Sunday, July 21, 2013

Review: Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater


FORMAT: 9 CDs, Unabridged
NARRATORS: Jenna Lamia & David Ledoux

For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf--her wolf--is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human . . . until the cold makes him shift back again.

Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human--or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever.

My thoughts:
I have wanted to read this book for a very long time and just got it on audio, so I listened to it. 
It took me a little while to become accustomed to the voices of the readers. Wonderfully written. Creative and original, this story puts a new spin on the old theme of werewolves. I loved that it is YA and will offer an opportunity for young readers to glimpse a taste of the mythological werewolf idea.
The characters are fantastic.


Saturday, July 20, 2013


Lycan Unleashed by Tiffany Allee
Amazon Product Description:
Detective Astrid Holmes is a sensitive, a human capable of feeling the energy of otherworlders. When she is dispatched to the horrific murder scene of a local vampire, she expects it to be just another day on the job. But when evidence is stolen on her watch, she is removed--not only from the investigation, but from her job as a member of the Chicago police department's paranormal unit.

Astrid's only hope of reinstatement lies with her ex co-worker and almost-lover, Lycan Mason Sanderson. But convincing the OWEA agent to let her assist with the investigation isn't nearly as difficult as staying alive when the murderer realizes that Astrid may hold the key to unlocking his identity.

Fighting to take down a killer could have deadly consequences for Astrid and Mason, but working together puts their already fragile relationship in jeopardy.

My thoughts:
This was a fun, light read that was exactly what I was looking for in the midst of all my review books and tour books.  It is a murder/mystery paranormal romance.  The murder mystery part of the plot is interesting, nicely paced and carefully planned, but the main focus to me was about Astrid and Mason.  The characters are wonderful; the self-assured, strong, capable heroine and the mysterious, overpowering, sexier than he should be, tortured by his past hero.  Who could want for more.  The secondary characters are well done and add depth to the story.  I enjoyed the book, although it is book 3 and I had not read the first two.  It stands alone well, but I plan to go back and read books 1 and 2 before looking for book 4. 

Friday, July 19, 2013

Blog Tour: Harbinger by Phillippa (Pip) Ballantine

This virtual book tour is presented by Bewitching Book Tours.
Click HERE for more tour information.
Welcome to The Wormhole and my stop on the tour.
I am pleased to spotlight Phillippa Ballantine and Harbinger.

Phillippa has joined us for an interview:
? How many jobs did you have before you became a writer?

Just one! I was a librarian for thirteen years, and I loved it almost as much as being a writer later on. Books, it turns out, were always meant to be my life.

? How long does it take you to write a book?

Usually, three months in the first draft stage, and the comes lots of editing!

? What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

I need a cat next to me. I call them my little furry muses. They call me a warm lap.

? What books have most influenced your life?

Watership Down. Although my Dad read me Lord of the Rings, I remember the characters in Watership Down, made me laugh, cry and demand more.

? What are you reading right now?

I’m reading a novel called Hapax by a young Canadian writer, K T Bryski. She’s got a great eye for setting a scene and making a reader care about her characters.

? What is your favorite comfort food?

I’m from New Zealand, so toast and Marmite are my comfort food. Makes me feel like a kid again, which I guess is the definition of comfort!

? What do you think makes a good story?

For me it is all about compelling characters. If I don’t like or find interesting the people I am going to spend a whole novel with, I will give up quickly.

? Who would you consider your favorite author and why?

I love CJ Cherryh. She’s been my heroine for longer than I can remember. She has had a varied career, writing many successful series. I guess what first drew me to her was her powerful, but relatable female characters. As a young reader I found that very compelling.

? What book, if any, do you read over and over again?

I am such a voracious reader I always find new books to read, and worry if I go back and get something I’ve already read I’ll miss out!

Fun random questions: 
  • dogs or cats? Cats
  • Coffee or tea? Tea
  • Dark or milk chocolate? Dark chocolate
  • Rocks or flowers? Flowers
  • Night or day? Night
  • Favorite color? Blue
  • Crayons or markers? Crayons
  • Pens or pencils? Pens
More About the Author:
Born in Wellington, New Zealand, Philippa has always had her head in a book. For this she blames her father who thought Lord of the Rings was suitable bedtime reading for an eight year old. At the age of thirteen she began writing fantasy stories for herself.

She first earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Political Science and then a Bachelor of Applied Science in Library and Information Science. So soon enough she found herself working in the magical world of libraries where she stayed for over a decade.

Her first professional sale was in 1997, and since then she has gone on to produce mostly novel length fiction. In 2006 she became New Zealand’s first podcast novelist, and she has voiced and produced Weaver’s Web, Chasing the Bard, Weather Child and Digital Magic as podiobooks. Her podcasts have won both a Parsec Award and a Sir Julius Vogel award.

Philippa is the author of the Books of the Order series with Ace- Geist, Spectyr, Wrayth and Harbinger coming in July 2013.

She is also the co-author of the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences series with Tee Morris. Phoenix Rising debuted in May 2011 and The Janus Affair came out in May 2012. Phoenix Rising won the Airship Award for best written steampunk, and was the number eight best Science Fiction book of 2011 according to Goodreads.com. The Janus Affair was the seventh most popular science fiction book of 2012 on Goodreads.com. The series continues with Dawn’s Early Light in December 2013.

In addition she is also the author of the Shifted World series with Pyr Books, with the first book Hunter and Fox released in June 2012, and the second Kindred and Wings scheduled for August 2013.

When not writing or podcasting, Philippa loves reading, gardening, and whenever possible traveling. With her husband Tee and her daughter, she is looked after by a mighty clowder of five cats in Manassas, Virginia.

Website: www.pjballantine.com
Twitter: philippajane
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/pjballantine/  

Harbinger

Philippa (Pip) Ballantine
Release date July 30th
cover artist Jason Chan

Book Description:

The Deacons of the Order are all that stand between the wicked spirits of the Otherside and the innocent citizens of the Empire. They are sworn to protect humanity, even when they cannot protect themselves…

After the Razing of the Order, Sorcha Faris, one of the most powerful Deacons, is struggling to regain control of the runes she once wielded. The Deacons are needed more desperately than ever. The barrier between the world of the living and the world of the dead is weakening, and the Emperor has abandoned his throne, seeking to destroy those he feels have betrayed him.

Though she is haunted by the terrible truth of her past, Sorcha must lead the charge against the gathering hordes of geists seeking to cross into the Empire. But to do so, she will need to manipulate powers beyond her understanding—powers that may prove to be her undoing…

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Review: Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor


Book Description:
Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.

In a dark and dusty shop, a devil’s supply of human teeth grown dangerously low.

And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.

Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she’s prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she’s about to find out.

When one of the strangers—beautiful, haunted Akiva—fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?


My thoughts:
This book is fantastic!
I listened to this audio book in my car, NOT a good idea.  Gas prices are going through the roof and driving around JUST to listen to the story is not cost effective - but I did it anyway.

I fell in love with the characters - all of them ~ from the smallest support characters on up to Karou, Akiva and of course Brimstone.  The writing is vivid, descriptive and visual; you can see the sites and smell the smells.  

The wishmonger - is what Brimstone is called and you are given a completely different view of wishes and dreams.  Karou has been raised by Brimstone in his shop filled with secrets, stories and portals.  She is his errand runner - but oh so much more than that.  The constant question - "Who/what is she?" 

In this story, you learn the price of wishes and the difference between wishing and dreaming.  You see the faith in friendship.  You find out what being family means and feel the sting of betrayal; the agony of loss and the glory of love.  Above all of this - there is hope.

My advice: If you are planning to listen to Daughter of Smoke and Bone in your vehicle, be going on a long trip - hopefully with someone else who loves audio books - buy book 2 so you can have it along for the return trip because the end of book one leaves you screaming for more.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Blog Tour: Guardians by Heather Frost (giveaway)

This blog tour is presented by the author Heather Frost.
Click HERE for more tour information.
Welcome to The Wormhole and my stop on the tour.
It is my pleasure to feature Heather Frost and Guardians.
Heather Frost was born in Sandy, Utah, and raised in a small Northern Utah town. She is the second oldest of ten children, and she has always been an avid reader and writer. She’s a graduate of Snow College, and, more recently, Utah State University. She enjoys playing the flute, listening to all types of music, and watching a wide variety of movies. Ever since she wrote her first short story—at the age of four—she has dreamed of one day becoming an author. Guardians is her third published novel; her second book, Demons, is a Whitney Award Finalist. To learn more about Heather and the Seers Trilogy, or to send her a message, visitwww.HeatherFrost.com.


Book Description:
Kate Bennett has escaped captivity, but she has not escaped the hunt. The Demon Lord has one million dollars on Kate’s head, and every bounty hunter around is just waiting for the chance to break through her guardian force. Kate’s only shot at staying alive and protecting her loved ones is to lead the seers on a mission to the past and kill the Demon Lord before he comes to power.
But Patrick, Kate’s immortal guardian and the love of her life, knows what happens when she travels back in time: he has seen her die in his arms. With Patrick keeping a protective watch over her, Kate knows she can never lead her mission, but she cannot wait around to be captured by demons again, either.
This final installment of the Seers trilogy brings Kate Bennett’s tale to a surprising and exciting conclusion filled with love and heartache, danger and triumph, loss and redemption.

Click Here to buy a copy of Guardians.  Click HERE to buy book 2.   Click HERE to buy book 1.

Fill out this form for the chance to WIN a copy of book 3: Guardians.


My thoughts to follow.

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Blog Tour: Dysus Dreamer by J.A. Garland - tourwide author giveaway

This virtual book tour is presented by Bewitching Book Tours.
Click HERE for more information.
Welcome to The Wormhole and my stop on the tour.
It is my pleasure to feature J.A. Garland and Dysus Dreamer.

J.A. Garland has stopped by for an interview: 
? When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
JA: Well, originally I wanted to be a jet fighter pilot, of course. Okay, so that was just a phase...following the movie Top Gun. Seriously, I’ve wanted to be a writer from childhood, but as life has a way of doing, it moved me in a different direction. Becoming and being a firefighter is full of rewards. I love serving the public. But writing is a release--an addictive freedom. I am very lucky to enjoy two such different, and spectacular careers in one lifetime.

? How many jobs did you have before you became a writer?
JA: Ten! I’ve dabbled with writing for years, but only became serious within the last four. So there are lifetimes of jobs in there!

? How long does it take you to write a book?
JA: It depends upon the book. The first book I wrote took me years, and they weren’t fun years. Every step was agonizing. I was so relieved to finish and move on to the next story.

? What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
JA: I must drink a big mug of coffee first! I am a dedicated morning person. I get up before the sun, around 5 am. I then drink a carafe of coffee--I'm not joking--I have the blood pressure to show for it, lol. Then I go for a run. I run at least 6 days a week. My favorite place to run is at a nearby park. 500 acres of trails, I love it! When I run I think about the next chapter of my current W.I.P. So by the time I get home, I am all ready to have at the computer. I peter out around noon, but get a second wind in the evening. Then I usually edit paragraphs I've already written, I don't add anything new.

? What are you reading right now?
JA: Right now I am reading the Dresden Files by Jim Butcher. It’s a great series about a modern day wizard. Very entertaining.

? What do you like to do when you are not writing?
JA: I love to trail run, cook, and spend time with my family. I’m also an avid reader who isn’t married to a specific genre. I’ll read anything as long as it’s well written.

? What is your favorite comfort food?
JA: Vegetable soup. I have a crock-pot recipe that is really amazing. I chop everything, fill the crock-pot, and in the evening it’s perfect! Which also reminds me of a great steel cut oatmeal, crock-pot recipe. I really should use my crock-pot more often…

? What do you think makes a good story?
JA: Action, character depth and believability. I can’t stand authors who handhold their readers. I want an author who lets me put two and two together. It annoys me when I’m spoon fed stories.

Fun random questions: 
·        dogs or cats? Neither
·        Coffee or tea? COFFEE
·        Dark or milk chocolate? Milk
·        Rocks or flowers? Rocks
·        Night or day? Day
·        Favorite color? Glacier Blue
·        Crayons or markers? Crayons
·        Pens or pencils? Pens

More about the author:
Writing urban fantasy under the pen-name J.A. Garland, Jennifer is a professional firefighter in the state of California. Jennifer is married and has two children, both of whom are as different as night and day. A graduate of Cogswell Polytechnical with a degree in Fire Administration, Jennifer always knew she wanted to be an author. (Except for a brief two month period after watching the movie "Top Gun," when she wanted to be a fighter pilot).

Jennifer admits she is an addicted trail runner, mostly because she is a devout consumer of all things cheese puff. If she misses you at the next mud run, you can come back here to see what's new in the world "where fantasy becomes reality."

http://jagarland.blogspot.com/
https://twitter.com/J_A_Garland
https://www.facebook.com/jagarlandurbanfantasyauthor

The Dysus Dreamer
Book Two, The Halfling Chronicles
by JA Garland

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: July, 2013
"A powerful half-demon is kidnapped, bloodthirsty werewolves are on the rise, and a planet is dying. A demon warrior and dark elf joining forces are the least of their worries."
Demon warrior, Slade Aesus, is determined to destroy the werewolves controlling his cousin. But a beautiful elf, consumed by her own vengeance, finds the wolves first. Botching her assassination attempt, Annwyn has the most powerful Packs in the world biting at her heels. Both fiercely independent, can the two join forces long enough to fulfill their missions and stay alive?

Book Trailer http://youtu.be/M0qIjt_iBxU

Excerpt The Dysus Dreamer:
     A solid assassination operation takes one part opportunity, two parts discipline, and three parts disposition. Having two out of three this chilly Seattle evening, Slade considered himself in abundance of good fortune.
     Parked in front of a solitary office building, in the zone clearly marked “No Parking,” Slade cleared his mind of distractions consisting of the little here and there that could creep in and throw him off, just a hair, but enough to jeopardize his mission. Satisfied, he slid out of the rental car and re-tucked a stylish black golf shirt monogrammed with “Constantine Vineyards” into a pair of crisp, steel gray slacks. In this particular scenario, image was crucial.
     Tonight, the element discipline presented itself by his waiting for the precise moment to strike.  He made a living analyzing people and their habits, so he knew his targets relaxed around the holidays and were less likely to see the danger lurking behind his smiling façade. The current festivity du jour was Christmas, and coupled with his gift, destined Slade a popular man. I'm counting on it.
     He moved around to the trunk, where he heaved free a slatted, wooden case. It smelled of musky oak. The peaceful scent hinted at candlelit dinners shared with a long time lover. His jaw clenched. Not in my past and not in my future.
     Slade lugged his precious cargo toward the sprawling metal office building. Immense, the structure stabbed farther into the heavens than any other in the area, yet fell short. Just like my target. Outwardly, Joe Larsen appeared a dedicated family man, a real pillar of the community whose flourishing internet and telecommunications business, ProCom, employed hundreds. In reality, the werewolf belonged to the Dirty Dozen, a group of the twelve most ruthless wolf Packs roaming the earth.
     How ironic. I was once your target. A year ago, the Dozen kidnapped his cousin Amber, a half-demon, half-human. Able to keep a shifter from shifting, Amber's ability proved irresistible, since more times than not, the Dozen's meetings devolved into an unproductive, fur-flying brawl. We saved Amber, but left behind some unfinished business. Starting with Larsen, the wolves would learn a lesson...a demon’s memory rivals the most scorned woman, and paybacks were indeed a bitch.

My thoughts:
I am halfway through the book.  The characters are fantastic - original, distinctive and well made.  The story is multi-faceted and interesting.  It is nicely paced and entertaining.  I am both dreading and looking forward to the ending - wanting to know the answers, yet not really wanting the story to end.


INSTINCT
Book One, The Halfling Chronicles

"When war erupts among the Shadow creatures, can enemies become allies?"

Lone wolf, Rory Archer, never failed a single mission. Now the hunted instead of the hunter, Rory unwinds a twisted trail leading back to Amber Arlington, a spirited Halfling tied to a world of Shadows. Bound to vows initially forged out of necessity, Rory and Amber's relationship surges into more than either of them had bargained on. Scrambling to identify their attacker before joining the casualty list, Rory is forced to do the unthinkable, or watch Amber become a slave for his species.

In the battle against Shadows, demons and all variety of monsters come out to fight. Can one wolf learn to trust in time to save them all?

Giveaway: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway