Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Thoughts On: The Horde (Ch 7- 12)

The Horde

By:  Patrick Scaffido

Genre:  Urban Fantasy Horror

Format:  Podcast, Ep 3 ~ 46:30 mins

Chapters:  7, 8, and 9

Book Synopsis:
www.thehordewilleat.us

The Horde, a mysterious force that brings nightmares to life, devours everything in its path.

Bridan, a lone traveler, seeks the key to the Horde's destruction at the expense of all else- bystanders, worlds, and broken lives be damned.

Cyrack, the Horde's inhuman master, follows Bridan across the Worldcycle seeking Bridan's heart- literally.

Terry is caught between them, dreaming their battles across the blasted wastes of Farrakan from the safety of his dull nine to five life and the arms of his loving girlfriend.

None of this is true.

Terry glimpsed the hideous intelligence hiding behind the struggle and it has driven him mad.

Something watches, hungers, and manipulates events keeping the Horde moving ever closer to the center of creation, leaving only empty husks in its wake.

Planet by planet, town by town, life by life, friend by friend, Bridan makes his way forward.

And as the Horde follows without rest, Terry knows that their next destination is Earth.

The Horde is a genre bending novel incorporating elements of Science Fiction, Epics, Dark Urban Fantasy, Horror, and Surrealism performed in the style of acoustic deathfolk and released weekly as short albums. You've never heard anything quite like it.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Bridan is dreaming. Terry struggles with the real world and his loss. Terry's mother takes him for help and he learns, from God, that he is to help Bridan survive Farrakan and Earth. He's their only hope...

Terry notes a few inconsistancies and questions I did previously. Things I wonder how or why those in Farrakan would know about. I'm curious to find the answers.

We come across two new characters; a Beastman and a girl. The girl we learn is strong of power and is the Beastman's daughter. The girl can see Terry, in his dragon form.

We get a time frame in real life here. It's been three weeks since the huge trama event in Terry's life. The event that seems to have driven him over the edge and to the point of looking for something to change the past. In this we also see a God come to Terry and talk to him. He created a whole world for Terry and even mentions stopping the horde. It's important that Bridan survives. Bridan is their last hope.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Format:  Podcast, Ep 4 ~ 44:24 mins

Chapters:  10, 11, and 12

My Thoughts and Summary:
As a dragon Terry tries to interact in the world (after talking to the one and only girl that can see him) to distract the Hunter and save Bridan and Oren. The Horde, the Devourer, has caught up with Bridan and Oren. Beastman shows up to help them. When told which direction is town, Bridan says they don't belong among the town people.

There is some great symbolism here in this episode. And in hindsight I'm seeing there was some previously too. This episode is how people can change and the unknown affects of a darkening in them. The Horde is easier to become a part of and it 'eats' people up from the inside out.

Terry starts to realize he's angry with everyone and everything for what's happening to him and for being in the position he is in. But he seems to pass that as he believes he is working for a better good, and to bring back his love. Then Terry learns something he didn't know of his Farrakan form, the dragon. I was curious about this for a while now. Things are starting to fall into place and become a bit clearer. I've been thinking about this god that talks to Terry, and who I think he is...but that's something to come. I know it. And soon.




You can learn more about Patrick Scaffido's works at her site:

You can listen to The Horde by Patrick Scaffido for free at:
(the whole book is available for listen now)


Cover Reveal: Hunting in Bruges


I have a new cover reveal for you today! It's a book set in the same world but with different characters and stories.


Hunting in Bruges
#1 in Hunters' Guild series
By:  E.J. Stevens
Due Out:  November 11, 2014


Keep reading for a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!




Hunting in Bruges (Hunters' Guild #1) by E.J. Stevens.

The only thing worse than being a Hunter in the fae-ridden city of Harborsmouth, is hunting vamps in Bruges.

Being shipped off to Belgium sucks. The medieval city of Bruges is quaint, but the local Hunters' Guild is understaffed, the canals are choked with dead bodies, and there's no shortage of supernatural
predators as likely suspects.

On second thought, maybe Bruges isn't so bad after all.

With a desire to prove herself, protect the innocent, and advance within the ranks of the Hunters' Guild, Jenna Lehane hits the cobbled streets of Bruges with blades at the ready. Someone, or something, is murdering tourists and dumping their bodies in the city's scenic canals.  With the
help of a mysterious stranger, Jenna begins to piece together clues that are dotted throughout the city like blood spatter.

Determined to stop the killings, Jenna delves into a bloody local history that only raises more questions--but some secrets are best left buried. Jenna must put her combat training to the test as she struggles to unearth the truth about an ancient enemy.



Hunting in Bruges is the first novel in the Hunters' Guild urban fantasy series set in the world of Ivy Granger.


Genre:  Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
Pre-order on Amazon.
Add to Goodreads.



About the Hunters' Guild Series
The Hunters' Guild series is an urban fantasy series written by E.J. Stevens and set in the world of Ivy Granger.  The series is told in the first-person point-of-view of Jenna Lehane, a Hunter with a troubled past, a proficiency with weapons, and an intolerance for monsters who target the innocent.


About the Author
E.J. Stevens is the author of the Spirit Guide young adult series, the bestselling Ivy Granger urban fantasy series, and the Hunters' Guild urban fantasy series.  When E.J. isn't at her writing desk she enjoys dancing along seaside cliffs, singing in graveyards, and sleeping in faerie circles.  E.J. currently resides in a magical forest on the coast of Maine where she finds daily inspiration for her writing.



Hunting in Bruges Cover Reveal Giveaway
The author is giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card to one lucky winner!

To enter, use the Rafflecopter form below.  This giveaway is INTERNATIONAL.  Giveaway ends October 7, 2014.




What do you think of the cover?


Wednesday, September 17, 2014

AudioBook Review: Marcus and the Red Granny

Marco and the Red Granny

By:  Mur Lafferty

Publish Date:  November 4, 2010

Format:  PodioBook

Genre:  Fantasy/Science Fiction

Series:  Stand-alone novella

Recommendation:  Go ahead. Read this one! It's fun to see art and words associated with clothing and other senses. And there is more to the story than you realize. You'll see in the end.

Synopsis:
By bringing back the patronage system, a new alien species has transformed the moon into the new artistic center of the universe, and Sally Ride Lunar Base soon gains the nickname “Mollywood.” These aliens can do amazing things with art and the senses, allowing a painting, for example, to stimulate other senses than simply sight. When someone asks a starlet, “Who are you wearing?” she could as easily say “J.K. Rowling” as she could “Gucci.”

Every creative person in the world wishes for a patronage. It’s quite competitive.

Marco wanted one, once. But then his girlfriend got one and shuttled off to Mollywood for fame and fortune, and Marco stayed home, waiting for his own patron. After several years, he gave up entirely. His career faltered. His agent dumped him. And then, one morning, he gets a call. At last he has a patron, at last the aliens want him. But he’s about to find out that an artistic patronage isn’t what it was in the good old days, and that the only friend he’s made, a tiny old woman who’s the star of a blood sports reality series called The Most Dangerous Game, has secrets of her own.

Narrated by Devo Spice. Theme song by Beatnik Turtle.

First Sentence:
"Who are you wearing?"

The scream to the posing starlet draped in deep red silk, even on the tinny cellvid, cut through Marco's hangover like an angry rhino slipping on oil.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles

Listen for Free:
iTunes  /  PodioBooks

*I listened to this story for my enjoyment.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Marco was dropped by his literary agent yesterday, the reason he's hungover. Now taking a call from her telling him he's got an appointment with the Li-Jun today on the moon. They want to be his patrons for his work. An amazing deal and a way to get his books out to everyone. But does Marco really want it? The aliens assume he does. On his trip to the moon, Marco meets the influential and friendly The Red Granny. She's a little old woman named Heather, who has gained patronage for the Blue House Marco is called too for being the best at The Most Dangerous Game real tv series.

With being a novella there is lots of building quick. The first chapter hits you with lots of the world and about Marco. Both are intertwined as the world with aliens strongly affects, and influences, Marco and his writing profession.

The Li-Jun is an alien race that combine different senses to bring a new line of clothing and accessories to the human race. One the human race is loving. And a great way to get books out to those who haven't ever read them. A book can be worn along with smell blended with it to bring the feelings and share the story with you.

The Li-Jun assume that Marco will take their patronage as no one turns them down. But they don't share much of the procedure or what they want with him. This is where the Red Granny, Heather, comes in. She helps share some information before it happens as Marco has not read up on what happens in this meetings. Heather is an interesting catalyst here. We see where she came from and her benefit from her patronage. In the end, the pieces slip together and you will realize why Marco had to go through what he did.

I listened to this one on my ipod. I'm not sold on the reading voice for this one. He talked a bit fast for me and I felt there were sentences read as if they were extras and didn't need to be there. But, I loved the aspect of the story and think it would be an amazing read!

This is a novella story with an interesting little twist to it. A whole new aspect and I love this idea! Wearing or eating a story. Who would have thought!?!

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Thoughts On: The Horde (Ch 1-6)

The Horde

By:  Patrick Scaffido

Genre:  Urban Fantasy Horror

Format:  Podcast, Ep 1 ~ 49:28 mins

Chapters:  1, 2, and 3

Book Synopsis:
www.thehordewilleat.us

The Horde, a mysterious force that brings nightmares to life, devours everything in its path.

Bridan, a lone traveler, seeks the key to the Horde's destruction at the expense of all else- bystanders, worlds, and broken lives be damned.

Cyrack, the Horde's inhuman master, follows Bridan across the Worldcycle seeking Bridan's heart- literally.

Terry is caught between them, dreaming their battles across the blasted wastes of Farrakan from the safety of his dull nine to five life and the arms of his loving girlfriend.

None of this is true.

Terry glimpsed the hideous intelligence hiding behind the struggle and it has driven him mad.

Something watches, hungers, and manipulates events keeping the Horde moving ever closer to the center of creation, leaving only empty husks in its wake.

Planet by planet, town by town, life by life, friend by friend, Bridan makes his way forward.

And as the Horde follows without rest, Terry knows that their next destination is Earth.

The Horde is a genre bending novel incorporating elements of Science Fiction, Epics, Dark Urban Fantasy, Horror, and Surrealism performed in the style of acoustic deathfolk and released weekly as short albums. You've never heard anything quite like it.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Terry is drawn to a world that reminds him of a Renaissance fair. A world where Bridan travels the road, and Terry sees his travels. Bridan is warned that he's not left it behind, it's coming. The next dream shows a storm of a different kind is coming and Birdan will take advantage of its stopping to destroy the village, so Bridan can move on to finish his mission.

This first episode has raised loads of questions for me, in the first 15 minutes. The dream realm Terry is drawn into in his sleep is a fantasy feel but there is something not right. There is troubles here. And Birdan is a man with a past I'm curious to find out about.

We meet Terry and Tanya (in the "real" world) then Bridan, Oren, and another creature affiliated with Bridan's past. There is mention of Cyrack and the Horde that's on it's way.

Patrick is very talented at telling of doings, things, and emotions with more than simply saying so. He tells by using other words giving a descriptive detail and strong feelings.

We really get into the fantasy realm of Terry's dream world. But I get the feeling there is more going on with Terry. Maybe someone manipulating him? But for what and how? The voice makes me wonder these things.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Format:  Podcast, Ep 2 ~ 44:32 mins

Chapters:  4, 5, and 6

My Thoughts and Summary:
Terry is drawn to the dream realm of Faircon. He rather be there than here in the real work, and he doesn't know why as he loves Tanya. Tanya... how Terry finds her at home is sad. Something has come to this world as well. Some history of Terry's long lost being has been awakened.

We learned a bit more of The Devourer, the devouring Horde, from Oren and Bridan. Even a tad more of Bridan as well. There was a prophesy mentioned by Oren... "Nothing can stop the devouring Horde." Yet there was mention of two people that come together in their travels, and it sounds like a description of Oren and Bridan. We learn of Bridan's connection to the woman that attacked them, and that the Horde is after him, for a reason.

Terry has a new form when in Faircon. He flies above, watching Bridan, as a dragon. Terry comes to speak to the Grim Reaper, but not in good circumstances. And what Grim Reaper has to tell Terry will be more than he understands, at this time.

It feels like things are moving fast so far. I'm not sure of time that's passed, but I don't think Terry is either - with the dreaming and the draw to that world. I'm curious as to what the Grim Reaper spoke of with Terry's awakening and the ancestory. And what happened to Tanya! Terry is looking for the secret and magic that could help him with Tanya.

I wonder if Terry and Bridan are the same soul, or connected in some way. There is a dark tool used by the Horde seem like zombies.




You can learn more about Patrick Scaffido's works at her site:

You can listen to The Horde by Patrick Scaffido for free at:
(the whole book is available for listen now)

Monday, September 15, 2014

Mythical Monday (60)


It seems there are many books based on or influenced by Myths and Mythological Beings.

There are so many different Mythology and Mythological Beings recorded. Some are very popular and well known, others not so much. There are many similar beings, yet different depending on the culture it’s based in.  The definition of Myth covers about anything in the Urban Fantasy/Fantasy realm to me.

I’ve invited authors to share briefly the Mythological being or Myth that influenced their character(s) or story, or what their character(s) are based on influencing their books.  Hosting here, one author and being or myth per week.


This week we have:
Author Patrick Scaffido
Talking of mythical African Zombies.


Let's talk about zombies. Not your modern movie zombie that shambles in packs, infects with bite wounds, and eats a few brains on the side; but the mythical African zombie, the creature forced back into life against its will as a slave for a twisted and insane master.

In Haitian and African myth, sorcerers control plantations and mines where the enslaved dead work to make the dark sorcerer rich. In secret, the sorcerer uses magic and poison to attack potential zombies and then claims their bodies to reanimate. These zombie masters might be witches or sorcerers, male or female, neighbors or strangers. The terror of the zombie is not just the monster itself, but the malignant being that forces that fate of zombie on someone else.

To be a zombie, you must be stolen. The sorcerer digs up your body then mutilates you to prevent rebellion and speech. Unlike the mindless flesh eaters of Hollywood film , there exists a soul in traction to the master. The victim is still there: tortured and controlled. The idea of a loved one stolen and lost features heavily in the mythology and many stories have family members searching for loved ones only to find them mute and mutilated, one of many slaves. We don't fear the zombie itself. We fear becoming the zombie or finding our loved ones transformed into the zombie. We fear what we might be forced to do when our will is no longer our own.

The zombie represents a loss of control, an enslavement more powerful than imprisonment or shackles or ownership. The zombie shambles through its life, completing tasks it cares nothing for, all to benefit a cruel master. The parallels with an unwanted 'day job' seem forms easily. The barely conscious suburban worker going through the motions of life is played for laughs in Shaun of the Dead but in the tradition of the mythological zombie, we could take the comparison so much further.

This mythical zombie inspires the antagonist Myra in the Horde, a zombie ex-girlfriend of the dark swordsman protagonist who has been turned to a zombie in order to torment the hero. To make her a more viable character, I played with some of the specifics of how zombies were created. Instead of removing her speech, I had the villain leave her the ability to form words she speaks with a harsh rasp, the result of torture at her master's hands. I loosened the control of the sorcerer a bit as well, letting her retain her memories and feelings for the hero leading to scenes where instead of merely following the sorcerer's every whim, she fights the hero due to her own mixed emotions towards him. Intended to be a mix of terrifying and sympathetic, I intend to explore more of what can be done with the master-slave relationship that makes this particular myth so emotionally resonant and frightening for me.

For the Hounds of Tartarus, my story in the Dirty Magick anthology, it began with the idea of what if a man became his own slave and was forced in every moment to follow their ambition instead of being free to make their own choices. I have a human who returns from the grave intent on revenge who repeatedly finds difficulty veering from that course that he was raised for, even as the events change around him and he starts to question his original motivations. A man without self control and reflection can make a poor master of himself, especially when his goals are ill considered. The protagonist of that story is in many ways mindless and without self control, but simply acts out his dying impulses as he walks through his second life.

There's so much as yet unused potential for inspiration with the African myth of the zombie- the relationships between zombie slaves and their masters, the attempts by loved ones to retrieve their family members from this state, what happens to a zombie freed from sorcery. As zombies continue to spread across film and television, I would love to see more stories make use of this much more resonant, emotional, threatening and tragic creature instead of the motivationless plague victim that has become the zombie du juor.

For more on the available tales of the African zombie, I suggest starting with the wikipiedia page (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zombie), where you can find out about the idea of cultural pressure turning people into zombies and the idea of the witch train staffed by zombies roaming the African railroads.


About Patrick:
I’m Patrick Scaffido. I write, play guitar, sing, and do readings.

I taught for 8 years. Then I got sick. Till I get better, I work on the artsy stuff to keep myself going. I miss helping students.

I’m wrote the novel the Horde, currently being released as a musical through podiobooks and a spoken word story through the Headcast.

I run a Youtube vlog called Morning Coffee.

I’m into philosophy, music history, semiotics, video games, literature, empowerment, nonsense, and exploration. I’m kind of a private person and always felt the easiest way to know me is through my work. If you’re curious about something, ask.

Find Patrick:
Blog:  Thousand Heads
Twitter:  @thousandheads
Facebook:  The Thousand Heads

Books By Patrick:
The Horde  - Links to listen at: http://thousandheads.wordpress.com/the-horde-and-related-works/

Dark Magick anthology

Sunday, September 14, 2014

Sunday Post #65

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It's a chance to share news ~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received and share new about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.

~~~~~~~~~~

So much for thinking I'd be back this week. *sigh* Kiddo was sick the first half of the week so evenings were spent trying to find something for him to take, eat (if he would), and going to the doctors along with the pharmacy. It's insane how busy the pharmacy is! Then he had a chiropractic appointment and his big sports games. The week was shot before I even knew it.

So, lets start anew this week. Hoping things should flow better as kiddo is on antibiotics and things should (I say should) go along properly this week.

I'm also trying to find that cool story to work on for NaNoWriMo. But I'm not thinking any of my ideas are cool. I think they sound lame.


What's Happening in Books:

Current Read:
Dirty Magick: Los Angeles edited by Charlie Brown


Current Podcast Book Listen:
The Horde by Patrick Scaffido


Finished Last Week:
Master of Myth by Starla Huchton


Finished Podcast Book Listen:
None finished yet.

~~~~~~~~~~

Last Week on the Blog:



Cover Reveals: (click titles to go to post & learn more)





Posts:

Eternal Wanderings - A kickstarter to continue in this world.

Audio? Podcast? What? Take 4
Audio? Podcast? What? Take 3
Audio? Podcast? What? Take 2
Audio? Podcast? What? Take 1
(These are done but I will pull the information and create a post in the next few weeks.)



Around the Internet...



Reviews:
GIVEAWAYS:




Weekly Posts:

Mythical Monday
Throwback Thursday


~~~~~~~~~~

This Week to Come on the Blog:


Mythical Monday Kerry Schafer sharing about Bigfoot. (Mon)

Book Review The Horde (1st 6 chpaters) by Patrick Scaffido (Tue)
Book Review Marco and the Red Granny by Mur Lafferty (Wed)

~~~~~~~~~~

Received Last Weeks:


Review:


For Review Consideration:
The Cipher by Diana Pharaoh Francis
Goodreads Synopsis:
Lucy Trenton's ability to sense majick is one of her most dangerous secrets. But only one.

A blackmailer knows the other.

Suddenly, Lucy is caught in a treasonous plot to destroy the crown, and she's trapped in the tentacles of a desperate, destructive majick. Her only hope is ship captain Marten Thorpe, who--by every account--cannot be trusted. With time running out, Lucy must find a way to win a dangerous game or lose everything she holds dear.


Purchased/Winnings/Gifts:



Free Ebooks:
(Kindle)
Carrots by Colleen Helme
Goodreads Synopsis:
Shelby Nichols is an average woman who is married to the only guy she ever fell for. Her life is organized and predictable, revolving around her husband and two children. All that changes the day she stops at the grocery store for some carrots. As the cashier rings up her purchases, a gunman is busy robbing the bank inside the store. When a customer grabs the robber's mask, he is shot and everyone runs for cover. Everyone except Shelby, who finds herself face to face with the killer. The next thing she knows, she's lying on the floor with a bullet wound to her head. Luckily, the bullet only grazes her scalp, and she doesn't suspect any lasting affects until later, when she suddenly 'hears' what people are thinking. With this uncanny ability, her life takes on a whole new dimension. Her kids think she's bossy and too old to understand them, but that's nothing compared to her husband. He says he loves her, but what is it about the redhead at work that he doesn't want her to know? As if that isn't enough, the gunman knows she can identify him, and he's out to silence her forever. In her fight to stay alive, she is saved from certain death by a handsome hit-man with ties to organized crime. This pulls Shelby even deeper into danger, where knowing someone's thoughts can not only hurt her feelings, but get her killed.



Free Audio Books/Stories:


~~~~~~~~~~

Reviews to Come:

Ravenwood by Nathan Lowell - a podcast reading of the book
The Secret World Chronicle: The Hunt by Mercedes Lackey & Steve Libbey (in audiobook while at work)
Rusted Veins by Jaye Wells
Haunted by Amanda Bonilla
The Secret World Chronicle: World Well Lost by Mercees Lackey,Steve Libby, Cody Martin, & Dennis Lee
Tales from the Archives, Vol 3: #2 by Tee Morris, Pip Ballantine, & others.
Tales from the Archives, Vol 3: #3 by Tee Morris, Pip Ballantine, & others.
Harlan's Wake by John Mierau
The List by John Mierau
Tales from the Archive: 4 - Wooden Go to Waste by Sandra Wickham
Tales from the Archive: 5 (part 1 & 2) - Those Dark Satanic Mills by Suna Dasi
Soulless by Skyla Dawn Cameron
The Sentinel by Chris Lester
The Muse by Chris Lester
Metamor City: Making the Cut by Chris Lester
Metamor City: Whispers in the Wood by Chris Lester

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Book Review: Requiem for a Dream

Requiem for a Dream

By:  S.A. Archer & S. Ravynheart

Publish Date:  July 13, 2014

Publisher:  Ravynheart Publishing

Format:  ebook, 116 pgs

Genre:  Urban Fantasy

Series:  2nd of season 3 Bastion of Magic series; 1st book ~ Sound and Fury
continuation of Rise of the UnseelieChampion of the Sidhe, and Touch series, along with Into Magic trilogy.

Synopsis:
The third and final butt-kicking season of The Sidhe continues with Requiem for a Dream.

The battle for the realm is coming.
With Donovan missing and the Unseelie scattered, the Seelie prepare for the ultimate battle of magic that may shattered the fragile new fey realm.

First Sentence:
"War? With the Unseelie?" London, his druidess, questioned him with the high pitch hock coloring her voice.

Purchase At:
Amazon

***I beta read this story for the author.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Lugh has declared war against the Unseelie and has plans for who he thinks should be at the heart f the New Realm, and it's not Donovan. Others are learning of the New Realm and trouble is finding it's way here. A Changeling is here, killing and marking territory.

We start eleven minutes after New Realm's creation with London and Lugh, and follow through with others as well in this story. We get POV's from Lugh, Trip, Kieran, London, Malcolm, Deacon, and Donovan. Yes, if you are following the story you'll be surprised to see Donovan in that list. But you'll be thrilled. It's a small part, but he's here - still. It may seem like a lot of head jumping, but it's not. We've read all these characters before in separate stories, now they are all in one with the troubles that are stirring in paradise.

Lugh is making promises to Manannan and to Rhiannon. Lugh seems to have a plan all of his own. Trip is learning the language of the sluagh from an experienced dark elf. Cormac is also trying to talk her into giving in to her dark side and become the darkness, yet she's worried she'll become lost to it. Manannan has set Lugh with a new mission - to close all the portals from other magic worlds. I still do NOT trust Manannan and I struggle with Lugh trusting his king after all he's learned. But Manannan had done something to Lugh some time ago, yet there is a small hope in me that Lugh knows and has his own plans up his sleeves - especially after the end of this story. Oh Malcolm... He's got issues. Serious issues. Malcolm's actions are drawing attention from the fey and sidhe more exactly.

This story is longer than the others before it. In part it's that we get several views of the world as all are in different places and learning important things that, unknowingly, fit together for us to figure out what is happening. The thing I like seeing is their paths crossing by minutes of each other.

We learn something new in this book, the portals. They might have been mentioned in previous books but not as detailed as they are now.

Oh how the past creeps up on us all. And it does here too. But the past is referred to in a way that you are refreshed to what happened.

I'm curious to see what comes of Manannan's plans and Lugh's too.

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Book Review: Red Blooded

Red Blooded

By:  Amanda Carlson

Publish Date:  September 2, 2014

Publisher:  Orbit Books

Format:  eARC

Genre:  Urban Fantasy

Series:  4th of Jessica McClain series; 0.5 Novella ~ Blooded, 1st Book ~ Full Blooded, 2nd Book ~ Hot Blooded, 3rd Book ~ Cold Blooded

Recommendation:  And on we go, learning so much more of Jessica's world. And Jessica grows more in her powers and knowledge.

Synopsis:
After Jessica's brother is kidnapped and taken to the Underworld, she will stop at nothing to get him back. But before her grueling training is finished, Jessica's power mixes unexpectedly with the circle and she's dropped into the Underworld without protection or her escorts.

First Sentence:
...

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles  /  Book Depository

My Thoughts and Summary:
Jessica is preparing with Tally for her trip to the Underworld to save her brother, Tyler. While trying to learn to harness and eject demon magic from in the protective circle the witches have, Jessica inadvertently activates the doorway to the Underworld. Jessica finds herself in the hollows of the Underworld, all alone. The Demon essence becomes a part of her and she has to learn how to use it. And stay alive in the Underworld that's looking for her. Jessica finds a few unlikely allies while here. Jessica and her wolf are on their toes with where they are, but is it enough to keep her and her brother alive?

Holy Underworld! The plane Amanda has created here is outstanding! There is always something different and new to this land of the Underworld. It's what you expect and soooo much more! The creatures here, the setting and how they live. Wow. I am amazed at Amanda with creating something new in each book. The world is growing to a huge, endless circle here. There are creatures we've seen before and new ones we've not heard of. Boy, do we get a front view of the Underworld.

We meet new characters, and those we have known for some time. Those that we are friend with are here. I will say that half of the book is Jessica alone, then the last half is with our friends. But with Jessica being alone we meet new associates who could make a difference in the world.

If you've read the series thus far, you are probably asking about Selene. Yes, Selene is here. She did go to the Underworld in that book as we saw. And what you see here will baffle you. You will be shocked with what happens. I know I was, and my feelings even...dare I say...softened? You will understand as you read.

I love that Jessica and her wolf are so strong. That Jessica can be a character of her own and stand on her own. Her strength and ability to adapt and learn where ever she is, is amazing and what the story is all about. You learn more of her purpose in the world, the Lycan is here for a reason.

This story has romantic elements, but it's Jessica's story. She has been and continues to be determined and independent. She loves Rourke, but he doesn't define who she is. She will do anything for him and tries to compromise but she is strong willed as well. This is what I love with Jessica, she doesn't rate herself based on the man she's with. She stands on her own two feet (or four if needed). Though, she loves having him with her through everything and thinks of him when not.

Once again, Amanda leaves us at the end knowing there is another phase to Jessica's ongoing adventures. I can't wait to learn more! And at the ending, I wanted to flip more pages to learn about 'her'!

If you are a Jessica fan, you will love this book. On to the adventures Jessica will lead us barreling into.

Monday, September 8, 2014

Eternal Wanderings

...The Continuing Journey if Kara O'Keefe

I'm late at posting this one, but it's a kickstarter (that is fully funded and will happen) that is happening right now. There are some rather cool stretch goals for those that back the project at $5 and higher.

This kickstarter is for an ebook novella, that if interest and love for the series continues, it will be the first of a series to come our way.

"Award-winning author Danielle Ackley-McPhail has started her first Kickstarter for a project entitled Eternal Wanderings: The Continuing Journey of Kara O'Keefe. A spin-off series to her popular Eternal Cycle trilogy of Irish-themed urban fantasy novels, Eternal Wanderings follows Kara's adventures after she saves humanity from ultimate evil, discovering in the process that she bears the soul of a goddess. The goal of the kickstarter is to write and produce an ebook publication, with a print edition as a stretch goal."


Eternal Wanderings
Description:
The Continuing Tales of Kara O’Keefe

Goddess…human…savior…wanderer.

In just a few short weeks, Kara has become more than she ever imagined and nothing she ever expected. Her life has been touched by both evil and divinity until her very view of herself and the universe is transformed. She bears the scars, but none so deep as Tony DeLocosta’s, evil’s ultimate victim. The woman who is both Sidhe and human and the man who is but a shell, fractured by possession, take to wandering.

Join them on their journey of self-discovery.

Join them on their journey of healing.

Join them as their journey becomes a race as once again evil catches their scent and gives chase.



Be a backer at:  Eternal Wanderings

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Sunday Post #64

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It's a chance to share news ~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received and share new about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.

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Sorry I've been a bit MIA for about... three weeks! Wow. I didn't realize it's been that long. Lots going on. The first two weeks I did have posts that were scheduled, although I didn't get much visiting in. That would be due to the sports schedule of kiddo. And last week...well, that would be my fault. I was a bit exhausted with all going on and trying to find that balance in the day for everything. Trying to iron out a routine. Hahaha! Life seems to not like to allow for that. But also, last week was kind of a catch up week around the house and with life. We've been on the go so much with sports that there are people I needed to check in with and things that need to be done.

I'm hoping to get back to our normal schedule these days. (Hoping all is caught up and ready to go.) Have I found that routine? Heck no. But I have to get back to doing things so I'm going to try.


What's Happening in Books:

Current Read:
Dirty Magick: Los Angeles edited by Charlie Brown
Master of Myth by Starla Huchton


Current Podcast Book Listen:
The Horde by Patrick Scaffido


Finished Last (few) Weeks:
Ante Up by Amanda Carlson


Finished Podcast Book Listen:
None finished yet.

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Last Week on the Blog:



Cover Reveals: (click titles to go to post & learn more)

Posts:

We have time. We just don't know how long...

Writing Update - August
Flash Fiction - 9
Flash Fiction - 10


Audio? Podcast? What? Take 4
Audio? Podcast? What? Take 3
Audio? Podcast? What? Take 2
Audio? Podcast? What? Take 1
(These are done but I will pull the information and create a post in the next few weeks.)

I organized an Author tour for Skyla Dawn Cameron  The tour has come and gone. I hope you check out all the amazing posts (found on link) Skyla did on RIVER. Also, check out the link of first seven chapters up for free reading.

Kate SeRine shares her play list for Ever After and a GIVEAWAY!

Around the Internet...



Reviews:
GIVEAWAYS:

Kate SeRine has a giveaway (for 4 more days!)


Weekly Posts:

Mythical Monday
Throwback Thursday


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This Week to Come on the Blog:


Mythical Monday Kerry Schafer sharing about Bigfoot. (Mon)

Book Review Red Blooded by Amanda Carlson (Tue)
Book Review Requiem for a Dream by S.A. Archer & S. Ravynheart (Wed)

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Received Last Weeks:


Review:
(NetGalley)
A Cursed Bloodline by Cecy Robson
Goodreads Synopsis:
The Weird Girls return in another edge-of-your-seat novel from Cecy Robson! Just when Celia thinks the supernatural world can’t turn deadlier, a new rival emerges, proving just how dangerous a power-hungry were can be.

Since being cursed with unique abilities, Celia Wird and her three sisters have fought the most bloodthirsty preternaturals in the Lake Tahoe region. But Celia’s greatest threat is someone she would have never suspected: Anara, a werewolf Elder who has allowed his hatred for Celia to spiral out of control. In a play for dominance, Anara tortures Celia and gives her an ultimatum: sever her mate bond with pureblood were Aric—or Anara will kill everyone she loves.

From the instant they met, Celia and Aric have shared an attraction that cannot be tamed. So keeping Aric away is impossible, and Aric would sooner die than allow anyone to hurt the woman he loves. Misha, master vampire and Celia’s sworn protector, also finds his way into the chaos, seeking blood from those who have harmed her.

Now Celia and her sisters are caught in the middle of a war driven by lust, fueled by hatred, and destined to end in tragedy. For Anara is a force to be reckoned with, and he will not succumb without robbing Celia of those who hold her heart.

For Review Consideration:
Limelight by Krista D. Ball
Goodreads Synopsis:
Love…in the spotlight.

Anna Lainey is a successful author who values her privacy. The last person she would imagine herself dating is a movie star–yet when she meets Benjamin Worthington on the set of a major motion picture, sparks fly–and before she knows it, she’s caught up in a very public whirlwind romance.

But Anna has kept herself distant from others for a reason–she has a secret, crippling panic disorder. When Ben’s fans turn against her and begin stalking her, her worst anxieties have come to life. She doesn’t want to live without Ben–but she can’t live in the limelight either.


Purchased/Winnings/Gifts:
River by Skyla Dawn Cameron
Goodreads Synopsis:
Defiant, nocturnal, moody–though River sounds like a typical teenager, she’s anything but. River’s a werewolf.

The life of an alpha female wolf was irrevocably changed the night she was attacked and bitten, and awoke confused, alone, and human. Three years later, thrust into a world where she doesn’t belong and living in foster care, River barely tolerates humanity and still doesn’t know who bit her or why.

But River isn’t as alone as she previously thought; someone’s been watching her, someone who holds the answers she’s been seeking. And though the human who changed her seems to be a step ahead of her at every turn, River is determined to beat his game and return to her pack and mate.

As if being stuck in a world she hates, with a life she never asked for, and faced with a destiny she doesn’t want wasn’t bad enough, River still must find a way to survive every human’s greatest challenge: high school.

Bring on the Night by Sonya Clark
Goodreads Synopsis:
Only a vampire can own the night. If there's one thing Jessie hates, it's going after her own kind. She may be used to taking a bite out of human killers, but she leaves her fellow immortals alone. It's only after a series of gruesome murders have her suspecting vampires and werewolves are going after innocents does she set out to put a stop to it. It's not long that Jessie finds herself racing against the waxing moon to stop an ambitious gang of monsters with a sinister agenda.


Free Ebooks:
(Barnes & Nobles)
Death Warmed Over by Kevin J. Anderson
Goodreads Synopsis:
In the tradition of bestselling fantasy humor writers Terry Pratchett and Douglas Adams, "New York Times"-bestselling author Anderson is one of the biggest names in the science fiction genre. Now, he launches a fabulously funny new urban fantasy series starring a zombie detective.

Angelbound by Christina Bauer
Goodreads Synopsis:
Eighteen year old Myla Lewis is a girl who loves two things: kicking ass and kicking ass. She’s not your every day quasi-demon, half-demon and half-human, girl. For the past five years, Myla has lived for the days she gets to fight in Purgatory’s arena. When souls want a trial by combat for their right to enter heaven or hell, they go up against her, and she hasn’t lost a battle yet.

But as she starts her senior year at Purgatory High, the arena fights aren’t enough to keep her spirits up anymore. When the demons start to act weird, even for demons, and the King of the Demons, Armageddon, shows up at Myla’s school, she knows that things are changing and it’s not looking good for the quasi-demons. Myla starts to question everything, and doesn’t like the answers she finds. What happened seventeen years ago that turned the quasi-demons into slave labor? Why was her mom always so sad? And why won’t anyone tell her who her father is? Things heat up when Myla meets Lincoln, the High Prince of the Thrax, a super sexy half-human and half-angel demon hunter. But what’s a quasi-demon girl to do when she falls for a demon hunter? It’s a good thing that Myla’s not afraid of breaking a few rules. With a love worth fighting for, Myla’s going to shake up Purgatory.

Becoming Alpha by Aileen Erin
Goodreads Synopsis:
Tessa McCaide has a unique talent for getting into trouble. Then again, it isn’t easy for a girl with visions to ignore what she sees. Luckily Tessa and her family are leaving California and moving halfway across the country, giving her the perfect opportunity to leave her reputation as “Freaky Tessa” behind. 

But Tessa doesn’t realize that kissing the wrong guy in her new Texas town could land her in far more trouble than she ever imagined. Like being forced to attend St. Ailbe’s Academy, a secret boarding school for werewolves. 

Even if the wrong guy did accidentally turn her into one of “them” and doom her to attending the weirdest high school ever, Tessa can’t help her growing attraction to the mysterious Dastien Laurent.

When vampires attack St. Alibe’s and her visions pinpoint an enemy in their midst, Tessa realizes that boy drama and her newfound canine tendencies might just be the least of her problems.

(Kindle)
Brain Spike by Resa Nelson
Goodreads Synopsis:
There’s a fine line between madness and genius. 

Caren knows it. She runs an art school for children and recognizes the gifted when she sees their work. The problem is that one of her students has been diagnosed with a propensity toward becoming a sociopath, based on patterns detected in the brain. And there’s a history of talented children who receive treatment for the same diagnosis: they watch their artistic gifts slip through their fingers, gone for good. 

She also worries about her niece Sooky, the sole survivor of a horrible accident that killed Caren’s sister and brother-in-law. With a court battle for custody in progress, the evidence suggests that Sooky might be responsible for the death of her parents. 

While Caren fights to convince a parent of one of her students to deny treatment for the sake of his art, she keeps a close eye on Sooky while keeping her own secrets under wraps.

A Quest of Heroes by Morgan Rice
Goodreads Synopsis:
A QUEST OF HEROES (BOOK #1 IN THE SORCERER’S RING) revolves around the epic coming of age story of one special boy, a 14 year old from a small village on the outskirts of the Kingdom of the Ring. The youngest of four, the least favorite of his father, hated by his brothers, Thorgrin senses he is different from the others. He dreams of becoming a great warrior, of joining the King’s men and protecting the Ring from the hordes of creatures on the other side of the Canyon. When he comes of age and is forbidden by his father to try out for the King’s Legion, he refuses to take no for an answer: he journeys out on his own, determined to force his way into King’s Court and be taken seriously.

But King’s Court is rife with its own family dramas, power struggles, ambitions, jealousy, violence and betrayal. King MacGil must choose an heir from amongst his children, and the ancient Dynasty Sword, the source of all their power, still sits untouched, waiting for the chosen one to arrive. Thorgrin arrives as an outsider and battles to be accepted, and to join the King’s Legion.

Thorgrin comes to learn he has mysterious powers he does not understand, that he has a special gift, and a special destiny. Against all odds he falls in love with the king’s daughter, and as their forbidden relationship blossoms, he discovers he has powerful rivals. As he struggles to make sense of his powers, the king’s sorcerer takes him under his wing and tells him of a mother he never knew, in a land far away, beyond the Canyon, beyond even the land of the Dragons.

Before Thorgrin can venture out and become the warrior he yearns to be, he must complete his training. But this may be cut short, as he finds himself propelled into the center of royal plots and counterplots, ones that may threaten his love and bring him down—and the entire kingdom with him.

With its sophisticated world-building and characterization, A QUEST OF HEROES is an epic tale of friends and lovers, of rivals and suitors, of knights and dragons, of intrigues and political machinations, of coming of age, of broken hearts, of deception, ambition and betrayal. It is a tale of honor and courage, of fate and destiny, of sorcery. It is a fantasy that brings us into a world we will never forget, and which will appeal to all ages and genders. It is 82,000 words. Book #2 in the series will be published soon.


Free Audio Books/Stories:


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Reviews to Come:

Ravenwood by Nathan Lowell - a podcast reading of the book
Marco and The Red Granny by Mur Lafferty (in audiobook while at work)
The Secret World Chronicle: The Hunt by Mercedes Lackey & Steve Libbey (in audiobook while at work)
Rusted Veins by Jaye Wells
Haunted by Amanda Bonilla
The Secret World Chronicle: World Well Lost by Mercees Lackey,Steve Libby, Cody Martin, & Dennis Lee
Tales from the Archives, Vol 3: #2 by Tee Morris, Pip Ballantine, & others.
Tales from the Archives, Vol 3: #3 by Tee Morris, Pip Ballantine, & others.
Harlan's Wake by John Mierau
The List by John Mierau
Tales from the Archive: 4 - Wooden Go to Waste by Sandra Wickham
Tales from the Archive: 5 (part 1 & 2) - Those Dark Satanic Mills by Suna Dasi
Soulless by Skyla Dawn Cameron
The Sentinel by Chris Lester
The Muse by Chris Lester
Metamor City: Making the Cut by Chris Lester
Metamor City: Whispers in the Wood by Chris Lester