Thursday, January 31, 2013

Digitus 233 Tour: Guest Post



Let's welcome Digitus 233 author, Kim Emerson. She's sharing her best writer moment with us today, and we're thrilled to have at YA Reviews and News. Be sure to check out Digitus 233. The book will be available for $1.99 for the duration of the tour! And we all love a good deal!

Guest Post:

Have you ever had a moment, even if it was a split second when someone noticed you for the unique person you are or complemented you on a job well done? Do you remember what that feels like in your heart? Some people have never experienced that. Perhaps they grew up in an environment where they had been abandoned or abused and for some reason got locked into that pattern.   
I’ve been lucky enough to have a few golden moments and I am so grateful for each one. They have sustained me through hardships and given me a golden thread to hold on to in the dark night of my soul when it seemed I was alone and forsaken.
Every published author has a different story. Some stumble upon publication and are kind of surprised they became an author, some work for many years toward that goal. For me, it has been my one life-long dream from the age of five; it was the only thing on my so called “bucket list.”
My first great writer’s moment happened when I was about twelve. After reading one of my stories, my sister-in-law told me I had a gift from God and that I should pursue my dream of being a published author. That meant so much to me as a girl because I came from a family of people that believed in being practical. They tried to downplay my outlandish dreams hoping I would “settle down” and go into nursing or something real people did. I tried that route, but somehow my path always led back to the things I loved; writing, music, and theatre.
The second great writer’s moment was in my first year of college. During my first semester my writing professor wrote on the top of my first short story assignment in red ink, “you’ve really got what it takes.” Those words, written by a stranger, in bold red print burned into my soul and although I took a long and lonely path away from writing for many years they popped up into my heart over and over.
There have been other great moments such as hearing a theatre packed with people roaring with laughter at one of my plays or winning awards, but for some reason it is always the words spoken from an individual that stand out in my mind. The words of affirmation that are given by a colleague or loved one.
I have to laugh because as I am writing this blog post I am having one of the best writer’s moments of my life. I used to be a high school teacher and several of my old high school students found out I have just published Digitus 233. As I am typing this blog post I am receiving text messages from them telling me how excited they are to read it, then texting me they found it, and then finally texting me that they are reading it and already love it. It is an awesome feeling knowing that I finally did what I told them to do all along and that is to live your dream. Don’t let anything stop you. If you are a dancer, but come from a family of coal miners, don’t let it stop you. If you are a pie maker, but come from a family of lawyers, don’t let that stop you.
I believe deep in our souls we know what we are here on earth to do, but many times that gets stomped on or people try to convince us that we are foolish, so we forget the deeper meaning of our personal journey.
May you all live your dreams and in living your dreams you will have happiness – K. D. Emerson, author of Digitus 233, the first in the Digitus Series

Book Blurb:
Digitus, the world’s dominant corporation, has studied human nature for centuries. They are experts who expand on a human’s natural gifts and talents to create supreme world leaders in all major areas of science, art, religion, music and leadership. A select few young adults are handpicked each year to join the elite.
As a final test of induction into Digitus, Zander’s team finds themselves ejected from a Learjet and land on a barren arctic island. They come together in an effort to survive and escape. Unfortunately, escape is short-lived when a nuclear powered, ballistic missile submarine rescues them, and a computer malfunction threatens an all-out nuclear attack on North America.
Time is running out as Zander’s brother Zeph struggles to uncover the truth behind the corrupt organization that holds the future of the world in its grasp.
Tick Tock.


Author Links:
Find me on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/kimmutch.emerson 
On Twitter I am: https://twitter.com/MstrKoda
The website and personal blog for my Digitus Series is here: www.digitus233.com
And the Amazon link for US: http://amzn.to/12JsPkx and UK: http://amzn.to/UAoT1S



Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Waiting On Wednesday




Where It All Began by Ann Redisch Stampler
Available Feb. 19, 2013 from Simon and Schuster
Synopsis: (Taken from Treeline)

 An accident puts everything into shocking perspective in this darkly funny, “searing portrayal of power, privilege, and betrayal in the hills above Los Angeles” (Publishers Weekly).


Gabby lived under the radar until her makeover. Way under. But when she started her senior year as a blonder, better-dressed version of herself, she struck gold: Billy Nash believed she was the flawless girl she was pretending to be. The next eight months with Billy were bliss...Until the night Gabby woke up on the ground next to the remains of his BMW without a single memory of how she got there.

And Billy's nowhere to be found.


All Gabby wants is to make everything perfect again. But getting her life back isn’t just difficult, it’s impossible. Because nothing is the same, and Gabby's beginning to realize she’s missed more than a few danger signs along the way. It’s time for Gabby to face the truth, even if it means everything changes.


Especially if it means everything changes.

Why I want to read it: 

Amnesiac stories are the best! Some of my favorite movies have memory loss themes. Recently, a friend showed me photos I don't remember taking because the night before I danced with a beast by the name of tequila (Never again!). Just forgetting a couple hours of my life blew my mind and shook me. Imagine if something significant had happened during that time period. This book is going to be amazing!


Thanks for stopping by!

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Review: Charade by Nyrae Dawn

Synopsis (Taken from GoodReads):

Nineteen-year-old Cheyenne tries to portray the perfect life to mask the memories of her past. Walking in on her boyfriend with another woman her freshman year in college threatens that picture of perfection. 

Twenty-one-year-old Colt never wanted college and never expected to amount to anything, but when his mom's dying wish is for him to get his degree, he has no choice but to pretend it's what he wants too. 

Cheyenne needs a fake boyfriend to get back at her ex and Colt needs cash to take care of his mom, so they strike a deal that helps them both. But what if Cheyenne’s past isn’t what she thought? Soon they’re trading one charade for another—losing themselves in each other to forget about their pain. The more they play their game, the more it becomes the only thing they have that feels real.

Both Cheyenne and Colt know life is never easy, but neither of them expect the tragedy that threatens to end their charade and rip them apart forever.

My Review:

Charade starts off with an intense moment from the very first page, a scene in which an emotionally fragile college girl finds her boyfriend in a compromising position with another woman. And this is where Nyrae Dawn shows her real talent and power as a writer: The intensity does not let up until the very end! Charade is a roller coaster that only goes until the brief last chapter. The protagonists, Cheyenne and Colt, are two hopeless college students who use sex to medicate the pain they are experiencing from serious mother issues (She was abandoned. His mother is terminally ill.) In their own words, she is "weak," and he is an "asshole." They are desperately trying to survive their grim here-and-now and change themselves. Surrounded by death, the two doomed and despondent young people gravitate continually that timeless embrace that I'll call "the dance of life." The sex scenes are passionate, descriptive and tinged with sorrow. So few modern writers can do what Nyrae Dawn has done, which is take dark moments and broken characters and turn it into something truly beautiful and worthy of the name "art."

Buy Links: Amazon
                B&N
                Author's website

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Review: Doppleganger by Milda Harris





Synopsis (Taken from author's website): Citrus Leahy is having a really bad day. First she's late to school. Then she runs into the girl who drives her nuts because she always calls her Orange instead of her name. To cap it all off, though, when Citrus finally makes it to class, she sees herself already inside. Wait. What? Citrus Leahy has a doppelganger! It's probably aliens taking over the world and her life has just turned totally upside down! Goodbye, normal. Hello, paranormal! Luckily, her crush Aedan has the exact same problem!

My Review: Milda Harris has done what previously seemed impossible by stitching together intriguing paranormal happenings, edge-of-your-seat action scenes, a juicy mystery (Who are the Doppelgangers, and what do they want?), charming humor from the adorably neurotic Miss Citrus Leahy, a ribbon of romance and a truly unforeseen twist- all into one cute little package. 

The writing is straight forward, and the dialogue in Doppelganger is smart and realistic (well, as realistic as you can be in a world where Doppelgangers are taking over.) So there's no getting bored and skipping pages in this novel. The action is in perfect balance with Citrus's amusing internal dialogue. I know from Milda's website that she's a screenwriter on "Austin and Ally" so I kept envisioning Citrus as a blonde-haired Ally. Citrus has that same quirkiness, sweetness and pinch of insecurity as the Disney Channel character. But Citrus blossoms like an orange flower right in front our eyes as she evolves from timid "normal girl" to daring heroine! We feel her thrill and awe with her own growth as she attempts escapes, kidnappings and rescues. 

Just as you think Citrus might piece together the mystery of the Doppelgangers- bam- the last page announces book #2 is coming soon. Nooooooo! I have to know right now! Well, you can bet I'll be the first in line to get the next in this series. It truly has it all and left me wanting more. Six out of five stars for this fun, paranormal dreamsicle. Because, five isn't enough! 




Author Links:


To Buy Books:

Twitter:
Blogs:
Writer Girl in LA - All about writing and reading! And, I do wacky interviews with Indie Authors!

Life's Like A Movie - My dog Licorice & I explore the world of television and movies!

Short Stories:

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday


Brought to you by Breaking The Spine

A sweeping Gothic thriller based on the spine-chilling "Bluebeard" fairytale
     17-year-old Sophia Petheram has been sheltered by her doting family all her life, until the day her father dies. It's 1855, and with no money and few options, she goes to live with her guardian, the mysterious Bernard de Cressac, at the astonishingly lavish Wyndriven Abbey in Mississippi.  
     Sophie has always longed for a comfortable life, and she finds herself both attracted to and shocked by the charm and easy manners of her overgenerous guardian. But as she begins to piece together the mystery of his past, it's as if thread by thread, a silken net is woven around her. And when she begins glimpsing the ghosts of his former wives (all with hair as red as her own) in the forgotten corners and dark hallways of the Abbey, Sophie knows she's in de Cressac's trap. 
     With enchanting romance, chilling suspense, and dashes of the supernatural, Strands of Bronze and Gold is a compulsively-readable debut.
  
This is supposed to be released in March, and I can't wait. Netgalley denied poor little me an ARC. Being a Mississippi chick, I can't wait to see how Bluebeard will be played out in a southern setting so I'll have to pre-order and wait with all the other regular joes!

Friday, January 18, 2013

The Gatekeepers Challenge Book Tour


Reading Addiction Blog Tours



Eva Pohler - The Gatekeepers Challenge - Virtual Book Tour




Ya Fantasy
Title: The Gatekeepers Challenge (Gatekeepers Trilogy Book 2)
Author: Eva Pohler
Date Published: 11/29/12


Ten agonizing months have gone by since Therese faced off against her parents’ murderer at Mount Olympus, and she suspects Thanatos’s absence is meant to send her a message: go on with your life. In cahoots with her new friend, who's gotten in with the Demon Druggies at school, Therese takes a drug that simulates a near-death experience, planning to tell Than off so she can have closure and move on, but things go very, very wrong.

Than has been busy searching for a way to make her a god, and he’s found it, but it requires her to complete a set of impossible challenges designed by Hades, who hopes to see her fail.



Virtual Book Tour January 1 - January 31

January 1 - Reading Addiction Blog Tours- Meet and Greet
January 2 - Jen McConnel - Review
January 3 - Mom With a Kindle - Interview/PROMO
January 4 - Lov Liv Life Reviews - Guest Post/PROMO
January 5 - Marked by Books - Review/interview
January 6 - Andi's YA Books - Guest Post/PROMO
January 7 - The Stuff of Success -Review
January 9 -  Let's Get Booked - Guest Post/PROMO
January 10 - The Library Haunt - Review/Interview
January 12 - Impressions of a Princess - Review/Interview
January 13 - Book Lovin Mamas - Guest Post/PROMO
January 14 - Lovely Reads - PROMO
January 15 - My Cozie Corner - Review
January 16 - I Have Lived a Thousand Lives - Review/Guest Post
January 18 - YA Reviews and News - PROMO
January 19 - Book and Appointment with Wisdom Books - Review/Guest Post
January 20 - Magical Manuscripts - Review/Interview
January 21 - Bibliophile's Thoughts - Guest Post/PROMO
January 22 - Inside BJ's Head - Review/Guest Post
January 23 - Enchanting Reads - Guest Post/PROMO
January 24 - Love in a Book - Review
January 25 - My Reading Addiction - PROMO
January 26 - Reading With Anacrasia - Review/Interview
January 27 - Books, Books, and More Books - Review
January 28 - Beloved Books - Review/Guest Post
January 29 - The Avid Reader - Review/Guest Post
January 30 - Jody's Book Reviews - PROMO
January 31 - RABT Reviews - Review



Author Bio:
Eva Pohler teaches writing at the University of Texas at San Antonio, where she lives with her husband, three children, two dogs, two rats, and her very large collection of books.
Twitter: @EvaPohler

Buy Link

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

In the Band Tour and Review

Reading Addiction Blog Tours
Jean Haus - In the Band - Virtual Book Tour









New Adult
Title: In the Band
Author: Jean Haus
Date Published: 10/19/2012




When family problems push Riley Middleton into giving up a percussion scholarship in
another state and attending college from home, her friends push her to try out for a local
rock band. Of course, Riley makes the band. She rules at the drums.


Riley soon finds out rock bands have a different dynamic than marching bands, especially
when each of her male band mates has a major ego and is a major player. Two of them
relentlessly flirt with her. The other—a dark, sexy rock god she can’t help being attracted
to— is a total jerk and pushes her to quit. She becomes determined to ignore his rudeness
and his hotness. Even if she was interested in jerks, a hook up would probably get her
booted out of the ego-ridden band, and playing keeps her sane. Behind the drums, the
world and her family’s troubles evaporate.


If she wants to stay in the band, Riley just has to ignore the growing sparks between her
and her band enemy. But as she gets to know the man behind the stage persona, ignoring
him proves to be more difficult than flowing through a time.


*New Adult/Mature YA for language and sexual situations.



Review: 

In the Band is a fun rock n' roll twist on the traditional romantic comedy. Brand new high school grad, Riley, has a  complicated life. She's just had to give up a band scholarship to take care of her little sister and depressed mom, her Dad seems to be getting re-married to a younger woman a little too soon after her parents divorce, and her two best friends at constantly at each other's throats. Seeing how all this responsibility has bogged her down, her friends encourage her to try out as the drummer of a local college band. She makes the cut despite the fact the super sexy guitarist, Romeo, thinks she's trouble and tries to bully her into quitting. (You can guess how that's going to go.)

I really enjoyed this book. Reading about Riley's excitement on stage as she pounds the drums and blows the crowd away was thrilling and fresh. The book is rich with interesting subplots about Riley's relationships with her friends and family. These subplots are balanced perfectly with the growing attraction/connection between Riley and Romeo. Sometimes, rom-coms tend to linger so much on just the heat between the couple that story sort of fizzles so all the drama and problems that Riley faces down in this book keep the story from falling into that trap. I have to commend  Jean Haus for masterful story-telling!

And I know a lot of readers out there are going to go gaga for Romeo just like Riley. He's the bad boy who really isn't. A man so gorgeous that women are throwing themselves all over him, but he only has eyes for our protagonist. He's tall, dark and handsome, sick on the guitar, tattooed and pierced, a take charge kind of guy, and yet, he loves children, Calculus, and being there for those in need. If you want a man like this-and who wouldn't?- then, buy this book because this is the only place you can find a guy like that!




Virtual Book Tour January 14 - February 8


January 14 - Reading Addiction Blog Tours - Meet and Greet
January 15 - Coffee Books and Lipgloss - Review
January 16 - YA Reviews and News - Review
January 17 - Up All Night Reviews - Review
January 18 - My Devotional Thoughts - PROMO
January 19 - The College Crawl - Review
January 20 - TE Garden of Books - Review
January 21 - Mom With a Kindle - PROMO
January 22 - Diane Mulligan - PROMO
January 23 - For the Love of Film and Novels - Review
January 24 - Delirious About Books - PROMO
January 25 - Oh The Books That You'll Read - Review
January 26 - Tana Rae Reads - Review
January 27 - Reader Girls -Review
January 28 - Pretty in Fiction - Review
January 29 - Lauries Thoughts and Reviews - PROMO
January 30 - My Reading Addiction - PROMO
January 31 - Just A Booklover - Review
February 1 - A Date With a Book - Review
February 2 - Andi's YA Books - Review
February 3 - Rampant Readers - Review
February 4 - Book Lovin Mama's - PROMO
February 5 - My Bookmark Blog - Review
February 6 - Doodle's Book Blog - PROMO
February 7 - Bibliophile's Thoughts -PROMO
February 8 - The Cosy Dragon - Review
Frebruary 8 - RABT Reviews - Review












Jean Haus


Author Bio:


Jean Haus lives in Michigan with her wonderful husband and son who, other than cooking,

have taken over homemaking duties since she started writing more. When Jean isn’t writing,

she’s usually reading. Anything from young adult to historical fiction as long as there is a bit a

romance, she’ll load it on her Kindle. She loves to cook, and someday she will create the world’s

best potsticker.




http://jeanhaus.com

http://www.facebook.com/jean.haus

http://twitter.com/JeanHaus




Buy Link

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Circle of Tivedon Tour and Review

Tour Sign-Ups: The Circle of Tivedon by Ryan Shorten
From the back of the bookAttending Tivedon should have been the most exciting time in Jayl's young life. However, when inexplicable things begin to darken the hallowed halls of of the school and he's accused of
murder, Jayl finds himself thrust into a quest to save himself, his home, and ultimately all of Tiertyn itself.

Review:
Or lack there of, in this case. I was supposed to review Circle of Tivedon today, but I only read the first two chapters of the book so I can't give a genuine review in all fairness. This was one of those rare books I couldn't process. I'd have to keep reading and re-reading a single page in order to digest the story. It wasn't that the book wasn't good. In fact, the chapters I read were very descriptive and the story seemed like a very pleasing cross between Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings. But a reader of traditional fantasy, I am not. My brain isn't trained to flow with all the fantasy names and words, so every unusual name was a brick wall that kept me from sailing through the story. Like this sentence, "And Brone, who's from Amak, would worship Quamakt." I felt like I was reading the "begets" part of the Bible- Words with real meaning but to me seem just a jumble of strange words. Mostly though, the writing seemed quite masterful  and action packed. I did enjoy scenes with Calum and his school friends, getting to know one other and the staff. Just from skimming, I can tell  I missed  a good deal of action and adventure by not finishing the book. Lovers of fantasy would probably very much enjoy and appreciate Circle of Tivedon. And once I develop my fantasy-reading abilities, I'm certain I will, too.
Tour Stops

January 7 - Love. Pray. Read. *Excerpt, author spotlight
               - I am a Reader, Not a Writer *Guest Post and International Kindle giveaway
January 8 - Fangirl Hostess *Excerpt
January 9 - Megz Madd Readz *Review
January 11 - Book-A-Holic *Review, Paperback US/CAN giveaway and excerpt
January 12 - Fangirl Hostess *Review and Kindle International giveaway
                - Laurie's Thoughts and Reviews *Top Ten and excerpt
January 14 - Bookwyrming Thoughts *Excerpt
                - Sher A. Hart: Writing as Art *Interview and International kindle giveaway
January 15 - YA Reviews and News *Review
January 16 - Mom with a Kindle *Interview, International Kindle giveaway and excerpt
January 17 - tHe crooKed worD *Review
January 18 - N/A
January 19 - Howling Turtle *Guest Post
January 21 - Forget About TV, Grab a Book *Review and Giveaway
                - S.A. Larsen * Interview and giveaway

Book Links:
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16166770-the-circle-of-tivedon
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1479138754?ie=UTF8&tag=httpwwwgoodco-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1479138754&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2

Author Links:
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Ryan-Shorten/e/B009OEJ3JW/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

My Invented Life Guest Post

Not long ago, I reviewed Lauren Bjorkman's latest young adult novel, Miss Fortune Cookie via Crossroad Reviews Blog Tours. Both Crossroad Reviews and I were so impressed with Lauren and her book that we wanted to help introduce the world to another masterpiece she wrote some time ago: My Invented Life. You'll find a guest post from Lauren Bjorkman after the book info and a giveaway!!




Book Description

September 29, 2009
With Roz and Eva everything becomes a contest—who can snag the best role in the school play, have the cutest boyfriend, pull off the craziest prank. Still, they’re as close as sisters can be. Until Eva deletes Roz from her life like so much junk e-mail for no reason that Roz understands. Now Eva hangs out with the annoyingly petite cheerleaders, and Roz fantasizes about slipping bovine growth hormone into their Gatorade.
Roz has a suspicion about Eva. In turn, Eva taunts Roz with a dare, which leads to an act of total insanity. Drama geeks clamor for attention, Shakespearean insults fly, and Roz steals the show in Lauren Bjorkman’s hilarious debut novel.


Lauren Bjorkman

Biography

I grew up on a sailboat, sharing the tiny forecastle with my sister and the sail bags. Against all odds, we are still friends. We started sailing in California and ended in Argentina. My favorite stops along the way were Costa Rica, Panama, Isla Providencia, Key West, the Azores, the Canary Islands, and Brazil.

During our voyages, my sister drew beautiful paper dolls for the both of us. We sewed amazing wardrobes for our stuffed animals. We became excellent swimmers and beach combers. We made up new lyrics for old songs. Canned food dominated our meals on crossings, so we really appreciated fresh fruit when we came into port. I dreamed of ice cream on the open ocean.

We kept up with school through a program called Calvert out of Maryland.

My dad read to us at night by the light of a kerosene lamp. Since then, I've always loved stories and wanted to write my own.

I live in Taos, New Mexico with my husband, and two sons. We often see coyotes outside our window.

For more, please visit my website at http://www.laurenbjorkman.com




Tour Date List



 Jan 7th
 Jan 8th
 Jan 9th
 Jan 10th
 Jan 11th
 Review @
Guest Post @ Doctor's Notes
 Review @
Review @ YA Book Addict
Review @ The Bookworm
 Review @
Guest Post @ YA Reviews and News
 Review @
Review @ Icy Cold Reads
Q and A @ 3Ps in a Pod
Review @Crossroads
Giveaway @ Crossroads
Excerpt @Wanted Readers
Guest Post @Drugs Called Books

Please not that these prizes are for both this and Miss Fortune Cookie (toured in Dec.)




why i adore roz
 My Invented Life came out three years ago. Since then over a hundred readers have reviewed it online. Most reviewers loved it, but a few had trouble connecting with my main character, Roz, a high school junior, adoring little sister, and a drama queen. Roz drove certain readers crazy. Or she was crazy. Or both. I absolutely adore Roz, though. She is brave, outspoken, and takes risks. Her obnoxious sense of humor makes me laugh. Sadly, in read life, I spend excessive amounts of time worrying about everyone else’s feelings. Roz does not. She is my true alter ego. Lit Hacker said this about Roz: Roz is a total drama chick, in both senses of the word: she's a self-described drama geek AND due lack of tact and love of gossip she creates a lot of drama wherever she goes. At first I was annoyed at Roz's narration. She is one of those people who is constantly "on" ALL THE TIME which I can find exhausting in real life. But after a while, Roz grew on me as her big heart came out and she gained some self-awareness. By the end of the book, I wanted to be her friend! I hope other readers have LitHacker’s experience with Roz. I hope their positive feelings grow and grow until they outweigh their annoyance with her. Why? Because, like everyone else, I want to be loved despite my flaws.

Monday, January 7, 2013

Lord of Shifters Tour and Review


Spider Wars:
What happens when a species is tired of being stomped on?

Jess' life has never been ordinary. After all, life on the road with an immortal family of gypsies is hardly predictable. Living in the small town of White Salmon, Washington has brought some normality to her life. But when her cheating, sometimes boyfriend, Nicu, gets involved with a group of arachneshifters, life gets a little sticky. Will she be able to save him from the web he's spun? More importantly, how much is she willing to risk to get him back?

Loramendi's Story:
Lora wants nothing more than to be the wind behind sexy windsurfer Chance's sails. But fulfilling that wish just became...complicated. After seventeen years of normal life, someone wants Lora and her family dead. And the attempted massacre isn't nearly as strange as the reason behind it.

Dark Horse:
Amethea thought she was the last of her kind, a creature from mythical stories, from light, peace, and magic. But, Amethea isn't a myth, and she doesn't hold any peace in her heart. She watched as her family was murdered for the magic of their horns. She'd give anything to avenge their deaths. She just hasn't figured out how yet.

When she meets another, Cerus, everything changes. Together, they harness more power than Amethea ever dreamed. But is it enough to take down the Lords of Shifters?

We all have demons hidden deep in the crevices of history. Johnnie's have busted out, exposed for all to see. But he doesn't care that everyone knows. Just Jess. She's got a front row seat to the Johnnie's demon show, and Johnnie's about to find out that he hasn't met all of them yet.

Blood Pyre:
Coming 2013

Social Media:

Facebook: http://facebook.com/angelacarlie
Twitter: http://twitter.com/angelacarlie
Website: http://angelacarlie.com
Blog: http://angelacarlie.blogspot.com

Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Angela-Carlie/e/B004UJIJ5K/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=Angela+Carlie

Barnes and Noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Angela-Carlie?keyword=Angela+Carlie&store=allproducts

iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/angela-carlie/id435033754?mt=11
 
My Review

I was given a copy of Lord of Shifters: Spider Wars to review through Reading Away The Days Blogs Tours. Honestly, I didn't expect to find anything likable about the book because I'm just not normally a sci-fi/fantasy/paranormal type of reader. Anything too out-there or corny tickles my gag reflex, and I was fairly sure a novel about spider wars was going to have me dry heaving over my waste paper basket. But I sure am glad that I decided to be broad-minded enough to jump into Spider Wars because it was page-turner! 

Jess is a gypsy, the only person in her family of immortals who has yet to sip the elixir of eternal life. A summer at her Nana's turns her life upside down when she gets tied up with a group of shifters who introduce her to addictive spider venom. Jess becomes hooked, as do two of her immortal Gypsy friends, one of whom she must save from the dangerous group of shifters that become giant spiders and devour mortal and immortals alike. Along the way, she learns that immortals and shifters are all around, blending in every day society, some even close to her. Jess will have to call on her friends and all her strength to rescue her beloved gypsy friend.

Yes, there are elements of Spider Wars that sound a little ridiculous- giant spiders, immortal gypsies, shape-shifters- but the story line really works thanks to the protagonist, Jess. Jess is grounded and tough, the kind of character who doesn't sit around deliberating on what to do and being angst-ridden. She's no stranger to throwing a punch or two. She's the kind of girl who says, "Look bitch..." I can't begin to tell you how much I like her! When things occur in the story that seem too fantastical, she's the first one to roll her eyes and note how cheesy it is. She crops her hair and dyes it purple, pierces her nipples and tongue, gets hooked on venom, is put in a sexy and very tribal trance, hooks up with two guys and never apologizes for her behavior. There's a recklessness about her drove me to gulp up paragraph after paragraph. Jess is like Clint Eastwood with a vagina. How could you not want to read about a protagonist like that?

If you like fantasy and sci-fi, this Lord of Shifters: the Spider Wars will blow you away.