passion into helping writers reach a wider audience. They also seemed to send items that are very particular to the theme and the book chosen, and I am a sucker for those details!
The price of the box is $29.99/month, but they do offer 3 month ($86.97), 6 month ($167.94), and 12 month ($323.88) pre-pay options with an additional discount. Shipping is not included in those prices, but they do ship within the United States and Canada. US shipping is a flat rate of $8.99, but all other shipping is calculated based on your location.
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Now that all of that is taken care of, let’s get to the goods!
February’s BookLoot theme was “Twisted Wishes” and I loved how the theme was a bit dark and mysterious. It was also nice to see a theme that hadn’t been overdone, and I loved how they included Labyrinth!
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The box comes in a sturdy grey box with the BookLoot logo on the front. It protected all of the items well, and I felt like a lot of work went into making sure that the items were carefully packaged.
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When opening the box, you are greeted with the insert card that features the February theme artwork. I think that the artwork is beautiful, and it portrays the theme nicely. It was also nice to see that they used artist Suzie Mason from @waffleandbear on Instagram. That little detail showed me how much they believe in small business artists, and I’m excited to look for more of Suzie’s artwork. Everything was also nicely packaged in paper filling, and it added to that surprise element of the box since everything was not completely visible when opening the box. Also included was a button with the box’s theme on it, and I thought that was a cute promotional item. I will be putting it on my book bag!
The first item included in the box was a 3 oz. “As You Wish” candle from the Etsy store, From the Page! I have gotten a couple of other candles from this shop, and I just love them. This particular candle smells sweet and ethereal and it is based on The Princess Bride. It goes perfectly with the theme, and I will be lighting it up right away! You can never go wrong with candles.
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The next item included was this set of Maleficent earrings that are exclusive to BookLoot! They were created by Sam Marie’s Artistry, and are adorable little studs. I love how one of the pairs has Maleficent on them while the other are druzy studs, and I can’t wait to wear them! They go with the Sleeping Beauty section of the theme, and I think that they fit perfectly with the box.
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The next couple of items are from Paperly & Co. and they are a magnetic Goblin King bookmark, as well as a watercolor bookmark based on Labyrinth! I adore the little magnetic bookmark of the Goblin King, it is just too cute! And the watercolor bookmark is gorgeous and well preserved. I look forward to using these when I read, and I think that they are a wonderful addition to the box.
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The next item is exclusive to the box, and it is a published short story that BookLoot published themselves. The story is called A Wish to the West, and it has been written by an author that submitted it to BookLoot – Geoff R. Grovers. The cover is gorgeous, and I am so excited to read this little story! It is nice to be able to read a story that hasn’t been published elsewhere. The cover art was also done by Cynthia Castillo from http://www.umobeastchronicles.com/.
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Also included were these adorable Labyrinth stickers by Wonderdame Bookmarks! The go along with the bookmarks included in the box, and I will definitely be using them in my planner.
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And now, for the main attraction! The book chosen this month was Wintersong by S. Jae-Jones, and I am so excited to read it! It has been marketed for fans of Labyrinth and Beauty and the Beast, and I love how the book has a lot to do with music. Here is the synopsis:
“Wintersong is a maze of beauty and darkness, of music and magic and glittering things, all tied together with exquisite writing. This is a world you will want to stay lost in.” ―Marie Lu, #1 New York Times bestselling author
Dark, romantic, and unforgettable, Wintersong is an enchanting coming-of-age story for fans of Labyrinth and Beauty and the Beast.
The last night of the year. Now the days of winter begin and the Goblin King rides abroad, searching for his bride…
All her life, Liesl has heard tales of the beautiful, dangerous Goblin King. They’ve enraptured her mind, her spirit, and inspired her musical compositions. Now eighteen and helping to run her family’s inn, Liesl can’t help but feel that her musical dreams and childhood fantasies are slipping away.
But when her own sister is taken by the Goblin King, Liesl has no choice but to journey to the Underground to save her. Drawn to the strange, captivating world she finds―and the mysterious man who rules it―she soon faces an impossible decision. And with time and the old laws working against her, Liesl must discover who she truly is before her fate is sealed.
Rich with music and magic, S. Jae-Jones’s Wintersong will sweep you away into a world you won’t soon forget.
“This was Labyrinth by way of Angela Carter. Deliciously romantic, with a nuanced Goblin King and a strong heroine, this story was rife with fairy tales, music, and enchantment.” ―Roshani Chokshi, New York Times bestselling author of The Star-Touched Queen
The book is also written like a concert, and I love how it is split up into different musical pieces. I look forward to reading it!
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The book also came with some special edition items from the author, which I always love! Included in the box were a Wintersong music sheet and a letter from the author on an art print of the book cover. I always love these little touches, and they really helped me to connect with the author![image error][image error]
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Overall, BookLoot did a great job of curating this box! They put so much effort into making sure that the items matched the theme while also going along well with the book chosen. I loved how carefully packaged the box was, and how each item had a purpose. I look forward to see what this box has in store for the future!
To purchase your own BookLoot box, please see the link at the beginning of this article.
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February 22, 2017
If You Wish by Cassandra Sage Briskman
Title: If You Wish
Author: Cassandra Sage Briskman
Rating: 3/5
Synopsis:
Ella Jackson is an ordinary teenage girl whose father just happens to be a rich and famous film director. Her life must be awesome, right? Not exactly. Her father is always working and her stepmother and two step sisters basically live to make Ella miserable. Life sucks, until Ella meets Julian. But, instead of falling in love with him, she finds herself falling in love with the hottest boy at school…her step sister’s boyfriend. In a remarkable coming of age story written by a real teenager, If You Wish confronts bullying, drug abuse, and LGBT rights in a story that is anything but a fairy tale.
Review:
Cassandra Sage Briskman is a young author at only 16 years of age, but her novel If You Wish proves that she is an old soul and has vast experience concerning such heavy topics as drug abuse and bullying. Her novel is written like a fairytale, but it is certainly not. I enjoyed how she took the classic writing style of a fairytale and presented the reader with a story that touched on many different emotions and dilemmas in a young adult’s life. It made me happy to see such an intense novel written for the young adult audience.
However, I found the story to be written through a voice that was trying too hard to compare with the stereotypical teenage language. The narrator’s voice did not seem genuine to me, and I had a hard time believing a lot of what she said. The backstory of the main character’s circumstances was far fetched and hard to relate to on many levels. It almost seemed to me that the narrator was trying too hard to convince the reader that her life wasn’t perfect even though her father was a celebrity. She seemed to expect pity from the reader at times, and it turned me away from her more than once. Her case of being an “ordinary teenager” could have been more believable if she hadn’t tried so hard to prove it. The novel could also be wordy at times, and I found myself skipping over sentences that I found weren’t necessary to the story.
But with that being said, I found If You Wish to have a promising basis for a story. It dealt with heavy topics, and young adults can relate to some of the events on many levels. Briskman also did an excellent job of including backstories for her characters and the reasonings behind their actions. Her story was well developed, and I didn’t finish the novel with any questions remaining, showing me how well Briskman can wrap up a story in a timely manner. Briskman’s writing has promise, and I look forward to watching her skill grow as she continues to write.
FOR BOOK REVIEW REQUESTS FILL OUT FORM: Book Review Request Form
FOR BOX REVIEWS EMAIL: peachykeenreviews@gmail.com
Literary Vacation Club March Announcement
Are you looking for a one of a kind reading experience that you won’t find in any other book subscription box? Then Literary Vacation Club to the rescue! 
February 19, 2017
ABOUT
FOR BOOK REVIEW REQUESTS, FILL OUT THIS FORM: Book Review Request Form
FOR BOX REVIEWS, EMAIL: peachykeenreviews@gmail.com
Hello, all!
My name is Ashley Nestler and I am the face behind Peach Keen Book Reviews. I am a self-published author myself with three books out so far. Links for my three books are listed below, and I generally write under the fantasy and young adult genres.
I am also the owner of Literary Vacation Club, a monthly book subscription that sends you indie novels and items to tantalize all 5 senses, creating a multisensory reading experience.
Visit Literary Vacation Club
Beautiful Nightmare by Ashley Nestler
Into The Fog By Ashley Nestler
Behind Broken Glass Walls by N.M. Aaroones
What readers have said about my writing:
“Ashley Nestler is a young writer, but you would not know that from her writing. She deftly creates a whole new world, populated by memorable characters. Although this is her first novel, she masterfully describes a society that has some of the seeds of mistrust and mind control that gets the reader’s heart pounding, which leads the reader to a point where the pages cannot be turned quickly enough. I found myself wanting to quickly find out where the plot was going, yet wanting the story to last forever. I found myself becoming very attached to some of the characters, and at the same time, repelled by others. Her metaphors and plot twists keep the reader’s interest from beginning to end. I hope that this young writer will continue to write ~ I highly recommend Beautiful Nightmare.”
“This book kept me glued from cover to cover! What a story, and imagination in this novel. I hope she decides to write another one in the near future! Will definitely buy it.”
That being said, I am very passionate about indie publishing and love to read and review books in the following genres – horror, science fiction, fantasy, dystopian, romance, or thriller. I will post my book reviews of indie and mainstream books here as well as writing tips and updates. For all review requests, please fill out the following form: Peachy Keen Book Reviews Request Form” target=”_blank”>Peachy Keen Book Reviews Request Form
I also work one on one with authors to help them with writing techniques, formatting, editing, etc. Just send me an email if there is anything specific you would like my help with!
I will review your novel for you if you supply me with the book. IMPORTANT: I ONLY accept .mobi ebooks or physical copies of books; HOWEVER, I review physical copies before I review ebooks. This is only fair to those authors who go to the trouble to purchase and pay to send their book(s) to me. Please take that into consideration and understand that if you send me an ebook the wait time will be longer. Thank you for your understanding.
I am also active on Goodreads and will be posting all of my reviews on there as well. That being said, all of my blog posts will appear on Facebook and Tumblr and I will be posting updates of reviews on my Instagram account.
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Photograph Credit for Second Photo: @accio_literature on Instagram
Thanks and enjoy,
Ashley Nestler
Obsidian Sky Blog Tour
Hello, Everyone!
Today I have the pleasure of sharing with you, once again, author Amy Braun and her beautiful Dark Sky Series. Please take a chance to read about her new novel and enjoy the interview below!
~Ashley
The third and final novel in an epic steampunk horror series, OBSIDIAN SKY closes the dramatic adventures of Claire, Sawyer, Gemma, and Nash, digging up the final secrets of their past, bringing new allies into a dangerous fray, and drawing friends and foes into a battle where the cost may be too much to pay…
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Buy it here:
Amazon | Kobo | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Smashwords | Goodreads
DARK SKY SERIES GIVEAWAY
Two stories are told in OBSIDIAN SKY––the first chronicling a young engineer named Claire Abernathy as she struggles to survive the in the terrifying world of Hellnore, home of the blood-drinking Hellions, forced to serve their ghastly King and avoid the torment of Davin Kendric, the Hellion general, in hopes that she will be able to escape and return to her home and loved ones. The second story follows Sawyer Kendric, the young pirate captain who must make final peace with his own inner demons and face his responsibilities as a leader, all while uncovering secrets that will either save Claire, or seal her bloody fate. Their adventures will collide in an explosive finale that will change their lives forever, and leave one world altered forever…
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While I love every book in the DARK SKY series, OBSIDIAN SKY is my favorite. I know I’m not supposed to pick a favorite, but I can’t help it. The book was just so much fun to write, allowing me the chance to write a story from two different perspectives and challenge myself as an author while bringing events to a conclusion where everything fell into place. Sometimes I worried that I was going to stray off from the main storyline, but thankfully everything fell into place just the way it needed to.
One of the great things about this novel is that it gets to move outside of Westraven. That’s been the main hub of activity throughout the first two books and two novellas, but I had made an expanded world and wanted to explore it. While Claire is stuck in Hellnore, which I modeled after Mordor from Lord of the Rings (a source of inspiration for almost every fantasy author, let’s be honest), Sawyer gets to explore the Aon, the country beyond the borders of Westraven. Both of them attract more than their share of trouble because let’s be honest, they couldn’t stay away from it if they tried.
World building aside, the best part about splitting the engineer and the marauder up was being able to focus on their individual characters and their final arcs. I did my best to balance the events and keep the tension and action flowing throughout the story, making the pacing fast for one character and slow for the other. When Claire needs a breather, Sawyer is the one getting into trouble and vice versa.
The ending is a lot more emotional than I intended, and it was sad to see these beloved characters reach their conclusions. This series has been with me for years, and there were a couple tears shed when I wrote the final chapter. I’m committed to going out with a big bang, so I worked hard with my editor to wrap up all the details and worked with XPresso Book Tours for a book blitz while organizing a second blog tour. I’ve also discounted the prices of every book in the series, and will keep them lowered for the month of February.
I can’t begin to express how excited the cover and artwork have made me. Deranged Doctor Design outdid themselves yet again, capturing everything this book is about: The red lava that represents Hellnore, the crossed swords for Sawyer, the claw marks and dents inflicted by the Hellions. I’m constantly floored by their fantastic work and can’t wait to work with them again in the future.
This is the second series I’ve closed in the past year, the first being the CURSED trilogy for urban fantasy fans. While I’m just as sad to say goodbye to this one, I’m also relieved that it’s a project off my plate. I learned so much from writing OBSIDIAN SKY and the DARK SKY series, and can’t wait to take these lessons and apply them to future work.
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Q & A: Amy Braun and Obsidian Sky– MINOR SPOILERS BELOW.
Q: Were you nervous about writing the end of Obsidian Sky? Was everything planned or were some events spontaneous?
A: I’m a meticulous planner when it comes to world building and plots, but there were some events that I hadn’t intended that were added into the final story. Certain characters and events appeared in places and scenes where I hadn’t intended them to. Characters acted in ways I hadn’t originally planned, or would have to think creatively to escape a challenge. I had a great time experimenting and using a lot of “What If” scenarios where my characters were pushed to the limits and forced to react unconventionally. I felt like I was experiencing their adventures with them, and at some points, didn’t know what would happen next, either.
Q: Did you have any challenges writing Obsidian Sky?
A: Sometimes I can’t seem to control my characters––they go off and do what they want! Sawyer was notorious for this (which isn’t a surprise, really), and his scenes often took off in directions I didn’t anticipate. Claire’s challenges were a little more planned out, though I remember a particular moment about three-quarters of the way through the book where she got to be an ultra badass. That was a lot of fun to do. Other challenges I had were with the new elements and characters being introduced. I wanted them to have a major impact to the story, and had to work with my editor to make sure their presence was balanced with the other characters. But for the most part, I was stoked to write this book and couldn’t be happier with the way everything turned out.
Q: How did it feel to close out a series you’ve worked on for so long?
A: It’s a mix of sadness and happiness. On one hand, I realize how much I’ll miss these characters and this world. I came up with the idea when I was fourteen years old, and now over ten years later, it’s finally over. It’s a lot to let go of. But on the other hand, I feel a great deal of closure. Here was this crazy, random idea I had as a kid, and I finally went ahead and made it a reality. Now that it’s done with and received with better success than I could have hoped for, helped me establish my career, I’m aware that if I work hard, put in the time and effort, and do all the re-writes, I can transform any idea into a book. And if you’re an author still hesitant about such a thing, read the opening dedication to Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch. She did the same thing, and she became published. Never give up on your idea!
Q: What will you miss most about the series and the characters?
A: I’m definitely going to miss the world and the creatures in it. Writing the Hellions and Hellnore was so much fun. I’m also going to miss Claire’s inventiveness, Sawyer’s attitude, Nash’s soft-heart, and Gemma’s tendency to scream her lungs out in battle.
Q: Is there any chance of a continuation or a spin-off series in the future?
A: A reviewer actually asked me that not too long ago. While I’ll never say never to anything, at this moment, I have no plans to continue the Dark Sky books. Nash and Gemma have both already had their own spin-off prequel novellas, titled Amber Sky and Smoke Sky respectively, and if I did do another spin-off, it would likely be a prequel series. But the odds of that happening in the near future are slim, given how I want to move onto other projects.
Q: Now that the series is over, what’s next?
A: At the moment, I’m working on two brand new series. I don’t want to say much about them to avoid giving away spoilers, but the first series will be an urban fantasy involving the Greek gods, and the second project is a Young Adult fantasy series with Gargoyles that was inspired by Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas. I wish I could tell you more at this point, but I can’t give you anything such as titles or release dates as both of these projects are going to be going to literary agents. I received amazing feedback on the Greek god project from one of my favorite fantasy authors, Michael J. Sullivan, and have been diligently working to improve it. I’ll know in the next month or so whether or not it’ll be going the indie or traditional route, and my newsletter subscribers and website/social media followers will be the first to know.
The same can be said for the YA fantasy Gargoyle project. I’m working on editing it and am hoping that in the next month or so I can send it to literary agents. YA fantasy is extremely popular right now, and I’m hoping that will be my “in,” but if not, I will happily take the project through independent publishing. I learned a lot last year and am ready to use that knowledge to expand my horizons and hopefully gain new readers.
At this point, the only project that will be happening will be the release of the complete Dark Sky box set in April. But anything can happen in this industry, and I doubt anything could slow me down at this point. I’m having too much fun!
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More From Amy Braun
CURSED
DEMON’S DAUGHTER | DARK DIVINITY | DAMNATION’S DOOR
DARK SKY
CRIMSON SKY | MIDNIGHT SKY | AMBER SKY | SMOKE SKY
STANDALONE NOVELS AND NOVELLAS
STORM BORN
PATH OF THE HORSEMAN
NEEDFIRE
Social Media Links
Website | Newsletter | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Goodreads
February 16, 2017
Beautiful Nightmare Fan Art
Hello, Everyone!
With Brain to Books Con right around the corner, it is time for me to post some bonus content from my novels for you all! First up is some fan art from my novel, Beautiful Nightmare: Some Dreams Become Your Reality. This novel is very dear to me because it was the first novel that I ever wrote. I hope you enjoy ❤
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What if your true love was only present in your dreams?
In the dystopian town of Lunamoon, everything is structured. Humans are created by science and everyone is programmed to follow certain regulations; but one girl, Shawneleigh, never lived up to the Council’s regulations. Shawneleigh has the disorder of narcolepsy, a disorder that causes her to fall asleep at random times without warning. Because of her illness, the Council banned her to life in a hospital since she cannot be counted on fulfill other duties. Lunamoonians all receive prophecies for their lives through dreams that the Dream Maker sends to them, but Shawneleigh hadn’t received a dream in years until she found herself falling into a dream during her sleeping spells. It is during these spells that she meets a man named August who claims to be the Dream Maker himself. He also lives in solitude outside of Lunamoon, and they begin to form a bond; however, Shawneleigh cannot control when she falls asleep, and soon August finds a way to manipulate her illness. The only problem is that when he manipulates her sleeping disorder, she continues to grow sicker. But no matter how hard they try, they can’t stay away from one another.
“Beautiful Nightmare: Some Dreams Become Your Reality” is novel about love, life, and the importance of those who care about you. Love, above all else, is the best thing that we have to give.
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February 15, 2017
Announcing Anaerfell: Thrice Nine Legends
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BLURB
Drast, cunning but reckless, is on the hunt for admiration. Tyran, calculating but tactless, is in search of affection. Bound by a friendship thicker than blood, the two brothers have been hardened by their father’s ambitions. Drast and Tyran are forced to set aside their own hopes and dreams during their struggle to fulfill their father’s desire for immortality. Now, the two will face skin-switchers and dragons, ultimately leading to a final clash with Wolos, God of the Dead.
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BIO
Joshua Robertson was born in Kingman, Kansas on May 23, 1984. A graduate of Norwich High School, Robertson attended Wichita State University where he received his Masters in Social Work with minors in Psychology and Sociology. His bestselling novel, Melkorka, the first in The Kaelandur Series, was released in 2015. Known most for his Thrice Nine Legends Saga, Robertson enjoys an ever-expanding and extremely loyal following of readers. He counts R.A. Salvatore and J.R.R. Tolkien among his literary influences.
http://www.robertsonwrites.com/
@robertsonwrites
J.C. lives in the Midwest with his wife and two dogs. He recently earned his MA in English Literature and is working on his debut novel for his own fantasy world. Despite growing up with Dungeons & Dragons, Lord of the Rings, and a collection of both Dragonlance and Forgotten Realms novels, J.C. has an abiding love of classics and spends his free time reading anything he can get his hands on.
http://www.crimsonedgepress.com
@jcboyd_author
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February 12, 2017
Digging in the Stars by Katherine Blakeney
Title: Digging in the Stars
Author: Katherine Blakeney
Rating: 4/5
Synopsis:
A lost ancient civilization and the tomb of a legendary king lie buried beneath centuries of ash on the volcanic Planet Thror, but that’s not the only reason sixteen-year-old Carter has tricked her Archaeology of Outer Space class into coming here. Her best friend Conrad has just disappeared on a trip to Thror, leaving behind little more than a broken vintage camera. The strange and disturbing photographs she manages to extract make her suspect Conrad’s disappearance is somehow connected to the hidden tomb of the last king of Thror.
Unfortunately, the ludicrously over-friendly ‘Furry Giants’ who have taken over the planet’s barren surface would rather offer her cheap souvenirs than answers, and the local officials insist they have no record of Conrad’s existence. Inspired by fear for Conrad’s life and the chance to make the greatest archaeological discovery of the century, Carter and her friends follow Conrad’s footsteps deep into the mountains of Thror’s forbidden Black Zone and launch an illicit excavation.
Coded messages, stunning ancient ruins, and clues left by Conrad himself begin to surface as the young archaeologists fall victim to an alarming series of accidents staged by the increasingly hostile Furry Giants. Piecing together a history of dictatorship, terrorism and disguise, Carter glimpses the horrors beyond Thror’s flamboyant façade and startling revelations about the friend she thought she knew. The masks of Thror hide devastating secrets, and the golden tomb buried deep in the frozen core may claim the lives of everyone she loves.
Review:
I do not come across young adult science fiction novels very often that are as advanced and well thought out as Digging in the Stars is. Katherine Blakeney writes with a knowledgeable hand when explaining the world that she has created, and I became trapped within her detailed world as I read along. Digging in the Stars is a novel that takes hold of you and won’t let go until you cross the last page, and even then it stays with you long after. This is the perfect young adult novel to introduce readers to the science fiction genre, while also giving seasoned science fiction readers the ride of a lifetime.
The heroine of this novel, Carter, is one of the best characters that I have read about in this genre. She is feisty, rebellious, and strong, and she was relatable on so many levels. Everything she did was for the greater good, and her love of books was infectious. I felt as though Carter was a personal friend of mine by the end of the novel, and few authors can make characters as vibrant as Blakeney does. It was clear to me that Blakeney has had this story and these characters inside of her for quite some time, and they were just yearning to be released. I could feel their energy vibrating off of the pages, and threatening to break through. Some novels read as though they are forced, but Digging in the Stars was effortless. It allowed me to travel the galaxy within my own home, and very few novels have done that for me.
Blakeney is an expert at world building, and her carefully created realm inspired me to dream beyond this earth and our own society. It was clear to me that her world was inspired from different mythologies, and I loved how she incorporated science into the mix. Her characters were inviting and I cared deeply for each of them by the time the novel was over. I look forward to what Blakeney writes next, and I highly recommend this novel for anyone who loves space travel, adventure, and rebellious heroines who know no bounds.
*This ARC was sent to me by Blaze Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
FOR BOOK REVIEW REQUESTS FILL OUT FORM: Book Review Request Form
FOR BOX REVIEWS EMAIL: peachykeenreviews@gmail.com
February 11, 2017
New Release: Do You Believe in Legend?
Hello, Everyone!
I am excited to share with you all a new release novel by Ani H. Manjikian titled Do You Believe in Legend? It is the sequel to Spirit of the Lone Horse, and both novels are under the science fiction genre. I hope that you enjoy reading about these beautiful novels and that you will pick them up for yourselves!
Spirit of the Lone Horse
A horse. A woman. A dream.
Nine years ago, things seemed simple to Jo Mason. She was going to be the first woman to raise the USMB International Championship trophy above her head. Double tragedy strikes the beginning of her quest. First, she finds her longtime companion dead in his stall. Second, his replacement almost kills her.
Now, she wonders what she’s meant to do with her life. Her fear of horses has left her estranged from her family as well as doubting and second-guessing herself.
During a quiet walk in the woods, she’s confronted by the rogue stallion’s son and a choice. Take control or keep running.
Do You Believe in Legend
Legend isn’t about people. It’s about pursuing a dream or higher ideal. About believing in something impossible and transforming the belief into reality through faith and hard work. The future is a legend written and unwritten.”
Jo Mason believes that creativity, spontaneity, and faith exist as definable words, but not actionable items. Negative consequences always follow the rare positive outcomes. It seems her destiny is surviving a chaotic world she can’t control. Hearing her own voice where she shouldn’t have leaves her wondering about her place in time.
Jeff has always been a part of her life, offering encouragements, wise words when she needed them, and many other things she can never completely thank him for. She knows he replaced her cousin who died saving his life. When she questions why he didn’t get to stay with his family, Jeff replies that without fixing the timeline everything she knows would be different.
When Jeff’s twin brother Randy falls into her lap, both literally and figuratively, Jo hopes he can give her a better answer. There is only one slight problem… He doesn’t remember anything about himself or his life and what he does, doesn’t help.
Together, the three of them learn that life isn’t about who or what you know, but who and what you care for.
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