FEATURE: The Reluctant by C.S. Splitter

I am very excited to have C.S. Splitter, author of The Reluctant, here at Gathering Leaves this week!!!!  Splitter is a super talented and funny guy, and that is obvious in his amazing book...  


Splitter was kind enough to have me as a guest on his blog yesterday.  Surf over to Splitter's World to see my words of wisdom for Indie authors...


Splitter will be stopping by with a guest blog tomorrow, Friday, August 12th.  Be sure to drop in and check that out!

The Reluctant

By:  C.S. Splitter

ASIN:  B004VS751O

Published April 12, 2011

Available Format: ebook

My Rating: ★★★★☆

Tom Crayder is just an ordinary guy trying to provide for his family (and pay for his plane) the best way he knows how.  Sometimes that involves doing less than legal operations like transporting wanted men or questionable amounts of cash.  Crayder soon finds himself far more involved than he had planned, and he must make a monumental decision that very well could cost him his life.  Through his witty prose and a few cr…eh…forced landings, Splitter takes the reader on a genuinely entertaining ride.

I received a copy of The Reluctant from the author for review.

Since I hadn’t refreshed my memory before picking this book back up, I wasn’t really sure what to expect when I started.  Now that I’ve read it, I know it is something I normally wouldn’t have read; I’m just not quite into the crime scene so to speak.  I have to say, however, I truly enjoyed this fun, exciting read.

For one thing, I think I know more about flying now that I ever thought I wanted to!  That and maybe guns too.  This was definitely written by a man who knows about both.  I didn’t have a clue about some of the technical things he was talking about, but he never lost me either.  I don’t know…maybe I should learn to fly?  I think I’ll pass on the guns though.

Just in the first chapter, I was laughing so much, I was tearing up.  I have gotten to know the author these past few months, and I have to say that he really is that funny.  We may try to deny it, but we girls truly do love a man that can make us laugh!  So even when Tom was making some really stupid choices, I was still on his side, cheering him on. 

In all seriousness, the story was written well.  It was easy and fun to follow along with everything from Tom’s point of view.  There’s humor, action, drama, suspense…the whole kit and caboodle!  I absolutely loved the way it ended.  I don’t want to give anything away, but the setting of the ending contrasted perfectly with the rest of the story and gave us one last tiny glimpse into Tom’s life.  You’ll just have to read it yourself to see what I mean!

I am really looking forward to Splitter's next book, The Willing.  Maybe Splitter will pick me as a write-in :-D!!

C.S. Splitter will be interviewed on JournalJabber, JournalStone’s super fun Blog Talk Radio show, co-hosted by yours truly, September 6^th.  Tune into www.blogtalkradio.com/journaljabber at 8PM CST to join in the madness!

C.S. Splitter is the author of The Reluctant available on Amazon, Smashwords, Journal Stone, Barnes and Noble, and other internet.  Look for book two, The Willing to be published November 2011.  His blog can be found at http://splittersworld.blogspot.com

Mommy Brain Strikes Again!!!

Yes, it's official...  My kids have turned my brain to mush!  I have actually been AHEAD of schedule recently, so apparently my brain doesn't quite know how to react :-).  My original schedule included Angel's Requiem by Kate Kindle as a feature on August 18-19, but I had everything ready a week early.  Since I am currently out of town, I had scheduled the post to go up automatically.  So, everyone got the review a week early!
Per Kate's request, however, we will be keeping her interview and giveaway on the 19th.  I will link back to my review, so I will just keep that up this week.  I just wanted everyone to know that I will be putting up something different this week :-)!


I will be going ahead with C.S. Splitter's feature.  My review of The Reluctant will be going up momentarily!  Thanks for sticking with me despite my many flaws...  Ha! :-)

Feature: Angel's Requiem by Kate Kindle

I've had to make a correction for the feature this week!  Kate was originally scheduled to be a guest August 18-19, but I was actually ahead of schedule.  Per Kate's request, we are going to keep the interview on the 19th.  I will link back to my review, as usual, so I will leave it up for now :-)...  


This week, our special guest is Kate Kindle, author or Angel's Requiem.  Next Friday (August 19th), Kate will be stopping by for a little interview and she will be giving away a free ebook copy of Angel's Requiem.  Be sure to check that out!

Angel’s Requiem

By:  Kate Kindle

ISBN:  9781453859803

Published April 21, 2011

Available format: Paperback, ebook

My Rating: ★★★★☆

Then the son of a wealthy art dealer is found dead in a New York fountain, it is quickly labeled suicide and the body is immediately buried.  Aiden Bonner, an ex-detective turned insurance fraud investigator, realizes that things just aren’t quite what they should be.  Experts from across the country are brought in to exhume the body and re-investigate, proving Bonner’s suspicions accurate.  Soon, Bonner and the Nasi family’s lawyer, Libby, are on a mission to get to the bottom of things, taking them around the world and far back in history.  Will they live to discover the truth?

I received a copy of Angel’s Requiem for review.

There are quite a few characters in this story, and sometimes it might be difficult to keep up.  There is also a lot of background information and several different detailed explanations, particularly regarding the family history and that of the art and religion involved.  I think my being a bit of a history lover (and also having a fondness for epic lit), I really enjoyed the large troupe all the extras in the story.  I can see how someone who might pick this up for a bit of light reading might quickly find themselves overwhelmed.  

The core story, however, is fantastic.  Again, murder mystery isn’t necessarily my thing.  This is the third sort of “crime” novel I have read/reviewed recently, and I have enjoyed them all.  It just isn’t something I want to read every day.  I liked how Kate didn’t inundate me with all sorts of technical criminal investigation trivia.  Even regarding the coroner/medical examiner, there was just enough tech speak to keep it believable without completely boring me to death.  Same goes for the detectives and crime scenes. 

There was a fair bit of action, drama, and even some romance in the story.  Obviously, there are murders, some harder to handle than others (I won’t spoil it for you!).  There are definitely some interesting relationships evolving, both familial and romantic.  I do wish there was a bit more substance to Dave and Libby’s relationship.  It just seemed like they instantly fell in love and then suddenly they kind of related to each other like an old married couple.  I just felt like I wanted a little more chemistry between them somehow.  Aidan obviously is attracted to Libby as well, but I couldn’t decide at what point he conceded to Dave. I think maybe a quick edit might be able to resolve these inconsistences or holes that I found from time to time.

Honestly, I think this one novel could be broken into two or three or even more!  There is so much substance here.  Kate obviously has a deep well of creativity to draw from. There is no doubt she loves her characters, even minor ones.  They all have rich, unique backgrounds and tie in nicely with the rest of the story.  I can easily see how she could write solely about the Nasi family or Aidan (which I believe she is doing).  One of my favorite parts of the novel was the background story of Cal and Ian, which would also make a terrific stand-alone piece!  I am truly looking forward to more of Kate’s fantastic work.

Grab yourself a copy of Angel’s Requiem and immerse yourself in a world of crime and culture!

MY Very First Guest Blog!

An author, fellow blogger, and friend recently asked if I'd like to be a guest on his new blog, Splitter's World.  Of course, I said yes!

You can check out my "Reviewer's Top Three  for Indie Authors" HERE.

Please follow Splitter's blog and check out his fantastic book!

Splitter will be appearing here on Gathering Leaves very soon!!!  Stay tuned!

http://splittersworld.blogspot.com/2011/08/reviewers-top-three-for-indie-authors.html

Labyrinth's Door: Anyia "Dream of a Warrior" (No. 1)

Labyrinth's Door:  Anyia "Dream of a Warrior" (No. 1)

By: Jacquitta A. McManus

ISBN:  9780982802700

Published July 20, 2010 by Worlds To Discover, LLC.

Available Format: paperback, ebook

My Rating: ★★★★★

Labyrinth's Door - Anyia "Dream of a Warrior" is a story of a young girl, Anyia, whose dream of becoming a Nagoran Warrior is infused with adventure and danger. Running from her duties as a Yora, she dares to break tradition to follow her own dream, during a time when Empress Zarina threatens the magic treaty that protects her village.

I received a copy of this book from the author for review.

Anyia is a wonderful role model for young girls.  She’s smart, strong, and she wants to push her boundaries and far exceed what is expected of her in life.  Her world is exotic and stimulating.  McManus has an easy, creative writing style that is perfect for children of all ages.  The illustrator, Tujour Byrd, is just as talented!  I also loved that there are different activities included, particularly a learn-to-draw section.  It takes the story to the next level and really gets the kids involved.

Labyrinth’s Door:  Anyia “Dream of a Warrior” is a perfect, short chapter book for elementary through middle school age children.  I cannot wait to read about Anyia’s next adventure!

Find out more about Jacquitta and Anyia at www.WorldsToDiscover.com, www.twitter.com/LabyrinthsDoor, and www.facebook.com/LabyrinthsDoor.

Talee and the Fallen Object

Talee and the Fallen Object

By:  Jacquitta A. McManus

ISBN:  9780982802731

Published May 24, 2011 by Worlds to Discover

Format: ebook

My Rating:  ★★★★★  

Talee is an eight-year-old girl who lives on the planet Gala.  One day, the mail flyer drops a package, and Talee ventures out to find out what it could be. 

I received a copy of Talee and the Fallen Object for review.

This book is perfect for early elementary age children, but I have to say my two and three year olds enjoyed it as much as my six year old.  The planet and creatures in the story are creative and intriguing.  Talee is “African American” (not technically since she lives on a different planet, but you know what I mean).  I LOVE this!  I don’t know why there aren’t more children’s books with African American characters.  Everyone needs to learn about diversity and African American girls needs heroes too!

Jacquitta’s writing style is fun for children.  Talee is telling her story, and that really helps bring the children into her adventure with her.  The illustrations are beautiful, although I have the book on my Kindle so they weren’t in color.  But, based on the cover, I can imagine they are just as magical as the story itself.  I would love to get a hard copy and a coloring book for my daughter.

This is a super cute story that you and your children will love!          

The Shadowing: Hunted

The Shadowing:  Hunted

By: Adam Slater

ISBN:  9781606842614

Expected Publication: September 13, 2011 by EdgemontUSA

Available Format:  Hardback, paperback, ebook

My Rating: ★★★★★

Callum Scott is a teenage boy with some extraordinary abilities.  Not only can he see ghosts, everywhere, but he also has some precognitive talents.  When Callum starts to realize even the ghosts are frightened, he knows something strange is happening.  Something dark and perilous is hunting him, and even more danger lies just around the corner.  There is more to Callum than he thought, and the fate of the entire world may soon rest upon his shoulders.

I received a copy of Hunted through netGally for review.

I really loved this book.  I loved the characters.  I loved the plot.  I loved it!  My only complaint is there wasn’t more…

This is a fantastic YA horror/paranormal read.  It is scary, but not too scary.  It is gruesome, but not too gruesome.  There’s a fantastic balance between the human relationships and the cold creepiness of the ghosts and the hunter.  The story itself is a great twist on ghosts and demons.  Slater has a nice, easy writing style, and the story is paced wonderfully.  It’s also a very quick read, which is always nice! 

Callum seems like just your ordinary teenager, and he handles his abilities so well, without seeming too nonchalant about them.  Gran is a fantastic supporting character.  She is so completely normal, but still has that little edge to her so you know there is something else going on.  This is where I could have used a little more—I want to know ALL about Gran and Callum’s family and how they got to this point!  I am really hoping the next book in the series, Skinned, delves a little deeper.

This is a good YA that will appeal to male audiences as well.  There is enough horror and gore involved, and there really isn’t any romance, certainly no swooning, silly girls.  The hunter is downright gross and evil, and it is great!  The horror genre is really growing on me again, so I was fascinated with how this character played out.  Even Jacob and Doom gave me the creeps, but I love how their part in the story developed. 

Hunted will make your skin crawl, and you might even have a few nightmares, but you will love every second of it!