Monday, February 9, 2015

The Elemental Series by Elana Johnson -- Reveal/Giveaway



About ELEMENTAL RUSH: Eighteen-year-old Adam Gillman has trained for twelve years to earn a coveted spot on the Supreme Elemental’s elite sentry squad. His brother, Felix, is the commander, but Adam is still thrilled when his official assignment to serve Alexander Pederson comes. 

He moves into nicer quarters and can stop getting up at four a.m. to complete his mandated work out time. He still rises early though, because he needs the solitude of early morning to practice his airmaking Element—something that Adam has kept secret from everyone, even Felix, because he can’t be both an Airmaker and a sentry. 

When Alex assigns him to kill a group of rogue Elementals, he balks at completing his mission for the first time. See, his only friend is Isaiah Hawking, and he’s the Earthmover on the accused Council. When faced with the prospect of killing him, Adam finds he can’t do it. 

He’s well trained in assassination, but he thought he’d be murdering bad guys—not innocents. 

When Alex buries the Elemental Academy—and kills over one thousand Elementals—in a fit of rage, Adam’s loyalty cracks. When he discovers that Alex is really a woman, and his brother’s lover, he defects. He hops from city to city, from Elemental school to Elemental school, always escaping only minutes before Felix can embed a knife in his heart or a tsunami can make a classroom his watery grave. 

He tries to fight back, but he’s just one Airmaster with exceptional tracking skills. He does his best to warn those in danger, but as the last Elemental school goes up in flames, he knows he needs to get some real firepower on his side. 

ELEMENTAL RUSH is a prequel novella to the full-length futuristic fantasy novel, ELEMENTAL HUNGER.


Buy Links:

About ELEMENTAL HUNGER: The second installment in the Elemental series, a new futuristic fantasy for young adults and new adults from acclaimed author Elana Johnson, ELEMENTAL HUNGER is a full-length novel that continues the story that began in ELEMENTAL RUSH, an Elemental novella. 

Sixteen-year-old Gabriella Kilpatrick can shoot fire from her hands, which would be great if she didn’t get blamed for a blazing inferno that kills 17 schoolmates. When Gabby is commanded to Manifest her Element, everyone knows what she is: a genetic abnormality. Not to mention guilty. 

So she does two logical things to survive. 
1. She runs. 
2. She hacks off her hair to assume a new role—that of “Gabe”, because in her world, only boys are Firemakers. 

Not only does she have to act like a guy, she has to pretend to know everything a Firemaker should know. When Gabby meets Airmaster Adam Gillman, he believes her act and pledges to serve on “Gabe’s” Council. But Adam has the mark of a sentry and spent years obeying Alex, the Supreme Elemental. And Alex wants Gabby-the-genetic-freak dead and gone before she can gather the magical protection of a full Council. 

With Adam’s lies that sound like truths and rumors that Alex isn’t really a Firemaker—or a man—Gabby sets out to charter a Council of her own. In order to uncover the truth, Gabby will have to learn who she can trust, how to control her own power, and most of all, how to lead a Council of Elementals, most of whom have more control over their power than she does. If she can’t, she’ll find herself just like those 17 schoolmates: burned and six feet under. 

Look for the third and final installment, ELEMENTAL RELEASE, the final Elemental novella. 


Buy Links:

About ELEMENTAL RELEASE: Two months after returning to the capital city of Tarpulin with a Council of his own, Airmaster Adam Gillman is ready to start repairing the relationships in his life. Up first: his Councilman and the girl he’d like to be more than friends with, Gabriella Kilpatrick. 

But first, he has to figure out how to be the Airmaster his Firemaker needs. In order to do that, Adam attends Elemental training and discovers that to truly command the air, he must first be in control of his emotions. And in order to master those, he has to grieve for the loss of Hanai, make amends with his brother, and earn the trust of Gabby. 

Amidst all that, Adam must also learn how to grapple with the jet stream, because a dangerous Airmaster is loose in Tarpulin. And Adam will need to find his emotional center in order to work with the atmosphere and defeat the threat. 


Buy Links:


About Elana Johnson: Elana Johnson’s work, including Possession, Surrender, Abandon, and Regret, published by Simon Pulse (Simon & Schuster), is available now everywhere books are sold. Her popular ebook, From the Query to the Call, is also available for download, as well as a Possession short story, Resist. 

Her self-published novels include two YA contemporary novels-in-verse, Elevated and Something About Love, as well as a YA/NA futuristic fantasy series, which includes Elemental Rush, Elemental Hunger, and Elemental Release.

School teacher by day, Query Ninja by night, you can find her online at her personal blog or Twitter. She also co-founded the Query Tracker blog and WriteOnCon, and contributes to the League of Extraordinary Writers.


Social Media Links:
League of Extraordinary Writers: http://leaguewriters.blogspot.com/ 
WriteOnCon: http://writeoncon.com/ 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, February 5, 2015

King of Ash and Bone by Melissa Wright -- Book Blitz


We're Blitzing the Release of
King of Ash and Bone
By Melissa Wright
The first book in The Shattered Realms Series.

Writing a book or series of books is a substantial commitment. Authors spend a lot of time and effort avoiding the temptation of shiny new ideas, because chasing other stories will never get you a finished manuscript. But the best inspirations hang around, waiting in the corners of your mind, tugging at your attention until they've grown too monstrous and delightful to be ignored. These are the stories that are most fun to tell, the ideas that will not be turned away.

I'm happy to report my newest title is just one of these monsters. King of Ash and Bone began niggling at me about midway through the Descendants Series as a simple idea: a magical apocalypse. A heroine with steadfast determination came in next, followed quickly by the handsome anti-hero who just might have what it takes to break her resolve. And of course he would have something to hide that might test them both. I found myself researching end-of-days scenarios in my spare time, gathering images of winged beasts and deserted cities as this new world grew and grew, forming its own brand of chimera and bursting into a second realm, complete with problems of its own.

The Shattered Realms series is certainly lined up to be the most complex I've ever written, and I can only hope it catches readers' hearts and imaginations the way it has mine.

Would you like to sign up to review King of Ash and Bone? 
Do so HERE!

King of Ash and BoneKing of Ash and Bone
(Shattered Realms, #1)
by Melissa Wright
YA Urban Fantasy, SciFi
February 2nd 2015

When flying monsters break through the veil into her world, Mackenzie Scott has nothing left to lose. Her brother has been taken, her future has vanished, and all that remains is a desperate need for revenge. After discovering the breach the creatures used as a gateway, Mackenzie devises a plan to stop them, whatever the cost.

When she finds an injured stranger in the street, he just might be the key she needs to succeed. What Mackenzie doesn't know is that this stranger isn't the helpless boy he appears to be. He's one of the monsters. And he's got plans of his own.

Thrown into a dying city in another realm, Mackenzie is powerless to get back. With the gateway closing, time is not on her side. But the stranger is, and if they can escape execution, this girl and her monster might be able to save both their worlds.

You can read a teaser here.

Melissa Wright is the author of the Frey Saga and Descendants Series. She is currently working on the next book, but when not writing can be found collecting the things she loves at Goodreads and Pinterest.


Blitz Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card
Open internationally
Ends February 9th


Prism Book Tours

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Water So Deep by Nichole Giles -- Blog Tour


Water so Deep (1)

Water so DeepWater So Deep by Nichole Giles
Published: February 2nd, 2015
Publisher: Jelly Bean Publishing
ISBN13: 9781630340155
FTC FYI: Received an ebook in exchange for an honest review.
Summary
Seventeen-year-old Emma Harris is drowning on dry land.
No one knows what’s happening to her, and she’d like to keep her evolution from human to mermaid a secret, but the truth is getting harder and harder to hide. From her adoptive family, from her friends, and especially from the irresistible James Phelps.
Her time in the ocean is spent dodging a possessive merman, while her time on land is split between caring for her special-needs brother and squeezing in every last possible moment of human life. She soon realizes falling for James is unavoidable when he constantly comes to Emma’s rescue and somehow manages to see through her carefully constructed icy facade to the vulnerability she lives with every day. Everything about James makes Emma yearn for a life on land she just can’t have.
When Emma’s brother disappears on her watch, James is the only person she trusts to help her save him. But even if they can save her brother, nothing can prevent her return to the sea. Whether she likes it or not, Emma is changing—unable to breathe without yielding to the tide—and it’s only a matter of time before she’s forced to surrender forever.
My Review
Isn't this cover gorgeous!  It perfectly reflects the story.  When we are introduced to Emma, she is swimming.  She knows she will eventually have to leave her life on land and live permanently in the ocean.  Emma knows she came from Atlantis, but was left as a baby.  Only her Gran knows her mermaid secret.  Emma has a lot going on.  She was given a bad reputation for an incident that happened with her ex-boyfriend, and the new boy James, finds himself not able to stay away from her, as she tries her best to stay away from him.  Emma is a great character with so much heart.  Her special needs brother attends her school, and while trying to deal with the rumors of her past, she finds herself attracted to James.  Even though Emma knows she will have to leave everyone she loves behind, she can't stay from the ocean.  However, the ocean isn't always the relief she needs it to be.  Merrick, a merman who made a bargain for her, won't leave her alone.
4 out of 5 stars.  I loved the turns the story took.  There was a very enjoyable twist at the end, one that I didn't see coming.  The whole story (especially Emma's history) was very cool, and I was eagerly turning pages to know how things were going to turn out.   I did appreciate how Nichole didn't throw it all at the reader at once.  Perfect way to keep me reading.  Nichole wrote her characters perfectly, and the ending is ... WOW!  I am looking forward to what will happen in the next book!
Content: some language and heavy kissing.  
add to goodreads new

NicholeAuthor Nichole Giles
Nichole Giles, the author of the Descendant trilogy, has lived in Nevada, Arizona, Utah, and Texas. She loves to spend time with her husband and four children, travel to tropical and exotic destinations, drive in the rain with the convertible top down, and play music at full volume so she can sing along.


Excerpt 
BY THE TIME SHE HIKED down the steep embankment and around the tide pools to her cove, the pressure in her chest squeezed so tight, black spots floated in her vision. Not a good sign. It had only been five days since her last swim— usually she was good for seven.  

Emma hung her bag on a rock that jutted out of the cave wall and stripped off her clothes, breathing deep, squeezing her hands into fists to avoid the panic creeping up on her. Panicking stole precious air from her half-converted lungs, and she was already on the verge of passing out.  
If she did pass out, she couldn’t get to the water, and if she couldn’t get to the water, this terrible pressure wouldn’t ease, and if the pressure didn’t ease, she would soon stop breathing altogether. It would be hours before anyone missed her and came looking, and by that time, she’d be shriveled like a washed-up fish, and probably just as dead. 
By the time she’d put on her suit, her vision blurred and she had to step carefully, trailing her hand along the wall of the shallow cave so she wouldn’t trip and hurt herself before she got to the water. Finally at the edge, she sucked in a last breath of air and dove, relieved as slits opened up to gills in the side of her neck and water filtered through them, finally allowing her lungs to expand.

Blog Tour Schedule
February 4th
I Am A Reader – Guest Post
Enter Here Canada – Spotlight
Min Reads and Reviews – Review
Wishful Endings – Review
Sammy’s Book Obsession – Spotlight
February 5th
We Do Write – Spotlight
Clever Girls Read – Spotlight
Rachelle’s Writing Spot – Review
Spiced Latte Reads – Spotlight
February 6th
StoreyBook Reviews – Spotlight
Katie’s Clean Book Collection – Review
Vonnie’s Reading Corner – Review
Cassandra M’s Place – Spotlight
February 7th
Oh My Books! – Spotlight
Addicted Readers – Spotlight
Coffee Books & Art – Spotlight
Fundinmental – Review
February 9th
Sher A. Hart – Review
Gustosa Giveaways – Spotlight
Lindsey’s Library – Review
Ranee the wRiter – Review
February 11th
Books and Ashes – Review
Indie Author How-to – Review
Kaisy Daisy’s Corner – Spotlight
Diana’s Book Reviews – Review
February 13th
Word to Dreams – Spotlight
Why Not? Because I Said So! – Review
Mommabears Book Blog – Spotlight
The Book Lovers’ Lounge – Review
February 14th
readalot – Review
BookHounds YA – Spotlight
Mythical Books – Spotlight
February 16th
A Leisure Moment – Review
deal sharing aunt – Spotlight
Lisa’s Research & Reviews – Review
Burke’s Books and Bows – Review

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Wedding Cake by Josi S. Kilpack -- Blog Tour/Giveaway


22343778Wedding Cake

Author: Josi S. Kilpack

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Publish Date: December 30th, 2014

ISBN13: 9781609079321

Paperback: 368 pages

Culinary mystery

FTC FYI: Received paperback copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary

When Sadie Hoffmiller receives a threatening, anonymous text message just days before her wedding, she is determined not to let it interfere with the celebration she has carefully planned for months. But when the threat changes from a distant fear to a frightening reality, Sadie realizes just how much she is underestimated the situation. Desperate to put an end to the game she has been forced to play, Sadie, her fiancé, Pete, and her children pull out all the stops resolved to stop running and see justice done. What they do not know, however, is just how far Sadie's nemesis is willing to go and just how many people may be hurt in the process. There is no turning back for anyone in this riveting conclusion to the twelve-volume series, and the question becomes whether or not Sadie will have a future left when the game finally comes to an end.

Author and Reviewer Warning!

*Make sure you have read the first 11 books before you start Wedding Cake.  The gloves are off when it comes to holding back the details on the previous mysteries.  Some of the other book plots are revealed, especially the books that involve Jane.*

My Review

The word perfect doesn't even come close to how utterly awesome this book is.  As much as I have been looking forward to reading Wedding Cake, I was also dreading it.  Not in a way that it was something I didn't want to do, believe me, it was only because I knew Sadie's story would be ending.  That being said, that never would have stopped me from reading and loving Wedding Cake.  I know all things must come to an end, like Harry Potter :), and WOW, what an end!   My heart raced, my head pounded, and my stomach hurt all while reading in anticipation, turning the pages as fast as I could.  As I read, I thought, what next!  Poor Sadie, poor Pete, poor everyone!

When I read the teaser chapter at the end of Fortune Cookie earlier in 2014, I knew this book was going to be a wild ride.  Jane has been keeping herself quiet for awhile, but she has been bidding her time.  I'm sure we all have been wondering what has happened to Jane since her last words to Sadie in Pumpkin Roll.  The books since have mentioned her, but in Wedding Cake, she makes her presence known right at the start, and is not holding back.  This will be spoiler free review, with no details given, but when you do read this, prepare your life for not getting anything else done until you finish this book.  The epilogue is so lovely, it had me smiling through my tears.

5 out of 5 stars.  This book is everything I wanted it to be with many surprises mixed in.  Again, Jane doesn't hold anything back when it comes to Sadie and the people she loves.  It was fun to have the other book's mysteries mentioned and their characters.  Sadie will forever be one of my all-time favorite characters, and Pete is including on that list as well.  Sadie is nothing short of amazing, as is the author who created her.

Excerpt


Everyone was silent for a moment, then Malloy pulled himself up a bit straighter in his chair. “This is an investigation that is all about keeping your mother safe. To return home when we have expressly asked that she stay out of the way and allow us to do our job compromises her safety and—”

            “Look,” Shawn said with a forced kind of calmness, zeroing his attention on Malloy. “We both appreciate what you’re doing but I think you’re forgetting that my mom isn’t some Sunday school teacher who doesn’t understand what’s what. In the last four years my mother has put over a dozen people in jail, found missing persons, discovered frauds, uncovered conspiracies, solved several murders, saved lives, and managed to break a few noses in the process. To not consider any of those things is . . . dumb, and with this threat being directly targeting her, I think she has the right to be heard in regard to how she would like to handle things. That she’s talking to you about this at all is merely because, at her core, my mother is a well-mannered woman. She doesn’t need your help—heck, she’s not even asking for your help—she’s simply asking that you support her instincts which have proven to be right time and time again.”

            Sadie blinked back tears of pride and gratitude as the room reverberated in the silence left behind her son’s words. She had no idea he felt this way about the things she’d done these last years, especially since it was only six weeks ago that her skills were put to use poking around in his business, which he hadn’t liked very much. That he was proud of her and saw her as strong and capable was an enormous boost of confidence.
            When no one spoke in the moments following Shawn’s monologue, he turned to her. “Are you coming with me, then?”

Author Links 


Purchase Links

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Embark! by John Bytheway -- CD/Blog Tour


embark-talk-on-cd-2015-youth-theme-by-john-bytheway-7378-p[ekm]378x375[ekm]
Embark!
John Bytheway
SKU: 5129767 ISBN13: 978-1-62972-005-0
FTC FYI: Received a CD from Deseret Book in exchange for an honest review.

Summary

An ideal talk that supports the new 2015 Mutual theme!

In classic Bytheway style, John approaches the soon-to-be announced youth theme with both humor and solid teaching. Through stories, examples, his own personal experience, and scriptural insight, John Bytheway will help the youth in your family or ward understand the 2015 youth theme on a deeper level and learn how it is personally meaningful to them. In the end, he motivates all of us to become better ourselves and to share what we have with others.In this motivating talk based on D & C 4:2, John Bytheway explains what it means to truly embark--to get fully on board in the service of God with all your heart, might, mind, and strength.

Using scriptures, powerful stories, and his charismatic teaching style, John explains that with the Savior's help, we can remain on board, arrive at our destination, and stand blameless before God at the last day. (Description on the back of the CD case.)

My Review

"If you're going to embark, embark... It's time to get on board."

I was thrilled to jump on board of this blog tour for Embark!  I have three daughters, with two in the Young Women's program.  We listened to this together and we all loved it!  John Bytheway does an incredible job of introducing the youth theme for 2015.  I love how he is so relatable to all he speaks to, especially teens. I love and appreciate his humor and heartfelt stories.  I loved how each part of the scripture D & C 4:2 is broken down into sections, each with it own stories and explanation.  He mentions service a lot in this talk, too.  John says that instead of giving Him your daily list of needs, ask Him to be guided to someone who you can serve, lose yourself in service.  Wonderful advice for us all.

5 out of 5 stars.  This CD is to introduce the youth theme for 2015, but can be enjoyed by all ages at any time.

About John Bytheway

John Bytheway (born October 1962) is an American author and academic, who is well known as a comic motivational speaker for youth within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Born in Salt Lake City, Bytheway attended the University of Utah and Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah, receiving a Master's Degree in Religious Education. He also served as a missionary for the LDS Church in the Philippines.

Bytheway is a religious studies instructor at BYU, currently focusing on the Book of Mormon. He also serves on the Aaronic Priesthood/Young Women Writing Committee for the LDS Church. Bytheway and his wife Kimberly have six children.

Website / Facebook

Purchase Links

Amazon / Deseret Book / Seagull Book

Monday, February 2, 2015

The Keeper's Calling by Kelly Nelson


KeepersCallingCover.inddThe Keeper's Calling

Author: Kelly Nelson

Publisher: Walnut Springs

Published: February 2012

ISBN13: 978-1-59992-844-9

Paperback - 312 pages

FTC FYI: I was gifted an audio copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary

Chase Harper's to-do list for senior year never included "fall in love" and "fight for your life," but things rarely go as planned. Tarnished gold and resembling a pocket watch, the counter he finds in a cave during the summer of 2011 will forever change the course of his life, leading him to the beautiful Ellie Williams and unlocking a power beyond his wildest imagination. In 1863, Ellie Williams completes school in Boston and returns to the Utah Territory only to discover that her grandfather and his counter, a treasured family heirloom, are missing. When Ellie is abducted and told she must produce the counter or die, an unexpected rescuer comes to her aid.

My Review

This book has been on my to-read list for a while, so when I was approached by the author to review an audio copy, I was thrilled.  This is the first book I have listened to, and I really enjoyed the change.  I listed while I drove around town running errands, and I was taken on an enjoyable ride.

I have a soft spot for books that have Utah settings. The Keeper's Calling starts off in Zions.  Chase goes out on his bike, and finds an old relic similar to a pocket watch in a cave.  What happens next is an exciting ride that leads him to Ellie.  Together they start a journey that doesn't end where they started.  The author does a great job of writing a teenage boy.  Chase is immediately likable and I found myself cheering for him.  Ellie is also a doll, and is fun to watch as she tries to adjust to a different life.  This book is very fun and I enjoyed Chase's journey as he figures out how to adjust his life to be a keeper.  I was happy with the result of him not staying in the Old West in the beginning and how Chase and Ellie had to adjust to their new circumstances.  I also loved what a caring, thoughtful guy Chase was.  I also enjoyed how their relationship wasn't instant, it developed in a more realistic way.  I thought the jumps into different time periods were very exciting too!  

4 out of 5 stars.  I am excited to read the rest of the books in the series.  Book 4, The Keeper's Council, was just released in January!

Author Links


Purchase Links

Sunday, February 1, 2015

Dearest by Alethea Kontis -- Tour Launch

A themed tour with Prism Book Tours.

Dearest (Woodcutter Sisters, #3)Dearest (Woodcutter Sisters, #3)
by Alethea Kontis
YA Fantasy
Hardcover & ebook, 320 Pages
February 3rd 2015 by HMH Books for Young Readers


A fabulous fairy-tale mashup that deserves hordes of avid readers. Absolutely delectable.  Kirkus Reviews, starred review of award-winning series debut Enchanted.

Readers met the Woodcutter sisters (named after the days of the week) in Enchanted and Hero. In this delightful third book, Alethea Kontis weaves together some fine-feathered fairy tales to focus on Friday Woodcutter, the kind and loving seamstress. When Friday stumbles upon seven sleeping brothers in her sister Sunday's palace, she takes one look at Tristan and knows he is her future. But the brothers are cursed to be swans by day. Can Friday's unique magic somehow break the spell?

The Other Woodcutter Sisters Books
 Hero (Woodcutter Sisters #2)
Links for Enchanted

Alethea Kontis courtesy of Lumos Studio 2012
New York Times bestselling author Alethea Kontis is a princess, a fairy godmother, and a geek. Sheís known for screwing up the alphabet, scolding vampire hunters, and ranting about fairy tales on YouTube.

Her published works include: The Wonderland Alphabet (with Janet K. Lee), Diary of a Mad Scientist Garden Gnome (with Janet K. Lee), the AlphaOops series (with Bob Kolar), the Woodcutter Sisters fairy tale series, and The Dark-Hunter Companion (with Sherrilyn Kenyon). Her short fiction, essays, and poetry have appeared in a myriad of anthologies and magazines.

Her YA fairy tale novel, Enchanted, won the Gelett Burgess Childrenís Book Award in 2012 and the Garden State Teen Book Award i 2015. Enchanted was nominated for the Audie Award in 2013, and was selected for World Book Night in 2014. Both Enchanted and its sequel, Hero, were nominated for the Andre Norton Award.

Born in Burlington, Vermont, Alethea currently lives and writes in Florida, on the Space Coast. She makes the best baklava youíve ever tasted and sleeps with a teddy bear named Charlie.

Check out Alethea's Road Tour HERE!


Tour-Wide Giveaway

3 Woodcutter Sisters Prize Packs (signed copies of Enchanted, Hero, & Dearest - US Only)
Ends March 8th



Follow the Tour
1 - Launch
2 - Lilac Reviews
3 - Special post @ Waterworld Mermaids

3 - Coffee Books & Art & The Book Lovers' Lounge
4 - Special post @ USA Today's Happy Ever After

4 - Buried Under Books, Mommabears Book Blog, & Rabid Reads
5 - Interview @ J.T. Ellison

5 - Gidget Girls Reading
6 - Zerina Blossom & Geo Librarian
8 - Welcome to Book City
9 - Kelly P's Blog & Katy's Krazy Books
10 - Mel's Shelves & Jan Edwards
11 - Katie's Clean Book Collection
12 - A Backwards Story 
& Wishful Endings
13 - Library of a Book Witch & The Quotable 
14 - 
Biggest Literary Crushes post on @ Teen Reads
15 - The Written Adventure
16 - My Life Loves and Passion & Colorimetry
17 - I Am A Reader & The Library of the Seen

18 - Special post on @ Dear Teen Me
18 - Printcess & Living a Goddess Life & Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf
19 - 100 Pages A Day & mrsjennyreads
20 - Books and Ashes & Addicted Readers
22 - Miss Little Book Addict YA House of Books
23 - SBM Book Obsession
24 - Deal Sharing Aunt
25 - Min Reads and Reviews
26 - Pieces of Whimsy & Wonderous Reviews
27 - The Scribbling Sprite
28 - Grand Finale

Prism Book Tours