Book Review: RISE by Jennifer Anne Davis PLUS #Giveaway

Rise by Jennifer Anne Davis

Release Date: May 17, 2016
Publisher: Month9Books

The people of Nelebek live in fear of persecution from the evil Morlet, who reigns with a dark and destructive magic. The kingdom’s only hope lies with the Order of the Krigers—twelve warriors with mysterious powers linked to magical weapons.

For over a century, Morlet has been annihilating the Order, picking them off one by one. Eleven Krigers have been hunted down, tortured, and imprisoned in his dungeon. Now, only one remains.

Sixteen-year-old Kaia survives by keeping her head down and minding her own business. But when she finds herself in the middle of a public execution where the mysterious Morlet is in attendance, an odd compulsion she can’t resist comes over her.

Kaia looks into Morlet’s eyes.

Soon, an ancient power awakens and Kaia can no more blend into the scenery. Will she heed the call of the Krigers or will Morlet’s dark magic destroy the last of the Order?

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Oh how I loved this YA fantasy novel! RISE pulled me into Kaia's world, a kingdom ran by an evil ruler, where only 12 special warriors can stop him. There's adventure, romance potential, and lots of action!!

Thankfully Kaia has been trained to defend herself. I found her compassionate yet strong, like Tris in Divergent.

Then there's Anders. Ah! My favourites are the bad guys you can't help but love. An assassin by trade he ends up helping Kaia on her quest; however, he proves to drive her crazy more than butterflies for the most part.

Fans of Throne of Glass will enjoy this new fantasy world. Davis writes with a magical passion that makes the world of the Krigers come to life.

Jennifer Anne Davis is the award-winning author of the bestselling TRUE REIGN series. After graduating from the University of San Diego with a degree in English and a teaching credential, she married her high school sweetheart. Jennifer is currently a full-time writer and mother of three highly energetic children. Her days are spent living in imaginary worlds and fueling her own kids’ creativity.

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·        Five (5) winners will receive a digital copy of Rise by Jennifer Anne Davis (INT)

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Book Review: THE PALADINS by Julie Reece @chapterxchapter #month9squad

The Paladins (The Artisans #2) by Julie Reece

  Publication Date:  May 3, 2016

  Publisher:  Month9Books

The Artisan curse is broken. Souls trapped in a mysterious otherworld called The Void are finally released. Now, Raven Weathersby, Gideon Maddox, and Cole Wynter can finally move on with their lives...or so they thought. If the ancient magic is truly dead, then why are mystical fires plaguing Gideon at every turn? What accounts for Raven’s frightening visions of her dead mother? And who is the beautiful, tortured girl haunting Cole’s dreams?

Last year, a group of lonely teens sacrificed secrets, battled the supernatural, and faced their own demons to set one another free. Yet six months later, the heart of evil still beats within The Void. And the trio is forced to face the horrific truth: that their only way out is to go back in.

The Paladins completes this eerie YA Southern Gothic where loyalties are tested, love is challenged, and evil seeks them on the ultimate battlegrounds—in their minds, their souls, and their hearts.

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Just amazing. Oh how I've missed these characters. Raven is back with her usual sizzling stubborn streak and Gideon sucked me in with his dark brooding...hotness ;) Add to that an ambitious 3rd POV, Reece has outdone herself, yet again.

One of the most beautiful lines I've ever read was in THE ARTISANS.

Reece writes with magical prose that compliments this southern gothic novel where mystery abounds, romance lingers, and somethings reaches from the other side. A solid 5 stars! This is a series you MUST READ!!

OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES:

They say death can be beautiful. But after the death of her mother, seventeen-year-old Raven Weathersby gives up her dream of becoming a fashion designer, barely surviving life in the South Carolina lowlands.

To make ends meet, Raven works after school as a seamstress creating stunning works of fashion that often rival the great names of the day.

Instead of making things easier on the high school senior, her stepdad's drinking leads to a run in with the highly reclusive heir to the Maddox family fortune, Gideon Maddox.

But Raven's stepdad's drying out and in no condition to attend the meeting with Maddox. So Raven volunteers to take his place and offers to repay the debt in order to keep the only father she's ever known out of jail, or worse.

Gideon Maddox agrees, outlining an outrageous demand: Raven must live in his home for a year while she designs for Maddox Industries' clothing line, signing over her creative rights.

Her handsome young captor is arrogant and infuriating to the nth degree, and Raven can't imagine working for him, let alone sharing the same space for more than five minutes.

But nothing is ever as it seems. Is Gideon Maddox the monster the world believes him to be? And can he stand to let the young seamstress see him as he really is?

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Born in Ohio, I lived next to my grandfather’s horse farm until the fourth grade. Summers were about riding, fishing and make-believe, while winter brought sledding and ice-skating on frozen ponds. Most of life was magical, but not all.

I struggled with multiple learning disabilities, did not excel in school. I spent much of my time looking out windows and daydreaming. In the fourth grade (with the help of one very nice teacher) I fought dyslexia for my right to read, like a prince fights a dragon in order to free the princess locked in a tower, and I won.

Afterwards, I read like a fiend. I invented stories where I could be the princess… or a gifted heroine from another world who kicked bad guy butt to win the heart of a charismatic hero. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that? Later, I moved to Florida where I continued to fantasize about superpowers and monsters, fabricating stories (my mother called it lying) and sharing them with my friends.

Then I thought I’d write one down…

Hooked, I’ve been writing ever since. I write historical, contemporary, urban fantasy, adventure, and young adult romances. I love strong heroines, sweeping tales of mystery and epic adventure… which must include a really hot guy. My writing is proof you can work hard to overcome any obstacle. Don’t give up. I say, if you write, write on!

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Giveaway Information:  Contest ends May 20, 2016

·         Five (5) winners will receive a digital copy of The Paladins (The Artisans #2) by Julie Reece (INT)

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Guest Post: Simon Rose, Author of Science Fiction and Fantasy novels for Children and Young Adults

My guest today is Simon Rose, author of science fiction and fantasy novels for children and young adults.

Tell us about your latest novel.

Future Imperfect is an exciting technology-driven adventure featuring teenage geniuses, corporate espionage, and mysterious messages. In the novel, we’re introduced to Andrew Mitchell, who was one of the leading experts in highly advanced technology in Silicon Valley, until he vanished following a car accident, which also injured his son, Alex. When a mysterious app later appears on Alex’s phone, he and his friend Stephanie embark on a terrifying journey involving secret technology, corporate espionage, kidnapping, and murder in a desperate bid to save the future from the sinister Veronica Castlewood.

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The story will appeal to all young readers for whom technology plays such a large role in their lives, whether it’s cell phones, laptops, tablets, gaming, or the online world, but it’s also a very compelling adventure story, with lots of cliffhangers, twists, and turns. 

Tell us about your other novels for young adults.

Future imperfect is my tenth novel for young adults. The other novels include The Alchemist's Portrait, The Sorcerer's Letterbox, The Clone Conspiracy, The Emerald Curse, The Heretic's Tomb, The Doomsday Mask, The Time Camera, The Sphere of Septimus, and Flashback. I’ve also written more than 80 nonfiction books for children and young adults, but have also written books for adults. These include The Children's Writer's Guide, The Working Writer's Guide, The Social Media Writer's Guide, School and Library Visits for Authors and Illustrators, and Exploring the Fantasy Realm. 

What’s your current writing project?

My previous novel, Flashback, is a paranormal adventure involving psychic phenomena, ghosts, imaginary friends, mind control experiments, secrets, conspiracies, and time travel with a difference. Flashback has two sequels coming out in 2017, one in the spring and the third installment in the summer. These are already completed but there will be revisions and editing along the way later this year. I’m developing plans for some sequels to The Sphere of Septimus and Future imperfect may generate more adventures too. I’m also working on a parallel universe trilogy, which I hope to have completed later this year. 

What kind of marketing and promotion do you do?

I’m in all the usual places online and on social media but I’m also active in the local writing community and conduct book signings at local bookstores on a regular basis. Last week I was at the Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo and next week I’ll be connecting with readers at schools and libraries in Montreal and Quebec City during Children's Book Week. In August I’ll also be appearing at When Words Collide in Calgary.

What other work do you do?

I work as an instructor for adults at Mount Royal University and the University of Calgary. These classes and courses focus on writing for children and young adults or preparing your work for publication. I also offer coaching and editing services for writers in all genres and conduct online writing courses, such as Writing for Children and Young Adults and Writing Historical Fiction. I write screenplays, articles for magazines, and offer copywriting services for websites, blogs, social media, and businesses. 

Do you have any advice for new authors?

Writing is in some ways the easy part. It can be a very long process not only to write a book, but also to get it published. Most authors go through many revisions before their work reaches its final format. Remember too that your book will never be to everyone’s taste, so don’t be discouraged. A firm belief in your own success is often what’s necessary. After all, if you don’t believe in your book, how can you expect other people to?

Read as much as you can and write as often as you can. Keep an ideas file, even if it’s only a name, title, sentence or an entire outline for a novel. You never know when you might get another piece of the puzzle, perhaps years later. You also mustn’t forget the marketing. You may produce the greatest book ever written. However, no one else is going to see it if your book doesn’t become known to potential readers. Be visible as an author. Do as many readings, signings and personal appearances as you can. Get your name out there and hopefully the rest will follow. Especially for newly published authors, books don’t sell themselves and need a lot of help. 

Where can people learn more about you and your work?

You can visit my website at www.simon-rose.com or subscribe to my newsletter, which goes out once a month and has details of my current projects and upcoming events.

Social Media links

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Release Day Celebration: There Once Were Stars by Melanie McFarlane with Giveaway

 

Happy Release Day to

There Once Were Stars by Melanie McFarlane!

Join us in celebrating this new release from Month9Books!

Enter the giveaway found at the end of the post.

Happy Book Birthday... to me!

 

 

Peace. Love. Order. Dome. That’s the motto that the Order has given the residents of Dome 1618 to live by. Natalia Greyes is a resident of Dome 1618, a covered city protected from the deadly radiation that has poisoned the world outside for four generations. Nat never questioned the Order, until one day she sees a stranger on the outside of the dome. Now Nat wants answers. Is there life outside the dome and if so, what has the Order been hiding from everyone?

There Once Were Stars by Melanie McFarlane Publication Date: April 26, 2016 Publisher: Month9Books

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Whether it’s uncovering the corruption of the future, or traveling to other worlds to save the universe, Melanie McFarlane jumps in with both hands on her keyboard. Though she can be found obsessing over zombies and orcs from time to time, Melanie has focused her powers on her upcoming YA trilogy: THERE ONCE WERE STARS and her YA urban fantasy series: SUMMONER RISING.

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#FridayFandom: Author Interview with Rachel Schieffelbein

1. Tell us about your book in 140 characters or less.

Don't Fall is a contemporary Rapunzel retelling. Anya lives a very secluded life, but when she meets Zander she realizes she wants more.

2. What would be the theme song for your book?

"Can't Take My Eyes Off You," by Lady Antebellum. 

3. What is your favorite "book" movie and why?

My favorite book to movie is The Princess Bride. It's an amazing, fun movie. A lot of the dialogue is verbatim from the book.   

4. What are you currently writing?

I'm working on a YA contemporary about a young actress. It's actually Taylor Swift inspired! The girl in the story, Skylar's, ex-boyfriend is a singer/songwriter and when his new album comes out it's all about Skylar.

5. What are you currently reading?

I'm just finishing up The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly, which is a great YA about a girl who grew up in a cult. It's a bit dark, but very intriguing.

Hidden Worlds Books: Ah! I just checked this out of the library. Sounds amazing!

Thank you so much for joining us Rachel! Your book sounds amazing!

Rachel grew up in a tiny town in Minnesota. She still lives there, with her husband and their four kids. She coaches high school speech and theater, rides Arabian horses, reads as much as she can, and writes stories.

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Book Review: NOBODY'S LADY by Amy McNulty & #GIVEAWAY #Month9Squad

Nobody’s Lady (Never Veil #2) by Amy McNulty

Publication Date: April 12, 2016

Publisher: Month9Books

For the first time in a thousand years, the men in Noll’s village possess the freedom to love whom they will. In order to give each man the chance to fully explore his feelings, the lord of the village decrees all marriages null and void until both spouses declare their love for one another and their desire to wed again. What many women think will be a simple matter becomes a source of village-wide tension as most men decide to leave their families and responsibilities behind.

Rejected by the lord and ashamed of her part in the village’s history, Noll withdraws from her family and lives life as an independent woodcarver. This changes when her sister accuses her of hiding her former husband Jurij from her—and when Jurij eventually does ask to move in. Determined not to make the same mistakes, Noll decides to support her male friends through their new emotional experiences, but she’s soon caught up in a darker plot than she ever dared imagine possible from the men she thought she knew so well. And the lord for whom she still has feelings may be hiding the most frightening truth of them all.

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Finally, I got a chance to read NOBODY'S LADY, the sequel to Amy McNulty's NOBODY'S GODDESS. It was amazing, as I expected it would be. I can say I loved it even more than book one!!

In NOBODY'S LADY, Noll has to deal with a town of free men. To make matters worse, Aillil has decreed all marriages void, unless both parties ask to be married again. This allows a number of men to walk away from their marriage duties, which of course, leads them to spend more time at the local pub gallivanting.

But what I loved was the realization that these men, who had never been able to think for themselves once they found their goddesses, now struggled to think for themselves in freedom. At first I thought, what a bunch of lazy bums, when really they were struggling to find purpose.

But when they decide to go after Aillil and find out how he knows the villagers comings and goings, it results in more questions, and reignites the spark of romance between Noll and Aillil, as she realizes she truly does love him...but is it too late?

OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES:

In a village of masked men, magic compels each man to love only one woman and to follow the commands of his “goddess” without question. A woman may reject the only man who will love her if she pleases, but she will be alone forever. And a man must stay masked until his goddess returns his love—and if she can’t or won’t, he remains masked forever.

Seventeen-year-old Noll isn't in the mood to celebrate. Her childhood friends have paired off and her closest companion, Jurij, found his goddess in Noll’s own sister. Desperate to find a way to break this ancient spell, Noll instead discovers why no man has ever chosen her.

Thus begins a dangerous game between the choice of woman versus the magic of man. And the stakes are no less than freedom and happiness, life and death—and neither is willing to lose.

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Amy McNulty is a freelance writer and editor from Wisconsin with an honors degree in English. She was first published in a national scholarly journal (The Concord Review) while in high school and currently writes professionally about everything from business marketing to anime. In her down time, you can find her crafting stories with dastardly villains and antiheroes set in fantastical medieval settings.

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 Giveaway Information:  Contest ends April 15, 2016

·        Five (5) winners will receive a digital copy of Nobody’s Lady by Amy McNulty (INT)

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