Grant Eagar's Blog, page 7
June 1, 2016
VICTORIAN - COVER REVEAL - JORDAN ELIZABETH
Here is another awesome cover reveal from Jordan Elizabeth.
VICTORIAN
A young adult novel about ghosts, history, and two girls who find second chances at life.
Thank you, Rue Volley, for this gorgeous cover!
Celeste struggles with finding her way from a dark past until she gets a summer volunteer gig at the local historical fair. Enter outrageous actors, dominating psychics, and ghosts stirred by a medium’s presence.
With the help of the psychic’s son, who isn’t at all what her dream date would look like but rather endearing all the same, Celeste uncovers secrets about the village left hidden amongst the dilapidated buildings. Searching deeper will mean opening her heart, a part of her she’s locked up tight and been petrified of freeing.
GOAT CHILDREN will be available June 24 on Amazon from CHBB.
Check out early reviews on GoodReads!
#
Jordan Elizabeth#
Celeste loves to read with her grandfather. In honor of VICTORIAN, enter for a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card!
All winners will be notified after verification of entry at the end of this promotion. Prizes have been supplied by and the responsibility of delivery are solely that of the author and/or their representatives. Blogs are not liable for non-delivery on the part of the author. No purchase necessary.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
VICTORIAN
A young adult novel about ghosts, history, and two girls who find second chances at life.
Thank you, Rue Volley, for this gorgeous cover!
Celeste struggles with finding her way from a dark past until she gets a summer volunteer gig at the local historical fair. Enter outrageous actors, dominating psychics, and ghosts stirred by a medium’s presence.
With the help of the psychic’s son, who isn’t at all what her dream date would look like but rather endearing all the same, Celeste uncovers secrets about the village left hidden amongst the dilapidated buildings. Searching deeper will mean opening her heart, a part of her she’s locked up tight and been petrified of freeing.
GOAT CHILDREN will be available June 24 on Amazon from CHBB.
Check out early reviews on GoodReads!
#
Jordan Elizabeth#
Celeste loves to read with her grandfather. In honor of VICTORIAN, enter for a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card!
All winners will be notified after verification of entry at the end of this promotion. Prizes have been supplied by and the responsibility of delivery are solely that of the author and/or their representatives. Blogs are not liable for non-delivery on the part of the author. No purchase necessary.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
March 28, 2016
BLOG TOUR - GOAT CHILDREN - JORDAN ELIZABETH
I am a big fan of Jordan Elizabeth. I'm excited to be part of the celebration of her new book; GOAT CHILDREN.
GOAT CHILDRENA young adult novel with a touch of fantasy, love, and imagination versus reality.*
When Keziah’s grandmother, Oma, is diagnosed with dementia, Keziah faces two choices: leave her family and move to New Winchester to care for Oma, or stay in New York City and allow her grandmother to live in a nursing home miles away.
The dementia causes Oma to be rude and paranoid, nothing like the woman Keziah remembers. Each day becomes a greater weight and love a harsher burden. Keziah must keep Oma from wandering off or falling, and try to convince her grandmother to see a doctor as her eyesight and hearing fail, but Oma refuses to believe anything is wrong. Resentful of her hardships in New Winchester, Keziah finds herself drawn to Oma’s ramblings about the Goat Children, a mythical warrior class. These fighters ride winged horses, locating people in need, while attempting to destroy evil in the world. Oma sees the Goat Children everywhere, and as Keziah reads the stories Oma wrote about them, she begins to question if they really exist.#GOAT CHILDREN is now available on Amazon from CHBB.Check out early reviews on GoodReads!#Check out Chapter 1:Bodies crushed against each other, a blur of hair and clothes, in the mad dash to exit the subway. The air smelled of the greasy restaurants above and felt stuffy, despite the bitter cold that rattled through the damp subway tunnel. My mouth watered as I sniffed roasted chestnuts. You haven’t eaten dinner yet, my rumbling stomach scolded. I slipped past a man speaking rapid Spanish to board the train, grabbed a pole, slid on to a seat, and pulled my green bag higher towards my chest. The two paperbacks inside jammed into my ribs. With a groan, I shifted into a new position, wondering what glorious worlds awaited within the glossy covers. “Whoa ho, ho, ho.” More people ranting on the subway. It could never be a quiet ride. I opened my bag to peer at the fantasy novels. I’d chosen thick books because they lasted longer and made the reading more rewarding.“Ho, little one.” A face shoved into mine from the aisle, and I jerked back, squeaking. Oily black hair hung over a scarred forehead. The man swayed, braying a laugh. I glanced at the woman with bright pink hair sitting on the next seat. She read a newspaper without looking up.“So much to you.” The man licked his lips and slurred the words. His pungent odor clawed its way through my nose; no escaping the invisible fumes. They washed over me with groping draws until my eyes watered. I cringed, my craving for chestnuts gone. Anyone on a diet would be thankful to have him around. He stood, clinging to a pole with one gloved hand. Threads poked from the torn seams in the gripping brown leather. Two duffel bags, stained with mud, rested near his feet, bulging with contents. I lowered my gaze, clutching the bag tighter. Please go away. I shouldn’t have taken the subway, but I’d done it to save time. Even though I was seventeen, Mama said it wasn’t safe to ride alone, and now, I agreed. I’m not gonna be home by my seven o’clock curfew. Mama’s gonna freak. I can’t believe I forgot my phone. “You don’t belong on this world.” He smacked his lips. Behind his head, a large sign told the public not to smoke, or they’d get lung cancer and die. It was easier to stare at the anti-smoking sign than him.“Yes, thank you,” I mumbled as he leered at me. Even if he lacked a home and suffered from insanity, he didn’t deserve rudeness.“You like fantasy?”I stared at my lap, but when he repeated the question louder, I nodded. “What would ya do if fantasy became your life? What would ya do if it wasn’t fantasy anymore?” “Fantasy isn’t real.” I shifted my gaze to my black socks. They came up to my thighs and the right sock had a tiny hole near the knee. I’d have to sew it when I got home. If I studied it, maybe he’d grow bored and mosey on elsewhere. “Are you happy here? Don’t you want more, little one? I can take you to another world.” His deep breaths made snot rattle in his nose. I gagged, hiding my mouth behind my hand. The woman with the newspaper glanced over. I pleaded silently for her to make the man go away, but she moved to an empty seat down the car, wrinkling her nose. I still had five more stops before I could get away. Do I dare follow her?“Don’t you believe in destiny?”What if he sits next to me? I slid my bag onto the empty seat, clutching the handle. As the subway curved around the corner, it screeched, the sound echoing through the metallic enclosure as if screaming, “Doom!”“I’ve been to other lands. I’ve seen my future, and I spit at it.” He turned his head to hack on the floor. The saliva bubbled with a yellowish hue. The subway squealed to a halt, and some of the passengers stood to exit. I removed the bag in case someone new sat down, someone safe, but no one came near or looked at us as they found seats. The doors slid shut, and the train moved again. Four more stops to go.“Don’t shun fantasy. I’ve made mistakes and don’t want you to make ‘em too. Take it and see what you can do. Take it!” He pumped his fist, revealing grease stains on his coat sleeves.I scanned the other passengers’ faces. They ignored us, although the ranting man filled the car with his voice. Only the smiling faces on wall advertisements watched. Ever-smiling, ever-trapped in their realm of sales. I fiddled with the zipper on the front of my gray hoodie, heart racing. The subway halted at the next station. Again, people exited and entered, and no one sat beside me. Three more stops to go. I drummed my fingers against my thigh.“I know all about the ones they call the Goats.” He drew a ragged breath. “I’m not supposed to, but I know. My wife was one. She told me all about them. Oh, yes, she did. She wasn’t supposed to, but she did. They don’t let them take over the world. They won’t!”Why do crazies always go for alien invasions? I twirled my brown curls. I’d get off at the next stop and walk the rest of the way, even if I arrived home later. What if he follows me? “The Goats!” He flapped his arm. Alien goat invasion. How awesome. I jumped and clutched my bag like a shield. The subway screeched as it approached the next station. I wanted to run, but he waved both arms, repeating the scream. The doors swished open, but if I stood to escape, he could attack. Two more stops to go. What if I can’t escape at my stop, either? As soon as the subway started, he lowered his arm and drew a few breaths. He reeked of alcohol, and overpowering the sweat stench, the stench made my head swirl. “Beware of the Goats.” His chest heaved. “Help the Goats. Save the Goats!”He really is deranged. There weren’t any goats in New York City that I’d ever seen. “Yes, I will.” Go away. “I’ll … I’ll watch out for the goats.”“The Goats,” he corrected, as if I’d mispronounced the word. He picked up his duffel bags and waddled to the back of the car, where he dropped onto a seat. He took a small paperback book from the pocket of his trench coat and flipped it open. When the doors swished open at the next stop, I exited in the crush of bodies. People coughed and spoke, heels clicked and wheels on backpacks rolled, and the sounds echoed off the stone walls. I slid through the turnstile and bolted up the cement steps two at a time, the edges cracked and crumbled and graffiti decorated the walls with images of fire and obscene language. The brightness of the paint, and the harsh edges that curved and sang were beautiful. The scrawls seemed to want to leap off the stone, suddenly alive. At the top, I grasped the railing. Cold, dented metal bit through the fishnet of my fingerless gloves while I gazed over my shoulder. The people emerging didn’t spare me a glance. I was lost in the crowd, a stationary fixture. The man wasn’t following. I ducked my head to push into the crowd. People bumped into me, jostling with elbows and bags. I almost walked into a tourist, who snapped a picture of the taxicabs. “Hey,” called a stout vender from the corner. “You okay?”I tucked back a brown curl. “I’m fine, but thanks.” Wind whipping between the skyscrapers stole the power of my words.“Wanna dog?” He held one out, nestled in a white roll.“No, thanks. I don’t eat meat.” “Good,” I thought I heard him whisper. “Your kind shouldn’t.” He couldn’t have spoken. It must’ve been someone else. It wouldn’t make sense for a man who made his living off people scarfing down meat-in-a-tube to agree with my vegetarian lifestyle. I ogled the sea of metal vehicles washed in the afternoon sunlight like sharks swarming for a fresh kill. I shook off the thought and ran, an empty Styrofoam cup crunching beneath my foot. I didn’t have a watch, but the sun hung low in the sky. A thought raced through my mind as the sun made windows wink and flash. Beware of Goats.
#
“Long line at the bookstore.” I dropped my bag on the marble table beside the door to my family’s condo. Instrumental Celtic music wafted from the living room as I left the small foyer, and I almost tripped over my sprawled little sister.
Jordan Elizabeth, formally Jordan Elizabeth Mierek, is known for her odd sense of humor and her outrageous outfits. Surrounded by bookshelves, she can often be found pounding away at her keyboard – she’s known for breaking keyboards, too. Jordan’s young adult novels include ESCAPE FROM WITCHWOOD HOLLOW, COGLING, TREASURE DARKLY, and BORN OF TREASURE. GOAT CHILDREN is her first novel with CHBB. Her short stories are featured in over twenty anthologies. Check out her website for bonus scenes and contests.
#
Keziah lives in New Winchester, a town frequented by squirrels. Win a squirrel charm necklace in honor of her furry companions!All winners will be notified after verification of entry at the end of this promotion. Prizes have been supplied by and the responsibility of delivery are solely that of the author and/or their representatives. Blogs are not liable for non-delivery on the part of the author. No purchase necessary.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
GOAT CHILDRENA young adult novel with a touch of fantasy, love, and imagination versus reality.*
When Keziah’s grandmother, Oma, is diagnosed with dementia, Keziah faces two choices: leave her family and move to New Winchester to care for Oma, or stay in New York City and allow her grandmother to live in a nursing home miles away.
The dementia causes Oma to be rude and paranoid, nothing like the woman Keziah remembers. Each day becomes a greater weight and love a harsher burden. Keziah must keep Oma from wandering off or falling, and try to convince her grandmother to see a doctor as her eyesight and hearing fail, but Oma refuses to believe anything is wrong. Resentful of her hardships in New Winchester, Keziah finds herself drawn to Oma’s ramblings about the Goat Children, a mythical warrior class. These fighters ride winged horses, locating people in need, while attempting to destroy evil in the world. Oma sees the Goat Children everywhere, and as Keziah reads the stories Oma wrote about them, she begins to question if they really exist.#GOAT CHILDREN is now available on Amazon from CHBB.Check out early reviews on GoodReads!#Check out Chapter 1:Bodies crushed against each other, a blur of hair and clothes, in the mad dash to exit the subway. The air smelled of the greasy restaurants above and felt stuffy, despite the bitter cold that rattled through the damp subway tunnel. My mouth watered as I sniffed roasted chestnuts. You haven’t eaten dinner yet, my rumbling stomach scolded. I slipped past a man speaking rapid Spanish to board the train, grabbed a pole, slid on to a seat, and pulled my green bag higher towards my chest. The two paperbacks inside jammed into my ribs. With a groan, I shifted into a new position, wondering what glorious worlds awaited within the glossy covers. “Whoa ho, ho, ho.” More people ranting on the subway. It could never be a quiet ride. I opened my bag to peer at the fantasy novels. I’d chosen thick books because they lasted longer and made the reading more rewarding.“Ho, little one.” A face shoved into mine from the aisle, and I jerked back, squeaking. Oily black hair hung over a scarred forehead. The man swayed, braying a laugh. I glanced at the woman with bright pink hair sitting on the next seat. She read a newspaper without looking up.“So much to you.” The man licked his lips and slurred the words. His pungent odor clawed its way through my nose; no escaping the invisible fumes. They washed over me with groping draws until my eyes watered. I cringed, my craving for chestnuts gone. Anyone on a diet would be thankful to have him around. He stood, clinging to a pole with one gloved hand. Threads poked from the torn seams in the gripping brown leather. Two duffel bags, stained with mud, rested near his feet, bulging with contents. I lowered my gaze, clutching the bag tighter. Please go away. I shouldn’t have taken the subway, but I’d done it to save time. Even though I was seventeen, Mama said it wasn’t safe to ride alone, and now, I agreed. I’m not gonna be home by my seven o’clock curfew. Mama’s gonna freak. I can’t believe I forgot my phone. “You don’t belong on this world.” He smacked his lips. Behind his head, a large sign told the public not to smoke, or they’d get lung cancer and die. It was easier to stare at the anti-smoking sign than him.“Yes, thank you,” I mumbled as he leered at me. Even if he lacked a home and suffered from insanity, he didn’t deserve rudeness.“You like fantasy?”I stared at my lap, but when he repeated the question louder, I nodded. “What would ya do if fantasy became your life? What would ya do if it wasn’t fantasy anymore?” “Fantasy isn’t real.” I shifted my gaze to my black socks. They came up to my thighs and the right sock had a tiny hole near the knee. I’d have to sew it when I got home. If I studied it, maybe he’d grow bored and mosey on elsewhere. “Are you happy here? Don’t you want more, little one? I can take you to another world.” His deep breaths made snot rattle in his nose. I gagged, hiding my mouth behind my hand. The woman with the newspaper glanced over. I pleaded silently for her to make the man go away, but she moved to an empty seat down the car, wrinkling her nose. I still had five more stops before I could get away. Do I dare follow her?“Don’t you believe in destiny?”What if he sits next to me? I slid my bag onto the empty seat, clutching the handle. As the subway curved around the corner, it screeched, the sound echoing through the metallic enclosure as if screaming, “Doom!”“I’ve been to other lands. I’ve seen my future, and I spit at it.” He turned his head to hack on the floor. The saliva bubbled with a yellowish hue. The subway squealed to a halt, and some of the passengers stood to exit. I removed the bag in case someone new sat down, someone safe, but no one came near or looked at us as they found seats. The doors slid shut, and the train moved again. Four more stops to go.“Don’t shun fantasy. I’ve made mistakes and don’t want you to make ‘em too. Take it and see what you can do. Take it!” He pumped his fist, revealing grease stains on his coat sleeves.I scanned the other passengers’ faces. They ignored us, although the ranting man filled the car with his voice. Only the smiling faces on wall advertisements watched. Ever-smiling, ever-trapped in their realm of sales. I fiddled with the zipper on the front of my gray hoodie, heart racing. The subway halted at the next station. Again, people exited and entered, and no one sat beside me. Three more stops to go. I drummed my fingers against my thigh.“I know all about the ones they call the Goats.” He drew a ragged breath. “I’m not supposed to, but I know. My wife was one. She told me all about them. Oh, yes, she did. She wasn’t supposed to, but she did. They don’t let them take over the world. They won’t!”Why do crazies always go for alien invasions? I twirled my brown curls. I’d get off at the next stop and walk the rest of the way, even if I arrived home later. What if he follows me? “The Goats!” He flapped his arm. Alien goat invasion. How awesome. I jumped and clutched my bag like a shield. The subway screeched as it approached the next station. I wanted to run, but he waved both arms, repeating the scream. The doors swished open, but if I stood to escape, he could attack. Two more stops to go. What if I can’t escape at my stop, either? As soon as the subway started, he lowered his arm and drew a few breaths. He reeked of alcohol, and overpowering the sweat stench, the stench made my head swirl. “Beware of the Goats.” His chest heaved. “Help the Goats. Save the Goats!”He really is deranged. There weren’t any goats in New York City that I’d ever seen. “Yes, I will.” Go away. “I’ll … I’ll watch out for the goats.”“The Goats,” he corrected, as if I’d mispronounced the word. He picked up his duffel bags and waddled to the back of the car, where he dropped onto a seat. He took a small paperback book from the pocket of his trench coat and flipped it open. When the doors swished open at the next stop, I exited in the crush of bodies. People coughed and spoke, heels clicked and wheels on backpacks rolled, and the sounds echoed off the stone walls. I slid through the turnstile and bolted up the cement steps two at a time, the edges cracked and crumbled and graffiti decorated the walls with images of fire and obscene language. The brightness of the paint, and the harsh edges that curved and sang were beautiful. The scrawls seemed to want to leap off the stone, suddenly alive. At the top, I grasped the railing. Cold, dented metal bit through the fishnet of my fingerless gloves while I gazed over my shoulder. The people emerging didn’t spare me a glance. I was lost in the crowd, a stationary fixture. The man wasn’t following. I ducked my head to push into the crowd. People bumped into me, jostling with elbows and bags. I almost walked into a tourist, who snapped a picture of the taxicabs. “Hey,” called a stout vender from the corner. “You okay?”I tucked back a brown curl. “I’m fine, but thanks.” Wind whipping between the skyscrapers stole the power of my words.“Wanna dog?” He held one out, nestled in a white roll.“No, thanks. I don’t eat meat.” “Good,” I thought I heard him whisper. “Your kind shouldn’t.” He couldn’t have spoken. It must’ve been someone else. It wouldn’t make sense for a man who made his living off people scarfing down meat-in-a-tube to agree with my vegetarian lifestyle. I ogled the sea of metal vehicles washed in the afternoon sunlight like sharks swarming for a fresh kill. I shook off the thought and ran, an empty Styrofoam cup crunching beneath my foot. I didn’t have a watch, but the sun hung low in the sky. A thought raced through my mind as the sun made windows wink and flash. Beware of Goats.
#
“Long line at the bookstore.” I dropped my bag on the marble table beside the door to my family’s condo. Instrumental Celtic music wafted from the living room as I left the small foyer, and I almost tripped over my sprawled little sister.
Jordan Elizabeth, formally Jordan Elizabeth Mierek, is known for her odd sense of humor and her outrageous outfits. Surrounded by bookshelves, she can often be found pounding away at her keyboard – she’s known for breaking keyboards, too. Jordan’s young adult novels include ESCAPE FROM WITCHWOOD HOLLOW, COGLING, TREASURE DARKLY, and BORN OF TREASURE. GOAT CHILDREN is her first novel with CHBB. Her short stories are featured in over twenty anthologies. Check out her website for bonus scenes and contests.
#
Keziah lives in New Winchester, a town frequented by squirrels. Win a squirrel charm necklace in honor of her furry companions!All winners will be notified after verification of entry at the end of this promotion. Prizes have been supplied by and the responsibility of delivery are solely that of the author and/or their representatives. Blogs are not liable for non-delivery on the part of the author. No purchase necessary.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
February 29, 2016
COVER REVEAL - GOAT CHILDREN - JORDAN ELIZABETH
I am honored to part of Jordan's cover reveal.
GOAT CHILDRENA YA Novel with a touch of FantasyWhen Keziahâs grandmother, Oma, is diagnosed with dementia, Keziah faces two choices: leave her family and move to New Winchester to care for Oma, or stay in New York City and allow her grandmother to live in a nursing home miles away.
The dementia causes Oma to be rude and paranoid, nothing like the woman Keziah remembers. Each day becomes a greater weight and love a harsher burden. Keziah must keep Oma from wandering off or falling, and try to convince her grandmother to see a doctor as her eyesight and hearing fail, but Oma refuses to believe anything is wrong. Resentful of her hardships in New Winchester, Keziah finds herself drawn to Omaâs ramblings about the Goat Children, a mythical warrior class. These fighters ride winged horses, locating people in need, while attempting to destroy evil in the world. Oma sees the Goat Children everywhere, and as Keziah reads the stories Oma wrote about them, she begins to question if they really exist.#GOAT CHILDREN will be released March 25, 2016 from CHBB.This story means a lot to me. Many of the events are taken from my own life when I helped out my grandmother. She was one of my best friends and in many ways, my world. It still hurts to think about how the dementia made her suffer.As she would have said: without further ado, I present the cover for GOAT CHILDREN. The talented Rue Volley created this cover.
I canât wait to share this book with all of you! You can mark it as TBR today on GoodReads.
About the author: Jordan Elizabeth, formally Jordan Elizabeth Mierek, writes her nightmares in order to live her dreams. With an eclectic job history behind her, she is now diving into the world of writing. It happens to be her most favorite one yet. When sheâs not creating art or researching her family tree, sheâs updating her blog. Jordan is the vice president of the Utica Writers Club. She roams Central New York, but loves to travel. #Win a paperback copy of my first novel, ESCAPE FROM WITCHWOOD HOLLOW.All winners will be notified after verification of entry at the end of this promotion. Prizes have been supplied by and the responsibility of delivery are solely that of the author and/or their representatives. Blogs are not liable for non-delivery on the part of the author. No purchase necessary.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
January 24, 2016
REVIEW TOUR - COGLING - JORDAN ELIZABETH
COGLINGYoung Adult Steampunk-Fantasy
The beautiful cover is thanks to Mandie Manzano. When fifteen-year-old Edna Mather tears an expensive and unfamiliar pocket watch off her little brother's neck, he crumbles into a pile of cogs right before her eyes. Horrified, Edna flees for help, but encounters Ike, a thief who attempts to steal the watch before he realizes what it is: a device to power Coglingsâclockwork changelings left in place of stolen children who have been forced to work in factories.
Desperate to rescue her brother, Edna sets off across the kingdom to the hags' swamp, with Ike in tow. There, they learn Coglings are also replacing nobility so the hags can stage a rebellion and rule over humanity. Edna and Ike must stop the revolt, but the populace believes hags are helpful godmothers and healers. No one wants to believe a lowly servant and a thief, especially when Ike has secrets that label them both as traitors.
Together, Edna and Ike must make the kingdom trust them or stop the hags themselves, even if Ike is forced to embrace his dark heritage and Edna must surrender her family.
###
Excerpt:Green smoke snaked up the side of the tenement and drifted over the sill of an open window. A breeze blew the vapor into a column before it solidified into the shape of a stout, young hag. She shook her crimson curls away from her face and straightened the hood of her cloak to keep her kohl-lined, silver eyes shadowed. The scent of lavender clung to her robes, washing over the small room. Two brass-framed beds crowded the floor. Blankets covered sleeping children. A little boy wheezed against the head of his stuffed bear, drool dripping onto the wool. The hag squinted to see the goldenrod dream cloud above his headâa dream about seeing his father again. She frowned at the other bed, where a sleeping teenager lay with a threadbare blanket tugged around her chin. Even squinting, the hag couldnât make out a dream cloud. The girl was too old to be of any use. The hag slithered to the boyâs bed and, from the folds of her cloak, drew out a rectangular box four inches long, with a circular indentation on one side. She set it on the floor to remove a vial and rag from her skirt pocket, the rough wool of the rag irritating her fingertips. âDo it, Simone,â the hag muttered to herself as she willed her hands not to tremble. âMake the Dark Mother happy.â She couldnât fail at her first mission. Holding her breath, Simone dribbled three drops onto the rag, yanked the teddy bear away, and shoved the drugged cloth against the boyâs mouth. His eyes opened, his gasp muffled, and his body jerked. Simone stiffened. The girl moaned. Her mattress rustled as she rolled over to face the wall, brown curls shifting over her pillow.Simoneâs heart thudded. By the seven Saints, she shouldâve cast a sleeping spell over the girl. The Dark Mother preferred humans to think hags were harmless healers, not thieves who kidnapped children. The boy writhed, squeaks emerging from behind the rag. Simone pressed harder. She needed his breath in the wool to disguise and fuel the machine. The potion took hold and the boy collapsed. Simoneâs thick lips curved over her broken teeth. She lifted a pocket watch from around her neck and positioned it into the crevice in the metal box. As the two pieces connected, a chime rang out. She set the box beside the limp little boy and draped the rag over it. Even though she should wait to make sure his breath stuck in the machine, she couldnât risk waking the girl. The metal stretched to become his replica as if it were made of putty. With a second chime, the metal shimmered and dulled into the pale peach of his flesh, becoming an exact duplicate of the child. âMine.â Simone hefted the little boy into her arms, leaving the duplication on the bed, and transformed to smoke before the chimes awoke the girl. ###
Check out COGLING on GoodReads and Amazon.About the Author
Jordan Elizabeth, formally Jordan Elizabeth Mierek, writes down her nightmares in order to live her dreams. She is the author of ESCAPE FROM WITCHWOOD HOLLOW, TREASURE DARKLY, and BORN OF TREASURE. Check out her website, JordanElizabethMierek.com, for more information on her books, contests, and bonus short stories.###
a Rafflecopter giveaway
My Review:
The idea of children being taken and replaced is a theme that strikes at the heart of many parents. When our children enter their terrible twos and threes we wonder who has taken our sweet babies and replaced them with these beasties and later when our children become teenagers we glance at these foaming at the mouth monsters and wonder who has switched out our children.
Back to my review of Cogling, Jordan has once again created a new entertaining steam punk world for us. When considering her world Charles Dickensâs âOliver Twistâ comes to mind. Even though this is a fantasy world Jordan captures the struggle of the poor in the Victorian era.
Her main character Edna is charming and believable, this grand adventure is thrust upon her and we can see her struggles and growth as she attempts to recover her brother. You know she has some magical power or something that will help her, but what is it? I enjoyed the romance between her and Ike and the chemistry between them as they go through one adventure after another.
Overall I felt Cogling was a page turner and a compelling read.
I give it five stars
The beautiful cover is thanks to Mandie Manzano. When fifteen-year-old Edna Mather tears an expensive and unfamiliar pocket watch off her little brother's neck, he crumbles into a pile of cogs right before her eyes. Horrified, Edna flees for help, but encounters Ike, a thief who attempts to steal the watch before he realizes what it is: a device to power Coglingsâclockwork changelings left in place of stolen children who have been forced to work in factories.
Desperate to rescue her brother, Edna sets off across the kingdom to the hags' swamp, with Ike in tow. There, they learn Coglings are also replacing nobility so the hags can stage a rebellion and rule over humanity. Edna and Ike must stop the revolt, but the populace believes hags are helpful godmothers and healers. No one wants to believe a lowly servant and a thief, especially when Ike has secrets that label them both as traitors.
Together, Edna and Ike must make the kingdom trust them or stop the hags themselves, even if Ike is forced to embrace his dark heritage and Edna must surrender her family.
###Excerpt:Green smoke snaked up the side of the tenement and drifted over the sill of an open window. A breeze blew the vapor into a column before it solidified into the shape of a stout, young hag. She shook her crimson curls away from her face and straightened the hood of her cloak to keep her kohl-lined, silver eyes shadowed. The scent of lavender clung to her robes, washing over the small room. Two brass-framed beds crowded the floor. Blankets covered sleeping children. A little boy wheezed against the head of his stuffed bear, drool dripping onto the wool. The hag squinted to see the goldenrod dream cloud above his headâa dream about seeing his father again. She frowned at the other bed, where a sleeping teenager lay with a threadbare blanket tugged around her chin. Even squinting, the hag couldnât make out a dream cloud. The girl was too old to be of any use. The hag slithered to the boyâs bed and, from the folds of her cloak, drew out a rectangular box four inches long, with a circular indentation on one side. She set it on the floor to remove a vial and rag from her skirt pocket, the rough wool of the rag irritating her fingertips. âDo it, Simone,â the hag muttered to herself as she willed her hands not to tremble. âMake the Dark Mother happy.â She couldnât fail at her first mission. Holding her breath, Simone dribbled three drops onto the rag, yanked the teddy bear away, and shoved the drugged cloth against the boyâs mouth. His eyes opened, his gasp muffled, and his body jerked. Simone stiffened. The girl moaned. Her mattress rustled as she rolled over to face the wall, brown curls shifting over her pillow.Simoneâs heart thudded. By the seven Saints, she shouldâve cast a sleeping spell over the girl. The Dark Mother preferred humans to think hags were harmless healers, not thieves who kidnapped children. The boy writhed, squeaks emerging from behind the rag. Simone pressed harder. She needed his breath in the wool to disguise and fuel the machine. The potion took hold and the boy collapsed. Simoneâs thick lips curved over her broken teeth. She lifted a pocket watch from around her neck and positioned it into the crevice in the metal box. As the two pieces connected, a chime rang out. She set the box beside the limp little boy and draped the rag over it. Even though she should wait to make sure his breath stuck in the machine, she couldnât risk waking the girl. The metal stretched to become his replica as if it were made of putty. With a second chime, the metal shimmered and dulled into the pale peach of his flesh, becoming an exact duplicate of the child. âMine.â Simone hefted the little boy into her arms, leaving the duplication on the bed, and transformed to smoke before the chimes awoke the girl. ###
Check out COGLING on GoodReads and Amazon.About the Author
Jordan Elizabeth, formally Jordan Elizabeth Mierek, writes down her nightmares in order to live her dreams. She is the author of ESCAPE FROM WITCHWOOD HOLLOW, TREASURE DARKLY, and BORN OF TREASURE. Check out her website, JordanElizabethMierek.com, for more information on her books, contests, and bonus short stories.###
a Rafflecopter giveaway
My Review:
The idea of children being taken and replaced is a theme that strikes at the heart of many parents. When our children enter their terrible twos and threes we wonder who has taken our sweet babies and replaced them with these beasties and later when our children become teenagers we glance at these foaming at the mouth monsters and wonder who has switched out our children.
Back to my review of Cogling, Jordan has once again created a new entertaining steam punk world for us. When considering her world Charles Dickensâs âOliver Twistâ comes to mind. Even though this is a fantasy world Jordan captures the struggle of the poor in the Victorian era.
Her main character Edna is charming and believable, this grand adventure is thrust upon her and we can see her struggles and growth as she attempts to recover her brother. You know she has some magical power or something that will help her, but what is it? I enjoyed the romance between her and Ike and the chemistry between them as they go through one adventure after another.
Overall I felt Cogling was a page turner and a compelling read.
I give it five stars
December 27, 2015
COVER REVEAL - DEVIL'S PLAYGROUND - HEATHER EAGAR
I am excited to be part of Heather's cover reveal.
Genre: YA Historical Fantasy
Summary:
Sixteen-year-old Elizabeth Winters may be a witch, but she doesn't know the first thing about magic.
Her father, a wizard himself, has forbidden the use of her powers for her own protection. But when accusations of witchcraft start flying through Salem Village, Elizabeth wishes she was more prepared. Despite her lack of magical knowledge, Elizabeth appoints herself to save innocent women from the untimely demise the village has in store for them. Elizabeth finds, however, that she is not the hero Salem needs her to be. When Elizabeth is betrayed by someone she trusts, she loses control of her emotions and unintentionally curses the village with the ten plagues of Egypt. Now, Elizabeth must figure out how to break the curse before the morning of the tenth plagueâthe plague of death. If she fails, Salem will cease to exist.
About the author:
Heather Eagar currently resides in Logan, Utah where she strives to balance her love of writing with raising a husband and two kids. Her short story, The Quake, was recently published in the Wells Street Journal, a publication distributed by the University of Westminster. Heather is also a book reviewer and you can find reviews for Middle-grade fiction through Adult novels on her website,www.heatheraeagar.com.
Twitter: @haeagarInstagram: wonder_of_words (Stay tuned for a post a day through 2016)
Genre: YA Historical Fantasy
Summary:
Sixteen-year-old Elizabeth Winters may be a witch, but she doesn't know the first thing about magic.
Her father, a wizard himself, has forbidden the use of her powers for her own protection. But when accusations of witchcraft start flying through Salem Village, Elizabeth wishes she was more prepared. Despite her lack of magical knowledge, Elizabeth appoints herself to save innocent women from the untimely demise the village has in store for them. Elizabeth finds, however, that she is not the hero Salem needs her to be. When Elizabeth is betrayed by someone she trusts, she loses control of her emotions and unintentionally curses the village with the ten plagues of Egypt. Now, Elizabeth must figure out how to break the curse before the morning of the tenth plagueâthe plague of death. If she fails, Salem will cease to exist.
About the author:
Heather Eagar currently resides in Logan, Utah where she strives to balance her love of writing with raising a husband and two kids. Her short story, The Quake, was recently published in the Wells Street Journal, a publication distributed by the University of Westminster. Heather is also a book reviewer and you can find reviews for Middle-grade fiction through Adult novels on her website,www.heatheraeagar.com.
Twitter: @haeagarInstagram: wonder_of_words (Stay tuned for a post a day through 2016)
December 22, 2015
COVER REVEAL - COGLING - JORDAN ELIZABETH
What an awesome cover! I excited to be part of Jordan's cover reveal.
COGLINGA Steampunk Fairy Tale for Young Adults who love a little Romance in their Adventures
· When fifteen-year-old Edna Mather tears an expensive and unfamiliar pocket watch off her little brother's neck, he crumbles into a pile of cogs right before her eyes. Horrified, Edna flees for help, but encounters Ike, a thief who attempts to steal the watch before he realizes what it is: a device to power Coglingsâclockwork changelings left in place of stolen children who have been forced to work in factories.
Desperate to rescue her brother, Edna sets off across the kingdom to the hags' swamp, with Ike in tow. There, they learn Coglings are also replacing nobility so the hags can stage a rebellion and rule over humanity. Edna and Ike must stop the revolt, but the populace believes hags are helpful godmothers and healers. No one wants to believe a lowly servant and a thief, especially when Ike has secrets that label them both as traitors.
Together, Edna and Ike must make the kingdom trust them or stop the hags themselves, even if Ike is forced to embrace his dark heritage and Edna must surrender her family. ###COGLING has already gained advanced praise from NY Times Bestselling author Maria V. Snyder!âThis is a fun YA Steampunk novel. It's very different than many other Steampunk stories I've read. Basic plot is Edna's brother is kidnapped by hags and replaced with a "cogling" and she's on a mission to find and rescue her brother. The world is a Victorian-era with a strict class system for the humans and for those with magic. The woman with magic are called hags and the men with magic are orges and they're not nice and are planning to change the system. I really enjoyed learning about the world and the characters are well drawn and engaging.â###Check out COGLING on GoodReads and Curiosity Quills.
· Meet the author â Jordan Elizabeth Mierek lives in a dream world. Sometimes she comes out to do her day job, but most of the time she is writing about her favorite people â her characters! COGLING is her fourth book. Her previous steampunk series, the Treasure Chronicles, include TREASURE DARKLY and BORN OF TREASURE. Her debut novel, ESCAPE FROM WITCHWOOD HOLLOW, is a young adult fantasy-horror. You can find her short stories in numerous anthologies. Check out her website, JordanElizabethMierek.com, for contests and bonus stories!
Win a steampunk necklace!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
COGLINGA Steampunk Fairy Tale for Young Adults who love a little Romance in their Adventures
· When fifteen-year-old Edna Mather tears an expensive and unfamiliar pocket watch off her little brother's neck, he crumbles into a pile of cogs right before her eyes. Horrified, Edna flees for help, but encounters Ike, a thief who attempts to steal the watch before he realizes what it is: a device to power Coglingsâclockwork changelings left in place of stolen children who have been forced to work in factories.
Desperate to rescue her brother, Edna sets off across the kingdom to the hags' swamp, with Ike in tow. There, they learn Coglings are also replacing nobility so the hags can stage a rebellion and rule over humanity. Edna and Ike must stop the revolt, but the populace believes hags are helpful godmothers and healers. No one wants to believe a lowly servant and a thief, especially when Ike has secrets that label them both as traitors.
Together, Edna and Ike must make the kingdom trust them or stop the hags themselves, even if Ike is forced to embrace his dark heritage and Edna must surrender her family. ###COGLING has already gained advanced praise from NY Times Bestselling author Maria V. Snyder!âThis is a fun YA Steampunk novel. It's very different than many other Steampunk stories I've read. Basic plot is Edna's brother is kidnapped by hags and replaced with a "cogling" and she's on a mission to find and rescue her brother. The world is a Victorian-era with a strict class system for the humans and for those with magic. The woman with magic are called hags and the men with magic are orges and they're not nice and are planning to change the system. I really enjoyed learning about the world and the characters are well drawn and engaging.â###Check out COGLING on GoodReads and Curiosity Quills.
· Meet the author â Jordan Elizabeth Mierek lives in a dream world. Sometimes she comes out to do her day job, but most of the time she is writing about her favorite people â her characters! COGLING is her fourth book. Her previous steampunk series, the Treasure Chronicles, include TREASURE DARKLY and BORN OF TREASURE. Her debut novel, ESCAPE FROM WITCHWOOD HOLLOW, is a young adult fantasy-horror. You can find her short stories in numerous anthologies. Check out her website, JordanElizabethMierek.com, for contests and bonus stories!
Win a steampunk necklace!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
December 14, 2015
REVIEW TOUR - BROKEN DOLLS - TYROLIN PUXTY
I am honored to be part of the review tour.
BROKEN DOLLS, by Tyrolin Puxty
Genre(s): science-fiction, fantasy, horror
Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press
Date of ReleaseÂÂ: December 14, 2015
Cover Artist: Eugene Teplitsky
Find Online: Amazon US | Amazon UK| Goodreads
Description:
Ella doesnât remember what itâs like to be human - after all, sheâs lived as a doll for thirty years. She forgets what itâs like to taste, to breatheâ¦to love.
She helps the professor create other dolls, but they donât seem to hang around for long. His most recent creation is Lisa, a sly goth. Ella doesnât like Lisa. How could she, when Lisa keeps trying to destroy her?
Ella likes the professorâs granddaughter though, even if she is dying. Gabby is like Ellaâs personal bodyguard. Itâs too bad the professor wants to turn Gabby into a doll too, depriving her of an educationâ¦depriving her of life.
With time running out and mad dolls on the rampage, Ella questions her very existence as she unearths the secrets buried in her past; secrets that will decide whether Gabby will befall the same fateâ¦
Iâm a Jack, or more accurately, a Tyrolin of all trades. In my 23 years, I have walked the red carpet for song nominations, was awarded Australian of the Year in 2014 for Music and in 2015 for the Arts, worked as a qualified paralegal, appeared in TV Shows, hired for product photography, modelled, became a Justice of the Peace, started my own club for school children interested in the arts, worked for a successful magazine company, published a book, hugged a koala and had a show ride collapse on my head. Find Tyrolin Puxty Online:Website| Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads Curiosity Quills Press (CQ) is a small hybrid publishing company specializing in genre fiction of the highest quality. With 150+ titles in our catalog already and approximately 6 new books coming out each month, thereâs never a dull moment at CQ. We work with major retailers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Audible to ensure that you, the reader, can find whatever you are looking for at your convenience.Founded in 2011 by Eugene Teplitsky and Lisa Gus, CQ was initially a resource portal for writing and publishing, created in an effort to help writers, like themselves, survive the publishing industry. After rapid success, CQ morphed into publishing press that over time has solidified its share in the market. Now we spend our days searching for the next great escape!Website| Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
MY REVIEW:Broken Dolls is a compelling engrossing story. It kind of reminded me of a twisted, dark, fun Toy Story. Tyrolin Puxty has a knack for building tension and suspense. You know something bad is happening but what? Dolls with human souls are not an everyday occurrence. This along with the plague makes for a high stakes novel.Tyrolin develops new, compelling, interesting characters. Even though this story is about dolls they have highly human qualities. This is an interesting journey into what it takes to be human. Your heart goes out to the girls. I felt this was a creative well executed story.
I give Broken Dolls 5 out of 5 stars.
BROKEN DOLLS, by Tyrolin Puxty
Genre(s): science-fiction, fantasy, horror
Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press
Date of ReleaseÂÂ: December 14, 2015
Cover Artist: Eugene Teplitsky
Find Online: Amazon US | Amazon UK| Goodreads
Description:
Ella doesnât remember what itâs like to be human - after all, sheâs lived as a doll for thirty years. She forgets what itâs like to taste, to breatheâ¦to love.
She helps the professor create other dolls, but they donât seem to hang around for long. His most recent creation is Lisa, a sly goth. Ella doesnât like Lisa. How could she, when Lisa keeps trying to destroy her?
Ella likes the professorâs granddaughter though, even if she is dying. Gabby is like Ellaâs personal bodyguard. Itâs too bad the professor wants to turn Gabby into a doll too, depriving her of an educationâ¦depriving her of life.
With time running out and mad dolls on the rampage, Ella questions her very existence as she unearths the secrets buried in her past; secrets that will decide whether Gabby will befall the same fateâ¦
Iâm a Jack, or more accurately, a Tyrolin of all trades. In my 23 years, I have walked the red carpet for song nominations, was awarded Australian of the Year in 2014 for Music and in 2015 for the Arts, worked as a qualified paralegal, appeared in TV Shows, hired for product photography, modelled, became a Justice of the Peace, started my own club for school children interested in the arts, worked for a successful magazine company, published a book, hugged a koala and had a show ride collapse on my head. Find Tyrolin Puxty Online:Website| Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads Curiosity Quills Press (CQ) is a small hybrid publishing company specializing in genre fiction of the highest quality. With 150+ titles in our catalog already and approximately 6 new books coming out each month, thereâs never a dull moment at CQ. We work with major retailers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Audible to ensure that you, the reader, can find whatever you are looking for at your convenience.Founded in 2011 by Eugene Teplitsky and Lisa Gus, CQ was initially a resource portal for writing and publishing, created in an effort to help writers, like themselves, survive the publishing industry. After rapid success, CQ morphed into publishing press that over time has solidified its share in the market. Now we spend our days searching for the next great escape!Website| Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
MY REVIEW:Broken Dolls is a compelling engrossing story. It kind of reminded me of a twisted, dark, fun Toy Story. Tyrolin Puxty has a knack for building tension and suspense. You know something bad is happening but what? Dolls with human souls are not an everyday occurrence. This along with the plague makes for a high stakes novel.Tyrolin develops new, compelling, interesting characters. Even though this story is about dolls they have highly human qualities. This is an interesting journey into what it takes to be human. Your heart goes out to the girls. I felt this was a creative well executed story.
I give Broken Dolls 5 out of 5 stars.
December 12, 2015
REVIEW TOUR - THE DEADLY DANCE - ELIZA TILTON
I am honored to be part of Eliza Tilton's review tour.
DEADLY DANCE, by Eliza Tilton
Genre(s): young-adult high/ epic fantasy
Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press
Date of ReleaseÂÂ: December 10, 2015
Cover Artist: Eugene Teplitsky
Find Online: Amazon US | Amazon UK| Goodreads
Description:
Talk of war has reached Lakewood and Derrick is busy day and night crafting weapons and armor for his father, which keeps him from thinking of Jeslyn and how she left. When Lucy shows up at his shop, smirking, and talking about Jeslynâs mysterious disappearance, heâs ready to slice off her head; instead, he decides to see if her claims about Jeslyn and Lucino vanishing together are true.
As Derrick and Lucy embark on a hunt to find Jeslyn and Lucino, their hatred will turn into mutual acceptance as the trail will lead them into Nomadâs land and straight into war.
DEADLY DANCE is a novelette that takes place between Book 2 & Book 3 of The Daath Chronicles.
My Review:
It is interesting to have two characters that hate each other and want to kill one another, but also have a certain magnetic attraction. This formula is what kept me reading Elizaâs novella. You have magic, monsters and romance, what more do you want? I did not read the prequels though, so maybe I would not have liked these characters as much if I had read more about their dirty deeds.
I give this a solid five out of five stars.
DEADLY DANCE, by Eliza Tilton
Genre(s): young-adult high/ epic fantasy
Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press
Date of ReleaseÂÂ: December 10, 2015
Cover Artist: Eugene Teplitsky
Find Online: Amazon US | Amazon UK| Goodreads
Description:
Talk of war has reached Lakewood and Derrick is busy day and night crafting weapons and armor for his father, which keeps him from thinking of Jeslyn and how she left. When Lucy shows up at his shop, smirking, and talking about Jeslynâs mysterious disappearance, heâs ready to slice off her head; instead, he decides to see if her claims about Jeslyn and Lucino vanishing together are true.
As Derrick and Lucy embark on a hunt to find Jeslyn and Lucino, their hatred will turn into mutual acceptance as the trail will lead them into Nomadâs land and straight into war.
DEADLY DANCE is a novelette that takes place between Book 2 & Book 3 of The Daath Chronicles.
My Review:
It is interesting to have two characters that hate each other and want to kill one another, but also have a certain magnetic attraction. This formula is what kept me reading Elizaâs novella. You have magic, monsters and romance, what more do you want? I did not read the prequels though, so maybe I would not have liked these characters as much if I had read more about their dirty deeds.
I give this a solid five out of five stars.
December 10, 2015
REVIEW TOUR - WATCH OUT FOR THE GLOWING BANANAS - DAVID HAMMONS
I am excited to be part of David Hammons review tour.
Genre(s): post-apocalyptic comedy
Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press
Date of ReleaseÂÂ: December 7, 2015
Cover Artist: Polina Sapershteyn
Find Online: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Goodreads
Description:
Itâs hard to find a decent brunch in the post-apocalyptic wasteland. But thatâs all Henry Rosetta wants from the world. That, and not to be eaten by nomadic cannibals. Henry has traveled the nuclear bomb-blasted highways critiquing the finest radioactive eateries and cataloging his experiences. All the while, heâs been searching for the knowledge of why the bombs fell. Itâs this hunger for specialty food and forbidden knowledge that brings Henry to the city of New Dallas. There, Henry meets a green-skinned mutant, a katana-wielding assassin, and a horrible dictator who claims to know why the bombs fell. Henry must help the people of New Dallas and learn the great secret of how the world ended. And maybe get a taco along the way.
About The Author:While visiting Cambridge during my time studying abroad, I tried to sneak into C. S. Lewisâs old apartment. I wanted to stand where the old master stood. I wanted to glean bits of imagination that no-doubt still clung to those walls. A locked door barred my path, and I fled to the safety of the campus pub.It has been my goal to live a life that is notable as the life of that master of writing. Iâve climbed the slopes of Machu Picchu, swam in Loch Ness, smuggled ice cream into China, and made moonshine in my hometown. I studied writing and business in school, and gave up a position in my familyâs Black Walnut company to chase my dream. Life, if you make it so, can be an adventure.Despite all my adventures, there is no greater journey than that which can be found in a book. It was cartoons that got me into writing, works meant for children that as an adult fascinated me with their joyful outlook. It was the old masters, Lewis, Tolkien, Hemmingway, Vonnegut, who challenged me to live an adventure of a life, and then write even greater adventures in books. Perhaps one day Iâll make it into that old Cambridge apartment. Perhaps one day Iâll be invited.Find David Hammons Online:Website| Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads Curiosity Quills Press (CQ) is a small hybrid publishing company specializing in genre fiction of the highest quality. With 150+ titles in our catalog already and approximately 6 new books coming out each month, thereâs never a dull moment at CQ. We work with major retailers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Audible to ensure that you, the reader, can find whatever you are looking for at your convenience.Founded in 2011 by Eugene Teplitsky and Lisa Gus, CQ was initially a resource portal for writing and publishing, created in an effort to help writers, like themselves, survive the publishing industry. After rapid success, CQ morphed into publishing press that over time has solidified its share in the market. Now we spend our days searching for the next great escape!Website| Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
My Review:First things first, I loved the title.David Hammons humorous view of the dystopian world reminded me of Terry Pratchettâs disc world. I loved Davidâs wry sense of humor and his novel approach to a post nuclear holocaust world. I enjoyed Henry, the MC, his creative approach to staying alive and remain, un-maimed and uneaten was refreshing as was his satirical perception of the universe.
Of course like all dystopian comedies this is a little dark at times and the collective view of humanity here is less than positive, but what do you expect from a nuclear holocaust book; bunnies and lollipops?
I give this 4 out of 5 stars.
Genre(s): post-apocalyptic comedy
Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press
Date of ReleaseÂÂ: December 7, 2015
Cover Artist: Polina Sapershteyn
Find Online: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Goodreads
Description:
Itâs hard to find a decent brunch in the post-apocalyptic wasteland. But thatâs all Henry Rosetta wants from the world. That, and not to be eaten by nomadic cannibals. Henry has traveled the nuclear bomb-blasted highways critiquing the finest radioactive eateries and cataloging his experiences. All the while, heâs been searching for the knowledge of why the bombs fell. Itâs this hunger for specialty food and forbidden knowledge that brings Henry to the city of New Dallas. There, Henry meets a green-skinned mutant, a katana-wielding assassin, and a horrible dictator who claims to know why the bombs fell. Henry must help the people of New Dallas and learn the great secret of how the world ended. And maybe get a taco along the way.
About The Author:While visiting Cambridge during my time studying abroad, I tried to sneak into C. S. Lewisâs old apartment. I wanted to stand where the old master stood. I wanted to glean bits of imagination that no-doubt still clung to those walls. A locked door barred my path, and I fled to the safety of the campus pub.It has been my goal to live a life that is notable as the life of that master of writing. Iâve climbed the slopes of Machu Picchu, swam in Loch Ness, smuggled ice cream into China, and made moonshine in my hometown. I studied writing and business in school, and gave up a position in my familyâs Black Walnut company to chase my dream. Life, if you make it so, can be an adventure.Despite all my adventures, there is no greater journey than that which can be found in a book. It was cartoons that got me into writing, works meant for children that as an adult fascinated me with their joyful outlook. It was the old masters, Lewis, Tolkien, Hemmingway, Vonnegut, who challenged me to live an adventure of a life, and then write even greater adventures in books. Perhaps one day Iâll make it into that old Cambridge apartment. Perhaps one day Iâll be invited.Find David Hammons Online:Website| Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads Curiosity Quills Press (CQ) is a small hybrid publishing company specializing in genre fiction of the highest quality. With 150+ titles in our catalog already and approximately 6 new books coming out each month, thereâs never a dull moment at CQ. We work with major retailers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Audible to ensure that you, the reader, can find whatever you are looking for at your convenience.Founded in 2011 by Eugene Teplitsky and Lisa Gus, CQ was initially a resource portal for writing and publishing, created in an effort to help writers, like themselves, survive the publishing industry. After rapid success, CQ morphed into publishing press that over time has solidified its share in the market. Now we spend our days searching for the next great escape!Website| Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
My Review:First things first, I loved the title.David Hammons humorous view of the dystopian world reminded me of Terry Pratchettâs disc world. I loved Davidâs wry sense of humor and his novel approach to a post nuclear holocaust world. I enjoyed Henry, the MC, his creative approach to staying alive and remain, un-maimed and uneaten was refreshing as was his satirical perception of the universe.
Of course like all dystopian comedies this is a little dark at times and the collective view of humanity here is less than positive, but what do you expect from a nuclear holocaust book; bunnies and lollipops?
I give this 4 out of 5 stars.
December 8, 2015
REVIEW TOUR - THE ACTUATOR 2: RETURN OF THE SABOTEUR
I'm honored to be part of James and Aiden's review tour.
Genre: Science-Fiction Fantasy Thriller
Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press
Date of ReleaseÂÂ: 07/20/15
Cover Artist: Michelle Johnson at Blue Sky Design
Find Online: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Goodreads
Description:
The Machine Monks fight to keep control of the Actuator while enemies attack the base. As besiegers wear them down, the rest of the world struggles to adapt to the chaos left in the wake of the great change. Their only choice is to push forward and find the next key and shutdown the fantasy realm surrounding the base. When they do, Xenwyn will die.Haunted by the incalculable death toll all over the earth, Jon accepts the mission to recover the next key. Despite his injuries and as much as he hates to leave his newfound love, he refuses to let all of humanity suffer if he can fix it.Desperate to keep Xenwyn alive, Red determines to find a magical cure before Jon gets back with the key. Each time he takes her across a border, might be the end.Seeing all his friends in turmoil, Dragon Star sets out to find the saboteur. If the architect of this dark world cannot offer any means of setting things right, he will at least see consequences for the horrors he unleashed.None of them ever imagined the Actuator could still make the world even worse.
James Wymore:
Moving often as a youth, James Wymoreâs family finally settled in the desert paradise of Utah.
He spent a couple years in Korea contemplating the balance of opposing forces. After learning chaos theory in college he found the ideal environment to continue his studies of the uncontrollable, and became a teacher. He earned a Masterâs degree before departing from the academic path to seek the greater freedoms of fiction. Still fascinated by the borders of randomness, he now spends his free time playing and creating games with his friends and children.
Although he patiently awaits the Tallest Writer in History award, James Wymore has won several awards for his short stories.
His early books, rumored to have been written as young as sixteen, are forever locked away. Now a published author, he has realized one of his childhood dreams.
In his dwindling free time, he draws a line of death themed comics called Parting Shots. You can see them along with games he makes and his disorderly blog at http://jameswymore.wordpress.com
Social Links: Homepage | Facebook | Twitter | Google Plus | Goodreads | Amazon
Aiden James
I began writing stories roughly fourteen years ago, after pursuing a career as a singer/songwriter in Denver and later in Nashville. My writing career couldâve been a brief one, as it started one night when it was my turn to read a bedtime story to my two young sons. Rather than read the âMouse birthday bookâ for the umpteenth time, I began a ramble about a mystical world parallel to our own, a world where sinister creatures sought to take a little boy into their hidden lair⦠forever.
My first critical reviews from my young audience were mixed. My youngest child, Tyler, was enthralled about the magical place I created, and eagerly awaited more. However, my oldest, Christopher, thought it was the dumbest tale he had ever heard! Luckily, my wife, Fiona, listened nearby. She thought the idea had potential, although she kept that fact a secret until the following spring, 1997. When she suggested I create a fuller blown version of this story, it marked the beginning of my love affair with writing stories.
I wish I could tell you that the experience has always been a glorious progression, where crafting characters, incredible landscapes with captivating plots, and surprising twists was easy. Far from it. It took nearly three years for me to complete my first novelâbased on the bedtime story to my boys who by then were young teenagersâand another two years to decide if I liked it enough to show it to anyone else.
Since then, I have written nine more novels, and presently have five established book series out there, with a brand new sixth series set to start in the fall with Curiosity Quills Press. The first installment of this new series is entitled âThe Serendipitous Curse of Solomon Brandtâ, and will be a serialized project before it is released as a full book in early 2013. After this series, which explores the true nature of good and evil, who knows what will be on the menu next? Something dark and creepy⦠Or, perhaps something light and fun?
Definitely, I intend for it to be something well worth your time to check outâJust wait nâ see!
Social Links: Homepage | Facebook | Twitter | Google Plus | Goodreads | Amazon
Curiosity Quills Press (CQ) is a small hybrid publishing company specializing in genre fiction of the highest quality. With 150+ titles in our catalog already and approximately 6 new books coming out each month, thereâs never a dull moment at CQ. We work with major retailers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Audible to ensure that you, the reader, can find whatever you are looking for at your convenience.Founded in 2011 by Eugene Teplitsky and Lisa Gus, CQ was initially a resource portal for writing and publishing, created in an effort to help writers, like themselves, survive the publishing industry. After rapid success, CQ morphed into publishing press that over time has solidified its share in the market. Now we spend our days searching for the next great escape!Website| Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
My Review:
This modern fantasy reminded me of a video game with the characters passing from world to world; each area having unique rules and challenges. The authors have created an original and compelling story. The characters are interesting and deeply human; you root for them as they attempt to overcome their constantly changing challenges. I didnât read the first book so it took a while to feel grounded in the story and to get my mind into it, but after that it was quite a compelling read.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars.
Genre: Science-Fiction Fantasy Thriller
Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press
Date of ReleaseÂÂ: 07/20/15
Cover Artist: Michelle Johnson at Blue Sky Design
Find Online: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Goodreads
Description:
The Machine Monks fight to keep control of the Actuator while enemies attack the base. As besiegers wear them down, the rest of the world struggles to adapt to the chaos left in the wake of the great change. Their only choice is to push forward and find the next key and shutdown the fantasy realm surrounding the base. When they do, Xenwyn will die.Haunted by the incalculable death toll all over the earth, Jon accepts the mission to recover the next key. Despite his injuries and as much as he hates to leave his newfound love, he refuses to let all of humanity suffer if he can fix it.Desperate to keep Xenwyn alive, Red determines to find a magical cure before Jon gets back with the key. Each time he takes her across a border, might be the end.Seeing all his friends in turmoil, Dragon Star sets out to find the saboteur. If the architect of this dark world cannot offer any means of setting things right, he will at least see consequences for the horrors he unleashed.None of them ever imagined the Actuator could still make the world even worse.
James Wymore:
Moving often as a youth, James Wymoreâs family finally settled in the desert paradise of Utah.
He spent a couple years in Korea contemplating the balance of opposing forces. After learning chaos theory in college he found the ideal environment to continue his studies of the uncontrollable, and became a teacher. He earned a Masterâs degree before departing from the academic path to seek the greater freedoms of fiction. Still fascinated by the borders of randomness, he now spends his free time playing and creating games with his friends and children.
Although he patiently awaits the Tallest Writer in History award, James Wymore has won several awards for his short stories.
His early books, rumored to have been written as young as sixteen, are forever locked away. Now a published author, he has realized one of his childhood dreams.
In his dwindling free time, he draws a line of death themed comics called Parting Shots. You can see them along with games he makes and his disorderly blog at http://jameswymore.wordpress.com
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Aiden James
I began writing stories roughly fourteen years ago, after pursuing a career as a singer/songwriter in Denver and later in Nashville. My writing career couldâve been a brief one, as it started one night when it was my turn to read a bedtime story to my two young sons. Rather than read the âMouse birthday bookâ for the umpteenth time, I began a ramble about a mystical world parallel to our own, a world where sinister creatures sought to take a little boy into their hidden lair⦠forever.
My first critical reviews from my young audience were mixed. My youngest child, Tyler, was enthralled about the magical place I created, and eagerly awaited more. However, my oldest, Christopher, thought it was the dumbest tale he had ever heard! Luckily, my wife, Fiona, listened nearby. She thought the idea had potential, although she kept that fact a secret until the following spring, 1997. When she suggested I create a fuller blown version of this story, it marked the beginning of my love affair with writing stories.
I wish I could tell you that the experience has always been a glorious progression, where crafting characters, incredible landscapes with captivating plots, and surprising twists was easy. Far from it. It took nearly three years for me to complete my first novelâbased on the bedtime story to my boys who by then were young teenagersâand another two years to decide if I liked it enough to show it to anyone else.
Since then, I have written nine more novels, and presently have five established book series out there, with a brand new sixth series set to start in the fall with Curiosity Quills Press. The first installment of this new series is entitled âThe Serendipitous Curse of Solomon Brandtâ, and will be a serialized project before it is released as a full book in early 2013. After this series, which explores the true nature of good and evil, who knows what will be on the menu next? Something dark and creepy⦠Or, perhaps something light and fun?
Definitely, I intend for it to be something well worth your time to check outâJust wait nâ see!
Social Links: Homepage | Facebook | Twitter | Google Plus | Goodreads | Amazon
Curiosity Quills Press (CQ) is a small hybrid publishing company specializing in genre fiction of the highest quality. With 150+ titles in our catalog already and approximately 6 new books coming out each month, thereâs never a dull moment at CQ. We work with major retailers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Audible to ensure that you, the reader, can find whatever you are looking for at your convenience.Founded in 2011 by Eugene Teplitsky and Lisa Gus, CQ was initially a resource portal for writing and publishing, created in an effort to help writers, like themselves, survive the publishing industry. After rapid success, CQ morphed into publishing press that over time has solidified its share in the market. Now we spend our days searching for the next great escape!Website| Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
My Review:
This modern fantasy reminded me of a video game with the characters passing from world to world; each area having unique rules and challenges. The authors have created an original and compelling story. The characters are interesting and deeply human; you root for them as they attempt to overcome their constantly changing challenges. I didnât read the first book so it took a while to feel grounded in the story and to get my mind into it, but after that it was quite a compelling read.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars.
