Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Book Blitz: Fall With Me by Jennifer L. Armentrout- Excerpt & Giveaway

I'm super excited to be taking part in the Release Week Blitz for Fall With Me by Jennifer L. Armentrout as I LOVE this series! I may be a tad behind posting my reviews but I super enjoy this NA series and can't wait to read Fall With Me!

Below there's an amazing excerpt from the story and an awesome giveaway for some signed books for you to enter--enjoy!
__________________________________

Eleven months ago, bartender and weird-shirt-wearing extraordinaire Roxy and Officer Reece Anders had a one night stand. Well, kind of. She’s been in love with him since she was fifteen, and he wishes that night they shared never happened. She’s sworn him off forever, but the past and future collide, forcing her to rely on the one man who broke her heart not once, but twice.

Her best friend since birth has been in a long-term care facility since he became a victim of a hate crime years ago, and the person who put him in there is out of prison and wanting to make amends with him and Roxy. She’s not sure she has room for forgiveness in her and when she begins to receive frightening messages and is on the receiving end of escalating violence, she thinks she knows who is to blame. The man who already destroyed one life already.

But Reece isn’t convinced. The threats are too personal, and even if Roxy doesn’t believe him, he’s not willing to let anyone hurt her. Including himself. He’s already messed up more than once when it comes to Roxy and he’s not going to let history repeat itself.


Purchase:

 
 
From Fall With Me.....

Someone—was it Melvin?—catcalled as Reece led me down the hall, and my cheeks flushed. “Okay, heman, I can walk all by my little self.”
He cast a look over his shoulder at me as he opened the office door. “I’m sure you can.”
Then he pulled me inside.
My gaze flipped to the roses—the roses!—but before I could say a word, he closed the door and my back was pressed against it, his hands planted on either side of my head and his face right in mine. Like right there, within kissing distance.
Wow.
“So, I was at my father’s place in New Jersey most of the day, and you know, he lives out near the Pine Barrens, so service is shit.”
I nodded even though I really wasn’t processing what he was saying as I was too busy staring at his mouth. Those lips, fuller on the bottom, drove me to distraction.
“I pull out of his driveway and I have all these messages from Dennis,” he continued, and I finally caught on to what he was talking about. “I honestly thought he was messing with me at first.”
I cringed. “He . . . um, he wasn’t.”
He shot me a bland look. “That much I figured out.” His hands slid on the door, stopping just shy of touching my shoulders. “What did he do to you?”
“What?” I blinked.
“What did that bastard do to make you throw a book through his windshield?”
Oh. Oh. My heart was now wiggling along with my stomach. “He really didn’t do anything. I just lost my cool. He wanted to talk to me, and I didn’t want to talk to him.”
“You don’t have to talk to him.”
“That’s what Dennis said, but I shouldn’t have damaged his car.”
A muscle flexed along his right jaw. “That’s true.” He shook his head. “Damn, Roxy, can’t say I’m surprised.”
My brows flew up. “You’re not?”
He laughed under his breath. “Babe, you’ve always had a hell of a temper on you.”
Ah, that was kind of true. “Is that a good thing or a bad thing?”
Reece cocked his head to the side. “A sexy thing, but vandalism and destruction of property doesn’t look good on you, sweets.”
“No. It doesn’t match my manicure.” I raised my hands, flashing him the blue nails.
He laughed again and then he sobered up, just like that. Cop Face was on, and yeah . . . the low coiling in my stomach told me I found Cop Face arousing. “You’re lucky. He could’ve pressed charges, and this conversation would be going in a whole different direction.”
My own half smile slipped off my face. “I know. It’s . . . I was just with Charlie, and he’s . . .” Unable to continue, I forced a casual shrug I didn’t feel. “What are you going to do with me?”
His lips parted as his chest rose with a deep breath, then his gaze dropped to my mouth, and his expression tightened. He looked . . . he looked hungry. “I have lots of ideas.”
 
Want more? I DO! Grab your copy today....
 
 
 
# 1 NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki.

Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her book Obsidian has been optioned for a major motion picture and her Covenant Series has been optioned for TV.

She also writes adult and New Adult romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.
 
Visit Jennifer:
 
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Monday, March 30, 2015

Owl Post #56


Inspired by The Story Siren's In My Mailbox, Owl Post allows us bloggers to showcase the books we've bought, won or received throughout the week and is hosted by Brodie over at Eleusinian Mysteries. We all know that the Owl Post is the fastest way to send and receive mail and they certainly make me happy every time they drop a book off.
 
Hello lovelies,
 
This week was a quiet one for me---no review books, but that's okay; gives me a chance to catch up on novels I've already got. Although I did buy one :)
 
I Bought:
 
- Princess Ben by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
This sounds like I really sweet and fun read, when I saw it for only $3, I found it hard not to buy it :)
 
And that's me this week. One lonely book.
What did the owls bring YOU this week?
 
 

Sunday, March 29, 2015

Book Shelf: Dreams of a Dark Warrior (Immortals After Dark #11) by Kresley Cole

From #1 New York Times bestseller Kresley Cole comes this gripping tale of a battle-maddenend warrior driven by revenge and the Valkyrie temptress who haunts his dreams.

He Vowed He'd Come For Her...

Murdered before he could wed Regin the Radiant, warlord Aidan the Fierce seeks his beloved through eternity, reborn again and again into new identities, yet with no memory of his past lives.

She Awaits His Return...

When Regin encounters Declan Chase, a brutal Celtic soldier, she recognizes her proud warlord reincarnated. But Declan takes her captive, intending retribution against all immortals—unaware that he belongs to their world.

To Sate A Desire More Powerful Than Death...

Yet every reincarnation comes with a price, for Aidan is doomed to die when he remembers his past. To save herself from Declan’s torments, will Regin rekindle memories of the passion they once shared—even if it means once again losing the only man she could ever love?


More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Dreams of a Dark Warrior is the 11th installment in the Immortals After Dark series by brilliant author Kresley Cole and is just as addictive as the previous ones in the series.

Dreams of a Dark Warrior really was an unexpected delight. After the last book, I wasn't sure what to expect heading into this one. Considering Chase was the leader of the Order and the man responsible for Regin's kidnapping and treatment, I was intrigued to see how Kresley Cole would spin their romance from enemies to lovers....and I have to say, she did a good job. Not that I really expected anything else!

The story within this book was a really interesting one. Two lovers finding each other over the centuries only to lose each other every time....there's something alluring about that. Especially when you consider the personality changes and lives experienced by Declan, AKA Aidan the Fierce and Regin the Radiant who's lived forever and holds all her memories of each reincarnated lover.

Regin was actually a surprise for me in this book. Having always been the prankster and the loud-mouthed immature one, Dreams of a Dark Warrior shows a really different side to her. Here we see her vulnerable and very normal. She was just another girl afraid of losing the one she loved and getting her heart broken. And I liked seeing that about her--oh, she was still a kick-ass Valkerie, but she was also softer at times.

And I found I really liked Declan. And I wasn't sure I would. Here was a guy who hated the Lore and had been behind a lot of actions that had urological effects on the characters I loved. I thought I would struggle to forgive him for that and get over his past mistakes, but Cole quickly made it clear that Declan was a lot more than he seemed. He was broken and scared, both physically and emotionally, and as Regin slowly fell for him, so did I. I wanted to protect him; this fierce, stoic soldier, and couldn't help but adore him as he began to learn the truth about who, and what, he was and as he came to terms with what he'd done and what that meant.

As I previously mentioned, the relationship between Regin and Declan was one steeped in history. From their first relationship as Regin and Aidan, through every one that followed, these two were meant to be together. They were drawn to one another, and Cole manages to write a brilliant romance as we slip into the past, but stay very much in the present with these two. I liked that Declan was Aidan, but he was also Declan. Declan may have been Aidan at one point and may have held his memories, but he was also himself and that was who Regin fell in love with.

This was a really interesting installment in the series. We're introduced to a number of new characters that jump on my list of whose stories I long to hear; Lanthe is a big one as well as Nix, but I also find myself yearning to hear the tale of Vincent and his succubus, Brandt, and Natalya and Thad, who I actually have a feeling may end up together, despite her involvement with Brandt in this book. Regardless, Kresley Cole has me hooked on this series like never before, and as I head into Lothaire's story, one thing's for sure....it's gonna be a hell of a tale!


Rating:
Source: Bought by me from The Book Depository
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Bookworld | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Recommendation: This is a fantastic PNR series and a must read for fans of the genre!
Cover: Another great cover in the series!
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Oh absolutely yes!

Friday, March 27, 2015

Blog Tour: Stones and Finger Bones by Jessica Minyard- Playlist & Giveaway


Today I'm taking part in the Blog Tour for Stones and Finger Bones by Jessica Minyard thanks to Xpresso  Book Tours. Yesterday I posted my 4 star review of Stones and Finger Bones and now I have an excerpt and giveaway to share with you guys :)
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Aurelia Barone, Jewel of Starry Stone, harbors no illusions about the purpose of her life as heir to the throne. But after two failed betrothals, she starts to feel like nothing more than a pawn being moved aimlessly about a game board.

Until the night she loses everything.

Kidnapped by a wise-cracking mercenary with more than one identity, Aurelia embarks on a mission across land and sea to avenge her father’s death.

But an evil is rising from the ashes of memory. Insidious magic is stirring. The dregs of a once-powerful nation are thirsty for blood and revenge.

They seek to harness Aurelia. To tempt her. To manipulate her.

And if necessary, to destroy her.


Add on Goodreads or check out my review!

Purchase:

Book Playlist
Okay, so I know a lot of writer’s don’t listen to music when they work. They find it too distracting. I, on the other hand, get too distracted without music. And when I get "in the zone" the music disappears and leaves only me and the page.

Usually I just shuffle through my Pandora stations, skipping songs I don’t want to listen too, which can also get distracting. I know book playlists are suuuuuuper popular these days, but maybe there’s something to be said about a well-crafted and tended collection of songs that remind you of your WIP. What better way to get immediately inspired and emotionally connected?

What better way to procrastinate, amirite??

Without further ado, I present to you, the playlist for Stones and Finger Bones!

*trumpet fanfare*

All of these songs speak to the story in some way, whether it’s a lyric or a melody or a theme. Or the conjuring of an image or a mood. Or just a plain ‘ole sucker-punch to the feels.

I’ve got about 2 hours’ worth of songs right here, which is a good chunk of hopefully uninterrupted writing time.

WARNING: Some songs contain explicit language.
WARNING AGAIN: This is probably the most random collection of music, ever. Like, srsly.

The Playlist:

“You Had Me from Hello” Kenny Chesney
“Say Something” A Great Big World
“Between You and I” Every Avenue
“Complicated” Rihanna
“I Don’t Wanna Love Somebody Else” A Great Big World
“Broken Ones” Jacquie Lee
“Almost Lover” A Fine Frenzy “
Say You Love Me” Jessie Ware
“Somebody To You” The Vamps, Demi Lovato
“Not Meant For Me” Wayne Static
“You Save Me” Kenny Chesney
“A Thousand Years” Christina Perri (Twilight, ugh, I know, but the song works)
“Fall for You” Leela James
“Stupid In Love” Rihanna
“Me and You” Kenny Chesney
“Slept So Long” Jay Gordon
“Breathing” Jason Derulo
“Trying To Love You” Trisha Yearwood
“Seven Devils” Florence + The Machine
“Over You” Miranda Lambert
“Before I’m Dead” Kidneythieves
“Habits (Stay High) Tove Lo
“Fall For You” Secondhand Serenade
“The One That Got Away” The Civil Wars
“Ashes Like Snow” Lily Kershaw
“One” Ed Sheeran
“Run” Nicole Scherzinger
“Dove Season” In The Valley Below
“Complete Surrender” Slow Club
“Looking Too Closely” Fink

Jessica wrote and illustrated her first story in the fourth grade. “The Dragon of Grindley Grun” was about an evil wizard, a princess, and a dragon who was actually a prince. She likes to think her writing has evolved since that very first story, even though she still writes about magic and evil wizards...sometimes.

She likes to sing loudly and dance on occasion without being particularly talented at either. Her interests include reading, writing, procrastinating, animal advocacy, musicals, accessories, memes, Harry Potter, and sweet tea.

Jessica lives in Kentucky with a spoiled pitbull.

Visit Jessica:
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Thursday, March 26, 2015

Book Shelf: Stones and Finger Bones (The Black Towers, #1) by Jessica Minyard

Aurelia Barone, Jewel of Starry Stone, harbors no illusions about the purpose of her life as heir to the throne. But after two failed betrothals, she starts to feel like nothing more than a pawn being moved aimlessly about a game board.

Until the night she loses everything.

Kidnapped by a wise-cracking mercenary with more than one identity, Aurelia embarks on a mission across land and sea to avenge her father’s death.

But an evil is rising from the ashes of memory. Insidious magic is stirring. The dregs of a once-powerful nation are thirsty for blood and revenge.

They seek to harness Aurelia. To tempt her. To manipulate her.

And if necessary, to destroy her.


More info on Goodreads......


Review:

Stones and Finger Bones is Jessica Minyard’s debut novel and is a well told and entertaining fantasy story that weaves together a story of politics, magic and danger. Vivid, sharp and charismatic, Stones and Finger Bones is a promising start to Minyard’s Black Towers series that will no doubt leave readers ready for more. 

Told in third person and through the eyes of numerous characters within the story, Stones and Finger Bones introduces readers to Aurelia Barone, heir to the throne of a mighty kingdom and a feisty, fiery haired young woman whose life is upturned when her father the King is murdered and Aurelia finds herself kidnapped shortly after by an infuriating mercenary named Rycen. 

Taken cross-country by the smart-mouthed and infuriating young man, Aurelia has her eyes opened when she begins to see a different side to her kingdom than she’s ever seen before and learns that her father and his military are responsible for some shocking actions against the magic users within the kingdom. Even worse, the individual responsible for orchestrating her father’s murder is closer to home than Aurelia could have anticipated, and the things that Aurelia may have to do in order to retain her throne may affect her more than she could ever have imagined……

I found that I really enjoyed this story. Minyard’s world building was very impressive and I found it easy to follow the heroine of the story. Stones and Finger Bones introduces readers to a vivid world with magic, politics and demonic creatures woven together. High stakes and romance weave together and the darker side of the world depicted makes for some intriguing reading.

Aurelia was an easy heroine to follow and I appreciated the growth Jessica Minyard forced her to undertake in this first novel alone. Aurelia is quite likable, and her highborn nature blends well with her sharp tongue and attitude to create a real go-getter of a girl considering her place as a princess and a lady of her society.

As the man responsible for kidnapping Aurelia and taking her as somewhat of a hostage, I loved Rycen. He’s my kind a male lead within a fantasy story; cocky, rash but oh, so capable, confidant and fierce. I adored the chemistry between he and Aurelia that developed and grew and simply made for a thrilling romance!

Now, I don’t want to give too much away, but something Aurelia does towards the end of the novel left me flabbergasted. I actually feel quite heartbroken and whilst I know romances don’t completely make a story with other aspects just as important, I found myself invested in Aurelia and Rycen’s relationship and as such, I feel really gutted over what transpired and the choice Aurelia makes…..It. Is. Not. Fair!

Personally, I don’t know whether this is part of a bigger plan author Jessica Minyard has for the series, but I’m already hoping and praying to see something magical happen that will give us all a second chance with Rycen. It’s too heartbreaking for me to consider anything else at this moment.

Rich and thrilling, Stones and Finger Bones kicks off a great new fantasy series that is sure to appeal to fans of Sarah J. Maas Throne of Glass series! 

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Xpresso Book Tours and the author (Thank you ladies!)
Format: Kindle ebook.
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes
My Recommendation: Fantasy fans will enjoy this for sure.
Cover: I love the colour combination.
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Yes......

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Waiting on Wednesday #86

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking The Spine where you can spotlight an upcoming release that you're eagerly anticipating.

This week I'm waiting on.....
Lying Out Loud by Kody Keplinger
Releases on: April 28th 2015
Kody Keplinger returns to the world of The DUFF in this brand-new companion novel!

Sonny Ardmore is an excellent liar. She lies about her dad being in prison. She lies about her mom kicking her out. And she lies about sneaking into her best friend's house every night because she has nowhere else to go.

Amy Rush might be the only person Sonny shares everything with -- secrets, clothes, even a nemesis named Ryder Cross.

Ryder's the new kid at Hamilton High and everything Sonny and Amy can't stand -- a prep-school snob. But Ryder has a weakness: Amy. So when Ryder emails Amy asking her out, the friends see it as a prank opportunity not to be missed.

But without meaning to, Sonny ends up talking to Ryder all night online. And to her horror, she realizes that she might actually like him. Only there's one small catch: he thinks he's been talking to Amy. So Sonny comes up with an elaborate scheme to help Ryder realize that she's the girl he's really wanted all along. Can Sonny lie her way to the truth, or will all her lies end up costing her both Ryder and Amy?
Thoughts:
I freaking LOVED Kody Keplinger's The DUFF which I read recently and am super excited to have learnt she's writing a companion novel! Though The DUFF is the only novel I've read of hers to date, I certainly plan on reading more and will be getting my hands on this without a doubt as soon as I can!
What do you think? Are you are Kody Keplinger fan?
Plus, what are YOU waiting on this week?

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Book Shelf: Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass #3) by Sarah J. Maas

Consumed by guilt and rage, Celaena can't bring herself to spill blood for the King of Adarlan. She must fight back...

The Immortal Queen will help her destroy the king - for a price. But as Celaena battles with her darkest memories and her heart breaks for a love that could never last, can she fulfil the bargain and head the almighty court of Terrasen? And who will stand with her?


More info on
Goodreads......


Review:

Heir of Fire is the expertly written third novel in Sarah J. Maas’s ongoing Throne of Glass series and depicts the next stage of Celaena's journey as Celaena finds herself in Wendlyn upon instruction from her King, where she begins making new connections, new discovers and even harder choices than ever before she races towards a destiny she is not quite ready for.

After the events of Crown of Midnight, Kings Champion and secret heir to the throne of Terrasen, Celaena Sardothien is jaded and lost after the loss of a close friend, and in a land far from home on a mission to assassinate the royal family of the home nation---- a mission she is dead set against completing. Unwilling to accept her birthright as Aelin Galathynius, Queen of Terrasen, Celaena travels to the home of her ancestors in Heir of Fire in the hopes of discovering clues to help finds the missing Wyrdkeys that are not currently owned by the King of Ardlan. Old grudges and long hidden secrets force Celaena to decide once and for all what is worth fighting for should she ever hope to see her people free once more.

At its base Throne of Glass is a fantasy tale; the series fueled by magic, power and intrigue set within a war torn kingdom controlled by a power hungry King. Yet Maas does an amazing job exploring the powerful ties that bind between family and friends with romantic liaisons between various characters driving the storyline as well. The complex and complicated relationships between the main character Celaena and the various others whose voices we also witness in this third person story make for some emotional and heartbreaking reading. Maas has to be commended for creating such a visually alluring world and layered characters whose motivations, drives and desires all have different impacts on the storyline.

Honestly, Heir of Fire was another emotional tale from Sarah J. Maas with the characters no strangers to loss within this series. This time it is not Celaena who losses someone close to her but rather another character we adore. There’s anguish, pain and betrayal littering the pages of this book, with our characters fighting for their people and their loved ones on both sides of the board. All the characters we have loved and loathed are back with Maas introducing new voices and individuals to the story, most prominently Aedion; Celaena’s cousin, Rowen; a Fae warrior who travels with Celaena on her journeys and Sorscha; a healer within the palace who helps Dorian love again.


Celaena is truly growing into a woman within this series. Though she has always been older and wiser than her years on account of all the horrendous things she has been through over the course of ten long years, Celaena takes great leaps in this book towards a strength few possess. Celaena has felt unimaginable pain and keeps getting knocked down time and time again—there are always new losses and new difficulties for this unwilling Queen, however Maas forces Celaena out of hiding in this book and makes her make some tough decisions about what she plans to do for her people and for her future.

As a Chaol fan I missed him a little in this book; he wasn’t as prominent as I would have liked, but I very much enjoyed his and Dorian’s individual storylines and dilemmas during Heir of Fire. Chaol working together with Aedin as he did seemed like an odd pairing, but I think there’s the possibility of a new friendship there between the two of them even if it is unexpected.

Maas includes a fantastic new character in the form of Rowan, a Fae warrior tasked with training Celaena who becomes a confidant and friend to our main character. At this point in time Rowan isn't a love interest for Celaena. Though they have bonded immensely in this one novel alone, Sarah J. Maas has made it abundantly clear that their relationship is strictly platonic--at this point in time. Who knows; that may change in the future if they continue to grow closer. Celaena has already had two romantic interests in the form of Dorian and Chaol so far, but I wouldn't put it past Maas to throw another into the mix, especially considering Dorian falls in love with someone new in Heir of Fire. Personally I'm on "Team Chaol" if any one asks, and I'm hoping Sarah J. Maas has some happy news in story for Celaena and Chaol fans in the next book....but only time will tell what happens next.

Having read Crown of Midnight and Heir of Fire consecutively I'm really ready for the next book. I have a feeling Maas has a lot planned as one stage of Celaena's journey ends and the other begins and I can't wait to see exactly what!


Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Bloomsbury Australia (Thanks Sonia!)
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Bookworld | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Recommendation: This series is a MUST READ for fantasy fans!
Cover: Fits perfectly with the previous covers.....
Will I read sequel/continue with series: YES!

Monday, March 23, 2015

Owl Post #55


Inspired by The Story Siren's In My Mailbox, Owl Post allows us bloggers to showcase the books we've bought, won or received throughout the week and is hosted by Brodie over at Eleusinian Mysteries. We all know that the Owl Post is the fastest way to send and receive mail and they certainly make me happy every time they drop a book off.
 
Welcome to another week of Owl Post!
 
Surprising as it seems, I didn't receive any review books last week, but I did cave and by a few ;) Here's what I bought last week.....
 
I Bought:
 
- Banished by Liz de Jager
All these books in the above picture as books I bought from Basement Books in the city because they were quite cheap, but Banished was something I featured as a WOW a year or so back so I'm happy to finally have a copy :)
 
- Beautiful Bombshell by Christina Lauren
- Beautiful Bitch by Christina Lauren
I actually haven't read any of this series yet although I do own a copy of Beautiful Bastard and plan to start it sometime soon. Both these books were only $4.99 each and I couldn't pass them up at that price!
 
- The Disappearance of Ember Crow by Ambelin Kwaymullina
This is the sequel to The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf, the first book in The Tribe series and was only $2. Yeah, I'm a sucker for a cheap book! 
 
- White Tiger by Kylie Chan
I already have this in paperback along with books 2 and 3 which I got signed at last years Oz Comic Con, however Kylie Chan is going to be there again this year and for only $3.99 for a hardback copy of this book I thought another signed copy might make a great giveaway prize :D
 
 
- Looking for Alaska by John Green
I couldn't pass up this Special 10th Anniversary Edition hardback copy of Looking for Alaska. This picture doesn't do it justice one bit, but the gold jacket is just stunning!
 
- Corruption by Jessica Shirvington
The first book in this duology Disruption was a favourite of mine last year and I CAN'T WAIT to start this!
 
I Won:
 
Last Monday I was lucky enough to attend an advance screening of The DUFF, based on the brilliant book by Kody Keplinger of the same name. Not only did the movie rock my socks, but I was one of the few to find a copy of the book under my seat! I've got an original copy of this book, so stay tuned because I'll be giving away this baby in the coming weeks!
 
And that's me this week!
What did the owl's bring YOU?
 
 

Sunday, March 22, 2015

Akarnae by Lynette Noni- Interview & Giveaway

I've got Lynette Noni, Australian author of fantasy novel Akarnae on the blog today chatting about her debut novel, and what we can expect from the series next! Having just released in February this year, Akarnae will enchant fans of Harry Potter and Narnia and take hold of your imagination--trust me, I've read it, rated it 5 stars and am already dying for the next book!

Enjoy my interview with Lynette, and if you're Aussie, don't miss you chance to win a paperback copy of Akarnae!
____________________________________

With just one step, sixteen-year-old Alexandra Jennings's world changes--literally.

Dreading her first day at a new school, Alex is stunned when she walks through a doorway and finds herself stranded in Medora, a fantasy world full of impossibilities. Desperate to return home, she learns that only a man named Professor Marselle can help her... but he's missing.

While waiting for him to reappear, Alex attends Akarnae Academy, Medora's boarding school for teenagers with extraordinary gifts. She soon starts to enjoy her bizarre new world and the friends who embrace her as one of their own, but strange things are happening at Akarnae, and Alex can't ignore her fear that something unexpected... something sinister... is looming.

An unwilling pawn in a deadly game, Alex's shoulders bear the crushing weight of an entire race's survival. Only she can save the Medorans, but what if doing so prevents her from ever returning home?

Will Alex risk her entire world--and maybe even her life--to save Medora?


Add on Goodreads or check out my 5 star review!

Purchase:
 
Hi Lynette and welcome to The Rest Is Still Unwritten! I'm super excited to have you answer some questions and talk to you about your debut novel Akarnae......

First off, congrats on getting Akarnae out into the world! I know it must be a very exciting time for you right now; how does it feel having your novel out there for people to read?
It’s such an incredible feeling—very surreal! To be honest, there are days when I still wake up in the morning and wonder if it’s all just a dream; an incredible, impossible dream! Then it hits me that it’s real and I feel ecstatic—and also a little bit terrified!

If you had to describe Akarnae to someone who hadn't read it in one sentence, what would you say?
AKARNAE is about a sixteen-year-old girl who becomes stranded in a fantasy world where she attends a school for teenagers with extraordinary gifts while she waits for an opportunity to get back home.

Medora is one of those amazingly unique worlds where you never know what will happen next.....What was your inspiration for this incredible place?
I think it is very much inspired by wishful fantasies. Medora is the kind of place that I would absolutely love to go to. Because of that, it’s a bit of a mixture of all my favourite places I’ve read about and watched from other fantasy books and movies, all mashed up together—with a few aspects unique only to this series.

Lyndsy Fonseca AKA Alex Jennings.....
If Akarnae was ever made into a movie, what actress would you want to play Alex?
Oooh, that’s such a tough question! For me, Alex is more than just a face, so it’s difficult to imagine her as anyone specifically. But if I had to pick, maybe someone like Lyndsy Fonseca. She was totally awesome in Nikita and I think she’d kick butt in the high action scenes—especially in Combat!

Alex is pretty awesome in Akarnae, but so are many of the other characters, Jordan, Bear, Darius, D.C. and so many more....is there anyone who has a special place in your heart?
I think I’ll always have a soft spot for Jordan. In the original version of AKARNAE, he was the first person to meet Alex after she arrived in Medora (before Aven, and Bear wasn’t with him) and the bond that formed between the two of them was instant and, well, beautiful. I love writing every scene that he’s in—because, let’s face it, he’s just so much fun!

Kaiden and Declan are also huge favourites of mine, and I’m stoked that they get a lot more screen time in the second book. And speaking of the second book, this is kinda cheating for this question, but there are a few people we get to meet in RAELIA who I absolutely adore beyond words. You’ll just have to wait to see who, though! (*sneaky grin*)

I CAN'T wait to meet these individuals! Many of the people of Medora are gifted with amazing abilities. If you yourself could have a gift like theirs, what one would you want and why?
Another hard question! Since the second book introduces a heap more gifted humans and their abilities, I don’t want to give any cool gifts away by accident, so instead I’ll just say that I’ve always wanted to be able to fly. I love the idea of such complete freedom while soaring through the air currents and seeing the world from a different perspective. I can’t imagine that I’d ever want to come back down to the ground!

Though there is plenty of friendship in Akarnae, there's not really any romance. Although, there is a certain young man who I have my fingers crossed may be a love interest for Alex in later books. Any chance we may see some of this down the line? Do you think Alex may just need a push?
I’ve always had a bit of a pet peeve when it comes to stories that start out as epic adventures, but then they fizzle out and become all about the insta-love. It’s so disappointing when a story hooks you in with a super cool plot but then as soon as the main character meets their love interest, the rest of the book/series becomes all about the relationship and less about the adventure. I absolutely LOVE it when an author can find a perfect balance between the two—keeping the story alive while realistically developing a relationship. So, fingers crossed, that’s my aim for Alex and… the person she ends up with.

I love those kinds of romances too! Your heroine Alex finds herself literally in a new world when she opens a door to Medora. If you could visit anywhere, real, fiction, past, present or future where would you want to visit and why?
To be a total walking cliché, I’d be lying if I didn’t say Hogwarts. I travelled on the train from London to Edinburgh a few years ago and I remember looking out at the snow-capped craggy mountains in the distance and all the other scenery along the way, and I seriously felt as if I was on the Hogwarts Express. It was the most magical feeling ever!
Otherwise, I’d love to visit any of my favourite fantasy places, like Middle Earth (I’m talking Rivendell or Loth Lorien, not Mordor!), Narnia, Oz, or even Neverland. Oh, and the lost city of Atlantis would also be pretty awesome, I think! 

What's something readers might be surprised to discover about you?
I’m a bit of an open book (pun intended!) so there’s nothing hugely mysterious about me. That leaves a whole heap of little tidbits… So I’ll give you a random one: The only movie I have ever cried in is Marley & Me. And they weren’t pretty tears, either. I’m talking, huge, hulking, impossible-to-draw-breath sobs. It was downright embarrassing. I made it through The Notebook without any problems and I’m pretty sure I was okay even in the devastating Mufasa scene from The Lion King. But give me a cute puppy and I become so emotionally invested that all dignity flies out the window.

Obviously you can't give away too much, but what can readers expect in the next Medoran Chronicles book, Raelia?
A whole heap of action and a stack of new characters to fall in love with!
While AKARNAE really is an introduction novel where we meet Alex and her friends and get to know the world of Medora, RAELIA branches out to new realms of impossibilities. The plot becomes so rich, so complex, so intriguing, that it is very much a go-go-go journey full of ups and downs, happiness and heartache. RAELIA allows The Medoran Chronicles to shuffle out from under the ‘Narnia’ and ‘Harry Potter’ umbrella that readers are pulled into through AKARNAE, and the series turns into something completely different, something entirely unique. I can’t wait for people to further embrace the wonder of Alex’s journey as her story continues!

I'm really grateful you've taken the time to chat with my Lynette! I adored Akarnae and can't wait to devour the rest of The Medoran Chronicles as they're released! 
It was my absolute pleasure! Thank you so much for your delightful questions! 

Lynette Noni grew up on a farm in outback Australia until she moved to the beautiful Sunshine Coast and swapped her mud-stained boots for sand-splashed flip-flops. She has always been an avid reader and most of her childhood was spent lost in daydreams of far-off places and magical worlds. She was devastated when her Hogwarts letter didn’t arrive, but she consoled herself by looking inside every wardrobe she could find, and she’s still determined to find her way to Narnia one day. While waiting for that to happen, she creates her own fantasy worlds and enjoys spending time with the characters she meets along the way.

Visit Lynette:


Thanks to the amazing team over at Pantera Press I have a PAPERBACK copy of Akarnae to give away to one lucky Australian resident! As someone who has read and loved this book I can guarantee whoever wins this will LOVE the story as much as I have!

I'm going to keep this really simple; To enter, simply comment on this post with a way to contact you, letting me know how you follow The Rest Is Still Unwritten :)

+1 entries for sharing on Facebook or Twitter!

Giveaway will run from today and end on April 5th. Open to Australian residents only--sorry international peeps!

I want to take this opportunity to thank Lynette Noni once more for being on the blog today. Akarnae is a great addition to the fantasy genre and I can't wait for the rest of the series to be released!

 
WINNER:
Glen Woods--congrats!

Saturday, March 21, 2015

Book Shelf: Akarnae (The Medoran Chronicles #1) by Lynette Noni

With just one step, sixteen-year-old Alexandra Jennings's world changes--literally.

Dreading her first day at a new school, Alex is stunned when she walks through a doorway and finds herself stranded in Medora, a fantasy world full of impossibilities. Desperate to return home, she learns that only a man named Professor Marselle can help her... but he's missing.

While waiting for him to reappear, Alex attends Akarnae Academy, Medora's boarding school for teenagers with extraordinary gifts. She soon starts to enjoy her bizarre new world and the friends who embrace her as one of their own, but strange things are happening at Akarnae, and Alex can't ignore her fear that something unexpected... something sinister... is looming.

An unwilling pawn in a deadly game, Alex's shoulders bear the crushing weight of an entire race's survival. Only she can save the Medorans, but what if doing so prevents her from ever returning home?

Will Alex risk her entire world--and maybe even her life--to save Medora?


More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Akarnae is Harry Potter meets the Chronicles of Narnia in the first novel of Australian author Lynette Noni's debut series The Medoran Chronicles! A whimsical fantasy tale full of adventure and friendship, Akarnae is vividly descriptive, exciting and will leave you raring for more!

Akarnae follow's sixteen year old Alexandra Jennings whose life takes a interesting turn when she walks through a doorway on the first day at her new boarding school and finds herself literally in another world. Landing in the world of Medora, Alex discovers that there are more wonders and possibilities out there than she could ever have imagined, and the one person who could possibly help get her home is missing. Forced to wait until his return, Alex begins attending Akarnae Academy, a boarding school for Medorian's with amazing gifts; a school that will push and challenge her more mentally, physically and emotionally than ever before.

As she begins to embrace Akarnae Academy and find a home within the strange new world she could never have imagined existed, Alex makes begins to make powerful friendships and starts to discover just what she is capable of. And yet as Alex finds her place within Akarnae Academy, a mysterious individual finds her repeatedly along the way, and Alex can't help but realize something sinister is lurking behind his pretty face and beautiful eyes.....he has a plan to destroy Medora and he'll use Alex to do so, whether she wants him to or not.....

Akarnae was a very impressive debut! As the first novel in a new series, this story has been perfectly written, explored and planned. Author Lynette Noni has already established such a strong and well rounded world within the pages of this book. There's so much texture and layers to the story that I can't even imagine what Noni will do next, even though it's evidently clear that Alex's journey is only just beginning.

Alex's world literally changes when she walks through a doorway to Medora. She's stranded far from her world and her parents and everything she's ever know, and her only hope of getting back is a man who no one can seem to find. It'd be understandable if Alex gave into her fears and worry about being in Medora but instead she chooses to embrace her new life her and manages to pass the weeks and months by attending classes and honing her skills. Alex is quite down to earth and normal, but in true fantasy style, she's the kind of heroine who steps up when she needs to, even if she is Medora's only hope. Personally I really enjoyed following Alex and throught she was a worthy main character.

To be perfectly honest, the thing that manages to make Akarnae so great is that Noni weaves together so many different elements to make a fantastic story. Her writing is solid, and in the tradition of worlds like Harry Potter, Medora is vivid and fun and endlessly surprising. Akarnae Academy features different classes on the most different of subjects, all tasked with testing it's students, and Alex and her friends manage to get up to tones of trouble during the school year, managing to have more than one unexpected adventure.

I was thrilled with the friendship's and relationships Alex builds during this first book. Akarnae students Jordan and Bear are two of the first people Alex meets upon her arrival in Medora and they welcome her into their fold with open arms. Both boys are cheeky and entertaining and come to care deeply about Alex as a friend; making for some endearing moments between the three as their friendship becomes as solid as humanly possible.

Alex does struggle to connect with many of her other classmates at first but towards the end of the novel makes some serious strides with her roommate D.C. and her Combat classmates; particularly Declan, a big burly guy and Kaiden, a charming young man who unexpectedly makes Alex's heart race. Alex also manages to interact wonderfully with her professors and Akarnae staff, including Fletcher, the head of the Med Ward and the person Alex sees when she is injured. Sporting more than her fair share of injuries over the course of her stay in Medora, Fletcher is more than good to his most frequent patient. Honestly I could go on and go.....

From mysterious new friends, to talking suits of armor, and even a Library that's quite literally alive, Akarnae has it all. Lynette Noni sets up her fantasy world perfectly and will without a doubt sweep you up into the world of Medora. Leaving you begging to join Alex on her next advendure in Medora, Akarnae is sure to be a hit with fantasy and adventure lovers alike!



Rating:
Source: Sent for review by both Simon & Schuster Australia and Pantera Press (Thanks guys!)
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Bookworld | The Book Depository | Amazon  | Akarnae Website
My Recommendation: Fans of Harry Pooter, The Chronicles of Nania and a good fantasy tale will adore this!
Cover: This cover is really pretty and looks even better in person.
Will I read sequel/continue with series: YES!

Friday, March 20, 2015

Book Blitz: Impervious by Heather Letto & Giveaway


The Book Blitz for Impervious by Heather Letto is on The Rest Is Still Unwritten today thanks to Xpresso Book Tours! I'm happy to share a fun chat with some of the character from this awesome sounding novel as well as a tour-wide giveaway you can all enter! Oh and I have an ecopy of Impervious to give away too ;)
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The residents of Impervious are the remnant—the survivors of the War of Annihilation. And though the city is chockfull of pleasures to tantalize and entertain, a beast lurks in the corners, haunting the residents with its presence.

The Beast—a mysterious and terminal illness killed off most of Generations One, Two, and Three. And as Gen-Four prepares to take the stage, a provocative, yet questionable, new method to avoid an untimely death incites a cultural rage.

But Fran lives counter-culture, off the grid in true rebel fashion. With a life far from opulent, she scurries through dark tunnels, searching for hot meals with Pete while ditching the holographic security team. To her, it’s a healthy trade-off. Unaccountability means The Council can’t steal her sliver of hope―a belief that she’ll see The Epoch arrive before The Beast can pull her into its fetid embrace.

After losing her mother and then her Rebel mentor, Fran stumbles upon a miraculous discovery that may save the residents of Impervious. That is, if she can outrun The Beast…



Purchase:

Impervious will also be FREE on Amazon for one surprise day during the blitz so be sure to keep a track of it!
 

A Word from the Crowd

Today, we’ve rounded up the characters of Impervious and asked them all one question:

In just one word, how would you sum up our main character, Fran? 

Pete: Arcs a brow while his mouth twitches to a smile. “Hot.”
Ted: While shaking his head. “Wickworm.”
Nissa: “Who, Wickerbug?” Waves a hand, “I don’t know… I think she’s mad at me.”
Chan:  “Messenger.”
Folsom: Squints into the light. “Who?”
Derrick: “Smooth. No, wait, I mean, cool. And brave.”
Random Council member:  Scoffs, “Rebel.”
Tanya: Scratches her head. “Interesting.”
Retter:  Shrugs, “Friend?”
Ruth: “My joy.” Tears glisten.
Ian: Chuckles. “Sarah-Fran? Oh, definitely Princess.”
Ben: “Fortunate.”
Ema: While patting Ben’s shoulder. “Oh, yes, she’s fortunate, dear. But I’d add delightful as well.”
Marcus: Sneers, “Mine.”

There you have it… the many marks Fran has left on her world. Read her story to find out which character you agree with!
 
In Her Own Words: I’m a book-writing, selfie-taking, latte-drinking, social media gal. I’m living a good life on the road as a full-fledged Bedouin (Well, except, my tent is actually a fully-equipped RV.) Me and my partner-in-crime (Benj) tend to hunker down wherever the skies are clear and the temps stay in the 70’s. We call ourselves Gypsy Nerds because we aimlessly wander the U.S. with glasses perched upon our noses and faces jammed into computer screens (for the first half the day... The second half of the day is typically devoted to playing because we’re also somewhat immature.)

Like most authors, the characters I create are my extended family.  And like most readers, when the story ends, I get a little sad. In real life, I have two handsome, hardworking, grown-up boys who know how to make their Mama proud! *Waves to Joey and Mike!*

The Ascension Series is my debut into the world of YA fiction.

I’m living what I love and loving what I live!
 
Visit Heather:

 
ENTER TO WIN AN ECOPY: Thanks to author Heather Letto and Xpresso Book Tours I have an ecopy of Impervious to give away to ONE (1) lucky follower. To enter simply comment with what format you'd like, making sure you leave an email address to contact you. Giveaway will run from today and end on April 3rd with the winner contacted via email and announced on this post afterward.



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