Friday, October 30, 2015

Blog Tour: Bonds of Resolve

Bonds of Resolve Tour banner
Welcome to my stop on the Bonds of Resolve Blog Tour, a tour celebrating the release of the latest book in the Cadicle series by Amy DuBoff! I have included a bit of info on all three books below, and with book one FREE and book two only $0.99(both for a limited time only!) now is the time to get started with this awesome series.
Architects of Destiny cover (small)
Out of sight beyond Earth, the Taran empire spans the galaxy from its seat of power on Tararia.
Cris Sietinen was born with rare telekinetic gifts—abilities he refuses to ignore, regardless of the governing Priesthood's decrees. But, as heir to the most influential Dynasty on Tararia, only a stifled life of business and politics awaits him within the confines of his family's estate. Determined to be true to himself and explore the potential of his abilities, Cris leaves Tararia to begin a new life touring the stars.
When Cris unexpectedly receives an invitation to join the Tararian Selective Service (TSS), the only organization to offer an official telekinesis training program, a new future awaits. It's his dream opportunity to be among people like himself, free from the Priesthood and political objectives. Except, Cris' path was designed, and he's right where the Priesthood wants him.
Architects of Destiny is the first installment in the Cadicle series, a new space opera epic with elements of "Dune" and "Ender's Game." A fast-paced space adventure with intrigue, coming-of-age and romance, this short prequel is a prelude to the defining events in Tararia’s history in the ensuing years.
Buy on Amazon  - Currently FREE!
Veil of Reality cover (small)
The greatest deceptions are never suspected. After twenty years with the Tararian Selective Service, Cris Sietinen is in the unprecedented position of being both Lead Agent and heir to a High Dynasty. Family, career, information—it would seem he has it all. But when his fourteen-year-old son, Wil, is captured by the mysterious Bakzen, Cris is forced to question all that he once took for granted in his life. Only one thing remains clear: it's imperative he rescue Wil. What Cris and Wil learn in the process will change their perception forever.
Veil of Reality is the second installment in the Cadicle series, a new space opera epic with elements of "Dune" and "Ender's Game." This fast-paced adventure novel with intrigue, danger and self-discovery begins to untie the knot of secrets binding the TSS, High Dynasties and the Priesthood.
Buy on Amazon  - Only $0.99!
Bonds of Resolve cover (small)
A year after his encounter with the Bakzen, Wil is still grappling with his upcoming role in the war. Weighed down by his sense of duty and a grim vision of his fate, he has withdrawn from friends and family—focusing only on his official assignments. However, Wil finds unexpected support when he befriends a new TSS trainee from Earth, Saera. Through their budding relationship, Wil comes to terms with the purpose he was born to fulfill and gains comfort in the knowledge that he won't have to face the future alone. With a sweet romance, coming-of-age, and a dash of adventure, this novel follows Wil as he completes his training to become the youngest and most powerful Agent the TSS has ever known.

About Amy:

Amy has always loved science fiction—books, movies, shows and games. She was born in San Diego, Calif., and moved with her family to Vancouver, Wash., at the age of seven. After devouring some of the classics like Dune and Ender's Game in her tween years, she began writing science fiction and fantasy short stories.
In the ensuing years, Amy attended the Vancouver School of Arts and Academics, where she continued to study creative writing, visual art and played viola in the school orchestra. During this time, she began the very early sketches of what would eventally evolve into the Cadicle series.
Amy received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Portland State University, and also pursued minors in Professional Writing and Business Administration. After graduating, she moved to Portland, Ore., and began working in business development for an energy efficiency consulting firm. Over the next several years, she primarily wrote proposals to prospective utility clients and managed the proposal development process. She recently transitioned from energy efficiency into the architectural, engineering and planning industry.
Amy currently lives in Portland, Ore., with her husband. When she's not writing, she enjoys travel, wine tasting, binge-watching TV series and playing epic strategy board games.
Visit Amy around the Web:

Author Interview: Nic Weissman

Today, I'd like to welcome Nic Weissman, author of The Orb of Wrath to The Howling Turtle!

How did you get the inspiration for your book?
It all started with the world. Many years back I spent a lot of time creating a very detailed fantasy world. I included details for more than 700 different cities. Different countries, culture, history, etc. Over the years I thought many times that I should build a story in that setting. And finally I decided to do it.

Could you talk a bit about your publication process/experience?
When you try to do something for the first time, it is always a learning process. Fortunately we live in the internet era, which means you have any information you need on the tip of your fingers. You just need to do some reading, which is not a problem to me. All in all, it was much easier than I thought.


If you could jump into the world of your favorite book, who would you
be and what would you do?
I think I would go to the future. I would love to visit human colonies in distant stars. But it is difficult to pick one thing. The beauty of books is that you jump to all many different times, characters and landscapes. Today you are a pirate and tomorrow a soldier.


Are you currently working on any projects?
I am trying to finish the sequel of The Orb of Wrath. Title will be The White Lady. It will come out before xmas. Or that’s why I am trying to do!


What is something that surprises people about you?
When I recently told a very good friend of mine that I had just published a book, he was shocked. I managed to keep that interest to myself for many years.


What section of a bookstore do you go to first?
Travel guides. I love travelling. Also great formats, I mean pictures books.
I do have a problem with bookstores. I try to go in every time I have the chance, because after I am in I have big troubles not to buy a lot of stuff. I mean much more that I have time to read.


Who's your fictional crush?
I couldn’t tell. I would say characters that are honest, uncomplicated, warm and caring.


If you could combine the storylines of two books, which ones would they be?
I think it would be cool to have Atreyu and Luck Dragons in the Middle Earth.

About Nic:

Nic Weissman is a fast growing name in Fantasy fiction landscape. Nic is the creator of the saga The Merchant's Destiny and The World of Oris. Nic was born in 1974 in mystical place where the sea ends. 
His first novel The Orb of Wrath is now available through multiple channels both in ebook and paperback, both in English and Spanish. The novel has been already referred by multiple bloggers like Jack Moreno. 
Over the past 16 years, Nic has lived in 14 different addresses across 3 different continents. He has traveled to 30 countries and speaks 4 languages. As you can imagine, Nic loves travelling. 
You can follow Nic through several Social Media channels like Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/nicweissmanpage), Twitter, Google+, Slideshare.net and Linkedin among others. Nic writes under a pen name for professional reasons

About his book:

The Orb of Wrath combines fantasy, intrigue and adventure, while transports the reader into a world where almost nothing is what it seems. Plots, counterplots, mysteries, blossoming relationships, disappointments, betrayals, dangers and successes, are combined in this fun cocktail. 
Erion is a skilled looter who runs the kingdom of Bor with his "brother" Mithir, performing dangerous commissions for wealthy clients. Mithir helps with his long trained magical abilities. One day, when they are doing one of their assignments, they encounter another group of adventurers, with whom they are forced to cooperate. 
The plot runs in the World of Oris which consists of 12 kingdoms and includes elves clans, dangerous monsters, dwarf kings, rich desert emirs, strange beasts, hospital halflings, ferocious orcs, ingenious gnomes, powerful wizards, brave knights, merchants, terrible vampires, etc. Recommended for the permanent library of all fantasy readers. 
Do you dare to accompany Erion and his friends in their adventures?






Disclosure: this post contains links to an affiliate program (Amazon), for which I receive a few cents if you make purchases.

Blog Tour: Violence Begets

VB_Cover_ONLYAbout the Book
Title: Violence Begets
Author: PT Denys
Genre: YA LGBT Fiction
After a tragic accident devastates his family, 16-year-old Rick St. James starts his junior year of high school without any friends in a suburb of Salt Lake City, Utah. When he meets Kevin Vincent, he’s too distracted by the promise of new friends to see that Kevin has secrets of his own.
Having created an environment where he’s feared and admired by his classmates, Kevin finds pleasure in using his good looks and violence to control and manipulate those around him. Secretly, he cruises the gay club scene, turning tricks to earn money so he can party and get high.
As Rick’s dad becomes increasingly violent and abusive at home, the two form a surprising and volatile trust. In this battle of wills, their precarious friendship will either keep their lives from blowing up around them or possibly light the fuse that will cause the explosion.

Author Bio

102e192PT never imagined she’d actually publish a book. But, the story of Violence Begets… haunted her for over 20 years, and the lives of Kevin and Rick had to be shared.
In addition to writing a sequel, she divides her time between family, work, attending theater and reading.
Above all else she loves being a mother to 2 amazing daughters (a teenager and a baby).
PT believes that no one deserves to be intentionally hurt (physically or emotionally) by another. She also believes that behind nearly every bully is a story.
Links
Website: www.PTDenys.com
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/ptdenys

Get the audiobook on:

Excerpt

Chapter 5

Rick
I’d never met anyone like Jessica!  We seemed to hit if off from that first day we met despite my inability to communicate with her that morning and while Kevin kept me busy hanging out with the guys, every spare moment I had I found myself wanting to text or talk to her.  It was mind blowing when she leaned in to kiss me at Kevin’s party. I would’ve never had the balls to make the first move with her; she was just so far out of my league.  
I couldn’t help but think this over and over in the days following. Not only did she kiss me, it turned into a full make out sessions. It was all over school, she was the ‘it’ girl, the all the guys wanted her and she’d picked me. Not even Kevin could kill my good mood. 
Several days after the party, I came home to my dad pacing in the front room. I didn’t like him home so early.  But I didn’t spare him much thought because I was thinking of Jessica.  I was remembering how she had tasted sweet and how as I kissed her in Kevin’s basement, everyone had been watching.  She even let me go up her shirt a little before she stopped me. It was the furthest I’d ever gone.  I thought I might be in love with her.  
“What is this?” My dad’s voice ripped into my daydreams.  I looked at him for a split second before wandering to the guitar case sitting in the middle of the room.  I bit down on my lip, not trusting myself to keep my mouth shut.  “I found this in your closet.”
I wanted to ask what he was doing in my room but simply stared at him.  My instincts told me not to push him.
“We went through all this in California.  You’re not to play this. Get rid of it.”
“No.” I took a deep breath. “I’m not playing anymore, but I’m not getting rid of it.”
“It’s a distraction. I won’t have you out there wasting time and money on some childish dream to be a rock star. If you won’t get rid of it, I will.” As he reached for it, I lunged and grabbed it. 
“It reminds me of him.” I said without thinking.
“Of who? Of him?  Oh no, he had nothing to do with this.”
“Yeah he did. He believed in me. I don’t care what you say, Jason loved me, he gave this to me and it’s all I have left of him.”
“I told you never to say his name to me.” I ignored him, wanting to hurt him like I was hurting. 
“He always helped me hide it from you. I may not play now, but one day I will and I won’t let you take that from me.”
“What do you mean he helped you?”
“I mean he helped me get to guitar lessons and he hid my guitar in his room.”
“Liar, he did not. Stop talking about him that way.”
“Jason loved me and supported me and he lied to you to protect me.”
“He’d never lie to me.” He screamed at me.
“It was all his idea to keep it hidden from you. Yeah, you’re poster child of a son came up with the idea to lie to you to help me. He chose me over you.”
“The hell he did!” he yelled.  
“He loved me…”
 “You just don’t get it do you?” He screamed at me. “I should’ve been you!”  He took several steps towards me. Panic screamed at me to run but he was too quick. The back of his fist slammed against my face and I stumbled and fell into the Christmas tree. Pain started to spiral from the spot he connected with, my vision swirled as the tree crashed to the floor. I wondered why I had even put the stupid thing up. I tried to scramble away from him but got tangled in the tree limbs and lights. I felt the glass of an ornament slice and burn into my hand as I crushed it into the carpet.  My stomach tightened in knots as he reached for me and yanked me to a standing position, instantly ripping me from the prison of the tree.  
I struggled to get away from him. I somehow managed to fight my way out of his grasp and ran towards the stairs.  I made it half way up before he caught up to me and I felt the carpet burn my knees as we crashed to the floor.  I was able to kick free and half crawled half ran the rest of the way to my room. He was right behind me and pushed me just as I tried to shut the door. His fists were flying at my face as I slammed sideways into the door, arching my back from the pain. I saw blood and a tooth fly from my mouth and was fixated as it landed. I lost my focus when his knuckles caught under my chin, cranking my neck backwards.
I landed hard on my back and rolled over to my side, curling into a ball and covering my face as he slammed his dress shoe into my stomach. I watched as the tiny white scuffmarks flew towards my face. Then I felt his foot crack something in my body from behind and I wondered briefly how I’d ended up facing the other direction.  At one point, I caught a glimpse of his face and couldn’t quite understand why he had tears falling wildly from his eyes. I thought I’d see anger or hate, but devastation just didn’t fit with the pain my body was feeling at his hands.  
He took several steps back when he saw me looking at him and then turned and ran from my room. I heard him leave the house and stared blankly at the door he’d run out of.   The world spun around me.  I could taste the blood running from my nose into my mouth.  I tried to focus my eyes but everything was so blurry from my tears and it made me sick to try.  I wondered when I’d started crying. I heard something behind me and braced myself for another assault. 
“Saint Ricky?” I heard a familiar voice. “What happened?” It was Kevin.  This was so not what I needed, I thought. “I came to tell you… I mean I forgot…I came in your window to tell you….fuck” He trailed off. I’d never heard him clamor for words before.
“Go away.” I forced out in a breath, realizing at once that I had broken ribs. I didn’t know how to explain things to him.  I flinched as he placed a hand on my shoulder. 
“Don’t move.” He commanded. Not threatening, but still Kevin. I heard him leave my room quietly. He returned moments later. “Now come here.” He said kneeling down next to me. I wanted to crawl under my bed and hide from him, from my dad. But his voice was almost hypnotic to me and I found myself obeying his calm commands. I attempted to sit up and cried out before I could stop myself.  Slowly he took my arm and wrapped it around his neck. He waited for a second to let me get use to the position then said, “Now try” and I did. 
I took a deep breath and braced myself for the pain as I used his body to lean against. I gritted my teeth and slowly pulled myself into a sitting position. I leaned back against my bed, refusing to look at him.  He reached up with a warm damp towel and started to wipe blood from my face.  He put a bag of ice against the right side of my cheek. He wasn’t overly gentle or tender, almost like a doctor just doing what needed to be done. 
“Here, hold this here.” He commanded. I reached up and pressed the cold bag against my face, my fingers instantly chilling at its touch.  He finished cleaning up the blood then got me a clean shirt.  “Put this one on.”  I looked down at my t-shirt and saw that it was covered in blood.  I stared at it, blinking, confused by the different shades of red. He stood back and waited patiently. “You need to change.” I looked up at him and he nodded slightly. With every breath and every move my ribs caught fire.  My face felt like a balloon. Finally, he sat next to me on the floor.
“You going to tell me what happened?” 
What was I supposed to say to him? My dad hates me and freaked out on me because he wants me dead instead of my older brother. 
“Your dad did this.” It wasn’t a question.  “I saw him storm out of here.” I couldn’t find the words to admit to him what had happened. “How long’s he been doing this to you?” He asked with a cutting edge.  When I didn’t answer he said more forcefully, “How long?”
“This is the first time.”
“Really?” He looked at me skeptically. He must have seen something in my face to make him believe me. “What set him off?”
“It’s a long story.”
“I have time.”
“Not now.”
I expected him to push again but he didn’t ask any more questions. I got lost in the shock of what had happened. I ran through it over and over, wondering what I’d done wrong.  If I’d only kept my mouth shut.  I always had to learn things the hard way. I wondered what would happen when he came home. 
Finally he asked, “You okay to be alone tonight?” I looked at the clock and realized he’d been sitting with me for over two hours without saying a word. 
I thought about it, “Yeah, I’m fine.”
“Call me if he comes after you again.” He walked to the window. “I’m serious, if you need something call me!” He was harsh but I knew if I had to, I could call him.
“I will.” I said hesitantly.
“Wear a long sleeve shirt tomorrow to hide the bruises.” Again, with the commands. “You can’t hide what’s on your face, tell people we got in a fight tonight with some guys. I’ll back the story up.” 
“But you don’t have any bruises.” I said feeling embarrassed. It would look like I got a total beat down in a fight and he didn’t.  
“Don’t worry about it, just do it. K?”
“Fine.” I said, still not liking the idea but thought it was better than telling people my dad did it. 
“Night, Rick.” It was the first time he called me Rick and not Ricky or Saint Ricky. 
“Thanks.” I answered uncomfortably.  He jumped out my window without a reply.

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Release Announcement: The Falling of the Moon

“THE FALLING OF THE MOON” / A. E. DECKER


Alpena, MI (October 27, 2015– World Weaver Press (Eileen Wiedbrauk, Editor-in-Chief) has announced The Falling of the Moon, book one of the Moonfall Mayhem series by A. E. Decker, is available in trade paperback and ebook today, Tuesday, October 27, 2015.
If Ascot wants a Happy Ending, she’ll have to write it herself. In the gloomy mountains of Shadowvale, Ascot Abberdorf is expected to marry a lugubrious Count and settle down to a quiet life terrorizing the villagers. Instead, armed with a book of fairy tales, her faithful bat-winged cat, and whatever silverware she can pinch, Ascot heads east, to the mysterious Daylands, where her book promises she can find True Love and Happily Ever After, if she only follows her heart. Determined to win the hand of Prince Parvanel, Ascot storms the Kingdom of Albright. With the book’s guidance, she’s confident she’ll overcome any obstacles the imperious Queen Bettina Anna throws in her way, be they witches, evil stepmothers, or Big Bad Wolves.
Unfortunately, the book doesn’t cover reluctant princes, wolves who read Dostoyevsky instead of blowing down houses, or a guild of Godmothers whose motivations may not be as pure as three drops of blood on a sweep of snow. Most annoying of all is the captain of the guard who swears he’ll see the moon fall before she weds Prince Parvanel. There are stories . . . and then there are stories, and if her parade of shifty shenanigans continues, Ascot might have to rewrite her own tale lest she end most Unhappily Ever After! 
The Falling of the Moon is available in trade paperback and ebook via Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com, Kobo.com, OmniLitWorldWeaverPress.com, and other online retailers, and for wholesale through Ingram. You can also find The Falling of the Moon onGoodreads.
A. E. Decker hails from Pennsylvania. A former doll-maker and ESL tutor, she earned a master’s degree in history, where she developed a love of turning old stories upside-down to see what fell out of them. This led in turn to the writing of her YA novel, The Falling of the Moon. A graduate of Odyssey 2011, her short fiction has appeared in such venues as Beneath Ceaseless SkiesFireside Magazine, and in World Weaver Press’s own Specter Spectacular. Like all writers, she is owned by three cats. Come visit her, her cats, and her fur Daleks at wordsmeetworld.com.
World Weaver Press is an independently owned publisher of fantasy, paranormal, and science fiction. We believe in great storytelling.


Publication Date: October 27, 2015 • Fantasy

$14.95 trade paperback, 325 pages  • $6.99 ebook

ISBN: 978-0692526019

Publicity/Reviews: publicity@worldweaverpress.com

Information:

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@WorldWeaver_wwp




 Disclosure: this post contains links to an affiliate program (Amazon), for which I receive a few cents if you make purchases.

Sunday, October 25, 2015

Author Interview: Yasmine Hamdi


I'd like to thank Yasmine for participating in this video interview!



About the Book:
Unfamiliar animal tracks and strange nightly noises arouse suspicion at Shady Oaks, a seaside camp on Long Island. Campers become frightened as rumors of dangerous creatures spread. The camp begins to lose its prestige and receive closure threats. Twelve-year old Kyrah Willis is determined to solve the mystery. The camp guards won't help her, and seem to be hiding something they don't want the public to know. Why? With her fun-loving cousin Lynn, fiercely loyal dog Scampi and brave horse Comanche, the curious girl embarks on a journey to the most remote parts of the island in search for answers. In the treacherous and unforgiving wilderness, Kyrah discovers there is far more at stake than the future of Shady Oaks.
Amazon
Goodreads



Disclosure: this post contains links to an affiliate program (Amazon), for which I receive a few cents if you make purchases. 

Friday, October 23, 2015

Review: Close Your Eyes, Hold Hands

Title: Close Your Eyes, Hold Hands
Author: Chris Bohjalian
Page Count: 288
2 TURTLES: A so-so read. It had some redeeming qualities, but not enough to recommend.
*This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Amazon

About the Book:
Emily Shepard is on the run; the nuclear plant where her father worked has suffered a cataclysmic meltdown, and all fingers point to him. Now, orphaned, homeless, and certain that she’s a pariah, Emily’s taken to hiding out on the frigid streets of Burlington, Vermont, creating a new identity inspired by her favorite poet, Emily Dickinson. 

Then she meets Cameron. Nine years old and with a string of foster families behind him, he sparks something in Emily, and she protects him with a fierceness she didn’t know she possessed. But when an emergency threatens the fledgling home she’s created, Emily realizes that she can’t hide forever.



Review:
Well, that was depressing…

That was the first thing I thought after I finished Close Your Eyes, Hold Hands. Now don’t get me wrong, I didn’t give this book the rating I did merely because there was very little happiness in it. Some of my favorite books have horribly tragic endings (The Book Thief, anyone?) but perhaps what sets them apart from this book is what the tragedy accomplishes. Whether it relays a message that resonates with me or channels the ancient Greeks by evoking a sense of catharsis, if a book is going to be a downer I want my initial reaction to finishing to be different from “well thank goodness that’s over”.

This book was very nearly a DNF for me, in fact I started it over a year ago and took a break because I couldn’t get into it. I picked it back up and finished it recently, but never felt totally invested in the story. I did really like some aspects of Chris Bohjalian’s writing. I thought his out-of-sequence narration really added to the suspense, the narrator’s voice sounded really authentic (which can be tricky with a teen MC), and I enjoyed how he interweaved Emily Dickinson through it. I just couldn’t get past how dark and bleak it all was.


If you love really dark fiction then I’d suggest take a look at it. Personally, I like to stick to stories that are a bit more hopeful.



Disclosure: this post contains links to an affiliate program (Amazon), for which I receive a few cents if you make purchases.