Monday, May 18, 2015

Blog Tour: The Dolan Prophecies by Allana Kephart & Melissa Simmons





 Title- Uprising
Series- The Dolan Prophecies Series Book #1
By- Allana Kephart & Melissa Simmons
Publication Date- April 18th, 2014
Genre- New Adult Dystopian/Faery Tales

BLURB

The year 2102--the world as it was no longer exists. Ravaged by nuclear war and polluted almost to the point of no return, Earth was dying. When the faeries came and brought their healing magic, humanity was grateful at first. Centuries of damage repaired in just five years, and during the course of that rehabilitation, they invaded. Quietly overthrown, the human race is now enslaved. The majority doesn’t even realize they have no free will. Branded, herded and kept only to further the agendas of the Fae Courts, humanity could be facing extinction. 

But a resistance is coming… 

Fianna Dolan has spent her entire young life preparing herself for an uprising against the Fae. One scorching summer night Fi's parents leave and never return. Thrust into a position of power she never expected, Fi struggles with her new position and the responsibility it entails. When a secretive fae man known only as Flint breaches the city’s defenses claiming he can help, Fi begins to doubt everything she's ever considered truth. As betrayals and deception come to light, will Fi want the answers she’s been seeking, or will trusting Flint lead to her destruction?

Amazon Paperback- http://tinyurl.com/o6cjg69
Createspace (Paperback)- http://tinyurl.com/o6pvskm


Title- Ensnared
Series- The Dolan Prophecies Series #1.5 (Novella)
By- Allana Kephart & Melissa Simmons
Publication Date- August 22nd, 2014
Genre- New Adult Dystopian/ Dark Faery Tales

BLURB

Patrick and Maeve Dolan left the safety of their New York human settlement on a sultry summer night and never returned. Ambushed by the Winter Court guards during their search for information on how to free humanity from faery rule, they are now ensnared in the Winter King Landric’s web, and he has some questions of his own.
   
 The Winter King is curious about the way the Dolans run their city. In a surprising turn of events, he’s determined to learn all about their 16-year-old son, Eirnin. Landric separates the couple, threatens and tortures to the best of his ability, but the Dolans won’t give up the information he’s after.
       
Murphy, one of King Landric’s guards has been a ward of the Winter Court for as long as he can remember. Trained from childhood to be as quiet and obedient as possible, he’s always been the perfect servant. At least, until Princess Lumi strolled into his life and made him question everything he believes in.
       
When the princess vanishes without a trace in the middle of the night, Landric is determined Patrick’s people had something to do with it. Without the only connection to kindness and humanity they had, Murphy and Patrick both find themselves falling into very different kinds of insanity.
       
Will Murphy follow his heart just this once, choose his own side and find Lumi? Will Patrick’s hope dwindle before he can escape and save his family? Or will their unyielding resistance be the death of them all?




ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Allana Kephart has been making things up and bending people to her will from a very young age.  She loves animals and reading and spends a large amount of time thinking up ways to torment her characters. She shares a brain, a love of coffee and the color purple with her alter ego/best friend/co-author, Melissa Simmons.

Melissa Simmons is an avid reader who married her soul mate and is the proud mother of a spoiled cat.  She spends her days helping promote independent authors and doing what the voices in her head tell her to. She shares a brain, a love of coffee and the color purple with her alter ego/best friend/co-author, Allana Kephart.


The Dolan Prophecies Series Blog- http://dolanpropheciesseries.blogspot.com/
Allana Kephart Facebook Author Page- https://www.facebook.com/pages/Allana-Kephart/849276471758648 


Monday, May 11, 2015

Feature: Charyse Allan author of Desert Fire

Title- Desert Fire
Series- Valley of Death Series Book # 2
By- Charyse Allan
Genre- YA Thriller

Expected Publication Date- May 12th, 2015 

BLURB

Payton survived being forced to flee her home in order to escape the Elites. Yet she’s still not safe. The Elites are relentless, and they won’t give up their pursuit of her that easily. With her loved ones at risk, and trusting her boyfriend Conner, the two devise a plan to ditch her family in order to keep them safe. But their plan quickly backfires and puts everyone in even more danger.

Reiley is left behind when Payton leaves. Having to prove herself as a capable assassin, she joins Cadmar in his pursuit to track and end the Elites. Except the agency anticipates their every move. In her angst to establish herself, Reiley is caught off guard and makes a deadly mistake that jeopardizes everyones lives.

Betrayal, abductions, and murder stand between Payton, Reiley, and their loved ones. Can they trust anyone in a world of treachery and destruction?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Charyse Allan grew up in Arizona dancing and riding horses. She is an avid reader, but didn’t become one until high school. This is also when she realized her passion for writing, however it wasn’t until a couple years into her marriage that she tried her hand at writing a novel.
 
When she isn’t writing or reading, she can be found in Northern Arizona, tending her garden with her husband and best friend, while their two kids and two crazy dogs run around the yard. Charyse is also a big fan of Holy yoga, juicing and being a vegetarian—she misses bacon like nobody’s business.

Website: charyseallan.com or charyseallan.net
Blog: shortandsweetcma.blogspot.com  
Twitter: @Chaaryse4/https://twitter.com/Chaaryse4

Friday, May 8, 2015

Feature: Simon Williams, author of the Aona Series


EXCERPT

Ilumor soon learned that the city was devoid of any sort of life that he might comprehend. It had no citizens, no overlords. Law and reason had no presence here, no reason to exist. And yet as he walked the dimly-lit and oppressively silent streets, he saw entities that bore vague resemblance to creatures, moving swiftly from place to place as if carrying out unknown errands. All of these mysteries kept their distance. He saw shadows deepen until they became gaping holes from which he hastened away. Sudden light flared up for brief moments, pouring from the windows of buildings or from cracks in the ground. He shied away in fear, recognising its nature- for it was the same unspeakable illumination that had become a part of him, casting itself upon the darkest recesses of his body and mind.

Eventually even the silence was broken, and he heard a rhythm that might have been thunder or the crushing fall of a thousand great boulders. It shook the ground. It forced open great chasms in buildings and the ground on which he walked. Somehow it sounded portentous. The noise became chaotic, urgent, and the rhythm broke into random thumps and vast groans that emanated from out of the fissures torn along the streets and the dim sky above at the same time. Ilumor had a sudden urge to run, to leave behind the awful sights and sounds of this place, but he knew that fleeing was not possible. In all likelihood the city perimeter would widen at the same rate that he tried to rush towards it.


AUTHOR INTERVIEW

What inspired you to write this book?

The Spiral Heart is the fourth book in the Aona series so the inspiration wasn’t too hard to find as I already “knew” most of the characters from the previous books. But I wanted to expand on some of the themes covered in the previous Aona books- ideas such as redemption and salvation (as personal concepts, not in any organized religion standpoint), and the things that drive people to behave the way they do. The Spiral Heart is the biggest book in the series so far and covers a lot of ground- not just in terms of the plot, but bringing together a number of threads, and hopefully making the readers think.


How did you choose your title?

The book explores the concept of the “inner world” as in a part of the world where the Aona books are set, which is effectively extra-dimensional, in other words it exists outside the known material world but is also “inside” it. The previous books have hinted at the concept of this planet being special and unique, and The Spiral Heart is an oblique way of referring to that concept- which is also topical as it’s discussed and explained a little bit more in this book.


Did you self-publish or publish traditionally and why?

I have self-published all my books, in the knowledge that my works are not and never really will be “mass market”. I can’t see any publisher thinking they could make a load of money from them- and let’s face it, publishing is a business like any other. Aside from that, I have always been protective of being able to control my destiny. The last thing I want, as a creator, is to have to go through editors and publishers who insist that certain chapters or characters or storylines be removed from a book. That path eventually leads to a work which is no longer the work of the author / creator but instead a patchwork and a compromise, and therefore not true to the author’s original vision.

What do you consider the most important part of a good story?

Characters that the reader can care about. Without them, any story is pointless.

How long have you been writing?

Since I was about five, believe it or not, although I became a lot more serious about it from around the age of nine or ten.

What kind of music do you like to listen to while you write?

I can listen to any sort of music- whatever takes my fancy at the time. It depends on my mood. I’m also into particular bands and artists rather than particular genres so I have a wide selection to choose from.

Who is your favorite author?

I have several who’ve definitely shaped my work and helped me to keep going. The author who made me decide to become a fantasy writer was Alan Garner, so he was certainly the most profoundly influential writer during my childhood. Others include Clive Barker, Cecilia Dart-Thornton, Tad Williams and Ian Irvine.

What is your favorite book?

In terms of how it captured my imagination and changed the course of my life, it still has to be Alan Garner’s The Weirdstone of Brisingamen.

What advice would you give an author just starting out?

If you don’t love doing it, don’t do it- and don’t expect *any* serious money from it. Everyone hears about that very small proportion of authors who make a serious living from their work, but the vast majority struggle financially. So you have to get into the mindset of not caring about the money too much.

Have you had anything else published?

I’ve also written a novel Summer’s Dark Waters aimed mainly at a younger audience- although so far a lot of adults have been enjoying the book as well. Summer’s Dark Waters is quite a deviation from the path trodden so far with the Aona books. For one thing it’s geared towards all ages 10+ (roughly speaking) and the two main characters are eleven-year old kids. It also bridges a number of genres- fantasy / sci-fi / supernatural, with some elements of horror.

What's your next project?

I’ve started writing the sequel to Summer’s Dark Waters. It’s set a year and a half after the events in Summer’s Dark Waters, and things are different in all sorts of ways (although I don’t want to give any spoilers). I’m a bit surprised that I’m writing it, but then again I was actually surprised I even finished Summer’s Dark Waters- it was the first children’s book I’d written and it was quite a departure for me, but the positive response has made me continue with this line of work.
The other main focus at the moment is the fifth and final Aona book, Salvation’s Door. I’ve figured out the last few chapters already, now it’s just a matter of finding my way there.
I also have some notes written for a new fantasy series. This will be quite different to the Aona books (in fact it may turn out not to be fantasy at all- I have a distinct vision of the setting for it, and it doesn’t really fit into any recognised genre). I also have a collection of short stories which I’m still putting together (it’s taking more time than I hoped as I keep tinkering with some stories, and changing my mind about which should be included at all). I may also add a few new ones, so that keeps changing all the time.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Simon Williams is a UK-based author of fantasy, sci-fi and speculative fiction. The Spiral Heart is the newest book in the Aona series of dark fantasy novels. He has also written Summer’s Dark Waters, a sci-fi / fantasy adventure aimed at all ages 10+, and a number of short stories which are due to be published as an anthology later in 2015.

Twitter: @SWilliamsAuthor

Summer’s Dark Waters:

Oblivion’s Forge (Book I in the Aona series):

Thursday, May 7, 2015

Book Blast: The Brother's Keep by Tessa Stockton


Four brothers... Four maidens... Four challenges...

Publication Date: May 6, 2015
Genre: YA Romantic Fantasy
Series: The Brother's Keep (4 Novellas in 1)

Four brothers are appealing in appearance and stature. Yet beneath the striking features, magnitude and charm, they are monsters, for each one of them have fallen to darkness and are cursed for all time. Possessed with unique power, along with the wrath to destroy, the brothers consume all in their paths …until unlikely maidens challenge them apiece.

Each of the four young maidens ventures out, vulnerable and alone, to battle unknown elements, demons, and strange magic. Risking all for the journey, they are set to find the demise of their monster. But the question of motive begins to infiltrate each of their minds. Are they really trying to save their people from the harm of the monster or redeem a heartless being for the sake of love? Because somehow, while daring, their own hearts are stolen in what could be the quickest path to destruction, the greatest betrayal of all.

Along the way, meet Lily of the Valley, Bright & Morning Star, Promise the King, and The Messenger, characters potentially aiding these impressionable young women who find themselves quite lost in the keeps of alluring yet unscrupulous brothers.



Tessa Stockton is a veteran of the performing arts and worldwide missions, having come from a long line of musical arts professionals. She loved seeing the world and absorbing the beauty of other cultures . . . an enriching life full of dance, music, faith, and interesting cuisine. Over the years, she also contributed as a writer/editor for ministry publications, ghostwriter for political content, and headed a column on the topic of forgiveness. Today, she writes fantasy, romance and political intrigue novels.

Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads | LinkedIn




Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Feature: A. Star author of Wish For Me



Title:  Wish For Me
Series: The Djinn Order, Act One
Author: A. Star
Publication Dates: April 27, 2015  
Genre: Steampunk Fantasy/Romance 

BLURB

Three wishes. Two lovers. One destiny.
When the snarky Glory St. Pierre discovers the gold mechanical vase in her deceased grandmother’s basement, she has no idea that she has uncovered a priceless treasure: a genie lamp. With a real genie inside. A very sexy genie with a not-so-sexy grudge against the entire human race.


Irving Amir hates being called a genie. He’s a Djinn, and he is none too happy to be in the service of Glory, who is as intolerable, and beautiful, as humans come. Now he owes her his gratitude for freeing him and three wishes. Damn his luck.



But an arrow through the shoulder alerts Irving to the fact that he is being hunted, and after a truce dinner with Glory ends with them both almost being killed, hating each other goes right out the window. As feelings change and love starts to develop, they must dig through the secrets and lies to find the truth...a truth neither of them will ever see coming.


WARNING: Not suitable for ages 18 and under. A significant source of bad language, sexy times, and dirty jokes. If you suffer from a lack of a sense of humor, take with plenty of wine. If the symptom persists, see a doctor.











AUTHOR INTERVIEW

What inspired you to write this book?

I hadn't really seen many books about Djinn, so I was like, "Hell, I'll do it." To make it special, I decided to write in the Steampunk genre since I have wanted to write a Steampunk series for a long time.

How did you choose your title?

Since this series centers around Djinn, it only made sense for the first book to contain the word "Wish". The "For Me" part represents the romance between the Djinn, Irving, and our MC, Glory.

Tell us about the cover and how it came to be.

The cover was designed by Deranged Doctor Design. I wanted the cover to have a magical feel but also showcase the Steampunk elements of the book. They did an amazing job in my book.

Did you self­publish or publish traditionally and why?

I'm a total control freak so I will probably always self-publish unless a turn of fate and circumstance says otherwise.

What do you consider the most important part of a good story?

For me, the ending is everything. That's what I write it first. I want the ending to be the best part of the book and leave the reader in a state of "WTF". I usually succeed LOL

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Total panster. I don't outline anything really. I just wing it and see what happens.

What kind of music do you like to listen to while you write?

Classical or rock mostly. Honestly, the iTunes random play feature is my BFF.

Read anything good lately?

I recently read a great steampunk novel called Chasing the Star Garden. It just added to  my love of the Steampunk genre. It was great!

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

Netflix! OMG, I have an addiction. It's so bad. #Sorry #NotSorry

What's your next project?

My next release is TOME, the first book in the Knights of the Joust series, which is about underground street racing. Can't wait! 



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A. Star is a fan of dirty passion. She loves to read it, and she damn sure loves to write it. She is the author of the Mythos: Gods & Lovers series, the Djinn Order series, and the Knights of the Joust series. She is a night-owl and a coffee junkie, and the only sneaker she would be caught dead wearing are Converses.

Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads | Pinterest


Feature: A. Star author of Wish For Me


Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Trailer Reveal: Desert Fire by Charyse Allan


Desert Fire
Valley of Death Series Book # 2
By- Charyse Allan
Genre- YA Thriller
Expected Publication Date- May 12th, 2015

Payton survived being forced to flee her home in order to escape the Elites. Yet she’s still not safe. The Elites are relentless, and they won’t give up their pursuit of her that easily. With her loved ones at risk, and trusting her boyfriend Conner, the two devise a plan to ditch her family in order to keep them safe. But their plan quickly backfires and puts everyone in even more danger.

Reiley is left behind when Payton leaves. Having to prove herself as a capable assassin, she joins Cadmar in his pursuit to track and end the Elites. Except the agency anticipates their every move. In her angst to establish herself, Reiley is caught off guard and makes a deadly mistake that jeopardizes everyones lives.

Betrayal, abductions, and murder stand between Payton, Reiley, and their loved ones. Can they trust anyone in a world of treachery and destruction?

Monday, May 4, 2015

New Release: Stolen Art by Ruth Silver


Stolen Art
By- Ruth Silver
Genre- YA Sci Fi Adventure
Publication Date- May 4th, 2015
Published By- Lazy Day Publishing

Sixteen-year-old Madeline has been living on the streets, biding her time until she's eighteen. With little to no money, she takes on a heist in hopes of making ends meet. What could possibly go wrong?

Everything.  

Getting caught is just the beginning of Madeline's adventure as she meets Weston and discovers the secret of where she came from.

  

Sunday, May 3, 2015

Book Review: Kiss Me Dead by Dale Ibitz



BLURB

One curse . . .
Christian, a nineteen-year-old reaper-human hybrid enslaved to the Other World to harvest souls, earns his freedom by making a bargain with the Goddess of Death. As part of the bargain, he’s been cursed with the kiss of death.

One kiss . . .

The only way Christian can break his curse is for an angel to kiss him. Willingly. He finds Brooke, a nineteen-year-old descendant of a Naphil whose destiny is to hunt rogue reapers, suffocating in a semi-agoraphobic cocoon since witnessing a reaper steal her brother’s soul.

Two destinies . . .

Christian has found the angel who can break his curse, and the seduction begins. To break her phobia’s hold, Brooke embraces her angelic role and makes it her mission to kill rogue reapers to avenge her brother’s murder. Christian can break his curse by kissing Brooke dead . . . but will she figure out his game and kill him first?


3 STARS 

My Review 

I love reapers, so I was delighted to find a book all about them and watchers, which I haven't found appearing in my many books. This was a good read, though the story was a little heavier on the romance angle than I usually like. Christian and William made for interesting characters, but they could have been a little more distinct personality wise. Sometimes they sounded too much like each other. I like Brooke, she's tough and determined to protect the people she loves, but still has enough faults to keep her feeling like a real person.

One of the plotlines was, throughout the entire book, building up to an intense scene where what really happened to a certain character was going to be revealed. But when the moment of revelation came, instead of letting us see the scene for ourselves, the author had one character tell another about it. I found this to be something of a letdown, as it dampened the moment and robbed it of the emotional impact it might otherwise have had.

If you like reapers and paranormal romance, you might want to give this one a try. It has a decent storyline and lots of detail without going overboard.

Friday, May 1, 2015

Upcoming New Release: The Fall Of Brackenbone by Roy Huff


BLURB

Two very different worlds, Easton Falls University and the magical realm of Everville are in dire need of a hero. Owen Sage embarks on an epic journey of monumental proportions to save these worlds all while fighting to keep the world within himself intact. This quest is not for the faint of heart nor is it for the weak of mind—only the bravest will succeed. Discovering the well-kept secret of The Fourth Pillar of Truth is only part of the feat. Owen will have to outwit the ever-powerful villian Governor Jahal and overcome countless other challenges along the way. Amongst all of the dragons, giants and grand chaos, will Owen's acquired skills and wisdom combined be enough to save these two worlds or will peril be the ultimate fate of all?

COMING MAY 2015