Writing, Learning, Living: 2013

Blurb

When nobody talks... the stones cry out.

In the searing heat of a Virginia summer, two men plummet from a roof to the sidewalk below. One is a white police officer. The other is a black man with a troubled past. Although hundreds of people stood at the scene, no witnesses come forward. When FBI agent Raleigh Harmon is assigned the case, she quickly realizes nobody is going to talk.

The Bureau wants a quick verdict -- with or without the truth. To uncover the facts, Raleigh must rely on her forensic geology skills and her connections among Richmond's most powerful families. But can she she solve the case before her boss closes the investigation? And will her choices bring down everyone involved--including Raleigh herself?

**My Review**

The Stones Cry Out is the second book I'm reading from this author. It's significantly shorter than book 4 in the series, but I suppose that comes from it being the author's first venture into the mysterious realms of novel writing. Few authors can capture and present a character's voice as clearly as Giorello has done here.

As a first person narration there's a bit of awkwardness here and there, but the story flows easily. I like that Raleigh Harmon's more human than most fictional FBI agents. It seems that a lot of tv series and books like to show us the FBI hotshot: young, handsome or gorgeous, insanely smart, etc, but Raleigh's normal. The ending's kind of cliche, but that's forgivable. (tragic past coming back to haunt her)

Some plot points are a bit far-fetched and as a mystery it's fairly straightforward, but it's worth reading. Find it from the library if you think you'll balk at the spiritual overtones herein, but definitely give the story a chance.

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Teaser Tuesday | Heartfelt 1: The Collins Case Chapter 2

Bold Move

Night rapidly approached as the two men carried Rachel Collins to their van.

Jense returned and coaxed the children out. “Your mother’s very sick and needs to go to a doctor. Me and my friend are here to help.”

“You’re a stranger,” Jason pointed out, studying Jense carefully.

“Call Daddy,” suggested Emily.

Jense smiled at the small child and picked her up. “We will later, but now, we’ve got to get your mommy to a safe place. Come on, she’ll want to see you when she wakes up.”

Emily reached out and touched the scar above his right eyebrow then started crying for her mother. Jense held his hand out to Jason. Reluctantly, the boy took the rough hand.

As soon as the two Collins children were in the white van, Thomas Randle drove off. The entire operation had taken less than ten minutes, but he was anxious to get back to South Dakota. He had never liked kidnapping jobs. They rarely ended well.

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Saturday, December 21, 2013

Snippet Saturday | Heartfelt Cases 3: The Davidson Case

Chapter 2

Dangerous Secrets

“I told you; she merely looked at the files! It means nothing. I’m only telling you because you so nicely requested I tell you every time my employees dare to breathe!” His sarcasm accentuated his anger. “No! Everything’s under control. I mean it. Look, this is getting us nowhere. Just keep out of it!” Dr. Miles hissed.

Joy took that as a cue to leave. Her heart did double time all the way to her car.

The trip to her new apartment passed peacefully. Joy knew she should puzzle through the strange conversation, but she didn’t want to deal with anything work related. Instead, she began preparations for a dinner. Suddenly, she felt very alone.

How did Ann stand living alone for all those years?

Joy thought of her sister’s beautiful Golden Retriever.

Of course, she had Danny.

“I need a dog … or a man.” Noting the order, Joy chuckled.

After dinner, Joy eyed the mounting pile of dirty dishes. “Might as well get this over with,” she muttered, rolling up her sleeves. She didn’t mind doing dishes; it gave her a chance to think. As she hung the microwave plate in the drying rack, the inscription caught her attention. She laughed as she read, “ ‘For microwave use only.’ Ha!”

What else am I going to use it for?

“Wow, I really need to get a life.” Shaking her head, Joy turned on the television and spent several minutes flipping channels. As usual, she found nothing even remotely entertaining. With a sigh, she retrieved the smuggled photocopies from her purse. Two hours and a lot of internet research later, she finally saw the pattern in the files.

I’d better call Ann.

Friday, December 20, 2013

Promotional Event | Nadia's Tears @AuthorGilbert #DevyasChildren

Title: Nadia's Tears

Series: Devya's Children
Author: Julie C. Gilbert
Released: July 31, 2013
Genre: YA Sci-Fiction
Presented by: As You Wish Tours

**FREE ON AMAZON NOW**

BLURB

Jillian must enter Nadia's dreams to wake her from a mysterious coma. In Nadia's dreams, Jillian meets several versions of her sister, including the elegant Queen Elena, fierce Naidine, and heartbroken Nadie. Meanwhile, Danielle must save her friend Christy from making choices that could get them both killed.

**FREE ON AMAZON NOW**

EXCERPT

“The sooner Ashlynn sorts Nadia, the sooner we can get back on schedule,” Dr. Devya replied. He sounded like a man trying to tame a lion.

“We don’t know if she can sort Nadia,” Dr. Carnasis snapped. She glared up at Dr. Devya. From her expression, I knew she was just barely refraining from stabbing Dr. Devya in the chest with the pen she held in one clenched fist. “We know next to nothing about why she is the way she is, but needlessly endangering Jillian is irresponsible, callous, and stupid!”

“Evie, you’re letting your feelings for Ashlynn affect your—”

“Do you remember what today is?” Dr. Carnasis interrupted.

Dr. Devya ran a hand through his mussed brown hair. “Of course, I remember; it’s Nadia’s birthday.”

“Nadia’s fourteenth birthday,” Dr. Carnasis corrected. “Do you remember what that means?” she inquired, arching an eyebrow while still glaring at Dr. Devya.

“Sure. Her Gift should give her the ability to alter vital signs, her own and anyone in close physical proximity to her.” Dr. Devya spoke as if he was reciting a list of groceries to pick up. “If we want to train her in that, we’re going to have to wake her. Ashlynn’s our best hope for digging her out of the coma.”

“Has it ever occurred to you that Nadia might feel threatened by Jillian’s presence in her mind?” Dr. Carnasis, just realizing she’d been strangling her pen, clipped the pen to a board tucked under her left arm.

Understanding dawned in Dr. Devya’s light brown eyes. “You think Nadia might actually harm Ashlynn?” He looked disturbed by his own question. “That would be totally against her programming.” He sounded like the very idea violated some fundamental law of nature.

With most of her anger already spent, Dr. Carnasis just seemed tired. “We should be prepared for anything. Obviously, dropping into a coma wasn’t exactly planned for either.”

“True,” Dr. Devya admitted. He narrowed his eyes in deep concentration. “Should we try a hard wire?”

**FREE ON AMAZON NOW**

About Me
Julie mainly confines her writing to three genres: Christian inspirational, YA real-world science fiction, and normal science fiction.

She likes teaching, writing, reading, sleeping, doing puzzles, and hanging out with friends. (Not necessarily in that order)

Writing has made her super picky about the things she reads but normally, her reading list includes something that fits under the thriller, mystery, science fiction, or fantasy.

Occasionally, she attempts short poetry. The poems turn into songs, which she sings with abandon when nobody's looking.

MY STALKER LINKS
Facebook
Twitter
Website
Goodreads
Amazon Profile

NADIA'S BOOK LINKS
Amazon Kindle
Amazon Paperback
Goodreads

Friday, December 13, 2013

Cover Reveal - The Kiverson Case (Heartfelt Cases: Book 2)

The Kiverson Case

Heartfelt Cases: Book 2

Genre: Christian Mystery

Release Date: Early 2014
Presented by: As You Wish Tours

BLURB

One man’s vendetta could cost them everything …

When a routine arrest turns deadly, FBI Special Agents Julie Ann and Patrick Duncan are drawn into a dangerous game with Kevin Kiverson, a man with little to lose and much to avenge.

In her heart, Ann knows they will catch Kevin, but she doesn’t know when or how or what sacrifices will be made along the way. She’s prepared to risk her life for others but will her resolve hold when the threat turns to her baby boy?

About the Author
Julie mainly confines her writing to three genres: Christian inspirational, YA real-world science fiction, and normal science fiction.

She likes teaching, writing, reading, sleeping, doing puzzles, and hanging out with friends. (Not necessarily in that order)

Writing has made her super picky about the things she reads but normally, her reading list includes something that fits under the thriller, mystery, science fiction, or fantasy.

Occasionally, she attempts short poetry. The poems turn into songs, which she sings with abandon when nobody's looking.

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/580090.Doug_Dillon

http://www.facebook.com/TheStAugustineTrilogy

Enter the Giveaway!

Three (3) Winners will receive an eBook

The Collins Case (Heartfelt Cases: Book 1)

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Goodreads Thursday | The Stars Shine Bright (A Raleigh Harmon Novel) by Sibella Giorello

Title: The Stars Shine Bright

A Raleigh Harmon Novel

Author: Sibella Giorello

Length: 400 Pages

Released: July 17, 2012

Soft Snickerdoodle Cookies

Blurb

Sent undercover to a thoroughbred horse track, Raleigh takes on a double life to find out who’s fixing the races. But when horses start dying and then her own life is threatened, Raleigh realizes something bigger—and more sinister—is ruining Emerald Meadows.

She’s never felt more alone.

Her one contact with the FBI is Special Agent Jack Stephanson, a guy who seems to jump from antagonistic to genuine friend depending on the time of day. And she can’t turn to her family for support. They’re off-limits while she’s undercover, and her mother isn’t speaking to her anyway, having been confined to a mental hospital following a psychotic breakdown. Adding insult to her isolation, Raleigh’s fiancé wants them to begin their life together—now—precisely when she’s been ordered not to be herself.

With just days left before the season ends, Raleigh races to stop the killing and find out who’s behind the track’s trouble, all the while trying to determine if Jack is friend or foe, and whether marrying her fiancé will make things better—or worse.

Raleigh is walking through the darkest night she’s faced, searching for a place where the stars shine bright.

**My Review**

The book wasn't perfect, but it was enjoyable, decently paced, and easy to read. Raleigh Harmon's an interesting character. I got this book from Amazon vine, but as soon as I finished it, I hopped on my library's website to put the first in the series on hold.

As with most people, I'm crazy busy at the moment, but I think I finished the book in a few weeks. If I'd actually had time, I would have finished it in a day or two.

This mystery features FBI agent Raleigh Harmon going undercover at a horse racetrack to see who or what's poisoning the winners. The tale is told first person by Raleigh who's struggling to reconcile her faith and the lies she needs to live on the job. I'm kind of a sucker for stories about female FBI agents, and this one doesn't disappoint.

Some of the characters are kind of flat, but that's to be expected in any novel. Eleanor is wonderful. Jack comes off as a jerk, but maybe that's just because I'm not used to the character. He may be better in other books.

(Note on the title: I get that it needs to fit with the theme of the others in the series, but stylistically, it's bothersome that it doesn't have all that much to do with the story. There is a short section that explains it, but it still seems a stretch.) Nevertheless, this is a good book, well worth reading.

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Teaser Tuesday | Ashlynn's Dreams Chapter 4

The Day It All Blew Up

I thought things might slow down then, but they sped up instead. The man holding on to me bound my arms behind me and pulled me back into the kitchen. His partner came in a moment later cradling Jillian in his arms. The picture of the man gently holding Jillian’s small form looked oddly incongruous.

Pitching my body back and forth only got me thrown into a counter. My head struck the granite, giving me an instant headache. Stunned, I had no energy to offer further resistance, though everything in me wished I did. Part of me shouted coward, and all other parts of me were completely numb.

“Just let me shoot her,” said the guy carrying Jillian.

“Drop the kid and go get the van,” replied the man holding me. His tone added idiot.

His disgust triggered the recent memory of the threat he’d uttered mere moments before.

There are only two ways for this to end; we take you or we leave your body.

What seemed like hours later, though it was probably only a minute or so, I heard the garage door open then close. Not knowing what else to do, I let myself be dragged to the two-car garage where I was forced into a dark blue minivan with a bumper sticker that declared “soccer mom” on the back. The absurdity of that struck me funny, but I couldn’t conjure even a small smile.

The guy who had retrieved the van hopped out of the driver’s seat and ran into the house. I assume he’d gone to get Jillian. I never found out, not then anyway, because the unsavory type holding me shoved me onto the van’s floor. Then, kneeling on my legs, he jammed a needle into my upper left arm, and I passed out.

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Saturday, December 7, 2013

Blog Hop | 12 Days of Christmas | Eighth Day of Christmas

12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop
Event Date: December 1st - 12th 2013
Hosted by: As You Wish Reviews & Confessions of the Paranormal
Sponsors: As You Wish Tours & Book Dragon Designs

Ingredients:

1 cup butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 large eggs
2 3/4 cups flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons sugar
3 teaspoons cinnamon

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Mix butter, 1 1/2 cups sugar and eggs thoroughly in a large bowl.
Combine flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt in a separate bowl.
Blend dry ingredients into butter mixture.
Chill dough, and chill an ungreased cookie sheet for about 10-15 minutes in the fridge.
Meanwhile, mix 3 tablespoons sugar, and 3 teaspoons cinnamon in a small bowl.
Scoop 1 inch globs of dough into the sugar/ cinnamon mixture.
Coat by gently rolling balls of dough in the sugar mixture.
Place on chilled ungreased cookie sheet, and bake 10 minutes.Remove from pan immediately.

SYNOPSIS

Grand Prize: $150 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
First Prize: One (1) eBook from Every Participating Author

For more Favorite Christmas Cookie Recipes & Giveaways - Hop along the 12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop!

Snippet Saturday | Heartfelt Cases 3: The Davidson Case

Chapter 1

Day Off

After a longer, silent prayer, Ann took up her post near a teller’s booth, and smiled to the teller. “This will be over soon,” she muttered under her breath.

The woman frowned nervously.

“Smile; it’ll make the charade more convincing,” Ann encouraged, eliciting a dim, unconvincing grin from the woman.

Precisely on time, Ethan Vincher entered the bank looking surprisingly like his picture. His plain face resembled half a dozen men Ann knew, including her husband and Agent Dodger. Vincher wore his dark hair in a crew cut and had narrow, alert, dark eyes.

Ann watched him surreptitiously. As per the plan, the teller handed Ann an envelope and bid her good day. Ann thanked the woman, tucked the envelope into her purse, and turned to confront her quarry. Their eyes locked. Then, things went wrong.

Glaring, the man reached into his jacket and pulled out a tiny, plastic pistol.

The teller screamed and ducked, and all agents gasped. Ann reacted instantly. Stepping forward, she caught the man’s hand. A brief struggle ensued, but Ann won because five other agents expertly tackled both her and the target. Her breath left in a hurry.

Guns drawn and ties askew, Baker and Dodger charged out the manager’s office. It took half a minute to sort the mess of arms and legs. In the end, the criminal was cuffed, and Ann had her choice of a dozen hands ready to help her to her feet.

“I’m sorry!” Agent Baker blurted before Ann had even caught her breath. “I—I didn’t know. I wouldn’t have asked if—”

“Calm yourself, Baker,” Ann ordered. She grinned, having long ago learned how to smile seconds after having a gun pulled on her.

Monday, December 2, 2013

Mystery Monday | Top 10 Favorite Songs

List of top 10 favorite songs – in no particular order

1. New Worlds – Mass Effect 2 Soundtrack
2. The View of Palaven – Mass Effect 3 Soundtrack
3. Kingdom Dance – Tangled Soundtrack
4. Tali – Mass Effect 2 Soundtrack
5. From Western Woods to Beaversdam – Narnia (Lion, Witch, and Wardrobe) Soundtrack
6. Kasumi’s Stolen Memory DLC (all: Party Music, Infiltration, Making Our Escape, Death from Above)
7. The Battle – Narnia (Lion, Witch, and Wardrobe) Soundtrack
8. The First Battle – Gettysburg Soundtrack
9. Angry and Dead Again – Pirates of the Caribbean On Stranger Tides
10. The Imperial March (Darth Vader’s Theme) – Star Wars Ep 5: The Empire Strikes Back Soundtrack

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Goodreads Thursday | The Icemark Chronicles by Stuart Hill

Titles: The Cry of the Icemark (Book 1)
Blade of Fire (Book 2)
Last Battle of the Icemark (Book 3)
Series: The Icemark Chronicles

Author: Stuart Hill

Length: 450-600 Pages

Genre: Sci-Fi Fantasy
Grades: 5-12

Blurb

An epic, highly acclaimed fantasy that has just been optioned as a feature film by Fox 2000!

The Icemark is a kingdom in grave danger. Its king has been killed in battle, its enemy lies in wait, and its fate rests on the shoulders of one girl. Thirrin Freer Strong-in-the-Arm Lindenshield, a beautiful princess and an intrepid warrior, must find a way to protect her land from a terrible invasion. She will forge an extraordinary alliance of noble Snow Leopards, ancient Vampires, and ferocious Wolf-folk. She will find unexpected strength in her friendship with a young warlock. And she will lead her allies to victory with her fierce battle cry: "Blood! Blast! And Fire!"

The Cry of the Icemark

Blurb

Following THE CRY OF THE ICEMARK, a huge success in England and critically acclaimed in the U.S., the next epic adventure in The Icemark Chronicles.

Many years have passed since Queen Thirrin and her allies defended the Icemark against a brutal invasion. But now General Bellorum is back, along with his bloodthirsty spawn--twin sons even more vicious than him. Thirrin and Oskan also have a family: two girls and three boys. But darkness lurks within the House of Lindenshield: Medea, the couple's cold-hearted fifteen-year-old daughter, is just coming into her magical powers, and she may be the downfall of the kingdom. It's up to her brother, Charlemagne, crippled by polio as a child, to return from exile and rescue the land he loves.

Blade of Fire

Blurb

Allied with Cronus, the embodiment of all evil, Medea has raised an army of the undead to invade her family's kingdom. Now in paperback, the thrilling conclusion to the acclaimed ICEMARK trilogy!

Oskan and Thirrin thought their bad-seed daughter was gone for good -- burnt to a cinder and cast out onto the Spirit Plain. But banishment did not kill Medea: It made her stronger. Now, allied with Cronus, embodiment of all evil, the young sorceress is plotting revenge. Queen Thirrin is distracted by a new invader whose troops ride huge triceratops-like beasts into battle. But the warlock Oskan realizes the true threat to the kingdom is the demon army assembled by his daughter. To ensure the Icemark's eternal safety, he knows he must destroy her soul--even at the risk of his own.

Last Battle of the Icemark

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Teaser Tuesday | Nadia's Tears Chapter 5

Not so Happy Birthdays

“How can someone close off their mind?” I wondered just as Jillian asked her question.

Varick shrugged. “I’m not sure they knew exactly, but I think she had to be somewhere within a few hundred feet of her target. Part of her training when she turned six helped her get past basic things that kept minds closed to her previously, including certain drugs and very high emotions.” Varick stopped, clearly reluctant to go on.

“Then the really unpleasant lessons began, right?” I asked. I kept my tone soft, partly dreading what he would say.

“Seven and eight were respectively physical and emotional pain,” he said, his voice quietly dangerous. “She also practiced medium proximity manipulation of people’s thoughts.” Varick cleared his throat and forged on. “Nine and ten had her reading people’s physical and emotional states and manipulating them from afar. During her ninth year, they dabbled a little in predictions, but that never went far.”

“Why?” Jillian and I asked in unison.

“Too many variables,” Varick replied. “When Nadia turned eleven, they had her creating complex scenes and illusions inside others. At twelve and thirteen, she was taught how to seek motives and deal with hostile minds. She’ll be fourteen in a few months. As I’ve said, she’s had some problems around her birthday before but never this early.”

“Do you know what she’s supposed to learn next?” I inquired.

Varick shook his head in frustration. “I wish I did. I think that would answer a lot of questions.”

By this point, I didn’t know what Jillian thought of all we had just learned, but honestly, I was reeling. I like Nadia. Hearing her story from her closest brother made it somehow more painful. Maybe you can explain that to me. Again Devya’s dual nature reared its ugly and beautiful head. On the one hand, Nadia’s a victim, a slave to Devya’s scientific whims. On the other hand, Nadia’s one of the most talented and finely crafted humans ever born. Her life could indeed lead to those scientific breakthroughs Dr. Carnasis once promised.

I feel like I’ve been here before.

The Mildly Depressed One,

Danielle Matheson.

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Saturday, November 23, 2013

Snippet Saturday | Heartfelt Cases 3: The Davidson Case

Prologue

Carol Davidson stepped onto the back porch carrying her son and saw her two daughters playing near the stream. “Joy! Julie Ann! Get away from there this instant!” The shout caused young Nicholas to squirm in her arms. Carol’s face turned a lovely shade of pink, matching her happy spring blouse.

Girls are supposed to be easier to raise than boys. How many times have I told them to stay away from the stream?

The girls froze. Their smiles vanished, and they braced for a tongue lashing.

Carol stormed down the steps clutching poor Nick tightly. Her daughters’ half-petrified expressions gave her some measure of satisfaction, but as far as abating anger goes, it was about as effective as spitting at a forest fire. “Joy, inside now!” she barked, barely looking at her seven-year-old. Carol let Nick climb down. “And take Nick with you.”

Joy threw a half-mocking, half-sympathetic grin at her sister and did as bid. Normally, Nick would have fought Joy, but today, he meekly took her hand, gazed solemnly at his other sister as Joy led him toward the house.

Carol watched them go before piercing her twelve-year-old daughter with a stare.

“Sorry,” Julie Ann muttered, avoiding eye contact. The girl’s fiery spirit warred with her common sense. Her expression wavered between innocent and apologetic before turning defensive. “But it—”

“I don’t care whose fault it was this time, Julie Ann. You’re

older; she looks up to you—they both do. You’ve got to set an example for them.”

“It was Joy’s idea!” Julie Ann protested.

“And it was your job to tell her ‘no,’ ” Carol replied, her patience waning fast.

“I am not her keeper!” Julie Ann said, planting her right foot defiantly.

Carol stared hard at her daughter.

Well at least she pays attention in Sunday school …

“Grow up!” she snapped, immediately regretting it.

Jaw tightening, Julie Ann turned away to hide frustrated tears.

Softening her voice, Carol said, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that. I—I just worry about you, Joy, and Nicholas.” She pulled her daughter into a hug. “They’re younger than you, Julie Ann. You’ve got to watch over them.”

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Goodreads Thursday | Sing Her Home by June J. Austin

Title: Sing Her Home

Author: June J. Austin

Length: 159 Pages

Genre: Mature YA

Released: September 7, 2013

Blurb

Cassidy Newberry lives in Nova Scotia, in the small town of Cold Harbour. Along with her Papa, Mama, and sisters, Corrine and Ruth, she is happy with her “Allot” in life. A terrible car accident takes the lives of her Papa and sister, Corrine. What happens after the accident will separate her from the rest of her family and leave her in a coma. She will fight for her life, and a way back to her family.

Sing Her Home is a heart-wrenching, poignant tale written from young Cassidy’s point of view, opening the reader’s eyes and taking them on a roller coaster of emotions.

Warning: This book contains graphic language, violence, and sexual situations that are not suitable for young children.

Monday, November 18, 2013

Mystery Monday | Top 10 Favorite Restaurants

List of top 10 favorite restaurants:

1. Cheesecake Factory
2. Clinton Station Diner
3. Panera Bread
4. Gallop
5. Olive Garden
6. Cracker Barrel
7. Applebees
8. Ruby Tuesdays
9. Wendy’s
10. Smith and Wollensky in NYC

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Sign Up | 12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop

Welcome Amazing Authors & Bloggers

It's a Blog Hop!

<div align="center">
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December 1st - December 12th
Title: 12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop
Grand Prize: $250 - $500 Amazon Gift Card
First Prize: One (1) eBook from Every Participating Author

Hosted by: As You Wish Reviews & Confessions of the Paranormal
Sponsors: As You Wish Tours & Book Dragon Designs

Details
Hosts - We would like to bring everyone together to celebrate the first 12 days of Christmas this year! We are looking for a minimum of 70-120 hosts to participate & donate in order to reach our Grand Prize Goal - One (1) $500 Amazon Gift Card!

Authors - We are looking for 78 authors that would like to participate by donating a gifted eBook and spotlighting said book on your blog/website.

- Spread the word! Slots are limited!

Rules

Hosts: Click Here to Sign Up

Top Post for 24 hours
Posts LIVE at 12AM CST
$5.00 Donation Required
Include with your post: "Your Favorite Christmas Cookie Recipe"
You may have your own spotlight/giveaway "so long as it is related to Christmas or book related."

Authors:

Top Post for 24 hours
Posts Live at 12AM CST
eBook Donation Required
Permalink/Direct URL's Required 7 Days in Advance
Include with your post: "Your Favorite Christmas Cookie Recipe"
You may also host your own giveaway on your spotlight post "so long as it is related to Christmas or book related."

Note to Authors: Slots are full but you are more than welcome to sign up as a host.

Participation Reward/Incentive:

Participating Hosts will be entered into a $25 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway
Participating Authors will be entered into a $25 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

So what are you waiting for? Sign up, donate to the giveaway and grab the button code to place on your blog!!! If you need the image or have problems with coding, please email me - asyouwishtours (at) gmail (dot) com. A list of authors and their books will appear on this page as they sign up to participate. Blog Hop - 12 Days of Christmas - Authors Only And Last but not least:

Let's have some fun!!!

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Goodreads Thursday | Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson

Title: Steelheart
Series: Reckoners #1

Author: Brandon Sanderson

Length: 400 Pages

Genre: Sci-Fi Children

Released: September 24, 2013

Blurb

Ten years ago, Calamity came. It was a burst in the sky that gave ordinary men and women extraordinary powers. The awed public started calling them Epics.

But Epics are no friend of man. With incredible gifts came the desire to rule. And to rule man you must crush his will.

Nobody fights the Epics . . . nobody but the Reckoners. A shadowy group of ordinary humans, they spend their lives studying Epics, finding their weaknesses, and then assassinating them.

And David wants in. He wants Steelheart—the Epic who is said to be invincible. The Epic who killed David's father. For years, like the Reckoners, David's been studying, and planning—and he has something they need. Not an object, but an experience.

He's seen Steelheart bleed. And he wants revenge.

My Review

**Warning may contain spoilers.**

Intro: All right, I'll get the gushing out of the way in the beginning. Brandon Sanderson's a prolific, excellent writer who can take old formulas and make you like them all over again. This book is the first in a new series that I'm guessing will be 3-4 books long, depending on the success of the first two.

Back cover blurb in short: Calamity struck and some people turnied into Epics, people with superpowers, only instead of righting the world, they decided to conquer it. The young hero, David, sees his father's murder and so dedicates his life to taking down one of the most powerful Epics, Steelheart. To that end, he joins up with the Reckoners, a group of humans whose sole purpose in life is taking down Epics.

The Good: Dialogue tends to be snappy. Sanderson managed to take a fairly basic formula and breathe new life into it. Most of the story's predictable, yet leaves you feeling satisfied in the end. Even though the book's billed as YA, I'm sure many adults (New adults?) will also enjoy it, especially if they already like the author's other works. (Cheers for Mistborn. Sorry, I just got finished reading a British book.)

Neutral: It's almost like Sanderson was given the cast of characters and told to make it work. We've got the wise older man, Prof, who founded the Reckoners and has a few secrets about him. Tia, the Cola slugging smarty, who handles the research end of things. Abraham, a mechanical genius, and Cody, a smart-alecky guy who has a unique brand of lame humor. Megan, token hot chick for the hero to fall in love with, who also has secrets (surprise, surprise). Who doesn't have sercrets in a bunch like that. David, new guy, kid figuring out the ropes and happens to be awesome at it...or very lucky.

Why only 4.5 stars?: David's a teenager. As a narrator, he gets annoying at times. Maybe I've just read too many of Sanderson's other stuff. Only one plot twist actually struck me as a surprise. Kinda disappointing b/c there are quite a few plot twists. The semi-blantant bid for a sequel just based on the author and the marketing campaign.

Conclusion: If post-apocalyptic fiction is your thing, read this book. If Brandon Sanderson's already a name you respect, read this book. (It's worlds better than that odd foray into math magic - Rithmatist.) If you're up for alot of action, tech, characters, etc, read this book.