gathering leaves

The Willing Blog Tour: Guest Post (Sneak Peek) by C.S. Splitter

2012-03-09T06:00:00.001-06:00

Finally Friday! Things have been on a downward spiral for us lately--our furnace called it quits, my husband's grandmother is gravely ill, I came down with a virus or something... It's one of those "one-thing-after-another" times around here. But, if anything can cheer me up, it's a little Splitter!!! (And the fact that my husband and I are taking a weekend trip ALONE!!! Woohoo!)

I am thrilled to host one of my all-time favorite guys for his latest blog tour. I was a beta reader for The Willing, and you can go back and catch my review HERE.

Time for me to hush and turn the floor over to Mr. Splitter. Enjoy! :-)

Cassie and I have been involved in a few firsts. She was the first person to interview me “on air” on JournalJabber. She has also been known to be the first person to publish reviews of my books at different retailers.

Today, I am releasing the FIRST sneak peak of my third book and I cannot think of any better place to do that than Gathering Leaves.

The first book in the Crayder Chronicles, The Reluctant, introduced us to Tom Crayder in all of his “mannish” glory. It was also the first time anyone met the mysterious Lorena. The Willing was the follow-up released last November and in it, Lorena got a lot more “screen time.”

When the first book went free on Amazon in January, it shot up their lists. Then, it did it again in February and Amazon put a $.99 price on it. There are now over 25,000 copies of it out there and the emails are rolling in. The number one figure that people want to know more about is Lorena.

I find her interesting, too. She is as much of a favorite to me as Tom Crayder. She is so deep and enigmatic that I decided to take a departure from Tom's story and write a book about Lorena's time before she met him. Many questions about her past are going to be answered in this book.

How did she become part of “The Organization?”

How did she acquire her skills?

What drove her to become the person that she is?

Here is one part of one answer. If you have read the first two books, you know that Lorena has several identities that she assumes when the need arises. Tom knows her as Lorena. Sheriff Lloyd knows her as Amy. Tiny knows her as Agent Anderson from the DEA. Her real name is Eileen Thompson.

In this scene, two police detectives have shown up at the door of her Florida home. O'Rourke is a young gun and Chavez is the older, paunchy partner.

Fair warning: This is a first draft and has not come under the loving care of my editor, Tricia Kristufek. It may be chock-full-o-errors and it may change slightly, but here it is:

O'Rourke looked like he wanted to say something, but stopped himself and followed his partner inside. Once Eileen closed the door, he said, “You are Eileen Thompson, correct? When was the last time you spoke to Mrs. Finley?”

“Yes. Yesterday at about 11 a.m. Why? Is she all right?”

“Maybe you should sit down, Ms. Thompson.” The way Chavez said it did not make Eileen's knees feel any stronger.

“How bad?” she asked.

O'Rourke looked at Chavez whose eyes turned very sad. “I am afraid she's dead,” the big man said.

Eileen put a hand against the closed door to steady herself. “Oh, God. Maybe I should sit down.” Both men moved to the side to allow her to pass.

She sat on the sofa and stared at the blank television screen. “How?”

O'Rourke and Chavez moved to a respectful distance, but did not sit. The younger man answered her. “We think she surprised a burglar. He got in through a broken window. She was beaten pretty badly and then strangled.”

Eileen could almost see Amy's face on the darkened screen. “Where was her husband?” she asked and then turned to look at her visitors. “Where was Eddie?”

Chavez took up the interview. “Why would you ask about her husband?”

“He hit her. I saw the bruises. Usually, it wasn't in the face, but he did that too. You could tell by the amount of makeup she wore. Amy didn't need makeup. She always had an explanation, but she was graceful, not clumsy.”

Chavez pulled up the front of his slacks and sat on the edge of a nearby chair. “What did you two talk about yesterday?”

She returned her stare to the television. “We were supposed to meet for lunch and she called to cancel. She said that Eddie needed her at a business meeting, but I figured he hurt her too badly to cover up. It had to be him.”

Chavez shook his head. “He was at a conference yesterday afternoon. We already checked his phone and hers. He called her from a hotel restaurant at 10:30 in the morning and didn't leave the hotel until after 7 p.m. We have snippets of security video of him there until then. Mrs. Finley died sometime before 2 p.m. He called her several times before he got home and he placed the 911 call at 10:22 p.m. It wasn't him.”

Eileen fixed the fat man with a hard stare. “It was him.”

Chavez looked at the snow globe from Paris and hesitated like he was sorry for what he was about to say. “Where were you yesterday afternoon, Ms. Thompson?”

Eileen actually giggled at the implied accusation. “I was an hour north of here at a client's home taking care of her pampered pooches. Then I went directly to another client and then another after that. I got back here just after 6 p.m. Here.” She took a folder from the coffee table and handed it to O'Rourke who stepped forward to take it.

He opened the folder and flipped through the receipts and paperwork. He looked at Chavez. “Mobile vet services for the rich. Good idea. Totally the opposite direction. When this checks out, it will put her too far away.”

“Good,” Chavez said. He smiled weakly at Eileen. “Please understand, we have to check out everyone. I hope you don't take offense; we are just trying to find out who hurt your friend.”

“It was Eddie.” Eileen was as sure of it as she was of the cool metal pressed against her back.

Chavez nodded his head. “We will look into that, but we don't have any prior record of violence against Mrs. Finley. Now—tell us about the conversation you had with her yesterday.”

“She was upset; I could hear it in her voice. She apologized and got off the phone pretty quick.”

“Did it sound like someone was with her?”

Eileen had to admit that she could not be sure, but Amy had not whispered or sounded like someone was holding a knife to her throat.

Chavez studied her for several seconds. “What was Mr. Finley like in person? How did he treat you?”

“We never actually met.” Eileen did not elaborate further. It might have seemed strange that two women could be friends for so long without meeting significant others, but since Eileen did not have a significant other, a double date was out of the question. And, Amy had joked with her that if Eddie found out that Eileen was a lesbian, he would hound her for a threesome. That had led to the awkward moment in the bathroom when Amy suggested it might not be the worst idea he had ever had.

O'Rourke moved to stand in front of the television. “Can you think of anyone who might have had an axe to grind with her?”

“Amy? No way. Everyone loves Amy. If there was a charity to be supported, she was always there with a check. Always smiling. That's the way she is. Was.”

“Well,” Chavez grunted as he stood, “I think that's all for now.” He pulled a business card from his coat pocket and handed it to Eileen. “If you think of anything else, call us.”

“Did they steal anything?” Eileen asked as she accepted the card.

O'Rourke answered, “A couple laptops and some cash, as far as we know.”

“The ring.” Eileen held up her hand and wriggled her index finger. “She had a ring she always wore on her right hand. Rubies and diamonds. It had to be worth forty or fifty grand and I never saw her without it.”

Chavez pulled a small notebook from his shirt pocket and flipped through it. “She was still wearing the ring when the patrol units arrived. Why?”

“Isn't that sort of strange, detective? Why would a burglar leave a ring like that? Eddie makes a lot of money and Amy had a lot of jewelry. Why pass up jewelry for computers?”

O'Rourke reached the front door and turned the knob to leave. “Criminals are stupid sometimes, Ms. Thompson. Sorry for your loss.”

Chavez followed behind him rubbing his chin. “We'll call you when we have something. Sorry for your loss.”

Eileen closed the door behind them and rested her forehead against it. “Sorry for your loss,” she whispered to the cold steel, but she never cried.

I cannot wait to have book three in my hands! Thanks so much for stopping in today and sharing this little snippet of Lorena's story.

Now, here's more about The Crayder Chronicles and where you can find Splitter (and Tom):

The Reluctant:

Action, adventure, suspense, and thriller in one story told with a liberal dose of humor.

Tom’s problems are not unique. His business is failing and his wife has to work too many hours to make ends meet. He is under some rather large financial pressures and wants more from his marriage and his life.

He finds his respite in the air as a private pilot. Unfortunately for Tom, he is behind on payments for his plane and is forced to take odd jobs from a local crime boss. Tom is no criminal, but the errands he is running are just slightly on the wrong side of the law and the money is almost good enough to allow him to make his plane payments.

Just as things begin to come under some semblance of control, he meets a woman who just might represent the adventure he seeks. He soon discovers that appearances, and beautiful women, can sometimes be deceiving.

The Reluctant is the first in the Crayder Chronicles series and yet is a stand alone story with a satisfying conclusion of its own.

The Willing:

Book Two in The Crayder Chronicles

How far would you go to protect your friends and family?

Tom Crayder is the All-American guy next door with a business, a wife, a son, a mortgage, and an expensive hobby. He is also a politically incorrect, wisecracking operative working for a shadowy organization dedicated to administering justice outside of a broken system. Not even his wife knows of his other life when she finds herself unwittingly involved in a drug war.

Strap in with Tom as he navigates his way through the strata of a drug cartel. Lock and load with Lorena, a hard-hearted assassin, as she lends her deadly skills to Tom’s fight for his family. Sit back to watch Tom and Lorena figure out how to work together without killing each other.

Join the rest of the cast from The Reluctant (Crayder Chronicles 1) as they pitch in to track down the hitmen that threaten their associate.

Some mysteries are solved. Some questions are answered. Some live. Some die.

BIO:

C.S. Splitter is a business man, author, and stand-up philosopher living in rural Maryland with his beautiful wife, small dog, and astonishingly large cat. He is an avid shooter and loves being 5000 feet above the ground, upside down, in an open cockpit.

He will never again jump out of a perfectly good airplane and feels the need to color outside of the lines.

Splitter's Amazon Author Page: http://amazon.com/author/splitter

SplittersWorld Blog: http://splittersworld.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002241805910

Twitter: @SplitterCS

Have a fabulous weekend!!! See you again soon!

The Hunger Games

2012-03-07T16:09:00.000-06:00

The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games #1)

By Suzanne Collins

ISBN: 9780439023481

Published October 1, 2008

Available Format: Hardcover, Paperback, ebook, Audiobook

My Rating: êêêêê

The North America we know is no longer. Panem and the twelve outlying districts take its place. The brutal Capitol keeps the districts under their control by forcing one boy and one girl from each district to compete in the annual Hunger Games. The tributes are briefly trained and then dropped in an arena where they are forced to fight to the death, until only one remains to take victory and a life of so-called fortune.

As Katniss Everdeen hears her twelve-year-old sister’s name called in the drawing, she volunteers herself out of sheer desperation. She’s soon thrown into a life-changing experience she will never forget, if she survives. Her hunting and survival skills are put to the ultimate test, along with her heart.

Of course, I had to see what the hype was all about, and when I saw this series was moving to the big screen, I wanted to jump on board before the release date. I am absolutely not sorry that I did. The Hunger Games is an absolute page-turner that I did not want to put down for one second (though I had to a few times… wah!).

Katniss is sixteen years old and fighting for her life. The future of our world is dark and uncertain, forcing children to hunt and care for their families in the most primitive of ways. It’s hard for us to imagine ever being in such a situation, but when you think about it, it IS happening in our world right now. There ARE children starving; there ARE children fighting for their lives, maybe not in such an organized fashion, but it is happening. And that is very, very sad.

It is so easy to fall into this world, so easy to become entirely absorbed into Katniss’s life and struggles. You can’t help but love Gale and the bond the he and Katniss share, but at the same time, you fall for Peeta too. And you are completely torn as the tragedy that only one tribute can come out of the Games alive hovers around the edges of the entire plot. The romance doesn’t overtake the story, however. It is very much about the Games and the struggles of the districts. The romance just softens things up and adds another dimension to the story.

There’s not much else to say about this book. It is fantastic, very well written, and something you will not regret picking up. I can’t wait to dive into book two of the series, Catching Fire, and see how this book is translated into film later this month.

Feature: Author Interview with Nancy Straight, author of Meeting Destiny

2012-03-04T06:00:00.011-06:00

Time for another glorious week! Today, I am starting off the week with a little Q&A with Nancy Straight, the beautiful author of the Destiny Series. This is a great cross-genre series for both adults and young adults. In case you missed it, you can find my review HERE.

Author Interview
Nancy Straight
Destiny Series

GL: Please introduce yourself to everyone.

Nancy: I’m the author of the Destiny Series (Meeting Destiny, Destiny’s Revenge, and Destiny’s Wrath). I wrote Meeting Destiny just to see if I could, kind of something on my bucket list. It was such a thrill to hear what friends thought of it, I decided to publish it and wrote the other two in the series.

GL: That worked out pretty well, huh? J

GL: Now, tell us a little about Meeting Destiny.

NS: Meeting Destiny crosses several genres. It is about a couple that is destined to be together. It’s got action, suspense, paranormal elements and is all tied into a love story that transcends lifetimes.

GL: What other books do you have out now? What will be coming soon?

NS: I just finished Destiny’s Wrath in January. I’m working on a new Paranormal Romance series, but haven’t titled it yet. The new series is about a girl whose mother dies, leaving her alone in the world until she discovers an entire family that’s been hidden from her. She finds out why and needs to decide if she’s willing to accept their unconditional love if it means giving up her whole world.

GL: What inspired this story?

NS: The Destiny series was inspired by my belief that certain people are really supposed to end up together. It may not be “love at first sight” but when you’re with the right person, everything is right with the world, and it doesn’t always take months or years to figure out who that person is—sometimes you just know. Meeting Destiny gives the reader more questions than answers; it isn’t until Destiny’s Wrath that the whole story unfolds.

GL: I have to get reading!

GL: What made you decide to write about an older ‘young adult’ character (in her twenties)?

NS: LOL! I really never meant for the Destiny Series to be a young adult series. There are no explicit scenes that preclude a younger audience, but I think it appeals to all ages. We’ve all either met or are still looking for our destiny. This series has a strong heroine with an exceptional moral compass. She doesn’t always make the right decisions, but all of her decisions are made for the right reasons. I think most of us can relate to her.

GL: I actually think, for the YA audience, Lauren and Max make some pretty great role models as well. Very mature!

GL: Are any of your characters based on people you know?

NS: “Peanut” is the only character that is based in reality. He is introduced in Destiny’s Revenge. Peanut is a Doberman Pincher that is both a protector and companion to Lauren. I had a Doberman Pincher named Peanut that died of cancer several years ago. I think including him in the book was my tribute to one VERY incredible dog. J

GL: Awww… I am a sucker for the fur-babies! Can’t wait to “meet” him.

GL: Who was the most difficult character to develop? The easiest?

NS: The hardest was Seth. He is Lauren’s boyfriend when Meeting Destiny begins. He’s athletic, handsome, thoughtful and deeply in love with Lauren. Let’s face it, most of us have dated a person that all our friends and family loved, but when it came right down to it, wasn’t the right guy. Writing about a great character that gets rejected is VERY hard. The easiest was Max.

GL: Seth is exactly who I imagined would be difficult.

GL: Were there any scenes that you loved, but just did not make it in the final product?

NS: I actually deleted several chapters from Meeting Destiny because it gave too much of the plot away too early.

GL: You’ve included a bit of a love triangle in this story. How do you feel about love triangles?

NS: I’m not fond of most of them, but it worked well for the story. Even though Seth was upset that Lauren rejected him, he needed to meet his destiny, too!

GL: I don’t mind a well-written love triangle, and I think yours was done very well. Sometimes they are just… annoying.

GL: Your main character works in the fast food industry. Do you eat much fast food?

NS: YES! I’m a horrible cook, so at least once a day! I could eat Bojangles chicken three meals a day and never get tired of it! Since my cooking skills aren’t all that sharp, I think my family agrees.

GL: I like some Bojangles myself, and I am not a great cook either, but fast food and my tummy don’t always agree…

GL: Do you have any particular faces in mind for your characters? Who would you cast in their roles if Meeting Destiny hit the big screen?

NS: The models on the Destiny’s Wrath cover are exactly how I envision Lauren and Max. I don’t have any idea who would be the right characters if it were ever a movie.

GL: Are you a college graduate? Did you enjoy the college years?

NS: I LOVED college the first time, although I think it was the social life more than the academics, because I didn’t graduate the first time I went. J After I dropped out, I knew I couldn’t support myself without a decent job so I joined the Marine Corps. I spent ten years in the Marine Corps and got my undergraduate degree while I was on active duty. A few years later, I went back and got my Masters Degree.

GL: Do you think you have a strong sense of premonition/intuition? Have you ever experienced anything like Lauren did during the robbery?

NS: I wish! Sadly, no, it’s all fiction.

GL: Yeah, me either…

GL: What are some of your favorite books?

NS: Significance by Shelly Crane, Enchantment by Charlotte Abel, Beg for Mercy by Shannon Dermott, and Eternal Eden by Nicole Williams are all in my ALL TIME FAVORITES! I’m reading Reckless Magic by Rachel Higginson right now and believe it will land as an all time favorite as well.

GL: Favorite guilty pleasure? J

NS: Snickers bars and Blue Bell Ice Cream.

GL: You are a girl after my own heart! J Blue Bell Vanilla Bean is so yummy…

*~*Happy Birthday, Nancy!!*~*

GL: Happy Birthday!!! How are you going to celebrate your day?

NS: Awww, thanks for remembering! I’m going out with girlfriends Friday night, and I’m hoping I don’t have to cook all weekend! Thanks so much for the interview and for your fabulous review of Meeting Destiny! I can’t thank you enough!

GL: Thank you so much for sharing your work with us and hanging out with us today! You are definitely welcome back anytime!

Here's where you can find Nancy and her books:

Blog: authnancystraight.blogspot.com

Twitter: @nancystraight

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4114202.Nancy_Straight

Meeting Destiny:

Goodreads

Amazon

B&N

Destiny’s Revenge:

Goodreads

Amazon

B&N

Destiny’s Wrath:

Goodreads

Amazon

B&N

Feature: Meeting Destiny by Nancy Straight

2012-03-03T11:55:00.001-06:00

I hope everyone is safe and sound after the terrible weather we had yesterday! Once again, we missed a couple tornadoes by about a mile... Phew!

This weekend I am featuring the lovely Nancy Straight who authored the Destiny series. Tomorrow, March 4th, Nancy will be by to answer a few questions for us all. She'll be celebrating her birthday with us, so come prepared to sing to her! :-)

Meeting Destiny

By: Nancy Straight

ISBN: 2940011054235

Published June 27, 2010

Available Format: Paperback, ebook

My Rating: ★★★★★

Smashwords' Synopsis: Lauren is visited in her dreams for years by a stranger claiming to be her destiny. Destiny becomes reality when paths cross during a failed robbery attempt. Lauren and the stranger experience chemistry like no other. Soon, Lauren is in the middle of a murder investigation and a questionable friendship with the key suspect. Sinister forces are at work and will stop at nothing to destroy Lauren.

Meeting Destiny is a terrific (older) young adult paranormal novel. The main character is in her twenties, about to graduate college, so her life is a bit more mature—although there is absolutely nothing R-rated about his book. Still, it's nice not to have to listen to an angsty teenager for a change.

Lauren is authentic, easy to relate to and very likable, which is good because we are thrown directly into her life from page one! Nancy does a perfect job introducing each of the characters and weaving them all together very nicely. I could pick a person from my own life that would fit almost perfectly into most every role of the story—from the bratty kid to the meddlesome mother (not MY mother, of course!).

The paranormal aspect of the story is handled brilliantly. Lauren's 'premonitions' are introduced very realistically, as if it is just something that comes naturally rather than something that is suddenly forced upon her. Even her bizarre connection and history with Max is written so that it is very believable and easy to digest. I think that really makes this novel more unique—there really is more of a contemporary fiction edge to it, even though it certainly has the paranormal elements. They don't really take center stage; Lauren's life is the focus. I love that!

Overall, I definitely recommend this, especially for YA paranormal lovers. I think it will give you a little bit of a breather, while still satisfying that paranormal appetite J… I am looking forward to diving into book two of the series ASAP!

Happy Leap Day! Review of Destined (House of Night #9)

2012-02-29T16:01:00.000-06:00

Happy Leap Day everyone!! Looks like we need to hunker down and prepare for some stormy weather around here. It is rather breezy out there this afternoon with thunderstorms on the way... What a way to say good-bye to February!

I've been so busy editing and working on the house, I have gotten so behind on reviews! I'm going to try to catch up a bit this week. I also have a feature with Nancy Straight, author of Meeting Destiny, coming up this weekend...

Enjoy your last day of the month of love! :-)

Destined (House of Night #9)

By P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

ISBN: 9781905654864

Published October 25, 2011

Available Format: Hardcover, Paperback, ebook, Audiobook

My Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads’ Synopsis: Zoey is finally home where she belongs, safe with her Guardian Warrior, Stark, by her side, and preparing to face off against Neferet, which would be a whole lot easier if the High Counsel saw the ex-High Priestess for what she really is. Kalona has released his hold on Rephaim, and, through Nyx's gift of a human form, Rephaim and Stevie Rae are finally able to be together—if he can truly walk the path of the Goddess and stay free of his father's shadow…

But there are new forces at work at the House of Night. An influx of humans, including Lenobia’s handsome horse whisperer, threatens their precarious stability. And then there’s the mysterious Aurox, a jaw-dropping gorgeous teen boy who is actually more—or possibly less—than human. Only Neferet knows he was created to be her greatest weapon. But Zoey can sense the part of his soul that remains human, the compassion that wars with his Dark calling. And there’s something strangely familiar about him…

Will Neferet’s true nature be revealed before she succeeds in silencing them all? And will Zoey be able to touch Aurox’s humanity in time to protect him—and everyone—from his own fate? Find out what’s destined in the next thrilling chapter of the House of Night series.

All too often, any series with this many installments is going to fall flat at some point. Just how long can you continue the plot—the battle against good and evil. At some point we want the bad guys to just die already, right?!?

While I can certainly find faults in Destined, and this book is certainly not as exciting as the beginning of the series, it was still a great read. I love the introduction of Aurox and the struggle between his humanity and the evil purpose he was created for. It is very much the same with Rephaim as he grows accustomed to his nights as a human and days as a bird. Another great development is Kalona leaning more toward the good side as he teams up with Rephaim and Zoey to go against Neferet. His proposal near the end of the book was one of the most exciting aspects of the entire story! J

Of course, there is love, and now I am dying to read the novella about Lenobia! I’m really interested in learning more about her background and seeing what might come in her future. And, there is sadness, which turns out to be a rather happy ending anyway.

Enough with being cryptic so I don’t give too much away… ;-) Destined is a great installment of the House of Night seires. Yes, it leaves us hanging again, of course, but I think it kind of boosted my interest in the series again. I’m really looking forward to book ten and seeing where the Cast ladies take us from here.

Women Scorned

2012-02-23T02:01:00.001-06:00

Women Scorned

By: Angela Alsaleem

ISBN: 9781936564385

Expected Publication: April 13, 2012 by JournalStone

Available Format: Hardcover, Paperback, ebook

My Rating: ★★★★★

The publisher includes this disclaimer in its synopsis: This book is intended for adults and contains extreme violence, torture and graphic murder scenes. You have been forewarned. For some, this just serves to pique curiosity even further, but if any of those things bother you, do NOT take this warning lightly because it is very, very true!

Camilla has been brutally murdered and left on the side of the road when a mysterious, shadowy figure emerges and touches her bloody, lifeless body. Suddenly, Camilla is ‘alive’ again with a taste for revenge, not just for herself, but for all those women who have been mistreated, abused, murdered in much the same ways. Camilla is both tortured and propelled by her nightmarish visions as she seeks out her victims one at a time. The spirit that possesses her is also being sought out—by a dark cult bent on intertwining the living world with the evils of the spirit world. Thrust in the middle of it all is Libitina, a struggling pathology student with a bit of a disconcerting side of her own. She may be the only thing standing in the way of the cult and the demon horde waiting just on the other side of the doorway to our world.

Women Scorned is probably not something I would have picked up had I not proofread it for JournalStone. But, I have to say, despite it being terribly disturbing, it is a fantastic horror novel. The horrors of this story aren’t necessarily the things that go bump in the night. I’m talking about a walking dead, badass woman seeking big time revenge kind of scary… Creepy, woman-child with a taste for torture kind of scary.

There are some truly twisted characters involved in this book, from the possessed murder victim, Camilla, to the green-eyed witch bent on instructing others of the ‘pleasures of pain’, to the evil behind it all. So many instances in the story I was completely grossed out, gasping, literally covering my mouth with my hand—but at the same time, I was drawn right in, sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what happens next, how it all ties together, and if the characters will get what is coming to them in the end. And that is not a guarantee…

What is guaranteed is that you are going to find yourself cringing, but you will connect with so many of the characters, maybe even when you think you shouldn’t. There is a real story beneath it all, and all the disjointedness in the beginning, switching between seemingly unrelated points of view, will come together in a big way. Once you get sucked in, you’ll find you just can’t put it down.

Aftershock Blog Tour: Author Interview with S Ravynheart and SERIES GIVEAWAY!

2012-02-21T06:00:00.005-06:00

Hey y'all! I have another special treat for you on this terrific Tuesday :-)! S. Ravynheart, co-author of the Rise of the Unseelie series is here today to answer some of my questions as part of the Aftershock Blog Tour.

Ravynheart and Archer are no strangers to Gathering Leaves. You can find my interview with Archer from the Cursed Blog Tour HERE and a special blog hop for the End of the World Blog Tour HERE.

Now, on to the fun stuff... Don't forget to enter to win the complete Rise of the Unseelie series after the interview!

Author Interview

S. Ravynheart

Aftershock

Rise of the Unseelie Series

GL: Please tell us a bit about yourself.

SR: There isn’t a whole lot to tell about myself really. I’m a fairly new author, although from the way I have role-played, mostly in chat rooms, I have been told numerous times that I should be writing stories. I finally decided to go for it when Archer told me his plan to write and invited me to co-create The Sidhe line together.

GL: Now, tell us a little about the Rise of the Unseelie Series.

SR: Rise of the Unseelie is about the major conflict going on in the urban fantasy world we have created. This series is one of three companion series with interweaving story lines. The Rise of the Unseelie focuses on the Unseelie point of view. It starts off following Donovan as his world is literally ripped apart. In the aftermath of the disaster, he discovers that there is an entire new generation of Sidhe who have been raised in the earth realm who have no training and no idea what it even means to be Sidhe. These young earthborns are being hunted down by vampires, wizards and unscrupulous races of fey who want to steal their blood and magic. Donovan is determined to rebuild his race, starting with these inexperienced and abused earthborns.

GL: Can you give us a little Sidhe/Fey/Seelie/Unseelie/etc. 101 lesson? Just some short definitions/characteristics that can help some of us keep them straight. :-)

SR: The term ‘fey’ refers all of those who are descended from the first realm of fey, which was lost over ten thousand years ago. All of these races are part magical and part physical. So ‘the fey’ encompasses many fantasy races, including the Sidhe, other races of elves, fairies, Changelings, goblins, pixies and dwarves, just to name a few. The Sidhe is the ruling class of fey and possess far more magic than any of the others. All other races of fey are considered 'lesser fey’ by comparison. Among the Sidhe there are two groups, Seelie and Unseelie. While the Seelie are referred to as the light court and the Unseelie as the dark court, this should not be confused with their morality. Being of one court or the other does not make one inherently ’good’ or ’evil’. If the Sidhe were to attend a modern day high school, the Seelie would be the preppy kids doing everything they can to appear smart, clean-cut and perfect, while the Unseelie would be the ones with ripped jeans, rock music blasting on their MP3 players and the ‘I don’t care what you think of me’ attitudes.

GL: I love that comparison!

GL: I already know Donovan is your character. Tell us about him and how you are alike.

SR: Yes, Donovan is “me”, in many aspects. Like just about everyone, I have had life throw things at me that knocked me off my feet. Donovan is the side of me that dealt with those situations. Getting back up, dusting myself off, and going on about my way, becoming more determined to finish what I had started.

GL: Does Donovan have a better love life than Lugh?

SR: Love? *chuckles* The Sidhe rarely fall in love. Now sex life, mmmm well, you’ll have to read the stories to find out the answer to that one.

GL: *raises eyebrow with evil grin*

GL: Is there a character that you just really dislike (but is probably essential to the storyline)?

SR: There are a couple actually, although neither of them appear in Rise of the Unseelie. They both only make brief appearances, but they are essential to the stories that they are in. Rico, from the Touched series, and Manannan, from the Champion of the Sidhe prequel. They both don’t care about who they hurt to get what they want.

GL: Do you prefer the fantasy world or life in the human world?

SR: Hahaha Fantasy! Definitely! In the fantasy world I don’t have to work. Money is never an issue. There are always cool adventures to take part in, or at least tag along and watch. Plenty of reasons to prefer the fantasy world over the real one.

GL: If I were one of the earthborn fey, what are the most important lessons you would teach me?

SR: The first thing you need to understand is that Donovan is the only thing between you and a very nasty death. Respect that. Stick with him, learn to use your magic to the best of your abilities, and you’ll discover for yourself just what it means to be Sidhe. What it means to be the pinnacle of magic personified. When you are ready, you will learn to stand with Donovan as a defender against all those who would prey upon the fey.

GL: I doubt I'd have much trouble sticking with Donovan :-)...

GL: How is it working with Archer to create this world?

SR: Absolutely wonderful! Every time we go out to lunch together, or just hang out, we talk about what should happen next in the stories. We have so much fun that we always end up grinning and laughing like mad. One of us will toss out an idea and the other will pick it up and run with it. We find ways to weave plot threads back into the main story, coming up with some fantastic twists.

GL: So when I can I join you for lunch??? ;-)

GL: Does everything usually flow pretty smoothly or have you guys ever butted heads over something in the series?

SR: Archer and I haven’t ever really fought over the stories. If there is any butting of heads, it’s with the characters, and I have to say they can be pretty hard headed.

GL: You make great book covers. Do you have any formal graphic design training?

SR: I taught myself how to use Photoshop, and I used it for over a decade, but now I am in school for a degree in Computer Graphic Design.

GL: Very cool!

GL: Favorite quote?

SR: “That which does not kill you, only makes you stronger.” These are the words Donovan lives by as well.

GL: Preferred gaming format and why? :-)

SR: That is not an easy one to answer. I will game on Xbox. In chat rooms. Or even tabletop (yes, I ran my own D&D group at one time). Between all of these different ways to play, I always prefer RPGs first and foremost. I love being fully immersed in the story, feeling like I am actually in the game, not just playing a character. That is also why I write the way I do. I want the reader to feel like they are standing next to Donovan, physically hearing his voice, just as I feel like I am physically there as I write each scene.

GL: Well, you do a GREAT job of that!

GL: What are you guys working on now? What do we have to look forward to?

SR: We are working on the edits for the third book in each of the three series. Defender of Magic: Champion of the Sidhe #3 is coming out in March. Eyes of Magic: Rise of the Unseelie #3 is coming out in April. Enchanted: Touched #3 is going to be out in May. We will be seeing the repercussions from the raid on Danu’s temple (which occurred in Addicted: Touched #2) spilling into both of the other two series.

In Eyes of Magic, we’ll be seeing more of the earthborn Unseelie as they continue to learn about their magic and heritage. We’ll get to know more about the mysterious Tiernan Kilgrave. Those who fell in love with Malcolm from Scars of Silver will be glad to see him back in a prominent role in this book. And Donovan will be leading the way to strengthen the Unseelie and discover secrets Lugh would much rather he didn’t know.

GL: I can't wait to get my hands... err... eyes on these! Thanks so much for being here today! You guys are ALWAYS welcome!!!

Where you can buy the book:

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/aftershock-sa-sa-archer/1107792929

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Aftershock-Rise-Unseelie-ebook/dp/B0060X6FZU

Sony: http://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/s-a-archer/aftershock/_/R-400000000000000541503

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/100302

Where you can find the guys:

Website: http://www.SidheTouch.com

Blog: http://feycast.blogspot.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/The_Sidhe

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5304934.S_A_Archer

Now, for your chance to win the complete Rise of the Unseelie series... Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Feature: Aftershock Blog Tour - Aftershock by SA Archer & S Ravynheart

2012-02-20T06:00:00.002-06:00

Happy Monday Everyone! I hope you all had a great weekend...

This week I'm hosting the Aftershock Blog Tour with some of my favorite guys, S.A. Archer and S. Ravynheart. This time, Ravynheart is in the spotlight, and he'll be dropping by tomorrow for a little interview. He was also our guest last week on JournalJabber, so be sure to go back and have a listen at that as well!

Today, I'm sharing my review of Aftershock. This time we get to meet Donovan... yum! (Check out this "casting call" to put a face with the sexy name: Jhaer/Donovan Casting Call)

Aftershock (The Rise of the Unseelie #1)

S.A. Archer & S. Ravynheart

ASIN: B0060X6FZU

Published October 28, 2011 by Ravynheart Publishing

Available Format: ebook

My Rating: ★★★★ 1/2

Aftershock takes us back to End of the World, but this time the story is told from the perspective of Jaher, leader of the Unseelie Elite. When the fey mounds collapse suddenly, Jaher uses his earth power to survive, only to find himself (along with so many others) without a home. Changing his name to Donovan, he tries to establish a place for himself and a haven for the fey, including the earthborn.

I think Donovan has some really endearing qualities that show in this story. He wants to help his brethren. At the same time, he has that bad boy vibe that I find irresistible, naturally. :-) I’ll definitely be keeping my eye on him…

Archer and Ravynheart have a laidback and riveting writing style and are expert world builders. There is a level of authenticity that they give to the fantasy, probably attributed to years of roleplaying, something that no doubt requires amazing creativity and imagination. The action is fast-paced and the characters are all very well fleshed out, especially considering how short each book is, which I love!

We get a pretty good setup for the future of the fey, wizards, vampires, etc. I’m very excited to continue all these series and see how they all tie together and what becomes of all the characters I love so much.

I still find Cursed my favorite so far, and ONLY due to my personal preferences did I knock a half star off the rating. I do like Aftershock better than End of the World, and I think it has something to do with the move from the mounds to the urban side of things, which had me hooked in Cursed.

Lugh or Donovan? I can’t decide. But, do I really have to choose???

Don't forget to stop by tomorrow, February 21, 2012, for Ravynheart's Q&A session!

The World Among Us Blog Tour: Character Chat with Beth Ann Masarik plus GIVEAWAY!

2012-02-17T06:00:00.000-06:00

Happy Friday Everyone!!! Guess what we're doing this weekend??? MORE work on the house (wah, wah, wah...). But, when it's all done, it'll be worth it!

Today I have a super special gal with us for her blog tour. Beth Ann Masarik is pimping out her novel, The World Among Us, this month. Beth Ann has previously hung out with us here at Gathering Leaves. You can find my review and her interview HERE. I'll also have a review for "Moon Spirit" very soon!

Beth Ann has a special treat for us today, so I'll shut up and give her the floor! Enjoy!

Thank you for having me on the blog today, Cassie! Today, I am here with one of the main gods, Gaia. She and I will be chatting a little bit about why I haven’t written much lately and about me and cosplaying and role playing.

Now, on to the chat!

Helios had just finished his trail across the sky and was now set in the East. Ironically, that was where my bedroom happens to be, and so the light from his sun shining in my window woke me up. It was so bright that I didn’t even see the light that appeared before me. Instead, Gaia appeared in my room, and as I was just coming to, I jumped at the sight of her. She RARELY ever visits me and immediately, I became scared.

“Do not be afraid, my child,” she said in a voice that sounded like a heavenly melody. “I’ve come to wish you safe travels.”

Well, that was nice, I thought. As my vision became clearer, I found her sitting on my bed. She was about my height, give or take an inch, with long, sunshine colored hair and beautiful hazel eyes. Her skin was flawless, and she wore a gorgeous, floor length toga that was decorated with gold and silver. She looked much better than I did. My hair was messy from bedhead, and I had sleep in my eyes. What was worse, I probably had bags under my eyes from lack of sleep. Oh, and did I mention that I was also in my night shirt? Yeah, attractive huh? I immediately blushed from embarrassment.

“I hear that Helios is going to keep Maryland warm for you,” Gaia said as she looked at the sun. “He was afraid that you would freeze in that Sailor Jupiter costume you are going to wear.”

I smiled and looked in the same direction. “I’ll have to remember to thank him some day. I was beginning to worry if I’d be warm enough. It is, after all, the middle of winter.”

“I know,” she said softly. “Is your costume finished yet? I’ve seen you’ve been staying up very late again with your friend Robin.”

“I think it is done, but I haven’t tried on the finished product yet.”

“Do you like how it came out?” she asked.

“I absolutely LOVE how it’s come out! It was all completely hand sewn (no machine involved), which makes it extra special,” I beamed. “Robin is the best.”

“I have to agree with you on that. Are you excited to be cosplaying as a girl?”

“YES!” I exclaimed. “I’ve been wanting to cosplay as Sailor Jupiter for years, and now I’ve finally got the chance to. Plus, it’s my first costume where I DON’T have to wear a wig. I HATE wigs. They are so itchy,” I complained.

“I wouldn’t know, but I could imagine that they are,” Gaia said with a warm smile.

There were a few moments of awkward silence, when Gaia stood up. “Well, I will let you get back to your chores. It looks as if you still have quite a few before you go in an hour. I am looking forward to seeing your pictures and videos after the convention.”

“Thank you, Gaia. I promise that when this convention is over, I will try to get back to fiction writing and writing about you guys.”

“I know,” she said with another smile. “Good-bye for now, Beth. I will see you again soon. Be safe.” With that, Gaia teleported back to Mount Olympus.

Well, there you have it folks! That was a short & sweet chat with Gaia. She couldn’t stay long because I really do have chores to do before I go to Katsucon. Is anyone going to be there? It’s in Baltimore, MD and one of the best conventions I’ve ever been to.

Here is a picture of the almost complete costume. It’s missing a couple of things, but you get the picture of what it looks like. It was made by Robin Sussman J.

And now, folks, I am offering up a personalized mug, a keychain, and an ebook of The World Among Us. All you have to do is follow the instructions in the rafflecopter below!

a Rafflecopter giveawaySo cool, Beth! Thanks so much for this great post and your awesome giveaway! Have a blast at Katsucon & take lots of pictures!! :-)

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-14T22:10:00.000-06:00

I know I'm late! For some of you, V-day is long over... But I still wanted to wish everyone a super Happy Valentine's Day! Hope your sweetie was good to you and if you don't have a sweetie, at least you had a great day and found lots of reasons to smile :-)!

http://browse.deviantart.com/?qh=&section=&q=tree+love#/dt4b68

I've been super busy at home this past week, so things have been slow here, I know. I'll have a couple blog tours coming up later this week and early next week, so be on the lookout for some fun stuff!

Finding My Escape by Fran Veal

2012-02-09T06:00:00.000-06:00

Finding My Escape

By: Fran Veal

ISBN: 2940011464119

Published August 13, 2011

Available Format: ebook

My Rating: ★★★★★

Seventeen-year-old Hannah Jordan stumbles upon something no person should ever have to face—the murder of her parents. When Hannah awakes after having tripped and hit her head, she cannot remember exactly what happened that fateful evening, other than walking into her dark home and hearing her mother's pleas for her to run away. She knows the murder was much more than a simple home invasion, and with the help of her best friend, Matt, she sets out to discover exactly why anyone would want to take her mother and father away from her.

As she dreams, Hannah suddenly begins visiting a strange new world, a world her new friend, Josh, explains is very real and very dangerous for Hannah. Josh isn't completely forthcoming about the details, but Hannah begins to suspect there is something very important she is missing about the land of Valeria.

I was actually really impressed with this book. The writing style is easy and captivating. The plot flowed nicely. I was immediately drawn into Hannah's life and was able to relate to her (despite the awful things that have happened in her life). I LOVED the idea that she visits this other realm in her dreams, and I liked the little element of mystery, brought full circle by the twists at the end of the book.

I think this is a fantastic YA novel, with a little bit of paranormal, a little bit of romance, and a little bit of mystery mixed in. I think the author does a great job mixing all the elements and leading the reader on the search for answers. The paranormal aspect wasn't so far-fetched as to be completely unbelievable, so it gave the story a much more authentic feel.

There could have been a bit more explanation about what her parents did that made them a target. Is what Hannah dreams about really the motive for the killer? I think some of the loose ends will probably be tied up in the next book of the series, My Way Out—which I am very much looking forward to!

Pretty much all of you know, I'm an Alabama gal, so having this story set in the south, in places that I am very familiar with, was just an extra bonus for me! Where can I get a house like Aunt Laura's? J

Feature: Guest Post by Alyssa Reyans , author of Letters from a Bipolar Mother

2012-02-08T06:00:00.001-06:00

Happy Wednesday, everyone! Today, Alyssa Reyans, the author of Letters from a Bipolar Mother, is taking over Gathering Leaves... Alyssa has a great guest post for us, so everyone kick back and enjoy! Stay tuned after the post for details about the book...

My schedule has been so packed, I haven't had a chance to read this one yet, but be on the lookout for my review VERY soon!

Welcome Alyssa!!!

I’d like to thank Cassie for allowing me to take over her blog today. I’m new to the whole blogsphere and guest posting so getting to take over another person’s blog makes me feel like I’m way cooler than I really am. At first, I wasn’t sure what to write about so I tried to think of all the advice I’d been given when I first decided to write my memoir. I thought of all the sites I read and debates on whether it’s one space or two after the period, but then I realized there is so much about writing a memoir, or being a writer in general, that you don’t read about on those sites. So I thought I’d share that with you instead. Things like:

1. How you have to figure out which table to sit at during lunch time.

I know you’re thinking I’ve lost my mind, but you remember the feeling. Walking into high school, seeing all the cool kids paired up, looking around hoping someone makes eye contact. Feeling awkward, thinking “will anyone like me?” Well that’s exactly how you’re going to feel the second you click publish on your book. You’re instantly sucked back in time to a 16 year old with zits going “please god let me someone let me sit with them”.

2. You’ll change your clothes a million times, but you’ll still have nothing to wear.

You remember the big dance? The cute boy finally asked you out, and you run home to try on every single piece of clothing you have only to declare, “I have NOTHING to wear!” When you’re writing you go through that exact same thing, except instead of dresses, you try on every word in the dictionary. You’ll sit thumbing through your thesaurus, trying out different words and phrases. Trying to make sure you pick something that’s up to date and current, but not too over the top. Just the perfect outfit (word). Then after trying on everything you own, you finally find the perfect dress (word). Only to head out to the big dance (publisher) and realize…

3. Someone else’s looks better/costs more/is flashier

So after you pick out the perfect dress (words), you’re ready to go to the dance (publish). But when you get there, you look around at all of the other girls (writers) and realize they are way prettier than you. So you slink back in a corner and watch them twirl around the dance floor (climb the best seller’s list) while you sit on the bleachers with all the other wannabes.

I figure by the time I get finished publishing my series, Chronicles of a Fractured Life, I’ll have regressed back to being a toddler, but I promise if Cassie lets me come back I’ll use a bib and won’t drool on you too much. As a thank you to Cassie for letting me visit, I’ve made my book, “Letters From A Bipolar Mother” free on Amazon. So if you’d like a free copy, then head on over and download yours. It’ll be free to download from Feb. 8th-9th.

Thanks so much, Alyssa! You are certainly welcome anytime :-).

Head over to Amazon now and get your FREE copy of Letters from a Bipolar Mother while it lasts!!!

In Letters from a Bipolar Mother, Reyans tells the story she's never been able to tell her children: of how she lost them in a battle with her own mental illness. she shares with them - and the world - what the mind of a woman suffering bipolar depression looks like, how the darkness she battled on a daily basis almost won, and how, years later, she found the courage to claw her way out of the abyss.

Covering a span of five years, Alyssa Reyans shares both her pain and strength in a struggle against an incurable illness that many women today also share.

You can find Alyssa on her website also. Head over now and learn more about her and her work.

The Spaces Between by Martin Gibbs

2012-02-07T06:00:00.001-06:00

The Spaces Between

By: Martin Gibbs

ISBN: 9781465915672

Published June 17, 2011

Available Format: ebook

My Rating: ★★★★★

Amazon Synopsis: Three strangers find themselves together on a strange adventure—though not to find a magic ring or save the world. One is desperate to learn magic from an exiled and dangerous warlock in the far north. Unknown to them, an idiot man-child is close behind them, guided by the spirits of the dead. All fight desperately to survive the wilderness, demonic bats, elite assassins, and their own bumbling in this dark yet offbeat fantasy adventure.

The Spaces Between is truly a 'classic' fantasy—with an interesting array of characters, action, adventure, humor—everything you expect to find in a brilliantly written, fast-paced tale by a truly talented author. I love a story that can have me sitting on the edge of my seat from page one, weaves the lives of so many different characters together seamlessly, and even has me laughing from time to time.

The use of the different 'knots' in the story was very interesting and just added another dimension to the already amazing book. If you are a fantasy lover, you are sure to find this novel entertaining and charming.

End of the World by SA Archer

2012-02-06T15:20:00.000-06:00

Hey there, folks! It is Monday, isn't it??? So sorry I'm late on this--we'll just say I had some technical difficulties today ;-). Last week, Mr. Archer stopped by with a fun sneak peak at his Champion of the Sidhe series. You can go back and check out the blog hop HERE. Be sure to leave a comment on EACH piece of the prequel to enter to win the ENTIRE series! Today, I am sharing my review of End of the World, the first installment of the Champion of the Sidhe series. We'll be hearing from Archer and Ravynheart again in a couple weeks, so be on the lookout for that!

End of the World (Champion of the Sidhe #1)

By: SA Archer

AISN: B0060ZNSMG

Published October 28, 2011 by Ravynheart Publishing

Available Format: ebook

My Rating: ★★★★☆

Goodreads' Synopsis: The day Lugh, Champion of the Sidhe, has long fought for finally manifests—all Sidhe unified under one Court. No more Light versus Dark. No more wars. Brothers, one and all. But on the day that should be celebrated as their greatest triumph, treachery brings his world crashing down, literally. Now, if he can’t find a way to stop it, no fey will survive.

Well, hello, Lugh… very nice to meet you! J I am super excited to be starting this new series by Archer. I can't wait to see how all the series intertwine with each other. This first installment of the Champion of the Sidhe series takes us more into the real world of the fey/Sidhe, rather than the urban darkness of the Touched series. I will admit that, so far, I am actually preferring the Touched series, but it is nice to kind of go back and get a little more information about all the creatures that exist in our world in Cursed.

I love where Archer is taking us, and I love how these series are broken up into shorter installments and they are all related to each other. This was definitely another quick, entertaining read, and I was certainly left wanting to continue the series!

Pantheons

2012-02-04T06:00:00.000-06:00

Pantheons

By: EJ Dabel

ISBN: 9780983613176

Published January 5, 2012 by Sea Lion Books

Available Format: ebook

My Rating: ★★★★☆

Goodreads' Synopsis: On the streets, they call fifteen year old orphan Isaiah Marshall the “Indestructible Diamond”. Isaiah is the leader of the “Redrovers”, a group of teenage misfits consisting of his friends Jeremy, Monty, and Pipsqueak, but when they trespass into “Kaliber Academy” to get even with the arrogant Jason Ollopa, they are in way over their heads.

Principal Webb enrolls them into the High School and Isaiah soon learns about the existence of the gods of the Ancient World. Because the gods have refused to fight the last War for fear of the Mysterious Dark, the Powers-that-Be have stripped them of their spiritual bodies and given them mortal, teenage forms.

Isaiah discovers he's not only a god, but that he's the child of the Greek goddess Metis, the son destined to overthrow his cruel and sadistic father Zeus, the Darkener of the Sky, and become the greatest god in all the Pantheons.

Isaiah is thrown into a world where the democratic Olympians, war-mongering Norse, Gothic Celts, firstborn Egyptians, the enlightened Hindu, the animal-like Aztecs, the martial artist Asians, the intelligent Babylonians, the great spirits of the Native American Indians, and the fierce Finnish will war against one another for the greatest of all prizes: the Dominion.

I truly loved the basis of this story—all the different gods from all the different pantheons forced to live in present times in the bodies of teenagers. Talk about some punishment! I'm a big fan of mythology, although I don't know nearly as much as I wish I did. I was able to recognize many of the characters in this novel, and I even learned a thing or two as well.

I appreciate how Isaiah was able to overcome his 'disability' and kind of begin to grow into his own toward the end of the story. I think there was a little conflict in that he was this tough kid living on the streets, thrown into this crazy new world, yet he has such a difficult time manning up to face the gods. Maybe that was just his true nature, however; many tough guys aren't really so tough deep down inside. And it is obvious that Isaiah has a tremendous amount of adversity to go through, before and during this story.

I did receive an advanced copy of this manuscript for review, so I am assuming that is why I picked up on so many errors—mechanical, grammatical and content-wise. Honestly, it was a bit distracting at times. It's always hard for me to take my editorial cap off anyway. But, I really tried to pull out the story for what it was rather than focusing on all the surface issues. At any rate, it did not fail to entertain me, and I certainly want to know how Isaiah fares as the story continues.

EJ is one of the nicest guys I have corresponded with, and he obviously has a truly creative mind. I am definitely a fan (of Sea Lion as well), and I can't wait to check out all his work in the future!

Ann's Amazing Adventure

2012-02-03T06:00:00.001-06:00

Ann's Amazing Adventure

By: Jeanetta Brancaccio

Illustrated by: Sara Petrous

ISBN: 9780692006

Published 2010 by Tretina Printing

Available Format: Paperback

My Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads' Synopsis: This delightful, heartwarming story shows us that it’s what we do on the journey that counts. Change happens in an instant. Ann looks on the bright side of life and never gives up! She learns that something good is always right around the corner. Join Ann and carry her in your heart on your own adventure.

Ann’s Amazing Adventure is best suited for children ages 8-12, all the way up to age 99! This special book is perfect for children’s reading groups, makes a great gift, and should be a mainstay on any bookshelf to be read over and over.

This is a beautifully illustrated, charmingly told little story about a doll that finds her home once again. The story is told from Ann's point of view as she is lost, moved, donated, and found once again. It portrays an amazing message of perseverance and positive thought. Ann is able to adapt to the changes of her life with an optimistic outlook and is rewarded with a happy ending.

One thing I really loved about this book is how it was based loosely on a true story. The author includes lots of photos from her own life, plus the story of the doll that had been given to her daughter one Christmas, which inspired this heartwarming little tale.

I definitely recommend this one, especially for young girls.

Learn more about Ann's adventure: http://www.annsamazingadventure.com

Feature: "In Whom You Trust" Blog Hop Preview the Champion of the Sidhe series!

2012-02-02T06:00:00.003-06:00

Today, we're doing something a bit fun! I have Mr. Archer here, who was my guest in January, and we're getting a little prequel to the Champion of the Sidhe series. Be sure to leave a comment after this part of the story to enter to win the entire Champion series. You must visit each participating blog and leave a comment on each post to qualify! My review of the first of the Champion series, End of the World, will be posted next Monday, February 6th, so I expect to see all your gorgeous faces then!

ALERT!!!!! This is part 4 of a 6 part story. “In Whom You Trust” is a prequel to the Champion of the Sidhe series, an urban fantasy adventure. This prequel is free for you to enjoy and has been posted on 6 websites as part of a blog hop to promote the series. Begin your journey at http://feycast.blogspot.com/2012/02/in-whom-you-trust-prequel-to-champion.html for part 1. Follow the links at the bottom of each section to go to the next part of the story. Check out the details posted with part 1 of the story to find out how to register for an awesome giveaway prize package.

Much against his desires, he allowed her to venture ahead of him. Lugh trailed her, giving enough distance as to not clearly be associated with her at a casual glance, certainly not among the throng of people gathering in a wide circle around the stones and the stage with the tent roof raised above it. Lugh was tall, even for the Sidhe, which made keeping an eye on Kaitlin easier as she wandered not toward the stage but toward a spot closer to the stones.

Lugh watched for subtle clues, to determine if any of the assembled were of fey linage. For a span between the ages of sixteen and twenty-five, fine-boned and fair-faced humans could nearly be mistaken for one of the races of lesser fey. It was how the fey were able to move so easily among the humans, because of this resemblance. The Sidhe usually had to dull their appearance to pass for an attractive human, otherwise their beauty garnered an excess of attention. Had Kaitlin not advised against the Glamour, Lugh would have used it now.

Spotting a wizard among other humans was more difficult. Some wore clothing with embroidered magical symbols, or oddly loose suits that harkened back to the robes of their forebears. But many selected clothing to blend into the crowd.

So far all appeared innocent enough, save the choice of locations in wizard country. Kaitlin should have restricted her voyages to the surface to Ireland. Or even America. Anywhere but England.

As the noon sun peaked overhead, the crowd began chanting for Riley, and soon was rewarded with the presence of a man upon the stage who greeted them with upraised hands and the bright smile of one who adored attention. He wore a tunic and loose breeches fashioned from homespun wool and belted with a bright red sash. To Lugh’s memories he resembled a farmer in freshly made clothes more than the druids he’d known. At least there were no overt wizard markings on the clothing. Lugh only partially noted what Riley proclaimed to his followers about the magical energies of the earth and of sacred places such as Stonehenge where the ley lines of power were said to cross. Most of what Riley spoke was rhetoric and what truth he might have brushed upon was uttered without understanding. At last, he was going to demonstrate his command of the magic of Stonehenge by making the stones ‘sing.’

With grave disappointment, Lugh watched Kaitlin. From the stage Riley started babbling nonsense in Gaelic, his hand rising slowly over his head. And seemingly true to his word, music began to emanate from the stones. It was, of course, both intensely beautiful and haunting. The music of the fey, most especially the Sidhe, carried a melody that moved the soul and a harmony that transcended the ages. They had inspired the traditional music of the Celts, who mimicked but could never capture the purity nor the essence of the magic.

And magic this was, for just as the sun was Lugh’s aspect of magic, music was Kaitlin’s. To witness her, a Sidhe princess, lowering herself to the status of accessory to a charlatan’s deception disheartened him. That Kaitlin would even allow him to witness this shame, knowing what he would say, baffled Lugh. Nothing he’d seen so far had even slightly approached the issues she’d claimed concerned her, and spurred her to risk life and magic to venture to this place.

After the demonstration, and an indeterminable amount of time of waiting for Riley to fawn over the attentions of his followers, at last the man turned toward Kaitlin. From across the crowd, Lugh had watched her waiting for the summoning. She joined Riley and the pair of them strolled toward the center of the circle of stones. Lugh made his way silently around the other side of the circle. The stones gave him ample cover to move within earshot of their conversation.

“Have you given any more thought to what we talked about?” Riley asked.

“I helped you as you asked,” Kaitlin replied. “You said you knew where she was being kept. It’s vitally important that you tell me now. Things are… things are going to get bad, if I don’t bring Aoife home.”

Riley slipped a hand around her shoulder. “You’ve been amazing. Your talent is unparalleled, but we can’t free her with your music, Baby. I can tap into the ley lines and bring forth a little power, but not like you can. Not like the Sidhe. Not unless you bless me.”

Lugh forced himself not to growl at the mention of it. He knew what the ‘druid’ was asking for, even if the man didn’t know the consequences of his request. Or did he? Had he been ‘blessed’ before?

“Riley, you said you’d lead me to Aoife if I came here and I helped you. If I don’t bring her home now, there may not be a home to go back to.” Kaitlin pulled a folded map from her pocket and spread it open on one of the fallen stones. “Look, you said it was close to Stonehenge. A place where the ley lines would disguise her magic. Now, I read your books and I don’t see any place other than Stonehenge that meets the criteria you mentioned.”

Riley covered her hand with his. “First the blessing.”

She twisted free of his grasp. “You don’t need the blessing. I have someone else who can help me with the rescue. All I need from you is the location.”

Emotion strained his plea, “If I tell you, then what becomes of me? Of us? Have I not done all this to serve you? Look at the worshippers I have inspired. Think of what that could mean. How you could be a goddess to them. I can make them do anything! Lead them anywhere. Have them kneel before you. That’s what a druid does. Brings the faithful to the Sidhe deities. All you have to do is bless me and I will serve you willingly in all ways. Please, Kaitlin.”

Before you move on to the next part of the story, make sure to place a comment below to enter into the giveaway! You have to comment on all 6 parts to be eligible to win. The next part of the story can be found here: http://www.ufreviews.com/2012/02/in-whom-you-trust-blog-hop.html And THANK YOU for joining us on this blog hop!

Here's where you can find Archer:

http://www.sidhetouch.com/

http://feycast.blogspot.com/ (fun stuff blog)

http://sidhetouch.blogspot.com/ (free fiction blog)

https://twitter.com/#!/The_Sidhe

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5304934.S_A_Archer

http://www.facebook.com/SidheTouch

Support for the Navy SEALs - February 2012

2012-02-01T06:00:00.000-06:00

Support for the Navy SEALs

In August of 2011, the Navy SEAL community suffered its worst single day loss of life in its more than 50-year history when a team of SEALs aboard a special operations helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan. Like everyone with ties to the Naval Special Warfare, writer Jeffrey Wilson was deeply affected by this event. Everyone in the community is connected in some way to the families devastated by this tragedy.

Together with JournalStone Publisher Christopher C. Payne, Jeffrey has set out to raise money for the Navy SEAL Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides direct support for wounded SEALs and others from the Special Warfare community, and provides support and comfort for the families left behind when SEALs are killed in the line of duty.

For the entire month of February, Jeffrey Wilson will donate 100% of his royalties from his novel THE TRAITEUR'S RING to the Navy SEAL foundation. In an incredible show of generosity and support, Chris Payne at JournalStone has agreed to not only match this donation, but in fact donate 100% of JournalStones’ February profits from this book during February.

Jeffrey Wilson, a vascular and trauma surgeon, was deployed multiple times supporting the Navy SEALs as a combat surgeon. Although he left active duty in late 2007, he remains an active reserve member. Still assigned to the SEALs, Wilson runs a training program for SEAL medics.

In Wilson’s novel, Americans confront terrorism; injured soldiers regain their health; sacrifice is rewarded; flashbacks and terrifying childhood memories serve the greater good; ancient (and infallible) wisdom is available to true seekers; and emotional connection binds people together for an eternity. Wilson is currently available for interviews. His publisher, Chris Payne, is also granting interviews. Please let me know if you’d like additional information. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Author Bio: Jeffrey Wilson

Jeffrey Wilson, the son of a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot who later joined Pan Am as a pilot, spent much of his childhood in Berlin, Germany at the height of the Cold War (1970 - 1975). He has worked as a musician (fife and drum corp) and actor; a firefighter/paramedic; and pilot and flight instructor. That was before he completed his residency in general Surgery and rejoined the Navy. He was a featured physician while the chief resident on trauma in an episode of "Trauma: Life and Death in the ER" on The Learning Channel during this time.

Wilson did a Fellowship in Vascular Surgery at USF from 2002-2004. He reported for duty as a Vascular Surgeon to Portsmouth Naval Medical Center in July 2004. There he was the Director of Vascular Surgery research and director of the Non-invasive vascular Lab. In January 2005, he deployed as a Combat surgeon assigned to a FRSS team (the so-called "Devil Docs" who set up battle field surgical support with the Marines). They were in the Al Anbar province of Iraq for 6 months.

Upon his return, he was recruited by Naval Special Warfare to provide surgical support as a combat surgeon with the Navy SEALs. He left active duty in Late 2007 but remains in the reserves, still assigned to the SEALs where he runs a training program for SEAL medics. He works as a Vascular Surgeon at the VA and as a Trauma Surgeon at Tampa General Hospital with the University of South Florida.

THE TRAITEUR'S RING is his first published novel, and is part of a three-book contract with his publisher. THE DONORS is due out next summer and FADE TO BLACK the following year. He is currently working on his fourth book.

Publisher Bio: Christopher C. Payne

Christopher C. Payne was born in DeSoto, Ill., in January 1967. He received his bachelor's degree in finance from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, graduating in 1990. Currently he lives in San Francisco, Calif. In his spare time, he enjoys biking and snowboarding with his wife and two daughters.

Holding down a corporate accounting/finance job, Payne embarked on a literary career, delving into the world of writing with no preconceived idea of what to expect. He wrote three novels and edited an anthology before realizing his calling was more in tune with publishing.

JournalStone was established in 2009, became a publishing company in late 2010 and published its first novel in the spring of 2011. Publishing over 10 novels in 2011 was quite an accomplishment for a budding small press but 2012 holds the promise of some enormous potential for JournalStone Publishing.

Book Information:

The Traiteur’s Ring

By Jeffrey Wilson, M.D.

JournalStone

ISBN: 978-1936564170

www.jeffreywilsonfiction.com

You can find my interview with Jeff and the link to my review of The Traiteur's Ring HERE. Please grab yourself a copy (or copies) of this novel during the month of February and support this worthwhile cause!!!

Holding on to Heaven

2012-01-31T23:12:00.000-06:00

Holding on to Heaven

By: Keta Diablo

ISBN: 2940011264900

Published January 30, 2012

Available Format: ebook

My Rating: ★★★★★

Holding on to Heaven takes the reader back to the time just before the Civil War breaks out in the United States, when the Midwest was still "uncivilized" and the American Indians were being forced farther and farther out of their homelands. Lauren is a spitfire young woman from the south who travels to visit her aunt and uncle in Minnesota. Love finds her there, but it is far more complicated than boy meets girl. Pregnant with one man's child, she consents to marry his brother. One leaves for war; the other goes missing during an Indian skirmish. That's just the beginning of the turmoil that Lauren must face. Soon, her path will cross that of her twin sister that she did not even know was alive. Sage's life was very different from Lauren's, but she has her own burdens to bear, and she must somehow bring a new strength and love into Lauren's life just when she will need it the most.

There was a time that I would have said, "I don't read erotic fiction." I still might wade in with a little trepidation, but I think Holding on to Heaven was so far from what I imagine erotic fiction to be. Honestly, I wouldn't even label it erotic—just historical romance. There is such a well-written plot, a true deep story, within this novel. There is sex, there is romance, but it isn't the focus of the story at all.

Keta does an amazing job developing the characters, introducing us to each of their storylines and then weaving all of those lines together in interesting and profound ways. It is so much more than your run-of-the-mill love triangle. There is so much more complexity involved. Then, add in the fact that these sisters are about run across each other again after all these years, not knowing the other even existed. It is such a fantastic story!

I was honored to help Keta with preparing the manuscript prior to publication, and I have to say that sometimes it was difficult to do my job because I was so engrossed in what was happening! I became completely emotionally invested in the lives of each of the characters. I cannot tell you how many times I started crying. I absolutely cannot wait to see where the story goes from here.

Find Keta on her blog: http://ketaskeep.blogspot.com

Buy Holding on to Heaven: http://amzn.to/Ad5tnz

Pazuzu's Girl by Rachel Coles

2012-01-25T02:01:00.000-06:00

Pazuzu's Girl

By: Rachel Coles

ISBN: 9781936564361

Expected Publication: February 10, 2012 by JournalStone

Available format: Hardcover, paperback, ebook

My Rating: ★★★★★

Publisher's Synopsis: Morpho Wilson thought her life was difficult enough. Her father is Pazuzu, the Mesopotamian demon of plague and the Southwest wind. As a teenager Morpho struggles against her father, while trying to adjust to high school in a new neighborhood. The family is constantly moving in an attempt to elude Pazuzu’s murderous ex-wife, a demoness known for killing children.

Then something unique happens. A socially-impaired classmate becomes so intrigued by Morpho that he pursues her, despite the mystery surrounding her family and the danger that accompanies it.

But before their romance can grow the demoness tracks Morpho down, and now only needs an ancient artifact called the Tablet of Destiny to complete the destruction of the world. The tablet confers on its owner the ability to control the fate of everything and everyone on earth.

Once the tablet is discovered in the Middle East, the oldest and most powerful gods begin a battle for its possession, with the human population caught in the middle. Morpho, her family, and her new friend must decide, do they escape from the horrifying demoness or fight for their own destiny. How far will Pazuzu go to save his daughter from a hellish fate? Will his banishment from Heaven so many millennia ago end up being a curse...or a blessing?

I love working with JournalStone because I have been fortunate enough to get an early look at so many amazing novels. Pazuzu's Girl is definitely in those ranks! It has such an interesting, unique plot and is so well written. I continue to be impressed by the caliber of writers who are being discovered or re-discovered by this company.

One thing that always snags me is when the seemingly bad characters, Pazuzu in this case, turn out to really be the good guys. Pazuzu is almost like any other normal, single father, trying to raise his rebellious teenage daughter right. Sure, he can dissipate into a swarm of locusts, and he's been known to spread a plague or two. A guy has to make a living, right? Deep down, Pazuzu has real heart, and the author does such an amazing job developing his character, keeping in his scary side and melding it with his humanity. We all have a scary side; admit it.

Another great thing about this novel is Morpho's character. We get to see her grow and come into herself, much like the butterfly she is named after. We get to see her in the normal, angsty teenage life of an outcast. Our heartstrings are tugged as she finds love, and then we are crushed when her whole world comes apart around her. Morpho is able to find her strength, cling to her morality, and stand up to the evil that plagues her life and the world as a whole.

There are so many familiar yet revamped ideas included in this novel along with a lot of great, new ideas. I love anything that has to do with gods and goddesses. Heck, you might even find a zombie or two in this one as well—or are those ghosts?? Hmmm…guess you'll have to read to find out!

GIR Blog Hop: Interview with Kiwi from Kiwi in Cat City by Vickie Johnstone!!

2012-01-23T06:00:00.011-06:00

I have such a special treat for you all today. You should know by now how much of a Kiwi fan I am based on my ramblings about Kiwi in Cat City as well as Kiwi and the Missing Magic. I also previously interviewed author Vickie Johnstone.

Today, I have non other than Ms. Kiwi herself as my super special guest! Kiwi has graciously stopped by for a visit as part of the Great Indie Reads Blog Hop.

See details following the interview to get your name in the pot for your very own taste of Kiwi!

Character Interview

Kiwi of Kiwi in Cat City

By Vickie Johnstone

GL: Please tell us a little about yourself.

Kiwi: Well I’m just a cat. I’m about 4. I’m a bit small, black, fluffy and I’m not sure if I’m cute or not – that’s up to other cats to decide though Georgie is always buying me Mrs Ebenry’s special delights and winking at me. I live with Amy and James and their parents in the human world. But, at night time I like to visit my other home, Cat City, where I either spend time at the Cat Motel or at my mother Moggie’s place. But I like my independence!

My best friends are Amy, James, Inspector Furrball and Kip. Siam is cool too. If I tell you a secret, do you promise not to tell, because otherwise everyone will want to meet me?! The secret is, I’m magical. You might notice a faint purple glow to my fur and eyes – look closely or you might miss it – that’s my magic glowing. I could take you to Cat City if you are very, very good and don’t tell a soul!

GL: Do you have a “full” name or is it just Kiwi?

Kiwi: I was called Kiwi by my ‘owners’ in the human world. It’s a bit weird being named after a fruit, but, hey, there are worse names. Maybe it suits me. And the children named me, so I like my name! I have a much longer name in Cat City, but I can’t tell you it. It’s a secret (if you’ve read book 3, you’ll know why).

GL: I haven't read book three just yet, but I plan to do that ASAP! I can't wait to find out...

GL: Would you like to tell us how old you are (in cat years OR human years) or is it a secret?

Kiwi: I’m four… I think that’s about 28 in your years. Yep, I’m adding on my claws… that’s 28.

GL: We're almost the same age, though I'm a teensy bit older than you. I'll be hitting the big 3-0 in a couple months...

GL: Have you used up any of your nine lives yet?

Kiwi: I think I used up all of them in the human world, but so far I think no harm can come to me there. I’m sure I’ve used up 11 or so. So far, so good. Crossed paws!!

GL: I’ve heard a rumor—are cats really lactose intolerant?

Kiwi: Yes that’s correct, alas – correct for me anyway. I’d be rushing to the cat litter tray! I love the milk in Cat City. It’s the best. We have alco-milk machines for adult kitties. And we have normal milk machines for young cats and general refreshment. We have so many flavours that you can add - strawberry, chocolate, lime, honey, grass, lemon, mouse, bird, fish… lots. However, I did tell Inspector Furrball that I’d invented chocolate. I guess that’s not exactly true.

GL: How do you feel about dogs? What about mice?

Kiwi: Dogs? Dogs? Is there one here? Where? Oops I’m chasing my tail. Phew, no dogs. Phew. They give me the shivers. They smell. And the teeth… the teeth… Moving on. Mice are nice. I tend not to hunt much. I try not to, but it’s in the blood. Sometimes I get the urge. But I like mice. I’ve known some nice mice. For example, Whiskers (he’s the mouse in book 2). I like him. You can have a good conversation with him about architecture, engineering – he loves to build things, and he has so many ideas. I can’t wait to see his new inventions. So my answer is I try not to. But in Cat City, I’m rather partial to Mrs Ebenry’s famous delicacies… that’s mouse… but I only accept that as a present. I don’t buy them myself. You know what they say, a minute on the lips… a lifetime on the cat bum.

GL: What brought about your career choice? Is there another career you are also interested in?

Kiwi: I’m really curious about things. I like solving puzzles and riddles. I love travelling – I get that from my father. I miss him a lot because he would take me to places. He took me to the human world, although Moggie didn’t approve. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have met Amy and James. One of my best friends is Inspector Furrball and I like to help my friends. One day he needed my help to solve a mystery and I volunteered. It was fun. So now he’s always asking! But I know that if ever I’m in trouble, he will come to the rescue. As it happens, this actually occurred in book 3, when I got in a bit of a pickle in an old house with an angry ghost – yikes, I shiver remembering! But I like solving crimes. I love watching Scooby-Doo with James. It’s the best thing on his TV. Also, my magic comes in handy. Any other career? Mmm. I wouldn’t mind something to do with travel. I could be a travel agent :-).

GL: What has it been like working with your human partners, Amy and James?

Kiwi: They’re fantastic. They are best friends of mine. James is younger, but now and then he comes up with some brilliant ideas. He’s obsessed with James Bond. I think he wants to be him. Of course, in book 1 of Kiwi, we would have been stuck without James. He notices details. I like the way he thinks. Amy… well she’s lovely. Intelligent, pretty and kind. She loves animals. She wants to work for Greenpeace… and she’s just great. It was a real shock to them when I started talking, but well… they’re no longer shocked. I think they’re learning a lot. I like to think that I’m teaching them some good things and widening their horizons. I just hope they never get bored of Cat City and me when they grow up.

GL: I can't imagine that would ever happen!

GL: What sorts of silly kitten mistakes do they often make?

Kiwi: Aha! Well, James falls over his paws. He finds it hard to walk first of all when he changes. But he eventually gets the hang of it. Amy is quicker at adjusting and I think she has the best balance. James still gets a thrill from chasing his tail, which can be a bit embarrassing at times. Sometimes they mix their mews and purrs, and purr when they’re trying to speak. Scratching… it’s a cat thing, but I know they don’t like doing it. And washing, they don’t like spitting on their paw and washing… I guess they may get a bit smelly! That reminds me… James likes to try new things and sometimes it’s not good, such as grass milk, and it took him a while to learn how to lap milk without decorating us all!

GL: Do you have any brothers or sisters?

Kiwi: Ah, I can’t talk about that. It’s a sore subject.

GL: I'm so sorry...

GL: Have you ever considered settling down and raising kittens of your own?

Kiwi: Maybe one day… if I meet the right Tom. But I don’t think I have yet. He would have to be an intelligent, manly cat with good balance, a nice smell, a sense of adventure and not mind me going off to solve crimes. In fact, if he enjoyed doing that, well maybe that would be the best partnership.

GL: Why blue lightbulbs? Why not pink or green or purple, etc.? Do the lights in the human world bother you?

Kiwi: Ah, blue is best for cats’ eyes. It’s purrfect. I don’t mind the white lights in the human world, but I can see better with the blue ones. It’s also soothing. It’s good for your cat mood. Do you know that in the human world, blue light is used for many things? Some types of therapy use the wavelengths of blue light to treat things such as sleep disorders, SAD and skin problems. In Cat City, you don’t see many depressed cats. It’s a happy place. Blue light helps.

GL: Perhaps we should all use blue lights! There are some pretty grumpy people here.

GL: Do you know the lady (Vickie) who writes about you? What do you think about her?

Kiwi: I know that she’s writing my adventures. There are three books at the moment and she’s just started number four. I think she writes fairly and puts everyone and every cat in the right light. I don’t know much about her except that she likes cats very very much! I hope she doesn’t get bored writing about my history :-).

GL: I think she's pretty cool too. I hope she doesn't get bored writing about you either, because I love reading about your adventures!

GL: How many of your other adventures has she or will she write about?

Kiwi: Ah, I don’t know. I have so many. Every day there’s something new. I know she’s working on the fourth and fifth adventures. I can’t tell you what they’re about though. You’ll just have to wait and see. But one does involve going underground and the other to a different world, and Inspector Furrball’s kitty wedding is coming up. That’s all I can say. Winks!

GL: How exciting!

GL: Do you have any favorite films or music?

Kiwi: Oooh. Well I love Scooby-Doo and Top Cat. I also enjoyed watching Bruce Lee films with James’ hamster, Hammy. Music? Well, I like to listen to whale music! Amy was playing it once and it’s really soothing. She also likes a band called Lynyrd Skynyrd. I think it’s because her mum likes them. She’s always playing Sweet Home Alabama and Free Bird. I like birds so I like that one.

GL: Do you have a favorite toy?

Kiwi: Me toys? I’m four! I’m too old for toys! Whispers – I like strokes and playing with Amy and James. My fave toy was a catnip one shaped like a fish.

GL: What does everyone do in his or her free time in Cat City?

Kiwi: Anything! You can do anything. There’s the Catema – it shows a few different films every week. The owner is Mr Eastwood. At the moment Furrlight is on, along with For a few kitties more. Mr Eastwood is Cat City’s only director. He runs Stage Cats. Anyone can join and learn how to act. I’m not sure where he gets his film ideas from, but they’re amazing. Then there’s Meow Market. You can go there for food, clothes, anything really. There are many parks to visit there. Purrfect Mouse Burgers has amazing food. It’s very popular. Ladycats can get their fur and claws done at Kitty Parlour. Meow Café is nice – they make the most amazing grass cakes and flavoured milk that is the best in Cat City. We only have one hotel – the Cat Motel. It’s huge. We don’t need more than one though. If you want, you can have toys and a scratching post in your room. They also have room service. You can always just go for a walk down the street – the sun is so orangey there and the pavement sparkles with little blue mosaic cat heads. It’s lovely. I’m not sure about your streets here – they’re a bit grey and they sometimes have smelly stuff on! I once trod in something gooey and sticky too. Took ages to get it off my paw.

GL: Do cats drive cars in Cat City?

Kiwi: Yes! I’ve been on your buses and our cat cars are nothing like those. We have little cars that fit our size. Instead of wheels they have cat paws that turn round and round, really fast. We peddle our paws to make the cat paws turn and off we go. We don’t get rain very often so we don’t have roofs on the cars. Some younger cats have catboards and travel around on those. They’re fun. You can go quite fast. Just don’t tell Moggie that I used to whizz around Cat City on one.

GL: Where do you go on holiday/vacation?

Kiwi: Ah, I go to the human world, of course. That’s my holiday time. I spend it with Amy and James. That’s the best holiday any cat could wish for. But now and then I get itchy paws for somewhere new. So cat knows where I’ll go next. Thanks for chatting. Have a kitty nice day!

GL: Thanks so, so much for being our guest today Ms. Kiwi! It was a joy having you, and I do hope you'll come again soon!

Here's where you can find Vickie and her work:

@vickiejohnstonevickiejohnstone.blogspot.com/

Author of:
Kaleidoscope, a book of poemshttp://www.smashwords.com/books/view/51234
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004SY5VZ8

Kiwi in Cat Cityhttp://www.smashwords.com/books/view/55227
http://tinyurl.com/ckm6eeg

Kiwi and the missing Magic
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/71030
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005AL3D7Q

Kiwi and the living nightmarehttp://www.smashwords.com/books/view/95345http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005UF4V6E

Travelling Light - a free preview book of poems
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/61290
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0055U9PEW

A flash of Inspiration - A collection of very short stories by indie authors (anthology)
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/66603

Anyone interested in any of the Kiwi books, please leave your contact information in a comment below or email me at gatheringleavesreviews@gmail.com. We are pooling together all entrants from this and our previous giveaway and Vickie will choose several winners to receive copies of one or more of the Kiwi series!!!

Kiwi and the Missing Magic by Vickie Johnstone

2012-01-22T06:00:00.000-06:00

I don't get to see you guys much on Sundays! I hope everyone has been having an awesome weekend so far. We've been to the ER, had a tire blow on us, and then the spare was also basically flat...sooo maybe I shouldn't comment on that...haha!

Moving along to much better things... As part of the Great Indie Reads Blog Hop, I am once again hosting the lovely Ms. Vickie Johnstone who is the genius behind the Kiwi Series. For anyone who doesn't know, Kiwi is the star kitty who helps her human friends, Amy and James, visit her magical home in Cat City.

Well, I have a super special treat for you all this time. Since we've already gotten to know Vickie pretty well (see her interview HERE), I have invited Ms. Kiwi herself to stop by and chat with us! So, tomorrow, Kiwi will be here for a little Q&A so we can get the real scoop on all things Cat City. (Yes, I'm quite fluent in cat...)

For today, I'm sharing my review of the second of the Kiwi series, Kiwi and the Missing Magic. You can find my review of Kiwi in Cat City HERE.

Kiwi and the Missing Magic (Kiwi Series #2)

By: Vickie Johnstone

AISN: B005AL3D7Q

Published July 4, 2011

Available Format: ebook

My Rating: ★★★★★

In Kiwi in Cat City, we were introduced to the magical world of Kiwi and her friends in Cat City. For the second installment of the series, Amy and James join Kiwi in the city again, and there is, naturally, another mystery to solve. This time, the city is suddenly threatened by a giant mouse, and it is up to the gang to find out how he got into Cat City and what exactly he is doing there. In addition, some of the Magic is missing, which could be extremely dangerous for all the catizens. Some old friends are revisited while some new, super cute characters are introduced to round out this highly entertaining, furry fun adventure. You won’t want to miss it!

I have been dying to jump into book two of the Kiwi series since I finished Kiwi in Cat City a couple months ago. I was absolutely not disappointed, of course. Kiwi is such great fun, and it is interesting to see this new world through the eyes of Amy and James as they transform into cats and must integrate themselves into the feline society. I thought it was such a great idea to bring James’ hamster into the group to help them solve this new mystery.

I admit, I was a bit thrown off in the beginning when we meet the bees, but later in the story I saw how that tied into what was going on in Cat City, so all was well again. Other than that little bit of temporary confusion, there was absolutely nothing wrong with this adorable story! I love the personalities of each and every one of the characters, and there is always something neat to learn about what happens in the fantastical city.

It is always great, also, to find a good children’s/YA series that adults can fully enjoy as well. It is a great story to share with your children or just keep for yourself if you are so inclined!

I can’t wait to see what is next for Ms. Kiwi and the kittens. Maybe it won’t take me two months to dive into Kiwi and the Living Nightmare!

See you tomorrow! Be sure to bring your cat nip treats and grass flavored cream! :-)

Blog Tour: Author Interview with Stephen Prosapio, Ghosts of Rosewood Asylum...plus Giveaway!!!

2012-01-21T06:00:00.002-06:00

Though I've been looking forward to it basically all week, I can't believe another weekend is upon us already. I'm typing this up at 2:40AM, thanks to my clumsy son keeping me in the ER all evening. Sigh... I really hope I get to sleep in this morning!

But now on to much more interesting topics, namely, Ghosts of Rosewood Asylum by Stephen Prosapio! Steve is stopping by today while on his blog tour to answer a few questions so we can all learn more about his amazing novel and his amazing self :-).

In case you missed my review, you can find it HERE.

Be sure to enter the giveaway following the interview for your chance at your very own FREE ecopy of Ghosts of Rosewood Asylum!

Author Interview
Stephen Prosapio
Ghosts of Rosewood Asylum

GL: Good morning, sir! Please give us your intro/blurb.

Steve: Forced to work with a rival TV ghost hunting show, a paranormal researcher—who is himself possessed—investigates a 19^th century asylum and uncovers as many dangerous secrets as he does spirits.

GL: What was your inspiration for this book?

SP: I really fell in love with the TV ghost hunting shows, and thought it would be great in a novel to get behind the scenes of them. All of those “WHAT WAS THAT?” moments would be captured in the novel. Also, the character of Zach grew over the course of about a year or so just in my brain, so by the time I started writing the book, I knew him rather intimately. And lastly there was the story of Rosewood and the history of the spirits who inhabited it. Those came to me as the story developed similar to the way it does for the readers.

GL: Is there a real Rosewood?

SP: There is a real Rosewood Asylum in Maryland, but the Rosewood in my book is a fictional place shrouded in the very real historical neighborhood of Pullman, Illinois. The entire town actually is a Historical Landmark and most of the old buildings are still standing.

GL: Which character’s personality most closely resembles your own?

SP: Great question. I’m reminded of that movie (I won’t name it so that it doesn’t ruin the film for those who’ve not seen it) where the characters are all shards of someone with multiple personality disorder. They’re really all fractions of my persona at various ages or stages of development. Zach: the good kid trying to follow his passion. Ray: the big athletic guy who’s cool and funny. Wendy: loves history. Sara: ambitious and smart. Rebecca: struggling to develop her talents. Matthew: having to fight to get what he wants. Angel: insecure but loyal. Hunter: wise and centered. How’s that for not really answering the question? LOL

GL: Wait, what was the question again??? :-)

GL: Was there a character or situation you had an extremely difficult time developing?

SP: Not in Ghosts of Rosewood Asylum. Compared to my other two novels, the characters and the story came together amazingly quickly and smoothly. I ran into some problems in the book I just completed, the next book in the XPI series: The Atchison Haunting (avoidance so thick that I even skipped ahead and answered two of the next questions avoiding the second half of this question before forcing myself to come back to it!). There is an important flashback in the 2^nd book to a scene with Zach visiting his mother for the last time (She’s already dead at the opening of the first book so there’s no spoiler here). That “goodbye” scene was extremely difficult and emotional to write and then to edit and rewrite.

GL: Do you actually believe in ghosts?

SP: Absolutely.

GL: Have you ever had a personal experience with a ghost/demon?

SP: Not with a demon and I wouldn’t want to. I honestly don’t know that I’d be strong enough to face one. Ghosts, yes. I don’t share too much on that because I use my experiences in my writing and it might impact a reader’s enjoyment of the books.

GL: Do you have any unusual evil-repelling practices or superstitions? (For instance, I have slept with a Bible under my pillow to keep away bad dreams. J)

SP: Oddly, although I seem to write quite a bit about them, I’m not a particularly religious person these days. However, on the wall next to my computer, I have a Psalm quote Bono said before the most powerful performance I’ve ever seen (“O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth Your praise.”). Below it, I have the prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel used often by Zach and XPI. Also, I’m careful not to drink alcohol or stay up late writing extremely dark scenes. I stay as cleared and centered as anyone would need to be to actually face down evil. Just to be on the safe side.

GL: Do you watch ghost reality shows on television?

SP: Well, believe it or not, I currently don’t own a television! I watch things online so it’s not like I deprive myself, but I’ve not seen too many of the modern ghost hunting shows. I watched them religiously (all of them) for a period before during and after completing Ghosts. Oddly, though, I’d already completed the first draft of the book before I learned of Ghost Adventures and Zak. Some people have asked if I modeled Zach after him and he’s one that I didn’t.

GL: I don’t know much about them. I try not to watch them if I can help it. They usually just make me giggle…

GL: What other work do you have published?

SP: I ePublished my first novel Dream War. It’s a SciFi tale which presupposes the CIA developed the technology to connect to our enemies’ dreams and extract information. Unfortunately, it was just a matter of time before they took things a little too far…

GL: What are you working on now?

SP: I mentioned the follow up novel to Ghosts of Rosewood Asylum. I hope people don’t get the impression the first book didn’t really end. I hate when authors do that. It’s my intention that each book could be read individually. Each book is a new case.

GL: What book(s) have you read that really surprised you?

SP: It’s really hard to surprise me in a book or novel. My mind tends to figure things out pretty quickly…which isn’t always a good thing. When something does surprise me it’s nice. The 6^th Sense really got me. That was great. I saw a couple of the twists coming in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows but they were so well done that they did surprise me and affect me on an emotional level.

GL: Mmmm…I love Harry Potter!

GL: Favorite scary movie?

SP: I’d put the original Jeepers Creepers up there. Also The 6^th Sense.

GL: What would you choose for your last meal?

SP: Interesting question in that I recently considered this having just read “In Cold Blood” for the first time and considered it as they talked about the killers’ last meals. I guess I’d go with a nice salad, lasagna and as much wine as they’d let me have!

GL: Mine would have to be my momma’s biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, and crispy bacon… Yum!

SP: Thanks so much for having me! I’m so glad you enjoyed the book!

Thanks for hanging out with us today and for sharing your book with me! I’m glad I enjoyed it too ;-)…even if I had some trouble sleeping some nights.

Dream War is available on Amazon FREE for a limited time. So, while you're over there snatching up your copy of Ghosts of Rosewood Asylum, make sure you grab that one too!

Here's where you can find Steve:

http://www.prosapio.com/

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

XPI Facebook Fan Club

XPI Website

Otherworld Publications

Buy the book:

B&N

GIVEAWAY!!

Stephen is offering up one ebook to a lucky reader, as well as a signed bookmark and postcard (Hey, I want one of those!)... All you have to do to enter is fill out the Rafflecopter form OR leave a comment below with your email address! Good luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Feature: Ghosts of Rosewood Asylum by Stephen Prosapio

2012-01-20T06:00:00.000-06:00

This is a jam-packed week -- full of awesomeness! I'm heading straight into another blog tour today. I am hosting Stephen Prosapio on his tour promoting his fantastically spooky novel, Ghosts of Rosewood Asylum.

Steve was our guest on JournalJabber this past Tuesday, and he is tons of fun! Today, I'll be sharing my review with you and tomorrow, Steve is going to be here answering some of my lovely questions about his book, his life, and who knows what other scary stuff we can summon up...

Ghosts of Rosewood Asylum

By: Stephen Prosapio

ISBN: 9781936593101

Published May 10, 2011 by Otherworld Publications

Available Format: Hardcover, Paperback, ebook

My Rating: ★★★★★

I’ve mentioned before, until about the middle of last year, I hadn’t read much horror since I was in high school. Sure, I’ve watched the occasional horror film, and often I regretted it. I realized that there were things that didn’t bother me so much, like zombies and aliens, because the likelihood that those things are or will be real is much less than other things. Some things, however, get to me quite a bit more. Demons and ghosts fall into the category of the other things. Why? Well, because I believe in angels, so conversely, I also believe in demons. That there are evil spirits roaming the earth toying with our everyday lives, I’m pretty certain. Are these meddlings as drastic as those on the big screen? I don’t know. But, I just can’t entirely discount the existence of ghosts and demons and that they are able to crossover into our world and carry out certain acts, both malicious and benevolent.

So, anytime I wake at 3AM with no explanation, the hair on my arms is often raised in alarm. And, anytime I read (or watch) anything about hauntings or possessions, I’m much more likely to get those paranoid feelings in the dark or have creepy dreams that have me tossing and turning all night. Since I read Ghosts of Rosewood Asylum each night right before bed, sometimes into the wee hours of the morning, you can imagine the kind of sleep I had that week J. It really did creep me out a few times, but I have to say it is one of the best ghost books I have ever read.

As the host of Xavier Paranormal Investigators, a reality television show a la Ghost Hunters, Zach Kalusky is beside himself when he is finally given the opportunity to explore and possibly exorcise the ghosts of the haunted Rosewood Asylum. With its sordid history of mysterious fires, suicides and other unexplained events, Rosewood is the most fascinating landmark in the Chicago ghost hunting scene. The catch is that the motley crew from Demon Hunters is to team up with XPI on this particular investigation for a Halloween special. Sure, their show is often more dramatic, maybe even more entertaining, but their investigations are suspected to be much less ethical than Zach’s XPI. In the midst of some very real paranormal happenings, Zach finds himself questioning the loyalty of his own team members while he deals with his personal secrets – that he is actually possessed himself.

Rosewood is the kind of place in which you would not find me, especially not in the middle of the night, roaming the dark halls, asking if there are any spirits who’d like to communicate. No thanks! Prosapio does a fantastic job intermingling the history of the haunted asylum with the modern day aspects of the reality show and the various characters the reader encounters along the way. I love the mix of history, ghost story, technology, paranormal, psychic, and religious – especially the religious and Zach’s possession.

My favorite character is probably Father Macginty! I love a good, quirky man of God who can always handle a dubious situation with a great joke. And he really grounds Zach’s unusual situation. Second place would probably go to Hunter, Zach’s psychic friend. Maybe I just needed these guys’ humor to balance out the creepy so I could actually get some sleep J.

If you like a good ghost story, then you have to check out The Ghosts of Rosewood Asylum. You might not want to read it at bedtime, though…

See you all tomorrow for Steve's Q&A!! Don't miss it!!

Bleedover Blog Tour: GIVEAWAY & Author Interview with Curtis Hox

2012-01-19T06:00:00.011-06:00

Welcome to another fantastic feature here on Gathering Leaves! Today, my special guest is Mr. Curtis Hox, author of the profound novel, Bleedover. Bleedover is the kind of novel that really gets you thinking. In case you missed my review, you can find it HERE.

Curtis has been kind enough to join me for a little Q&A session so you all can get to know more about him and his work. Be sure to stick around after the interview and enter the giveaways -- an ecopy of Bleedover and your chance at a $50 gift card!

Author Interview
Curtis Hox
Bleedover

GL: Please give us your intro/blurb.

Curtis: An intriguing phenomenon in literature and arts. A maverick professor's quest to find answers. And a discovery that will shock the world.

Books, TV, film, advertising. It’s all being mysteriously altered, and no one knows why. Dr. Harriet Sterling claims she understands, even if no one believes her. She calls it the New Phenomenon of Bleedover.

She's alone, though, because the science establishment stands in her way. When trusted graduate students generate an apple out of thin air in a controversial bleedover project, the world takes notice. So does an old enemy thirsty for revenge, Corbin Lyell, who manipulates bleedover to hurtle monstrosities from the world of his pulp heroes, H.P. Lovecraft and R.E. Howard.

Dr. Sterling must stop Lyell's apocalyptic plans, but with enemies on all sides undermining her discovery, can she succeed?

With a heady mixture of serious literature and genre fiction, Bleedover dazzles as a thought-provoking work of science fiction and contemporary fantasy that both inspires and entertains.

GL: Can you please tell us a little about Bleedover?

CH: It’s a novel that imagines a world in which the stories we tell become real and bleedover into reality. That’s it, really. It revolves around a university professor’s attempt to explain this with a rational method.

GL: What was the inspiration for this novel?

CH: I wanted a rational explanation for things like divinities walking the streets of New York (the premise of a novel I wrote before Bleedover). I’ve been thinking about it for some time, even before Gaiman’s American Gods. It also stemmed from an urge to rationalize the fantastic in a way that doesn’t, de facto, accept them as a given. I wanted all the tropes we love in fantasy, but I wanted to explain how they could exist through some system of scientific inquiry.

GL: Which character did you pour most of yourself into? Who do you relate to the most?

CH: The three main characters: Hattie, Masumi, and Towns all have certain aspects of my own thinking. Hattie is the driven person in pursuit of a rational metaphysics, who also maintains a space for the mystical. Masumi is the supreme skeptic, while Towns is the wide-eyed student ready for anything

GL: Was there a character or situation you had more difficulty developing?

CH: Developing the main character so that she was driven and determined, yet still likeable, (while not being supremely heroic) took work.

GL: Any outtakes? Anything or anyone you really wanted in that just didn’t make the cut?

CH: I originally had R.E. Howard’s character Conan make an appearance. But I removed it for copyright issues.

GL: What led you to choose self-publishing?

CH: I realized self-publishing is also a great way to grow as a writer. I knew I’d just keep writing for myself, while ignoring the business side of publishing, unless I did something soon. I also had plenty of feedback from people who said I should.

GL: What challenges have you faced during the publishing/marketing process?

CH: Learning the indie publishing business, of course. My wife, though, has been a huge help with this. She enjoys marketing, so we make a good team. She has to work extra hard, though, because my material has always been difficult. I went out of my way for years to write in a way that was challenging to myself and to the reader. And the current state of indie publishing seems to reward very genre oriented writing, which is great, but carving a niche will be my challenge.

GL: First of all, you have certainly succeeded in writing a novel that is challenging yet still absolutely enjoyable for the reader. And, your wife is AMAZING! She has been a joy to work with, from my end. I know she is a valuable asset for you...

GL: Without whom could you just not have made it through writing/publishing?

CH: My wife.

GL: If it were possible, what book(s) would you love to travel into?

CH: Great question! I’ll just pick one: the Bible, so I could run around with a camera and record what really happened, then show it to all the literalists out there and watch them squirm.

GL: It would be so hard for me to choose. The Bible, for sure. I love the idea of making the literalists squirm :-). Lord of the Rings - the pretty places, like Rivendell! Hmmm...

GL: What would you like to bring out of a book or film?

CH: I’m not sure what you mean. But this sounds like something directly related to the premise of Bleedover. If I could go into a book and return with something (an element that does happen in my novel), I’d have to go into Star Wars and come back with a light saber, of course. Hell, I’d come back with my own X-Wing. Then again, I could go into the world of Battlestar Galactica and come back with Number 6, but then my wife wouldn’t be so happy with me.

GL: Haha! That's exactly what I meant. I didn't want to give too much of the book away, though. I kinda like one of the important things the main character brings over ;-). Or just being able to go back and visit lost loved ones...

GL: What book have you read that was completely uncharacteristic for you (maybe you read a steamy romance when you usually read horror)? What did you think?

CH: I once read a Daniel Steele novel (I even remember the name: Full Circle) when I was fifteen because a girlfriend at the time liked it. What a sucker I was.

GL: Do you have any other work published or do you plan to publish anything soon?

CH: I have a few short stories published, but I plan to release several completed novels in the next year or two.

GL: What do you do when you just want some down time for yourself?

CH: Lately, write. Watch some good TV serials. Even play some video games (but I have so little time for that now) like Gran Turismo 5.

GL: Any unique talents, hobbies or habits?

CH: I have a habit of never getting everything my wife wants when she sends me the grocery store.

GL: I don't think that is unique. I think it is written in the male DNA. ;-)

GL: Most interesting place you’ve visited and/or person you’ve met?

CH: I lived in Salvador Da Bahia (Brazil) for a few years. Think great music, dancing, and fun people. When I lived in NYC I met a guy in the East Village who believed he was a stork and used to stand on one leg. I lived on Tenth and B and I’d see him standing there all the time. I’d give him a thumbs up and he’d start hopping up and down. He never told me his real name, though.

GL: Hmmm...interesting...

Thanks so much for stopping by on your tour and sharing your fantastic novel with us! I wish you all the best with your future endeavors and look forward to having you on all your book tours! :-)

Bleedover by Curtis Hox

Science Fiction/Contemporary Fantasy

80,000 words

ISBN: 978-0-9846656-0-0

Links: Author Site | Author Blog | Facebook Fan Page

Buy it Now: Amazon

Tags: Science fiction, contemporary fantasy, thriller, pulp fiction, sword and sorcery, portals, alternate worlds, magic, spell casting, demon summoning.

About the Author

I've written six unpublished contemporary, literary science fantasy novels in the last decade, all of which I finished and promptly put away. I didn't even let my wife read one until this year. (I know, ultra critical and self defeating as hell, but that's me.) I've done rounds of agent hunting with little luck, and since everyone is talking about e-publishing, I thought I'd give it a try by self publishing Bleedover and by writing a series of three YA novels with all the juicy stuff I love from science fiction and fantasy and just have fun with it. Those turned into the Transhuman Warrior Series (currently being edited). I’m also forcing myself to be open to everything that goes along with the business side of marketing without griping, "Frack it! I just want to write."

Other titles by me: Repossession in Progress, The Kafka Harrier, and The Red Sphere.

You can reach me at www.curtishox.com | @curtishox | curtishox@gmail.com

GIVEAWAYS:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Feature: Bleedover by Curtis Hox

2012-01-18T06:00:00.002-06:00

Gathering Leaves is hosting the Bleedover blog tour today and tomorrow. Curtix Hox will be stopping by for an interview tomorrow, and you will have a chance to win your own ecopy of Bleedover and a $50 gift card! Be sure to come back by to learn more about this fantastic novel...

Here's a little preview of what you will find here tomorrow:

Inspirations for Bleedover

Bleedover is a novel that blends intellectual subject matter with popular genre tropes in an examination of what narrative is and how we consume it. I wanted a story that pits literary sensibilities vs. the stuff of pulp fiction and popular culture. This emerges as a battle between the protagonist Dr. Hattie Sterling and an old book club member, Corbin Lyell. Hattie's a professor with an attitude who thinks she knows how to explain (and control) bleedover events seeping into reality. The conflict focuses on how Corbin counters her, and her response. He believes that the sword-and-sorcery fiction of R.E. Howard and the science horror of H.P. Lovecraft is just as important as the serious literature you get in an English department. I threw in a few fun pulp-fiction tropes like a sword-wielding barbarian, a demon-thing and monstrosities from deep space, even a red-goddess. These, I hope, are handled in an original fashion that avoids the clichés and contrived mechanisms we've all seen a million times. In the end, I tried to write a smart novel with all the fun stuff I liked as a kid.

I know Bleedover risks alienating readers who expect standard science fiction and contemporary fantasy, but the slow build is worth the reward in the end when Hattie and Corbin duel.

And now, my review:

Bleedover

By: Curtis Hox

AISN: B006999LQA

Published November 2, 2011

Available Format: ebook

My Rating: ★★★★★

Author’s Synopsis: An intriguing phenomenon in literature and arts. A maverick professor's quest to find answers. And a discovery that will shock the world.

Dr. Sterling must stop Lyell's apocalyptic plans, but with enemies on all sides undermining her discovery, can she succeed?

With a heady mixture of serious literature and genre fiction, Bleedover dazzles as a thought-provoking work of literary science fantasy that both inspires and entertains.

I’ll admit, when I first started reading Bleedover, I was thinking What in the world is going on? But, pretty soon all the little pieces began to come together and I got right with the flow of the story. Granted, I did not refresh my memory by rereading the synopsis, and with about a million books on my to-read list, it is easy for me to confuse what an upcoming book is about. So, I dove right in and discovered the world of Dr. Sterling completely from scratch.

I am highly impressed with the writing skills of Mr. Hox and how well he was able to pull such a rather complex story together so seamlessly! The main aspect of the story, basically that elements of “imaginary” or “creative” works can bleed over into the real world, is a rather complicated idea, and once I was able to get MY brain together, I realized Hox did an awesome job of introducing the idea without giving the reader a long, exhaustive Bleedover 101 lecture.

I love the combination of science fiction and fantasy and how the historical and literary are mixed into the plot. From Lovecraft to Victor Hugo, ancient monsters and sword-wielding warriors to futuristic spaceships and giant red goddesses, there’s a little bit of everything in this excellent novel. Personally, I want one of Dr. Sterling’s portals; I have a TON of favorite books I’d love to rediscover!

I definitely recommend grabbing a copy of Bleedover and trying it out for yourself!

Don't forget to stop back by tomorrow for Curt's interview and the giveaways!!!

Sea Lion Press Release: The Adventures of the Princess and Mr. Whiffle: The Thing Beneath the Bed by Patrick Rothfuss

2012-01-14T06:00:00.001-06:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Publicity Contact for Sea Lion Books:

David Dabel: 678-426-8330 or

david@sealionbooks.com

International Rights Contact: Clarice Levin

212-689-0396 (o) | 917-648-1228 (c) or

claricelevin@rcn.com

From Bestselling author Patrick Rothfuss...

The Adventures of The Princess and Mr. Whiffle

Dark, macabre, humorous! This isn't your children's faerie tale!

From New York Times bestselling Author of the Kingkiller Chronicles, Patrick Rothfuss comes the dark picture-book...

The Adventures of the Princess and Mr. Whiffle: The Thing Beneath the Bed

ATLANTA, GA January 11, 2012 - Sea Lion Books is proud to announce they

will be republishing the critically acclaimed Patrick Rothfuss picture-book

illustrated by Nate Taylor, THE ADVENTURES OF THE PRINCESS AND MR. WHIFFLE:

The Thing Beneath the Bed.

Don't let the sweet cover and sugary title fool you, this is NOT a

children's book. From the mad mind of New York Times bestselling author

Patrick Rothfuss comes a dark tale not for the faint of heart. A story

evoking memories of good old-fashioned faerie tales, the main characters are

the cute little girl princess and her outwardly adorable teddy bear, Mr.

Whiffle.

The world seems wonderful and good for the duo, except for the monster lurking beneath the bed.

THE ADVENTURES OF THE PRINCESS AND MR. WHIFFLE is an odd mix of dark classic

storytelling, new age terror, and a macabre sense of wicked humor that leave

the reader with three possible endings, each one being darker than the last,

letting the reader decide how far they dare to go.

The final ending just might keep your teddy bear awake tonight, or at least

start a stuffed animal rebellion. The reprint will include original bonus

material and a Q&A with author Patrick Rothfuss.

"Sea Lion Books is very excited to be able to republish this amazing story

that is destined to be a classic modern faerie tale," said Derek Ruiz,

Executive Vice President and Publisher of Sea Lion Books.

THE ADVENTURES OF THE PRINCESS AND MR. WHIFFLE: The Thing Beneath the Bed

will be released as a soft cover title in July 2012 and will retail for

$14.99, ISBN 978-0-9836131-5-2

About The Author:

Patrick Rothfuss had the good fortune to be born in Wisconsin where long

winters and lack of cable television brought about a love of reading and

writing. Patrick had no idea what he wanted to do with his life, and changed

his major to Undeclared despite the fact that he had been in college for

over three years. After nine years as an undergraduate, Pat was forced by

university policy to finally complete his undergraduate degree.... in

English. After two excruciating years of grad school, Pat returned to teach

at the University he had grown to love as a student. Pat continues to live

in central Wisconsin. He still lacks cable television, and the long winters

force him to stay inside and write. The long winters inspired his NYT

bestseller, The Killkinger Chronicles, Name of the Wind, and Wise Man's

Fear. You can learn more about Patrick at his website:

http://www.patrickrothfuss.com

About Sea Lion Books:

Located in Atlanta, Georgia, Sea Lion Books LLC is a newly established

publishing house which specializes in all formats: hardcover, trade

paperback, and mass market and in urban fantasy and young adult genres. Sea

Lion Books LLC recent roster of authors include: International Bestselling

author, Anne Rice, Paulo Coelho, New York Times Bestselling authors,

Richelle Mead, Richard A. Knaak, F. Paul Wilson and Becca Fitzpatrick. You

can visit Sea Lion Books at www.sealionbooks.com

All trademarks and titles are the property of their respective owners.

The statements contained within this document are considered

"forward-looking statements" and may not reflect upon the actual future performance of Sea Lion Books.