Book Musings - Cogling by Jordan Elizabeth

COGLING, by Jordan Elizabeth

Genre: Middle-Grade fantasy

Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press

Date of Release: January 25, 2016

Cover Artist: Mandie Manzano

Find Online: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Goodreads

Blurb : 

When fifteen-year-old Edna Mather tears an expensive and unfamiliar pocket watch off her little
brother’s neck, he crumbles into a pile of cogs right before her eyes. Horrified, Edna flees for
help, but encounters Ike, a thief who attempts to steal the watch before he realizes what it is: a
device to power Coglings—clockwork changelings left in place of stolen children who have been
forced to work in factories.

Desperate to rescue her brother, Edna sets off across the kingdom to the hags’ swamp, with Ike
in tow. There, they learn Coglings are also replacing nobility so the hags can stage a rebellion
and rule over humanity. Edna and Ike must stop the revolt, but the populace believes hags are
helpful godmothers and healers. No one wants to believe a lowly servant and a thief, especially
when Ike has secrets that label them both as traitors.

Together, Edna and Ike must make the kingdom trust them or stop the hags themselves, even if
Ike is forced to embrace his dark heritage and Edna must surrender her family.

Book Musings : 

I received a free book for an honest review. My review isn't compromised in any way.

This was a fun book to read and I enjoyed it very much! I don't know if it is a series or a standalone but I sure hope the author would continue with the characters and the story line.

One of the strong points of the story was the cast of characters. Everyone had something to add to the story and I didn't feel any character was superfluous. Edna came across as a brave but at times naive person. She did make up for her naivety with her unflinching courage and her determination to find her brother. Ike meanwhile was the perfect hero with his helping Edna out on her quest inspite of starting off as a thief and a somewhat anti character with hidden agenda in the beginning. The antagonist, Mother Sambucus and her group were well crafted and they added the necessary oomph to the adventure.

The world building was descriptive enough to get the imagery right and the different types of species introduced were innovative in some areas and pretty regular in others. But the concept was unique and a bit different from others. I haven't read many steampunk based books but this has made me more eager to try out the genre. I am looking forward to more of the authors' books. I have another of hers on my review pile so I can't wait now to get to it!

My rating : 5/5

Meet the Author :

Jordan Elizabeth, formally Jordan Elizabeth Mierek, writes down her nightmares in order to live
her dreams. With an eclectic job history of working as a college professor; historic costumed
interpreter at Fort Stanwix, Victorian Leisure Fair, and Mayfaire on the Green; office specialist;
sales clerk; election inspector; and trainer, she is now diving into the world of author.It happens
to be her favorite one.

When she’s not creating art or searching for lost history in the woods, she’s updating her blog,
Kissed by Literature. Jordan is the president of the Utica Writers Club and maintains
JordanElizabethMierek.com.

She roams Central New York, but she loves to travel. A great deal of time has been spent in a
rural town very similar to Arnn, the setting of her novel ESCAPE FROM WITCHWOOD
HOLLOW.

Find the author Online:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Curiosity Quills Press (CQ) is a small hybrid publishing company specializing in genre fiction of
the highest quality. With 150+ titles in our catalog already and approximately 6 new books
coming out each month, there’s never a dull moment at CQ. We work with major retailers such
as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Audible to ensure that you, the reader, can find whatever you
are looking for at your convenience.

Founded in 2011 by Eugene Teplitsky and Lisa Gus, CQ was initially a resource portal for
writing and publishing, created in an effort to help writers, like themselves, survive the
publishing industry. After rapid success, CQ morphed into publishing press that over time has
solidified its share in the market. Now we spend our days searching for the next great escape!

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Blog Tour / Book Musings - The Standout by Laurel Osterkamp

Welcome to my tour stop for The Standout by Laurel Osterkamp! The Standout is a psychological thriller and is a stand alone. The tour runs January 25-29 with reviews only. Check out the tour page for the full schedule.

About the Book:

First Robin gets the email with its simple demand: dump your fiancé or else. Then someone puts up the slanderous Rotten Robin Website that threatens to crush her chances to win The Standout, a ballet-themed, fashion reality show. Surrounded by backstabbing co-contestants and haunted by mysterious ghosts from her past, Robin can't trust anyone, including herself. This new psychological thriller by Laurel Osterkamp, author of The Holdout and The Next Breath, is Black Swan meets Project Runway.

Get ready for a breathtaking novel about love, betrayal, tall buildings, and finding the courage to jump.

Goodreads | Amazon

My Musings : 

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. In no way, would my review be impacted by it.

I was looking forward to reading this book ever since I took part in the Kindle Scout campaign. Though, the author is new to me, I was intrigued by the blurb and that led me to taking part in the campaign and then to the blog tour.

The book didn't disappoint me at all. It was a good combination of elements like a reality show concept, the back stage intrigues of the show, the heroine's past and the mysterious slanders. The beginning caught my attention easily with Robin's mistake and then on it was a feast of words. The tale from various characters' points of view added depth to the book.

The story was quite unique in some ways and I loved reading about Robin and the events and people in her life. There was quite a bit of growth in almost all characters. It was fascinating to read and I enjoyed it. Only after finishing, did I realise that there are other books in the series. I can see myself going for them in the future!

My rating : 4/5

About the Author:

Laurel Osterkamp becomes very attached to her characters. The Standout, The Holdout, The Next Breath, November Surprise, Blue State, and American Angst all feature the Bricker family, but these books can be read in any order. Laurel teaches English and Creative Writing in Minneapolis, where she tries to stay warm, hang out with her husband and two chatty children, and find the time to write. Her other novels are the award-winningFollowing My Toes and Starring in the Movie of My Life.

You can find Laurel on Twitter but she needs to work on sending clever Tweets. A better idea is to follow her blog at www.laurelosterkamp.blogspot.com.

Website | Twitter | Facebook

GIVEAWAY:
$25 Amazon gift card (INT)

Ends Feb. 4th

Prizing is provided by the author, hosts are not responsible. Must be 13 or older to enter and have parental permission if under 17. Void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary to win.

 

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This event was organized by CBB Book Promotions.

Book Promo - Dyndaer by Joshua Robertson

Blurb :

Branimir emerges from the Netherworld as a living legend and learns the Ash Tree is still in danger from the cursed dagger, kaelandur. An old friend compels Branimir to finish what they started at Melkorka. Once again, the former slave must keep kaelandur out of uncertain hands, while struggling to separate heroes from villains and friends from foes. Some evils never lessen.

Links : 

Amazon

B&N

Smashwords

Meet the Author :

Joshua currently lives in Alaska with his wife and children. In 1999, he began crafting the world for Thrice Nine Legends, including Melkorka and Anaerfell. He is also the author of the A Midwinter Sellsword and Gladiators and Thieves in the Hawkhurst Saga. His short story, Grimsdalr, is inspired by the tale of Beowulf.

Links :

Amazon

Website

Take a peek : 

The demons of the Netherworld chased him. Four-legged, wolf-like creatures, known as Dreka, rammed their goat horns at Branimir. The gray, wrinkled skin clung to their gaunt frames. Thin lips were stretched back giving sight to the rows of teeth on the tops and bottoms of their bloodied gums.

Branimir tumbled, swinging his weapon and feeling it tear through flesh as easily as a hot blade through frost. For a moment, he may have heard Dorofej’s riddlesome voice—no, his cry—but Branimir had not the time to listen. Bran had to scramble, and sneak, and stab.

And stab. And stab. And stab.

The urgency of the battle and the demons thumped inside of his head.

“Stop!” A familiar voice, again, cried in desperation.

Crimson splattered his vision as his dagger cut through skin once more. His blade loved the taste of blood; he felt the need to drench it again.

Pain stung his leg, but it was quickly forgotten as demon after demon lunged for him. The Dreka were ever persistent in their attack. He spun, and twisted, and disappeared to avoid every demonic beast soaring through the air, vicious teeth aimed for his throat. They would not reach him. For a moment, he thought he saw a flash of Hanna’s wide eyes, but they looked unfamiliar. Treacherous. Evil. Besides, his dagger was already cocked behind his ear and he felt incapable of restraining himself.

Book Tour / Book Musings - The Holiday Killer by Holly Hunt

Thriller/Crime

Date Published: December 7, 2015

Blurb : 

Happy Holidays…

Around the world, Christmas Eve is a time of joy, hope and new beginnings, where children open presents, parents smile, and all is right with the world.

Except in Matryville.

Holidays are dreaded, rather than anticipated. A killer is on the loose, and he strikes as parents hide their kids, fearing the bogeyman’s wrath…

Liz Rhodes, Special Detective at the Matryville Central Police Department, is heading the investigation of the Holiday Killer. She’s close on his tail, a suspect in her grasp…

… and then her son is taken.

Will Liz be able to track down the Killer before it’s too late? Or will Jamie pay the price for her arrogance? Only time will tell...

My Musings :

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

I will be honest that the book cover was what got my attention at first and then the blurb reeled me in with the right amount of suspense and intrigue in it.

The book started off superbly and I got caught up in it pretty fast. The story was full of tense moments and grim happenings. The author created a very good concept and played it out well in the first half. The snag was just in the middle of the tale with the sudden bad news received by Liz and her family. Then the momentum kind of decreased in my opinion. Then it sort of picked up near the end with the mysterious goings on. And it progressed to a very good finale.

The characters were portrayed well. I liked Liz but absolutely loathed what happened to her in her personal life. The revelation of the bad guys had my mind whirling. I never guessed till the end. The only part which confused me was the part played by Liz's near and dear ones in the incidents. Otherwise it was a 4 star read definitely.

My rating : 4/5

Meet the Author :




Butcher by day, author by night, Holly spends her days off writing, playing in her garden and watching superhero cartoons. Holly lives with her husband Matthew and her cat Talia al-Kitty in a two-bedroom flat crammed with comics, video games, books and movie memorabilia. An active cosplayer, Holly and Matthew take time out of their days to entertain kids as various DC comics characters, and make their own costumes (when Real Life allows).

Contact Information

WEBSITE   FACEBOOK     TWITTER

Purchase Links

AMAZON      GOODREADS

Blog Tour / Book Musings - Stealing the Bachelor by Sonya Weiss

Stealing the Bachelor by Sonya Weiss (Stealing the Heart #3 – Can be read as a

standalone)

Release date: January 11, 2016

About the book:

Having missed out on the “drop-dead-gorgeous” gene in her family, Ann Snyder decides

to kick a little butt in the business world instead. That is, until her skeezy manager’s “side

business” has the FDA raiding her chocolate shop. Now Ann’s in huge trouble…and the

only person who can help her is the adorkable guy who completely humiliated her in high

school.

Lawyer Eric Maxwell has been in love with Ann as long as he can remember. He figured

he never stood a chance—don’t the beautiful girls always prefer the bad boys to the

nerds? So he makes Ann a deal. He’ll provide her with free legal services…if she’ll move

in and help him transform him from nerd-without-a-clue to bona fide bad boy.

And once the transition is complete, all he has to do is prove that he’s the only bachelor

for her…

Links:

Amazon

B&N 

Goodreads

My Musings :

I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

 This one was a very fast read. It was fun and light with the right amount of flirty situations with the main characters. I literally read it in one sitting and it was a very refreshing tale. It's a first time, for me, to read about a goody shoes hero trying to turn into a  bad boy for his love. It was a different take on a classic love story and I loved it!

I fell in love with Eric with his inner thoughts out on the paper for me to read about. Usually the guy's feelings aren't explored but it wasn't so in this case. It was nice to know the story from both sides. As for Ann, I felt she was bit less than Eric. She felt a bit contrived at times and I felt she was on the fence too much about her feelings.

One thing I wasn't able to understand was how Ann and Eric were able to go on as usual with their lives while Ann was under investigation. It might have been played up a bit. The secondary
characters were pretty good and they caught my interest with their side plots. Overall, it was a good romantic tale for the refreshing evening read.

I am looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.

My rating : 4/5


Interview :

1. Tell us a  bit about yourself? Your favourite book? Food? Colour? etc.,

I've been a writer since I was a little girl. I'm also an artist. I love photography-love

how pictures can tell a story. I don't think I could pick a favorite book-I have too many

that I love. My favorite food is cheesecake. My favorite color is dusty rose. My favorite

television shows are One Tree Hill, JAG, X-Files, NCIS, Lois and Clark, Gossip

Girl...and I could keep on going, LOL.

2. How were you as a kid? Your favourite authors and books of that time?

I was rambunctious and curious as a kid. Always doing things I shouldn't have been

doing. My favorite book back then was The House with the Clock in Its Walls by John

Bellairs. My favorite authors back then...the author of the Boxcar Children, Stephen

King, Isaac Asimov, and Louis L'Amour.

3. What inspired you to be come a writer/author? Why this specific genre?

I don't know that anything inspired me, writing is just who I am. Before I even thought

of submitting anything I'd written, I'd completed tons of books, hundreds of stories

because I write for me. I chose to write in the romance genre because I love the happy

ending. Everything I write will always have a romance in it whether it's YA or

contemporary.

4. Can you tell us about your present/future books?

Right now, my newest book is Stealing the Bachelor. It's the third in the Stealing the

Heart series. I'm planning more sweet contemporary romances in the future. I'm also

finishing up the sequel to my YA, Revenge, which is a sci-fi, paranormal Romeo and

Juliet story. Then I have the third and final one in that series.

5. What would be your advice to aspiring writers?

When you're discouraged about writing, take a step back and remember why you're

doing what you are. Even if that's your end goal, don't write just to be published. Write

for the beauty and for the satisfaction that the words give you.

About the author:

Sonya Weiss is a freelance writer, ghostwriter, and author. She's addicted to great books,

good movies, and Italian chocolates.

She's passionate about causes that support abused animals and children. Her parents

always supported her bringing stray animals home although the Great Dane rescue was a

surprise.

Author Website

Author Blog

Author Twitter

Author Facebook

Giveaway

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Blog Tour - Identity Crisis by Melissa Schorr

Identity Crisis
by Melissa Schorr
Publisher: Merit Press
Release Date: January 18th 2016

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary

Rate: 4/5

Synopsis:

When curvaceous Annalise Bradley’s scandalous freshman year hookup sparks the anger of her female classmates, three of them decide to get her back by "catfishing" her, creating a fake online profile of the perfect boy to toy with her affections.

Against her better nature, introverted Noelle Spiers, goes along with her friends’ plan, hoping to distract Annalise from dreamy Cooper Franklin, her lifelong crush who has fallen for Annalise instead.

As Annalise discovers she is being played and seeks revenge, Noelle increasingly regrets her role in the cruel hoax and tries to salvage their relationship.

Told in alternative perspectives, IDENTITY CRISIS covers romance, betrayal, and timeless friendship in the age of modern technology.

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

When I read the book blurb, I was expecting Annalise to be a nasty character. But she turned out to be a surprising twist in the story. The story is all about looking beneath the surface especially with teenagers. 

I love the way the author has approached the subject of online identity theft and bullying. Noelle came across as a weak character but she grew on me and I was able to sympathise with her actions at times. As she did the right thing at the end, I was able to like her for it more. Cooper was a clueless hero and his sudden finding of Noelle was suspicious and didn't go with the flow. But it did tidy up the story towards the end. 

I would have to liked to read more about the growing friendship between Annalise and Noelle. As far as I am concerned both are the main attraction in the book.

The writing style was easy to follow and it took me just a couple of hours to finish the book. I identified with the characters throughout the book. The realistic characters and the deft handling of the subject has made me look forward to reading more from the author. 

Follow the Identity Crisis by Melissa Schorr Blog Tour and don't miss anything! Click on the banner to see the tour schedule.

Melissa Schorr is the YA author of GOY CRAZY (Hyperion 2006) and IDENTITY CRISIS (forthcoming, Merit Press 2016), and a contributor to the YA anthology DEAR BULLY.

She is currently a contributing writer/editor to the Boston Globe Sunday Magazine. Her freelance work has appeared in numerous publications, including GQ, People, Self, San Francisco magazine, and The Wall Street Journal. 

Melissa currently lives in Boston with her husband, her daughters, and her dog, Bailey.

US Only

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Book Musings / Blog Tour - Mistletoe Medium by Elizabeth Delisi

Mystery
Date Published: November 4, 2015

No sooner does psychic Lottie Baldwin pull up stakes and move to Cheyenne, North Dakota, than she finds herself up to her neck in a series of mysterious robberies. Can Lottie and the handsome new man in her life, deputy sheriff Harlan Erikson, solve the crime spree before Lottie becomes the next victim?


My Musings : 

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

This was a very fast read. The story was very promising and it kept me quire interested in knowing the ending of the book. The short ebook had me eagerly turning the pages since the author was quite good at presenting an intriguing mystery. 

The only downside was that the romance between Lottie and Harlan wasn't quite realistic. It was too rushed in my opinion. Lottie especially was acting odd, one minute she was a flirt and the other minute, she was a bit reserved. I think it would have been better to have more story to the romantic aspect of the book. 

Otherwise, the story was an entertaining read. I quite look forward to reading more of Lottie's adventures. 

My one line review : An intriguing short mystery to be savoured!

My rating : 4/5

My reread factor : 3/5

Meet the Author :

Elizabeth Delisi is an award-winning author of mystery, romance and paranormal stories. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband-hero, dog and bird. Elizabeth loves hearing from her readers at elizabethdelisi.blogspot.com , facebook.com/edelisi , and twitter.com/delisi .

Contact Information
Website: www.elizabethdelisi.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/edelisi

Twitter: www.twitter.com/delisi

Blog: http://elizabethdelisi.blogspot.com

Any Others: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B000APFSBG


Purchase Links
Amazon: www.amazon.com/Mistletoe-Medium-Baldwin-Mystery-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B015AH5HQ4

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mistletoe-medium-elizabeth-delisi/1122654495

Other: http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/isbn9781310044779

https://store.kobobooks.com/search?Query=9781310044779

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Laptop recovery

My laptop is on a restarting loop. I don't know what went wrong. I have to figure it out and if at all I am able to save it I will lose all my personal files. I don't have a backup. I especially don't have my schedule so I don't know if I will be posting till I get it sorted. Heck I dont even know which post is for which day. I am so sorry!! I am posting this from my android. I hope the blog tour companies understood. I need to start emailing them. 

Note : Just a few posts will be posted as I had already scheduled them earlier. 

Be back soon I hope

Floryie