Sarai Henderson's Blog, page 239

#BookReview - Free Space by Sean Danker

Title: Free SpaceBy: Sean DankerGenre: ScifiRelease Date: May 2nd, 2017Publisher: Ace Books
Summary from Goodreads: "I'd impersonated a prince, temporarily stopped a war, escaped a deadly planet, and survived more assassination attempts than I could conveniently count. After all that, there shouldn't have been anything simpler than a nice weekend with a charming Evagardian girl. 
However, some corners of the galaxy aren't as genteel as the Empire, and Evagardians aren't universally loved, which is how I ended up kidnapped to be traded as a commodity. 

Their timing couldn't have been worse. I'm not at my best, but these people have no idea whom they're dealing with: a highly trained, genetically engineered soldier in the Imperial Service who happens to be my date."
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Review: Epic! I love space odysseys and Sean Danker as brought another awesome drama to life. Free Space is full of suspense and OMG moments that will blow you away. The characters had depth and the story moved at a steady pace.  I would recommend this book to anyone who loves Firefly.

#BookReview - The End of Magic by Amber Benson

Title: The End of MagicBy: Amber BensonGenre: ParanormalRelease Date: May 16th, 2017Publisher: Ace Books
Summary from Goodreads: In the third in the spellbinding series from the author of the Calliope Reaper-Jones novels, magic has been loosed upon the world and the consequences could destroy all of humanity, magical and non-magical alike... 
Lyse MacAllister used to be like everyone else blissfully ignorant of magic, of the dire battles being fought in shadows and secrecy. But that was before her Aunt Eleanora died, leaving her in control of the Echo Park coven; before she found herself in the middle of the witches clash with the anti-magic zealots known as the Flood; before her blood sisters turned against her... 

As the Flood begins turning humans across the globe against the witches, Lyse must find a way to regain the trust of her former magical family and once again unify them. Because the final battle between good and evil is looming and if the witches don t stand against it together, all of humankind could be lost..."

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Review: Magical! Amber Benson has created a colorful world of magic and mystery that will suck you in. The characters were full of emotion and depth. I loved how they were all connected. The dream world was amazing. It felt like I was floating every time I experienced it. The story was even paced and full of description. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes magical realism.

#BookReview - Cold Reign by Faith Hunter

Title: Cold ReignBy: Faith HunterGenre: Urban Fantasy / VampiresRelease Date: May 2nd, 2017Publisher: Ace
Summary from Goodreads: Jane Yellowrock is a shape-shifting skinwalker…and the woman rogue vampires fear most. Jane walks softly and carries a big stake to keep the peace in New Orleans, all part of her job as official enforcer to Leo Pellisier, Master of the City. But Leo’s reign is being threatened by a visit from a delegation of ancient European vampires seeking to expand their dominions.
But there’s another danger to the city. When she hears reports of revenant vampires, loose in NOLA and out for blood, Jane goes to put them down—and discovers there’s something unusual about these revenants. They never should have risen.

Jane must test her strength against a deadly, unnatural magic beyond human understanding, and a ruthless of cadre of near-immortals whose thirst for power knows no bounds…

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Review: This one was a little slow for me. The story line dragged and I really couldn't get into it like I had hoped. I really like the characters though and how they interacted with each other. The skin walkers were interesting and I loved Beast. She was my favorite part. Three Stars!

Daybreak by Cheree Alsop #BlogTour @ChereeAlsop @XpressoReads

Daybreak
Cheree Alsop
(Girl from the Stars #1)
Publication date: October 7th 2015
Genres: Action, Adventure, Science Fiction, Young Adult

Liora Day, half-human, half mess-with-her-and-you’ll-die Damaclan, had been thrown onto a rough path at a very early age. But when she is broken out of a cage by Devren, the young captain of the SS Kratos, she is shown that perhaps humanity does have a heart. The Kratos is set on a mission to rescue fallen surveyors from the Revolutionaries, and Liora is given the choice to follow her Damaclan instincts, or trust Devren’s dark eyes and captivating smile that promise an adventure unlike any she has ever experienced.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo99 cents for a limited time only!—EXCERPT:Liora twisted the bent end inward until she felt the teeth slide free. She slipped the bar from the handcuff and let it fall off her wrist. In two more seconds, the other cuff was on the floor.
The lock of her cage proved to be more difficult. Luckily, Liora had the two pieces of the tweezers to work with. She bent the second one to match the angle of the first. Following the same steps the apprentice had done so many times, Liora pushed the bent end of the first piece into the lock opposite the pins. She turned it slowly upward until it was in tension.
Inserting the second piece, Liora raked it slowly along the pins. The small metal on metal sound set Liora’s nerves on end. If Malivian found out what she was doing, she would be tortured again. The voice in the back of her mind whispered that perhaps she wouldn’t survive a second round.
A subtle, metallic click sounded. Liora’s heart jumped. She pushed at the bars. Her breath caught in her throat when the door swung outward. Liora stepped onto the cold floor and stumbled lightheadedly. She caught herself on the next cage, pushed upright, and ran down the hall.
The alarm sounded when she hit the button for the hatch to open. As soon as the gap was wide enough, Liora jumped out. Her feet, then her knees, hit the deck of Gaulded Zero Twenty-One. She shoved up to her feet once more and ran past the other starships.
Even at the late hour, the Gaulded’s landing deck was filled with activity. It appeared the Kratos and Kirkos weren’t the only ships who had been attacked. Blow torches, plasma cutters, and blazers filled the contained air inside the Gaulded’s hold with the acrid scent of metal. The sound of mallets and hand saws sounded from every corner.
Crew members of the ships Liora passed turned to watch her go. She felt conspicuous and alone as she darted between space crafts and around repair gear. A giant pallet of artillery swung over her head. Liora ducked and made her way along the stripped hull of a Copper Crow painted to look like an iridescent fish. The name Space Poseidon glowed near the hatch.
Liora ran around the corner and slammed into Devren.
“I was about to come looking for you—” he began.
Tariq cut him off. “Dev, her face.”
Devren gently pushed her back so he could see her better. Liora dropped her gaze at his gentle probing.
“Malivian did this to you?” he asked.
The anger in his voice made Liora look up. Devren appeared ready to kill someone.
“Calm down,” Tariq told him. “Let’s get her to the ship. It’s the only place we’ll have leverage.”
Devren put a protective arm around Liora. Tariq walked behind them like a bodyguard. Liora felt as though she had entered some different reality. Somehow, even with the thought of Malivian coming after her, she felt safe between the two humans who had entered her life by accident.

Author Bio:
Cheree Alsop is an award-winning, best-selling author who has published over 30 books, including two series through Stonehouse Ink. She is the mother of a beautiful, talented daughter and amazing twin sons who fill every day with joy and laughter. She is married to her best friend, Michael, the light of her life and her soulmate who shares her dreams and inspires her by reading the first drafts and giving much appreciated critiques. Cheree is a fulltime author and mother, which is more play than work! She enjoys reading, traveling to tropical beaches, spending time with her children, and going on family adventures while planning her next book. Cheree and Michael live in Utah where they rock out, enjoy the outdoors, plan great quests, and never stop dreaming. You can find Cheree's other books at www.chereealsop.com
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GIVEAWAY!
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Spring Fever #Giveaway

Welcome to the Spring Fever Giveaway Party!
A dozen authors over at YA Author Rendezvous have put an awesome giveaway together – with over TWENTY chances to win!One grand-prize winner will walk away with a signed, first edition hardback of Witch and Wizard which just so happens to be written by one of the biggest names in fiction – JAMES PATTERSON! On top of that, they get a $100 amazon gift-card! And all if takes is a minute or two and a few clicks of the mouse.DON’T MISS YOUR CHANCE!Check out these other amazing prizes they have for you here.Spring Fever Giveaway!

Blitz hosted by:

#BookReview - Caraval by Stephanie Garber

Title: CaravalBy: Stephanie GarberGenre: FantasyRelease Date: January 31st, 2017Publisher: Flatiron Books
Summary from Goodreads:  Whatever you've heard about Caraval, it doesn't compare to the reality. It's more than just a game or a performance. It's the closest you'll ever find to magic in this world . . . 
Welcome, welcome to Caraval―Stephanie Garber’s sweeping tale of two sisters who escape their ruthless father when they enter the dangerous intrigue of a legendary game.

Scarlett has never left the tiny island where she and her beloved sister, Tella, live with their powerful, and cruel, father. Now Scarlett’s father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval, the far-away, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show, are over.

But this year, Scarlett’s long-dreamt of invitation finally arrives. With the help of a mysterious sailor, Tella whisks Scarlett away to the show. Only, as soon as they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval’s mastermind organizer, Legend. It turns out that this season’s Caraval revolves around Tella, and whoever finds her first is the winner.

Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But she nevertheless becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic with the other players in the game. And whether Caraval is real or not, she must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over, a dangerous domino effect of consequences is set off, and her sister disappears forever. 
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Review: I loved this book. I can't say it enough. Magnificent! Stephanie Garber takes you on a magical ride through Caraval, where one thing means something else. Five stars for Caraval!

#WeeklyMenu Week 187

Well, its snowing again! Surprise, surprise... It doesn't look like its going to effect the morning commute at all and the boys should have a normal day at school. They need to go do school today, I need a a quiet morning. 
In writing news. Finished book # 3 this weekend and started my fourth. 
Still waiting on any news from my publisher and found out that my local library is having a local author book fair this summer. I ordered a copy of my book to send along with the application. Cross your fingers that I get a table.
Enjoy this weeks menu! 
Monday- French Onion Pork Chops
Tuesday- Parmesan Chicken
Wednesday- Beef and Broccoli
Thursday- Roast Beef Sliders
Friday- Chicken Bacon Pasta
Saturday- Cobb Salad
Sunday - Tuna Sandwiches

#BookReview - Vanguard by Jack Campbell

Title: VanguardBy: Jack CampbellGenre: ScifiRelease Date: May 16th, 2017Publisher: Ace
Summary from Goodreads: Jack Campbell returns to the world of the New York Times bestselling Lost Fleet novels with a new action-packed military science fiction series that explores the founding of the Alliance . . . and the men and women who fought to create it. Earth is no longer the center of the universe. 
After the invention of the faster-than-light jump drive, humanity is rapidly establishing new colonies. But the vast distances of space mean that the old order of protection and interstellar law offered by Earth has ceased to exist. 
When a nearby world attacks, the new colony of Glenlyon turns to Robert Geary, a young former junior fleet officer, and Mele Darcy, a onetime enlisted Marine. With nothing but improvised weapons and a few volunteers, Geary and Darcy must face down warships and armored soldiers or die trying. 
As battles rage and pirates take an increasing toll throughout the colonies, the only hope for lasting peace lies with Carmen Ochoa, a Red from the anarchic world of Mars, and Lochan Nakamura, a failed politician. They have a plan: to lay the groundwork for mutual defense that could someday grow into an alliance. But if their efforts don t succeed, the growing power of aggressor worlds could turn regions of space founded on freedom into battlefields between the first interstellar empires...
the first interstellar empires..."

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Review: Magnificent! Jack Campbell has done an amazing job at bringing an epic space battle to life. The characters were full of depth and color. I kept finding myself rooting for the Squall, even toward the end when they faced unparalleled odds, they never gave up. Four stars!

#BookReview - The Witchfinder's Sister by Beth Underdown

Title: The Witchfinder's SisterBy: Beth UnderdownGenre: Historical FictionRelease Date: April 25th, 2017Publisher: Ballantine Books 
Summary from Goodreads: 'VIVID AND TERRIFYING' Paula Hawkins, author of The Girl on the Train
The number of women my brother Matthew killed, so far as I can reckon it, is one hundred and six... 

1645. When Alice Hopkins' husband dies in a tragic accident, she returns to the small Essex town of Manningtree, where her brother Matthew still lives.

But home is no longer a place of safety. Matthew has changed, and there are rumours spreading through the town: whispers of witchcraft, and of a great book, in which he is gathering women's names.

To what lengths will Matthew's obsession drive him?
And what choice will Alice make, when she finds herself at the very heart of his plan?


'A richly told and utterly compelling tale, with shades of Hilary Mantel' Kate Hamer, author of The Girl in the Red Coat

'Anyone who liked Cecilia Ekback's Wolf Winter is going to love this' Natasha Pulley, author of The Watchmaker of Filigree Street

'Beth Underdown grips us from the outset and won't let go...at once a feminist parable and an old-fashioned, check-twice-under-the-bed thriller' Patrick Gale, author of Notes from an Exhibition

'A tense, surprising and elegantly-crafted novel' Ian McGuire, author of The North Water

'Beth Underdown cleverly creates a compelling atmosphere of dread and claustrophobia... Even from the distance of nearly four hundred years, her Matthew Hopkins is a genuinely frightening monster' Kate Riordan

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Review: Terrifyingly brilliant. Beth Underdown has transformed a world of witchcraft and terror, into a haunting story based in reality. The poor characters in The Witchfinder's Sister have no chance to escape their accusers. I think that's what makes this book so special. You root for them to be set free.
Through all the trials and tribulations, you get a sense of what life was like in the late 1600's when the threat of witches swept across England. Don't forget the ending. It will knock your socks off. I haven't read something that profound in a long time. 
Four stars for The Witchfinder's Sister!


   

The Last Shadow Gate by Michael W. Garza @mwgarza #BlogTour

The Last Shadow Gate
by Michael W. Garza
Genre: YA Fantasy
Release Date: March 3rd 2017
NeverHaven Press

Summary:

Summer vacation was never supposed to be like this.

It was bad enough Naomi had to be shipped off to her dad's home for the summer and deal with her half-brother Gavin, but when the siblings are forced to spend their break with their great-grandmother in upstate New York, everything changes. An investigation into the strange disappearance of their great-grandfather forces them to retrace his footsteps. They discover a gateway between worlds and encounter extraordinary creatures in a land where the people are desperate to escape the coming of a shade lord. To survive their adventure, Naomi and Gavin must settle their differences and find the elusive shadow gate that will take them home again.

Pre-order on Amazon!

Guest post

Inspiration for the book

My inspiration for The Last Shadow Gate came from my children. The relationship between the real life Naomi and Gavin is very similar to their counterparts in the book. They’re both older now but their experiences growing up as half-siblings is something that our family paid careful attention to. I wanted to share that relationship in a unique way and the book came from that. I’ve been a fantasy reader my entire life, with a strong affection for Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. My fantasy draws from there and I try and incorporate my own experiences.  


THE SHADOW GATE CHRONICLES:
Book 1: The Last Shadow Gate
Book 2: A Veil of Shadows (Coming 2017)
Book 3: The Shadow of War (Coming 2018)

Advance Praise for THE LAST SHADOW GATE:
"If this book had been around when I was a kid, I’d have held it right up there with The Chronicles of
Narnia and Lord of the Rings.” - Sunshine Somerville, Author of THE KOTA SERIES

"You won't want to miss out on the thrilling yet perilous world beyond the shadow gates!"  - J. Cornell Michel, Author of JORDAN'S BRAINS

*If you love fast-paced, YA Fantasy, THE LAST SHADOW GATE is the book for you.*


About the Author

Michael W. Garza often finds himself wondering where his inspiration will come from next and in what form his imagination will bring it to life. The outcomes regularly surprise him and it’s always his ambition to amaze those curious enough to follow him and take in those results. He hopes everyone will find something that frightens, surprises, or simply astonishes them.

Author Links:
Website│Goodreads│Twitter│Facebook│Author's Amazon Page


Blog Tour Organized by:
YA Bound Book Tours