Saturday, December 8, 2012

REVIEW: "THE PEELING TRILOGY" - by Iain Rob Wright


THE PEELING TRILOGY
by Iain Rob Wright


REVIEWED BY: Books4Tomorrow




OVERVIEW

All three Novellas of the Peeling series.
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TODAY THE WORLD GOT SICK...
The Peeling is a series of novellas set in a world ravaged by a deadly plague. Each book follows the individual story of one of the survivors of this horrible new existence. They can be enjoyed as standalone tales or as part of a larger, overall narrative.
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BOOK 1: Jeremy's Choice

Being a security guard at a news station meant Jeremy found out about the peeling before anybody else. But that didn't prevent the deadly, unknown virus from infecting his wife. After years of neglect, unfaithfulness, and lies, is it finally time for Jeremy to do right by the woman he loves? Or is it too late?
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BOOK 2: The Stadium

Brett went to the football stadium for safety. They all did. But the deadly, flesh-eating virus, The Peeling, doesn't care about walls. It isn't long before the stadium starts to look less like a refuge and more like a prison.
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BOOK 3: Warriors

With barely a soul alive, Sergeant Parker and his squad scour the land, looking for survivors, but will they succeed only in finding more nightmares?
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BONUS CONTENT - Also includes the prequel story: The Peeling Of Samuel Lloyd Collins

REVIEW

I was looking forward to reading this book, and I wasn’t disappointed in the least. Although the writing needs a little editing, I enjoyed this story immensely. Each story is told from a different point of view, the one more frightening than the other. The fear, pain, and tension of the characters as they are devoured by the peeling disease is palpable. From the cheating security guard, the people trapped in the stadium, to the British Army attempting to overtake a barricaded supermarket with force, the suspense in this quick read is relentless.  I especially enjoyed the third story, as the non-stop explosive action had me turning the pages in a frenzy. This is the first time I’ve read anything by this author, but it won’t be the last. Any and all fans of writers such as Stephen King and Richard Laymon should definitely add “The Peeling Trilogy” to their to-be-read lists.   

 



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“The Peeling Trilogy” by Iain Rob Wright has 5 reviews on Goodreads. Read it here.

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Wednesday, December 5, 2012

REVIEW: "CHANGING FACES" (The Lilean Chronicles, Book 3) - by Merita King


CHANGING FACES
(The Lilean Chronicles, Book 3)
by Merita King

REVIEWED BY: Ellen Fritz





OVERVIEW

An evil, ancient as time itself is inadvertently set free and begins to feed, threatening the Drycenian home world and all of her people with extinction. Vincent, Farra and Kyle find themselves once again called into duty as chosen ones to battle this new terror that has befallen their friends. As they struggle to understand what is happening around them, they find themselves also battling many more personal inner demons. 

How can a man be in two places at once and who murdered the little princess? Can Vincent escape execution and can the friends find the mysterious spiritual leader who is the only one who knows how to kill an evil so ancient that it is thought to be nothing more than legend?

REVIEW

“Changing Faces”, the third book in the Lilean Chronicles, kicks off with Vincent and Farra starting out on their intended honeymoon on Drycenia.  A honeymoon that becomes a nightmare when Vincent ends up accused of rape and murder and all this because an ignorant miner on a faraway moon could not leave a crystal, buried in a pile of ashes, alone.  With the Drycenian princess dead, prince Toma mostly possessed by evil, the nation in uproar and their spirit guides once again partially cut off from them, Vincent, Farra, Kyle and Jam have to survive and, above all, win against all odds. 

Every time I read a new book in this series I feel that it is better than the previous one and this one is no exception.  The story takes off immediately and does not slow down until the last page.  The suspense will keep you riveted to your chair as our heroes race to and fro across the gulf of space and take part in dangerous operations on various planets.

The author skillfully blends known space and science fiction technology with her own extremely inventive creations, thus ensuring that readers of both the si-fi and fantasy genres will want to devour her books.  By working her world building into her story, Merita King cleverly avoids lengthy, boring explanations - an admirable feat as her fictional universe is extensive.

With every new book the well crafted characters are allowed to grow and develop a bit more within realistic limits.  As the characters are never afraid to shed a tear or give a hug, I find the close emotional bond they have with one another very touching.  New characters add a freshness to every new book and quickly endear themselves to the reader.

I highly recommend this more than 5 star read to anybody with a taste for space and fantasy related fiction but I would advise readers to get hold of the first two books in this magnificent series before reading “Changing Faces”. 

 



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“Changing Faces” by Merita King has 1 review on Goodreads. Read it here.

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Monday, December 3, 2012

BOOK BLAST & $100 GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY: "Surrender" - by Rhiannon Paille



Surrender by Rhiannon Paille


How far would you go to save everything you ever loved?



Kaliel was warned about her love for the Ferryman. One day he will marry the land and leave Avristar forever. She doesn't listen, and because of what she is-- a Flame-- one of nine apocalyptic weapons, she sparks a war. In a desperate attempt to save her home and her love, Kaliel tries to awaken Avred, not knowing she may have to make the ultimate sacrifice.







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Praise for Surrender

"My head is still spinning a bit about the plot though because I can't believe it. It's better than ice cream for a break up. The plot was original, the characters were relatable and down to earth despite not living on Earth." - Courtney at Readable Charper

"Surrender is definitely full of emotion and will take you on an incredible journey through the eyes of these two incredible characters."

- Lucy at Moonlight Gleam

"Reading this book felt like reading a classic, but with everything I love in a book: romance, heartbreak, and lots of action! I would recommend this book to EVERYONE and then dare them not to fall in love with it!"

- Sammie Spencer, Author of Amaretto Flame

"Rhiannon Paille creates a unique and beautiful world that will draw you in and make you remember what it was like to be young, innocent, and full of wonder."

- Cory Putman Oakes, Author of The Veil

"Surrender is hands down one of my favorite fantasy books ever. YA or not, this is just pure awesomeness and every fantasy fan should read it. It's a delectable, rich in detail, numbingly brilliant and swoon-worthy read that you can't afford to miss out on."

- Evie at Bookish Evie


Author Rhiannon Paille:


Rhi was never a normal girl. Her life was an urban fantasy wrapped in a paranormal romance and served with a side of horror. To escape her everyday weirdness she began writing fantasy. She studied at U of Sedona and MIMT, obtaining a PhD in Metaphysical Science and Parapsychology. She's married to a chef/comic book shop owner and has a fondness for architecture.






Links:

Book Blast Giveaway:

$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 12/12/12

*You need not enter your twitter name for each entry. Simply enter it for the first person you follow and leave the others blank.

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Open to anyone who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent's permission. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.





Sunday, December 2, 2012

REVIEW+GIVEAWAY: “ONE STRANGE CHRISTMAS” by Nicola Palmer


ONE STRANGE CHRISTMAS
by Nicola Palmer

GENRE: Children aged 9 to 99

REVIEWED BY: Books4Tomorrow



OVERVIEW

Jake had been expecting a very ordinary Christmas - until he opened the curtains and saw it. All he had wished for was some snow and a bit of excitement!

Christmas Day brings chaos: news reporters, meetings with peculiar characters, a spectacular surprise at the bottom of the garden; not to mention Jake's startling discovery about his future!

Christmas will never be the same again!

A festive story for children aged 7+ and big kids too.



REVIEW

Out with the old, and in with the new! Santa has shiny new wheels this Christmas and what a ride it is!

This truly is a delightful little read for children aged 9 to 99. I had so much fun reading this story and after finishing it felt as excited about Christmas as any child would. From blue snow, cheeky little elves, the origin of candy canes, talking snowmen and an unusual snow globe, to Santa’s newest ride mostly likely designed by aliens, “One Strange Christmas” is a charming and fun quick read that will put the magic back in Christmas for young and old alike.

Be warned though. It will have you believing in Santa all over again!






PURCHASE LINK


MEET the AUTHOR


Nicola Palmer lives in a normal, semi-detached house in Warwickshire, England, writing stories for children aged 9 - 99. 'Alice Parker's Metamorphosis' is the first book in her new fantasy adventure series.
As well as writing, Nicola's other favourite things are animals, chocolate, coffee and slippers. She's also rather fond of cake and cardigans. One day she hopes to discover hidden magical powers of her own.
Book 2, 'Alice Parker & the Mind Magician’, and Book 3, 'Alice Parker & the Secret of Arcanum Cove,' are now available. Look out for Book 4 in 2013!
Unfortunately, Nicola doesn't have a magic letterbox, but she would love to be contacted at:

Facebook    Twitter    Blog    Email

***GIVEAWAY***


One winner will receive a signed paperback copy of One Strange Christmas by Nicola Palmer. Giveaway ends 24 December 2012.

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Saturday, December 1, 2012

GIVEAWAY: $20 GIFT CARD: Price Drop for "Dead Running" & "Dying to Run" by Cami Checketts

Just in Time for Christmas 
Dead Running - Dying to Run 
Price Drop & $20 Gift Card Giveaway







Dead Running



Cassidy Christensen is running.

Running from the mercenaries who killed her parents.

Running from a scheming redhead intent on making her life miserable.

Running from painful memories that sabotage her dreams of happiness.



With two very tempting men competing for her attention, she hopes she'll finally have someone to run to, but can she trust either of them? When secrets from her past threaten her family, Cassidy decides to stop running and fight for her future.



Dying to Run


Cassidy Christensen wants to run.



Captured by the traffickers who killed her mother, her only hope is Dr. Tattoo, a man she loves but nobody trusts. When she finally gets a chance to run, someone else she cares about is taken. Running might be her only chance at survival, but she won’t allow another family member to be killed in her place.



This must-read sequel to Dead Running will have you laughing, biting your nails, and hoping for more.





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Author Cami Checketts



Cami Checketts is married and the proud mother of four future WWF champions. Sometimes between being a human horse, cleaning up magic potions, and reading Bernstein Bears, she gets the chance to write fiction.



Cami graduated from Utah State University with a degree in Exercise Science. Cami teaches strength training classes at her local rec and shares healthy living tips on her fitness blog: http://fitnessformom.blogspot.com.



Cami and her family live in the beautiful Cache Valley of Northern Utah. During the two months of the year it isn't snowing, she enjoys swimming, biking, running, and water-skiing.





Links




Upcoming Blog Tour




Price Drop Giveaway!

$20 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash from Author Cami Checketts

Ends 12/23/12

Open to anyone who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent's permission. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.



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REVIEW: "INZARED: QUEEN OF THE ELEPHANT RIDERS" - by L. Leander


INZARED: QUEEN OF THE ELEPHANT RIDERS
by L. Leander

REVIEWED BY: Ellen Fritz


OVERVIEW

Bertha Maude Anderson has no inkling of how famous she will become. She lives in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina in the year 1843. Her world changes forever when she is enticed to join The Romanoff Brothers Circus and her name is changed to INZARED, Queen of the Elephant Riders. Inzared discovers her true calling while learning to live with the nomadic Gypsies. From the hatred shown by some of the performers to the love she finds along the way, Inzared finds herself immersed in the rich folklore and customs of the misunderstood people who call the circus their home. Her one constant is Cecil, the elephant, and together they form a bond that no one can break as Inzared finds herself lured into the world of the Gypsies while clinging to her own roots and trying to break free of the chains that keep her from her destiny.

REVIEW

As I love animals and am fascinated by circus life, reading “Inzared: Queen of the Elephant Riders” was a very special treat for me.  When Bertha meets Paytre and his Elephant, Cecil, it is love at first sight for both the boy and the elephant.  Roped in to act as stand in for the indisposed elephant rider, Bertha - now renamed Inzared - feels that she could make the circus her life.  She is a hillbilly, not afraid of hard work and tough enough to fit in with the Gypsies.  There is a traitor in their midst however.  Equipment is damaged, perfectly trained and trustworthy animals act up and people are getting hurt.  Despite all this, Vadoma, the fortune teller and psychic, feels that Inzared has more to offer than doing tricks on the back of an elephant.   

This book gave me a very good idea of what circus life in the nineteenth century must have been like.  Apart from the sabotage that seems to be going on in this circus, they must still cope with the dangers and mishaps that can happen during performances or on the long road between towns.  Fording rivers with heavily laden wagons and panicking horses, crossing rugged mountains and tending their own sick animals and people, are just some of the hardships described in this story.

The comfortable pace of the story gave me time to acquaint myself thoroughly with the numerous colorful characters.  Incidents of sabotage and other mishaps are cleverly spaced throughout the story so that I never knew when and where disaster would strike next.  This suspenseful atmosphere is masterfully balanced by the romantic relationship between the main characters.  Extremely interesting Gypsy beliefs, customs and ceremonies are described throughout the book.  As this is a very realistic story, I must warn that you would probably need a box of kleenex on your journey with the Romanoff Brothers Circus.

The first person narration in which “Inzared: Queen of the Elephant Riders” is written is completely unique and reflects just how a farm girl in 1843 might have thought.  I highly recommend this book to readers of all ages and hope that we'll soon see more equally brilliant books from this gifted author.

   



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“Inzared: Queen of the Elephant Riders” by L. Leander has 23 reviews on Goodreads. Read it here.

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Wednesday, November 28, 2012

GIVEAWAY: "WATER FOR ELEPHANTS" - by Sara Gruen


WATER FOR ELEPHANTS
by Sara Gruen

OVERVIEW

As a young man, Jacob Jankowski was tossed by fate onto a rickety train that was home to the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. It was the early part of the great Depression, and for Jacob, now ninety, the circus world he remembers was both his salvation and a living hell. A veterinary student just shy of a degree, he was put in charge of caring for the circus menagerie. It was there that he met Marlena, the beautiful equestrian star married to August, the charismatic but twisted animal trainer. And he met Rosie, an untrainable elephant who was the great gray hope for this third-rate traveling show. The bond that grew among this unlikely trio was one of love and trust, and, ultimately, it was their only hope for survival.

MY REVIEW

Please feel free to read my review for this amazing book on Amazon or on Goodreads.

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“Water for Elephants” by Sara Gruen has 45 093 reviews on Goodreads. Read it here.

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GIVEAWAY


I’m giving away one paperback copy of this amazing book via Book Depository to ONE lucky follower. Make sure that Book Depository ships to your country for free, before entering this giveaway. Giveaway ends 14 December 2012.

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