Sage Nestler's Blog, page 65
June 24, 2016
Treacherous Shadows by Jennifer Parr – 5/5
Title: Treacherous Shadows
Author: Jennifer Parr
Rating: 5/5
Synopsis:
Sixteen-year-old Aeria Morgan knows her life will be short. Since the Darkness fell two hundred years ago, brevity has staked its claim, especially on the childless. Aeria will die if she does not find love, and soon. But she and her Dviinu brother, Aeron, are outcasts, set apart from the rest of Avalon Valley because of their sordid family history and mysterious conception, and so Aeria has resigned herself to a loveless fate. It isn’t until Aeria meets village newcomer Lyam Trey that she learns that love is worth hoping for after all. As trouble mounts, can Aeria hold tight to what she’s found, or will she lose everything she thought she’d never have?
Review:
Jennifer Parr’s writing is very unique. Many times with first person based novels I don’t feel completely in the shoes of the character that is narrating, but that wasn’t the case with Treacherous Shadows. After contemplating why I felt that Parr’s writing was more personal than other first person narrated novels, I began to realize that it is completely because of her beautiful descriptions. Instead of going back and forth between experience and description, she intertwines the two like an artist mixing colors. I began to feel myself falling into the character of Aeria, and it amazed me how well I could feel for myself what she was going through.
For example, early on in the novel Parr begins to form the setting and experience of Aeria, and her settle descriptions began to take over the reader as well. The following excerpt is one of the best examples of how she accomplishes this experience, and I am amazed by how effortless her writing is:
“The air is chilling here, and my wet dress and hair make it more so, pulling bumps along the length of my arms.”
She also adds a great sense of darkness into her novel that is disturbing but unique in its own way. I found myself flipping through the pages one after another without a thought of stopping, when usually I mark an end point for myself so I am sure to read to a certain point; but with this novel I read well past my desired end point. Parr’s writing is just that intriguing.
But one of the best things that I found about this novel was that it is suitable for a wide range of ages and genders. Parr didn’t direct her writing towards any one audience, and that allowed me to enjoy her writing even more. I don’t like when authors talk towards a specific audience due to the fact that this is exclusive, and Parr’s openness allowed her writing to be enjoyed by just about anyone. It was clear that she wrote this book for herself and the fun of it instead of to be published, and I am certain that I will be re-reading this book again. I hope the rest of the Avalon Valley series comes out soon, because I am looking forward to it!
FOR BOOK REVIEW REQUESTS FILL OUT FORM: Book Review Request Form
IF BOOK REQUEST WEBSITE IS DOWN EMAIL: peachykeenreviews@gmail.com
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June 23, 2016
Sweet Vengeance by Aliya DalRae – 4/5
Title: Sweet VengeanceSweet VengeanceSweet Vengeance
Author: Aliya DalRae
Rating: 4/5
Synopsis:
Jessica Sweet is an orphan – Again…
At 26, the term may not truly apply, but having been abandoned by her birth parents at an early age, the death of her adoptive parents is like déjà vu all over again. Now she finds herself alone, facing a future that should be unsure; however, the visions she’s been plagued with since childhood are about to descend upon her, pulling her into a supernatural world where her deepest fantasies and most harrowing nightmares will soon come true.
A monster, even by Vampire Standards…
Raven has spent the better part of his five-hundred-seventy-plus years fighting the evil within. His capture by an ancient breed of Sorcerers, just surfacing in the Legion’s base town of Fallen Cross, Ohio, leaves him beaten and starving. Escape leads him to an old farmhouse, the single heartbeat within promising life. What he couldn’t know is that the blood he now seeks will sustain him in ways he could never imagine…
Review:
Sweet Vengeance is a beautiful take on an overused concept. The vampire-based genre has begun to fade out, but as I read this novel I felt that it had been rejuvenated and I felt myself connecting to the younger me who only read vampire novels. But perhaps the best element of this novel was that it didn’t just include vampires; instead, it included other supernatural beings to the mix while also enhancing the story line with romance.
Aliya DalRae is a master of understanding characters and what makes them tick. Her characters were brilliantly developed, and I felt absorbed by the plot and setting as I fell deeper and deeper into the novel. She avidly included the reader in her story, instead of having them as the audience, and that is something that I rarely see in today’s market. Many times authors can talk at their audience instead of including them, but DalRae made it clear that her readers were a part of her story, and through that I felt as though DalRae had taken my hand and allowed me to explore the world she had created with her.
I loved getting to know the vivid characters in Sweet Vengeance, and as time went on I began to forget that they were fictional. The only critique I have is that the writing was a bit choppy at times, but it didn’t hinder the story. DalRae did a beautiful job of putting down her ideas onto paper, and I am very excited to read the rest of this trilogy once the books are released.
FOR BOOK REVIEW REQUESTS FILL OUT FORM: Book Review Request Form
IF BOOK REQUEST WEBSITE IS DOWN EMAIL: peachykeenreviews@gmail.com
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Update – Charging for Reviews
Hello Everyone,
I am sorry to say that it has come to this, but because I have had so many requests for book reviews this is what I need to do in order to keep this blog going. I have been posting 3+ book reviews a week, and this is like a full time job. From now on, I will be charging for book reviews in order to make sure I am not being taken advantage of. Since I do market the books I review heavily on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Goodreads, and Amazon, I am not only giving out in depth reviews, but beneficial marketing exposure as well. I have also found that the Go Indie Now! Bibliotherapy Box is taking up most of my time, and unfortunately, working for free is not an option for me anymore. I am an author and need time to work on my own novels, as well as my life off of the internet, instead of being bogged down with reviews. Below are the updated rates, and they may charge over time:
ebook reviews: $20
Paperback Reviews: $10
Go Indie Now! Book Reviews to be Considered for the Box: $20
Author Interview/Feature: $5
*Any extra promotion will cost more. These rates are for a review to be posted on my blog, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads.*
I have grappled with this thought for quite a long time, and have researched heavily whether this is something that is fit for me, and it definitely is a change that I need to make. The amount of time I put into this blog, the reviews, and marketing all books sent over to me is almost 24/7 and unfortunately, a hobby doesn’t make a living. Thank you so much for your understanding, and I just wanted you all to know that I love you, and adding this to my blogging career will benefit you in the long run. Not only will you be getting more of my valuable time, but you will be getting heavy exposure on all of my social media and in the Go Indie Now! Bibliotherapy Box as well.
Much love,
Ashley
FOR BOOK REVIEW REQUESTS FILL OUT FORM: Book Review Request Form
IF BOOK REQUEST WEBSITE IS DOWN EMAIL: peachykeenreviews@gmail.com
SIGN UP FOR GO INDIE NOW! MONTHLY BOOK BOX: Go Indie Now!
WOULD YOU LIKE AN AUTOGRAPHED COPY OF MY BOOKS? REQUEST HERE
*Donations are more than welcome and help me to keep my reviews and marketing services free. Please help me to keep my blog going! All donations will receive a gift.*
July Indie Pride Day – Brain to Books Tour Host – Historical Fiction
Hello everyone!
I wanted to let you know that I am the Historical Fiction blog host for the Brain to Books Blog Tour on July 1 – Indie Pride Day. During that day, I will be posting interviews and information for the authors who I am hosting. That being said, the authors who I am hosting will be holding a Facebook takeover that day, and I wanted to give you all the event page so that you can attend and meet these wonderful new authors! The event page is open to anybody, so please go here to RSVP and attend. I also have some spots left for the Facebook takeover, so please email me if you are interested!
It is going to be quite a fun party with giveaways, contests, and book talk so don’t miss it!
Much love,
Ashley
FOR BOOK REVIEW REQUESTS FILL OUT FORM: Book Review Request Form
IF BOOK REQUEST WEBSITE IS DOWN EMAIL: peachykeenreviews@gmail.com
SIGN UP FOR GO INDIE NOW! MONTHLY BOOK BOX: Go Indie Now!
WOULD YOU LIKE AN AUTOGRAPHED COPY OF MY BOOKS? REQUEST HERE
*Donations are more than welcome and help me to keep my reviews and marketing services free. Please help me to keep my blog going! All donations will receive a gift.*
Author Interview – Ash Krafton
Today’s featured author is the wonderful Ash Krafton! Her novel, The Heartbeat Thief, is a gorgeous gothic fantasy and it completely blew me away. I originally met Ash at the Brain to Books Con this past April on Goodreads, and I am so glad that I did! She is very talented, and I hope you enjoy the interview I had with her, as well as her novel itself!
Author Interview
What is the first memory you have of writing?
In third grade, I asked my mom why I had a bump on my right middle finger. She said it was a writer’s callous. Still have it.
I was an early reader. I have always felt like a writer, even long before I actually put the pen to paper. My first clips are poetry in the local newspaper when I was in middle school.
I think of teen novelists today and am just blown away because I wasn’t that organized myself. Most of my writing was done in notebooks while I was high up in a maple tree in my backyard! Even my first novel project was written in marble composition notebooks in 2004 (while my computer was turned off.) I still carry a notebook, even though it’s in my purse along with my Surface and my Windows phone. I know, I’m super old school.
Which authors inspire you, and why?
Laurell K. Hamilton, because that lady knows how to chapter…Stephen King, because he ruined me at an early age (and I love books that I can’t get out of my head)…Melanie Rawn and Mercedes Lackey, because their world-building was just craft—it truly was world building…
I also enjoy Jane Austen, because of the inherent eloquence of her literature… Edgar Allan Poe, because he wasn’t afraid of the dark…and the ad writers who come up with those ridiculous commercials and deodorant labels.
What is your favorite genre to read, and why?
I’m a fantasy girl! There is something about the limitless potential of fantasy and all its shades that absolutely enthralls me. I am always the one to ask “What if…?” and take some perfectly normal realistic situation and ship it right off to fantasy land.
I especially love to read magic realism with well-developed magic systems and intense world building. My favorite books are the ones that I pretend to walk around in long after I put the book down.
Visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios wasn’t just an amusement park for me—it was like a part of me came home. All these little kids running around with their wands and their robes and there I am, nodding sagely at them like a proud parent. (Plus, the butterbeer was A-May-Zing!) And to think—all that was because of a book…
What is your favorite genre to write, and why?
I write in various shades of speculative fiction; I’ve never pinned myself down to a single vein of storytelling. My writing ranges from paranormal romance novels to urban fantasy series to sci fi poetry, from YA to general adult audiences. As a blogger for QueryTracker, I also write a lot of non-fiction articles about the craft and business of writing.
I know a lot of writers will stick to a certain style or form but I’m happy writing, anything, for any reason. I simply love language. Most of the time, however, I simply call myself a speculative fiction author, trusting in the enormity of the word “speculative” to cover any and every mood I might be in when I pick up a pen.
What are you currently working on?
Currently, I’m writing a new urban fantasy series about an exorcist mage in Baltimore. The first book, CHARM CITY, is up on Wattpad.com where you can read it free! https://www.wattpad.com/story/56172477-charm-city-the-demon-whisperer-1
Currently I’m finishing the second book, MURDER THE LIGHT. The series has angels and demons and the man who stands between them both. Simon Alliant will always have a trick up his sleeve. Then again, most mages do.
There are three other books planned in this series, called “The Demon Whisperer”. I don’t have them all written, but I have the cover art somewhere on my blog. (Images and words go hand in hand for me and, when I’m not writing, I’m usually looking at art to see what kind of inspiration I can glean from it. Often, I get distracted and start designing covers. Go figure!)
*.*.*
HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY to The Heartbeat Thief! Let this Victorian dark fantasy surround you in shadows and embrace you in the arms of eternity…
“Krafton not only tells you a story, she makes you experience it with your senses. You can feel the fog moistening your skin as Senza wanders around London. You can smell the city’s decay. You can hear the clatter of horses against the cobblestones. And your own heart will anguish along with Senza as she despairs about life–and death–in an era when a woman’s beauty guaranteed her a well-matched marriage, even more than her wealth…” –Ronesa Aveela, author of the Mystical Emona series
The Heartbeat Thief by AJ Krafton
The Heartbeat Thief
is on special through June 26, 2016…
Snatch up your copy for 99 cents!
(List price $3.99)
Find it at any of these retailers:
Amazon US | Amazon CA | Amazon UK
Amazon FR | Amazon DE
Kobo Apple Smashwords Barnes and Noble
Haunted by a crushing fear of death, a young Victorian woman discovers the secret of eternal youth–she must surrender her life to attain it, and steal heartbeats to keep it.
In 1860 Surrey, a young woman has only one occupation: to marry. Senza Fyne is beautiful, intelligent, and lacks neither wealth nor connections. Finding a husband shouldn’t be difficult, not when she has her entire life before her. But it’s not life that preoccupies her thoughts. It’s death–and that shadowy spectre haunts her every step.
So does Mr. Knell. Heart-thumpingly attractive, obviously eligible–he’d be her perfect match if only he wasn’t so macabre. All his talk about death, all that teasing about knowing how to avoid it…
When her mother arranges a courtship with another man, Senza is desperate for escape from a dull prescripted destiny. Impulsively, she takes Knell up on his offer. He casts a spell that frees her from the cruelty of time and the threat of death–but at a steep price. In order to maintain eternal youth, she must feed on the heartbeats of others.
From the posh London season to the back alleys of Whitechapel, across the Channel, across the Pond, across the seas of Time…
How far will Senza Fyne go to avoid Death?
THE HEARTBEAT THIEF
The latest in dark fantasy from Ash Krafton…It’s a little bit Jane Austen, a little bit Edgar Allen Poe, and a whole lot of stealing heartbeats in order to stay young and beautiful forever…
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING:.
“One of the best stories I’ve ever read…”
“I highly recommend this novel to readers of all ages.”
“A beautifully enchanting story that will steal your heart one beat at a time.”
SEE MORE REVIEWS AT AMAZON and GOODREADS!
About the author: Ash Krafton
Ash Krafton writes New Adult speculative fiction under the pen name AJ Krafton. In addition to THE HEARTBEAT THIEF, Ash is also the author of a growing list of poetry, short stories, and urban fantasy novels.
Currently, she’s working on a new series, THE DEMON WHISPERER. First book, CHARM CITY, can be found on Wattpad.com where you can read it free. Find it here: CHARM CITY on Wattpad.com
Find more to love at http://www.ashkrafton.com
Follow Ash at:
Goodreads
June 22, 2016
The Heartbeat Thief by Ash Krafton
Title: The Heartbeat Thief
Author: Ash Krafton
Rating: 5/5
Synopsis:
Haunted by a crushing fear of death, a young Victorian woman discovers the secret of eternal youth–she must surrender her life to attain it, and steal heartbeats to keep it.
In 1860 Surrey, a young woman has only one occupation: to marry. Senza Fyne is beautiful, intelligent, and lacks neither wealth nor connections. Finding a husband shouldn’t be difficult, not when she has her entire life before her. But it’s not life that preoccupies her thoughts. It’s death–and that shadowy spectre haunts her every step.
So does Mr. Knell. Heart-thumpingly attractive, obviously eligible–he’d be her perfect match if only he wasn’t so macabre. All his talk about death, all that teasing about knowing how to avoid it…
When her mother arranges a courtship with another man, Senza is desperate for escape from a dull prescripted destiny. Impulsively, she takes Knell up on his offer. He casts a spell that frees her from the cruelty of time and the threat of death–but at a steep price. In order to maintain eternal youth, she must feed on the heartbeats of others.
From the posh London season to the back alleys of Whitechapel, across the Channel, across the Pond, across the seas of Time…
How far will Senza Fyne go to avoid Death?
Review:
In my honest opinion, I feel like The Heartbeat Thief was written for me. It is right down my alley – a dark, historical fantasy – and it couldn’t have been more brilliantly done. The originality was outstanding, and Ash Krafton’s style added a perfect poetic feel to this novel – very reminiscent of Edgar Allen Poe.
First of all, the play on vanity in this novel is something that always fascinates me. Senza is a character perfect for today’s times. She is obsessed with staying young and beautiful forever, and her fear of growing old and dying is a widespread fear for almost anyone. Krafton did a wonderful job of forcing the reader to face their fears, while adding fantasy elements that are extremely believable. Her novel didn’t seem like it was worlds away; instead, it made me believe that the situations presented could happen to anyone. One of my favorite examples of Krafton’s poetic writing style is seen below, and it is one of the best sentences I have ever read in a piece of literature:
“Moonlight spilled down its silvery veil upon the passengers in the Fyne family carriage, adding another sheen of splendor to their finery.”
I also found that the novel’s historical elements were accurate and realistic as well, which is always important when it comes to historical fiction. Every aspect of this novel amazed me, and it opened me up to a story much different than anything I have read recently, which was refreshing. I also fell in love with the cover of this book, and I felt that it complimented the story well.
Krafton is one of those rare authors who possesses the techniques of some of our world’s great authors, and reading her novel was like reading a classic. If you are looking for a novel featuring elements of the great authors of our time, such as Jane Austen, then The Heartbeat Thief is perfect for you.
FOR BOOK REVIEW REQUESTS FILL OUT FORM: Book Review Request Form
IF BOOK REQUEST WEBSITE IS DOWN EMAIL: peachykeenreviews@gmail.com
SIGN UP FOR GO INDIE NOW! MONTHLY BOOK BOX: Go Indie Now!
WOULD YOU LIKE AN AUTOGRAPHED COPY OF MY BOOKS? REQUEST HERE
*Donations are more than welcome and help me to keep my reviews and marketing services free. Please help me to keep my blog going! All donations will receive a gift.*
June 21, 2016
So You Want to Be an Author? Then Be One – Making Publishing Easy
Hello Lovelies,
There is one major difference between an author and a writer, and that difference is that one is published and one isn’t. Publishing used to be a very scary concept, and it wasn’t something that writers could count on. But in today’s widespread self-publish and indie market, publishing is fairly easy. The only thing is that there are many things you know to publish a successful novel, and I am here to help. Below are my crucial requirements for a self-published work to look and read official:
Proper Editing
Proper Cover
Professional Formatting of Manuscript
A Well Written Back Cover Blurb
Established Author Website/Media Links
Luckily, I was first published by a small indie publisher and was able to learn these specifics, but when I self -published my second novel, the first edition was a disaster. I didn’t follow any of the proper rules that I have listed above, and it took me three times to put out a version of that novel that looks and feels professional. This is why I am here to help you, and guide you to make the first published novel of your dreams and to not fall in the trap that I did.
PROPER EDITING
Now, let’s be realistic here. Professional editors are EXPENSIVE. Usually they charge by the word count, and many times those budgets are nowhere near the budget that a starving writer has on hand. That is why I am going to present to you the wonderful internet land called Upwork.com! This site has thousands upon thousands of freelancers available, and you can put in your budget to bring up freelancers whose pricing is best for you. Also, I am a freelancer on this site! I am available for editing, formatting, and constructive criticism of entire manuscripts, and I am even available for marketing assistance. Therefore, if you are interested in any of these services please check out Upwork.com or reach out to me! My Freelancer Profile
This is particularly crucial if you are looking to have your book included in a bookstore near you. Bookstore owners are very picky about editing, and if your novel isn’t fully edited they will usually not accept your book to be sold in their store.
PROPER BOOK COVER
I know, I know. Usually, book covers are insanely expensive, especially if you try to have one designed specifically for you. But you know what? Purchasing a cover doesn’t have to be expensive! That is why I have for you the beautiful site http://www.selfpubbookcovers.com/. One of the authors I have worked with before, Marie Silk, pointed this site out to me and I have since bought a few covers of my own. Most covers are $70 and are never sold again once you purchase them. They are all made by freelance graphic artists, and they have covers for just about every genre. I find that their covers are the most professional covers I have found, especially for the wonderful price, and your readers will love them as well. You are also able to edit the text on the covers over and over again for free if your title or name changes.
PROFESSIONAL FORMATTING
Formatting of a manuscript for print is EVERYTHING. It won’t take long for readers to distinguish a poorly formatted manuscript compared to a professional one, and this is one of the most important things that you need to understand. You can’t just submit your manuscript as is to a self – publishing website. You need to add such things as a title page, copyright page/ISBN page, acknowledgements page, dedication page, table of contents, proper spacing between chapters, appropriate spacing and font of the manuscript itself, an author bio, and any bonus content that you would like to add. The formatting of this entire manuscript can be daunting, but if you are too unsure about how to do it yourself you can again go to Upwork.com and look for those who can help you format your book! ( I am also a freelancer who can help you format your book, and I add extra artistic touches to make the reading experience that much better) You want your readers to have a pleasant reading experience, and the way you format your book will determine what their reading experience will be like.
A WELL WRITTEN BACK COVER BLURB
What is the first thing a reader looks at next to a book’s cover? THE BACK COVER BLURB. Therefore, it is crucial that your blurb is well written and highlights the best aspects of your novel, while not being too long. What you can do is ask your beta readers (if you have them) to tell you how they would summarize your novel. You can them use these summaries to compose the best back cover blurb. Or, if you are completely at a loss, you can again ask a freelancer at Upwork.com to help you out. (If you hire me as a freelancer for any of my other services, I will do a back cover blurb for free)
It is also helpful if you reference popular books that are related to your novel, such as “with excitement and terror reminiscent of The Hunger Games Series, _____________ is a must read!”
ESTABLISHED AUTHOR WEBSITE/MEDIA LINKS
In your book, it will be helpful for readers to know where to find you! Usually your media links will go next to your author bio on the back of your book, or in the beginning or end of your manuscript, and you will want to post links to your Facebook page, Twitter account, Instagram account, Pinterest, Email, Website, Blog, etc. I highly suggest you set yourself up with a Twitter, Facebook and Instagram if nothing else NOW, because those are the best ways to gain publicity. (Instagram is currently the best way. The bookstagram community is huge and so accepting of all new authors and readers.)
I hope my tips have helped you, and please feel free to email me if you have any questions or comments! I am here to help and have you benefit from my own mistakes. Self-publishing shouldn’t be hard, and if you want to do it all you have to do is get working! There are so many resources out there, and if you check out Brain to Books (created by fellow author Angela B. Chrysler) she has listed multiple resources for new authors (under which I am listed!) Her philosophy is “writing is hard, publishing shouldn’t be” and I couldn’t agree more.
Much love,
Ashley
FOR BOOK REVIEW REQUESTS FILL OUT FORM: Book Review Request Form
IF BOOK REQUEST WEBSITE IS DOWN EMAIL: peachykeenreviews@gmail.com
SIGN UP FOR GO INDIE NOW! MONTHLY BOOK BOX: Go Indie Now!
WOULD YOU LIKE AN AUTOGRAPHED COPY OF MY BOOKS? REQUEST HERE
*Donations are more than welcome and help me to keep my reviews and marketing services free. Please help me to keep my blog going! All donations will receive a gift.*
June 20, 2016
Weekly Update – 06/20/2016 – 06/26/2016
Hello Everyone!
This week I will be reviewing:
The Making of Gabriel Davenport by Beverley Lee
Yetunde: An Ode to My Mother by Segilola Salami
Enrule by Holly Sparks
Also, all June Go Indie Now! Boxes have been shipped out, and ordering is now open for the July Indie Pride Box! This is a reminder that our July box will have TWO of my favorite indie novels that I have reviewed this year to celebrate Indie Pride Day on July 1. We have also solidified the “bibliotherapy” theme that I have been grappling with for the box. Being a sufferer of panic disorder and clinical depression, I have found that reading is the only thing that I have been able to do to soothe myself when I am having an episode. That being said, I have transformed the Go Indie Now! Box into a monthly bibliotherapy session, and we will no longer be listing the genre of the month. Instead, we will be advertising a statement that explains what that month’s box is for. For example, our June box’s bibliotherapy session is for “when you want to escape reality and go back to a simpler time”. This allows you to “blindly” try new genres and books you might not have picked up before, because that is how I have found many of my recent favorite books! We also have made the box completely inclusive of all five of your senses, and it is now a truly 4-D bookish adventure! So be sure to sign up for the July box before July 1, which is the deadline, or email me with your email to pre-order a box and you will be charged on July 10 instead. Remember that we also have a coupon code for 10% off of your first box! Just use “GIMMENOW” at checkout.
For those who don’t know, we are also offering a LGBTQ+ Pride Box in our one time shop, and 100% of all proceeds will be donated to Free2Be, a non-profit down south that supports the LGBTQ+ community there. This box will feature one indie LGBTQ+ themed novel, multiple pride items, and guest author swag. We created this box in light of the horrible tragedy in Florida, and want to help any way that we can. Each box will be different and made to order, so no two boxes will be the same! Also, if you are already a subscriber and want to buy one of these boxes for charity, use the code “PRIDEFUND” to received free shipping. This way I can combine your LGBTQ+ box with your next monthly box.
A NOTE ABOUT THE GO INDIE NOW! LITERARY AWARD
May was the first month where I awarded our first book the Go Indie Now! Excellence in Literature Award. May’s winner was Give It Back by Danielle Esplin, and soon I will have her interview up as well as all of the information on her beautiful novel!
Each month I will be giving out an award to a different indie book that I have reviewed, and the winner will be posted on this blog, given a certificate of achievement, and a medal to display on their novel. Also, at the end of the year, we will be offering a big Go Indie Now! Box that will include all winning novels and bonus content. Author interviews will also be printed up and sent out in the next Go Indie Now! monthly box to announce their winning. If you have already asked me to review your book, you are already qualified to be considered for the award; but if you haven’t, please fill out my review request form!
I hope everyone has a great week, and that it is filled with many bookish adventures!
Much love,
Ashley
FOR BOOK REVIEW REQUESTS FILL OUT FORM: Book Review Request Form
IF BOOK REQUEST WEBSITE IS DOWN EMAIL: peachykeenreviews@gmail.com
SIGN UP FOR GO INDIE NOW! MONTHLY BOOK BOX: Go Indie Now!
WOULD YOU LIKE AN AUTOGRAPHED COPY OF MY BOOKS? REQUEST HERE
*Donations are more than welcome and help me to keep my reviews and marketing services free. Please help me to keep my blog going! All donations will receive a gift.*
June 19, 2016
Still Alice by Lisa Genova – 5/5
Title: Still Alice
Author: Lisa Genova
Rating: 5/5
Synopsis:
In Lisa Genova’s extraordinary New York Times bestselling novel, an accomplished professor diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease learns that her worth is comprised of more than her ability to remember. Now a major motion picture from Sony Pictures Classics starring Julianne Moore, Alec Baldwin, Kate Bosworth, and Kristen Stewart! Look for Lisa Genova’s next novel Inside the O’Briens. Alice Howland is proud of the life she worked so hard to build. At fifty years old, she’s a cognitive psychology professor at Harvard and a world-renowned expert in linguistics with a successful husband and three grown children. When she becomes increasingly disoriented and forgetful, a tragic diagnosis changes her life-and her relationship with her family and the world-forever. At once beautiful and terrifying, Still Alice is a moving and vivid depiction of life with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease that is as compelling as A Beautiful Mind and as unforgettable as Ordinary People.
Review:
Still Alice is the most beautiful literary rendition of a person with a mental disorder that I have ever read. At no point when reading it did I feel that the author was out of their element or producing information that was not accurate. Every aspect of this novel was flawless, and Lisa Genova’s way of incorporating Alice’s own thoughts with those around her was ingenious. Through each chapter the reader was able to witness Alice’s declining mental state, while still receiving a firm perspective on those around her. Genova allowed the reader inside of Alice’s head, and helped the reader realize what dementia patients go through. They aren’t mindless human beings like many outlets would want you to believe, and they can hear you talking about them even if they don’t full comprehend their surroundings. While dementia patients do end up needing excess help, they are not children and need to be respected as much as any other adult. Having been a caregiver for dementia patients myself I know the full extent to what these patients go through, and Still Alice is an excellent way for the wider public to understand this disease and the population it affects. Her novel also allows for compassion and understanding not just for caregivers of these patients, but for the patients themselves. I found it particularly appalling that there weren’t any support groups for early onset dementia patients in this novel, and only support groups for their caregivers. This made me think that perhaps our society equates dementia patients with mindless beings, and doesn’t think that they do need extra emotional support – particularly for those who are still aware that they are worsening, but still have a firm grip on reality.
Now, I know that many people are conflicted about this novel. Some say that the story is not at all accurate to their experiences, while others say that it is very accurate. The issue with this is that everyone’s story is different, and Still Alice by no means describes every dementia experience. Saying that would be like saying that every teen novel describes every teen experience perfectly. I know that this novel won’t be relatable to everyone who has or knows someone who has dementia, and that should be understood by anyone who reads this novel; but in my personal opinion, this novel is very accurate to my own personal knowledge and experience.
Many times in medical literature such as Still Alice, the reader becomes lost in the medical talk and has a hard time being interested in the work or following along. But this wasn’t the case with this novel. Genova clearly wanted her readers to understand is as a story first, and as an informative work of fiction last. She made learning fun, and this book was hard to put down. Being able to follow Alice over many of her first months being diagnosed was both heartbreaking and intriguing, and I am happy to say that this work of fiction is understandable enough to even be enjoyed by the upper young adult crowd. Genova’s work is a true treasure, and I plan on reading her other works. Her take on mental illness is beautiful, and I admire her knowledge and compassion towards so many people in this category. She has done them, and those who take care of them, proud.
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June 18, 2016
Updrift by Errin Stevens – 4/5
Title: Updrift
Author: Errin Stevens
Rating: 4/5
Synopsis:
Since her father died, Kate Sweeting’s home life has been in the pits, her well-being on life support. Her future looks desolate until she and her mother, Cara, make another plan: abandon their shriveled existence for more promising prospects on the coast, where Cara can play small-town librarian-bachelorette and Kate can figure out what’s up with that secretive Blake family from the beach.
Everyone is eerily captivated with Kate and her mother, and Cara is the first to figure out why when the man of her dreams arrives all dripping and devoted and closed-mouthed about what he intends. Kate is willing to go along with their subterfuge for a while, but eventually makes a charge for the water to learn what her mother is hiding. Gabe Blake is there waiting for her…and so is someone considerably less friendly. By the time Kate navigates her way home, everything will have changed for her—what she feels, what she wants, and what she’ll risk to be with the man she loves.
Updrift is a beautifully crafted romance novel that involves fantasy and a wider scope of events. One of my favorite things about this romance was that it wasn’t just merely a romance; instead, it was a fantasy adventure as well as a mystery, and that added tantalizing substance to the story.
It is not often that I read a book that captures such a beautiful perspective of a child, and this novel achieved that perspective from the beginning. Errin Stevens also made Kate’s growth appear so effortless, and I felt like a mother not wanting to let go of my growing child as the novel went on; however, I loved watching her come into confidence as she became a young woman and I even felt proud. Through love she was able to grow, and I admired the love and care she had for her mother. That mother/daughter bond is very important, and I enjoyed seeing it so clearly presented in this contemporary literature. Stevens knows how to create a story that is not one – dimensional, while also satisfying that need for romance that many readers hold high. Her writing was believable but outlandish at the same time, and I couldn’t help but believe every word that she wrote. Watching a young woman come into love and find out secrets that change the way she views those around her was breath taking, and so relatable to contemporary life.
Now, I have read multiple mermaid themed novels, but this one stood out to me more than anything else I have read. This is because Stevens averted from all stereotypes surrounding mermaid based literature, and wrote her own rules. I didn’t feel like I had read this story before and I didn’t think that it was just a redo of an exhausted story line. Her characters were vibrant and flawed, just as human as we are, and even now I have a hard time admitting that they were fictional. Stevens knows how to make myth real, and I am desperately waiting for Fall 2016 to come so that I can grab the sequel and continue this beautiful story. Updrift is a novel for multiple age groups, and I feel better off emotionally and mentally now that I have read it. That is not something I can say about a lot of literature, and Stevens is a treasure to be found in today’s cluttered literary market.
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