Thursday, October 31, 2013

Blog Tour: Daughter of Isis by Kelsey Ketch-Excerpt & Giveaway!


Welcome to the Daughter of Isis Blog Tour! Having recently read and reviewed Kelsey Ketch's debut novel, I'm very excited to share an excerpt and fabulous giveaway with you guys!

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“Her mouth parted slightly, waiting for Seth to breathe life into her own body, just like in the story. She wanted him to awaken her senses.”

Their worlds collide in California’s high desert.

The last thing Natara “Natti” Stone wants to do is to start anew at Setemple High School. She wished she had never left London. Yet the brutal murder of her maternal grandmother has made her life very complicated. The only clue related to her murder is an ancient, encrypted necklace Natti discovered after her grandmother’s death. And if trying to adjust to American life is not enough, Natti is being stalked by a mysterious, charming high school senior, Seth O’Keefe, who is annoyingly persistent in his attempts at seduction.

Seth O’Keefe is secretly a member of the Sons of Set, an order that worships the Egyptian god of chaos. Seth’s blessing from Set, his “charm,” never failed, except with one person: Natti
Stone. Her ability to elude him infatuates and infuriates him, and he becomes obsessed with the chase. But the closer he gets to her, the more his emotions take a dangerous turn, and he risks breaking one of the most valued covenants of his order. The punishment for which is a fate worse than death.

The adventure this unlikely couple becomes engulfed in could cost them their lives and their souls.

*Note: Content for Upper YA*


Purchase:

 
“Natti, you need to relax,” Seth finally said.
 
She froze in her place and looked at him. “Relax! Are you mental? My best friend was drugged!” 
 
Seth stood up from the long, ratty sofa, peeled apart her hands, and took them into his. “You don’t know that for sure.” He brushed his thumbs over her skin in soft, smooth strokes. “Just let the doctors worry about it.” 
 
The calm, soft tingle of his touch seeped through her skin, coursing lightly over her nerves and releasing their tension. Her mind and body began to calm down, making her realize how badly every muscle had been physically shaking. Slowly, layer upon layer of fear and stress simply vanished until she felt nothing at all. She looked up at Seth’s eyes, drawn to their warmth and comfort.
 
“Okay . . .” Natti spoke, almost breathless. “How do you do that?”
 
“Do what?” Seth’s voice was seductive as he leaned his forehead against hers. His scent of spice cologne, myrrh, and sandalwood consumed her senses, and his eyes captured her soul. 
 
“This,” she pressed. “The sensations of your touch. I’ve been feeling it all night and even before. Ever since we met. And don’t try to lie. I know you’re doing it, but how?”
 
Seth smirked at her question, his eyes turning their focus to her hands. “It’s nothing.”
 
Natti couldn’t help smile as more of the tingling sensation slipped over her skin. “Oh, it’s something. What is it?”
 
His beautiful full lips tempted her with a smile. “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”
 
“Try me.”
 
Silence fell between them while he seemed to think it over, meanwhile massaging her hands with his thumbs and fingers. The pressure, the release, each movement slowly pulling her thoughts and focus onto his hands. “Touch is a magical thing, Natti,” he explained. “It can comfort.” He raised one hand and stroked her cheek, soft and gentle. “It can entice.” His thumb moved along her jaw and applied pressure as it traveled down her neck, causing her to shiver with delight. “And it can hurt. Whatever the intensions, it brings two people together. It makes a certain . . . connection.”
 
Though there was no heaviness of a lie, she chuckled at his response. “You’re right. I don’t believe you. Touch is just a sense. A tool the human body uses.”
 
“Yes, and it’s a powerful tool when used the right way.” His honey voice teasing her, tempting her. “Now come sit with me and relax. Wanda will be all right.”
 

During her high school years, Kelsey Ketch could always be found tucked away in a little corner of the hall or classroom, writing her fantasy worlds and creating illustrations and maps. Today is no different, except now she’s writing in the break room at her office building or at the tables of the Barnes and Noble Café in Cary, North Carolina. She is also an avid reader, a part-time book blogger at Ketch’s Book Nook, and lives with her two orange tabbies and awesome and humorous flat-mate. Daughter of Isis is her debut novel.

Visit Kelsey:
Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook
 

2 E-copies of Daughter of Isis (mobi or epub) + Swag (INT)  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

2 Natti Prize Packs (US Only): Signed Paperback Copy of Daughter of Isis, Union Jack Journal, Grey Tabby Cat Beanbag, Eye of Horus Pendant, + Swag 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 
 
Be sure to head to YA Bound Book Tours for the entire tour schedule!
 
 

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday #49

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.....

Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige
Releases on: 1st April 2014
Add on Goodreads!

I didn't ask for any of this. I didn't ask to be some kind of hero. But when your whole life gets swept up by a tornado—taking you with it—you have no choice but to go along, you know?

Sure, I've read the books. I've seen the movies. I know the song about the rainbow and the happy little blue birds. But I never expected Oz to look like this. To be a place where Good Witches can't be trusted, Wicked Witches may just be the good guys, and winged monkeys can be executed for acts of rebellion. There's still the yellow brick road, though—but even that's crumbling.

What happened?
Dorothy. They say she found a way to come back to Oz. They say she seized power and the power went to her head. And now no one is safe.

My name is Amy Gumm—and I'm the other girl from Kansas.
I've been recruited by the Revolutionary Order of the Wicked.
I've been trained to fight.
And I have a mission:
Remove the Tin Woodman's heart.
Steal the Scarecrow's brain.
Take the Lion's courage. T
hen and only then—Dorothy must die!

Thoughts:
Oh....My....God! Did you read that description?!?! I have never heard of something like this before.....and I'm so excited! Seriously looking forward to reading this and seeing what the author does with such a classic, well known story!

What do you think of Dorothy Must Die? Will you be adding it to your TBR list?
And what are you waiting on this week?

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Book Shelf: Daughter of Isis (Descendants of Isis #1) by Kelsey Ketch

“Her mouth parted slightly, waiting for Seth to breathe life into her own body, just like in the story. She wanted him to awaken her senses.”

Their worlds collide in California’s high desert.

The last thing Natara “Natti” Stone wants to do is to start anew at Setemple High School. She wished she had never left London. Yet the brutal murder of her maternal grandmother has made her life very complicated. The only clue related to her murder is an ancient, encrypted necklace Natti discovered after her grandmother’s death. And if trying to adjust to American life is not enough, Natti is being stalked by a mysterious, charming high school senior, Seth O’Keefe, who is annoyingly persistent in his attempts at seduction.

Seth O’Keefe is secretly a member of the Sons of Set, an order that worships the Egyptian god of chaos. Seth’s blessing from Set, his “charm,” never failed, except with one person: Natti Stone. Her ability to elude him infatuates and infuriates him, and he becomes obsessed with the chase. But the closer he gets to her, the more his emotions take a dangerous turn, and he risks breaking one of the most valued covenants of his order. The punishment for which is a fate worse than death.

The adventure this unlikely couple becomes engulfed in could cost them their lives and their souls.

*Note: Content for Upper YA*


More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Kelsey Ketch’s debut novel Daughter of Isis is a really beguiling read that mixes all the brilliance of ancient Egyption lore with modern day fanatics in an enjoyable read featuring plenty of mystery, romance and danger.

I have to say I really enjoyed reading this book. Admittedly I’m a little biased considering I have not only a fierce love for all things ancient Egypt, but also a bit of Egyptian in my bloodline too. I’ve always adored Egyptian lore and myth and in Daughter of Isis, author Kelsey Ketch blends together all the best myths to give us a really intriguing story.

I liked our main character—she was very sassy and her voice easy to follow. Natra "Natti" Stone was easy to relate to and enjoyable to read about. Basically I liked this girl and have nothing bad to say about her. The author wrote her well; giving her the tools to survive as much as possible in this unsuspecting world. I enjoyed seeing Natti stumble through discovering her heritage and fight thoughts forced upon her. I still feel she has a long way to go but I look forward to seeing this.

In all honesty it did take me a little while to become absorbed in the story. It starts out interesting, albeit a tad slow and the plot did get a bit lost amongst the typically teen drama one comes to expect, but it did pick up quite a bit the more as the story progressed and pieces began to fall into place.

I found I really did struggle with the attitudes of some of the characters, mostly the men, in the book and their attitudes towards women. Their blatant disregard for them in all manners didn’t sit well with me. The sexual aspect and the way in which they took control over them, with the women having no say whatsoever wasn’t something I enjoyed seeing. And this is including our male lead and his actions towards the female populace of this high school.

And being said, I did appreciate what the authors has done here on some level; exploring the way the ancient Egyptian society’s beliefs of women impacted and transferred over to the people that still worshiped them within Daughter of Isis. It made sense and I appreciated that.

So in saying this, our male lead Seth is a real confliction for me. In the beginning he really starts out as the epitome of a spoiled rich boy, used to getting everything he wants, when he wants it. He sleeps around like no ones business and while this wouldn’t usually be an issue for me, the fact that he uses his abilities to make women crave him; basically forcing them to want him and cave to him and his sexual desires seemed wrong and a little bit dirty. Then Natti comes along and denies him and suddenly Seth begins to change….I think it’s the immense growth Seth goes through in this book quite quickly that saves him in my eyes. It’s obviously he’s known no different so seeing him begin to question his actions and experience emotions like guilt and remorse when he normally wouldn’t have cared was a nice thing to see. There’s definitely hope for Seth if his later actions in the book are anything to go by.

Ketch writes the romance and relationship between Natti and Seth well. The attraction is there and the want; especially on Seth’s part, but it develops well as the novel progresses and they begin to get to know each other slowly. It’s slow building that deepens as the characters come to know about each other; once more, especially on Seth’s part as he starts to respect Natti and see her differently than his other conquests. The connection and tension is there and I’m eager to see what the author does with their relationship in the next book.

Daughter of Isis progresses though to a really startling and action packed ending. The direction of the story looks more and more promising with the turn of each page, however the abrupt and dissatisfying ending leaves lots to be desired and this reader hankering for the next installment, pronto!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Ya Bound Book Tours and author Kelsey Ketch (Thank you ladies!)
Format: Kindle ebook
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
My Recommendation: If you're a fan of Egyptian mythology then you're bound to love this!
Cover: I liked it--simple but effective.
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Yes. I want to know more!

Monday, October 28, 2013

Monday Madness Giveaway- October 2013! *Closed*


It's that time again! This months featured book for Monday Madness is All The Truth That's in me up Julie Berry! This book is incredible--a must read--and I'm thrilled to be giving away a copy!

Here's some of what I had to say....

"As a reader, there are rare times in one's life when you come across a book that changes you. Often unexpected, it's story manages to reach down into a deep, inner part inside you and wretch your emotions apart with it's haunting depth and beauty....All The Truth That's In Me is one of those books"

......read more in my review here!


Four years ago, Judith and her best friend disappeared from their small town of Roswell Station. Two years later, only Judith returned, permanently mutilated, reviled and ignored by her friends and family.

Unable to speak, Judith lives like a ghost in her own home, silently pouring out her thoughts to her childhood friend, Lucas. He is the boy who has owned her heart for as long as she can remember - even if he doesn′t know it.

But when Roswell Station is attacked, long-buried secrets come to light, and Judith is forced to choose - to continue living in silence, or recover her voice, even if it means changing her world, and the lives around her, forever.

Told in a voice that is achingly raw and intimate, this remarkably original novel will haunt and stay with you. It will fill you with Judith′s passion and longing, and its mysteries will keep you feverishly turning the pages until the very last one.




· You MUST be a follower to enter!
· Giveaway is INTERNATIONAL or wherever The Book Depository ships to.
· Giveaway will run from today (the 28th of October) until the 11th of November (2 weeks time!)
· Simply comment below with a way to contact you to enter
· Extra entries are available but are in no way necessary by:
+1 Letting me know what you think of All The Truth That's In Me (Have you read it? Do you want to read it? What's your thoughts?) and....
+1 For Tweeting, Facebooking or Sharing!

Note: As this book isn't available in paperback yet, ONE (1) winner will be receiving a hardback copy--that's how much I want you guys to read this book!


Saturday, October 26, 2013

Book Blitz: Destiny by Andrea Buginsky- Excerpt & Giveaway


Today the Book Blitz for Destiny by Andrea Buginsky stops by and as a part of it, I have a excellent excerpt and tour wide giveaway to share. Enjoy!

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Elena Baxter has spent her life desperately wanting to fit in. She’s used to being teased and taunted by the popular girls, but when she celebrates her sweet sixteen birthday and receives two amazing gifts—the power of telekinesis, and the truth about her heritage—she has high hopes that things will change. But her wish does not come true, and Elena is bullied just as she was before, only this time her hurt feelings and frustration boil into something even she cannot understand. When an explosion hits, chaos ensues and she learns that her new power just might be bigger than she is. 

She embarks on a journey to a secret island to learn how to control her powers, and she’s thrown into a different world, one where she just might be able to fit in. What Elena learns about her heritage forces her to face her past – and the demons it created – head on. 

 
 
Purchase:
 

 

Elena was getting upset as she defended her family’s honor. She wasn’t thinking about where that might lead. She wasn’t thinking at all.

“Why, Elena, I didn’t mean to upset you. I just meant that-“

“I know exactly what you meant, Barbara Thomas! You think your family is better than anyone else in this town. You always have. Just because your dad happens to be the former mayor’s son doesn’t mean you own this town and everyone in it! I’m so sick of your mock sentiment when all you really feel is that you’re better than everyone. You’re no better than the rest of us!”

As she yelled, things around her felt funny, and she realized she heard screaming. She looked around, and was startled to see everyone staring at her, horrified. She took a deep breath, and realized what had happened. She let her emotions get away from her, and her powers erupted.

The only words she could think of to describe the scene around her were total chaos. Every locker had burst open, and the entire contents – books, folders, papers, pictures, mirrors, backpacks – had come flying out. The posters on the walls were scattered everywhere. Most of the students and teachers were picking themselves up off the floor. Elena knew her powers had gotten totally out of hand, and she made everything around her fly out of control, literally.

She heard footsteps walking toward her, the only sound in the hall. She looked up and saw her counselor, Mrs. Adams, walking toward her. She gently took Elena by the shoulder and guided her to her office. She looked back and saw Barb and the other Bimbettes staring at her, as well as everyone else in the hall.

 


  Andrea Buginsky is a freelance writer and author. “The Chosen,” a middle-grade fantasy novelette was her first book, and was followed by “My Open Heart,” an autobiography about growing up with heart disease. “Nature’s Unbalance” is the second story in THE CHOSEN series. Andrea is currently working NEW AVALON, a YA fantasy series. Book 1, "Destiny," is available on Amazon

 
Visit Andrea:

 

Tour Schedule:
24th October

25th October

26th October

28th October

1 Digital copy of The Chosen by Andrea Buginsky to the best reviewer of this tour
1 Digital Copy of Destiny
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Thursday, October 24, 2013

Book Shelf: The Faerie War (Creepy Hollow #3) by Rachel Morgan

The fate of the fae world is in her hands.....

Violet Fairdale is in big trouble. Her home is gone, her beloved forest lies in ruins, the guy she gave her heart to has deserted her—and she doesn’t remember any of it. The powerful Lord Draven is taking over, brainwashing guardians into fighting for him. No one is safe from the evil spreading throughout the fae world.

As alliances are forged between the remaining free fae, Vi struggles to reclaim her identity and figure out where she belongs in this new world. When someone from her past shows up, life gets even more complicated. He brings with him a long-forgotten weapon and an ancient prophecy that places Vi at the center of the fight against Draven. With the future of the fae world at stake, can Vi carry out the prophecy’s instructions before it’s too late?

More info on Goodreads.....


Review: (Warning: Contains some minor spoilers regarding previous books--be warned!)

Marking the third and final installment in Rachel Morgan’s Creepy Hollow series, The Faerie War will make readers feel as though they never left as Morgan’s tantalizing storyline and three dimensional characters steal hearts once again in this gripping conclusion!

Picking up where The Faerie Prince left off, The Faerie War lures readers back into Rachel Morgan’s masterful world of Creepy Hollow. After the shocking ending of the previous book that left yours truly gasping, and saw a friend become a villain as well as many unexpected revelations revealed, The Faerie War had a lot to live up to. Considering I was eagerly turning the pages on my Kindle as fast as possible, I’m thrilled to say it managed to hit the nail on the head!

The Faerie War, as with all the previous books in the series, progressed nicely. There’s a steady build to a thrilling and startling climax, but the in between parts of the story were never lacking either; there’s more than enough romance, humor and mystery to keep you entertained. The characters go on a real journey to save their world from the evil overlord that threatens their very way of life.

After the unexpected ending of The Faerie Prince that saw heroine Violet loose her memory, Violet is at times almost a different character during The Faerie War. And yet she’s so very Violet. She may have lost many aspects of her memory and may not remember her past, but the very things that make her Violet and make her that fantastic heroine to follow shine as she continues her journey to destroy Draven.

Ryn is back as Violets love interest and is as tantalizing as he’s always been. Considering The Faerie War is told in dual POV, the chance to see the world through Ryn’s eyes just made me love him more. Ryn has to fight for Vi like never before seeing as she doesn’t remember him, but the chemistry and connection between these two are as good as ever as they re-discover what they have.

From one danger and disaster to the next, The Faerie War really was a fantastic conclusion to the series. Honestly, I’m so very sad to see this series come to an end but feel like it couldn’t have been concluded better. Rachel Morgan has penned a self-published treasure with this series and if you haven’t read it yet, now’s the perfect chance!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by the author (Thank you Rachel!)
Format: Kindle ebook
Buy it: Amazon (Kindle) | Amazon(Paperback) | Smashwords | Barnes & Nobles
My Recommendation: Fans of Aprilynne Pike and well told faerie stories won't to miss this series!
Cover: I fits in perfectly with the previous two in the series
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Despite this being the last story in the Creepy Hollow series, I look forward to more fantastic reads by Rachel Morgan in the future!

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

All Hallows Eve Indies Blog Tour-Kym Grosso

Welcome to the fabulous All Hallows Eve Indies Blog Tour!

Featuring 50+ kick butt Paranormal Indie Authors, the All Hallows Eve Indies Blog Tour is sure to be a blast! Today I have Kym Grosso, author The Immortals of New Orleans series on the blog sharing a fab This or That list as well as a sneak peak at her latest release, Logan's Arcadian Wolves!

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This or That with Kym Grosso

1. Hardback or Paperback? Paperback
2. Day or Night? Night - I'm a total night owl
3. Summer or Winter? Summer on the beach
4. Cake or Ice cream? Cake (chocolate)
5. Angel or Demon? Angel
6. Vampire or Werewolf? Werewolf but if I'm watching True Blood, I'd always choose Eric. :-)
7. Standalone or Series? Series
8. Halloween or Christmas? Christmas
9. Blond or Brunette? Brunette - My hubby's got dark brown hair :-)
10. Love or Lust? Love with a bit of lust.
11. Dancing or Singing? Dancing
12. Hero or Heroine? Hero



An erotic paranormal romance...
Deep in the heart of New Orleans, Acadian Wolves’ Alpha, Logan Reynaud, rescues a beautiful woman in the dead of night. Intrigued by the mysterious human, the commanding Alpha is determined to elicit all of her secrets, including her deepest fantasies. After tragedy strikes, Logan discovers dangerous adversaries are planning an attack in his city. Driven by responsibility and honor, Logan must protect both his pack and the woman who’s captivated his attention.

Dr. Wynter Ryan, a leading virologist, is fascinated with her charismatic protector. As the chemistry ignites between her and the dominant Alpha, she relinquishes her ties to the past, embracing ecstasy and submission within his arms and intrepidly acquiescing to her own adventurous instincts. Succumbing to desire, she learns to trust her Alpha, discovering what it means to be wolf.

Passion and mystery on the bayou stirs Logan’s wolf, demanding he claim his mate. Yet Wynter’s a distraction he can’t afford when his priority is to lead his new pack. Will Logan surrender to the uncontrollable need to claim Wynter as his mate? And will he be able to keep her alive, finding the killer who threatens the Acadian Wolves?

Warning: This book contains several erotic love scenes, including m/f/m ménage, and is intended for adult readers only.


Purchase:



Wynter barely saw him coming.  Logan leapt across the room, and as his body touched hers, she gasped. His hands pressed hard against the glass on either side of her head. The masculine scent of him wafted into her nose and she fought the instinct to rub her face against his chest. Oh God, what had she done? How could she be so stupid as to challenge an Alpha? She really must be sick. Unable to speak, she held still. Initially charged with fear, she realized very quickly that he wasn’t hurting her. The tension between them escalated with every minute of silence that passed. And then she felt him, his nose grazing along the side of her neck. A small moan escaped her lips.

At the challenge, Logan strode across the room, pinning her against the wall. He had to smell her, taste her. Why would she deny her wolf? Why play games? Logan didn’t want to hurt her. Oh no. If anything, he’d like to give her pleasure like she’d never known. But she kept insisting she was human. If she wanted to play, play he would. She was wolf, and he’d prove it to her. But as her sweet scent engulfed his senses, he began to lose control. His wolf clawed at his psyche, begging
to take the woman. Like freshly cut roses, the heavenly aroma was familiar yet altogether unique and desirable, although her wolf lingered on the edge; she was there, he could scent her.

In an effort to prevent himself from ravishing her right there in his office, Logan plastered his hands so hard against the window, he thought it’d crack. At the sound of her moan, he darted his tongue out against her silky skin. He had to taste her. Just once. Ah fuck, no; his wolf wanted more. Eyes feral, he locked them with hers, taking her arm. He placed a small kiss to her palm before dragging his tongue along her wrist all the way to the crook of her elbow, releasing a growl of satisfaction.

Wynter’s heart pounded as he gently took her arm into his hands. She shivered as he pushed up her sleeve and brought her delicate wrist to his lips. Wet with arousal, she couldn’t break their connection as she stared deep into his mesmerizing eyes. Oh my God. Wolf. Human. I’ll be whatever you want me to be…just please, just take me. Wynter thought her knees would give out, except he had her pressed up against the window. Lost in his spell, she responded by nudging her own hips against his hard arousal as he tasted her skin.

Logan groaned as the territorial need to take her consumed him. He needed to get things under control. Jax. Fucking, goddamned Jax. His name alone should have killed his raging hard on, but it wasn’t helping one damn bit. No, he needed to separate himself from her before he tore her clothes off. He closed his eyes and blew out a breath, but didn’t release her.

“Wolf,” he breathed into her hair.

 
 
Kym Grosso is the author of the erotic paranormal romance series, The Immortals of New Orleans. The series currently includes Kade’s Dark Embrace (Immortals of New Orleans, Book 1), Luca’s Magic Embrace (Immortals of New Orleans, Book 2), Tristan’s Lyceum Wolves (Immortals of New Orleans, Book 3) and Logan’s Acadian Wolves (Immortals of New Orleans, Book 4).

In addition to romance, Kym has written and published several articles about autism, and is passionate about autism advocacy. She writes about autism at PsychologyToday.com and AutismInRealLife.com. She also is a contributing essay author in the book Chicken Soup for the Soul: Raising Kids on the Spectrum.

Kym lives with her husband, two children, dog and cat. Her hobbies include autism advocacy, reading, tennis, zumba, traveling and spending time with her husband and children. New Orleans, with its rich culture, history and unique cuisine, is one of her favorite places to visit. Also, she loves traveling just about anywhere that has a beach or snow-covered mountains. On any given night, when not writing her own books, Kym can be found reading her Kindle, which is filled with hundreds of romances.

Visit Kym:


 
 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

FIND THE COMPLETE TOUR SCEDULE HERE!

Thanks so much for stopping by and a big THANKS goes to Brandy and Crystal for putting the tour together as well as Kym for being a part--it's a fab event ladies!

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Book Shelf: The Rig by Joe Ducie

Fifteen-year-old Will Drake has made a career of breaking out from high-security prisons. His talents have landed him at The Rig, a specialist juvenile holding facility in the middle of the Arctic Ocean. No one can escape from The Rig. No one except for Drake...

After making some escape plans and meeting the first real friends of his life, Drake quickly realises that all is not as it seems on The Rig. The Warden is obsessed with the mysterious Crystal-X - a blue, glowing substance that appears to give superpowers to the teens exposed to it. Drake, Tristan and Irene are banking on a bid for freedom - but can they survive long enough to make it?

Drake is an action hero to rival Jason Bourne and the CHERUB team in this debut author's fantastically imagined sci-­‐fi nightmare.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

The Rig by Joe Ducie is a harsh, riveting read that features an intricate plot, brave characters and plenty of mystery. Set in a juvenile detention center where secrets rage and nothing is as it seems, The Rig will appear to your inner escape artist as nothing ever has!

I was actually quite surprised by The Rig. After having such high expectations, it started off slow for me and I began to worry that I wouldn't enjoy it, but after 50 pages or so, I found myself swept up in Will's desperate tale. Admittedly, there were a few slower moments than others, that lost me for a bit, but for it's majority, The Rig is a fast paced, engaging read.

Set on "The Rig", a prison for the worst juvenile offenders in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, this book is masterfully told and is Prison Break meets Fringe. Fans of mystery will enjoy putting the clues together as protagonist Will and his friends attempt to discover the goings on on The Rig while they plot their daring escape.

I liked Will, I did, even if I never outright loved him. I certainly appreciated his position. He wasn't your typical no-good-teen offender and his quick thinking and deep rooted honor helped endear him to me. Will has a lot of challenges to face throughout The Rig, but I found the intricate, surprising plotline managed to keep me entwined in Will's story. I had to know if he'd manage to do what no other ever had and escape of The Rig.

Admittedly, The Rig will appeal to the male population first and foremost--I think if you're a guy this book is right up your alley, but women who love plenty of action and unforeseen mystery will appreciate the story Joe Ducie has woven together. With some supernatural elements thrown in for good measure, ones I did not see coming, The Rig, is fierce until it's final page. Dark, harsh and riveting, I'm looking forward to seeing what Joe Ducie has up his sleeve next!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Hot Key Books (Thank you Sandra!)
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Bookworld | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Recommendation: Enjoyed Prison Break but like paranormal? The Rig is for you!
Cover: Oh, this cover is awesome! The picture doesn't do the physical book justice!
Will I read sequel/continue with series: I'd very much like to see what happens next, so yes.

Monday, October 21, 2013

Release Day Celebration: The Faerie War by Rachel Morgan-Teaser & Giveaway!



 

It's party time!!! 
Today is the official online release of Rachel Morgan's third Creepy Hollow novel, The Faerie War. After that cliffhanger at the end of the second book, fans can finally find out what happens to Violet and everyone else in Creepy Hollow. If you'd like to get your copy, you can find it at the following online stores, plus a few others:





There are seven other teaser images displayed on various blogs today. If you'd like to see them, you can visit the following fabulous bloggers:


And there's a major giveaway going on!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Free Ebooks!

Hello lovelies!

Hope you've all had a fab weekend, but it's almost Monday--check out the below FREE Kindle ebooks to brighten your day.




I've got all these myself, but which ones will you be getting?!?

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Winners!


The winner of my Monday Madness Giveaway for September is:

Texas Book Lover

...........Please check your inbox for my email :)


The lucky winners of a paperback of The Last Girl by Michael Adams are:

turnersantics
Mary Preston
Cheryl Moulton
 
....Katie and Mary have gotten back to me. Cheryl can you please check your inbox :)


Congrats everyone and enjoy!



Thursday, October 17, 2013

Book Shelf: All the Truth That's In Me by Julie Berry

Four years ago, Judith and her best friend disappeared from their small town of Roswell Station. Two years later, only Judith returned, permanently mutilated, reviled and ignored by her friends and family.

Unable to speak, Judith lives like a ghost in her own home, silently pouring out her thoughts to her childhood friend, Lucas. He is the boy who has owned her heart for as long as she can remember - even if he doesn′t know it.

But when Roswell Station is attacked, long-buried secrets come to light, and Judith is forced to choose - to continue living in silence, or recover her voice, even if it means changing her world, and the lives around her, forever.

Told in a voice that is achingly raw and intimate, this remarkably original novel will haunt and stay with you. It will fill you with Judith′s passion and longing, and its mysteries will keep you feverishly turning the pages until the very last one.

More info on Goodreads......


Review:

As a reader, there are rare times in one's life when you come across a book that changes you. Often unexpected, it's story manages to reach down into a deep, inner part inside you and wretch your emotions apart with it's haunting depth and beauty....All The Truth That's In Me is one of those books.

Having recently finished Julie Berry's stunning novel All The Truth That's In Me, I'm not really sure what to think. Or to say. Or even where to begin. This book is so far out of my comfort zone it's beyond ridiculous and yet I don't think I have the words to ensure my review does it justice. Nothing I could write would even come close to describing the unexpected brilliance and beauty, I personally, found within it's pages. This story is on another level entirely.

Written in rare second person and told in short, brief chapters All The Truth That's In Me is in no way my normal read. Admittedly, I experienced a brief difficulty getting into it in the very beginning due to the brief flashes into past experiences that I found confusing, but after this initial confusion I honestly found myself swept up into our protagonist Judith's haunting story. Author Julie Berry has done a terrific job with this historical novel. I feel wrecked having read it. There were so many moments when I felt torn apart, broken, an emotional wreck and yet I feel better having read it.

Understandably there are going to be people out there hesitant to read this book due to it's themes and the strong issues it explores, but All The Truth That's In Me is so much more than it seems. It's dark subject matter leads to a really unexpected read. Judith's story is agonizing; agonizing to read, heart wrenching at times to experience. And so incredibly beautiful.

As this book progressed, I felt more for Judith at times than I think I've felt for a main character in a long, long time. Possibly ever. Her voice is so incredibly raw and her emotions bleed through the pages. You simply can't not feel her pain and agony. Her loneliness and heartbreak take on a life of it's own and the broken, damaged way she, and others, view herself will break you. Seeing her pine for the one she thinks she can never have but still ultimately loves is so incredibly emotional.

The journey Judith goes on throughout this story is inspiring. Watching her find the strength to overcome what was taken from her and for her to want to better herself really does touch something in you. Seeing small acts of kindness for her from people in a village where the majority scorn and ridicule her; often seeing her as stupid and nothing is amazing to witness.

So, in saying how emotionally torn apart this book left me at times, it also stitched me back together. I was glued to this novel, frantically turning pages and amazed by the beauty I found in this story. Our protagonist goes though so much and as you see what it has done to her and the impact it's had on her, seeing the happy, fitting things she experiences towards the end of the novel just gives it so much more meaning.

Julie Berry takes you right into Judith's head with All The Truth That's In Me. Her voice is haunting and pain filled and as the story progresses and truths come to light, All The Truth That's In Me proves to be one of those stories that stays with you always. Despite having turned the final page, I find that Judy's story still lingers with me and I'm still lost in it's painful beauty.

Without a doubt a MUST read of 2013, All The Truth That's In Me is haunting, tragic and completely unforgettable!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Harper Collins Australia (Thank you SO much!)
Format: Paperback ARC
Buy it: Bookworld | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Recommendation: Haunting, beautiful and unexpected, this book is a MUST READ!
Cover: I actually really like it. It's fitting for the time and period of the story.
Will I read sequel/continue with series: This is a stand alone, but I look forward reading more of Julie Berry's writing!