Bolog Tour: The Stone Guardian by Theresa McClinton- The End Of The World Book Blast!

Hello everyone and welcome to The Ends Of The World Book Blast for The Stone Guardian by Theresa McClinton! To celebrate the release of The Stone Guardian today, the 14th of December author Theresa McClinton is giving away a $50 Amazon Gift Card and an e-copy of The Stone Guradian!

But first lets take a look at The Stone Guardian!

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The Stone Guradian!

  When myth becomes reality, reality becomes a nightmare.

Like any other teenager in America, Ashley just wants a normal life. But growing up in an orphanage for the insane is anything but normal. After endless therapy and increasing medication, her nightmares have only gotten worse.

Probably because they’re not nightmares.

When Ashley’s mysteriously abducted, she finds a reality even less normal than the orphanage. And she discovers something else—she’s no ordinary orphan. Faced with enemies thought to only exist in fairy tales, Ashley discovers she possesses a powerful Maya bloodline. She’s the daughter of an ancient Maya Guardian, whose duty is to protect the Stone of Muuk’ich, an enchanted relic blessed by the gods. But first she must get it back from Sarian, a power-hungry demigod who slaughtered the last guardian—Ashley’s mother. Without the stone, all will be lost.

When she meets Arwan, a hot Belizean time bender, his delicious olive skin and dark eyes make her feel a little less alone. But his gentle whispers and reassuring touch might not be all they seem. How can she balance love and duty when it’s up to her to prevent the rising of the underworld? Especially when the guy she loves might be its crown prince…

Add The Stone Guardian on Goodreads!

Meet Theresa McClinton!

A long time enthusiast of things that go bump in the night, Theresa started her writing career as a journalism intern—possibly the least creative writing field out there. After her first semester at a local newspaper, she washed her hands of press releases and features articles to delve into the whimsical world of young adult paranormal romance. Since then, Theresa has gotten married, had three terrific kids, moved to central Ohio, and was repeatedly guilt tripped into adopting a menagerie of animals that are now members of the family. But don’t be fooled by her domesticated appearance. Her greatest love is travel. Having stepped foot on the soil of over a dozen countries, traveled to sixteen U.S. states—including an extended seven-year stay in Kodiak, Alaska—she is anything but settled down. But wherever life brings her, she will continue to weave tales of adventure and love with the hope her stories will bring joy and inspiration to her readers.

Visit Theresa:
Website // Goodreads // Facebook // Twitter GIVEAWAY:
Don't forget to enter the giveaway for your chance to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card or an e-copy of The Stone Guardian! Open internationally!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Head to Theresa's website to find the complete list of bloggers particapating! I want to say a BIG THANK YOU to author Theresa McClinton for inviting me to be a part of the fun of this book blast!

Blog Tour: Destiny by Laura DeLuca Excerpt

Welcome to the Bookmark Blitz Tour for Destiny by Laura DeLuca presented by Buy the Book Tours. Today as part of this Bookmark Blitz tour I have all the book info and an excerpt to share with you guys! Hope you enjoy!

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Destiny by Laura DeLuca  

Gabriella is a witch. The problem is, she doesn't remember. She repressed the memories of her powers years ago when her mother was murdered. Now, the warlock who was responsible for her mother's death has set his sights on Gabriella. He is determined to use her fear to turn her to the dark side of magick…even if it kills her. Her mother's spirit is reaching out to warn her, but even that she pushes away. Desperate to save her daughter, the spirit finds a male witch–one that just happens to be in love with Gabriella. Darron is more than willing to help but the two young witches will have way more to battle than just an evil warlock. There are overbearing jocks and petty rich girls who get tempers flaring and often set Gabriella and Darron at odds. There is more to the story than Gabriella and Darron could even imagine. There are terrible secrets to be revealed, battles to be waged, and lives will be lost. Only after Gabriella and Darron both come to terms with who they really are, and open themselves up to the true meaning of magick, can they have any hope of fulfilling their destiny.

Add Destiny on Goodreads!

Purchase Destiny:Amazon // Barnes & Nobles // Smashwords
Excerpt: Her eyes scanned the room, from the pale blue sofa to the bloody dent in the wall. But she didn't need her eyes to know Darron was there. Her heart sensed his presence before her eyes saw him lying in a heap on the ground. His body shuddered with occasional spasms, and even though he wasn't fully conscious, his lips were twisted in a grimace of pain.

Uttering a gasp of surprise, Gabriella flew to his side. She knelt beside him, and choked back a sob as she took his hand in her own. She saw his chest rise and fall and was glad to know was alive, but she felt helpless as she watched his face contort in pain. She noticed something wet and sticky on her fingertips. She gently titled his head and saw a large gash that looked like it needed medical attention. The skin around the gash was so deeply bruised it looked almost black.

"Darron, what happened to you?"

He didn't move or reply. Gabriella moved her hand from the cut on his forehead, and her fingers dripped with blood. She bit her lower lip with fear. She knew enough about head injuries to know that the wound could be serious. She grabbed a few tissues from a box on the coffee table, and tried to apply pressure to the wound, but it was useless. The tissues were soaked through in seconds.

"Darron?" She squeezed his hand, and fought back tears of fear and frustration. "Darron, please open your eyes. Please be all right!"

He squirmed and groaned a little in response. Looking at his contorted features, Gabriella felt incompetent and useless. She didn't know what to do to help him. The cut must need stitches. The blood was gushing through her fingertips, and she was sure his life was slipping away just as quickly.

More than anything, Gabriella wanted to help Darron, to end his suffering. Her thoughts, her desperation, caused something deep inside of her to stir. Something that had long been napping was awoken. The power she had fought so hard to deny was forcing its way to the surface. This time she didn't struggle against that power. Her instinct to hide from it was finally overcome by the thought of losing someone else she cared about.

Gabriella was pulling strength and warmth from the earth, as though her legs were tree roots taking nourishment from the element. A tingling sensation began in the tips of her toes and spread slowly though her body as she breathed in the essence of the element of air. Her blood flowed and grew warm, the element of water, bringing the power to the surface. She was overcome by a vigorous strength as she envisioned her spirit encircled by the element of fire. She felt so powerful that she thought she could stop the world from churning if that was what she wished. Gabriella focused the power, remembering for a moment her mother's lessons. She looked down at her battered friend. She willed him to open his eyes and look at her. She demanded it of him.

Gabriella would have thought it was impossible, but she felt herself grow warmer. Her face dripped with perspiration. The power within her reached a climax. Then finally, when she thought she might burst, she felt the energy release. It seeped through her fingers, and shined with an illumination that only she could see. She heard herself chanting unfamiliar words, and scarcely recognized her own voice.

"By the power of earth, water, fire and air,
Heal this man who's in my care.
Goddess, hear your daughter's plea.
As I will it, so mote it be!"

Gabriella repeated the words three times. Three was the number of power. Then she watched as the wound on Darron's forehead healed before her eyes, becoming smaller and smaller, until finally it was gone. The blood was still warm and sticky, but beneath the blood, the skin was smooth and unmarred. Even the horrible bruise had vanished. Gabriella stared in open astonishment, marveling at the work she had done.

Meet Laura DeLuca!

Laura “Luna” DeLuca lives at the beautiful Jersey shore with her husband and four children. She loves writing in the young adult genre because it keeps her young at heart. In addition to writing fiction, Laura is also the sole author of a popular review blog called New Age Mama. She is an active member of her local pagan community, and has been studying Wicca for close to eight years. Her current works include Destiny, Destiny Unveiled, Phantom, Morrigan and Player.

Visit Laura:
Website // Goodreads // Twitter // Facebook

_____________   I'd like to thank Buy the Book Tours and author Laura DeLuca for allowing me to be a part of this tour!

Blog Tour: Escape Publishing- Guest Post by Kate Cuthbert

Hello book lovers and welcome to the Escape Blog Tour!

Harlequin Escape Publishing is a great new publishing format launched by Harlequin Australia to help find fantastic new Aussie authors that were getting lost to the difficully often assossiated with the regular publishing method!

After an overwealming response, Escape Publishing recently launced their first batch of new authors and to celebrate, the managing Editor of Escape Publishing Kate Cuthbert has stopped by the blog to guest post and tell us more about the exciting new books available from Escape Publishing!

Let's fine out what Kate has to share with us........


GUEST POST:
Hi Rachel – thanks for inviting me to hang out on The Rest is Unwritten and add a few more books to your to-be-read pile!

My name is Kate, and I'm the Managing Editor of Escape Publishing, Harlequin Australia's new digital-first imprint. We launched in November, and we've got six new titles coming out in December. You can get all the information you need on our website: www.escapepublishing.com.au, and if you can't, then you can find out how to contact me and ask me directly.  

So let's get on to the fun stuff, yeah? The books!  

So we have six new titles coming out in December, from sweet to hot, short to long, sensual to suspenseful. We've also got our very first New Zealand-set story, and two fantastic multi-cultural Australian contemporaries. Let's get this show on the road:  

New Year’s Kisses by Rhian Cahill is very romantic, sweet, and sexy – and the sequel to Rhian’s Christmas Wishes, one of our launch titles. Emily has a five-year plan, and romance isn’t on it. But none told Wade that. When he blackmails her into a date, he makes it the date to end all dates: a New Year’s Eve party for two.

Short Soup by Coleen Kwan is a compelling contemporary about best friends, mistakes, and the healing power of Chinese food. Toni returns to her sleepy home town after a disastrous marriage, and finds everything like she left it–except her childhood friend Dion, who has new ambitions. But Toni has always been on Dion’s wishlist, and he’s not about to put the chance to be with her on the back burner.

Summer Fling by Serenity Woods is our first New Zealand story! It starts on top of the world–in an airplane with a very very sexy jump instructor and a very nervous chocolatier. After an ex declared her boring as he walked out the door, Chloe decides to take on the world by doing something truly terrifying. But this is not who she is, and she’s not sure that she’s ready for someone who flings himself into life as exuberantly as Garth.

Drawing Closer by Jenny Schwartz is a short little story with sizzle. Zoe has been in love with her cohort Nick for ages, but only she and her sketchbook–full of steamy nude drawings–know. Nick has a secret too, and the blackmailer is the only thing stopping him from going after Zoe full throttle. In the world of art, though, passion overrides everything.

No Strings Attached by Bridget Gray is a sweet, funny, surprising story set against the aftermath of the Boxing Day Tsunami. Mei Jing rescues Rod under extraordinary circumstances, and when they meet again years later, she remembers–he doesn’t. But the attraction is instantaneous. Mei Jing wants more from Rod than gratitude, and she struggles to find the right time to tell the truth. Will she be able to trust that he truly loves her, or is he just grateful to the woman who saved his life?

The Danger Game by Caitlyn Nicholas is suspenseful, surprising, and a little bit sexy – a romantic suspense story about something other than a serial killer! Flick likes computers. She’s good at them, and she can trust that they will do what she needs them to do. People, however, are less certain. But she can’t do this alone–her program, the one she developed, the most dangerous program in the world, has been stolen, her mentor murdered, and she’s being set up to take the fall. She needs Ben. Then together, they need to save the world.  

Let us know what you think of our titles – and what you'd like to see more of. We're very committed to giving readers what they want, but this works best if readers tell us what they want! You can grab us on the website – www.escapepublishing.com.au  – as well as across a variety of social media.

Thanks for hosting me Rachel! I hope you enjoy the reads!

(Kate with the 6 authors in question!) ___________   Wow, these books sounds pretty darn good! Looks like there's something for everyone no matter what your tastes are. I know I for one am beyond thrilled about the prospect of reading more fantastic stories by fantastic Aussie (and New Zealand, lol) authors---there simply isn't enough of them!


I'd like to say a BIG THANK YOU to Kate Cuthbert for stopping by the blog to talk all about this great new publishing platform and for introducing the the first group of new stories to be discovered because of it!

Blog Tour: Phoebe Pope and the Year of Four by Nya Jade

Welcome to the Book Blitz for Phoebe Pope and the Year of Four by Nya Jade thanks to Xpresso Book Tours! I'm thrilled to be telling you all about this fantastic new book as I think it looks just incredible!

Today, I'm sharing an excerpt from the book and there's also a brilliant tour wide giveaway to win a Kindle Fire HD so be sure to enter that too. Open internationally!

_________________   Phoebe Pope and the Year of Four  

The students of Green Lane Academy roam their halls unaware that below their manicured campus exists a prestigious school of an entirely different kind . . .

Sixteen-year-old Phoebe Pope has enrolled at the Campus Below: a spy academy for shape-shifters hidden deep beneath the grounds of a boarding school whose humans unknowingly protect it. There, thanks to a carefully planned schedule, she leads a double life: spy trainee Below and normal teenager Above.

As if two course loads, concealing a secret power she alone wields, and coping with her father’s recent death weren’t enough, Phoebe finds herself developing major feelings for actor and teen heartthrob Colten Chase, who attends the Campus Above and appears to be majoring in winning Phoebe’s heart. But when officials learn that Phoebe may be at the center of a startling prophecy, she becomes the target of shape-shifting assassins who will stop at nothing to suppress the truth.

Now Phoebe’s lessons about Shaper’s enemies and spycraft take on great importance as a menace stalks the campus, with Phoebe as its target. Meanwhile, what began as an unlikely relationship with Colten, quickly morphs into heartache when she suspects that something sinister lurks beneath this movie star’s glitter and fame. Suddenly, Phoebe’s caught in a mesh of lies, betrayals, and danger where she doesn’t know who to trust, and needs to rely on herself—and her secret power—to get to the truth and to stay alive.

Buy Phoebe Pope and the Year of Four on Amazon or add it on Goodreads!   Excerpt:   Phoebe was too far away to sense whether the boy had one heart or two. Through the maze of trees with clattering leaves, she could see him moving with purposeful speed. He was headed toward her destination—a brownstone chapel perched at the top of a small hill. Not knowing the boy’s nature made Phoebe hesitate. Then came the sound of tower bells. Eight o’clock. There was no time to think of an alternate route. She was officially late for the Conversion.
  A loud, echoing crack quickened Phoebe’s pace as lightning slashed the indigo sky above her. She had barely reached the base of the hill when rain began pounding down. Clutching the camera that hung from the strap around her neck, she sprinted the final stretch, arriving breathless.
  Phoebe wiped the rain from her face, and then entered the chapel. Inside, light from moon-facing windows cast a misty glow across the sanctuary, the air redolent with the smoke of a blazing fireplace. She glanced around the heart of the nondenominational Green Lane Academy. It seemed so ordinary, so quiet, even peaceful. Rows of pews with velvet cushions ran the width of the room. She moved between them, taking care to remain in the shadows. An irregular shape in a dark corner caught her eye and Phoebe could just barely make out the outline of the boy. He knelt with his head between his hands, his body huddled against a pew. Praying.
  Phoebe paused several feet away and waited. After a moment she felt energy seeping from the boy’s skin, raising the hairs on hers. Cold and electric, it meant one thing: the boy had only one heart. She couldn’t risk him seeing what she had come there to do. That meant waiting. Just then, something stirred behind her.
     Right now Phoebe Pope and the Year of Four is only $0.99 on Amazon! Make sure you get your own copy while you can--I have!  
Meet Nya Jade!  

Nya Jade is a singer-songwriter and author based in San Francisco. Her music videos have aired on the VH1, BET, and MTV networks. USA Today hailed Nya as a “young female troubadour worth keeping your eyes and ears on,” in an entertainment feature on up-and-coming singer-songwriters. “Her cool singing voice recalls Sade,” said the LA Times.

Between writing and performing new music, Nya took a musical sabbatical to focus on writing a novel—an endeavor she found quite daunting, until she began looking at each chapter as a verse in a very long song. Phoebe Pope and the Year of Four is her first novel.

In her free time, Nya enjoys hanging out with family and friends, searching for amazing gluten-free desserts, and bargain hunting for her next pair of funky shoes.

Nya holds a B.A. in Economics and an M.A. in Sociology, both from Stanford University.

GIVEAWAY:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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I hope you all decide to get yourself a copy of this book--not only is the cover stunning, but the description is just amazing.

I'd like to thank author Nya Jade and Giselle of Xpresson Book Tours for allowing me to be a part of this tour!

Waiting on Wednesday #35

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking The Spine where you can spotlight an upcoming release that you're eagerly anticipating.

This week I'm waiting on....    

Strangelets by Michelle Gagnon
Releases on: April 9th 2013.
Add it on Goodreads!

On a day like any other, six smarter-than-most teens wake up in the same hospital after having experienced a traumatic event that they can't quite remember ... other than being forcibly sucked into an abyss at the moment of their deaths. Somebody or something seems to be pulling the strings. With individual clocks ticking─and with each guarding an individual secret─they band together and conspire to piece together the whole of what happened.

Soon they discover that they've been trapped in a future that isn't of their making: a deadly, desolate world at once entirely familiar and utterly strange. Only one of them holds the key to getting them home. But which one, and why? As the truth is revealed through the eyes of its three key players, the reader is taken on a dark journey into both the hearts of teens who must do anything to survive, and into the heart of a parent who will do anything to protect his child.

Thoughts:
Am I the only one who this Strangelets sounds absolutely awesome?!? No. Good, because, how....freaking....amazing....does....this....book.....sound? Six teens waking up in a hospital with no memory of the event that led them there? Secrets, the future and teens who have to do anything to survive? Um, yes please!



What do you think of Strangelets? Are you adding it to your TBR list? And, what are YOU waiting on this week!
 

Book Shelf: Touch of Death (Touch of Death #1) by Kelly Hashway

Jodi Marshall isn’t sure how she went from normal teenager to walking disaster. One minute she’s in her junior year of high school, spending time with her amazing boyfriend and her best friend. The next she’s being stalked by some guy no one seems to know.

After the stranger, Alex, reveals himself, Jodi learns he’s not a normal teenager and neither is she. With a kiss that kills and a touch that brings the dead back to life, Jodi discovers she’s part of a branch of necromancers born under the 13th sign of the zodiac, Ophiuchus. A branch of necromancers that are descendents of Medusa. A branch of necromancers with poisoned blood writhing in their veins.

Jodi’s deadly to the living and even more deadly to the deceased. She has to leave her old, normal life behind before she hurts the people she loves. As if that isn’t difficult enough, Jodi discovers she’s the chosen one who has to save the rest of her kind from perishing at the hands of Hades. If she can’t figure out how to control her power, history will repeat itself, and her race will become extinct.

Add on Goodreads......


Review:

Kelly Hashway’s debut novel Touch of Death mixes necromancy and mythology in a fun, new story that is filled with romance and action.

Racing through this quick read, I found Touch of Death to be an overall enjoyable read. While the writing is simple, it’s solid and the inclusion of Greek Mythology throughout the book was interesting. Personally, I would have liked a more driven plot and at times the story dragged in my mind but Touch of Death more than adequately kept my attention.

While the cast of characters in this book were necessary to the story, I couldn’t help but find them dull the majority of times. I found it hard to connect with them in a manner I would have liked. However, no one was as they seemed and I enjoyed this aura of mystery. The Ophi were an intriguing group of people but something that wasn’t explored enough in my mind to create any depth to the characters.

As our main character, I liked Jodi, but there was nothing about her that stood out for me. I wanted to, really wanted to find something about her that I loved but I just couldn’t. Her kindness and bravery in the middle of everything that was happening was a stand out for me, but everything else about her personality seemed to get lost within the pages.

Alex unfortunately was on par with Jodi in my mind; a nice character but a bit too cardboard cut out for my liking. I liked that little spark he had and his wickedness in the beginning, but again there was just something missing for me. Both he and Jodi obviously had a connection but their romance seemed rushed and wasn’t something I felt needed to happen so soon considering Jodi had only recently lost her boyfriend.

And yet for all it’s faults there was something about this book that kept me reading. I’ve definitely read better books and feel like the authors brilliant idea fell flat. I’d like to see Jodi and Alex’s relationship deepened and explored in the next book as well as what it means for the couple and the group of kids they’re with now that they’ve defeated their enemies (for the time being) and have made an interesting new agreement with Hades.

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Spencer Hill Press. (Thanks Kate!)
Format: Paperback ARC.
Pre-order it: Amazon // The Book Depository
Recommendation: If you love Greek myth, then you'll enjoy this.
Cover: I LOVE this cover! It's stunning!
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Undecided at this point--possibly.

Gratitude Giveaway Winner!

First off I'd like to say a BIG THANK YOU to everyone who entered by Gratitude Giveaways giveaway and for Kathy at I Am A Reader, Not A Writer for organising the whole thing. I hope you all had fun during the hop :)

The winner is.....

Martina Koleva
......Martina has been contacted and has replied and her book has been ordered!

Thanks again to everyone who entered and stay turned for lots more fun giveaways from me!


Didn't win but are from Australia or New Zealand? Well, enter my giveaway for your chance to win 1 of 5 paperback copies of The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa :)

Owl Post #8

Hi happy book lovers!

I know it's been another couple of weeks since I sported an Owl Post, but life's finally been catching up with me lately. Guess it's heading towards that Christmas month!

Inspired by The Story Siren's In My Mailbox, Owl Post allows us bloggers to showcase the books we've bought, won or received throughout the week and is hosted by Brodie over at Eleusinian Mysteries. We all know that the Owl Post is the fastest way to send and receive mail and they certainly make me happy every time they drop a book off.   Anywhoo. Here's what I've received in the past couple of weeks.......  


For Review:  

  From Pan Macmillan Australia..... - The Skeleton Key by Tara Moss Just realised I showed this one last week, lol. Guess I'm really losing it. Haven't read any books in this series, although I may one day :)   - Wake by Amanda Hocking - Lullaby by Amanda Hocking I haven't had the chance to read any of Amanda Hocking's books although I've heard nothing but praise for them so I'm really looking forward to finally reading some. I know her Trylle series is very popular so I'll have to try to get my hands on them too :) Anyone read these books?   .....Thank you guys (And to Sarah for sending me Wake--welcome to Pan Macmillan!)  
  From Random House Australia...... -Wool by Hugh Howey I hadn't heard of this one before it turned up on my doorstep, but it sure sounds good. I'm really loving dystopians right now so I'm happy to have this.   - Hot Blooded by Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguié I haven't read the first book in this series yet although I really want to. I know both these authors are supposed to be excellent writers, so I'm thinking I'm gonna have to get the first book. Anyone agree?   ......Thank you Dorothy and the team at Random House for these two!
  From HarlequinTEEN Australia..... - The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa I've already read this in ARC form, but I was super excited to receive a copy of this!! It's so lovely having a finished copy, especially seeing how much I loved this one.   .....Thank you to the ever amazing Polina for this!     I Bought:  

  - Kissing Shakespeare by Pamela Mingle This is one book I've been waiting to be released for ages! It was even my WOW a while back :) There's just something so awesome about the sound of it and I knew I had to have to ASAP. Now I just have to find the time to read it. Oh, and it's that cover just beautiful?!?!   Kindle So, not only did I finally decide what to do with some of the money I got from my birthday last month, but I finally caved and got myself a Kindle! About time I think---now I can get around to all those ebooks that have been gathering up ;)  
And that's me for the past two weeks :) Be sure to let me know what the Owls dropped off for you this week!

The Weekly Wrap-Up #6

Credit goes to Ashley of Ashley Loves Books for the picture and wrap up idea!

Hello my lovelies!

How's the week been treating you? This week has been crazy in my household--no time to really read :( But I'm managed to stay (kinda) on top on my blogging.

So let's see what happened........

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  This week at The Rest Is Still Unwritten......   -I spoke about something close to my heart (and non book related) in my Give Back This Year....To Our Aussie Troops post! Check it out to find out how you can send carepackages to soldiers this Christmas!     I Reviewed: - Fated by Alyson Noel 3/5 stars! - Losing Lila by Sarah Alderson 4/5 stars!     -On Wednesday I shared to book trailer for Opal by Jennifer L. Armentrout, the 3rd book in Jennifer's highly addictive Lux series. I just adore this series and urge you all to check out the trailer for yourself!   GIVEAWAYS: -My Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa giveaway is still going on! AU and NZ have the chance to win 1 of 5 paperback copies! Enter here! Ends Dec 2nd.  

-Head here to my Gratitude Giveaway post for your chance to win a $10 or under book of your choice from The Book Depository! International :) ENDS TODAY!!    Blog Tour:   -The blog tour for Touch Of Death by Kelly Hashway thanks to Spencer Hill Press stopped here yesterday and Kelly guest posted!     Coming Soon!   Next week looks to be a quiet week with not many things happening in terms of tours and such. I'll be reviewing (of course) and announcing the winners of my Gratitude Giveaway hop, so stay tunned :)   _________________   And that's everything that's been going on at The Rest Is Still Unwritten this week! Here's to another book filled one--hope you all have a good one!  

Blog Tour: Touch of Death by Kelly Hashway Guest Post

Welcome to the Touch of Death by Kelly Hashway Blog Tour presented by Spencer Hill Press!

Today author Kelly Hashway shares a short guest post about why she used the mythology she did in Touch of Death.
_____________________   Why Mythology?
By Kelly Hashway

It’s no secret I love mythology. From the very first time I studied mythology in school, I wanted to step inside the books we read and live among the gods and other mythical creatures. Titans, Cyclops, Sirens—I mean, what’s not to love?

So when I came up with the idea for Touch of Death, I knew I wanted characters who had a connection to mythological beings. Medusa and Ophiuchus are huge parts of the story. Maybe it’s my fear of snakes, but I was always intrigued by Medusa. There are so many different stories about her, which gave me a lot to choose from, but when I discovered a myth about her and the 13th sign of the zodiac, I knew I’d found what I was looking for. My own birthday falls under the sign of Ophiuchus, so this really hit home for me. In fact, my main character, Jodi Marshall, and I share the same birthday.

And what better enemy than Hades himself? I wanted characters who had abilities that angered the gods and maybe even rivaled their powers. The tricky part was making sure that my characters were also human—or at least my main character. Jodi has a lot of power while still acting very much like a typical teenage girl, and that makes her one amazing necromancer.


Touch of Death!  

Jodi Marshall isn’t sure how she went from normal teenager to walking disaster. One minute she’s in her junior year of high school, spending time with her amazing boyfriend and her best friend. The next she’s being stalked by some guy no one seems to know.

After the stranger, Alex, reveals himself, Jodi learns he’s not a normal teenager and neither is she. With a kiss that kills and a touch that brings the dead back to life, Jodi discovers she’s part of a branch of necromancers born under the 13th sign of the zodiac, Ophiuchus. A branch of necromancers that are descendants of Medusa. A branch of necromancers with poisoned blood writhing in their veins.

Jodi’s deadly to the living and even more deadly to the deceased. She has to leave her old, normal life behind before she hurts the people she loves. As if that isn’t difficult enough, Jodi discovers she’s the chosen one who has to save the rest of her kind from perishing at the hands of Hades. If she can’t figure out how to control her power, history will repeat itself, and her race will become extinct.

Add Touch of Death on Goodreads or pre-order it on Amazon!


About Kelly (in her own words):

I write for children of all ages from picture books up to young adult. I am proudly represented by Lauren Hammond of ADA Management. My debut YA, TOUCH OF DEATH, releases January 15, 2013 through Spencer Hill Press. Also look for my other upcoming YA novels: STALKED BY DEATH (Spencer Hill Press, July 23, 2013), THE MONSTER WITHIN (Spencer Hill Press, April 2014), THE DARKNESS WITHIN (Spencer Hill Press, TBA), and INTO THE FIRE (Month9Books, spring 2014). My debut MG series CURSE OF THE GRANVILLE FORTUNE releases in 2016 through Month9Books.

Visit Kelley Hashway:
Website // Blog // Goodreads // Twitter // Facebook  

  ________________   Thank you to Spencer Hill Press and Kelly Hashway for allowing me to be a part of this tour and specifically to Kelly for providing this wonderful guest post!

Book Shelf: Losing Lila (Lila, #2) by Sarah Alderson

Alex and Lila are on the run, desperately trying to stay one step ahead of the Unit, which is somehow tracking their every move. While Alex is determined to keep Lila safe and her ability secret at any cost, Lila's only thought is of finding a way back to California so she can rescue her brother and mother from the military base where they're being held. Struggling to control both her growing power and her deepening feelings for Alex, Lila decides the time has finally come to stop running and start fighting.

Together with Alex, Demos, and the others she's come to think of as family, Lila plans not only to save her brother and mum, but also to completely destroy the Unit and everything it stands for. But the plan requires Lila to return to California alone, and to make friends with the enemy - and in doing so, she risks losing everything: Alex, her family… even her life.

Add on Goodreads......


Review:

Losing Lila by Sarah Alderson is a thrilling sequel that’s never lacking in action, danger and heart tingling romance!

My goodness do I love Sarah Alderson! Quickly becoming on of my favourite authors, there’s yet to be one of her books that I haven’t adored and Losing Lila is no exception. Written superbly, Losing Lila is heart pounding from the very first chapter. Continuing on with the storyline from the first book, Alderson once more expands on her world with shocking secrets and unexpected revelations.

I must admit I didn’t love this one as much as the first book, Hunting Lila but as far as sequel’s go this was a solid follow up. It didn’t read like a “filler” sequel either as so many seem to be nowadays, rather it has its own interesting storyline and purpose in the overall series that drove the book.

All the characters we loved from the first book are back together again to continue their fight against the Unit and the shady Sterling Enterprises once again. Though I won’t say what it is they join up again to do for fear of giving away spoilers, I will admit that Lila and her family are front and centre, with many revelations coming to light that I simply didn’t expect.

I thoroughly enjoy Anderson’s storytelling. Losing Lila was such a thrilling read. There’s never a dull moment in this book with so much going on and so much excitement happening. The action is heavy and the relationships between the characters form the perfect balance between non-stop action and high stakes danger with romance and emotion.

As with the first novel, Lila is still a wonderful heroine to read about; one who’s learning more about herself and who she is in Losing Lila. It was really lovely to see Lila really begin to accept herself in this book as well as embrace what she can do. As her abilities grow and she begins embrace her part in Demos little group, Lila is becoming a stronger person. Obviously past events have had an impact, but the woman she’s growing into is one I certainly love.

Alex is still his usual sexy self, stealing any scenes he’s in and winning my heart more and more. It was interesting seeing the tables turn for Alex a bit in Losing Lila and see him doubt himself. As someone always so sure and capable, it was nice seeing Alex appear vulnerable; even if he was questioning whether Lila needed him or not.

While the romance between Lila and Alex isn’t as intense this time around, nor is it as front and centre, the connection and spark between them continues to heat up the pages with their chemistry still blazing full force. One of the things that makes their relationship so strong for me is how rooted in the past it is. Having known each other since they were children, they’ve shared so many moments together and as Alex and Lila look back at these a couple of times during the book, you can’t deny the closeness between them that has always been there---I love that!

Exciting from beginning til end, I really didn’t want Losing Lilato finish. As I raced through it, unable to put it down, it became clear that Sarah Alderson had penned another winner here and I personally wait for more from this series! This is one you won’t want to miss!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Simon & Schuster Australia. (Thank you Caroline!)
Format: Paperback.
AU Release Date: Available now!
Buy it: Booktopia // The Nile // The Book Depository
Recommendation: This is one series that is a MUST READ. Love X-Men? Then you'll love this!
Cover: I don't love it as much as I did the first, but it's still an excellent cover.
Will I read sequel/continue with series: YES! Without a doubt!

Opal by Jennifer L. Armentrout Book Trailer Release!

Morning book lovers!

Today, I'm thrilled to help Entangled Publishing share the book trailer for Opal, the third book in Jennifer L. Armentrout's Luz series!

Opal will be released on the 11th of December this year and I for one cannot wait until it comes out. I love this series!
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What do you think? Isn't this a wonderful trailer?!? I love how it features the series cover models--makes it more authentic!

No one is like Daemon Black.

When he set out to prove his feelings for me, he wasn’t fooling around. Doubting him isn’t something I’ll do again, and now that we’ve made it through the rough patches, well... There’s a lot of spontaneous combustion going on.

But even he can’t protect his family from the danger of trying to free those they love.

After everything, I’m no longer the same Katy. I’m different... And I’m not sure what that will mean in the end. When each step we take in discovering the truth puts us in the path of the secret organization responsible for torturing and testing hybrids, the more I realize there is no end to what I’m capable of. The death of someone close still lingers, help comes from the most unlikely source, and friends will become the deadliest of enemies, but we won’t turn back. Even if the outcome will shatter our worlds forever.

Together we’re stronger... and they know it.

Add Opal on Goodreads!

Pre-order it:
Amazon // Barnes & Noble // The Book Depository

USA TODAY Bestselling author, Jennifer L. Armentrout, lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing, she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell, Loki. Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She also writes adult romance under the name J. Lynn.

Find Jennifer on:
Twitter // Facebook // Goodreads // Website // Blog   ________________   How excited are you guys for this book? Who's a fan? I'd love to know :)




 

Book Shelf: Fated (The Soul Seekers #1) by Alyson Noel

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Immortals comes a breathtaking new saga brimming with magic, mystery, and an intoxicating love story that will steal your heart away. Meet The Soul Seekers.

Strange things are happening to Daire Santos. Crows mock her, glowing people stalk her, time stops without warning, and a beautiful boy with unearthly blue eyes haunts all her dreams. Fearing for her daughter’s sanity, Daire’s mother sends her to live with the grandmother she’s never met. A woman who recognizes the visions for what they truly are—the call to her destiny as a Soul Seeker—one who can navigate the worlds between the living and dead.

There on the dusty plains of Enchantment, New Mexico, Daire sets out to harness her mystical powers. But it’s when she meets Dace, the boy from her dreams, that her whole world is shaken to its core. Now Daire is forced to discover if Dace is the one guy she's meant to be with...or if he’s allied with the enemy she's destined to destroy.

Add on Goodreads......


Review:

Fated is the first book in Alyson Noel’s new Soul Seekers series and is a delightfully enjoyable start to what looks to be a promising series!

I have to be brutally honest here and say that I wasn’t a fan of Alyson Noel’s Immortals series. I tried, I really did, reading the first two books however giving up halfway through the third as it was unfortunately not for me. Keeping that in mind, I wasn’t sure what to expect when beginning Fated so I’m happy to say that I while it didn’t exactly blow me away I did enjoy this book.

In my mind Fated started off slow and take me a while to really slip into the gist of the story but I found that Noel mixed Native American and Hispanic traditions, myths and culture with a lovely tale of danger, growth and family.

Overall the characters were alright; likable but without the real depth I prefer from my characters. As our heroines Daire is again, likable, and her voice isn’t one that’s too hard to follow. For the first novel in a series, Daire undertakes a lot of growth in Fated and at this point I’m not sure that’s a good thing or a bad thing. Either Daire will become one killer heroine in the future, or Noel has rushed the growing up process that I’m usually so fond of in YA books.

It was nice to see an author step outside of the traditional family and explore a more unique and dysfunctional one. The relationship our protagonist Daire sported with her mother was one that featured great maturity woven together with the normal mother/daughter relationship that was influenced by the young age at which Jennika gave birth to Daire. The relationship between Daire and her grandmother Paloma was another one I enjoyed seeing but felt wasn’t explored enough. This could have been such a thrilling relationship but while the love, respect and friendship developed, I didn’t really feel it like I wanted to. It seemed like one moment Daire hated and distrusted her grandmother and the next she loved her. This seemed like a plot hole to me.

As our villain Cade is fitting, however nothing about him really screams out to me. Dace, Cade’s twin and Daire’s love interest I did like, but once more I would have liked to see more of him. His relationship with Daire on the other hand seemed rushed—the theme of the day for this book and me at times. And it also seemed to story and too intimate for so early in the series. Then again, I did notice that with Even and Damen in the Immortals too, so that just may be Alyson Noels writing style. Xotichl was fabulous as Daire’s new visionary impaired friend and Paloma did shine as her grandmother.

I am quite intrigued by the prospect of Cade and Dace’s relationship. With such a torrid conception, these two have quite the interesting history. Noel leaves much to the imagination with hints towards Dace’s origin and nature coming into play. Just what is an Echo and what does it mean for him?

The setting for this book was a standout for me. Noel writes in such detail that it’s is impossible not to get lost in the town of Enchantment at times. From the great wilderness that surrounds it to the traditional reservation, there was so much culture throughout Fated that I just ate up.

While the ending comes on fast, it’s quite heart racing and with mystery surrounding Daire’s destiny as Seeker and Dace’s meaning as an Echo, I’m interested in reading the next book. Fingers crossed it lives up to the first.

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Pan Macmillan Australia. (Thank you guys!)
Format: Paperback ARC.
AU Release Date: Available now!
Buy it: Booktopia // The Nile // The Book Depository
Recommendation: Fans of Alyson Noel already will adore her new series.
Cover: It's quite catching. I love the colours!
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Possibly. I do have questions I'd like answered, so we'll just have to see.......

Give Back This Year...To Our Aussie Troops!

Hello booklovers!

Today, I'd like to take a moment and ask you to take a step back from reading.

I think as human beings, we often get caught up in our own lives. We get caught up in the hussle and bussle of our day to day lives and I think we're all guilty of being slightly selfish at times. I know, I myself, often get so caught up in my own world (or the ones I read about in books) that I don't take stock of the things going on around me.

And in saying that, it's so easy to forget about our soldiers, both here in Australia and around the world. Regardless of your status or your opinion regarding the war in Afghanistan and other places around the world, I think every individual should respect the men and women that help protect innocent lives by fighting for freedom and justice.

So this Christmas I'm urging you all to give back. Give to them!

It can cost so little to send a care package overseas to a sodlier serving our country. Brighten their Christmas's and show them that even though they're half way around the world and have never met you....you're thinking about them.

Right now I'm talking to my Aussie followers specifically (and the instructions below are instructions to send to Aussie troops), but those overseas can head to many different websites including http://www.thesoldiersfamily.com/ to find out how they can donate.

_____________________   How to send care packages to Australian Troops
These instructions on how to send care packages to Australian troops are for those residing in Australia.

Care packages can be sent free of charge to the Middle East, East Timor and the Solomon Islands so long as they strictly comply with Australia Post guidelines. Packages can be sent to either male or female personnel.

In order to qualify for free postage, care packages can weigh no more than 2kg (cubic weight limit) and should be packaged within a “Bx2” sized box, which are available from Australia Post for approximately $2.25. You will also be required to fill out some Customs forms and it is suggested that you use a liberal amount of packing tape to ensure that all of the contents arrive at their destination.


To send a care package to an Australian soldier, sailor, airman or airwoman in Afghanistan, address the package to the following. If you wish to send a specific package to a female, change the first line to ‘An Australian Soldier/Sailor/Airman/Airwoman – Female

An Australian Soldier
Op Slipper AFPO 13
Australian Defence Force
SYDNEY NSW 2890


To send a care package to an Australian soldier, sailor, airman or airwoman in the Middle East, address the package to the following. If you wish to send a specific package to a female, change the first line to ‘An Australian Soldier/Sailor/Airman/Airwoman – Female’

An Australian Soldier
Middle East Operations
AFPO 60
Australian Defence Force NSW 2890


To send a care package to an Australian soldier, sailor, airman or airwoman in East Timor, address the package to the following. If you wish to send a specific package to a female, change the first line to ‘An Australian Soldier/Sailor/Airman/Airwoman – Female’

An Australian Soldier Anzac Day Mail
East Timor Operations
AFPO 61
Australian Defence Force NSW 2890


To send a care package to an Australian soldier, sailor, airman or airwoman in the Solomon Islands, address the package to the following. If you wish to send a specific package to a female, change the first line to ‘An Australian Soldier/Sailor/Airman/Airwoman – Female’

An Australian Soldier
Solomon Islands Operations
AFPO 62
Australian Defence Force NSW 2890


For those of you that are animal lovers, you may wish to do the following: sending care packages to our Explosive Detection Dogs (EDD) with the following items included:

1 x box dog biscuits
1 x beef bone (not fresh)
3 x "greenies" 1x toy
1 x tennis ball
and don't forget a couple of packets of lollies for the handler.

The dogs do a magnificent job under very trying conditions and to date, four have lost their lives serving their country. The address is:

An Australian EDD Handler
Op Slipper
AFPO 13
Australian Defence Force
SYDNEY NSW 2890


Items you can send:
Toiletries:
Deodorant (non aerosol)
Shaving cream (non aerosol)
Small bottle of talcum powder
Disposable razors
Shower Gel
Lip Balm SPF+30
Perfume samples (non glass)
Baby wipes

Food: Instant Noodles/Cup a Soup
Biscuits Lollies - Mentos
Small tinned consumables
Flavored teas
Non-perishable foods

Other ideas:
Needles for sewing
Magazines
Puzzle books
DVDs
Socks
Letters of support
Stamped, self addressed envelopes – this way soldiers can thank you for the donation

What NOT to include:
Clothing (except socks)
Pornographic material
Alcoholic beverages
No Aerosol items
Pork products
Cigarettes
Chocolate (if sending to warm climates)

**People are also asked to use their imaginations. If there's anything you can think of and think soldiers might appreciate, please add it.

Find out more information here: http://www.allozcards.com.au/AU_soldiers.html

___________________   Now, my family and I are already getting our care packages together. We're hoping to get members of my church involved and I would LOVE it if you guys would considering sending something to a soldier this Christmas. You don't have to spend a lot--just a throw in a few items in your local shopping to go specifically to the solider.

Thanks guys.....just have a think about it!

Hugs,
Rach xx

The Weekly Wrap-Up #5

Credit goes to Ashley of Ashley Loves Books for the picture and wrap up idea!

Morning book lovers!

It's been a very busy week for me, both on the blog and in life. Been to engagement parties, wedding dress shopping (for a friend, not me, lol :P) and I even made time to see Breaking Dawn Part 2 on Thursday with my mum. Was a fantastic way to end an era and talk about a twist.....I swear my heart was in my throat!

Any of you guys seen Breaking Dawn Part 2 yet? What did you think?

Anywhoo. Let's see what happened this week.......

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This week at The Rest Is Still Unwritten......   Discover which books I received with this week's Owl Post!     I Reviewed: -Burn Bright by Marianne de Pierres 3/5 stars! -Ember by Jessica Sorensen 3/5 stars!     GIVEAWAYS: -I shared the incredible Aussie Trailer for The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa and I also have 5 paperback copies to giveaway to Australian and New Zealand residents! Enter here!  

-Head here to my Gratitude Giveaway post for your chance to win a $10 or under book of your choice from The Book Depository! International :)   -I announced the winners of my The Diviners by Libba Bray competition.   Blog Tour: The Shine Light Blog Tour stopped here on the 14th and author Marianne de Pierres guest posted about the character Lenior and I shared and exclusive excerpt from the book!     Coming Soon! - The Touch of Death Blog Tour stops here next Saturday the 24th of November and author Kelly Hashway will be guest posting!        Around the Blogosphere!    Jo of Once Upon A Bookcase has created Book Blogger Penpals, a fantastic way to connect with other bloggers! Ever miss the written word? Think we spend too much online (don't we all?!?) and would love to become penpals with other book obsessed peeps? Well, here's your chance! And yes. I've joined myself ;)   _________________   And that's everything that's been going on at The Rest Is Still Unwritten this week! Here's to another book filled one!