Wednesday, January 17, 2018
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
Eliesmore and the Jeweled Sword by Angela J. Ford
Beware the Green People. They are up to something…
After accomplishing his first quest and winning a great victory, Eliesmore believes it will be easy to take back the world from the forces of darkness. As he travels east with a small group of companions, all kinds of people and animals are drawn to his unique power and the world rejoices.
However, when he faces down the greatest enemy of the Four Worlds, he finds his woes have just begun. Dark secrets of the past are revealed and hidden motives from friends Eliesmore thought he could trust. Unsure how to distinguish between myth and truth, Eliesmore channels the power of creation to start a revolution against the forces of evil.
As Eliesmore conquers the world, he discovers the truth behind the secrets and lies that have been spun across the Four Worlds.
This unforgettable adventure combines bravery, epic battles, romance, magic, mayhem, mortals, immortals and the revelation of a deadly secret which will haunt the world for an eternity.
Will Eliesmore save the world from dark forces of evil? Or will he become the evil he’s fighting to save the world from?
Grab a copy of this classic epic fantasy adventure and discover the truth.
Pre-order here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078XQPJKY
Tuesday, January 9, 2018
Reign of Ash (The Chosen #2) by Meg Anne
Synopsis:
“You will damn us all.”
Kiri Helena Solene thought her trial was over. She was wrong. Prophesied to be the strongest of her kind, Helena is still coming to terms with the depth of her power and what it means to rule.
Unfortunately, there’s little time to learn.
“Without the tether you will fracture.”
As her soul mate, Von is Helena’s balance. Too bad he’s missing. When he disappears, her tenuous hold on her magic begins to slip. Helena must find Von, and soon, or risk losing control completely.
If only she knew where to look.
“You have a choice before you.”
A malevolent force has risen; threatening the lives of Helena and those in her Circle. What they don’t realize is that without Von she will become the thing they most fear. How do you choose between the people you’ve vowed to protect and the one person you can’t live without?
How do you choose when there’s no choice at all?
Review:
This is a sequel I was looking forward to, and I was definitely not disappointed. Reign of Ash is as good, if not beer than Mother of Shadows.
The character development was on point, Helena is no longer a scared girl, she is a powerful queen. And Von has to learn to trust in the vast power of his more than capable Mate.
I liked the new characters, especially Nial, Von's brother. Bright and charismatic despite his difficult situation.
The plot was fast-paced and gripping, with good amounts of all that composes a good book: epic battles, new discoveries, humor, and romance.
I enjoyed the lore Meg Anne has created. Reign of Ash delves deeper into the prophecy of The Chosen, answering questions, and leaving more to be answered; along with a warning Helena cannot ignore.
Overall, a perfect sequel that you can't put down and leaves you waiting impatiently for what comes next.
Monday, January 8, 2018
The Iron Flower by Laurie Forest Cover Reveal
Blurb Sneak Peek:
A dragon freed from captivity. A Selkie hidden in the North Tower. A shadow power rising.
Elloren Gardner and her friends were only seeking to right a few wrongs, but their actions have propelled them straight into the ranks of the realm-wide Resistance against Gardnerian encroachment. As the Resistance struggles against the harsh rulings of High Priest Marcus Vogel and the Mage Council, Elloren begins to realize that none of the people she cares about will be safe if Gardneria seizes control of the Western Realm.
With tensions heating up in Verpacia, more and more Gardnerian soldiers continue to descend upon the University…led by none other than Lukas Grey, now commander of the newly rebuilt Fourth Division base. Though Elloren tries to keep him at arm’s length, Lukas is determined to wandfast to her, convinced that she has inherited her grandmother’s power―the prophesied power of the Black Witch. As his very nearness seems to awaken a darkness inside her, Elloren finds it more and more difficult to believe that she’s truly powerless, as her uncle always claimed.
Caught between her growing feelings for the rebellious Yvan Guriel and the seductive power offered by Lukas Grey, Elloren must find a way to stay true to what she knows is right and protect everyone she loves…even if that means protecting them from herself.
You can pre-order The Iron Flower HERE
And, if you haven't read the Black Witch, you can find my spoiler free review HERE
Friday, January 5, 2018
The Black Witch Giveaway!
*CLOSED*
Have you read The Black Witch? If you haven't here's your chance!
Have you read The Black Witch? If you haven't here's your chance!
Winner gets a copy of THE BLACK WITCH and an Ironflower necklace and earrings.
All you have to do is tweet this post, and put the Ironflower teaser puzzle together. The winner is the first person to assemble it in any form - it can be black and white print outs put together; or a drawing, be creative!
When you're done just tag Laurie Forest (@laurieannforest) on Twitter with a picture of the finished puzzle.
The giveaway closes on Thursday, January 11 and is open internationally.
Here are the pieces:
And here's the tweet:
The Black Witch Giveaway! @laurieannforesthttps://t.co/untYohUvOP— Selene Kallan (@SeleneKWriter) January 6, 2018
Don't forget to share the giveaway!
Interview with Laurie Forest, author of The Black Witch.
First of all, I’m very happy to have you here. You’ve had quite a busy year, tell me about your releases on 2017.
The Black Witch came out in May – the first book of The Black Witch Chronicles (a series of four book and two novel-length e-book “novellas” – there might be a few more novellas down the road as well as a sequel series, but that’s on the back-burner at the moment).
I’ll give you the cover blurb as a description, since I really like it (my editor wrote it – I’m not good at writing short, but she’s good at writing all things) -
Elloren Gardner is the granddaughter of the last prophesied Black Witch, Carnissa Gardner, who drove back the enemy forces and saved the Gardnerian people during the Realm War. But while she is the absolute spitting image of her famous grandmother, Elloren is utterly devoid of power in a society that prizes magical ability above all else.
When she is granted the opportunity to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming an apothecary, Elloren joins her brothers at the prestigious Verpax University to embrace a destiny of her own, free from the shadow of her grandmother's legacy. But she soon realizes that the university, which admits all manner of people—including the fire-wielding, winged Icarals, the sworn enemies of all Gardnerians—is a treacherous place for the granddaughter of the Black Witch.
As evil looms on the horizon and the pressure to live up to her heritage builds, everything Elloren thought she knew will be challenged and torn away. Her best hope of survival may be among the most unlikely band of misfits…if only she can find the courage to trust those she's been taught to hate and fear.
Wandfasted came out in July – it’s the prequel to the series (and a full-length novel, even though we’ve labelled it an e-book “novella”). It’s very actiony then very swoony ;) It takes place 20 years prior to The Black Witch and gives the reader a glimse of the original Black Witch in action on the battlefield and tells the love story of Elloren Gardner’s parents. I adore this book. And it was great fun writing characters who are older in The Black Witch as young adults – Uncle Edwin, Aunt Vyvian and Jules Kristian amongst them. The reader also gets to meet Fallon Bane’s parents and Gareth Keeler’s parents.
Here’s the description:
Magic, romance and adventure collide in Wandfasted, the irresistible ebook prequel to The Black Witch by Laurie Forest
When they painted Heretics on our barn and set fire to it, I thought that was the worst it could get.
Until they sent the dragons.
But they didn't count on us having dragons of our own. And they certainly didn't count on Her. Our Great Mage. The Bringer of Fire. The Storm of Death. The Crow Sorceress. Our Deliverance.
The Black Witch.
How did publishing your first book change your writing process?
It didn’t really. When I sit down to write, I try to put the entire world out of my mind and pretend I’m writing something that only I will see. If I don’t do that, my writing is pretty stale. When I do that, it seems that the muse kicks into overdrive and I’m excited about what I’m doing. I don’t believe in writing censored in any way. I do believe in brutal editing, however.
Have you traveled to get inspiration? And, what inspires you?
Books. Movies. I’m mostly in Vermont, and Vermont definitely was a huge inspiration for the physical world of The Black Witch. I’m thinking about straying into more of a fantasy landscape for Book Three when the story moves to the Eastern Realm.
Does writing energize or exhaust you?
Both. But even the exhaustion is deeply rewarding. And frustrating. And awesome.
Do you believe in writer’s block?
I do, but I think the only way to work through it is to write. Even writing badly through it. There’s a few quotes I repeat to myself when I’m stuck in a bad writing vortex:
“The muse can’t resist a working writer.”
Ray Bradbury
“You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.”
Jack London
Are you a plotter or do you go with the flow?
I mostly go with the flow. Which means my editor has to be a saint who needs to be showered with gifts at some point.
How do you come up with the names for your characters?
Riffing on names in favorite books, baby name sites, fantasy name generators online, riffing on Hollywood actor names and names of people I meet. I was actually taking secret notes at book signings because I encountered so many fab names all over the country.
What is the most difficult part of your writing process?
Editing on deadline. Especially if the deadline is tight.
What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book?
No research prior to a book, but along the way. The tangents are one of the most enjoyable things about writing – I’ve found out about horses, smithing, swordmaking, violin making and playing, textiles, using birds for sending messages, etc. During the course of writing this series. I suspect seafaring will be next.
Does the opinion of potential readers influences your writing?
Not during the writing phase. During the editing phase it does, in that I want to be sensitive. But I also don’t want to shy away from controversial storylines and dark characters. It’s a difficult balance, but a balance worth striving for.
How do you deal with criticism?
Books are very subjective things – not everyone is going to like any given book, so I’m fine with readers having their own views about anything I’ve written, even very critical views. I do think it’s a good thing for critics/journalists/etc. to read books before giving a critique, though. It seems to make sense to me. I’ve gotten good ideas from some critics who have read my book – that have helped me to become a better writer. I am including controversial themes in my stories, so I anticipated those things touching off some debates and strong feelings, and that’s what’s happened. And I think that’s a good thing.
What do you think makes a good story?
Personally, I like character driven stories with compelling, dramatic storylines, romance with great chemistry and witty dialogue. And a great fantasy setting is always a plus.
Name a few of your favorite books and authors.
I’ll throw out a link (that is absolutely not final – it’s a work in progress). There are a lot of books I’ve read over the past few months that are phenomenal that I haven’t entered here yet –
But I will say, MAKE SURE YOU READ Tanaz Bhathena’s A Girl Like That coming in 2018. It is, hands down, the best book I’ve ever read. I’m not kidding. It is the greatest honor of my autor life that I got to read this book early.
LINK: https://amzn.to/2tRnUTP
What was the hardest scene to write in The Black Witch?
The scene where Ariel’s kindred is found murdered. It’s just so disturbing. And I had a hard time getting Tierney’s character right, but she’s fallen completely into place for me now (which is good, since she’s a major character as the series progresses).
Of the books you’ve launched so far, which is your favorite? Why?
Wandfasted. It was written during a very difficult time of my life (my mother was in hospice care) – and written in large part by her bedside. So, the book was an escape and a way of channeling feelings of intense grief and lonliness. It’s interesting, because I’ve heard from fans who found the book to be a great escape from stress – fans in the hospital, a mother of twins, a Pediatric nurse. I’m really happy that this book did for them what it did for me. And I’m madly in love with Vale Gardner (my husband was great inspiration for the carácter). I love The Black Witch too, but Wandfasted holds a special place in my heart.
Favorite character you’ve created so far?
Fain Quillen in Wandfasted. I just fell in love with him and am bringing him back in Book Three of the series because I adore him so much. In The Black Witch, I’d have to say Ariel Haven. Followed closely by Jules Kristian.
What releases do you have planned for this year?
This summer, Light Mage comes out. It’s another full-length novel even though we’re labelling it a “novella” (e-book) and tells the story of how Sage Gaffney got hold of the White Wand, broke with the Gardnerians, had an Icaral baby and was drawn to bring the Wand to Elloren Gardner. I’m pretty excited to share this one – I think it’s my most personal book to date. It’s the most intense thing I’ve ever written (with the exception of sections of The Iron Flower, perhaps).
Planned for this fall is The Iron Flower which is Book Two of The Black Witch Chronicles which will be out in hardcover/audio and e-book. We pick up a few days after The Black Witch let off, and many explosive secrets will be revealed ;) And I also throw a stick of dynamite into the narrative – it’s a dark story, so get ready.
Here’s a sneak peak at what’s being worked on for the cover blurb (first time seen anywhere!) –
A dragon freed from captivity. A Selkie hidden in the North Tower. A shadow power rising.
Elloren Gardner and her friends were only seeking to right a few wrongs, but their actions have propelled them straight into the ranks of the realm-wide Resistance against Gardnerian encroachment. As the Resistance struggles against the harsh rulings of High Priest Marcus Vogel and the Mage Council, Elloren begins to realize that none of the people she cares about will be safe if Gardneria seizes control of the Western Realm.
With tensions heating up in Verpacia, more and more Gardnerian soldiers continue to descend upon the University…led by none other than Lukas Grey, now commander of the newly rebuilt Fourth Division base. Though Elloren tries to keep him at arm’s length, Lukas is determined to wandfast to her, convinced that she has inherited her grandmother’s power―the prophesied power of the Black Witch. As his very nearness seems to awaken a darkness inside her, Elloren finds it more and more difficult to believe that she’s truly powerless, as her uncle always claimed.
Caught between her growing feelings for the rebellious Yvan Guriel and the seductive power offered by Lukas Grey, Elloren must find a way to stay true to what she knows is right and protect everyone she loves…even if that means protecting them from herself.
Thanks for interviewing me, Selene ☺
The pleasure was for sure all mine!
Links were your readers can stalk Laurie.
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram
Spotify
Pinterest
Website
TAP ON THE SEXY COVERS TO GRAB LAURIE'S BOOKS!
Share this interview: https://ctt.ac/f6y23
A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas
Synopsis:
Looming war threatens all Feyre holds dear in the third volume of the #1 New York Times bestselling A Court of Thorns and Roses series.
Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin’s maneuverings and the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit-and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well.
As war bears down upon them all, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords-and hunt for allies in unexpected places.
In this thrilling third book in the #1 New York Times bestselling series from Sarah J. Maas, the earth will be painted red as mighty armies grapple for power over the one thing that could destroy them all.
Review:
Holy Cauldron! That was awesome!
Feyre was a badass. The way she infiltrates the Spring Court was brilliant. It's quite refreshing seeing her pull the strings. And Rhysand, I just love the guy; he's Feyre's partner in crime, her shoulder to cry on, her best friend, and her lover. So much the opposite to a certain blonde brooding idiot that likes to lock up girls in his house.
The plot was fast-paced for the most part. I had to skim a few parts that were way to loaded with descriptions, but that still didn't make me any less anxious to turn the pages. There were several plot twists that took me by complete surprise, which is always a plus.
The character development was good. I would've liked getting to know Nesta better though, I still don't know what her deal is. Lucien got his redemption, he gets thrown into a difficult situation and manages to face it like the Faerie I knew he was.
Rhysand's circle is again one of the best parts of the story. Armen and Azriel are my fave; I like how his silence says it all, and how Amren turns into the voice of reason in the most unexpected moments.
Getting to know all the high Lords was something. Some are likable, some are not, but the reason why they are in charge of their people is clear.
The final battle wasn't quite as I expected it, but I liked it nevertheless. I so lost my bets about who would kill who, but in a way it made sense.
I see a re-read in the future.
Grab ACOWAR here: https://amzn.to/2Eb4DS2
Monday, January 1, 2018
A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
Synopsis:
Feyre survived Amarantha's clutches to return to the Spring Court—but at a steep cost. Though she now has the powers of the High Fae, her heart remains human, and it can't forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin's people.
Nor has Feyre forgotten her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court. As Feyre navigates its dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms—and she might be key to stopping it. But only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future—and the future of a world cleaved in two.
Review:
This is how you do a sequel.
Sarah J. Maas has taken her world to a whole new level, and also her characters. It was great from beginning to end, little time to take a breath, just the way I like my books. Feyre has changed, it was clear at the end of ACOTAR she was gonna pay a high price for the ordeal she had to go through to defeat Amarantha, but it still surprised me. And Tamlin, any slight affection I could've felt for the whiny bastard disappeared quite fast.
Rhysand was brilliant, I absolutely loved getting to know him better, trying to figure him out. The endless banter between him and Feyre is entertaining as hell.
The introduction of the new characters was on point. Mor, Cassian, Azriel, and Armen are an amazing lot. They have gone through unspeakable things, they're hurt, and still are an example of what real friends are like.
The plot twists were good, a few actually took me by surprise.
That end was probably the best part, I was actually yelling at the book. You know a book is good when you act like a total lunatic and don't care if the people around you look at you wide-eyed.
PS: I was so right about what Rhys saw at the end of ACOTAR. Sherlock Holmes who?
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