Thank you to everyone that entered!!
PRIZE: Tote bag filled with Swag
The winner chosen by Rafflecopter is…
Monday, October 31, 2011
Early Review: Magic on the Line by Devon Monk
Author:Devon Monk
Release Date: November 1, 2011
Publisher: Roc
Allie Beckstrom Book #7
ISBN: 0451464281
ISBN13: 9780451464286
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Review Copy Source: Publisher
Allison Beckstrom has willingly paid the price of pain to use magic, and has obeyed the rules of the Authority, the clandestine organization that makes-and enforces-all magic policy. But when the Authority's new boss, Bartholomew Wray, refuses to believe that the sudden rash of deaths in Portland might be caused by magic, Allie must choose to follow the Authority's rules, or turn against the very people for whom she's risked her life.If you have not read the first 6 books I think you would be a bit lost trying to start at book 7 MAGIC ON THE LINE. There is a lot of back story that you would have missed and needed to follow along with everything. The Allie Beckstrom series is fantastic though so you wouldn't be disappointed in starting it. All the books up to date have been fast paced, full of action, adventure and interesting story line's to keep you coming back for more.
To stop the plague of dark magic spreading through the city, all that she values will be on the line: her magic, her memories, her life. Now, as dead magic users rise to feed upon the innocent and the people closest to her begin to fall, Allie is about to run out of options.
As always I really enjoyed MAGIC ON THE LINE. It was a great continuation of the series. So much has happened to Allie in such a short time and things really kick up another notch by the end of the book. Zayvion and Allie continue to fit well together. There is a point in the book that he goes completely against what he has always said and stands beside Allie and his friends. I cant get enough of Allie's friends specifically Shame and Terric. Shame although in a funk continues to be someone that is always there when he is needed. Terric always surprises me with what he will put up with and his loyalty. Allie's father being in her head is kinda starting to grow on me. I still don't like him but he sure ends up helping out a lot in moments of need. I'm still really upset with the fact that Allie doesn't have her personal magic. I don't know why it gets to me so much but its a constant thought with me and I really want her to get it back. The book ends with Allie and her closest friends being in a pretty bad position. There is a lot to do to get there lives back and I'm going to be along for the new ride.
I gave it 4/5 stars
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Week in Review: 10/23-10/29
Books Ive Bought/received
* Nothing this week.
Books I read
Stork by Wendy Delsol
Daughter of Smoke and Bones by Taylor Laini
Destined Mate by Katie Reus
Between the Sea and Sky by Jaclyn Dolamore
Who do, Voodoo? by Rochelle Staab
Reviews posted
The Shadow Reader by Sandy Williams
Craved by Stephanie Nelson
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* New Releases for the week. Was there anything you were looking forward to reading?
* Monday- Author SJ Davis stopped in to promote her new book INK with a guest post and swag giveaway
* Wednesday Stephanie Nelson was here telling us who her favorite Witches are and also giving away a Kindle.
* Thursday S.M Reine was interviewed here. She is giving away some swag.
* Friday I put up a promotional post for Ami Blackwelder. She is giving away a few e-copies of her books.
* Saturday I put up the trailer for Destined by PC and Kristin Cast, you can also enter to win a copy.
* Monday- Author SJ Davis stopped in to promote her new book INK with a guest post and swag giveaway
* Wednesday Stephanie Nelson was here telling us who her favorite Witches are and also giving away a Kindle.
* Thursday S.M Reine was interviewed here. She is giving away some swag.
* Friday I put up a promotional post for Ami Blackwelder. She is giving away a few e-copies of her books.
* Saturday I put up the trailer for Destined by PC and Kristin Cast, you can also enter to win a copy.
*If you see something on my books Ive read list that you are dying to know about let me know I'm back logged on reviews and can move it up on the list if I know people are wanting one.
* I love comments so if you see something you like (or not) please comment away and let me know.
* I love comments so if you see something you like (or not) please comment away and let me know.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Trailer & Giveaway: Destined by PC+Kristin Cast
*Available Now*
Author:P.C. Cast, Kristin Cast
Release Date: October 25, 2011
Publisher: St. Martins Press
House of Night Book #9
ISBN: 0312650256
ISBN13: 9780312650254
Genre: Young Adult
Zoey is finally home where she belongs, safe with her Guardian Warrior, Stark, by her side, and preparing to face off against Neferet – which would be a whole lot easier if the High Counsel saw the ex-High Priestess for what she really is. Kalona has released his hold on Rephaim, and, through Nyx's gift of a human form, Rephaim and Stevie Rae are finally able to be together – if he can truly walk the path of the Goddess and stay free of his father's shadow…
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Friday, October 28, 2011
Promotional Post & Giveaway: Ami Blackwelder
UFI welcomes Author Ami Blackwelder. Thanks for Joining us!!
After reading this post, please come to the author's blog http://amiblackwelder.bogspot.
Shifter Evolutions Series
by Ami Blackwelder
Two of my Paranormal/Sci-Fi books out!
The Invasion of 2020, the first book in the Shifter Evolutions series can be found on kindle, amazon, nook, BnN, and my blog. (Books 1-5 are out now)
The Invasion of 2020 is the prequel to Shifters of 2040. The Shifter Evolutions begins with the middle book, The Shifters of 2040, and gives the reader the choice for the past or future. This release of the first book in the series, The Invasion of 2020, will allow readers to engage the series chronologically also.
Readers will enjoying finding out more about Uri Petrov and Dr. Samantha Croon as they discover what exactly brought the shifters to Earth and what sparked human fears. Who was the young Marn and young Raul and what molded them into who they became?
Two of my Paranormal/Sci-Fi books out!
The Invasion of 2020, the first book in the Shifter Evolutions series can be found on kindle, amazon, nook, BnN, and my blog. (Books 1-5 are out now)
The Invasion of 2020 is the prequel to Shifters of 2040. The Shifter Evolutions begins with the middle book, The Shifters of 2040, and gives the reader the choice for the past or future. This release of the first book in the series, The Invasion of 2020, will allow readers to engage the series chronologically also.
Readers will enjoying finding out more about Uri Petrov and Dr. Samantha Croon as they discover what exactly brought the shifters to Earth and what sparked human fears. Who was the young Marn and young Raul and what molded them into who they became?
The Mers:
by Ami BlackwelderWhat lies beneath the surface?
One hundred years from now, the world has changed and brought with it new forms of life. Who are the Mers?
Who is Mira?
The Mers, a futuristic twist on mermaids is scheduled to be released Oct 25th, 2011.
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Ami Blackwelder is a forbidden romance writer in the paranormal and historical romance genre. Growing up in Florida, she went to UCf and in 1997 received her BA in English and teaching credentials. She travelled overseas to teach in Thailand, Nepal, Tibet, China and Korea. Thailand is considered her second home now. She has always loved writing and wrote poems and short stores since childhood; however, her novels began when she was in Thailand.
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Winner: Blood Eternal by Marie Tranor
Thank you to everyone that entered!!
PRIZE: One copy of Blood Eternal
The winner chosen by Rafflecopter is…
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Interview & Giveaway: Death's Hand by S.M. Reine
UFI welcomes Author S.M. Reine. Thanks for Joining us!!
What can you tell my readers about yourself that they might not know from looking on your bio or reading in another interview?
Most people don’t realize that SM Reine is like Batman for me. It’s my alter ego, in which I’m free to rock the leather and chains and write crazy dark fiction. In reality, I’m Bruce Wayne—not so much a millionaire playboy, but a fairly normal suburban wife and mother. I pay the bills working in higher education. I have the house with the white picket fence and everything. I don’t think anybody is surprised to find out I write dark fantasy and horror, though, since I do have pink hair and three black cats! (Bruce Wayne is much better at faking it than I am.)
What do you enjoy doing on your down time?
I’m a big TV and movie buff. I used to see almost every new movie that came out in the theater until I had the Helpful Baby, who’s not so much a fan of sitting in a loud, dark room for two hours at a time. Nowadays, when I’m not working (which is uncommon), I laze around the house watching Netflix and polishing my sword collection. When days are nice, I love to go hiking and take the family to the park. And I’m insane for frozen yogurt.
What is your Favorite part of writing?
I get pretty nasty writer’s block, which is miserable, but finding ways to break the writer’s block is so much fun! Often, I require a change of scenery. One of my books was entirely written on my laptop in the car while my husband drove laps around the city. With another book, I had to physically act out the battles in order to figure out how they worked, which meant me swinging a sword while my husband pretended to be a giant spider. (My husband is a very patient man.) Death’s Hand was mostly revised in a local Starbucks while the baristas kept bringing me venti skinny vanilla lattes. It’s a good thing caffeine shakes don’t translate to the page.
Do you have any certain routines you must follow as you write?
Like many writers, I need great music to write really well. I have to find just the write soundtrack for the book. Sometimes there’s only one song that captures the feeling of a project, and I’ll listen to the exact same song on repeat for days, weeks, or even months—and believe me, that drives my poor husband insane! Death’s Hand is a hard rock book, so I listened to a lot of Disturbed, Korn, and Tool while writing it. Considering I normally like to listen to opera and 80s New Wave, this is really weird for me.
What are some of your Favorite books or Authors in the Urban Fantasy/ Paranormal Genres?
This could be a huge list! I’m crazy for urban fantasy. The Dresden Files are an obvious favorite of mine. I also love the Anita Blake series (actually, to be precise, I love Edward from the Anita Blake series—my copy of Obsidian Butterfly disintegrated years ago) and everything Mercy Thompson. I couldn’t possibly address my favorite urban fantasy authors without mentioning Seanan McGuire and Kit Whitfield, too. But if you’ve got a book with a weapon-wielding woman in leather on the cover, I’m pretty much going to love it.
How would you pitch Death’s Hand to someone who has not heard of it before?
An exorcist tries to retire and discovers it’s not so easy to escape her past. That’s the short of it—the long of it involves gods and demons, the friends we make and the family we choose, hot shirtless guys, and phenomenal cosmic power.
Can you tell us a little bit about the world that Death’s Hand is set in?
The world that Elise Kavanagh lives in is very much like ours, except that angels and demons are living alongside humans. They have their own government structure, run businesses, and wage hidden wars in our cities. Elise is one of a few hundred humans granted divine authority to regulate the behaviors of these infernal and ethereal entities. When things get ugly, she’s right in the middle of it—in fact, she usually starts it. Demons and angels are much more powerful than humans, though, so she’s become incredibly tough to handle them. She’s brutal and ruthless. A real human weapon. Even though she hasn’t done it for a few years, she’s still nothing but hard edges, and it’s wonderfully fun to write.
Do you have a favorite scene in Death‘s Hand?
Honestly, the whole book is my favorite. I love action and adventure. Sometimes I say that Death’s Hand is a bunch of kickass fighting scenes with a little bit of plot to tie them together, and I’m only half-joking about it! Anytime I get to unleash Elise against a horde of zombies or fiends from Hell, it’s going to end up one of my favorite scenes. So that’s at least half of the book.
Which character was your favorite to write about? What about the hardest to write about?
Despite all my gushing about Elise, my favorite character is probably her best friend Betty. Where Elise is tough and merciless, Betty is enthusiastic and a little silly. She’s smart, sexy, and doesn’t have the common sense to realize that the danger of fighting demons is very real. Elise is probably the hardest to write. I’m silly, like Betty, so trying to keep myself focused and serious is difficult. I naturally write with a lot of snark, and Elise isn’t very snarky. I really have to keep an eye on her in the editing process.
What Other Projects can we look forward to reading from you?
My next year is very busy! I’ve already written two more books in the same universe as Death’s Hand, and I will be releasing those early in 2012. They’re called “The Darkest Gate” and “Damnation Marked,” and carry us deeper into Elise’s struggles in a dark world. I also have to finish the Seasons of the Moon series (which include my young adult werewolf books, “Six Moon Summer” and “All Hallows’ Moon”). So you should expect to see three or four books from me in the next six months alone!
Most people don’t realize that SM Reine is like Batman for me. It’s my alter ego, in which I’m free to rock the leather and chains and write crazy dark fiction. In reality, I’m Bruce Wayne—not so much a millionaire playboy, but a fairly normal suburban wife and mother. I pay the bills working in higher education. I have the house with the white picket fence and everything. I don’t think anybody is surprised to find out I write dark fantasy and horror, though, since I do have pink hair and three black cats! (Bruce Wayne is much better at faking it than I am.)
What do you enjoy doing on your down time?
I’m a big TV and movie buff. I used to see almost every new movie that came out in the theater until I had the Helpful Baby, who’s not so much a fan of sitting in a loud, dark room for two hours at a time. Nowadays, when I’m not working (which is uncommon), I laze around the house watching Netflix and polishing my sword collection. When days are nice, I love to go hiking and take the family to the park. And I’m insane for frozen yogurt.
What is your Favorite part of writing?
I get pretty nasty writer’s block, which is miserable, but finding ways to break the writer’s block is so much fun! Often, I require a change of scenery. One of my books was entirely written on my laptop in the car while my husband drove laps around the city. With another book, I had to physically act out the battles in order to figure out how they worked, which meant me swinging a sword while my husband pretended to be a giant spider. (My husband is a very patient man.) Death’s Hand was mostly revised in a local Starbucks while the baristas kept bringing me venti skinny vanilla lattes. It’s a good thing caffeine shakes don’t translate to the page.
Do you have any certain routines you must follow as you write?
Like many writers, I need great music to write really well. I have to find just the write soundtrack for the book. Sometimes there’s only one song that captures the feeling of a project, and I’ll listen to the exact same song on repeat for days, weeks, or even months—and believe me, that drives my poor husband insane! Death’s Hand is a hard rock book, so I listened to a lot of Disturbed, Korn, and Tool while writing it. Considering I normally like to listen to opera and 80s New Wave, this is really weird for me.
What are some of your Favorite books or Authors in the Urban Fantasy/ Paranormal Genres?
This could be a huge list! I’m crazy for urban fantasy. The Dresden Files are an obvious favorite of mine. I also love the Anita Blake series (actually, to be precise, I love Edward from the Anita Blake series—my copy of Obsidian Butterfly disintegrated years ago) and everything Mercy Thompson. I couldn’t possibly address my favorite urban fantasy authors without mentioning Seanan McGuire and Kit Whitfield, too. But if you’ve got a book with a weapon-wielding woman in leather on the cover, I’m pretty much going to love it.
How would you pitch Death’s Hand to someone who has not heard of it before?
An exorcist tries to retire and discovers it’s not so easy to escape her past. That’s the short of it—the long of it involves gods and demons, the friends we make and the family we choose, hot shirtless guys, and phenomenal cosmic power.
Can you tell us a little bit about the world that Death’s Hand is set in?
The world that Elise Kavanagh lives in is very much like ours, except that angels and demons are living alongside humans. They have their own government structure, run businesses, and wage hidden wars in our cities. Elise is one of a few hundred humans granted divine authority to regulate the behaviors of these infernal and ethereal entities. When things get ugly, she’s right in the middle of it—in fact, she usually starts it. Demons and angels are much more powerful than humans, though, so she’s become incredibly tough to handle them. She’s brutal and ruthless. A real human weapon. Even though she hasn’t done it for a few years, she’s still nothing but hard edges, and it’s wonderfully fun to write.
Do you have a favorite scene in Death‘s Hand?
Honestly, the whole book is my favorite. I love action and adventure. Sometimes I say that Death’s Hand is a bunch of kickass fighting scenes with a little bit of plot to tie them together, and I’m only half-joking about it! Anytime I get to unleash Elise against a horde of zombies or fiends from Hell, it’s going to end up one of my favorite scenes. So that’s at least half of the book.
Which character was your favorite to write about? What about the hardest to write about?
Despite all my gushing about Elise, my favorite character is probably her best friend Betty. Where Elise is tough and merciless, Betty is enthusiastic and a little silly. She’s smart, sexy, and doesn’t have the common sense to realize that the danger of fighting demons is very real. Elise is probably the hardest to write. I’m silly, like Betty, so trying to keep myself focused and serious is difficult. I naturally write with a lot of snark, and Elise isn’t very snarky. I really have to keep an eye on her in the editing process.
What Other Projects can we look forward to reading from you?
My next year is very busy! I’ve already written two more books in the same universe as Death’s Hand, and I will be releasing those early in 2012. They’re called “The Darkest Gate” and “Damnation Marked,” and carry us deeper into Elise’s struggles in a dark world. I also have to finish the Seasons of the Moon series (which include my young adult werewolf books, “Six Moon Summer” and “All Hallows’ Moon”). So you should expect to see three or four books from me in the next six months alone!
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Find Sara and her books
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Death's Hand
Descent #1
October 21, 2011
Policing relations between Heaven, Hell, and Earth is messy and violent, but Elise Kavanagh and James Faulkner excelled at it-- until coming across a job so brutal that even they couldn't stand to see one more dead body.
Now they've been pretending to be normal for five years, leaving their horrific history a dark secret. Elise works in an office. James owns a business. None of their friends realize they used to be one of the world's best killing teams.
After years of hiding, something stirs. Bodies are vanishing. Demons scurry in the shadows of the night. A child has been possessed.
Some enemies aren't willing to let the secrets of the past stay dead..
Death's Hand is on sale for $0.99 for the whole month of November
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Winner: Tyger Tyger by Kersten Hamilton
Thank you to everyone that entered!!
PRIZE: One Signed copy of Tyger Tyger
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Guest Post, Review & Kindle Giveaway: Stephanie Nelson
UFI welcomes Stephanie Nelson Author of Craved. Thanks for Joining us!!
I’ve always had a fascination with witches. Maybe because with magic life would be a lot simpler, not to mention more interesting. Over the years there has been a handful of silver screen witches that I’ve absolutely loved and will forever be a fan of.
Glinda the Good Witch
Glinda stands out in my mind as my first encounter with the magical species. Me and my sister used to fight over who would be Glinda or the Wicked Witch. Of course we both wanted to be Glinda, she was the one with pretty dress. Often, because I was the youngest, I’d end up being cast as the Wicked Witch. That was okay though because I threatened my sister with flying monkeys.
The Witches
The Witches is a book wrote by Roald Dahl that was published in 1983 and then turned into a movie in 1990. I love this movie simply because the witches are unlike every other witch I’ve seen. While in public they look human, with the help of masks that help hide their hideous faces and gloves that hide their clawed fingers. But as they gather at a meeting in England they lose the disguises and show their true appearance. They absolutely hate children, trapping some in paintings, turning them into mice, and even stone statues. This movie made me afraid of witches and showed me a different side to the magical creatures I had fallen in love with.
The Owen Sisters
One reason I love this movie is the bond between the sisters. I’m very close to my sister. (Even though she wouldn’t let me be Glinda the Good Witch) The other reason is the quirky aunts. And the fact that Sally Owen is powerful yet doesn’t embrace her magic, yet her sister uses magic for everything. In Craved, I intertwined this with Gwen and Fiona. Gwen is hesitant to use her magic for every little thing, while Fiona couldn’t live without it.
The Sanderson Sisters
I loved Hocus Pocus and still do actually. I watch it every October. I love their quirkiness and cool rhyming spells. (Twist the bone and bend the back. Trim him of his baby fat. Give him fur black as black. Just….Like….Thissssss) Their evil yet comical and I love that!
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Craved
Author:Stephanie Nelson
Release Date: July 25, 2011
Gwen Sparks Book #1
ISBN: 9781466287
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Author:Stephanie Nelson
Release Date: July 25, 2011
Gwen Sparks Book #1
ISBN: 9781466287
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Review Copy Source: Bewitching Book Tours
Gwen Sparks just wants to live a peaceful life in the supernatural town of Flora, but from the moment she read about the first murdered witch, all hope of peace was abandoned. Possessing the rare ability to read the memories of dead, she volunteers to help catch the culprit behind the string of drained witches. Gwen has to team up with the one man who broke her heart, deal with a ghost who pulls her into the deathly realm at will, and a fight off the advances of sexy but frustrating vampire who not only craves what runs through her veins;he wants her heart.
This is a full length novel and contains adult content, not recommended for readers under 18 years old.
Another pleasantly surprising book. I never know what I'm going to get when I pick up a new book and it is always nice to get more then you were hoping for. Gwen is a down to earth gal who turns out to be a very powerful and rear kind of witch. She runs her very own magic store, shares her apartment with her best friend, is still getting over he ex werewolf boyfriend and even though she likes him keeps telling the sexy vampire determined to have her as his no. She offers to help solve the murders of witches and ends up becoming a target herself. There is a bit of a love triangle between Gwen, the ex boyfriend and the Vampire. There are some great and steamy romance scenes. The character development was great and I enjoyed getting to know the different characters. The plot was easy to follow and flowed at a nice pace. The ending UGGH cliffhanger...so painful to have to wait for more. Stephanie really put together a great read and Im glad I got my hands on a copy. Excited to see what comes next.
I gave it 4/5 stars
I gave it 4/5 stars
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Craved Tour- Kindle Giveaway
Winner will be chosen Nov 1
Receive bonus entries for:
-leaving a comment on the blog where the giveaway is posted
RULES
1) This giveaway is open to US residents only
2) MUST ENTER USING FORM HERE
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Review: The Shadow Reader by Sandy Williams
Author:Sandy Williams
Release Date: October 25, 2011
Publisher: Ace
McKenzie Lewis Book #1
ISBN: 1937007014
ISBN13: 9781937007010
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Review Copy Source: Publisher
There can only be one allegiance.I was so happy to get this in the mail and jumped into it right away. McKenzie is human but she is one of the very few people who can see the Fae and read the shadows. She has been working for years for the King and is very loyal to the Fae Court. She is kidnapped by the rebels and they start telling her things that contradicts everything she thinks she knows about the battles between both sides. If that isn't confusing enough for her she is spending a lot of time with the rebel leader Aren and is starting to realize her love for Kyol the Kings sword master that she can never be with just might not be what she wants anymore.
It’s her time to choose.
Some humans can see the fae. McKenzie Lewis can track them, reading the shadows they leave behind. But some shadows lead to danger. Others lead to lies.
A Houston college student trying to finish her degree, McKenzie has been working for the fae king for years, tracking vicious rebels who would claim the Realm. Her job isn’t her only secret. For just as long, she’s been in love with Kyol, the king’s sword-master—and relationships between humans and fae are forbidden.
But any hope for a normal life is shattered when she’s captured by Aren, the fierce and uncompromising rebel leader. He teaches her the forbidden fae language and tells her dark truths about the Court, all to persuade her to turn against the king. Time is running out, and as the fight starts to claim human lives, McKenzie has no choice but to decide once and for all whom to trust and where she ultimately stands in the face of a cataclysmic civil war.
I cant even begin to tell you what I loved most about the book because it was all fantastic to read. I enjoyed the world that Sandy Williams has created.It was filled with creative places and the background and history wasn't overly complex. The plot was easy to follow and I honestly didn't want to stop reading. McKenzie was just a girl (besides her abilities that is) that just wants to have a normal life. She was easy to like and follow. She went from someone who always follows orders to someone who gave her opinion and fought for herself. I went back and forth between Kyol and Aren. I really liked them both and at times I wanted one over the other to win McKenzie's heart but honestly would have been happy to see either of them with her. THE SHADOW READER was filled with action and suspense. I was constantly on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next and which side would take the lead. The book ended in a way that provided a bit of closure yet began a new starting point for the next book and I will be among the first in line to snag a copy of book 2 which I hope doesn't take to long to come out.
I gave it 5/5 stars
New Releases Oct 23-29
Tue Oct 25
Adam (Nightwalkers, #6) by Jacquelyn Frank
Angel Town (Jill Kismet, #6) by Lilith Saintcrow
Beauty Dates the Beast (Midnight Liasons, #1) by Jessica Sims
Between the Sea and Sky by Jaclyn Dolamore
Claimed (Dark Protectors #2) by Rebecca Zanetti
Crave (The Clann, #1) by Melissa Darnell
Darkness Rising (Dark Angels, #2) by Keri Arthur
Dead of Night: A Zombie Novel by Jonathan Maberry
Destined (House of Night Series #9) by P.C. Cast, Kristin Cast
Ecstasy Untamed (Feral Warriors, #6) by Pamela Palmer
Extinction Agenda (Skinners, #6) by Marcus Pelegrimas
Flesh and Blood (House of Comarré, #2) by Kristen Painter
The Hollows Insider by Kim Harrison
The Iron Knight (Iron Fey, #4) by Julie Kagawa
Phantom (The Vampire Diaries: The Hunters, #1) by L.J. Smith
The Shadow Reader (McKenzie Lewis #1) by Sandy Williams
Trance (MetaWars, #1) by Kelly Meding
Please let me know if you see a mistake or see something missing. Happy Reading!!
Monday, October 24, 2011
Guest Post & Giveaway: Ink by SJ Davis
UFI welcomes SJ Davis Author of Ink. Thanks for Joining us!!
Writing INK and writing YA
When I started INK, I wanted to tell a story from the perspective of a Native American girl. As I started thinking about Sparrow (and I thought about her everywhere), her voice became very clear. I knew she felt awkward and less worthy. I knew she listened to alternative music and what type of clothes she wore. I knew how she walked and how she hung her head when she studied. But I didn’t want to tell a story than imitated a young adult, I simply wanted to tell Sparrow’s story and express her pain and her strength, exactly how it floated in my brain.
Sparrow is tough. She’s broken in the beginning, she has lost her mother and she suddenly hears strange voices. The narrative also unfolds in a choppy way because that experience mirrors her life. I wanted the reader to figure out the story alongside Sparrow. I think as the reader progresses, it becomes apparent that the scariest voices in life are the voices created in our own minds.
One of the reasons that I enjoy young adult novels is because they portray the “firsts” of many significant events. First loves, first loss, independence, and so on. There is just something about the firsts in life that amaze and enthrall me. It’s a period where we discover the cripplingly beautiful experience of love, sex, and the give-and-take of different kinds of partnerships. It’s a great time of experimentation and contact. Did I say contact? Never, ever underestimate the power of human physical contact. Because while you can talk and flirt and discuss things of importance with someone, that first touch of skin--a finger grazing a hand, a hand caressing the length of a neck--there is this feeling of experiencing that person in a completely different way. And that is something you never forget and never stop wanting.
Is YA easier to write than “adult” fiction? Not really. In order to be any good at it, you have to be prepared to return to your early adult years and that is not for the faint of heart. You must move back, convincingly, to a time when your feelings were so exposed, raw, and easily crushed. You have to write with an open heart, ready to give and receive, because that is how teens are – full of expectation and hope. And that is a beautiful thing.
When I started INK, I wanted to tell a story from the perspective of a Native American girl. As I started thinking about Sparrow (and I thought about her everywhere), her voice became very clear. I knew she felt awkward and less worthy. I knew she listened to alternative music and what type of clothes she wore. I knew how she walked and how she hung her head when she studied. But I didn’t want to tell a story than imitated a young adult, I simply wanted to tell Sparrow’s story and express her pain and her strength, exactly how it floated in my brain.
Sparrow is tough. She’s broken in the beginning, she has lost her mother and she suddenly hears strange voices. The narrative also unfolds in a choppy way because that experience mirrors her life. I wanted the reader to figure out the story alongside Sparrow. I think as the reader progresses, it becomes apparent that the scariest voices in life are the voices created in our own minds.
One of the reasons that I enjoy young adult novels is because they portray the “firsts” of many significant events. First loves, first loss, independence, and so on. There is just something about the firsts in life that amaze and enthrall me. It’s a period where we discover the cripplingly beautiful experience of love, sex, and the give-and-take of different kinds of partnerships. It’s a great time of experimentation and contact. Did I say contact? Never, ever underestimate the power of human physical contact. Because while you can talk and flirt and discuss things of importance with someone, that first touch of skin--a finger grazing a hand, a hand caressing the length of a neck--there is this feeling of experiencing that person in a completely different way. And that is something you never forget and never stop wanting.
Is YA easier to write than “adult” fiction? Not really. In order to be any good at it, you have to be prepared to return to your early adult years and that is not for the faint of heart. You must move back, convincingly, to a time when your feelings were so exposed, raw, and easily crushed. You have to write with an open heart, ready to give and receive, because that is how teens are – full of expectation and hope. And that is a beautiful thing.
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SJ Davis is the daughter of an ex-patriate British mother and a Southern Baptist ex- CIA father. As a child, she spoke in silly accents and recounted outlandish tales of fantasy over afternoon tea and to this day it remains her favorite activity. Born in Long Island, NY, she was raised in the suburbs of Washington DC and went to school for a very long time (University of Virginia and George Mason University), married an all-around wonderful man, had two kids (smart, funny, full of opinions), moved from Virginia to New Jersey to Philadelphia to Chicago, and began her writing career. She is a believer in fate, an avid tea drinker, a stiletto aficionado, Doc Marten worshipper, punk rock listener, and lover of flip flops and cardigans. She has a terrible sense of direction, loves gummy bears, and is a Johnny Depp fangirl.
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Find Sarah and her books
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Ink
September 1, 2011
“It’s a good day to die.”
My mother holds my arm fiercely.
“But as you grieve for me, listen for
the voices.
Then, you must get the ink.”
Sparrow stumbles between two worlds, light and dark, love and hate, what is real and what is in her mind.
When her mother dies on the Reservation, Sparrow’s world is shadowed with anger and narrowed by pain. The voices arrive, but are they real? And how can a tattoo make her stronger?
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Sunday, October 23, 2011
Week in Review 10/16-10/22
Books Ive Bought/received
* Tempest by Julie Cross- Arc- Win from Librarything early reviewers.
* Who Do, Voodoo? by Rochelle Staab- From Publisher
Books I read
The Shadow Reader by Sandy Williams
Magic on the Line by Devon Monk
In the Forest of the Knight by Kersten Hamilton
Flesh and Blood by Kristin Painter
Kiss of Frost by Jennifer Estep
Reviews posted
Mind Over Monster by Jennifer Harlow
Blood on Silk by Marie Treanor
Blood Sin by Marie Treanor
Blood Eternal by Marie Treanor
Trance by Kelly Meding
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* New Releases for the week. Was there anything you were looking forward to reading?
* Monday Jennifer Harlow was here. She is offering up a few copies of MIND OVER MONSTER at the bottom of her guest post.
* Wednesday Author of TYGER TYGER Kersten Hamilton was here and is offering up a copy to a lucky winner.
* Thursday Marie Treanor stopped in. Her newest release BLOOD ETERNAL is up for grabs
* Monday Jennifer Harlow was here. She is offering up a few copies of MIND OVER MONSTER at the bottom of her guest post.
* Wednesday Author of TYGER TYGER Kersten Hamilton was here and is offering up a copy to a lucky winner.
* Thursday Marie Treanor stopped in. Her newest release BLOOD ETERNAL is up for grabs
*If you see something on my books Ive read list that you are dying to know about let me know I'm back logged on reviews and can move it up on the list if I know people are wanting one.
* I love comments so if you see something you like (or not) please comment away and let me know.
* I love comments so if you see something you like (or not) please comment away and let me know.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Early Review: Trance by Kelly Meding
Author:Kelly Meding
Release Date: October 25, 2011
Publisher: Pocket
MetaWars Book #1
ISBN: 1451620926
ISBN13: 9781451620924
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Review Copy Source: S&S Galley Grab
Kelly Meding’s war-ravaged Los Angeles is ground zero for the ultimate Meta human showdown in this sexy, action-packed new series.Superheros in a modern society. What a great world Kelly has built with her new MetaWars series. Teresa is the daughter of two superheros. When she was little something ripped away her and every other superheros powers and she grew up in foster system until they kicked her out at 18. She spent her younger adult years as pretty much a failure. One day after a horrible day of work her powers suddenly reappear and sends her life onto a new path.
Fifteen years ago, Teresa “Trance” West was a skilled telepath and a proud member of the Ranger Corps. But ever since the Rangers were inexplicably rendered powerless at the climax of the devastating Meta War, she’s bounced from one dead-end job to another. Now her powers have reappeared just as mysteriously as they vanished— only they’re completely transformed and more potent than ever. And they’re threatening to destroy her.
Trance heads to Los Angeles to track down the surviving Rangers and discover who restored her powers—and why—but a phantom enemy is determined to kill them before they can reassemble. As they dodge his deadly attacks and come to terms with their new role as heroes, Trance and the rest of the team set out to annihilate the sinister madman . . . only to discover their own powers are his greatest weapons.
I found Teresa easy to empathize with. She was a great blend of real life and fantasy. She ended up finding her niche in a group she always thought she was to weak for. Gage spent a lot of his time in the system while growing up and losing people. He felt like he was always letting people down and was also in a pretty bad spot in his life when his powers came rushing back. He saw it as a new beginning and I felt that him and Teresa fit together really well. I liked the different powers everyone seemed to have and they way they were used. The storyline was fresh and engaging. I had NO clue who the villain really was. It was a total shock to me and I was glad I was able to get the the reveal without a clue as it made it so much better. The ending was pretty much left wide open for book 2. Their will be a whole new storyline thrown in and I'm excited to see what happens for the remaining Ranger Corp members now that they have a bit of a fresh start. TRANCE was definitely a great opening to a new UF series.
I gave it 4/5 stars
Friday, October 21, 2011
Series Review: Blood on Silk, Blood Sin, Blood Eternal by Marie Treanor
**Since this is a full series to date review their may be spoilers although I will try to keep them to a minimum**
Blood On Silk
Author:Marie Treanor
Release Date: September 7, 2010
Publisher: NAL
Awakened by Blood Book #1
ISBN: 0451231562
ISBN13: 9780451231567
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Review Copy Source: Publisher
While in Romania researching historical superstitions, Scottish academic Elizabeth Silk comes upon the folk tale of Saloman, a seductive prince staked centuries ago, legend's most powerful vampire. Now, in the ruins of a castle crypt, Elizabeth discovers supernatural legends that have come alive. Her blood has awakened him. Her innocence has aroused him. But Elizabeth unleashes more than Saloman's hunger, and it's going to unite them in ways neither could have imagined.
I wasn't sure how I would feel about BLOOD ON SILK and it took me a really long time to even pick it up and read it. The book ended up being one of those OMG why did it take me so long to read you books. I enjoyed Elizabeth's character. She has a strong knowledge of the things she enjoys and has no troubles staying on course. When Soloman drops into her life she is torn between duty and desire. I wasn't sure about Soloman at the beginning but he slowly grew on me and became a favorite character of mine. The plot was well spaced out and played out in a way that kept me interested. I felt BLOOD ON SILK was a great start to the series.
I gave it 4/5 stars
Blood Sin
Author:Marie Treanor
Release Date: April 5, 2011
Publisher: NAL
Awakened by Blood Book #2
ISBN: 0451232313
ISBN13: 9780451232311
Genre:Paranormal Romance
Author:Marie Treanor
Release Date: April 5, 2011
Publisher: NAL
Awakened by Blood Book #2
ISBN: 0451232313
ISBN13: 9780451232311
Genre:Paranormal Romance
Review Copy Source:Publisher
Months after her dangerous encounter with the vampire overlord Saloman, Scottish academic Elizabeth Silk is still trying to cope with both the demands of her vampire-hunting bloodline-and the desire she feels for Saloman, the immortal she brought back from the grave. But when Saloman's ancient sword becomes the object of a ruthless race between humans and vampires, Elizabeth must decide between unwanted loyalty, or unholy love.
I was pretty sad with how things ended in BLOOD ON SILK. They have so much chemistry together and it was hard to see them put that aside instead of finding a way to work together. Elizabeth has started tracking down her fellow descendants of Tsigana which leads her to find Josh a movie star that happens to be a far off relation to her. Josh became another great supporting character to the series while also bring Elizabeth into a situation where she runs into Soloman again. The pace was on the same level as book 1. The romance was just as high and the situations were just as pleasantly intense. I m excited to see what will happen in BLOOD AWAKENING to bring Soloman and Elizabeth even closer. BLOOD SIN was another great book in the Awakened by Blood series.
I gave it 3.5/5 stars
Author:Marie Treanor
Release Date: October 4, 2011
Publisher: NAL
Awakened by Blood Book #3
ISBN: 0451234723
ISBN13: 9780451234728
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Review Copy Source: Publisher
Despite the growing passion that unites them, all is not well between Elizabeth and Saloman. She refuses to follow him as he builds his influence among the human population and consolidates his rule over the vampire world. A shocking revolt is just the latest crisis that's call him away.Even after everything that has happened Elizabeth is still a bit torn between duty and love. Her and Soloman are made for each other and that has been apparent since book one. Elizabeth has always held herself a bit back and talked her self out of taking the needed steps to make the relationship work. BLOOD ETERNAL turns all that around and brings them together much more closely then they have beem. There is some fantastic action and suspense in BLOOD ETERNAL. Friends need to make final choices as to who they will support and stand behind. Elizabeth comes into her talents more then she has in past books. The romance between Soloman and Elizabeth continues to be steamy. I really felt that Elizabeth did a great job with staying true to herself and her beliefs while working with everyone's best intentions in mind. BLOOD ETERNAL ends on an exciting note and I really want to know what happens next but it looks like the series is over :( I definitely think there is a lot of story left and hope it continues some time.
But under Saloman's regime, vampires have become less concerned with secrecy. And after he joins forces with vampire hunters, Elizabeth begins to understand the inevitable collision of the two worlds. She could be a conduit between humanity and the undead-is she can manage to play both sides and stay alive...
I gave it 4/5 stars
I have really enjoyed the series as a whole and had no issues reading all 3 books back to back.
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