Review: His Black Wings

His Black Wings
by Astrid Yrigollen

Plot Summary:

Claren Maidstone has been forced to flee her childhood home, following the death of her parents and a vicious attack from a man who intends to marry her. She assumes a new identity and finds employment as an assistant to the handsome, Fredrick Lowood. However, Fredrick's generosity isn't without a price and Claren soon finds herself forced into a strange friendship with his disfigured son.

Unaware of how Claren's past entwines with his own, Etrigan Lowood begins to yearn for her love. Unfortunately, the past is not far behind.

Is his love for Claren enough?  Or will Etrigan remain alone with his black wings...

Review:

An expansion on Beauty and the Beast, the author adds many layers to the tale by mixing genres, changing motivations, and adding more perilous situations for the heroine.  Claren is on the run from her unwanted suitor, Kurten (a much nastier, and less good-looking version of Gaston).  Her mysterious benefactor, Mr. Lowood, comes off as both sinister and kind at times - he is keeping secrets, but he is helping Claren when she most needs it.  The mystery deepens with the introduction of disfigured Etrigan who grows from immaturity to understanding as he gets to know Claren.  Their romance is sweet, but I didn't feel as invested in it, because of the conflicting appeal of  Claren's other would-be suitors - Horace and Dekker - who never stood a chance, yet they were more fun and equally entranced by Claren.  And their competitive friendship made me smile.

At times Etrigan was very possessive and Claren very willing to yield to weakness despite the assurance she is very strong-minded and that also made it difficult for me to root for their romance.  Although they are an interesting in two lonely characters with tragic pasts.  Another issue I had with the story was the random switching of character perspectives - it hurt the pace and was jarring sometimes, especially when information on character's back-story was thrown in unexpectedly.  The story is generally well-written however, with an interesting dystopian, steampunk setting, and I found it a very absorbing read.

review copy kindly provided by the author in connection with Young Adult Novel Reader Book Tours

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Review: A Part to Play + a Giveaway!

A Part to Play
by Jennifer L. Fry

Plot Summary:

When fifteen-year-old actress Lucy Carter loses her older sister in a car accident, her mother shuts down and her father can’t hold the family together. Their only choice is to ship Lucy off to the Edmond School for Performing Arts. But boarding school is no cure for Lucy’s grief. With failing grades, wooden stage performances, and curfew violations, Lucy is threatened with expulsion. For the once talented Lucy, it feels as though she has nowhere to turn.

One night, Lucy hears mysterious music drifting through the school’s old heating system. The music leads her to a troubled but passionate songwriter whose brilliance gives her the strength to perform like never before. Yet their intense relationship puts Lucy in a precarious position: if she follows her muse, will she lose herself? And if she breaks it off, can she stand on her own again?

Review:

I feel there are two strong emotional arcs in this story that make up the heart of the narrative. The first is the loss of Lucy’s sister in a car accident and the devastating effects on her family. The emotional realism of Lucy’s deteriorating family is vivid and well-realized, and made me choke up multiple times. I felt like the author brilliantly captured the emotion of this family trauma and Lucy’s efforts to cope drove the first part of the story.

In comparison, the second emotional arc - the romantic attachment between Lucy and Chris, the secret musician felt less well-built. It’s insta-love on a certain level, although Lucy and Chris’s emotional damage does explain their strong connection. I did feel that this part of the story could have been more effective dramatically if more time was spent on Lucy and Chris getting to know each other. And with Chris I would have liked to know more about his character - his history and what drives his behavior.  The tension over Chris's volatile personality was perfectly pitched however, as I was very intrigued by his character.

This book was a quick read for me, because the author did a great job building the characters of Lucy and her family and I wanted to know more about how her relationship with Chris and her friends would help heal her. This is an inspiring story with realistic, contemporary drama and characters.

review copy kindly provided by the author in connection with Young Adult Novel Reader Book Tours

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Review: Embrace

Embrace
by Stacey Rourke

Plot Summary:

Whether she likes it or not, eighteen year old Celeste Garrett has come to terms with being the Chosen One. She knew having a “normal life” would be tricky, between intense training sessions and epic demonic battles, but she didn’t know at what cost it would come. That is, until a dear friend is harmed by the malicious forces hunting her.

Now, she’d like nothing more than to retreat into a hermit lifestyle to prevent anyone else from getting hurt. But startling revelations, amazing new abilities, and mortifying moments in front of insanely hot guys won’t allow time for that. Soon, Celeste finds herself surrounded by darkness and wondering who she can trust—if anyone.

Review:

I was pleasantly surprised by this novel. I don’t usually like second novels more than the first, but I must say I loved Embrace more than The Conduit. The author further develops the consequences the Garret kids and especially Celeste must accept as part of the job being the force fighting against the Dark Army. With the same humor and wit, Celeste tries to make the right decisions and accept her role as leader while the Dark Army gather their troops and send unusual demons to fight them. It becomes unclear who exactly she can trust, and I was wrong about a few people I thought were trustworthy. It’s a surprising story with more kick-butt battles that kept me turning pages as fast as possible.

The romance with Caleb was sweet and slowly built, although there is that annoying insta-love element to it. There is more suspense and action in this novel, and more questions raised then answered which makes me very eager to read the next book in the series.  This is another great read with fun characters and a well-paced plot!

review copy kindly provided by the author in connection with Young Adult Novel Reader Book Tours

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Book Excerpt: The Gifted Ones: The Fairytale

The Gifted Ones: The Fairytale
by P.G. Shriver

Plot Summary:

Thrown together by the cruelties of a modern day world in which genuine compassion is rare, evil abounds, and goodness is often tainted by the fight to survive, two unusually gifted teenagers discover they are linked by a fairytale told them repeatedly throughout their youth by their late mothers.

Destiny awaits them, but first they must locate the others, as the fairytale foretells, to defeat the evil monster who waits and change the lonely world in which they live. Only then will they find peace... and family.

Book Excerpt:

The cold, dim room saddened the visitor upon entry. Immediately, with a slap, he flipped the light switch up, drew the shades back, and placed the cheerful pot of daisies in the center of the shelf. In that location, the daisies sat in view of the shallowly breathing patient, should she awaken. He knew better, though.

He seated himself next to the hospital bed, in the uncomfortable wooden chair, the seat cushion so well used little padding remained, lumps forming beneath the green plastic coating. Reaching out, he took a slender, limp, dark hand in his own, and then gently began stroking the forehead and hair of the sleeping beauty before him with his free hand. Tears pooled in his dark eyes while guilt flooded his heart.

"Momma, I'm here. I know you already know that, and I realize I haven't been here in a while. I haven't exactly been doin' things that would make you proud the past few months, either, and I'm sorry.

“I hope you don't know too much about that, but I've just been so angry. Just be glad I ain't in jail," he paused, waited, hoped that her eyes would flutter and he would see that disappointing look she would always give him when he transgressed. Her silence pushed him onward in the one-sided discussion.

"You'll never guess what happened to me this morning," excitement shook his voice, muffled only slightly by a guilty tone, and flowed on hopefully, making him sound almost chipper. "I was doin' somethin' I shouldn'ta been doin', one of them things you wouldn't be proud of? And this girl walked up, ya' know?" he paused again, this time not for a response from the comatose woman before him, but out of fear that what he was about to tell her would be overheard, as well as a little disbelief over what had happened.

Anyone listening outside might think him crazy when they heard the description of what he saw that morning, what he wanted his mother to know. After raising his eyes to the open door and the shuttered window looking out on an empty hall, he leaned forward, close to her left ear, her light, slow breath slightly warming his cool forehead, "I saw Bree this morning, Momma. Really! I saw her, and she told me I had to come see you. She made it sound really important, Momma... you know... like you might wake up today or somethin'. She knew I hadn't been here in a while, too. Her smile, Momma, man I surely miss her smile. Remember how pretty she smiled, Momma? Remember the sparkle in her eyes? I saw her today, Momma, and it made me so happy, but it made me feel guilty, too." He stopped, stood for a second, leaned forward again, and gripped the slender, brown hand firmer, a sense of urgency filling his heart.

"Wake up, Momma. You can wake up now; you can come back to me; it's safe, really. I really need you, especially now. At least give me a sign you can hear me, Momma, please?" a tear rolled down his soft, plum cheek, but her eyes were dry, motionless and tightly closed. When no sign came, he scooted back in the chair, folded his hands together, set his elbows on the edge of the bed and bowed his head in silent prayer, something he hadn't done in months, since he had given up on her… on life.

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Review: Birthright

The Dark Gifts: Birthright
by Willow Cross

Plot Summary:

For one-thousand years, Druid prophecies foretold of a young witch destined to alter the fate of both human and immortal alike. This witch-turned-vampire would be capable of harnessing the supernatural abilities of both and, in a bloody rise to power, would rule with unwavering control. Unwillingly thrust into a world she never dreamed existed, Liz Markum is catapulted into an ancient war between rival vampire factions. She must choose between those she loves and the ever-present darkness attempting to devour her very soul. Only one question remains: Will Liz claim her birthright or surrender to the dark gift? One choice. One chance. Two destinies.

Expectations:

I love a good vamp tale, and the paranormal aspects in this book sounded like a promising, eventful read.

Review:

I was drawn immediately into the story by the first few chapters in this book. The author sets up all the drama and danger very quickly and expertly while relating the turning of Liz by Michael. The world that is inhabited by these vampires and the talents and powers they possess were very imaginative and added much depth to the world-building. Somewhere in the middle of the book I started to become a little disappointed. The danger and complications that arose from the war that starts among the vampires, started to become resolved very quickly. It felt like every hindrance to the good vampires almost immediately resulted in a deus ex machina appearance of someone or some power that would help solve the problem. It all felt too easy and lowered the stakes in my opinion, making the story less suspenseful as things were solved so quickly.

The characters and romance of Liz and Michael - which really came across beautifully in the first few chapters - was very well done, and if anything, I was sad that Liz did not appear more in the story. I thought she was such a strong and sympathetic character. The author does do a great job fleshing out all of her characters though, and making them feel realistic and well-rounded. I thought the character and writing in this novel was excellent, and only wished for better plot development.

review copy kindly provided by the author in connection with Young Adult Novel Reader Book Tours

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Forbidden Forest Promotional Blitz

Title: The Legends of Regia: Forbidden Forest

Author: Tenaya Jayne

Pages: 236 Genre: YA Fantasy Romance

Book Blurb:

Born in shame. Cast from society. Shape Shifter/Elf hybrid, Forest must fight for any respect she can get. Targeted in her youth by a vampire noble who placed an illegal slave mark on her, she is forced to obey him, no matter what.

Slipping the grip of her master and abandoning the prejudice of Regia, her native world, Forest takes a job on Earth, guarding the portal, using her skills as a warrior to enforce Regia's laws. Now, called home for a black ops mission, Forest must put aside her own prejudice to transport the vampire prince, Syrus, through enemy territory in a time of war.

Prince Syrus, mage and master of the Blood Kata, wants Forest more than he's ever wanted anything. In spite of their mutual mistrust, their attraction cannot be denied. Through the danger of their mission, and the secrets they both keep, it doesn't matter what they feel. Forest is forbidden.

 Excerpt:
 Forest pressed her back against the cool concrete wall, wanting to remain aloof from the entity of the crowd. She chose her position in the shadows, out of the paths of the roving, multi-colored spotlights. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the feeling of the undulating human pheromones flying around on the air. At the beginning of every shift, she allowed herself a few minutes of this alien/human experience, though she didn't fully comprehend the combination of dancing, drinking, and ear-breaking sound waves. They loved it, however, and never seemed to deviate from the recipe.

These were the people she was sworn to protect. She had developed a light affection for the human race and considered them a benign, if not slightly silly, bunch of creatures. Her religious passion for her job was rooted in hatred of that which harmed the humans, not a superhero tendency to protect the weak.

Forest opened her eyes and focused all her senses to sniff out the illegal suckers that tried to sneak through the portal. She was in the zone tonight, and not for the first time did she feel that hers was the best job in existence. It was a shame she couldn’t legally kill suckers in her native world.

Over the next two hours, Forest didn’t move from the wall. She monitored the light traffic through the portal: two shifters and one elf, each of which nodded to her respectfully as they passed. Yawn. The shifters left the club to enjoy the delights of Austin’s nightlife elsewhere.

The elf would have been breaking Regia’s law had he left the club, but he dutifully seated himself at the bar and ordered a fuzzy navel. He wore a plaid, porkpie hat, pulled down over the tops of his pointed ears. Forest didn’t know him personally, but she had seen him in here before. The bartender surveyed him with narrowed eyes as the elf nervously tugged his hat down further and ordered a few more girly cocktails.

Intent on making sure that not one sucker was able to sneak past her, Forest was blindsided by the drunk bubba who had been trying to catch her eye for the last twenty minutes. He had finally decided to stagger over to hit on her.

“Hey babe, you’re too beautiful to look so lonely. How’s ‘bout I buy you a drink?”

“How’s ‘bout I call you a cab instead?” Forest mimicked his drawl.

“Only if you share it with me, Darlin.” He leaned in closer, and Forest’s throat began to sting from the noxious fume of booze mixed with his natural musk.

“While I appreciate the offer, Jethro, It seems only right to inform you that I’m not actually attractive at all. If you leaned in a little closer, you’d see that you’ve fallen victim to the effect of beer goggles. A hag like me can’t take advantage of a stud like you.” As he leaned in, Forest instantly enlarged her nose, pockmarked her skin, evaporated her front teeth, and added a large black mole with a long hair sprouting from it for good measure.

“You’re no hag, baby! You’re the sexiest little thing in…I…uh… ” He stumbled backward. “Good grief! Sorry, sorry…” he stammered, retreating. “I’ve gotta quit drinking,” he mumbled as he turned away.

Forest chuckled to herself once he absorbed back into the crowd. Being a shape shifter sometimes had unusual perks.

About Tenaya Jayne Hello. My name's Tenaya and I'm an addict. I mean author. When I was growing up, writing was just something I played at from time to time. I knew I wanted to be a writer, but I was one of those people who could never finish anything. When my eldest son was diagnosed with Autism, I began to write seriously. Writing became a necessity for me in the midst of my heartbreak. It was either that or take up drinking. I 'm thankful I chose writing as my escape because I discovered it truly is my thing. I want to be swept away when I read. That's what I want my books to do for you.The main goal of my writing is to entertain you. I want to help you escape everyday life for a little while. I hope you enjoy my stories as much as I enjoy sharing them with you!

I have a wonderful husband and two beautiful sons. I'm an advocate for Autism awareness, and women trapped in abusive relationships. I try to always look on the bright side and help others do so too. I've lived many places but I currently reside in Missouri. I love reading, indie and foreign films, gardening, and moody music.

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Review: Phantom + a Giveaway!

Phantom
by Laura DeLuca

Plot Summary:

The "Phantom" was a musical phenomenon that Rebecca had always found enchanting. She had no idea that her life was about to mirror the play that was her obsession. When her high school drama club chooses "Phantom" as their annual production, Rebecca finds herself in the middle of an unlikely love triangle and the target of a sadistic stalker who uses the lines from the play as their calling card. Rebecca lands the lead role of Christine, the opera diva, and like her character, she is torn between her two co-stars-Tom the surfer and basketball star who plays the lovable hero, and Justyn, the strangely appealing Goth who is more than realistic in the role of the tortured artist. Almost immediately after casting, strange things start to happen both on and off the stage. Curtains fall. Mirrors are shattered. People are hurt in true phantom style. They all seem like accidents until Rebecca receives notes and phone calls that hint at something more sinister. Is Justyn bringing to life the twisted character of the phantom? Or in real life are the roles of the hero and the villain reversed? Rebecca doesn't know who to trust, but she knows she's running out of time as she gets closer and closer to opening night. Only when the mask is stripped away, will the twenty first century phantom finally be revealed.

Expectations:

A novel based around Phantom of the Opera!? Yes please! I’m a big fan of the musical, and I have not read fiction based around it before, so I was very intrigued.

Review: 

I read that the author’s influences includes R.L. Stine and Christopher Pike, and I think this novel fits perfectly into that particular category of Young Adult thrillers. I used to devour those kinds of books when I was in high school, and I felt transported to that time while reading Phantom - totally caught up in the story and drama and suspense, and trying to figure out whodunit. Stories like these always seem to have a certain formula to them though, so quite a bit before the end of the book I guessed who the killer was, but I still didn’t understand why. The suspenseful romance in this book - which mirrors the love triangle in The Phantom of the Opera - also kept me turning pages, as it is so intense and mercurial.  Although the love triangle reflects Christine's dilemma in the original book very well, I felt that in this novel it is much clearer who Rebecca should end up with so the suspense does not lie so much in that direction but in whether the two will be able to be together.

I was really impressed by how the author worked in aspects of the musical to reflect the action of the story and even how lyrics from the songs in the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical were re-written to still reflect their lyric counterpart. An example - spinning off Music of the Night:

“Let the music touch your soul.
Let the darkness make you whole.
Do not fear what is unknown.
Your true path has now been shown.
Listen to the words I sing.
Embrace the peace that night will bring.”

There were nods to the original novel as well, making this book a fantastic tribute to The Phantom of the Opera.

Rebecca, thankfully, is a stronger character than the character she plays in the musical, although Rebecca can be pretty indecisive and does make her share of bad decisions which made me want to shake her.  She can pull herself together when she needs to and the moments when she takes charge are some of the best in the book. Justyn is especially mesmerizing as the shunned, misunderstood new kid, with manners and wit and intelligence. I loved the scenes between him and Rebecca! The story is rounded out with a properly nail-biting conclusion and a few surprises. This is such a fast-paced, well-woven tale, every bit as beguiling as the Phantom himself!

review copy kindly provided by the author in connection with Young Adult Novel Reader Book Tours

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Review: Amateur Angel

Amateur Angel
by Karri Thompson

Plot Summary:
Only 18-years-old, Ashley is no ordinary teenager. Not only is she dead, but upon her death, she mistakenly enters the wrong line in the afterlife, a line meant for trained, guardian angels. With a pair of wings on her back, Ashley is sent to Los Angeles to replace another angel whose "assignment" was none-other-than Cannon Michaels, a current member of the band Sendher, the sexiest man alive, and Ashley's celebrity crush in life.

While exposed to Cannon's selfish, judgmental behavior and his reckless, rock-and-roll lifestyle, Ashley is far from meeting the requirements of a true guardian angel. She misses her family and friends. Will she ever be able to accept her own death? What will she do when she jeopardizes her position as an angel and Cannon's physical safety by falling in love with him?

Expectations: An angel falling in love with a human? I'm thinking a lovely bittersweet romance here.  And I love that the celebrity is a rock star - I want to see how a rock star lives!

Review:
This book was charming and disappointing at different times.  Ashley as an amateur and immature angel is flawed, and her attempt to reconcile to her death and to her new responsibilities as an angel parallel Cannon's need to reconcile to his life and the responsibilities that have been put on him.  Both Ashley and Cannon worked through their issues by the end of the story (Ashley may have room for improvement though) and in that way the ending was satisfying.  I think Cannon's journey though is more touching, as he has these two sides to his character and his unpleasant side comes out more often than not.  And when he realizes his mistakes you really feel that his character can finally turn his life around and enjoy all the good things he has been blessed with.  The ending however left me emotionally unsatisfied, and I hope that there is another book coming in this series because I do love my happy endings!  There are some plot points that I question and I felt was not resolved in this book, and the dialogue sometimes flowed a little unnaturally, but overall it was an interesting and bittersweet story.

review copy provided by the author in connection with Young Adult Novel Reader Book Tours


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Review: First Frost

                                 
First Frost
by Liz DeJesus


Plot Summary:
Fairytales aren’t real…yeah…that’s exactly what Bianca thought. She was wrong.

For generations, the Frost family has run the Museum of Magical and Rare Artifacts, handing down guardianship from mother to daughter, always keeping their secrets to “family only.”

Gathered within museum’s walls is a collection dedicated to the Grimm fairy tales and to the rare items the family has acquired: Cinderella’s glass slipper, Snow White’s poisoned apple, the evil queen’s magic mirror, Sleeping Beauty’s enchanted spinning wheel…

Seventeen-year-old Bianca Frost wants none of it, dreaming instead of a career in art or photography or…well, anything except working in the family’s museum. She knows the items in the glass display cases are fakes because, of course, magic doesn’t really exist.

She’s about to find out how wrong she is.


Expectations: Such a fun and interesting premise!  Fairy tales as historical fact, and thereby needing to be categorized and recorded.  I wish I could visit a fairy tale museum that had "real" exhibits!  And with that, I was hoping the author would give some accounts of what happened to our favorite princesses after their "Happily Ever After."


Review:

Speaking of "Ever After", I loved the author's explanation of how that saying came about - it is really a typo. :)  The story goes very quickly, with an absorbing plot and easy, familiar character types that advance the story smoothly.  A dissatisfied teen who does not appreciate what she has and her own potential, a loving, imperfect mother, the staunch best friend who did make a decision I found surprising in the last half of the book, and of course the swoon-worthy, brooding romantic interest.  Since the story moves so swiftly into the main conflict, there is little time to elaborate and add to the fairy tale stories we all know, except for the history of Snow White.  There are possessions from certain characters in the fairy tales, like Red Riding Hood and Rapunzel that are imbued with a specific kind of magic and I thought that was a cool idea that added an extra layer of realism to the magic. The explanations on the nature and regulation of the magic in the world of this novel was a little light - so much so that the powers that Bianca realizes she can wield in the end seemed a little too convenient. 

The romance in this story is perfunctory and sweet, and the resolution wraps up most loose ends satisfactorily (although I was left wondering what had happened to Snow White that she ended up in the predicament she was in). It is a quick, entertaining read if you are not looking for an intricate modern-day fairy tale.


review copy kindly provided by the author in connection with Young Adult Novel Reader Book Tour



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About the author:

Liz DeJesus was born on the tiny island of Puerto Rico.  She is a novelist and a poet. She has been writing for as long as she was capable of holding a pen. She is the author of the novel Nina (Blu Phi'er Publishing, October 2007) and The Jackets (Arte Publico Press, March 31st 2011). Liz is currently working on a new novel.

Guest Post: Author Anne M. Strick

Anne M. Strick, author of All the Doors to Hollywood and How to Open Them, has stopped by today for a guest post:

These shots of me with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Wilt Chamberlain, was made during the filming of CONAN THE DESTROYER, at Churubusco Studios in Mexico City.

(click to view larger photos)

I was the Unit  Publicist on the film. We had been doing a publicity shoot, and at the end  of the day the  photographer  got frisky and thought it would be fun to do a few gag shots with me and the actors.    They were both up   for it.  And I felt a bit silly, but joined the game.

I had first worked  with Arnold  on CONAN THE BARBARIAN, shot in Spain.  He is tough and canny and amusing and sometimes charming – and now and then a practical joker. 

This was my first time with Wilt.  Wilt was the ultimate gentleman.  – courteous and quiet and very, very tall.  When he and I walked down the street together, we looked like creatures from two different planets: he, over seven feet, and I just five feet two inches. I came about up to his belly button!

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Review: The Orphan, The Soulcatcher, and the Black Blizzard

The Orphan, The Soulcatcher, and the Black Blizzard

by Kimberlee Ann Bastian

Plot Summary:

Most of his life, Charlie Reese has been surrounded by a loving family and all the comforts of home. But when a house fire claims them, he and his cousin, Jimmy are sent to an orphanage in the heart of ‘Depression Era’ Chicago. A year later, Charlie’s life is shaken by yet another tragedy and with it comes the mysterious introduction of a secretive runaway, named Bartholomew. As Charlie begins to discover more about his new companion, he unknowingly becomes a participant in a two-hundred year old secret. Come the morning of the Black Blizzard, Charlie finds he must make a choice - flee the destiny laden at his feet or take on his responsibility and follow a path full of supernatural wonders.

Expectations:  The cover is stark and mysterious, setting up expectations for a serious, atmospheric tale, and with the title, I expect something of a new, mysterious mythology.  

Review:
This book was a very quick read for me - only a couple days - which says something for the narrative pace.  There is a lot that happens in this story (it is the setup for a planned series) and with that the characters are solidly established and the mythology backstory is hinted at and slowly revealed.  Not completely however so there are many questions left to be answered.  In a way I felt that that hindered the story as I wanted more of what was at stake to be revealed so I could understand what the characters were up against and become more invested in their story.  The story overall could have used more fleshing out in my opinion, with additional details about the mythology giving the story more of an epic feel and adding more suspense.  The characters were all very well drawn, however, and I admired the backbone and strength of character in Charlie and the sincerity and loyalty in Bartholomew.


The mythology is something pretty new to me, and intriguing in how it seems to mix the feel of Old World tales and American tall tales. The setting of Depression Era Chicago was almost it's own character, given how well researched it was and how vividly the author brought the realities of the Depression to life.  The speech and attitudes of the people at the time was fascinating.  This book has a solid story and an interesting premise, leaving plenty of questions unanswered in anticipation of the next in the series.

review copy kindly provided by the author in connection with Young Adult Novel Reader Blog Tours





Links: Amazon (kindle)  ◊ Amazon (Paperback)  ◊ GoodReads  ◊ Author Website ◊  Author's Twitter  ◊  Facebook Fan Page

Upcoming Blog Tour

I'm participating in my first ever blog tour!  I'll be reading and reviewing The Orphan, The Soulcatcher, and the Black Blizzard by Kimberlee Ann Bastian.  My review will be posted on the 30th, but I hope people will check out the book themselves to see what it is all about.  The cover is wonderfully simple, dark and mysterious I think!  I'm looking forward to the read!  Here's a synopsis of the book:

Most of his life, Charlie Reese has been surrounded by a loving family and all the comforts of home. But when a house fire claims them, he and his cousin, Jimmy are sent to an orphanage in the heart of ‘Depression Era’ Chicago. A year later, Charlie’s life is shaken by yet another tragedy and with it comes the mysterious introduction of a secretive runaway, named Bartholomew. As Charlie begins to discover more about his new companion, he unknowingly becomes a participant in a two-hundred year old secret. Come the morning of the Black Blizzard, Charlie finds he must make a choice - flee the destiny laden at his feet or take on his responsibility and follow a path full of supernatural wonders

Visit Young Adult Novel Reader for the Tour kick-off!