Blog Tour: Golden Healer, Dark Enchantress by Christine Schulze (Giveaway)

The blog tour is presented by The Bookish Snob Tours.

You can get to the entire tour schedule by clicking HERE.

You can read my review by clicking HERE.

You can buy a copy by clicking HERE or HERE.

You can win a copy by filling out the form at the end of this post.

Welcome to The Wormhole and my day on the tour!

It is my pleasure to bring you an interview with author Christine E. Schulze!

? How many jobs did you have before you became a writer?

Oh, that I could claim this as my only job! Alas, I am not yet as famous as J.K. Rowling (then again, who is?).

Well, I have worked at Quiznos and am currently employed at Magic Building Block daycare in Fairview Heights, IL. I also have my degree in Elementary Education, but teaching jobs are scarce around here. I have been garnering many writing credits on the side but, as I said, none of them have made me renowned enough as of yet to quit my dayjob. Someday though, perhaps...

Though in actuality, I care little about the pay and much more that readers around the world can enjoy my stories. Though, I DO want at least one movie someday...

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

Depends. When I have a new book to work on, I am usually uber-inspired, so it doesn't take long. My four-book series, "The Gailean Quartet", contains some of my longest works. However, I pride myself on calling it "the series written in a year-and-a-half." Plus, many of my books are short, considered more novelettes than novels.

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

Probably that I don't write in order. I write whatever I am inspired to write, so the last and first chapters are usually done far before the middle portions.

? What are you reading right now?

 The Hunger Games. My novel, Bloodmaiden, has been compared to it, so I am quite curious. Thus far, it is very intriguing. My sweetheart is actually close to devouring the entire series.

? What is your favorite comfort food?

Chocolate ice cream (made with coconut milk due to food allergies), hot dogs and curly fries (yes, they must be eaten together), and spaghetti

? What do you think makes a good story?

A story that is intriguing yet simple to understand; however, at the same time, it should also be complex, with intricate subplots and side stories, making the characters complex as well. Also, for me, a unique fantasy world and some sort of purpose or goal or message, whether it is the classic triumphing of good over evil or something much deeper.

Fun random questions: 

·        dogs or cats? Both, but cats make me sneeze.

·        Coffee or tea? Tea. Green tea.

·        Dark or milk chocolate? Why does this one keep popping up? I eat neither; I am allergic to milk and sugar. But I have found this delightful new chocolate ice cream made with coconut milk and agave syrup.

·        Rocks or flowers? Rocks! Always have loved collecting them.

·        Night or day? Day. I am an early morning person.

·        Favorite color? Sage green.

·        Crayons or markers? Crayons; they come in more shades and blend better.

·        Pens or pencils? Depends on my mood.

Author Bio:

Christine E. Schulze has been creating books since she was too young to even write them in words. Her collection of YA fantasy books, The Amielian Legacy, is comprised of series and stand-alone books which can all be read separately but which weave together to create an amazing fantasy. Her fanatsies also incorporate many other genres, such as Christian fantasy, romance, and even a spark of horror at times. She hopes to inspire readers throughout the world with these books by publishing in both traditional and electronic formats to make them available to all readers. 

Christine has published several stories with Calliope and Kalkion magazines and is an active member of the WEbook online writing community. She has also published several Christian/fantasy books which are available at various online retailers, as well as publishing several eBooks via Writers-Exchange.  

Her latest and most exciting venture includes her publications with Old Line Publishing: Bloodmaiden and Tears of a Vampire Prince: the First Krystine. She also anticipates her upcoming publication with Old Line, Lily in the Snow, as well as releasing The Chronicles of the Mira with Writers-Exchange in both paperback and electronic forms. 

Christine currently lives in Belleville, Illinois in her first and most thrilling apartment.

Here is that giveaway form!

Review: Golden Healer, Dark Enchantress by Christine Schulze

Golden Healer, Dark Enchantress by Christine E. Schulze

*I received this book (digital copy) in exchange for an honest review and participation in the blog tour.  The blog tour is being hosted by The Bookish Snob Tours.

Amazon Product Description:

He leaned his head close to my ear and whispered, "Are you afraid?"

Chrystine had had more reason than any other time of her life, even when facing one of the rampages of her drunken father. But she wasn't afraid. And that was odd, because although Aaryn, the person asking her that question, was her best friend, he was also a vampire. In fact, she was surrounded by hundreds of vampires.

But they weren't your typical vampires. They were Stregoni Benefici, the good kind. Nor was Chrystine your typical fairy. She was the Golden Healer, and she alone could save the Stregoni Benefici from the Dark Enchantress. But can Chrystine figure out the Dark Enchantress' secret and defeat the evil vampires without destroying the good ones as well, without destroying Aaryn?

Find out as you read for yourself the story of the first vampire.

My thoughts:
This was a great YA read!  It has a mix of paranormal and fantasy which is all the rage in adult reading right now so it's a sure draw for the middle grade reader.  It also throws faith in there, which will capture the hearts of many while adding in a bit of realistic fiction too.  Christine Schulze has given her readers a blend that I haven't seen before in YA.  She spins a wonderful tale of good versus evil where the main characters are paranormals and Christians.  She sets the beginning of the story in a real world setting with a not perfect home life for Chrystine and then takes them to another world that is a fantasy world she has created.  With a story like this she is sure to catch the eye of a wide range of readers!  
I enjoyed the characters very much and although the plot isn't terribly complex it is clever, well done, and easy to get caught up in.  This story catches you from the start and keeps you to the very last page.

Last Rising Release Day Blitz - Giveaway!

The blog tour is presented by Entangled Publishing and Bewitching Book Tours.

Welcome to The Wormhole and the Release Day Blitz!

CURSE OF THE PHOENIX - Book One

Title: The Last Rising 

Author: Rachel Firasek 

Genre: Paranormal Romance 

Length: Novella 

Release Date: September 2011 

ePub ISBN: 978-1-937044-28-2 

Mobi ISBN: 978-1-937044-29-9

http://www.entangledpublishing.com/the-last-rising/

Book Description:

After paying two millennia’s penance to Osiris, world-weary Phoenix Ice has had enough. 

Saving souls without any hope for her own redemption isn’t how she imagined spending eternity. 

Fed up, she decides her next death will be her last. But when she sacrifices her own life for a 

sexy Texan in a catastrophic plane crash, she has no idea the consequences will be so great…or that she’ll end up back in his life for her next assignment.

Now that Turner Alcott has survived the worst, finding a wife and mother for his son matters 

more than ever before. When the mysterious Ice comes into his life, Turner knows she’s the 

one—but love is the last thing Ice wants. If he wants to win her heart, Turner must teach Ice how to forgive herself, and prove that love is the ultimate sacrifice.

Today's feature: Character Interview with Turner

You travel a lot for you job, how does that affect your relationship with your son?

I won’t lie. It’s hard to keep all of my promises, but I do try. In a few years, I should be able to have enough money stashed to slow down. *he looks down* When we had Brodie, I never really imagined I’d be raising him alone.

Where is your wife, Mr. Alcott?

She left. Couldn’t handle raising a son and she hated being left alone with him when I traveled. I don’t really like talking about her.

I’m sorry about that. Have you found someone else? Are you dating?

I’ve dated. Probably more than my share of women, but I’m ready to settle down again. I’ve found a woman I’m interested in, but I have to convince her to thaw out a little.

When you say you’re ready to settle down, I assume you mean marriage. Is that your goal?

Uh, marriage? I’m not sure about that, but I do want a long term relationship and if it develops into marriage, I’d be happy. I need someone that is okay with Brodie, my son, and the busy lifestyle we live.

So, can you give us a brief description of this woman?

She’s exotic. She has straight black hair, fair skin and the lightest eyes you’ve ever seen—well, at least in real life. She got a good figure, but it’s her scent that lures me. I’ve never smelled anyone who reminded me of momma’s laundry. I know that sounds bad, but it’s the scent of home. Sun dried sheets with a fresh clean scent. So good.

The giveaway for the release day blitz is 3 copies of The Last Rising and goddess pendant - winners will be chosen from all who enter via the form.

Ban This! September 1 - October 1, 2011!

Bite My Books is hosting Ban This! Extending Banned Book Week for a whole month!

Word for Teens has a great post about it- check it out!

The American Library Association's Banned Book Week link is HERE.

You can get to banned book lists HERE.

September Extravaganza Month Long Read-a-thon!

Kate and Ashley at Back of the Book Reviews are hosting the September Extravaganza Read-a-Thon, a month long read-a-thon!   Be sure to check out their daily author events/giveaways too.

Of course I am participating!  This is where I will post the books I read in September and links to their reviews!

1. Spirals of Destiny: Book One: Rider by Jim Bernheimer

Review: Spirals of Destiny: Book One Rider by Jim Bernheimer

Spirals of Destiny: Book One: Rider by Jim Bernheimer

***I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon Product Description:
Forget everything you thought you knew about unicorns and maidens... A unicorn is not supposed to survive the death of its rider, but Majherri did. Now he is a pariah, mistrusted by the Greater Herd. To reclaim his lost honor and status, he will entrust the remnants of his life to a new human female while unraveling the mystery of his continued existence. Kayleigh Reese is not Battle Maiden material. She's three years older than any other recruit and has enjoyed a peaceful, nomadic life working with her artist mother. The rigors of joining the High-King's elite unicorn cavalry are clearly not for her. Now, with a bond to Majherri, she must overcome her mother's disapproval, the ire of her commanding officer and fellow trainees, and, most importantly, the secrets of her unicorn's past if she is to become a legendary warrior. To prevail, they must quickly come together as a team and unlock the powerful and dangerous magic inside them.
My thoughts:  Incredible!  This is a story like no other I have read.  Truly inspiring in the telling.  Jim Bernheimer has created a world in which the most feared and admired warriors are women who ride unicorns, they are called Battle Maidens.  These women are chosen by the unicorns and are trained on an enchanted island to become said warriors.  The characters that he has created to live in his world are amazing.  They are filled with courage and a sense of purpose.  He has developed in them all the makings of greatness tempered with the frailties of being human.  The unicorns, who are just as important, if not more so, than the human characters are magnificent.  They each have individual personalities and as many positives and negatives as their human counterparts.  The leaders are wise and attempt to be just, with the exception of one who is bitter and vengeful while still doing her best to train and carry on.
     This story begs the questions of right and wrong, betrayal, loyalty, honor and belief.  It is a story of self-discovery.  Kayleigh is the main character and her journey is long and filled with challenges.  Her unicorn, Majherri, has lost his first rider and is an outcast among both humans and unicorns.  Kayleigh too is an outcast, chosen at 16 instead of 13 with a control problem with magic she doesn't understand.  The bond they form on the beach when they find each other is strong and both look to each other for salvation - from so much, their status, the battle, and even themselves.  
     The emotions of the characters envelope the reader.  On the edge of the seat as Kayleigh is challenged as lead rider, as she and Majherri charge into battle untrained, as the portal opens and they are thrust into the unknown.  I found myself caught in the whirlwind of those emotions as I read, laughing and crying, cheering and berating as the story gallops on.
    Breathtaking in completion, this story is fantastic!  A must read for the adventure lover and the fantasy reader alike.  This story of self-discovery should be shared with readers young and old.  I eagerly await the sequel!

You can buy a copy of this wonderful adventure by clicking HERE and I highly recommend that you do!