Sunday, August 5, 2012

BLOG TOUR: INTERVIEW with “FALLENMORE” author LUCY SWING




FALLENMORE
(Feathermore Trilogy, Book 2)
by LUCY SWING

OVERVIEW

When darkness consumes you; will it be hard to find the light?

After Jade's world was torn apart, she is unsure of where she belongs, if anywhere at all. Deceived by those she trusted the most, she must now accept her fate and the life that lays before her.
The voices are back but this time, they are trying to lure her into the darkness. But could they be telling her the truth? That the only person she has been able to trust since the death of her boyfriend, Avan, is lying to her too? If the voices are right... Could she really trust him? 

In Fallenmore, the second book in the Feathermore Trilogy, Jade will embark in a quest through the pits of Hell. The question now is: once she is in, will they ever let her out?

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

What would your choice of music be as a theme-song for Fallenmore?

A: This is a tough one. I have a long list of songs I listened to while writing Fallenmore, but to pick just one… yikes. Ummm, maybe Within Temptation’s “What have you done.” But as I said, certain scenes have their own soundtrack.

How did you come up with the idea for Fallenmore?

A: Well, to be completely honest, the story unfolds as I write. “Feathermore” left off with a cliffhanger, and so I knew I had to start from there. Little by little, the characters make their own decisions and take the story where they want. I’m sure it would be easier if I actually had a plan for it, but this works for me… so far!

How long did it take you to write it?

A: *sighs* The first time I wrote it in less than two months. I was on the next to last chapter and lost it all. *smacks self on the forehead* The second time about 5 weeks. But it was so much harder! I was so depressed at losing everything. Every time I tried writing a scene I had nailed before, and now I couldn’t get right, well, it was plain frustrating. But I am a firm believer things happen for a reason, and I think the second “Fallenmore” is better than the first.

How much impact does your childhood have on your writing?

A: None. *laughs* I was a terrible student! Not because I wasn’t/am not smart but because school just didn’t interest me at all. Now, looking back I wished I had paid more attention, especially in Literature/English class. But I did love reading, so that certainly brought my love for books. R.L. Stine rocked my socks!

Have you ever read or seen yourself as a character in a book or a movie?

A: I think with every book that has a female point of view. I love becoming the character and experiencing their life with and through them. I loved thinking I was Bella Swan. Sure, now the movies have screwed that up for me, but I read all four books numerous of times.

Except as yourself, which character would you want to play in a movie about your life, and why?

A: Huh, this is an interesting question and I don’t know if I have an answer. Maybe one of my best friends, Virginia, because she has travelled the world and been to some really exotic places. Otherwise, I have not a clue!

What are the most important attributes to remaining sane as a writer?

A: Having time for the real world and being able to multi-task, for sure!

Are there any occupational hazards to being an author?

A: Yes, many! Some of the most common are caffeine addiction, talking to imaginary people, dirty homes and poorly cooked meals.

Has the dog ever eaten your manuscript?

A: Hahaha, no, thank goodness! But she did get jealous and not let me write. 

What's the most blatant lie you've ever told?

A: Ugh, all my lies are obvious! Hence why I don’t lie. I am terrible at it. I get all sweaty, and my voice breaks, my heart pounds so hard you can actually see it… But, let me tell you who blatantly lied when I was little. I was about maybe 4 years old and my cousin was 7. My mom comes into my room where we were playing and starts yelling, asking who had written all over the walls. My cousin obviously said it had been me. Well, the walls were scribbled with his name written over and over again… yeah buddy, nice job!

What is the worst “crime” you committed as a teenager, which your parents had to punish you for?

A: Well, we could be here for a while… Umm, I snuck out of the house with a friend, went to a nightclub (in Argentina you have to be 18 to drink and get into clubs- we had fake IDs). We couldn’t get into the club so we slept in a gas station and then my older brother found me at 6 in the morning walking home. Yikes. I also set a tree on fire… Yeah, let’s just stop right here.

What is your worst/best memory of high school, and why?

A: Worst, my female classmates. Most of them hated me because I hung out with the boys. What can I say; I am one of the guys! And the best, meeting my best friend and getting into stupid trouble.

Are you fun to go on holiday with?

A: I am fun to do anything with!

What makes you laugh?

A: Anything. I am the one bursting out laughing for no reason. Tickling me works, too.

Any advice for aspiring writers?

A: Give your writing a fair chance. Don’t give up when it gets harder. Keep your B.I.C (butt in chair) and write, write, write. Let your imagination take you places you never dreamed of going. In the end, it is worth your while.


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Friday, August 3, 2012

REVIEW: "WEBS OF FATE" - by Darlene Quinn


WEBS OF FATE
by Darlene Quinn

REVIEWED BY: Books4Tomorrow

OVERVIEW

In the high-fashion world of the mid-'80s, Ashleigh McDowell falls victim to a painful betrayal by Danielle Norman, a naive and vulnerable young buyer who is fighting to save her plummeting career. How high a price will both women pay in their battle over a grave secret?
Each step Ashleigh takes to uncover the truth about Danielle's actions--and her whereabouts--unwittingly exposes her to a criminal mastermind who feels events spinning out of his control. Unexpectedly, Ashleigh discovers an ally in her hunt for Danielle--the handsome Conrad Taylor. But is he the man who will steal her heart or break it?
In a race against both time and the emotions that haunt her, Ashleigh ultimately finds what fate holds for her.
REVIEW

This book will certainly not appeal to everybody’s taste, but I found it to be an exciting and compelling read. Not my genre of choice, but a welcome relief from my usual reads.

It took me awhile to get to the point where I couldn’t put it down, but once there I quickly got caught up in the highs and lows of the main characters’ lives. Intricately written with detailed character backgrounds and an exquisite setting, the multi-layered plot had quite a few unexpected twists and surprises. New characters are continually introduced into the story, which adds to the mystery and suspense, and draws the reader deeper into the drama.

Overall this was an intriguing read, written by an author who perceptibly wrote a crime thriller not only for its enjoyment value, but to engage readers in a gripping story where everything is not always what it seems. Two thumbs up to Darlene Quinn for a splendidly-written novel!

 


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“Webs of Fate” by Darlene Quinn has 16 reviews on GoodReads. Read it here.

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Thursday, August 2, 2012

REVIEW: "RUBY BLUE" - by Julie Cassar


RUBY BLUE
by Julie Cassar

REVIEWED BY: Books4Tomorrow

OVERVIEW

Meet Ruby. She’s your average (somewhat dorky) ice-cream eating, garden-loving teenager, who is constantly being annoyed by her little brother, is best friends with possibly the only Goth kid in town and, oh yeah…she sees fairies.

After Nick Martino (possibly the hottest guy she’s ever known) finally asks her out, she can barely manage a two-word sentence when a bizarre incident strikes their lakeside town. Stumbling bare-foot through some interesting dates, will she ever find love? And what does Ruby do when more strange events continue to occur? Will she keep her gift of Fairy Sight a secret? As an ancient myth unfolds and new mystic fairy tales come to life, Ruby and her menagerie of friends tackle some extraordinary circumstances with her very ordinary abilities in this modern day fairy tale. See what legends come to life in “Ruby Blue,” a young adult fantasy fiction novel and the first installment of the Ruby Blue series.

REVIEW

“Ruby Blue” is a delightful little treat aimed at younger readers, but can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. The characters are sassy, the fast-moving, quirky plot a wonderful change from the usually overdone vampires, werewolves and witches theme, and the dialogue utterly hilarious. I read this charmingly fun book in less than two days and am looking forward to reading the next one in this series to see what Ruby and her friends are up to! 




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“Ruby Blue” by Julie Cassar has 27 reviews on GoodReads. Read it here.

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Tuesday, July 31, 2012

REVIEW: "HAOLE WOOD" - by Dee DeTarsio


HAOLE WOOD
by Dee DeTarsio

REVIEWED BY: Ellen Fritz

OVERVIEW

When San Diego weather caster, Jaswinder Park, is mysteriously summoned to the island of Maui in Hawaii to help her grandmother, she ends up losing her job. This fair-haired, light-skinned foreigner, called haole by the natives, decides to stay in Maui for a couple of days until she can figure out what to do with her life. She realizes that her quick trip to Maui may not be all she’s hoping for when:

-She has to bail her Hawaiian/Korean grandmother out of jail for possession of pakalolo.

-The only thing she can understand her grandmother say is: “Not that.

-She can’t decide which hurts worse, her sunburn, hangover, or memories of the night before.

-She’s labeled the “Liquor Licker” on the front page of the Maui News in a photo that shows her doing a shot of tequila with a hunky Hawaiian who’s been found dead.

-It seems she’s had orgasms that have lasted longer than her career.

-She scrapes the bottom of the barrel to find her guardian angel. 

Beautiful fabric found in her grandmother’s closet unfolds a future for Jaswinder as she designs sensuous silky wraps called sunshminas that provide sun protection. She tries for a Hollywood connection, but her company, Haole Wood, has some growing pains. From trying to find a killer, to selling her sunshminas, to lusting after Dr. Jac, the island dermatologist, to trying to ignore her so-called guardian angel, can Jaswinder learn to embrace the island way of life? Aloha!

REVIEW

Haole Wood is definitely the funniest and wittiest book I have read in quite a while.  When Jaswinder Park has to bail her grandmother out of jail for the possession of pacalolo, her problems on the Hawaiian island Maui have just started.  After losing her job as a san Diego weather caster, getting a really bad sun burn, being photographed with a murder victim and being beaten up by said murder victim's mother, Jaswinder's stay on Maui is turning out not to be much fun at all.  Bring into this equation the handsome dr. Jack and a rather unusual, wisdom spouting guardian angel and you have a story that demands to be read in one go.

As one failed attempt to solve the murder and to start her own business followed another, I started to wonder whether Jaswinder could do anything at all without botching it.  This would be serious was it not for the humorous way in which the story is told.  The main character has a unique capacity for getting herself into wildly embarrassing situations and saying just the wrong thing at the wrong time.  The reader gets a look into Jaswinder's thoughts and inner dialogue which are, even at the most serious moments, absolutely hilarious.  The author frequently refers to popular culture which gives the whole story just that much more life and credibility.
   
Colorful descriptions of the people of the island and the natural scenery adds to the magic of the book.  Meet Zev, Bronco and Kenny, the hot surfers, who try to teach Jaswinder how to surf, Lana Ho the stunningly beautiful island entertainer and of course Jaswinder's Halmoni who only knows two English words. 

If you are looking for a hilariously funny and extremely lively story, Haole Wood is the book for you.  Amidst all this humor and excitement, there are some pearls of wisdom tastefully worked into the dialogue and thoughts of the characters.

Not only does Dee DeTarsio write an excellent and spellbinding story but she is an absolute genius with wordplay.  There are even some sweet romantic scenes for those who like a bit of romance in a book.  Haole Wood is a must read deserving of far more than 5 stars.

 


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“Haole Wood” by Dee DeTarsio has 14 reviews on GoodReads. Read it here.

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Monday, July 30, 2012

REVIEW: "BETWEEN" (Crossroads saga, book 2) - by Mary Ting


BETWEEN
(Crossroads Saga, book 2)
by Mary Ting

REVIEWED BY: Books4Tomorrow

OVERVIEW

As the alkins head back to Crossroads, Claudia leads her normal life; but not for long. Having a special soul, Claudia attracts danger, and she soon finds out who Gamma asked to watch over her. The Twelve, known as Divine Elders on Earth, are very much involved when they find out that Aliah, one of the God’s first angels, escaped from the Abyss when the gates were opened by Aden. Needing Claudia’s soul to escape the only place Aliah can reside–a place between Heaven and Earth–he sends his demons in search of all Claudia Emersons on Earth. Taking her soul will enable him to be released from Between and cross over to Crossroads, which would give him immense power. As more secrets are revealed Claudia learns about the venators—nephilim, demon hunters. Now two opposing forces must work together in order to save Claudia and humanity from the most dangerous angel ever created. But along the way, trust becomes a big issue. Will love be enough to keep Claudia and Michael together? Who will make the ultimate sacrifice? Who will betray them all?

REVIEW

As much as I enjoyed the first book in the Crossroads saga, I enjoyed this second book even more!  It was such a treat meeting up for a second time with my favorite characters from the previous book.

Again, the author didn’t disappoint. Aside from the eye-catching cover and the finer little details on the inside of the book, the reader can also look forward to the continued, heart-achingly sweet romance between Claudia and Michael, unforeseen plot twists, action-packed battle scenes, a host of new characters, and an ending that will leave you breathless and begging the author to hurry up with the next book in this saga. And that is only the proverbial tip of the iceberg.

An exquisitely crafted novel with beautiful settings, romantic tension and memorable characters with personal struggles, that crawls deep into your heart, “Between” is an extraordinary read that will have the reader reluctant to let go before getting to the very last page. Well done Mary Ting, for writing yet another book that I will be highly recommending to others, and which I simply couldn’t put down!

 


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“Between” by Mary Ting have 60 reviews on GoodReads. Read it here.

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Crossroads Facebook page
Make Crossroads a Movie Facebook page
Between Facebook page
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Thursday, July 26, 2012

COVER REVEAL & EXCERPT: "BEYOND" (Crossroads Saga, book 3) - by Mary Ting


BEYOND
(Crossroads Saga, book 3)
by Mary Ting
(Release date: September 12, 2012)


OVERVIEW

Torn between the past she can't remember and a future she isn’t ready for, Claudia feels at a loss. With unanswered questions, she is certain there is more to her past than just being a venator. Finding the missing pieces in her life won’t be easy because duty calls. When mysterious dark shadows get released, an apocalypse sets in motion. The venators and the alkins must work together once again. Knowing Claudia would be the key to destroying the demons that were released, a familiar stranger appears to protect her. Drawn to the beautiful angel, Claudia finds she must unravel the mysteries of her past in order to help save the world. Who is the angel assisting her and why does she feel a strong connection to him? Time is running out. Will she discover all the secrets before it’s too late?

EXCERPT

Shaking her head, she looked at Davin. Her heart was hammering out of control. Even with angelic powers, she was deathly scared of heights. Building up her courage and the willingness to face the consequences of what she was about to do would be worth it all if she could find the answers. Without any further thought, she lit up a sly smile. “See you when I see you.” She took a perfect dive, right into the alley, landing on her two feet as her hand touched the ground to steady her. Wow! That was awesome.
Claudia looked up and saw Austin and Davin looking down on her.
“Stay right there, we’re coming down,” Austin demanded as his body was half way out the window.
Claudia stood up in a hurry. “No! Forgive me, Austin and Davin, but I need to do something for myself. Don’t worry about me and don’t follow me.” Claudia darted out of there at lightning bolt speed. There was no way they would know which way to go or how to find her. Claudia ran so fast she felt like she was going through a wind tunnel. Her hair flowed behind her while the air brushed against her skin made her feel free and alive. She sped her way to the highway, occasionally stopping to figure out which way to proceed. The only place she truly felt a sense of belongingness was at Gamma’s house, where she left her purse and that is where she would go.

AUTHOR LINKS

Crossroads Facebook page
Make Crossroads a Movie Facebook page
Between Facebook page
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Mary Ting Crossroads blog

Monday, July 23, 2012

REVIEW: "THE DRACULATA NEST" (A Red Wolf novel) - by John Hundley


THE DRACULATA NEST
(A Red Wolf novel)
by John Hundley

REVIEWED BY: Books4Tomorrow

OVERVIEW

Clifford Crane has led a tough life - failed marriages, bankruptcy, drug addiction, and a mind-numbing dead-end job. But he's made it through, and now he's a few short years from retirement. He's looking forward to his golden years, until he meets an ancient Uwharrie Indian shaman, who turns him into a werewolf. She believes Clifford is the red wolf foretold in prophecy, the one who will unite the wolf packs and lead them to victory over the vampires for once and all time. Too bad she doesn't tell Clifford that before she dies. Now, rescuing beautiful young women from the clutches of the undead has its rewards, but will it pay the rent for the next thousand years?

The Draculata Nest is the first in a series of Red Wolf novels, depicting a world where vampires are mere generations away from realizing the goal for which they were originally created, the enslavement and destruction of mankind.
In book one, Clifford finds himself a lone wolf, still grieving the loss of Claire Deerfoot, the one who brought out the beast that lay dormant inside him most of his life. Without the pack bond that keeps a wolf sane, he struggles with his dual nature and the strange compulsions that urge him to prowl the night. When he rescues a beautiful young coed from a visiting vampire, one who is hunting illegally in the territory of the local nest, Clifford suddenly finds himself a target of revenge.

The visiting Draculata Nest still thirsts for the blood of young Danielle, and now they want to spill Clifford's blood as well. But an unlikely ally surfaces in Roland Trudeau, a high-ranking vampire in the local nest, whose welcome aid seems too good to be true. Clifford soon finds himself drawn into the middle of a vicious game of vampire politics, a game where losers die.

REVIEW

Admittedly, the premise had me hooked. Even though I’m not a huge fan of vampires and werewolves which have been overdone to the point of boredom and eye-rolling, this book sounded as though it could be something different. And indeed it was, but rather disappointingly so.

A few chapters into the book, it still hadn’t captured my interest enough to keep reading. The very first thing I found a little distasteful, is the sixty year old main lead lusting after two co-eds. It didn’t work for me and left a sour taste in my mouth. I also wasn’t too fond of Danielle’s character, as she came across as the stereotypical male fantasy - an airhead with a body to die for.

The story was different from anything I’ve ever read before and I have to give the author kudos for his imaginative writing and a few terrific plot twists, hence the three-star rating. But at times I found the writing too detailed with unnecessarily lengthy explanations which had me skimming over some of the pages to get to the final chapter.

This being the first book in the Red Wolf novels, I’m hoping that some of the main characters will be more fleshed out in the next books, as I found a few of them a little one-dimensional and underdeveloped. Overall the writing is good and the story is unique, but my personal recommendation is for this book to be downloaded only when it’s free. 

 


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“The Draculata Nest” by John Hundley has 4 reviews on GoodReads. Read it here.

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