Sage Nestler's Blog, page 70
May 24, 2016
Weekly Update 5/23/16 – 5/29/16
Hello Everyone,
This week I reviewed Bounty by J.D. Cunegan – 5/5, but I will also be reviewing:
Give It Back by Danielle Esplin
I am also aiming to finish Making Monsters by Joe Turk, and should have the review up either later this week or early next.
Bonus Announcements
The deadline to subscribe to the Go Indie Now! Book Box in order to receive the June Historical Fiction box is JUNE 10.
On another note, our July Go Indie Now! Box will feature two different indie authors and two different books as well as numerous related accessories to celebrate Indie Pride Day on July 1. I will also be a blog host for the day, so watch out for all of the events that will be happening online and off. That being said, the deadline to order your July Go Indie Now! Book Box is JULY 1. The deadline has been pushed up for July because I have to buy one of the items in bulk to be handmade and I need an exact number. There will be no leftovers from this box, so the box will be a rare treasure and I highly encourage you to pick one up! I have already completed interviews with both of the featured authors, and they are amazing people.
Summer Author Interview Month is Upon Us!
Say what?! It is almost June already?
Yep, that’s right. And here at Peachy Keen Book Reviews, June is our official Author Interview Month! This year I have been working with wonderful authors to feature for the month and am very excited to share them with you all, and help you discover their beautiful work! The current list of authors who will be featured throughout the month is as follows:
Tiffany Apan
Aliya Dalrae
Nelson Pyles
Joe Ferguson
C.L. Schneider
Brittany Willows
Ash Krafton
I am looking forward to a great, literature filled summer and hope that you all are as excited as I am!
Much love,
Ashley
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Bounty by J.D. Cunegan – 5/5
Title: Bounty
Author: J.D. Cunegan
Rating: 5/5
Synopsis:
“Jill Andersen is one of Baltimore’s best and brightest detectives, but she harbors a dark secret — a secret that threatens to come out when the body of Dr. Trent Roberts is pulled out of the Chesapeake Bay. Dr. Roberts’ connection to Jill reveals a past that involves a tour in Iraq, a secretive cybernetic experiment, and a conspiracy that involves a native son.
Can Jill solve the case while still keeping her secret? Will her partners at the Seventh Precinct find out what she’s so desperate to hide? What was Dr. Roberts looking into that led to his murder? And perhaps the biggest question of all…
Who is Bounty?”
Review:
I am also interested in murder mysteries, they are my guilty pleasure, and this one did not disappoint.
J.D. Cunegan’s writing is read with ease, and I found the tone and flow of the sentences to be poetic. He knows how to use similes and metaphors flawlessly, and doesn’t over describe scenes or characters to the point of boredom. Instead, his plot focused more on the mystery at hand and I found myself guessing at answers throughout the novel.
The best thing about this novel was how Cunegan was able to describe the gruesome events and dead bodies in ways that weren’t grotesque, but intriguing. I also enjoyed how he noted that the main character, Jill Anderson, was hardened to the point of not becoming disturbed by gruesome scenes anymore. I found this aspect of her character to be very real, and I looked up to her for her ability to harden herself against the terrible things that she saw on a regular basis.
Since I am going to school for social work and have worked in the criminal justice system, I related very well to Jill because of everything she has seen and gone through. I also enjoyed how Cunegan emphasized how victims ARE people and aren’t just subjects in a crime scene. I think that in our criminal justice system the victims are often lost because of how much focus is put on the criminal, and Cunegan did a brilliant job at emphasizing the importance of victims as people.
With books that cover heavy matter such as Bounty, I often find that either the author doesn’t fully understand what they are writing about, or they know just enough to make it brilliant, and this novel is of the latter. The writing does not come off as ill-informed, but instead knowledgeable, and I admire Cunegan’s grasp on the scenes and world that he writes about. I am looking forward to jumping into the sequel, Blood Ties, and reading Cunegan’s brilliant writing again.
This novel, and series, is perfect for those who want a better grasp on the criminal justice system and the truth about murder and victims without the fluff. Bounty is raw and real, and I couldn’t have asked for anything more. It was a much needed breath of fresh air to read and earned a well deserved 5/5 rating, which is a rating that I don’t give often.
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May 22, 2016
Red Cross Fundraising Reminder
Hello Everyone,
I wanted to remind you that all royalties earned from my novels sold today will be going to the Red Cross, as well as 10% of any new Go Indie Now! subscriptions sold today. Also remember that when using the code “NEWMEMBER” you can receive free shipping for your first box in the United States.
Much love,
Ashley
FOR BOOK REVIEW REQUESTS FILL OUT FORM: Book Review Request Form
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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.*
May 21, 2016
Asleep by Krystal Wade – 4/5
Title: Asleep
Author: Krystal Wade
Rating: 4/5
Synopsis: “To cure fear, you must use fear.” Rose Briar claims no responsibility for the act that led to her imprisonment in an asylum. She wants to escape, until terrifying nightmares make her question her sanity and reach out to her doctor. He’s understanding and caring in ways her parents never have been, but as her walls tumble down and Rose admits fault, a fellow patient warns her to stop the medications. Phillip believes the doctor is evil and they’ll never make it out of the facility alive. Trusting him might be just the thing to save her. Or it might prove the asylum is exactly where she needs to be.
Review:
Asleep is a new take on the fairytale, “Sleeping Beauty”, and it has been marketed as a horror/thriller version of the story; however, I didn’t really see how this novel related to the horror genre. Instead, I felt that the novel was more of a psychological thriller and meant strictly for young adults. The story line was a bit sugar coated, but it was still an enticing read. If you are a young adult interested in the safer side of the horror genre, then this is the perfect novel for you.
My favorite part about this novel was how Krystal Wade did incorporate different versions of the classic characters from the story, such as Rose and Phillip. She made sure that her story didn’t relate too closely to the fairytale and added her own take on the characters, which was exciting. I always love a good asylum based read, and this novel was a great story based in contemporary asylums, or psychiatric hospitals. Since Rose is a teenager at the point in her life where she is struggling to find herself and who she is going to be in her adult life, I felt that teenagers will be able to relate to her well. It is a scary time in ones life when they are jumping from a child to an adult so abruptly, and Rose seemed to be mixed up inside about who she really was and wanted to be. She didn’t understand why everyone thought that she was insane when she felt fine, and this showed how influenced she was by what everyone else thought of her. I felt that Wade presented us with a great novel that examined the human mind in a comfortable and safe way, while also showing how those around us can negatively impact our mental state if we let them.
Overall, I recommend this book to young adults or to adults who want a read that is lighter but surrounds a heavier topic. I can proudly say that I haven’t read another book like Asleep and the originality of it was stunning. Since my reviews are based heavily on story originality, this book passed with flying colors.
Krystal Wade is also the owner of Blaze Publishing, an indie young adult publishing company that is currently taking manuscript submissions. For more information, visit their website.
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May 20, 2016
ARC – The Carver by Jacob Devlin – 4/5
Title: The Carver (Available for Pre-Order)
Author: Jacob Devlin
Rating: 4/5
Synopsis:
“THE GIRL IN THE RED HOOD has been looking for her mother for six months, searching from the depths of New York’s subways to the heights of its skyscrapers . . .
THE PRINCE looks like he’s from another time entirely, or maybe he’s just too good at his job at Ye Old Renaissance Faire . . .
THE ACTRESS is lighting up Hollywood Boulevard with her spellbinding and strikingly convincing portrayal of a famous fairy. Her name may be big, but her secrets barely fit in one world . . .
Fifteen-year-old Crescenzo never would have believed his father’s carvings were anything more than “stupid toys.” All he knows is a boring life in an ordinary Virginia suburb, from which his mother and his best friend have been missing for years. When his father disappears next, all Crescenzo has left is his goofy neighbor, Pietro, who believes he’s really Peter Pan and that Crescenzo is the son of Pinocchio. What’s more: Pietro insists that they can find their loved ones by looking to the strange collection of wooden figurines Crescenzo’s father left behind.
With Pietro’s help, Crescenzo sets off on an adventure to unite the real life counterparts to his figurines. It’s enough of a shock that they’re actually real, but the night he meets the Girl in the Red Hood, dark truths burst from the past. Suddenly, Crescenzo is tangled in a nightmare where magic mirrors and evil queens rule, and where everyone he loves is running out of time.”
Review:
This book was an interesting read, and while I did enjoy its storyline, I couldn’t help but question the origin of the ideas in the novel. The writing, however, was flawless and painfully relevant to today’s times, while also adding the essence of fairytales. But I found that this book was largely reminiscent of the television show “Once Upon A Time”, which did make me questions its originality; however, it was an enjoyable read, if not completely original, and today’s teens are sure to enjoy it.
I received this novel as an ARC (advanced reader’s copy) from Blaze Publishing since it is due for release on July 19, and I was thoroughly excited to read it. Since this book has been marketed as a take on Peter Pan, I went crazy over it since Peter Pan is my favorite fictional character of all time. However, I found myself enjoying the incorporation of many different fairytale characters more than just Peter Pan since I was not expecting so many of them to be a part of the story. I did really like how Pinocchio’s son is one of the main characters in the book, and is the teenager present to connect young adults to the story. This book does seem like a good entry novel for young adults to get into the new “fad” of twisted fairytales, and I am sure that this book will end up having a big following. Since it does appear that this book is going to be part of a series, I am interested to see how the other books turn out.
Since this book has not yet been released, I don’t want to give anything away too soon! But I want to leave by saying that I would recommend The Carver to young adults, since they are the audience that will enjoy this book the most, and that I am impressed by the author’s writing style and ability to connect to today’s times and teenagers. Even though I didn’t feel that the storyline itself was completely original, the book is highly enjoyable, and those who have not read a lot of books based off of fairytales or don’t watch “Once Upon A Time” will get the most out of it. I look forward to more books written by Jacob Devlin and will be following him!
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Hedge King in Winter by Michael E. Dellert – 5/5
Hello Everyone,
Now that the May Go Indie Now! Fantasy boxes are all sent out, I can now post my review for one of the books that I included in the box, “Hedge King in Winter”! The second book included, “A Merchant’s Tale”, will be reviewed later since it is the sequel to this novella.
Title: Hedge King in Winter
Author: Michael E. Dellert
Rating: 5/5
Synopsis:
“The king has been crippled. Can his brother hold the kingdom together against the machinations of their rival cousin?”
Review:
Let me start this by saying, I LOVED THIS NOVELLA. If that is not enough to tell you how good this book is, then keep reading.
I received “Hedge King in Winter” from Michael during the Brain to Books Con this past April in a giveaway. He sent me a signed copy of the the book a few short days after, and as soon as I got it I had to dig in and immediately knew that I would be basing the May Go Indie Now! Box after it. This book has everything that I look for in old – fashioned fantasy, and so much more.
First of all, the cover art and book design is brilliant. The art gives the novella a renaissance fantasy feel and I felt as though I fell into the book as soon as I opened it. It was also helpful that a map of the land that Dellert created, Droma, was included in the beginning of the book. Since the land he created, and the characters, are so vast and wide it was nice to be able to have an aid to picture the story properly.
But one of the things that I loved most about this novella was that it was short, but that Dellert packed a punch throughout the book, and I didn’t become bored at any point. As soon as I finished the book, I immediately had to order the second book in the series that just released “A Merchant’s Tale“, and wasn’t disappointed. (“A Merchant’s Tale” was the second book included in the Go Indie Now! May Box).
Dellert’s work is very original, and he clearly understands what he has created and doesn’t confuse the reader at all with inaccuracies (which can happen in heavily imaginative works sometimes). I found myself connecting to the characters on a personal level, and I loved how the language is similar to that of old – English (but easier to understand).
Michael E. Dellert is a gem of an author and I am so happy to have won his book, worked with him, and featured him in our May Go Indie Now! Box. I highly recommend “Hedge King in Winter” for readers of all ages and will be buying the rest of the series as soon as the books are released.
Purchase “Hedge King in Winter” Art Prints – 50% of Proceeds Go to Charity
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“Into The Fog” First Edition Update
Hello Everyone,
I am excited to announce that the first edition of my second novel, “Into The Fog”, has been updated! The interior is now formatted differently and the cover has been changed. I am absolutely in love with its new cover, and couldn’t have picked a better one to relate to the story. It is too perfect for words!
Look out for the special edition of “Into The Fog” coming April 2017. The special edition will come with fan art, character profiles, personal insights from me, and an exclusive excerpt from the sequel.
Purchase “Into The Fog” on Amazon
Much Love,
Ashley
FOR BOOK REVIEW REQUESTS FILL OUT FORM: Book Review Request Form
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May 19, 2016
I Am Now A Sponsor for Knitted Knockers
Hello Everyone,
This post is a little off topic for my normal posts, but I wanted to share with you all something exciting that has happened.
As some of you know, I also own a crocheted lingerie and accessories shop called Crocheted Candy. I have been crocheting since I was eight years old and very advanced with it, but I also knit, and my shop, Crocheted Candy, has become a sponsor for the non-profit organization Knitted Knockers. This means that I am now the Knitted Knocker sponsor in Colorado and will be contributing 10% of all sales through Crocheted Candy to the organization, as well as knitting knockers myself to distribute.
What is a knitted knocker exactly?
Knitted knockers are knit prosthetics made for women who have had mastectomies. Mastectomies, for those who don’t know, are the the removal of the breast(s) due to breast cancer. These knit prosthetics are wonderful because they are soft, comfortable, and feel like normal breasts. Through this organization women can receive free knitted knockers, and I help to make and distribute the knockers to clinics here in Colorado, but the organization is nation and worldwide. If you, or someone you know, would like a pair of knitted knockers, please contact me and I will put you in contact with a distributor near you. Please also email me if you are interested in knitting these prosthetics for distribution. I have all of the information you need, including the free patterns on how to make the knockers and the specific requirements on how they should be made, and I can help you distribute them or send them to a clinic near you.
I am very excited to be a big part of this organization as it is very dear to heart, and I hope that you will consider making some of these prosthetics if you can knit, or telling anyone you may know about the organization if they could benefit from the knockers. Please also consider purchasing from Crocheted Candy, as that is one major way you can help the organization. Your purchase allows me to purchase the specific yarn to make more knockers since it is higher priced for comfort and quality, and 10% of your purchase on top of that is sent directly to the organization. At Crocheted Candy, I love making women feel comfortable in their own bodies and have been doing so for five years through my custom lingerie. Every woman should feel beautiful, no matter what she has been through, and that is my main mission.
Much love,
Ashley
FOR BOOK REVIEW REQUESTS FILL OUT FORM: Book Review Request Form
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Free Shipping Event for the Go Indie Now! Box
Hello Everyone!
I just wanted to let you all know that since my birthday is next week, May 26, I am offering a free shipping coupon until May 31 to celebrate! It is my birthday, yet I am gifting you all. How great is that?
The code is “NEWMEMBER” and is good for your first month’s box. No international orders please, United States only.
To Order: Go Indie Now! Book Box
Much love,
Ashley
FOR BOOK REVIEW REQUESTS FILL OUT FORM: Book Review Request Form
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Miriamne the Magdala by JB Richards – 4/5
Title: Miriamne the Magdala
Author: JB Richards
Rating: 4/5
Synopsis:
“The Yeshua and Miri Novel Series” is a historical-fiction novel series that follows Jesus and Mary Magdalene during the so called “missing years” and throughout their lives. The introductory novel, “Miriamne the Magdala”, explores the deeply personal relationship between twelve year old Miriamne and her long lost cousin Yeshua bar Joseph. Their tale begins with an unexpected reunion of two Jewish Houses and goes on to explain how a family brought together by a seeming circumstance is ultimately tied together by Destiny. When a family tragedy strikes, and Yeshua and Miri are placed in a dangerous situation, heavenly forces intervene and a divine legacy that must be kept secret to all but their closest family members is revealed.
From the time of his family’s return from Egypt to Nazareth, Yeshua has grown up shunned and reviled by the townsfolk of his step-father Joseph’s home village. Questions surrounding the authenticity of his parentage along with the strange and unpredictable supernatural powers that seem to control Yeshua have the people of the tiny backwater town suspicious and frightened.
When Yeshua’s mother, Mary, sends a letter to her dearest cousin pleading for help for her gravely ill husband, Miriamne’s mother, Salome, instantly responds. Soon, Salome and her husband, Micah – along with their three children: Martha, Miriamne, and Lazarus – set out for Nazareth on a mission of mercy. During the family’s stay, an old but avid argument causes major upset, especially for young Yeshua who loses control of His staggering powers. As a result of the calamity, the angry townsfolk pounce on the opportunity to band together with their rabbi and the Elder’s Council to banish Yeshua from Nazareth—forever.
Once Yeshua is forced to relocate from his family’s home to his cousin’s huge country estate near Sepphoris, the developing friendship between him and Miriamne flourishes. But just when things seem so hopeful, a sudden turn of events causes Yeshua to choose between taking His own action to avoid a terrible tragedy and His obligation to obey His Heavenly Father’s wishes.
When an astonished Miriamne learns of Yeshua’s true identity and His Mission on this earth, she must then decide whether to continue her relationship with Him or risk losing Him to His Fate. The pressure reaches a breaking point when Miriamne’s wealthy uncle, Joseph bar Abram, and his Caravaneers arrive for a family visit, and Yeshua is presented with a rare opportunity that will take Him far, far away from her . . . quite possibly forever. It is then that Yeshua must make a life-altering decision—whether to follow His heart or fulfill His Destiny.
Review:
“Miriamne the Magdala” is a very ambitious novel. Since there is so much hearsay involving the story of Mary and Joseph from the bible, it is possible for an author to create what they believed to have happened, but few could pull it off; however, that is exactly what JB Richards did.
From the beginning it was clear through the author’s writing how passionate she was about her story and her concepts. Since her story is meant to travel across multiple novels, she made sure that she had enough of a story and information to do so. I thoroughly enjoyed her insights and feel that even someone who does not believe in the bible, or isn’t religious, would find enjoyment in it. The book is not about religion, but about story, and that is what made it brilliant.
Since the book is in the first person, the reader is automatically drawn into the novel and the story. I liked that the story was from the perspective of Miriamne and how it drifted away from traditional stories to incorporate the author’s imagination. Richards has the required talent of any historical fiction author, which is to transform history and make it their own, and she does it with ease. I did not feel that she was “stealing” from history, or straying too far from the setting and time period that she chose so that it was unbelievable; instead, I felt that I was reading something new that was also educational, and it was a novel that I would refer to readers of all ages. The novel was easy to understand, but not juvenile, and is perfect for those who are fond of myths and histories. I look forward to reading the rest of this series, and working with JB Richards was wonderful. She is clearly passionate about her work, and it enhanced my enjoyment of her novel. Historical fiction buffs are sure to enjoy this, and I highly recommend it.
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