BLAST and GIVEAWAY: Legends of Amun Ra: The Emerald Tablet

 

Genre: Sci-Fi, Fantasy Leoros doesn't have many friends. The son of a scientist and archeologist, he is constantly on the move. But when his parents make a startling discovery in Egypt, Leoros' world is turned upside down. Do you wish you could have the power of a god? Would you use it for good…or for evil? When an archaeologist discovers the mythic Emerald Tablet buried beneath Egypt’s desert, her son decodes the ancient text leading him to a distant world. On that world, a slave girl begins a journey towards a destiny she cannot imagine. But when an ancient foe rises from the ashes, they will be brought together by forces neither understands. Leoros, who dreams of being like the heroes in the comic books, must fight to unlock the secrets of the universe to save a people he never knew existed. Atlantia, whose bloody visions wake her in the night, senses the darkness coming. Together they will face an enemy with the power of dark energy, lose a mentor to the assassin’s blade, and be betrayed by someone they trust. Their fight for the future is just beginning, and before it is over, a final sacrifice must be made. When the darkness comes, will they stand and fight or will they join it? There is darkness in everyone.

Purchase the book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

About Joshua Silverman

Joshua Silverman was born in Washington, D.C. and raised in Orange County, California. While attending California State University, Fullerton and studying Criminal Justice, Joshua was introduced to a creative writing class where he wrote a series of paranormal stories. As a child, he has always been an amateur historian, focusing on ancient Egypt, Greece, and Roman civilizations. Since working in the legal environment, he has combined his passion for creative writing with his love of ancient history by penning his debut novel, The Emerald Tablet, the first of seven in the Legends of Amun Ra series.
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REVIEW: I Was Here -- Before You Came by Camelia Skiba

Title: I Was Here -- Before You Came (later published as Born In Vengeance)
Series: Dacian Legends #1
Author: Camelia Skiba
Published Date: May 9, 2013
Publisher: Treasure Books Publishing
Format: Ebook
Pages: 88
Buy link: Amazon
Rating: 3 1/2 stars

Synopsis: Originally published as a short story titled I WAS HERE--BEFORE YOU CAME, this stand-alone version includes an expanded storyline and excerpts from BORN IN SIN (Dacian Legends, #2), all that you would expect from a full novel.
Legend has it … centuries after Spartacus another hero is born—Ilias, the bastard son of King Decebalus. Thirsty for revenge and eager to unshackle the Roman oppression, Ilias’ obsession to fulfill his oath has no bounds, even if that means kidnapping Nerva, the beloved daughter of Emperor Traianus. What he doesn’t know is his own heart threatens to betray his conscience.
What will prevail: his mind or his heart?

My Review: I'd like to thank the author for allowing me a copy of this short story in exchange for an honest review.
I'd like to start out by saying that this is a great premise for a story. A man swears vengeance on his enemy, and kidnaps his daughter, only to have the whole plan backfire on him when he falls in love with her. The story itself was well-written, the plot moved along as it should. The story ended well.
Yes, I know you feel it...the looming "but"....
But....I felt nothing for the two main characters' budding relationship. There was more emotional tension in a possible uprising in one of the later scenes, than what I felt between these two. And I still don't know what Ilias looks like. I have deduced that he must have blond hair, because at one point, it was noted that all typical Dacians have blond hair, but I read the story through twice just to see if perhaps I had skipped over it by accident.
However...I have noticed that this story has been expanded with further details, so I'm hoping that all of these missing details have been added into the later edition.

REVIEW REDUX: The Legend of Finndragon's Curse by Richie Earl

 

Title: The Legend of Finndragon's Curse

Series: Tales of Finndragon #1

Author: Richie Earl

Publisher: author

Published date: Dec 22, 2011

Rating: 31/2 stars

Buy it link: Amazon

Note: my original review is below...first posting date of October 6, 2012...some of the issues I had before have been resolved (re: British terminology, and the cover artwork)

Synopsis: Three children racing against time, desperately searching for their missing father.
A medieval kingdom cursed by an evil wizard.
An ancient legend beneath our very feet.
The Legend of Finndragon’s Curse is the first book in a unique, two book fantasy adventure series and is a fast paced, engaging and thrilling page turner. The story races along with plenty of twists and turns as it heads for the prophesized confrontation between the children and the evil Finndragon himself.
Combining wizardry and magic with modern technology and containing magical animals and terrible demons, The Legend of Finndragon’s Curse is a rollercoaster of emotions that will make you laugh out loud and then fight to hold back the tears, as the children race against time to rescue their father. In doing so they have to kill Finndragon and put an end to the dreadful curse.
A young adult adventure that is sure to be enjoyed by all ages.

Review: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. This book is a great young adult fantasy book. While relying on three teenage and prepubescent children to save their father, the author doesn't give the children any extra-ordinary skills or paranormal abilities. I always dislike when the authors give the main characters such incredible skill-sets that makes the story absolutely unrealistic. The author stayed within the boundaries of normal children's abilities, while allowing them to overcome a difficult adversary in a realistic setting.
There were a few things I didn't like: some of the Welsh place names tripped me up, perhaps a glossary of how to pronounce these would be nice. Some of the British terminology tripped me up as well (it took me awhile to realise that an "underwater torch" wasn't an actual flaming torch, but a flashlight), but once you got past all of that, it was a great, enjoyable read. Most likely British readers will look at my review and think, "Silly American!"
The ending totally blew me away. Looking back, yes, it was foreseeable, but, on the last page, I turned it and thought, "What? This is it? No....I want the next book!" Great cliff-hanger.

BOOK BLAST and GIVEAWAY!: Spring's Surprise by Cynthia Gail

Spring's Surprise

Sara Michaels is single again. And she’s celebrating her thirtieth birthday with a complete spa makeover and a day of boutique shopping with her two best friends. After a ten-month battle for freedom, a long weekend in Nashville, Tennessee is just what she needs to erase the memories of a broken heart.   Jack Tanner is the soon-to-be new partner at Chester & Dorsey Development Firm. Jack’s love life has been on the back burner for years as he’s built a successful career. But the moment he meets Sara, he takes a hard look at his life and his priorities. Sara steps out of her comfort zone and spends an unforgettable weekend with Jack. She’s never felt so carefree. Until she realizes too late that three days can change everything On Sale May 15, 2013

Read an Excerpt

 

 

Winter's Magic Owner of La Bella Vita, a five-star day spa nestled in the affluent suburbs of Nashville, Tennessee, Beth Sergeant knows her elite clientele first hand. She attended their private schools. She was even engaged, although briefly, to one of their most recognized bachelors. But she never fit in to their social-elite world. After losing his parents to a car accident at a young age, Nick Chester was raised by his grandfather, the wealthiest man in Nashville. When he chooses to socialize, he has a never-ending list of exclusive events and beautiful women vying for his attention. Yet he never lets himself forget that everyone has an agenda. Beth can’t resist Nick’s charm and accepts an invitation to dinner, despite her deep-seated insecurities. She proves she’s nothing like other women he’s dated and learns to trust him in return. But just as the last of their resistance crumbles and true love is within reach, challenges from Nick’s past threaten to destroy everything and force Beth to reveal her most guarded secret. Available Now Through: Amazon Barnes & Noble Soul Mate Publishing

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EXCERPT: Fall of Sky City

Title: Fall of Sky City
Series: Devices of War Book 1
Author: S.M. Blooding
Published Date: republished May 5, 2013
Publisher: Blooding Books
Pages: 316
ISBN: 978-1484052297
Genre: steampunk
Add to: Goodreads
Purchase: Amazon

Excerpt:

“Here’s the hangar we’re lookin’ for,” Joshua said lightly. “Now we just need to get everything loaded and be off.”
I walked into the hangar and stared in surprise at the monstrous bird-like machine propped up on rolling jacks. “What is that?”
“Tha’,” he said, pointing to it with a grin, “is my invention to get us out of here.”
“It didn’t come in anything smaller, perhaps a bit faster?”
He laughed and started pulling rigging ropes off of the wings. “Not if we’re taking all o’ our studies with us. No.”
I raised an eyebrow. “What?”
“Our entire laboratory is in here.” He stopped and looked at me. “Well, come on. Let’s get going. They’re going ta be tearin’ the city apart looking for you soon enough, like as right. Best we’re off before they catch on.”
Yvette ducked under the tail of the flying machine in knee-length pants, stockings and a white shirt, a leather bodice of sorts holding her belt of contraptions and gadgets. “Ah, so the garçonhas arrived.” She sent me a tight lipped glare. “Thank you for expediting our time table. We really could have used the extra weeks to finish.”
“Yvette,” Joshua said. “Have you loaded all of your things?”
She nodded.
“How many trunks of clothes are we going to be loaded down with?” I asked.
She glared and disappeared on the other side again.
Haji removed the rigging from the wing. “What is this?”
“I call it an aerioplane.” Joshua smiled proudly. “It works differently than the bi-plane in the fact tha’ we’re able to carry cargo. It took a bi’ to figure out how to carry heavy loads, but I think I did all right.”
“Yeah,” Yvette yelled, “though landing this thing’s going to be a bit of an issue.”
My hands paused on the rigging. “What’s she talking about?”
Joshua’s looked like he was trying to shake off his concern. “It’s nothin’ to worry about. We’ll be fine.”
“Uh-huh. Define fine.”
“Well.” He took in a breath and tipped his head. “It’d be best if we were to find a long, soft, flat place to land.”
“And why’s that?”
“Well, the bi-planes can land vertically. My aerioplane needs a runway in order to gain enough force to take off.” He winced. “The heavier we are, the harder it is to take off.”
“And without landing gear,” Yvette said, popping up under the wing, “it’ll be that much harder.”
“Without—Wait.” I followed Joshua into the belly of the beast. “We won’t be able to land?”
“It’ll just be a bi’ rocky is all.” He shrugged.

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COVER REVEAL and GIVEAWAY: Unbidden and Redeemed by Jill Hughey

Today we say hello again to author Jill Hughey and her books Unbidden and Redeemed, that had an amazing MAKE OVER!

"Two new covers, same great stories"

For fans of Historical Romance here are Book 1 and 2 in "The Evolution Series".

Evolution Series Book One: Unbidden
by Jill Hughey

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Book Synopsis



When the emperor chooses a husband for Rochelle, she tries to drive her betrothed away, but by the time she realizes she might want to keep him, she has been too successful and other forces are dividing them as well.

A whirling romance in the enchanting world of Charlemagne’s Empire. Rochelle of Alda, a feisty Frank noblewoman, expects to continue her industrious life managing her family’s estate. When her emperor summons her to the palace to meet the skilled soldier she is required to marry, Rochelle engages in a battle for independence from David of Bavaria. As her own deceptions multiply, she suspects another of also plotting against their marriage. To her surprise, and too late, David’s passion and patience begin to win her heart. Can their love survive the tangled web of her schemes and the secret adversary David refuses to see?

AMAZON 



Evolution Series Book  Two: Redeemed

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Book Synopsis



Doeg has only two requirements in a wife, and when Philantha arrives he knows she is the one who will fulfill them. However, she has a requirement of her own that at first frightens her new husband, but eventually breaks down the barriers he has kept erected around himself for decades. They work to rejuvenate his estate by day while their passion grows at night. When an unexpected threat from within their world endangers Philantha, will Doeg throw off the shackles of his past completely to claim happiness once and for all? Travel to Bavaria in 834 where Redeemed combines the best elements of historical romance with an exciting new setting.

AMAZON

The Author

Jill Hughey has loved historical romance since sneaking peeks at her mother’s library years ago. She has enjoyed writing just as long.  She prides herself on deep character development, and settings that take her readers on long, satisfying journeys to places they have probably never been in a book before.

Jill lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two sons. Her hobby is singing lessons, in which she studies classical soprano and some lighthearted works.

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Learn more about the author at: ​​​http://jillhughey.blogspot.com

GIVEAWAY:
An e-copy of Unbidden.
International. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

REVIEW: Chasing Francis by Ian Morgan Cron

Title: Chasing Francis
Series: None
Author: Ian Morgan Cron
Published date: republished May 7, 2013
Publisher: Zondervan
Buy it link: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Rating: 5 stars

Synopsis: What happens when the pastor of a mega church loses his faith?
Pastor Chase Falson has lost his faith in God, the Bible, evangelical Christianity, and his super-sized megachurch. When he falls apart, the church elders tell him to go away: as far away as possible. Join Chase on his life-changing journey to Italy where, with a curious group of Franciscan friars, he struggles to resolve his crisis of faith by retracing the footsteps of Francis of Assisi, a saint whose simple way of loving Jesus changed the history of the world. Read this riveting story and then begin your own life-changing journey through the pilgrim's guide included in this powerful novel.

Hidden in the past lies the future of the church When his elders tell him to take some time away from his church, broken pastor Chase Falson crosses the Atlantic to Italy to visit his uncle, a Franciscan priest. There he is introduced to the revolutionary teachings of Saint Francis of Assisi and finds an old, but new way of following Jesus that heals and inspires. Chase Falson's spiritual discontent mirrors the feelings of a growing number of Christians who walk out of church asking, Is this all there is? They are weary of celebrity pastors, empty calorie teaching, and worship services where the emphasis is more on Lights, Camera, Action than on Father, Son, and Holy Spirit while the deepest questions of life remain unaddressed in a meaningful way.

My Review: First I'd like to thank the publisher and BookSneeze for allowing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I give out 5 star reviews very rarely....meaning, about 1-2% of the books I read, are truly what I consider worthy of 5 stars. It has to change my life in some way, and this book did exactly that. It was such an interesting look into St Francis of Assisi's life, and such a modern story that it was hard not to get caught up in it.
Ever since I started reading this book, it was as if Francis was trying to reach out to me through this book. Every where I turned, there was a statue of him, a church of him, a book of him, a quote about him....things that I had never seen before or experienced before were suddenly popping up. As a child growing up, I picked St Francis as my patron saint in confirmation (much to the consternation of the Catholic teachers that believed a girl should pick a girl saint, not a boy saint!). This book showed me how wonderful and apropos of a choice he really was.
Because of this book, I'm definitely hunting down more books on him.