Tis the season to be completely swamped. But I've still managed to keep up with my reading and I thought I'd write a quick post and share a couple of thoughts.
First up~ The Iron Warrior by Julie Kagawa.
I LOVE the Iron Fey series. Megan, Puck, and Ash are some of my all time favorite characters. (Team Ash) So of course I had to follow along into the next series, but I have to admit I did't love it. The first two books I'd give a "strong like", and the last book, well...I barely finished. In fact I wanted to DNF it. By the time I hit 75% I mostly scanned through and read the last chapter. I just felt the story dragged and took to long to get to the point.
Next up~ The Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
The follow up to the Shadow and Bone series. Once again, I did not love it as much as the first trilogy, but I liked it enough to continue with the series. The characters were unique, flawed but likable, and the writing itself is absolutely to die for. Tension and conflict in every scene.
Now I'm reading The Fifth Wave, and have Winter on my Christmas list.
Got to go, thanks for stopping by and happy reading!
Friday, December 11, 2015
Sunday, November 29, 2015
And Introducing...Author Ruth Silver
This week I am happy to feature, and interview author Ruth Silver. Ruth has a variety of books in multiple genres, more than I even kew about! So please, take a look around, I think you will find something you'll like!
Hello Ruth! Thank you for stopping by Words Escape Me and
chatting with us today. I’m looking forward to sharing you’re works with the
readers here. Lets jump right in!
While scrolling through the list of your published books I
learned something new about you. That not only do you write YA Dystopian and
Fantasy books, but that you also write Adult Romance under the names Allison
West, and Ravyn Rayne. You have such a vast list of books to offer.
~Do you have one genre that you enjoy writing over the
others?
I love all sorts of genres but my favorite is probably
dystopian. I’ve written dystopian in both the YA and adult romance genres.
~What books have influenced your life?
I absolutely loved John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars. It’s not just the emotion and story but the
way he writes, very poetic.
~What is your favorite part about living in Chicago?
I live in the suburbs of Chicago, but I love the Midwest.
The people are far friendlier than some of the other cities I’ve lived in.
~Can you tell us what you are currently working on?
Sure! I’m working on a steamy adult romance that is set in
the Victorian era. It’s about a governess with a bit of a sticky hand that
finds herself constantly in trouble.
~What are you currently reading?
I’m reading a few books at the moment. Judging His Little
Girl by Breanna Hayse and Outlander by Diana Gabaldon.
~Do you have any advice for the aspiring writers out there?
Write a lot. Then write some more. The only way to improve
is to keep writing.
Allison West &
Ravyn Rayne Links
Romance Blog – http://spankingauthor.com
Facebook – http://facebook.com/allisonwestauthor
Facebook – http://facebook.com/ravynraynereads
Twitter – http://twitter.com/blushingravyn
Twitter – http://twitter.com/blushingallison
Ruth Silver Links
YA Blog – http://writeawaybliss.com
Facebook – http://facebook.com/writeawaybliss
Twitter – http://twitter.com/writeawaybliss
Sunday, November 15, 2015
Local Book Signing!
http://www.victorialindstrom.com .
Monday, October 26, 2015
How To Turn On Text To Speech On Kindle Fire
Hello folks. This one is for the writers.
I wanted to share a link to Tattered Page Ink (my book design site) that seems the getting a lot of hits. It's an article about finding typos in your writing, and a short video on how to turn on the text to speech feature on the Kindle Fire. Incase you were ever wondering how to that...click here. I hope you find it useful.
Happy writing!
I wanted to share a link to Tattered Page Ink (my book design site) that seems the getting a lot of hits. It's an article about finding typos in your writing, and a short video on how to turn on the text to speech feature on the Kindle Fire. Incase you were ever wondering how to that...click here. I hope you find it useful.
Happy writing!
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
What the Heck is Faerieworlds?
One thing I do every year, without question, is attend the absolutely coolest festival on the entire planet...Faerieworlds. When I talk about my expeirences at Faerieworlds everyone always asks what it is about.
Well first of all, it's a real life faerie realm here on earth. It's about community, making new friends, and listening to great music. I could go on and on, but you know as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words, or in this case, a video.
Here is a link to a post I wrote about my first Faerieworlds where I got to meet Melissa Marr! It was quite entertaining to say the least.
Well first of all, it's a real life faerie realm here on earth. It's about community, making new friends, and listening to great music. I could go on and on, but you know as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words, or in this case, a video.
Here is a link to a post I wrote about my first Faerieworlds where I got to meet Melissa Marr! It was quite entertaining to say the least.
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
OMG! I Can Hardly Stand the Wait....A Drop of Night by Stefan Backmann
This post was inspired by an article I read on Itching for Books. Thank you, Shane. I'm so excited I want to share it too! Yes I know the cover was released in June, but it's new to me, so there.
I am huge fan of Stefan Bachmann. I love his writing style, snarky tweets, The Peculiars, and his contributions to The Cabinet of Curiosities. A couple of years ago I had the pleasure of meeting him at Wordstock in Portland Oregon. While there he was promoting the upcoming The Cabinet of Curiosities, and his most recent release, The Whatnot. During his Q & A session he briefly talked about a YA novel that he was writing. Being that YA is my favorite genre, my interest was piqued. Without further ado, I share with you, A Drop of Night. Available March of 2016.
Add to Goodreads
Five gifted teenagers are selected out of hundreds of other candidates to fly to France and help with the excavation of a vast, underground palace buried a hundred feet below the suburbs of Paris. Built in the 1780's to hide an aristocratic family and a mad duke during the French Revolution, the palace was sealed after the aristocrats fled there. No one has set foot in it for over two centuries.
Now, in the present day, the teenagers enter with cutting-edge technology, state-of-the-art security, scientists and chaperones. And then a brutal accident occurs. No way out. Caught in the dark.
They will have to fight to survive. But are they really alone in the depths?
Doesn't it sound wonderful. I would pre-order it, but I can't decide if I want it on my Kindle, or hardback. Decisions, decisions. Here is a link to Stefan's blog where he revealed the cover for the first time, and he talks about how he hated the title! (Only at first, though. It is quite common for the publisher to choose book titles, despite what the author wants. Who knew? Now all of you do.)
I am huge fan of Stefan Bachmann. I love his writing style, snarky tweets, The Peculiars, and his contributions to The Cabinet of Curiosities. A couple of years ago I had the pleasure of meeting him at Wordstock in Portland Oregon. While there he was promoting the upcoming The Cabinet of Curiosities, and his most recent release, The Whatnot. During his Q & A session he briefly talked about a YA novel that he was writing. Being that YA is my favorite genre, my interest was piqued. Without further ado, I share with you, A Drop of Night. Available March of 2016.
Add to Goodreads
Five gifted teenagers are selected out of hundreds of other candidates to fly to France and help with the excavation of a vast, underground palace buried a hundred feet below the suburbs of Paris. Built in the 1780's to hide an aristocratic family and a mad duke during the French Revolution, the palace was sealed after the aristocrats fled there. No one has set foot in it for over two centuries.
Now, in the present day, the teenagers enter with cutting-edge technology, state-of-the-art security, scientists and chaperones. And then a brutal accident occurs. No way out. Caught in the dark.
They will have to fight to survive. But are they really alone in the depths?
Doesn't it sound wonderful. I would pre-order it, but I can't decide if I want it on my Kindle, or hardback. Decisions, decisions. Here is a link to Stefan's blog where he revealed the cover for the first time, and he talks about how he hated the title! (Only at first, though. It is quite common for the publisher to choose book titles, despite what the author wants. Who knew? Now all of you do.)
From left, my friend, author Victoria Lindstrom, Claire Legrand, Stefan Bachmann, and Emma Trevayne (and a random lady who had no idea she photo bombed this awesome pic) |
My personalized copy of The Whatnot |
Monday, September 28, 2015
Introducing...Tattered Page Ink Interior Book Design and Formatting
For the last year I've been working on two things, publishing Ensnared, and working as a book designer. I've been keeping the book design thing on the down low until I was established and had a permanent online presence.
Tattered Page Ink has its own blog where I will talk about the publishing world, as well as offer helpful information for self published writers to help bring their future best sellers to life. Here are a couple examples of my most recent work. I'm also offering a giveaway for a free design.
by yours truly |
The Tale of Willaby Creek by Victoria Lindstrom |
Monday, September 7, 2015
It's Finally Live
Finally! After two long years I present to you Ensnared. It has been a long time coming. I'm so excited that I can finally share Jade's fate with the world. (Buy links in the side bar.)
Facing monstrous demons, a ravenous dragon, and a malicious faerie queen are the least of Jade’s worries.
It has been a fortnight since Jade confronted Draven, and he has emerged from the battle more terrifying than ever. Armed with a new plan and fueled with unrelenting determination, Draven casts a dark spell and calls forth new players that no one ever expected, bringing him one step closer to opening the portal to The Fathom.
Jade vows to bring an end to the madness she feels responsible for and works to harness her elemental power, but unforeseen consequences arise. Her power is growing beyond what she can control, and it’s on the verge of destroying her from within.
Was learning to use her magical ability the beginning…or the beginning of the end?
Facing monstrous demons, a ravenous dragon, and a malicious faerie queen are the least of Jade’s worries.
It has been a fortnight since Jade confronted Draven, and he has emerged from the battle more terrifying than ever. Armed with a new plan and fueled with unrelenting determination, Draven casts a dark spell and calls forth new players that no one ever expected, bringing him one step closer to opening the portal to The Fathom.
Jade vows to bring an end to the madness she feels responsible for and works to harness her elemental power, but unforeseen consequences arise. Her power is growing beyond what she can control, and it’s on the verge of destroying her from within.
Was learning to use her magical ability the beginning…or the beginning of the end?
Saturday, August 29, 2015
New To My Shelf...The Witch Hunter
Back in the olden days my favorite thing to do was visit my favorite real life book store, Borders. It was a time before Amazon and book bloggers ruled the kingdom and publishers were forced to win me over with nothing more than a snazzy cover and catchy summary. It was always a surprise to see what I could find and I loved scouring the shelves and hunting for treasure.
Now I probably shouldn't admit this, but some time back I quit following book blogs and stopped reading reviews on Amazon. I wanted to get back to what I loved while I still have an actual brick-and-mortar store to frequent. The newest and most popular books still pop up in my Twitter feed, but I go out of my way not the read about them, unless a friend makes a point to recommend it.
So after spending a half hour walking up and down the YA aisle in Barnes & Noble, this is what I decided to give a try. The Witch Hunter, by Virginia Boecker. I've never heard of the book or the author, but I liked what I read on the flap copy and thought I would give it a try.
The Witch Hunter~
Your greatest enemy isn't what you fight, but what you fear.
Elizabeth Grey is one of the king's best witch hunters, devoted to rooting out witchcraft and doling out justice. But when she's accused of being a witch herself, Elizabeth is arrested and sentenced to burn at the stake.
Salvation comes from a man she thought was her enemy. Nicholas Perevil, the most powerful and dangerous wizard in the kingdom, offers her a deal: he will save her from execution if she can break the deadly curse that's been laid upon him.
But Nicholas and his followers know nothing of Elizabeth's witch hunting past--if they find out, the stake will be the least of her worries. And as she's thrust into the magical world of witches, ghosts, pirates, and one all-too-handsome healer, Elizabeth is forced to redefine her ideas of right and wrong, of friends and enemies, and of love and hate.
Virginia Boecker weaves a riveting tale of magic, betrayal, and sacrifice in this unforgettable fantasy debut.
Now I probably shouldn't admit this, but some time back I quit following book blogs and stopped reading reviews on Amazon. I wanted to get back to what I loved while I still have an actual brick-and-mortar store to frequent. The newest and most popular books still pop up in my Twitter feed, but I go out of my way not the read about them, unless a friend makes a point to recommend it.
So after spending a half hour walking up and down the YA aisle in Barnes & Noble, this is what I decided to give a try. The Witch Hunter, by Virginia Boecker. I've never heard of the book or the author, but I liked what I read on the flap copy and thought I would give it a try.
The Witch Hunter~
Your greatest enemy isn't what you fight, but what you fear.
Elizabeth Grey is one of the king's best witch hunters, devoted to rooting out witchcraft and doling out justice. But when she's accused of being a witch herself, Elizabeth is arrested and sentenced to burn at the stake.
Salvation comes from a man she thought was her enemy. Nicholas Perevil, the most powerful and dangerous wizard in the kingdom, offers her a deal: he will save her from execution if she can break the deadly curse that's been laid upon him.
But Nicholas and his followers know nothing of Elizabeth's witch hunting past--if they find out, the stake will be the least of her worries. And as she's thrust into the magical world of witches, ghosts, pirates, and one all-too-handsome healer, Elizabeth is forced to redefine her ideas of right and wrong, of friends and enemies, and of love and hate.
Virginia Boecker weaves a riveting tale of magic, betrayal, and sacrifice in this unforgettable fantasy debut.
Monday, August 10, 2015
We're Almost There!
A quick update on Ensnared. All I need to do is approve the proof and we're in business! I estimate that Ensnared will be available for sale in about one week!
For those of you with the Kindle subscription service, Awakened will be free until August 21st. I am pulling it from the program so that it will again be available on all platforms. So if you've been waiting to download, you better hurry!
For those of you with the Kindle subscription service, Awakened will be free until August 21st. I am pulling it from the program so that it will again be available on all platforms. So if you've been waiting to download, you better hurry!
Monday, July 27, 2015
NW Book Festival and New Books To My Shelf
Book Modeling. It's totally a thing. |
I met loads of new people and I look forward to attending next year.
Oh look, there's Blue. How did he get in there? |
Sunday, June 21, 2015
Two Weeks and Counting!!
In exactly 14 days Ensnared will be in the hands of my most awesome editor for its final proofread. If everything goes according plan, which I am confident it will, Ensnared should available by the end of July!
I'll keep you posted!
I'll keep you posted!
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
And Introducing...The Tale of Willaby Creek Release Event
Welcome to the release event for The Tale of Willaby Creek by Victoria Lindstrom! This is a middle grade adventure fantasy that has just released!
About the Book:
A magical tale of amazing sacrifice...
When a violent windstorm strikes an enchanted rain forest many of the woodland creatures of Willaby Creek are stranded, injured, or lost forever to the frenzied force of the tempest. Basil, a black bear full of doubt and fear, becomes the unlikely leader to head the woodland creatures' rescue. He is joined by Daphne, a spunky blue dryad; Oliver, a wise horned owl; Elbert, a noble elk; and a host of other creatures that inhabit the enchanted rain forest.
Dangerous twists and turns in this animal adventure fantasy cause Basil to discover a courage, and a conviction, he never knew he had. The answers to the ancient mysteries in this magical tale emerge in an extraordinary finale under the tall timbers of the hidden hinterland.
For seven years my husband and I owned a cabin on the shore of Lake Quinault, near Willaby Creek. We spent many weekends enjoying the beauty and tranquility of the Olympic National Forest. While there, we saw: Black bears, Roosevelt elk, eagles, herons, river otter, raccoons, one bobcat, and a host of other little critters.When a violent windstorm strikes an enchanted rain forest many of the woodland creatures of Willaby Creek are stranded, injured, or lost forever to the frenzied force of the tempest. Basil, a black bear full of doubt and fear, becomes the unlikely leader to head the woodland creatures' rescue. He is joined by Daphne, a spunky blue dryad; Oliver, a wise horned owl; Elbert, a noble elk; and a host of other creatures that inhabit the enchanted rain forest.
Dangerous twists and turns in this animal adventure fantasy cause Basil to discover a courage, and a conviction, he never knew he had. The answers to the ancient mysteries in this magical tale emerge in an extraordinary finale under the tall timbers of the hidden hinterland.
Add to your Goodreads shelf
Buy from Amazon Hardcover | Amazon Kindle | Nook
A Note From the Author:
In December 2006 the Hanukkah Eve Windstorm hit the Pacific Northwest causing severe damage to parts of the Olympic National Forest. One afternoon following the windstorm I wondered: What happened to all the animals? After that, a seed of the story that was to become The Tale of Willaby Creek tumbled into my mind.
As writers, we are told to write what we know; the setting for The Tale of Willaby Creek is definitely a familiar place to me!
Willaby Creek Falls |
-----------------------------------------------------------------
About the Author:
VICTORIA LINDSTROM is a full-time writer, a voracious reader, and the author of the children's picture book, The Scandinavian Santa. She loves to wander through the woods, capture the beauty of Nature in photographs, and visit museums and fine art galleries. She and her husband, Michael, live near the shore of the Columbia River in the Pacific Northwest. You may visit Victoria at: www.victorialindstrom.com
Giveaway:
One $50 Amazon gift card (INT), One hardcover copy of The Tale of Willaby Creek (US) and an ebook of The Tale of Willaby Creek (INT) as well as 3 bookmarks (US)
Ends 7/13
One $50 Amazon gift card (INT), One hardcover copy of The Tale of Willaby Creek (US) and an ebook of The Tale of Willaby Creek (INT) as well as 3 bookmarks (US)
Ends 7/13
This event was organized by CBB Book Promotions.
Friday, June 5, 2015
My Thoughts... The Young Elites by Marie Lu
The Young Elites
By Marie Lu
My thoughts~
I have mixed feelings about this book. I will start of with the things that I liked.
I loved the writing style. Marie Lu writes very believable settings and her characters move around very naturally. Everything was so clearly written I felt like I was watching a movie. The tone and feel of the book is on the edgy side which in return enhanced the vivid imagery.
This doesn't happen very often, but what I liked most about this book was the secondary characters. They are a wild bunch, but they care about each other and each individual contributes to the story in a unique fashion.
Now for what I did not really care for. The main character. I just didn't connect with her and I didn't like her that much. In fact, my feelings toward Adelina actually made me quit caring about the story.
But in the end I enjoyed the writing so much I am going to give Legend a try.
Summary~
I am tired of being used, hurt, and cast aside.
Adelina Amouteru is a survivor of the blood fever. A decade ago, the deadly illness swept through her nation. Most of the infected perished, while many of the children who survived were left with strange markings. Adelina’s black hair turned silver, her lashes went pale, and now she has only a jagged scar where her left eye once was. Her cruel father believes she is a malfetto, an abomination, ruining their family’s good name and standing in the way of their fortune. But some of the fever’s survivors are rumored to possess more than just scars—they are believed to have mysterious and powerful gifts, and though their identities remain secret, they have come to be called the Young Elites.
Teren Santoro works for the king. As Leader of the Inquisition Axis, it is his job to seek out the Young Elites, to destroy them before they destroy the nation. He believes the Young Elites to be dangerous and vengeful, but it’s Teren who may possess the darkest secret of all.
Enzo Valenciano is a member of the Dagger Society. This secret sect of Young Elites seeks out others like them before the Inquisition Axis can. But when the Daggers find Adelina, they discover someone with powers like they’ve never seen.
Adelina wants to believe Enzo is on her side, and that Teren is the true enemy. But the lives of these three will collide in unexpected ways, as each fights a very different and personal battle. But of one thing they are all certain: Adelina has abilities that shouldn’t belong in this world. A vengeful blackness in her heart. And a desire to destroy all who dare to cross her.
It is my turn to use. My turn to hurt.
By Marie Lu
My thoughts~
I have mixed feelings about this book. I will start of with the things that I liked.
I loved the writing style. Marie Lu writes very believable settings and her characters move around very naturally. Everything was so clearly written I felt like I was watching a movie. The tone and feel of the book is on the edgy side which in return enhanced the vivid imagery.
This doesn't happen very often, but what I liked most about this book was the secondary characters. They are a wild bunch, but they care about each other and each individual contributes to the story in a unique fashion.
Now for what I did not really care for. The main character. I just didn't connect with her and I didn't like her that much. In fact, my feelings toward Adelina actually made me quit caring about the story.
But in the end I enjoyed the writing so much I am going to give Legend a try.
Summary~
I am tired of being used, hurt, and cast aside.
Adelina Amouteru is a survivor of the blood fever. A decade ago, the deadly illness swept through her nation. Most of the infected perished, while many of the children who survived were left with strange markings. Adelina’s black hair turned silver, her lashes went pale, and now she has only a jagged scar where her left eye once was. Her cruel father believes she is a malfetto, an abomination, ruining their family’s good name and standing in the way of their fortune. But some of the fever’s survivors are rumored to possess more than just scars—they are believed to have mysterious and powerful gifts, and though their identities remain secret, they have come to be called the Young Elites.
Teren Santoro works for the king. As Leader of the Inquisition Axis, it is his job to seek out the Young Elites, to destroy them before they destroy the nation. He believes the Young Elites to be dangerous and vengeful, but it’s Teren who may possess the darkest secret of all.
Enzo Valenciano is a member of the Dagger Society. This secret sect of Young Elites seeks out others like them before the Inquisition Axis can. But when the Daggers find Adelina, they discover someone with powers like they’ve never seen.
Adelina wants to believe Enzo is on her side, and that Teren is the true enemy. But the lives of these three will collide in unexpected ways, as each fights a very different and personal battle. But of one thing they are all certain: Adelina has abilities that shouldn’t belong in this world. A vengeful blackness in her heart. And a desire to destroy all who dare to cross her.
It is my turn to use. My turn to hurt.
Monday, May 18, 2015
It's Finally Here! Ensnared Cover Reveal and Giftcard Giveaway!!!
Here she is in all her glory! The cover for Ensnared, book two in the Legends of Elyndia. As of now the Legends of Elyndia will consist of five stories, but this book wraps up Jade's tale. Now don't fret, we get to meet the characters of the next three installments in Ensnared. Coming this August.
About the Book:
Facing monstrous demons, a ravenous dragon, and a malicious faerie queen are the least of Jade’s worries.
It has been a fortnight since Jade confronted Draven, and he has emerged from the battle more terrifying than ever. Armed with a new plan and fueled with unrelenting determination, Draven casts a dark spell and calls forth new players that no one ever expected, bringing him one step closer to opening the portal to The Fathom.
Back at the Citadel, the people are divided and succumbing to the dark magic that threatens to encompass the entire realm. To unravel a tangled web of hidden truths, Jade plays a dangerous game of her own and works in secret to uncover something the Council is refusing to share. But the more she learns, the more she begins to question if she is doing the right thing.
Jade vows to bring an end to the madness she feels responsible for and works to harness her elemental power, but unforeseen consequences arise. Her power is growing beyond what she can control, and it’s on the verge of destroying her from within.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Cover by Regina Wamba at Mae I Design
Friday, May 15, 2015
Once Chance Night Book Blitz...by Eliza Boyd
Once Chance Night by Eliza Boyd
Series: Make a Change #1
Genre: New Adult Contemporary
Pages: 188
Published: May 15, 2015 by Patchwork Press
Book Description:
On the surface, Chelsea Greer has it all: A loving husband. A nice house. A good job.
In reality, she works hard to maintain the illusion that is her life. She's also missing the most important thing:
Love.
One night could change her life. One night could give her the strength to rediscover what's important. In one night, she could find love when she most needs it and least expects it.
All Chelsea has to do is follow her heart after One Chance Night.
Eliza Boyd's Once Chance Night is out today! This is one New Adult romance that you will not want to miss and will make for a great summer read. The BLOG TOUR is currently taking sign-ups; it will run from June 15th to June 26th and Eliza would love for you to participate!
Purchase Links:
Purchase Links:
Eliza Boyd is a contemporary women’s fiction and romance author. Also an avid reader, she writes novels, short stories, poetry, and whatever else strikes her fancy. Born and raised in Northern Illinois, she now lives in sunny Arizona with her husband and her plethora of animals. When she’s not reading, writing, or working, she can be found walking around her neighborhood (for exercise, not for stalking), taking photos of her pets, or catching up on her favorite shows. Catching up really means binge-watching.
Monday, May 11, 2015
It's Almost Time To Share My Cover...Wanna Help?
I know it has been a very long time since I've given an update for book two in the Legend's of Elydia series. Now there is finally an end it sight! As we speak, Ensnared is in the trusted hands of my editor, bringing us one step closer to the August release.
Next Monday is the cover reveal for Ensnared. If you would like to be a part of it you can sign up at CBB Book Promotions. As a host you will be able to offer your readers the chance to enter a Rafflecopter for a $25 Amazon gift card, and you will be entered into a separate host only drawing for a $10 gift card.
My cover was created by the ever most talented Regina Wamba at Mae I Design. I have to admit, the cover is pretty awesome. I wish I could take credit for it. But I gave Regina 100% artistic control and she knocked it out of the park.
Are you tempted yet? Please read the summary below.
Next Monday is the cover reveal for Ensnared. If you would like to be a part of it you can sign up at CBB Book Promotions. As a host you will be able to offer your readers the chance to enter a Rafflecopter for a $25 Amazon gift card, and you will be entered into a separate host only drawing for a $10 gift card.
My cover was created by the ever most talented Regina Wamba at Mae I Design. I have to admit, the cover is pretty awesome. I wish I could take credit for it. But I gave Regina 100% artistic control and she knocked it out of the park.
Are you tempted yet? Please read the summary below.
Facing monstrous demons, a ravenous dragon, and a malicious faerie queen are the least of Jade’s worries.
It has been a fortnight since Jade confronted Draven, and he has emerged from the battle more terrifying than ever. Armed with a new plan and fueled with unrelenting determination, Draven casts a dark spell and calls forth new players that no one ever expected, bringing him one step closer to opening the portal to The Fathom.
Back at the Citadel, the people are divided and succumbing to the dark magic that threatens to encompass the entire realm. To unravel a tangled web of hidden truths, Jade plays a dangerous game of her own and works in secret to uncover something the Council is refusing to share. But the more she learns, the more she begins to question if she is doing the right thing.
Jade vows to bring an end to the madness she feels responsible for and works to harness her elemental power, but unforeseen consequences arise. Her power is growing beyond what she can control, and it’s on the verge of destroying her from within.
Was learning to use her magical ability the beginning…or the beginning of the end?
Monday, April 27, 2015
Cover Reveal...The Tale of Willaby Creek, by Victoria Lindstrom
I'm excited to share the cover reveal of The Tale of Willaby Creek by Victoria Lindstrom! This is a middle grade adventure fantasy that releases in June 2015. I was a beta reader for this delightful tale and it would be the perfect book to bring along on any summer camping trip or a visit to a national park. Make sure to stop by the giveaway below.
About the Book:
A magical tale of amazing sacrifice...
When a violent windstorm strikes an enchanted rain forest many of the woodland creatures of Willaby Creek are stranded, injured, or lost forever to the frenzied force of the tempest. Basil, a black bear full of doubt and fear, becomes the unlikely leader to head the woodland creatures' rescue. He is joined by Daphne, a spunky blue dryad; Oliver, a wise horned owl; Elbert, a noble elk; and a host of other creatures that inhabit the enchanted rain forest.
Dangerous twists and turns in this animal adventure fantasy cause Basil to discover a courage, and a conviction, he never knew he had. The answers to the ancient mysteries in this magical tale emerge in an extraordinary finale under the tall timbers of the hidden hinterland.
When a violent windstorm strikes an enchanted rain forest many of the woodland creatures of Willaby Creek are stranded, injured, or lost forever to the frenzied force of the tempest. Basil, a black bear full of doubt and fear, becomes the unlikely leader to head the woodland creatures' rescue. He is joined by Daphne, a spunky blue dryad; Oliver, a wise horned owl; Elbert, a noble elk; and a host of other creatures that inhabit the enchanted rain forest.
Dangerous twists and turns in this animal adventure fantasy cause Basil to discover a courage, and a conviction, he never knew he had. The answers to the ancient mysteries in this magical tale emerge in an extraordinary finale under the tall timbers of the hidden hinterland.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
About the Author:
VICTORIA LINDSTROM is a full-time writer, a voracious reader, and the author of the children's picture book, The Scandinavian Santa. She loves to wander through the woods, capture the beauty of Nature in photographs, and visit museums and fine art galleries. She and her husband, Michael, live near the shore of the Columbia River in the Pacific Northwest. You may visit Victoria at: www.victorialindstrom.com
Giveaway:
One hardcover copy of The Tale of Willaby Creek (US) and an ebook of The Tale of Willaby Creek (INT)
(Books will be delivered upon release, or shortly before.)
Ends May 19, 2015
One hardcover copy of The Tale of Willaby Creek (US) and an ebook of The Tale of Willaby Creek (INT)
(Books will be delivered upon release, or shortly before.)
Ends May 19, 2015
This event was organized by CBB Book Promotions.
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Gambit Blog Tour and Guest Post by C.L. Denault
Today I am excited to be a part of the Gambit, by C.L. Renault, blog tour. When I read the summary it sounded like I book I would enjoy reading, and I wanted to help spread the word and introduce this YA dystopian to you, too.
Summary~
In Earth’s
battle-ridden future, humans have evolved. Those with extraordinary skills rise
to power and fame. Those without live in poverty.
Sixteen-year-old
Willow Kent believed she was normal. But when a genetically-advanced military
officer shows up in her village and questions her identity, long-buried secrets
begin to emerge. With remarkable skills and a shocking genetic code the Core
and its enemies will do anything to obtain, Willow suddenly finds the freedom
she craves slipping through her fingers. Greed, corruption, and genetic
tampering threaten every aspect of her existence as she’s thrust, unwilling,
into the sophisticated culture of the elite Core city. To ensure peace, she
must leave the past behind, marry a man she’s never met, and submit to the
authority of a relentless officer with a hidden agenda of his own.
Her life
has become a dangerous game. How much will she sacrifice in order to win?
Get
Gambit in paperback or for your kindle today!
A Web of Inspiration
My brain is a spider. Weird, right?
I’m not terribly crazy about spiders, mind you. Especially
those gray ones with the hairy legs. Ugh! I almost stepped on one as a child.
It was a dark morning, and I was barefoot, and when I flipped on the light, I
saw that hairy beast right beside my toes. I’m pretty sure I screamed. And for
weeks afterward, I would stand on my bed and lean over, propping my hands
against the wall before turning on the light. No way was I going to step on
that floor until I knew it was hairy-legged-spider-free.
But when I think of my brain, it reminds me of a spider. Not
because they’re venomous and predatory and attack defenseless hobbits carrying
The One Ring, but because they spin webs. Delicate, intricate webs that catch
the morning dew and sparkle in the sunlight. Meaningful webs, like the ones
Charlotte spun for Wilber to save his life.
When people ask me what inspired Gambit, I can’t really give
them a quick answer. That’s because my brain is constantly spinning a web of
thoughts. A strand here, a strand there, not really looking like much or making
sense—until suddenly, they all come together.
It was an episode of Alphas
on the Syfy channel that gave me a revelation moment for Gambit. My brain had
been doing its normal thing, spinning strands of thought and speculation and
wonder. One was about the 2012 Mayan prediction for the end of the world.
Another had to do with an article I’d read about the instability of the US
economy. Yet another was about the theory of evolution. Others were actively
being spun—like the cool, superhuman abilities in the Alphas episode.
And then, somehow, my brain connected the superhuman
characters with evolution; and those connected with my wonder at our planet
alignment; and then it mixed in my fears about an economy that might be on the
verge of collapsing.
A series of “what-ifs” followed. What if the Mayan
prediction wasn't about the end of the world, but about a jump in human
evolution? What if people all over the world started manifesting unusual
abilities? What if those people were treated like celebrities, but then—as they
became more numerous—were feared and eventually hunted down? What if those
extraordinary people fought back by initiating a global economic meltdown? What
if a terrible war followed, and the people with abilities won?
For me, it was one breathless moment. In that moment, my
brain connected the strands—and I saw
that future in all its darkness and possibility. So I handed it over to my
imagination and let the magic begin.
So while I’m not a huge fan of spiders, I love what they can
do. I love their dedication, their persistence, and their talent for connecting
tiny strands together to create a thing of beauty.
Just like Charlotte.
About the author:
C.L. Denault is a speculative fiction writer who
loves dreaming up tales of adventure and intrigue. A former systems analyst,
she gave up her nerdy code-writing skills to care for her family (including a
son with special needs), and currently lives among the vast stretches of
cornfields in Illinois.
Writing stories and posting on The INFJ Café are
her biggest passions, along with drinking coffee and watching sci-fi. When
she’s not hanging out with her husband and kids, she can usually be found at a
library or tucked away in the shadowy corner of a hip coffeehouse. She’s also
been glimpsed sneaking into her garage, late at night, to work on her time
machine.
Her debut novel, Gambit, is the first in
a Young Adult dystopian series.
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