Interview and GIVEAWAY! of 3 books

I'm thrilled to have back to the blog, Sarah-Jane Lehoux.  I have Sarah-Jane here today to talk about her newest release, Masquerade the third book in her fantasy series, Sevy.

M:  Welcome Sarah-Jane! It's a pleasure to have you back to the blog. :)

SJL:  Thank you so much for having me J

M:  Sevy runs into troubles on a little island her and Revik are searching in hopes to find his daughter. We see lots of Fairies! I know we have talked about it and I'd love to share more with the followers here. You are a big fan of fairies. Have you spent a lot of time reading about them?

SJL:  Yes, I love folklore and mythology, and fairies feature heavily in many cultures. I love the fact that they are so morally ambiguous. They might bless you or curse you (or even eat you) depending on their mood and your manners. Fairies are the original honey badgers – they just don’t give a shit. J

I first became interested in fairies during childhood, and that love has only grown over the years. I have more non-fiction books on my shelf than fiction, and the bulk of them deal with fairies and other legendary creatures. I have a love of all this mysterious and unknown, and fairies definitely fit the bill.

Oh, and just as an aside…anyone see that Supernatural episode where they think it’s alien abductions, and it turns out to be fairies? I love that episode. I’ll take fairies over UFOs any day of the week. I mean, magic spells vs anal probing? Yeah, aliens can go abduct someone else. I’m too busy jumping into the center of every ring of toadstools I can find.

M:  haha, I think I'll have to agree with you on the spells vs anal probing. LOL.

M:  You spotlight a few fairies here. Do you have a favorite fairy?

SJL:  Jenny Greenteeth will always be near and dear to my heart. And another water fairy, the bean nighe (washer woman), who I’ve tried to do justice to in Masquerade, is quite cool too. I also like fox fairies (from Japanese folklore) because they are so mischievous and brutal (they take human form and eat men’s hearts!) and the different types of vampires found throughout African cultures.

But I think my favourite fairy story is that of the Green Children of Woolpit, only because there is so much corroborating evidence. If you have some time to kill, google them. It’s quite a fascinating read.

M:  Have you always planned Sevy to make this journey to "see" fairies and expand your fantasy world to new levels here?

SJL:  Yes, definitely. I’ve always had fairy tale creatures in the Sevy Series, but gave them a less than magical standing. For example, common species in Axlun are humans, elves, dark elves, dwarves, trolls of various sizes, and pixies. Technically, anything non-human is a fairy in the real world…but in Sevy’s universe, they are just another type of mortal. Common-place and not overly magical. In fact, people in the books consider pixies as no better than insects!

But I wanted to bring more of the magical side of fairies into play in Masquerade. They are referenced as being more ethereal and mystical beings by quite a few characters in Shades of War. So much so, that they are considered either extinct (because they are never usually seen) or make believe.

And then, BOOM! Sevy runs into a whole pack of them and has to wrap her mind around the fact that not only do they exist, they are trying to kill her. It was quite a fun story to tell, and I hope readers will enjoy it.

M:  Ooooh, Sevy Gee is just adorable! She feels special. I have an idea who her imaginary friend is, but is there more to come from her?

SJL:  Thank you J I quite like Sevy Gee too, even though I’m no fan of children in real life. She has such a demanding personality for such a little girl, and a curiosity that will be hard for her parents to control as she grows older. (Especially Lon, who was doomed to be a doting, indulgent father the moment he first learned his wife was pregnant.)

And yes, I can guarantee that Sevy Gee and her imaginary friend will be back in the fourth and fifth installments.

M:  I see you have place holders on your site for 2 more Sevy books! So more is to come?

SJL:  As soon as I was halfway through writing Shades of War, I knew that there would be five books in the Sevy Series. Book four picks up a couple months after the events of Masquerade. All I will say for now is that Sevy Gee’s imaginary friend causes the Destan household quite a bit of trouble and it may be too much for Sevy (in her current situation) to handle!

I am, however, taking a bit of a break from the series to finish up a few separate WIPs that I have going. But hopefully, I’ll be back in Axlun by the end of the year.

M:  Thank you Sarah-Jane for stopping by and sharing a bit on Masquerade with us! Congrats on your new release.

Here's wishing you all the best in words and pages.

SJL:  Thank you so much! J It’s readers like you who make it all worthwhile. 

M:  Aww, thank you Sarah-Jane. :)

Sarah-Jane has graciously offered 3 eBooks to GIVEAWAY!!

Yep, 3 people could get a copy of her new release Masquerade.

Synopsis:

Starting over isn't easy, especially when the world isn't ready for you to change.  Sevy, thief turned assassin turned mercenary, isn't having any fun adjusting to a normal, law-abiding life.  Luckily for her, an old partner in crime arrives with an irresistible proposition: a getaway to a tropical island, and adventure of a lifetime, and an amazing friendship ready to blossom into an even more amazing romance.

Things are looking up for Sevy.  That is, until a pack of maniacal fairies with a taste for human flesh arrive on the scene.

Now she must unravel a web of magical intrigue hidden behind the outwardly idyllic atmosphere of the islands of Belakarta.  Nothing is as it seems, and no one can be trusted.  Trapped under the spell of a handsome and mysterious stranger, Sevy must fight fairies and tricksters to regain her freedom.

Or spend an eternity as a sorcerer's plaything.

The Giveaway will End Monday March 11, 2013 at 11:59pm EST

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you are looking to learn more of Sarah-Jane and her books:

Twitter:  @SarahJaneLehoux

Website:  http://www.sarah-janelehoux.com/

Blog:  Work in Progress

Book Review: Masquerade

Masquerade

By:  Sarah-Jane Lehoux

Publisher:  Mundania Press

Publish Date:  February 26, 2013

Format:  eARC, 233 pgs

Genre:  Fantasy

Series:  3rd in Sevy series; 1st Book ~ Thief, 2nd Book ~ Shades of War

Recommendation:  I would start with Thief, but if you are this far in series and enjoy fey as well, do get this one.  Where Sevy ends is a wonder!  And Revik is in full fighting action again.

Synopsis:
Starting over isn't easy, especially when the world isn't ready for you to change.  Sevy, thief turned assassin turned mercenary, isn't having any fun adjusting to a normal, law-abiding life.  Luckily for her, an old partner in crime arrives with an irresistible proposition: a getaway to a tropical island, and adventure of a lifetime, and an amazing friendship ready to blossom into an even more amazing romance.

Things are looking up for Sevy.  That is, until a pack of maniacal fairies with a taste for human flesh arrive on the scene.

Now she must unravel a web of magical intrigue hidden behind the outwardly idyllic atmosphere of the islands of Belakarta.  Nothing is as it seems, and no one can be trusted.  Trapped under the spell of a handsome and mysterious stranger, Sevy must fight fairies and tricksters to regain her freedom.

Or spend an eternity as a sorcerer's plaything.

First Sentence:
Eloria was burning.

Purchase At:

Amazon   /   Barnes & Nobles

My Thoughts and Summary:
Revik is back to Eloria as it burns, but un-phased about the damage, when it burns out Eloria will survive.  It's been four years and he's back for Sevy, Yy'voury - his wife - has sent him on a mission and he wants Sevy to come along.  Sevy has been staying with the Destan's in Devenbourn, the home of her now deceased nine years ago love Jarro's family.  Sevy feels she's over stayed her welcome to help with Mrs. Destan now that Lon and Trena are back with their little one.  Sevy gladly jumps at the adventure Revik hardly gets to tell her about, so off they go by sea they head to the islands of Belakarta looking for Revik's youngest daughter.  What Sevy finds before they even dock at the island as their ship is attacked, killer fairies.  Sevy will find herself separated from the one true friend she thought she had in the world.  She will have to try and fight a magic she doesn't know or see to free herself from being enslaved to a magically powerful man who's always in her mind.

The book starts off strong with the old Revik in full action, fighting in his old way and enjoying every minute of it.  As did I.  I love Revik taking charge and laughing, enjoying the fight.  Sevy is off a little bit.  She doesn't have anywhere she really 'fits-in'.  Sevy is a unique person and not many like her, but most of all they don't understand her.  We meet Yy'voura, Revik's youngest daughter and she's...an interesting one.  Sort of naive for her age yet innocent in the dark elf way around the world of looking for good everywhere.  Seeing Yy'voura it's hard to see the reputation the dark elves have from humans.  Then we have...killer fairies!

This island Revik visits to find his daughter is having troubles of their own...fairies.  And even the mischievous kind too.  Revik and Sevy get sucked in to the mess as well, literally.  So much is worked in with the fey here!  We see different fey and touch on their abilities along with see the mess fey magic can create.  I really enjoyed the exotic island blend of fey and fantasy.  Now I'm curious we will spot more fey in the world as they seem to have been attracted to this island, with due reason.  We even learn of a connection to the dark elves as well.

We see Sevy with her 'niece' Sevy Gee (as they call her).  Sevy Gee is very special and knows things from her imaginary friend.  Ooo, this girl is good.  I think I know who could be her imaginary friend, but I'm not saying.  And she is just an adorable little one.  I do look forward to seeing her more.

I really enjoyed this story.  Loved the blend here.  I even got the feel for a Midsummer Night's Dream twist in the setting here with the "love" and fey.  I did feel toward the middle the story started to feel drawn out with Sevy and the fey and was ready for the story to move on, shortly after it did and the story took a big turn with the old Sevy I love.



The first two books in Print or eBook:

**I read this book for an honest review from the author as I've loved the previous books.

Throwback Thursday (104)

I found this picture of Trinity College Library, and thought it would work for this meme with a little play with lighting and adding the words.

Let's talk about those books already on the shelves, yours or the stores.

I have a post for books I'm looking forward to coming out;

Looking Forward To...

But what about all those wonderful books that are ALREADY on the shelves.

Whether it be on your shelf waiting to be read or on the shelves in the stores waiting for you to give it a good home.

So, I thought I would share a book a week that is just waiting for me to travel through it's world.

Now... where do I start? Lets go by Published Date on the books...

This Week:

This one came up on a freebie Friday at Barnes & Nobles, and being a fantasy fan....well, I had to have it. :) I know it's the sixth book in all, but it's the first in the Last Chronicle of the Dread Empire series.

Goodreads Synopsis:

It has ended. It begins again. 

In Kavelin: Lady Nepanthe's new life with the wizard Varthlokkur is disturbed by visions of her lost son, while King Bragi Ragnarson and Michael Trebilcock scheme to help the exiled Princess Mist re-usurp her throne—under their thumb. In Shinsan: a pig-farmer's son takes command of Eastern Army, while Lord Kuo faces plots in his council and a suicide attack of two million Matayangans on his border. But in the desert beyond the Dread Empire: a young victim of the Great War becomes the Deliverer of an eons-forgotten god, chosen to lead the legions of the dead. 

And the power of his vengeance will make a world's schemes as petty as dust, blown wild in the horror that rides the east wind.

This volume marks the beginning of the end. Reap the East Wind is the first step on the road to the long-delayed final chapter of Glen Cook's legendary Dread Empire series.

I've heard back from a few bloggers that they would like to join in this meme post, so I'm adding a Linky for you to join in.  Grab the picture above, and join in.  All I ask, is if you can acknowledge my blog in the post so others know where to come back to and join as well.  Thank you.

Book Review: Dark Whispers

Dark Whispers

By:  Krista D. Ball

Publisher:  Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

Publish Date:  February 23, 2013

Format:  eBook, 91pgs

Genre:  Paranormal

Series:  2nd in The Spirit Callers series; 1st book ~ Spirits Rising

Recommendation:  Oh yes!  You enjoy spirits and ghosts, this novella is a great read.  There are Dark Whispers creeping through town and it's killing...

Synopsis:
A rash of teen suicides shakes the remote Newfoundland village that Rachel Mills calls home.  As Rachel helps the school investigate, painful memories from her past - events she'd worked very hard to forget - continue to resurface.

As if she didn't have enough problems.  Her beloved 93-year-old neighbor develops heart problems.  The man Rachel's in love with, moves into her house -- along with his girlfriend, the most perfect woman in creation.  And a strung-out wreck of a woman claiming to be Rachel's biological mother shows up on her doorstep.  But it isn't until a local boy with a talent for spellwork, is attacked by a mysterious stranger that Rachel asks the question she's avoided her whole life: how powerful can a Spirit Caller like herself become?

First Sentence:
Let's clear something up straight away: I am not hiding in my bedroom.

Purchase At:

Amazon   /   Barnes & Nobles

**Both books, Spirits Rising & Dark Whispers, are on sale for 99c each until Friday March 1, 2013!!

My Thoughts and Summary:
Rachel has reserved herself to her room, with music, when the Elder Spirit she meet after the meddling of a young mans doing shows up.  This spirit keeps showing up, claiming Rachel is summoning her yet not tearing her mind apart like spirits do in her presence  of course no other spirits have shown either.  Rachel's loss for the feel of the spiritual world stopped two weeks ago.  Rachel thinks it might be stress; working as grief councilor for a double suicide of two teens she knows, Mrs. Saunders has been sick with no clue as to what's wrong, and the cute boy - Jeremy, the unknowing love or Rachel's live - and his perfect girlfriend staying with her.  Then suddenly a strange new woman shows up on her doorstep claiming to not be lying.  Then more suicides occur, drawing Rachel in as she knows them all...  There are Dark Whispers creeping through town and it's killing.

Seems a depressed feel is floating around Rachel here, and maybe around others too.  This is the draw for the suicides, but makes us curious for the sudden pull in this direction.  Even though there are low feelings around Rachel, we don't hit that low as a reader.  Krista is great at keeping the reader from getting bummed with the read and flipping pages to know whats going to happen next.  I wanted to keep going to know more!  Oh and the things we learn about Rachel here.  Wow.  Great to learn about our girl.

The Elder Spirit made me smile in the beginning with her remark about Jeremy and his girl friend.  See Rachel's and Jeremy's relationship is...complicated.  Well, they are friends, she would love more but he doesn't know it yet he puts vibes off but doesn't seem to know it.  The Elder Spirit is of a time far past, giving a feel of the past in this little town and a connection to the spirit world for Rachel.  Someone, or spirit, that could help her learn more of who she is.  Then we have the mysterious new woman that shows!  Oh, what she has to tell us quickly will lead to so much more to come!

I so love Mrs. Saunders!  She's ninety three but she's spunky and doesn't hold back her comments or thoughts.  I guess at this age who could or would want to.  She has seen, done, and knows a few things by this age.

This book brings this little series into a new level and gives us the feel there is much more to come from Rachel and others.  She seems more than what we, and even she, knows.  Major! story growth here.  There is more consequences from the spell Manny did and Rachel stopped (in Spirits Rising) than anyone knew possible.  Rachel could be in trouble now that her power is known on the magical radar.  She's different and some may not like it...



Purchase First Book:

*I read this book for my own enjoyment as I requested it.

Cover & Blurb Reveal and International GIVEAWAY!

I'm so thrilled to be sharing this post with you for so many reasons.  We get the look at the cover of the next book and the blurb!  AND I get to giveaway a copy of the first book in which I loved reading!  WOW! Can't ask for much more.  But on to the great news....

The new gorgeous cover!

A Cursed Embrace

Weird Girls #2

By:  Cecy Robson

Due Out:  July 2, 2013

Description:

Celia Wird and her three sisters are just like other twentysomething girls—with one tiny exception: They are the products of a curse that backfired and gave each of them unique powers that made them, well, a little weird.…

After Celia Wird and her sisters help master vampire Misha save his family, their powers are exposed to the supernatural community of the Lake Tahoe region. But fame comes at a price, and being “weird” isn’t always welcome.

To make matters worse, Celia desires the love of Alpha werewolf Aric, but his pack is bent on destroying their relationship to preserve his pureblood status. And once weres start turning up dead—with evidence pointing to the vampires—she must face the prospect of losing Aric forever. But the chaos only masks a new threat. An evil known as the Tribe has risen—and their sights are set on Celia and her sisters.

Amazing isn't it!  Celia looks wonderful and there is something in those eyes...I wouldn't want to mess with her, that's for sure.  I love the flow of magic around her, giving her a gorgeous glow.  And dang!  Look at those nails!!  Sounds like a rough ride ahead for them as they are no longer in secret as they have tried so hard to stay.

Now, more fun!  Giveaway time!  Eep!
Cecy has graciously offered one signed copy of Sealed with a Curse (the first book I read and loved).
If you are curious about my thoughts of the first book, review: Sealed with a Curse.

Sealed with a Curse
Description:
Celia Wird and her three sisters are just like other twenty-something girls—with one tiny exception: They're the products of a curse that backfired and gave each of them unique powers that make them, well, a little weird…

The Wird sisters are content to avoid the local vampires, werebeasts, and witches of the Lake Tahoe region—until one of them blows up a vampire in self-defense. Everyone knows vampires aren't aggressive, and killing one is punishable by death. But soon more bloodlust-fueled attacks occur, and the community wonders if the vampires of Tahoe are plague-ridden.

Celia reluctantly agrees to help Misha, the handsome leader of an infected vampire family. But Aric, the head of the werewolf pack determined to destroy Misha's family to keep the area safe, warns Celia to stay out of the fight. Caught between two hot alphas, Celia must find a way to please everyone, save everyone, and—oh, yeah—not lose her heart to the wrong guy or die a miserable death. Because now that the evil behind the plague knows who Celia is, he's coming for her and her sisters. 

This Wird girl has never had it so tough.

The giveaway WILL END: Friday March 8, 2013 at 11:59pm EST.
Giveaway is open INTERNATIONAL.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You can find many links to find Cecy in the Rafflecopter, but you can also visit:

Website:  http://www.cecyrobson.com/  (see pictures of the girls and learn more about them as well)

Facebook:  Cecy Robson page

Twitter:  @CecyRobson

AUTHOR BIO:

Cecy (pronounced Sessy) Robson is an author with Penguin's SIGNET ECLIPSE. She attributes her passion for story-telling back to the rough New Jersey neighborhood she was raised in. As a child, she was rarely allowed to leave the safety of her house and passed her time fantasizing about flying, fairies, and things that go bump in the night. Her dad unwittingly encouraged Cecy's creativity by kissing her goodnight wearing vampire fangs. Gifted and cursed with an overactive imagination, she began writing her Urban Fantasy Romance Series, Weird Girls, in May 2009. THE WEIRD GIRLS: A Novella and SEALED WITH A CURSE are now available. The second novel in The Weird Girls Series, A CURSED EMBRACE, releases July 2, 2013.

Who? What? Where? (104)

Who are you with? Where are you at? What's happening?

Share with us just a little bit of what is happening in the book you are reading, right where you are now.

Just a tiny taste of what's happening, remember try to not give spoilers of the book.

his is a new meme I'm going to try and will tweak as I go. And please don't laugh at my lame attempt at drawing. ;D )

This Week:

I'm hiking by way of main road, this time, with Satina to the ruins with the Starlight gang.  I know Vane, the leader, is interested in the pocket and magical sigils that are present.  

I'm nervous as they are looking for the magical sigils that could be dangerous in their hands.  But I think Satina might have made some plans with Hadja for what is to come to help the town.  I do hope Marten's not to upset with Satina...

Unlikely
By:  Frances Pauli

Others have shown interest in joining in this post, and linking up.  So I've created a linky for that.
My only requests; copy the picture to use, and link back to My World...in words and pages.
Please visit any joining in.
Thank you!

Tales from the Archives Vol. 2 - #9

Tales from the Archives Vol. 2 - #9

By:  Pip Ballantine & Tee Morris

Written & Narrated by:  Tee Morris

Format:  Podcast, 43:37 minutes

Genre:  Fantasy, Steampunk

Series:  9th in Tales of the Archives Vol. 2 podcasts, part of A Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences series

Recommendation:  Nice way to meet new characters and authors in this steampunk-ish world particularly if you enjoyed the book; A Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences Novel, Phoenix Rising.  The archives are full of stories to be told.

Synopsis:
Positively Shocking

Spring, 1893

Constance Magee is not a street urchin, not a thief, not a lost soul in the street of London.  She is a girl surviving Her Magesty's Empire one day at a time, nursing a sense of right and wrong.  And sometimes, that sense doesn't always see eye-to-eye with the law.  After being jailed for her latest stand against injustice, Constance braced herself for a long stay in Newgate.  Today, though, she is extended an unexpected opportunity from a strange fellow named Doctor Sound...

My Thoughts and Summary:
Constance sits in her jail cell after the incident at the pub.  One that has caught the attentions of Doctor Sound, who now visits her offering her a choice.  To join him in a special unit and lead them on daring unknown adventures or stay in the jail.  He likes her character and the choice she made at the pub.

This story makes me wonder more on Dr. Sound.  He seems to know things that others don't mention.  Is he that good at reading people?  Or something more?  We see a little bit of a different side to Sound here.

I'm caught with the daring personality of Constance.  She is quick and fearless like her troops.  She will do what it takes to get the job done as Shock Troops.  And she will not leave a man behind.  There is some sweet driving with motor cars here - drifting and racing, fearless driving.

I feel Tee has created an amazing new character here.  I would love to see more of her, maybe in future Archives?  Or even added into the book?  She is here with the Ministry at the same time as Eliza, as the two are on the same mission in the field here.

I did enjoy this tale with Constance and the action (maybe trouble) she gets through.



Would you like to listen to these? For a taste of the characters or in addition to the book... Visit The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences.

You can find these for your Reading pleasure in any eFormat you would like at Smashwords.

You can find the Archives: Amazon Kindle ~ Tales from the Archives Scroll through the list for them all, and the ones you still need.

There are short stories always added to the listing. So keep checking back!



I listened to this short story for my own enjoyment.

Teaser Tuesday (152)

Teaser Tuesday

is a weekly event

Sponsored by MizB of Should be Reading

Here's how it works:

Grab the book you are currently reading (anything at all)

Open the book to any random page.

Share 2 teaser sentences from anywhere on the page

Please Make Sure They Are Not Spoilers!

(Don't Give Too Much Away)

Just enough to pique our interests

This Week:

She didn't know if it was the Starlights, or Marten or that arrow standing from the fiend's chest, but something had hardened into a stubborn knot inside her.  She didn't want to run anymore.

Unlikely
By:  Frances Pauli
90pg




It's now available on Amazon in eBook & Print, along with other book selling sites too:

Description:
Satina knows more than anyone that gangs are bad news. As a Granter, she uses her magic to help people escape them. So far, her sole reward has been a life on the run, dodging from pocket to pocket and only landing in the ordinary world long enough to put her special skills to use.When the goodmother arrives in Westwood, however, a magic-hungry gang is just one step behind her, and their leader wants more than just the town. He wants Satina, and he'll do anything, use anyone, to get her.

Though Satina finds an unlikely ally in Marten, the imp Skinner who manages to help more people than he hurts, it will take all the power they can summon to keep Westwood's secrets from falling into the wrong hands, to keep one wide-eyed girl from following the wrong man, and to keep Satina herself from falling in love with the only person in the world who knows how much of a fraud she really is.

Kingdoms Gone series book one: A fantasy fairy tale

Monday's Beginnings (182)

It's another Monday...

Was a much better weekend this weekend.  I got some stuff done and I'm done with the first read through of my Nano project. LOTS of work to be done, but I was expecting that.  I think I've made some decisions on which way I want to go in some areas and some...well, I still have to decide and fix.  I've come up with a huge scene/travel I need to write to help in this story too.

Current Read:
I've not started any yet, but I'm thinking it's going to be Unlikely by Frances Pauli

Finished Last Week:
The Better to See You by Kate SeRine
Mountains Challenge by John Mierau

Reviews to Come:
Gunmetal Magic by Ilona Andrews
Magic Gifts by Ilona Andrews
The Crown Tower by Michael J. Sullivan
Grave Peril by Jim Butcher
Outpost by Ann Aguirre
Uprising by S.A. Archer & S. Ravynheart
Masquerade by Sarah-Jane Lehoux
Dark Whispers by Krista D. Ball

The Better to See You by Kate SeRine
Mountains Challenge by John Mierau


Book Reviews Posted:
Captivated by S.A. Archer & S. Ravynheart
Keeper of Secrets by S.A. Archer & S. Ravynheart

Podcast Reviews Posted:
Not this week. Sorry.  But I did listen to the next Tales from the Archives and have one scheduled for you on Tuesday!

Movie Review Posted:
No movie review, sorry, been running out of time.

Books and Covers Shared:
Not this week.

Special Posts:
Freebie and Deals, on Nook too (43)

In case you missed it, the Winner of Wrayth Giveaway (who has claimed).

I did not do a Flash Fiction Friday.  I think with working on my Nano Project to try to complete the story I'm not going to be able to do these Flash Fictions for a while.

My WANT List...so I've added... hmmm, it looks like none!  That seems so wrong.  But I do keep adding more and more books to the reading list anymore as I find amazing freebies.  Does that balance it out?

Received Last Week:
Gifted:

Dark Whispers by Krista D. Ball
Goodreads Synopsis:
A rash of teen suicides shakes the remote Newfoundland village that Rachel Mills calls home. As Rachel helps the school investigate, painful memories from her past – events she’d worked very hard to forget – continue to resurface. 

As if she didn't have enough problems. Her beloved 93-year-old neighbor develops heart problems. The man Rachel's in love with, moves into her house--along with his girlfriend, the most perfect woman in creation. And a strung-out wreck of a woman claiming to be Rachel's biological mother shows up on her doorstep. But it isn’t until a local boy with a talent for spellwork, is attacked by a mysterious stranger that Rachel asks the question she’s avoided her whole life: how powerful can a Spirit Caller like herself become?


Free:

The 19 Dragons by S.M. Reine
Goodreads Synopsis:
There are nineteen provinces in the Land held aloft by nineteen pillars. Above the earth there is sky, and nobody knows what goes below except the Nineteen Dragons.

That is all you need to know, but that is not all there is to be known.

The Device has been stolen and the godlike Dragons have been rendered mortal. Someone is murdering them one by one, and each death brings the world closer to its end. Unless the Device is somehow restored to its deceased owner, the Dragons are doomed to destruction-- and the human world will go with them.

Monsters by S.M. Reine
Goodreads Synopsis:
Julieta’s never been quite right. She likes the company of corpses. She studied vampires in college. She dreams of darkness and cold metal and blood. She thinks that becoming engaged to Michael—beautiful, warm, godlike Michael—might be her salvation. But then he vanishes, and she buys a gun to take his place.

Alec is nothing like Michael. He assassinates vampires, and he shows Julieta how to be the perfect monster. It’s not love, but killing vampires together is almost better. When Julieta is taken by a coven of vampires, Alec is the only one who can save her, and what they face leaves them only one question: Who is the better monster?

MONSTERS: A BLOODY LOVE STORY is a 70-page paranormal thriller novella filled with action, a not-quite-romance, and gun-toting vampires.

The Mister Trophy by Frank Tuttle
Goodreads Synopsis:
A troll’s missing head could cause Markhat to lose his own.

A Markhat story.

All the finder Markhat wanted was a beer at Eddie’s. Instead he gets a case that will bring him face to fang with crazed, blood-craving halfdead, a trio of vengeful Troll warriors, and Mama Hog’s backstreet magic. Plus, the possible resurgence of the Troll War.

All right in his own none-too-quiet neighborhood.

Through the town of Rannit’s narrow alleys and mean streets, Markhat tries to stay one step ahead of disaster. And ignore Mama Hog’s dire warnings that this time, the head that rolls could be his own.

This book has been previously published and has been revised and expanded from its original release.

Product Warnings: This book contains well-dressed vampires, extremely polite Trolls, and occasional bursts of humor. Avoid reading it when landing aircraft, welding in the nude, or taunting grumpy jackals while wearing pork chop earmuffs.

Won:

'Til the World Ends by Julie Kagawa, Ann Aguirre, Karen Duvall
Goodreads Synopsis:
Dawn of Eden by Julie Kagawa 

Before The Immortal Rules, there was the Red Lung, a relentless virus determined to take out all in its path. For Kylie, the miracle of her survival is also her burden-as a doctor at one of the clinics for the infected, she is forced to witness endless suffering. What's worse, strange things are happening to the remains of the dead, and by the time she befriends Ben Archer, she's beginning to wonder if a global pandemic is the least of her problems.... 

Thistle & Thorne by Ann Aguirre 

After a catastrophic spill turns the country into a vast chemical wasteland, those who could afford it retreated to fortresses, self-contained communities run by powerful corporations. But for Mari Thistle, life on the outside-in the Red Zone-is a constant struggle. To protect her family, Mari teams up with the mysterious Thorne Goodman. Together, they'll face an evil plot in both the underworld of the Red Zone and the society inside the fortresses that could destroy those on the outside...for good. 

Sun Storm by Karen Duvall 

Sarah Daggot has been chasing storms since she was a child. But after the biggest solar flares in history nearly destroy the planet, she becomes a Kinetic, endowed by her exposure to extreme radiation with the power to sense coming storms-in the cosmos and beyond. And she's not the only one. Sarah believes the Kinetics are destined to join forces and halt the final onslaught of the sun. She'll vow to keep trying to convince the one missing link in their chain of defense, the enigmatic Ian Matthews, up until the world ends.

Hope your week went well, and this week is a great one for you as well.  Do keep checking back this week as I think I might have a few things popping up you'll want to see. ;)

Here's wishing you all the best in words and pages.

Freebies and Deals, on Nook too (43)

We have Barnes & Nobles Freebie Friday Thread.

Free:

The 19 Dragons by S.M. Reine
Amazon ~ Kindle   /   Barnes & Nobles ~ Nook
Goodreads Synopsis:
There are nineteen provinces in the Land held aloft by nineteen pillars. Above the earth there is sky, and nobody knows what goes below except the Nineteen Dragons.

That is all you need to know, but that is not all there is to be known.

The Device has been stolen and the godlike Dragons have been rendered mortal. Someone is murdering them one by one, and each death brings the world closer to its end. Unless the Device is somehow restored to its deceased owner, the Dragons are doomed to destruction-- and the human world will go with them.

Monsters by S.M. Reine
Barnes & Nobles ~ Nook (free)   /   Amazon ~ Kindle (Amazon 99c)
Goodreads Synopsis:
Julieta’s never been quite right. She likes the company of corpses. She studied vampires in college. She dreams of darkness and cold metal and blood. She thinks that becoming engaged to Michael—beautiful, warm, godlike Michael—might be her salvation. But then he vanishes, and she buys a gun to take his place.

Alec is nothing like Michael. He assassinates vampires, and he shows Julieta how to be the perfect monster. It’s not love, but killing vampires together is almost better. When Julieta is taken by a coven of vampires, Alec is the only one who can save her, and what they face leaves them only one question: Who is the better monster?

MONSTERS: A BLOODY LOVE STORY is a 70-page paranormal thriller novella filled with action, a not-quite-romance, and gun-toting vampires.

Photographs & Phantoms by Cindy Spencer Pape
Amazon ~ Kindle   /   Barnes & Nobles ~ Nook
Goodreads Synopsis:
Brighton, 1855

As a member of the Order of the Round Table, Kendall Lake is overqualified to be investigating strange phenomena at a seaside photography studio. But since the photographer is related to the Order's most powerful sorcerer, Kendall reluctantly boards a dirigible to Brighton.

Amy Deland is haunted by a shadow that appears in some of her recent portraits. In each case, the subject died within days of the sitting. Does she have her grandmother's gift of foresight, or has she somehow caused the deaths?

As Kendall and Amy search for answers, their investigation draws them together in a most improper way - but it seems the evil presence in the studio is determined to keep them apart...

20,000 words

Blood Skies by Steven Montano
Amazon ~ Kindle   /   Barnes & Nobles ~ Kindle
Goodreads Synopsis:
In the time after The Black, human survivors of the Southern Claw Alliance clash with vampire legions of the Ebon Cities in a constant war for survival. Earth as we know it has been forever damaged by an arcane storm that fused our world with distant realms of madness and terror. Things that once existed only in our nightmares stalk the earth. 

Now, humanity is threatened by one of its own.

Eric Cross, an enlisted warlock in the Southern Claw military, is part of an elite team of soldiers and mages in pursuit of a woman known as Red -- a witch whose stolen knowledge threatens the future of the human race. The members of Viper Squad will traverse haunted forests and blighted tundra in their search for the traitor, a journey that ultimately leads them to the necropolis of Koth.

There, in that haven of renegade undead, Cross will discover the dark origins of magic, and the true meaning of sacrifice...

Experience a dark and deadly new world in the debut novel of the "Blood Skies" series from author Steven Montano.

The Mister Trophy by Frank Tuttle
Amazon ~ Kindle   /   Barnes & Nobles ~ Nook
Goodreads Synopsis:
A troll’s missing head could cause Markhat to lose his own.

A Markhat story.

All the finder Markhat wanted was a beer at Eddie’s. Instead he gets a case that will bring him face to fang with crazed, blood-craving halfdead, a trio of vengeful Troll warriors, and Mama Hog’s backstreet magic. Plus, the possible resurgence of the Troll War.

All right in his own none-too-quiet neighborhood.

Through the town of Rannit’s narrow alleys and mean streets, Markhat tries to stay one step ahead of disaster. And ignore Mama Hog’s dire warnings that this time, the head that rolls could be his own.

This book has been previously published and has been revised and expanded from its original release.

Product Warnings: This book contains well-dressed vampires, extremely polite Trolls, and occasional bursts of humor. Avoid reading it when landing aircraft, welding in the nude, or taunting grumpy jackals while wearing pork chop earmuffs.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Deals:
The Signs of Zodiac series by Vicki Pettersson is on sale for 99c!  Yes, ALL OF THEM!  I don't know how long they will be available at this price, so go get you ebooks now before they change back to regular price.  6 ebooks for the price of 1 print! WOW!
Link to Vicki Pettersson's page with the book listed:
Amazon ~ Kindle   /   Barnes & Nobles ~ Nook

Do you have anything you've found you'd like to share this week?  Please leave it in the comments. :)

Thank you and enjoy!