Saturday, December 14, 2013

"The Chronicles of Fire and Ice" Gets A New Cover!!

Title: Fire and Ice
Series: The Legend of the Archangel.
Genre: NA Paranormal Romance/ Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Collective Presse/ Writer’s Bloq Inc
Format: eBook
Release Date: December 10 2013
Archangels are extinct and the world is now inhabited by a half-human/half-angel race called Nephilim. But it’s been told that one Archangel remains – a child born of fire only known as The Legend.

21-year-old Nephilim Scarlett Porter is about to start her Angel training at the infamous Blackbell Academy, so she doesn’t have time to worry about dreams of mysterious dark angels. The last thing she expected was her dream angel to be Dyston Blackbell or that finding her was part of his mission – a mission Dyston is prepared to fail to keep Scarlett and the secret of who she is safe.

But, danger is closer to Dyston and Scarlett than they realize.

War is brewing, led by a group of Nephilim called The Lucifites, and they need The Legend to carry out their plans. With the help of their friends, the two must find the leader of the Lucifites and stop his plans for destruction. But will Dyston and Scarlett’s love survive what’s coming? How far will Scarlett go to save those she cares about the most?


Author’s Bio:
L.L. Hunter is an Australian author who began writing when she was fifteen or sixteen, originally song lyrics, but then moved onto fanfiction when she was nineteen, having published over 20 stories online- One of which was nominated for an award. She has also written, directed and starred in two original plays entitled, “No Frills Airlines: Flight 123,” and the sequel, “No frills Airlines: Come Fly with Us.” The latter of which was a musical.
She has studied everything from veterinary nursing, forensic science and dramatic arts but has always known her true calling to be writing.
Her hobbies include writing her books, reading, singing, acting, directing, watching movies, 50’s fashion and playing with her animals. When she is not writing she can be found reading somewhere comfortable with one or both of her ‘furbabies’.
You can connect with L.L Hunter on Twitter, (@llhunterbooks) Facebook, Goodreads, her blog llhunter.blogspot.com.au, or her website www.llhunter.moonfruit.com

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Thursday, September 5, 2013

Blog Tour: Sanguis City & Author's Interview

I introduce you the first full length novel in the adult paranormal romance series with an urban fantasy edge, Sanguis City!!
**For Mature Audiences Only**
Ever wonder what happens after the world ends?
Lilanoir Rue did. A mere by product of the destruction, she never knew what
happened before hand either. Banished from the only place she called home,
the Human Reservation, she wipes her tears and never looks back.
In a world gone dead, life has never been so good, for some. While others
live in chaos, the chosen call Sanguis City home. The rich and powerful
found a way to survive The End and enjoy every minute of it, for eternity.
On the brink of a gruesome death from starvation, disease or a hungry
mutant, humans flock to sell their blood for peace.
The city of blood, made for and by vampires, welcomes Noir; her kind are in
high demand. Neither Human nor Vampire, Bleeders take care of the city in
the daylight. Draining humans by day and dating Vampires at night leaves
Noir little time to think about her past, or much else, until it finds her.
Three years in the city has earned her a promising career, future and just
maybe a love life. Noir's chaotic life is finally on the right track. When
Noir falls for her sexy new Professor, an Authentic Vampire she also falls
into a web of nightmares. Unable to escape painful memories, she uncovers
more than her own secrets. Some secrets just won't stay dead, and others are
bound to kill her.


Author's Bio:
Morgan Jane Mitchell is an American author who spent years blogging politics and health trends before she rediscovered her love of writing fiction. Her new series, Sanguis City, is a hot paranormal romance with an urban fantasy edge.
Come sink your teeth in www.themorganjane.com






And here's the author's interview...
1. As we always start on the interviews, try to describe your book in one sentence.

Noir, a side effect of The End or the vampire apocalypse, uncovers deadly secrets about Sanguis City and herself in this sexy, suspenseful mystery.

2. Why a story about vampires? What is so fascinating for you that you decided to write about them?

I love vampire books! For me it is pure fun. I spent a long time as a political blogger and that was no fun, but a vampire isn’t too different from a politician. A vampire’s need to feed off of humans fascinates me; it can be sexy or scary. They are sneaky; you never know if you can trust them. I thought a lot about how my vampires would be different and how they would actually work biologically. I wanted them to be less magical and more like another humanoid species, even if all that hasn’t been revealed in the series yet. The fact that vampires can be so ancient and have an enormous history is one thing that intrigues me the most about them as well.

3. Did you do any research before starting writing?

Actually, I did in a roundabout way. I had just visited the Cherokee Reservation in North Carolina, so when I was writing I thought it would be a perfect place for my human reservation. I researched quite a bit about mutations and genetic engineering even though the reader only knows what my main character knows, I had to make my world more believable for myself. I am sure the information will be helpful later in the series. For one of my vampires, I tried to place him in time, figure out where he was from and what his human life would have been like. I found some mythology that is in the back of my mind about Sander and his brother. Although, I have changed it to suit my needs, it is neat to base some things on reality. Again, most of the research I have done has only been slightly touched upon in this first book in the series. I feel like I have laid the ground work to build it up.

4. You are a new author. Was it hard to write the book? What kept you stable to finish it and not give up? Did you have any support?

Although I am a new author, I have been blogging and writing freelance for years. Also, I have written enough fan fiction to fill at least 20 books. So, it was easy for me to finish because I have completed long stories before. I consider myself a story teller. I love to tell a story and that makes pushing through tempting when I know someone wants to read my work. With fan fiction it was easier because I had readers asking for another chapter. With my book, I stopped in the middle of writing it and released two short stories because my character needed a back story. I had to set it in stone, so I could have people asking for Sanguis City. I did have support from my author friend Glenna Maynard. She is my biggest fan and encourages me to continue. My husband was supportive too by listening to me dream up my world and trying to give me the enormous amount of time and peace I needed to finish the book.

5. How long did it take to finish it? Did you had "author's block" at some point and if so, what you did to get over it?

I have been playing with the idea since 2008, writing some here and there. In November 2012, I
started writing more but stopped so many times. Writing the two prequels helped me get over my
block at one point. Another thing I do when I have writers block is write a different story, accept a
writing challenge or write poetry. Also, it helps me to get away from writing and create something I
can finish quickly and successfully. For me that means cooking something fabulous, making a sock
monkey, painting a picture or putting rainbow streaks in my hair.

6. Are you reading or writing something else right now?

I am working on the second book in the Sanguis City series. I don’t outline so the story unfolds before my eyes, sort of like reading a book. Also, I am working on two standalone romance/erotica. I am not sure if I will release them under my real name, but I have never used a pen name before.

7. Did you always wanted to be a writer or it just happened?

When I was very young I wanted to be an author or artist of some kind but those dreams faded. I
never thought I could do it, even while blogging since 2000 and taking jobs to write articles for
ezines! I used to publish a poetry magazine and never thought of including my own work. I wrote fan
fiction for four years and never thought about publishing my own work then either! It was not until
my friend read a 160,000 word fan fiction that I wrote that has had over 100,000+ views and 600+
reviews. She told me she loved it and that I have to write my own story. She read some of my original
work and pushed me to publish it. Fans have been telling me to do it for years, but I guess it coming
from someone that knows me personally meant more.

8. How important you find the communication between you and your readers? Do you reply to their messages or read their reviews?

Most important, I love to hear what readers think of my work. Nothing makes me happier or
motivates me more! Every time I write on Sanguis City – Carpe Noctem it is for everyone that is
excited to read what happens next. Like I said, I had 600 fan fiction reviews – I would love to have
that for my original work, but I haven’t gotten there yet. I loved talking to those fans and getting their
feedback. Actually, I miss fan fiction for that reason. Releasing a chapter at a time and reading
reactions is a huge rush! I wish more people that have read Sanguis City would review or email me!
Come on people, I need it!

9. There are many people that want to be authors. What do you suggest them?

Write, write and write… then let people read it for free and see what they think. If your response is
good, go for it! I may not be the best writer but there is an audience for my work. Find your audience
and start making them happy.

10. Something special you want to share?

I would like to say that I have met so many wonderful authors and bloggers on this adventure. I am so
thankful to be working in such a supportive community of Indie authors. Also, I dedicated Sanguis
City to my fan fiction readers. They are truly the reason I love to write. Their feedback has been the
backbone of everything I write now. I made sure to give them lots of lemons in the book, LOL, inside
FF joke.

And the small ones:

-Your favourite books and author?

Charlaine Harris and her Southern Vampire Mysteries

-Your favourite band/singer?

Tori Amos is my all-time favourite. I have been listening to her since I was a kid.

-Favourite place in the world?

I love the beach, any of them!

-Last movie you watched at the cinemas?

Star Trek Into Darkness

-The last book you've read?

Beautiful Liar by Glenna Maynard

-Have you ever googled yourself?

Been Googling myself since Google was invented! I had a
website in 1997 called MorganJane’s Paisley Crib that had silly animated graphics and midi files.

-Writing, reading or hanging out with friends?

All please!

-If you wouldn't be a writer, what you would be?

An organic farmer, I have a huge garden and
plans somewhere to expand to raising chickens for eggs.

-And last one....printed or ebooks?

Used to be printed but ebooks have grown on me. I like to read the ebook but want to own the book for my growing library.


 Thank you Morgan, for the awesome interview and your kind words for your fans!!
Now, off you go to buy and read her amazing book!!

Friday, August 23, 2013

"Based on...": A good or a bad thing??

We read many times on summaries the words “Based on (title from a classic book/play/story/ etc)…” and since we sometimes love the original title, we immediately convince ourselves to give the alternative a chance.
We, obviously, cannot be sure if the book is going to be good, but since it’s based on something else, it’s going to be worth our time, correct? Wrong! Because sometimes, the authors tend to twist the new story so much that the original story vanishes and leaves you with an empty feeling.

The reviews following are the examples of a nice copy and a bad copy of the original titles.

Book Review: Tris & Izzie
A modern retelling of the German fairytale "Tristan and Isolde", Tris and Izzie is about a young witch named Izzie who is dating Mark King, the captain of the basketball team and thinks her life is going swimmingly well. Until -- she makes a love potion for her best friend Brangane and then ends up taking it herself accidentally, and falling in love with Tristan, the new guy at school.

REVIEW:
I remember the first time I saw the movie “Tristan & Isolde”. Needless to say, I cried at the end. The actors were awesome, the story was awesome, the myth was awesome.
So, when I saw this book, I knew that I had to read it.

I was so convinced that the book was going to be great, that I demanded full privacy to read it. I started with this great feeling I always have when I start a new book. So, you can only guess my surprise, when after the first chapters I found out that the book, actually sucked. I pressed forward, though, but as I was going deeper into the story the more I wasn’t changing my mind.

The story is so far away from the real thing, that I think the author just kept the names. The writing is poor and the story lacks foundation. It has so many different elements, that don’t connect correctly. The characters are worse. They are supposed to be 17-year-old, but they act so childish and their reactions to situations were far from the reality. The friendships and the romantic links are so light that tend to be fake. Plus, there was neither depth nor realism on their connections and story. Everything happens so fast that you cannot follow easily.

All in all, I think that the author scratches the surface. What is more dissapointing is the fact that the author is know for her other works and has written in the past stories of the same genre. The story could have been a great read if it was taken care better.

Book Review: Falling For Hamlet
Meet Ophelia: a blonde, beautiful high-school senior and long-time girlfriend of Prince Hamlet of Denmark. Her life is dominated not only by her boyfriend's fame and his overbearing family, but also by the paparazzi who hound them wherever they go. As the devastatingly handsome Hamlet spirals into madness after the mysterious death of his father, the King, Ophelia rides out his crazy roller coaster life, and lives to tell about it. In live television interviews, of course.

Passion, romance, drama, humor, and tragedy intertwine in this compulsively readable debut novel, told by a strong-willed, modern-day Ophelia.

REVIEW:

I haven’t read the play, but I’ve seen the movie. The one that was placed on our world, but the actors were reciting the actual-real-deal-old-English lines. So I knew what happens at the end, more or less.

This book is an alternative way of presenting the play, placed on our world, about a modern royal family. The names of the characters stick the same, because, as the author says at her note, it's easier that way to understand the role each one has. The story starts and you know something big has happened. Each chapter has a certain motif and you get information piece by piece, in order to keep you interesting. The author doesn't follow a straight line, but she gives us flashbacks of Ophelia's life, who's point of view we are following, so we can understand completely her reactions and feelings.

At the end of the book, the author writes a note, where she explains her reasons why she decided to create this story and how the inspiration stricked her. She also suggest us that the Shakespear's plays were meant to be watched, not read, and that if we haven't yet, we should watch a play or a movie, an original or an alternative version. That the worlds Shakespear used, might be great, but that wasn't the point of writting them. I found her advises and her note very inspiring and interesting. It's good to know beforehand, that the author of this alternative version of a classic play, not only knows what she's doing, but also respects the play enough, to write something new and yet close to the original.

All in all, the book is well presented and the author doesn't destroy the original play, which was the point. It was a very nice and anxious story, by which I caught myself many times wanting to read more in order to know what will happen. I loved it, it was the author's first work into this type of genre and I think she nailed it.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Book Review: Ashes

ASHES is a YA paranormal thrill-ride. Book 2 in the gripping Arson trilogy.

MORE THAN THREE MONTHS HAVE PASSED SINCE ARSON AND EMERY WERE SUDDENLY TAKEN. TAKEN AND THEN SEPARATED. AND EXPERIMENTED ON.

The minds running Salvation Asylum have abducted them for a dark purpose. A campaign has been set in motion to genetically alter mankind. Unknowingly, Arson has become the most vital instrument in this global scheme, initiated by a select group of brilliant scientists and cunning world leaders. Confused, trapped, and unable to fully manifest his abilities, Arson faces a new existence crawling with questions. Will he ever see Emery again? Is Grandma still alive? Can the fate of the human race really hang in the balance of one choice?

Nightmare and reality collide in Ashes, book two in the gripping ARSON trilogy. Love will be tested. Powers will shift. And the past will invade the here and now as Arson discovers a part of himself he has never before known and fights against his own shocking origins. Will this boy who once tempted fire be able to take on a fearful future? When the struggle intensifies and secrets come to light, will Arson be ready to accept the haunting revelation that there may be others out there, others like him?


REVIEW:
This is the second book of the series, and as I said in the previous review, I couldn’t wait to read it. Remember when I was saying that I have so many unanswered questions? Well, let’s just say, that in this book, you get more answers than expected.

In the first book, I was thinking that the author has created a very simple story, between a boy with powers and a girl with problems. In this book we learn more of the story, more of the past, and more of the background. The things that are happening without our characters ever knew about. We learn that they both belong to something bigger and more dangerous, and that makes the book very exiting and very interesting.

To tell you the truth, the author inserts so many new information, that in some point you get lost and you confuse characters. We travel in the past and in the present, and we are able to see all the aspects. What happens a lot, is the fact that we -the readers- are able to know more than the actual characters and we can, more or less, create a semi-complete image for them, which makes us sympathize or hate all of them. There are not stupid decisions all the actions have a purpose or a point that we can justify.

There is action, and by this, I mean some very nice and vivid scenes, where characters are kicking butt. And there are many twists. Don’t expect to learn everything in this book. You will learn some, but you will finish it with other questions surrounding your head. And don’t expect to see much of Arson and Emery, either. In the beginning it’s bothering, but, as I said, everything in this book serves a bigger purpose.

Bottom line, I loved it. It was full of surprises, especially during the end. My mouth was hanging open and my eyes were popped out once more. The author did it again. If you thought that the first book was little boring and too focused on Arson and Emery, wait to read this one. It will leave you with the appropriate amount of questions to make you want to read the next (and as far as I know final) book. I, personally, can’t wait.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Book Review: Blood of the Sorcerer

Love will be tested, great powers will emerge, secrets will be revealed, and hearts will break over a death no one saw coming….

Princess Alannah hoped that upon her arrival in Anrad, things would begin to look up. But she comes to find that the warrior fae that she has fallen in love with is truly the Prince of Anrad and has been betrothed to another by his dying father. Isibeal, his betrothed, is beautiful, strong, and hiding a secret that Alannah is determined to reveal.

Adding to her worries, her sister Evyette has set off on a journey to uncover her increasingly mysterious past. Finally discovering who she is and where she came from, Evyette will find that some things are better left unknown. As Tristan and Kaleb help Eveytte through this discovery, she is yanked from their clutches by Samil who has volunteered her as the final sacrifice for him to remain in this realm.

Will Alannah succeed in her training at the hands of Master Jadoc, the Elder Faerie and still make it in time to join Tristan and Kaleb in stopping Samil? Will Brennus go against his dying father's last request and follow his heart?

REVIEW:
When I was asked to read and review this book, I had to say yes. I loved the first book of the series, as I recall, I had lots of questions, so I had to read the second one too.

Truth be told, not a thing changes when it comes to the writing. The scenes are small and we get to know many different aspects of the book, since it’s not written by any point of view. The descriptions make the story vivid and alive so much, that there were times I was dreaming of the beautiful places in the book.

As for the characters, many things change here as they get more mature and they keep learning more and more things. Same thing applies for the bad guys as well.
Alannah starts her training. Again, many great scenes described by the author, since as I said in the previous review, she can write really great fight scenes.
Evyette gets to know many things about her past that many times I was left with my eyes wide open.
And as for the guys, Tristan, Kaleb and Brennus, I have to admit that there are all so great characters that I can’t choose among them. They are so nice to the girls and the others around them, and they are also very brave.

Unfortunately, many sad things happen, that I’ll not say. They were sad and unfair and I think I cried once or twice. Also, the book ends with a major cliff hanger. So much as I thought I didn’t have the rest of the book and the author forgot to send me the rest. I was going to send an e-mail to her, when I thought better, and re-read the few last paragraphs some times, to understand that that was the end of the book.

Bottom line, I liked it. It was as great as the first one, actually, I little better than the first. I can’t wait to read the next one as soon as possible, because I have to learn the conclusion of the story.

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Book Review: Double Click

Fans of the romantic hit Click: An Online Love Story will enjoy another voyeuristic dive into the lives of Renee, Shelley, Ashley, Mark and Ethan, as Double Click picks up with their lives six months later. Are Renee and Ethan soul mates? Does Mark ever go on a date? Has Shelley run out of sexual conquests in Los Angeles? Will Ashley's judgmental nature sabotage her budding relationship? Through a marriage proposal, wedding, new baby and unexpected love twist, Double Click answers these questions and more. Readers will continue to cheer, laugh, cry and cringe following the email exploits of Renee and friends.

REVIEW:
I was expecting this book to arrive in my mailbox ever since I finished the first one. Truth be told, I don't know what new to write, that I haven't already mentioned. I guess I'll have to repeat things from the previous post about the first book, and I hope that'll ok with you.

As in the first book of the series, the characters here speak only through e-mails. There are parts missing, important parts of the daily routine of the characters, but by sharing the e-mails the author manages to make them reveal to us.

It was fast, since you just read e-mails all the time. And there were some larger e-mails, with stories the characters were sharing for the first time. So in a way, I was getting to know the characters for the first time, even though I spend time meeting them in the first book.

In this one, we see the characters more mature, though they are 30-years-old give or take, and there are two new characters entering the conversations. Ethan, who's Renne's boyfriend, and Cassidy, whom I'll not reveal the role. Again, there are not descriptions of the characters, so you are free to identify your friends or yourself in them.

Bottom line, I liked it. It was as good as the first. I liked how the characters are changing and going throught different phases. And I liked that there were stories left to be told, not only among them, face to face, but also share them with us, via e-mails. Now, I can't wait to read the next book, if there is going to be any (and between you and me, I really hope there is).

Monday, May 20, 2013

Book Spotlight: The Circle (+Giveaway)

Circle copy




The Circle

Calum Ranson is sure of three things: his cousin Finley is alive, Calum will find him, and no one knows Calum and his family are Sidhe. No one until Laurel shows up at his mother's bookstore wearing a dark clan's mark. When Calum learns the details surrounding the disappearance of Laurel's brother, he suspects the evil Hobayeth clan. Calum and Laurel work together in the Realm of Man and the Otherworld to rescue her brother - revealing a connection between Calum and Laurel that may cost Finley his life.


Praise

"The Circle is full of magic and mystery. Readers will be engrossed in faerie realms, charming characters, and a state of wonder and imagination. The Circle is for those who delight in reading fantasy and exploring mystical worlds."

--Kathleen Fox, LibraryGames.com

 
Author Cindy Cipriano

Cindy Cipriano lives in NC with her husband, son, and 27 pets. Okay, more like one cat, three dogs, and many, many fish. Cindy is an award winning science teacher, who this past August celebrated her 12th first day of sixth grade.




Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 5/31/13

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Movie Review: Hansel & Gretel Witch Hunters

In this spin on the fairy tale, Hansel & Gretel are now bounty hunters who track and kill witches all over the world. As the fabled Blood Moon approaches, the siblings encounter a new form of evil that might hold a secret to their past.

REVIEW:
I wanted to see this one, ever since I saw the trailer. Due to other stuff, I couldn't, since now.

Let me start by telling, that I love when Hollywood picks "innocent" classic stories and makes them darker, pumped with special effects and gorgeous characters. Unfortunately, in the same time, it shows us, how little fantasy it has. How the writers over there are out of ideas, since they have reduced the themes to the minimum, and the only things that are left to film are classic stories and books.

The same thing happens with Hansel & Gretel. The all time favorite fairytale for youngsters, who only imagine the house of candy and, well, the candy, has been turned into a film with dark, ugly and hideous witches and kick-ass characters.

The story takes some twists when it comes to the siblings' past and the entire movie had a meaning and a storyline that fitted together great. The characters are kick-ass, especially Gretel, while Hansel turned out to have some flashes of cleverness of his own.

But, there are some negative points too. Firstly, the story is short, just an hour and half. It was super fast, the events were happening quickly and you didn't have much time to digest all of them. Then, the holes. In order to keep the movie running the script presented holes, like, how they managed to meet in a forest as vast as they say, etc. Lastly, the answers. The questions asked were nice, but their answers were easy.

The movie has many bloody scenes. At least, they made some really nice killings. And the steampunk note, with their guns, made the movie more appealing.

Bottom line, I liked it. I had a nice time before going to sleep. The killings gave me some nightmares, but I guess that's ok. I don't know if I should suggest it or not. I'll just say, that if you don't have anything else to watch, you might as well see this one.

P.S.: They are about to release a new Hansel & Gretel movie, which will have drugs and witches. When I say, that Hollywood is out of ideas, I mean it.

Friday, May 3, 2013

Book Review: Scarlette


What if Little Red Riding Hood was real?
Ninety years before the Brothers Grimm penned their version of "Little Red Riding Hood," an historic, gruesome series of events shocked all of Europe. Starting in 1764, an unidentified wolf-like animal ferociously mauled dozens of peasants in the Gévaudan region of France.

Whispered rumors of unnatural creatures blended with age-old superstition to cause mass hysteria. A werewolf was blamed for the carnage. Alarmed, King Louis XV sent his best huntsmen to rid the province of the beastly scourge, but this legendary massacre had only just begun.

Scarlette, a 19-year-old seamstress who is laboring to make ends meet, lives under this dark threat. Although fearful of the nightmarish monster lurking in the surrounding forest, she remains skeptical of the supernatural gossip.

Until her grandmother is attacked.

Scarlette learns that her grandmother has been infected by the animal’s bite. Desperate to save her, Scarlette begins to uncover the dark secrets of her village and finds there are those who wish to keep their pasts hidden. As time grows short, Scarlette is befriended by a local nobleman and a woodcutter who both share an eerie history with the wolf.

Scarlette must unravel the men’s connection and solve a long-forgotten crime. But as she pieces together the clues, Scarlette finds herself torn between the two men. Both of them desire more than friendship and together hold the key to the cure.

Based on both the traditional Grimm and Charles Perrault versions of "Little Red Riding Hood," this dark YA novel is set against the Beast of Gévaudan attacks, blending history with fairy-tale and gothic romance. Unique to the genre, the novel revives the French fable of the girl-in-the-red-cloak with a new, shockingly real existence that blurs the line between folklore and reality.


REVIEW:
I've "known" Davonna ever since the blog started running. So, when she asked me if I'd like to read and review her book after my unshamefull comment on how much I liked the cover, I couldn't say no. Mind you, that the opinion written on this review has nothing to do with how much I like Davonna as a person. I think that Davonna and every other author on this world would respect an honest review than a fake one.
And after I made my point clear, let me start...

For starters, the story is written by Scarlette's point of view. That means, that we are as blind as her when it comes to most facts. Secondly, the book has nice descriptions that keep an image vivid in your head, but not too exhausting. Lastly, the characters: Scarlette is young, naive, but not too much. She is persistant and wants to find answers, but in a way that you can call her hotheaded and annoying. As for the guys, Louis and Francois, the things get more complicated, since they are both nice but mysterious.

What you can hold and admire in the book is the fact that it's not too tiring nor anxious. It took me some time to finish it, due to homework and reading, and I was managing a chapter or two every other day, but with a level effect. It's not that I wasn't anxious to read the entire thing, but in each chapter a new information was coming to light. A new element or a scene, that was creating a more clear picture as what to follow. I had to admit that the reason this book didn't make me want to read it in one seat, was because I had to calm down every other chapter.

AND the thing most important of all: the research!! I mean, when an author spends her time reading stories of Red Riding Hood, French books and language, in order to write her own, you have to respect it. One last thing: aside the three-paged note in the beggining for the making of the book and some explainations, Davonna also includes a short-story of Francois's point of view at some point in the main storyline.

Bottom line, I liked it. It was a book with foundations, interesting plot and nice cover (and yes, that's important). Truth be told, what is left of the book, is not the romance in it, but the action, the myths and the feeling of closure, which is rare to find in books those days.

Sunday, April 14, 2013

Blog Tour: The Chronicles of Blood & Stone + Author's Interview

Who remembers The Legend of the Archangel series, Book 1: The Chronicles of Fire and Ice?? Well, I present you the Book 2: The Chronicles of Blood and Stone!! 

The story continues in book two of The Legend of the Archangel.

After the death of Kat, Jacob flees and goes off on his own
But when he discovers that her soul is missing and being held captive by the Lucifites, he sets off on a mission to get it back.
Blackmail leads to revenge and revenge leads to blood.
Will he fulfill his task, or will the bloodshed reveal a new side of Jacob?

On the way he uncovers a secret plot, one that leaves the Nephilim race in danger of being wiped out. Will Jacob and his friends be able to stop the rebellion before it happens?

Is love stronger than revenge?



Buy link:
And if you haven't purchased the first book, here's the buy link fo that one too:



Author's Bio:
I am an Australian author who began writing when I was fifteen or sixteen, originally song lyrics, but then moved onto fanfiction when I was nineteen. Having published over 20 stories online. One of which was nominated for an award. I have also written, directed and starred in two original plays entitled, “No Frills Airlines: Flight 123,” and the sequel, “No frills Airlines: Come Fly with Us.” The latter of which was a musical.
I have studied everything from veterinary nursing, forensic science and dramatic arts but have always known my true calling was writing.
My hobbies include, writing my books and scripts, reading, singing, acting, directing, watching movies, 50’s fashion and playing with my animals. When I am not writing I can be found reading somewhere comfortable with one or both of my ‘furbabies’.

And here's the author's interview....

1. As we always start on the interviews, try to describe your book in one sentence.
A dark and revengeful urban fantasy full of angels and demons.
2. Why a story about angels? What is so fascinating for you that you decided to write about them?
As I was raised Catholic, I became increasingly frustrated as to why there wasn’t many references to angels in the bible, or really, angel lore. There just wasn’t enough out there, so I began to research and that sparked my desire to write a novel based on angels that was rich with its own history and lore.
3. Did you do any research before starting writing?
I only researched a few of the archangels and Rome but the rest of what’s in this book is either pure imagination or based on real memories.
4. You are a new author. Was it hard to write the book? What kept you stable to finish it and not give up? Did you have any support?
No it wasn’t really hard because this was the second book I’ve written. I had lots of support from friends and family, pushing me to finish and get my work out there and achieve my dream.
5. How long did it take to finish it? Did you have "author's block" at some point and if so, what you did to get over it?
I was writing this book, The Chronicles of Blood and Stone simultaneously with The Chronicles of Fire and Ice so it took me about 4- 5 months to finish. A lot faster than the first book. I didn’t really have any writer’s block with this, it came to me pretty fast.
6. Are you reading or writing something else right now?
I am currently writing two books, the third book in the Legend of the Archangel series, and the first book of its sister series, The Garden of Eden, which is YA. I am also plotting out another completely different YA novel.
As for reading, I am currently reading Recalled by Cambria Hebert and Entice by Jessica Shirvington.
7. Have you always wanted to be a writer or it just happened?
I’ve always had a passion for writing, anything creative really, but writing was always what I was best at.
8. How important you find the communication between you and your readers? Do you reply to their messages or read their reviews?
I think communicating with my readers is extremely important. So many authors don’t even talk to their fans. It’s very important to listen to their feedback, because they are what make or break your work.
9. There are many people that want to be authors. What do you suggest them?
First, finish what you are working on.
Second, get people to read your work, friends, family etc and get their opinion.
Third, start making a name for yourself. Join social media sites and start creating a buzz and a following. After all, you can’t sell books to noone.
10. Something special you want to share?
Here’s a little exclusive teaser never before released from my new project, The Aqua Secret. Release date TBA
I broke the surface and looked around. Why had he led me to my father’s militia headquarters? Rush was in a hurry to get here for some reason, and now he stands to the left of the hatch just staring blankly into space.
“Rush?” I push myself up onto the floor and walk over to join him, hoping to see what he sees. “Rush?” I ask again, but still get no reaction. Time for plan B. I decided to try the one thing I had waited years to do. And I prayed to God that he would like it. I stepped in front of him and became his oxygen. I kissed him.
In that one moment our worlds collided and became one. I wasn’t aware yet, but I had awoken something in him. He blinks and then I feel his lips move against mine.
“It worked!” I step back and admire my handwork. He is looking at me with a weird expression.
“Pym.”
“What? Didn’t you expect me to follow you?”
“No, Pym.” The way he says my name makes me shiver. I realize there is fear and genuine concern in his voice. And a little of something else. Then we hear the sound of the safety being released off a gun and now I know what that something is.
It’s a warning.
“Run.”

And the small ones:
-Your favourite books and author?

The Robert Langdon series by Dan Brown, The Mortal instruments by Cassandra Clare, The his dark materials trilogy by Phillip Pullman, the Lord of the rings by J.R.R Tolkien and any Kathy Reichs book

-Your favourite band/singer?

Maroon 5, Bruno Mars, 30 seconds to Mars

-Favourite place in the world?

Melbourne, Australia

-Last movie you watched at the cinemas?

Oz the great and powerful

-The last book you've read?

Entice by Jessica Shirvington

-Have you ever googled yourself?

Yes.

-Writing, reading or hanging out with friends?

 Hmm that’s a hard one, I like to mix it up

-If you wouldn't be a writer, what you would be?

 A performer

-And last one... printed or ebooks?

I read indie ebooks and traditional printed
 


Thank you Laura, for the awesome interview and for presenting us the excert of your new work!! Now, of you go to read and buy these amazing books!!
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