Friday, December 6, 2013

Searching For Utopia

Title: Searching for Utopia
Author: Holly Jayne
Kindle Edition; 17 pages
Published 12/02/2013

The only Utopia that exists is the one you create.
Utopia. A perfect world. The place where everyone will be an equal. Where men don’t create the lives of others, but instead they live their own lives and make the most out of them.
That’s all she wants.
Her town destroyed, her body clinging desperately to life, Leila vows revenge on the Kingdom that took her love away from her. She keeps herself occupied nursing the men, women, and children of other exiled towns that were bombed, and decides to join in the siege to destroy the king—amidst her anguish. The night of their ambush, things go very wrong for the Exiles. Leila finally finds one of the things she has been searching for, but it’s not as she expects, and she finds out something that changes her life forever. 

Leila had been writing letters for her missing lover, Dorian ever since the day she was thrown off to the swamplands and found no one else but her. Then she was nursed to life by the Exiles and she helped them in return. They searched from house to house, hoping to find their loved ones, to no avail. Soon they were exiled to the outskirts of nowhere and decided to take on the Kingdom once and for all. Leila thought they had the advantage for sneaking into the night, but she was in for a big surprise. Had she finally seen the love of her life? Had she finally found Utopia?

I had a splendid time reading this short story by Holly Jayne. The author did a great job in weaving a powerful, and utterly gripping story of love, hope, trust and betrayal. Set in a Kingdom devastated by war, Jayne was able to bring this dystopian world into my mind and capture my attention through her compelling words and moving characters. It was easy for me to like Leila and Dorian and I cringed a lot when I read the General's words. Oh how I abhor the General! He deserved whatever happened to him in the end.

My only complain in the story was that, it was quite short. I wanted Searching For Utopia to be a long story, to get to know more about Leila and the Exiles, Dorian and the Allies. How I wish Holly Jayne could make this a series. It would be such a great treat if  I could join hands with Leila and Dorian as we search for paradise.

Thursday, December 5, 2013

www wednesday for December

Happy Wednesday! Oh my, the last time I did WWW was almost three months ago. I know I haven't updated you with the books I have read lately, but here I am again, sharing with you the wonderful novels I got the pleasure of reading.

Here's my WWW  for this week.  WWW Wednesdays is a weekly meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

  To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?


Anyway, here are my answers for this week:

Currently Reading: 
Masked Encounters by Felicia Tatum
(Intoxication Passion Book 1)

Korah Daniels has been through a lot in her nineteen years. Broken hearts, abusive relationships, and horrid dates have caused her to doubt love. Dane Davidson is the worst kind of playboy. The ultimate frat boy, drinking and ending up with a different girl every night.  What would happen when they meet? I wonder what..

Another wonderful story from Felicia Tatum. I enjoyed her White Aura novel, so for sure, this one is going to be another hit!

Recently Finished Reading: 
I have finished the complete series of Dilemmas of a Dragonslayer + the Prologue. Wow, It was really an exciting 8-volume adventure. Every book promises thrills, mystery, magic and adventures. I've posted some of my reviews below, and I hope everyone will check them out. It is a really cool series, I promise you that!

Dragonslayer 1 - Dragonslayer No More? 
Dragonslayer 2 - Dragonslayer and His Sorceress 
Dragonslayer 4-5
Dragonslayer 7-8 

WILL SOON READ:
I currently have a lot on my hands - I can't really decide which one to read first, Yay! S help me choose, pretty please :) *wink wink*

The Book of Epoch - Twelve Nation


Creche - Karin Cox


Throwaway - Heather Huffman


Frozen - Melissa De La Cruz

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

The Conquered Shore

Title: The Conquered Shore (Lodestone #5) 

Author: Mark Whiteway 
Kindle edition; 1324 pages
Published Nov 26, 2013


Following a momentous journey across space, two groups of Helvenans are locked in a struggle for survival on the strange, virgin planet they have named Kelanni. 
Their long journey over, the exiles from the planet Helvena must now carve out a new existence. But the stain of war still blights the two factions - the hubbers with their strict caste system, now enforced by the new, fearsome keltar in their flying cloaks, and the free community of rimmers. On an alien world beset by unknown dangers and complex life forms they must find a way to come together...or be destroyed. 
"This is the fifth book in Mark Whiteway's beautifully crafted Lodestone series".


The Conquered Shore is the fifth book from the Lodestone series. Author Mark Whiteway blew me away! He is absolutely genius. I actually read the first book (The Sea of Storms) before reading this one to better understand the characters and get familiar with the scenes. I was then transported to another dimension where I discovered a world with three suns shining up above, two of which rise from the west, and the other one is stationary. I discovered the world of Kelanni, the world where non humans exist. Kelanni people did not originate on this planet but they have travelled from a faraway world called Helvena.

Truth is, I have read a bunch of Sci-fi/thrillers before and the last one that really impressed me was the legendary Robert A. Heinlein's Stranger in a Strange Land. Now, this! Yes, I am comparing the author Mark Whiteway to one of my favorite sci-fi genius because his works are at par with Heinlein. I am utterly astonished with these men because of their wild imagination and creative juices. I am jealous of their talent of creating a futuristic world, filled interplanetary devices and different races. I wish I could create worlds like them.

After the first book, which I actually couldn't put down, I found myself liking The Conquered Shore more. I felt like I was getting involved emotionally with Keris and the quirky hu-man, Alexander McCann. The author made the Kelanni native Keris more relatable as a human while Alex McCann was as always a delight to read. I also loved the other characters in the book, like Lokk, Aevan, Zemira, even the keltars, Glaisne, Torile and Ash.

Usually, when I read a book, it's either I forget about the characters and events right away, or I maintain them inside my head and dream about them. When these characters invade my sleep, it can only mean one thing: the book was highly effective and very engaging. And I felt this after dreaming about Alex and Keris. I would want to go with them in seeking out the Guardians of the Forest. In short, there must be a Book Six to watch out for and I can't wait to read it!

If you're in the mood to read some sci-fi, i highly suggest you read this one. Perfect for sci-fi fans like me. If you want to read a modern-day Robert A. Heinlein masterpiece, read Mark Whiteway's Lodestone series and be blown away!

****
About the Author
Mark Whiteway 
website: http://markwhiteway.weebly.com/author-bio.html
twitter: https://twitter.com/mwhiteway1
genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy


Mark Whiteway (1959- ) lives in rural West Sussex, England, near the former home of H G Wells. The Lodestone series of novels is built around the concept of negative matter-an extension of Einstein's Theory of General Relativity.

Saturday, November 16, 2013

book quotes

A good book on your shelf is a friend that turns its back on you and remains a friend. ~Author Unknown


A book is the only place in which you can examine a fragile thought without breaking it, or explore an explosive idea without fear it will go off in your face. It is one of the few havens remaining where a man's mind can get both provocation and privacy. ~Edward P. Morgan


The worth of a book is to be measured by what you can carry away from it. ~James Bryce

Books let us into their souls and lay open to us the secrets of our own.  ~William Hazlitt

My test of a good novel is dreading to begin the last chapter.  ~Thomas Helm

Books serve to show a man that those original thoughts of his aren't very new after all.  ~Abraham Lincoln

The smallest bookstore still contains more ideas of worth than have been presented in the entire history of television.  ~Andrew Ross

Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~Author Unknown

A good book should leave you... slightly exhausted at the end. You live several lives while reading it. ~William Styron, interview, Writers at Work, 1958


There is a great deal of difference between an eager man who wants to read a book and a tired man who wants a book to read. ~G.K. Chesterton

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Under His Protection

Title: Under His Protection
Author: Stacy Von Haegert
Kindle; 202 pages
published november 2013

What really happened to the two young princes of York, who were held prisoner in the tower of London by their ambitious uncle following the death of their father, King Edward of York? Some think one son escaped and was later executed by King Henry VII when he returned to claim his rightful throne. But not before he sired a child. In, Under His Protection, the first in a new trilogy, Stacy Von Haegert artfully combines history, action, humor, and sizzling passion to provide a theory for one of England's greatest mysteries. The bloodline continues...

LONDON 1838, Present day...Title-hungry matrons of the upper class throw their daughters in Alexander's path. But the Duke of Ravenswood has no desire to give up his rakish, gaming lifestyle to get hitched. When the Kingston family from New Orleans enters London, however, Alex quickly finds himself unwittingly entangled. With her spirited personality and innocent aversion to all things proper. Greyland Kingston completely knocks him off his game.

The gossip fans flutter when Queen Victoria asks Greyland and her eldest brother, Perkin, to dance the scandalous Viennese Waltz at the Royal ball. Who is this family? How do they know the Queen? Why do they bear such a strong resemblence to the late King of York? Trouble ensues in the form of jealous women, ambitious men, and a vengeful Irish clan. Alexander quickly finds that having Greyland for his own will come at a steep price. He must risk everything to keep her protected.

Under His Protection is a regency novel about two lovestruck characters; one came from the America, who had zest and carefree attitude in life, while the other one was a brash young lord who was reputed to be a ladies man. Their love story began with Lord Alexander challenging a newcomer to a duel but got more than he bargained for when the young lad’s sister came to his defense instead. There was something mysterious and intriguing about the new family who arrived in London, which got everyone’s tongue wagging and eyes rolling. Something that got a man riled up and determined to have his way against them.

When I read the first chapter of Under His Protection, I was entranced. It’s like I was visiting a historical place at another era that is so different from my own timeline. Once I got past the second chapter, it made me crave for more.

Lady Greyland Kingston was really a lovable personality; she managed to make me smile because of her naivetĂ© and casual outlook in life. It is obvious that she came from a noble line from the America who was quite liberated, compared to the conservative people of London.  She’s like a wanton bride, not very typical of a lady, but very entertaining, nonetheless. No wonder the lads and men vied for her attention every now and then. I don’t blame Lord Alex Hamilton of Ravenswood for being so protective of her. He was every bit a hero and warrior in my eyes. I liked the vulnerability and sensitivity he showed when he had fallen in love with Lady Kingston.

I also loved the other men in the novel, like Perkin & Edward, both gorgeous men and dependable brothers and of course, there was Thomas, the ever gracious friend and comrade. Bella, Thomas betrothed, was a friend that I myself would like to keep, and Annabel, a girl I would like to take as my own. And there’s Socrates and Malikite, two creatures who played pivotal roles in their masters’ lives.

I really find Regency novels like Under His Protection very engaging, seductive and irresistible. The characters were easy to love and relate to, even though they belonged to the era where the women’s ball gowns were made of layers of corsets and petticoats while men were clad with greatcoats, cloak and broad-brimmed hats.

Reading Regency novels has always been one of the most delicious treats in literature, in my opinion. I always get delighted reading unusual terms enthused by the characters. Like for example in this novel, I encountered the word "ton". I thought at first, it was a misspelled word for town, but after I did some research, I learned that the author actually referred it to a set of people who possess the characteristics of being rich, fashionable and well mannered. Three characteristics that must all be possessed by a group. Oh, how very ingénue of me, if I might say so.

I really had a wonderful time reading this debut from the talented Stacy Von Haegert. Her writing was quite exceptional and superb. She kept me intrigued and entertained all throughout, with her character’s vivid descriptions and believable personalities. I couldn't believe this is her maiden novel! I thought she can be the next Lisa Kleypas or Johanna Lindsey and I couldn't be more proud! I highly recommend this masterpiece to everyone who loves to read Regency love stories.

Friday, November 8, 2013

Friday Finds

TGIF!!! Thank Goodness, It's Friday ...Weekend, here I come..

 Welcome to another edition of Friday Finds sponsored by MizB from Should Be Reading.

 FRIDAY FINDS showcases the books you ‘found’ and added to your To Be Read (TBR) list… whether you found them online, or in a bookstore, or in the library — wherever! (they aren’t necessarily books you purchased).


 Here are my Friday Finds for this week:

by Sara McCoy




by Sharon Robards



Naked (The Blackstone Affair Part 1)
by Raine Miller



by Josin MvQuein


and last but not the least, fresh off the charts:


Under His Protection
by Stacy Von Haegert

Check out the book trailer for Under His Protection :


Thursday, November 7, 2013

Dragonslayer Vol 7-8

Forever Together (Volume 7 of 8 Dilemmas of a Dragonslayer Series )
by Ruth Ford Elward
***** Ruth Elward effortlessly and vividly brought the magical realm into life!*****

Love indeed is a many splendored thing. What such power love can possess! In Forever Together (7th volume from the Dilemma of Dragonslayer series) the sorceress Raven finally returned as a changed woman, however, she was stripped of her powers. But her love for Carison paved the way to get her magics back and more. She discovered she could transport across time and space, but when she volunteered to help bring back the Guardsmen to assist Carison's army, she made a detrimental mistake of landing in a place infested by dragons, where escape is moot.

Forever Together successfully blended romance with action and adventure. I enjoyed the world and characters in this book. I couldn't help but get carried away with Raven and Carison's relationship. Theirs is a love story that transcends through time and space. Ruth Elward effectively got my attention with her simple sentences, imaginative world and unique plot. Her writing kept the story moving at a fast pace, the tone never wavered and the action never stopped. She effortlessly and vividly brought the magical realm into life.


Bittersweet Ending (Volume 8 of 8 Dilemmas of a Dragonslayer Series)
by Ruth Ford Elward
***** I didn't want to part with the characters in the end *****

Just finished the last book of the Dilemmas of a Dragonslayer series and I literally held my breath while I read this last volume. In Bittersweet Ending, Raven needed help but Carison was stuck in another place where there was no way out, no way to get to her. Lemore became more powerful than ever, after inhabiting a dragon's body. A lot of lives were lost, a lot of people were fooled by the Diamondscale's appearance and a lot of problems were still not solved. Will there ever be an end to Carison & Raven's dilemma?

Indeed it had been a tumultuous journey to a bittersweet ending. I love this last book from the series because it got all the ingredients i was looking for in a fantasy genre - drama, action, adventure, and romance. I didn't want to part with Carison and Raven, and I didn't stop my tears when some of the characters died. Big thanks and a chunkful of praises for Miss Elward for a superb end to a series.  I think I will never look at a dragon the same way ever again. This book deserved my 5 stars rating!

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Dragonslayer Vol 4-5

The Aftermath (Volume 4 of Dilemmas of a Dragonslayer series)
by Ruth Ford Elward

***** the characters have captivated me! *****

I've read a lot of books where dragons reign supreme and soar above the heavens with their majestic wings. Ruth Elward, however, changed my perspective about them. Her book, The Aftermath is a well-crafted and beautifully written tale that kept me awake and made me want to keep reading for more.

The Aftermath happened to be the 4th installment from the Dilemmas of a Dragonslayer series, I met the hero, Paladin Carison Destine who barely escaped the tongues of death when Lemore's plans to bond with the Diamondscale went awry. Nevertheless, the Paladin was still intent on killing the Butcher. His betrothed, Raven, was able to finally cure herself through the help of an unlikely ally.  Soon Diamondscale was born and became a true monster, made possible by Lemore, and was caught in a battle between dragons and humans.

Things have gotten really interesting for the dragon slayer and the butcher. Lemor is the epitome of a villain gone wild. Carisone on the other hand, played a pivotal heroic role. These characters captivated me, and I can safely say that they would be forever be imprinted in my mind.



All in Good Time (Volume 5 of Dilemmas of a Dragonslayer Series )
By Ruth Ford Elward

*****I can no longer wait to read the next book in the series*****

Allow me to say this, I have just had the pleasure of meeting the most ardent characters in a mystical world.

Carisone and Raven. Two formidable forces.  King Lemore considered them the bane of his existence, the thorns in his rise to power, the hurdles that prevent him from  reigning over the old Fourth Kingdom. He would do everything and would use Diamondscale to accomplish his goal. Of course, not everyone agreed to do his bidding. That is why he wanted nothing else but to see Carison & Raven dead. All in good time.

Author Elward has created a different world of dragons that I have never read in any other books. She has a very creative mind and a talent in persuading you to continue reading her stories. She really knows how to make a reader crave for more. The fifth volume from the Dragonslayer series is action-packed and nerve-wracking. I felt what the other characters felt. I saw what lies ahead and I anticipated every step they take. I thought I knew it all, but then in the end, I was lost in my own thoughts and was shocked by the turn of event. I can no longer wait to read the next book in the series.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

The Dragonslayer and His Sorceress


Volume 2 Dragonslayer and His Sorceress

Part 1 – Coming Storm
Carison Destine, Paladin of the Realm, has agreed to help an old friend prepare the defenses of the Governor’s Palace in what was once the Fourth Kingdom.

Along with his lover, the beautiful and deadly sorceress Raven, they begin their task, knowing it is only a matter of time before the deposed King Lemore tries to take his throne back by force.

An attack on the palace by a Yellowscale dragon leaves Carison’s friend poisoned and dying and Carison must find help in the most unlikely of places.

And all the while there are rumors from the lips of the dragons themselves that something is coming, something that Carison cannot prepare for…

Part 2 – Hidden Dangers
Dreams of impending terrors wake Carison Destine from his sleep. As Paladin of the Realm, he has faced untold dangers and always walked away from them, although not always without losing something of himself.

The dragons are anxiously awaiting something. Something that will be worse than anything Carison and the Sorceress Raven have ever faced before. They must find out what it is, and stop it if they can.

If they don’t die trying.

Part 3 – There is Death
On their way to stop the tyrant Butcher Lemore from raising a dragon army, Paladin Carison Destine, the sorceress Raven, and their friend Captain Orson Malidra are set upon by a group of Bluescale dragons.

In the middle of the fight that they are bound to lose, they are saved by a friend. A friend who gives his life for them.

His death tips Raven over an emotional cliff, unleashing powers and dangers she had tried so hard to bury within herself. She changes before Carison’s eyes. And then leaves.

Looking for help in the next town, what they find is rumors that Raven has slaughtered a nearby village. Carison knows it can’t be true. But he also knows he has to go to her, to try to bring her back to herself.

But at the same time, Butcher Lemore is plotting and scheming to regain his throne.

And kill anyone who stands in his way.

Dragonslayer No More? (Dilemmas of a Dragonslayer Vol. I)

Titles:
Dragonslayer No More (Vol 1)
Dragonslayer and His Sorceress (Vol 2)
Author: Ruth Ford Elward


Oh the delight I have experienced when I read the first two volumes of the book! Carison was a young and mighty warrior Paladin who seek out the best in people but defied those who wished the Valley of Shade ill. He woke up with only one arm, his spirit weakened at first but when a particular woman told her about his bravery, Carison made sure that he will slay the Dragon that was wrecking havoc in the Realm.

His sorceress lover, Raven was someone not to be taken lightly, for even if her eyes are trained on someone she was talking to, she knew when an incoming punch or kick would touch her down. She was immensely great with her powers and stunning with her beauty. No wonder Carison fell in love with her.

The tyrant Butcher Lemore was really someone you would root for in a villain. Cunning, ruthless, deceptive and mean. All in one package. He is someone who would do exactly everything that would help him regain his throne and build an army of dragons, destined to bring people to their knees and praise him. I'd describe him as the Wickedly Evil!

************************** SYNOPSIS ***********************


Dragonslayer No More?

Part 1 – Fire
After a disastrous attempt to slay a particularly dangerous Dragon plaguing the Valley of Shade, Carison Destine awakes to find his left arm has been torn off, eaten by the Dragon that still terrorizes the country.

He must overcome his fears if he is to ever recover. With the help of his truest friend in the world, a novice sorceress, he sets out to confront the Dragon again, against all odds, against all advice, and with little hope of ever returning.

The Dragon presents more of a danger than he realizes. He might not survive. But he’ll die trying.

Part 2 – Heart
Paladin Carison Destine is in the small Three Kingdoms town of Vedoran to deal with a dragon problem. A Digger, a dragon who attacks its prey from underground, has decided the townsfolk here are its prey.

The woman he loves, Raven, is with him. Before they can take on the dragon, Carison is approached by the Chamberlain Randithew Moorlock, with an offer of employment.

He wants Carison to help take back the throne of the infamous Butcher Lemore. Carison has no problem saying no. Until the Chamberlain ups the stakes and kidnaps his beloved…

Part 3 – Soul
Carison Destine, Paladin of the Realm, is being forced to murder the Governor of the former Fourth Kingdom. His cooperation is being forced by evil men holding the woman he loves captive. Raven is a powerful sorceress.

But as Carison points out, anyone can die if they let their guard down. He knows what he must do. He can’t hesitate. Hesitating could get Raven killed.

Sneaking into the Governor’s Palace was easy. But will killing a man in cold blood be that easy? To save the woman he loves, it just might be.

Monday, November 4, 2013

Dilemma's of a Dragonslayer book trailer

I got the chance to read this amazing series and my kids also loved this. I guess everyone is aware that I have always been fascinated with dragons and medieval fantasy book. Dilemma's of a Dragonslayer did not disappoint!

Dilemma's of a Dragonslayer is an 8-volume series about a dragon slayer named Carison and the dilemmas, challenges and battles he had to face in order to restore a fallen kingdom, slay the fiercest dragon, Diamondscale and find happiness in the arms of the one he truly loved. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. One of the best I've read so far!

Stay tuned for my book reviews on my upcoming posts. In the meantime, check out this beautiful book trailer from Ruth Ford Elward's Dilemma's of a Dragonslayer.





Friday, November 1, 2013

Poems Vol.2

Title: Poems (Volume 2)
Author: Lee Gliddon
Published Oct 2013

Volume 2 of another selection of my poems that have been pulled out of my emotional well. A mixture of tone. A story to read, a journey to discover, a moment to share.

Yet again, another incredibly beautiful and sensual love poems written by Lee Gliddon. His latest book contains some of the best (love) poems I have ever read. The stories behind his poetry plucked at my heartstrings.

If you are a man trying to make yourself known to the one you loves from afar, by putting your shoes on the other man's feet, A Strangers Love is perfect for you. If you want to walk down memory lane, A Moment By The Lake is what you need. My One And Only talks about the one who had been saved from the black beach of despair, and never letting go again. These were my three favorites from Gliddon's lovely poems.

The others were equally well written, like The Stray Cat - a perfect personification of someone who longs to be nestled in the arms of a mother and a place to call home. I also loved Death I Am and A Tear from a Dry Well, these are kind of intense and strong.

Overall, I'd say that Gliddon's poems aren't made of cotton candy words, but are written with heart, mind and soul. Simply beautiful! A must read for all poetry lovers!

Thursday, October 24, 2013

For Nothing

For Nothing (An Upstate New York Mafia Tale #1)
Author: Nicholas Denmon
Kindle edition; 272 pages
Published May 2011

Undercover cop Alex Vaughn goes deeper than ever into the organized crime family of Buffalo, NY. Motivated by justice and revenge, he seeks out the assassin that laid his friend Jack low. Professional killer Rafael Rontego traverses the deadly politics of Buffalo’s mafia underbelly. In a city whose winter can be just as deadly as those wielding power, Rontego tries to stay ahead of the game. Their two worlds collide in this epic thriller that takes the reader on a search for self, justice, and truth.
I have read a lot of crime stories and undercover tales, but I think it's safe to say that this is my first Mafia Crime Thriller book. A long time ago, I would have steered clear of this type of book, although I did watch a couple of The Sopranos episodes before. Upon reading, however, my perception of mafia related genre has changed. I am now actually a fan of this Mafia tale!

The story kicked off with Jack Benton getting shot at by a hired assassin. His friend, Alex Vaughn saw his sprawled body a minute too late. He vowed that he would avenge his friend's death and soon he went on an undercover mission. But he didn't know that he would be facing up and dealing with two of the most ruthless organized family crime syndicates in upstate New York.

I have never read a crime novel beautifully written with its gory details and gritty characters, with every scene craftily described and depicted. The characters, Alex Vaughn and Rafael Rontego were equally interesting and dynamic in their own rights. I actually found myself liking the villain, Rafael and even wanted him to be spared from the crime. I don't know, but there's something about him that made me root for him,  the kind of character that you like to win after all those emotional baggage. In the end, though, I still gave props to Alex Vaughn for having a believable personality.

The twist at the end of the story was something I wasn't expecting at all. The twist blew me away! Truth is, I have been captivated by Nicholas Denmon's writing prowess. He knows how to tickle his readers' imagination from the first chapter up to the last. He kept me reading until the end. Now, he makes me want to read the sequel. Of course, I will read the next book on the series. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie would have been so proud had they had the chance to read this stellar masterpiece.

This one is a well written, well done crime thriller. There were some creepy scenes that made my eyes go wide with anticipation. Every scene was nerve wracking.. Overall, let me just reiterate that I really liked this book and will continue to follow the series.
The author Nicholas Denmon and the main character Alex Vaughn deserve my 5 star rating!

One of my favorite lines from the book:
That was all life really was, anyway. A series of moments that drifted on too fast; so fast that one could scarce enjoy them before they searched for the next.

More info about the author:
Nicholas Denmon studied English at the University of Florida. He started story telling from the moment he could talk and has spent a lifetime perfecting the art.

His life has been varied, giving him no shortage of material. Some of his unique experiences include growing up with an eccentric mother, having six brothers and sisters (of which he is the middle-younger child), a perfectionist father, an evil step-mother, a college life to rival Tucker Max, and working for politicians on the Presidential as well as local stage. He has been, at times, a devout Catholic, a closet atheist, and an honorary member of the Jewish tribe.


Nick's joy of art knows little in the way of limitations, as he loves unique paintings, music, acting, film, and of course writing.

Check him out on Amazon and Goodreads.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

The Maze - The Lost Labyrinth

Title: The Maze - The Lost Labyrinth
A Christian Fantasy Novel (Angels & Demons & Lost Souls)
Author: Jason Brannon
Kindle Edition; 186 pages
Published June 3rd 2013


A near death experience transports Jamie Burroughs into The Maze, a realm every bit as peculiar as Lewis Caroll's Wonderland, yet engineered with the moral intent of C.S. Lewis' Narnia. Built by angels and demons and filled with traps and riddles, The Maze gives whoever enters a face-to-face encounter with their sins.
For Jamie, The Maze becomes a terrifying journey through a world of darkness where his soul and the lives of those he loves hangs in the balance. With his family in danger and his soul in peril, Jamie is forced to reevaluate the kind of man he truly is as he struggles to escape The Maze before it’s too late.

This book had been touted as a counterpart for CS Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia as well as Pan's Labyrinth. I digress. The Maze ( A Christian Fantasy Novel) is way better than the above mentioned books.

Jamie Burroughs was living a life full of secrets, white lies and deceptions. He was happily married with Amy and had a son named Peter and lived contentedly. Or so her wife thought. It was not long before Jamie admitted to himself that he had been keeping a lot of things from his wife like his smoking & drinking vices, accessing illicit websites or going to the casino. Soon another temptation came into his life, in the form of an ex-girlfriend named Karen.

Something happened that led Jamie to a close encounter with death. Soon he found himself facing a Minotaur in a labyrinth, The Maze, a Christian themed domain constructed by angels and demons, loaded with questions and traps that only Jamie would be able to answer and escape from.

This book literally sent chills to my spine, while I read Jamie's struggles and missteps and determination on how to get out of the labyrinth. The author, Jason Brannon is a very effective writer, his words and the allegory behind the story makes me take a hard approach at my own life. He makes me wonder and question the things I have done. That is how he had delved into my heart and soul. There was not a single chapter that I did not cry and pondered on the deepest, darkest places of my own existence. The other characters, Asterion, The Piper, Barrabas, Darrel Gene - these are just a few of the people that I may encounter in my/our daily lives, wearing different masks, testing our faith, loyalty and trust.

I have learned a lot from this book. I am actually a Christian but not a devout one. The notes I wrote while reading the Maze were intended to be the steps and guide I have to apply in my everyday life. Believe me when I say that this book will change your perception in life. I did.

About the author:

Jason Brannon is the author of numerous horror and dark fantasy novels and short stories. His current titles include The Maze, The Misunderstood and Other Misfit Horrors, The Cage, and The Order of the Bull.

He currently lives in Amory, MS and maintains a website at www.jasonbrannon.us

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Winter Solstice Winter by EJ Squires

Title: WINTER SOLSTICE WINTER
(A Viking Blood Saga - Book I)
Author: E. J. Squires
Kindle Edition; 464 pages
Published September 2013

In the land where ruthless Vikings and ominous shape-shifters roam free Eiess usurps the Northlandic Throne and suspends the seasons on Winter Solstice. Lucia, heir to the Northlandic Throne, is taken prisoner and wastes away in one of the castle’s towers.
Ailia, a peasant girl, goes missing, and wakes up in a glacier cave months later with no memory of how she ended up there. Soren, one of the Sentinors sent to defeat Eiess, has failed in saving Lucia and in defeating Eiess.
As Eiess continues to amass her forces, preparing for the battle to end all battles, Ailia, Lucia and Soren are about to discover that their lives are intertwined behind a veil of family lies. Determined to take back the throne, they begin to form an alliance, but their mission to overthrow Eiess is stalled when the family lies surface.
And when a forbidden love flourishes between two, jealousy, anger and duplicity arises, causing one of them to betray the others – a betrayal which puts their lives and the lives of humanity in grave danger.


Welcome to Midgard! Allfather Odin is pleased to meet you. Now, let Odin take you a thousand years before… during the times when the Vikings roamed the world and where wolves and shape-shifters wreck havoc in the Northlandic Kingdom!

The story begins with Ailia having a mare dream. In her sleep, an evil empress was chasing after her. Ailia had no idea what the empress wanted from her but she was terrified. When she awoke from her dream, she told her aunt about it and was concerned. Truth is, Ailia was mocked and condemned by her own friends when she told them about her mare dreams. Soon, she no longer felt welcomed in her beloved town because they thought she was cursed.

In the Northlandic Kingdom, Lucia, sole heir to the throne was grieving the death of her Queen Mother. In accordance to Midgard’s tradition, upon her Majesty’s death, two maidens were offered as sacrifices, to help the queen cross to the other realm. I actually found this scene quite intriguing, I don't know if this had been a Nordic tradition, but the mere thought of sacrificing oneself was beyond me.

Anyway, the kingdom was under siege by the evil Eiess, and Lucia was taken prisoner, thanks to a traitor aunt. It took her a long time before she was able to escape and learn about her twin sister. Ailia, on the other hand, woke up in a cave with no previous memory and soon she met Soren, who rescued her from shape-shifters. Soon thereafter, the three characters crossed paths and became entangled in a web of lies, deceptions, treason and secrets.

The main characters, Ailia, Lucia and Soren played vital roles in this magnificent tale. The scenes and the secondary characters were likewise rich. I can’t believe this was EJ Squires' maiden writing venture. I adored Squires' writing style; rich, dreamy and action-packed. She unmistakably researched the setting, and definite delineations of Viking life. While I was reading the book, I felt like I was also a part of the story, I even imagined myself as one of Lucia's handmaidens!

Overall, let me just say that I had a very delightful experience reading Winter Solstice Winter (Viking Blood Saga). The story was a little long but I was so immersed with the characters that I was surprised I have already reached the last page. I loved the idea behind this engrossing book set in Midgard, during the time of the Vikings of the Norse Mythology. I'd like to call Winter Solstice Winter as one of the best Viking saga ever written, a cross between Lord Of the Rings and Legend of the Seeker. This book had me running through a handful of emotions. I highly recommend this romantically historical tale to everyone who yearns to go back in time. An instant 5***** to author EJ Squires.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Evelyn J. Squires was born in the land of the Midnight Sun. When she  moved to the USA with her family in 1992, she completed High School and studied Comparative Literature at Brigham Young University. She married in 2003, and now resides in Florida with her husband and three children.

Get to know more about her book at: www.norsevikingsaga.com

Facebook author page:- https://www.facebook.com/pages/Evelyn-Squires/433410863398865

Twitter:- https://twitter.com/EvelynSquires / @EvelynSquires

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Cruxim: You Are Never Alone

Title: Cruxim: You Are Never Alone
Author: Karin Cox
Paperback, 226 pages
Published April 5th 2013

Amedeo is Cruxim, a mysterious, immortal fallen angel. Destined to seek redemption as a vampire hunter, he quenches his insatiable hunger on vampire blood. But when the object of his passion, the novice nun Joslyn, is turned into a vampire and enters a vampire coven, Amedeo's worlds collide. Shattered by the loss of his beloved, he vows to rid the world of vampires once and for all, even if it means destroying Josyln in the process. 
A Paranormal Game of Cat and Mouse
Joining Amedeo on his quest to rid the world of the undead is Sabine. Half-woman, half-lioness, she is a Sphinx, a Guardian who has protected humans from vampires since the dawn of time. Yet Sabine comes to this fight pursued by her own enemies. An evil scientist, Dr. Claus Gandler, knows the secret of Sabine's mythological past, vowing to torment her for eternity or destroy her forever.
 
Immortal Ever After
Captured by the evil doctor, Amedeo and Sabine are paraded as sideshow freaks in the Circus of Curiosities. Only vampire Joslyn has the power to intercede. Will she prove Amedeo's redemption, or his destruction? 

Of all the Angel-themed books I have read this past week, I believe this is one of the best and most beautifully written stories ever made. I really enjoyed reading this book.

The characters were interesting, most especially the Sphinx, a half-human, half-lion creature. I've read about this ancient Egypt creatures during junior high school and I had actually adopted the name Sphinx as my call sign in our radio org. Totally cool.


5 stars for Cruxim and Karin Cox!


About the Author:

Karin Cox edits and writes in her "spare time" while being a fulltime mum to a toddler and to a black cat with the improbable name of "Ping Pong."

She is the author of more than 30 trade-published natural history books, biographies, Australian social history books, children's picture storybooks, and travel guides, several of which have won awards. Karin has had poems and short stories published in anthologies worldwide and her ebooks CRUXIM, GROWTH, CAGE LIFE, HEY LITTLE SISTER and PANCAKES ON SUNDAY are available on Amazon.

Thankfully, the busier she gets, the more creative she is (and the more likely to afford to hire a housekeeper). Karin and her partner live in sunny Queensland, Australia, where she writes from her back deck overlooking the pool, her study (overlooking her messy desk) or her couch (overlooking Dr Phil, who gives her a lot of inspiration). You can follow her on twitter @Authorandeditor or visit her fanpage on Facebook www.facebook.com/KarinCox.Author. Also, feel free to email her on cruxim@hotmail.com or check out her other website at: www.indiereviewtracker.com

Thursday, September 19, 2013

The Strange Case of Finley Jayne


Title: The Strange Case of Finley Jayne
(Steampunk Chronicles 0.5)
Author: Kady Cross
Kindle Edition, 78 pages
Published May 1st 2011

Finley Jayne knows she's not 'normal'. Normal girls don't lose time, or have something inside them that makes them capable of remarkably violent things. Her behavior has already cost her one job, so when she's offered the lofty position of companion to Phoebe, a debutante recently engaged to Lord Vincent, she accepts, despite having no experience. Lord Vincent is a man of science with his automatons and inventions, but Finley is suspicious of his motives where Phoebe is concerned. She will do anything to protect her new friend, but what she discovers is even more monstrous than anything she could have imagined...

This is a short story, a prequel to the steampunk bestseller The Girl In the Steel Corset, a book I have yet to read. The story begins with Finley Jayne who was fired from her last job after hitting her former employer's governess in the face!

Jobless, Finley went to her mother's home, hoping to find refuge for a few days. Then a wealthy matriarch hired her to be her daughter Phoebe's companion. Soon Phoebe and Finley became friends. Little did Finley know that  she was actually hired to spy on Lord Vincent, a man of science who was eerily engaged to Phoebe. I say eerily because there was something sinister about him and his house full of automatons, and wanting to wed a girl who looked like his dead wife!

Finley is a brave and loyal companion as well as a fierce heroine. She possesses great strength and character and she sure has lots of spunk! I really want to read  The Girl In the Steel Corset, really soon, because I need to know more about Finley and how she became a not-so-normal teenager with super-strength.

 The Strange Case of Finley Jayne is a quick/fast paced steampunk novella, quite entertaining and intriguing at the same time.  Young adult fans of steampunk will surely enjoy this :)

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Lucky Stars

So for today, my choice for a funny book is the hilariously lovely comedy by Jane Heller - Lucky Stars!

This is a really funny book about the crazy relationship between a mother and daughter. The book was easy to relate to, as i see myself in Stacey's place & my mom on Helen's.

For the Book Description, read below. But in my own simple terms, it is about an upcoming actress or a starlet taking her chances in Hollywood to find fame and fortune and in a twist of fate- her mother gets discovered and becomes very famous. Believe me, this Mother-Daughter Tandem is neurotic!

There are times when i find myself in Stacey's shoes and can't help but be "angry" with my own mom. I loved my mother, really I did. But there are times when she drives me nuts. And I don't mean nuts as in she aggravates me. I mean nuts as in she made the tiny vein in my left eyelid twitch. But I definitely love everything about her..

So if you got time and want a funny moment, I suggest LUCKY STARS and you won't regret it!

I'll rate this book with 4 smiling stars!

Book Description:
Stacey Reiser left Cleveland for Hollywood to pursue an acting career—and to escape her lovable but meddlesome mother, Helen. But her plan backfires when the widowed Helen sells her house and follows Stacey to tinsel town, invades every aspect of her daughter’s world and drives her crazy. As in eye twitch crazy. Insomnia crazy. Acid reflux crazy.

“If only Mom would get a life,” Stacey wishes after her mother has called for the zillionth time that day to nag her about her clothes, her hair, her lack of a wedding ring. “If only she’d get a life and stay out of mine.”

How could Stacey ever imagine that Helen would get a life – the very life Stacey craves? Just as Stacey's career takes a dive, a twist of fate lands Helen in a television commercial that catapults her to stardom. Now it’s Helen who’s the media darling and Stacey who’s the meddler. And while Stacey is hoping for a commitment from her boyfriend, it’s Helen who snares the catch of the century. Or does she? Helen’s new beau isn’t what he seems, and it’s up to Stacey to expose his shady past before it's too late. But it’ll take the acting job of a lifetime to do it, not to mention a whole lot of heart. Lucky Stars is a novel that’s as keenly observed as it is entertaining, and it will have mothers and daughters laughing out loud and nodding in recognition.

Sunday, September 15, 2013

The Emperor's Edge

Title: The Emperor's Edge
Author: Lindsay Buroker
Kindle Edition; 197 pages
Published December 2010

Imperial law enforcer Amaranthe Lokdon is good at her job: she can deter thieves and pacify thugs, if not with a blade, then by toppling an eight-foot pile of coffee canisters onto their heads. 
But when ravaged bodies show up on the waterfront, an arson covers up human sacrifices, and a powerful business coalition plots to kill the emperor, she feels a tad overwhelmed. Worse, Sicarius, the empire's most notorious assassin is in town. He's tied in with the chaos somehow, but Amaranthe would be a fool to cross his path. Unfortunately, her superiors order her to hunt him down.  
Either they have an unprecedented belief in her skills... or someone wants her dead.


This is one of my favorite steampunk e-book and I actually LOVED it! Lindsay Buroker crafted a master-piece with lovable characters like Amaranthe, Sicarius and Maldynado.


A high fantasy novel in the era of steam - it simply has all the ingredients I am looking for in a story - magic, swordplay, politics, womanfolk and a little bit of romance on the side. The characters - simply amazing! A renegade enforcer (Amaranthe Lokdon), a deadly assassin with a good heart (Sicarius),  an evil & cunning commander (Hollowcrest), a lovestruck emperor (Sespian), a viscious team working in conspiracy (Books, an alcoholic ex-professor; Maldynado, an aristocratic ladies man, and Akstyr, a skeptic young wizard-in-training, who doesn't want others to know that he practices mental sciences)   and another group that is willing to do whatever it takes to take down the empire (Forge).. and don't forget the monsters or creatures that rip out the hearts of its victims!

From start to finish, I was at the edge of my seat, thinking about the strategies that Lokdon and Sicarius had done in order to ensure Emperor Sespian's well being, amidst all the chaos and poison circulating around the palace. Amaranthe Lokdon is a spectacular heroine, quick and witty, full of punk & steam (yeah literally), a little intimidating maybe, but is all business when it comes to protecting the Emperor. She's got a likeable persona even though she keeps on wearing her hair in a bun!

Sicarius, on the one hand, is still a mystery to me - although his relation to the Emperor has been discussed, I still believe that there is more to him than meets the eye. While I would love to see him get all goody-goody & lovey-lovey with Amaranthe, I think that Emperor Sespian and the lady enforcer look better together.

Maldynado, on the other hand, is quite a handful of a character. At first, I didn't really like him at all, but on the succeeding chapters, his humorous character has shifted into someone that can melt your heart and put smile on your lips.. He is truly a ladies man.. I'd love to read more about him on the rest of Lindsay Buroker's  trilogy.

The whole story is fast-paced, deep, a little dramatic in the end and a cliffhanger, too. The action scenes are imaginable (at least, to me!) and the dialogue will certainly never bore you. No dull moment at all.  But there was certainly something amiss in the end..

Where was the kiss?! Hahaha.. Just Kidding..

My bookmark rating for The Emperor's Edge: 5 stars!! An awesome feat! Kudos Lindsay Buroker :)

I already bought Dark Currents. I'll read it very very soon!! I promise!




Friday, September 13, 2013

Neverwhere

Title: Neverwhere
Author: Neil Gaiman
Paperback, 370 pages
Published September 2003

Under the streets of London there is a world of which most people could never dream. When Richard Mayhew accidentally stumbles on this hidden city of monsters, saints, murderers and angels, he is catapulted from a safe and predictable world into one that is eerily familiar yet utterly bizarre.
This is my second Gaiman book, and I can't help but compare it with another children's book, Alice In Wonderland.  Neil takes me to an underworld of doors and creatures I actually never wanted to meet.

The protagonist, Richard Mayhew, as I have mentioned above, was actually like Alice In Wonderland where he embarked on a journey with Lady Door, a girl who can open any door, (of course), locks, windows, even handcuffs. And there he also met two vicious men, Mr. Vandemar and Mr. Croup who would do everything and anything just to get the girl. And there was also an Angel in disguise. An angel holding a deep secret that only Door can unlock.

Neverwhere is a good book. At first, I found the story boring and predictable, but I pushed through it and the second half was entertaining. In the end, everything ties together with mystery and makes you want to keep reading after some really interesting revelations and plot points. I consider the end to be the best chunk of the novel, which is concluded well and inventively, preceded by an unlikely climax.


I'm having a hard time deciding whether to give this 2 or 3 as a rating. But then, since this is a Gaiman story, I believe he deserved 4 stars ****!

Monday, September 9, 2013

The Mountains Belong To Me


Title: The Mountains Belong to Me
Author: Linda Dickert
ebook, 64 pages
Published June 3rd 2013
"Cries of coyotes, the croak of frogs and chirping of crickets exemplify the concertos of the Smoky Mountains. I appreciate the age-worn rocks’ accommodating a waterfall’s endless challenge. I hear gospel songs, and I can see myself clogging to great blue grass harmonies."

Linda Dickert’s collection of poetry and prose celebrates life in the Great Smoky Mountains. Her short essays, conversations, and inspirations draw from the happenings in the mountains of North Carolina, sharing with readers the spirit of the Appalachians and instilling an appreciation for the natural world and our responsibility to protect and cherish it. Dickert also gives readers an opportunity to reflect on their own environment and connection with nature.

Let me share with you the wonderful words that recently captured my attention:

"O ye hidden flourishing bloom
clinging to a stem,
Your fragrance reminiscent of the cinnamon aroma
of a grand claret,
Peering through your secret space
Behind a water fall
Lingering in the mist to
Take my breath away"

This is actually an excerpt from a collection of poems that Miss Linda Going Dickert had compiled. The Mountains Belong To Me is such a great book that you would feel the writer’s passion for her work once you read her words. The author has strong ties with her emotions as she talked about Appalachians, the seasons, animals and her beliefs and her philosophy. I loved all her stories, especially her Conversation with Sparky, and the encounter with the Genie, the different seasons and my most favorite - Seventy - a vision of Linda at the age of 70, while she was only 4 years old.

I'd like to applaud Linda Dickert because she made the verses on the book come alive and sing out to the world. She created pictures of delight, beauty, serenity and hope, as evidenced by the illustrations embedded on the collection. Yes, I so loved the background photos she used to portray the emotions of her poetry. Truly amazing!

And the best thing about the author is her advocacy to help the animals that are so close to her heart. It was actually mentioned on her book that "All proceeds from this book will go to Spark Companions, a non-profit organization that helps individuals unable to pay for vet bills."

Reading her passages made me laughed, sighed and also realized one thing: Sometimes you have to go through the hard times to realize how strong you are. And with her strength, she just showed the world, that the mountains really belonged to her.

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Stained

Stained (Stained #1)
by Ella James
Kindle Edition, 254 pages
Published September 14th 2011

After a fire destroys seventeen-year-old Julia’s home and kills her foster parents, she chases the half-demon responsible across the country and back, determined to avenge her family and discover why a host of celestial baddies want her dead. With Julia is enigmatic hottie - Cayne, who has his own score to settle with the half-demon, and who might be just as dangerous as the creature he and Julia hunt.

A love story among the angels like no other. This is definitely a must read. The characters are quite enjoyable, especially the gorgeous Nephilim Cayne. True, he’s  amnesiac, but his determination to get back his memories and bring down the Angel of Darkness Samyaza was an admirable personality. No wonder the Stained One, Julia was drawn to him. And yes, I was drawn to him too, :)

I liked that action started right from the start and didn't disappoint as the story progressed.  After only a few lines, I jumped into this book and it was hard for me to put it down! The plot was intense and the characters were intriguing (Oh, Yes, Cayne!!!) and quite interesting. Although I thought Julia was a weakling, at the latter part of the story, I found myself liking her. She is a kind of “clingy” character, but that’s okay since she was acting her age (sixteen). Cayne, on the other hand, really needs a crash-course on driving.. maybe I could help, ha ha!.

Stained is an incredible story. The author did a fantastic work. Although not so fast paced, I found myself enjoying the story until the end… oh wait! There’s no END yet!  Actually, I was fuming at the ending. The book ended rather abruptly, I was immediately intrigued. Cayne’s life was at stake and I need to know what happens next!

I can’t wait for the next installment in the series. 4 stars for Stained.

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Monday Musings

SEPTEMBER!
Do you remember the 21st night of September?
Love was changing the minds of pretenders
While chasing the clouds away...

Pardon me for singing.. I am just in the mood, this month of September. Where the cold season is awaiting. Anyway, welcome to the first edition of Musing Mondays for September.


Musing Mondays is a weekly meme hosted by MizB from Should be Reading.

Musing Mondays (Oct. 3)
Musing Mondays asks you to muse about one of the following each week…
• Describe one of your reading habits. 
• Tell us what book(s) you recently bought for yourself or someone else, and why you chose that/those book(s). 
• What book are you currently desperate to get your hands on? Tell us about it! 
• Tell us what you’re reading right now — what you think of it, so far; why you chose it; what you are (or, aren’t) enjoying it. 
• Do you have a bookish rant? Something about books or reading (or the industry) that gets your ire up? Share it with us! Instead of the above questions, maybe you just want to ramble on about something else pertaining to books — let’s hear it, then!
My Musing for today is about my monthly reading habit. If last month, it was all about Angels and Demons, this month, I am going to read Steampunks, Sci-Fis and Suspense Thrillers. OOhhhh.. this is gonna be a thrilling and exciting month!

Here are my proposed reads this week:

The Girl in the Steel Corset
by Kady Cross



The Josiah Trenchard series
by Jonathon Fletcher



Chosen
by Jolea Harrison

Steam
by Jessica Fortunato


Wither
by Lauren DeStefano

and

Private Games
by James Patterson and Mark Sullivan


Release Blitz: Mr. Billionaire CEO by Sedona Venez

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