Blog Tour / Book Musings - Fall of Thrones and Thorns by Jennifer Ellision

Fall of Thrones and Thorns
Jennifer Ellision
(Threats of Sky and Sea #3)
Publication date: September 27th 2016
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

War hurtles in, a typhoon over the sea.
After Bree’s life was torn apart, Nereidium had represented a haven to her. A place that—if she could save it—was beyond the King’s reach.
And, at last, she’s arrived upon its shores. But things in Nereidium are not what they should be.
The land is plagued by a rash of mysterious earthquakes, the likes of which it’s never known. The governors are distracted by old traditions, while Bree and her friends grapple with changing identities and the sense that the longer they wait to take action… the greater the danger from Egria grows.
Bree is tired of living under the shadow of King Langdon’s power. And she’s tired of waiting for him to be the first to act.
In this final chapter of the Threats of Sky and Sea series, it all comes down to Nereidium or Egria. To Bree or the King. It’s kill… or be killed.
And not everyone will escape the battle unscathed.

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Previous books in the series:



My Musings  : 

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

The author has done a great job of finishing the series. This book starts off right where the last one ended with the revelation of Bree's true identity. The starting felt a bit slow and tedious for me. I was expecting action from the get go but the first part was spent on the life and people of Nereidium. The glimpse into the mysterious water country was authentic and exciting. I loved the story built around it. If the previous book was about the other countries, then this book is about Nereidium only.

I can totally understand the shock felt by everyone since Bree was tight lipped about her situation. I was sure that all the friendships will be impacted negatively but it wasn't so. The author has maintained a delicate balance with her handling of the characters.

Speaking of characters, everyone grows into their roles easily. Aleta's struggle to find herself tugged on my heart strings because I could understand her feelings. The most growth is seen in Bree with her elevation to a Queen's status. All other were rather background details but without them,the story wouldn't have made sense at all.

The point of views of each chapter from each character has given an intriguing look into their psyche and mind. The author has played the characters like strings on a guitar. The pace of the story was slow but then picked up fast with their re-entry into Egria. But it was a fast read because of the author's writing style which is descriptive and easy to imagine.

The ending was well done with the wrapping up of all the threads except for the future of Caden and Bree. That was the only point which disappointed me. I was expecting more romance but it was very understated, almost nil. All in all, it was a satisfying end to a loveable series.

My rating : 4/5

Author Bio: 

Jennifer Ellision was born and raised in South Florida and lives in perpetual fear of temperatures below 60F. She spent a great deal of her childhood staying up past her bedtime with a book and a flashlight. When she couldn’t find the stories she wanted to read, she started writing them. She has an OTP, loves character analysis, and is a master of the fangirl flail, with a particular soft spot for fanfiction. She frequently bursts into song (and they are often of a Disney persuasion). Sailor Moon is one of her favorite things on this planet.

Threats of Sky and Sea is her first novel.

She also blogs at The Bevy Bibliotheque, where she talks about books, TV, movies, and other things that she goes fangirl over. For review requests or blog inquiries, please visit http://www.thebevybibliotheque.net to contact the blogger who best suits your request.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

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Book Cover Reveal -The Light of Mytis, Ardentia #3 by J.L. Tomlinson

Welcome to the cover reveal of The Light of Mytis , Ardentia - 3 by J L Tomlinson.

Series: Ardentia – Book 3

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Release Date: December 2016

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25124330-the-light-of-mytis

Synopsis

Jahna Mornglow, the half-breed heir to a coveted throne, has defeated the disciples of a fallen god. She has spilled blood to ease the suffering of an uncertain people and has seen the blackened soul of darkness itself. Still, she fights for the Light that will save them all.

But in a time so dire, when The Empyrean Key is almost whole and the end of her journey sits just past the horizon, Sky's revelation will test the foundations of trust and friendship.

Lilac, always cocky and sure, finds her spirit waning; Silko's passionate beliefs no longer comfort him and Arn's loyalty and devotion to the crusade is frailer than ever.

As Jahna and the fragile fellowship make for the tundras of the south to seek out the next key fragment, the malevolent tendrils of the Dark Star tighten their grip on Castle Dubraycon.

Princess Mydra has been broken and enslaved by the High Mage and with the Vessels imprisoned by their corrupt leader, Selizardra is powerless to stop Menon or the dark magic that has corrupted her.

The sands of time will continue to run. Nothing can slow The Pinnacle.

The key must for forged; Hartforn must be found and the true heir must claim their birthrite before all of Ardentia is devoured by shadow.

The Light of Mytis is the mantle of a ruler of worlds and before the end, Jahna will have to ask herself if her shoulders are truly prepared for the weight of destiny.

Author Bio

J.L. Tomlinson was born and bred in the mystical land of New Zealand.

No, she wasn't in Lord of the Rings. No, she doesn't know that guy, Steve. Yes, she has seen a kiwi and they are both powerful and majestic.

As well as writing, J.L. is an inventor, currently designing a sophisticated robot that will spit out a completed manuscript based on a very vague synopsis. Unfortunately, as she hasn't even mastered the TV remote, progress is slow.

The Empyrean Key was her first novel and her unhealthy attachment to the characters has made it easy to continue the series, as well as juggling a dozen other projects.

When not writing or reading, you'll find her playing video games, watching terrible movies and eavesdropping on people who argue in malls. Lastly, she doesn't mind if you call her Jo.

Author Links 
Website: www.jltomlinson.com

Twitter: @JL_Tomlinson

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/JL-Tomlinson/1455721968036934?ref=br_tf

Promotion

Book One – The Empyrean Key and Book Two – Veil of the Corrupter, will both be priced at 99c through amazon.com during the week of the cover reveal (22nd - 29th September)

The Empyrean Key - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MZRO19M

Veil of the Corrupter - 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00RPT7OJ4/ref=series_rw_dp_sw

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Book Cover Reveal - Belakane by Angela Carling and Anna Taylor

For those of you who already love The Secret Keeper series, I'm excited to announce that Belakane, The Origin of The Curse is almost here! Today, the cover reveal and just in time for Halloween, Belakane will be available for purchase October 7th!

To celebrate the cover reveal, Book 1, The Secret Keeper will be completely free from September 24-26th so go grab your copy here:    Nook Books/Barnes and Noble 
Amazon

If you haven't discovered the O-So-Suspenseful-Uniquely-Paranormal Secret Keeper series yet you can read more about Winter and Liam and how Winter's deal with the Secret Keeper alters her life forever!

Here is what readers have said about the series so far:

“I went through the whole gamut of human emotions from guilt to happiness to horror to sorrow through the heroine” --The travelogue of a  Book Addict

"Couldn't put this book down. The characters have grown and you can't help but grow with them. The excitement and detail that is put into this story is fantastic! The way it is written has you believing that the story is real. I can't wait for the next book."
-Kim Snyder

To check out more reviews or purchase any of the books in the Secret Keeper series click Here

Now onto the cover reveal...and we'll throw the blurb in just for fun! Enjoy--and may you never need a secret keeper!

 The Blurb

Belakane lives during the terrifying age of the Salem Witch trials. And, unlike the women around her, she actually is a witch. When Belakane’s magic gets her best friend Martha accused of witchcraft, the powerful sorceress creates a risky enchantment to protect what’s left of the small group of friends who hide her secret.

Will Belakane’s power save her friends or will it be the demise of all she holds dear?

Blog Tour / Book Musings - Mummy's Little Angel by JW Lawson

Blurb :

Mummy's Little Angel is the first place winner of World's Best Story!

Joanne didn’t believe that her life could become worse than it already was. She had lost everybody and everything she had loved. She was alone. Surely she had suffered enough? The press had called her identical twins psychopaths. Her Maggie. Her Annie. But she still loved them, even though one of them had killed her husband, Jeff. Joanne believed that his murder had been an accident. How could one of her girls be a murderer? She knew them better than anybody else. They were good girls really.

She just had to prove it.

The brutal murder of her god-daughter Laura had never been solved. Items were missing when Laura’s remains had been discovered: clues that could lead to the capture of her killer. One of them was Laura’s doll … the doll that Joanne later discovered in her home. Joanne is facing the most horrific dilemma of her life. Has the wrong woman been imprisoned? Could her child have used such brutality against her best friend? Or could both women be innocent after all?

She needs to find somebody for her daughter to confide in; somebody she will trust. She needs a miracle. There is only one person who can help. He is compassionate and caring, with an amazing ability to gain the trust of the most difficult patients. He is Joanne's only hope. He is Jonathan Davies.

Buy the Book:

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Friesen Press

My Musings : 

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

The book delivers more than what is promised in the blurb. The blurb literally sent chills down my spine and my macabre interest had me eager to read the book. The book name is ironically apt in this case.

The starting was a bit confusing for me. It took a few pages to get used to the narration style. It did take me a while to assimilate enough of the story to follow it without much confusion. I say that because the story is planned in such that a way that the reader keeps on guessing and getting confused with the identity of the antagonist. 

The diary type of narration style was good for this specific plot. It fits in well. The alternate points of view via their diary entries shed a lot of light on the lives of the characters especially Joanne, Maggie and Annie. The pace is quite fast and the pages literally fly with the intensity of the plot. I was eagerly turning the pages trying to figure out the villainess. I was second guessing myself till the end. 

All the characters are fleshed out well. They are very defined and they fit in well with each other and the story. None of them are superfluous at any stage. I believe this story has no main character and I feel that every has an important part in the tale. 

There is so much evil defined in the book. This isn't for the faint of heart. There is so much death, torture, and betrayal that it does leave a rather dark impact on the reader. But as a psychological thriller/mystery it is a very good read. 

This is the first book I have read by the author and I have come to like her writing style very much. And I can recommend this to readers who enjoy dark reads unflinchingly.

My rating : 4.5/5

Book Trailer :

Author's Bio:

Award Winning Author, JW Lawson is already gaining recognition for her writing talents in the US and world-wide. The second of a trilogy of sensational thrillers,Mummy's Little Angel is the winner of the highly acclaimed Worlds Best Story competition and has also received some outstanding reviews from the professional team of judges in the competition. She is currently writing her third thriller, Crossroads which will be available in 2017 and the final book of the current series, Hush Little Baby will be available in 2018.

Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

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Book Musings - No Safe Zone by Adite Banerjie

Title : No Safe Zone
Author : Adite Banerjie
Genre : Contemporary Romance
Source : Free book from the author

Blurb :

Qiara Rana will do anything to save her mentor and their non-government organization from ruin. Even if it means visiting the city she had vowed never to return to. But within a few hours of landing in New Delhi, she is being chased by a gunman and is a potential suspect in the murder of a high-profile businessman.

The only person she can turn to for help is Kabir Shorey, the man who stood her up ten years ago. Past and present collide in a deadly plot of crime and greed that moves from the cosmopolitan streets of Delhi to the bazaars and villages of Rajasthan.

My Musings :

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. And this in no way impacts my views.

I didn't realise how symbolic the name and cover were till the end of the book. More than half of the book is spent by the protagonists on a bike and the name completely gets the point of lives being full of risk.

The blurb sure got my attention and coupled with the author's name, I was interested in checking out the book. I haven't read any of her other books but I have heard good things about the author. And I am glad that I have read her book now. Her writing sure did live up to the hype. I went into the book without any idea and came out dazed at the end.

The protagonists are strong characters. Qiara is determined, passionate and sassy while Kabir is confident and almost cocky in his behaviour and has a hidden tender side to him. While I liked Qiara immediately in spite of her unwillingness to trust because of her past, it took a while to warm up to Kabir. He did get on my good side by his actions to protect Qiara though he did irk me at times with his too charming self.

There were a number of characters to get used to, especially the antagonists. This is where I felt the author could have had given more details. While Qiara and Kabir were fully fleshed out, I think the antagonists were only partly dwelt on because of their parts in the story. The readers don't get to meet them till the end actually. Most of the time, we get to know them only from a third person's point of view. I would have liked a more valid presence and direct action by them. I was a bit disappointed by them.

The author sure does know how to get hold of a reader's attention, what with the blurb and then the beginning of the book. The entry point into the tale is rather abrupt. I was plunged right into a situation and then a helter-skelter ride into Qiara's present and past. The plot is rather fast paced and I wasn't given any chance to catch my breath. One after the other, the events pile onto each other leading to the finale.

I could literally see the electricity sparking between Qiara and Kabir. The chemistry is very hot and it sets the right touch of romance to the suspense part.The author's writing is pretty perfect. She has a simple coherent style which helps in imagining the scenes easily.The ending is well done leaving no unravelled threads. All the plot lines were neatly wrapped up.

I can definitely see myself reading her other books. I can't wait to see how she has handled pure romance themes in her other books.

My rating : 4/5

Blog Tour / Book Musings - Called Up by Jen Doyle

Called Up

A Calling It Novel

By: Jennifer Doyle

Releasing August 29, 2016 

Carina Press

Blurb

There are two things Max “Deke” Deacon can always count on: his old high school teammates and Fitz Hawkins. But no matter how much Deke might secretly fantasize otherwise, a relationship with one of his best friends is off limits. Until one unexpectedly smoldering encounter has Deke and Fitz looking at each other in a whole new way.

Angelica “Fitz” Hawkins knows for a fact that it is not better to have loved and lost. After losing her parents, she’d rather lock up her heart and throw away the key than endure that kind of pain again. If that means giving up any hope of a lasting relationship, then so be it.

With Deke, Fitz finally feels like she's back in the land of the living. But she won’t risk another broken heart—even if it means saying good-bye to Deke for good. It’s up to Deke to convince her that the safest place she could ever be is right here with him.

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30237695-called-up

Buy Links: Amazon | B & N | iTunes | Kobo

My Musings : 

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

I had no idea when I started reading the book that it would even surpass Calling It. If I loved Calling It then I heart Called Up. This book is much more than the first. The author continues to rock the readers with her awesome story-telling skills.

This book is an extension of the previous one. All the characters are present from it and it focuses on Fitz and Deke and oh my hotness, this is one complicated relationship. The tropes of best friends to lovers and best friend's sister are very much present in this book. But it's not limited to the very often used themes. The book is much much more! It has all the angst of a complicated small town life and the past baggage derived from it.

I liked Fitz earlier but totally fell in love with her in this book. She has so much heart in spite of being hurt by everyone in the past. I for one salute her for her strong will and cheerful attitude. I understood her hurt and I felt so bad for her. Deke is one hero who gets better and better as the story progresses. He changes from an uncomplicated easy going guy to a sensitive person in the end. One thing I never understood was how he could be so blind with his friends' situations.

The small town feel is authentic and the darker side is revealed in the pages of the book. Usually only the bright parts are highlighted but the author did right in bringing to light the negative nuances of a small town. Kudos to the author for her wonderful writing and her gumption. The writing was easy to read and I got lost in the characters in no time.

This book is a easy one to reread and I believe it will touch my heart every time I read it. This is one book which easily falls under my favourite reread books. And that tells me that the author is one to watch out for. I can't wait to read about the other characters.

My rating : 5/5

Meet the Author :

A big believer in happily ever afters, Jen Doyle decided it was high time she started creating some. Jen is a member of the Romance Writers of America, as well as a member of the New England, New Jersey Romance Writers and Music City Romance Writer chapters of RWA. She is represented by Sarah E. Younger of the Nancy Yost Literary Agency. She has an M.S. in Library and Information Science and, in addition to her work as a librarian, has worked as a conference and events planner as well as a Communications and Enrollment administrator in both preschool and higher education environments (although some might say that there is very little difference between the two; Jen has no comment regarding whether she is one of the “some”).

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

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Blog Tour / Book Musings - Haven by Katherine Bogle

Blurb :

Haven (Chronicles of Warshard #1) is the 2nd place winner of World's Best Story!

Princess Haven was never meant to be Queen.

Her immortality has saved her time and time again, but when the last of her royal family dies at her feet, she is next in line to rule a nation on the brink of war. With no formal training on how to be Queen, Haven must rise to the occasion with the help of her best friends, and personal guard, or risk losing everyone she has ever loved.

With war to the West, and no escape to the East, the evil tyrant Kadia sets her sights on the six kingdoms. Haven's neighbors are quick to fall under the swords of Kadia's shadow soldiers, leaving a sea of bodies and a clear path to Haven's only home. Haven must make a choice; take her people and flee to the foreign Republic across the sea or lead a last stand against a powerful dictator.

Buy the Book:

Amazon ~ Barnes & Nobles ~ Book Depository ~ Indigo Chapters

My Musings : 

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

I love strong female protagonists and this book has it in spades. The story revolves around Haven who unexpectedly becomes the Queen of her people. The book is full of war tactics and politics but it's not too heavy to detract from the enjoyment.

Haven is a very strong heroine. She goes through so much physical and emotional pain inspite of which she is kind and protective of her people who are in turn protective of their Queen. This shows the loyalty of everyone. This is one of the themes wrapped up in the layers of the tale. There are so many thematic layers to the story that it was a great read! I was able to follow Haven's story of courage and strong will to do anything for her people's good.

The author has given a very strong character for Haven such that she can do no wrong in the eyes of the beholder. I loved her independence, her will-power and her gentle disposition. Her relationships with her guards-friends, Mira, Emeril and Corrin are all special and add complexity to her story. Because this is primarily Haven's story. Emeril and Corrin were given adequate attention but they felt lacking, as lacking with the supporting cast. Though the side characters were good at adding to the details of the story, they were blurred in their definitions. And I generally love to know more about the side characters.

The writing was very descriptive and the imagery was perfectly conveyed to the readers. The pace was very slow at the beginning but halfway through it picked up and stayed that way till the end. Though it was slow, the reading wasn't tedious at all. It helped to fill in the details of the world around Haven. The only regret was that the other kingdoms weren't highlighted much in the book. I hope the following books in the series would expand on them.

The romantic aspect was perfectly planned and I rooted for the wrong person at the beginning. This is a perfect example of appearances causing deception. As the story progressed I was able to see who makes for the better hero. The ending was kind of rushed in my opinion. But this has made me wonder about the sequel.

All in all, it was a very fast read inspite of slow pace with plenty of adventure and action. The fighting was invigorating and fun to read through. I look forward to the series and hope that the whole world and other kingdoms are given more time in the limelight.

My rating : 3.5/5 


Meet the Author :

Katherine Bogle's debut young adult novel, Haven, came second in the World's Best Story contest 2015. She currently resides in Saint John, New Brunswick with her partner in crime, and plethora of cats.

Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

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